Monday, January 25, 2010

Important Moments

For a brand new author, like me, receiving “the call” is the culmination of years of studying the works of other successful authors, learning the craft, and practice, practice, practice—also known as the hard work of writing. That one phone call changes things. It opens a flood gate of emotion—excitement, joy, elation, validation. I’ve heard that some authors were so awestruck by “the call” they barely said a word to their editor. Others say they danced around the house and did cartwheels while asking pertinent questions. Questions like, “How soon will my book be on the shelves?” Some, like me, began sobbing the moment they saw “Harlequin Enterprises” on the Caller ID screen.

I didn’t think there’d ever be an event in my writing career that could compete with that phone call. I was wrong. This year has produced a series of such moments. The day I received my contracts in the mail. The day the delivery man handed me the packet of line edits, shipped overnight from Toronto to my Florida home. Every phone call from my editor whose advice and praise I’ve come to rely on. And most recently, the morning I opened an email and saw the cover of “The Officer’s Girl” for the first time.



Isn’t it amazing?

Seeing that cover was the best, the absolute best. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing that can beat it…unless it’s the first time I hold an actual copy of “The Officer’s Girl” in my hands.

PS: Lots of people have asked if I had a hand in designing the cover. I didn’t. I provided the briefest description of a scene in the book, and the Art Department did all the rest. All the amazing rest.

17 comments:

Winter said...

It looks fabulous!

Kristen Painter said...

It's a great cover!!!

Sandy Parks said...

A great cover for a super story. A nice way to start your writing career.

Judith Keim said...

Leigh, we're all so thrilled for you and seeing the cover, which is beautiful, makes it all seem as if the dream has come true. Congratulaions and enjoy every "moment! You're an inspiration to us

Lyn said...

Great cover Leigh! Congrats! :)

Leigh Duncan said...

Thanks, everyone! The cover of "The Officer's Girl" makes me so very proud to call it my own.

Lynn Cahoon said...

Congrats! And I'm sure there will be a lot more exciting times ahead!

Lynn

Leigh Duncan said...

Thanks, Lynn. It's great to hear that everyone loves the cover as much as I do!

linda s said...

Intriguing cover. So suggestive. Now, I want to hold a copy of it my hands, too. Congratulations.

CC Coburn said...

Congratulations, Leigh on your very first "book baby"! I know how thrilled you must be since I just went through it recently myself.
:-)
It's a lovely cover (and title) and here's to many more!
CC

Estella said...

Lovely cover!

Pamela Stone said...

Leigh, Congrats on a wonderful cover. I love it. Last year when I saw my first cover was exciting indeed, but I can't even describe the feeling of holding that first real book in my hand. I still get shivers.

Leigh Duncan said...

Oooh, I do love the cover! I've framed a copy and hung it just beside my computer for inspiration. Now for the next important moment, when the book actually arrives!

Linda Warren said...

Leigh,
Isn't that a wonderful feeling? Your cover is lovely.
Linda

Laura Bradford said...

Awww, Leigh, I LOVE it!!!!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

Can't wait to buy my copy!!!!

Marcie said...

Chiming in with the rest - a really beautiful cover! May the Cover Gods follow you with each book! LOL.

Linda Henderson said...

It is a gorgeous cover. I can't wait to get my hands on it.