Hello Mixed-Up Filers!
I missed all of you! Hope all of you have been doing well since my last post. I’m going to deviate slightly from talking about middle grade to discuss something else, which, in reality, has a lot to do with middle grade anyway. So, really, I take it back. I’m well within the guidelines of the site!
You see, a lot has happened for me, since my last post, and this time it was actually pretty good. Ready?
Brace yourselves…
I have an honest-to-goodness, book deal!
YAY!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
(Yes, I’m waving and blowing kisses to each and every one of you who’s reading this. So, I guess that basically means you, Mom!)
I was so excited, that I wanted to share it with my Mixed-Up family first! Okay, not really first, but definitely, in the top six hundred people I’ve told.
Anyway, for those of you who know me, and now, even for those of you who don’t, I’ve been at this for a very long time. Years and years. As a matter of fact, when I first contemplated trying to write, there actually was a Clinton in the White House.
At that point, it was only a thought, but I didn’t get serious about it, until around eight years ago.
That’s eight years of working really hard and trying to get better at my craft.
Eight years of critiques, telling me what was and what wasn’t working.
Eight years of rejections. It seemed like a prison sentence.
It wasn’t all bad, I did have a couple of close calls too, but I could never seem to get over that hump.
Until last year.
Last year, things started to change for me.
Last year, I finally got an agent! The wonderful, Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency, and she changed everything for me. Let me tell you, it’s a wonderful feeling, when someone calls you and gushes about your work. Someone who believes in you.
As I’ve written in previous posts, last year was a tough one for me personally, but that first phone call from Nicole was the silver lining to it all.
From there, things happened relatively fast. Even though, while I was going through the waiting process, it seemed like an excruciatingly, interminable time.
Looking back though, it all happened in a short period of time. First, she drummed up interest in my manuscript and finally, at the beginning of last month, I got another life-changing call from Nicole. The kind that every writer is dying to get. My manuscript sold!
I think, when she told me, there was an elation that I hadn’t felt since I heard that a new version of Duck Tales will be coming back into syndication.
So, Mixed-Up Filers, in the Fall of 2017, you will have to be on the lookout for my debut novel, Night of the Living Cuddle-Bunnies, from SkyPony Press!
And guess what?
It’s Middle Grade, so, legally, I can talk about it here!
I, really couldn’t be more thrilled and for those of you who write, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s validation of all the hard work you put into something.
I remember at a few different conferences, how some of the speakers talked about perseverance. They drummed into the audience, how you should never give up and the difference between those who are published and those who aren’t, are the desire to push on, even when facing rejection.
I knew they were right, but still, it was tough to subscribe to that philosophy, in a business, where rejection is commonplace. The thing is, you can’t give up. First step, is believing in yourself and the rest follows.
Now comes the difficult part. I give you my word, that I will not inundate you with Cuddle-Bunny references for the next year. I’ll try to keep it to a minimum.
I promise.
But, every once in a while, you need to know that I’ll sneak in some, “Keep on hopping!” line and you’ll just have to bear with it.
After all, I did my time!
So, until next time, Mixed-Up Filers, I hope you all receive some great news that comes bouncing your way!
(See what I did there??)
Jonathan
Congratulations! So glad you stayed the course. Looking forward to seeing your book in print!
Thanks so much, Lisa!!
? Woohoo!
Thanks, Dana!!
Congrats, love the title. Look forward to hear more about Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies.
Thanks, Brenda! Have a feeling I might mention them once or twice more! 🙂
So happy to hear your good news. After almost 15 years, I got an agent as well (Vicki Selvaggio with Jennifer De Chiara) and I had one project that went to three different editorial boards before rejection (and we can understand why since it was “historical fiction” based on a myth. BUT, that’s HUGE, so I understand the roller coaster ride you’ve been on and what a difference finding the right agent can make. DO share the rest of your journey with us. SO, SO exciting!!
Thanks, Jean! Wishing you the best of luck with yours!!
Congrats! What great news after working so hard for so long! Well done and well deserved!
Thank you!! 🙂
Congrats!!
Thank you!
Congrats! It’s always great to hear a success story. Keep us up on your journey to publication!
I will definitely do that! 🙂
Congratulations! I can definitely relate to your writing journey. My MG historical fiction will be published by Sky Pony this August 🙂
Congrats to you as well, Kathleen!
CONGRATULATIONS, how wonderful! I adore your title and look forward to the book!
Thanks, Jessica!!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to be able to purchase your book for my classroom.
Thanks, Jennifer! Hope the kids like it! 🙂
Congrats!
Thanks, Stefanie!!
I’m so excited! I cannot wait to get my copy of your book…and get it autographed! 🙂
Of course, Michelle! 🙂
Congrats! Great title 🙂
Thanks, Dave!! 🙂
That’s really great news! Congratulations! Can’t wait to get my copy! Definitely let us know when it’s available. Best of luck to you.
I might just do that, Galit!!