Oddly enough, as I was working on this post this morning I read Julie’s thank you to her own agent. I’m been thinking recently that I must be a very lucky girl. After all:
I have an amazing agent. She brilliant, savvy, fun, communicative, hard-working, supportive, loyal, comforting, aggressive… the list goes on and on. And I’m sure there are a lot of agents like that. But also, she gets me. When I come up with absolutely outlandish ideas that would likely mystify other agents who aren’t quite as pop-culture savvy, my agent not only jumps on it like it’s a shoe sale, but she expands the idea to be about seventeen times as amazing as I’d originally planned.
I have a terrific editor. I knew from the first time I talked to her that she was the perfect editor for this story. I don’t know if anyone has worked harder bringing this product to market, whether it was fixing punchlines that needed tweaking, talking me through rough plot points, doing mailings, writing quizzes, coming up with fabulous interior design flair that just MAKES the book, or any of the nameless, thankless jobs that go into the production of a novel. She’s the best.
I have the most phenomenal writing friends. My critique partner, Marley, who I think sometimes, impossible as it sounds, might be more excited about this book than I am. Of course, it does indicate the strength of her psychic powers. The email she sent me last spring after reading the partial (which was, I might add, after pitching it sight unseen at a conference) said that this was going to be the book that sold, and it was going to sell on partial. She’s so extraordinarily giving. I admire her ability to put aside whatever crappiness she’s dealing with to celebrate on behalf of the people she loves. Someday, I’ll figure out her trick to it. When life hands her lemons, she makes lemon drop martinis. I can’t wait until her first book is out. I’m so bitter that the rest of you all have to wait until Spring 2008.
My other critique partner, Cheryl, who not only let me live at her house a few years ago, but did me all kinds of favors when I was overseas, and wrote me the most wonderful email earlier this week when I was feeling down about the snail’s pace nature of my writing, and always lets me talk through my writing problems and is the best conference roommate a girl could have. She’s another that makes me feel rather less than generous by comparison. Also, it criminal that you haven’t read her books yet either, since she’s a brilliant writer to boot. Criminal. When it does, it’s going to be so successful. People will dress up like her characters for Halloween. Mark my words. (I’m not as psychic as Marley, but I try.)
I have a great mentor. She took the little blonde, clueless college grad and showed her how to be a pro. She never once treated me like I was less worthy because of my enormous stack of rejections letters. She taught me how you act around writers, around editors, around agents. She asked me for advice when she was stuck on a story issue and she probably doesn’t know how much that meant to me. She valued my little unpublished, untutored opinion enough to ask my advice. But that’s how Julie is. She’s kickass and outspoken and has no qualms about pissing people off if they deserve it, but she’s also got one of the biggest hearts in the business. She’s a natural born leader and she’s smart enough not to give credence to bullshit. I really like that in a friend.
Oh man, the list of writers-I-love could go on and on (mostly about people in TARA).
I’ve got fabulous friends. This point was driven home to me at my college reunion earlier this month. Everyone was so excited about my book. My friends in D.C. are really stepping up to the plate, recruiting all of their friends to come along to the launch booksigning. I may have to order more cake.
My parents are planning me a party to end all parties. Seriously, weep if you don’t live in Tampa. You’re missing out.
I don’t know how I can repay all of these people for all the support they’ve shown me over the last year. I’m sitting here holding my book in my hands and thinking about how it’s my name on the cover, but there are so many people behind it. You can’t even imagine. There should be a credits roll or something. I should buy Crane out of thank-you notes.
Thanks!
June 30th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
It does take a village, doesn’t it? So often we think writing is a solitary venture, til we sit down and remember how many people really ‘help’ us along the way.
Lovely post, Diana.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Awwww. You’re a lovely person, Diana. That’s clear even to those of us who only know you through your blog. You draw these other wonderful people to you, because you’re wonderful too.
Can’t wait for SSG!
June 30th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
This is so true. When I wrote my aknowledgement, I was thinking – good Lord, they’re going to charge me for the extra paper.
June 30th, 2006 at 5:42 pm
Now I’m crying. But it’s a good crying!
I love you, too.
You have no inkling of the difference you’ve made in my life since that very first email that continues to this day.
June 30th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
Your giving nature is a magnet, attracting like souls with big, helping hearts.
You’re blessed to have such dear friends on this journey.
And I agree with Jaci, except for me I feel like it takes a village to help an idiot write a book.
Just to be clear, I would be said idiot.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:00 pm
It’s been a weird day. My co-workers and I have been drinking since 2:00 p.m. today, but when I just got home and saw this, all the wine in my system just dissapated and sobered me. My eyes totally filled and the warmth of love, appreciation and friendship surrounded me. Thanks so much, Diana! I’m going to have to save this post for those days when the elves get to me.
Lots of love and many hugs!
Marley = )
July 1st, 2006 at 10:12 am
Marley, you and your co-workers have been drinking since 2? & it’s 11 when you posted? You go girl! I’d be out like a light or dancing on table tops…Anyway, everything Diana said about you is SOOOOOOO true.
& all the wonderful things that have been said about Diana are true to! I know of very few people who are more giving within the writing industry than Diana. She’s always there to help & has a wealth of knowledge–sound knowledge, which isn’t always easy to find.
Wish I was going to be in DC or Tampa to celebrate with you, but I’ll be cyber cheering you all the way! You deserve good things & have worked hard to make your dreams come true!!! Enjoy!
July 1st, 2006 at 6:13 pm
Great post, Diana!
BTW, if Julie is reading this, I love to read your blog, Julie, but I can’t post there. Your blog thinks I’m a spam-bot, apparently. I also have this problem with Alison Kent’s blog. Do you have any earthly why?
Cindy
who promises she’s not a spambot
July 2nd, 2006 at 1:28 am
Great post, Diana.
I have a wonderful group of girl-friends called The Playground. We’ve been together for a couple of years–in fact I see another Playpal posted. (Hi Janice) We’ve been there for each other and those friendships are very dear to me.
But I do admit to being a little green, because in the last year or so, my writing has been done on a very solitary basis. I no longer critique with anyone, and it’s pretty rare that I brainstorm or bounce around ideas. I miss that so much….
And maybe, because I no longer belong to a land chapter–just too hard juggling deadlines and four kids who play just about every sport–usually on Sat. mornings when the meetings would be.
Your post reminds me how important it is to make sure I secure time for the friendships that are important to me.
I do feel lucky to belong to the same agency as you, Marley, Janice, and so many more talented writers. Having their knowledge and support brightens this journey.
Thanks for this post. It’s great.