All The Tired Horsepowers

All The Tired Horsepowers

Hearing of the massive layoffs in the local car factories erodes a bit the certainties of future and furthers the perception that things aren’t quite the same anymore. So much for the lessons of my youth that once spoke of a surety of workable lifetimes plus a pension fades as the corporate cut away for the leanness of times. Gone are those workplaces that guarantee a place for generations. One is forced to consider what may fall into place for awhile since no longer can one plan for fifty years. Now it’s a time for improvising since changes can occur quite often in one’s life instead of that once good place to settle. One could think one might get too old for adjustments but now survival demands newness no matter where one is at for the easy chair is no longer assured.

One could point a finger since it is an ignorant habit nowadays and say it’s all the union’s fault. Too much greed and too much benefit make the American worker obsolete in the global village of huts with no mortgages and paths walked not driven. Like an expensive habit that one would be better off not partaking of, the workers are the first to be cut. Nothing considered than just a matter of survival. Hopes are for the older ones having houses that are paid and cars that will last a few more years, because it’s time to work at Wal-Mart for six bucks an hour. Medical care can maybe be put on the state and that’s a hole for another year. The younger will adapt and try to survive, law of the species; nothing unusual. It’s too late to take ten bucks an hour instead of twenty; the cars are no longer sold.

Then again one could flip a single finger in the air and say it’s all mismanagement. Too much greed and too much bonuses made the estates that lined the lakes. Way too lopsided allotments for the upper class took away the cushion for hard times. There are those that will have to be cut but only the juniors, the rest are tenure, entwined within the company until bankruptcy. Most likely are taken care of, medical provided, well paid; just a company function. Now it’s time to cut the excesses and indulgencies and get real, scramble together and figure out what went wrong since the cars are no longer being sold.

Not that the cars aren’t sharp or classy, all shine and high tech, the ultimate in current know how of gadgetry and devices, the appeal is in the showroom. Vehicles built for power and grace, style and substance. All for the fleeting glance of prestige and recognition, nothing more than a symbol to attain and maintain. The profits were good and the benefits were great, the American way of life. So one could be fair and say that that it was the greed of many getting what they could from the company to live the best that they could. Yet the real culprit is the American way of life. It is the philosophy of America: better, bigger, and wait until next year. Cars were not built to last but to show. Look at my car and my house. Like the demands and expectations of a youth, or the tantrum of a child wanting attention, America is still young. The reality of a long life requires readjustments. Settle down and dig in. The future is always there for the practicalities of balance for longevity. Changes have to be made to become mature, a matter of common sense over charm. After all it’s only survival with a little grace to get by. America can no longer act like ugly Americans; as if we’re the only ones that matter.

BONUS : All You Need To Know About Agents--for Now

The agent issue is such an emotional one for writers. Having one is a huge validation. I was fortunate to sign with an agent while still writing my first novel and it was wonderful being able to work and know that someone was waiting for what I was writing.

But the eagerness to have that feeling often pushes writers to make poor decisions when it comes to the hunt for an agent. With some thinking, solid preparation and research it is possible to hook up with an agent and have a satisfying relationship with him or her. Here are five crucial points to help you with the process.

1. Do You Need An Agent?
You've probably heard the oft-cited fact that most publishers these days don't read unsolicited manuscripts. But that only means that the editor hasn't been contacted beforehand. If you send a query letter and the editor asks to see your book or book proposal, you can send it without going through an agent.

However, if the editor does want to make an offer, they will suggest that you get an agent. An agent will help you get the best deal possible and, in the best of worlds, an agent will also be interested in helping you develop your career as a writer. If you can get an agent before the submission process, I think that's even better because the agent can help you put your manuscript in the best shape possible before it gets submitted. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression. With that in mind...

2. Be Ready.
You have to be writing at a top level to grab an agent's attention. Unfortunately, a number of writers tend to skip that part. You may be eager to get an agent, but if you're continually sending out subpar material, you'll be seen as a writer with poor skills and poor judgment and someone not to be taken seriously.

Granted, I know you want to know that you're not writing for nothing and an agent would provide that validation, but at some point you have to make the decision that you're writing for the long haul and working on your craft. If you can do that, getting an agent will not be a problem.

3. Find the Right Agent.
When you're ready to make the search, DO NOT get a bunch of names and do a mass mailing to anyone with the title "agent". You'll only get a bunch of rejections from agents who don't handle your material or aren't looking for new clients. If you do a little work, you can find out what kind of writers an agent represents and the type of material they favor. Writer's Digest publishes the Guide to Literary Agents (see below) where you'll find complete listings.

Here's another great tip: if you join Publishers Marketplace, you can get a daily e-mail listing of what deals have taken place in the book industry. You'll see what kind of book sold, what editor bought it and the agent who represented the author. This is good information because you'll see immediately who is representing your type of writing and--more importantly--who is buying it!

4. No, You Don't Have to Pay an Agent!
I get asked about this a lot, usually by writers who have already been taken advantage of by agents who charge expensive "reading fees". A good agent makes money when you make money (usually a 15 percent commission). You'll want to ask some questions. If an agent makes most of his money from writer fees and not from actual sales, you'll want to move on. A good way to weed out this group is by checking out members of the Association of Author's Representatives (AAR). Members of AAR are forbidden from charging fees.

5. Network!
An agent is much more likely to pay attention to a manuscript from someone they have met personally. I know networking and meeting agents can be hard if you live in the mountains of Arizona or on an island in Puget Sound. But consider it part of your work as a writer to get out to a conference at lease once or twice a year to meet agents, editors and, of course, other writers! I'll let you know when good ones are coming up.

One last note
An agent is NOT a magic pill. Even the best agent can't work miracles with mediocre material. It will ALWAYS be your job to do your best writing.

© 2005 Sophfronia Scott