Some days, in the imagined scenario, I would scream with excitement. Picture Will Ferrell in Elf when he learns that Santa is coming. Other days, I imagined, I might sit down in relief. Like Ed Harris in Apollo 13 when he hears Tom Hanks’ voice after 6 minutes of blackout.
In actuality, when I signed the contract in early January for my novel Tidal Flats to be published by Yellow Pear Press, I just smiled.
And then I did the happy dance–all by myself in Provincetown.
I wanted to tell Cal first and I wanted to tell him in person and I wasn’t going home for almost two weeks. So… I got to work on edits.
That’s actually what sold me on the small, independent California press–edits. Yellow Pear Press’s editor Lisa McGuinness had three main suggestions after reading the manuscript in late November. And I agreed with ALL.
Of course, it didn’t hurt when she mentioned publication in the fall of 2019. (Yay!)
December was the contract. January and February were edits. On Friday, March 1st, the manuscript went to the copyeditor. Isn’t it awesome to hear those words?
A lot of you know that I’ve been writing for a long time, and that I’ve been working on this particular novel since January of 2013. You know I’ve tried different openings, that I’ve abandoned entire sections, that I’ve jumped without any idea where I would land. I kept at it, as Elizabeth Strout wrote, “long past the point where it made sense.”
And yet, here we are–later this year, there will be a real book–hooray!
The is absolutely THE BEST news!!! Congratulations!!!
Enjoy the dance! Congratulations!
This is great news Cindy!!! Well deserved–I can’t wait to read the book!!! I am so happy for you. Dancing here, too.
xoxo
Congratulations!
Happy dancing for you!!! Congratulations!
Hip hip hooray!! This is great news to hear!
And I am so so so so happy for you! Thank you for sharing this!
Congratulations, Cynthia!!! I’m so excited for you. I’m relieved that this is what has kept you busy these past months offline. I love your title and look forward to hearing more.
Congratulations!
Louise, Terri, Patricia, Katherine, Sophfronia, David, Kirie, Sarah, Karen–it’s awesome to see you all here again! And thanks to each of you for your congratulations. Much appreciated!
And cannot WAIT to read it!!!!!!!!!!
Yay–thank you!
Well deserved. Congratulations again. Love, Cal
❤️
Cynthia, what wonderful news! Congratulations! I so look forward to reading your book.
It’s been so very long since I commented, but I still return to your blog often to read the monthly “how we spend our days” pieces. They introduce me to new writers, and help me to imagine all the ways its possible to be a writer. In fact, just today, I finished Alexander Chee’s Edinburg; I first learned of him, and his then blog, years ago on your blog.
Thank you for continuing to put these portraits of what it means to be a writer out into the world.
Congratulations again!!!
Willow
Willow! I just found your comment. It’s wonderful to hear from you. Thanks so much for your congratulations. And it makes me happy to know you’re reading the HWSOD pieces. I love them too, and yes, there are so many ways to be a writer. Still miss your blog. Hope you and your family are well. xo
Woohoo!!! Congratulations!!! I remember years ago naively saying to you, “Just self publish.” And immediately getting it when I saw the look on your face. I always knew you would do it. Of all us baseball/Brookstone moms, you are the most inspiring. I can’t wait to read it… and all the ones to follow!
Take care,
Jenny
Thanks so much, Jenny!!! I appreciate your kind words. But it did take a while, didn’t it? 😉Brookstone and baseball seem like another lifetime…