In Which I Feel Sorry For Myself When I Shouldn’t

I’m not sure if I’ll get this post up today (Wed.) when it’s actually due—if you haven’t noticed I post on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Or if it’ll be tomorrow. We’re on the way back from vacation, rested and relaxed. Now we’re already to get back to our work. Luke and Ariel to the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Jacob to Calc 1 at Chatt State, and Matt will start high school. I’d say that Cal would be getting back to work too, except that he never really stops studying, he just slows down on vacation. As for me, I’m ready to start teaching again. And I’m starting a new revision.


Yesterday I heard back from one of the literary agents who has been considering my young adult novel. Six weeks ago I’d turned in an R & R (revise and resubmit). I was hoping that when I heard from her this time, she’d be offering me a contract. She didn’t. But it wasn’t quite a rejection either. Instead she wants me to do another revision. Actually, I skipped the entire letter and read the last paragraph where it said she’d love to read a revision. Imagine my lower lip quivering. I didn’t cry, mostly I felt sorry for myself.

I forwarded the letter to one of my writing buddies Sharmon, who is also a very good friend. Then I waited for what I assumed would be a forthcoming email of consolation. I was wrong. Instead, she sent long emails telling me that not only was she not feeling sorry for me, she was actually jealous. She pointed out that one of the hot, upcoming and coming agents loved my book and was giving me specific guidance on exactly what issues needed to be fixed. Oh, did the agent say that? Right.

I guess, according to Sharmon, it’s time to “get my big girl panties on.” I’ll be starting those revisions on Monday.  Or maybe even Friday.