How I Got My Agent

Hidey-Ho, lovelies! Long time no blog, eh? Like…months too long. But hey, I’m here now, so let’s get into it, yeah?

*claps* Okay, let’s get into it! Forgive me if I’m a bit scatter-brained throughout this one, but I’m gonna do my absolute best to give you guys all the juicy details.

2015

I started my writing journey—the actual writing (not plotting) began sometime in the second half of the year. I wish I could tell you an exact date, but unfortunately I don’t have one. My first project was a Young Adult Fantasy (which I am currently rewriting, in case you were wondering. And, BOY, does it need an entire overhaul!).

2016- 2017

After about a year and a half of overworking my MS, I started to submit to agents. At this time, I was still learning how to find agents who were interested in my genre, figuring out when they were open or closed to submissions, the whole shebang. Naturally, I submitted to the wrong people at the wrong times among other blunders I still cringe at to this day. Now, I didn’t keep good records AT ALL for this first book. I’m guessing I sent about 70ish queries for this one? Of which I received two partial requests. Ouch!

As I went along I took EVERY rejection to heart, and implemented those into my MS. NOT GOOD! My story became a jumbled mess I hardly recognized by the end of it.

And then, I wrote another story. I only sent maybe four queries out for that new story before I shelved it.

2018

I’d hit a wall with my original story, but I wasn’t willing to shelve that one just yet. I knew I needed some outside help. So, I reached out.

I joined the #writingcommuity on Twitter, and started hearing about this wonderful thing called PitchWars. I submitted. I stalked the feeds. I connected with wonderful writers on the same journey I was on, and found some AMAZING beta readers who I am so fortunate to call friends now. (You know who you are *blows kisses*) Annnnnd….I didn’t get picked. I was devastated, and considered throwing in the towel.

Then, the most wonderful thing happened! I discovered THE BOOK OF MY HEART, and started drafting. Within two months, I had a rough draft. From there, I went through two rounds of edits, and started submitting.

End of 2018-2019

My first round of queries:

** Subbed to 50 agents— received 2 full requests and an R&R (Kinda? R&R as we went along together. It was an odd circumstance, really.) I was lucky to receive a lot of personalized feedback throughout this first round, and it became clear that while my premise was promising, my writing still needed work.

**Entered RevPit…didn’t get selected. I was devastated all over again, until I received the feedback of one kind editor who said she felt both my premise and my voice were strong, and she couldn’t do anything to improve it.

**Participated in PitMad; got requests that led to my second R&R.

I line-edited THE ENTIRE THING over again. Each chapter averaged about 10-12 hours of revision. It was a big one, guys, but my WORD was it better!

My second round of queries:

**20 agents—2 full requests, a handful of VERY encouraging rejections, and a referral.

Of those two requests, my now agent (the fantastic Jessica Reino) read my query and requested the full 40 MINUTES AFTER I SUBMITTED! I was over the moon! She read in less than a week, and a week after that we set up the call. She offered rep (and I nearly passed out on my back porch from excitement).

From there I countered the other agents who still had my manuscript, of which 3 requested the full.

Two weeks later I signed with Jessica, and let me tell you: I. AM. SO. BLESSED. She is so knowledgeable, and gets me/my writing better than I ever dreamed! Oh, and that first book I wrote way back when, the one that only got 2 partial requests? One of those partials was my now agent. So even though my writing wasn’t up to snuff at the time, we ended up finding each other in the perfect timing, and I couldn’t be HAPPIER!

So, to recap:

First book:

70 submissions, 2 partial requests

Second Book:

4 Submissions, zero requests

Third Book:

70 submissions, 7 full requests, 2 R&R’s and signed with my agent.

Moral of the story? DON’T GIVE UP! In the right time you’ll find the champion of your heart, your book, and your career needs.

Until then, stay persistent, lovelies! ❤

Written in the Stars

Okay…so it’s been forever. *insert excuse—NOPE! No excuses. Why? Because I have none. I’ve somehow let this little thing called writing get away from me. But see…it’s not little. In fact, it’s huge! Huge for my mind, huge for my spirit, huge just all around.

**Heads up, no idea where this post is going, other than in a very honest and transparent direction. If that’s not really your jam, I TOTALLY get it. Hop on outta’ here if you need.**

Writing is so much more than a daily sit at the computer, contemplating the next story, character, or plot point. It’s freedom. At least, it always has been for me anyway. Writing is an escape; that moment of breath in the midst of an otherwise chaotic world. And, I know I’m not the only one who feels this way: pent up, eager to smash down walls and rebuild cities of my own design. It’s what we do as writers, right? CREATE.

But here’s where I’m at deep in my core, raw and unfiltered. While I’m without a doubt addicted to the world building and whirlwind adventures writing can bring to life, I think moreover I cherish the structure it brings. Life has this way of grabbing you by the throat, hurling you towards the next thing. Go here. Do this. Be that. There’s always that push. Words though…some take time. Some take research. Some take days, months, years even to percolate to their final form. It’s a unique development both internal and external, entirely hinged on what the words themselves want to say. Honestly, my subconscious has built such a protective wall it almost seems like words on a page are the only true gate left inside. Tragedy, love, loyalty, apathy: they’re all rooted in me the same as always and yet they require more of me than I’ve experienced in my past.

**Again, we’re hookin’ a hard turn here. Bare with me.**

Over the past month, I’ve paid careful attention to the #writingcommunity (I mean I always do, but deeper still) and I noticed something. SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE ARE FEELING THE SAME WEIGHTS I AM! While we all have our own struggles, I noticed there seemed to be a trend in days and times. One heartbreak on my feed after another. (Gah, I just wish I could reach out and hug everyone!) And, like a lightbulb, I realized a common energy hidden within the turmoil, regardless how different the personal circumstances: a creative block. Writing is hardly easy, but this felt different. A strange, yet mutually experienced energy. An influence, a common string between us all. Naturally, I turned to the stars. The heavens if you will. And what did I find? Well, allow me to share the bare bones.

**Let the record show I am by NO MEANS a trained astrologer, and in energetic matters I encourage everyone to take shared thoughts with a grain of salt. YOU know what’s best for YOU.**

In regards to the influential energies I discovered in MY homework, I think the heavy hurts and hearts are due in part to planets in retrograde (when in retrograde, we tend to feel a planet’s adverse or less palatable energies.) And while four planets are currently in this state, I think Neptune requires careful attention this month.

Foreverconcious.com says it perfectly: “Neptune is the planet of art, creativity, magic, and spirituality. It also represents the veil between illusion and reality. Neptune’s energy is actually quite strong all through the month of June, and while retrograde, it is going to be helping us to sort through areas of our lives that we feel a bit foggy or confused about.”

In a nutshell, this month is a zinger, but can be incredibly beneficial if treated with care. It aims to help us grow and better understand our inner selves. You know it, I’m sure. That still small voice inside which alerts you when something is “off” or “not right”. THAT one. This month I encourage you to tap into it, really hear what it says of you and for you. Is there a specific change you’ve been considering? Maybe a project you’ve put on hold in fear the inspiration may not be there? FEEL it, lovelies. In the words of Jiminy Cricket—“Always let your conscious be your guide.”

So, for anyone wondering why life is a tad…tense, maybe, just maybe, it’s the stars. Be gentle and patient with yourself, take some extra breaths, and for sheesh sake, GIVE YOURSELF SOME GRACE! Create when you want to create, but don’t be afraid to stand still in those moments of reflection when they come. They are so precious and transformative!

Know you aren’t alone in these trying times, for the energy that holds the one, holds us all.

Until next time, be kind to yourself, lovelies. ❤

If you care to read more from foreverconscious.com, follow the link below:

https://foreverconscious.com/intuitive-astrology-forecast-june-2019

The Soul of an Ink Fiend

Hello again, my most badass lovelies! How’s the last week been? Here’s to hoping it’s been epic in the best of ways! *raises mocha*

Sooooo, for this week’s topic, I wanted to write about something that’s been a huge part of my past, present, and the foreseeable future. TATTOOS! *happy shudder* I started collecting my little beauties almost ten years ago now (yes, I realize I’m not a young whipper snapper anymore. Gosh, didn’t have to point it out!) and, despite what I and so many other tattooed people have been told twenty times over, I haven’t regretted a single one of ‘em!

I think the main reasons for my zero regrets deal boils down to one simple truth. I’ve always considered tattoos as my own personal road map, one that I can look back on anytime and go: “Dang, Des! Remember that point in your life? Look how far you’ve come!” It’s just a glimpse back at a young me, and how could I ever come to hate that? Young Des might not have been the smartest in many ways, but boy did that girl have some good taste in ink! Lol. Here’s a couple of my all-time favorites that I still oogle at on almost a daily basis—

These in specific came from the very depths of my heart, both stemming from areas I knew I needed SO much personal growth in, so I wrote the reminders on my skin. I can tell ya too, IT WORKED! Seeing these pieces reflected back at me every time I’m in front of a mirror or seeing my knuckles wrapped around a pen…it truly moves me. STILL! I AM worthy of forgiveness! I WILL rise from the ashes! Life can try all it wants to convince me that I am unworthy, that I can’t overcome, that I’m too weak, but the truth? I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!!! *pterodactyl screech*

Quick little side note here for those who’ve been following my blog for a while now. I’m sure you’re wondering what the heck is wrong with me, writing topics so off the wall different from each other like this. I mean, seriously! What am I, some kind of nut? 😉 Simple answer? Yes and no! I’m a nut about the things that make me passionate, just like everyone in this world, but even more so, I’m a nut for the connections we can make with others THROUGH those passions. And lemme tell you what, tattooed folks are my PEOPLE!

Sure, most tattooed folks are pretty badass, sexy, and the kind of people you’d want behind you during any bar brawl. *winks* But, what I truly appreciate about them is their bravery. I’m not talking about the bravery to overcome the physical pain, which in itself is a monumental achievement, but more so their transparency. Art is revealing and personal! To have tangible pieces of your soul permanently pressed into your skin feels so dangerous and vulnerable to me, in the most beautiful of ways! (Please know, I am in no way trying to pride myself here, I’m talking about others I’ve been blessed to meet.) THESE are the people I want in my corner, inked or not. The ones who are willing to share their soul with the world, no matter the scars or bruises: those who choose to let their weaknesses become their strengths! We need that kind of honesty in the world! THAT is where the change we need will come from. Unabashed honesty in spite of what the world might tell us is “too open” or “too much”. Let me to tell you right now, I don’t think there is such a thing as being too much. Raw honesty is by far the most attractive attribute I’ve ever found in this life! If you’ve got that honest well flowing within you then, honey, your soul is GORGOUS!

So, here’s the fun part where I explain a little more about why I chose to write on this today. For the first time in two years, I’m planning my next piece! And I’m not talkin’ a little piece, like I usually get as I’m a broke ass b*tch. I’m talkin’ BIG! As some of you have seen pasted on my page, I quit smoking a little while back now. Today is day 27 actually. My goal was always to treat myself after a few months, when I was 100% sure that no matter what craziness life tries to throw at me, I won’t fall back on old habits. And so…I AM PLOTTING! *evil laugh* So far, I’m considering a new neck piece or finishing off my Bowie inspired “Labyrinth” sleeve. (For those of you who haven’t see “Labyrinth”, what the hell are you still doing here? Go! Go now and learn about the gloriousness that is the goblin King Jereth!)

(Gahhh, he’s just the HOTTEST! *fans face*)

(That sacred geometry though! Image not mine, obvi. Not sure who she is, but girl is a goddess! If this turns out to be you, drop your social media links below, PLEASE. Trust me, we ALL wanna follow you!)

Whatever piece I ultimately decide on, I am BESIDE myself with excitement! Because I know, no matter what I choose, it will be another beautiful plot-point on the skin map of my life.

Thank you again for spending some time with me, guys. You’re the best! Are you inked like me? I wanna see! Drop a pic, description or story in the comments below and let’s connect through honesty! LOVE IT!

Until next time, lovelies, stay honest!

-Destiny ❤

Inside a Writer’s Mind: First Book Blues

Greetings, my fair lovelies! I hope the past week has treated you well, that you found something new to smile about, and you got all the hugs your little heart desired!

For this week’s post, I figured it was about time to bring up the elephant in the room.

(Painting by Jen Callahan)

I…I like to write. *gasps* Shocker, right? Yeah, yeah, you already knew. You mind reader, you! Well, how about we go deeper then? How about we talk about…first manuscripts? *gasps again* Mind you, I’m no writing genius and can openly say that grammar is ever the thorn in my side, but who knows! Maybe there is a tiny nugget of encouragement you can pull away from this. If not, I hope you at least get a smile out of it.

When I started drafting my first novel, I thought it was gonna be easy. That’s right, I thought at one point THAT WRITING WAS EASY! Ridiculousness! Naturally, I found it to be quite the opposite. So, skip forward, and I finished my first draft. I was on top of the world and that was it. I was donzo! Story complete!

(Picture is not of me 😉 )

Yeah, right. I still remember the first time my CP (who is still my go to gal, AMAZING editor, and a complete goddess btw) called me and demanded we have a sit down over a stack of IHOP pancakes. Come to find out, she hadn’t even made it halfway through when she had to stop! Yeah, it was THAT BAD! But, she had the guts to tell me and that I will always respect. Her feedback led to my first round of revisions, which focused on everything from characters suddenly switching features to vast jumps in time, and everything else in between. Yeah, it was a hot mess. But those first edit notes she gave me changed the course of my writing! From there I did four, yes FOUR, more rounds of edits on my own and then jumped into the querying trenches. That’s when I found out just how much more that story still needed.

But from there it got messy. I wish I had known from the start, and truly accepted it as fact, that rejections can and are incredibly subjective. I made the mistake with my first book of taking to heart EVERY bit of rejection and revising based off it. What I got? A huge pile of garbled dung. PLEASE, don’t get me wrong! Professional feedback is INCREDIBLY important and a HUGE blessing when you receive it! My personal mistake was that I read between the lines far too often, and tried to jam what I thought others wanted into my story, and lost my own vision in the process. Long story short (literally lol) this here is the only bit in my entire first story that I feel has some value:

“From the ashes of forgotten men,

came the wrathful Ancient Lores.

Their bodies woven of humanities sins,

and rotten fleshy cores.

One night they crept where children wept for their fallen sons and daughters,

and in this grief secured a thief the waking world had smothered.

A pact of blood and shattered bone befell the mourning daughter,

and on her back the world would track through the open doors of slaughter.

So fight and flee the sleeping key and the beasts that claw and tear,

For they will not cease ‘till their souls release, restoring their rightful heir.”

That, out of 90,000 words (NINETY THOUSAND) is the only bit I can say I am truly proud of. However, that story still remains the story of my heart. Not only did it teach me about myself and my weaknesses, but it remains an active inspiration! If it weren’t for that story, I would have never made it to my second, third, or fourth manuscript. Without that learning process, I’d have never learned how much I love the writing process. EVERY. SINGLE. SPECK. OF. IT. That story brought my soul to life! I’ll be honest, when I finished it and shelved it, I thought I would never love again. I truly believed that.

But then, one glorious rainy day, I fell in love once more! From there, it’s only gone upwards and forwards. So, if you take anything from this week’s post, let it be this: you WILL love again. Inspiration doesn’t run dry. Your mind won’t let you down, though sometimes it feels like it will. Keep your head up and your heart willing and you will find your spark once again! I promise you!

Until next time, keep it writerly, lovelies!

-Destiny ❤