The Big Question on the IWSG post for this month is (drum roll, please) Was your first piece of writing ever published?
Yes and no. My middle school scribblings bent on mystery and mayhem were sadly rejected by no one and never published. My first serious attempt at writing did land a publishing contract. But I've developed as a writer since that time nearly two years ago and am anxious to publish more. That sums up the answer to today's question!
Are you stuck in a writer's block rut gathering inspiration for your next novel? During the summer months I let my ideas simmer. Writing a new manuscript for me always starts in the fall. When the kids are back in school. The most wonderful time of the year. So where in the world do I get my kick in the seat of my pants to keep writing? Glad you asked. You know the creepy cornfield I pass everyday and the quirky neighbor two doors down and the really annoying teenager who lives in my house, eating all of my food? Well, I won't name any names, but it's often the eerily close and unexpected things hidden in plain sight that inspire me.
This group is all about sharing our insecurities and our ups and downs. My confidence soared last month. After making it into Query Kombat in June, I decided to enter "pg70pit" contest hosted by Lara Willard last month. My MG mystery was one of the fourteen MG winners!
While I'm still waiting on agents, I'm still getting inspired for other stories and still pulling my hair out on this journey. The big orange bucket I spotted at a mini golf course this summer would have made a nice addition to my writing desk.
Don't lose heart wherever you are in your writing career. We all have things to learn and we are in this together! Let's do this.
I like to snap photos of whatever inspires me, too. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being one of the MG winners! I wish you much luck with getting an agent.
Thank you!
DeleteCongrats Jennifer on being one of the MG winners. Good luck with your agent search!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Same to you.
DeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteHey, if you can't embarrass your kids, who can you embarrass? Especially the one eating all of your food.
Exactly. And thanks!
DeleteCongrats indeed. So many things can inspire if ones looks for sure.
ReplyDeleteYes, we must be on the lookout!
DeleteCongrats! That's a big achievement!
ReplyDeleteI'm rather familiar with the hair-pulling part of the journey ;)
Thanks! Unfortunately, it's part of the writer's life.
DeleteCongratulations! Your first brought you a contract. I find that fabulous. You start writing something new in the Fall and I usually start at the beginning of winter. The winter months here are dreary and long and I can write in peace.
ReplyDeleteAll the best and happy summer.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Thanks! It was a flurry of excitement. Now, I'm waiting (forever, it seems) to get the rest of my books published.
DeleteHi, Jennifer...
ReplyDeleteGreat! You've already published and you're am MG winner. SO COOL! Congrats... my journey is stalled. LOL. BUT... someday soon inspiration will hit me again. Sometimes we just need to concentrate on other things in life to bring us back to our writing passions... ALL THE BEST! I'm so happy for you!
I agree! Take your mind off of writing and BAM, ideas start to flow. Thank you! Hopefully after the summer slump you will get un-stalled:-)
DeleteAh yes, ideas are always close to home. Well, not always...
ReplyDeleteEspecially being a teacher. The possibilities are endless. :)
DeleteCongrats on your winning MG mystery pitch! Woohoo! I love your attitude. Striving to improve is so important. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first writing attempt being published and on your winning pitch! So true that often we can be most inspired by things closest to home.
ReplyDeleteYou're a winner! Super exciting stuff. I've got my toes crossed for you. This pitching thing can be a beast, but you've got this.
ReplyDelete