Putting your work out there

At the beginning of November I attended a fantastic non- fiction workshop put on by SCBWI and the Smithsonian Institution. My interest in nature  drives my manuscripts.  The opportunity to learn how to share what I find fascinating through the realm of non-fiction seemed to be a perfect fit for me. It was a three day event; an inaugural one at that. Would it be as good as I anticipated?

Yes. I was not disappointed. The range of information was amazing; the gifted writers and editors that shared their time and knowledge unbelievable. It was truly an exceptional event, one I hope will be offered again. 

Not only was the event outstanding, but there was an additional bonus. Several of the workshop faculty were editors interested in non-fiction manuscripts. Normally, they are closed to submissions, but after this event they allowed attendees to submit one query. 

This is the hardest part of the journey for a writer, putting your work out there and hoping that it is welcomed. It takes time and persistence; it invites criticism and heartache. Why in the world would anyone want to do such a thing?

For me, it is because I believe in my stories. I believe what I want to share with the world is worthy. It might take several years and hundreds of attempts, but I am up to the challenge. Until the day comes when an editor or agent knocks on my door I will continue to write, to be inspired by the world around me. 

​I know that someday I will be rewarded.