The Writer's Voice - ENTER May 1st!!

I've had some success with Pitch Contests via Twitter or through blogs. While I'm still on that elusive hunt for an agent - by success, I mean that a talented group of fellow writers that volunteer a LOT of their time to put these contests out there have selected my work, on occasion, to showcase. Woot!

We all write because we LOVE to write, but we still secretly crave that validation from our peers. And even when I don't get picked - I root for the writers who did and keep tabs on what's going on, what genres are doing the best in the contest - that kind of stuff, because - hey! Helpful! :)

So, thought I'd give a quick shout out to another pitch contest coming up on May 1st:

And you can click HERE for all the juicy deets.  Enter it! Can't hurt - right? Happy writing and GOOD LUCK!!

How Did I Forget How Great "Stand by Me" Is??

Photo credit here

Do you ever, for one reason or another, remember seeing a movie and thinking, "Yeah. Once was enough."? I must have had this reaction when I watched "Stand by Me" for the first time, when I was a teenager. I can't explain why, but it was always one of those movies that I was like, "Meh. I've seen it already." But, as my daughter and I were trolling through the movie selections on Amazon Instant Video the other weekend, I came across this movie and thought - "OK. Why not?"

Why not?? Seriously? What was I thinking??? I had somehow forgotten how FABULOUS this movie is. Or never realized it the first time around. Maybe it's my maturation as an aspiring writer, and well, as a basic human being, but I appreciate this story so much more now. The characters, the friendships, the "what ifs", the beautiful simplicity, the very "realness" of it all made me wish that I could write something just as good. It inspired me. And I just thought you all should know that ~ ;)

My 16-year-old daughter LOVED it, by the way. How could she not?  And just as a crazy, this-is-me-thinking-about-it-too-much aside to the movie and the actors...has anyone else realized how scary-alike the real actors and their characters sort-of ended up? Wil Wheaton/Gordie Lachance - both writers.  River Phoenix/Chris Chambers - both dead (so sad!!!)  Jerry O'Connell/Vern Tessio - both married with kids.  Corey Feldman/Teddy Duchamp - both turned out a little sad and crazy. Weird...

Anyhow - I thought it worth mentioning that your tastes and your appreciation and understanding for things can change with time and experience. Never hurts to give something/someone a second chance. Who knows - the second time around may even inspire you!

Happy Tuesday, y'all! :)

A word about Pitch Contests ~ :)

Hello, my lovelies!!

I hope you're all having a FANTASTIC day ~ :)

Just wanted to give a quick shout-out about some upcoming pitch contests for aspiring, unpublished writers. If you've never entered one - my advice to you: DO IT! Like...DO IT, NOW!! :)  *takes Miss Bossy hat off*

Seriously, though - you should enter one. They are virtually painless, I promise. Yes, there may be a minor period of utter self-loathing if you don't get picked for the agent round, but here's the thing:

You will LEARN something.

In the ever-changing landscape of publishing, it never hurts to keep tabs on writing/agent trends. HOWEVER! And this is important ~ you still need to write the stories that you want/love/need to write. But, to keep in touch with trends, agents, and the fabulous writing community, it's my humble opinion that pitch contests are a great way to do it.

I've had my ups and downs with contests like these - for sure. Everyone does. I've made it through to agent rounds a few times. I've completely missed the boat at other times. But, I keep entering. I keep LEARNING something. I keep connecting with other writers. I keep championing the lucky few who do make it to the agent round. I keep giving thanks to the awesome people who donate their time to creating these opportunities for aspiring writers like me. I keep on keeping on, because I firmly believe that there is no reward without a little risk. And, honestly, the worst thing that can happen is that someone says "No." This time. Maybe. And it may not happen the next time. Maybe you'll be that lucky entry in the agent round that works up a "requesting" frenzy!

Of course, you'll never know for sure unless you enter.

SOOOOOOO... :)  Here are a few contests, via twitter hashtags, to go check out TODAY!  Happy writing and good luck, my friends!!!

#NestPitch    Submissions Apr. 1st and 2nd
#PitchSlam   Submissions Apr. 20th
#pitchmadness  *This one just passed earlier this month, but there will be another one this year. Watch for it!
#sunvssnow  *This one also just passed earlier this year, but hoping they repeat in the future!!
#nightmarequery **This one happens around Halloween  ***follow @michelle4laughs  for deets on this and the sun vs snow

**There is also the Writer's Voice coming up in May (not sure of the hashtag on this one, so follow @KristaVanDolzer for upcoming deets on this one.

**And please follow @brendadrake  - as she is one of the Pitch Contest QUEENS!!  She does Pitch Madness and Pitch Wars, the latter is one I'm aspiring to be picked for because it's AWESOME! 

***I know there's some I'm missing, but all these lovely contests and people follow each other, so you'll get the info you need!! :)

Queen of Procrastination ~ no more...

Hello Blogger Friends ~

It's been awhile, I know. But, I'm pushing a mile-stone bday in less than a month and I think it's finally getting through to me that I need to actively pursue my dreams, if I want them to come true. Not that I haven't been busy! I've been writing, editing, reading and researching things I need to do to help me with my goals. But, there have been a few details/projects that have slipped through the cracks. This poor blog, for one. (And I started out so well!)

I've decided to relinquish my title of "The Queen of Procrastination".  Honestly, if you'd like to take it from me and use it as your own, you are very welcome to it. :) I just decided that it probably wasn't the best title to own up to, in case any potential agents were Google-ing my name to check me out. ;)

I also decided it was time to put a "face" with my name. (New profile pic to the right, thx!!) Not that I'm in love with my face - but, yanno, there it is over there for your viewing pleasure.

Your dreams take dedication and hard work and a serious "can-do" attitude. And I am simply amazed and inspired by all of this I see in so many of you. We're fighting the good fight, and with a little persistence and patience, I'm hoping we can all make this particular dream of ours come true. And for those of you who have already made it ~ YOU ARE AWESOME TIMES TWO!!

As for me, I'm all in. Starting today. Wish me luck?

Happy writing/reading/living/loving out there, my friends!