This is a photo of me, absolutely excited (and with a horrible hair cut).I called Jim from work this morning:
Jim: Do you know who ******* is?
Me: Yes.
Jim: He sent you an email.
Me: It's just a mass email, probably.
Jim: It looks personal.
Me: No way.
Jim: It says, "Dear Ms. Matthews"
Me: What?! (followed by yelping and shrieking)
Yes, a rather prominent editor emailed ME. I couldn't believe it! He went on to say that I was runner-up in the SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant, and that he had been one of the judges. He also said he thought my writing was "beautiful" and would like to see the rest of the manuscript.
I was shocked, full of glee, and shaking. Someone likes my book! And not just someone, but an editor! I sat in on a discussion of his at the LA conference this past August and kept thinking that he and his staff were exactly the kind of people I want to work with to make my book a great one. I just didn't know how it would ever happen...
And to think that yesterday I was this close to volunteering to go to Iraq for some financial security. (Not that selling a book will solve our money issues, but it would take me longer to finish it if I were away and working all the time.)
Of course, I didn't focus well at work today, and I couldn't wait to tell my mom. ("See? Writing isn't a lost cause...")
Woohoo! I'm not insane to think I can do this!
8 comments:
Yay, Amber!!! I'm so happy for you!!! That IS a truly glorious email and I wish much truly glorious follow-up for you as well! I know that for me, an editor's specific enthusiasm was what gave me the boost I needed to finish my book -- I bet it will be the same for you. Yay!! Have a GREAT time in NZ, get really inspired, and DON'T go to Iraq!!!!!
P.S. I just posted about you on my blog -- hope it's okay!
Very cool! Congratulations and good luck!!!
WoW! I heard about this from Laini,m and I wanted to tell you I am cheering for you. That is great! Wonderful!
You never know where your path will lead, or when your hard work will pay off. It is inspiring. And I have to tell you, as a mom, that I am BEYOND impressed you can write like that, with a little baby to care for. Amazing.
:)
Lisa Yee was the one who first told me about SCBWI, at a book signing I happened upon one afternoon.
:-) Hi!
Wow, congratulations, Amber! I received one last year, and it's been such a huge boost in so many ways. Hooray!
Holly
That is SOOO FREAKIN' COOL!!! Congratulations!!! I can't wait to hear what happens next - your blog has me on the edge of my seat! I agree with Laini - DON'T go to Iraq.
P.S. I personally like the new haircut - goes great with your perky smile.
Hugs,
Susan
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