Update!

Okay, maybe this isn't such a big deal, but it sort of it to me. I work part-time (in addition to my full time job) at a bookstore near where I live. I've had a few people there read my first novel and of course they've given me suggestions as to who I should send it to and what I should do with the book. I should point out that everyone who's read my novel either really likes it or loves it. Of course, I'm happy to hear that, but I sometimes wonder if they're just being nice...in which case, I want someone outside of my accquaintances to read it. Anyway...

From time to time, we get a represenative from Random House who comes into the store and talks about some of the new books coming out in the next few weeks, and she give out advance copies for us to read, etc. Because I had to drop something off for a manager at the store last night, I went in and talked to a couple of the managers there. I told them I was just there for a second, and right away they both told me that Amy from Random House was coming to the store on 2.4.03 (today) and that I should come in and talk to her about my book.

Totally unprepared for what I should do, I thought about it and decided that I'd come in, despite having to be at my other job. Making the necessary arrangements, I finagled it so that I could come into my full-time gig late and stay for the meeting and listen to Amy talk about the new releases. As she was leaving, I introduced myself and told her that I'd written a children's book and would like it if she could read it and give me some feedback or point me in the right direction. I had a manuscript (a returned one from some other publishing house) in my truck and I walked out to her car with her. She said "Well, if it's a kids book, I should actually be able to read it. I'm not sure I can do a whole lot, but I'll give you a call and get a hold of you."

What does it mean? Hmmm...who knows? I'm not expecting a miracle or anything, but it would be great if she at least put me in touch with someone who was willing to talk to me about my book(s). That's all I ask.

Yes, I was nervous. Yes, I was assuming she'd scoff and toss the manuscript in the trashcan. But the bottom line is: I did it. Someone from Random House is driving around our frigid state with a copy of my manuscript in her 'to read' bag.

That, friends...is pretty cool.