If you haven’t heard me screaming and jumping up and down with joy–you may be suffering from undiagnosed hearing loss. Why all that hooting and hollering you wonder? It’s because my most amazing agent, Michelle Wolfson of Wolfson Literary Agency sold my Young Adult novel TOUCHING THE SURFACE to the incredible Anica Rissi at Simon Pulse. *jumping, shouting, jumping, shouting*
I wish I had some crazy story to reel you in with, but the truth is…
GET YOURSELF A FANTASTIC AGENT WHO KNOWS EXACTLY WHO WOULD BE THE PERFECT EDITOR FOR YOU.
I know it sounds easier than it is. I’ve been there. It’s worth it. I know that you can do it, so don’t give up. (((hugs)))
Well, that covers the first half of my title, but I know you’re wondering about the second half. It’s simple…I write about my Dad a lot. If you know me or my blog, you know how much he means to me and you’re aware of how much I miss him. But I have a great Mom and she’s been equally as instrumental in helping me to be who I am today. The thing is-it’s easier to write about dead people-they don’t argue with you, get disappointed or make you feel shy about expressing your mushy side. Dead people are extremely accommodating. They handle your neurosis with kid gloves. But sometimes, even if you’re not sure if you’ve used the right words, you have to take a risk and talk to the living people too.
My mom has been lifting me up for as long as I can remember…
She used to write little quotes and notes and tack them to the mirror in my room or put them in my lunch box. I grew up with one on my mirror that started like this…
"Being beautiful isn’t a talent…"
I looked at that every day and always knew two very important things about myself–my mom thought I was beautiful and she also thought that I was more than that beauty.
Back when I was growing up, a full Angelina Jolie mouth wasn’t popular or pretty. I can remember standing in front of that mirror and practicing how to hold my mouth so that no one would tease me. I did it so I wouldn’t hear someone say that my lips were so big that if I licked them, they could stick me to a wall. The mouth exercises never worked, but the quote was a good anchor to hang onto. Intellectually I knew how insignificant little comments like that should be-but it doesn’t work that way. We all know that.
My mother taught me that words have power and that I should use them both carefully and with abandon.
When my Dad passed away, my Mom asked my brother and I if it would be okay if she put our names on their stone. She wanted to write that Richard and Jean were the parents of Kimberly and Terry. She wanted everyone to know that raising us was the greatest accomplishment of their lives. Oh, the power of words…
As you continue to write and search and reach for publication, remember that you write for you and you alone and you do not have to be published to be the greatest accomplishment of someone else’s life. You write to fill your own soul and you love in order to fill the rest of them.
February 11, 2011
Kim,
Congratulations!! Grandma always said you were a dreamer. Lots of people just dream and never do anything about it. Not you. When the time was right you took a huge leap, sprouted wings and landed safely in your dreams. You were blessed with such a wonderful talent and I am so proud of you. I’m sure Daddy is busting his buttons telling everyone how proud he is of his "beautiful baby"!
You are always in my heart.
Mom
The power of words…
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Congrats to your very 1st YA novel Ms. Kim! I hope to read it someday! *excited mode* :]
I would love that Marrion. Thanks so much. :o)
Congratulations!!! You must be floating on happy clouds:) What a lovely tribute to your parents. Will you be part of the Class of 2012 or 2013? I'm happy for you!
I've figured out that I've exhausted cloud 9 AND 10 so, currently on cloud 11! Class of 2012!!!!! Thank you so much.
Yes!! I heard you screaming! All the way from USA to Chile! LOL. And you know how happy I am for you!! CONGRATULATIONS on finding a DREAM editor and selling your book!!! 😀
Let's have some champagne?? Right now? Even if I'm in pajamas still? LOL!
Oh and I LOOOOOOVED Baby Kim's picture! You were so CUTE!!! 😀
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I have goosebumps! I'm so happy for you, and I can't wait to have your book in my hands. Congratulations!
*And I know what you mean about writing about dead people…
What a beautiful post, Kim. Congratulations again. 🙂
Awww. You have an amazing mother. 🙂
And congrats again on selling your book!!!
Monica-I knew I was that loud!!!!! *grin*
Ghost Girl-I know you know (((((hugs)))))
Holly-thanks so much.
Linda-If I'd known how much my mother would hound me today for a leftover piece of birthday cake–post would have been reevaluated! Just kidding Mom!
Big congrats to you.
Jumping for joy! So excited for you!
Thanks so much Kelley and Katie…party in the Poconos!!!! What's your status????
I always say good kids come from good parents… it has proven out with ty, jamieson and aidan… and you… you rock but your mom IS THE ROCK… great post kim…
Awww thanks Ida-I wouldn't short change your amazing kids. You are an awesome mom and I want a bento box lunch and a Harry Potter party! *grin*
Your news is HUGE!!! Many, many congratulations!!!!
And I loved your homage to your mom. A mom like yours makes all the difference in a young woman's life. I'm lucky enough to have a pretty amazing mom of my own, so I know what you're talking about.
Congrats, again!!!!!!!!
Awwww thanks so much. Nothing like having a good mom in your corner. *grin*