Guest Post: A Strange Change of Life Crisis

I’ve heard of men who buy a sports car, women who have houses or their bodies completely re-modeled. I even believe that Lizzy Borden was probably suffering some type of strange life crisis. (There MUST be some excuse).

But who would have thought a soccer/karate mom would suddenly go from reader to writer, writer to reviewer, and reviewer to agent.

Okay, I’ll admit it. I can’t stand to pick up a book and find typos, etc. . So when that happened one day, I contacted the publisher and politely asked if they might need proofreaders. I was informed they had enough (really?) but that they would keep my name on file. Eventually I became a first reader for them, and when the sister company broke away, I went to work for them as a final reader. I loved it, though I was probably far too anal (can I say that?) and no doubt drove them crazy with all my shining finds. BUT! And here’s the real kicker, it gave me a good look into what was being published in different genres and who were doing well as authors.

Once I managed to convince an agent I had a story to tell, he and I began working together. Eventually, he needed another editorial assistant, and I was excited to work with new clients. A match made in Michigan and Texas. You thought I was gonna say Heaven, right? No, God isn’t looking for a writer yet, I think He tells His own story much better. Anyway, I loved working with Terry Burns. I began to take pitches for him at smaller conferences. Finding those diamonds in the rough was such an incredible rush that I couldn’t wait to mine the next and the next and the next.

Then, last spring when Hartline began looking for another agent, Terry Burns put his boot to my backside and shoved me from the proverbial nest. Before I knew what was happening, I was an agent with Hartline. It’s been a slow growth this first year, but I have some absolutely wonderful clients who I am shopping around. They are hardworking, far-sighted, enjoyable clients who are first to help each other with projects, queries, etc.  I have the unique opportunity to pray for these folks, help prepare their proposals to send, and to encourage them in general.

So, this life change has been nothing but pure joy. Okay, it’s had its moments, but overall, I can’t wait to see what God has for the rest of my life. He has certainly taken me in directions I would never have guessed I might go. Blessings to you all in your writing endeavors.
 

Linda Glaz is a writer with her hands in too many pots including her new gig as an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. But she loves to stir those pots and see what the finished products are like. She was an editorial assistant to Terry Burns of Hartline Literary Agency and a final reader for White Rose Publishing. She still judges, and is a speaker for conferences and meetings where she takes the adage “make ‘em laugh” to heart. She writes secular and inspirational fiction. Suspense being her favorite genre—Yeah, scare me! Feel free to contact her at lglazagain@gmail.com just to say hi or to bring her to your writing group or conference to speak.