#FicFest

So some of you might be aware that earlier this month I entered a new writing contest called #FicFest. FicFest immediately drew my attention because it was a contest that gave an equal chance to all categories. Unlike other contests, that group picture books and adult books all into one, FicFest separates entrants by categories: Picture Book, Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult. Each category has 9 finalists, chosen by a mentor that will work with their mentee for two months to get ready for the agent round (where participating agents look at the finalists' queries and first 3 pages for their writerly matches).

Entering this contest was some serious last ditch effort-ing; I had already decided to shelve my story and move on to the next. On a whim, or perhaps by the grace of that ever-so-pushy hand of fate, I entered the contest. After numerous form rejections and the general agent consensus seeming to be "I love the story but there's no market for it right now," I told myself my chances were nil, but that it sure as hell didn't hurt to try.

And, lo and behold, I'm a finalist!!

And my mentor Hetal is every mentee's dream! I can't even begin to describe how refreshing it is to have someone so genuinely invested in your journey. To have chosen you for YOU, because they truly enjoyed your story and believe it deserves a place in readers' hands. Her creative insight is invaluable and she's an endless spring of support and encouragement and wisdom and entertaining gifs (for which we both have an intense passion)!

With some amazing notes and suggestions and critiques from my mentor-queen in hand, I've finished the first coat of polish on my MS so that, in the final round, an agent might say "How much is that novel in the window? The one with the lively tale?" (see what I did there? Lolz)

Fingers crossed that #FicFest will bear the fruit of my loins. Wait... sow the seeds of my labor? Er... Something something wisdom something something philosophical point about hard work.

For now, I'll wait for my mentor-goddess' next batch of notes on this MS and get back to dabbling in paralyzing self-doubt and that abyss of insecurity. Or as some of you might know it, "writing."

~Be mindful of the chances you're not taking--you have to open a door to see where it leads.~

Camp NaNoWriMo '16

I'm a NaNo-noob. I've always been in awe of the brave souls who jump into November head first, planning to write 50,000 words in 30 days. My last novel took me seven years to finish (that's as long as Brad Pitt spent in Tibet for goodness sake). For me, and just going by my track record, it seems an impossible feat destined to end in failure! 50,000 in 30 DAYS!?

Can we just take a moment to appreciate April as the
spirit guide she is? 

But in April and July, the good wordfolk at NaNoWriMo give less word-count ambitious writers like myself a chance to set our own word-count goal for the month with CAMP NANOWRIMO (click on the tent above to take you directly to their site)! If you're one of those people who can't stand the outdoors and you'd have THIS sort of reaction to spending a weekend in a tent in the woods: > > > > > > > > > >

HAVE NO FEAR! Camp NaNoWriMo is a writer's retreat on the interwebz, where you can take part from the comfort of your own home or in a snazzy little cafe with a toasty latte.

On your camp journey, you have the option to join a cabin! If you opt to join one (you can start your own private cabin, join someone else's, or be sorted into one based on criteria you choose) are joined by 11 other writerly cabinmates (highly recommend you do!), who will hopefully be active and talkative and encouraging. If they're not, you can opt out, but chances are, just seeing that there are other people with the same goals will be an inspiration in itself. You all share writing in common and delving into a supportive and like-minded community can really do wonders for that inner muse.
Word sprints are a great activity to do together (or on your own!): you set a time (if you can agree on one when everyone is available) and then post about how it went afterwards. For extra accountability, you can even get friends and family to sponsor you (proceeds go towards keeping the program up and running).

So, if November is faaarrr too daunting a task, give camp a try! There's a good chance you'll make some great friends, find a critique partner, and get your fill of writerly encouragement!

To my fellow writers already taking part this month, may the muse be with you!  

~Be mindful to surround yourself with equally passionate people. They add kindling to the fire.~