Saturday, September 18, 2010

Three Years Later

Last Tuesday, September 14th marked the three year anniversary of the day I received The Call and sold my first book. In some ways that feels like a very short time, but in others, it seems like a lifetime ago.

One of the things I found most ironic was that as soon as I got The Call that someone wanted to publish my work, other people suddenly wanted to hear what I had to say (either in person or on paper) about writing and publishing.

One day I was just another struggling writer. The next day an editor offered me a contract and I was an instant expert! Of course, I didn't know anything more than I had before, but having sold a book gave my work validity. Proof positive that perception is everything. No matter what or how much I knew before, it had no value until I became a "published author."

Of course, all of this comes with the hindsight of three years. If I were doing it all over again, you better believe I'd do some things differently! But my road to publication and beyond has been quite a ride and I'm certainly glad I've made it this far.

Speaking of traveling, I have a post up today on Romance Bandits (just click on the title of this post to go there) about my recent trip to New Zealand. I'll be posting more pictures and a bit of commentary on here about the trip in a few days. Meanwhile, here's a piccie of a beach on the western shore of New Zealand on the Bay of Plenty.

Did you have a day that changed your life? Please share the details with Aunty.



6 comments:

Helen said...

Hi AC

I love those pictures I have heard how lovely NZ is one day I will get there LOL

I am so glad you got that call 3 years ago and I got to read those fantastic books I look forward to reading many more.

As for something changing my life I guess my kids and now my grandkids they have made life very special for me and also "meeting" some greats friends online whoo hoo

Have Fun
Helen

Caren Crane said...

AC, there have been a number of days that changed my life. One of the most recent was the day, five years ago, when I decided to stand up to my employer for unfair treatment of all those in my position. I was let go two days later. A month after that, I started the job I have had for the past 5 years and I still love it!

When God closes a door, he always gives you an escape route. *g* A great thing to keep in mind in the publishing industry!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi Helen,

I'm sure you will LOVE NZ once you get there. It reminds me a lot of Ireland, very green and with narrow little roads. :-P

Yes, kids definitely change your life! I'm still waiting on the grandkids. Meanwhile, I have to live vicariously through yours. ;-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Posh,
I greatly admire you for standing up for yourself in the workplace. That is a tough one because usually there are repercussions. I remember when I was struggling as a single mom in a very low paying job, and when my boss found out I was looking for a better job, he fired me. JERK! Karma wasn't as instant for me as it was for you, but it did happen a few years later when I had a great job earning MORE than my jerk of a boss ever dreamed of making. ;-)

Publishing wise, I'm still waiting for that window (or new door) to open...

AC

Jane said...

Hey Aunty Cindy,
Happy 3rd Anniversary of getting The Call. I guess graduating college was one of the biggest highlights of my life so far. It meant that I was officially an adult in terms of finances and taking care of myself.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi Jane!

Yup, finishing college is a biggie because now you are expected to get a "real" job and not just something to get you by... til you finish school! ;-)

AC