Do You FAce Writer’s Slam?

When a restaurant has too many people show up at one time to eat, they say they’re getting slammed. Writers experience getting slammed too. What is involved in a writer’s slam?

When I sought publication in 2019, I found out that a good or even great manuscript was only the beginning. A writer must be prepared to sell themselves, as well as the story. Most agents and editors look for an online presence, an ability to draw an audience through your newsletter, your ability to write a synopsis, do an elevator pitch, and write an outline of your story.

Another way a writer receives a slam involves critiques.

You must learn to take critiques with a thick-skinned attitude. Most people loved the concept of my first book, but no one liked the opening lines. (And I mean no one.) I rewrote the first paragraph of that book at least twenty times. I’m talking about the arrangement of a few sentences with changes in wording several times! After a while, it had me questioning my ability to write anything at all. Through lots of encouragement and mentoring, I could look beyond the criticism and see the goal. A well written opening scene to an exciting story.

You’re probably thinking, “How do I survive the slam?”

The first step to survival remains having a positive attitude.

This holds true in many areas of life. Look forward to each day as an opportunity to learn what comes next in the journey. Pray for guidance and patience. Realize there will be setbacks and let downs. Keep moving forward. Try again.

The second step involves finding a group of people who are like-minded and have the same goals as you do.

There are many ways to accomplish this. Facebook groups, websites, podcasts, and local writers. I began a group at my local library for writers. We’ve become a tight-knit group of encouragers. Take notes, make lists of contests, follow other writers and authors on social media, read books to learn better ways to write, and remember that it’s a journey.

The last step involves goal setting.

Take a day or two and set goals for yourself. Short term and long-term benchmarks help keep your focus. Create a vision board and hang it up in your work space. Some days, you may feel discouraged. The goals and the vision board will keep you on track. They also serve the purpose of showing how far you’ve come. You can’t do everything right away, but you can work toward the endgame of publication.

If the pressure of the writer’s slam pushes on you today, don’t despair. Keep moving, praying, and most of all, keep writing! You’ll make it through.

Jill Chapman resides in Southern Indiana with her husband of forty-four years. They enjoy their country lifestyle and visiting with their children and grandchildren. Her life centers around her family and her yellow lab, Indy. She is an avid movie watcher, loves Mexican food, and enjoys watercolor painting. Jill says her life is like a good plate of nachos, a tiny kick of spice, and a whole lotta cheese.