I’m Published! (well, at least contracted)

It’s official. I have signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for my Christmas novella, ‘J.D.’s Christmas Wish.’ I’ve known for a couple weeks, but it didn’t really sink in until two days ago when I received my signed contract in the mail. I was like, “Oh, crap, this is really happening!” Then, I proceeded to jump up and down, which is not a smart thing to do when you’re old and fat. (Okay, I’m not old…just fat, LOL!)

The publication date hadn’t been set yet, but it’ll be sometime during the Christmas ’09 season. Check back soon for the release date.

Until Next Time…
Staci

Exciting News & My Trip to Arkansas Wine Country!!

I've received FABULOUS news about one of my manuscripts, but I don't want to make any announcements until the contract is signed and back in my hands, lol. It's been a long time coming, and I'm absolutely beside myself. Life has been a crazy mess the past few weeks and learning this wonderful bit of news has certainly sent me rocketing up the happy scale. Be sure to check out my website for more on this exciting news!

I've also finished another manuscript, a short story for an Arkansas-themed anthology I'm working on with a group of my Arkansas writer friends. My story is set in the small town of Altus, Arkansas, during their annual grape festival. Check out my website to see photos photos from my trip. I should have them up in the next day or so...

I also went on a couple of wine-tasting tours while I was there. It was a lot of fun. I can't wait to go back next year, and I won't be 'working' then. :)

Until Next Time,

Staci

Pressing the Send Button is the Hardest Part

I finished my Christmas novella yesterday and submitted it to The Wild Rose Press. This is a story I wrote 3 years ago for the fun of it. I found a printed version of it when I was moving in January. I'd forgotten how sweet a story it was—husband and wife struggling with everyday issues, their son caught in the middle.

Anyway, after all the edits and reedits, I felt confident it was ready to go to an editor, but all my hard work came down to one final action…pressing the send button.

No matter how many times I do this, sending my babies off never gets any easier. I must have stared at the open email window for almost ten minutes, reading and rereading my query letter and synopsis like they were going to spontaneously change before I sent it off. (Is it bad when your idiosyncrasies annoy yourself? My husband thinks so, lol.) Of course, now I've got a different type of torture to worry about…

Waiting for 'the call' — or in this case 'the email.' Does the agony ever cease? J

Still, I wouldn't have it any other way. Actually, that's a lie, lol, but if this is the price I have to pay, I'll (all most) gladly push on…bumps, bruises, and all.

TTFN,

Staci