Monday, November 21, 2011

BELIEVE IT

Tangled Tides releases on Friday. This Friday. That's like 4 more wake-ups.

I signed the book deal for it less than 5 months ago (July 8th). Rhemalda knew aiming for a November release date was a bit on the insane side. They warned me that it would be A LOT of work in a VERY small window of time. They warned me there could be setbacks, mishaps, unexpected delays, and who knows what else. From day one they asked if I thought I could handle it, and assured me it was okay if I couldn't. From contract signing to launch day in 140 days is unheard of in the publishing world.

At one point, during a gray and hazy period, a major player at Rhemalda said there just wasn't enough time. There was no way it could be done.

Another major player said, it could. And it would.

So, together, we did.

Six months ago, I had nothing but files full of agent rejection letters for two different projects. Today, my story is a real live book. (And a pretty one at at that.) Some readers have already held it, some have read it, some have posted reviews which touched me so deeply that I cried happy tears. It's very surreal.

Five months ago, if a future-telling fairy had told me that I would have a published book out in November of 2011, I would have laughed and told her she was insane. But what did I know? The universe works in mysterious and unexpected ways.

This wasn't the path I expected. I have been a blogger for years, but I always read about how writers had to have an agent first, and then go into submissions, and then if the story got picked up, it would be slotted a year or two (maybe even more) from the signing date.

No one ever told me that it could all go so very differently.

I never imagined I'd pull a shelved manuscript out of its drawer, submit it directly to a publisher, get an offer a few weeks later, and be asked if I could handle a mad and chaotic dash to publication within 140 days.

I didn't imagine it, because I didn't know or believe it was possible. But it is. It happened. Many days, I still pinch myself to make sure it really is happening. So far, I haven't woken up. I hope I never do.

I couldn't have done this alone. These past few months have been chaotic, but I've still managed to find many quiet moments when I sit alone, close my eyes, and reflect on every single person that contributed to making my dream possible--to making my dream turn out better than I ever could have imagined. I constantly say prayers of thanks for them, for this journey, for everything.

SO many people were involved in making Tangled Tides become a reality. It's like the universe provided me with the perfect dream team, and each person magically appeared at the exact time I needed them, able and willing to do the exact thing (or things) needed to link the next piece of the puzzle together. Together, we all managed to create a fantastic and complete picture.

One day soon, I'm going to do a post about all of them, and show you exactly what I mean. You will be astounded. Until then, I leave you with this: BELIEVE.

Wherever you are in your journey, whatever your dream is, believe. Believe in yourself. Believe in your abilities. Believe in every single person that has or is helping you along the way. Believe that the universe knows what it's doing. Believe that you dreams will come true.

Wherever you are at this moment, is exactly where you are supposed to be. (Even if you're frustrated, worried, stressed, self-doubting, been rejected, feel like the low man on the totem pole, or whatever else. It's all okay. It's all happening for a reason.)

Believe in where you can go. Believe in beautiful outcomes. Believe in the future. Believe in your dream team. Believe in your dreams. Because, I'm here to tell you firsthand, your dreams can and will come true--if you believe.

Just believe.

The universe will take care of the rest.

33 comments:

  1. It happens to those who work hard to cultivate their talent and create a book worthy of the success. Believe in that...like I believe in you! :)

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  2. I think the best thing about being part of the writing/blogging community is reading the beautiful success stories, just like this one. Even when things seem dark, hope is always around the corner.

    I feel terrible that it's taken me so long to get started on your book, but I finally have time to pleasure read and just loaded it up on my Kindle a few days ago. Loving it so far!

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  3. Tangled Tides IS a beautiful reality that has come true! Haha, I'm so happy for you, Karen! Conratulations!

    I know this is a little early to say, but after I read TT a few days back, I am so looking forward to The Sea Monster Memoirs #2!! Can't wait, can't wait!

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  4. I love seeing your dreams come true! I know how hard you worked and how much you earned it and deserve it. Can't wait til Friday :)

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  5. DL, dont make me cry! :) :) Thank you.

    Summer, I agree! And please don't feel terrible. I know it's a busy time of year for everyone. No rush!

    CYP, thanks so much! You've been such a great supporter. And I made a new friend because of my book so yay! :)

    Meg, YOU were a big part of making it come true. One of my very first Dream Team members. :) xoxo

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  6. Such true words. Everyone's publishing journey is different, but it all comes with the belief that it can happen. :)

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  7. You and your story to publication are a shining light. Thanks for the lift. :D

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  8. I'm so excited for you! Your story is inspiration for the rest of us.

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  9. Such a happy little pixie you are! I'm going to go watch that trailer again...

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  10. Your story is inspirational, and your book is wonderful. I'm so glad I got to read an advance copy and be a part of your promotion! Just remember to breathe come Friday! :D

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  11. I love this post! It's a great reminder that there are MANY different paths to success!

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  13. Cherie, yes. So true. Belief is a powerful thing.

    Natalie, ME TOO! <3

    Tricia, thanks so much for the sweet comment!

    Bish, thank you! It's still so surreal to me, but if I can do it, anyone can. :)

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  14. Marie, lol. I love that you love the trailer so much. :)

    Amanda, THANK YOU! And thanks for all of your support. Breathe on Friday. Check. ;)

    Jessica, yes there are! And congrats on your big step!

    Alexandra. <3 back at ya.

    B, I've had those moments too. Lots of them. Thank you for the kind words. KEEP BELIEVING. And thanks so much for ordering and wanting to read TT.

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  15. So excited! Okay, I'll add info about your release to the bottom of my Talks To The Teen post scheduled for Friday!

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  16. I can only imagine how excited you must be! And the book looks gorgeous :)

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  17. Karen, this is beautiful and made me cry. You're so right. It just takes hope and faith. It takes believing in your dream and amazing angels to get you there. And you have even more to live of your dream, which is the most wonderful thing of all. :)

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  18. LOVE this, Karen. I'm like all teary-eyed now.
    So happy for you!!!

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  19. I am loving you so much right now! Thank you for giving us hope and magic. And your story should NEVER have been in a file! :-)

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  20. I'm so excited for Tangled Tides to come out!!!! I put it on my birthday wish list!(B-day is 12\07) I'm dying to read it! Bet it's TOTALLY awesome!

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  21. Congrats. And I think a certain future telling fairy(well, let's say imp - more masculine) did tell you it very well could be published. :) Congrats again.

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  22. What a fun and inspiring post! I'm happy for you. I believe I'll be there one day!

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  23. Christa, so sweet of you. Thanks so much!

    Mshatch, Oh, I'm SO excited. :) And thank you. My publisher did a great job making it look so pretty. :)

    Feed, THANK YOU! :)

    Michelle, NO CRYING! Says the queen of tears. lol. You're one of my amazing angels. I wouldn't be here without you. <3

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  24. Alison, aww. *hugs* Thank you so much.

    Shannon, loving you right back! And thank you. My characters were very peeved at me for putting them in a file. But we kissed and made up. ;)

    Becca, Happy early bday! I hope you get TT and I hope you enjoy it!

    Kevin, YES! You are in that long list of people I call my Dream Team. Your email sparked the story being pulled back into the light. :)

    Alexia, yes, you will be! Just believe! :)

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  25. omg, just found out about what they are doing to Disney's pirates of the Caribbean RIDE! Auntie and I are sooooo excited!

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  26. Karen you can now go on my blog, but check your email first!

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  27. Becca, I know! I'm so excited too. I've been pointing out places they should add mermaids for years!:)(The cannon scene and the village fire scene.)

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  28. Yay!Yay! I'm so excited to get to read it!

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  29. I can't believe it's been that quick. So exciting.

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  30. Thank you for that wonderful post. I think the Universe gives us clues and through you it's telling me to not stop believing. It WILL happen to me, and all my hard work WILL pay off. The Universe knows what it's doing, right? I just have to trust in it. Sometimes it's hard though. However, I do believe in my book(s)and myself. . . . By the way, congrats on your book. Even though I don't know you, I'm truly happy for you and us writers need to stick together and support each other. So I'm doing a happy Snoppy dance in your honor. :)

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