Connections

CONNECTIONS

“Where are you from?”

It’s one of the first things my husband asks when we meet someone. Anyone. Everyone. Seriously. No one escapes without the question. I used to roll my eyes, but turns out it’s kind of genius. (I shudder to use the word genius when I know he’s going to read this.)

Because when he asks the question, he often discovers a connection. It’s random and it’s often small, but it leads to a smile and making the connection leads to well, a connection.

The idea of making a connection is on my mind in February, 2024. I’ve had response from an editor at Pushkin Press in the UK. She wants to zoom with me about my manuscript. My story has gotten me in the door just like a resume would, but in an interview that connection matters.

This is basically a job interview.

I sign in to the zoom and meet Sarah, the editor that’s giving me this opportunity. She’s immediately kind, but it’s still awkward. I ask where she lives. Brazil. I got nothing. I’m pretty sure we chat about the weather. A true sign of disaster. I talk about MONSTER DOWN DEEP–where the idea started, the themes–I’m honestly not sure what I say.  She listens politely. Then I tell her about a book that inspired my story: REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt. Sarah’s face transforms with a huge smile. Turns out, that’s one of her favorite books from the previous year.

There it is–a moment of connection.  My shoulders relax. I might even let out an audible sigh. (I really hope not.) It’s such a great feeling and it makes me want to be better about finding a connection in all aspects of life. I’m not going to steal my husband’s question–but couldn’t I come up with one of my own? Maybe about books? 

We talk some more and Sarah tells me she’d like to move forward! 

Mission accomplished!   Sort of. 

She wants to send an editorial letter with suggestions. She’d like me to work on them, “out of house.” Out of house means no contract, no guarantee. If she likes what I do, then she’ll take it to Pushkin Press.

I’ve had the same sort of offer before. It’s also called an R&R—Revise and ReSubmit. I got the offer from an editor for an adult romance novel. (Don’t bother looking for it on any shelf—I wrote five romances and never sold one.) I spent months working on that revision. I’m guessing that editor spent three minutes on the rejection. 

No guarantee means no guarantee. 

But she is offering me an opportunity. And now I feel more comfortable saying yes and putting in the work. 

Because connections go both ways.

So, uh, what are you reading now? 😉

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