Score! Just when I thought my weekend couldn't get any better..."My" team, the Los Angeles Kings, advanced to the next level of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last night, finally beating the St. Louis Blues. Color me really happy. The Kings are the defending champs and no one has won the Stanley Cup twice in a row since 1997.
Then, today I got a contract in the mail for the story I submitted in February! Yeah! Go me!
This story was a perfect storm. I got the idea in the car on the way to work--the whole plot, practically. I got to work and jotted it down on a scrap of paper. I went home and wrote it, and it came amazingly easy, even the ending, which I always have trouble with. My critique partner gave it the once over, and I sent it. I had a really good feeling about it, and for good reason, it turns out.
Doing the happy dance. Will be going out for a celebratory dinner tomorrow night.
19 comments:
Big congrats!! I remember when you posted about writing this story, how it came to you "whole." Those are such a gift, aren't they? :-)
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Don't you just love when a story comes easy and then the editor buys it? Can't wait to read it.
Great news, Kate. As Betsi says, those 'fully formed' stories really are a gift and you just know as you write them they are going to work. Fabulous, really pleased for you. Good news about your team too, although I haven't a clue what sport you are talking about!
I'm always sooo happy to hear you've sold another story, Kate! I've never had inspiration strike enough to put it immediately on the computer -- waiting for that sort of thing to happen to me. Anxious to read your new story. Hugs, Diane
Congratulations Kate! That's fantastic! Happy dance!
Not sure how things will pan out, but finally got up enough nerve to send out a story. Thanks in part to this website :) But should I worry that I haven't heard back yet? I mailed it back in January.
Nicole
Thanks, Betsi, Pat, Diane
Chris, it's ice hockey. LOL
Nicole, no, I wouldn't worry yet. I was surprised to have heard so soon. Give it six months and if you haven't heard by then, resubmit.
Thanks Kate. That makes me feel better :)
Can't wait to read your story! What is it about? Do you have a date when it will be coming out?
Nicole
It's about a woman searching for the right restaurant to hold her grandparents' fiftieth wedding anniversary party. It's coming out in July. :)
Kate, I am looking forward to it. I think you have the WW formula pretty well nailed down. I am afraid I keep trying to get them to widen their horizon. Two rejections within a couple of weeks of each other, but neither a real surprise. There is a third still in the lineup and I think it is a very sweet story. A little "different", but not too different. I still have high hopes.
Nicole, if the WW editors have kept your story for four months, there may be some interest in it. Keep your fingers crossed.
Mary Jo, sorry to hear about the rejections. I'll cross my fingers for that third.
Kate, my son used to play ice hockey. Fast and furious sport - can definitely see the attraction. Have you written any WW stories on the subject? I did a children's one four years ago, which sold to a magazine called The Kids' Ark. Haven't used it as the topic of an adult one though. Hmm...
Nicole, well done on sending your story out. It's always a nervous wait, worrying if others will see its merits and love it the way you do. Whatever happens, you've put yourself in the frame. The best thing now is to get on with the next one. The more you have out there, the less you worry about one individual one! Good luck.
I agree with Chris. Write, write, write. Send, send, send.
Congrats, Kate - can't wait to read it. I think they must have lost my story which has been out since October 30. I'll wait until June 1 and resend. Hard to wait so long and then have to wait again.
Good luck to everyone. Here's hoping Mary Jo. And you too, Nicole. Many of my stories don't come back for 5 or 6 months, so fingers crossed for both of you.
Deb
Thanks, Deb! Hey, was the story you sold to them published under Deb Noone, or a pen name? And what year was it? On my testimonial page, you are there, but I don't have a link to the story you sold them.
Sorry for my absence this past week. Things were crazy busy at work. Ugh.
I just wanted to say thank you to Kate, Mary Jo, Chris and Deb for being so supportive. I absolutely love this blog!
Nicole
Kate, it's been quite awhile since I've been to the blog, but I really do enjoy it and appreciate your insights. Huge congratulations on your sale! Wonderful!!
I see questions from others who have concerns about not having heard back, yet, regarding a submission, so I'm adding this to give hope. A few weeks ago, I received a contract 8 months after the story was sent, so don't give up hope!!! While I've written more for many years (journalism), this was my first attempt at fiction. There is no other writing more fun!!! :)
As a newbie, I have question for those who have sold. On my contract, I did see a date of when the manuscript was due--it was checked as received. But there was nothing mentioning a published target date. Do they contact you again with that information? Do they pay on publication, or upon acceptance? I'm unsure how the process works.
Thanks for any insights. And BEST WISHES to all of you for many acceptances!
Karen
On the contract it should say something like "Issue #25 On sale date 6/15/13." That's the date that will be on the cover of the issue, but look for your story a week before that. The check should come a few weeks after you send in the signed contract. :)
Thank you. That date has past, and it hasn't shown up, yet, so I'll keep watching.
I've had it happen where, for whatever reason, they switched things around on me. Yeah, just keep a watch.
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