The Glamour of Getting "The Call"

Alley Pals, a lot has changed since my last post. I know by now you want to throw a shoe at me because I already blasted it on social media. But just in case, a few short hours after I last hit post, I got "the call" that Harlequin Heartwarming wants to publish one of my books! 

I've always been fascinated by the ever-elusive "call" and how it changes everything but doesn't seem to stop life from going on. Where would I be when I got the call, I always wondered.

My agent and I had been communicating regarding my newest manuscript that went on submission a few days before, so when I saw her number on my iPhone screen, I thought, for a split-second, that it would have to do with changes I needed to make for that book or something. But I knew.

I was in line at the pharmacy, waiting for my son's ear infection prescription -- perhaps the most mundane place one can be when an all-important bucket list item moves to DONE. And when I got off the phone, I made the proper notifications as I went on with my life. I took care of a baby with a double ear infection. I cooked dinner for the family, changed diapers, did some work for my clients. 

Isn't it glorious how most of us are writers AND parents or students or professionals, doing our thing to keep life afloat while this passion and identity weaves through everything we do? 

I asked some of my friends to share their stories of getting good writing news:

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When I told my boys that I now had an agent, my 10-year-old asked, 'Does she have any hockey players?' 'Uhhhh, nooo.' Then he shrugged and said, 'Then she's not a real agent.' - historical fiction author Jennifer Major

I was in a tree stand, bow hunting and checking my email. My husband was across the marsh in his stand. I saw the email come through saying my agent wanted to set up a call to discuss representation. There wasn't anything I could do. I couldn't scream or I'd scare away the deer! So I texted my husband and waited, anticipating the euphoric reaction. The text came through: "Cool." Then I messaged the next best person, my sister, who said she made her daughter jump because she screamed so loudly on my behalf. - Jaime Jo Wright, author of "The Cowgirl's Lasso"

I got the 'call' for my three-book historical series while I was driving to work with a van full of kids. The hardest part of my day was trying to focus on giving speech therapy without wanting to squeal every five minutes with excitement. - Pepper Basham, Alley Cat extraordinaire and multi-published author

I had advance warning that 'the call' was coming when the editor emailed me to ask for my phone number so we could talk. I was expecting a baby any day and had to wait two days for that phone call. I told my husband that I didn't care if I went into labor--if she called, I HAD to answer. - Sarah Varland, author for Love Inspired Suspense

I received the call for agent representation while I was waiting at the dentist for my husband to get his wisdom teeth out. - author Janette Foreman, represented by Tamela Hancock Murray

I got the call in Panera about my first Love Inspired contract. After, I was so excited I left. But when I got into my car, my door slammed into the side mirror of the car next to me. (Colorado wind can be crazy.) Thankfully all was well, and I left a note just in case. I never heard from anyone about it. - Jill Lynn, author of Just Show Up, Her Texas Family, and Falling for Texas.

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From the honesty of children and family members keeping our feet on the ground, to car woes, to work, to errands and daily life, it's amazing how author is ingrained in us and just sort of happens to us, whether we're published, agented, or just writing our first chapter.

Editing this TODAY because it just hit me why I love this concept so much:

Because getting the call in the middle of everyday life means you went for it, worked hard, and did a very brave thing in the middle of everyday life!

Where were you when you got good writing news? If you got the call this afternoon, what would you most likely be doing?

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Laurie Tomlinson is a wife and mom from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is passionate about intentional living, all things color-coded, and stories of grace in the beautiful mess. Previously a full-time book publicist, she owns a freelance copywriting, editing, and PR consulting business called 1624 Communications. 

She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a two-time Genesis Award winner, and the runner-up in the 2015 Lone Star Contest's Inspirational category. Her work is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary.

You can connect with Laurie here:

Facebook - AuthorLaurieTomlinson

Twitter - @LaurieTomlinson

Web - www.LaurieTomlinson.com