And so we come to the happy home at the end of the path…*cue the needle screeching across the record*.
Look. Writer to writer, your journey along the path to publication will not be mine, and even mine is, as yet, unfinished. But here’s an ending to this particular set of stepping stones.
A few years after I had signed with Alyssa, and now, thanks to her, had three novels and my one non-fiction baby under my belt, I decided to go to grad school for my MFA in writing for children. I adored that experience in every way, but especially in how it freed me from thinking I had to write the same thing every time I sat down at the computer.
I’m kind of an eclectic person, so the idea that I could veer off from my YA historical romances into uncharted territory? That was fantastic.
As I was finishing my degree and had turned in my third novel, I opened Facebook one morning to find an image posted by a friend that turned my world upside down. It was a picture of a 19th century chatelaine*, but it was so weird that I had to download it. And I began to write.
*A chatelaine is a piece of jewelry. Kind of a charm bracelet, but worn at the belt. See here for more.
The start of the story came from my subconscious, so when I came out of that trance I didn’t know what to make of it, until…the same day (I‘m not kidding) Alyssa emailed me and said that an editor friend would love to work with me and did I by any chance have an idea for a book that involved jewelry?
Yes, you can now cue the woo-woo sounds.
I wrote back and said, calmly, why, yes indeed, I did have an idea and I’d send it along shortly. Two days later I emailed Alyssa the first 40 pages of a book about…a chatelaine. A piece of jewelry.
Well, dear reader, it wasn’t quite what was expected, but Alyssa loved the beginning. By the time I finished a draft, however, the editor had moved on, and Alyssa had become disenchanted with it. But I was firmly in love.
Several months later Alyssa and I were no longer in sync about this novel, and we decided to agree to disagree, and then a few months after that, we amicably parted company.
No fault, no foul – this happens all the time between agents and authors. Ask me about it if you want to know more.
So I was once again like a newbie, trying to find someone to represent me, thinking my short-lived career might be over, loving this book but not sure I could get an agent to love it too.
If you’ve read all of these posts, you will remember the agent named Erin who so kindly gave me advice about my first novel that led to my first success. I queried her.
Three months after that, we were on the phone as she expressed an interest in representing me, mainly because yes, she did love what she saw of that novel. And I remember very clearly her words when I refreshed her memory about our earlier interactions:
“I find, in this business, that it’s best to take the long view.”
I recommend to those of you who are hunting for representation or for publication or to fulfill any wish, that you print this statement out and keep it close.
The chatelaine story went on to become my breakout book, The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle. I love Erin, who is still my agent. I still have a career, and yes, I still like to be eclectic with my choice of subjects. And oh, by the way, Alyssa wrote me a lovely congratulatory note when CCRC came out – the long view very much intact.
Your path will not be mine. My path, as I said, still winds on. But in addition to what Erin said above here’s what I can tell you.
If you are…
· Persistent
· Passionate about your work
· Knowledgeable about the craft
· Knowledgeable about the industry
· Open to luck
· Open to finding your community
· Open to change
· Taking the long view
…you will succeed.
Some of these things you must find within yourself. But some you may need help to find. I’d be delighted to advise in the latter.
As regards community, early in 2024 I’m opening a mentorship program that will be heavy with connection as well as craft and industry knowledge, so please stay in touch if you are at all interested.
Sending luck your way!
Next post – what’s up with middle grade books right now??
Aw, thank you, Wendy!!! I loved that book too much to abandon it!
I'm quite glad you found someone to represent Charmed Children so we could all enjoy it!