Word Weaves

I finished the rewrite on my first book, polished my query and groaned through another synopsis. I researched agents on Agentquery, Querytracker, SCBWI, and the Children’s Writers and Illustrators’ Market Guide. Then, I checked SFWA’s Editors and Preditors to ensure none of my chosen agents were on the Beware List.

Two weeks ago, I sent queries to fourteen agents. I had the first response within two hours. I took a deep breath and opened the email. My eyebrows sprung to my hairline. It wasn’t a rejection! The agent requested a partial. I stared at the computer in shock. I wasn’t ready for this. I had prepared for fourteen rejections. At best, I hoped for nice rejections.  

I pulled up the first few chapters of my book and with superhuman will power, I did not reread them before I pushed send. More deep breathing and some hyperventilating followed. Since that day, I’ve received three very nice rejections and another request for a partial. Even if my sample chapters don’t pass muster, I’m thrilled to have written a query that does. But I’m not sure when I’ll stop feeling like a spastic balloon, puffing up and deflating.

When I announced my Highlights Fiction Contest win last week, someone steered me to the Verla Kay message boards for children’s writers and illustrators. A Highlights’ contest thread started on Verla Kay last year. Writers shared their experiences, from story conception through contest results. Some stories were bought, others returned with editor’s suggestions. I enjoyed reading their posts and was sorry not to have been a part of their journey.

My own path wasn’t without support. My husband is my first reader. I value his insight and I’m always thrilled when he laughs at the right places. My contest entry was also vetted by the talented group on the Yellow Brick Road, an invitation only critique forum for children’s writers. They made excellent suggestions on my first draft and annointed my final version. I sent it off with their blessings. When I heard the good news from the editor, they were the first to hear outside my family.

Before YBR, I joined the Florida Writers Association. Critique leader,  Vicki Taylor, honed my skills, reinforced what I was learning in books, and taught me the fundamentals of critiquing. Then I found Eugene Orlando’s terrific SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) group in Brandon, Florida.

Earlier this month, I attended my first Florida SCBWI conference. I can’t explain the feeling of being surrounded by writers who share my passion for children’s stories. It was like smelling bread baking or tasting rich chocolate…a great delight. I listened to their first page critiques and felt honored to be a part of this amazing group. SCBWI provides a wealth of support for children’s writers. And it’s needed. We shut the world out when we’re creating, but writers need society. My Highlights’ win pays respect to all who shaped my writing.