Thursday, 10 October 2013

Finding myself published

It's been a strange and wonderful journey, from almost too afraid to expose my first attempts to a tutor on a course, all the way to publication. Today I got flowers from Del Rey UK, although I think I should have sent them some, so beautiful is the cover and all the work they have put in to make it stand out. The others are from Russell, who has been amazingly supportive. My friend Downith hosted a blog interview on her blog and the book went up on our very own Del Rey website blog. I've blogged for Mslexia today about my journey from 6 year old writer to the present day. And I received a card of congratulations from Charlotte, my agent, who is so encouraging and supportive she has filled me with renewed enthusiasm for writing. I've eaten too many chocolates, gone out for lunch, and have a bottle of something with bubbles cooling in the fridge (and I normally only drink at Christmas!). It's been a very long day already.

I find myself humbled by the process, the very good fortune I have had to get published. I know there are many writers just as good, with just as good stories, who's timing hasn't been so lucky. I shall continue to bang on about these writers because, while I may be a debut writer, I am a pretty experienced reader. I would like to see these people's books out there.

I have also had my very first Amazon review. It was a good one, and whatever reviews come my way, that will be the one that cheers me up this evening and gives me hope that at least a healthy percentage of readers will like the book. Whoever Alisha Bookseller is, she has put frosting on an already very good day.
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11 comments:

  1. Anonymous10 October 2013 at 19:47:00 GMT

    Happy Book Birthday Reb! Wishing you much success with this book and the ones that follow. Now go get that bubbly!

    XO
    Downith

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  2. Rebecca Alexander10 October 2013 at 22:31:00 GMT

    Thank you Downith! I had a great day. x

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  3. Anonymous11 October 2013 at 00:47:00 GMT

    Congratulations, and how wonderful to have so much support.

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  4. K M Kelly11 October 2013 at 06:53:00 GMT

    Huge congratulations and Happy Book Birthday! I wish you many sales :-)

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    1. Rebecca Alexander13 October 2013 at 14:53:00 GMT

      Thanks Kate, same to you! It's a bit nerve-racking, knowing strangers may be reading the book!

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  5. Karen11 October 2013 at 09:31:00 GMT

    It's been lovely to share the journey with you Rebecca, and I'm looking forward to reading your book :o) Not just good fortune either - I'm sure talent plays a big part!

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  6. Teresa Stenson11 October 2013 at 13:10:00 GMT

    Congratulations, Rebecca! Lovely to read about your journey to here (and beyond!)

    If you'd like to write a guest post on my blog in the same vein as these two:

    http://teresa-stenson.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/vanessa-gebbie-writes-letter-to-herself.html

    http://teresa-stenson.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/kerry-hudson-writes-letter-to-herself.html

    Send me a quick email and we can set something up (see the 'contact' bit of my blog). No worries if not - it's quite an undertaking writing such a letter and not everyone would feel comfortable, but I'd love to have you if you're interested.


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  7. Anonymous12 October 2013 at 05:54:00 GMT

    Hi Reb! Congratulations on your special day! Tomorrow is my special day too - I'm putting everything aside for the day to read the Secrets of Life and Death. :)

    It's been so interesting and such good fun following you on this journey since the MA days. Living the life/dream vicariously! I've just remembered the first moment I met you. We were all giving a resume of who we were and what we were doing there. I nearly fell off my chair when you said you'd written several novels already. What was I doing there? How did I imagine I'd have anything to contribute on any level having merely 'scribbled' odd things through the years? How could I ever learn what you must already know? Anyway, you have been an inspiration all along, both for what you have accomplished and the (am I allowed to say this..?) modesty with which you have written about the journey. I've turned to your blog every time I've had a 'blip' in my own writing to give me the kick up the bum I needed. Thanks! Congratulations once again. Boz.

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    1. Rebecca Alexander12 October 2013 at 09:13:00 GMT

      Thank you, Boz. I have to admit the reason I was doing the MA is because those other novels weren't very good! Looking forward to seeing where your writing takes you. Thanks for all your support and I hope you enjoy the book. Reb x

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  8. Unknown16 October 2013 at 11:53:00 GMT

    I am so looking forward to your event at Barnstaple Library in November. Then we can buy your book and begin reading it. Well done and wishing you many more successful launches. Thank you for all your encouragement to other would be writers too. Just enjoy all that is coming your way, you deserve it.
    Bless you.

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