I’ve been writing for eleven years now and blogging for seven. It hasn’t been a smooth road before or during this time, but through all kinds of rejection and even more self-doubt, I kept working. Kept fighting. Dreaming.
I have felt the tide slowly turning over the past year or so, but I still really had nothing to show for that feeling. Good feedback and a couple manuscript requests weren’t anything to hang my hat on.
As I seriously contemplated where my life was headed and what steps I should take to change my future, I participated in #pitmad, part of Pitch Wars that takes place quarterly on Twitter. I’d participated before and received a couple requests that again led to nothing.
In February, Magnolia Press requested one of my manuscripts called Cause of Death. Months passed before I heard anything, so honestly, I figured I wouldn’t hear back, picked up the pieces, and prepared to move on yet again.
All the sudden in May as I was about to go to Florida (and conquer my biggest fear), Nicole Tone, the CEO and editor-in-chief, sent me an email offering publication. I did take some time to consider my options and ask questions (I got my ability to ask never ending questions from Mom 😉 ), but I woke up one morning and saw that this is my chance! It’s what I’ve been waiting for forever.
Now, having thought about my official decision for a few days, I’m even happier. This feels so right for so many different reasons. And I am so grateful to Nicole and the rest of the team at Magnolia for giving me this opportunity.
Sometimes we are given what we need (and have worked really hard for) at just the moment when we need it most. That’s what Nicole and Magnolia represent for me. I am going to be a published author. I am going to hold my book in my hands. You all are going to have the chance to read it. OMG! This is crazy and I can’t get over it and I’m doing silly things like dancing around the house and talking in squeaky voices because I’m just so happppppppyyyyyy!!!
The books won’t be out until next year, but I will keep you posted on the progress and the process. I’m thrilled to share it with you all who have been a part of this journey for so long and give you insight as I experience publication for the first time. Head over to Magnolia’s site for more details and a brief synopsis of my book – a twisty and turny thriller.
I’m poppin’ bottles because hey look ma (and dad), I made it. Really, we made it! I’m so grateful to you as well. Also that I didn’t die in the process of opening a bottle of champagne for the first time ever.
Congratulations Laura! That is awesome news! I look forward to reading your book!
Thanks, Diane! I so appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Congrats, lady!
Thanks, Marie!
Congrats from one Detroit-area writer to another!
Hey, Jazspin – thanks for the support!!
Laura, that is so amazing and wonderful and I’m so happy for you! I love mysteries and thrillers, and I can’t wait to read your book! Congratulations!!!
Thanks, Rachel! I’m a big fan of mysteries myself – I can get totally wrapped up in them and figuring out what’s going on.
very happy for you Laura!
Awwww, thanks, Sidra!
Congratulations Laura that is such good news.
Yes, it’s definitely great news – thanks, Mary!
Hi Laura, I’ve been lurking on your site for a long time and have been rooting for you to get published! Serious congrats! I admire your persistence and determination. I can’t wait to read your book when it comes out.
I’m so glad you left a comment, Rebecca! It means so much you have been reading my blog 🙂
WOW!! This is such wonderful progress!! I can’t wait to read your book!
Thanks, Kiara! I can’t wait for you to read it either.
Terrific news! Congrats — I’m really happy for you. 🙂
Thanks, John! I appreciate it 🙂
Looks like you made it…..Your first book published!!! Amazing job, all your hard work paying off.. I can’t wait to hold this book in my hands!! This is one hard copy that I will have in a special spot in the house. So very proud of you!!! Congratulations!
Awww, thanks, Debbie for all the support over the years. I couldn’t have done it without Mom, Dad, and you.