Friday, January 04, 2008

In the Bones

I have the kind of fatigue right now that feels like it is leaking out of my bones.

I need to go hook up a nice plump vein to a pot of coffee and clear the cobwebs.

In the past, when I've heard writers liken the writing of a book to birthing a child I scoffed. I've done my share of birthing, and I just thought it was a weak metaphor.

Not anymore. I've been working for months on a young adult novel, and I feel like I am in the 42nd week with preeclampsia. I started sending out queries to the agents in New York who accept email submissions and I have been amazed with the swiftness of the responses. I have been receiving so many rejections that when I get one that isn't a form letter I feel touched.

Until yesterday. An agent from a house I really like sent me an email asking for the first fifty pages of the book. So I polished the first fifty as best I could and shot it off to her around 1:00 am today.

That was my water breaking.

Now, I am faced with the rest of the book. I need to get this baby ready for the real world on the off chance (and I do mean off; odds are she'll thank me for my time and "pass on the project") she wants the entire book.

Heavy breathing isn't helping much. I hope this doesn't jinx things.

44 comments:

Mary Alice said...

Congratulations my friend. Remember I trained as a doula...so I recommend walking to get those contractions set up :-)

the dragonfly said...

Wow, congrats!

And breathe. Don't forget to breathe.

:)

Nancy said...

Fingers crossed here, congratulations and indeed, pace yourself!

Jan said...

Good luck. I'm a bookseller and I know how hard it is to get published. Just keep at it, and soon I'll be hand-selling your just released YA to my customers

Mrs. G. said...

My fingers and toes and eyes are crossed for you, Jen. They really are.

dawn224 said...

wow! contra... what? Congratulations (apparently I was getting ready to type "contractions"????)

Family Adventure said...

WOW!! That is huge! My husband is having labour pains with his first, too (taking the metaphor all the way here), so I know how stressful this must be. But exciting all the same. Can't wait to hear how it all works out and when I can pick up a copy at my local bookstore :)

Heidi

Life As I Know It said...

Congratulations!
Positive thoughts coming your way!

Anonymous said...

you could try Hypnobirthing the book...

Suburban Correspondent said...

You go, girl! That is so exciting!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful and fabulous accomplishment! I'm sending you hee hee hee and ha ha ha breaths! Good luck finishing her up!

Unknown said...

woooo! fingers crossed!!

Robin said...

Sending loads of easy labor/healthy delivery vibes your way.

flutter said...

breathe slow and deep, friend, these are exciting times.

A. Nonny Mouse said...

Wow! So exciting! Let me know if you want a pair of impartial eyes to take a look at it. I frequently do proof-reading stuff for my non-fiction writing mom. I'd love to help if I can!

Otherwise, I am sending good thoughts your way!

Jen said...

Thanks, guys! And Erin - I just may take you up on that!

Rima said...

Wow! I mean WOW! That is spectacular, and a lot more than most aspiring authors can say for themselves. I have no doubt you will be able to birth literary gold when the time comes ;)

Anonymous said...

So cool! Grueling, I'm sure.

I'm trying to remember helpful ideas - a focal point, deep breathing, and ice chips are the best I can offer.

imbeingheldhostage said...

I'm crossing all of my body parts!!! Break a nail!

amanda said...

WOW, how exciting. Congrats....

Keeping It Real said...

Got my fingers crossed for ya. Sounds like you got your foot in the door at least. Good luck.

Kat said...

Wow! That deserves a hearty "Congratulations!"! That is so incredible! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, and yes, try the deep breathing.

Mary Beth said...

Oh Congratulations and Good Luck with everything. Remember to have a paper bag nearby for when you start hyperventilating:)

Enjoy!

The Ferryman said...

Awesome! You can do it!

Beck said...

Good grief! Congratulations!

Moments Of Mom said...

I have a friend who runs her own publishing company and publised two of her own books. Now available on Amazon.com.

Leave me a message on my blog with your email and I can get you in contact with her.

Blogging Moms, help other blogging moms!

Jennifer said...

How exciting! Congratulatiions! Now, breathe, breathe, breathe. :)

bichonpawz said...

Breathe deeply girl! Slowly....BIG Congratulations & positive thoughts comin' your way!

painted maypole said...

Oh! Oh! Oh! I am praying, sending good thoughts, and everything else! That's exciting!!!

:)

Congrats, even if this one doesn't pan it, it's a huge thing, getting asked for those 50 pages.

Anna said...

Oh Jen, so exciting! You are my idol, go get 'em!

Anonymous said...

You are a fabulous writer and if there is any justice in the world, you will soon be a published one...can't wait to see that book on the shelves one day soon.
Valle

Fairly Odd Mother said...

Oh, I'm panting for you! Hang in there and squeeze that baby out! Congrats and my fingers are crossed.

BetteJo said...

I missed seeing both of my babies being born because I closed my eyes to push - but I'm gonna keep my eyes open for this one!

How exciting for you! Congratulations!

crazylady said...

Copying Judy Blume is copyright infringement,just so you know ;)

A writer. Well spank you very hard!
How are you going to tone down the sarcasm and questionable lyrics for a yout' novel? I'll buy it though, and force my kid to read it to me. New concept I'm working on called
Books on Tape-worm

Girlplustwo said...

how utterly cool is this. all you have to do is push.

insanemommy said...

Omg, do you mean we could have our own "J.K. Rawlings or Danielle Steele amongst us?! Well, I'd like to think that it was I who discovered you. lol.... Congrats pretty lady. You so deserve this. You are indeed a wonderfully entertaining writer.
p.s. I don't know anything about the labour of birthing but if it's anything like the wait of adoption I know it must be hell. Good luck.

Kristi B said...

You are AWESOME!
I'll get to say I knew you when...
Congrats!

Anonymous said...

What? That is amazing! I'm so proud of you! Congrats.

Anonymous said...

That is very exciting!

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

Time to ask for the epidural -- or, perhaps, a few shot glasses brimming over with tequila?!

Congrats! Keep us posted...

Anonymous said...

Hope it's the beginning of a long and fabulous relationship. A good agent is worth their weight in gold!

Jenn said...

Just the fact that you've got this far is something to be proud of! I want to write a book...I have nothing!

Good Luck...keep pushing!

BipolarLawyerCook said...

Oh my goodness. Fingers crossed, eyes crossed, legs crossed!

Mayberry said...

Wow! That is so exciting! Here's hoping that baby makes a quick and easy exit. Hmm. Maybe the metaphor is no longer working here. Anyway, good luck!