THE Post

Yes, this is THE POST. The post about THE THING that you all know it’s about. BUT before I get into specifics, let’s rewind a bit.

I’ve been telling stories and writing for as long as I can remember. I seriously began writing with the intention of being published in 2008. It was a MG Fantasy series–of course it was, right? In 2011 I joined the twitters. And in 2012 I started querying. It was a total and utter mess but a great learning experience. Since then I’ve written 5 and 1/4 novels and queried 3 of them. My latest query novel being a YA Alt History set in a prolonged prohibition era 1940’s. And hey, it worked! Third time’s the charm, I guess!

You can read about why I wrote this novel here, but I’ll give you a little background on the timeline. I wrote this story a year ago and spent the next few months preparing it for PitchWars. While betas liked the original draft it needed a TON of work and although I put in the time, PW really helped bring this book to life (see below). It did very well in the showcase and equally well in queries thereafter. Honestly, there was never a point I didn’t have requests out, but despite the kind feedback, it didn’t seem to be anyone’s precise cup of tea. Eventually I felt like the book’s day in the sun was coming to an end so I sent a couple more rounds of queries out and called it a day.

Then, out of the blue I got THE EMAIL. About THE CALL.

And it felt so surreal, guys. Like whoa. Someone was actually in love with my MS like I was in love with it! We wanted to have book babies together! Too weird? Ok. But YAY. Needless to say, I was speechless.

So after we talked about the book and gushed and talked and gushed more, everything started falling into place. Then came the hard part. The nudging. And the waiting. The last two weeks have been torturous but the announcement is finally here.

I’m SUPER excited to announce that I’ve accepted representation with Eric Smith at PS Literary!!!

I mean…guys…he tweeted about me:

^About me O.O

Ok, enough flailage. Here’s what you’ve all been waiting for– the stats:

Total Queries: 62

CNR: 15

Partials: 19

Fulls: 12

With that all said, I wouldn’t have got here without a lot of awesome book people. Friends, beta readers, CPs and everyone in between. So here’s a list of thank yous that would easily get me music’d off the Oscar stage.

Summer. Dude. You were my first real writing friend. Thanks for being there for me through all the ups and downs (/meltdowns) and becoming one of my best friends ever. Move right meow, please&thankyou. I miss you like the sun misses the flower in the depths of winter.

Ashley. Seriously, I could not have asked for a better CP or friend. My novels would be a mess without you–typo’d and oxford comma-less, you’ve helped me grow my skills in every way and I only hope I’ve helped you half as much. Plus, we make a great literary team and I am so glad to have shared this journey with you *clings* Now come play with me 😉

Louise. Your edits have always pushed my stories into places I was either afraid to go or didn’t know I could venture into. Thanks for making time to read them all whether they were in shambles or polished up nice. And thanks for being there for all my other drama, too! One day we shall frolic together!

Betas: Jen, Kim, Dee, Derek, Emmy, Laurie, Sarah, Andrew, Jessy, Clare, John, etc.

Some of you read my old stuff, some of you have / will read my new stuff and some of you have read ALL my stuff. Each of you have helped me grow as a writer in one way or another and your friendship in this crazy writing community has been invaluable to me *group snugs*

TwitWit Group & PItchWars 2014 Group

Ladies and Gentlemen, good things happen to those who write, write and write some more. Now, if you proceed to the clubhouse, commence flailing!

PitchWars Mentors

Fiona. Thank you so much for picking my little runt of a scifi MS in 2013 PitchWars and thank you so much for your keen eye on my other projects. Your continued support of my writing and your sage advice has saved me from doing something stupid more than once 😉 CHEERS!

Steph and Stacey. I’m so glad you each thought my alt history MS was the bee’s knees for your 2014 PitchWars team. And even though I kicked and screamed, I’m glad you cracked the whip to get me into gear. This is what we worked for, ladies! We put blood, sweat, and tears into Evey’s story and there is absolutely no way I’d have gotten here without you two.

I also want to thank all my non-book friends and family for all their love and support over the years– it’s meant the world to me!

*cue extremely loud orchestra*