An email from my editor. Innocuous.
"You should be getting something in the mail..."
I knew the finished book would be out soon but I had no idea. The package came yesterday.
I thought I would cry.
Instead I drank a margarita at 2:30 in the afternoon.
Then champagne at 7 pm.
Full Circle.
That's what I was thinking.
Full Circle.
My life this past year has been like the plot of a novel. Not thriller. Not fantasy. Maybe romance.
The dull parts, the angst - reminiscent of literary fiction.
Last year at this time I had agents requesting and reading the full manuscript of LOTTERY.
This time last year Dorian had my query and asked for the full.
This time last year I was unrepresented.
Unpublished.
This time last year.
And now?
A year later?
A real live honest to goodness book.
So here's to dragonflies.
Perseverance.
And hope.
Most of all to hope.
Posts
34 comments:
Congratulations, Pat! I've read Lottery (nah, nah, nah-nah, nah! to those that haven't) and you deserve it. I'm still wondering, though... who were the mystery guests?? Inquiring minds want to know.... P.S. Were the kitties happy to see you? The only way I know if mine is happy to see me is when she sits in front of me and stares at me with those vivid green eyes, wanting me to get out the grooming brush & get rid of her loose hair. :)
Big, big, big day!!!
Congrats, Pat. So cool.
Nice photo, Mary! You have a knack with a camera. However, stay away from me when I come to visit in two months. :)
Mystery guests included (but not limited to and in no particular order were:)
Kim Stagliano
John Robison
M G Tarquini
The doorman
AND
four complete strangers who stayed next door to us at the hotel
There was this one woman kept a poodle in her room.
I heard it growl.
She left puncture holes in the carpet from her 8 inch high heels & a trail of gin bottles down the hall.
I heard maniacal laughter every so often and then saw a flurry of what looked like query letters floating down from the 38th floor.
I don't know...
but I suspect...
Yay pictures! I love pictures! And such pretty pictures (I like your bathing suit muchly!)!
And how cool is the embossed lettering on the cover!
Oh Pat I am just so thrilled for you!
I am in awe of your journey over the last year and the way in which you've seemingly handled it with complete class, humility and humor. I cannot WAIT to read the novel and come to your reading. God willing, I will get to travel the same path in the not-too-distant future with my own novel.
Wow, what a homecoming gift. I've read Lottery as well and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know Perry and rest of your characters. Fantastic and I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.
Aw, congratulations Pat!! How exciting!!
So cool! I'm reading my own copy right now.
:o)
Hey, everybody, don't forget to pop over to the enduringromance.blogspot.com blog tomorrow for Lisa Shearin's Cyber-Launch Book Party. Now, I just have to convince Pat she needs one too. Ya'll think that will be difficult?
That is so stinking cool! I've got my closely guarded arc and all, but I still can't wait for my real live hardcover copies (one for me and five for my pals) of LOTTERY.
Your story has really been inspiring to me. I can't say my story will be the same...but still it keeps me going. Good things can happen!
And you look gorgeous in that photo!
I lovedlovedloved Lottery, Pat, and my Mama is reading it as we speak.
She loves it so far, too!
Can't wait for the hardcover to get here!
Hey congrats! Thanks for sharing your full circle moment!
Gosh, I sure do miss her sometimes. I even miss getting hit with the clue stick. I was browsing her old website today, just remembering.... some of her posts just made my day, even though I didn't really enjoy cleaning snorted liquid out of my keyboard. I'll be a snarkling forever..... and if I ever become an author instead of just a writer (read, "hack") I'll have her to thank for the ABCs of the business, and you, Pat, for the inspiration.
What a great year this has turned out for you. Enjoy.
And I love the cover. I've seen it before. Still, I enjoy it each time i take a look.
This is one of my must reads. Ok I don't have a copy like some of the others. I'll go and buy one. sob.
Congrats, Pat! Oh what a fabulous feeling, huh?
Add my congratulations to the pile, Pat. Here's to success in the marketplace.
Congratulations! How wonderful and such a beautiful story. Thanks :-)
That is just so thrilling, Pat! I know the feeling and I wish you more, much more of the same.
I can't wait for the UK release of Lottery! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
And can't wait to meet you in London next January...
And editing.... Congrats!
Congratulations!
Be sure to pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate this step in your journey.
Hey, any excuse to celebrate should be welcomed, because we face so much disappointment in life we should savor every bit of accomplishment.
Linda
I'll bet you had a frisson run up your back. What a wonderful way to have an adrenaline rush.
And about one year ago is when I "met" you online.:) I think one of the funnest things about meeting you when I did (other that the absolute joy of your friendship, of course) has been watching this whole process unfold. Excuse the gushiness for a minute, but I am so proud and happy for you! Not only are you a good writer, you are such a genuine and giving person. I don't know anyone who deserves this more! (Except my mother, who is a saint . . . and she doesn't write.;))
I will be doing a ton of traveling right when your book is released so I will have to take pictures of your book on sale in a bunch of different states.:)
Congrats, and thanks for reminding all of us that it can be done.
Congratulations! I look forward to buying a copy at the Elliott Bay Book Store and watching you sign it on August 10th!
Cool!
You'll be there Antiwife?
I will have drinks and munchies available!!!
It would be very fun to meet my blogging buddies.
I will be there! I'm really looking forward to it. It's been fun living vicariously through you on your journey to publication. Plus I love all your pictures.
Congrats on your book! (Three cheers for Hope!)
Have you ever read Will D. Campbell's BROTHER TO A DRAGONFLY?
Oh, hey, do they have those on eBay? Har har.
Congratulations, Pat. I can't wait to read it.
Orion,
Thanks for visiting my new blog! I'm glad you liked it and christened it with its first comment.
Congratulations, Pat. You completely deserve it! I wish you many, many more successes and a place on Oprah's couch! :*)
Congratulations!! I can't wait to buy it!
Anybody who can wear a sleeveless shirt and not flap arm flab has my undying respect.
Ya look mahvelous, dahlink! And so does your hardcover.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Wow!
I hope to experience a day like this in my lifetime! You inspire! Thank you!!!
Post a Comment