A year ago today, I didn’t have a blog. I only had one manuscript- my first manuscript, and while it still holds a special place in my heart, I’m not really sure if it will see the light of day again.
A year ago I was learning how to (really) revise, how to effectively critique and how to query.
My journey began when one agent said ‘I want to see more’ in December, right before the 2010 New Year.
I sent him the full as requested and then spent the next 48 hours blowing into a paper bag. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. And I finally realized, I am SO not ready for this.
And as luck would have it, neither was my manuscript. He sent me a quick rejection a couple days later and a part of me was relieved. I mean, if the idea of an agent asking for more sends me into the trembling fanatics of a thirteen year old Justin Bieber fan, I’ve got issues.
I lacked maturity, and I lacked the craft and discipline that comes with experience.
Meeting all of you has changed that for me. Interaction with ‘real live’ agents has made me realize they aren’t superstars (although if I did meet Nathan Bransford on the street, I’d totally ask for his autograph.) I’ve made some awesome friends, agented, unagented, published and unpublished. You’ve all taught me so much but, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nothing can compare to the support I feel just knowing that you all are out there, just like me. I’m not alone in this.
So this new year I’m wishing all of you success in your endeavors, whatever they might be. You can probably imagine my goals for this year since it’s a dream most of us have in common;)
In any case, I look forward to this year 2011 with you!
*CQG*
42 comments:
Happy New Year!!
And, I wish you success too in 2011. :D
Me too! My writing life has been so enriched by everyone! Including you! :)
Same to you!!!!!
And I totally hear ya on that agent celebrity thing! I went to a conference back in March and I was in the hotel lobby, just after checking in, and saw one of the agents who would be accepting pitches walk in...I was totally star struck!!! But it did wear off after hearing them talk and chatting at the welcome party. It was a very small conference, so it was not hard to actually talk to them casually. I sat next to Kim Lionetti from bookends for lunch. The whole thing definitely brought them down to Earth for me!!
Reading your post made me think of my first novel. It was so,So,SO not ready to see the light of day. I did everything wrong...and I mean EVERYTHING. My query letter was 2 pages. I italicized and bolded my dialogue. Um...wth was I thinking? I even had a copyright on it and boldly put it on the front of the ms. Can you get any wronger? LOL. Oh...did I mention it was a YA with graphic sex and 587pgs long? So I guess it can get wronger!
Yes, like you, I am thankful for all the friends I made out in the blog-o-sphere, because without them, I'd still be bolding my dialogue. LOL.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I love this post - it fits me, too. I would be lost without the wisdom and support that comes from all of you. Here's to 2011!! :-)
This is such a lovely idea. Very true too. The community of writers-on-line is endlessly supportive. Looking back, I'm amazed by how much I didn't know I didn't know. ;)
This. Will. Be. Our. Year!!!! I can feel it.
This is why I don't follow (and comment) on many author's blogs (though I probably should). I love hanging out with the people who know what I'm going through. They're the most supportive bunch of all. :D
I'd totally stalk Nathan with you. Last year was the SAME for me. I now have projects I feel a lot better about and - fingers crossed - will hopefully find an agent for something else.
Crazy - every time I come back here you have like 50 more followers...
Not that I'm surprised.
Cheers to that. rock on 2011!
Oh, Katie, I so hear you on the paper bag. Although, the not eating sounds good too. I need to lose a few more pounds.
Here's to us and 2011! May all our dreams come true. (Even if we have to hyperventilate through them.)
Happy New Year!
Let's have a wonderfully writerly 2011 together. ; )
T.x
Oh my God, Nathan Bransford makes me all giddy too!
And I'm in the same boat... realizing how much work my manuscript needs after having some fresh eyes look at it. I hope we both realize our full potential this year and make the crossover to "published"!
Lovely post Kd! I wish you the same! =D
I know what you mean about not being ready. I think I've delayed getting my ms published because I'm nervous. You know, I'm more afraid of the people I know reading it than complete strangers. How anal is that? Oh well, it's as good as it's going to get and not too bad for a first book. It will be published, finally, soon.
I just sent off a full this morning and I've got to tell you, those stomach butterflies never really go away.
I had the pleasure of meeting Nathan at a writers conference last year. He's amazing. And absolutely adorable.
And Creepy Q. Girl--congrats on 400 followers!
I feel EXACTLY the same. There aren't strong enough words to describe how much a difference blogging and meeting all of you has made in my life.
Here's to a great 2011 for all of us!
Blogging buddies do wonders for us!
Happy New Year! I wish you success too and I look forward to spending this year in such excellent company!
Well congrats on that request anyway! It's a huge accomplishment alone. Happy to know you girl!
Happy New Year!
Blogging buddies are the best!
Awesome post! I'm sure 2011 will be big for all of us! :) I'm having a blast blogging and the blogging community is just wonderful. I'm so glad to have met you all!
Fantastic. You have summed up, very nicely, the positive and supportive interaction, we share within the great blogging community.
Much writing success and fulfilment in yours and all those who visit this wonderful site.
Have a most peaceful and positive 2011.
With respect and kind wishes, Gary
:-)
HAPPY NEW YEAR YOU GORGEOUS WOMAN!!!
:-)
I wish you shed loads of success with your writing and with reaching your dreams!!! Yay!!
Take care
x
N.B. is kind of cute, too, so I'd want to ask for his autograph, but get all shy and chicken out.
I started my blog a year ago this month too, and I had no idea what I was doing. 12 months later, I have a bunch of new friends I may never meet in person -- but who I run to first with every piece of news, good and bad.
I wonder what ms you were talking about that might not see the light of day again. I hope you didn't mean Gretchen Grey ...
Right back at you girl. I feel the same way. I started blogging in December of last year, and I have learned so much. I feel sorry for all the people out there who don't know about this wonderful resource and community.
I couldn't get through the day without you guys.
Yay! Me too--Happy New year~ :o) <3 xoxo
Happy New Year Katie.
I would totally get Nathan Bransford's autograph too.
Last year was a learning experience for me too. Looking forward to a great (enlightened) year with my bloggery friends! Happy 2011! :)
Happy 2011 Katie and I look forward to reading about your growing success in the new year.
Happy New Year, Katie!!! I wish you luck on your endeavors as well.
And as for staying by your side for as long as I have, I appreciate your comments and support on my blog as well.
So, thank you for everything and as always write on!
Here's to a happy and productive new year for one and all!
I'm thrilled you got a request...that means you're on the right track!!! YAY!
Happy New Year to you too!
I so hear you on this! I have had a very similar blogging experience. It's amazing how we seem to absorb so much from each other without (much) conscious effort--I mean sure... when you sit down to do some specific task, you make look up a resource or two you know you've seen, but I think hugely, that the process of discussing, sharing, repetition, drives a lot of it home and we DO grow.
This year will be a great one! I do have the same goals and hopefully we will see a lot of our awesome bloggy friends get agents and contracts this year! =)
Happy New Year to you too Katie. Fingers crossed that 2011 brings us all some lovely writer-ly luck!
Happy New Year, darling. Success wishes back atcha. xo
Awesome post :) Happy New Year!
This blog is great! You crack me up.
New follower. Refuse to be mature.
Happy new year to you too!!! I have a great feeling about 2011 :D
A belated Happy New Year to you! It's been a great year getting to know everyone in this circle, and here's to another year of it!
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