Carly's Ramblings Blog - Style

It All Started When....

Blog City - Day 2035

DAY 2035 January 31, 2020
It all started when.... I arrived at my usual coffee shop after a morning of working at the school. It had been a good morning, but I was in need of caffeine and not just any caffeine would do. I needed one of those white chocolate mochas made with almond milk and sweetened only by half. The ones without the mountain of whipped cream on top, though I liked to at least think about it for a second before coming back to my senses. My body did not need that extra dollop of whipped cream to clog my arteries.

My usual table was already taken so I made my way over to the bank of windows and set up shop there. I pulled out all my books and my laptop ready to get to work. My second job. Freelance writing. I had managed to send out several queries earlier in the week and even got a few pieces written and sent off. It was my way of keeping busy. I didn't need to linger on my thoughts, or let myself run the gamut of when and why or if I would hear back from the agent I had contacted about my first novel.

I'd been told not to build up too much hope. I had already been rejected enough, but still the edgy nerves sizzled under my skin making it hard to just sit still and just be. The fact that I had managed to get some work done was still mind boggling. I knew if I let myself ponder my situation, I would be a heap of jittery nerves. Maybe the caffeine was not such a good idea, but to go without would only make it worse. I would drop into some oppressive nightmare that would only have me tossing and turning. Avoiding any naps and keeping busy was the only way I could short circuit the wiring that lead me into such futile dreams.

When my phone rang, I glanced at it. The number was unknown and I would usually ignore it, particularly when I was working, but something made me pick it up and answer.

"Hello?" I answered hesitantly. Already chastising myself for not being more assertive and commanding.

"May I speak with Josh Deveroe, please?" a silvery cool woman's voice said and I sat up a little straighter.

"Speaking." I said putting a bit more of that feigned confidence into my voice.

"Ah, Mr. Deveroe. This is Anetta Barlow from the Spartan Agency. You sent us some pages of your novel a few months back. I must apologize for not getting back to you sooner, but I have finally gotten a chance to read your work...." I pulled in a breath and held it. Anticipation and dread hung in the balance as I waited for her next words, "I was very impressed." Bubbles of pleasure rippled up over me like effervescent ginger ale. "I was hoping you would be able to send more of your work. What I've read has a great deal of potential."

I was tempted to let my feeling surge forth and overwhelm her with my gratitude,but as I glanced around at the people around me I remembered I needed to remain calm and not appear too desperate. "Well, that is very kind of you to say..." I began, still pushing down my desire to gush at her. I let my fingers trip over my keyboard and open my email account. Glancing down I noticed the name of the other agency I had sent my work out to only weeks before. I clicked on the message. As I waited for it to load, I asked, "Can I ask why it has taken so long to get back to me? Is this kind of timeline usual?"

I held my breath as I waited for her response. My eyes looked over the email from the other agency. They too were requesting to see my manuscript. I pulled in a calming breath. Joy spread through me like a a wild fire.

"I must apologize Mr. Deveroe. My assistant had misplaced your manuscript...."

"Does that happen often?" I asked surprised by the calmness that had settled over me despite my heightened senses.

"Well, generally... no..."

"I see." I read over the other email a second time to make sure I had read it correctly. Yes, they wanted to read my full manuscript. Suppressing the urge to get up and dance, I drew in another breath and letting it out slowly, said, "I appreciate your honesty...." I paused then added, " I would be willing to send more, but I do hope it will not be lost."

"i can assure you Mr. Deveroe. I will be looking forward to reading your work."

"Fair enough. I'll send it this afternoon."

"I 'll look forward to reading it." she said.

After I hung up, the buzz of ecstasy flared through me and I could not help grinning like an idiot. I had two agents vying for my work. I realized that I could still be rejected, but the promise of possibility held firm in my mind. In the swirl of excitement I sent out response emails and attached the electronic files containing my manuscript to each one. That done, I treated myself to a regular White Chocolate Mocha complete with an extra large mountain of whipped cream. My arteries be damned. I was on fire.