[Sigh.] You’re right: I never start with a sigh; I usually end with one. Wanted to throw somethin’ up on the blog, so, in keeping with my unending fight to be me, I did something stupid. [FYI: I say stupid, but I mean ‘stupid for the general population,’ not for me.] I apologize in advance for all of you I shock, and for those who try to love me, but I just make it downright impossible. Here’s the letter I sent the gal at RWA. I also sent a copy of my new agency contract, which will be slapped on my Web site proudly. For now, here’s the letter. Oh, and the photos are of me and those who really love me. No matter what. PERIOD. [And I love them the same way.]
Me and my best pal, Gayle Link– Atlanta, 2010
Hi Carol,
I decided since I have a degree in contract law, I should have my clients sign a more structured agreement, but written in plain English, and fully understandable. Hopefully, this will end any arguing post-termination. I’ll be putting this document on my Web site, in keeping with my “Transparency Policy.” [And I actually keep mine.] I’ve attached it for you.
I haven’t heard from you either with a decision, timeline, or even an explanation of what actually occurred [did my former client file a complaint that will sit in my file for 7 years, or does that only happen pending a favorable--toward her--decision by RWA?]
In the interim, I’ve been reviewing how being a recognized agency benefits me. Well, I get more status. [I don't care about status unless it has to do with my integrity, which is the only thing I care about.] That’s it. Whoa! I can’t think of anything else. Oh. I like the RWR in paper form. [I like it much better than the online mags.]
Me and my client [friend, sister], Cynthia Hickey – 2008 [And you know I must love her to post such an unflattering photo of myself on my blog!]
The costs? I get to pay my whopping membership fees/dues. For that, I’m banned from running for office, I’m banned from voting, I’m banned from answering writers’ questions on the loops, and when a fellow member lies and bashes me, I wait … and wait … and wait, for a response, which if it goes against me, can harm my well-earned rep.
I get to come to your national conference and you don’t charge me to attend–but, I have to teach and/or take appointments for that, so it isn’t really free, is it? I work for you if I come. When I come to your conference, I pay all my expenses, which ends up bein’ about a G-note. [I'm me, and that's my lingo--like it or not.] Sure, I get to meet editors, but I could just come and not attend the conference, and make side appointments with the editors as usual, since I’m already paying for all my expenses, right?
We all know agents don’t go to large conferences to help writers or look for new clients. [I already have potential clients that'd overflow Lake Michigan if they all sat in it.] Agents go to large conferences to meet editors, as previously mentioned.
I prefer small conferences [as my Web site states]. I get to spend time with writers at those. I get to teach and listen, and really help them. Agents go to small conferences if they wanna meet and help writers [not editors], as there’s no other reason to attend, is there?
Me and my client [friend, sister], Kelly Ann Riley – 2008
And for me givin’ those people my all, they pay for all my expenses, and sometimes give me $100 too. [I cleared those earnings with Erin years ago, just to be safe.] What I don’t get, is money for the editing they ask me to do for writers who pay to have their submissions evaluated. Why? Because I thought those would be reading fees that under RWA policy, I’m not allowed to take. So in effect, being RWA recognized causes me to lose money.
Am I saying I want out? Honestly [which is the only way I do things], I’m not sure. One thing I am sure of, is if I leave now, people will assume I quit before you could fire me. If I get out, I don’t wanna go that way.
You may think I wrote this to antagonize you. No. I’m just confused, and no one I’ve spoken to can give me a good answer that makes sense. [I'm all about making sense.] Here’s the question: why is the above true? If you take away all the rights of your members who are recognized agents, why are you taking fees from us? If we’re members, why don’t we get the same protection you afford your other members? Why do you segregate, and classify us as a different type of member?
Me and my client [friend, sister], Carrie Stuart Parks – 2010 [Yo! I’m the Big Dawg.]
I know I’m wasting my time, as I’ve found few gigantic organizations that DO make sense [so I'm not singling you out.]. But this has bothered me since my local chapter followed your lead and kicked me off their member loop. Of course, I still had to pay their hefty membership fee in addition to yours, plus, they charged me $10 [another group I liked charged $20] every time I attended a meeting! [Like I really need to hear a speaker talk about how to write.] I didn’t renew my membership with them, because they disenfranchised me, but didn’t wanna disenfranchise the fees.
Here’s my closing question: I just received an offer from a publishing house to edit textbooks for university students. So, if I say yes, am I accepting reading fees?
[Welcome to My Worlds.] [Sigh.]
Kelly, no one can criticize you for your honest heart and I’m glad to see your post.
This is EXACTLY what Jim and I prayed for you just a couple of hours ago… this morning. Oct. 14th. Pretty cool how the Holy Spirit works. We prayed for answers for you and a resolution and we prayed for your heart and priorities and also, for you to do what you enjoy. What your God given abilities and talents are. The last being a final final resolution to this stumbling block to your Joy in Christ.
May you be blessed with clear, concise, black and white answers my dear sister. Hugs in Jesus from Jim and me. Hugs to your supporters as well. All precious ones in Christ.
Kelly,
Like a number of others, I have a submission waiting since April. I check your blog episodically to see whassup. But after reading these last couple of posts, I thought I’d drop you a line.
This whole mess with the RWA, Underdog Press, the FCFH–everything–it just smells like a major test from God to me. Not the kind of one He necessarily causes, but the kind He allows, to produce in us some of the sweet-smelling savor that only happens when we are crushed, kinda like potpourri. I sense that God has His hand on you, and that He’s moving to prepare you for something.
I have a favorite quote I once found in Gichin Funakoshi’s Karate-Do Kyohan (of all places!). He cites the following:
Mencius said, “When Heaven is about to confer an important office upon a man, it first embitters his heart in its purpose; it causes him to exert his bones and sinews; it makes his body suffer hunger; it inflicts upon him want and poverty and confounds his undertakings. In this way it stimulates his will, steels his nature and thus makes him capable of accomplishing what he would otherwise be incapable of accomplishing.”
Or, as Nietzsche said in Twilight of the Idols, “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.”
Don’t let this stuff get you down or wear you out. And don’t you dare think about quitting. This is designed to produce glory in you – a glory that will be seen both in heaven and in the here and now. Trust in the Lord to be your Shield and Defender, and your integrity will vindicate your reputation.
One more, from John Popper in Blues Traveler’s Run-Around:
Tra la la la la bombardier this is the pilot speaking
And I’ve got some news for you
It seems my ship still stands no matter what you drop
And there ain’t a whole lot that you can do
Oh sure the banner may be torn and the wind’s gotten colder
Perhaps I’ve grown a little cynical
But I know no matter what the waitress brings
I shall drink in and always be full
I shall drink in and always be full
Oh I like coffee And I like tea
But to be able to enter a final plea
I still got this dream that you just can’t shake
I love you to the point you can no longer take
Well all right, okay, so be that way
I hope and pray that there’s something left to say
But you! Why you wanna give me a run-around
Is it a sure-fire way to speed things up
When all it does is slow me down?
Hang in there, girl!
I just wish I was a member of RWA so I could quit in protest. It must be painful to have your character and your business principles slandered. The RWA taking their sweet time sorting not only adds insult to inury, it hinders your agency’s good work. It’s just not right. Never quit the fight. The little people count on fighters like you, the prettiest, girliest Rocky Balboa of the writing world.
I’m so glad the big dog included me as someone who loves her. Period. I quit ACFW because of how they treated Kelly, and that was before I knew her. Maybe I just kill off RWA in my next novel…….
Kelly,
Winds of change can be wicked. As a Sport Pilot, I’ve learned that progress when we fly is dependant upon understanding turbulence and adjusting the course while keeping the destination in mind. It doesn’t matter that a storm is unfair or unpredictable if we keep our integrity and focus. It is futile if we try to control the storm by trying to correct its path, only our direction matters. Doubts will compromise our path and endanger resolve. Bearing, reality checks and attitude are essential corrective instruments.
All storms are limited in duration and if we keep our integrity and determination, things will calm down and our experience will strengthen us. I like to quote from one of my favorite movies starring Jodi Foster (Contact) where she thought all was lost, and a new path was revealed to her. “Wanna Take A Ride.” My life has been a Wild ride and I wouldn’t trade it. Not even the horrible parts…Brent, (BP Survivor)…
Brent sounds like a pretty smart guy. I think that so much energy is wasted worrying about the outcome of the problems in which we find ourselves entangled. I guess I would just have to add this, stay committed to your calling and cast all of your cares on Him. He will never let you down, that is His unwavering promise to you. Jeremiah 31:3.
Just wanted to let you know that I have not been receiving your newsletters after joining in October. My email address is barbjan10@tx.rr.com. Please put me on the active list so that I can receive them. Thank you.
Blessings,
Barb Shelton
Hi Kelly!
Hope the road to your dreams is getting alil less bumpy (or repaved) just wanted to drop you a quick line…I’m missin’ them spicy blogs of yours
when you get a chance couldja please give me a laugh?
Lotsa Love,
Kelly