By WB Intern Cathy Sheafor
Lessons Learned
In August, I had my final WSS session for Picture Books. I remain an unagented and unpublished picture book author. WSS did not magically place an agent at my front door or a picture book contract in my inbox. It actually gave me much, much more.
As promised, WSS delivered a ‘write’ element and monthly submissions provided me with a framework for my writing. WSS kept me accountable. It helped me generate new story ideas, experiment with new structures, identify writing strengths and weaknesses, organize my revisions, learn, and grow as a writer and as an individual.
The ‘submit’ component of WSS was also important. My WSS instructor, Ann Marie Stephens, helped me to craft a querying plan. It is my plan. It fits my needs. It recognizes my emotional roller coaster as well as my career goals. It serves my purposes, in my timeframe, and in the most effective and efficient manner. I haven’t reached my big goals yet, but I do have confidence in my processes and in my journey to publication.
The final element of WSS is ‘support.’ I reflected on this component of WSS in each of my blogs. This is the cherry on top, the pièce de résistance, the reason I recommend enrolling in this program. In WSS, I found true support in all elements of my writing journey. The pillars of my writing house are strong. My confidence is bolstered. The journey before me is enticing and each step is fulfilling. I am ready!
WSS programming will be returning again this fall with Hannah Barnaby, Carrie Jones, Rob Sanders, Donna Johnson and Kirk Wilson. Are you interested in possibly applying for Write. Submit. Support.? Join us for our upcoming FREE WSS Craft and Community Night on September 13!
Check out Cathy’s previous WSS posts here: