Feeling renewed
I still haven’t fully recovered from my time at the 2011 Florida Writers Conference. I always get a feeling of renewal, of being energized enough to take on the world when it’s over. Being around a ton of like-minded people trying to accomplish similar goals always help to get your own To-do list in shape.
Everything is going well
I was super excited to learn that two novels I edited (one Middle Grade, the other general fiction) were picked up by agents. All of our hard work paid off.
I braved the waters of having my current picture book manuscript (which is new for me as I usually write general/YA fiction) and illustrations reviewed. I received very positive feedback with a nudge (and contact info) to obtain an artist agent! I never thought my work would be considered “agent worthy” but you better believe I’m jumping on the opportunity!
Just one problem
I discovered I suck at self-promoting. It’s sad when your peers rush in to promote you and give you “the look” because you’re oblivious to doing it for yourself. Yep, I’m one of those fools walking around without a business card even though I have one (which reminds me, I need to update it), who doesn’t tell others about what I do and how I can help them . . . And that’s a major part of going to conferences! Heck, I help others self-promote for a living, for goodness sake. So I should know better, right?
Do you ever have that problem? Most artist (often introverts) are content with just the art side of things, and want to shrivel up and die when it comes to the business side. It can be a nightmare trying to navigate the networking scene.
Maybe I should rethink this thing . . .
So I made a point of redoing my To-do List with a focus that better suits my end goals
- Draw like mad to add to my portfolio
- Shave off some of my current projects and be more selective with new ones
- Be more active in promoting myself to others—but don’t overkill!
- Give myself permission to be great
I really like that last one. Considering my previous list of To-dos, it’s a miracle I was able to shave it down. The benefit for this self-professed (and other-accused >_<) workaholic, though, is that I’m drawing a lot more than I have in years. I’m quite proud of that. Some of the new pieces will be posted on here in upcoming weeks.
Another blessing of serendipity
PiBoIdMo. Have you heard of it?
It’s the kid sibling of NaNoWriMo held by Tara Lazar, and the second bout of serendipity I’ve had in as many weeks. With my new goals focus, PiBoIdMo came at the perfect time.
The idea behind PiBoIdMo is to write 30 new picture book ideas in 30 days. Writing ideas isn’t the only focus, however, as illustration ideas are included. Did I mention this had perfect timing? I plan to dust off the old drawing and stretch out the old writing skills.
Sign-up is open until Nov. 2, so get in while the gettin’s hot! I’m signed up and ready to go. Hopefully, you’ll join me.
Cheers!
April
P.S. Are you working on refocusing your goals? Do you plan to participate in PiBoIdMo as a writer or illustrator? Leave a comment telling me all about what you’re working on. I’d love to hear of what you have going on 
