Dear readers, after years of queries, requested manuscripts, constructive criticism, full edits, heartbreak, and hope, I have signed a contract for the publication of Sweet Divinity! (Cue uproarious applause!)
This journey began many years ago with a story told to me by a friend, a funny story about her brother's shenanigans. When I wrote it down, the rest of the story flew out of me. Perhaps that is because, in many ways, it was my story.
Since that first draft was completed, I have written a full literary fiction novel and have begun three others, including the sequel to Sweet Divinity.
I spent years querying agents, engaging in substantial rewrites with them, and even sending them divinity candy (which is SO darn difficult to make!), but with no ultimate professional relationships established.
Then, while at the beach this summer, I decided to take a different tack. I had been afraid to reach out to small presses, afraid that I wouldn't know how to advocate for my work, afraid that if I exhausted those options, I would be left with a novel I knew was special, but nowhere to take it.
I spent many afternoons cooped up in the beach condo. My son is three years old, and he has no love for the sand, while I, his doting mother, have no love for slathering him in lotion for fifteen minutes of beachtime and a bathtime consumed by screaming as I try to wash sand out of his mouth, elbow creases, and hair. It's exhausting. So most afternoons I sat inside with my laptop while my husband and daughter played on the beach and my son napped upstairs.
One afternoon I found myself seeking small presses, particularly those established in the South, since that is where my novel takes place. I wanted a press that did actually print novels, a press that established personal connections with its writers, a press that would help me navigate the marketing of my book, a press that had happy, excited authors on their list.
I found Prospective Press. I queried right away because I wanted exactly what they had to offer. And the great news is, they wanted me too.
And so, readers, I have signed my first publishing contract. I will now go into my Inbox where I have kept the "Rejections" folder and, in it, every rejection I have received. It's time to move the folder to the trash can. It's time to look forward freely and with anticipation of the road ahead.
I can't wait to get started on this project of publication, and I can't wait until Sweet Divinity is finally in your hands! Today is a day to celebrate. It is evidence that, if you press on, your professional goals can be met. It's all in the timing, but you have to be present when it's time. And now, at last, it's time for my precious Sweet Divinity.
