I have a very happy update! In the last week, I won a mini-mentorship with THE Kailei Pew and received my first-ever REQUEST from a Literary Agent. Woooooo!
I was privileged to visit with Kailei via Zoom last week and she’s just as lovely as I’ve always known. She asked me to send her three manuscripts so she can get a feel for where I am…and we’re going to choose one to workshop together. I’m over the moon happy and feeling very blessed to be working with her.
A few hours after I sent Kailei my manuscripts, I got the email I’ve been hoping, praying, wishing, and waiting for… A literary agent requesting to see more of my work!
I had begun wondering if this industry wasn’t meant for me…but then I was blessed with this mini-mentorship! I took that as a true sign that I am meant to keep going. Then only days later, I was beside myself with joy when I finally received the breakthrough I’ve been praying for! Finally, an agent found my story “interesting” and wanted to see more. That’s been my dream, my focus, in this “one step at a time” process.
When I read the email, I shot up from the couch, shouting for my daughter who was in the other room. I ran to her and hugged her and swung her around in circles…beginning to sob I said, “Thank you, Jesus,” over and over.
I tried calling my mom, a crying mess, but she didn’t answer (it was well past her bedtime in Hungary)…which was probably for the best because my sobbing would have instantly given her a scare!
My dad was unable to understand what I was making such a fuss about, but I hugged him and told him it was good news, and that’s the best we can do.
I spent the week working on my submission package. I poured over what I thought were my very best/most irresistible/unique stories and I compiled a document for the agent. I submitted it this morning. EEEEEEK. I’ve already refreshed my email about 20 times.
Now, don’t worry…I’m not putting all my eggs in this basket. I fully understand that it’s unlikely this turns into me becoming agented. But for some reason, in my mind, having it finally happen (even just this once) gives me the strength and stamina to press on. Because honestly, I wasn’t sure this day would ever come. So again, I’m so grateful for this nudge onward.
We’ve hit nearly five months of my dad living with us and I’m happy to report that things have been very smooth-sailing for some time now. We’re in a lovely little routine. There are hard moments that happen some days, but I’m happy to report there haven’t been many hard days. Another blessing!
I’ll leave it right here, thankful and blessed and full of great expectations about what’s to come.
Featured Image: Me ready to go for The Writing Barn’s “Pitch And Play” event about two weeks ago. I was a bit disappointed in the event, on the whole. But this week, as I quickly developed pitches for newer stories I’ve never queried, I must admit…the event paid off! Yay!
My Pilgrimage to Publication and Beyond 