"Book deal - major publisher" | Career
Her fingers paused over the keyboard as she considered the Pros column. Sure, a traditional publishing contract would mean professional editing, cover design, and marketing support. The validation of being "chosen" by a big publisher still held appeal, even after years of successful self-publishing.
But the Cons... She'd heard too many horror stories from fellow authors. Publishers dropping series mid-way, rights tied up for years, marketing support vanishing after the first few months if sales weren't astronomical. She typed quickly, "Do I even want this?" in Questions, then typed "Low" in the Priorities column.
"Bollywood adaptation" | Career
A smile tugged at her lips as she imagined her vampire romance transformed into a spectacular musical production. The dramatic story of a 16th-century Indian princess falling in love with a Romanian vampire would translate beautifully to Bollywood's aesthetic. The elaborate dance numbers, the costumes, the music... Oh, yeah, definitely High for the priority.
"Oprah" | Career | Very High
Now that would be a game-changer. Oprah's book club recommendations transformed unknown authors into overnight sensations. And unlike traditional publishing, a celebrity endorsement meant exposure without losing rights.
She sipped her iced tea, considering the ripple effects. An Oprah selection came with items for the Con column as well. A book's popularity at that level would mean interviews, probablytelevision appearances. Her stomach clenched at the thought of public speaking. But for that level of success... She'd manage. Somehow.
Mandy's fingers paused over the keyboard as Mozart's face popped into her mind. Her sweet, affectionate boy who'd been a shelter rescue, along with his brother Bach. So many cats weren't as lucky as her boys.
She scrolled past the Financial and Personal categories she'd created. Those could wait. Under "Other," she typed:
"No-kill cat shelter" | Other
The cursor blinked at her as she considered the implications - and there would be tons of them. Her practical side kicked in, reminding her of the complexities involved in running a non-profit organization. But the thought of saving more cats like Mozart and Bach, giving them a chance at finding loving homes, made her heart squeeze. This was definitely going in the High column.
She left the Pros and Cons columns blank for now. This wish would need careful consideration - not just the immediate magical solution, but the long-term sustainability. The last thing she wanted was to create a shelter that would have to close down after a few years due to poor planning.
Her gaze drifted to the other empty categories on her spreadsheet. Financial and Personal wishes could wait for another time. Right now, her brain felt like it was reaching its limit for processing life-changing decisions.
Mandy saved her spreadsheet, giving it the whimsical name "Three Wishes and a Dream."
Exhaustion crept in, as the comforting ritual of structuring her ideas had calmed her racing thoughts to a dull roar. The wild tangle of potentials and possibilities now sat confined in tidy spreadsheet cells, waiting to be examined once her mind felt less overwhelmed.
She closed her laptop and slipped it back into her purse, then waved to catch Jenny's attention.
"Heading home?" Jenny approached with the check. "Get any good writing done?"
"Just research and plotting." Mandy pulled out her credit card. "But sometimes that's more important than actual writing."
Jenny ran her card and brought back the receipt. "Well, don't forget about us little people when you're famous."
Mandy chuckled as she signed the slip, adding her usual generous tip. Jenny had been keeping her company during late-night writing sessions for years. "As if I could forget my favorite source of hot fudge sundaes."
The bell chimed as she pushed open the door. The night air had cooled slightly, making the short walk to her car more pleasant. Her back protested as she lowered herself into the driver's seat, but the pain seemed distant now, manageable.
Mozart and Bach greeted her at the door with sleepy blinks, well accustomed to her late night forays. She filled their food bowls as an apology, then changed into her favorite soft pajamas.
"Night boys," she murmured as she climbed into bed.
Mozart curled up against her hip while Bach claimed his usual spot on the other pillow next to her own. Their steady purring, combined with the mental exhaustion of the last two days, pulled her quickly toward sleep.
Her last conscious thought was that maybe, just maybe, she'd figure out how to make her wishes count for something truly meaningful. Then sleep claimed her, deep and dreamless.
Chapter
Eight
Raucous feline complaints roused Mandy.Bach and Mozart sat side by side on the mattress, watching her with matching judgy expressions. Their green-gold eyes radiated the particular disdain only cats could muster over delayed breakfast.
The bedside clock read 10:47 AM. No wonder they were upset… late breakfast two whole days in a row!
