Writer’s Dilemma: 2016 edition

I’ve entered a manuscript into the 2016 Pitch Wars.

I’m one of about 2000 writers vying for 128 slots, to be mentored for two months while I revise the mms. In early November, the mentee authors get a chance to have their work considered by a large group of agents and publishers. I have a very small chance to be selected in this first round, and no guarantee that my mms will go anywhere in November.

I’m doing this to meet other authors, and to get fresh eyes on this story.

The Pitch Wars and mentors have rightfully and repeatedly warned participating authors to watch what we say and do on social media. Normally, I’d agree.

But this is 2016 and America is facing one of the most important Presidential elections in our history. I’m about to post two blog entries that will no doubt earn the ire of many socially conservative readers…among them, prospective writing partners, agents, and editors. If so, so be it. They and I would probably not be good social or business partners, anyway. If this gets me bounced out of this contest or other opportunities…again, so be it.

This particular manuscript won’t be harmed if I trunk it again, or query it directly to the Big Five or good small publishers…or self-publish.

My fiction is important to me, as is all my art. But life is even more important. I couldn’t do much of my art in the world that a lot of the strict religious fundamentalists – of any religion – seem to want.

My art is certainly not as important as this election.

So fair warning, readers.