Okay, Listen Here

Okay, Listen Here

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes



"All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney

A long time ago, when my youngest was 1 year old, we got our first computer.  I had a love/hate relationship with that machine, but in spite of my limited understanding of how to use it, I decided to write my first book.  You see, I'd been writing poetry since my teens.  Words had always been my friends, and I had stories to tell.  And so, like anyone with a mission, I dug into research, plotted my story and typed the words that would, from that time forward, define me.  But unlike Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams, no one came when I built my magical world, word by word by word.  Except Jack.  ;)

"If you can dream it, you can do it."  Walt Disney

Years passed.  My children grew.  And with this new freedom, I had more time to devote to writing.  I worked harder and sent out my finished work to agents and editors, ever hopeful someone would see my genius.  It was a hopeful time - a lonely time.  Especially when rejections came swift and true.  But even steel must be tempered.  I kept this in mind as I began subsequent books and connected with my writing chapter as a lifeline. 

"Throw another buoy!"

"You don't build it for yourself. 
You know what the people want and you build it for them."  Walt Disney

Herein lies the dilemma.  As a reader, we know what we like to read.  But as a writer, how do we access that passion and harness it, mold and scuplt our worlds in such a way agents/editors/readers can relate to them?  For the past two weeks I'd been grappling with this very idea, especially after some bad contest results.  As a result, I began to ask myself serious questions about my future.  I was nearing another birthday, the deadline for publishing I'd given myself years ago.  How long did I want to keep at this?   How far was I willing to go to bring my world to life?  (Even the gold pirate in Cozumel refused to answer.)

"Get a good idea and stay with it.  Dog it and work it, until its done and done right." Walt Disney

A week ago, I left work and ran some errands.  Because I hadn't had time to eat, by the time I got home, I was ready to plunder a ship for grub.  Once I'd gotten my rations, I put my feet up for a bit before going to my computer to trigger mayhem in the 1800's.  Before I did however, I peered at my phone at 3:00 p.m. and decided to peruse my e-mail.  That was when I saw it!  Standing out like a flame was a message from Jennifer Lawler at Crimson Romance.  Thinking I'd just gotten another rejection, I opened it.  But it wasn't a rejection this time!  It was an offer to publish my book, DUKE BY DAY, ROGUE BY NIGHT!!!!  I spoke slowly and steadily to my mother, as if hearing the news aloud would make the reality that much clearer.  Then when no cannon fire resulted, and after a hushed silence, Mom and I busted out with loud SQUEEE's and hugs. (Take that Pembridge Scholars!) 


"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Walt Disney

I've done what was said was impossible.  I met my personal deadline and am now celebrating an exciting future with Crimson Romance.  Thank you, Jennifer Lawler, for taking a chance on DUKE BY DAY, ROGUE BY NIGHT!

If you've ever partied in this half of the hemisphere, you'll know no partay is right unless Jack comes along.  The two of us have dipped into the Rum keg.  BYO to the partay!

What's the biggest surprise you've ever gotten in an e-mail?  Was there Rum involved?

31 comments:

  1. Kathy, we all knew this day was coming! How could such brilliance be overlooked? Not possible. I am so thrilled and excited for you! You have worked for this and you deserve to PARTAAAY!!!!!!! (Lots of exclamation points) CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Thanks, Cheryl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Forgot to add the extras. Heehee!)

      Brilliance? As Jack says, "And that was without a single drop of Rum." (Couldn't resist!!!)

      Cheryl, your support and encouragement has always meant the world to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. It's funny how when a dear one succeeds, you feel a little personal success! So happy!

    Can't wait for the updates along the way.

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    1. Dear friend, where I am today is in part thanks to you!!!!!!!!! You've helped me brainstorm and you've read my book and given me precious feedback. You've doctored my wounded pride and boosted my spirits when rejections poured in. I thank God for you!!!!!!!!!!! So yes, my success today is very much shared with you, and my Sista's at Okay, Listen Here!

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  3. Also, I have this to say:

    Crimson Press. Crimson Tide. Give it some thought. Long careful thought.

    "They've got a name for the winners of the world." Steely Dan

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    1. You would make this into a football debate. Lol!!!

      Guess what? I say, YES!!!!!!!!!!! Muahahaha!

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  4. So happy for you, Kathy! It's been coming a long time. The biggest surprise I've gotten in email was the offer of representation by Nancy Knight of Sullivan Maxx which happened at the same time period I was making arrangements to stop working full time so I can focus on my writing. I took that as a sign! Cheers and keep partying!!!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Betty!!!! Congrats on getting to work with Nancy Knight! Wishing you the greatest success in all you do. Keep that dream alive!!!!

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  5. I'm so very proud of you, Kathy! I knew all of the time and energy you've invested in this story would pay off. And now the moment has arrived! Your journey has only just begun. Ride the tide and enjoy!

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    1. Crystal, I owe much of my success to you too. Thank you for brainstorming with me and kicking back the hours over lunch!

      You're the BEST!!!!

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  6. I knew it would happen someday soon. You are a great writer. I am so happy for you.

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    1. Aw, Pat! Thank you fl from the bottom of my heart for your kind words.

      I've got a beautiful pottery mug I drink hot tea and hot chocolate out of when my soirits need a lift and Pat created it with a skill that has blessed me each and every day.

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    2. And here Pat says I'm a good writer and the pad of my finger (on iPhone) misspells 'spirits' and accidentally types fl for no apparent reason. Oh, the irony..... (Pirate!)

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  7. I told you so! (Sorry, one of us Sistas had to say it! lol) I'm SOOOOOOO excited for you! You'z gonna be a STAR!!!!!

    ♫♪ If you keep on believing...the dream that you wish will come true ♪♫ Lalalalala......

    So glad your hearts dreams are coming true! <3

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    1. Lesia, you are a fantastic Sista!!!! Your enthusiasm is contagious and I love being around you!!!!

      We've got some mega-celebrating to do at RWA next month!!!!

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    2. ParTAY at the RWA!!! Woot! Woot! :D

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    3. Or should I say Moon Walkin? Muahahaha!

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    4. Bahahahaha!!! Dancin' the night away! (Moon or otherwise.....chachacha!)

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  8. I am so happy for you, Kathy! Because I know you've worked hard and cheered others on for so many years. You've pitched in and done more than your share at HOD whenever volunteers were needed. And you've been a sweet friend to so many. I am just tickled to death for you!!! And Crimson sounds like a great publisher. (I googled them! :-))

    It couldn't have happened to a nicer person! (And I can think of a few more really nicer persons that I want it to happen to VERY SOON!) Ah-hem. Yes, this is marvelous!!! Awesome! Wonderful! With cherries on top of whipped cream with ice cream and fudge underneath!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I love that your mother was there when you found out and you were able to share it with her immediately! I can just imagine how excited she was!!!

    Love you!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Melanie, once again you've touched my heart in a very moving way. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for encouraging me since the day I met you. You are such a special blessing in my life!!!!!!

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  9. Katherine, I am so excited and proud for you!

    It is always so great to see hard working talent rewarded!

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    1. Thank you, Stephanie!!! You're another one of the people I can't do without. Thank you for everything you've done to encourage and uplift me the past several years!!!!

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  10. Big congratulations, Katherine! You're always a bright spot in my online day. Here's to every success with DBD, RBN!! Can't wait to read it. Squee!

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    1. Joanna!!! So glad you're feeling better and sorry you've been so sick! Hugs!

      Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to congratulate me today. I'm truly humbled by your comments and hope you'll like Percival Avery, Marques Stanton, and his adventures. ;)

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  11. Mega congrats, Katherine! So happy for you! Your publishing story is wonderful. Your book sounds great too! :)

    ~C

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    1. Oh my gosh! Caroline, thank you for posting here. This means the world to me!!!!

      Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

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  12. I had to get over here before I called it a night and say that Crimson Publishing is lucky to be your publisher. Keep faith in yourself and be true to your calling.

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    1. What a wonderful thing to say, Patricia!!! Thank you! Thank you! <3 <3 <3

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  13. I'm late, but many congratulations again! Couldn't have happened to a nicer person!! I'll look forward to buying a copy when it's available! :)

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