"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2



Monday, January 7, 2013

The Seymour Agency Blog Hop - THE CALL



Welcome to THE CALL Blog Hop!

Welcome here if you are a regular reader, visitor, or a new friend!

The Seymour Agency authors will be sharing their "call" experiences - when they got THE CALL from their literary agent!
(Which in this case is Mary Sue Seymour, Nicole Resciniti, or Marisa Cleveland.)

Participating authors will post on their blogs 
Mon Jan 7th, Wed Jan 9th, & Fri Jan 11th - Me, I'm doing just one post for all week - this one will stay up.

There may even be some GIVEAWAYS!!! - Yes, I'm doing a giveaway for one lucky commenter for the week! I'm giving away a $25 Starbucks gift card, and a special little something from me. The winner will be drawn at random on Sunday, January 13, 2013, at 9pm CDT and posted on next Monday's post. You can leave an email address to make it easier to find you, if you wish. If you have trouble leaving a comment with Blogger blogs, you can leave your comment on my
Facebook Author Page  
https://www.facebook.com/LoreeHuebnerAuthor


We've got a potpourri of talented authors. For a complete list of the participating Seymour Agency authors and their blogs, visit The Seymour Agency's, Promotion Manager, Tonya Kuper's blog



Press here to warp to Tonya Kuper's blog!



This is my first blog hop. I admit it, I'm a little bit excited and nervous. You see, I'm part of a wonderful and unique group - The Seymour Agency. 

When the topic of the blog hop came up on our loop, I went back into my archives to read the post that I posted about getting agent representation. I hadn't read it since it was posted on January 16, 2012. Reading the post, I relived the moment and shed a tear of joy. I was also surprised to find that it has been exactly one year to the day (today - January 7th) that the well-respected Mary Sue Seymour offered me representation. She understood the heart of my story. I couldn't have asked for more. I've learned so much in the past year! 

Remembering my "call" was invigorating for me. I felt renewed and reborn in my career as a writer. I have been so busy recently that I haven't really looked back at just how far I have come. I've been just trudging forward, eyes fixed ahead. I think it's important for writers to go back and take a look at the milestones (large or small) we've crossed on our writing journey. These victories prepare us for the goal - PUBLICATION of our work.

One thing I love to read is exciting news. I love to read writer's stories of victories, the biddy and the big - a publication in a magazine, a sagging plot fixed, or finally typing THE END. I cheer and applaud when I hear about a request for a full manuscript, the call from an agent, a contract from a publisher, an email from an editor! I rejoice with my fellow writers when I read good news.

Those who have had "the call" know that it's different for each of us, but ultimately it's the fact that someone else loves our work. It's humbling. I would love it if any of you would share something inspirational, unusual, or humorous about your "call". 

Those who are still waiting for "the call" - don't give up! It took me nearly 10 years of learning the craft - finding my voice - writing historical novel after historical novel - on a part time basis - not to mention the time taken for revisions, editing, and more revisions - for that phone to ring. Know that call is coming your way, most likely when you least expect it, maybe even right around the corner. Keep learning the craft, sharpening your skills, and most of all, love what you are writing. That call will come when the time is right. I would love to hear what you are doing to get closer to that "call". What inspires you? 

And now, the call...my call...as posted by me on January 16, 2012

Representation...

It’s been a long road on this writing journey, and I can finally say—I have an agent!

It all started last October when I began to query my project. I had a feeling about this book. I had taken the novel out, dusted it off, and polished it up. Right away, I got a request for a partial. Within a few weeks, I got a note from the agent suggesting a few revisions to the beginning. She said that once the revisions were completed, she would like to see the full manuscript. I made the requested changes and sent the full manuscript off the week before Thanksgiving.

I didn’t hear a peep until Friday, January 6th, when I received an email from the agent advising me that the book was up for a final read. Final read?
This was it. It was in her hands.

Late Saturday (the next day) afternoon, just as I was getting ready to leave for work—I got the call.

Now, I’ve heard about these calls, and I’ve read plenty of blog posts on getting the call. I believe every aspiring author has dreamed of and rehearsed that call over and over. I had. I’ve got to say, it’s everything and nothing like I thought it would be!

I was downing a cup of coffee when the phone rang. Eric and I looked at each other. I walked over to the phone. When I saw SEYMOUR on the caller ID, I smiled. I may have squealed.

Mary Sue Seymour was calling me!

I have to admit, I didn’t hear much after—“I’m printing up a contract now.”

Somehow, I managed to ask her—“What did you think of the book?”

Now I knew to listen here, and she didn’t disappoint. She liked it a lot! She sounded very excited about it. She told me personally that “I like your story telling/characterizations a whole lot! You are a very gifted author.” Mary Sue was fun, a real joyful spirit, and genuinely thrilled for me as she shared in my happiness…I heard it in her voice.

After the call, Eric had to drive me to work. He knew I wouldn’t be able to drive safely. I called my kids.

A whole new path is in front of me—I proudly signed a contract with the Seymour Agency last Wednesday. I’ve crossed a huge milestone on my writing journey. I know the road ahead will not always be easy, but I’m ready, and I have an awesome agent by my side.

With the contract, Mary Sue sent me a card with my favorite Proverb on it:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6


Well, there it is, the story of when I got "the call" from Mary Sue. 

I would like to add one thing that I didn't expect when I signed on with the agency. I didn't know that I would become part of a wonderful "family" of super agents and talented authors. We all write different genres, but we are a family, we support one another. I love my Seymour Sibs! Hop on over and meet a few as they share their "call". 

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

The winner of last week's drawing of Amy Lillard's debut novel Saving Gideon and a $15 Starbucks gift card is: Cheri S! Congrats Cheri! I will be getting in touch with you later this week for your address.

Loree Huebner
Writing with one foot in the past...
On Twitter @LoreeHuebner
https://www.facebook.com/LoreeHuebnerAuthor

37 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

I love call stories!!! And Seymour seems so very nice and savvy.
Mine was an e-mail but I bounced and squealed like a crazy lady. lol

Unknown said...

Yay, I loved reading this, Loree. I could feel you bouncing with happiness in the post from last year...and I bet re-reading it had you bouncing again. It's fun to look back and relive the awesome moments along this crazy writing journey.

My own experience last summer had me squealing, too. My agent and I connected from pretty much the minute we started chatting on the phone...so thankful for her!!

Judy said...

I'm not a writer but a reader but I loved your post about getting "The Call." I pray that this will be a wonderful year for you. Readers are just standing (or sitting) by waiting for good books to be published. We haven't been dissappointed!

Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sandra Orchard said...

So happy for you, Loree. Sounds like you're with a great group.

Victoria Lindstrom said...

I could feel your giddy excitement when I read your post from last year about receiving "the call." What I like most about this post is learning how you feel about your agency/agent and fellow "Seymour Sisters." It's a reminder to be sure and find an agency that's a fit, as a writer. Thanks for the inspiration, Loree!

Lindsay Harrel said...

I love reading these stories, Loree, and am so very happy for you! I don't have an agent yet, but look forward to telling my own CALL story someday. ;)

Jill Kemerer said...

Can you believe it's been a year?? Wow! And now you're blog-hopping it up with the agency! How fun!!

Congrats, again! Hope there are many more great calls in the near future!

Feaky Snucker said...

Milestones are definitely important. We hear so many No's, and are bombarded by reasons we're not going to make it, that a lot of writers forget that it's about the journey. I liked hearing yours. :)

Melanie N. Brasher said...

Loree,

I loved reliving this experience with you! You are so right about taking time to remember where we started! Though I haven't received that amazing "call" yet, I see how I've improved over the last few years! Your story is very inspiring!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful, encouraging "call" story! Thanks for sharing, Loree! This was just the encouragement I've needed.

Loree Huebner said...

Thanks for dropping by everyone!

Thank you for your encouraging and supportive comments. It really means a lot to me. And always, thanks for sharing your stories and opinions. I learn a lot from you.

This Blog Hop thing has been fun so far!

I've got you all in for the drawing!

Julie Jarnagin said...

I love your story!

Kate said...

Loree, I love your inspiring words telling people not to give up. And your affection for your agency sibs shines through! Hope to meet you at a Seymour party one day.

Misha Gerrick said...

Yours is definitely one of my favorite call-posts ever. Since the first time I read it. :-)

Jess said...

I just love posts like this! Thank you so much for sharing your story about the call~ it sounds like The Seymour Agency is a fantastic match for you (what a sweetheart, sending the proverb card)!

And thanks for the chance at that giveaway~ Starbucks is where I take my 4-year-old on "dates" (she usually gets water and a cake pop), and I've got another daughter coming any day now to share the tradition with (of course she won't be eating cake pops for some time...)

Tonya Kuper said...

I love the story of your journey to getting that "call!" Even more so, I love your inspirational words to writers. I, too, love this agency! I'm so glad you are a part of my own dream come true. :D

SF said...

Thanks for sharing and for being so inspirational. :)

Jen J. Danna said...

Wonderful words of wisdom and hope for aspiring writers. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Anonymous said...

I love call stories, because they remind me to appreciate all the milestones! Thanks so much for sharing.

Charlotte Brentwood said...

Thanks for sharing this again. I can't believe it's been a year either.

I'm curious to know - has the experience of having an agent been what you expected?

Anne Love said...

I enjoyed your "call" story Loree! Thanks for sharing. :)

Patricia Bradley said...

Love you call story. Isn't Mary Sue the best! I'm so glad to be in this great family.

Loree Huebner said...

Hi everyone! Welcome new and old friends! Once again, thanks for dropping in. I loved reading your comments. You guys mean so much to me! You are all in the hat for the drawing!

Charlotte: In answer to your question, we always have our own version of what we think an experience will be like. Having an agent isn't always what you expect, believe me, this next step sometimes seemed harder than the last - Everything didn't change overnight. I still had so much to learn about the publishing industry! But having that professional agent (Mary Sue in my case) to guide me, believe in my work, and be in my corner, has been a true blessing for me. I stand with Pat T on this one - Mary Sue is THE best!

January 9, 2013 10:00

Stacy Henrie said...

Love to read these stories! What an awesome day, Loree!

For me, the "call" was the moment I became an author, even more so than seeing my name on a book cover. The hard work over the years was totally worth that moment!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I so love hearing these stories. And I'm so very happy for you. it's such an exciting time in a writer's life.

Karen Lange said...

Loved hearing your story! Appreciate the encouragement too. It can be a long road, that's for sure. But it's a good journey!

Happy almost weekend,
Karen

Julie Musil said...

LOVE this idea for a blog hot! It's great to relive those moments, and yes, to celebrate each one. I remember your announcement, and I tell ya, this type of news never gets old. Thanks for reminding each of us that perseverance is key!

Loree Huebner said...

Thanks for popping in! This Agency Blog Hop has been a real treat for me. I appreciate all of you for taking the time to leave a comment. Such wonderful warm thoughts.

Mart Ramirez said...

LOVE this story!!! I have gotten to know Nicole Resciniti over the years and just love her and the Seymour Agency! Hoping to team up with her on my next project.

I too LOVE rejoicing with writers when they get that call, requests or celebrating when they get to THE END finish line. To me, it's very exciting!

I'm pretty dedicated and determined by nature so I am anxious to see what God has in store for me. I know it will happen when the time is right and when it is meant to be.

Inspiration....ahhhh.....one of my favorite words. Many things inspire me.

Thank you for a great post!

martzbookz (@) sbcglobal (dot) net

Susan said...

So sweet of you to share you experience - it's very informative and encouraging. The Seymour Agency sounds like a great place to be.
jksfamily5@gmail.com

Susan Karsten

Erynn said...

Awesome! I love these stories. Thanks for sharing. This blog hop was a great idea.

Jan Miller said...

Hi Loree,
I might be one of the newest Seymour writers. I got "the call" from Mary Sue (it was actually an e-mail) right before Christmas. We had just finished play practice at church, and I had stayed behind to clean up for services the next day and did a quick e-mail check on my phone. I knew she was giving my book the final read that weekend, so when I got the e-mail rather than a phone call, I thought the worst. But it was an offer of representation, and it was so exciting, I didn't know what to do with myself! That night, I couldn't fall asleep. I kept thinking, "I've got an agent!"
Looking forward to meeting some of you all!
Christy Miller

Unknown said...

Loree, I enjoyed reading your story! I was picked up by Mary Sue Seymour in June of 2012. I was chopping onions on a Friday afternoon, preparing supper when I got "the call." I remember when she introduced herself thinking I wanted to jump up and down and scream, but I acted all cool and professional like. :)

She told me she was currently reading my book and was on page 138 and that if the ending was as good as the beginning that she would want to offer me representation. She told me that she had sent me an email, but just to ignore it because she had decided to call instead. Saturday night (the next day) around 10 pm I finally checked my email and saw her email. But then when I started reading it, I realized it was a DIFFERENT email and that she was offering to represent me...

I jumped up, ran up two flights of stairs carrying my laptop to my husband's office and showed it to him and then promptly burst into tears of pure joy. On the top ten list of very best days of my life!!! Right there next to the birth of my kids and my wedding day. Now... to just get a contract with a publisher... :)

Loree Huebner said...

Martha, Susan, and Erynn, Thanks for dropping in! Love your comments!

Christina and Melissa - THANKS for sharing your stories of the Mary Sue call here! I really enjoyed reading them! And I can't wait to meet you!!!

Thanks stopping in everyone!

Nas said...

I loved reading your story and wish this year would bring many such news for you!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Great story, Loree!

I hope 2013 is extra special for you.

Loree Huebner said...

Nas and Susan - thanks for stopping in!

A HUGE CONGRATS to you, Susan,and your awesome news of an agent and book deal!!! Woot!

This has been a great blog hop thanks to all of you who took time to read the post, and/or leave a comment. THANK YOU!