It was Saturday morning and I was writing in a local Starbucks. My cell phone made a noise. I looked down, a message from my husband. Yippee, maybe he’ll join me for coffee. I read the words as they scroll across the top of my phone: “Hi Hon You’re a FINALIST in the Daphne contest. Love …”
WTH. It couldn’t be. It simply couldn’t be. I’m not that good. I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined finalling with my first entry. I was looking for feedback, nothing more. I take a deep breath. It would be so nice to believe this message.
My fingers dial home. He picks up. “Are you serious?” I ask. The harshness in my voice draws looks from nearby coffee drinkers.
“Yes,” he says. He tells me about his conversation with a woman from the Kiss of Death Chapter. Tears stream down my cheeks. I tremble with every word he says. Could this really be happening? He must have it wrong, but the thing is he doesn’t know words like Daphne and Kiss of Death. They are words that belong to me and my writing world. He tells me she plans to phone back.
I pack up, with tears, I cannot stop, streaming down my face, and head for the door. I cry all the way home, hug my husband, and make him repeat his story– a hundred times. Then the phone rings. It’s the lady from Carolina. I soak in her information like a gift from the universe, thank her profusely and start to wave my arms wildly in the air, because I don’t know what else to do. It’s true — I finalled in the Daphne.
Some moments in life hit you hard, and this was one of them, for me.
***
How about you? Do you have a special moment that hit you like a hammer in the night?
Picture: Daphne Du Maurier (1907-1987), British author and playwright of Romantic Suspense
“Many of her works have been adapted into films, including the novels Rebecca (which won the Best Picture Oscar in 1941) and Jamaica Inn and the short stories “The Birds” and “Don’t Look Now“. The first three were directed by Alfred Hitchcock.” (Wikipedia)
Congratulations, Jo-Ann! This is such a great post. I can’t wait to read about your reaction when you make your first sale!
Lee
Thank you for your kind words.
Thinking about a sale makes me hyperventilate. I’m so excited. …Well, I’m just so excited, I’m speechless.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Congrats, sweetie! I was so excited for you when I saw the list! What I want to know is…did anyone in Starbucks ask you what was wrong/going on? 🙂
Misty
Thank you.
The people in Starbucks looked at me oddly, but it’s a brand new store that opened last week, so no one knew me personally. I felt sympathy for my tears, which made me want to shout out, “It’s good news. I finalled…” but I knew they wouldn’t know what the Daphne is or what it means to me , so I made a speedy exit.
Life never fails to amaze me.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
Missy Frye
Thank you. I’m sooo excited.
Best
Jo-Ann
I LOVE THAT STORY! Thank you for sharing your experiences and every emotion…I just truly love it all! Gives me goosebumps as if I were there. Congratulations on this, and I wish you best, best, much, much luck. (yes, that sounds weird, but you get it) Lisa
Lisa
I do get it. Thank you for your kind words and support. It means the world to me.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Congrats Jo-Ann and what a great husband you have.
Emma
Thanks for sharing my joy.
And about my man…yeah, he’s definitely a keeper.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
I loved your story too JoAnn! I’m tickled pink for you, Susan and Larissa. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you all! So happy for you JoAnn! 🙂
Diane
Thanks for your kind words.
To my mind, we’ve already won. Finalling means that much to me. And yes, I am in great company.I can’t wait to meet some of them face to face in July.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Jo-Ann, I’m so happy for you! Is this the WIP I saw? You’re going to have a great time in July.
Pat
Yes! This is the WIP you guys helped me with in the fall, and I am so thankful for that help. I can remember you encouraging me to continue. There’s nothing like friends in this writing world.
I am going to have fun in July. Any chance you’ll join us?
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
No wonder you finaled! I can see the reason clearly after reading this post. I’s cause you’re a really good writer. xo Mimi
Mimi
You are too kind, my friend. Thank you for your support. It means a lot to me.,
Hugs
Jo-Ann
Congratulations! That’s such a great story.
Shelley
Thank you for your well wishes and kind comment.
It’s a story I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Congratulations, Jo-Ann! I loved your post. I was a finalist last year and I remember that feeling well. That book went on to sell! 🙂 Wishing you all the best!.
Alison
Thank you so much for coming by and wishing me well.
It is a wonderful feeling, and then…you sold! My heart is singing. Congratulations.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
How wonderful Jo-Ann! Thanks for letting all of us share your joy and excitement. Keep us posted. And how about an e-launch for your book?
Christine
Thank you for sharing my moment with me. I’m still polishing my WIP, and it seems that with every polish I reveal more words that need polishing, so I’m not ready to launch yet.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann