Posted Jan 17 2011, 4:34 pm in fiction, social networking
On Monday, January 10th, my phone rang.
It was the call every writer dreams of.
An agent offered representation. To me!
The first thing I did upon hanging up the phone was turn to Twitter to post a shouty capitals announcement: I GOT THE CALL!
Was I bragging? No, I was sharing. It’s been a year since I began this blog and slightly over a year since I began tweeting. In that year, I’ve forged connections with dozens of people – writers, agents, editors – people who share my interests in books, in story-telling, in getting published. People who have taught me more than any MFA program could.
I have to thank you for your role in my good news. From you, I learned how to write killer opening scenes, improve my query letter, and develop flawed characters.
From you, I was exposed to brilliant stories and compelling characters far outside my comfort zone and learned to take risks in my own work.
From you, I learned that no matter where in our writing careers we are – just starting out or multi-published – self-doubt is still a common enemy.
From you, I learned to stop taking life and rejection so seriously and that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves. A lot.
From you, I learned people may be interested in the things I have to say or the stories I have to tell. And then, from a group of Jeannie Moon’s high school students with a passion for reading, I learned there’s no “may be” about it.
From you, I learned to read and review books I might have otherwise ignored. And made new friends doing so.
From Kelly Breakey, I learned to ignore that monstrous self-doubt shouting in my ear and then, kick its ass a few times so I could finish the story I had to tell. SEND collected about two dozen rejections before Denise Little of The Ethan Ellenberg Agency said yes. I just signed the contract. *happy dance*
Chocolate for everyone! On me.
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OMG!! HOW did I miss this on Twitter? My head must have been in outer space somewhere. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
This ROCKS!!!
Oh, I’m soooo happy for you. :D
Yay! I was wondering who your agent was. Denise is great and lots of fun. I’ve met her twice now, before she got into agenting.
And it is nice of you to cover yourself in chocolate for us. No whipped cream?
oo, nice touch! Chocolate AND whipped cream!
Yay! Congratulations Patty! We’ll be looking for more great things from you!
Congrats! To many good things!
Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. Maybe I’ll grow up to be just like you. LOL!
YAY! congrats again! So happy for you :)
Congrats, friend! You deserve it.
Woo hoo!!!!!! Congrats-you earned that cyber yell!
Yowza! Congrats. That’s one hurdle hurdled over.
Oh, Patty, definitely no “may be” about it. Seriously. CONGRATULATIONS!
You have earned every good thing that has happened and will happen to you and I am just tickled!
Thanks, guys… not just for the best wishes but for all the support throughout my first year of blogging and tweeting. You are all amazing teachers and I’m proud to know each of you.
i’m totally late to the party, but that doesn’t diminish my CONGRATULATIONS one bit. YAY! AWESOME! SUPER! FABULOUS!
Late doesn’t matter at this party! I’m still celebrating!
I knew you could do it. I can’t wait to be able to say, “I knew her when.” Congratulations and just know I wish so many good things for you.
Congratulations!!!
And what a lovely post. I also feel like I’ve learned a lot since joining the online writing community.