Since I am taking this whole writing “thing” seriously now (I’ve invested time, money, highlighters and red pens into SEVERAL books on writing), I decided it’s about time to buy that big book that every writer and agent and website has told me to get to increase my odds of getting an agent and of getting published. I must remind myself that this doesn’t guarantee anything, but it increases my odds, and since I have never even won at Bingo, I need all the help I can get.
I went to my local B&N (Barnes and Noble for those who are not obsessed fans) and reserved the book, Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents 2010 by Jeff Herman. I flipped through it (which is roughly the size of an encyclopedia at 1,094 pages) and found it so far very useful and fun; and all for just $29.99 plus tax.
I can’t wait to get started with my sticky notes, more highlighters and the never ceasing usage of red pens.
I reserved it online and stopped by the store to pick it up after work yesterday. I go to the counter, tell the young guy there my last name, and he comes back with this behemoth. Our conversation is as follows (to the best of my memory that is):
ME: “That’s HUGE!”
Guy: “Yeah,” laughs, “It is pretty big. You a writer?”
ME: “Yup. I’ve completed one already and am working on a few others.”
Guy: “That’s awesome. What do you write?”
ME: “The one I’ve completed is a Young Adult Fantasy. The others vary.”
Guy: Nods, scans the day planner that goes all the way to the end of 2011 that I also purchased, tells me my total. “Is it a vampire one?”
ME: I know my face probably turned red, as it always does in situations like these. I am not ashamed of what I wrote, just self-conscious. There’s so much hype and crap out there, that all vampire books are automatically lumped into the same pile? But what about Ann Rice, I ask?! So, I stalled only seconds and answered with a convincing smile and laugh, “No.” I know, I am ashamed.
Guy: “Good for you.” Which made me feel all the worse for denying my true self and my novel!!!
ME: “I’m more original than that.” Oh dear. What am I doing? Stop talking now, RaeLynn, just stop.
Guy: Laughter. “Have a good day.”
--Me
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