Something I've Been Waiting to Say

Once upon a time, my husband learned not to bat an eye when I leapt out of bed and ran for my laptop. He let me bounce ideas off his brilliant head, and he read and reread every word I wrote and rewrote, as did my brilliant brother who is also an author.

I packed up the car for two writing workshops with Dave Wolverton, because I wanted to do this right. When it was my turn to have my story critiqued, Dave called it the cherry-chocolate chip ice cream he'd been craving. I was so excited I cried like an idiot in front of adults and broke out in hives the next day. It was an itchy but joyful 14 hour drive home.  I no longer have negative physical reactions to good news, and it's a good thing, because one day, I checked my email.

An agent who had requested my manuscript wanted to talk. When we talked, she offered me representation. Officially, with a contract which I signed in my most professional handwriting, and waved around a little bit. I did not get hives, but I did do a dance all over my house.

Me, happy.

The amazing Rachel Marks of Rebecca Friedman Literary is now officially my agent, and we're getting ready to start the next leg of the journey, which is looking for a publisher. This process could take weeks to years, and that's perfect. I'm all in. I'll keep you posted, and I would love your support. This isn't something you do alone.

It's said a lot that writing is solitary. It's true there are a lot of hours spent tucked away in a world of your own creation. But writing groups, workshops, networks, beta readers, editors, agents, family or friends who help you find the time to write...I don't see how it could ever work without them. At the teary, itchy writing workshop, a writer who had editing expertise pulled me aside and gave me a free hour of editing, advice and encouragement. Several of us formed a writing group to critique each other's work. It's not solitary at all.

Occasionally a beta reader will send me a message, wondering how things are going with Time Walker, and if the next book is ready. Well, it's not the finish line, but we're a big, awesome step closer! Thank you for reading, caring, helping, and encouraging. It's the best thing in the world to feel believed in.

I've wanted to be able to say this for the longest time...I have an agent!