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Oh my goodness, Caroline! Talk about publishing ups and downs. You must feel so frustrated. I have my fingers crossed that your book will find a new home.

Wow! I am so sorry to hear this and I can't imagine how disappointed you must be. I will be thinking of you and sending good wishes your way!

Oh Caroline, I am so sorry to hear this. It must be so hard when you're gearing up for the publication date. I hope things go well for you. Enjoy the holidays.

Caroline, What a bummer. There are so many odd things that can happen in this business. It's voilatile and unpredictable and just downright difficult at times. But you have already garnered interest and hopefully will find a new home for May B.

So sorry to hear this! Hang in there, May B found a home once so you have to know she'll find another one. Don't give up hope!

Oh Carolyn, I'm sorry. But I agree with the poster above; if your book already found a home, there is certainly an editor eager to give it another.

Have a nice holiday.

Caroline, I am so very sorry. This is shocking. It has been a really hard couple of weeks for you, I know. I do think the other commenters are right on. You have a great agent, and I have confidence that your book is wonderful. A veteran friend of mine told me recently: "Projects get dropped by some houses and picked up by other houses all the time." I will be praying for you and that MAY B will find a good home.

May B is an excellent work and it will be published. I knew that the first time I read it and that's not going to change.

Yes, I thought of you when I heard the news and wondered what would be the fate of May B. I'm sad about Tricycle, but I have a feeling it's a door opening for your book... here's to bright and happy endings! Keep us posted. xo

Good gravy, that stinks!
But you have an agent, and a book that was wonderful enough to get picked up by a lovely imprint.
They aren't the only smart ones in publishing ;)

Caroline, I'm so sorry this has happened. Sending positive thoughts and vibes that May B. will make it through to readers hands some way.

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this! I hope May B. finds a new home soon.

Keep us posted. In the meantime, let's hope this turns out well for you.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry you are caught up in this. Fingers crossed for May B. :(

Oh, how scary! But I think you are doing the right thing, by easing up and taking time with family. Things will work out, I truly believe. I'll keep you and May in my thoughts.

I did think about you when I heard the news about TriCycle. I have faith that MAY B. will find the perfect publishing home.

In the meantime, stay in the moment, enjoy your family and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. :)

So sorry, Caroline. I thought of you as soon as I read PW's Children's Bookshelf yesterday. What a shame!

Sending good thoughts and wishes your way. Couldn't Random House keep your book for one of their other imprints? If not, shame on them! I'm sure another house will pick it up.

Hope you have a relaxing holiday.

Ack! And yet...God is not surprised or wringing his hands in consternation.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. The harder fought the battle, the sweeter the victory.

I was so sad to hear that Tricyle was shutting down, and I'm so sorry that means your book is in limbo! Sending good vibes your way. It will all work out.

I'm so, so sorry to hear this, Caroline! Praying that your book finds its way out of limbo soon.

Oh, I'm so, so sorry. I didn't realize you were one of the affected authors. I'll be praying May finds a new home quickly.

Caroline,

I am so sorry. I know how devastated you must be because the same thing happened to me. My debut book was killed shortly before my publishing house announced they were going under in 2008.

Friends, family, and everyone I'd ever met was anticipating the arrival of my book, was planning to buy it for Christmas. I was beyond excited, elated to have finally become what I'd always wanted to be, an author. To have this taken away from me was devastating.

So I understand, and want to tell you that you can get through it. You are obviously very tenacious, and this will serve you well. Your book will find it's way. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. Trust that your book will be published, it will just take a little longer. Remember, tales of tenacity are never short stories, and someday you are going to have a good story, a bittersweet tale you'll be able to share because the ending is happy one.

Best,

Jennifer Paisley ([email protected])

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that:( But I have faith--I know you wrote an amazing book and it's going to have a happy ending one way or another! Have a wonderful holiday and keep thinking positively!

I heard the doors closing. Sorry. I have a manuscript with an editor at Tricycle too. Don't know where it will end up, probably recycled. Good luck. Sure hope May B finds a home. Cheers, to doors closing and another one opening.

Followed you here from your comment on my blog...and you must be the friend Weronika Janczuk posted about on her blog. I'm so sorry to hear about this, it's truely a tragedy when publishing industry crashes happen with children's books. There is no other magic like that of watching children fall in love with books. I used to own a bookstore, and my daughter lived in the children's section. It was amazing. I hope your book lands safely in the arms of another editor that will love it as much as you do.

Thank you, all. This really means a lot.

So sorry to hear this, Caroline! Fingers crossed for you and MAY B.

Wow. Definitely a roller coaster. Praying May B finds a home very soon!

Wow Caroline!! I'm SO sorry to hear this!! What a blow! It must feel like such a setback after all the hard work was finally finding it's triumph.

BUT I'm sure there are GREAT things in store for you and May B. I've known other authors that got their books pushed back, lost agents, had their publisher close down, and almost every one to a T has come out better for it. You will too.

Try not to let this dampen the holidays. Praying you and your family will find much joy in the break!

Oh that's terrible! But if May B had found a publisher before, surely it can find a new one.
I have lots of hope it will find a new home!

I'm sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and hoping that your book finds a new home soon

Oh Caroline! I read Weronika's post yesterday and hoped, hoped, hoped May B. wouldn't be effected. I'm so sorry! I'll be thinking of you over the next few weeks as you wait to find out what will happen.

Love to you,
Amy xoxo

So sorry you are stuck in limbo.

Caroline, I'm really sorry this is happening to you. I've lost an editor I adored, and I know how hard it is. I can't imagine having the status of your book be up in the air too. I'm thinking good thoughts for you and hoping for the best!!!

Caroline, that's a huge blow. I'm working hard just to find an editor to take me on, I can't imagine having finally found one, only to have something like this happen.

I hope you can put it behind you for a while over the holidays and really enjoy your family and so many other things you have to be thankful for.

I pray for you and your book, that this story will still have a happy ending.

Caroline, We believe in you and your book and we are crossing our fingers that you both will find a good home very very soon. Our acquiring editor left too and it is heartbreaking. But we try to remind ourselves that these things happen for a reason...what else can you do?

XOXO,
Your Fellow Orphans

Wow! I'm so sorry. I'll be praying that your book will find a home/editor soon.

Its the plight of being a writer things happen in the publishing business that we don't have control over.

You have an amazing agent and you WILL get a publishing house that will fall in love with MAY B and I always believe when one door sort of closes the other door opens with many opportunities that will be beyond what you expected.

You are a lovely person and a awesome writer don't let this get you down which is easier said than done but you will raise up like a phoenix stronger because of this unexpected circumstance.

Sending best wishes your way =)

I'm so sorry to hear MAY B is on hold... I know someone else will pick it up. Such a great unique voice cannot be lost. All best to you as always, Caroline! Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs. :)

Ugh, I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences. Along with everyone else who's commented, I'm hoping this disappointment will turn into an even bigger opportunity. Allow yourself to feel sad for a while, and in the new year things will hopefully look and feel much brighter. Hang in there and keep us updated.

Oh, what a heartbreak! I am so sorry. It seems like you are moving forward with faith though, and I hope for the best. There were other editors interested in MAY B. right? So maybe some other doors will open again?

I hope you find some comforts!

Oh, no! What a loss for children's lit, as well as for you. I'm sorry your book got caught in the middle, but maintaining hope that it'll find a new home.

Sending good karma your way. Eat some turkey, enjoy your family, but then get back to the pages. Don't give up! This is just a bump in the road (okay, a lousy, rotten bump, but still...). No one can take away everything you've learned from writing your book and working with a great editor. Heart is with you and MAY B.

As soon as I read that Tricycle Press was closing I thought of you and May B. I hope your book finds a home. Best wishes for you!

That's heartbreaking news. I can't imagine your level of frustration at the situation.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that May B get picked up soon by another publisher.

Best wishes!

Oh, man! Caroline, I'm so sorry--both for May B. and for Nicole. When I saw Tricycle was closing its doors I'd forgotten that's where your book was housed.

Here's to a bright though uncertain future indeed!

*prayers*

~ Jackee

Oh, sadness! I'm so sorry you've been touched by the Tricycle wake. :(

My best wishes for the future - for you, your novel-in-verse, and your many talents. Hang in there, sweets!

Good luck, Caroline! You have a great partnership!!!

Best of luck with that. But you know, you are very fortunate to have her to work with. In time, I will. That time just hasn't arrived yet. LOL

That is what will make our market a success - authors and agents and editors working together. Even those with great gifts need guidance. I look forward to having that kind of relationship with an agent someday.

That's great to have such a trusting working relationship, that you trust her edits and that she believes in you. I hope this last revision will be the one!

I'm still noodling with revisions on a ms because I don't feel like it's quite ready to give to my agent. So, in a way, consider me jealous that you're at the back-and-forth point! Hang in there--you'll get it just right with all that hard work. - Stasia

Having that kind of trusting partnership is priceless. Here's hoping this revision did the trick!

Here's hoping this time is the time!

Picture books are sooooo difficult. People always think they're so simple because they're short but I don't think anyone can really appreciate the complications until they've tried. It takes a certain touch. I hope this times the winner!

Wow, I don't have the stamina for writing picture books, but I know you do. Fingers crossed that this revision will be the ONE!

I do hope it happens for you because (among other more obvious reasons, lol) I think kids need to know more about the wetlands, so go YOU!

Sounds like you've got a terrific relationship with your agent! :)

Good luck!

Good for you for sticking with it, Caroline! And yes, what a blessing to have a great agent. That's priceless to have her professional opinion on your work. :)

Amy

It's wonderful to have someone to push you to put forth the best story possible. *fingers crossed for this revision*

It's exciting (and frustrating) when revisions get so close...but aren't quite there. Sounds like you have the right attitude. Best of luck!

That is great she's such a cheerleader! Sounds like you have a great relationship.

I agree with that. When people ask what books I blog about and I say YA or young adult. I usually get this expression that says "Meh." And then after that, I usually explain how YA is like. How it's passionate, thoughtful and focused on the metamorphosis in various aspects of a teen.

I would love to be included in the giveaway if this is open internationally. Thanks!

[email protected]

I'm going to take away that fact that she didn't read muh as a teen! That's kinda rare to find in an author.

foltzsfantasticbooks at gmail.com

how wonderful you found a great crit parner through your agent!
nice interview. This book sounds amazing!

Denise raises such a good point. Teens are actively thinking and searching for a sense of self, making them even more aware. I love reading YA more than any other genre. Great authors, great books... what more can a reader ask for?

Thanks Caroline and BIG thanks Denise!

Marissa

graffkidlit at gmail dot com

I just love the author's comment that many people perceive YA to be simple because that's so not true. Just this week, I've read quite a few YA books and I've been amazed how complex the characters are.

bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com

I'll take the fact that siters have a secret. They do! At least me and my sister have some secrets, they aren't big but we like to keep it to ourselves. And of course, I do too have a secret of my own that I can't share with my sister but for some reason I trust my two BFF with that. Bizarre, huh? Some things are meant to happen that way, but when it comes to trust I always think my sister will be there for me no matter what.

The other thing I can relate to Denise is that she didn't read as much as a kid. I didn't either. The other day my father was talking about me because he saw me jumping up and down about books I wanted to read. He smiled and said: "It was worthy". Then I asked him what it was and he said: "When you were little I was afraid you'll never read any books seeing that you only did your homework because the school said so. I'd be sitting in the sofa reading while you'd be pouting with an angry expression on your face because you had to read a story the school sent you to read. I'd then tell myself that it didn't matter if you weren't into books like I am because somehow I knew one day you'll develop a love for them"
And it happened. Two years ago, when I was sixteen I suddenly had the urge to get my nose into books. I craved for them as I ache for reading any books now. I thanked my father then, it's because of him I love reading and won't ever stop doing it so. :)

[email protected]

Caroline,
Thanks so much for posting this interview with Denise. I've been following both of your blogs with great interest.

I'll take away that while the first draft took 21 days, the revision took 9 months!
To me, this shows that Denise's original idea flowed AND she is really serious about the craft of writing (and re-writing).

I can't wait to read Losing Faith when I buy it on Tuesday (and May B next year).

Best of luck to both of you!
Amanda

Wow, I barely awake and look at all of these thoughtful comments already! Thanks, everyone! And thank you to Caroline for hosting me and to Robyn for the great bag (sad face that *I* can't win it!)

Very cool to see Denise mention Kane and Abel. I remember reading that when I was probably around fifteen or so and really loving it.

I'm in awe that she wrote her first draft of Losing Faith in only twenty-one days!

I love that you realize YA's can read deeper than grade school fiction. My 15 year old granddaughter has waned in her faith and I have been looking for some fiction that would hold her attention, yet speak to her heart. Thank you for writing!
jancline [at]ymail [dot] com

I found a new way to argue about YA titles in the summer reading program(s) at the school and library. Often the teachers will say that there is no meaningful or 'serious' YA out there because that which they hear about--Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Hunger Games--aren't 'serious' lit in terms of story and focus (they may have serious themes however, but that isn't the bulk of the story).

I will make them understand! ::determined pose::

Lexie C.
Lexie.Cenni(@)gmail.com

I actually did read while I was a child (R.L. Stine!) but not while I was a teen. I think the required reading in high school tortured me and I couldn't handle reading anything else for fun. :P Once I picked up a few YAs as an adult, I fell in love. It's one of my favorite genres to read.

nalynboni[at]gmail[dot]com

Thanks so much for this! It's good to know that I'm not the only one who didn't read a lot as a teen :)

kaitlynkline[at]gmail[dot]com

Denise would probably be happy to know that she, as an accomplished author, is instilling in her own mother, a love for reading.

I love the premise of this - it had me hooked straight away! Thanks for the interviews.

Denise is sooo right. I really hate the way people down-play the quality of YA books. Honestly, I think they're the best kind out there. :D Awesome interview.

~Briana :D

I agree with Denise. When I tell people that I read YA books they give you this look and always whats so good about it. I used to read a lot of romance books then slowly started reading YA and now mostly every book I read is YA.

jen4777[at]hotmail.com

Great interview, Caroline. I always appreciate the "how" stories - how did they get their agent and how long to write, to edit, to publish. Thanks.

And that book bag is fabulous!! :-)

I'm going to check out the book Kane and Abel that inspired her love of reading! Also check into Sarra Manning's book since I'm not familiar with her.

Thanks for entering me!

wonderful interview! I took away the fact that she has lots of "practice novels" as well. It's nice to hear that not everyone hits it right away. :)

-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

I love that your first draft was for NaNoWriMo! I tried my first one last year and found it was fantastic for focussing my writing time. Sadly I didn't finish but your story breathes more hope into the process! Congratulations on your release and I can't wait to read Losing Faith! All the best! :)

I loved Judy Blume growing up. I was a big reader until high school and then I only read for classes. I can't wait to read Losing Faith!

dragonzgoil at gmail dot com

I LOVED Judy Blume! If you weren't going to read a lot, that's a good author to have ;)

Also WAH publication processes sound terrifyingly complicated! *hides* I'll just remain unpublished, it's easier! ^_^

It's so amazing that the first draft was written in 21 days. I always thought that process took months, as I'm sure it does for some.
And I'm excited she is working on another book!

totalbookaholic[at]hotmail[dot]com

I can't believe Denise was able to write her first draft in 21 days! I've been participating in NanoWrimo for 3 years now and its always been a struggle to finish anything in 30 days since I get distracted easily.

And I agree with Denise, YA isn't simple, in fact its the genre I most love. A lot of YA books are deep, and its always a joy to read them.

Awesome interview, and congratulations on your book, Denise! I'm so excited for it!

[email protected]

I didn't read much until this year, 17 years of age. I'm glad I got into it at least now...when I think about what I'd still be missing if I'd not begun reading . . .

Laurie Halse Anderson is good, as is Sarra Manning. I'll keep these two authors in mind when I read LF. :P

cc932005 at hotmail dot com

It's always great to get insights on authors' journeys. I love that the draft was created during NaNo - my current story started during NaNo too! :)

Great interview. I'm so impressed that the first draft was done in such a short time. The whole process-2 years-wasn't that long.

21 days to finish a first draft! Sounds like my kind of writer! We have something in common!

I would love a copy of this novel! Making it to my TBR list :)

It amazes me that your book was completed in two years. Talk about focus!!! I think my sister would really enjoy this book. I may have to pick it up for her...

It think it's awesome the writing came from NaNoWriMo!

Hi Caroline- This is great and the book looks awesome AND that bag is so so cute! I think the one thing I learned from that interview is that teen/YA fiction isn't "dumbed down" fiction... it's real stories with real adult concepts only written a little differently.

I would love to take away that the book is about sisters and a secret about one of them.
Its really surprising to know that the author didn't read much till her teens. Like her, I love Kane and Abel too.

Misha
[email protected]

I love this: "In my opinion, many teens have the time to be more introspective and in some ways deeper than adults."

Mostly because it is so, so true.

I was surprised she didn't read much as a teen, I love reading and encourage my children to read too.

I just love how there is no one way to do it. Not being a reader early on didn't doom her (and she's rectified that). She followed her heart, and found that exploring teen stories was what it was calling her to do. To each their own (story)! (And I'd love to win!) amy[dot]malskeit[at]gmail[dot]com

Great interview! I love the play on words in the title. Congrats on your publication. Hope you sell a jillion copies!

Thanks for sharing!

I loved being reminded that publishing is S.L.O.W.

But two years is totally do-able!

Congrats on your sale!

great interview! publishing is so slow! but fun!

I like YA, as well, and read a lot of my children's books. No, teens do not like being talked down to. Plus, they have hardworking BS meters!

Thank you for the book referral- I will check out Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer.

That's such a great interview... I'm taking away two key things :) The first is that Denise outlined in detail (and got feedback and critique on the outline) before dashing the whole thing out at NaNoWriMo - I'm experiencing a similar, although less organized, process! The second is very interesting and true - teenagers do have more time to be introspective. It's a very keen observation... and now I think about it - absolutely true.

What a cute bag! And that book sounds good too. I love books about sisters.

I loved reading about Denise's journey to publication. Encouraging to know she has practice books on her hard drive -- makes me want to keep going, keep trying. :)

Thanks for a great interview, Denise and Caroline, and the prizes look/sound amazing!

Amy

Congratulations! That is beyond awesome! :)

Oh, wow, it sounds amazing. A dream come true (except for your husband being out of town. in the dream, he probably would've been there. then again, maybe this is exactly the way you planned it)

I can't wait for the opportunity next year to read your book!

Congrats again!

Wow - 3 folks fighting over you - I believe you can check off that dream come true!! Amazing stuff :)

Thanks for sharing - I can't wait until we have the chance to buy your book off the shelves!!

OH WOW!!! That is SO amazingly and totally awesome! I'm so rootin' for you!!

congratulations! How exciting for you - thanks for letting us share in the moment as you re-lived Friday :)

Amazing!!! How exciting! I am so glad you shared this, it felt like we were all there with you, rooting along side you! I am so sorry your hubby wasn't there but luckily for nearby friends to help you pop open the champagne!!! Congratulations again! It sounds like you picked the best publisher for you!

Thank you for posting these wonderful moments; it's such fun to share your exciting news.

Thank you so much for posting this! This is something we all dream about, and it's wonderful that you are sharing how you heard about your good news:)

OMG did I miss the big announcement? Either way congrats that is awesome!!!

It was a shame that your husband was out of town! But I bet those were exciting phone calls. I love calling my husband with news.

I wish I lived closer--I would have loved to celebrate with you!

Yay, Caroline! I love the happy stories! Congratulations!!

*such* a cool story. Thank you for sharing!

Such FABULOUS news! Congratulations!!!!!

Habit is a second nature. ........................................

I am so happy for you. It is the best news!!!!

This is seriously a fairy tale. We are so excited and proud and happy and thrilled for you! YOU DID IT!

Thank you, everyone. All these comments make it seem more and more real...

Woo Hoo! Congratulations! I'm so excited for you!

WOW!! I'm heading over right now to help celebrate!! (in spirit anyway)
What an amazing story! I'm SO excited for you! Thanks for giving us such inspiration! WOO CAROLINE!

Caroline, congratulations! I don't know how I missed this news, but I am SO happy to hear it!

Caroline, I am so thrilled for you - beyond thrilled even! You deserve a wonderful story like this! :-)

Congratulations!! What an awesome story!! I'm so happy for you!

I bet your husband was crushed to not be there that night... but there will be many more celebrations to come!!

Wishing you all the best for a fantastic journey!

Congrats on your achievement. That must be very fulfulling.

Wow and Yay!!!
Great news!
Can't wait to read your NEW BOOK!!!

WOW - SUPER AMAZING! Congrats on your deal, and I'm so interested in the journeys of others. Thanks for sharing!

Wonderful post, Caroline! And congratulations :)

I write middle grade as well so I found this post to be very inspiring.

It is always great to watch a dream come true.

Good luck to you and your new book.

Maribeth:)

Congratulation, I am so happy for you! I can't wait to read your book so put me down for one hardback copy.

I was afraid my email would be put in your SPAM file since it's been so long since we've emailed.

THIS IS TREMENDOUS NEWS, Carrie!!!! Sorry I can't put in as many "!'s" as Ruth, but you know they go on and on.

May you enjoy many blessings in the coming days because of this achievement. Am looking forward to reading it next year in Book Group, Ms. Founder. Terri Schergen

Terri, how fun to hear from you here! Isn't this crazy? Finally, after all these years! I love that you ladies are going to read MAY. Ruth has asked me to show up via Skype, which is such a thrill. Thanks so much for stopping by.

That is so fantastic for you!! Congrats Congrats!!

Glad Meg asked. Such a great story. Congrats! Can't wait to buy my copy. :)

I am just catching up on this now!! WOWEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots and lots of congrats!!!!!!!!!!

OH WOW, congratulations!!! Couldn't have happened to a nicer, more generous person :) I've so enjoyed your blog these recent weeks, and your helpful posts about marketing. I'm sure your book is amazing and I can't wait to read it.

Also really looking forward to hearing about your writing and publishing journey from this day forward.

Congrats again on a well-earned success!

Love it Michelle! Thought I would find it since you were telling me about it. How often will you be writing these?

This is so funny:
Psychologists once believed that people are happier when they can change their minds, but in 2002 Daniel Gilbert found that people are happier when they are locked into a decision because it leaves no room for doubt. For example, if you are stuck in a marriage, you might as well focus on the positive. That is why according to Gilbert, “I love my wife more than I loved my girlfriend.”

The NYTimes just said the opposite: http://tinyurl.com/atxyco

Now who are we to believe?!
Ah romance, oddly ironic on Friday the 13th!

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