The Golden Call
The week leading up to the Golden Heart Finalist announcements I was a nervous wreck. A contest veteran, I’ve never been the Nervous Nelly type before, but that week every time someone mentioned the words, golden, judges, heart or contest my stomach would erupt with butterflies wearing hippopotamus shoes. I’d get clammy and nauseous, and my head would swoon.
Being in Australia I knew we were a day ahead, and I’d have to wait. So when I woke up on the morning of the 25th I knew it would be at least another day before I found out – IF I found out. The night before had been restless and I wasn’t really feeling the best, but off I went to work with those rampaging butterflies tap-dancing all over my innards – making all thought of food impossible.
The day was a complete write off. I couldn’t concentrate on a thing and left work early. Luckily I had arranged to see the movie, The Other Boleyn Sister, with some girls of my local writing group. Since I left work early, I got there early and after having not eaten in the last 36 hours I thought I would have KFC – not the best choice in the world, but hey, my head wasn’t exactly on straight.
Soon after I sat down at a table in the food court of the Canberra Centre to tuck into the fries, my CP, AJ Macpherson, turned up. We chatted about stuff and soon our conversation turned to the Golden Heart, and when the calls would go out and when I was likely to find out if I was a finalist. I literally said there was no way I was getting any sleep that night when my cell phone rang. It was 4.01 in the afternoon.
I looked at the number that flashed up and frowned – because I didn’t recognize the number and it looked strange, but I answered it. When I heard the American accent say hello and all the blood left from my face. I could literally feel it draining away. The lovely voice went on to tell me it was her extreme pleasure to say my ms, Night’s Cold Kiss, was a finalist the RWA Golden Heart Award. At this point I bust into tears and started laughing at the same time. People in the food court must have thought I was totally insane.
Sherry Davis had stayed up until midnight her time to call me (4pm my time) so I wouldn’t have to hang out for another day. That was so lovely – mind you she didn’t really save me from a sleepless night, but this time from excitement. The whole time AJ sat across from me grinning, while I gushed into my phone. She later told my facial expressions were classic – covering a range of emotions from terrified to ecstatic. She was really impressed. While I still incoherently babbled, a couple more of the group turned up. They got to share my excitement as well, which really was the best way for it to happen.
After making a few quick calls, first one to my ever patient husband, we went to see the movie. Now, I can’t tell you what happened in the first 20 minutes of the film, I have no idea, but I finally settled down enough to take it in. My excitement was dampened with the knowledge that I wouldn’t be able to make it to San Francisco conference, still I was dying to get home and let loose with the squeeees.
But I finally got talked into going by the lovely Anna Campbell who told me it was an experience I couldn’t afford to miss. A friend and GH entrant – Inspirational writer Narelle Atkins – was also on my case. Even though she didn’t make the finals herself, she is so thrilled for me. And we are both going to San Francisco. I want to thank my critique group the Go-Go girls for helping me and couple of special friends, Mel and Cathy, for all their input, and of course my agent, Jenn Schober, for her patience and dedication.
What has been your biggest emotional reaction in your writing life so far? Was it receiving “The Call” or simply just finishing your first ms?
Honestly? My biggest emotional reaction to my writing life came out of something dark, so I won’t go into it ’cause I think you were looking for something more positive and cheery. But roses do grow out of manure!
I’m so happy you are going to SF. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you
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Here’s to all the beautiful roses!
Congrats, Tracey!!! Thanks for guest blogging with us.
Getting “the call” was a fabulous emotional high and I didn’t stop smiling for a week. But it was a tremendously hectic period too, which tempored the experience. Actually, what bowled me over was the fan letters I received from people who’d read and praised my debut. Many brought me to tears–happy tears. I didn’t think that experience could be topped, but the letters I’ve received on the release of my second novel is proving that wrong.
Sussan – I am sorry to hear that. But may your garden bloom and you reap the rewards.
Tracey, I am sooo happy for you! And now I get to meet you!
Janette,
Thanks to you and all the girls at MM for having me. You honor me.
WOW – that would be great to get fan letters. I mean, we write for ourselves – but we also write in hopes other people will enjoy our words. And what better way to have that confirmed than by receiving letters from those who have loved your work. I can imagine what a buzz it must be.
Yes Karin – I’m very excited about coming over and meetin all you gals too. I can hardly wait.
Hey Tracey, great post! And my first sale was totally memorable. The great thing I’ve discovered is you never lose that feeling, it just grows! And Karin’s right, now we all get to meet you!
Tracey, that is sooo great! I loved your story. I won’t get to meet you in San Fran, unfortunately, but I’m moving to Perth in a couple months time, so maybe I will meet you at one of the Australian RWA get togethers one day?
Thanks so much for blogging with us as MM today.
Tracey, terrific story! I’m so happy for you. I wish I could be in SF to meet you, but not this year. Maybe next year or the year after when you’re up for the Rita.
I’ve had a lot of happy moments when I sold short stories. Nothing like getting a sale to lift your spirits.
Hi Tracey!
Wonderful story! And I’m sooo glad you are taking Anna Campbell’s (who is a GREAT writer and good friend of mine)advice and making the trek to SF. Being at National as a Golden Heart finalist is an experience not to be missed! And in my case, actually led to my first sale.
Both my GH finalist call and THE CALL for my first sale happened early (for me anyway) in the morning and woke me up. Believe me, I didn’t mind being jarred from sleep for either of those! In the case of the GH, I’d forgotten it was call day, that’s how sure I was that I would not final. STUNNED is the only word to describe my reaction. As for THE CALL… I screamed, I laughed, I cried, multiple times in the course of a few minutes.
Looking forward to meeting you and cheering for you in San Francisco (which is a beautiful city and fun place to visit),
Cindy
Hey, Tracey!
Big HUGE congrats on your GH final! I’m so glad you’re coming over for the conference. I finaled in 2007, and a friend of mine said “You have to go. You’re treated like a princess the entire week.” She was right. I can’t tell you how many people I met and how nice everyone was to me. It’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss if you have the chance.
Getting the GH call was exciting for me. By 2pm on call day (Sunday) last year, my phone hadn’t rang. I knew that meant I wasn’t getting a call. I laid down to take a nap and as soon as I closed my eyes, my phone rang. Talk about weird timing. As for my sale “call”, that too was exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. Both are highs in my writing journey. I’m a pretty mild person though – I didn’t scream or cry or jump up and down with either. I guess I was just in too much shock. LOL
Enjoy every moment of being a GH finalist and make the most of your experience. My conference roomies were so funny – they called me the GH princess the whole time we were in Dallas. And Sat. night after we got back to our room following the awards, one of them said, “That’s it. The coach has turned back into a pumpkin. You are no longer the GH princess.” (Said with a super cute smile.) So I’m passing it on to you. Have a wonderful time and I hope to meet you in San Francisco!!
A huge congrats to you, Tracey! I hope this results in a sale so we can get your first-sale story next time.
I love those things.
As for my biggest emotional reaction, it came from getting the SNAIL MAIL. Kinda weird, but I’ll take it anyway I can get it.
Michelle,
I really hope to meet you at an Aussie conference and Welcome to Australia.
Thanks Edie – and I would have loved to have seen you at SF. And a RITA – now that is far too difficult to contemplate.
Elisabeth,
Wow – loved your GH call story. Ans thank you for passing the GH baton. A pricess for a week – how fabulous. ohhhh I am so exicted. This will be my first trip overseas too so it is a first on many fronts.
See you in San Fran.
Cindy,
Isn’t Anna the best. And of course she was clever enough to double final in the historical category of the RITAs. So proud of her and she is such a fabulous writer, I love her books. I look forward to celbrating with her in SF. Look forward to seeing you at Nationals too.
Hey Tracey. Super excited about your GH glory. And I love the title of your ms.
I’ll be there in SF along with a big Aussie contingent cheering madly when they call out your name.
My call story would have to be one of the most emotional moments in my writing journey closely followed by some flattering feedback from agents. Thanks to you for perhaps having the loudest voice in urging me to get off my a** and get one!!!
So very happy you’re going to be in SF. That Anna Campbell – such a wise woman
Tracey, great story about the build-up to the big moment. Congratulations on finalling — it’s a brilliant result and so well deserved.
I’ll be cheering for you when the GH announcement is read out
cheers
anne
Amy,
I knew you could do it and you did, well done on your agent hunt.
Anne,
Right back at you for your RITA nomination. But you already know I’m a fan.
Thanks for stopping by Amy and Anne.
What a fabulous way to find out, Tracey. And what a peach Sherry Davis was to give you the news ASAP. Congratulations and I’ll be cheering you on in San Francisco this July.
Thank you for joining us here at MM.
Thank you and yes, I hope so too.