It’s been almost exactly a year since I was graciously invited to join a little something called The Debutante Ball. I admit, I hesitated. I was worried that I would never get the whole blogging thing (I scarcely knew what a blog was), that I didn’t have the time to commit fully, and that both myself and my book were a bit, well, dark for the rest of the group. Little did I know that between Eileen’s dastardly pranks, Mia’s disturbing fixation with certain snack foods, Kristy’s almost killing a guy, Tish’s multiple phobias, or Anna’s expertise in American Idol (shudder!), I was destined to practically be the Pollyanna of the Ball. Anyway, I thank my lucky stars that I was persuaded to give it a shot.
To put it mildly, it’s been quite a year. I knew it would be a wild, crazy, nail-biting time, but what I didn’t know was how great it would be to have these five amazing women to share it with. Five women to freak out about title changes, pub dates, cover redesigns, and so much more with. We cheered each other on, helped each other navigate the bumpy road to publication, and celebrated each victory, large and small. And the many friends of the Ball who have been so supportive of our work — wow. To think I might have missed out on that!
What Kristy has started here (and she’ll say all of us started it – and sure, I think we all contributed in our own ways – but really this was Kristy’s baby and she deserves more credit than I could possibly give her in this post) is something really magical that goes way beyond a bunch of women writing about bald men, first love and bad eighties music. It’s a community where people learn from each other, are touched by one another, and share the most amazing stories. I feel honored to have been a part of it. And I look forward to getting to know the new group of Debs (including our Eileen, staying on as the cool chaperone) and following them on their journey.
Godspeed, ladies. The floor is yours.
I have so enjoyed all of your posts and look forward to following what is certain to be a long and successful career. All the best to you and thank you for sharing this time with all of us.
The Ball became a community and something more, Jennifer. Coming here on a daily basis brought this reader a better sense of understanding how creativity and publishing combine to eventually put a book on store shelves. Reading all your posts proved entertaining and insightful, yet holding and reading each debut novel…ah, amazing! Thank you, and I know Peter Pan is proud too.
I’m sticking with the story that they were innocent pranks. In fact pranks sounds too harsh. Let’s say little jokes.
It wouldn’t have been the same without you, Jennifer, and I’m so glad you stuck with us. Your success has been such a joy to watch, and there’s no question that you’ll go on to even greater things.
Thank you so much for sharing this year with us. I can hardly believe it’s almost over!
Last week when I visited my son, I found my daughter-in-law reading Promise Not to Tell-which she’d picked up in Costco. “It’s awesome,” she said. “You can borrow it when I’m finished–but I want this one back.”
So you see I probably would have discovered your VERY awesome novel even if I hadn’t met you here on the Debs…but it was so great to say, “I’ve already read it–and what’s more, the author is a friend!”
Can’t wait to read all that comes next…