I’ve pre-empted Instigator’s blog today, because I couldn’t wait until Monday to share my good news. Yesterday, I was one of the lucky authors to receive a call telling me my manuscript is a finalist in the Contemporary Series Romance category in the Golden Heart! This contest, held by Romance Writers of America, is the most prestigious unpublished romance author contest and placing in it is the best thing that’s happened in my writing career to this point.
Of course, when I got the call I’d just finished exercising, so it didn’t take much to turn my legs to jelly. Fortunately, Region 6 Director Terry McLaughlin was very understanding of my tears and inability to breathe. Honestly, it felt like being told I’d been nominated for an Academy Award. :) I was completely useless for the rest of the day, spending it in front of the computer answering emails, getting to know other finalists, and on the phone SQUEEing with my people. I even received these lovely flowers from the Playfriends and authors Rhonda Nelson and Lynn Raye Harris. Aren’t they beautiful?
My mind is whirling with ideas, plans, the revisions I need to finish, and anticipation of what will happen when I go to National Conference in July. There is no way I'd miss Nationals as a GH finalist! Luckily, author Lynn Raye Harris, who was a 2008 finalist, can fill me in on what to expect. I like to be prepared, but I don't know if I can prepare for this. :)
So in celebration of my Golden Heart final, we’re gonna have a true party in the Playhouse today! Break out the chocolate martinis and petit fours! PM, snag us some hot cabana boys. In the words of that sexy rocker, Bon Jovi:
Is there anybody out there lookin’ for a party?
Shake your money maker, baby, smoke it if you got it
We just wanna have some fun, if you don’t wanna (kiss this)
Everybody raise your hands, come on, I need a witness
We got it going on
(We Got It Going On by Bon Jovi)
Angel
41 comments:
I'm up burning the midnight oil, which is cool because I can be the first to SQUEEE in public!
You don't know how excited we are for you, Angel. Possibly not as much as you, but definitely close to it! We love you and we're so proud of you!
Now, I will take my drink and my petit four and keep my "I told you so" to myself. Or maybe I'll just whisper it to Jon...
wtg ladies
A-harrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! (That be pirate elation! ;)
Angel, I couldn't be prouder! The great navigator above is steering ye toward a treasure trove of glistening gold. I've been jamming to music, smiling big and have put a swagger in me steps! 'Tis proud of ye, I am!!
Raising my jug of rum in salute! Indeed, it' a most appropriate time to call out the partay man himself... Captain Jack Sparrow, afore I sail.
"Jack, on this jovial day o' days, a red-headed spirited lass awaits yer expertise. Tary not, me heartie. Ye know what they say about Angels...."
SQUEEE! I'm so excited for you Angel!
I'm trying to get the cabana boys out of bed but they aren't budging. They must have partied with the Rita finalists til the wee hours. I'm putting on a pot of coffee now, and with luck the caffeine will get them moving.
I squeeeeed in Danniele's ear yesterday when she called me and either burst her eardrum or shorted out her iPhone.
We're so proud of you! You epitomize the saying "Never give up" because you haven't.
Congratulations! Now breathe!
Where's the rum and the wenches?
Yay!!!! I am SOOOOO thrilled for you, Angel! (And I have read this entry and am not the least bit surprised that it got the GH nod. :-)
Strolls in slowly, her eyes scrunched up to block out the light.
Boy, its early. Just give me a second to grab a petit four and a chocolate martini (the breakfast of champions) and I'll be ready to full on party.
Congratulations, Danniele! This is so awesome. We'll be screaming our heads off making fools of ourselves when your picture pops up on the jumbotron!
Love you, sis'! I couldn't be prouder of all your hard work. Beneath the Surface is a fantastic read from beginning to end (I know, because I finished it in one night - my husband finally asked me was I ever coming to bed!). Your dedication to your craft and overriding passion for writing shine through. I love you. Congratulations!
Angel, I'm so excited for you! And proud beyond belief. You deserve this moment so much.
So now I'm gonna grab me a cabana boy, err, I mean have the cabana boy bring me a teeter-totter, a petit four and can I request some homemade waffles covered in strawberries and whipped cream? Uh, you can just leave the can. I'm certain we'll find SOMETHING to do with it later today. ;-D
Instigator
Yea, Angel! I am so proud of you!
Congrats, Angel! Great news
Wow! Thanks everyone for showing up early. All the excitement caught up with me last night and I had a hard time going to sleep, so I'm groggy this morning. :)
I'm with Instigator! Where's the waffles?
And, since it is my party, I get at least 1 uninterrrupted hour with Captain Jack! Y'all are not allowed to hog him until later in the day. Oh, Jack... I've got some run over here for you...
Angel
Look, my family showed up!!! I'm blushing over my sister's comments. I can't tell you how good it made me feel that she enjoyed this book, especially since she's an avid romance readers. Thanks, sis!
Angel
Okay, obviously I'm groggy today. I meant to tempt Captain Jack with RUM, not a run. :)
Angel
WTG!! Now I have three people to root for in the Golden Hearts!! Wow. Congratulations!!
Raising my glass to you while jumping up and down (not so easy while sitting at my desk at work!), my mind screaming: CONGRATULATIONS! Party on! Savor the moment. You have worked hard to get here.
Woohoo, Angel!!!!!!! Major SQUEEEEE!!!!!!
I'm not surprised you had trouble sleeping last night. I remember it well when I finaled -- and I relived it with you last night, in case you must know! I had trouble sleeping because I kept thinking how happy you must be and how I knew you weren't sleeping soundly! LOL! Like sympathy pain, only better. :)
I am SO happy for you!! You get to feel like a princess for the next several months! And you will meet so many wonderful people on this journey. Not to scare you, but my finalist group has logged over 11,000 emails in a year. (Thank God for digest!)
It's just such an amazing feeling, and I'm so thrilled that you are experiencing it. Yes, an Academy Award, giggles, tears, etc. So many feelings happen in the space of a few moments.
You deserve this! And I'm so thrilled I get to watch a friend go through this wonderful time. :)
And now that I'm all verklempt, somebody pass me a chocolate martini! And where is Hugh? I must snag him before PM steals him away......
Yay and par-tay!!!!!
Angel, my dear, in honor of your special day I am yours and yours alone til sunset.
Would you be a dear and refill my rum?
Your servent,
J. Sparrow
Gee, if I have to serve as bar wench... :)
I'm off to help the hubby at his restaurant for a few hours. I'll check back in after lunch!
Thanks everybody!
Angel
Woo Hoo!!!! I'll be cheering for you, big time. Enjoy!
LJ
Congratulations Angel!!! I'm so excited and happy for you!!!
Just wanted to join the party! Whoohoo! I've already said my 'congrats', so I'll just add - I raise a toast to your good fortune and hard work.
Have a wonderful day!
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! Have a great day. Slow down and savor the moment.
Congratulations Angel. And let's party.
robertsonreads
A great big CONGRATULATIONS! All of my fingers and toes will be crossed for you in DC.
A big CONGRATS to you, Angel!!!
Congratulations and good luck!
A big CONGRATULATIONS!
WooHoo everyone loves a good party! I love your chose of men, you've got taste! Bring on the drinks.
Congratulations Angel and the best of luck!
I'm back from work. Woohoo!!! The hubby sent home some BBQ for everybody to have with the teeter totters. Enjoy!
Angel
Thanks for the congratulations, everybody!!! I'm so grateful for all of your support.
Angel
I heard mention of a GH finalist in the playground and had to pop in and say/squee CONGRATULATIONS!!! Enjoy every moment, Angel.
Now, did someone mention chocolate martinis...
Bron
Congrats on being a Golden Heart finalist.
Saw your post on Pro-Org and just thought I'd come over and yell CONGRATULATIONS!!! :-)
Angel, this is something you have worked hard for, and rightly deserve!!!!
HOORAY!!!
I may be late, but I wanted to lend my shout of joy and celebration towards your win! :)
CONGRATS!!!
Wow! Thanks, Bronwyn, for dropping by. Welcome, Jane and Jennifer. Yep, the Pro-Org loop saw quite a few GH finalists. At least 5, I think. Very cool to see all of those posts go up. :)
M.V., my friend, what would I do without your encouragement? Thank you so much for taking the time out of your very busy day (and she is VERY busy, folks!) to drop in at my party. Here's to some writing time tonight, huh? :)
I may have to indulge in one more chocolate martini after the kids go to bed. Then a massage from those muscled, hard working cabana boys. Yum!
Thanks, everybody, for dropping by!
Angel
Alas my lovelies, I have enjoyed the rum and cakes, but it is time for Captain Jack to set sail for distant ports. Not to worry, however, for I shall be back for the next celebration.
Your servant,
J. Sparrow
AVAST!!!!!!!!! Yank yer hands off that mast, Jack, and turn yer ship around. I'm late getting to the partay, after popping my head in for a petit tart and drinks early this morning.
Ode to Captain Jack Sparrow
Me heart is light as a feather, me gullet full of rum.
Gallant is the burly lad which makes our Angel thrum.
;) Forgive this besotted wench! I just had to rhyme a diddy, cause when a book turns golden, I, in turn, get giddy.
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