Theory of Convergence

Last week I encountered some of the most exciting moments of my writing career, and I also endured one of the hardest days as a parent I’ve ever lived through.

Remember the movie Say Anything with John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler? Boombox blaring “In Your Eyes” anyone? There’s a scene I’ll never forget from that movie when Lloyd’s love interest, Diane Court, says, “I have this theory of convergence that good things always happen with bad things. I know you have to deal with them at the same time, but I just don’t know why they have to happen at the same time.”

Yep. That was me last week.

Hitting monumental strides on the writing front. And nearly losing it as a parent.

I’ll get to the rough stuff first. On Thursday, a sixteen-year-old male student from my daughter’s high school was arrested and charged with one count of terroristic threats and acts. I understand, sadly, this type of thing has been happening all over the country. Makes me sick to my stomach to think this kid had a plan. As Thursday went on things grew even more terrifying though. What began as occasional texts from my daughter escalated into an entire day of confusion, intermingled with rumors, on social media and among the students, of a lockdown, “friends at the high school determined to finish the job,” helicopter surveillance, beefed-up police presence, a hallway off-limits, buried guns, teachers locking doors, and most of the student body picked up by parents mid-day due to an additional threat. This threat, via Twitter, ultimately culminated in another student’s arrest after school that same day.

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more conflicted as a parent. And angry. And scared. No parent ever wants to coach their child what to do if someone is firing bullets at them. I’m extremely proud of how my daughter handled the events of that day. But that’s just it. She shouldn’t have had to deal with that! Something broke open inside me as I feared for her safety. This cannot continue—parents sending their kids to school wondering if they’ve made a mistake. Students fearing for their lives. It’s time to embrace change.

Now for the exciting news...

I’m now represented by Marlene Stringer with Stringer Literary Agency and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I loved my conversation with Marlene last week. She’s everything I’ve been looking for in an agent, plus she’s passionate about my novel. I could go on and on about what brought me to this point in my career, but those are stories for another post. I’m here now, represented by a stellar agent, hopeful about what the future holds.

Call it theory of convergence or life in general, I’m choosing to be grateful through all of it.

*I'll be back March 12th

Quiet, A Change

There’s a lot of noise out there. I’ve made a decision to cut down on the bustle.

I’m moving my thoughts that move trademark to Tuesdays.

After four years of posting Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I’m making a significant change.

I’m now going to post solely on Tuesdays.

And I’m excited about it. I want you to be excited too!

Here are some factors that influenced my decision…

It’s a Blog Eat Blog World

There are more blogs now than there are stars in the sky. Okay, maybe not that many. As I pay attention to the fluctuating climate of publishing, blogging reminds me a bit of Britney Spears. Rock star. Rise to fame. Spiraling down. Misunderstood. Makes a comeback with will.i.am. It all makes me want to “scream, and shout, and let it all out.”

My stats are strong and climbing. I love this despite the fact people aren’t commenting around the blogosphere the way they used to.

My plan going forward is to post Tuesday strong. I hope you’ll join me.

I’m Gainfully Employed

Walked in my favorite local coffee shop not long ago with hopes of helping out as a barista. Walked out with the owner creating a special projects position for me that could not possibly supply me with better hours.

The Desire for My Words to Leave an Impact

Sometimes less really is more. Offers more. There’s only so much we can retain in this age of newsflashes, hyper-alert blasts, and brain juggernauts. I’m slowing it down for your sake. And for mine.

My Novels are Hungry Baby Birds

I want to protect how I divvy out my creativity. I love blogging. Always have. I’m confident I still will. But by making this decision I’m showing those squawking baby birds I love them more by responding to their, “Feed me. Feed me.”

Facebook Calls

I’ve made a concerted effort to increase the amount of time I spend interacting with you on my Facebook writer page. I like it. Meet me there.

When was the last time you felt inspired to make a significant change?

*See you Tuesday!