The Post I’ve Waited Seven Years to Write!

Before my blog, before I knew how long and tough this road might be, before I began seriously writing, I dreamed of one day writing and publishing a book.

That dream will become a reality in September of this year when my book will be published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical.

This weekend has been a whirlwind, to say the least. I received an offer from Harlequin and now have the fabulous Jessica Alvarez of BookEnds, LLC as my agent. I couldn’t be more excited for both!

I want to share my journey getting to this point because I love reading other people’s stories, but it’s hard to know where to start.

Back in 2004, after the birth of my first son, when I decided to write my first novel? Back in 2007, when I finished writing this story that will become my first published book?  Maybe back in 2010 when I went to my first national conference and an agent requested the full manuscript of this book? That was really when I realized I had a viable, fun story.

All of those would work as beginnings – certainly as stepping stones to this point – but I’ll save time and fast-forward to 2011 when I entered a pitch contest for Love Inspired Historical. (I wrote about it here.) I was one of six winners selected to do an online chat, and they requested the full manuscript. Though there were things they liked, initially they passed, mostly because my hero was too perfect.

So I took a chance and wrote them back to ask if they would read the manuscript again if I fixed my hero. To my surprise and delight, I got a “yes” response. That began a seven-week task of revising before I sent the manuscript off again.

Then I waited, hoping, wondering what they thought. Last Friday, I got my answer. Harlequin wanted to publish my book. I told my editor it was the best Friday the 13th I’d ever had!

In addition to the sort of dazed state I’m walking around in this week, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the many people who have lent support to my writing over the years – chiefly, my husband and my Father in Heaven. Thanks to all of you – including my blog friends here – for taking this journey with me!

What good things have you experienced lately? What fills you up with gratitude?

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43 thoughts on “The Post I’ve Waited Seven Years to Write!”

  7. Yeay that's exciting!! Now maybe I'll finally get to read one too! :). Congrats on the great news!! Hope it's a great journey never give up on your dreams!! Mostly my family is what fills me with gratitude and joy!! They also sometimes fill me with the desire to run to the hills but I couldn't stay long! :). We need to get together with all the girls soon! Miss ya! Love ya! So happy for you!!

  10. Yay! How wonderful! Such awesome, awesome news! I'm so happy for you, Stacie! That road is a long, hard hoof at times, but you have people traveling along with you now. It feels good!

    Enjoy the journey! I look forward to your book.

  14. Oh my gosh Stacy. I'm nearly in tears for you. I'm so excited for you. You totally deserve this. I know how hard you have worked. Way to go! You make me even more proud to be from PG!

  24. Awesome news! Congratulations!

    (PS – I'm an online friend of Elana's, and discovered your blog via Elana's link on twitter… pleased to meet you & happy to read this good news!)

  29. WOOOHOOOOO!!! I'm so excited for you, Stacy! Wait to go on being proactive too. I love it. This is an awesome call story. 🙂 Alvarez is a good choice too because she used to be an editor there so she'll probably give great career guidance.

  32. Congratulations!!!! This is so cool!!! I don't know if you remember, but I was in that pitch session too! How funny is that? Are you attending RWA this year?? I'd love to meet you. (My book sold through that pitch session also 🙂

    Can't wait until September when I can read your book.

    Sherri Shackelford

  34. WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO! I'm so happy for you! This is phenomenal news! Couldn't have happened to a nicer person! Keep me posted since you know I'm such a Historical Romance junkie! 🙂

  41. Congratulations Stacy. I love reading inspirational and motivating stories like this. We all read so many accounts of the things that go wrong or don't happen so it is breathtaking to share in your awesome news. BTW, I have always considered Friday the 13th a good luck day (I was born on Friday the 13th and just celebrated my 45th bday on Friday 1/13/12.

  43. Hi Stacy,

    Congratulations on this first, very exciting sale to LIH. Emily Rodmell told me about your sale and I wanted to say welcome to the LI family. If you haven't joined the LI author loop and want to, let me know. I know the secret password! 🙂

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