Today’s guest post is by Louisiana writer Darrelyn Saloom. Read more of her posts here.
On a brisk, clear morning in Baton Rouge, I lay in a Hilton hotel bed and watched tiny tugboats push huge barges up the muddy Mississippi. Little did I know, hours later, a tugboat would arrive and tow Deirdre Gogarty and me toward publication.
Across the Atchafalaya Basin, I had traveled from my home in Acadiana to attend the 2011 Louisiana Book Festival and introduce a favorite author—Sonny Brewer—who had once rescued me in Fairhope, Alabama, when I’d sprained an ankle.
From my hotel bed, I had no inkling I’d later walk to the state capitol behind the man I’d come to introduce. Sure as hell didn’t know The Poet of Tolstoy Park author would pause to answer his cell phone on Fourth Street and notice me behind him.
Or fathom he would apologize for not being in touch due to his new job as editor-in-chief at MacAdam/Cage Publishing. And then ask, “Did you finish that book you were writing? Tell me about it again? Would you like me to read it?”
Stunned, I would manage to answer his questions about the memoir I’d spent the past five years writing with boxing champion, Deirdre Gogarty—make that four years writing and one year dogpaddling through agents’ rejections while trying not to sink.
Nor had I imagined Sonny would later ask if I’d like to meet David Poindexter, the founder of MacAdam/Cage, who would arrive from San Francisco for the book event and take us to dinner.
As I sipped Mint Medley tea in my hotel room that morning, none of those events entered my mind.
Yet—a tugboat arrived.
And Deirdre and I signed a publishing contract—three days before her birthday, which marked the fifth anniversary of our collaboration.
Now I’m thrilled to announce that My Call to the Ring (working title) will be published by MacAdam/Cage and in bookstores sometime in September 2012.
Jane Friedman has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing.
Ok, now I have tears in my eyes. What an incredible story. I’ll be the first to buy it off the shelf and spread the word to ALL my friends.
I can’t wait to read about your journey from here on in. You made it!
Thank, Jillian. It’s been great to have you on my side through this long, hard journey.
Great news! Really enjoyed the trio’s panel at the Louisiana Book Festival & seeing you and Ro. Much success!
Thanks, Angie. They were so entertaining. I could have listened to that trio tell stories all day.
Fantastic news, Darrelyn – I’m so thrilled for you and can’t wait for the release! 😀
Thanks, PJ. And I’m still off coffee. Whew!
Awesome, awesome, awesome!! Congratulations!
I gotta get to work! I can’t be left behind.
This makes my eyes burn – in that “feel like crying tears of joy for you” kind of way — so happy for you – *smiling warmly*
Oh, Kat. I’m so glad your are smiling, my friend.
Such good news! I love stories where virtue is rewarded and my heroines save the day.I want to read your book and help spread the word. It’s been great meeting you online, Darrelyn. Thanks for taking the first step right here on Jane’s site.
Thank you, Shirley. I have enjoyed getting to know you, too. We met right here on Jane’s blog. The best place to share this announcement.
There are no words for the excitement I am feeling for you & Deirdre.
Okay, I’ll try…Congratulations! After reading all of your blog posts over the years, I just knew it would happen. And it unfolded like a beautiful story.
You and your story are an inspiration to all of us who put the pen to paper every day. Thank you for sharing.
I hope you come to Ohio on your book tour!
Thanks, Jenny. It’s been quite a journey. I’d love to visit Ohio on a book tour. Even sooner perhaps when your baby is born.
Wow-o-wow-o-wow, Darrelyn, congratulations! Your tugboat story tugs at my heart and I’m so happy for you! You prove that great writing coupled with persistence, networking and attention to detail ALWAYS always pays off. I’m over the moon happy for you! You’re a star * Congrats, again!
And you have been a great friend through it all. Thanks, Debra.
Darrelyn, this is a wonderful story of the labor of love becoming the treasure in hand. Much success in this and all your work 🙂
Labor to treasure, I like that. Thank you Florence.
OK, I am going to say it. I TOLD YOU SO. Never an inkling of a doubt in my mind that it would happen. I am so excited for you I am about peeing my pants. Sheeesh, should I write that here? I don’t care – I am thrilled. I don’t do book reviews on my blog but in your case I will wrap it in the story of how we met and review the book, which I already know is fabulous from reading one teaser chapter. Much, much love to you and to Deirdre.
Ha! Yep, you can say it here. And, yes, you did tell me so. Thanks for all your love and support. Whoop!