Made It Moment: Linda Hall
Ouch. The un-Made It Moment–a term newly coined by today’s featured author, Linda Hall. That one is so real, it hurts. As Linda says below, We’ve all had them, right? Writers and non-writers alike. But Linda’s *Made It* Moment is a lot cheerier. In fact, her description of it gives you a visual right away. And I guarantee, whether you’re feeling made-it-y or un-made-it-y today, this Moment will make you smile.
In this business, there are many “made it moments,” those times when you feel you can finally admit to everyone that you’re a writer without fear that the Writing Police will come to your door demanding your Writer’s ID Card back. But, for every “made-it-moment,” there are also a number of “un-made it moments.” (But that’s the stuff of another blog post). It’s a career of ups and downs, isn’t it? So, when those “made it moments” occur, we need to hold them close to our hearts so they can carry us through the difficult times.
My first “made it moment” happened way back in 1992, a few years before internet and email. My first novel, a futuristic thriller called The Josiah Files, was being released by Thomas Nelson Publishers. (Don’t look for it. It’s been OOP for a long time!) I was waiting like all brand new novelists for my books to arrive. I’d received a cover flat in the mail, but touching the actual books in person would be a whole new level of cool. My books were expected to arrive any day. And every day I waited for the courier guy.
One afternoon I came home, opened the front door, and there were my author copies – all of them – spread out over the living room floor like a rug. The books had arrived while I was out and my husband had opened the box and laid them all side to side and end to end on the carpet. That was one of those champagne moments. I finally had a book. And it was in print. And here it was!
And so in the ensuing years when things in the publishing industry and writing life may have gotten me down, I think of that moment, my books all spread out on the living room floor.
Award winning and twice Christy-nominated author Linda Hall has written eighteen novels of mystery and suspense, plus many short stories. She grew up in New Jersey where her love of the ocean was nurtured. Most of her novels have something to do with the sea. When she’s not writing, Linda and her husband enjoy sailing the St. John River system and the coast of Maine. In the summer they move aboard their 34′ sailboat aptly named – Mystery.
Gosh, what a great visual! Thanks for the smile.
Comment by Ramona — January 13, 2012 @ 10:14 am
What a lovely visual, Linda. Thanks for that picture of your books fanned out on the floor. Those “made-it moments” are indeed precious, and we need to hold on to every one of them.
Comment by Kate Kelly — January 13, 2012 @ 10:14 am
Makes you open your eyes.
Regards,
Arthur
Comment by Arthur Levine — January 13, 2012 @ 10:42 am
I loved hearing about that story!
Comment by Barbara Phinney — January 13, 2012 @ 10:44 am
Your husband sounds so supportive! That’s probably the best thing there is for a writer.
Comment by Jacqueline Seewald — January 13, 2012 @ 10:51 am
How sweet!
Comment by mountainmama — January 13, 2012 @ 10:54 am
My husband has always – and continues to be – supportive of my writing and me. It takes a special person to be there during the ups and downs of writing and publishing, and there are so many ups and downs in this biz.
Comment by Linda Hall — January 13, 2012 @ 11:05 am
That’s definitely an unforgettable moment. The first of many for you, I know. I really enjoy hearing other author’s special moments, they help me with my un-made it moments, too.
Comment by Lina Gardiner — January 13, 2012 @ 11:30 am
I remember seeing my first book in print. I was going to my first RWA conference, and my author copies hadn’t arrived before I left. While I was at the conference, my husband called and said a box of books had been delivered, and should he open them. No Way! I was going to be the first to hold those babies, and the first time I saw them was at the Literacy Signing at the conference. Brought tears to my eyes.
Comment by Terry Odell — January 13, 2012 @ 11:35 am
Thanks Lina, and that’s a neat story, too, Terry. It might be fun to share what it felt like to see and hold that first book! Anyone want to play?
Comment by Linda Hall — January 13, 2012 @ 1:02 pm
What a great story! It’s nice to meet you.
Comment by Sandy Wolters — January 13, 2012 @ 1:22 pm
What a great husband! I suppose we’ve all had our unmade it moments but hopefully they get smaller and fewer as the years go by!
Comment by Johanna — January 13, 2012 @ 1:32 pm
This is an awesome story! How sweet of your husband!! Great moment for you Linda and thanks for another great moment Jenny!!
Kellie
Comment by Kellie — January 13, 2012 @ 4:06 pm
I agree, your husband is a keeper! Thanks for the term, un-made-it moment–love it. Great post.
Comment by Kaye George — January 13, 2012 @ 7:48 pm
That’s wonderful Linda. It’s awesome that your husband supports you in this way. I’m blessed like that as well, so I know the feeling. We’ve got ourselves keepers.
Comment by Renee-Ann — January 14, 2012 @ 5:09 pm
Lovely story, lovely husband. Now to check out your books.
Comment by Lil Gluckstern — January 14, 2012 @ 6:11 pm
Just now read your blog, Linda. What a lovely day that was for you, I could see all those beautiful books laid out!!
You’re right; we do need to savor the good moments to carry us through the crummy ones. -:) Just like life, I guess.
Best, Joan
Comment by Joan Hall Hovey — February 4, 2012 @ 3:57 pm