It Only Takes One. It Only Takes One. It Only...

I hate querying.

I really do.

The stats don't looks so lovely for THESE WICKED WATERS. I've been repeating the phrase "it only takes one" over and over in my head. Yet... I'm still largely pessimistic. What if the concept for TWW is too outdated? I mean, sirens aren't hugely popular anymore. But then I tell myself that it's not really about sirens.

Ugh. I'm obviously a bit discouraged. I just want to show up at an agent's office and be like, "Please want me."

 Those of you who have followed my blog from the beginning watched as I fielded rejection after rejection for AFTER ALICE. You saw me throw in the figurative towel and move on to another project.

Well, guess what?

As much as I get depressed over and frustrated with the "business" aspect of the literary world (agents have to make tough calls on what will sell--and what won't--I know), I'm not giving up.

THESE WICKED WATERS is worthy of a publishing contract. Just wait, guys. It will be on a bookshelf. Maybe not this year or next year, but one day.

Keep the faith!

P.s. I recorded reaction videos for the first five of my query letters. They'll be up on my YouTube Page on 6.26.15.

Growth

Back in September I planted some forget-me-not seeds in a teapot. I was hoping for beautiful blue flowers in a whimsical pot to brighten up my desk. That's not quite what I got.

                                

A week passed and green shoots emerged from the soil. But so did nasty little bugs the size of a pin. I tried a soap and water trick via my mom to get rid of the mites. No such luck. Disappointing.

                                         

Saturday evening found me dumping out my plants and refilling the teapot with brand new soil and seeds. So far no bugs. Trust me, I've become OCD with checking.

This planting mishap applies to writing too. I have a first manuscript that I am 110% ashamed of. But through that mishmash of plot and romance, I learned how to write. Writing is a gift that can only be honed by experience. Now I'm querying my third book that I think is fantastic (if only the agents would think so too!). But I bet, two years down the road, I'll look back on AFTER ALICE and cringe.

                                    

It's the nature of the beast.

Let the Querying...Begin!

On Monday I entered a whole new realm of the writing adventure: querying!

                                               

After three weeks spent writing/editing my query letter...

After two months (in total) editing my book...

After five months writing my book...

I knew I was ready. After compiling a list of agents on Query Tracker, I set to work. After 62 emails, all my "letters" were sent. Phew!

Since I had off work that day, I pretty much spent the waiting period cleaning and watching Firefly. Oh, the wretched waiting period!

                                       

Then I got an email.

                                                        

And in that email was a full request! Ensue running around the house and screaming.

Of course, this is only the first response and I've got about 61 to go. Eek, I can already feel the pang of soon-to-be rejections. But honestly? I love every moment of it. This is what being a writer is about. Throwing yourself out there and seeing the result.

We'll see if I'm still saying that come Thursday ;)