Welcome, Insecure Writer's Support Group!
When I was growing up, my mom used to say, "Many hands make light work." So true.
Something else my mom used to say? "Good things come to those who wait."
I thought of those words when news was released that our blogging buddy, Martina Boone, signed a three book deal with Simon Pulse. SIMON PULSE!!!
Most of you have probably heard this news. And most of you probably already know Martina. But if you don't, please, PLEASE do your writerly self a favor and follow the blog she runs with other writers.
So, why did I title this post "Selflessness?" Because that's the word that comes to mind when I think of Martina. I mean jeez, she even included giveaway winners in her book deal announcement! I didn't even tell her I was featuring her here today, because she'd probably want to turn the whole thing around to make it about everyone else. Nope. Not today. Today I'll focus on how selfless she's been while pursuing her own dreams.
Here's what you can find on her blog:
Contests and Workshops
Craft Tips.
WOW Wednesday Inspiration
And book giveaways...always book giveaways!
And that's just a small sampling. All of this while she was writing her own books, honing her craft, and submitting.
She's one of us. She had a dream. She was rejected. She worked hard. She was rejected again. She helped others along the way. Now it's her turn.
I think Susan Sipal, who writes the Harry Potter for Writers blog, summed it up best when she left this comment on Martina's blog regarding the awesome book deal:
"Martina, you are such an inspiration to me for showing where extremely hard work, tons of discipline, incredible amounts of talent, and dogged determination can get you. I am sooooo happy for you and can't wait for the whole world to read your glorious story."
Hard work.
Discipline.
Talent.
Determination.
And I'd add Selflessness.
Want to be inspired? Read Martina's post The Heroic Journey Every Writers Has to Face. You'll recognize each of the steps in your own writing journey. You'll be ready to kick down doors, do a karate chop to Rejection, and help others along the way.
I'm so excited for Martina. I love it when great things happen to great people.
Have you heard Martina's news? Do you follow her blog? Do you get super excited when one of our peeps hits the literary jackpot? Please share!
Well I never heard of her but do now and will pop over to her blog to read! Thanks for telling us this. Always excited when another writer gets a book deal!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to meeting you, Terri! :)
DeleteTerry, I haven't talk to you in SO long! I'm so glad you're stopping by Martina's blog. It's a valuable resource.
DeleteWay to make me sob, Julie! OMG, thank you for this. I totally do not deserve this, but it is lovely, and humbling. The best part is the point that I am just like everyone else. I completely believe that the dream can be realized if we keep learning and working hard, reading and writing every day, getting the feedback and not being afraid to put our work up for honest feedback. That applies to everyone in IWSG, so I fully expect to see a lot more great news coming down the pike! Thank you!!!!!! You are AMAZING! Huge, tackle hugs!
ReplyDeleteMartina, it's always amazed me how you kept helping others while you were also pursuing your own goals. The contests, the critiques, all of it...such a huge help to everyone. Thanks so much for all you do. Truly, it's more special when great things happen to GREAT people. And that means YOU!
DeleteTotally agree with everything you said, Julie. Martina is "da' bomb."
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much, Linda! <3333
DeleteLinda, "da bomb" describes her perfectly! Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteLOVE this! Martina completely rocks - she's so kind & genuine! Great post Julie!! :)
ReplyDeleteRight back at you, Jemi! HUGE hugs! Thank you.
DeleteJemi, you're right up there yourself. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI was so happy to hear Martina's great news and her blog is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou are all making me tear up. All day. And I can't love you all enough for it. Tackle hugs!
DeleteMarcy, I think you were even one of the winners in her announcement post, right? That cracked me up. "Here's the winners. Oh, and by the way, I have a huge book deal."
DeleteOkay, when you put it like THAT it sounds funny, but the winners were scheduled to be announced that day! :) YOU crack me up! :) HUGS!
DeleteGreat news, congrats to Martina. Hearing about others success stories makes be more determined to keep following the dream. Thanks for highlighting Julie :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne! I couldn't agree more. Hearing good news from others is what kept me going through the learning (and rejection) process. It's important to know that it CAN happen, and that agents and editors ARE accessible and DO read submissions and actually DO call and say they loved the books that *we* agonize over and love. I love having the chance to say that to others and take my turn in passing on the inspiration I received.
DeleteSuzanne, I totally agree. Martina isn't some faraway person who doesn't talk to minions. She's in the trenches with the rest of us.
DeleteShe is an amazing lady, that is for sure! I met her online a few years ago. She'd contacted me to see if I'd help spread the word about her new site. How could I ever refuse??? I am thrilled for her!
ReplyDeleteAnd Sheri, you are exactly one of the people I was just talking about. An inspiration. <3333333 Thank you for all you have done for me and for so many other writers!
DeleteSo, um, Sheri? You're right up there. You do so much for the writing community. Thank YOU!
DeleteGreat post, Julie! Martina deserves this SOOOOOOO much. Even with this HUGE achievement, she's still a ginormous slice of humble pie. <3
ReplyDelete<3333 Um. It's easy to be humble when you STILL keep expecting someone to jump out and yell April Fools! :D
DeleteMarissa, humble is right! Still giving, giving, giving. By the way, your #northwest tag on Facebook cracked me up. Still using it to describe Martina's deal!
DeleteThank you, thank you, THANK YOU for posting this about Martina! I was nodding throughout--Martina is so good, so selfless and SO DESERVING! I am over the moon with HAPPIES that this is happening for her. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela
Ange, I couldn't, seriously couldn't hug you enough! Of ALL the people who support other writers, I can't think of anyone who does more. And if I have learned anything about giving to other writers, most of it has come right from you. You and Becca are amazing, and I am so blessed and lucky to have gotten to know you. It's an honor to have you as a friend! <333
DeleteAngela, I totally agree. But you, YOU do so much for us as well. Just yesterday I was knee deep in character flaws :)
DeleteThat is awesome! Even better when it happens to someone that is a genuine giver.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alex. I would have to say you are another person, like Ange and Sheri, who does a ton of giving. It's wonderful!
DeleteAlex, speaking of a genuine giver...thank YOU for creating this awesome group, and for highlighting other writers on your blog.
DeleteYes, yes, YES! Such awesomeness all over this page, Sheri, and Ange, and Alex and Julie OH MY! :)
DeleteHope to meet you soon, Karen!
ReplyDeleteMartina's success gives me faith that good things do come to those who wait, work hard, believe, and are filled with grace and generosity. Martina exemplifies everything wonderful about this world of writing.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I couldn't agree more. Nice things happening to nice people is...nice!
DeleteI love success stories! I love to follow someone's journey and then see the post/email/tweet about getting the agent or securing the first deal. I love that there is so much support in the writing community. Seeing those that have found success reach out to help those still striving for it is an inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteMeredith
Meredith’s Musings
Meredith, I feel the same way. Makes it seem "possible," you know? Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteI love this post!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful. From a wonderful person to a wonderful person!
How cool is that!
Thanks for this. We all needed it!
Heather
Heather, thanks for your kind words. I think we all need to be reminded that it CAN happen!!
DeleteI love her blog. There is a wealth of knowledge and resource for writers. So excited for her!
ReplyDeleteRebekah
rkgtheauthor.com
Rebekah, I'm blown away by the amount of knowledge packed into one blog. I honestly don't know how she does it.
DeleteSo excited for Martina. Everything you said about her is so true. I can't wait to feature her on my blog when she debuts.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, that'll be such a treat to see her book featured on your blog!
DeleteOhhh... I love it when success happens to those we love and to those who have worked beyond hard. It really does give me such joy! And such hope! Thanks for sharing this, Julie. :D
ReplyDeleteMorgan, I totally agree! Hope and joy :)))
DeleteKaren, you will NOT be disappointed. I learn something new each time I visit Martina's blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's all true! Martina is a talented, generous delight. Great blog about a great lady.
ReplyDeleteLuanne, it's so great to see her rewarded like this. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYou GUYS! I'm so overwhelmed. Seriously. I couldn't have had a nicer present than this today or any other day. You are all so generous and amazing. HUGS and more hugs to you all! I am honored and grateful to be on this journey with each and every one of you!
ReplyDeleteI don't follow Martina, but will correct this malady instantly:)
ReplyDeleteAnd, may I too add a CONGRATS to Martina for obviously never giving up on her dream.
I love it and thanks for sharing, Julie :)
Hi Mark,
DeleteThank you, and I am looking forward to seeing you around AYAP. It's fantastic of Julie to do this!
Like Mark, I do not know Martina but will check out her blog. Those that help others are always an inspiration. New to your blog...Nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to "meet" you on the blog today. Thanks so much for trekking over. :)
DeleteYay!! SO happy for Martina!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Traci! Hugs!
DeleteThank you for posting this. I will be heading over to Martina...to congratulate, and to learn!
ReplyDeleteHi Liza! I'm looking forward to seeing you there. We can learn from each other :D.
DeleteWow, you're a GREAT cheerleader. Seriously, I can't wait to check out Martina's blog. It's always nice to hear about a debut novelist, gives me hope. Heading over to Martina's blog now. Thanks for sharing her inspiring story. You are a nice person.
ReplyDeleteJulie is a fantastically nice person, and so willing to share herself with others. The very best kind of cheerleader and friend. I hope you will stop by the blog, Andrea. It's a pleasure to "meet" you!
DeleteI'm always late to the party! But you KNOW I love Martina!!! I was seriously squealing with joy when I heard. I think I literally scared some people!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you squealed. In fact, you squealed when I was still running around saying OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG and hadn't gotten past the shock and transitioned to the squealing point yet. :D You are so lovely!
DeleteNot later than I am, Lisa! I read about Martina's great news and am so in awe. What she's done is no small fete in today's publishing world. All my best to her and hats off to you, Julie. You're always there for others whether it's to say congratulations or to console.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Julie wonderful? She is such a fantastically warm, supportive, and inspiring person. Thank you so much, Cheryl! There's a huge element of luck involved too, of course. I think a lot of us work hard to get to the point where we are "ready," and then it requires a lightning strike to get the publication deal. I happened to be standing out in the field with an umbrella at the exact right time :D.
DeleteThis is a very beautiful post and I think you are awesome too for writing it in honour of Martina and her success. I will definitely check out her blog. Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog today and for following. I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteTalk about being "selfless!" Your tribute to Martina says a lot about your character as well. Congrats to Martina, and I look forward to getting to know both of you!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Yes I did hear about this and it's so great. It really is exciting when peeps we know that have worked really hard, finally get their pay off. And so much fun when we all get to share it!! :)
ReplyDeleteI know! Honestly, I don't know how Martina has time to write anything, with all the blog and online things she does. I'm soooo excited for her on her publication news!! Great tribute to Martina; she deserves it. :)
ReplyDeleteI love hearing good news stories! Congratulations to Martina - I'm off to check out her blog now. Thank you for visiting mine :-)
ReplyDelete