I sold my first book during a thunderstorm, at night, at 70 miles per hour. My wife and I were driving from our home in Boston to Philadelphia, where her family lives. In the middle of Connecticut, my mobile phone rang. You can imagine any ultra-cool ring tone you want, but I’m embarrassed to say it was probably “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne. (Hey, it was 2005–don’t judge me!)

I don’t ever drive while taking on the phone. Ever. It’s a dangerous and stupid thing to do. But I also had never gotten a call with a publisher’s name in the caller ID. With my wife cheering me on, I took the call and steered the car toward the next exit off Interstate 84 and then into the first driveway I could find. So it may be more accurate to say that I sold my first book in a pizzeria parking lot, while streaks of lightning flashed across the night sky.

What my wife heard must have sounded something like this: “Sure… That’s great…” [Raising voice to be heard over the downpour.] “Yes, I’d love to have PENGUINS OF DOOM published by Blooming Tree.” [Dramatic crash of thunder!] “Merchandising rights? Well, that sounds good. Hey, what about little penguin dolls filled with jellybeans? They could be kinda like beanie babies but refillable! Yeah, okay, I’ll think of something else…”

After her, the next people to know were the staff and patrons of the pizzeria because, hey, I had to tell somebody. Then I called every family member and friend in my address book until my phone ran out of batteries.

I’m not planning any family trips for, let’s say, the end of this week…but it’s a good omen that thunderstorms are forecast for Thursday and Friday. Keep your fingers crossed!