I've been on my writing journey for about 3 years now. Although it is a relatively short time, I am really proud of how much I've learned and how far I've come in that time. From my first (cringe-worthy) draft of my first story to this week, when I was emailed by a real live literary agent, who said she "hopes" to see my story in her inbox. This is a HUGE step for me.
This week I applied to Justin Colon's PB Chat Mentorship Program and I had to list out all of the things I've done to improve as a writer. After doing this, I realized, I am proud of the things I've done since I've started writing. I am a member of SCBWI and am an active member/volunteer of the Eastern Upstate NY chapter. I run a critique group bi-monthly for our chapter. The last conference I attended in person was in 2019 called the Falling Leaves Retreat for SCBWI Eastern Upstate. I’ve attended numerous SCBWI Zoom classes, Children’s Book Insider Kidlit Distancing Socials and Zoom classes held by Manuscript Academy. I have had numerous professional manuscript critiques and a professional query critique through Manuscript Academy. Being involved with Twitter has helped me connect to other writers as well. I have participated in the Twitter PB Party Contest held by Mindy Alyse Weiss and one of my manuscripts was on the runner up list this year. I have connected with a critique partner through Kailei Pew’s writer connect who is now a #WriteMentor. Finally, I have checked out from the library and read over 300 picture books in the last year! And even with all of that, most people I know, friends and family don't know that I am a writer. Really only, close friends and family. I haven't really "come out" as a writer yet. Why? I guess I have this silly notion that people might not care unless I have an actual real live book to show them. Which only writers know how insanely difficult this is to achieve. How much competition there is. The steps you have to take. The writing, revising, improving. The time. Then there is the actual lottery ticket of getting an agent's attention! It is a process that I have enjoyed but also have wanted to give up on a few times now. But here I am still at it. The dream is alive. But my question for you is, if you are unpublished, have you come out as a writer to your family and friends yet? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
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