The Monthly Goalpost for June: Not a Pep Talk

A few months before Sub It Club came into existence, I had a chat with an old friend who has been in the publishing industry for years on both sides— as a marketing executive and as an agented, published author. I recounted my journey, its ups and downs, those moments of hope when an editor was interested and the letdown when said editor passed… the conferences, the contacts through kidlitsphere, the crit groups … And when I’d finished and it was her turn to speak, I braced myself. Her expression was not one of someone about to deliver a pep talk. It was more along the lines of “Well, you gave it your best shot but it’s a hard road… so much competition and shrinking budgets …” In those few seconds of pause I’d actually processed through the idea that she was right and I’d better cut my losses and redirect my efforts and told myself not to get upset. She said, “You aren’t going to like hearing this.” See! I told you! Then she said, “Keep going.” Oh! Not exactly a pep talk but in fact, better. Simple and to the point. And I remember those two words when I’m working and in moments of doubt.

Then came Sub It Club. I knew I needed to gear my activities towards the goal of submission and needed to make my work submission ready. I haven’t got it all figured out—still have ups and downs but my working hours are more targeted. Sub It Club gives me deadlines by encouraging me to set and evaluate goals each month. I have changed my outlook since becoming involved with Sub It Club: each day I must consciously move my work towards submission.

Towards the goalpost.

So yes, I’m keeping at it. And so are you.

The May list of goals has been torn off the wall. I’ll assess how I did in the last month and how I can move things forward in June. And while I’m at it, I’m going to take an honest look at 2013 so far. I’ll write a “done list” so I can see in black and white what I have done so I can see what’s possible for the rest of the year and how can I realistically achieve my goals.

And just in case you’d still like a pep talk, a few words of encouragement to help you get closer to the goalpost, here you go:

Write on indeed! (Draw on too!)

What have you got planned for June? Comment here or if you’re part of the private Sub It Club Facebook group, tells us how you’re doing on the June Goalpost thread there. If you’d like to join our Facebook group, send a request.