My understanding is this is a place to talk about anything. So here goes. Me rambling on, my friends.
I have written a series of picture books using photos of my sulcata tortoise and other animals that visit his enclosure. The books share facts about tortoises, especially sulcatas but also other animals and address social issues such as making friends, caring for and choosing a pet, valuing diversity, etc. I have been sending query letters to agents for 5 months with no luck. I don't know if it is worth pursuing more agents. I don't know if it is worth spending the money to self-publish. I don't know if people would even buy the books. I am at that point, trash it or keep trying. And, in what direction do I keep trying? Do I start over with agents sending them the more social subject books and not the initial factual book introducing the tortoise? Do blow a raspberry at the agent idea and move on to self-publishing?
I've always loved to write. But maybe my son is going to be the published writer, not me. My tortoise books are fun writing. I would love to write a novel but the only one lurking in my head is about my families unusual number of family tragedy. Does anyone really want to read about one families experience with rape, murder, accidental death of a child, suicide, and inheritance backstabbing? It's depressing when it is all on paper, and could I even write it well?
I think I am trying to find my new place in this world. I no longer work full time and only have 3 more years before I have an empty nest. I need an agent, a publisher, advice, or a drink, or all of the above. "Sigh"
Interesting....have you reached out to Jamie @jsheffield up in New Hampshire. He is also a writer and just recently published a new series of short stories. I’ll bet he has some real-world advice. Good luck....
Ps - his most recent - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/109733466X/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20