It's a moment I've dreamt of for many years and one I've worked hard towards too, stubbornly never giving up.
I received revision for my So You Think You Can Write entry just before Christmas and submitted the revisions early in the New Year, then crossed just about everything I could.
On Thursday last week I travelled to Aberystwyth to meet a writing friend for lunch. A cold winter wind was funnelling off the sea and down the street. So when my phone rang I hid in the doorway of a closed shop to shelter from the wind and it's there I received the momentous news that I had sold my first book to Harlequin Mills and Boon. Not only that, I was offered a two book contract.
When I met with Kate, my writing friend we were both so excited we could hardly order lunch and it was so nice to be able to share that moment with someone who is also hoping for such a call.
By the time I returned home, my phone needed charging and I had so many messages I could hardly keep up. Naturally, later that evening I popped the cork on a bottle of champagne I'd discovered lurking in the back of the cupboard over Christmas. Sleep that night was practically impossible as I floated around on cloud nine.
It's been a wonderful journey but finally I have reached my destination. Now I have a brand new journey to embark on, that of a Harlequin Presents author!!!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and for all those congratulations.
I've said this before on Facebook and my blog - but I'm so happy to say it again. CONGRATULATIONS Rachael - it's a wonderful achievement. From the moment I met you I hoped this day would come and I'm thrilled that you are now joining the family of Harlequin Presents authors. Here's to your very first book - which I hope will only be the first of many.
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to seeing you - and celebrating with you - in Fishguard soon.
Thanks Kate for the congratulations and your support and advice since we first met at Fishguard. See you very soon!
ReplyDeleteSo thrilled for you!!! Congrats!!!!
ReplyDeletelx
So happy for you. Wonderful news and well deserved.
ReplyDeleteLorraine H
Huge congrats, Rachel! A wonderful call story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz, Lorraine and Ruchi!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again Rachael, what a wonderful 'call' story and can't wait to hear more as your new journey unfolds! Looking forward to the next instalment on our blog too. Jo
ReplyDeleteOoh, how evocative…."A cold winter wind was funnelling off the sea".
ReplyDeleteRachael, you rock!
I know how hard you've worked - and you've done it while being one of the sunniest people I've ever met and moreover, someone who cares deeply about cows!
I hope your lunching friend Kate is inspired by your journey and I'm looking forward to reading your book. xxx
"Cloud nine"...more like cloud 10,11, 12. Fantastic news, Rachel. Thrilled for you, and I know you have worked so hard for it! Can't wait to read your story when it comes out. Caroline x
ReplyDeleteAhh Rachael I still have chills. This is so so amazing and I hope you are soaking every second up! I've congratulated you everywhere I think - because it is just so darn amazing. Sending huge hugs across the water xo
ReplyDeleteJo the next instalment is all prepared! Jen and Caroline thanks for the congrats and Sharon, thanks for all your support.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiration you are, Rachael, especially for your perseverance and sheer hard work. I'm so glad your dream has come true. Mills & Boon are very lucky to have you and I can't wait to read the book.x
ReplyDeleteMega big smiley!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachael
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely thrilled for you and am so happy to read all about the moment you got The Call. What a joy!!!! Enjoy the moment and I look forward to seeing your first book (and many more!) in print.
Congrats!!!!!! You've worked so hard for this :)
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ReplyDeleteCongrats, Rachael!! I'm so happy for you! Your story is an inspiration for the rest of us to keep trying.
ReplyDeleteThanks Scarlet for the big smiley and thanks Carol for your support too.
ReplyDeleteJoanne I wish I could just pop down under and celebrate with you and Johanna I'll see you in a few weeks!!
Huge congratulations, Rachael!! I'm so very thrilled for you as I've already said on the lovely Kate's blog. It really is wonderful to see that hard work and determination does pay off. If I manage to make it back home to visit my family in Feb I'll be sure to drop into the Fishguard Bay and say hi to you and Kate and maybe have a glass of wine or two to celebrate!!
ReplyDeleteChris.
It would be great to see you Chris! Hope you can make it.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Rachel. Huge congratulations. You must be still up there in the clouds floating about! Wonderful news for a wonderful writer. I'm looking forward to buying the book and saying 'I met her at Fishguard'!
ReplyDeleteSarah Hooton
Thanks Sarah and yes I'm still up in the clouds - one week later!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous news, look forward to seeing your books on the shelves!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cara! I can't wait to see my book on the shelves either!
ReplyDelete