If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like transitioning from a writer without a contract to a writer with one, then come on in. I invite you to take a peek inside my head. It’s not as scary as this freeze-frame makes it look. I promise.
Thanks for the question Sherri! I assure you, your question was not off the wall. At least not to me.
If you have a question you’d like me to answer, please send it my way (either in the comments or via email). I’m having so much fun answering them! If you missed my previous vlogs, you can check them out on my youtube channel.
Let’s Talk: Where’s your head at right now? What’s going on in your life? What are you working on? What transitions have you gone through?
You know, on January 1, I dubbed 2011 as the Year of Hope. Oh boy! The God of Hope showed me what amazing things He had in store for me. Before my contract, I wrote steadily, but now writing time is interrupted by revisions for book 2, marketing for book 1 and plotting for book 3. So excited about these interruptions because they are teaching me valuable life lessons. Sometimes, though, a peek in my head would show this crazy-haired woman with a look of panic on her face and her body shrinking by the second as she feels a tad bit overwhelmed. So thankful to have a mighty God who can fill me with peace on those crazy days.
Hi Katie. I think your vlog was great and I think you're very brave to do it! It's great to have such a personal response to a question that wasn't so off-the-wall after all. 🙂 I keep starting stories because ideas pop into my head and I don't want to lose them, so I start another one. The funny thing is, my latest one is a comedy and seems to be getting a great, positive response from my critique partners. Just when I thought I'd found my niche…Anyway, between looking for an agent and publisher, working on two blogs and continuing to write, my head is all over the place. I can't imagine factoring marketing and book release planning into that – but I'm willing to give it a try. 🙂
Thanks for the plug for esthersdestiny. I hope everyone will stop by.
I have a question, Katie. Was there ever a moment in your writing life that you seriously considering tossing in the towel? And if so, why didn't you?
P.S. Didn't notice any "ums" in that post. Your back-up career in radio is still available 🙂
P.P.S. My 2yo was just watching your Vlog over my shoulder and he pointed at you and said "Mummy". I guess we look sort of similar (same hair) but you start to wonder if you're working too much when your toddler gets you confused with people on the internet…
Geez
i think your head, which sits atop that frog-throat of yours, is still in our hotel at st. louis. along with all your roommates' sugar plum fairies. 😉
I'm definitely feeling the multiple personality vibe… promotion for my debut novella, writing for my requested WIP, and trying to build my platform through blogging…not to mention all he off computer mommmy and life things I need to do! Yep, life is in constant flux and transition and those who keep moving survive! At least that's what I'm telling myself!
Your question makes me laugh when looking at my life at the moment. Transition sounds so… normal… compared to how I feel. My daughter literally had her heart taken out and a new one put in. Can't have much more of a transition than that! I lost my job, and am a stay at home mom for the first time EVER. My husband got a call today for a job (we've been praying about) asking him to drop everything and start in an hour. An HOUR I tell you! Not to mention getting an agent and a contract over the summer. And my "previous" youngest started Kindergarten this year.
I feel like a play, you know when the act changes, andthey reset the whole entire stage? I feel like God has said, "Okay, changing it up, act two!" I'm excited to see what GOd has planned in act two!
As far as what I"m working on… don't have any edits in yet for my sandwich book, so I'm still plugging away on my current WIP, determined to get as many words in as I can before edits arrive. Trying to figure out this whole stay-at-home mom thing and how to care for my special needs child. I want to get it all done NOW… but it's a process.
Sorry, long comment:-)
Katie,
I love your vlogs!!! You are so real and sweet! I can't wait til your debut book comes out! Then you can do a follow up – "where is my head now that I'm holding my actual book in my hands!!!!!"
I really enjoyed this vlog, Katie. It spurred another question for me.
Have you learned more about writing now that you're working with editors? I'm talking craft, story, or even grammar issues?
So excited for you!
Love these responses! The writer's mind might be a lot of things, but it is rarely dull!
Ha, I am having a good chuckle at all the responses! Um, I'm still in that weird space between wild dreams and reality, as always seems to be the way for me after a conference. I'm mulling over some things and making some decisions as to what to do with my latest completed project. While another pass through doesn't thrill me, I think it needs to be done before it gets sent out to the places that have requested it. I'm feeling hopeful for the future, but still trying to work through some present publishing problems, so prayer is appreciated. And that's all the alliteration I got in me today!!
Where is my head??? LOL! That is a question I ask myself every day too!
Right now, I'm gearing up for three book signings this weekend and hanging with Mary Connealy. But I'm also starting a new project, working on a proposal, awaiting copy edits, and trying to get the word out about a couple of new releases.
Life's good!
Good response Katie.
I think this (with the multi-tasking) is where one becomes more dependent on organization and structure so that your time spent is as productive as possible.
Enjoy your weekend.
Hi Katie,
Thanks for this video. I enjoy seeing and hearing you. I just got my first book deal but have not officially signed the contract.
What's going on in my head? Well I have these amazing, wonderfu, crazy dreams when I'm asleep. I have so many hopes for my book. Did that happen to you?
I'm so movitvated and excited to jump in, and yet the unknown is scary. Some of my writer friends tell me I'm in the Honeymoon phase.
Loving the vlogs, great info and you're just so darn cute! 🙂
I love these vlogs you do, Katie!
I could certainly see this being a huge transition period for any newly contracted author. For so long you've put your writing time focus on honing the craft and now you have all these other hats to juggle. Sounds like a roller coaster ride where even the lows still keep you moving.
Where is your head…scariest question someone could ask me at any given moment. 😀
Great answer in your vlog. You're all class, lady!
And I get you on the prolific bit. Write tons so there'll be more to choose from. Feels different to slow down some. Feel like I'm chomping at the bit to get going on another.
~ Wendy
Man, I just love visiting your vlogging! Bad news, though, my computer doesn't have video capability. How did that happen?
I'd love a contract! The only one I have is the one between my head and my heart – which is to keep on writing…