I love orange. Sometimes it’s my favorite color. Something about it signals the bright part of change. And for me, change is once again in the air.
My literary agent and I have decided to part ways. Perhaps I was a naive young writer to believe that we would be together forever. And the business of writing, while being a business, is an emotional one. So, the feelings I’m left with are a mixed bag of disappointment, insecurity, and loss, with a renewed sense of get-to-it-ness, focus, and it-will-be-better-next time. I’m thankful that we are parting amicably and respectfully. And, I am a better a writer because I worked with him. I still believe I will be a published YA author one day.
But, now what? I can’t see exactly where I’m going, but I’ll focus on the orange as I drive off into whatever lies ahead.
Published by jody sparks
Jody Sparks Mugele spent her first career in marketing writing and leading teams of writers and editors. After her son came out as transgender in 2015, she dedicated herself to advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. For two years, she led the Indianapolis regional chapter of PFLAG, a nationally renowned LGBTQ+ advocacy group. She has given many conference talks about parenting trans kids, healthcare in the trans community, and suicidality among LGBTQ+ youth. And with GenderNexus, an Indianapolis-based advocacy organization, she created programming and led support groups to work with parents to help their children through all aspects of gender transition. She recently moved to Northeast Georgia where she is excited to develop opportunities to continue to strongly and proudly advocate for LGBTQ+ members of our society. She also LOVES kitschy Christmas crafting!
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I love orange. Sometimes it’s my favorite color. Something about it signals the bright part of change. And for me, change is once again in the air.
Jody Sparks Mugele 
Aww, Jody. It definitely will get better. Orange is good sometimes.
Thanks, Val. 🙂
So sorry to hear that, Jody. I know it must be hard, but I’m so glad you’re focussing on the promise ahead. And I’ll be following you every step.
Thanks, Antony. I appreciate it.
Good girl. Keep positive. You’re a wonderful, insightful writer. You’ll get there.
WHAT!? WHY!??? I’m so saaaaaad!!!!! 😦
Maybe now you can find someone who can get you published? Or do you need a publisher rather than an agent?
Andrea, the idea behind an agent is that he or she will find the publisher for you. So, yes, hopefully I’ll find someone who can get me published. I’ll seek another agent for sure.
Oh Jody I’m so sorry! That sucks so bad! And somehow you managed to post a lovely blog entry amongst the devastation you must feel. Good for you for not giving up and looking at the bright side… onto the next guy (or girl :)!
Thanks, Catherine. I miss you so much right now. What I’d give for a night at Cleary’s with you and Laura and Doc!
This is such a drag. But since you found your first agent without even querying just on a critique at a conference, I know you’ll find an even better agent. That, like much of the publishing part of writing, is so hard.
Thanks, Natalie. This biz is certainly not for the faint of heart!
Hey! I’m sorry it turned out this way but since it’s for the best, I just know it will be for the best!
Thank you, Virginia! I think it will be, too.