Monday, December 23, 2013

Twenty-Four Years Is a Long Time To Wait

By Paisley Kirkpatrick
When you have to wait longer than you think you should, a dream finally coming true can have a much more dramatic impact. This past week brought a conclusion to my wait. I held my first print book in my hands. Was it worth the wait? Yes, absolutely yes. I had to work a little bit to get the box of books because we had snow on the ground and the delivery truck wouldn't come down our driveway. I was hearbroken the box didn't arrive on the day it was scheduled because the truck driver didn't want to get stuck even though our road was dry with no snow. The next day we happen to see the truck parked alongside the road. My husband dropped me off at the post office and continued up the road to check on my box. Much to my delight, by the time I got to where they were parked, he was signing for my box. To add even more excitement to the day, he'd parked on some black ice and the pickup started rolling backwards. It only went a foot or so by the time he jumped inside and got it stopped.
When I opened the box of 30 gorgeous books, I was in awe. I didn't jump up and down, but I did smile a lot. They are beautiful books with wide margins and a good-sized print. So many friends wanted signed copies. I didn't expect to be nervous about writing something inside the books. Maybe it was a life-long practice of not writing inside books that made me nervous. I don't know, but I am starting to get used to it now.
Now that I finally have accomplished this dream, I wonder what I should work toward now? Decisions, decisions.

4 comments:

Ana Morgan said...

Like holding your newborn, I imagine.
Fantastic.

Amy Jarecki said...

So exciting, Paisley...the cover is lovely!

Rolynn Anderson said...

I'm so excited for you, Paisley. You are a woman with pluck, that's for sure. I started writing in 2001 and it took me 9 years to get published. I thought that was a looooonnnnnnng time. 24? You are the rock star! It's wonderful to have tangible proof you've arrived. Bask in the moment! Rolynn

Mona Risk said...

CONGRATULATIONS, Paisly. What a wonderful feeling...