Dear Mr. Fiction: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

I’ve slowed things down with Mr. Fiction, at least for the time being. But I always knew it wasn’t going to be a complete breakup; even though my new focus is going to be the nonfiction book, I’m having a relationship with fiction on the side.

For one thing, I still have a complete novel that I’d like to get published. I’m still querying for that novel, and contemplating a few small edits. I’m a similar position with a short story I wrote over the summer. I feel strongly about both projects and won’t drop them just because I’m committing myself to something new. When I do find an agent for Waist, (thinking positively; four agents have requested the full manuscript so far, and I’m waiting patiently) I’ll need to return to work on the novel to do whatever edits that agent asks for, and prepare it for submission. 

For another thing, I did a lot of work to get my second historical novel ready to go: research, creating characters, setting up outlines, writing the first few chapters. I don’t want to completely let that go, because it’s fresh in my mind now and if I lose the thread, it’ll be hard to pick up again later. I’ve found a pocket of time during the day when I can write fiction long enough to get 500 words a day during the week. At that rate it will take me several months to finish a first draft, but it’s worth it to keep going (and it makes me feel good).

So during the next couple of weeks, while I’m still doing prep work on the nonfiction blogged book, I’m going to continue writing Blizzard. I’m going to do a little editing on Waist. I’m going to gather a fresh list of agents to query during my querying hour on Sunday mornings. (Yes, I have a “querying hour.”) I’m going to finish editing my short story, Our Family Has Cancer, and submit that as well. Once those things are done, I can make nonfiction my primary focus except during those brief 500-word dalliances, my query hours, and when I get return emails from agents (those pesky rejections; those high-inducing requests for more).

I have a final decision to make. I’ve been going to the Writer’s Digest Conference in NYC for two years now, and I LOVE it. I’ve met great people there, heard amazing keynotes, attended game-changing classes, and enjoyed the city. But I just learned of another conference, HippoCamp, which is specific to creative nonfiction writing. It’s perfect for my new writing path- and happens to be the exact same weekend as the WD Conference. It’s even in a part of the country I adore (and can easily drive to): Lancaster, PA. What do I do? Early-bird registration for both closes soon!

Every path taken means regret over another path abandoned. Did you ever make a professional or personal decision and wonder what would have happened if you’d gone the other way?

two paths

8 thoughts on “Dear Mr. Fiction: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

  1. Well… part of me wants to be selfish and say, “But Leanne! I’m going to WDC, too! Come so we can hang out again!” (Actually, I sort of did just say that, didn’t I? *blushes*)

    In truth, though, it’s more important that you attend the conference you think you’ll benefit from most. I checked out the HippoCamp site out of curiosity, and its lineup seems really informative and interesting. In fact, the fact that HippoCamp already has a schedule and presenters confirmed is one of its advantages over Writer’s Digest (which has little confirmed right now, apart from the dates and location).

    So, that’s how I’ll leave it. I’d love to see you again in NYC in August, but I’d rather that you pick the conference your heart wants most. You might not know which one that is today – but maybe tomorrow, or next week (definitely before either Early Bird option runs out), you’ll know. It will come to you. 🙂

    1. Sara, you are being such a good friend with that comment- putting my writerly needs ahead of what you’d prefer I do 🙂 The main reason I want to go to WDC is OF COURSE to see you and the other DIY MFA-ers. I know I would miss that experience and regret not being there. But HippoCamp looks so cool, and part of me thinks I should do it because it’s new. I’ve done WDC for two years now. I can also pitch nonfiction at HippoCamp without having to vet the agents for whether they even take nonfiction; during my Pitch Slam experience last WDC, a large majority of pitches were for novels. I so wish they were on different weekends, or even in the same city so I could go to both. I’ll let you know what I decide. Maybe we can meet up at a BookCon or something instead if I don’t go!

      1. HippoCamp does look cool, I agree. And like Teresa said below, going to a different conference means connecting with new people – and you never know what those connections might lead to. Good luck!

  2. I would suggest you try the new one. You’ll make new connections and meet people in different circles. The more connections you have, the better. The new people you meet may have a foot in other circles as well. Good luck.

  3. Hi! I’m so happy to hear you’re considering HippoCamp 2016! I can certainly see the dilemma! If you have any questions to help make your decision, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (info (at) hippocampusmagazine.com. Have you seen the recap page from last year’s event? – Donna, founder/publisher

    1. Wow, thanks for finding me, Donna! I’ll check up on last year’s event and email you if I have questions. The website already has me energized.

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