An early morning event in the soft sound of tires over gravel outside the window. We work at home, so a visitor, even in the early morning, is always welcome. I looked through the slats to see a huge, white truck in the driveway.
“They’re here!” I shouted to Gord, facing his computer screen, who could only hear the film inside his editing earphones. I took the steps downstairs two at a time. Purolator Guy trundled up the porch, knocked on the glass and instantly I pushed open the door.
Here he was, bewildered by all my jumping energy. His name is Honey. I signed the screen and carried the box inside. What a moment!
This was the moment I could feel the inevitability of my own determination. Because the energy had carried: when I finally decided this was what I wanted to do, when I kept making that decision in the face of delay, in the face of rejection, the outcome became inevitable.
But it wasn’t just my it’s-about-time steely resolve. It was the generosity and peanut-gallery egging on from friends and gracious nudging from strangers.
For example, I thought about the suppers with friends who hosted readings when the book was only a string of chapters; of my avid-reader cousin Aggie who nurtured me through our email connection, even as she lay in bed, unable to move; how they all laughed, just daring Annie to be saucier and quirkier and bolder. This was a character they loved.
I thought of my writing group Three Annies; each of us working on a novel, each at a different stage in the writing/editing/publishing process, each with an ‘Annie’ in our name. How one argued against a phrase, the other for it, until I had to decide myself.
I remembered my elation, the validation I felt at reading the first response from Erin Niumata, an experienced New York editor and agent when she read an early manuscript, “I read it three times. . . I laughed out loud; it was a joy!” and much later the rejection letter from Vicki Williams at Talon Books, words of encouragement — so welcome at the time that I memorized them: While your manuscript is not the sort of thing we publish, it is the sort of thing I read, and I really like it! Therefore I would like to see it published, not only because I would like to read more of Annie’s exploits and influences, but, because I think it could do very well.
I thought about the revisions and editing, about the open-hearted readers/writers/editors/bloggers, some whom I had never met, who agreed to read and review – so I could attract a publisher. I thought about how I finally, after a year and a half, received interest from three publishers – around the same time – and finally heard the purpose and desire in the voice of the one I ultimately chose, a small, family-run publisher, where I wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. (There’s nothing that perks up the ears of a writer like someone you’ve never had a conversation with, saying “We’d like to publish your book.”)
I thought about the stacks of files filled with profiles of agents and publishers, my letters to them; some kind encouragement but mostly their rejections, and how great it felt to tear apart those files and recycle all that effort.
I thought about Gord’s coaching, when I stalled because of the contract — and almost threw it all away, just as I was about to grasp the ring.
Today my editor talked about the trailer, how she wants Gord and me to ‘tweak’ our creation before it becomes the official trailer. Then she told me about how on Friday, January 23rd, the Advance Review Copies of A THEORY OF EXPANDED LOVE will go out to all the trade reviewers. A momentous occasion in the life of a writer.
But yesterday, it was a day of small moments to cherish. (We don’t make a lot of money in the arts, but we do have these ‘moments’). Here’s another. (I’m going to set up this one for you) Wally & Betty Turnbull are the mom and pop of this family-run publisher, Light Messages.Their daughter is Elizabeth, the editor. Together with other professionals, they have been publishing since 1998 and now put 5 – 6 new titles a year into the world. Betty is the Iron Fist who deals with contracts. Elizabeth is the sweetheart who has the great relationships with authors. ARC = Advance Review Copy.
HERE IS BETTY’S COMMENT:
“Date: January 21, 2015 9:53:51 AM PST
Subject: in a pickle
Caitlin,
I purposefully do not read our upcoming titles until the ARC has been printed. I do this for numerous reasons, one of which is to leave the Elizabeth’s editing relationship with the author, just that – their relationship. I keep my relationship with the author to details and management.
Well, now I am in a pickle. I began reading A Theory of Expanded Love on Sunday. Had to stop to get some work done. Woke up early this morning and read some more. And now am stuck in the office doing office things when I really want to be reading and finishing the book!
Well done. It’s a great story. Can’t wait for its release and to see good things happening.
Betty
!!!!!”
I know there are more to come. I know this is just the beginning. 
