Ouch!
Ok, nothing 'physically' hit me. I just experienced an epiphany of sorts last night while talking to my husband. Unfortunately this happens often as my husband is excellent at challenging my thoughts and emotions. USUALLY I believe it's called 'bickering', however, last night is more of a friendly discussion.
My brother sent me a link to a new website yesterday called Creative Byline. I can't say if it is actually a helpful website quite yet, but it did snap me out of my writing freeze. My mind is no longer on lock down! I noticed that they required an Outline. (Uh...what's an outline? Um yeah...I guess I haven't done as much homework as I thought I had.)
So I spent the afternoon putting a rough one together for my novel. This was one of the best things I have done in weeks. I say this because it REMINDED me how good my book really was. I haven't looked at it since it was finished and I began querying agents. After all the rejections I was losing sight of what I had created, a really great book! So as I'm telling my husband this he looks at me and says, "Do you think you are REALLY done with this book and ready for an agent?" And I look at him and it suddenly hits me...Not even close!
So here are some things I plan to work on in the month of June...
- My Outline - It's very rough and needs to be tweeked and probably shortened.
- A Synopsis - I know I've been avoiding it, but after reading Jody's post yesterday, it made me realize that the sooner I get it started, the better.
- Business Cards - Apparently everybody's doing it, I suppose I should to! I do like to be part of the "in" crowd ;)
- Finishing my Website ... which includes...
- Writing the dreaded Biography. I'm not sure why I find it so difficult. But I can't stand sitting there and writing about ... well me! (Please no comments from the peanut gallery.)
- A Book Proposal - Again, after reading Jody's post yesterday, I figure it's better to at least have a rough draft now to save time for later.
- Finally Polish my "Elevator Pitch" so when people ask what my book is about, I can stop looking like they just asked my to recite the entire Encyclopedia.
- Look through my manuscript ONE MORE time to make sure it's perfect and possibly revisit my first three chapters, I'm not sure they are getting the job done.
- When finished, print out my Manuscript and make it look pretty!
- Put together a portfolio for me and my manuscript (I should write a poem about 'me and my manuscript' ... it sounds so catchy!)
That's A LOT of $h!t!!! And here I thought I had nothing to do!!!
Our goal... Did I just say Our? Why yes I did...my husband has shown himself in a whole new light and I have realized that he is just as excited and dedicated to my career as I am. He even suggested I spend MORE time working on it *GASP* So OUR goal is to get me ready as if I were going to a Conference. Even though I cannot afford one right now, we have decided we WILL make it happen next year, regardless of our financial situation. Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE my husband?
So what from this list are YOU missing on your current project? Do you have have more work to do than you realized?
9 comments:
Hey, girl! Sorry I've been absent, but I've been busy with my sick dad.
I haven't even touched my query in a while. However, I've been reading How to Write Irresistible Query Letters. I'm trying to find a better book on queries. Do you know any?
You have a lot to do. I crafted my outline and proposal a while ago, but I think it's time to revisit it.
Thanks for all the previous texts. It really helped me get through the time I spent in the ICU waiting room, waiting to speak to doctors about my dad!
I'm going through a change at my website. Pretty soon I'll have a new website. Hope to see you there!
Glad all my work spurred you along! Makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one wallowing in stacks of to-do lists!
I will most definitely be there Christina!
Jody, luckily I'm not on as strict of a time table as you. But yes the to-do list is VERY long...sigh...
:)
Oh my, what a sweetie husband! :-) Just take one thing at a time. It'll be fine. I'm so glad you fell back in love with your story! That's awesome.
Seems like a lot of bloggers are making lists...
I'm glad you have a great hubby, that can be half the battle.
All of the above!
Okay, it's not that bad . . . but close. I don't do outlines. I have no desire to do an outline. I still get from Point A to B, so . . . well, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
The Query - continual state of metamorphis until I get it right . . . and an agent takes notice. SIGH.
The Synopsis - in progress.
Business Cards - ugh! I'm sorry, what's it supposed to say "Aspiring Author, Please Represent Me!"
Website - I have plans for an additional blog once I find an agent, get an editor, have a publisher and a publication date.
Elevator Pitch - dang, I need one of these two? Seriously? Oh, and I'm supposed to remember it spot on, under pressure? Gingko anybody?
ONE MORE TIME - I'm right there with you on that one.
Thankfully, I'm not the only one freaking out about all of this. Then again . . . is it Happy Hour yet?
Great post, MaryBeth, with tons of useful information.
S
Did someone say Happy Hour? So where are the Margaritas?
I agree Scott, it's good to know I'm not the only one with a long list either!
All I heard was "margaritas"...where?? I need one! Good luck with everything, dear!! You'll get there!
Good luck with your list. Isn't it amazing how much work there really is, just waiting for us, when we think we've got nothing to do?
The only thing missing from my current project is an agent, an publishing contract, and hordes of adoring fans. ;-)
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