Writing a book can be a long and grueling journey. I first began writing A Wolf for a Spell in late 2015, so it is just over five years between beginning first sentence and the final print book being placed on bookstore shelves. During that time, it has been wonderful to celebrate every little milestone. It’s important to be grateful for each achievement, because you never want to forget how far you’ve come simply because you keep looking towards the next thing that needs to be done.
With that in mind, I wanted to list some of my favorite moments on the road to A Wolf for a Spell‘s publication:
- Getting to meet and talk with Gail Carson Levine (!!!), an author I’ve adored ever since I read Ella Enchanted at 8 years old (and, let’s face it, every time I’ve reread it since)
- Being recognized by booksellers across the country by being named an American Booksellers Association Indies Introduce title and an Indie Kids Next List Top 10 book
- Receiving my first feedback from a young reader calling it “the best book” she’s ever read
- Getting to celebrate the book launch with friends, and being fortunate to be in New Zealand where we were able to celebrate in person together
- Seeing that the audiobook at my local library had a 10 week waiting list
- Being named a Junior Library Guild selection, and knowing that this would make it easier for librarians across the country to learn about Wolf and recommend it to young readers
- Getting to work with my incredible agent Katie Grimm, who is honestly just the best
- Finding out that Wolf was going to auction, and being connected with my incredible editor Katherine Harrison
- Learning so much about writing from Pitch Wars, and getting to volunteer for Pitch Wars as a mentor two years later
- Seeing the book in stores for the first time!
