The most wonderful/frightening/intimidating thing happened to me on the way to minding my own business: an agent read my story, “Under the Canopy” on PANK, and contacted me to inquire about what else I can show her and what I’m working on.
Of course I initially assumed it was a scam, because, I mean, do things like this ever happen? But after I verified she was legitimate (and actually a part of a very reputable agency), my emotions went haywire. NOW I actually have to finish this novel, because, honestly, y’all, I was ready to bail on it. I’m a little bit over with how long it’s taking to finish, but I sent this agent a sample chapter and she wants to see the whole thing when it’s done. WHEN, not IF. So that’s where we are now.
And I wish it was as easy as finishing up the manuscript I was already writing, except a wrench was thrown by the agent. She recommends I switch the POV to first person, because YA is usually first person. This was my face when I read her email:
So I’m basically re-writing the book, and what I thought would be an easy trade of HEs and SHEs to Is and MEs is anything but. The POV change forces me to rethink how the book is laid out, and of course, how the story is told (and who’s telling it). This is my face as I type this and am re-freaking out about the task at hand:
But this is my shot, right? Whether or not this agent ends up working with me, the fact that she approached me, and asked me for my book, says that I cannot afford to stop now, even though it’s all my brain is telling me to do. Trust me when I say I’m fighting my own messed up mind every day, to try and see this project through. Pray for me, y’all.
xoxo,
Raquel Ivelisse