Tuesday, July 3, 2012

When Change is Thrust Upon Us


First, for those of you who looked for my guest post yesterday, it went up around 5pm—sorry for anyone who looked earlier, but if you are interested, my Writer Space post on funny murders is HERE.


And Now, for the Insecure Writer's Network... Please see my sidebar to the right for the link to the OTHER Insecure participants.

You know... for someone who prides herself on being bendy, I really am not a huge fan of change. Okay, that's not quite true. I love change I initiate and dive into. But I don't like not being in the driver's seat...

And thus begins July's Insecure Journey Segment... A change is being... implemented? It's not thrust. It's gentler than that. But it was certainly unexpected from my end and leaves a whole bunch of things in the air as to how they will play out.

Will I survive? Even thrive?

Let me e'splain...


My contract with Berkley Prime Crime for my 3-books of Cozy Mystery came about because my EDITOR (the amazing Emily Rapoport) had a fantastic relationship with my AGENT (the fabulous Ellen Pepus). Emily had some parameters she wanted met in a new series and was seeking the right writer... and long-story-short, that turned out to be ME.

Emily has been wonderful and patient with me. This is my first PUBLISHING deal, so there are HEAPS of things I just didn't know. Mistakes I've made. Revisions required because I missed monumental POINTS (like you know... putting enough gardening in the second in my GARDENING series *shifty*). She's really been fabulous.

But you know what? She is moving on to her next life journey. I TOTALLY wish her the best.  But what about ME!? *cough*

I suppose resistance is POSSIBLE...
I will be working with a NEW (to me—she is actually as seasoned as Emily, just unfamiliar) Editor. I will no longer have the SAME editor as Elizabeth who has been my ROCK when I had stupid questions (and even un-stupid questions). Will my new editor like my style? Will she be gentle with me when I flub? Will she buy into my vision? Will she buy into the idea that I HAVE a vision?


But on the side of reassurance: She called me Friday: Michelle Vega is her name and she was former assistant to the Berkley Prime Crime Head Honcho. She is THRILLED to be getting some mystery authors—loves the genre. She was going on vacation this week but taking The Azalea Assault with her (has taken the time to look at the reviews that are posted and was excited people are responding well to it), so she will KNOW book one when she dives in to start EDITING Begonia Bribe (at least I think that still needs editing), and then will be primed to READ Chrysanthemum Campaign for big picture feedback. So in spite of being sad to lose Emily, I think this may be a fantastic experience for me.

Look what CAN happen if you give IN to it!

Overall this ought to be good. But it is change and change is scary.

Have you had times you resisted or gave in to change? In your writing life?

And a brief reminder to USians--the 4th of July is the day on which the MOST pets get lost or run away--keep them safely inside so they don't get so scared they do that.  Have a fun and safe holiday!




21 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds like the two of you are off to a good start. Like any relationship, it will just take a little time.
And how could she not like you?

Adina West said...

Like you? She's gonna LOVE you. We all do.

But it's crazy, isn't it, how we obsess over the smallest things, and worry about things we have no control over...and when we look back at whatever was worrying us later, it was never as bad as we expected.

Talli Roland said...

Change can be scary, I agree! But I'm sure she'll love you - and vice versa!

Karen Baldwin said...

It already sounds like she likes you. Take a deep breath and you'll be fine.

Dru said...

Changes are always scary but things always works out for the best.

Dru
http://notesfromme.wordpress.com

Old Kitty said...

I've never heard of the term cozy mystery until you came along! How NAKED is that!?!?

Now I just know your new editor is equally as NAKED!!

Take care
x

Laura Eno said...

That kind of change is scary but it sounds like you two are off to a good start!

February Grace said...

Just want to wish you the best in the new situation...it sounds like you're facing it as bravely as you face the world in general (i think most of us would be hiding under the covers about now. What, just me?) and I hope that it's the beginning of a beautiful working relationship! <3 You are a wonder.

xoxo
bru

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Talent set aside a moment please, you are SO likeable. How could anyone not like you?

Secondly, your talent is awesome. And you're a hard worker. Done. You're nearly perfect. :)

Happy 4th to you!

T

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Hi Hart! It is so fun to follow all the great things that are happening with you right now ... I guess that the only thing that we can count on IS change.

As for the post below, I am so happy for you that you are getting in touch with your cousins. That is one thing that is fun about the internet.

Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!

Kathy M.

J.L. Campbell said...

I think you've pretty much worked though what you think might be hitches and Michelle is obviously smart in taking time to read and get used to your style. It'll all work out. It always does.

Carol Kilgore said...

You and Michelle will no doubt become best buds in no time flat. But I understand your concern. I like to be in the driver's seat, too.

Powdered Toast Man said...

I like her name, Michelle Vega. I think she will be good just based on her name.

Hart Johnson said...

Alex-oh, let me count the ways! but yeah, good start...

Adina-Awwww! Thank you! It IS that control thing...

Talli-Very scary!

Em-I hope so!

Dru-I try to look at it that way, too--it will be for the best, however it works out.

Kitty-that seems fair--i hadn't heard of them until Elizabeth! But they are far less common outside the US.

Laura-I hope so!

Bru-I'm not much for hiding, but only because it's backfired more than once.

Teresa-Oh, you're so nice! I'm blushing!

Kathy-true about change... and the family thing has been great!

JL-that will definitely be good, and you're right--smart of her to approach it that way!

Karen-that's true--it would be easier to transition if I were eager to get out of something.

Carol-Oh, I hope so! Definitely hopeful.

PTM-HA! It is a good name!

Sherri Lackey said...

Best of luck with your new editor!

Nicki Elson said...

I didn't no that statistic about pets - good idea to put that warning out there.

You're going to be fine - more than fine, marvelous, I'm sure. And good luck to Emily in her next adventure.

Stacy Gail said...

How could she not love you? The mind boggles at any other alternative. :D

Think about this, Your Tartness. Isn't it fabulous that she's already dedicating herself to "getting" you by reading AZALEA ASSAULT while on vacation? That's such a positive sign. By the time she actually dives into edits, she'll have a good grasp of what your "voice" is like. I think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. :)

One thing, though... her name doesn't start with an E. Could you talk her into changing it? :P

Arlee Bird said...

Like you I like to be in charge of the change otherwise I'm always a bit reluctant and wary. But I'm sure you'll be fine.



Lee
Tossing It Out

Robin said...

She sounds like she'll be great to work with, even if she ends up being a lot different.
Best of luck!

JCS said...

Interesting changes! Things will work out I'm sure. You're a best selling author so you will only do great things.
Good point about the animals and 4th of July. We have to look out for our animals today!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Best wishes on your changes and new relationship. I think you will have great success!

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