Finally.
I’m still in shock. I found out on Monday night, signed the contract on Wednesday, and the press release went out from Samhain on Thursday morning.
I wanted to tell you right away, all of you who have been so supportive and encouraging throughout my journey, but I haven’t been able to find the words–isn’t that ironic?
When I first found out about Samhain’s call for novellas dealing with childhood fears, I thought it would be a fun excuse to write something new. My awesome writing group encouraged me to put my current project on hold and go for it, and I’m so glad I did.
I’m honoured to be published by one of the biggest, most respected names in the e-publishing world. I’m beyond thrilled that my story was chosen out of over a hundred submissions, and that I’ll be appearing in an anthology with Bram Stoker-award winners.
To say it’s surreal is an understatement.
Thank you so much for reading this blog, for commenting even when you didn’t feel like it, and for all the support and encouragement.
I hope you’ll read “The Bear Who Wouldn’t Leave” when it’s released. And I hope you’ll love it. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll make you look at that teddy bear with a little more suspicion.
If so, I’ve done my job.
PS…Samhain started out publishing romance exclusively, so if you go to their site, don’t be put off by all the bodice rippers–Samhain is getting to be quite a big name in the horror field as well.
Congratulations Holli! Well deserved.
Thanks so much, Vanessa! I haven’t forgotten all the support you gave me in the early days of this blog. It still means a lot to me. Hope you are doing well.
Waaaaaaaaaaay too cool!!! Congrats!!!!
Thanks, Lisa. You have always been here for me, and I can’t thank you enough. You ROCK! Thank you for everything.
Fantastic – you rock!
Thanks, Dave. Coming from a geologist/palaeontologist, I take that as a huge compliment.
And the sentiment is, of course, returned tenfold.
Holli, this really and truly is fantastic news! I am so happy for you and can’t wait to read it. 😀
Thanks, Crystal! I still can’t believe this is happening, but I’m beyond excited. 🙂 Thanks for all your encouragement over the past year–so glad to have met you.
This is AWESOME news! Congratulations, Holli. I know this is huge for you and also for all of those who witnessed your efforts for so many years. Well done.
Thanks, Javier! I actually thought of you when I got the offer. You can be happy that I’m joining this century, publishing-wise. 🙂
I appreciate all of your support and kind words over the years. You’ve always believed in me.
Wtg Holli! You should be very proud!
Thanks, Tina! I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve finally committed to doing what I love and making a go of it. It took way too long to get to this point, but it’s only up from here!
Congratulations, Holli! This is wonderful news! I love the concept of your story too. ^_^
Thanks so much, Donelle! Work gets started on my website next month, so I’ll be contacting you soon about that illustration. 🙂
Congratulations Holli! A fantastic milestone.
Thanks, Jeremy! It’s been a great year so far.
Yay to being published!! Congrats Holli! I’m sure this is only the first of many more to come!!!
Thanks, Niki! The editor did say he wants to work on many projects together, so it sounds really good!
I see this as a very positive first step. Thanks for all the support, love, and encouragement over the years.
Wonderful news, Holli. Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Laura! It’s nice to hear from you again. I’ve missed you. 🙂
Woo hoo!! They’re lucky to have you, and I’m so glad that you get to share your celebration of this well deserved honour! Shaking my pom poms for you!!
Thanks so much, Kyla! That’s very sweet of you to say. Exciting times ahead.
Well big congrats!
Thanks, Rebecca! Hope all is well with you too.
Whoop whoop whoop Holli!!! The best news!!!! A zillion congratulations!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Woo hoo! Awesome news for an awesome writer. Congrats, Holli!
It is pretty awesome, and on the topic of awesome, thanks for the awesome editing!
Amazing news! Congratulations Holli, you deserve this <3
Thanks, friend! You’re right…I do. 😉
Congratulations Holli! 🙂
Thanks, Raine! And congrats on getting married! It’s been a good year for us, I’d say.
Congratulations! You richly deserve all good things!
Thanks so much, Karen! That’s very nice of you to say.
Holli is awesome!!!!!!!!! Huge, huge congrats, buddy! I’m so glad they snapped up your excellent, creepy story! Party at SIWC!
Thanks so much, Elle! This has made me feel pretty awesome.
And a party at SIWC sounds good. Will take the edge off my nerves for the pitches.
I cannot wait to pick up a copy of this once it’s published!
I know what everyone is getting for Christmas presents once it comes out.
Congratulations!! So incredibly deserved.
Thanks so much, Lisa! You have always been so supportive of my dream, and it’s very much appreciated.