Most writers have two call stories. First, where they were at and what they were doing when they got the call from their agent offering representation and second, where they were at and what they were doing when they got the call that their first book received an offer.
Elizabeth’s call stories are stranger than most…
Oh, it was so glamorous, let me tell you! When I got The Call from my agent, it was a complete shock. I had just gotten out of the shower, so I was bundled head to foot in towels and bathrobes (well, just the one robe) and slippers, and I was in the middle of brushing my teeth. I typically don’t answer my phone, but that morning I had A Feeling, so I dashed across the house, losing one of my slippers and the towel on my head, and grabbed the phone.
“Hi, Elizabeth, it’s Erin Murphy,” said this melodious voice on the other end. “Is this a good time to talk?”
And since the answer to that question is ALWAYS, no matter what, a resounding YES!, I gasped out, “Absolutely, what can I do for you?”
The earth could be falling to pieces around you—your children could be eating one another, your dryer could be on fire, and you could be wondering why you couldn’t at least have your underwear on yet—but when The Call comes, you are a calm, composed professional.
The Call about selling CURSE came on Valentine’s Day 2006, just as I was getting ready to go pick up dinner. My husband and I then spent a romantic evening cuddled together next to the computer, scarfing conversation hearts and cold bread pudding and reading everything we could find about royalty rates and subrights splits. We got approximately 18 minutes of sleep that night, as I had to be up bright and early for my annual visit to the OBGYN.
During the exam, the doctor asked, “Are you feeling all right? You’re even paler than usual today.” When I explained that I hadn’t gotten a great deal of sleep the previous night—and why—her face lit up. “What’s the book called?” she asked, grabbing my medical chart. “Who’s the publisher?” And there, in my chart, between “unnatural pallor” and “should lose weight,” my gynecologist scrawled Charlotte Miller, Spring 2008, and Arthur Levine Books/Scholastic.
Elizabeth’s call stories are stranger than most…
Oh, it was so glamorous, let me tell you! When I got The Call from my agent, it was a complete shock. I had just gotten out of the shower, so I was bundled head to foot in towels and bathrobes (well, just the one robe) and slippers, and I was in the middle of brushing my teeth. I typically don’t answer my phone, but that morning I had A Feeling, so I dashed across the house, losing one of my slippers and the towel on my head, and grabbed the phone.
“Hi, Elizabeth, it’s Erin Murphy,” said this melodious voice on the other end. “Is this a good time to talk?”
And since the answer to that question is ALWAYS, no matter what, a resounding YES!, I gasped out, “Absolutely, what can I do for you?”
The earth could be falling to pieces around you—your children could be eating one another, your dryer could be on fire, and you could be wondering why you couldn’t at least have your underwear on yet—but when The Call comes, you are a calm, composed professional.
The Call about selling CURSE came on Valentine’s Day 2006, just as I was getting ready to go pick up dinner. My husband and I then spent a romantic evening cuddled together next to the computer, scarfing conversation hearts and cold bread pudding and reading everything we could find about royalty rates and subrights splits. We got approximately 18 minutes of sleep that night, as I had to be up bright and early for my annual visit to the OBGYN.
During the exam, the doctor asked, “Are you feeling all right? You’re even paler than usual today.” When I explained that I hadn’t gotten a great deal of sleep the previous night—and why—her face lit up. “What’s the book called?” she asked, grabbing my medical chart. “Who’s the publisher?” And there, in my chart, between “unnatural pallor” and “should lose weight,” my gynecologist scrawled Charlotte Miller, Spring 2008, and Arthur Levine Books/Scholastic.
5 comments:
Oooh! Your story gives me chills!
Ellen Booraem said...
Nothing like sounding professional when you're standing there dripping! :-D
I'm a former newspaper editor. Once, years ago, I went for my annual OBGYN exam, and in the middle of the exam the doctor says out of nowhere, "So how's your circulation been?"
"OK I guess," I said, trying to remember if my legs had ever swelled up or turned red or white or something. "Why? What do you see?"
"I meant your newspaper," he said.
Ha! What an observant OBGYN you have! :-)
I can't wait to read CURSE!
Haha, this is much better than those horror stories I keep hearing about OBGYN appointments.
I'll have to check CURSE out - I adore fairy tales.
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