In less than two weeks, A Summer in Europe comes out... This is always such a tremendously exciting and, simultaneously, anxiety-producing time. Finally, this novel that you'd worked on privately, that only a handful of critique partners, editors, friends and early reviewers have seen, will be in the hands of hundreds or thousands (or, in some authors' cases, millions) of readers. There's no way to be sure if a story you spent a year or more of your life writing and polishing will resonate with anyone beyond your small circle. If strangers will be charmed by your characters. If major book sites will select your story to review. If Spielberg will call requesting the movie rights or if Oprah will invite you on her show... (We all can dream, right? :)
But, I don't need huge news like that to want to celebrate or to find myself unbelievably grateful for the wonderful opportunities that have come my way. Today alone, three really good things happened in the book world for me, and I'm excited to get to share them here:
1. A terrific reviewer who's also a talented cook, Virginia Campbell, included a lovely review of my novel in her "Fabulous Food & Fantastic Fiction" post on Romance at Random! And you'll want to check out her Thanksgiving recipes while you're there -- they all sound delicious!!!
2. Leah Eggleston Krygowski, whom I've been fortunate to get to know over the past few years since she's now reviewed FOUR of my novels (!!), wrote a review of the book that I just loved (with an 8/10 rating, too...) and she just put it up on Chicklit Club!
3. And at Single Minded Women, the book is up as a "Red Hot Read" today, thanks to the awesomeness of Josie Brown, an editor at SMW and the author of many women's fiction novels, including Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives, which ABC bought last month - with Jerry Bruckheimer producing the series - omg!! (Read about it here!)The kindness and generosity of all three of these wonderful women have made me want to say my Thanksgiving thank-yous a full week before the holiday... Add to that, I just heard some incredibly exciting news from a friend that has my heart bursting with joy for her. I'm grateful good things are happening out there. I hope there's even more good stuff happening where you are!
10 comments:
Marilyn, they do it because your book is so good. Bottom line. No matter how much they love you (and how could they not?), in the end, it's whether they love your book or not. I know I did. :)
Marilyn, all the accolades that come your way are inspired by your talent. They are richly deserved! Thank you for mentioning my blog : ) Most of all, thank you for the wonderfully touching and romantic story of "A Summer in Europe"!
Edie, your warmth and kindness is always such a gift to me. Thank you again and again for all of the supportive things you do!!!
Virginia, ohhh (!!), thanks so much! Your post on Thanksgiving and holiday meals was just beautiful today, and I felt so lucky to have my book included ;).
Now I'm going to go to bed before I start getting all emotional! Hope you both know how much you're appreciated... xox
I totally agree with Edie. It's just icing on the cake (served with ice cream of course ;-)) that you're such a doll in addition to being a talented writer. Best of all worlds, my friend, and very well deserved.
Oh, wow. Not knowing how your book will be received does sound nerve-wracking. Your books are fantastic, though, and you put so much into writing/revising/marketing them that I know Summer in Europe will be a huge hit.
Congratulations on your great reviews! The buzz is starting already.
Pamala, thank you for the good wishes (as always, my friend) and for the iced cake and ice cream -- you know what I like so well!! xo
Caryn, thanks so much! I do have my fingers crossed with this one, and I hope if readers enjoy the story a fraction as much as I loved writing it, I'll be happy :).
Marilyn,
I'm so thrilled for you! I love it when good things happen to good people :)
Maria, what a sweetheart you are!! Thank you for being so kind and supportive -- both in person and across the country :). xox
I'd like to thank you, Marilyn, for not only giving me books I love, but for sharing so much of yourself with each release. You inspire me in so many ways and I'm thankful to call you a friend. Congrats on the wonderful reviews!
Robin!!! {{hug}} Thank you for saying that and for being one of my friends, too. I feel very lucky... ;)
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