The Big One

Um . . . uh . . . something happened. Something BIG. Something BIG and LIFE-CHANGING and, um, BIG.

Something that’s rendered me speechless. Astounded. Dumbfounded.

Like this.

I’m going to be published.

[High-pitched squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!]

Yesterday my AMAZING agent, Kate Schafer Testerman, and I accepted a two-book offer from Julie Strauss-Gabel at Dutton (Penguin).

That’s right. So not only am I going to be published, I AM GOING TO BE PUBLISHED TWICE.

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

HOLY CRAP!

And not only am I going to be published (TWICE!!!), I’m going to be working with JULIE STRAUSS-GABEL.

HOLY CRAP! AGAIN!

The last few weeks have been surreal. It’s like I’ve watched the entire situation as an outsider, peering over the shoulder of a friend and slapping her back with a hearty, “Good for you!” or “Way to go, kiddo!”

Because I was fortunate enough to have offers from two talented and kind editors. And though I’d be lucky (SO. LUCKY.) to have either of their guidance, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with Julie.

For my readers not in the industry, Julie is, basically, The Shizz.

Never-in-my-wildest-dreams did I think she’d even CONSIDER me. In fact, I had a major major major freakout when my agent told me where she’d sent my novel. [Me to my husband: “Is she kidding? Kate’s kidding, right? She sent MY manuscript? MINE?! To JULIE STRAUSS-GABEL???”]

Julie has edited several of my VERY FAVORITE novels, including Lauren Myracle’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen (Judy Blume for a new generation!), the new and astonishing If I Stay by Gayle Forman (Just read this on the way home from Phoenix, and it’s the first book to move me to tears in years. Had to bolt into the wee teeny airplane bathroom to clean my face. Embarrassing, but so worth it), and -- AND -- John Green’s novels.

That’s right.

She’s John. Green’s. Editor.

You may recall, I’m somewhat of a fan. [Here and here.] Like, his novels have only COMPLETELY ROCKED MY WORLD. And he’s only, like, insanely quick to compliment Julie in every interview, acknowledgement, blog & vlog, and -- cough cough -- in his PRINTZ AWARD-ACCEPTING SPEECHES.

And, somehow, yesterday I accepted an offer from her.

Can this be real?

I am very fortunate, indeed.

And I’m shocked.

And . . . um . . . shocked.

Yeah. You could say I’m shocked, and that would be totally accurate.

SHOCKED.

So now would be an appropriate time to discuss First Novel. I’m notoriously paranoid about sharing details, not because I don’t love you or trust you (Because I do. You are awesome.) but because: (A) First Novel will change a LOT in the following months/years of editing, and (B) Did I mention I’m notoriously paranoid?

But I suppose I can at least share the title! Especially since, as some bloggers already know, my title has been public knowledge on Kate’s beautiful, brand-spanking-new website for an entire week. So you’ll find it here now too, added to the bottom of my old list:


FIVE SIX THINGS ABOUT FIRST NOVEL


(1) It is a young adult novel.

(2) Hopefully it has some funny bits.

(3) There is kissing. Of course.

(4) Most of it takes place in a foreign city. If you've been reading this blog closely, you already know what city that is. If you haven't, allow me to save you the bother of browsing my archives. It's Paris.

(5) There is an HBM. (Well, more like an HBM plus.)*

(6) It’s called Anna and the English French American Boy Masterpiece.**


* = For new readers, this stands for Hot British Man, something I’m particularly fond of.

** = For now. I looooove my long, silly title but I am perfectly aware that titles often change in the editing process. So we shall see.


Anyway. My mind is all over the place. Did I mention THE SHOCK?

I’M GOING TO BE PUBLISHED, YOU GUYS!!!

WOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!

So there’s been some of this going on:




And lots and lots of this:




And because this moment feels like the acceptance speech for My Dream Come True, forgive me while I indulge:


Thank you, Kate, for your hard work and endless support. And thank you – so much – to Julie for trusting me. I will try my best not to let either one of you down.

Enormous on-my-knees thanks to Paula. This would have never happened without you. Period. Thank you to Laini for eye-opening, enlightened advice and for a Very Special blog post. And thanks to Sumner and Kiersten, who allow me to pester them with annoying questions at strange hours and who always have kind words for me.

And, as always, my biggest thanks to Jarrod. I love you.


[Cue exit music and handsome, tuxedoed actor taking my elbow and escorting me offstage while – horrified – I realize, OMFG I forgot to thank my parents.]


I’M GETTING PUBLISHED, YOU GUYS!!!!!