I still get scared of my writing

This is my 10th year of professional writing and publishing and I’m writing my 1st article for the Missouri Conservationist Magazine. I’ve read it since I was a kid. Visited so many of the Mo Conservation Department parks. I need everything to be perfect for them.

They rejected my pitches time and time again, and of course, the one topic I thought they’d reject, they picked up. It’s not due for months but I like to turn things in early. I finished my article but I’m just hiding it from myself right now because I’m afraid it isn’t good enough, smart enough, or perfect enough for all the nature loves and children who will read it. 

Where’s Stuart Smalley when you need him? haha

Pitching Madness

#PitMad is once again blowing up on Twitter

I’ve got my Children’s non-fiction picture book pitch pinned @jessmbaum but that’s never enough

No matter how many requests or RTs I do or don’t get I always try to support my fellow authors who are just trying to get their work seen. It’s our job to support each other. I learned that from my writing Yoda and the numerous bestsellers who have taken me under their wing.

Most recently, NYT Bestseller and Crystal Kite winner Peggy Archer contacted me to be featured as the SCBWI MO/KC author of the month for August. It’s a huge opportunity and a great honor. Peggy and I once shared a booth at a local event. Her positive energy and kindness is a wonderful example of what the publishing industry has to offer. It def offered me encouragement.

It’s not always easy, but what helps me through the rough patches in my career is reaching out to give others a boost. 

I just got through a rejection rut to receive 2 new acceptances that mean the world to me. All writers have ups and downs. It’s part of the job. 

I’ve RTed as many #PitMad posts as I possibly can and reached twitter’s posting limit. So now I have to sit back and hope that everyone at least learns something from today. I’ve got my fingers crossed. 

I so desperately want everyone to succeed.