How is it almost June? JUNE!
Now I ask you, fellow writer, considering we are half-way through the year, have you achieved your writing goals?
I haven’t.
At the outset of this year, I set a goal to start querying my Adult Speculative with Romance. The roller coaster that is querying began for me as I was propelled into querying, tricked in truth, into joining the line for a monstrous amusement park ride, the kind of ride that induces nausia, forcing me to lay out on the grass and ponder why on earth I would ever, ever to do that to myself. But somehow we forget and then find ourselves once again entering those line ups, too embarrassed to skip out at the last moment… but maybe we should.
The year started off with an unexpected consequence to a query package course, taught by an agent on my ‘dream agent wish list’. My participation and homework submission precipitated a full manuscript request! Figuring I might as well harness the momentum, I set a goal to always have at least ten queries out in the world. Thrills and shrieks abounded when another dream-boat agent requested a full.
While awaiting news on those full requests, leasuirly coasting the picturesque dives and dips of any typical coaster ride, I elected to polish my query package with a paid critique from a beloved literary agent and renowned query letter critiquer.
Waiting on her final comments, after several equilibrium shifting rounds of edits, the coaster pace slowed. I found myself in the lead cart, the metal track click-click-clacking to ascend the highest peak.
Then, my stomach plummeted as both agents declined my manuscript. I think I might be sick.
I was however, sure, albeit nervous, but undoubtably convinced this critiquer’s final comments would be THE KEY to improving my query package such that no queried agent could ever resist.
Insert dreamy, romantic sigh.
Then… crickets.
Nothing.
Empty inbox. No news.
Months went by. I felt as though I were standing in an amusement park ride line, baking in the full mid-day sun, unable to see the end of the line for a ride I didn’t even want to go on. Barely a shuffle and my feet were aching.
Then, I was thrust sideways by a message from a fellow writer to inform me that my query critiquer had sadly passed away.
My deepest condolences to the family, friends and close writing community for agent and Query Shark, Janet Reid. Janet, thank you for your kind, encouraging words and the humour and grace with which you shared your suggestions. You will be missed.
Now what?
As query rejections dribbled in from my original ten, and I failed to submit new queries, I’d allowed my goal of keeping ten queries out in the world to slip by.
Months passed. I exchanged pages with a critique group and offered comments on a fellow author’s query letter (and oh my, her premise is so good). It was a sweet distraction. But I wasn’t making progress on my goal.
Then, while wandering aimlessly in this amusement park of the online writing world, I spotted a thriller of a ride! A coaster with sky-scraper highs and death-defying lows.
So, why not?
I joined the throng of fellow online hopefuls flocking into #RevPit. I studied the editors and submitted. I didn’t ‘win’ per se, but I made the top ten posted list for one of the editors and have since engaged his services to complete this round of query package comments.
Then, I’m going to line up for the ride of my writing life, by submitting a fresh batch of queries. I’m going to strap myself into that bloody cart and hold on for dear life. I may even keep my eyes open.
Want to join me?
We can scream, pose for selfies, cry, and after, as we puke in the grass, we can discuss the scariest and most memorable moments.
I’d be happy for the company. Feel free to reach out and we can line up together for this ride into publication.
P.S. – This creative moment is brought to you in part by the Independent Publisher, Chicken House Press, and her CEO, publisher, primary creative and editor, Alanna Rusnack for hosting a Writing Intensive in the Durham Art Gallery, where seven writers became a living art exhibit, writing on display.
