Why, how about some BIG EFFING NEWS!!!!!

When I was in fourth grade (I think) I read A Dog Called Kitty. I loved it. I was always a girl that had her nose stuck in a book, and since we weren't floating in dough, I re-read a lot. And haunted the library too. But this book, it blew me away, and when the principle announced that the actual author would be coming to our little prairie school in the middle of nowhere, boy was I stoked.

Our teacher said everyone was allowed one question to ask the Real Live Author and I um, overdid it. I can remember clenching that piece of paper with about 80 billion questions on it in my sweat-soaked hand, and almost, almost having enough guts to ask him a question as the older kids in the back did theirs. He sat up on the stage and all the classes in the school were out to sit and listen to him talk. I got right up near the stage, displacing some second grader so I could watch his every move, that author. I had my chance to ask a question but skipped it to study him: how did he get a book published? He didn't look like much. Just a regular guy with magic in his fingers.

But that book was the one that got me thinking "hey, if this guy can publish a book, why can't I?" And got me going. So on and off, throughout the next years (and years and years) I plugged away. I subbed my first alphabetic picture book in seventh grade, but hadn't a clue and was rejected after a loooong time, then high school and university got in the way, so I lagged for a bit. But this author, and what he (and others) had managed to do always sat in the back of my mind. Until I decided to really give it a go (with the uber support of my hubs, who is insanely wonderful.)

This author's name was Bill Wallace, and he's published by Holiday House books.

So is Jim Kjelgaard - BIG RED (I loved this book too!), Hans Christen Anderson and the Brothers Grimm (I don't think I need to say who they are)

and a very good buddy of mine, Hilary Wagner - NIGHTSHADE CITY.

Venerable authors all!

And now, I'm um, thrilled (esctatic? Over the moon? Shocked?) to say that I'll be joining their ranks.

Look for POSSUM SUMMER, my debut novel, to be published by Holiday House books in Fall of 2011.

To say that this is a dream come true doesn't give news of this import enough leverage. And yet, what more can I say? That my agent NEVER gives up (even when *I* had) and is the most fabulous, supportive person of that ilk I've ever met? That writing friends had to bear with me while I alternatively melted down, giggled hysterically, and/or sobbed, sometimes all at once? Those crit buds that read and re-read my drafts, helping me with fine tuning and offering support of a shoulder-iffic nature? That my husband deserves a Lifetime Achievement Award for not only dealing with an eight-month pregnant wife - but one that was glued to her computer as news of her deal floated over from the other side of the ocean? And who celebrated with her by bringing her home a pizza?

Or my poor, poor manuscript - the one I knew I wanted to write for 15 years but never did - finally making it's "quiet, literary" presence known in the world? It'll be a real, live, honest to the gods BOOK?

All that and more, guys. All that and more.

I can't really believe it's starting to happen. I heart you all for being on this trip with me!

And NEVER, EVER give up!!!!!!