Comments on: a new “home,” a new book, a new schedule…

By: Therese

Therese — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:26:42 +0000

Hi Michele! Ah, the precipice… Get used to that anxiety, because there are cliffs everywhere in this landscape (to extend the metaphor). I do hope that my sharing experiences and info helps make the journey a little easier for other writers. This is a fickle, illogical business but also an incredibly rewarding one, and I always say, “forewarned is forearmed.”

I’m glad to hear you’ve finished your next book–and I love the title! The good news is that you have plenty of time to work out any issues before M. submits it. And yes, you should definitely feel good about the effort SA is putting into launching your debut. I can’t wait to read it!

By: Michele Young-Stone

Michele Young-Stone — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:35:31 +0000

Dear Therese,
I love the new site, especially the blog and the international book covers. It’s very inspiring. I was just posting to my blog saying that I’m mourning the characters in a novel I just finished revising (last week). But, after reading your blog, I realize that a lot of what I am feeling is that feeling you described: teetering on that precipice as I wait to hear what my agent thinks. This book hasn’t sold or anything like that, but I am dying to know what my agent thinks b/c she will let me know if this new novel ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL has a chance of selling, and I’m invested in the characters and story (of course). Plus, so much depends on how THE HANDBOOK FOR LIGHTNING STRIKE SURVIVORS fares. But I can definitely say that my agent and publisher, like you described, have worked hard behind the scenes. We sold the novel in November of last year and it won’t be out until April of 2010. It’s a long wait. But, like you said, SO MUCH goes into publishing a book. I hope to have as much success as you’ve had. Thanks for being such a big support to other writers by sharing your experiences. It means a lot!

By: Therese

Therese — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:17:04 +0000

Katrina, I appreciate your kind words. Really, I don’t feel especially brave–just want to tell it like it is!

Thank you, Konstantin; I’ll definitely keep writing.

By: KonstantinMiller

KonstantinMiller — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:48:13 +0000

You know so many interesting infomation. You might be very wise. I like such people. Don’t top writing.

By: Katrina

Katrina — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:12:57 +0000

Loved your honesty. It’s hard stating your fears to the world. Bravo on finishing your book, which is a reward in of itself.

By: Therese

Therese — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:26:22 +0000

Thanks, Sophie!

By: Sophie

Sophie — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:59:04 +0000

Yay for Breakaway! I’m really looking forward to it.

By: Therese

Therese — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:38:40 +0000

Ha, Janet, it’s sad (sort of) but true: it really doesn’t get much easier–sorry!

Now, some (perhaps wiser) writers prefer to be more interactive with their editors while the work’s in-progress. Much less end-game drama that way! But that method just doesn’t work for me, so yeah, I find myself out there on the precipice at the end of every first draft.

It’s a strange dichotomy, having the confidence to risk so much, and then, having done it, feeling such terror afterward.

By: Therese

Therese — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:18:49 +0000

Thanks, Judy, but I haven’t seen that ed. letter yet! How are you feeling? I trust all went well on Friday?

By: Janet

Janet — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:57:52 +0000

You felt you were living on the edge of a precipice? Oh my, what hope is there for the rest of us?

I keep hearing from published writers that it never gets any easier. Couldn’t you guys find something else to say?

But congrats on the acceptance!