2 Things to Consider

First – A great opportunity!

Pitch Wars – Has anyone heard of this? It looks like a great opportunity!

It’s basically an annual mentoring program for newbies…What?? And, the time is now!

In late August, potential mentees (newbies) can apply to work with mentor writers to improve their pitch AND manuscript in preparation for an agent showcase in February. And, there’s no fee!

Mentors are categorized as interested in Adult (there are 47), YA, or Middle Grade. Each mentor has a blurb listing what they’ve written, what they’re interested in, and their favorite books.  After researching the mentors, potential mentees can apply to work with 4 of the mentors during the submission window in late August. The application process includes the usual suspects – query, first chapter, synopsis. The mentors announce their choices in October.  The mentors and mentees then work together to revise the mentee’s pitch and manuscript. In February, there’s an agent showcase where the mentees can pitch their work. Last year, nearly 60 agents participated and over 50 writers got representation! Even better, many writers got book deals!  How cool is that?

There’s also a great resource tab on the website – full of articles on Queries, Pitching, Submissions. Even though there’s no fee to enter, they do have a gofundme page that seems worthy of a visit! If this is something that sounds interesting, check it out in the link!

Second – Inspiration!

Don’t we all feel like it’s hard to fit everything in each day? I found inspiration in an amazing scientist who fits a lot of writing in her already impressive and busy day.

Dr. Jess Wade is a postdoctoral physicist. In addition to her regular academic work, she has set out on a project to bring attention to other female scientists who should be receiving more recognition.  She is writing a Wikipedia entry for each of these accomplished scientists in the hopes of motivating other young women to enter the field. And…get this—she’s written 270 Wikipedia pages in the past year, with no apparent intention of slowing down!

I’m just saying…there’s time for what we prioritize!

Write! Find a Mentor! Submit that manuscript!