Into the Fire

I am not a pomp and circumstance kind of person. Graduating from high school was a relief for me, and the thing I remember most about the evening was how great my hair turned out so I could wear the ridiculous cap and look half decent underneath it. Silly, I know. And I'm not the kind of girl who spends hours getting ready for anything, but I am the kind of woman who won't leave home without makeup, hair, and perfume in place whether I'm wearing a hoodie and jeans or a skirt and high heels.

People earn my respect – they don't come by it "naturally". I'm a product of growing up in the late 60s and early 70s after learning basic decency in the 50s. It was a shocking and rude awakening to learn that not everyone deserved respect simply because of their station in life. The guts of their belief systems and the ensuing conduct of their lives determined whether or not they were given my respect. Having said that, compassion, the desire to understand motivations, and forgiveness come fairly easily to me. How fast depends on the offense.

Applying this to publishing, I originally thought it would be cool just to write "normal" informal inquiries to agents. You know: be friendly instead of rigid and formal and formatted. I know: silly again. And I quickly realized these literary people want a "form letter" with original content. My desires weren't going to change how "it's always been done". But still I wonder why after reading query after query, it wouldn't be nice to get a brief "letter" introducing an author and the prospective piece. Still include all the required data but in a real letter. But that's just me. I detest the process because it elevates and degrades all at the same time. Business is business so "Hi, y'all" is out, I suppose.

There are so many agendas – since we've been batting this word around lately – at conferences or any event where publishing professionals assemble. Observing the seduction can be both amusing and pathetic. It reminds me of "rush" during the sorority and fraternity new-membership process. What an ugly thing that is.

In the end the words and tune repeat themselves . . . Why can't we be friends? Because it takes up too much time.

Jesus, you're the friend above all friends – the One we need the most. Thank you for your love. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.