The best part of participation in writing contests is the chance to get to know other writers--like the wonderful Brenda Drake who organizes Pitch Wars every year. This year, I had the good fortune to be chosen as a Pitch Wars Mentee by Eden Plantz, who's been helping me whip my manuscript into shape. A big thank you to both Brenda and Eden.
As a 2014 Pitch Wars Mentee, I’ve enjoyed being part of one of the most supportive groups I’ve ever experienced. One among our ranks started a Facebook group for all the Mentees and Alternates where we’ve joined to celebrate, commiserate, and simply be community. Springing from one in that creative bunch was the idea for a blog hop featuring why we wrote our Pitch Wars novel.
My manuscript, FRAMED, is a tale of starry-eyed dreamers who lose sight
of their goals and themselves while chasing fame, an indictment of the spin used in news and
social media to build, protect, or destroy image—no matter the cost.
This story, however, is far different from the original premise. After spending three years on manuscripts built around one set of characters (something I’d been advised against multiple times), I wondered if I could tell another story. Truthfully, focusing on those novels was productive—it was a period of honing my craft, of chipping away at those million words they say it takes to become a proficient writer. But with completion of my first manuscript and its sequels, the inside of my head became too quiet. Could I write outside that world? The fear was real. What if that’s all I had in me?
This story, however, is far different from the original premise. After spending three years on manuscripts built around one set of characters (something I’d been advised against multiple times), I wondered if I could tell another story. Truthfully, focusing on those novels was productive—it was a period of honing my craft, of chipping away at those million words they say it takes to become a proficient writer. But with completion of my first manuscript and its sequels, the inside of my head became too quiet. Could I write outside that world? The fear was real. What if that’s all I had in me?
It
was six months before I pulled out those notes and started writing. Of
course, the characters had their own ideas about how the tale should be told,
and I allowed them that; so there were plenty of surprises along the way. But that’s
part of the fun of a first draft—discovering things along with the
characters. I’m happy to say, I have
another story brewing, and it, too, is a whole new world to
explore. I can’t wait to get started on the next one!
Be sure and visit the other participating Blogs:
Be sure and visit the other participating Blogs:
