2013 – A Wrap-Up!
I was thinking about doing this post around Thanksgiving, since it will mostly be an “I’m grateful for…” post. But I figured I’d give it another month-ish so that I could consider everything that happened to me this year.
The only other years in my life that have been as momentous/life-changing were 2007-2008 (the year I got married/pregnant and the year I had our son. That year, consequently, was also the year I started writing YA fiction.)
Here’s 2013 at a glance
Books sold: three
Books published: one
Times featured in PW: two
Jobs quit: one
New writer friends made: Lots
New mom friends made: Lots
New jobs: one and a half (since I was writing before, I count it as a half.)
Classes taught: six
Books written: three
Vacations taken: two
Clear mammograms: ONE (and that is all you need, people!)
I know there is more, and I’ll probably come back to this post and add to it.
People ask what the best part is about being a writer and that’s such an impossible question. There are so many aspects of my life that make me blessed and lucky and happy as hell.
Publishing is a hard business. I’m really glad I took so many writer’s workshops in college so that I could prepare for the critical reception/rejection of my work at all stages. In the end, some comments are harder than others to accept. Books are such a subjective love. It’s like when I was 8 or 9 and I thought Johnny Depp was gross. My friend Lauren and I put a picture of him on her dartboard because we didn’t understand why he was in all the Tiger Beats.
I think I get it now.
Anyway.
I have a Top Ten People-I’m-Totally-Grateful-To-And-For in 2013. So here goes…
1. My agent, Suzie
When I left my first agent, I was fucking terrified. I counted her as a friend. She sold my first two books. She got me into an extremely competitive business. I totally owe her a big fruit basket.
But I felt in my gut that THE PEOPLE VS. CECELIA PRICE would be better served elsewhere. That was the catalyst. Suzie Townsend is/was the result.
She is my career maker. She is the most influential reason that I get to write full time. And she loved CECELIA PRICE. She read it in one night and emailed me at midnight to tell me so.
I am indebted to Suzie, and everyone at New Leaf Literary, for helping me build my career.
2. My editor, Mary Kate Castellani
Sometimes you grow with people. I feel that way about Mary Kate — I feel like she’s got my back. She loves my work and she wants to see me write more. She is honest and insightful and has great taste. In the years I’ve known her, I’ve watched her work up through the ranks and she’s deserved every success. I love writing for her and for Bloomsbury.
3. My new editor, Karen Chaplin
Most people know at this point that CECELIA PRICE was a hard book for me to write. In fact, it was excruciating. But when it was finished and Suzie had taken me on, I was banking so much on someone else falling in love with it, too. An editor, specifically.
Karen is that editor. I’ve yet to work much with her yet — CECELIA PRICE edits will begin early next year — but I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to do so.
4. The Lucky 13s
Where do I even begin? Seriously?
This group of debut writers was instrumental in much of my year. Their support through personal triumphs and crises was invaluable. I’ve met and made so many good friends. I’ve beta-read. I’ve gone to events. In March, me and a few Luckies will hit a Writer’s Retreat in VT. It’s a great group to be a part of.
5. My husband
Dude. I quit my job. Just…quit it. And he supported me. If that isn’t reason enough, he’s also hot.
6. My family (certain members more than others)
Let’s face it – when you leave your fairly well paying job for a life of uncertainty, people will judge. Some family members certainly did. But most — particularly my parents — were nothing if not encouraging. (And this is despite the fact that they knew they’d have to support us if I fell on my face.)
7. My friends (again, some more than others)
One thing I didn’t consider when I left teaching was how quickly I’d be “out of the loop.” The majority of the people there had been my friends for a decade and perhaps I was naive to think that wouldn’t change.
I haven’t talked to 99% of the people I used to work with. That makes me sad.
But, on the flip side, people from my past — high school, college, etc. — have jumped on FB to support me and my writing. So many friends have been super-kind and its been a privilege getting to know them again.
8. Taste Test
It’s an inanimate object, but it’s the book that started it all for me. It made me a published book author at 32 (my goal, originally, was 28.)
9. My brother
For reasons that will really only be clear when CECELIA PRICE is published, I am indebted to my brother for my career success more than anyone could imagine.
10. The future
I’ve never had so much to look forward to. I’ve never felt so much promise. Because I’m so goal-oriented, looking to the future is often what keeps me motivated — but it’s also what gives me a sense of peace. 2014 (and 15 and 16…) will be truly incredible years. I can’t wait.
