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August 18, 2011

Vicki Batman on: Hope

Recently, I had a really, really nice email. I’d been writing on various stories and my WIP. When I checked the email, I found one from -- I blinked multiple times -- a publisher I'd submitted to a month prior.
I've sold several short fiction pieces in the past year and a half. Yet, with each new submission, I always feel selling again is a crap shoot.


I opened the email. A contract!


Naturally I screamed, scaring the cat and my son. My heart rate increased and I’m positive I lost a bit of sanity and reality. Eventually, I calmed down enough to explain to my boy what had taken place. He gave me the biggest hug ever.

Even though my project is an itty bitty one, I sold. Yipee! I celebrated. I did the happy dance, ate chocolate, and told friends.

The feeling of “I DID IT” is awesome. I can only imagine the feeling is a bazillion times more than mine when someone gets a three book deal. Right now, I want more. I want to see the other six pieces I’ve written published. I want to see my three manuscripts published. Heck, I want to see everything I’ve written published.

Unrealistic?

Yep. But who cares? For at that moment, euphoria is highly addictive.

My greatest hope is that each and every one of us sells something. Maybe that sounds Pollyannaish, however, I believe really hard work pays off. So write. Whether it’s big or small, and sell something so that magical feeling can encompass you to your soul.

Get to work. You can’t sell unless it’s on paper.


So how do you feel when you get good news? Share with me!


Vicki Batman, a PP girl, is happy to announce the sale of "Twinkle Lights," a 2011 holiday story. For more information, visit: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/

21 comments:

Roseanne Dowell said...

First off, let me say - It's not unrealistic to want everything you've written published. If it's your dream then go for it. But as you pointed out, you have to get it on paper (or in this case on the computer) and revise,revise, revise then submit, submit, submit. Congratulations on your acceptance!
Second - how do I feel? I received my first acceptance in 2006. Hubby had to scrape me off the ceiling. Since then, I've received several acceptances and....yep, same reaction with each one. I'm currently waiting for one I submitted a few weeks ago. If it's accepted, I'll be on top of the world again. It's a great feeling. But if you think that's great, just wait until release day.
Again, Congratulations.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Thanks for sharing, Roseanne. And be sure to tell us everytime you have good news cause I like squeeing with friends.

I have news, but it isn't all about writing; it's about cleaning.

For years, I've wanted a bedroom makeover. Finally, got it underway and had hardwood floors installed, sanded and stained. Only the wrong stain went on. A huge redo with tons of dust.

My major news is: I deep cleaned Four rooms. And now they are ready for paint. Almost there! squee

Char said...

I'm squeeing with you, Vicki! What a great way to start the day.

I can definitely relate, too, since last Friday I received my first-ever contract! There's nothing like that feeling when you open your inbox and see the word "Contract" in the header. I about fell over. It's for my first manuscript and I couldn't be more thrilled.

So, I think squeeing a duet is completely apropos!

Char

Pamela Stone said...

Congrats Vicki! It is an awesome feeling and I'm not sure anyone who hasn't sold can truly appreciate that awesomeness. I've sold two books, but like you wonder if I'll ever get another call/email that I've sold. I'd love to see everything I've ever written in print, but in all fairness, some of those books really need some work first. Great post.

Kathy Ivan said...

Ah, that feeling of accomplishment, that sense of "somebody else gets it" you feel when you get THE CALL. Of course, I know I was completely incoherent when I got the call for my first book, Desperate Choices.

I remember sitting at my desk in stunned silence after hanging up the phone. It really hadn't sunk it. Then that moment when it hits you--after you've hung up the phone, screamed, cried and then you ask yourself "who do I call first?"

We're storytellers at heart and we want to share the stories that our brains unfold with others. It's not unreasonable or unrealistic to want others to know and share the friends as well as the villains we've are created and the inspiration and tales they have to tell.

Great post, Vicki.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Yeah! Char!!! A duet? Let's think about a good one. That's fantastic news. And very deserved.

Congratulations!!!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Thanks Kathy and Pam. And who do you call first? Sometimes, I call some of my closest buds, a friend who critiques, my sissies, all depends.

Now those of you who live near me will get to see the bedroom redo over and over and over. LOL

Kathy Bennett said...

Congratulations Vickie! What great news.

When it comes to sales, as a self-pubbed/indie author I just love watching the numbers grow. I've made up a chart to track sales and I get great satisfaction from tallying up the numbers. My first reaction when I made the Top 100 Nookbooks was disbelief. Then I immediately added the news to my signature line.

I'm kind of quiet, so when something exciting happens, there isn't a lot of reaction from me. One time I won $1500 on a slot machine. I was so stunned, I just sat there and waited for the attendant to come and pay me. The guy next to me was more animated than I was.

Congratulations again, and I'm sure this is the first of many sales.

Phyllis said...

Yes, Vickim congrats!

I await that first call/email sale offer. I have a small bottle of champagne for the moment!

Well, I'd have to tell hubby first, then my best buds, then if I could get all by PP ladies on the phone at the same time I'd do that. Then there is the rest of my family...my friends...DARA, of course...the neighbors....the dogs and cats....

Phyllis said...

Now...why didn't I see that Vicki(m) when I reviewed it????

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Kathy. I saw your FB post when your book made it and I could tell you were very, very excited. I would be too!!! It's fantastic news and a huge accomplishment.

Well done!

Hi, Phyllis. You can add an m because my maiden name starts with an m. LOL

BTW, I adore champagne cocktails. When I have a sale, I go to a hotdog store which has custard. It's the best of both worlds as these are no ordinary hotdogs or custard. A fun treat I share with my funsister.

Susan Macatee said...

Congrats, Vicki! I'm always thrilled, whether I sell a novel or a short story to a magazine. The feeling always makes me want to keep writing and submitting. The occasional rejection does come, but it never takes away the thrill of my sales. And that rejected piece can always find a home somewhere else.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Susan! This is so cool you stopped here.

You are correct, there is a place for rejected sales and I'm happy to say I've sold some.

Does anyone else have good news? Doesn't have to be about writing? Going on a trip? School starting? Share all!!

Liz Lipperman said...

First off, congrats on all your sales. It takes a real talent to write short stories and get the message across in so few words.

When I got the call, I didn't believe it. As writers, we're beaten down so much, it's hard to wrap our brains around the fact that someone likes your work.

I just heard this week that two of my friends, both debut authors, have reached a national bestsellers' list, one only two weeks after her release.

So there is hope for all of us. I'm waiting right now to hear about a paranormal mystery series. I have to believe if they pass on it, it wasn't meant to be, because like you, I know that EVERY ONE of my stories will be published one day.

Oh, and yesterday, I saw my first review for Liver Let Die, and she didn't say I sucked!! Hallelujah. Actually, she said my heroine was witty and humorous and the book had an entertaining plot. Your review was the first, but you're a friend. You have to say nice things!!

Great post, my dear.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Ms. Liz. Isn't it cool when our friends hit the top spot?

And it makes me want it even more.

Ha! I couldn't wait to get my hands on your book and the review just popped in my head. 'course some somebodies here reviewed mine too. lol

Sally Felt said...

Whee-hah!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Sally. And i'm guessing that's good?? If so, thanks.

But what about you?

Karilyn Bentley said...

Hi Vicki,
Congrats on your sale!!! How exciting! I love to hear good news. I like to do the happy dance when I get a contract. :)

Congrats again!!

Nancy said...

First, a big SQUEEEE to all who've sold - whether recently or not. Persistence does pay!

When I get good news, I may feel anything from a tingle to fireworks - and I grin like the village idiot for days. And days. I believe it's critical to give yourself a celebration - even if it's just buying a balloon at Dollar Tree. Every word we write is an accomplishment, and so is every sale or other bit of good news!

Happy weekend, all!

Light,
Nancy Haddock

Anonymous said...

Awesome blog Vicki and congrats on your new contract!

~Jane~

chris k said...

popping in a bit late

I always remember a speech from Jodi Thomas where she said she never stopped writing, never gave up because she didn't want to get to heaven one day and learn the next book would have been the one -

and as someone who enjoys both Jodi's texas historicals and her contemporary fiction - I am SO glad she never gave up!

I guess we all need to get back to the keyboard and keep clicking away!! LOL.