Well, it's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for May's IWSG.
I always feel like I have insecurities during the month, but then when IWSG comes around, they're gone and I'm feeling pretty good.
I think, as always, I'm still worried about my workload. So far the MFA is going well and I haven't had any troubles keeping up. But I think there's always an underlining of fear. What if THIS packet I have troubles finishing? Our next residency is in early July (YAY! I'm so excited!) but that means I'll have to switch mentors (Sniff. I love working with Anne Ursu). And while I'm sure whomever I get for second semester will be fine and awesome, what if the change is enough to make me lose any momentum I've had?
Also, I wish I was further along in my WIP. I'm over 30K now, which is great. But that's 30K over four months, which is not great. Usually it takes me about 2-3 months to write a whole draft, but the MFA has really slowed things down.
While I'm in the MFA, I'd like to try my hand at writing a Picture Book, or a Middle Grade (especially the latter) and it seems like the perfect time to do it, when I'll have a mentor who knows what they're doing and can help me. But I don't necessarily like the idea of setting aside an unfinished MS to start another one.
So, you know, timing. It always comes down to timing.
I'm sure everything will work out fine and I'll figure things out, but nonetheless the feels creep in. As they always do.
How are things going for you?
I always feel like I have insecurities during the month, but then when IWSG comes around, they're gone and I'm feeling pretty good.
I think, as always, I'm still worried about my workload. So far the MFA is going well and I haven't had any troubles keeping up. But I think there's always an underlining of fear. What if THIS packet I have troubles finishing? Our next residency is in early July (YAY! I'm so excited!) but that means I'll have to switch mentors (Sniff. I love working with Anne Ursu). And while I'm sure whomever I get for second semester will be fine and awesome, what if the change is enough to make me lose any momentum I've had?
Also, I wish I was further along in my WIP. I'm over 30K now, which is great. But that's 30K over four months, which is not great. Usually it takes me about 2-3 months to write a whole draft, but the MFA has really slowed things down.
While I'm in the MFA, I'd like to try my hand at writing a Picture Book, or a Middle Grade (especially the latter) and it seems like the perfect time to do it, when I'll have a mentor who knows what they're doing and can help me. But I don't necessarily like the idea of setting aside an unfinished MS to start another one.
So, you know, timing. It always comes down to timing.
I'm sure everything will work out fine and I'll figure things out, but nonetheless the feels creep in. As they always do.
How are things going for you?
14 comments:
You've kept up with everything so far - don't stress you'll continue to do so.
Hope your next mentor is just as awesome.
The important thing is probably finishing things. People don't get to read half manuscripts.
Definitely hard to interrupt and then come back to something--totally get that. I think, though, if they are a really different flavor it isn't impossible. I had to do it a couple times when I had Cozy deadlines--no matter how in love with something I was, there just came a time I had to get to the obligation. (and the other work didn't suffer, I just usually ended up doing a revision of the HALF to get myself back into it enough to keep going) Good luck!
The MFA isn't just another chore on the list but a huge undertaking. I think you're doing fantastic considering the extra load.
Re: mentors
I've had great mentors and so-so mentors and I've discovered there are lessons from both. You can glean as much from bad experience as you can good ones.
30k in three months sounds good to me, especially as you're also working toward a MFA. That's no small undertaking by any means.
Good to know you are plugging along with the MFA that I know you desire greatly. I hope you don't become an MFA snob. But from what I know of you, I doubt you are capable of any snobbery. You are the most down-to-earth writer I know.
I read a post today about being a writing turtle. The heavier your load, the slower you move, but as long as you're still pressing forward, that's what matters. =)
Sounds like things are going great overall, so focus on that. The new mentor could be really good, too!
I'm on the last chapter of my current wip - revisions looming.
When I was in grad school, it really impacted my writing (something I have to remind myself of ALL THE TIME). I went slower. I didn't have the kind of blocks of time, that sort of thing. Don't beat yourself up over it.
Also, I've stopped in the middle of WIPs to write something else, and that has always worked out in my favor (specifically, when I went back, everything was sparkly and filled with rainbows... well, maybe not, but it wasn't a slog to get back into it.)
Getting to the finish line. I am writing my first novel, so that is a focus I am trying to keep my eye on.
Best Wishes and Happy Writing,
Juneta at Writer's Gambit
I'm glad to hear you've been doing well. You've got this! Good luck on trying your hand at a picture book or middle grade book. It's awesome to be able to start while you've got a mentor. (Love your steampunk hat!)
I'm kinda laid back right now; but then, I'm not writing either. I'm sure you'll rock the MFA, Fallon.
Sounds like you're all kinds of busy but you're handling it well :) Good luck with the rest of your WIP!
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