I've been considering this question this week, because I've just received the author copies of my second Harlequin SuperRomance, In His Eyes. (In His Eyes is out in August in North America.)
I have to say, opening this box was just as fantastic an experience as the first time around. But it also wasn't quite the same. I knew what to expect. I knew what it would look like when I slit open the tape and pulled back the cardboard flaps of the box. Which is not to say it wasn't exciting -- just that there was that element of "firstness" that wasn't there.
I've also just recently seen the Australian cover of Cassie's Grand Plan - my first international version. It's on sale in Australia next week (July)!
I've seen authors' photos of translations of their Harlequin books (even into manga) and I think it must be wonderful to see your work in a different language, reaching a whole new range of readers. I can't wait to see my first (assuming it happens!).
There's something about "firstness", isn't there? I mean, our first kiss, for example, isn't necessarily the best kissing experience of our lives. But we remember it, don't we? (And we can say the same thing for other more "grown up" firsts!)
And so, to get back to my original point, I've been wondering. If, now that I have a second book about to hit the shelves and my first book issued under a different imprint (two important author "firsts"), I can still call myself a newbie author. I still definitely feel like one -- I'm still so dependent on the wisdom of other authors and my editor to help when strange questions crop up or something unexpected happens.
I think there needs to be a new term invented. If I'm no longer an L-plater, then what's the authorly version of a P-plater?
In-keeping with my theme of "firsts", I'm going to make this post my first-ever Blush giveaway. Tell me about your favourite "first" (keep it ladylike!) and I'll send a copy of Cassie's Grand Plan (the Aussie Blush imprint) to the story I like best.
Lovely!!! How exciting to see a hard copy of "In His Eyes", the cover is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteMy exciting "first" was my first RWA conference. Not only was I inspired to keep writing but I met up with a number of wonderful writers (published and unpublished).
I love RWA conferences where you can sit and chat with like-minded writers who "get you".
Congrats on your Blush release - it's a lovely cover. And no need to enter me into the draw, I've already read Cassie's Grand Plan :D
Thanks Joanne! That's a great first. I have to say my first RWA conference was an amazing experience too!
ReplyDeleteEmmie, I'm a few years in and still feel like a newbie half the time! Also, I'm still experiencing firsts, and waiting for other firsts. Enjoy every moment!
ReplyDeleteLove, love that cover for In His Eyes.
Rachel, I'm not sure if I'm glad or sad that the newbie feeling takes a few years to wear off! On the one hand, retaining the magic is great, on the other, I'd really like to know more of those tricky answers from time to time!! :)
ReplyDeleteEmmie, like Rach, I still feel like a newbie most of the time. :-) I can't ever imagine becoming blase about receiving a box of new books. Ever. I still find it such a thrill.
ReplyDeleteFavourite firsts -- seeing my first book in the flesh, attending my first RWA conference...and my first review. Happy sighs.
Congratulations on your second release. In His Eyes sounds like a fabulous read!
Hi Michelle -- I wonder if any author gets sick of receiving a box of books? Maybe JK Rowling has seen enough Harry Potter?? Maybe not... ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Emmie - I love 'firsts' - they rock. I remember getting my first box of books last year and it was a fabulous experience. Getting my first fan mail was fabulous too. Some firsts outside of writing - getting my first horse. I was thirteen and pony mad when my dad finally said I could have a horse of my own. Watching my very own horse unload from the truck was something I'll never forget. And the first time I saw whales breaching just a hundred metres off shore near where I live. That was all kinds of awesome. Congratulations on the release of In His Eyes! Great post.
ReplyDeleteEmmie, I still feel like a bit of newbie, learning new things about writing! The scary thing is that now that I'm not really a newbie... or perhaps it's more that people don't look at me as a newbie so much and now they expect that I should know "stuff"! LOL
ReplyDeleteAnyway, an exciting "first time" for me was getting my first pony! He taught me a lot - some of it was painful but all of it was valuable!
Emmie, beeeautiful cover!
ReplyDeleteI think it took over 3 years before I didn't break into a smile whenever I thought of selling to Harlequin...enjoying that fresh new wonderful feeling. I still love writing those stories. I'm still thrilled to be able to sell my mss. And that's almost 6 years on =)
My favourite first has to be taking my daughter out for her first driving lesson. We were both nervous, but that drive around the neighbourhood was exciting, scary and we were both so proud. My daughter for not killing anyone & me for not shouting at her, not even once.
ReplyDeleteHi Helen -- I agree, first fan mail letter was definitely a biggie! And I can just imagine how excited you were about that horse. I wasn't a horsey girl, but my sister was in a big way -- she never got one though.
ReplyDeleteSharon, another horsey first! I can totally understand it. I remember my first cat - a Persian, from a breeder with papers and everything. I remember picking her from the litter -- she was soooo pretty...
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I think that's lovely news. I want to keep that Harlequin smile going for as long as I can!!
ReplyDeleteMarybelle -- I think that's a very cool first moment to be proud of! I remember my first time driving with my Dad beside me and the rest of the family in the back seat -- no pressure!! But I must have done okay, we all got home in the end. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Emmie,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching your romance writing P plates! What I love about this business is the fact that the thrills are there even if it's not always a first time. There is so much about being a romance writer, and reader that makes me smile again and again, particularly when I hear from readers.
Marybelle's story reminded me of when I first had my "learner's permit" (called a "365" back in the day, but today called a G1 licence here). I could only drive with a licenced driver beside me. Anyway, my sister and her husband were visiting from 2000+ miles away, so the guy across the street (who was teaching me how to drive) sat beside me, while my sis and her husband were in the back. My neighbour's driveway was at a 45 degree angle from the road and went straight up to his house. When we returned from our drive (with no problems), I hit the gas instead of the brake when I got to the end of the driveway. OMG! I flew over the sidewalk and stopped clear of the house by 1/4 inch. Now, 34 years later, my sister still reminds me of how much my driving has improved. Jeesh; only siblings have longer memories than elephants, apparently!
ReplyDeletecongrts Emmie, the cover look beautiful :)
ReplyDeletei remember my first winning book from author, really feel i'm so lucky and grateful to the author and still each time got email and won book i feel like the first time i won :)
Congratulations on the book! My first favorite book was Pride and Prejudice.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi Annie - thanks! It's nice to be on my P-plates!! I think you're right, there's lots of fun stuff to continue to look forward to...
ReplyDeleteLaney4 -- how lucky you were that you stopped just in time!! I think siblings maintain the right to hold any and all mistakes over your head for life...
ReplyDeleteHi Eli -- that's a great first too! Winning competitions and giveaways is always great.
ReplyDeleteHi bn -- first favourite book is a big one. I think my first favourite books would have been one of the Enid Blyton series, probably Magic Faraway Tree. Pride and Prejudice is a biggie!
ReplyDeleteHi Emmie
ReplyDeleteMy first would be the first time i picked up a Mills and Boon book. I remember it was Lynne Graham's 'Prisoner of Passion'. Since that first book i have been hooked onto the romance genre and still am.
Wishing you all the success with 'In His Eyes'
Thanks so much, Sonali!
ReplyDelete