This past week of biting my nails in anticipation (first waiting to see if I made it into the contest, waiting for requests from agents, sending my ms off to said agents) has me sleepless in Missouri. Not really. I've been sleeping--just waking up extra early. Every morning I go for a run. Running helps me deal with stress. Kids create stress. The writing world gives me stress. My messy house because I'm submitting to agents heaps loads of stress on me.
In less than a week, I went from pure excitement to a full nervous break down:) I've sent my work out in the past. My debut was just published this January. Why am I so nervous, you ask? I've always wanted to secure an agent. Putting my work out there ALWAYS makes me insecure. I start to doubt my abilities as a writer. I think to myself, either my writing is pure genius or complete garbage. As I send my work to agents and wait to hear back from them this week, I am a total NERVOUS wreck!!!!!
Thanks for stopping by! I'm going for a run.
If you're not a member of the ISWG, check it out here!
Deep breath and more running! No matter what happens, it will be all right.
ReplyDeleteAnd glad you're part of the IWSG.
I keep telling myself that! Thanks:) Glad to be a part of the IWSG!
DeleteI know what you mean. I'm querying right now, and it's a roller coaster ride. I love that you're running--I need to do something to get myself away from refreshing my email every 5 minutes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your journey--and congrats on all the requests!
Ha! Yes, put that phone away:) Running keeps me sane.
DeleteWe always doubt ourselves as writers, but that's what critique partners are for. If you aren't worried about your words, then your writing will probably suffer. Good luck on the contest.
ReplyDeleteI'd be lost without my CP ladies! I still struggle. Every agent has their own taste/style they prefer. It's so hard to know if they will like your work, even if you research them first:)
DeleteOh my gosh! I can't imagine writing for anyone's approval other than my readers' (and my CPs LOL). My hat's off to you, girl. Congratulations!!! :D
ReplyDeleteBest of luck! :)
IWSG #224 until Alex culls the list again.
Thanks! It's always a big step--getting my work out there into the hands of an agent!
DeleteBy the time I found my agent, I'd sent my ms. out for so long, I didn't really think about it. Even when she asked to see the full--I was just jaded at that point. I'd learned years before not to get my hopes up. So when I got "the e-mail" (we used to call it The Call, but now it seems to happen by email), I wasn't expecting it at all. I was shocked beyond belief!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I know you'll do well.
How cute! I tried for my first novel, but with no previous publication, I think it hindered my ability to secure an agent. Now, I'm letting them come to me;-) Hopefully it works!
DeleteAh the joys! I think most of us have been through that--or are going to through that. I was there almost 2 years ago with Pitch Wars. Total wreck. This too shall pass. You should go read something you've been dying to read, or write something new. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteI'm just focusing on more edits, getting the last half ready as possible if they ask to see the rest of the novel:) Now on to my new WIP!
DeleteYes! Nothing better than a shiny new project, eh?
DeleteA run sounds like a great idea. That's all you can do until you hear back. Well, that and write your next book.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, by the way.
Getting to out my WIP right now! Thanks!!
Delete"Kids create stress." - Amen!
ReplyDeleteGrats on your entry being selected! That's awesome! Good luck!
:) x3 for me!! Thanks:)
DeleteYes the stress is high, but keep in mind that there is more than one agent out there. So don't worry. Your dream will come true and in the meantime enjoy the excitement. I know I am. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
So true! I'm just so excited to have them finally come to me;-) If any of these don't work out, I'll be researching more agents. It is an exciting time! We all need encouragement:) Thanks!
DeleteHi Jennifer. I'm new to IWSG, but I'm certainly not new to the stress you've described. Whew! I thought I was the only one that felt that way ;) Good luck and congratulations.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm new to IWSG too:)
DeleteHi Jennifer, this is wonderful news. I hope you get your dream agent soon. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Hugs (hope a tight hug will relieve some of that stress).
ReplyDeleteHa! Like a chiropractor. I need that:) Thanks!
DeleteWhen I send things to agents, I go from a high level of confidence to thinking they'll hate my work, and then back up again. Maintain a positive attitude and keep pitching to make things happen.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a roller coaster ride of feelings. At least we never think our work is mediocre ;-D
ReplyDeleteThis is crazy exciting! And yes, utterly terrifying. I hear you on all counts :) But from where I'm sitting, cheering you on, I'm excited for you!! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI'd be insecure as hell about that too. I hate such competition, personally. The last thing I need is to be taking more blood pressure meds!
ReplyDeleteI work out in the pool because my ankles and knees can't handle running. I think some form of physical activity, if one can do it, is a good way to alleviate some stress.
My Insecure Writer Whinge for May is here.
http://thecheesewhines.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/we-now-bring-you-the-real-insecure-writer-whinging-post/
Hope it works out, Jennifer. It's a nail-biter for sure on several levels.
ReplyDelete