My Journey to Become a Writer 02/10/2024 Post #41

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What Did I Accomplish Today to Be a Writer?

I did Day 41 of the 100 Words a Day Writing Challenge 2024 through LA Writer’s Lab.  

I gave my first pitch to an agent today. She said I can send her my manuscript when I’m ready.

At this point, the word count seems way to high to me – 154,851to be precise. I could half that, and it would be fine; but what to cut out and what to keep are my big questions? When I’ve gone back to it lately, I start clarifying.

I think it’s time to step back up to the plate and start slashing things to be saved for another title. I should probably sit down with my outline, and crack open the copy of The 90-Day Memoir to help set my pace.

What Am I Afraid of Doing Next in My Journey as a Writer?

I’m scared of not getting my word count down, or cutting out important parts in the process; but if I leave it too long, it probably won’t get accepted, or it will appear like I don’t respect people’s time. I certainly don’t want that.

Stuff I find myself saying: What do I cut out, and what do I keep?

– Jody Susan

How Am I Balancing the Different Aspects of Being a Writer?

I’m now in dry erase board mode, with binders waiting in the wings. Now that I’ve gotten that pitch out of the way, I feel like I can get a better plan for moving forward. I do have more pitches scheduled with some other agents later in the month; but there will be a lull in that arena for a little while, in which I hope to get my word count down, work on the behind the scenes business stuff (like QuickBooks), and work on my social media plan (then actually implement it).

What I’m Doing About Building a Body of Work as a Writer

I pulled out The 90-Day Memoir and plan to take a paper version of my manuscript to the chopping block. Not being able to type in extra words might be the discipline I need to get this reduced.

What I’m Doing to Complete My Manuscripts as a Writer

I’m setting some deadlines for myself on when I want to have “About Trees” ready for an agent.

What I’m Doing to Grow My Website as a Writer

That’s all part of the dry erase board strategy. I’d better get done with this post, so I can get after it.

What I’m Doing to Build My Blog as a Writer

I’m planning to turn some of my content into audio posts, so they will be more accessible.

Not so Fun/Fun Fact About Me: I’m slightly overwhelmed; but very much in mission mode.

What I’m Doing About Networking as a Writer

Getting to speak with an agent today, and watching the various presentations by people in that part of the book industry was a good experience. I’d like to thank the Boston Writing Workshop for putting together an informative event.

What I’m Doing About Monetization as a Writer

Hopefully making some steps toward selling books.

What I’m Doing About Social Media as a Writer

This is one area where the agent encouraged me to focus, so that I could build up an audience, because that’s what publishers use to project book sales.

What I’m Doing About Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Writer

Nothing right now; but I hope to schedule the publications of some rough drafts I have written on competing with AI as writers.

Oh, I did think of something. I’m going to start adding my name into the tags section, so I can be found when an agent or publishing company does a search.

What I’m Doing to Stay Organized as a Writer

Making a mess of my house with all my scheduling paraphenalia.

Looking Back at My Writing Journey

Today was a big day for me. I had to get out of my box quite a bit; but I’m glad to have gotten through my first pitch and very grateful to God for the stories He has given me. Some have been pretty painful; but I can see His mighty hand has been guiding me all the way.

Any Other Thoughts on Becoming a Writer, Random Rants, Tales, or Trials…

I’m out of words for the day.

Thanks for reading what I’m writing,

Jody Susan

Some people keep surprises up their sleeves. Read on to find out where my mom kept hers…

Her Doctor Sure Got a Surprise