Dear Bob at Agents 'R Us -

Among your aggregate list of authors you represent you clearly have a dearth of new talent! So look no further! I'm the person that you are looking for - charming, determined, and...

No. That's not really me. I don't know who that person is but she needs a good smack.

Dear Angela at Agent Emporium -

I got your details from the book that all wanna-be authors need. It says you're accepting new submissions, so here's mine! I'm getting off my rear end and finally doing something about the words siting around in my computer! I even have proof that I can write in a blog form, where thousands of people come in to read. I promise you'll be...

No. No, that's not quite right either. First, I don't have a fucking clue how many people read my blog. Second, just because you can blog doesn't mean you can write. And third, I'm just not that full of myself.

Dear Simon at Agent Possibilities -

I've always been afraid of rejection, but that can't stop me anymore. I've included 3 chapters from a book of mine I call "24A" because the real name hasn't told itself to me yet. The chapters are key pieces of the work, and I've included a half-page summary as well to help guide you through the plot.

I am happy to discuss with you further and see what possibilities there are for you representing me. I am also interested in editorial assistance and ways to string some of the sequences together in segues that are more didactic and aesthetic. That's not my forte and I recognize that flow is important.

I hope you like what I've written. The story is important to me, and if I'm honest I'm a little in love with my characters. But to me - rightly or wrongly - that's the making of an author. If you spend so much time with them in their lives and hearts, surely it's a good sign that you make them part of yours.

Many Thanks and Regards,
Helen

I'm jumping. No parachute. Not even a bungee cord, and I've always wanted to try bungee jumping. I've got a list of agents and am cleaning up chapters to send off to them. Every rejection letter I get I will keep. I'm even going to keep a running tally of them, take them on the chin, take them in stride. Being afraid is no longer an option, it's time I grew up and tried to see just what - if anything - I can make of my little hobby called writing. If no one likes it, it's time I shut the fuck up about wanting to be a writer when I grow up and accept that sometimes, dreams fall through the cracks. It doesn't mean you're crazy for trying, though.

And it's my hope that one letter will come in that doesn't reject me.

If or when that day comes, there'll be a party at my blog. You're all invited. Bring a glass, I'll have the corkscrew. Or should we do bubbly? You like bubbles?

-H.

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 09:29 AM | Comments (28) | Add Comment
Post contains 531 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Keeping everything crossed, fingers, toes, legs, you name it. You rock :-) L

Posted by: Lily at October 13, 2008 09:55 AM (Y8m4l)

2 Wow. I'm seriously impressed. How long have you been working on it, if you don't mind me asking?

Posted by: D at October 13, 2008 09:59 AM (bRx8a)

3 another chance for drinks woo hoo, i'll be here x

Posted by: Mei at October 13, 2008 10:14 AM (JoiGz)

4 I like bubbles. Go you!

Posted by: Hairy Farmer Family at October 13, 2008 10:28 AM (rm1/N)

5 Bubbles! Definitely the bubbles for something like this! Like Lily, finger, toes, eyes...everything is crossed!

Posted by: Suzie at October 13, 2008 10:30 AM (zJPh8)

6 OMG! Well done ... such a fabulous wonderful and exciting step! Good luck, break a pen (is that the equivalent of leg for actors) and keep positive! M x

Posted by: moira at October 13, 2008 11:44 AM (Z6Qfm)

7 You are a braver person than I. I wish you much luck and success with your writing.

Posted by: ewe_are_here at October 13, 2008 11:59 AM (yftiB)

8 I want a free copy when it's published. I haven't done anything to deserve it other than exist, plus I like hand-outs.

Posted by: MsPrufrock at October 13, 2008 01:21 PM (6Mr1k)

9 If you don't ask then you don't get. I have problems imposing structure on a shopping list so I take my hat off to you.

Posted by: Caroline M at October 13, 2008 01:47 PM (x3QDi)

10 so happy to hear this!

Posted by: BeachGirl at October 13, 2008 01:53 PM (U+oUO)

11 I love bubbles, and I'll be there with bells on when you get the acceptance letter, because I know you will!

Posted by: kenju at October 13, 2008 02:30 PM (MvNh+)

12 US agents or UK? Want me to pass along names? Sending so many good thoughts.

Posted by: Mel at October 13, 2008 02:37 PM (Ek6vU)

13 Good luck!!!

Posted by: Jennifer at October 13, 2008 02:40 PM (6X10o)

14 Finally!!

Posted by: pam at October 13, 2008 04:06 PM (l6NIn)

15 Fingers, toes and all available appendeges crossed and recrossed for you. I do not see how agents will not be pounding upon your door. You have talent, skill and a story to tell.

Posted by: Charles at October 13, 2008 04:13 PM (Kq6pH)

16 Wonderful!!! I'm so excited for you!

Posted by: Lisa at October 13, 2008 04:40 PM (hkgEp)

17 good for you! and good luck!

Posted by: Carol at October 13, 2008 04:55 PM (19QEy)

18 Bubbly, please! I'll have it chilling and ready.

Posted by: Marian at October 13, 2008 04:56 PM (OxdDo)

19 What a great thing to read at the start of my day! I am so excited for you. But, more than that, I am so filled with hope for you! You sound more excited than you have in a long while! I think things are going to start moving for you very soon. You have that special something, Helen. It is clear with every post you write. I am confident that you will get that "yes" and when you do, I'll be right here to help you celebrate! Bubbles it is!

Posted by: Stacie at October 13, 2008 05:35 PM (p6L8W)

20 Yea You!!!!

Posted by: donna at October 13, 2008 05:35 PM (Ubysq)

21 I'll be first in line when it comes out.

Posted by: kimmykins13 at October 13, 2008 06:29 PM (dU7tc)

22 *gasp* YEEEEEAHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I am SO proud of you!! And I totally love bubbles.

Posted by: Lauren at October 13, 2008 08:23 PM (Pt1kf)

23 Hon, you know that I'll buy a copy when this gets published. And I'll buy you a bottle of champagne to help you celebrate, although the shipping might be a problem. I'm gonna congratulate you in advance because I know -I KNOW- that this will happen for you, sooner or later, because I have the greatest confidence in you.

Posted by: physics geek at October 13, 2008 09:18 PM (MT22W)

24 Got everything crossed and sending all the good luck energy I can your way!

Posted by: Katy at October 13, 2008 10:14 PM (ItfyX)

25 Great news! You have a lot to say, and you say it beautifully.

Posted by: Danielle at October 14, 2008 01:58 AM (asO/v)

26 Helen, Good luck and if you need any more inspiration check out this fellow blogger who finally got his book published and now he is famous including a spot on the Oprah Show! http://waiterrant.net/ Cheers, Fred

Posted by: Fred at October 14, 2008 03:37 AM (JXMxY)

27 Is it wrong to hope that when you're a famous author you will keep a private blog we are all invited to? I know, I'm very selfish. You are going to be BIG dearest Helen.

Posted by: That Girl at October 14, 2008 04:42 PM (hzryQ)

28 I love bubbles. Can't wait to celebrate with you. This is way overdue!!!

Posted by: sue at October 14, 2008 04:51 PM (0K+AI)

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