Hope you all have had a good start to 2016! I’m back from my blogging “hiatus” today, and with two new articles at DIY MFA to boot.
On Friday, I took part in DIY MFA’s annual #5onFri post on New Year’s Resolutions. Each participating columnist picked an aspect of our writing careers that we want to improve on or achieve during 2016. What did I choose as mine? You’ll have to read the article to find out! 😉
Click here to read “#5onFri: 5 Resolutions from the DIY MFA Team.”
I’ve also got a new Theme: A Story’s Soul article that went live today. This one is a case study on communication as a literary theme. It may sound like a weird choice of topic, but once you read the examples you’ll see how a story can offer insights on the importance of communications in our character’s lives as well as our own.
Click here to read “A Case Study on Communication as a Literary Theme.”
Got any questions or suggestions for Theme: A Story’s Soul? Feel free to comment below or tweet me at @SaraL_Writer with the hashtag #AStorysSoul.
Sara Letourneau 
Wow, pitching to agents this year! I didn’t realize you were that close to being done. Exciting news, and a fantastic 2016 goal. : )
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I can already feel the knots tying in my stomach… :S
I was told last year at Writer’s Digest Conference that it’s OK to pitch to agents in person (i.e., at pitch slams) if you think you’re about 6 to 12 months away from having a complete manuscript. (Obviously when you pitch online, it’s a different story; you need to be much closer or DONE period with the manuscript.) I don’t know whether that timeline is acceptable / correct. If it isn’t, I’ll have to put off attending the Pitch Slam until 2017… But if it is acceptable, then the pitching would start with WDC in August and then as relevant pitching contests happen (and as my schedule allows).
At the very least, I have a practice pitch I can continue honing regardless. That counts for something… right?
LikeLike
That’s exciting, Sara. Wish you all the best for favourable responses and hope to see your work in print at the soonest 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Zephyr! 🙂
LikeLike
A brilliant resolution:). And I can heartily recommend the Twitter pitch parties – I’ve learnt so much about honing my pitches and it is also fascinating seeing what else is out there… Best of luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sarah! Just out of curiosity… have you heard if there’s a recommended timeframe to complete and submit your manuscript to interested agents if you pitch in person? I know there is with online / Twitter pitching (the manuscript must be ready or almost ready), but I was told those timetables are more flexible when you pitch in person (6 to 12 months?) and I’m not sure if that’s “correct”…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The answer is no – I haven’t heard there’s a different timeframe when pitching in person. I’m guessing if you have a chat to someone and they ask you to send them something when it’s ready, they may be prepared to wait. But I haven’t personally had that conversation… Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s OK. I thought I would ask while I was thinking of it, that’s all. 😉
LikeLike
Looking forward to reading your end-of-year report about your 2015 reading experience. I’m always VERY interested in other people’s reading, being the nosey sort – (sorry pressed the SEND button by mistake!).
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem! 😉 I don’t know if you’ve read my #1 pick for new / 2015 books (I did separate lists for new books and non-2015 books), but I think you’ll be pleased with who wrote it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so exciting you’ll be ready to pitch this year, Sara! I can’t wait to read TKC when it’s published. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person