Welcome to the first Annual Smile Somebody Loves You New Year’s Eve Blog Hop. This is my first time participating in a blog hop and I’m very excited! SSLY was started in 2013, so what better way for them to kick off the New Year than with a new adventure! There are over 40 participating blogs, all giving away some awesome prizes. Please visit everyone and meet these wonderful women and men. They are terrific and you may find a new “favorite” author among them!
The grand prize, which will be chosen from the rafflecopter at the bottom of the page will include: a $150.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (winners choice) SSLY Key Chain, a signed copy of Bohemian Grove by T.M. Williams, an E-book of Maverick Touch: The Cat by Ashley Nemer.
What are you looking forward to in 2014?
I mentioned to my husband that I was pondering the question, “What are you looking forward to in 2014?” for a blog hop I’d be participating in.
“Well, that’s easy,” he responded. “You’re looking forward to getting your book published.”
I thought about it for a moment. Getting my book published – or at least inking a book deal – is the biggest thing on my mind lately. I’ve been working my butt off and I’m closer than I’ve ever been. My novel is on submission with a dream editor and another dream editor is in the wings, but I’m still not there. I just started a new round of revisions and while I’m very excited – after sixteen (sixteen!) rewrites, I know it will be a long haul.
In March of last year I decided to put this novel in the proverbial drawer and work on my next novel. I vowed to let it sit for a bit after about a dozen rejections (I know – that’s nothing compared to the hundreds some receive). But then, something unexpected happened – I met a fantastic agent on Twitter who still has my novel. Every agent before gushed that my writing was fantastic, but the plot needed work. Each was a pass. And yes, the rejections were all (or at least mostly) very nice – but, they were still rejections. This agent offered me a revise and resubmit. She took the time to see past plot issues and consider the quality of my writing and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful, even if a partnership between us doesn’t work out.
And then, there was the other unexpected development – I met an equally fantastic editor a few months later who has been extremely patient while I revise, revise, revise. I’ve probably sent her three versions already and I can only hope that this next one is the last. Again, even if it doesn’t work out – I’ll always appreciate her time and interest. And last, but not least, there is yet another awesome editor who requested that I send her the first few chapters when the final touches have been put on the final revisions. I couldn’t have anticipated such an amazing surge of interest in my work after I had all but given up on it.
So, in answer to the question, “What am I looking forward to in 2014?” I’d have to say – seeing how this journey I’ve been on with this book that I’ve poured over six years of my heart and soul into turns out. I could receive more rejections. I could decide to self-publish. I could even get that coveted offer, that dreamed about phone call. It seems like anything is possible – like the slate is clean. The rejections of the past are just that – in the past. And, that’s not just because the calendar is turning over to a new year. It’s because every day is a new page – we only just tend to remember that as the new year beckons.
As part of the Blog Hop, be sure to visit my Facebook page and like it for a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card! Winners will be chosen on Friday, January 3rd. Thank you!
Participating SSYL New Year’s Eve Blog Hop Authors!
Visit the rafflecopter for awesome prizes, including a $150 Barnes and Noble or Amazon gift card!
You’ll make it! Happy New Year!
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Thanks so much! Happy New Year to you too!
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I hope everything works out for you in the new year and I’m sure your book will be great. Thanks and hope you have a Happy New Year!
I already liked your facebook so I couldn’t like it again ! LOL
amybowens34@yahoo.com
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Thanks so much for your kind words and for liking my Facebook page! I appreciate it 🙂 If you have a Facebook page, paste it here and I’ll like it too!! I haven’t gotten too! Happy New Year!
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lIked your fb- Donna Newman
Happy New Year to you too..
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Thank you for liking my Facebook page! If you have one, post it here and I’ll like it too 🙂 Happy New Year!
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I liked your FB and love your enthusiasm and commitment to your book. Here’s to meeting all our writing, publishing, and promotional goals this year. 2014 blessings to you and yours.
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Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement! I hope you meet all of your goals this year! Thanks for liking my Facebook page – I’ll hop over to your blog above and like yours too! Happy New Year to you and yours 🙂
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Good luck, sounds like you are on the right path! *cheers* to meeting your goal in 2014!
Thanks for joining our hop!
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Thanks so much! Hope you meet all of your goals too! Thanks so much for hosting the hop! It’s been great! I’m finally getting a chance to “hop” around now – had family visiting and my son’s birthday. Looking forward to discovering new blogs 🙂
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Best of luck!
Hugs
Tamara
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Thanks so much! Hugs back 🙂
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Over the years it has taken me a long time to write a book. And that’s okay. We are all on this jounery at a different pace.
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I totally agree! Best of luck with your journey 🙂
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Thanks for sharing, liked your FB page. Happy New Years and thanks for the hop and giveaway.
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Thanks for liking my FB page! If you have a page or blog, post it in a comment here and I’ll like it 🙂
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Wow, a detailed rejection is always GOLD! You’re definitely on your way. Best of luck to you in 2014 🙂
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Thanks so much! Best wishes to you for a wonderful 2014!
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And, best of luck in your publishing endeavors 🙂
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Thank you for sharing that, Stephanie! Good luck with your endeavor.
It’s great that you are not giving up. 🙂
Glad to hear that you have met some wonderful people who can possibly help you. I wish you the best.
I look forward to buying our first house this year!
Happy New Year!
Thank you for the giveaway also.
Liked you FB page ~ Tina Becker
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Thank you so much! Wow – what a wonderful thing to look forward to, a new house!! Best of luck – hope you enjoy many happy years in it! Thank you for liking my FB page! I’ll be announcing the winner in a few minutes 🙂
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2014 is going to be your year. Good luck – you have earned a contract, no matter how this turns out. Thanks for the giveaway. I’m looking forward a better year than last year for our family. michelle_willms(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Thanks so much for your kind words! I hope that this year is wonderful for you and your family!! 2013 was a challenging year for me too. I wish you health and happiness 🙂
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Always follow your dreams Stephanie. You work hard and in the end, even if it takes a long time, it pays off. It will be a Happy 2014! 🙂
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Thanks so much for your support and encouragement, Teena! I really appreciate it! Hope you have a fabulous 2014!
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Strive hard for your dreams. Happy New Year my friend! 🙂
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Happy New Year! Hope you realize all your dreams in 2014!
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