I’m up in the air over a topic today. I thought about throwing my pitches up here because I missed the meeting on Tuesday night and didn’t get any feedback- but I figure you are sick of hearing me talk about my pitches.
I could list everything I need to get ready for nationals since my dh announced we are heading to the Princeton property this weekend and I’m judging 4-H sewing projects for the county fair on Monday and leaving for Nationals on Tuesday at 7 am.
But I think I’ll talk about stress. You all know the stress of trying to write when nothing sounds good or reading something and then stressing your writing will never be good enough to publish or stressing over when to find time to write. Right now, I’m stressing over which pitch to give. Yes, I’m over half way in the contemporary book and would like to pitch that, but I’ve had so many people think my historical series is awesome I wonder if I shouldn't pitch that. I had one writer friend say it made her tingle when I described it to her! LOL
And reading agent blogs, I’ve learned they don’t like you to pitch series. So I would have to pitch it as a standalone book, but there isn’t a traditional HEA as I plan the relationship to be ongoing. ~sigh~ So, I stress over how to pitch it when I do come across an agent or editor who is open to historical westerns. And there seem to be more of those than the ones interested in contemporary westerns.
Does the stress stop there? No. I’m also giving a workshop at the historical conference on Wednesday. I’m excited- but what if I’m not witty and they all are bored with the info? I’m making them participate and have some goodies to hand out to those who volunteer first. But what if I bomb?
And then there’s the literacy signing. Will I sell a single book? I don’t care, other than, I would like to have the money go to the cause. But I don’t want to sit there the whole time and have no one stop and chat. I’ve made many contacts and I’d hope, a few would stop by and say ‘Hi’.
Now, Thursday morning, at the Hearts Through History general meeting (breakfast) I was asked to sit on an author panel. Do I need to bring some freebies? Would that make an impression on historical writers/readers? Or would it look too pushy?
Friday, my editor and agent appointments- I’m giving them each an Outlaw candy bar with my business card attached. But do I only pitch one book to the agent? I’m thinking I’ll ask her if you have two well written books, one is a historical western romance and one is a contemporary western romance, which do you think you could sell? Then pitch that book, but should I first tell her about my previous published books and have her ask what I’m working on now rather than start out with a pitch? As for the Harlequin editor, I think I’ll go the same route with her and see which genre she would prefer.
After that, the stress will wash away and I’ll enjoy the rest of my conference stress free.
If you are going to conference- what are you stressing about? If you aren’t going to conference, I wish I were you right now!
18 comments:
Oh, Paty, let me tell you, I can sympathize with your conference stresses. When the time comes for me to actually pitch something at a conference, I'll be a bundle of nerves. Wish I could help with pithy advice on what to pitch, but I'm sure others who have actually been there will have something for you. One thing that I am sure of, based on your presentation at the MWV-RWA meeting awhile back, is that your workshop will go well. You project confidence, you're interesting and you'll be talking about a subject that your attendees want to hear. I know you'll be a hit.
My conference stresses are definitely different and all about the fact that this is my first conference. I hate traveling alone, even short flights, so there's the stress of getting to the Marriot, though San Francisco is at least a familiar destination! And as much as I'm looking forward to the experience, there's also the insecurity stress of wondering whether I'll fit in (or whether I should really be there at all at this point). Will I be able to overcome my introvert tendencies and actually *talk* to people? Coherently?
Then there's the stress of deciding which workshops to attend. How do I choose from so many? Which would benefit me more -- craft workshops or workshops on the business of writing? And what about "publisher spotlights?" What are those about? Gah!
And don't even get me started about the stress of wondering whether I'm packing the right clothes, or even enough clothes! LOL!
Good luck with your pitches and your workshop!
Though you did not ask for comments from those of us not attending Nationals, I thought I would throw in my two cents, anyway.
You'd have to be nuts not to stress over some of this stuff though I would place the agent/editor appt.. way down on my list. You have pitches for both books, as you said. I think you're plan of just saying, "I have two books I can discuss, one is this and one is that. Which would you like to hear about?" is a good one, esp. with the agent but for the editor, too, unless you hear that publishing house is not interested in one or the other.
I was very sorry to miss the pitch meeting so I'll throw in a penny's worth of that, too, and that's just to talk about your books the way you would to your writer friends. Remember these professionals want you to succeed. Without a writer, they have no jobs, it is in their interests to investigate any promising lead, so try to relax and just convey your passion and excitement over a project. Don't worry about specifics and details like names and all that. Go back to that form (below) and fill it in because it goes back to basics like motivations and character and goals.
This is what I am talking about:
A security-driven (flaw) mother (hero), desperately seeks to find her son (goal), kidnapped by her mentally ill ex-husband (life-changing event) before her manipulative father-in-law (opponent) takes him away from her. With the help of the dark and brooding Seeker (ally), who was her ex’s best friend, she faces her fears and finds the courage to battle her father-in-law to reclaim her son. (implied journey).
You know your books, you'll do great.
As for the rest of it? You've had lots of experience speaking in front of people lately, in fact, you seem to have gone out of your way to do so. And, frankly, what if you do bomb? So what? You'll survive and so will they. You have an audience that is there for one specific reason -- to learn about writing. That's what you're talking about. It's a good fit. As for freebies on an author's panel? If you're talking handouts, go for it. If you're talking gifts of some kind, I'd think that one over. Your time and experience is your gift.
Lastly, ah, the literacy signing. Sometimes people buy books, sometimes they don't. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it. Of course your friends will drop by and say hi. That signing is a big blowzy dame with her own convoluted agenda. Just enjoy the moment (I mean, the hours....)
I've written a book again. Sorry.
Eeek! Paty, I don't envy you. Your plate is overflowing, AND you hardly have time to mentally prepare before your trip. I can't advise about which story to pitch, but I do know historical romance is on the rise again. Historical westerns, I don't know, but just this morning I read about Holly Root of Waxman Literary looking for historical romance.
I'm not going to Nationals, but I am going to the Colorado Gold conference in Denver in September. I'm giving 2 workshops there, so I'm a bit stressed about that, and the stress will get worse as the conference gets closer. Yikes! I'm doing a power point presentation for one my workshops, and I've never used an overhead projector on my laptop before! So I'm going to rent one here and practice my presentation before I leave.
I am feeling some stress over a critique workshop I'm participating in at The Gold because I don't have my synopsis written for my latest WIP. I have the 10 pages of the manuscript written -- such as they are -- so those are ready to submit, but the synop? All I've managed to do so far is keep pages of notes, but nothing comprehensive. Sigh. I have only a couple of weeks to get it done.
Have fun at Nationals, Paty! I wish you luck in your pitch sessions!
Deborah,
I can feel for you! The first conference I went to was Emerald City. I'd just joined National, didn't have a clue about chapters, and was scared to death to talk to anyone. I'd never really voiced anything about my writing before, just huddled at home typing on my typewriter.
You'll have us chapter mates to lock onto when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Thank you for the kind words about my presentation at a meeting.
Alice, Thank you for your advice. I actually have both pitches down to two concise sentences and will wing it from there. I'm giving out postcards of my next release at the author panel. They said it was for blatant publicity (the panel).
Ack Karen! You sound like you'll be busy at the Colorado Gold! Good luck getting everything ready.
Paty, I'm with you on the stress, but for other reasons.
I know you and Alice both missed our meeting, but something Alice said is important:
...I'll throw in a penny's worth of that, too, and that's just to talk about your books the way you would to your writer friends.
Remember this if nothing else, because it's true. Barb pitched her book at our meeting and when she just talked about the book without reading her rehersed blurb, it was FANTASTIC. She had all of us wondering what was going to happen next and drooling to read the book. Her passion for the story shined through in a way it just can't in a prewritten blurb.
We also went through the form Alice posted - A security-driven (flaw) mother (hero)... Personally, I think that's the easiest way to formulate a pitch AND a working blurb for you WIP. So if you're struggling, maybe start there. Pitching is not fun - at least not for me - but it's something you'll be doing through your entire career. Maybe not face to face, but over the phone, via email, etc. If you want to make a sale, you have to be able to pitch.
As for the stress...I think most writers will tell you conferences are stressful for all of us for different reasons. I'm not presenting, and I'm not doing the literacy signing this year, but I have a bunch of insecurities and stresses as well - Will I make a good impression on my new editor? Will she like my new book idea? Will my agent have good things to tell me? (Please!) Will I have anyone to talk to at my publisher dinner or will I be the outcast as I'm the new girl on the block? Will I make any networking contacts? Will my promotion efforts with booksellers/librarians make a difference? Will I know anyone at the PAN workshops or will I be all alone? (Alice!!!!!) I think at every stage of writing there are new stresses and things to worry about with regard to conferences...and that's not even taking into account all the other stuff a writer deals with like deadlines and promotion and coming up with an idea that doesn't suck (my personal stresser as of late).
What I'm trying to say (in a very convoluted way) is that you aren't alone. While my stresses and Debbie's stresses and Alice's stresses (and those not going to conference are all experiencing their own writing stresses) aren't the same, we're all dealing with something. Hang in there and remember that all of your efforts now will payoff down the line. And when you're in SF and you need to see a friendly face, you know all you have to do is call one of us.
Oh, and as far as the literacy signing goes? Every year Alice says the same thing to me. "Come by my table. No one will be there. I'll be all alone." And EVERY time I've stopped by I've had to wait because she's been surrounded by at least three people chatting her ear off. I'm sure you'll do great!
Paty, I have one more thought for you.
For me personally, going or not going to Nationals has been a roller coaster. First I was going, then not, then yes, then no, then yes! Then in a big way with the dh, no.
I am happy to be here with him, happy to help, way behind on a deadline, not going is a relief. And yet it isn't. I am so sad inside that I won't be making new memories, sharing ideas, reacquainting myself with people I see just once a year, staying up late at night giggling with Eli and Lisa, going to my publisher's party and having dinner with my editor and drinks with other Intrigue writers and my chapter buddies and breakfast around a big old table with you guys and meeting you in the hall and seeing Eli at her first PAN workshops...
I am even missing the literacy signing, my own personal three hours in hell, despite what Eli said above. The conference is stressful, absolutely it is, but you will all have a wonderful experience and learn something about yourselves and make new friends and I wish I could be there!
Take a deep breath. Start looking at the positive. The very things that are stressing you out -- the talks and panels and signings and pitches -- are the very things that define the fact you are growing as a writer and making a name for yourself.
Have fun!
Yours Truly, Pollyanna
Paty--hugs!
I'm sorry you're so stressed. I'm coming off a really stressful week myself (but nothing compared to you and Alice right now) and I know I'm doing the chicken-with-head-cut-off dance.
Since you have a proven record of producing, I don't see anything wrong with saying, "I've got three projects currently in the works. One is my Xth book with TWRP (this gets your pub creds in there quickly). My other projects are a historical western romantic mystery series and a contemporary. Since you mainly represent/publish/are interested in Contemporary (or historical), let me tell you a little about that project . . . Pitch Away." This way you leave the door open for the end if they aren't interested in that genre, or for them to ask you more about the other project and your pub history. Just my idea.
I hope you get it all done! I know you will do GREAT at nationals!
Bethany/wavybrains
Debbie, clothes are a headache, but I bet you'll pack enough and be just fine. Go to workshops that stress the craft angles, is my advice. The business end of writing is a pain -- why go there until you have to? Build your knowledge and enthusiasm, feed your soul, worry about business later.
Eli, You will not be ignored at the dinner. Your editor already knows you and she'll love you even more when she meets you. Chill, girlie.
Karen, two workshops? Power point presentation? Okay, I can see the nerves -- the mechanics of it alone would keep me up nights, but you'll practice and do great.
You know, it's kind of nice sitting under this big old tree on the sidelines, cheering you guys on, knowing no big linebacker has me in his sights, I'm safe over here!
Ditto what Alice said! It's so much easier to follow her on the comments than on the blog. :)
Ånother positive note: you've all come up with the worst case scenarios in your minds -- great writers that you are -- so know that it's not going to be that bad.
So I'll repeat some of what others have said:
Paty, your plan to give the agents/editors a choice is a great one. Love the idea of an Outlaw candy bar! Your workshops will be wonderful, you will have lots of people stopping by the literacy signing to at least say hello.
Debbie, have fun! If you're feeling uncomfortable about traveling alone, just look around for other writer-looking women. There will be writers from our chapter, the Portland chapter and, when you get to SF, from all over the country who will be sharing some of the stress as you. Ask if you can share a taxi with them or which way to the shuttle or whatever. I've found RWA members as a whole are pretty much as friendly as our group. Take deep breaths and enjoy!
Eli, your editor will love you! You'll have a fantastic time at the publisher party and PAN workshops.
Karen, your workshops at Colorado Gold will be wonderful! You love that conference and the people there, which will shine through.
Take pictures and remember all the funny stories from National so you can share them when you get back. And did I mention: HAVE FUN!!
Thanks, everyone, for your advice about the conference -- especially the reminders to have fun! And, Alice, thanks for the advice on the workshops--that makes sense.
I keep reminding myself that I should just kick back and relax and let myself soak it all in. I also know myself well enough to know that once I'm at the hotel, that's exactly what I'll do.
I think a big part of all the stresses everyone has mentioned is the waiting. I have no doubt that once we're in the thick of things, we'll all feel much better.
And I'm really looking forward to getting together on Wednesday night! :-)
Thanks Eli. I know this is something that will pass. Probably as soon as I get there and relax. You know, no changing pipes, taking care of animals, worrying about what to fix for dinner... LOL Too much hitting me at one time.
Thanks Bethany! You always know what to say to make a person feel better.
Ahhh, Genene always the positive, calm one. Thank you ,too.
After last week and this week jam packed with things to do and not all National things, I'm just feeling overwhelmed and then having my hormones go all wacky on me when I thought they had finally leveled off... well, lets just say I've done more sopping up tears today than writing or anything else! Man I hate life changes!!!!
Paty, I'm feeling that exact same sense of overload without the hormones, thank the lord. Today the big deal is extended family making plans to use me as a way station in their visit with my mother in a few weeks. I am going to have to nip this in the bud, I simply can't cope with a recovering husband and six weeks to write 220 pages plus four days of them. I can't do it! Don't people who invite themselves to your house realize there are toilets to be cleaned, food to be bought for them and prepared and then the draining aspects of driving and visiting!!!!
And yet I feel terrible about it. Guilty as sin. But I am going to grow a backbone and say no and hope for the best.
I hope you're feeling better. Hugs.
Oh, and P.S. You know how you said we know the stress of writing when nothing sounds good? I am so there. Man, I am living it. I feel your pain, baby.
Alice, I'm sorry to hear your having problems with your writing. I feel that way today because my editor asked me how many CP's and how many read throughs I did on Miner. She says I did way too much telling and that isn't like me! Sheesh! So now I'm second guessing everything I write on the WIP!
And I hear you about the company! My Alaska daughter asked me what I had planned when she's here for 1 1/2 weeks in August?????????????
Alice (And Paty),
This is when you mail your relatives a copy of the Oregon Travel Guide, a list of local hotels, and a "Can't Wait to See You!" Note. "So sorry we can't host this year! Can't wait to see you when you're in town, though. Maybe dinner (OUT)? Ta Ta!"
My grandmother, the woman who could not say no to save her life, had a few house guests that she just couldn't shake. So she started scheduling work on her home for their visits. "We'd love to host, but the house is being fumigated. Darn vicious killer ants." Funny, but we never actually SAW the truck or SMELLED the chemicals, despite living in the same town :) :)
Right on, Mid-Willamette Valley. Who are you? Would you mind telling us???? And you are right on, and bless your grandma!!!!!
I actually told my family how I felt (complete with way hyper attitude) and they backed down, (it was on the phone, but I could almost see them scanning the horizon for a psycho truck) and told me of course they understood.
Okay, Paty, your turn, call Alaska.
It's Wavy--I keep forgetting to change it. I've been checking our gmail account for Eli/Lisa and it logs me on as that.
Bethany
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