Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Flying Slugs


Yesterday my son saw a bug on the window. He was sure it was a slug. He even went outside to get a closer look. Definitely a slug--that is, until it flew away.

"Mom! It's a flying slug!"

It made me think of how many times I think I'm doing something right, and then things don't turn out the way I want. Kind of like a flying slug.

I've had a lot of flying slugs this year. The editor at Penguin asked to see my full manuscript, and then never read it. You know, Alvor, the book that's been out for the last three months- that manuscript. At the time I was totally thrilled at the prospect of sneaking into a big house without an agent. It was my ticket into the publishing world. Everything was going to be perfect.

He still hasn't read my manuscript.

Oh, and then there's getting an agent- that flying slug. So far I've just been through a practice round of rejections. Have no fear, I'm gearing up to send out more queries to the unsuspecting agents. I have more than one story- and more than one chance to still make it.
But even when I thought things were going to go one way, and they went a totally different direction, it didn't mean things went wrong. Just different. And who knows, maybe in the end everything will even look like it turned out better than I planned.
After all, I think I'd rather be able to fly than only slink around in puddles of mucus. Maybe mistakes are a path of their own. Maybe when things don't go the way we want them to, it's because we were never meant to stay on the ground forever- we were meant to fly.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post and I love your ending words. Fly on, Laura! You're going great places!

Anonymous said...

Great post! I believe we were meant to fly!

Laura said...

You guys are too nice. I was thinking afterwards that maybe flying slugs should have been something funny- but it just didn't hit me that way this week. Maybe I'm taking life too seriously.

Kerren said...

The thoughts of "flying slugs" made me smile and cringe at the same time! Funny? Well, maybe; however, the analogy to life's curves is pretty clear. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Utah in just a few days. I am spreading the word about the Book Table signing, but need more details. I suppose you'll be posting the specifics here soon. I sincerely hope that Cache Valley gives you a royal welcome! We'll do our best and can hardly wait to see you again. I'll call you and we'll chat, O K? Love, Kerren

Kerren said...

P.S. Seems like today might be a day for celebrating birthdays at your home. Am I right? If so, give hugs and birthday wishes from me. Way too long since I've been connected. Have a GREAT day! What an event to celebrate! Hooray for all of you.

Laura said...

Kerren,
If you're still checking this... thanks for your note. I can't believe you remembered the twins' birthday. They had a great day.

As for Logan- I'm so excited to see you too. I really wanted an excuse to see everyone, so a book signing in Logan seemed like a good idea. I have to be at the Book Table by 10 AM and I'll be there til 2.

Talk to you soon!