Me in Paris, 2001
My novel, Plum Blossoms in Paris, is going to be published by Medallion Press.
I was a bit stunned to hear this from my agent, Jeffery McGraw of The August Agency, because the book has been on submission for almost a year and a half with no takers. Yes, there were near misses, but I had about lost hope. 20 rejections (maybe more--I can't bear to tabulate them all) will do that to you. But to Jeffery's enormous credit, he believed in the book, and kept submitting. And eventually, he found an editor who loves it. Persistence pays! It's been a two-year journey from the completion of the novel to an offer, but sometimes it just takes that long. So to all of you who are wilting on a path of endless waiting, keep the hope alive!
Anyway, I'm thrilled that the book will be published. It's very exciting. I will say this, though: as big of a jolt as I received from this wonderful news, it still does not compare to the sustained high I enjoyed from inventing that story, and loving those characters. Recognition and validation are important, but the act of creation trumps all. I better keep writing.
That said, I really do look forward to sharing the novel with all of you! In 2010. So stick around...
42 comments:
Hallelujah! I am so happy for you, Sarah. And I can't wait to read Plum Blossoms in Paris.
Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations, Sarah!
:D Can't wait to see the cover art!
I'm sure it's only the first...
Your passion for the process is most telling. That is the difference, I believe, between success and frustration. Because you are a winner, whether published or not, if you find an activity that brings such joy and fulfillment to your life. Many are still searching.
(Psst-- love the photo. Interesting that we've both posted photos from 2001. Now we know what each of us was doing that year-- falling in love!)
:)
Yes, yes, yes, YES!!!!
And a picture in Paris too! How ultimately cool is that??
Warmest congratulations, Sarah. I knew this was destined for you. :)
Wooooo hooooooooo!
Congratulations. Much deserved.
Great news! I'm so glad to hear it. An ode to patience for sure. But that will make it all the sweeter.
Jaye, thank you!! You're getting one of the first copies, my friend. :)
Aine, that's a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much for all your support and good wishes!
These milestones are important. But more in an outer sense. For example, as much as I hate to admit this, there is now the sense of feeling more justified to my parents in what I do (or don't do: i.e. grabbing up the big career). But nothing about my inner motivation to write has changed. Which you already said so well. :)
(Good point! Your love looks a lot cuter than mine!! ;))
Jason, I'm glad you knew it, because I sure didn't. ;)
Thank you for wanting to share in this moment with me! And for all your support along the way. It's meant a lot.
Your turn next!! See, I've got that feeling of destiny, too...
Paul, thanks so much! I'm pretty sickeningly happy about it. :)
Charles, absolutely. I do think there's something to the long wait=greater bliss sentiment. Thank you for the good wishes!
Congratulations Sarah! when it comes to this moment it makes the wait worth it.
quill
Sarah, I am so very happy for you! What excellent news. You are a fine writer and deserve the recognition! I will certainly be one of the first in line to buy your book. Way to go!!!!!
You are truly a talented writer, with many many great things ahead of you in your writing career. I first saw you on Jason's blog, and had to come over right away. All of your writing has your unique stamp. The AWESOME stamp!
:-)
Congratulations!!!!
Love that photo, also!!!
Hi Sarah: I saw this news on Chris' blog. Though you and I have only brushed words in blogspace, when I see your avatar I know it as a friendly face there in the hallway where strangers who aren't strangers exchange a smile now and again.
So I had to come by and celebrate the wonderful news and assure you that your success touches many, many more folk than you will likely ever know.
Heartfelt congratulations to you!
Congratulations, Sarah! I'm a visitor from Chris' blog. You're writing is wonderful and I look forward to reading your book!
Quill, thank you! Looking back, the wait does seem negligible. Now to get through the next year... ;)
K, I would love for you to read the book! I was actually thinking of this after your Van Gogh poem. It being Paris and all, I couldn't go without a mention of that wonderful artist in my novel. Especially when my protagonist is in Montmartre. :)
Thank you for your warm words!!
Chris, I'm still in awe of what you did for me on your blog. Thank you so, so much again!! Who knew Church Lady was such a big softie?? ;)
And thanks about that photo! If you look closely, you can see the guidebook sticking out of my purse. We were shameless tourists. :p
Phoenix, what a beautiful thing to say. I have seen you quite a bit over at Book Roast, and am so touched that you'd stop by and have such kind words to share with me.
I deeply appreciate your congratulations, and hopefully now, we can become friends, instead of just friendly. :) Thank you so much!
Robin, I just missed you while I was writing the other comments! Thank you for stopping by!! And for having such kind words for me.
I look forward to stopping by your blog, too. :)
congratulations, sarah! what an achievement. celebrate! can't wait to read the book. (i cam via chris eldin. =)
very good news sarah, grats!
may you blossom in all your other undertakings, as well....
Cindy, thanks so much! I really appreciate your stopping by from Chris's. It means a lot. :)
Laughingwolf, I appreciate the good wishes! Chris is racking up some good karma for this one...
Congratulations, Sarah! I've seen you around on the blogosphere and I am so happy for you! :-)
Congratulations! I'm over from Moonrat's blog and just wanted to say how happy I am for you!
Also over from Moonrat's blog, and wanted to say congratulations and I wish you the most success with your book and future books. Everytime I hear stories like yours, I am inspired to keep at it.
Congratulations, Sarah!
Congratulations! I got the news from Moonrat. Medallion authors all seem happy, so it looks like you landed in a good place.
Also crawled over from Moonie's blog - congrats! The pics and prose here are gorgeous, enjoyed wandering on your site.
What's your novel about? Enjoy, enjoy... Peace, Linda
Demon Hunter, thank you!! I really appreciate the good wishes.
AC, thanks for stopping by! I was so touched by Moonrat's mentioning the deal on her blog. I really am overwhelmed by this outpouring. :)
Crimogenic, I'm so happy that my story gave you hope. It's true that my path was long in getting here, but I also know how incredibly fortunate I am. And yes, keep at it!!
Janet, thank you! :)
Stephen, I've exchanged emails with a couple of Medallion authors, and they do seem highly satisfied. I think I'll be in good hands. Thanks for the warm words!
Linda, I'm so happy that you liked what you saw here. :) And I appreciate the congratulations!
The novel is a contemporary love story between an American woman and a Frenchman. If you've ever seen Before Sunrise, it's in that vein.
Thanks for asking! :)
Well done! Clearly you found a valuable agent. That is so cool.
Have my congratulations, Sarah!
I loved your lines about the love of writing, too.
Many congratulations from another visitor from Chris' blog.
Pjd, I am really gratified to have Jeffery as my agent. He did a great job for me. Thank you!
Szelsofa, thanks so much! I do think it's important to realize where the true happiness lies. :)
McKoala, I appreciate your stopping by! And for the kind thoughts. Chris is a sweetie. :)
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am welling up with tears in happiness for you! I always knew it would happen - that it was just a matter of time - well, always is maybe not the right word since I've only "known" you for I guess close to a year... But from the moment I first read one of your poems, I just knew, that you were someone to watch, that it would happen for you. I am soooooooo happy for you. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Sheri, thank you so, so much! Reading your comment was the best possible end to my day.
I'm really humbled by your faith in my writing during all this time. You've been a great friend. And when it's your turn, Sheri, I'll shout it from the rooftops of the world!! :)
Thank you again. I'm overwhelmed.
Yeah Sarah! So glad you could post the news!! I was dying to know the details!!!!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you! And I will be first in line to buy the book and you will have to do autographed book plates for them so I can have an autographed version, thank you very much!!!
Good things happen to good people! You absolutely deserve this!
Congrats!! What exciting news!!
Ello, thanks so much!! Reading your comment caused me a twinge of guilt--I promised to give you the details as soon as I got word! Sorry about that. My brain is clearly fried.
You're definitely getting a signed copy, my dear. Oh, I know! We can trade. :)
LindsRay, thank you so much! I appreciate your coming by. :)
Sarah, I awarded you a "Blogging Star" on Old Mossy Moon. :) K.
Oh, Sarah, I'm so late in reading this...
WOW! WOW! WOW!
I'm so happy for you! Congratulations, my dear Sarah! But it was something to be expected from you, I had no doubt it will happen.
I'm looking forward to holding your book in my hands. :-)
xoxoxo
And what a lovely and happy picture!
No doubt, behind the camera was the one you love...
:-)
This is wonderful news, Sarah. I agree with Chris, your writing is beautiful - my warmest congratulations to you!
Wow!Congratulations!I am sure it's gonna be a bestseller :)
Happy Thanksgiving dear!
K, thank you so much! What a nice surprise.
Vesper, you're not late! I'm just glad you're here. :) Thank you for your confidence in my writing, my friend. I'm looking forward to sending you a copy!!
(That photo was taken on our honeymoon. We had just struggled up all those steps to the Sacre Couer. Somehow, I found the energy to smile. ;))
Robin, thank you for coming over from Chris's! I really appreciate your kind words and good wishes.
Sameera, at this point, I'll just be happy if everyone on this comment list reads it. ;)
Thank you!!
Congratulations. Perseverance wins out.
How absolutely thrilling! I am most excited for you! Hopefully this will be one of many successful publications from your pen. Not only do you deserve it, but the world deserves to hear your voice. And long may it resound. Congratulations.
Barbara, thank you! A good dose of luck involved, too.
EOH, I'm so honored you swung by here. And with such warm and generous words! Thanks so much.
I'm a big fan of yours, too. I still remember your entry for one of Jason's contests. Wow. :)
Now I am saying this in the most honest way I know, and am sure you'll take it in a good stride "I never imagined you to be this gorgeous" lolzzzzzzzz.
Somehow by our conversations (I which you seem to know way more about all things and have a different take on it), I pictured you to be much older :) :) :). Now, I know this is a pic of 2001. But one can easily add 20 yrs to that and you'll still be able to shatter glasses just by your looks. :)
Now you fit the apt definition of a "beautiful mind" :P... like Athena and Aphrodite combined. Lethal combo indeed. :)
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