With a little help from my girlfriends

by Samantha Wilde

I am a terrible blogger. I don't like to read things on the computer. Sometimes I don't like to write things on the computer. I fit the dictionary definition of "Luddite" snugly. I'm not on facebook. I have never twittered. I act like an appalled old lady when someone reads an e-book. No call-waiting, GPS, voicemail...the list goes on! I tend to get inspiration from books (paper), nature, long talks with friends, and, of course, chocolate. But every time, every time, I tune in and read this Girlfriend's blog, I feel uplifted, connected, part of a bigger circle of writers. It's one of the best things on the internet.

Let me tell you why.

My year in review doesn't include book sales, big deals, great press coverage or Oprah (alas). However, I had one great triumph.

Sometime in the beginning of 2011 I got a call from my agent informing me that the second editor for my second novel (in the midst of revisions), had left. I would have a new editor, a third editor, who would take a look at the book.

Well, she took a look. She took a good, long, hard look. I got a 13 page revision letter that terrified me. This book had already been through three major revisions for two editors. The original thought was that it would be published in summer of 2010. It was winter 2011 and the thing had not even been accepted.

I had a long talk with my agents then sent out an email to the members of this blog explaining the situation. The flood of email replies, support, encouragement and wisdom met and exceeded my every need in the situation. In fact, I took it to heart. I rewrote the book--with all my soul.

About two months later, I heard word that the book was accepted! With no revisions! I couldn't believe it, and I could believe it--I really tackled what I thought was impossible. I had been, in fact, ready to give up and return the advance.

It's a bit like Judith Arnold's message to have faith in yourself. It's also a big shout of praise to the members of this blog, the women who write honestly and helpfully and spiritedly about the trials and joys of writing and publishing. Writing can be isolating--connection is a saving grace.

On a humorous note, that editor? The one who, in the end, through her excellent comments, helped bring the book together? She's left too. I'm on to my fourth editor now. And I laughed when I heard the news. Sometimes good things come in packages we don't know we need.

Any unexpected blessings for you in 2011?

Sam Wilde lives in Western Massachusetts where her main occupation involves three small children, lots of diapers, and the occasional novel writing. Her first novel THIS LITTLE MOMMY STAYED HOME came out in 2009. Her next books will be published by Bantam in December 2012! Visit her at samanthawilde.com.