Well, y'all, I'm feeling pretty insecure at the moment. Last night, the Pitch Wars picks were released, and needless to say, I was not chosen. So, instead of feeling like this today:
I feel more like this:
No, I haven't cried or anything, but I am disappointed. I'm getting so used to rejection that I kind of expect it.
BUT, I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Last night, as I was in the midst of finding out I didn't make it into Pitch Wars, I received an email from my dream agent. She was full of compliments for the story and suggestions of how I could make it better. So, with her suggestions in mind, I'm going to do a R&R, which I'm super nervous and excited about.
I want to thank all of you for your kind words on my Pitch Wars mentee bio (if you didn't read it, you can find it HERE). Thank you for cheering me on, for supporting me, and for helping me see that I'm not alone in this.
Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, but it's really not. As writers, we need each other. We will fall and we will fail, but it's a community like this that will help pick you back up. So, thank you.
And lastly, I'm sorry I've been MIA lately when it comes to blogging. Summertime was crazy with all the kids home, and I finally feel like my life is getting back to normal. I hope to visit all of you who regularly visit me very soon! I've missed all of you! And I've missed reading about everything that's going on in your lives.
Happy Wednesday! (Now, it's time for me to eat my way through a vat of chocolate.)
That's too bad, Kristin. I do hope you're proud of yourself for even trying out. And how thrilling to hear feedback from your dream agent! Hang in there! :)
ReplyDeleteI am, for sure! And I'm excited about this R&R! :)
DeleteI am sorry your entry wasn't chosen. But, please, don't give up. Unfortunately, a writer's life is filled with rejection. The good news is that it only takes one yes to make your dreams come true. I hope you keep on trying and pushing on. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yep, I'm in this for the long haul! No quitting for me! :)
DeleteAn R&R is a step forward, Kristin. I remember when I received my first one. Granted, I did it and it didn't come of anything - yes that was super frustrating. But I learned so much about myself and the industry through that process. My writing also improved immensely. Everything really does happen for a reason. But it won't matter unless we embrace all those things. Best of luck with the R&R. You know I'm here if you need. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheri. Yep, I know you're only an email awaaayyy! *cue the music* :)
DeleteIt's great that you got a positive email afterward. It's always nice to hear that someone liked your story. Do you think you'll try pitch wars again next year?
ReplyDeleteOnly if I have a new book to submit by then. Although, I'd REALLY love to already be repped by an agent, so we'll see... :)
DeleteI've entered a couple of those contests, and those are nail biters. And getting to the site to read those chosen and your name isn't there is a real letdown. I hope the agent works out and loves your R & R. Good Luck!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Me too! :)
DeleteSorry you didn't make it, but glad she gave you suggestions. Now tackle those revisions with a renewed sense of hope.
ReplyDeleteI will! Thanks, Alex. :)
Delete=( So sorry Kristin, but suggestions for an R&R trump PitchWars in my opinion. Even PitchWars winners will be faced with the inevitable rejections and suggested revisions. All it does it get you in front of people. On the plus side, you have put some epic work into your pitch which will make the future process that much smoother. Sending cheese and love!
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with you, Crystal! I'm super excited about this R&R. I just hope I "get it right", if that makes sense. And thanks for the cheese! :)
DeleteWell, if you get it right in the story sense, you get it right. Whether an agent agrees is a totally different thing. And if they don't feel the same right is right, they're wrong--for you, that is.
DeleteSummer is always a hard time to write. Sorry about your disappointments, but maybe they'l make you even more focused during the revisions. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Let's hope so! :)
DeleteI know what you mean about being so used to rejection that you expect it. We need to change that, though. We need to tell ourselves that this next submission/query will be the one and if it's not the right agent is out there...waiting.
ReplyDeleteYES! Keeping a positive outlook is so important. I just have to keep reminding myself of that. Lol.
DeleteSorry about that. I've done pitch wars twice now with no success. It started a mad rewrite of my opening chapters. Not sure if that was a positive thing. Time will tell. On the other hand, it only takes one win, one acceptance to matter. Hopefully you've found your dream agent.
ReplyDeleteYou have nothing to feel bad about- you've done awesome! People would claw at their best friends to get the feedback you've gotten and make it as far in the Pitch as you did. You have a amazing talent that will no doubt take you a long way!
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited about this R&R! It could really be the first step in reaching your dream. Let's do this! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou should get up and dance around like Elaine anyway. It will make you feel good, win or lose.
ReplyDelete:-)
IWSG September Post
I think I'll join you in that vat of chocolate. I'm glad things are getting back to normal for you now.
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteHaving been in similar situations (not Pitch Wars) and being rejected so much that I changed my cologne and bought a new nose hair cutter thing, I can feel your pain...
However, as you are already doing, take the positive from this (plus the best suggestions from the agent - not all will be) and keep going Kristin.
You have a passion to write - that's easy to see - so brush off those favorite jeans, grab a glass of something and keep going.
We believe in you :)
Aw, thanks, Mark! You're the best! ;)
DeleteYou're so right, this writing community sure is perfect to pick you up, and cheer you along so you don't give up. They understand. Bummer for the Pitch Wars, BUT yay for hearing from your dream agent! Remember to have fun with the R&R :D
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't make the Pitch Wars, but hearing from that agent had to be awesome! Good luck with those revisions and never give up!
ReplyDeleteAw, so sorry to hear about Pitch Wars. Rejection like that is never fun. How exciting about the agent, though! Good luck with all the revisions you plan to do!
ReplyDeleteThat's about the best follow-up to a rejection a person could hope for. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteOMG YAY to a dream agent email. You go, girl! I know the Pitch Wars thing is disappointing, but an encouraging email from a good agent is one of the best things ever.
ReplyDelete