Re-introducing Our Logline Guru: HOLLY BODGER

Holly Bodger is an irreplaceable part of my life--hard-nosed critique partner, down-to-earth advice giver, sender of chocolates and stuffed Yorkies, and one of the sharpest witted tongues I've ever met.  And this year, once again, she is donating her time to our Logline Critique sessions.  Holly has an excellent eye for loglines, and she'll be critiquing each of the loglines in all 3 of our rounds.  I think you'll find her advice invaluable.

Holly writes YA fiction (contemporary, dystopian, whatever-else-she-feels-like-writing) and is represented by the adorable and formidable Lauren MacLeod, another sparkly gem in the publishing world.  And here comes THE BEST PART OF ALL:

HOLLY'S AMAZING NOVEL, 5 TO 1, HAS JUST SOLD!  I can't tell you how much I love this novel; I knew it was "the one" as I was reading a second draft, and I'm delighted to yell, "I WAS RIGHT!"  

READ HOLLY'S EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT HERE!

Please join me in congratulating her on the sale of her novel, and in thanking her for offering us her logline expertise.  She's a keeper, and I'm honored to know her!

Happy Release Day to Beth Revis

No, this blog isn't turning into a bulletin board.  But Beth has been a huge part of my journey, as you already know.  And today has got to be the COOLEST release date ever.  1-11-11!

So here's to an amazing release day for ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (Razorbill/Penguin), and huge hugs and huzzahs to BETH REVIS!

(One of my, yanno, heroes!)

Showered With Roses

That's what this feels like!  Your words of congratulations here--and those on Twitter and the Blueboards and even in my email box--have felt like roses at my feet.

Thank you for sharing my happiness!  (Well, "happiness" is lame, but I'm trying to maintain a professional veneer.  Even though you all KNOW I've been dancing around the house with a stupid grin on my face for days.)

I'm going to post the Authoress Gets An Agent story after Christmas.  Until then, a couple of tidbits:

Josh has added me to his client list as "Authoress."  You've gotta love a guy who will play along with my alternate personality, yes?  See it HERE.

For the many who have asked:  Yes, I will reveal my real name (anticlimactic, I'm sure) when we've got a book deal.  I'd rather not have "Authoress" on my book covers.  And, yes, I'd like you all to know who I am so you can come to my book signings and introduce yourselves by your screen names.

(How many people get the opportunity to hear things like, "Hello, I'm Screaming Guppy!" in public?)

You've been a part of my journey as much as I've been a part of yours.  I'm so grateful to be "knit into" this community.

You rock!

Truly.  Thank you.

My Biggest Announcement Ever

As if December hasn't been fantastic enough already, there's one new development worth mentioning.

I have an agent.

(Yes, I really said that.)

I've signed with Josh Getzler of Russell and Volkening. And I really do believe we're the perfect "fit."

Best Christmas present ever!

Special, Exciting Announcement!

I'm delighted to announce Jodi Meadows's AMAZING BOOK DEAL!

READ ABOUT IT HERE!

Jodi has profoundly affected my writing and continues to offer undying support and encouragement to me and to other writers. Her success is near and dear to my heart, and I'm SO PROUD of her.

She has worked so hard. SO hard. She deserves this. And the wonderful Lauren MacLeod, agent extraordinaire, deserves huge kudos, too.

Please join me in wishing them both the very best!

Sharing Happy News

I'm bursting with joy for my fantastic writing buddy and amazing crit partner, JODI MEADOWS, who has just signed with the fabulous LAUREN MACLEOD.

It's a perfect pairing; it really is! I couldn't be happier. Seriously.

You know how, many times, when one of your writing colleagues finally signs with an agent, you're truly pleased for her and wish her the best, but somewhere deep inside a tiny voice whines, "It's always someone else instead of me"? (Yeah, that. Admit it.) Well, I don't feel that way (this time). Jodi is an amazing, talented, tenacious writer who works hard and knows her craft--and the business--well. She is a dream client and now she's landed a dream agent.

And she's been invaluable in my own journey as a writer. God often brings a person into our lives exactly when He knows we need it. Jodi is one of Those People in my life. She's a butt-kicking critter, a conscience-poking sidekick, a wealth of dry wit, and a source of affirmation and encouragement without which I don't know where I'd be.

So. It's an honor to share this news with you. I know that those of you who know her, have heard of her, or have benefited from her insightful comments during our Query Contest last year will rejoice with her.

Join me in congratulating both of them!

Read Jodi's announcement HERE.

Confetti and champagne all around!