Well… good news! One of my two agents has gotten me a contract with Simon & Schuster (for Faust in Love). It includes a plan of paying in installments, the first one being–I believe–when I am supposed to have signed on January 2, 2023. I sent the contract to a friend of mine with a law degree just to make sure there aren’t any bugs… but I think this is it: I will get four lump sums and a percentage of the royalties. I won’t give the exact amount, but I believe that this money marks the threshold of my being financially independent, and that next year–God willing–I will take in the delights (I speak this without irony) of paying taxes. To be a “burden” to society (not to mention one’s mother) is a terrible thing, and this being the first book sold is a wonderful thing because it means nobody can question my place in society now.
My other agent will call me next week, to offer me up several options for my 4-book omnibus The Bible According to Eve… I do not know if it will be as lucrative as Faust in Love left me, but I have high hopes. This second agent has copies of Maybe the Meek Shall Inherit the Earth and Poor Folk–but I suspect it will be some time before there is any consideration of publishing them… a 4-book set is already a hefty tomb to sell.
I know I shouldn’t brag–it is gosh to flash money around, whether it be a fortune or a pittance. Still, I am hoping I shall go to New Orleans with Aunt Clara or one of her daughters once all of my bills are paid. I went to New Orleans once before but it was not a pleasure trip… I hope to go again some day. Of course, a lot depends on Mom’s health… she has been having troubles lately and I don’t want to leave her behind if she is ill…