Happy Dancing today for good friend and fellow GH-er, Kristina McMorris, who got the call from Kensington! Way to go, Kris!!!!

Seems everyone's jumping on the good news about romance novels.

This is from today's episode of the Today Show:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

And are you in the mood for $100 worth of free books? My editor's having an awesome egg hunt contest. Go play!!!

Hard to believe I haven't blogged since the 6th! Things have been busy here. My hubby had back surgery last week. He came through fine, spend 3 days in the hospital and came home on Monday night. We're in recovery mode now (me, too!) and taking it day by day. Though I have definitely decided I made the right choice NOT being a home health care professional. I love my hubby dearly but as he pointed out this morning, I have very little patience. (I think he called me Kathy Bates at one point which did NOT go over well. LOL)

In other news - completely overshadowed by the DH's surgery last week - my agent sold my paranormal series! I don't have release date details yet, but the PM blurb is below. I'm very excited about this new series, and the great part? I still get to keep writing RS, which I love. So a win-win all around.

11.14.2008
FICTION: WOMEN’S/ROMANCE
Elisabeth Naughton's MARKED, to stave off a war with the demons of the underworld and protect his people from extinction, an argonaut hero must find the woman who unknowingly fulfills an ancient prophesy, only to fall for her even knowing she is marked for sacrifice, to Leah Hultenschmidt at Dorchester, in a nice deal, in a two-book deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

I always knew writers were amazing people, but I didn't know how amazing until this past week.

I can't begin to tell you how many people have contacted me with congrats on my first sale(s). Some I expected - those in my local RWA chapter, my critique partners, close friends and family - but many I didn't expect, especially the numerous writers I've met along my path to publication who I never in my wildest dreams suspected would remember me or honestly care about my sales. Each time I open my email and there's a new Congratulations! message in my inbox, I'm flabbergasted at the outpouring of excitement over little ol' me. It's very true that you never know who you're touching or how people will remember you.

A writer friend of mine left me, probably, the most touching message I've received so far. She said (and I'm paraphrasing, so apologies to her if I hack this), "...normally I'm so jealous when I hear friends have sold, because I want that for me so much. But when I heard about your sale, I wasn't jealous at all. I was just so totally happy for you. You deserve it. Congratulations again!" That message, above all others, really touched me because I know exactly how she feels. I've been green with envy when I've heard of other writers' sales, and I've also been tickled pink when a close friend has finally sold. Knowing others are as excited as I am has made this whole thing that much sweeter.

I've been asked - by several people, actually - if this means I'm finally going to be a better blogger. *grin* The answer to that is yes, I'm going to try. Over the next few months I plan on blogging about my trip from call to publication and on, so I hope you stop by and join me along the way. I know I'll be looking for advice, so please don't abandon me. ;)

And finally, to all the people - writers, friends, family and beyond - who have called me, emailed me, blogged about me or posted congrats on various loops....THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!! Every single one of you have touched me in more ways than you will ever know. I am truly blessed to know so many wonderful people. ;)

News

I have news to share.

This morning I accepted an offer for a three-book deal from Dorchester Publishing!!!

The offer was for my 2007 GH finaling manuscript - Make Me Believe - and two more. It's been a crazy couple of days filled with agent phone calls, contract negotiations and a bit of stress, but it's finally starting to sink in.

I sold!!!!

I still can't believe it.