Pitching my Dream

Keeping my bag dry by wearing my coat over it. Kept my manuscripts nice and crisp.

My friend LaYen alerted me to Chronicle Books Pitch for Charity held Wed, Dec 8 from 3-5pm. This was the first time Chronicle has held a pitch event like this. They offered up their editors in art & media, lifestyle, food & drink, entertainment and children's picture books. Attendees would have 10 minutes to pitch and receive feedback. Each participant donated 10 dollars to Habitat for Humanity.

Quick lunch at Ironside, next door to Chronicle Books. So delicious.

I wasn't sure I'd be able attend when I first caught wind of it. Luckily, my hubby willingly took a vacation day to allow me to pursue my dream. I'm also grateful for my friend Chris who is always inspiring me as I work towards my dream of reading a published book I wrote to my daughters. I'm also dying to see the illustrations.



We left about a quarter to 10am and returned home some time between 9-10pm. My friend Chris drove the entire way. A total of 4+hours for the round trip and did in the constant downpour and fog. It was a long, long day... and thrilling too.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Naomi Kirsten, the Chronicle Books editor on the left. She was friendly, personable, and offered such great revisions and advice so effortlessly.

This was an exhilirating experience. My first pitch. It was invigorating to be amongst other writers who have a certain something about them. Passion, hope, faith, courage, and dogged determination. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to share one of my picture books. Now I need to quickly do some revisions and re-submit it per request. This pitch event is like American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance, but for writers. It seems I was asked to stick around for the choreography round. Hey, I'll take it, it's just another step closer to Vegas week.

E.Marie, Chris and me!

I am grateful I was able to meet with Naomi Kirsten of Chronicle Books. I found a great interview/story she participated in, a year ago, that had some fabulous tips for young writers - but I figure... we're all young at heart. Check it out below. May we all keep dreaming, and pitching ourselves out there.