So I totally forgot to mention it before--but yesterday was my book-deal anniversary. Four years ago, on 02.04.2004, I was returning a rental car to John Wayne Airport (yes, there is even a huge bronze statue of The Duke in baggage claim) when my then agent called with the news. And then--
And then everything goes sort of foggy. I remember lots of squealing and excitement (me) the mention of "St. Martin's Press" and "two-book deal" (him) followed by even louder squealing (me) and then "maybe you should pull over?" (him again).
By the time I made it the drop off point, those poor Avis guys didn't know what to make of me. And after telling my husband and calling my mom, I grew very quite and still, wondering if I should tell anyone else, afraid of breaking the spell since it all seemed surreal. After months of rejections, frustration, and loads of self-doubt, I finally got to that one single "yes!" And even though it's a moment I'll never forget, I didn't feel comfortable spreading the word until I saw it in print.
I can still be like that when it comes to good news, wanting to keep it close, not tell anyone until all the papers are signed. Mostly because--well-- I'm not really sure why. I don't even know where that came from, though I'm blaming my mom. (Hi mom!) And I've no idea how many times my friends and family have heard me say, "Omigod! You'll never believe what just happened--but don't tell anyone--I don't want to jinx it!"
My husband says that the power of "the jinx" is all in my mind. And while I'm sure he's right--what if he's not?
I just can't take that chance.
What about you? Are you afraid of jinxing things? Or do you just shout it from the roof tops before the print's even dried?
*And, just a reminder--I'm giving away a signed copy of EVERMORE Here!
*Oh, and I'm also blogging HERE today, so if you want, stop by and tell me if you'd want psychic powers, and what you would do with them!
Have a good day everyone!
11 comments:
I tend to keep things that seem surreal to myself until I'm SURE, SURE, SURE they aren't going to disappear in a *poof*.
Happy sale-iversary!
Amy- Yup, me too!
Happy anniversary! :)
I keep things to myself until they're final. I'm sooo weird about stuff like that. I really did think S&S was going to take back my book deal up until the day I got the galleys, LOL.
Jessica- Glad to know I'm not alone in this!!
Oh my gosh! I fell in love with this book within the first page and couldn't put it down... It drew me right in.
Anonymous- You made my day! Thanks so much!
Ah yes the power of jinxing. I never (intentionally) mess with it but something always seems to happen to me...and now i've gone and probably jinxed myself for bringing it up! Oh and I finished your book and really really loved it!!! I know i've said it many times but congrats!!! We should meet up sometime and celebrate!
Lamia- it's so true, just mentioning the JINX can encourage the JINX--it's crazy!! Thanks for the book luv dahling--would love to celebrate with you!!
Alyson, I finished Evermore today on my break and...whoa! So good!
Trish-- You have no idea how much that means to me!! You totally made my day!!!
Alyson, I loved reading your call story. So exciting and fun! And, yeah, I'm a little superstitious about sharing good news, too, especially since if it doesn't pan out after all it's really a bummer to have to tell everyone never mind.
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