Anne Writes a Novel

I’m going to the NYC Pitch and Shop workshop tomorrow and I’m terrified.

I’m a native Californian, so the whole thing—the city, the taxis, and the fact that I’ll be pitching to actual editors—is a bit daunting.

Earlier this year, I said I wanted to go big with my writing.  This meant a lot of things—like making and keeping strict writing appointments, setting up a writing space at home, buying a professional printer, and investing in writing activities—so the Pitch and Shop workshop was definitely part of the plan for 2009.

I am way excited too.  I can’t wait to meet all the other writers and to see what an editor thinks of my first Sicily Dunn novel, Hot Lotus.  I depart tomorrow and return next week, so more to come!!

Wow.  This is not one I’m especially good at, but it is the beginning of National Novel Writing Month.  And I do have a word count goal.  So I am soldiering on, despite feeling hot and achy, having a back-of-the-neck ache, and breaking out in a mysterious rash of small red bumps.  I know.  Lovely. 

            I’ve found it helps to allow myself to write especially crappy drafts on days I’m not feeling well.  The main thing is getting the words out and making some forward progress.  It’s also funny how my characters tend to have aches and pains when I’m not feeling well myself.  Oy vey.