Is Your Next Project Ready to Go?

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post on getting the most out of PitchWars by setting personal goals. Having a list of goals and achievements is so important to life outside the contest. Each time you feel the pressure of not there yet, you can look back and see all the amazing things you’ve already accomplished.

But here’s a tiny reality check: in one week PitchWars mentor picks will be announced, and more than two thousand people are going to feel the sting. It hurts, and it feels like a rejection, but it’s not. All it really means is your book doesn’t have the exact ratio of awesome to need fixing elements. Seriously… here’s the math:

a : s = (n : c)^m + d

a = awesome | s = suckage | n = need fixin’ | c = can fix | m = mentor love | d = dibs

This contest has zero bearing on the awesome of your book. It’s a crap shoot, but so are most things in life. If you don’t get a professional mentor, then you learn to mentor each other. And that’s where this article comes in.

Moving on. To your next project.

I. HAVE ANOTHER PROJECT COCKED AND LOADED
Another writing project. A new one, a plan of attack for your PitchWars submission, or maybe you’re already poking at Query Tracker and agent wish lists. There might even be the few of you who need to shut down the laptop and go do anything else for a few months, and that’s okay too. No matter your next steps, start planning a project now to focus on. Whether it’s the day after announcements or three months after, it’s good to have something ready to dig your typing teeth into.

II. HAVE A NEW BOOK READY TO READ
Everyone has different tastes, but if you like books that take you far away from Earth, I have a few recommendations here. I also have a list of unique books here, or if you’re into more YA or Contemporary tastes, be sure to visit some reviews from Songs Wrote My Story.

III. DO SOMETHING FUN
Anything special you’ve been wanting to do lately? Something that will get you away from your writing space and out into the world? I know… scary peopling. Go do it, and this goes for anyone who does get a mentor spot as well. Spend the day at the zoo, walk the beach, swim with the dolphins, or go hiking in the mountains. Have an adventure and clear some of the cobwebs from your head. While we’re at it… you too mentors. You guys have made your eyes bleed with reading. Once you send off that edit letter, get out of the house and do something fun.

Oh, and don’t any of you forget to treat yourself to a nice meal. Entering a contest is daunting, but hopefully you’ve already come out of it with a new crew of wonderful friends, readers and peers. 🙂

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