Friday, August 29, 2008

Ho.ly.Wow

What a wild ride the last twenty-four hours have been.

I've mentioned in the not-so-distant past that I'm working on a non-fiction idea and proposal. Though it hasn't been my first "priority," what with querying my novel, I still knew it was something worth pursuing. Especially after this amazing sign.

So last night, after an opportunity presented itself, I felt led to follow the path laid before me and shot an e-mail to an agent. Would you be interested in seeing my proposal? I asked. His response came early this morning, with a request that I "send the proposal and a number of sample chapters." Having let him know in the beginning that I was merely near completion, he agreed to give me until next week. *squee*

I spent the day toiling over my proposal, expecting long, grueling days ahead of me, all-the-while my heart pounding like an energetic jackrabbit. Though I'd already put a lot of work and research into it (referencing this fantastic thread on AW), quite a bit remained. But, man, I worked it out. Each step of the proposal flowed out of me in such an amazing way. Like, in a way that told me this is supposed to be happening right now. It was the plan for me. And tonight my proposal is complete (and fantastic!) at sixteen pages.

The only thing is... after looking into this agent, I've decided to forego submission to him. Why? Because it just doesn't feel right. He's not what I'm after, especially when I want an agent for the duration of my career, for all aspects of my writing. But you know what? That's okay, because if I hadn't had this little blip of communication with him I wouldn't have pounded the proposal out. I wouldn't have dug around for information on him... nor would I have come up with details on an agent who IS perfect for me.

She deals with fiction and non-fiction, a definite bonus. Because I feel my strongest suit right now is this non-fiction book, I plan to send my proposal to her Monday. And, if/when the time comes, if it's a good fit? I'll mention I have a novel ready to go, too. Now of course my thinking she's a perfect fit doesn't mean she'll agree. But my confidence is so strong, so sure and affirmed by my faith in God right now, that I'm going to be okay whatever the outcome. I don't know, I can't explain it sufficiently. But this path I'm on right now is the path I'm to go down. I feel like my writing world is poised to explode, just down there... See it? I do.

I'll keep you posted.

7 comments:

Joshua said...

yes pleace keep us posted!

WendyCinNYC said...

Exciting, Janna!

You've been a busy girl. Fingers crossed.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Woo hoo! It feels good!

Angie Ledbetter said...

You'll do great. Isn't it a wonderful feeling to *know* you're doing/writing what you're supposed to be...guided by litte (and big) signposts along the way?

I ask the same questions you do about dabbling in so many different genres and forms, but I guess that's just the way some writers are built.

Congrats on your progress, and happy trails!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thanks, Angie. I appreciate your words and similarities. :)

Joanne said...

Janna, Wonderful news! You must've been so happy. Don't you love when the writing really works, and the hours pass so productively? Sending good thoughts & wishes for Agent #2!

Janna Leadbetter said...

It really was an amazing day as far as productivity goes, Joanne. I felt like I couldn't have flown any higher. :)