What am I celebrating? The tenth anniversary of the publication of my first novel, Put Out the Light. Maybe not an event on a par with Independence Day or Thanksgiving, but a very big deal for me. I'll never forget the day I got that life-changing call from Avalon. No need to go into that here. I've already talked about it on my personal blog, Birth of a Novel .For me, June is the anniversary of the realization of a dream. I was a published author. The story that I'd poured my heart into was a book, sitting on a shelf in bookstores and libraries with all those other mysteries that I'd been devouring for most of my life. I remember saying at the time that I was rubbing shoulders (covers?) with Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler - a thought almost as intimidating as it was exhilarating. It was a little like leaving my first child in school for the first time. I had to step aside, let go a little, and trust that the world would treat him kindly.
Fortunately, the world has been kind to me and to my books. Readers have been nice enough to tell me that they enjoy the books and like the characters. They've supported me and encouraged me as the characters introduced in Put Out the Light went on to new adventures. Left at Oz, Consider the Lilly, By Whose Hand, and Lethal Journal were added and the mysteries set in Riverview Manor became a series.
Book groups honored me by inviting me to visit them and talk about my books. I've had the fun of chatting about Jennie Connors, Nate, and all the other characters who grew from my imagination as though they were real people, which, of course, to me they are. Readers ask me what's ahead for Jennie. I want to know too, so I write the next story. Sometimes what happens to Jennie is inspired by a question asked by a reader. In other words, readers are part of the creative process.
I know it's not nice to brag, so I hope you'll forgive and understand that's not what this is about. I really just want to share with you how delighted I am to be traveling this road. I truly am getting to live my dream. I know this doesn't happen to everyone. I am grateful for my good fortune and want to thank everyone who's helped make it happen. That certainly applies to the contributors to this blog. We first got to know one another because we wrote for Avalon Books and over the years and through all the changes that taken place, we've become friends, actually cheerleaders, for one another.
I also want say to anyone who has dream and doubts it will come true: don't give up. I know you hear that all the time, but the thing I'd like to add is: it's the dream that's important, not whether or not it comes true. Sometimes the road is longer than you expect and sometimes following it takes you to places you never imagined you'd be - maybe to an entirely different place than you thought you were headed. That's okay. Enjoy the journey. Hold on to your dream for its own sake.
I'd love to hear about your dreams, your journey. Please leave a comment and possibly you'll win a copy of Put Out the Light - or, since some of you may have read that book - your choice of any of my books. If you'd like to know more about my books, here's a link to my website: sandracareycody.com
Most of all - THANK YOU!
How lovely to read about your publishing journey, Sandy. Thanks for sharing it with us. The process can be fraught, but yours seems to have unfolded seamlessly. Inspirational and encouraging:).
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh, Jennifer. Seamless is not quite the word I'd choose. There were lots of bumps along the way and I still struggle, not just to get the right words on the page, but, even more, to get the word out. Nevertheless, I feel lucky to have come this far. Thanks for stopping by. You've become a good friend via social media.
ReplyDeleteSandy, reading your entry made me look back at my first book with Avalon, A LIGHT IN THE DARK, and I realized that next year will be my 10th year. So much has changed in that time, wow!. Thanks for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteYes, Fran, we've traveled much of this road together and seen a lot of changes. I didn't dream ten years ago that I would be self-pubbing books or that ebooks would become such an important part of the reading world. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteIt reminded me of the thrill I felt when my book was accepted by Avalon and I could count myself among published authors. Enjoyed your journey.
DeleteI enjoyed your anniversary story, Sandy. Got me thinking about my own first with Avalon and I can hardly believe it's been 18 years. Either I'm getting old or time flies! Let's go with the latter. ;-)
ReplyDelete18 years! That's impressive. And, no, you're not getting old. Time does indeed fly.Thanks for your comment.
DeleteThe book has aged well. It felt right up to the minute when I read it a year or so ago. I love the feisty old ladies.
ReplyDeleteThanks, KB, for the good words. The Tea Ladies were fun to write.
DeleteBest wishes for continued success. Your relaxed writing style has always drawn me into the story, which is a big plus.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice thing to say, Mona. Thank you for taking time to share.
DeleteHappy anniversary, Sandy! Here's to the next ten.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kathryn.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful anniversary post! I remember my first acceptance phone call from New York as well. Only it happened before my association with Avalon and much farther back in time. (Makes me feel old, LOL!) No matter when we get that call, however, there's little that can compare. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success, Sandy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sydel. It is an exciting call - even better than being asked to the prom by the class hunk.
DeleteIt was a pleasure reading about your tenth anniversary. It was so timely as I await word from a publisher who is considering my first manuscript. And it is like sending your first child into the world.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure meeting you at Malice and I hope we meet again at a future conference.
I hope so too, Grace. I enjoyed getting to know you at Malice. I'm typing with crossed fingers for your ms.
DeleteWell, I picked a winner. Actually, I wrote all the names on separate scraps of paper and let Missy, my cat, pick. She chose Grace Topping. Hope you enjoy the book, Grace.
ReplyDelete