Endless Optimism

"So goes the endless optimism one must nurture to make dreams a reality. I'm not too fond of the theory behind The Secret which everyone is into these days. I'm a little skeptical that the universe can be shaped to our liking by the power of positive thinking. But I do know this. The optimist is always putting his best foot forward, at least giving himself the chance for success. The pessimist never bothers to make the effort and so he always loses out."

When I wrote the above words in my last post I was pretty sure I'd be signed with a new agent within weeks. Alas, it hasn't come to pass. So I ask myself, am I still a believer in the "endless optimism" theory? What choice is there? I could bid adieu to my dreams and settle in to a safe existence where taking any chances is too big of a risk to my fragile ego. But what purpose would that serve?

As always, I can see the silver lining in every cloud. And there is a silver lining. A little over a month ago I dropped an email to a prestigious New York based agent. Without dropping names I can tell you she represented the book HOLES that was eventually sold to Disney and made into a popular movie.

Within five minutes I had already received a reply, the quickest turnaround time I've experienced. She responded to my query email by requesting to see several sample chapters of my young adult dark fantasy PIERCING THROUGH. Again, a big thanks to my pals at AgentQuery.com who helped me polish my query.

Three weeks later, the agent responded with this, "Piercing Through is an engaging if shocking concept and one which you exploit effectively especially in the theatrical scene. Kindly send me the balance of the manuscript."

Finally, my first request for a complete read. With fingers crossed and bated breath I hope this will result in a contract. I always wonder if somehow I'm jinxing myself by speaking to soon. I know a lot of authors who won't even speak of their manuscript out of superstition. Oh well. I can't help myself. Partly it's out of pride and a sense of self-fulfillment, but a good portion of it is about wanting to share positive news with fellow writers. So many of us authors give up when things get a little turbulent. Hopefully, my positives will help others see the silver lining in their own gray cloud.

One quick plug. I recently finished a website with sample chapters of PIERCING THROUGH as well as some of my other work. Check it out if you're so inclined:
rjfanucchiwriting.ws

AgentQuery.com is an excellent resource for writers to meet other writers as well as possible agents and publishers. Check out my profile at the end of this post and join me there.