Family, friends and writing

I always find it interesting when the subject of my writing comes up. So many are impressed I get paid for freelance work. I don't find that impressive. But what really is interesting are the comments I get when someone finds out I write fiction.

I always get the question, "So, do you have an editor yet?" My reply, "Um, no. I need an agent first." *weird look like I'm crazy*

Or:

"How's the book going?" Me: "Which one?" Them: "You have more than one?" Me: "Uh, yeah."

At this point I have to decide if I will tell them about the newest book. Is it worth it? I'm thinking not.

I went to a baby shower yesterday and was around a lot of family. Found out my favorite cousin has written two books over the summer. So when I told her mom that I was writing too her first question was, "Are you published?" A common question, to which I always reply, "Not yet." I used to explain the steps to getting published but after watching eyes glaze over, I stopped.

My mother, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with my writing. Her only question is, "You aren't putting sex in those books, are you?" I figure one day she'll walk into a bookstore and see my book, buy it and find the sexual stuff. I hope to see her face when she does.

So many people are well-meaning. I've been told the sites I can go to that will publish my book for me. I've also been given the names of small publishing houses to send my book to. I've been told how many agents JK Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, Stephen King and the dude who wrote, Zen and the Art of Motorcycles queried. And I appreciate all of it, dearly.

The fact is I'm taking my time. Researching agents, querying in small batches and writing more while I wait. I'm positive one of the books I write will snag an agent. And I know that it will happen when it's supposed to happen. I'm sure about that. Once that happens there will be deadlines to meet and I will no longer be able to be laissez-faire about my writing. It will become a job. I look forward to those days but am able to rest in the present and enjoy the journey. I also live vicariously through my friends. (I can't wait to go to the bookstores next year and place my friends' books in prominent places ;)

Through it all my husband has been very supportive. I don't know what I would do without him. I also have my group of writers that I can chat with. They have kept me going. This is important: having someone in your corner throughout it all, someone who understands. That is perhaps the biggest piece of advice I can give. If you need someone I suggest looking at Absolute Write or one of the other writer's forums. It's the best thing I ever did as far as my writing is concerned.

My big screw-up

Okay, I don't discuss agencies or who I query. Never! Ever!! Ever!!!

Well, until now.

There is this certain agency where a no from one equals a no from all. Which means I had to really think about who to query there. I thought for a looooong time. In fact for my first manuscript, I didn't even query with them because I couldn't make up my mind. They're all great.

Well, I read this awesome book and saw the agent. And then I read this other awesome book and saw the agent, and guess what...they had the same agent, at this agency where I couldn't make up my mind. And they were both on the edge of YA in a certain, um, relationship way. And since I have a certain, um, relationship thingy in mine (why yes, I am a prude) and that relationship went where it should (yes it embarrasses me and no I can't say the s-word) I decided that agent may not make me take that out - the, um, stuff, if I was chosen to be represented.

So, I sent my query to this agent. Umm, did I say that I was kinda sick at the time? That I was taking Ibuprofen? And maybe had a little-teensy-weensy drink too? No? I didn't say that? Well, it is la verdad (the truth).

I copied my query into a new mail thingy (yes, I love the word thingy) and had the Dear Ms. and then nothing. And guess what! I sent it. With no name. This is how I felt:



I literally wanted to cry because out of all that thinking and waiting, I screw up. To make matters worse, I began a small e-mail exchange with one of the other agents at that agency, and I realized how awesome this other agent is. Which just went to verify my thought that all the agents there are great.

So what to do, what to do...

I think I will bang my head against the wall and do nothing but get ready for OPWFTs move to our new home. Oops, was I not supposed to say that?!?