Say what?!? I got a book deal!

As a professional writing student major in college, part of my curriculum was to take a creative writing class. There were 15 of us in the class, and on the first day she asked how many wanted a book deal, and over half of us raised our hands. She looked at us, and bluntly said, "Chances are, only one of you will get it."
A year later, I graduated and went to my local career office. I filled out the paper work and spoke to a counselor, who asked me, "What do you want to be?" I simply replied, "I want to be a writer." She laughed and said, "Honey, it just doesn't work that way." She promptly told me that being a writer was a pipe dream and that I needed to look into teaching English at the local high school.

But, I didn't want to be a teacher - I wanted to be a doer. I have an immense amount of respect for teachers, but I knew that if I went that path I would always regret it.



A few months later I found a job as a "stringer" for a local newspaper, which is basically a freelance newspaper journalist. It was great job experience, and since I worked from home it was a perfect fit, because my kiddos were still small. About a year of working as a freelance writer gave me a foot in the door to become a typesetter and writer for our local newspaper - a full time job. And I loved it. Like seriously loved it. I loved the work, I was great friends with my co-workers (whom I still adore), and I had a lot of admiration for my boss. It was an amazing job.

Fast forward to 4 years ago when I decided to catalog the remodeling journey that you now know as The Shabby Creek Cottage. Within a year of starting my blog (and eventually opening my Etsy shop), I had quit my day job. And I have been blessed that you have been with me on this amazing journey.

Now, 10 years after graduating from college, I have a book deal. Crazy!

In January I received an email that kind of changed my world. I was on the phone with my good friend Karen (aka The Graphics Fairy), and I was looking over my email and one had a subject that said "Book Deal Proposal." After a freak out moment (from both of us), I read the email and they found me/my blog and wanted me to write a book about Etsy. Like a real book that you can find in real book stores. *head shake of disbelief*

Me? Say what?!?!?

I'm not sure when it will be published, but the book itself is well underway. My amazing editor Tracee at Globe Pequot Press (my publisher) has been holding my hand as I ask a million and one dumb questions that you would never think of unless you were writing a book (although she assures me they aren't dumb at all.)

So now you know why I gave my office a makeover. I've been holding onto this secret for nearly 2 months.... and it wasn't easy! I'm so, so thankful for this opportunity to make my decade long dream come true.

And, before you ask - YES I do have an option to write a decorating book.... but let me get this one finished before I can even think about it, m'kay?

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