This week's Journal Challenge from FOLK Magazine asks us to describe the most exciting moment of our lives thus far. I could talk about my first date, my first prom, graduating from college, my wedding day, the day I had my first child, then my second child, etc., etc., but you already know those are extremely exciting moments in everyone's life, and each one in its own special way. Not to diminish any of those moments at all, especially getting married and having children, but for today's assignment I think I will choose the day my first book was accepted by a publisher.
I had been dreaming of being a writer since I was ten years old. I read Harriet the Spy so many times the school librarian had to replace the "Due Date" paper at the end of the book. My name filled the check-out card.
Following Harriet's example in the book, I made notes in "private" notebooks, wrote short stories, composed poems, and filled up notebook after notebook and diary after diary. I even made up dialogues between famous people I admired like the Kennedys during high school classes on folded pieces of notebook paper that I would slide under my books if anyone came too near.
I abandoned my writing habit temporarily when I started college. Working part-time, attending classes, and having a social life left little time for reflection. It wasn't until I had married and had my first child that I attempted to write again. While my son was a toddler I actually wrote an entire novel. I submitted it to several publishers but it was never accepted. Reading it now I realize how cheesy it was, even though I have read some cheesy published novels!
When Publish America said they wanted to see a book manuscript years later I was beyond excited. And when they said they wanted to publish it and sent me my first copy, I was even more excited. Holding my first book in my hands, dear friends, has to be the most exciting moment of my life besides the ordinary family stuff. I guess in a sense, holding a book you have written is like holding a baby. It comes from your heart and soul, just like your own child! I hope there will be many more of these moments to come.
What was your most exciting moment ever?
XOXO
