Two weeks ago, I was terrified. I had submitted the draft of my novel to a contest called Pitch Wars, where two thousand writers vied for the opportunity to have their work edited and presented to agents.

Over the course of 8 years, I had written 4 novels, but every one of them sat in a drawer, unpublished. Until I took one of them out and started preparing it for Pitch Wars. Applying for Pitch Wars was a fun and clarifying process, and it stoked the fire that had lit under me with my writing.

Entering this contest felt like buying a lottery ticket: I began to dream what could come of it; and felt a vague sense of disappointment that I would be back where I started if I wasn’t chosen. When I picked up the pen again after turning 50, I realized that feelings like these, and the fear of rejection, had stopped me in the past.  Which is why this year I have doubled down on my writing. I don’t want fear to stop me anymore.

As some of you know, it turned out that I was selected as part of Pitch Wars to work with two amazing author/editors, and present my book to a group of agents in the next round! The experience so far has been challenging and exhilarating. Every time I think I can’t do it, I do. Faith in my writing ability is returning slowly, but surely, coming back around.

But one thing I am keeping in mind is this: despite the results of this process, I have chosen MYSELF to succeed as a writer. Regardless of the results of this particular Pitch Wars process, I have a commitment to my writing, and to my drive to share these stories with the world.

I’d love to know: what is the one story you would love to share with others?

- Mary

P.S. The photo is of Bella enjoying the water.