When do you celebrate?

I keep trying to figure that out myself--when is it "real"?

But gosh, you have already published,it sounds like, and may have 4 books next year?? Seems you are on safe ground to celebrate, since you know it is for real. Congratulations!

i celebrate at the creation of every perfect line

I say writers should celebrate at each milestone they consider significant. I celebrated like crazy recently when I received two offers from agents, again when I actually decided who to sign with, and am planning to celebrate even more once I sign the agency agreement and they countersign it. My agent emailed me today to let me know she'd put it in the mail so now I'll be keeping an eye out for it so the celebrating can start all over again.

Of course, I'm sure the biggest celebration will occur when I sign that first publishing contract.

Wishing that celebration for all of us! =)

Sounds like you have a lot to celebrate, Lloyd. Break out your favorite vice and let loose.

I celebrated yesterday when my local police department waived a $100 parking ticket I had. I also celebrate the days when there are none of my SASEs in the mailbox.

It's the little things.

Congrats Lloyd!

Celebrate all the time! Why not?

I think I'd celebrate most when I walked into a bookstore and saw my own book there, honestly. But my idea of celebrating would be like...I don't know, buying a copy at full price or something (which doesn't make sense economically, I know). Heh, I'm kind of lame.

I need a reason to celebrate? *blink*

Lloyd - Sure sounds like you got LOTS to celebrate to me!

I celebrated (after I cried - I'm not a crier but it was looooong road, so please understand) when I got an agent. Then, I celebrated (Ok, Ok. I admit it. I cried again. Geez.) when we got a publisher.

And... Chicken Warrior - it kind of amazes me, but I have not even THOUGHT about that moment, yet. I guess it still doesn't seem real. Thanks so much for mentioning it. Now I've got something - a specific something on a specific date - to look forward to and plan on.

Susan, have you even thought about that??? If not, we're both shrinks - what's with us, anyway?

Celebrate every morning if you wake up and the zombies didn't eat your brains while you were sleeping.

Obviously.

Awesome, Lloyd! I'm a big fan of the celebration, so my family celebrated when the first draft was finished of the first book I ever wrote, we celebrated my first full request, and we celebrated me getting an agent. We plan on celebrating when the book goes on submission, and, obviously, when someone buys the damn thing. Now, that doesn't mean we go out for a 5 star dinner or anything, but a nice lunch out or a bottle of wine...or both... is pretty celebratory for us!

Prevostprincess said:

I guess it still doesn't seem real. Thanks so much for mentioning it. Now I've got something - a specific something on a specific date - to look forward to and plan on.

Susan, have you even thought about that??? If not, we're both shrinks - what's with us, anyway?

Click to expand...

Well, you know the shrink defense: endless analysis of the deeper meanings while you have to kind of stumble over the thing right in your path

Yes, it would be cool to go into a bookstore and see my own book! Right now, though, I am in limbo since we are facing the possibility of a move in a few months (husband looking for work) so I alternative between massive denial and panic.

So yes, I've been picturing my local independent bookstore, already planning to promote myself as a local author in the SF Bay Area--but now I might end up in New York when the book comes out. Not the worst place to be for a writer, but there is a local aspect to my story that I would lose.

The two times I celebrated (so far) were when the publisher made the offer and when I first put an ARC of my book on my bookshelf.

I haven't yet queried, but I don't think I'd ever celebrate.

Event-------------------Voice in my head
query-------------------"I am sure it will be rejected"
partial request-----------"but it will not lead to a full"
full request--------------"but it won't get me an agent"
offer of representation---"the book will not sell to the publishing houses"
offer from an editor------"the book is crap, why are you buying this?"
the book is out----------"OMG, the reviews. The truth is gonna come out any day now"
reviews are good--------"but I will never get a Hugo"
book wins Hugo ballot----"My mother will only be satisfied with the Nobel prize"

You see? Why celebrate when it is so much more fun to kvetch?

Every library that acquires Collinsfort Village is a reason to celebrate because it's a victory over policies and practices that keep books from small and independent publishers out of public libraries.

I set little goals for myself. I'm not ready to submit anything yet, so my goals are set in time increments or chapter increments. I reward myself with something little for every X amount of time/words. Usually, it's an iTune or for a bigger accomplishment, a new book. Gosh, I love the smell of Borders.

Congrats Lloyd!

I slowed down and tried to enjoy each moment. That first request for the full, that first offer from an agent, signing, the auction, etc.

Congrats, Loyd. We think it's time for you to celebrate.

I recently had my dream agent reject my middle grade novel after requesting the full. His assistant said that he loved the story and characters, but thought the dialogue was a bit contrived in places.

I fell all the way to cloud 1. But then I emailed the assistant and asked if they'd give the new and improved revision another read if the characters promised that there'd be no more contrived dialogue and she said they'd be happy to. Back up to cloud 9.

Now I just have to figure out what she means by "contrived dialogue."

I celebrated when I had my first booksigning and was able to flog copies to the public AND see copies on the shelves.

it's all numbers until then...

congrats!