I’m thinking about applying for entrance to bootcamp.

No, not the Army, or the Marines.  Even I have some extremes I won’t go to!  No, this would be the sit-around-and-write kind of bootcamp, as offered by Orson Scott Card.

I’ve looked over my shoulder and wondered about bootcamp before, as I watched my friends traipse through it and come out stronger writers, but the time wasn’t right.  This year, all my excuses–the kids aren’t old enough, my focus isn’t enough on my writing to justify it, it’s on the wrong coast, our summer is too packed–all seem a little lame or have disappeared.  Plus, I feel that my writing’s right on the edge of something better, and I’d like to give it a shove over the precipice.

Of course, I still have to be accepted, and there-in lies the catch.  I think I have the writing skills required, and can stack the odds in my favor if I submit the required first page from the very best and most polished story I’ve ever written.  That would give me the best shot, right?

But one purpose of the bootcamp is to have OSC critique the page submitted, and wouldn’t I get more out of his help if I submit a page which I’m stuck on?  I’ve got some stories I think have a high degree of un-tapped potential, maybe OSC could help me get them to the next level.

Unless, of course, my submitted sample wasn’t up to snuff and I was kindly refused admittance to the camp.  You see my dilemma?  Perhaps he’ll let me send bids number one, two and three, each better than the last?  That way I can escalate the skill level required of my writing while still using the most broken story palatable.  Brilliant, yes?

If only I thought it would work.