What I Learned from Submitting to an Anthology

If you’ve been here before, you may know that I’m a member of Pikes Peak Writers. I’m glad I’ve found my writing people.

Since I joined the guild, I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and done so many new things.

I’ve submitted my work to writing contests, magazines, and now the PPW Anthology. (Chosen stories to be announced October 1, 2024)

My ghost story won a spot in a ghost tour and earned $30. Nothing major, but it’s something that I never would have done before joining PPW.

I’ve racked up several rejection letters from magazines. I wear them like badges of honor. Some would argue you aren’t a “real” writer without them.  I don’t know about that, but I feel more real. I’ve learned to have tough skin when it comes to my writing and not to get discouraged or give up.

I’ve self-published several more books. I’ve gotten those books into libraries.

I joined PPW’s blog team and later became its Managing Editor, which has been so wonderful. I always intended to submit to their anthology, but didn’t get around to it until now.

Life has been so very busy lately and I didn’t think I had time to write. But about a week and a half before the submission deadline for this year, I decided to give it a shot.

Here’s what I learned:

I can meet a deadline! Ok, I met this one by the skin of my teeth, but I did it. I have met other deadlines in writing, but none with so many other things going on in the background.I can edit while I write. It’s not advised, but when in a pinch, it worked out ok, I think. I actually even liked it. It refreshed the story in my mind and helped me think through what would come next. Keep in mind, most of my writing was done in the late to wee morning hours and my brain was long since done for the day. (So, it may not be as great as I thought it was at the time.) I can meet my word count goals. I edited & revised it probably 4 times. I didn’t write on it every night, but I did most nights, and I kept to my word count on those nights. I fully expected to stare at the blank screen, but getting my mind in ‘writing mode’ about the same time each night gave my creativity a boost.I learned how to delete metadata in a Word doc.I can research while I write and not go down rabbit holes or get distracted by social media. It just took a little self discipline.I can make time for writing, even when I’m crazy busy. Sometimes I had to sacrifice sleep, but maybe it will turn out to be worth it.I don’t have to write every night. It’s totally ok to take a break and work harder and longer as needed.

If my story is chosen, that’s income. If my story isn’t chosen, I’ve still applied myself and learned valuable lessons.

Next year, I will start my story on Day 1 of the deadline being announced.

Using What I’ve Learned

Now, I will take the things I’ve learned and get my **** together. I have 19+ WIPs.

Earlier this year I’d set a goal to write and publish four new books for 2024. I haven’t finished one yet. There’s good reason for that, but it is still a bit disappointing.

I won’t let it get me down, though. I’ve chosen two stories to focus in on and I am going to get started tonight. Y’all, wish me luck!

I’d love to hear from you and hear what you’re working on if you’re a writer, too. And if you’re not a writer, this post can still apply to you. Set your goals and then work to reach hem. You can do it!

Keep Lookin’ up.

xoxo,

~T

P.S. It’s late as I’m writing from my phone. Forgive any typos.