Looking back on the last three years, for me it’s been a mix of excitement and despair. Though I’d been published in non-fiction, nothing could beat the thrill of holding my first fiction book in my hand. And I’ve had some amazing emails from readers who’ve loved Suzy, even as recently as a few weeks ago. Yet, like many of the other TFCers there have been times when I’ve been so frustrated by what’s happened. After selling The Second Virginity of Suzy Green I thought, yay, this is it. I’ll sell my next book and the one after that and have the writing career I’d dreamed of.
Not so!! Through a number of circumstances (which I won’t bore you with here) I’m still waiting. I now have another agent who, as we speak, is submitting my latest manuscript, and though it’s early days we’re feeling really positive.
Anyway, aside from that, being a member of TFC these last three years has been an incredible experience. We help and support each other not only with our writing but all other aspects of our lives. And it was awesome when a few of us met up at RWA San Francisco a couple of years ago – when I went over from New Zealand with Amanda.
Here's Wendy and me (back right) at San Fran!
And here I am front left, next to Kelly and Amanda's top right.So, here’s to another three years of Teen Fiction Café and to all of our careers soaring in the direction we want.
If you’d like the chance to win a copy of The Second Virginity of Suzy Green, please leave a comment and the winners name will be announced on Monday.
Posts
40 comments:
I love these posts of yours..the nostalgic feeling is so special and personal...thanks for sharing all your thoughts with us!
I would love to be entered for the giveaway!!
Gosh, three years...it seems so long ago!
Keep up with the great posts ladies :)
I just discovered this site about a week ago, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the posts here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your work with us.
3 years! Wow!! Wait I just realized that was the title to this post :) I love hearing about what you've gone through - it makes the blog much more interesting to read.
Sara--I have my fingers crossed for your latest manuscript submission. Good luck! I would love to be entered into your giveaway.
Suzy is a terrific book (Did you know it was a New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age pick?) and I've had the pleasure of reading drafts of some of Sara's new book ideas and let me tell you, they're great!
Though it's only been a little over 3 years, I feel like I've known Sara forever. :)
I often wonder why we chose such a tough business - writing. Are we truly that masochistic? But I think we truly don't have a choice. We've got stories to tell and we just "have" to tell them. So all we can do is keep writing and never give up hope. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have "made it" and then have to start from scratch again. You're an inspiration, Sara! And I hope to see you in print again very soon.
And I'd love to be entered into the giveaway, too -- bet my daughter will love Suzy's story!
I recently found TFC and YARWA. It's so encouraging to me to read
your thoughts and stories as I'm
working on my second YA while my
first story continues to rack up the rejections. There is hope.
Bless you, good luck to you, and keep it up.
Monday? You mean tomorrow? This is too exciting!
Fingers crossed, Sara - and thanks for everything!
Wendy, it does feel like forever, doesn't it.... in the best possible way!!!!
Thanks, Heather, Maree and Lauren....I'm hanging out for some good news :)
Awww .... this is such an awesome post :D
I already have Suzy but wanted to send good luck for your manuscript to find a home!
=)
Thanks, Becca, that's so sweet of you :)
So glad you and Wendy started us off. Fingers crossed that your manuscript finds a home quickly!
Wishing you All the VERY best of All !
Congrats on your 3 years and all the best for your manuscript! :)
Thanks, Gerb, Mariska and Bunny B
OMG the last three years have flashed by so fast!!!
And Sara, you know how much I love The Second Virginity of Suzy Green - such a wonderful book, and I know you're going to have more fabulous news to share very soon because your writing rocks!!!
Happy anniversary! :)
And good luck with your WIP!
Wow, those three years went by fast! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Here's to some real good news soon - maybe in time for the conference. Wouldn't that be nice!!!
Thanks, Christina and YA vampire books.
Yes, Jo that would be so cool!
In three years time we will be celebrating a whole lot more Sara Hantz books - woot!!!!
Just loving all these posts. Thanks for this!
Congratulations! What a great series of posts!
Thanks, Amanda!!!
It's fantastic how you keep the spirit of writing alive by never giving up. Cheers to you, Sara!
:))
So exciting to hear you have something out right now. Thanks for starting TFC -- it's a blast!
CONGRATULATIONS! 3years
It's a long time, right?
I hope you will MANY OTHERS.
XOXO
Thanks, Bee.
Melissa it was one of the best things we did.... it's such an awesome group!
Three years ago seems like it was just yesterday... I'm getting old. :(
Lovely post and fun pictures!
three years fly away soon!
I was a girl a mere three years ago... And now I'm a women. (No seriously though. Mother nature really DID whack me pretty hard with her women-hood wand three years ago. It was pink and glittery...!)
:)
Not only that, I grew as a person too.
Thanks for your post. It was funny!
Love, Hannah
Congrats on 3 years!
My fingers are crossed for you Sara!!
:)
Great pics!!! And I'm SO glad things are on the upswing with your fab new agent and exciting new project. The world deserves more Sara Hantz! :-)
These posts are all so much fun! My friend e-mailed me here and I'm super glad she did for obvious reasons...
1) A chance to win a book? I'm there.
2) New titles to add on my wish list? Heck yeah!
Thanks for sharing!
-Caitlin G.
Thanks, Alyson and Kay :)
Post a Comment