I’m wondering if a little Christmas magic is in play. Two weeks ago I admitted that my holiday wish (and most writers, if they were honest) was to land an agent so I could have my next book (currently titled In Her Mother’s Shoes) published by a major publisher.  At that point I had queried 65 agents and amassed 11 rejections. Since then my agent query list has grown to 85 and a whopping 25.

So why am I pleased?

Because in that same time I also received 3 requests for partial and full manuscripts. Yes, I know they could still say “Sorry, but…”. However, this is 3 chances closer to hitting the jackpot as I have defined it – my Christmas wish.

I also realize that there’s a good chance those agents won’t get back to me by Christmas. So technically I won’t be getting my holiday wish. But just the hope may be enough to carry me.

So I’m heading into the prime holiday season with raised spirits. The last few rejections that filtered in didn’t hit me like yet another sucker punch, because I carry my holiday hope close. I may even put off sending out any more queries until after the holidays – chances are they wouldn’t get answered or would be an easy “no” as the agents wade through their overwhelming piles of queries. Instead I’m going to bask in the pleasure of knowing there are three rays of hope out there.

Maybe my holiday wish will come true!

And I’m hoping yours may, also!