Game Time...

Syracuse tips off at 7:15 this evening. The majority of Upstate New York will be seated and ready, with enough blue and orange that the children in the home will wonder if the sun is setting within the living room versus over Lake Ontario. If Heidi was here, she too would follow suit and probably have the household accessories to host the neighborhood game night pizza party. I can hear her “Game time!” and the festivities would begin.

As the basketball players run up and down the court, take time-outs, listen to their coach, and play as a team. I never thought finding a publisher would be easy yet I never imagined how extensive the process is. I couldn’t do it alone, I needed a team.

As the Sweet Sixteen hit the floor and I smile at the email in my inbox today I am encouraged. I started this blog in July 2010 after attending my first writer’s conference. With writer’s duffel bag packed with items I thought would be important: my “emotional-vomit first draft”, a snip-it to read, paper, pens, pencils, journal, and a hunger to learn. Without a coach to train me I thought I had everything I needed to start this journey to have Where’s Heidi? The Search Begins published. Yikes, boy was I wrong!

BUT the best part is I was introduced to key players on my writer’s team today, at this conference. I don’t think any of us imagined the impact we would have on each other’s lives or the friendships that would be born. I left home with the support of my family and returned with an overwhelming amount of information, new friendships, and a HUGE to-do-list before the school year started. The first thing I did was establish this website and my blog. I spent the remainder of 2010 crossing things off my list but each time one thing was removed; another was added thanks to the teammates I had met over the summer.

Then it happened. In January 2011 I heard from a publisher who expressed interest in my book. I was shocked, amazed, and overwhelmed. She said, “…I'm not accepting submissions right now, but I want yours, so please remind me of that when you send it, if you send it…”

I didn’t know how to respond so I emailed my coach for guidance. Her response, “…Pray about it and see how the Lord leads…” In November, I submitted my book proposal for consideration.

I hadn’t heard anything back until today!

Yes, today, nearly fourteen months after the initial inquiry and three months after my proposal submission. Oh my gosh…Thank you Jesus!

Each day I check my inbox and pray, “Lord will today be the day?” but this morning in my journal I prayed “Lord, thank you for the gift to write. Could I please hear something from one of the publishers? Am I in your will?”  As I opened my email during my lunch break my eyes widened like the tiny tot receiving their first Christmas morning bicycle. I was speechless then anxious then bummed because my husband, parents, and daughter agreed when a response came we would all be together when I opened it. It was 12:15 p.m. How could I wait until after 4 p.m. to read it?

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I picked up the phone and called my parents. Mary is still home sick so she was there but Ed was on the road. My parents put the phone on speaker and I told them about the email. So much excitement, I can’t remember the last time we were giddy with April 3rd around the corner. My only concern is Ed because he was on the road but instead of waiting I asked my parents to put the phone on speaker and then I clicked, open.

We waited, and waited. Mags shouts “Can’t it load any faster?” The anticipation and excitement growing with each second. It probably didn’t take nearly as long as it felt but then it was open and I started to read with shouts from the phone, “Well? Well? Just get to the yes or no part?” Then in the last paragraph, I read words that brought tears to my eyes.

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“If you are looking for a traditional publisher, I wish you the best – your story is worth telling. If you are interested in having me partner with you in publishing your book…Our whole model is changing to fit the ePublish program…”

I had watery eyes, needed to pick the kids up from lunch and go to Art class. I called Ed in between and he was so excited and not angry with me. He only laughed, “I knew you wouldn’t be able to wait.” Hmm…guess he knows me better than myself. I love that. I’m so blessed and excited and inspired. I prayed this morning and He is such a loving God, He answered this morning. Wow!

Are you wondering the decision?

I’ve emailed the publisher back. First and foremost I thanked for for making my day. I also expressed my desire to have Where’s Heidi? The Search Begins published where people have the option of either hard copy or e-reader. Since this offer was only for an Ebook, I have declined at this time. I truly want everyone to have access to this book, so we will wait.

There are still a couple publishers considering the book and we've waited nearly eighteen years for Heidi, so I can wait to hear from the other publishers too. Although we didn't accept this offer at this time, what a blessing to have received it.

This A glorious day today and I’ve never felt so joyful all the way to my bones so close to the anniversary of Heidi’s disappearance.

A special thanks to my writing team. You guide, lead, cheer, and critique in this game as I seek publication. I am a better writer and speaker because of you all. Hugs to my team!

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