This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
One Wednesday morning last April I was sat in a Starbucks in Fulham, waiting for my friend to arrive so that we could go to Phillipa Lepley for the ever so exciting task of having a wedding dress fitting (my penultimate one before the big day). I was early, as always, so was slowly sipping on a Hazelnut Soya Latte whilst thinking over the events of the previous day – myself and my agent Hannah had been in to meet Claire Pelly at Penguin’s Michael Joseph. It was a wonderful meeting, not only because she provided us with the most amazing cupcakes, but because she also seemed to love Billy and Me as much as I did. Yes, she talked about making a few adjustments here and there, however there was nothing that alarmed me too much. It was an extremely positive chat. When we left she said she’d be in touch…
Now, I’m an actress, I’m used to going in and auditioning for people and being fed that line and, without fail, I’m sat looking at my phone for the next twenty-four hours, willing it to ring.
So, there I was sat in Starbucks staring at my phone, when it blooming well rang! It was my agent Hannah telling me that Claire had been in touch and was offering me a two book deal. As she was telling me the specifics I zoned out slightly; even though I knew the meeting had gone well, I was in disbelief. My book – the one I’d slogged away at for months and months -was going to be published! How on earth had I managed that? I phoned my now husband straightaway with the news, grinning down the phone as he cheered with joy.
I can remember having a moment an hour later as I was stood in my wedding dress mid fitting. Looking at myself in the mirror and realising that, not only was I about to get married to my best friend, but I’d managed to bag myself a book deal. I was going to be a blooming author! Even now, over a year later, I struggle with that concept. It’s still not sunk in.