Monday, January 24, 2011

The “It’s Really Real” Moment

I had this post all planned out in my head. It was going to be a humorous recap of my New York City trip, complete with drool-worthy photos of the Manhattan Library. Here’s one, at least: Marble and carved wood and electric chandeliers and so many books I could get happily lost in there for a decade.

And I saw a Gutenberg Bible. Among dozens of other ancient books in their current display of religious texts. The gilding, the calligraphy, the artwork… a book lover’s paradise.

But just as a character can wrest control of a WIP by main force, the events of the end of last week grabbed this planned post and ran with it.

A box sat on my front stoop when I returned from the airport. A heavy box. From Midnight Ink. Filled with my author’s copies of Force of Habit. In a new tradition started by I created a sculpture with them.

Last Friday, my boss showed me his copy of Force of Habit—just delivered. I signed it for him and went back to work. I few hours later, in a classic delayed reaction, realization hit me: I just autographed my first book. That someone ordered, paid for, and received in an everyday business transaction.

After four years, three books, 185 rejections and a few publisher passes, it’s real.

I met four authors much farther along in their careers than I am—one has 70 published books! Yet as we talked about debuts, they all reported the same “oh, wow” moment for their first book.

This deliriously happy post brought to you by that great catchphrase from the movie Galaxy Quest: Never give up! Never surrender!

14 comments:

Lisa Bork said...

Congratulations, Alice! Enjoy.

Vicki Doudera said...

Wahooo, Alice! I know those feelings... revel in them.

Sue Ann Jaffarian said...

My 8th published book hit the stores about the same time yours did, Alice. You know what? The excitement NEVER gets old!

Hugs and congratulations!

Alan Orloff said...

Congrats, Alice! (And I think you could have a career in sculpting, too!)

Beth Groundwater said...

Congratulations, Alice! I, too, love that quote from Galaxy Quest. What a great movie. I'm one month behind you for my Midnight Ink release, and I'm dying with anticipation, even though it's not my first book. I think it's wonderful that your boss was so supportive and became the owner of your first signed copy. Savor the moment. :)

Kathleen Ernst said...

Congratulations, Alice! Savor every moment and enjoy, enjoy. Great photo, by the way!

Darrell James said...

You never forget your first time, Alice! Congratulations!

Dru said...

Congratulations Alice.

I just bought your book and can't wait to read it.

Keith Raffel said...

Commitment pays off! Congratulations, Alice.

Lois Winston said...

Super congrats, Alice! Enjoy! And may there be many more such moments to come.

Shel said...

Congratulations, Alice :)

Alice Loweecey said...

Thank you, everyone!

Ann Summerville said...

Congrats - it's a great feeling to see your name in print and we all know it's not an easy road.
Ann

G.M. Malliet said...

Happy day. Good for you!