It is an honor and thrill to make this announcement…
I have officially signed my first book contract! My 1920s era novel, MISTAKEN, will be published by Abingdon Press this coming July 2013.
A few days before Christmas, I was doing some last minute shopping at Burst’s Chocolates in Corvallis, Oregon when my wonderful agent and friend, Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary, called to give me the good news. I may forever link the luscious scent of hand-made chocolate with that moment.
For those of you who have followed my writing journey, MISTAKEN is the new title given to my Prohibition story formerly known as First Impressions. Based on a tidbit of an old family story, I had fun researching life in the 1920s and the story includes rum-runners, revenuers, fashion, soda fountains (the original “soft drink”), vintage automobiles, early telephone switchboards, and pharmacies. It is set in the beautiful town of Port Angeles, Washington–just 20 miles across the Strait of Juan De Fuca from Canada. I’ll tell you more about the character and plot in upcoming posts.
For now, my head is swirling with discussions of cover art, edits, marketing, publicity, media, and one that truly gives me chills… launch–set for July 2013. I am thrilled to be working with Abingdon Press to bring Mistaken to bookstores, libraries, and e-readers around the country. What an adventure!
I must express my deep gratitude to all of you who have been encouraging me and praying for me these past few years. The journey to publication is rarely short and, despite what most people believe, it’s never a solitary one. I owe a debt of thanks to organizations like Oregon Christian Writers, ACFW, the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and Books & Such. Even more importantly, I am thankful for the friends and family who have walked this path along with me. My husband and children deserve the lion’s share of the credit for putting up with me while I pursued this crazy dream (in fact, I think they deserve medals of honor). Thank you!
More information will be coming soon, but for now, if you’d like to read more about Mistaken and the research it took to bring this story to publication, you can check out these posts:
- Walking the Beach or Working? You Tell Me.
- Tasting our History–Fairley’s Pharmacy
- An Update on the Writing Process
- Telling the Story Behind the Story
- Ken Burns’ PROHIBITION is Coming!
I’d also love to have you join me on Facebook. We’re having quite a celebration over there on my author page today. Come join in!
Blessings!
Pin It
Congratulations! There’s nothing like the feeling of euphoria when you get your first contract! I am so happy for you, and look forward to reading your book!
Congratulations, sister! I will continue to pray with you as the Lord guides your steps on this exciting adventure. You go, girl! 🙂
I’m giddy!! This is such fantastic news, Karen!! Huge congratulations! You’ll have to buy more chocolate in July to celebrate the release!!
Karen, I just smile today every time I think of this dream coming true for you. You deserve it my friend and I know your story is going to bless readers!
Thank you, Jeanette, Xochi, Jill, and Joanne! I am walking on air. Chocolate for everyone, right Jill? Joanne, I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling for weeks! Xochi, I am thankful for your prayers. I’m struggling with a bit of fear in regards to the July release date and the marketing aspect. It’s a whole new ballgame. Jeanette–Kind of like first love, right?
Congratulations! This is wonderful news. July? Yikes! They are anxious to get your wonderful book out, aren’t they? I’m glad we don’t have to wait any longer than that.
Congrats, again!
Thanks, Regina! It’s crazy fast, isn’t it? They had an unexpected opening. I’m being completely spoiled by the quick schedule.
I’ve Snoopy danced in other places for you Karen, but I hadn’t dropped by here yet. And how cool you were in a chocolate seller’s store when you got the call. Something poetic about that, I think. Did you tell anyone in the store what had just happened?
As for that scary marketing, I hear you. Focus on today’s work and trust God to get you through this sharp learning curve one day/task/new experience at a time. That’s what I’m endeavoring to do!