Meaningful Writings

Fairy Tales Can Come True

Misty sat at the computer, dressed in the same rumpled, pink-flowered, cotton nightgown worn to bed the previous night. A now cold cup of coffee sat next to the dusty keyboard along with a half eaten egg sandwich on wheat toast. Her fine, short brown hair would invite any mamma bird to make a comfortable home for her nestling.

Tap, tap, and tap upon the keyboard. Yet another flurry of query letters submitted to the mass of publishers, agents and presses. It was all so frustrating. She knew, deep in her heart, the story would change the world and must be told. Years of research, writing and editing until the tale flowed with just the right amount of suspense, humor and substance would be futile if no one believed in her work.

That stupid little voice inside her head spoke of giving it all up, she was a terrible writer, why did she think anyone would even care about her story, what was so special about her tale? It droned on and on, replacing belief with such negative contemplation.

Misty was ready to give it all up. She could paste her walls with the rejection letters and e-mails received. She told herself, at thirty-two years of age, she should know better than to think she could be a published author. Just another lesson learned in life.

Brow raised, eyes alert, she caught a glimpse of a link for something she’d never seen before. It stated ‘2nd Pitch Your Book to the Publisher’ contest. Her heart quickened, adrenalin surged through her body as she clicked on the link. She read the entire show page and soon that little negative voice turned positive telling her this may be the perfect opportunity to not only query but also speak to actual publishers. Misty wrote down the phone number, date and time lest she forget. A broad smile filled her face, hope restored.

The day of the contest was here before Misty knew it. She mustered all the courage, strength and belief in herself and dialed the show’s phone number. It was a bit of a wait before the host asked who was on area code 480. In fact, it took a few seconds for her to realize the host was actually speaking to her.

Confident in her work, Misty introduced herself, gave a brief bio and nervously read an excerpt from her book she felt would highlight the story. After she had finished, there was complete silence before she heard words such as ‘nice’, ‘fantastic story’, ‘wow’, come across the line. Seems the judges couldn’t contain their enthusiasm.

The next two weeks passed slowly while she awaited the announcement of the contest winners. Her hand shook as she clicked on the link where she could listen to the contest winner announcement broadcast. The host did her intro and told the listeners it was time to announce the query contest winners. One name, then another and when she had lost all hope she heard her name, Misty Heartfield, come over the air.

This was the day her writing career became a true reality and no longer a dream.

**If you'd like an opportunity to query ATTMP publishers Phil and Deb Harris and perhaps have your dream come true, click on the following link:

2nd Pitch Your Book to the Publisher Contest

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011 - 8PM EST, 7PM CST, 6PM Mountain, 5PM PST