During the downpour today, Stormboy and I pull into our driveway.
"Oh look!" I say. "A present for me." There is a parcel sticking out of the letterbox, but I am joking really because I'm not expecting any books this week and I think the parcel is probably for my mum or my sister.
I jump out into a puddly driveway, wriggle loose the parcel and some bills from the WW2 ammo box that stores our letters, and sit in the car. The windscreen wipers squeak back and forth.
The parcel is addressed to me.
"Stormboy, it's for me. Oh."
I tear away the bubble wrap. "Oh fuck. Oh boy. Far out, kid. Oh, Have a look at this."
The car is still running. I'm conscious that we are about to run out of fuel and that my payday is tomorrow, that we may break down before we get to the bank, but my sense of occasion overcomes any immediate economics.
It's the first (ever) copy of my first (ever) book. It's a real book. It's no longer a word document. It's absolutely bloody gorgeous. It's a real book. My book.
Whoopee! Now I know what your real name is!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulatons Sarah! It IS beautiful! You must be so proud!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, congrats Sarah. You've earned the right to be completely chuffed with yourself. X
ReplyDeleteFantastic Sarah.
ReplyDeleteyou give me goosebumps...and teary eyes Sarah!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations XO
Isn't it just so bloody cool!!!
ReplyDeleteJust so feckin' fabulous - woohoooo!!!!
ReplyDeleteHey, I love this post and I love the pictures of that book with your name where the author's name goes.
ReplyDeleteFucken awesome mate and congratulations.
Pretty wild huh? That bit where the author's name goes.
DeleteWhooppee!. Well done Ms Drummond.I look forward to you signing a copy for me in Brisbane on your national tour. Apropos that, my local bookshop "Avid Reader' in West End is a powerhouse when it comes to author events - it's like having a never-ending Writer's Festival.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to recommend that they do an event in Brisbane with you if you would be coming this way. Fiona Stager is awesome. Krissy Kneen is the events coordinator. Would you be interested? I'll get you on our Australian Writers Bookclub list as well if i can.
I'd love to, thanks Mr Hat. I'll be a part of the Perth Writers Festival in February but no plans so far to make it to the big east coast. I'll get my people to talk to your people :~) and maybe we can organise something.
DeleteYIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhoo!!!
DeleteOh Wow that's bloody fantastic ! You must be walking on cloud nine Sarah, well done you !
ReplyDeleteBy the way Drummond is a neighbouring townsland to ours.
Really? First they claim the bagpipes and then the Drummonds.
DeleteSarah ref http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_townlands_of_County_Laois
Deleteand see for yourself.
Excellent! I love the cover design.
ReplyDeleteI want to buy a copy right now, but I definitely want it signed by you - shall I send you money for postage and everything? It's your winter now, but by the time it becomes our autumn, I want to be cosy by a fire, reading YOUR brilliant (I know) book. Let me know when you are doing some signings, and I will do all of the above.
ReplyDeleteHey Tom, a good way to contact me with your real name and postage details :~) is to click on the fisherman on the sidebar and go to 'contact'. If you do all of the above we can go into the next stage of our relationship and I will GIVE you a signed copy.
DeleteI will do all that, but I think it is really important that you make at least one sale from me on your first book. I WANT to pay for it!
DeleteJust done that, but I don't know if it went. Anyway, let me know about any card-payment facilities or whatever. It is important (at least to me) that you SELL those books. X
DeleteHey, Sara, congratulations!!! Hahaha, this is awesome news, and, we shall have to trade books, lassie.
ReplyDeleteYou got your very first copy and my book launch is under 3 weeks' time at Wordplay 2013 (Shetland Book Festival)...
Please contact me via my website, nordicblackbird.com / the roost (URL: nordicblackbird.weebly.com) where you can leave me a note/a contact e-address, as am eager to delve into your Salt Story.
Mega-magic! Nat x
Great to hear from you Antipodean Nat. I shall drop by ...
DeleteSo pleased for you Sarah. Really, really happy and pleased and joyous and smiley. A big day, good on you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Ms Toa-D!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sontag.
ReplyDeleteWhat i like about the last photo is the black spot on my index finger. It's grown out from banging it while hammering in the kundip wall two months ago.
This is fantastic. I feel a bit late to the party but it just strings it out better that way, doesn't it? Congratulations again. I can't wait to read it and get it signed by you. And meet you! Enjoy the ride... it must be a wonderful wonderful feeling. Such an achievement.
ReplyDelete(Big grin)
DeleteJust catching up on reading blogs after a long, busy time doing other stuff. Hooray, Sarah! That's bloody fantastic!
ReplyDelete