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Many of you know that I’ve been hitting it hard on the writing side of things. In addition to this site I’ve also been getting after some freelance opportunities. Most of all, I’ve been developing a book idea that first hit me in the brain (a fitting metaphor as you’ll see in a moment) last summer.
I’ve also gone to my first two writer’s conferences this year. In June I spent a week at Wheaton College for 5 days of sessions, networking, and the best food I’ve ever had in what is technically called a cafeteria. Gourmet I say! During that week I met a lot of editors, agents, and authors and was excited by the interest they showed in my work.
If you have no idea what a writer’s conference is like, take a look at how I compared the process to hitting on strangers. Enough happened during that week to write a chapter about, but basically I came home knowing people wanted to see my work. I set out about the task of writing a book proposal and some sample chapters in between more travel and a full summer teaching load.
So far, the work has paid off.
That’s why I’m super excited to tell you that I now have an agent! Her name is Amanda Luedeke and she’s with MacGregor Literary. In my opinion, Amanda and MacGregor are the best fit for the type of stuff I do which, as many of you know, can include some weirdification. To celebrate our phone call, I hopped in my car and went to Barnes & Noble where I bought my favorite drink (caramel frappucino) and allowed myself to stare at the shelf where my own book might one day be. M-O-O, M-O-P, M-O-R… Then I drove home and wrote until 2 a.m.
When you decide to get serious about writing, finding an agent is one of the first goals you set. Then you find out that getting an agent is one of the hardest parts of the business. Good agents at good agencies receive hundreds to thousands of queries every month. The slush pile is large, and many writers abandon the search altogether. I’m not just excited that I connected with an agent. The best part is that I found someone who gets what I’m doing and is equally excited about the project.
Whatever you’re working on, try to surround yourself with folks who understand you and care about what you’re doing. Too often we settle and miss out on much better opportunities. As Jon Acuff said the other day, it’s important to “find someone who gets you.” That’s not always the easiest thing to do whether we’re talking spouses, friends, business partners, or whatever.
So we’re about the business of producing the best materials we can make in hopes of selling a book. Hopefully that will be another exciting update in the future but for now I got lots of work to do.
In case you’re curious, the book I’m working on combines zombies and God and life and some other fun stuff. Basically, this site’s tagline “Pop Culture & The Meaning of Life” holds true. You’ll see some of the fun research bits for the book right here over the next few months as I race to get this baby done.
How do you celebrate the little and big successes in life?
That’s fantastic news, Clay!! Congratulations on finding your new agent! Can’t wait to read your many, many published works someday soon.
Well thanks. Hopefully I can get one published first!
Way to go Clay. That’s awesome. Good luck brother.
Thanks Kerry.
THRILLED for you, Claystopher! I’m glad I didn’t throw out that autographed sanddollar after my husband laughed at its awkward placement on a bookshelf. Or my night stand. Or somewhere…where did I put it again?
Anyway. Who’s laughing NOW?!?!
Haha, I knew that had to be uber awkward for you. So glad you get it. Besides, that sand dollar could have mystical powers as yet unrevealed. So I’m laughing now.
Congratulations! I have heard that finding an agent can be a huge accomplishment in light of the changes in publishing. I hope to one day stand in your shoes and sip a iced green tea staring at the K-L-M shelf!
Thanks Susie! I really appreciate the encouragement.
Best news I’ve read all week! Many congratulations, Clay – you’ve worked hard. Very excited for you!! xo
Thanks for that Liz. You know I appreciate you.
Doing my happy Canadian dance, as you can (or cannot) imagine! You know I’m so so happy for you. Here you go!
I’m envisioning a cross between Snoopy, Jim Carrey, and Steve Martin. I didn’t say it was Canadianally accurate, just that’s what I envision.
Good for you! Congrats!!
Thanks Paige!
Woweeeee!!!! It’s a wonderful feeling, isn’t it? And such a shot in the arm for your writing motivation, too! You made my day, Clay.
A great shot indeed. It’s been a hopeful thing pushing me for a few weeks now. Gotta keep the nose to the grindstone!
Exciting news!!! Thanks for sharing with us!
I think it’s key to find out that people are actually interested in what you have to say in you’re writing. I know when people express interest in my writing, it just perpetuates this “silly” dream I have to write.
No doubt about it Scott. We write because it’s in us, but we all want to be read and get positive feedback. It’s not silly if it’s who you are.
Wow. I am thrilled for you!
Also? Insanely jealous.
Sadly my preferred medium requires a completed work before I go agent hunting.
Why does it always have to be zombies? What’s wrong with unidentified xenomorphs? Just sayin’.
Seriously. So happy for you.
Thanks Kelly! I remember writing fiction too. This way is a lot different although these book proposals are brutal! As brutal as a zombie massacre?
Awesome news, Clay!
Thanks Gene!
Major congrats, Clay. I had figured the announcement would be something like this. That your talent and hard work has paid off is tremendously encouraging. I’m looking forward to buying a copy of the finished product.
I appreciate that Mark. You know I plan on seeing a book from you before too long as well.
That is AWESOME!!! So excited for you, Clay. Love hearing how you celebrated as I’m pretty sure I would head to a bookstore and visualize my book on the shelves as well.
Incidentally, I grew up in Wheaton and will attest to the wonderfulness of that college cafeteria. Did you have time for ice cream at the the Stupe?
Thanks Leigh! Your excitement gets me excited
Oh, that food was so good. I don’t believe I hit the Stupe. Was running all week and only found free time for a couple workouts at the gym which is equally insane in its niceties.
Woohoo!!!! *throws confetti* Congratulations, Clay. I’m so proud I’ll get to say “I fryber-knew him ‘when’.”
I celebrate my successes by savoring them with every fiber of my being for about 15 minutes. Then I move on to the next challenge.
All the best to you, my fryber. I’ll look for you on the shelf. Let me know if you need a beta reader. I’d be honored.
Thanks for that Piper! It’s strange. The real celebration kind of happened for me when I was at the conference those few days and had some wonderful encounters. Now for the real trick, selling something.
Congratulations, Clay! I can’t wait to hear more about your project as you move forward.
Every time I land a writing assignment, I celebrate with a little whoop and a holler and a handful of chocolate. Sometimes I even give myself the night off. Should I land a book deal one day, I expect the celebrating will rise to a whole ‘nother level.
Best wishes!
Thanks Amanda
That’s exactly what I’m thinking. Every step in the right direction is exciting, but the call about an offer would be tops.
Congratulations Clay – I’m so excited for you!
Thanks Keenie!
Great news, congrats! Can’t wait to see the finished project and stand in line for an autographed copy
I’m hoping to create that scenario myself! But you can skip line okay
Best news everrrrrrr!!!
I’m super excited that the whole world (aka, even people without computers) will get to read your work!
I’m also so happy that you found an agent that fits you well, that’s so important! Now scuse me, I’m gonna go teepee your house and car now.
You’re the best Ellster. Teepee away!
I’m so happy for you! Congratulations! I’m treating you to a box of Cap’n Crunch!
Mmmm, Cap’n Crunch. Maybe we can write him into a story someday. Thanks!
So excited for you!! That is the most amazing news! I’m not sure how you even slept at all that night. My prediction – you will sell a bazillion copies! Woo hoo!
That’ll be something if your prediction turns out
Funny you mention sleep. I never ever have a hard time getting any, usually I go hard enough in the day to rest well. But there was an hour in the middle of the night not long ago where I lay in bed, eyes wide open, thoughts racing.
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! Yay!!!!!! Many exclamation points for you!!!!!!!!!!! So glad to hear your hard work has paid off. Now go finish that book!
Thanks Trish!!!!!!!!!! Love all the exclamation points. And thanks for the push. That’s what I need (and apparently you Canadians are good at giving them
).
Mazel tov my beloved, Fryber. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer Guy-ber.
Yeah, that’s not gonna get me an agent.
Don’t forget those of us who knew you when…
Thanks Renee. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on soaring into the sun anytime soon
That’s totally badass! Congratulations!
Hey thanks JM!
Congratulations, Clay! Can’t wait to buy your book off that shelf at Barnes and Noble! It will be wonderful with a side of awesome sauce!
That’s what I’m screamin’ Kristin! I hope I make that shelf too.
Clay, very proud to know you.. I know we have talked about you doing a book and I am glad to see that things seem to be going on the right path… Now get writing, if I am going to be head of your security when you go on your book signing tour you need to get started…. Remember out of your first sales comes my salary, the bullet proof Mercedes (Black with tinted windows) and of course some great clothes for me.. HEY! you don’t a deadbeat having your life in his hands, you want them to look good… I fiqured all the costs and by your 5th book we should break even and you can start taking a small salary from the sales… OK let those fingers do the walking I’ll take care of the rest……. P.S. Can I get gold watch, just want to make sure we are on time……
Haha, you bet Arty. There is the downside that a bullet proof Mercedes might be out of my price range even if I do sell a book
I’m grateful to know that you have my back though my friend!
That’s great,Clay. God is good!!!
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Have fun with this.
All the time Jess. Thanks and you bet.
Congratulations Clay!
I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labour (or labor, depending on your location) and I hope to see your book circulated in our bookshops! Very exciting news!
A book of mine in Australia? Now there’s a lofty thought. Thanks for the happy wishes!
Congratulations, Clay! I’m doing my happy Canadian dance too, which is slightly different than Leanne’s happy Canadian dance because I’m a guy and am from a different province. But it’s still happy. And Canadian.
Ha, thanks Larry. I’ll take as many happy Canadian dances as your country can spare.
Larry, can I challenge you to a dance off?
I am SO up for that – even though I’m not expecting to win.
It’s rare for me to unleash the Larry dance in public, and I’m not sure the world is ready for it.
Only one way to find out!
Okay. So now I’ve challenged you to a dance off and Clay to some basketball. I’ve gotta write this stuff down.
I’m gonna take you to school, teach
This I’ve got to see!
It’s good to know your book will show up on a shelf populated with bovine onomatopoeiae and floor-cleaning methods.
Yay for using “onomatopoeia” twice in one day!
You consistently use more big words in your comments than I will use in my entire book!
Congrats!! I think I just heard some woohooing and dancing from bloggers around the world in celebration of you. (Then they quickly got back to work to follow your lead.) I’m so, so excited for you. Can’t wait to read your book and the others to follow.
Amy
Thanks Amy
Back to work indeed. Here’s hoping that we all gets some woohooing in the future.
Clay, zombies, God and life—pretty much a recipe for the best baked bread (as long as the pinch of salt is thrown in). Congratulations on agenting, and other verbs made from nouns. Hope the book deal follows soon.
Hopefully that recipe is tasty to those publishers eh? Thanks for that Tom.
Yay for you! Commencing dance of joy.
Aww yeah. Let’s wear out some shoes.
Congrats on the agent Clay! That is fantastic news!
I don’t dance, but I shall raise a glass to you later.
Sounds great Alise! Thanks for that.
Great news, Clay! Please remember us when you’re rich and successful.
P.S. I think a good way to sell a lot of books would be to take the title of your book and put J.K. Rowling’s name in front of it. For example, if you were going to call your book My Life as a Bug Collector, you’d call it J.K. Rowling’s My Life as a Bug Collector instead!
Ha, do you think I’ll be okay like that? How about J.K. Rowling’s Great Expectations of Stephen King and Stephanie Meyer’s Love Child? Sounds like a winner to me!
Close, but I think you need to work in the words “twilight” and/or “vampire.”
Clay, this is the best news. I am so happy for you! I can’t wait to go to my local B&N and pick your book up off the shelf for purchase.
Thanks Tiffany. I sure hope you get to do that too!
Congratulations. Enjoy the journey.
You bet Linda. I’ll try to remember to do that.
Congratulations! Look forward to seeing your name in Barnes and Nobles and other bookstores!
You’re so right….. when someone “gets you”, it makes all the difference in the world.
Again, congrats!
Absolutely. I like being “gotten”
Thanks for the happy wishes.
I have tears. That is all.
Thanks for that T.
Dude, i read this a while back but i’ll verbalize it like sign language for people who can talk: congratulations.
ps, I’ve always thought we were brothers but your favorite drink is my all time favorite drink so i think we might just be the same person…father?
This is getting downright scary. When you played Super Mario Bros 2 as a kid did you like using every else MORE than Mario? You did? I knew it! We are the same person. Thanks bro.
Great news and look forward to following your journey…..thanks for sharing….
Congrats, good sir!
Here’s to your future successes!
Cool beans, Clay. Congrats.
Such great news, Clay! You should be honored to know that yours will be the first zombie book in my library.
I am totally honored. Hope you don’t get scared though.