To Kindle Or Not To Kindle?

I caved. I recently purchased my first electronic book. For me it was a hard choice. There are few things I enjoy more than holding a book in my hands...but you should see my house. I hoard books. I have three floor to ceiling double bookcases, and yet I'm out of room for books.

I read JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED A KEY on my Kindle. I enjoyed the story immensely, but there were a few negatives:

1. I missed seeing the cover art.

2. There were a few parts that I wanted to reread but it was too aggravating to find them.

3. My Kindle needed to be recharged in the middle of the story.

So now I've reached a compromise. I will buy electronic books when I'm pretty sure that it's not a story I will read again and again. But I can't give up on traditional books. It would be easier to quit eating chocolate!

How I Found My Agent

The January/February issue of The SCBWI Bulletin had the following blurb:

"Mary Grey James former lead book buyer for Ingram Book Company joined East/West Literary Agency (EWA) as a partner literary agent, personal interest in Southern women and their stories; serves as the vice president/president-elect of the Women's National Book Association (WNBA) and chair of the WNBA Pannell Award Committee that honors two bookstores each year which excelled in bringing books and young people together."

The words personal interest in Southern women and their stories jumped out at me. I grew up in rural North Carolina and most of my stories reflect that. Might Mary Grey James be the agent for me?

The article didn't list any contact information so I fired up Google. I located Mary Grey James and her email address through Linked In. I sent Mary an email query and she requested the full manuscript. About six weeks later, I signed the contract. Two things worked in my favor:

1. I write what Mary is looking for: Southern stories.
2. Mary is a new agent. It's easier to break in when an agent is actively building his/her list.

Mary has my first novel out on submission. It's an exciting time for me and I'm waiting. Waiting for the right editor to sprinkle blood, sweat and tears so that together we can turn my manuscript into a published novel.

Are you looking for an agent? Or do you already have one? I'd love to hear your story.