In these days of self publishing and ebooks, some people believe that the need for Literary Agents has expired. I have never been one of those people.
It has been my desire to be traditionally published. That journey began for me by finishing my Bachelor’s degree in creative nonfiction writing. This was followed by post-graduate work at both my alma mater, then more recently as a part of National University’s Creative Nonfiction MFA program.
Although I had planned to finish the MFA program and to use my work in progress, The Car that Ran on Prayers, as my Thesis, some plans required a bit too much “leaning unto my own misunderstanding,” and were not completed as I expected. I’m currently taking a leave of absence from the program but I have not ceased working on the book.
I have a mental illness. Actually, I have several comorbid mental illnesses. When the COVID19 isolation began, I thought it would just be a normal thing for me. After all, I don’t leave my home much and I do isolate on the regular. Well, it was anything but “normal” or regular. In fact, the personality that is required for academic work in my brain just up and left. I’ll be writing more about this phenomenon on MyMEsBlog.com in coming days and weeks.
In and amongst all of the frustrations with school that seemed more difficult than ever before (that’s what happens when the part of your brain responsible for research and study goes on a walkabout), came a glimmer of good news. A dear friend of mine was pursuing a goal to become a literary agent.
I met Dennis virtually last year on a group of Facebook writers who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Both of us being converts with checkered pasts, we became fast friends. When Dennis informed me early this year he was taking the leap of faith to represent other authors as a Literary Agent, I immediately asked him if he would represent me.
He. Said. YES.
This might not seem big to other people. After having spent innumerable hours on the phone with Dennis over the past year, I know in my heart and soul that he is the best person out there to represent my writing and to partner with me in this goal of selling my books to the appropriate publishers.
Being mentally ill and having more than my share of physical challenges, I decided a long time ago that I needed a partner in this writing career business. I am incredibly thankful that Heavenly Father sent me Dennis. He is just the person for the job. Where I am not the best advertiser of myself and my writing, Dennis makes up for my deficits and then some.
The Car that Ran on Prayers will be our first project. It is currently in rewrite and you can keep up with my notes about that rewrite and plans for publication as they happen if you like and follow the Facebook page that I’ve set up in advance of publication here.
Love and Lighte from Maggie Slighte
