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Last year, I entered the novel excerpt contest and won first place. This year I got to speak before the new winner was announced -- pretty amazing, really. The whole idea that I've sold a book is still sinking in. Somehow speaking in front of a group of aspiring and established authors made everything a little more real.
And newsflash: there was no jambalaya for lunch this year. We ate gumbo instead. If news of this gets out, I'm not sure what the Jubilee higher ups might call next year's event.
For those of you interested, here's a Jambalaya article (including an interview with me). FYI: the time frame for MAY B. is incorrect. Instead of the 1930s, it takes place in the 1870s.
If you are lucky enough to have an annual conference nearby, take advantage of the opportunity! Even if the conference doesn't focus on your particular genre, you can only benefit from the local support.
17 Comments on One Year Later, last added: 4/16/2010
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Love this. It's amazing how things come full-circle, huh?? Good for you, Caroline.
That is so cool! I tried Jambalaya a few months ago! It's terrific! I've never had gumbo though. And let that sink in! Yay! Book published! But Fall 2011 is so long to wait!
Amazing~! It's breathtaking thinking of being published. Are you still pinching yourself?!
How very cool for you! I'm loving watching this journey of yours. Congrats!
I love this story! Also... great article and inspiring words. Thank you! :)
My college is having a conference soon but it conflicts with my schedule. It was so frustrating because I want to go to one soooo bad. I hope I can make it work out next year :) Your experience really makes me want to go!
No jambalaya? The nerve! ;)
Isn't it awesome to look back on the progress you've made in this way?
The annual Tennessee Williams Lit Festival in my city is my literary benchmark. I know I'm lucky to have it.
Way to go, Caroline! How awesome that now it's your turn to speak as a soon-to-be-published author! Wow . . . and this is only in the space of a year! Congratulations! And enjoy the conference! :)
Congratulations on all your success! How great is that you got first place! And got to speak! Sounds like you'd better get used to it! MAY B is going to take off!
Sorry 'bout the jambalaya.
Very cool that you were able to go full circle and speak!
That's so cool!
Hey, your Top 100 Children's book list came through on my reader but when I came her to comment it wasn't there.
Anyway, you're not the only one who did not connect with A Wrinkle in Time. I didn't, neither as a child nor an adult. Oh well.
But you MUST read Ella Enchanted. I think it's my favorite, definitely top five for me.
That sounds so cool Caroline! It's been such a big year for you and I bet everyone was excited by your success.
Congrats on winning last year Caroline. I'm going to the SCBWI conference in Michigan in 2 weeks. I can't wait.
Great post. I just wanted to let you know that I was over here following your from Kristi's blog. BTW, great interview there. :)
Wow this is amazing and what a wonderful idea! First off congratulations on winning last year and getting to speak in front of everyone this year was quite the privilidge so that's amazing! I am going to look into conferences around the area because you are right local love would be awesome!
Gumbolaya? Just sayin...
Winning 1st place last year was clearly a harbinger -- just think of everything you've accomplished since then! :)