My agent once pointed out that both my current project and my new WIP explore similar themes. She meant this in the best possible way, and her observation holds true. I really do like to play with good vs. evil, alive vs. afterlife, heaven vs. hell.
I also read a lot of books and watch a lot of TV (SUPERNATURAL, anyone?) and movies with those same motifs. Blame it on Star Wars or Indiana Jones or those hot Winchester Brothers… but I adore stories dripping with epic stakes, spiritual overtones, and classic symbolism.
What can I say? I just love a good variation on a theme.
And I’m not alone.
Donald Maass, in Writing the Breakout Novel, asserts theme transforms a manuscript into “more than just a story.” He believes theme is integral, emerging “from the very substance of the story.” While the patterns and messages of theme are finessed in final drafts, they can’t be tacked on or artificially manufactured. Themes begin in the subconscious and develop organically.
Mary Kole, my Abfab Agent, has also addressed this topic on her blog. She believes that in any work, “there should be distinct themes and ideas that you [can] point to as the center of your book.” To her, theme is “like magic… connections you never knew you’d made, common images and ideas that resonate with the larger meaning of your work, all sorts of interesting stuff.”
But it’s absolutely true–I signed with literary agent Mary Kole of Andrea Brown.
I feel like I’ve fallen into a dream. And that dream just came true.
And since I’ve just eaten about six chocolate chip cookies and have slurped three Diet Dr. Peppers in one sitting, I’ve decided to allow SCARLET WHISPER to interview me about my whirlwind experience. Here goes…
SCARLET WHISPER: So, Jenny, What up?
INCONSEQUENTIAL ME: Thanks, Scarlet. I have big news. I have an agent now.
SW: How did that happen?! (stares incredulously)
IM: Well, I’ve been writing for almost a year and I think I’m finally onto something. I queried some agents and…
SW: How many?
IM: (coughs) I’m not at liberty to discuss that.
SW: Well, I just checked your e-mail “sent” box and I counted 27…
IM: How did you get into my e-mail account???
SW: Um, I’m not a Librarian/Rock Star/International Jewel Thief for nothing, sister. I have mad skills. It’s not like your password was that hard to figure out. I know how much you like Eric Bana and if you take his name plus…
IM: Erm… So twenty seven e-mails later, I got some rejections and requests.
SW: You got nine.Nine requests.
IM: Well, when you say it like that, it sounds kinda pretentious and braggy.
SW: Get used to it, you’re agented now.
IM: Um, don’t say that! That’s not really me! I’m UNCERTAIN GIRL, remember? Sure, I worked hard, but I had a lot of help, and mentors, and good advice from writers and agents and…
SW: You got plenty of rejections, too.
IM: (frowns) Yeah, you mind not mentioning a firm number on those?
SW: Sure. I’m feeling magnanimous. Anyway, how’d you snag an agent?
IM: Well, first I wrote a book, and then I revised it a bunch of times, and then…
SW: Cut to the chase, I don’t have all day. I have jewel vaults to case and a Gibson to restring.
IM: I met Mary Kole at a conference. She was awesome. I’d followed her blog forever and we clicked. She requested the full of ROCKAPOCALYPSE and I sent it. A week or so later, she e-mailed to set up a time to chat.
SW: Chat? What the heck does “chat” mean?
IM: It’s a secret code word for THE CALL.
SW: THE CALL?
IM: Yeah, that’s when an interested agent phones to make sure you’re not a crazy person and to make sure the author is a good fit. Then comes the offer to represent.
SW: “Crazy?” As in crazy enough to invent an imaginary superhero alter ego. What about narcissistic neuroses? Are agents okay with that?
IM: Ahem. So anyway, Mary made an offer. I then contacted each agent who had a full or partial of ROCKAPOCALYPSE. Mary kindly allowed me to take a week to consider the offer and let everyone know.
SW: So you didn’t accept right away?
IM: Oh, believe me. I thought about it. My mind was reeling. I was a babbling dork. But I wanted to be professional, and those other agents were fantastic. Everyone involved was kind, supportive, and enthusiastic.
SW: Did you get other offers?
IM: Yes. I adore some of the other agents. (I mean, why would I have queried in the first place, if they weren’t TOTALLY AWESOME?!)
SW: Why did you choose Mary?
IM: I felt a strong connection, a shared vision. I’d met her in person, and we’d shared a lot of laughs (and BBQ ribs). We have a lot of the same philosophies about children’s literature and passion for books.And my friend and crit partner, Jamie Harrington has just signed with Mary, too. We both adored Mary from the get go.
SW: And Mary liked your book, right? I’m sure that probably helped…
IM: Yes. The first thing she said on the phone was that she knew I’d written the book for me, but she felt I’d written it for her. It was a Jerry Maguire moment. When she said that, I wanted to be her Cuba Gooding, Jr.
SW: That’s a terrible metaphor.
IM: I know. But that’s how I roll. Sorry.
SW: Continue, please.
IM: I was looking for an amazing agent, and she was looking for an…author. When she called, I felt like a real author. For the first time. So…a week later, after a few sleepless nights and some soul searching. I called her back and said YES.
SW: Any final words of…er, inspiration?
IM: Yes. I had a lot of help getting to this point. My friends at DFW Writers’ Workshop mentored me. My family supported me. Agents gave me great, useful feedback. I persevered and I got lucky, too. I’m grateful for this chance. I have a long way to go, but I’m that much closer to seeing my book on book store shelves. And Jamie and I get to be agency sisters!
SW: Sheesh. You’re getting all teary again, aren’t you?
IM: (sniffles) Yeah, I guess I am.
SW: Not again…I’m out of here. See you on the flip side.
IM: Night, Scarlet.
SW: Oh…one last thing? I want your next book to feature me as the main character.
IM: I’ll have to think about that.
Hungry for more?
Sorry, I’m way too spastic to come up with a recipe tonight. But I highly recommend my chocolate chip cookies. The recipe’s in the side bar.
