Thursday, July 2, 2009

Crossing the Line

We arrived in Zihua at 8am Wednesday morning, despite our bus leaving Mexico City an hour late. This time we went via Acapulco so instead of twelve hours like on the way there, we made it in nine. And I managed to sleep most of the way.

I haven't yet gathered my thoughts to tell you about the trip because I spent most of Wednesday reading the 140+ blogs in my Google Reader account AND going over my very last edits for my wip. Today I plan to make those final changes, tweak my synopsis then -- *fingers crossed* -- send that puppy out.

Part of me can't believe I've finally arrived at this point, but the other part is quick to remind me that I'd initially set a goal of querying by the end of February. If I'm counting correctly, I'm a bit off that mark. Now, before you get all encouraging and tell me that it's better to wait and make sure you present the best work possible, I'd like to point out that that's exactly what I did. I've spent an extra five months adding, revising, rewriting, cutting, and pasting, then I threw in some Mexican seasonings and here we are.

What's been fun is there are several blog friends out there who are also at this juncture. It's exciting to follow along with their journey since I understand (finally) exactly what they're going through. That said (and I can't remember if I said it here before or not), I don't plan to give blow-by-blow details of my query process here on my blog. I'll certainly share good news, but I don't want this to become a pity party.

So, now that you know what I'm doing today, what did I miss while I was gone?

16 comments:

JLC said...

A whole lotta visiting! My father is here this week, and I expect two more relatives to stop by on Sunday. By Wednesday we will have our house back, but then we need to pack for a camping trip next week. *whew!*

It looked like you had a memorable time. Did you get any new shoes? :)

Spy Scribbler said...

Not much. :-) I got my pianos taken care of, so everything feels like it will fall into place. I hope. :-) I'm TONS more relaxed. Almost too relaxed, LOL. I have zero nervousness, which is not working in my favor since I need to get tons of stuff done.

I can't WAIT to hit the road. It's going to be an awesome experience.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

JLC, you keep changing your name. :P

That's awesome your dad is there, and more family coming soon. After seeing how you treat your guests, I can see why everyone visits.

I bought two pairs of shoes -- sneakers and these bronze casual things, sort of like ballet flats but sturdier. The shoes in the pictures from the ruins are my new ones.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spy, that's so exciting that it's all falling into place. I think the fact that you're not nervous should show you that this is the right thing to do.

WendyCinNYC said...

I think it's wise that you will not be updating every detail. I had a few agents google me when I was querying, and you don't want to look like damaged goods with months and months of Rs (even though that most certainly IS part of the process--hopefully not for you and you'll get scooped up right away!)

I emailed back and forth to several AWers who were querying at the same time. (Prawn, mikeland and a few others) It was cathartic, but not for all to see. Now all of us are on submission and still bitching via email!

Nadine said...

Exciting about querying! I think it's smart not to post on the blog about it - in fact, make all the posts in the next week about Mexico as you are putting your blog in the query.

I can't wait! *living vicariously through Melanie*

Let's see, while you were gone - I got new makeup that I ordered (only $1 each!) and I started wearing makeup! It probably won't last, but it was fun for this week!

Jon VanZile said...

Perish the pity party!

Personally, I like querying. It's exciting, and the highs are wonderful. Good luck. You sound like you've put work into all the right places ...

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Wendy, that's exactly why I don't want to talk about it. I have friends to commiserate with via email -- that's more than enough. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, EXCELLENT idea. :)

I bought makeup while I was there!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Lurker, I'm really excited! And I hope you're right about my hard work.

Penguin said...

Not much happening here.
Just gearing up for my favorite holiday. The Fourth of July.
It is my favorite holiday for two reasons. The first is very obvious, it is the birth date of our founding fathers great idea of freedom.

And of course the second is I get to drink alcohol and play with large explosives.
Isn't this country great!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Melanie,

I'm so excited and happy for you!

And, I have to admit to being totally thrilled to be at this stage, too.

I'm looking forward to the querying. Rather than thinking of it as a dreadful thing, I'm training my mind to view it as an exciting next step. One that I also plan to experience in private, for the reasons you and others mentioned.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Penguin, that image just made me laugh and laugh. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Gypsy, you're one of the writers I was thinking of when I said that. I've been looking forward to querying for so long that I can't believe I'm finally here. I'm excited too. :)

Robin said...

I'm so excited for you!!1 I've crossed all available body parts. Even my nose hairs.

I've been working a lot, writing a couple of articles for our local magazine for "Mental Health Week", and working on a comedy routine for next Friday's open mike night at our comedy club. This one is way more risque than the stuff I normally do. I think I'm becoming demented, and this is the first sign.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Robin! Is this the same comedy routine that you mentioned on your blog a couple weeks ago? I can't wait to hear how it goes!