Thursday, September 27, 2007

Good News--Yes, That!

Posted by Lynne

Six days ago, the story I have believed in for over two years brought me unbelievable news. My novel, Life Without Summer, will be published by St Martin's Press in winter 2009!

Life Without Summer is a novel about what happens to relationships in the wake of profound loss. Two women face intensely personal struggles to deal with the death of a child, and their choices reverberate universal themes about the connections between truth and loss, and love and marriage.

After attending the wonderful Muse and the Marketplace conference, hosted by Grub Street in May, and participating in a manuscript review, the editor I met with requested a full. This charming and knowledgeable editor went on to decline my novel, but was generous with feedback.

Next, my very smart agent sent it out to another editor, looking for another perspective. Another declination came, this time some of the feedback resonated with the first editor's, some did not. I incorporated the feedback that fit my story goals, though I didn't take it all. My agent and I went back and forth three more times tweaking and polishing until we finally felt it was ready to be submitted widely.

On a Wednesday afternoon, she sent me the list of editors that had my manuscript; knowing it was out in the world was the best and worst feeling I've ever had. She didn't tell me how long she thought it would take or about any expectations she had for a deal. She did tell me this, "We will sell this." Her words sustained me for nine days.

Early last Friday morning, she called and before I could register that we don't usually speak until late afternoon it dawned on me--she had an offer! Over the course of seven hours, together we went from offer to deal. Phone calls and emails flew between us. And at the end of the day, I was a novelist.

My husband was with me the whole day, sharing in my mania. We later called our children and announced it together. The love my family offered, told me they knew how much this meant to me. Next a call to my dear sister. I had to tell Amy and Lisa and Hannah. Out to dinner. A bottle of champagne.

I woke at 4:30 am and whispered to my husband. "Are you awake?" When he murmured yes, I asked him if Summer was going to be published. Maybe I was just dreaming--again.

"Yes," he said. "You did it!"

22 comments:

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Yes, you did it indeed, Lynne. Sniff, pass a tissue, I'm so happy for you!

Amy

Therese Fowler said...

Lynne!!! Can you hear me squealing in delight?! I am so, so pleased for you. Heartiest congratulations!

And what lovely timing, with your first book just now gracing the book store shelves.

Well done, my friend.

Kait Nolan said...

Congrats! That's so exciting!!!!

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Oh Amy, without you and Lisa and Hannah this dream would never have been realized. I am deeply grateful.

Therese,
It is a marvelous feeling indeed. I want to thank you for your wonderfully informative blog and kind friendship. It means so much.

Lynne

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Thanks for sharing my excitement, Maggie!

Lynne

Melissa Amateis said...

CONGRATULATIONS, Lynne!!! Wow, this is fantastic news! Enjoy every moment of it.

kristen spina said...

Oh, I'm all choked up over here. What wonderful news Lynne!!!

A banner year, so far, wouldn't you say?

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Melissa and Kristen,

Thank you for your heartfelt congratulations. It's a been a very special year for me. And it's been so much fun to share it with people who genuinely care. Thanks again, Lynne

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

WHOO-HOO-HOO!!!!!

Can you hear me cheering from St. Louis? Oh, Lynne, congrats, congrats, and congrats again. You go girl. This just made my day.

I'm all veklempt for you.

Get ready for a fun and crazy ride.

Just fantastic.

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Judy,

Thank you so much! Perhaps it's time for another phone chat over tea. I have a hankering for apricot--maybe we could have a taste of Therese's Souvenir tea. I'd love to hear more about what I can expect.

And congrats again to you on your foreign sales. What a ride indeed!

Lynne

Lisa Marnell said...

Yay, Lynne!

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Hi Lisa,

It can happen. Especially with the support of wonderful writer friends like you.

Huge thanks, my friend. Lynne

Larramie said...

After all the years, your time has come Lynne and it's wonderful to be able to share in the good news.

Cheers!

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Larramie,

Your daisies are a welcome sight today, as always. Thank you for your kind words and never ending support.

Lynne

Lisa said...

Oh Congratulations! I am so happy for you!!! This made me cry!

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Wow, Lisa. Thanks for your expression of heartfelt emotion. How nice!

Lynne

Anonymous said...

This brought tears to my eyes...congratulations! Hurray!

Anonymous said...

This great news is worth a second Hurray. To even more exciting days ahead.

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Thanks, Mardougrrl and Reality, every hurray is appreciated!

Lynne

Sustenance Scout said...

Lynne, I love all these stories and will never forget them. They sustain so many of us who hold onto that dream of hearing such amazing news and work every day toward achieving it. All YOUR hard work is paying off in spades, I'd say. Enjoy!!

jennifergg said...

Oh, my! What terrific, amazing news...and you are right to be proud, and happy, and over-the-moon!

Though I am not a novelist, I know too well the mania, and I've heard over and over what a difficult time it is to publish a first novel...all testament to your talents!

I will be the first in line to buy the book when it's released. Congratulations!!!

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Thanks sustenance scout and jennifergg! Over the moon is exactly how I feel. And getting all the support and kind wishes here at the Writers' Group is icing on the cake. I really appreciate your well wishes.

Lynne