Today call me renamed
Today call me re-named and if you missed Part I, read this or the nutshell below:
Imagine you are ten years old; you’re young for fifth grade but you read like you are old. The grown-ups shoo you outdoors to play but you’d rather stay inside among your books.
You’re sixteen and disinterested in school. Your English teacher holds your essay test on Huckleberry Finn. He says, “If you can write like this at your age…” and lets you complete the sentence.
You’ve become a teacher, too. You love your career and labor to inspire students in 55-minute increments. You fill journals with poetry, musings, rants; you write stories and songs for Christmases and birthdays, the best gifts you have to offer.
You’re married and have two children during two summer breaks. You’ve written 200 pages of a novel but there’s insufficient time; for babies, a husband, 120 students and an incomplete manuscript. You make a choice and writing waits. For years.
You turn 40, armed with a leave of absence to address the words living in your heart, twitching in your fingers, occupying your dreams. You catch the interest of an agent but you’re not quite good enough. Yet.
You’re wondering: Will I ever be enough? And thus begins the story of Part II.
When we left off, Stephany Evans had requested the book proposal for my marathon memoir, then kindly passed on representing the project. Therefore, I decided to throw myself into fiction and worked for more than a year finishing my YA novel.
LESSON: Be patient. I’m convinced that if I’d hounded Ms. Evans to maintain a connection, I’d have exhausted her initial enthusiasm. Instead, I completed an entirely new package and only then did I reestablish contact.
I knew my genre sat outside her area of interest; however, she’d been receptive when asked if I might work with her again. So I took a chance and sought her input first.
LESSON: Trust your gut. I was aware she didn’t represent YA, but Ms. Evans had proven friendly and extremely prompt with feedback. I had an instinct she’d be – if not interested – at least supportive if I sent my query.
Whether she remembered me favorably or was too polite to say no, she requested the manuscript which she then steered into the hands of an associate agent interested in YA, Heather Evans.
In quick succession came the following:
- An email from Stephany saying Heather “quite liked” the book.
- A phone call to discuss the project.
- A contract from FinePrint Literary Management offering representation.
Next came the tears, the champagne, the jokes from friends and family about when the J.K. Rowling-esque bucks would begin rolling in.
Almost daily I heard, “When can I buy your book?”
And my answer – two years later – remains, “I don’t know.”
LESSON: The road toward publication is long and branchy. I wish I’d known how much time, work, and dues-paying I’d face. I say this not to discourage anyone but to prepare would-be writers for the groundwork you’ll likely lay.
Of course there are flukes; the few who are well-connected, well-timed or flat-out brilliant. But the rest of us endure hard labor, rejection, a two-steps-forward-one-step-back dance that attends the writer’s journey.
So.
Heather and I worked on multiple revisions of the manuscript and on my biography that contained a title as English teacher. And blank space.
LESSON: If you have blog posts, articles or short stories to submit to online or print publications (whether or not you’re paid), do it! This is professional experience you might someday add to your writer’s resume.
Heather also suggested I jump into the social media pool where I initially floundered.
Twitter links, symbols and abbreviations baffled me. Friends said, “You’re a natural,” and “They’ll love you,” but no one could suggest how to be natural and loved. I was drowning until a few special Twitter-folk and seasoned bloggers threw a lifeline to @juliecgardner. (This is indeed a debt I hope I can repay.)
LESSON: Help others when you can; be grateful and humble and nice. Generosity without strings is a wonderful thing. (And if you disagree I do not want to know.)
As for blogging, I was overwhelmed by the prospect until my brother-in-law, Randy Stuart, intervened. He had me peruse author websites (suggested by his fabulous friend, Jason Lavin) at which point I admitted to liking the “plain ones.”
My only other input was this: I wanted an anchoring theme, probably because I felt un-moored; and I mentioned calling the blog By Any Other Name after the title of my book.
Eventually, Randy asked me to write him something. “A journal entry,” so to speak. I sent him this in a Word Document then received his reply: You’re live at juliecgardner.com.
LESSON: Seek help from those with more knowledge (and friends) than you. Randy wouldn’t give up until he’d launched this site; despite the fact that he, too, was a novice in the blog world. Quite simply, By Any Other Name would not exist without him and I am grateful for every one of you I’ve met here through his efforts.
Meanwhile, on the fiction frontlines, the small number of editors/publishers to whom we pitched the YA manuscript agreed: I have a strong voice but they want more connection.
So.
I’m revising, again; making my characters irresistible, upping the ante on our love triangle. (Hello, YA!) And then? We’ll resume submissions. Unlike before, however, we can point to this blog and to Twitter; to a biography that’s more than just blank space. It is my life.
And now.
Imagine you’re forty-three (or any age at all) and you’ve decided you won’t stop fighting until your words are published. And this time? You know you’re not alone.
No. This time, you’ve got an army that is writing right beside you.
Yes, our words are weapons as we battle on.
And on.
Meet Julie
Call me anything you like...as long as you like me.
Julie
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61 Comments to Today call me renamed
by Julie
On February 27, 2012 at 6:19 pm
Dear Randy,
Out of all the people in the world I could have picked to be my brother, I would have chosen you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
(You’re not getting older; just better.)
I love you ~
JC
by Cheryl @ Mommypants
On February 27, 2012 at 6:21 pm
I’ve got your back, sister, as we travel this journey. So grateful for you, every day.
Much love
xoxo
by Sherri
On February 27, 2012 at 6:24 pm
Yay! Keep battling, my dear friend…I love your words, love your enthusiasm and drive, and you not only make me cry but make me smile and laugh.
What a journey you’re on…
by Cameron
On February 27, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Fight on, Julie C. You are one of the reasons I keep believing, and I haven’t even started down your part of the publishing highway.
Seriously, woman.
by JW Moxie
On February 27, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Imagine me wielding my mighty sword of pen (or keyboard, as the case may be) alongside you as you trudge your way towards your goal. Onward, ho!
You’re not a ho. “Ho” might just be the stupidest interjection ever, and I’m rather fond of interjections.
When you’re published (and I know you will be), I simply *must* have an autographed copy so that I can tell my students, “SEE, HERE? JULIE C. GARDNER IS MY HOMIE.”
by Missy @ Wonder, Friend
On February 27, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Honored to be part of your army.
One of the biggest things I took away from BlogHer Writers was this: Getting published takes time. And work. And then more time. And more work.
And so, we soldier on.
When it’s time to host on-line reading groups and start tweeting & FB-ing the snot out of your book (because that day is coming, you know), sign me up!
by By Word of Mouth Musings
On February 27, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Sitting here looking at my screen trying to find the words that are worthy of a response … they all sound so piffling and trite.
So instead, I will just say that I too, am one of those waiting to curl up in a chair and be lost in your words for hours.
In the meantime, I’ll just be at the end of the marathon with a drink in hand for you!
by Stephanie
On February 27, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Thanks for sharing. I am just about to embark on this adventure, and I totally appreciate the time and effort you put into writing this. I, too, spent most of my time with books. In kindergarten, I stayed in during recess and read while the other kids ran around in circles until they fell on the ground. And I don’t regret one second of it, either. I am going to spend the summer preparing my work to be sent out. Really nervous, but it’s good to know others are paving the way. Thanks again. Seriously. xoxoxo
by Mommakiss
On February 27, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Again, not an aspiring author here so just know I support you and your incredibly hard work. And I’m a huge fan of YA! For real.
Keep working and waiting, girl. You are destined to be published.
by OpinionsToGo
On February 27, 2012 at 7:37 pm
What a great post! You obviously have all of your ducks in a row.
So happy that your talent and perseverence is paying off.
by KLZ
On February 27, 2012 at 7:44 pm
IS there a place I can write this agent and/or publisher and explain how much I want to read this book? Because I’d truly love it.
by tricia
On February 27, 2012 at 8:14 pm
WOW! What a wonderful follow-up! And what an amazing history of your blog and name and journey. The advice is perfect. For me, a book is a deferred dream but it is a dream- and the only dream I really have other than wanting my children and family to be healthy and happy. I am so thrilled for you. Champagne to you. Thanks for this post.
by Jamie
On February 27, 2012 at 8:51 pm
And on. Let me know where to sign the petition.
by Alex@LateEnough
On February 27, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Ooh. This is a fantastic ending. Beginning? Begending. Can’t wait to meet your irresistible characters.
by Alison@Mama Wants This
On February 27, 2012 at 10:44 pm
You’re so inspiring Julie! I cannot wait for your book.
by Chase McFadden
On February 27, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Kick its ass, Seabass.
by Bridget
On February 27, 2012 at 11:57 pm
You really are an inspiration. Your kindness and brilliance has inspired me. Truly. More than you could possibly know.
by Galit Breen
On February 28, 2012 at 5:26 am
Julie?
You are so inspiring and amazing and all that is good in this hard work that we do.
Is it too bold to whisper, “me too!” I’ll stand by your side and work hard and cheer you on *when* the time comes?
Bold or not, I’m cheering – for you!
by Renee Schuls-Jacobson
On February 28, 2012 at 5:46 am
You’ve got it! And you’ll have it. And now we all know the name.
(Clever girl , Clarisse.)
I’m cheering for you. Can you hear me?
And your characters will be so delicious. I demand to eat them up. Nom Nom Nom.
But seriously, how do I get those posts into publications? Who has time? I need to use my hotness before its gone.
by Kir
On February 28, 2012 at 6:34 am
WOW!!!!!! you amazing woman, I am so glad, proud and humbled to KNOW you.
TODAY call me IMPRESSED!!!!!
love you Julie
xo
by Charlene Ross
On February 28, 2012 at 7:19 am
You are doing it right sister! And this hard work is absolutely going to pay off. Love your blog so much. (Love you more!) And hey, when can I buy your book?!
by Nancy M. Campbell
On February 28, 2012 at 7:24 am
You inspire, you teach, you make me laugh. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
by joann mannix
On February 28, 2012 at 7:27 am
This post. This post made me cheer and laugh and tear up and hope, hope, hope. Oh, Julie.
Number one, congratulations on representation with an incredible agency and agent. It will happen. You’re halfway there already and that is huge. HUGE. I cannot wait for the day I see your name on the bestseller list. It’s coming, so you better hang on and get ready!
Your words hit me on a day when I really needed it. I vacillate these days, between hopefulness and despair. It’s all in the not knowing as I wait. Being an aspiring author, I’m convinced, can lead you to the brink of insanity. It’s wonderful to see you breaking down those doors, my friend.
I am so proud of you. Keep marching on. You’re going to do this, you know and I can’t wait to see you shine.
by Lori Dyan
On February 28, 2012 at 7:29 am
Honey – I had no idea you were this far down the path! You are a word warrior! My fellow restless writer, Beckie, has been revising with her agent for publishers on her YA book – I feel your pain vicariously
by Gigi
On February 28, 2012 at 7:51 am
I love reading this odyssey and all you are learning. You wll come out of this a transformed person. Think of how much you have grown already. I call dibs on an early copy!!!!
by Stephanie
On February 28, 2012 at 8:21 am
Oh how I hope that all this pays off for you and you end up on the next part of your path!!
by Di
On February 28, 2012 at 9:11 am
You will get there…I have no doubt. I’m still waiting on those chapters! I am waiting for the time when I can say, “I knew here when!” XXXOOO
by heidi
On February 28, 2012 at 10:50 am
I am crying. I needed to see this.
I have 4 full ms requests out there and I’m waiting…and waiting…and before and in between I’ve revised and revised. Who knows what it will lead to and I know how lucky I am to even have that. Right now I have to work on platform and, oh my gosh, I have to admit I feel a little lost in it all. Reading this makes me feel less alone, understood and inspired.
Thank you so much for your writing, your story today.
by tracy@sellabitmum
On February 28, 2012 at 11:08 am
Goosebumps. What can I do? I know no one but my god you must be published soon while my eyes are still kind of young.
xoxo
by Leanne Shirtliffe (Ironic Mom)
On February 28, 2012 at 11:41 am
As someone with an agent, I get this SO MUCH. It is indeed a gift to have an army. I’m glad to be part of yours to be able to read your words on this blog. Thanks, Randy!
by Phase Three of Life
On February 28, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Your passion is inspiring. Can’t wait to read your masterpiece!
by francerants
On February 28, 2012 at 4:24 pm
as with your part 1, thanks for sharing, but UGH, i am an impatient person, how is this going to work for me???
by francerants
On February 28, 2012 at 6:38 pm
By the way, I meant to write congrats on your accomplishment and how far you’ve gotten, but I was distracted by my needy kids (blast them)!
by Poppy
On February 28, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Unlike you’re marathon journey, I’m glad you are sharing. I’m excited for you. I feel so lucky that our internet paths have crossed. I can’t wait to promote the hell out of you when the time comes. Most of my friends can read and I’ll totally spring for the audio version for Craig’s inbred cousins.
by Ilana
On February 28, 2012 at 11:06 pm
The publishing world sounds daunting to me. I’ve heard a lot from Heidi and I can’t imagine how tough it is to rework hundreds of pages over and over again. My hat is off to you.
But know that you have lots of people who read your words every week, that are happy to see a new Julie C Gardner post in their inbox, that treasure every well-written funny comment you leave on our own blogs.
You, my friend, are a writing, blogging, social media wizard. Whether you know it or not.
Keep revising. When someone finally realizes that they should publish your book, I will be the first in line to buy it.
by San Diego Momma
On February 28, 2012 at 11:23 pm
You’re on the path. And on and on.
And on.
You? Will get there.
I know it in my deepest bones.
by tulpen
On February 29, 2012 at 7:31 am
Yay you!
Sometimes, I think I have it in me… a book. Actually, I KNOW it is in me. But I also know that the amount of work it would take to get it OUT of me is not something I have the time/energy/ambition for.
Rock on…
by Amanda Austin
On February 29, 2012 at 8:20 am
This post brought tears to my eyes, for some reason. Maybe it’s because I’m so proud of you for perusing your dreams and making them real, and awed by the grace with which you accept criticism and determination you have to keep on going.
I, too, feel like there’s more to me than what I have now…not that I’m not happy, but there’s more ME inside waiting to get out; opportunities I’m too scared to take; words I need to write. I don’t want a book, so I don’t know what I want…but I know it’s something.
That being said, you are an inspiration whether you like it or not.
Consider me a proud member of Julie C. Gardner’s army.
by Jennifer
On February 29, 2012 at 10:01 am
Thank you, Randy!!!!
Julie, There is not a doubt in my mind that your book will be published. I’m even squeezing myself into a blue and gold pleated skirt and jumping up and down yelling: J-U-L-I-E! She’s our writer! G-O, go, go, go!
You inspire me dear friend.
XO
by Elizabeth Flora Ross
On February 29, 2012 at 10:07 am
“Imagine you’re forty-three… and you’ve decided you won’t stop fighting until your words are published.” This.is.me. Exactly me. And you’re not alone, Julie! Push on. Never give up!
by Kim at Let Me Start By Saying
On February 29, 2012 at 11:18 am
I am cyber-bigh-fiving you, Julie.
I’m almost done my book (also YA fiction), and I feel the support of so many wonderful people I’ve met along this journey. Asking for help, advise, connections…offering honest feedback, a ear, a connection…this is what us writers need.
And damnit, we both will get these books published some day.
by Nina
On February 29, 2012 at 11:37 am
You are inspiring me!! Really! I realize the story hasn’t ended yet with the happy ending we’re all waiting for, but I know it will happen for you. It’s WHEN, not IF.
by Missy | Literal Mom
On February 29, 2012 at 12:01 pm
LOVE! I have chills. You are such an amazing, inspiring woman. I am so happy to *almost* know you. The only thing missing is our first face-to-face. Someday. And I’ll have you sign your book for me.
by Jessica
On February 29, 2012 at 12:29 pm
In awe of your dedication Julie… I want to be you when I’m 43, marching on.
by Heidi
On February 29, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Oh Julie my friend, you are just a freaking rock star. People flock to you, like Geese only with better shoes. Stuart Weitzman wearing Geese is what I mean to say. Or no, actually disregard the Geese, maybe a Hockey stadium filled with Ryan Goslings, oh crap, we’re back to Geese again, aren’t we? I’m sorry, what were we talking about? Oh yes, you with all the impressive skills, and inspiration.
I can’t even imagine you finding it difficult to navigate this blogging, social media-ing business, as you appear to do all of it with extraordinary grace.
Also…
Don’t. Give. Up.
It would be a disservice to you and the gaggillion people who love to read your always-funny always-poignant words.
xoxoxo
by Jessica
On February 29, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Keep trying. One day you will have a book published with your name on it. Your online community will soak up every word in that book.
by Lady Jennie
On February 29, 2012 at 3:58 pm
TWO YEARS?
And I had no idea that you wrote your book before you started this blog! This was all so fascinating. And … when can I buy your book?
by Pop
On March 1, 2012 at 8:24 am
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but Julie’s writing will make me cry. Or laugh.
by allison
On March 1, 2012 at 2:06 pm
I am one of your biggest fans. I will wait as long as I have to for your book. Until then, I will make due with touching blog posts, entertaining tweets, and facebook.
by Pamela
On March 1, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Go Julie C Gardner, byanyothername, go! I am a step behind you on the path, but have a good friend who was exactly where you are, and has now sold two with one about to come out, but I remember all the horrible passes from publishers onher book, and the agony. Hang in there!
by Kelley
On March 1, 2012 at 4:48 pm
I love learning from your lessons! Such wisdom in your words. It sounds like your experience with writing is much like a marathon. You’ll cross the finish line. I know you will!
by Ninja Mom
On March 1, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Today I’m calling you “inspring.” this hits me right where I live, as a writer. Thanks for sharing your story.
by Ninja Mom
On March 1, 2012 at 6:26 pm
A writer who has typos and forgets to capitalize.
by Carolina Valdez Miller
On March 3, 2012 at 9:04 am
Oh my. So I’ve had this sitting in my email inbox for a bit now, meaning to get to it. I read the first part and was excited to read the rest, and then got hammered with some obligations as well as what is apparently some sort of bronchial weirdness. But finally! I read and discover you’re 1. agented and 2. Even more amazing than I’d thought.
And yes, give generously without strings. Perhaps we should start another blog just on that concept. I think many people fear doing this. Afraid to give and get nothing in return–without realizing the act of giving is, in and of itself, a gift to the self.
And you, my dear, are a gift of inspiration to everyone who comes into contact with you. I cannot wait for that day you put up the SOLD sign. But you should know, your words have come to inspire many already without said SOLD. We have bought nonetheless. So regardless of how that battle ends, you’ve won it already.
by Carolina Valdez Miller
On March 3, 2012 at 9:06 am
P.S. Congratulations! Here’s hoping you get not just the Rowling bucks, but your own theme park.
by Elena
On March 4, 2012 at 5:53 am
I love reading about this journey and I can’t wait to read this fictional piece by you. I’m hoping for a signed copy from one of my favorite bloggers.
What an amazing story and bravo to you for chasing your dreams!
by Ann
On March 4, 2012 at 8:01 am
Like Anne Lamott writes but with better words–we’ll never feel like we get there.
I think it’s cool that you’ve embraced this reality and are focusing on the next step.
Because there will always be one.
by My Inner Chick
On March 4, 2012 at 10:48 pm
—Julie,
Reading your words spurs us forward as struggling writers–
“Who Want To Tell Our Stories!”
Can’t wait to buy your book. I shall review it on my blog.
You. Are. Amaaazing. & You. Are. Quite Generous.
thank you. xx
by Jessica
On March 5, 2012 at 10:04 am
This is probably one of the most informative, but not stuffy kind of informative, posts I’ve read in awhile. Thank you for this! As an aspiring published-someday writer myself, I look forward to following your journey.
by Benjer McVeigh
On March 5, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs…encouraging to me. Keep telling stories!
by Suniverse
On March 7, 2012 at 6:25 pm
I’m so glad I know you. You make this journey doable.
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