Yesterday was an awesome day. I was in the kitchen doing dishes when I heard the UPS truck pull into the driveway and the driver honk her horn as she does when she has a delivery for me. On my way to the front door, I kept thinking, “What in the world? We haven’t ordered anything.” But when I saw the distinctive four diamonds on the side of the box, Harlequin’s logo, I knew what the box contained.
The author copies of my first book!
When I got the box inside and opened it, I nearly cried at the sight of actual books with my name on the cover. To hold one in my hand after all the years of trying to get published, of rejection letter after rejection letter, of doubting that I had what it took to make my dream come true — well, it was overwhelming. I’m tearing up now just reliving it in my head.
I had to wait until hubby got home from a business trip to take my picture, but here I am with some of the copies of A Firefighter in the Family. Oh, and pardon the bad hair. I’m waiting to get a decent haircut until right before I head to San Francisco. 
July 9th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Trish, even I got a little teary-eyed reading this post. I’m SO unbelievably happy for you. Of all the people I know who have worked so hard and tried for so long–you are the most deserving! Congratulations a hundred times over!
July 9th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Quit it, Teble! You’re going to make me cry. Seriously, thank you very much.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
That is wonderful, Trish. Just reading your post has made my day.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
OMG Trish this is sooo awesome
I’m beyond thrilled for you and can’t help but do a little happy dance. YAY!!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I’m so delighted for you, Trish. You took me right back to when my first author copies arrived. It’s such an incredible feeling, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. You’ve worked hard, and this is one of the great moments. Savor every second.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Trish, this is a truly magnificent moment! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Oh, maaaan! I am so verlempt, it’s not even funny. Bless your heart, and it’s so your time. Go, Trish, Go!!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Actually, I’m not verlempt, but I am very verklempt.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Thanks, Rae Ann. BTW, I’m finished reading your chapters. Just need to type up my comments.
Tawny, you have got to be the fastest commenter ever. You posted like two seconds after I posted on the RB loop.
Thanks, Anna. Hope you like it when you read it.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Thanks so much, Sherry.
LOL, Stef. What “ver” you are, thanks for the comments.
July 10th, 2008 at 12:15 am
What a great picture of you and your books. Congratulations, Trish. I had to use a tissue when I first saw your smiling face. And you have soooo much to smile about. What a beautiful cover. You give me hope, girl! Congrats, again
And your hair looks fine. *grin*
July 10th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Woohoo!!! Congrats Trish!!! That is awesome!!!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Oh Trish! You look so happy surrounded by your books. You must be over the moon! I am thrilled for you. And to have such a great cover your first time out. What a coup!
July 10th, 2008 at 4:20 am
Ah Trish, what a feeling! Loved your blog, loved the emotion. Can’t wait to love the book!
See you in SF!
July 10th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Oh, Trish! What a fabulous moment! To hold that culmination of your dreams in your hands… There’s nothing like it. You so deserve this.
July 10th, 2008 at 6:19 am
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Yay for you! Are you signing at Nationals? Can’t wait to get my autographed copy!
I’m so proud of you, Trish. And proud to be your friend.
July 10th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Trish, I’m so happy for you! Love your first cover and that is a terrific picture!!
Can’t wait to see A Firefighter in the Family on the shelves and get my very own copy
July 10th, 2008 at 7:57 am
That is so cool!!! Congrats, Trish!
July 10th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Trish, squealllllllll! What an exciting moment in your publishing career. I think the pic of you and AFITF is darling. Super congratulations!
July 10th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Yay, Trish! I’m so happy for you. You need a camera with a self-timer on it so you can take pictures of yourself when hubby’s away on business trips! (Living alone, you learn these things unfortunately.)
July 10th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Wow, Trish! Your book is BEAUTIFUL!!!! So excited for you. What a journey, huh? Good for you. Your hair looks great too!
July 10th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
That is SO awesome, Trish!! How completely exciting–and you look terrific
I’ll be looking forward to seeing this on the shelves!
July 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
How exciting!!!!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
How awesomely awesome Trish!!! It’s got to be a great feeling to finally hold your book in your hand.
Here’s a big WOO HOO for you!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Congratulations!!! How exciting for you!
July 10th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Congrats, Trish. Was it like opening a present on Christmas?
July 10th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Thanks so much, Sherry D., Bunny, Caren, Trish, Norah, Beth P. (proud to be your friend too, sweets), Beth A., Mel, Jo, Steph F. (I didn’t take my own piccie because I always end up with multiple chins that way — eek!), Theresa, Fedora, Tori, Monica, Cheryl and Jane (yes, it was like Christmas in July!).
July 11th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Great pic, Trish! So proud of you.
Pam
July 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Trish! What a thrill! Your cover is gorgeous. So are you. And so is your hair.
July 11th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Woo hooo, Trish! I’m as thrilled as everyone else for you, and feel privileged to have witnessed so much of your journey. I can’t wait to hold your book in my own hands!
July 11th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Yahoo!! You look fantastic!
July 12th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Pam, Lee, Natalie and Jill — thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words.