Here we are, already at the end of January 2015. Since I work best with having some accountability I’m going to just go ahead and do one of these check-in posts every month so that I’ll be able to keep myself accountable.
Attend Clarion Writers Workshop
Clarion is the one I’ve done most about so far. To be fair, this is not at all surprising seeing as the application deadline is coming up fast. I have sent out my applications and now it’s just waiting. I should know something by the end of March. Two months never seemed so long.
Actions
Write the application, the bio and the scholarship application.As I write this, two of my sample story possibles are with Cat Rambo for editing. I need to decide between them and incorporate Cat’s edits.Cat also kindly offered to review my materials before I send them so I need to send the rest of my materials to her for review.Incorporate Cat’s comments.Send application to Clarion West.Send application to Clarion UCSD.- Send application to Odyssey.
- Wait.
Win Writers of the Future
Not much happening here yet because of the Clarion thing. By the end of next month though I should probably be partway down the list.
Actions
Come up with some cool technology ideas and things that I love about science fiction.- Plan at least ten short stories. (In progress)
- Have my writing group comment on the whole bunch and pick the ones that seem most popular
- Write.
- Write.
- Write.
- Write.
- Revise.
- Revise.
- Revise.
- Revise.
- Submit.
- Submit.
- Submit.
- Submit.
Get my second novel to the submission stage
Even less happening here, though I have a deadline. I’ve joined a second writing group that focuses solely on getting our novels ship-shape and I need to post my book by July 23rd which means I need to get cracking on getting the book to a point where it makes sense to post it to the group.
Actions
- Review outline. (In progress)
- Write.
- Write some more.
- After the first draft is finished, let it rest for at least six weeks.
- Edit.
- Make people read it.
- Edit some more.
- Submit.
Get an agent
I got my feedback back from Cathy (Yardley, my writing coach) and have started going through it and making note of the things that I need to fix. Right now I’m in the process of actually working those changes into the manuscript. I’ve also been compiling my query with the help of Cathy’s book Rock Your Query.
Actions
- Finish book. (In progress)
Make a list of agents who handle the kinds of stuff I plan to write.Write a kickass query letter (iterate drafts until accomplished).Have people read and comment on said query letter.- Incorporate inevitable fixes.
- Check individual agent’s submission guidelines & gather submission package.
- Submit.
- Repeat last two steps until the list has been thoroughly mined.
- Wait.
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