Be In The Know

So much going on this week, guys. At least for the writer who has a finished manuscript and is ready to query. :)

It's the last day to submit a query for Write On Con's Pitch Fest. Need more information? Go here.

Then we've got Brenda Drakes Pitch Madness kicking off this Friday. Check it out here.

Also this Friday, those writers who submitted a snarky sample of work to Liz Pelletier in hopes of being chosen to write her spec book, will be notified as to who made it to the next round--the interview round. Haven't heard about this one? It happened really quickly. I think it started on Twitter then turned into a blog post and then BAM the submission window was over. Still, Liz reported receiving 118 samples. Want to be in the know? Check it out here.

If you're thinking about entering Pitch Fest and/or Pitch Madness, let me encourage you to do it. If your manuscript is query-ready, of course. I entered Pitch Fest, I plan on entering Pitch Madness, and I threw my sample in the ring for Liz's spec book opportunity. And let me tell you, I am NOT LUCKY at these blog contest things. Thankfully, I've done well in regular conference writing contests, but for some reason I fail miserably with the whole online avenue.

But it's fun, anyway. I get to meet other writers. I get to encourage and critique. I get to receive encouragement and critiques. :) And I think it helps me to become a better writer and build that thick skin everyone's always talking about.

Is there anything else happening this week in a writerly way? Have you entered any of these?  

*And now an adorable picture that made my morning.*

Readjusting My BIG-GIRL Tights

*sigh*

I think it's time to readjust my big-girl tights. (They're black with sparkly mermaid tails, by the way.)

For the last eight years my family has been moving around the country. A lot. Every six month to two years, in fact. During that time I did not work outside the home. Oh, I did births as a doula and taught childbirth classes, but that wasn't even part time. It was here and there. 

But before all the moving around, I was an optician. 

And now we're done moving. We're settled. My kids are both in school. 

It's time to go back to work--part time--as an optician. 

Ask me how I feel about this and you may get different answers from one moment to the next. Because despite the fact that I've been looking forward to joining the workforce, I'm incredibly scared that it'll do away with my writing time. That the responsibilities of life will gobble up my dream and spit me out. 

I know this doesn't have to be true.   

My best friend and critique partner works full time. Many authors have careers outside of writing. I get that. So why do I feel as though I'm unwillingly trading one future for another? 

Because I'm sick of these flip-flop feelings, I need your help. Do you work outside the home? What do you do? How has it changed your writing? Good or bad? Thanks guys! I really look forward to hearing about your experiences!