Sunday, February 04, 2007

Amazing News...

The news I've been waiting for almost a year now finally came a few days ago... thanks to my amazing, Arabic-speaking Midwestern, world-traveling editor Paul, I have a contract for two more books with TOR/Forge!!!! Weeeeeeee!!!!!

Having one book on the shelves is incredible enough, but THREE???!!! I feel blessed beyond reason. I have no idea what I've done or what lucky star I was born under to have this amazing opportunity, but here's how I plan to make the absolute best of it: I am officially putting an end to my pessimism, and believing in myself and my abilities.

Alisa VR blogged about writers' apparent predisposition to melancholy, depression, and general pessimism. It makes sense to me, this phenomenon. Writers are observers, people who sit just a little outside the circle of normality, people who question everything and are full of wonder. Well, if ignorance is bliss then truth-seeking must be a little taxing on the soul. And while some people can push away uncomfortable thoughts to the backs of their minds with a a bit of help from sports or shopping or work or whatever, I think what makes writers different is that they can't. The inquisitiveness just keeps coming back, together with the feelings of unease that come with it. Add to that the fact that a writer's journey is paved with rejection. It's enough to discourage anyone. And if you've attained some measure of success, the pressure doesn't magically disappear: you're then plagued with the belief that the first time was a fluke, and that you'll never manage to pull it off again.

No more. I'm going to believe that I'll be able t pull this off, and give writing the place it deserves in my life - not just a hobby, but a very serious, worthy pursuit.

...And what kind of good news would be complete without a little splurge? Check this out:

8 comments:

Dona Sarkar-Mishra said...

OMG, NADINE CONGRATS! I am so so so happy for you. See, I'm not surprised even a little bit because you as a writer KICK ASS! People can hear your voice through your blog posts and there is no doubt book 2 and book 3 will be as awesome as FASHIONABLY LATE!!!

YAY!

Nadine said...

Thanks Dona!!!!! It STILL doesn't feel really real, y'know?? (Of course, that may just be because I still have to haul my derrière out of bed every morning and reconcile cash statements all day... no pink fuzzy slippers and feather boa for moi). I'll bet when I'm tearing my hair out trying to come up with a decent concept for book #3, that's when it might feel a little *too* real.

I also bought my very first, very real pair of Jimmy Choos to commemorate the event (from Ebay, but still...). I tried to post a pic but had a heck of a time finding a picture... They're sky-high black patent mary-janes. Try to imagine them if you will. I'll work on the picture.

Erin said...

Fantastic!! Wahoo!

and oooh, pretty :D

Nadine said...

Thanks Erin! BTW I'll be getting in touch soon (my soon means a couple of weeks... bear with me please!) But I'm reading and it's great so far : )

Dona Sarkar-Mishra said...

Nadine: Congrats in the Choos! Are they fab? I bet they are FAB! I want Choos too!

As for the book deal, I think every call from the agent is just like THE CALL...it just reaffirms that the first one wasnt a fluke (like I feel most days!)

BTW, TAG! I just posted a list of Top Ten Things You Probably Don't Know About me...your turn!

Shannon McKelden said...

Way to go, Nadine!! I'm sooo happy for you! Can't wait for FASHIONABLY LATE, either!

Shannon

Nadine said...

Arrrggh!!! Foiled by Dona! Kidding - I love the Top 10 Tuesday idea. I was going to post about what I learned about plotting from Open Season (yup, another cartoon), but this is more fun!

Maureen McGowan said...

Congratulations, Nadine!!!!! I'm so happy for you.

and the shoes sound amazing. Shoes are my normal reward or choice too.