So...Long Time, No Update

Okay, so I’m a little behind—A LOT behind—on my blog posts. I’d tell you all the reasons but I don’t think that they really matter; let’s just say that my real life got in the way of my online life. For right now I’m looking forward rather than back and thought you all might like to be clued in.

I started a new (part-time) job! No, it’s not in publishing. If only…but it’s a job at a really nice company with really nice people. I’m working as an administrative assistant for a few afternoons per week to make a little money. There are some great pluses to this job—it keeps me interacting with people, using new technology, coming into the city and it’s at a great location: the Empire State Building. You just don’t get a better view of New York City than that. It reminds me of one of the reasons I’m working so hard—to make a life for myself here. Such an amazing view reminds me every day that even tiny, small-town me can have gigantic, big-city dreams.

I did end up cutting back on my hours working at Astle Literary, which is sad. I’ve transferred much of my responsibilities to a new intern. I’m only working with YA now (rather than all fiction, which I used to handle) which has drastically cut down on my involvement at the agency. Since I do most of my work independently, I don’t see as much of the boss and feel much more like a freelancer. It’s a neat but scary feeling—I help train a new intern, get a commission for clients, choose YA authors to sign, and only see the boss for weekly meetings. So exciting—I can really see myself in this life one day. Of course, I need tons more experience before I can really break out on my own (aka years and years) but I’m starting to feel more like I belong in this life and less like I’m playing a part.

Even while working at my new part time job, I haven’t given up applying for a full-time job in publishing. I have amazing people in my life that are helping me make the contacts that I am sure will one day land me the job of my dreams. I can never thank you all enough for your support—my blog readers, yalitchat community, and twitter peeps—and inspiration. I don’t know what I would do without you!
I haven’t given up on the book challenge either—I’m still reading the books that changed your lives! Expect blog posts about them in the future.

For now, this is my life. I hope you’re all still writing/editing/agenting/working hard! I don’t think I could get through the day if I didn’t believe that good things come to those who work hard and pay their dues. Not to those who give up. You have to keep moving forward, even if “forward” is interning a thousand times until the economy gets better and someone can afford to hire you. I know I’m going to be sticking around as long as it takes…even if it takes quite a while.