The Waiting for Columbus books have arrived!
July 28, 2009
WOW!!! The books arrived today, from McClelland & Stewart, and then Knopf-Doubleday. The poor UPS delivery woman. I think she was truly afraid at my hopping up and down with excitement. Like she’s never delivered three boxes of hardcover books to a writer before…So the books are lined up on the kitchen table and they are stunningly beautiful. Someone – probably a crusty, cynical older writer – once said: the book deal isn’t done until you’re holding it in your hands. Ahem. I’m holding the books in my hands. I hope there’s room in bed for them tonight. First hardcover book. First US sale. First UK sale. First for Serbia. First for Brazil. First audio-book. They smell inky and new. This is a smell I’ve never experienced before. So, I am on the front deck with the remains of a bottle of pinot-something. The cat wants in my lap. It’s not too hot. There’s a nice breeze. The day lilies are in bloom. And I have new books!!!! If that’s not nice, I don’t know what is.
13 Comments
1. paulette had this to say: Jul 29, 2009 ~ 09:48 ~ #
My dear Thomas,
bon courage mon ami, bon courage!
2. Thomas had this to say: Jul 29, 2009 ~ 10:14 ~ #
Nothing I can do now. Completely out of my hands. Just hang on to the bar that comes across my lap and listen to the clicking sound as the car climbs up and up and up — and in no time, the stomach-left-behind drop into the unknown….
3. Mike Gravel had this to say: Jul 29, 2009 ~ 13:13 ~ #
Awesome! Must feel pretty good to have the thing in hand. And it’s beautiful, sir. Absolutely beautiful. Whoever designed it should be commended. I look forward to reading it…and admiring the type, which I gather from some of your comments is of excellent quality. Looking forward to the launch.
4. Adam Snider had this to say: Jul 29, 2009 ~ 13:38 ~ #
Exciting! I’m pretty sure I’d react more or less the same way if I was in your shoes.
5. Corey Wayne Hamilton the first had this to say: Jul 29, 2009 ~ 17:38 ~ #
congrats man! save one for me!
6. Moira had this to say: Jul 29, 2009 ~ 17:50 ~ #
Well done!
I recall, oh those many years ago, that this day was but a dream. Now, that dream has come true. I look forward to reading it and toasting your success with a wee dram of Glendronach .
7. Thomas had this to say: Jul 30, 2009 ~ 09:15 ~ #
This morning, I was reminded about the “who” and the “why.” I write for readers; not critics. And why? Because I love it; I love playing with words and stories and I am curious about everything. It now feels okay to wait. And I’m starting to really want a release. Feel like my feet are on the ground for the first time in a while. Clear mind. Clear eyes.
8. heavymetalpetal had this to say: Jul 30, 2009 ~ 11:43 ~ #
what a surreal moment, that must have been – and so much better than publishers clearing house showing up at your door with a giant cheque! oh thomas – we are so proud of you… wow – so very few people make such big dreams come true and you did it. you did it!
9. Yvon had this to say: Jul 30, 2009 ~ 11:56 ~ #
Congratulations on your new baby.
May it be more popular than the last.
Thanks again for coming to the Woodcroft Public Linrary for our book club.
11. Laurie had this to say: Aug 07, 2009 ~ 11:32 ~ #
So the waiting is over. Congrats!
12. Thomas had this to say: Aug 07, 2009 ~ 14:37 ~ #
We’re now only waiting for the “official, in the store” release….which is August 25th.
This is a short time….18 days.
13. Sandra had this to say: Aug 13, 2009 ~ 14:45 ~ #
Congratulations! I loved Doubting Yourself to the Bone, and I can’t wait to read this one. You deserve all this and much more. Waiting patiently for book signing to buy your treasure.