This year felt different to me. Conferences were always about the search for an agent, a gatekeeper who believed in my work, as I like to think of them. Last year I was lucky enough to be introduced to such a person and sign with his agency. No butterflies or involuntary fits of nerves for me this time. I didn't have to convince anyone of anything. I'd crossed that threshold so I enjoyed the lectures, made new friends, and volunteered with the conference staff.
As I watched my fellow writers charging the gates of the publishing industry with their latest polished bio and synopsis in hand, I realized that they ( the writers/my friends) hold the true key to the gate. Hard work, confidence, planning, and preparedness are the notches in the metal needed to find the right fit with the right agent...and yes, luck and timing figure in somewhere too.The best thing about this year was the encouragement I was able to give to other writers on the verge of discovery. One agent asked me, "So who do I need to talk to while I'm here? You know what they are writing." Floored that he would seek my advice, I pulled myself together and pointed him toward a few writers with manuscripts I love. I hope it helped. I hope their dreams come true because next time I fly to New York, I want a buddy on the plane with me.
On the personal front, I had a moment at the end of the conference where I just had to sit down and take stock of how far I've come. Because of the hard work of my fabulous agent, my manuscript is sitting on desks, waiting to be considered by editors in 10 of the largest publishing houses in the country. This little girl from a small town in Georgia had to take a deep breath and shed a few tears of joy. No matter what happens from this moment on, I'll hold that feeling inside my heart forever.
If you are reading this and you write...don't give up! Keep writing, keep honing your craft, keep persevering and your magical time will come. Case in point is the author of the recently released children's book Granny McFanny. Lewis Kimberly is my dear friend. Last year she pitched her idea for Granny McFanny to Stephen's Press and debuted her new book on the first night of the conference. Dreams do come true!
By the way, my preschooler has been running around the house for the last few days yelling, "Granny McFanny for President!" Buy the book for a child you love and you'll understand why this is so adorable.
