Woman's World Archives - Jessica Ferguson

I haven’t blogged in quite some time. In fact, last month I completely forgot about IWSG day. It came and went and I didn’t even think of it. Very unusual for me since I’ve always looked forward to first Wednesdays. This month I made a mental reminder. So thanks Alex Cavanaugh for not kicking me out of the club!

I’ve been trying to get a handle on exactly what I want for my writing. Seems like a ridiculous thing to say at this point in my life, but I guess that’s just about it. Maybe a better way to put it is … I’m trying to get serious about writing; become intentional. I feel like “become intentional” is the new catch phrase. Some years ago we were saying, “Just do it!” and I told myself to just do it constantly.

So, now I’m being intentional. I’m gaining clarity about what I really want and, as the life coach says, “choosing how I “show up” and contribute. Every week, I meet a friend at the library–the way I did in Oklahoma. As a result of these meetings, I’ve discarded one novel (it had extreme problems) and started the revision of another one–with less problems. I wrote a piece for one of the confession magazines only to decide it would make an interesting novella so I’m in the process of trying to outline it longer. I completed a short, short mystery that I sent off to Woman’s World. The story just spewed out of me, and that’s always a good sign, right? I’ll let you know if and when a rejection comes in.

I’m also working on two nonfiction books. One is about a woman who was blind for a number of years, and then she was healed. It’s a powerful story. I met the woman in Oklahoma and recorded about four hours of interview with her. My second book is, of course, a writing book. Doesn’t every writer want to pen a writing book?

In additional to my “intentional writing” I’m hoping to get a website soon. Yeah, I’m taking this intentional stuff seriously. I’ve vowed that when I walk into my CPA’s office next year, I will NOT be embarrassed! I will not! (Now, that’s intentional.)

How about you? What have you written lately? What are you doing to further your writing career … or your jewelry making business, or any other goal or dream you have? Whatever you’re doing, be intentional. Share with us.

When I signed up for A to Z Challenge this year, I had no idea what I wanted to write about. I planned to wing it—the way I did last year. But as soon as I sat down to write that first post, my theme became apparent: I’d write about my childhood and my family. I’ve had fun blogging about my loved ones, but I’m ready to move on and talk about writing again. Family Time is growing old and boring for me. And I’m beginning to repeat myself. I don’t like repetition!

So W is for Writing. This is what I’ve been doing alongside A to Z.

I wrote a short story specifically for Woman’s World. This time I got off my ‘duff’ and put it in the mail. I’m waiting … waiting … waiting … just like in the old days. Complete with SASE. Woman’s World doesn’t take email submissions.

I’m also working on a pitch to a Harlequin editor on May 8^th. This will be sort of like speed dating: I pitch in 100 words or less and they tell me immediately whether they want to see a synopsis, a proposal or the complete novel. I really like this idea. This is the instant gratification thingie working. I’m pretty nervous about it, even though I have the pitch ready. I’ve been working on the first three chapters of the manuscript just in case the editor requests it. It’s a straight inspirational romance—no mystery or suspense. And I still have to write the synopsis. Arrghh!

My mind is working constantly on other things—revising, re-plotting, wondering if anything is any good. There’s so much I want to revamp. I don’t want to give up on any of my stories—even when I know I should move on to something fresh.

My novella came to me so easily. I wish all my stories came that fast—that complete. They don’t. I struggle.

Tell me about your writing. Do you have anything with an agent or editor? Or do you plan to ePub? Do you like today’s publishing world and how things have changed? Tell us about it.

Here’s a market for you just in case you don’t have anything to do:

Family Circle Magazine is now accepting submissions for their 2013 Fiction Contest. Submit your previously unpublished short story of no more than 2,500 words by September 16, 2013. There is no fee to enter and you could win the grand prize of $1,000 and publication in the magazine, plus other prizes. For all the details go here.