The Story Of How Crashing A Party Changed My Life

Once upon a time there was a girl who absolutely loved Manhattan (aka, me). Manhattan had Broadway and amazing museums and an energy that made me happy every time I visited.Β Then, one day, I learned that one of the world’s largest book conventions was held in this city I loved and my friend Lani invited me to go. Plans were made and hotels were booked and I waited anxiously until I could finally fly to New York.

The convention was everything I imagined it would be and the people I met were just as obsessive about books as I was. I collected more books than I could carry, made some new friends, and generally had a fabulous time. On Wednesday night, after the final full day of the convention, Lani was invited to this incredible party on a rooftop in Tribeca. Lani tried to get me an invite as well, but alas the party was full. However, Lani didn’t know New York very well and wasn’t comfortable traveling the city by herself, so I tagged along anyway, planning to sit in a cafe and read while Lani attended the party and enjoyed views like this:

By the time we arrived at the party, Lani was convinced they could sneak me in. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of spending the night in a place where the fear of getting kicked out hung over my head, but I also really had to use the bathroom, so I let Lani talk me into it. We made it to the roof (and I was able to use the bathroom) but then I was so entranced by the views from this spot that I stayed to take some pictures. And then I kinda just never left.

This is NOT from the party, I just like this picture. πŸ™‚

Although I enjoyed taking pictures and talking to people (I even met a British girl who happened to be best friends with someone I went to middle school with in Florida! O.O!), I tried to stay under the radar and out of the way. Lani, however, wasn’t having that. Because she’s an amazing person (and should consider a second career in PR or marketing), Lani began raving about a book I wrote to an editor she’d met. The editor, whose name was Danielle, was intrigued and wanted to hear more, so Lani called me over from where I was admiring the city’s skyline and shoved me into a conversation where I probably said “Um…” about fifty-three times. Which is what happens when I’m in no way prepared to pitch my book to someone. But it still went well and Danielle dragged me across the roof to meet someone else, another editor at her press named Patricia.

“Tell Patricia about your book,” Danielle said.

So, I did. And then this happened:

Patricia (looking at Danielle): “Oh my God!”

Danielle (grinning): “I know, right?!”

At that moment, I was very glad it was dark outside because I swear I was blushing and grinning like an idiot. They gave me their cards and asked me to send them the full manuscript, which I did as soon as I had a stable internet connection.

It’s only been about six weeks from that night, but in that short amount of time they both read it, loved it, offered on it, sent me a contract, revised the contract, planned a marketing strategy for my entire series, and–now–officially announced the acquisition of Sing, Sweet Nightingale by Spencer Hill Press. πŸ˜€

I am thrilled to be working with Danielle and Patricia who both love my novel and my characters as much as I do and will help me make it the best it can be. Publication is currently slated for Spring of 2014, but you’ll be able to find new information here as it is released and, eventually, on a site solely dedicated to the series. Stick with me over the next year and a half! I can’t wait to share all the details with you!

Also, a huge thank you to Lani who honestly made this all possible. <3

14 thoughts on “The Story Of How Crashing A Party Changed My Life

  1. Erica Cameron

    Aww! Thank you, Viv! <3

    Definitely keep in touch, Donelle! There can never be too many writer friends in my life. πŸ˜€

    Thanks, Kim! That is fabulous to hear! I already love her, but it's good to know she doesn't turn into a monster mid-edit or anything πŸ˜‰ KIDDING, PATRICIA! πŸ˜€

    Reply
  2. Erica Cameron

    Yay!! Thanks, Jamie! When we get to that point, I'll let you know what's happening with any review copies we'll be giving out. Maybe you can sneak an early look! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  3. Donelle Lacy

    This. Just this – so awesome. It's like I'm there with you. Thanks for posting your story and I really look forward to your book hitting shelves.

    I'd love to keep contact for the rest of your journey!

    Reply
  4. Kim

    Patricia is MY editor – she is the best thing ever!! You are going to love working with her. She is full of energy and excitement and loves what she does. So glad you are having the time of your life with this!
    Kimmy πŸ™‚

    Reply
  5. Jamie Manning

    Wohoo!!!! I couldn't be more excited for you–and I wish I had gone to that party with you guys! Truly, congratulations, Erica, I can't wait to read your novels! <3

    Reply
  6. Steven Saint Vincent

    I read a story once. It was from an aspiring writer. I told her then, you have a gift and believed she would one day see her work in print.

    Congratulations! I am so very proud of you.

    Steve

    Reply
  7. Mark Coooer

    Erica, This is an amazing story and we are very proud of you.We can't wait to read this. Congratulations!!!!!!

    Reply
  8. Pingback: Christina Farley Author

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