Friday, September 26, 2008

Feeling Like a Fairy Godmother

I also had the pleasure of offering a contract last week at ACFW. I’d received a proposal for it late last year and decided several months ago that I would like to buy it. With the help of the author’s good friend Kaye Dacus and her agent Les Stobbe, I confirmed that the author would be at conference. I told these faithful friends that if they’d help me keep a secret and keep her patient, I’d wait to surprise her with this contract in person at ACFW. Erica Vetsch, will you please comment and let us know if it was worth the wait?

Like Susan, I had to finagle a way to avoid my scheduled appointment with Erica that was originally to be held just an hour or so before the presentation. I knew there was no way I could evade questions that would likely be about The Bartered Bride without giving away my secret. I’m certainly no actress! But Wanda Dyson helped rearrange schedules, and everything worked out to successfully surprise Erica.

It is so much fun to help make an unpublished author’s dream come true. Kinda makes me feel like a fairy godmother. :) Look for The Bartered Bride by Erica Vetsch to release in the Heartsong Presents book club in November 2009.

Congrats again, Erica, and more congrats for winning two awards in the Genesis contest. I’ll take that as a sign that I chose well!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a thrill to be so blessed to receive an offer at a conference-- face to face!! Johann, I think that was so sweet and special that you thought to do it that way!! What fun!!
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story…! Makes us all enjoy the dream!!

Love and prayers,
Caroline
I stumbled onto your site from another, and I’m very glad I did.

Erica Vetsch said...

Though the waiting was hard, it was worth it. A dream come true, and celebrated in front of 500 of my new best friends. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Thank you!

Cara Putman said...

Welcome to Heartsong Presents, Erica! So excited for you!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so thrilled for you, Erica. Now the excitement really begins: working with editors, waiting for your book cover, brainstorming marketing ideas and arranging booksignings. Wow! Have fun!

Lynette Sowell said...

It was so much fun to share your joy, Erica. Oh, and thank you for being our wonderful rescuer who helped some of us get to the mall Friday night! :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Erica.

We were all squealing with delight in Seekerville when we heard your news.

Erica Vetsch said...

Lynette, that was one happy vanload of women. It was purely my pleasure and a great way to meet some new friends.

Thank you all for sharing my joy. Now, as Susan Downs said the other day...I have to get down to WRITING. :)

Debby Mayne said...

Congratulations, Erica!

carla stewart said...

What a thrill for me when I heard Erica's name announced. I met her at last year's conference and have kept in touch almost every week via both our blogs. Such a sweet, deserving gal.

Janet Spaeth said...

Erica, congratulations! I'm excited to read your books!

Jennifer Johnson said...

Welcome aboard, Erica!!! I am so happy for you! :)

squiresj said...

What a blessing you were. I have never heard of this author as far as I know. I will have to see what she writes.

Rachel Overton said...

Anybody else notice how JoAnne has begun seeing things through the "princess filter"? Hmmmm, I wonder what movies Jodi's been watching lately.......Might one be Cinderella?! :-)

I remember those days! Enjoy them.

Congratulations, Erica! Maybe I'll get to work on your baby some day soon. (Everyone else is screaming, "No, Erica, run!! Run!!!") :-)

Anonymous said...

Y'all are going to love Erica's books! She's one of the best historical romance authors I've ever had the pleasure of reading!

Mary Connealy said...

YAY ERICA!!!!!!!!

I am so thrilled and excited for you.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!