As I prepare to send a submission to an agent that I really felt a strong connection with, I wonder if this might be my Christmas miracle? I have been honing my craft for many years and have stayed active in the industry–from being an active SCBWI member, 12×12 Gold Challenge member, and a part of the Courage to Create community. For the last three years, I have also been a TA for the Writing Barn, where I met my wonderful mentor, Carmen Oliver. Her and Bethany Hegedus have been the most wonderful mentors and friends to me. They have been my cheerleaders, never doubting me as a writer. They have both made agent introductions on my behalf, which I will forever be thankful for.
With all this being said, as we come close to the end of another year, I can’t help but feel, deep down in the depths of my being, that all of my hard-work, dedication, and unfaltering commitment, will soon pay off. As Carmen always says, “I can feel it in my bones!”
In 2023, I had some champagne rejections. I had one agent say to me (because the manuscript I pitched to her wasn’t a great fit but she LOVED my writing), “If you don’t have an agent by the New Year, please connect with me again.” As Bethany says, “A step in the direction of your YES!”
When I had my most recent one-on-one critique with an agent, I finished the time together really feeling a genuine connection. My fingers and toes are crossed as I put my work out there! Will it be a Christmas miracle? Here is hoping! Warmly, Lee
This is Lee Brockman 