Do you like how I did that? How I added a million !!!!!! to the title to make it seem like AWESOME news? And it is good news. Sort of. Depending on how you look at it.
No - I am not getting published. Yet.
Yes - I did part ways with my agent.
*GASP*
It's totally cool. I've decided to take things in a different direction. I'm returning to supernatural YA, which is sort of where I started. But I'm going dark and creepy and eerie. Basically - the complete opposite of my YA contemporary.
My YA contemporary manuscript WAS NOT WORKING. I still think it's kind of cute and sweet but I wrote it last summer as a break...a fun project. I never expected big things from it. I queried it a little on a whim and got lucky.
But I'm so ready to make things happen this year, you guys. I really am. Not like I haven't been trying so far but I feel like I've got more in me. When I feel like I've done all I can -- I may stop. But I don't feel that way yet. I need to really buckle down and chug out the best manuscript that I can. I've already got a query in the wings for the new WIP. Of course, it may change as I keep writing because who hasn't changed plots in the middle of a first draft?
I think it's important to remember this: Agents are there to work for you. If they can't do anything for you, it may be time to move on. No hard feelings. It's a business. It can really feel sometimes like agents are hiring you, because of the query process. But you are hiring them to help with your writing career. It's a partnership. A two-way street.
So I'm starting fresh. Hey - I've done the query world before. It's kind of fun. (AM I CRAZY? Possibly). I've developed a pretty thick skin over these years of writing, whether through rejections through queries or rejections through literary online magazines. It's tough, yes. But right now, it's the manuscript I need to work on. I love my new WIP. I think this could be THE ONE. (I might have said that before...) I'm only about halfway through a first draft so I've got a ways to go.
If you have any questions about my experience, please feel free to e-mail me or leave in the comments! Happy to answer!
I'm oddly relieved about this. I swear I'm not being falsely optimistic. I like starting fresh. Which I think is a good sign. =)
Wow, Lisa. I'm really impressed - instead of faking out and going with the industry, you're sticking true to your writing. I mean, I know that's kind of what authors have to do if we want our writing to ring true, but it's still encouraging to see someone actually DOING it, instead of talking. :) I am sorry about your agent though, starting over can be stressful - but your attitude is great! :) So rock on, and best of luck with the new WIP. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that is big news! Congrats on doing what's best for you and being absolutely fearless about it--your self-confidence will serve you well :)
ReplyDeleteYou have to do what's right for you. As long as you're happy, that is the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd I support you no matter what. I know how awesome your writing is.
Whoa! I wasn't expecting that. But good on you. It's taken me awhile to realise that you have to stay true to what's in your heart. And I love eerie and creepy. The new WiP sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThat comment is from ME. I didn't realise I was signed in with my other (read: query) account.
ReplyDeleteThanks all!
ReplyDelete