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Tue
10
Feb '09

Novel + Sold = Best Birthday present EVER

I’ll start with the important stuff. Shades of Milk and Honey, my Jane Austen with magic novel, has sold to Liz Gorinsky at Tor in a two-book deal. My fabulous agent, Jennifer Jackson, and I have been sitting on this news for a little over a week while we worked out details. Hardest thing ever. It was like having a birthday present that I could pick up and shake but not open.

So today, I was sitting in a Thai restaurant with John Scalzi when the phone rang. Normally, I ignore it when I’m on social time, but I had it out because I was on call for the theater. Needless to say, I’m glad that I picked the phone up because Jenn told me the amazing, amazing news that we’ve sold not just one book, but two books. John immediately turned and announced it to everyone in the restaurant and they all clapped. I’m still blushing.

Last week, Jenn called with the initial news while I was frantically mixing disappearing blood for the theater. So I was squealing with excitement while measuring ingredients into a beaker. Then had to run down there without being able to tell anyone. Well… I called my parents, clearly. Here’s what I wrote on the subway after the call.

—

I’m writing this on the subway on my way to the theater. It’ll be a week or more before you get to read it, but I’m simply bursting. I just got off the phone with my wonderful agent, Jennifer Jackson, who let me know that Liz Gorinsky, at Tor, has made an offer for Shades of Milk and Honey.

!!!!!!

There are all these people on the train and I’m surprised that they can’t tell that I’ve just SOLD A NOVEL because I’m glowing. Since it’s still in the offer stage, it’s a secret beyond telling a few friends and family but I want to turn to the man sitting next to me on the train and say, “Excuse me. You don’t know me, but I just found out that I’ve sold my first novel and I had to tell someone.” Heck, I want to tell EVERYBODY.

I’ve called my parents, of course, but Rob doesn’t know yet, because he’s at work. Tonight is a late night for him, he won’t get off work until three. How in the world am I going to contain myself until he gets home?

ooo… Weeping with joy on the subway would probably be a bad plan. But I’m so thrilled. So very thrilled that I don’t think my vocabulary is large enough to express it. On the other hand, it can be summed up as, “I sold my first novel!”

183 Comments »

183 Comments

  1. Karindira Karindira on 10.02.2009 at 13:18 (Reply)

    Oh my gracious. I can’t wait to read it.

  2. Amy Sisson Amy Sisson on 10.02.2009 at 13:18 (Reply)

    Congratulations! And I think that’s the cutest thing that John announced it to the restaurant!

    May I ask, is it literally a Jane Austen with magic novel (i.e. Jane’s a character, or it’s based on Austen characters?), or do you mean that it’s in the style of Austen?

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 13:35 (Reply)

      It aims to be the novel that Jane Austen would write if she lived in a world where magic actually worked. I would read a chapter of Persuasion and then write a chapter of this.

      1. Michele Michele on 10.02.2009 at 15:26 (Reply)

        omg, congratulations! That’s awesome!!

        I’m totally reading this. And not just because I know you! It sounds like a totally brilliant book.

  3. Genevieve Genevieve on 10.02.2009 at 13:18 (Reply)

    OMG! Congratulations! (!!!)

  4. Catherine Catherine on 10.02.2009 at 13:20 (Reply)

    Wow – congrats to you!!!!

  5. John Scalzi John Scalzi on 10.02.2009 at 13:20 (Reply)

    w00t! I was totally there for it!

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 13:38 (Reply)

      And you were brilliantly embarrassing. It’s hard to think of a better way to get that news.

  6. J. Cheney J. Cheney on 10.02.2009 at 13:26 (Reply)

    Congratulations!!!

  7. Erin Underwood Erin Underwood on 10.02.2009 at 13:26 (Reply)

    YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I am so pleased for you! Congratulations!!!

  8. Adam Israel Adam Israel on 10.02.2009 at 13:29 (Reply)

    Congrats!!

  9. Kurt Kurt on 10.02.2009 at 13:30 (Reply)

    Huge congrats, Mary! I knew you’d get there. :-)

  10. Lisa Mantchev Lisa Mantchev on 10.02.2009 at 13:30 (Reply)

    *APPLAUSE*

  11. FabulousGitl FabulousGitl on 10.02.2009 at 13:31 (Reply)

    Wonderful news, Mary! Congratulations!

  12. Diana Rowland Diana Rowland on 10.02.2009 at 13:31 (Reply)

    You Rock! Awesome effing congrats!!

  13. Jared Jared on 10.02.2009 at 13:31 (Reply)

    Congratulations! I knew we’d be reading more of your work soon.

  14. Paul Paul on 10.02.2009 at 13:33 (Reply)

    Woot woot woot! That’s wonderful news, Mary! :D

  15. Espana Sheriff Espana Sheriff on 10.02.2009 at 13:33 (Reply)

    Congratulations! I can’t wait to read it :)

  16. Ken McConnell Ken McConnell on 10.02.2009 at 13:35 (Reply)

    Congrats! I can’t wait to read it!

  17. RFLong RFLong on 10.02.2009 at 13:36 (Reply)

    OMG! That’s wonderful news. Congratulations and I can’t wait to read it!

  18. AMLau AMLau on 10.02.2009 at 13:36 (Reply)

    Fabulous! Your novel sounds awesome!

  19. Cate Cate on 10.02.2009 at 13:37 (Reply)

    Found my way here from Twitter. Congratulations.

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 15:34 (Reply)

      Yay for Twitter! Thank you!

  20. Jenna Jenna on 10.02.2009 at 13:37 (Reply)

    Congratulations! That’s great news!

  21. M.K. Hobson M.K. Hobson on 10.02.2009 at 13:40 (Reply)

    Mega congratulations! I can’t wait to read it!

  22. DKT DKT on 10.02.2009 at 13:45 (Reply)

    Wow, sounds great! Can’t wait to read it. Congrats to you and Happy Birthday!

    If you don’t mind me asking, is it a series of books or two entirely separate novels?

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 15:36 (Reply)

      I don’t mind you asking, at all as it’s all I can think about today. The second book is in the same universe but I think both should be able to stand alone.

      1. DKT DKT on 10.02.2009 at 15:53 (Reply)

        Most excellent! I really can’t wait to check them out!

  23. Rachel Ann Dryden Rachel Ann Dryden on 10.02.2009 at 13:45 (Reply)

    WWWWWWOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTT

  24. Sean Sean on 10.02.2009 at 13:46 (Reply)

    Mary! How exciting. Im so happy for you. :)

  25. Julia Julia on 10.02.2009 at 13:47 (Reply)

    *smiles* Only surprised it didn’t happen sooner, because you’re damn well brilliant in novel form.

    Now the only question I have is…WHEN IS IT COMING OUT OMG. Must go camp out on Borders’ doorstep the day of!

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 15:38 (Reply)

      The tentative schedule says spring 2010, but that’s totally tentative.

      1. Julia Julia on 11.02.2009 at 07:40 (Reply)

        *wail* That long?! How will I ever cope?!

        But DANG that is awesome. So totally awesome.

  26. Shveta Shveta on 10.02.2009 at 13:48 (Reply)

    Congratulations!!! I’ve been following you on LJ. Also, happy belated birthday; what a wonderful gift!

  27. Eric James Stone Eric James Stone on 10.02.2009 at 13:49 (Reply)

    Felicitations!

  28. Laura Anne Laura Anne on 10.02.2009 at 13:50 (Reply)

    w00t!!!!111!!

    And, y’know, literate squealing like that. :-)

  29. Jim C. Hines Jim C. Hines on 10.02.2009 at 13:50 (Reply)

    Congratulations!!! That’s wonderful news! And I love that John announced it to everyone for you. Happy birthday indeed!

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 15:41 (Reply)

      It was simultaneously wonderful and embarrassing. Still grinning from the memory though.

  30. Beth Bernobich Beth Bernobich on 10.02.2009 at 13:51 (Reply)

    Congratulations!!!!

    *releases the dancing penguin puppets*

  31. BZArcher BZArcher on 10.02.2009 at 13:51 (Reply)

    Congratulations!

  32. Amanda Downum Amanda Downum on 10.02.2009 at 13:52 (Reply)

    Wooo! Congratulations!

  33. Jennifer Jackson Jennifer Jackson on 10.02.2009 at 13:53 (Reply)

    So thrilled for you!!!!

  34. Mike F Mike F on 10.02.2009 at 13:54 (Reply)

    Wow! Best birthday present ever! Congratulations!

  35. Eugene Eugene on 10.02.2009 at 13:55 (Reply)

    Congratulations! 40 is off to a good start, it seems :)

  36. Rob Vagle Rob Vagle on 10.02.2009 at 13:57 (Reply)

    Congrats and woo-hoo! That is one great birthday present! Thanks for sharing the joy of getting the news.

  37. Nick Kaufmann Nick Kaufmann on 10.02.2009 at 13:58 (Reply)

    Big congrats! I’ll buy you a drink in celebration at the next KGB reading we’re both at!

  38. Aimee Aimee on 10.02.2009 at 13:59 (Reply)

    YAY! I’m so thrilled for you!!!

  39. Maura McHugh Maura McHugh on 10.02.2009 at 14:01 (Reply)

    That’s such fabulous news. Congratulations and very well done again.

  40. Rochita Rochita on 10.02.2009 at 14:08 (Reply)

    Yay! That’s so exciting. Congratulations :)

  41. james james on 10.02.2009 at 14:09 (Reply)

    Happy Birthday, Mary! What an awesome present! Sharing a meal with SCALZI…!

    (And that book thing is pretty awesome, too.)

  42. cherie priest cherie priest on 10.02.2009 at 14:09 (Reply)

    WOO HOO! Congratulations, ma’am – and you’re in most excellent hands with Liz :)

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 15:42 (Reply)

      Well, she does edit some of my favorite authors besides being a snappy dresser.

  43. beth meacham beth meacham on 10.02.2009 at 14:10 (Reply)

    Excellent. Smart girl, that Liz.

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 15:43 (Reply)

      We likes her, we does.

  44. Merrie Haskell Merrie Haskell on 10.02.2009 at 14:11 (Reply)

    Congratulations, Mary!!! Wooooooooooooooo!!!

  45. Michael Michael on 10.02.2009 at 14:11 (Reply)

    Congratulations to both you and your amazing agent! I’m glad you finally got to share the good news (now with bonus second book), and that Jenn got to call to tell you the deal was settled while you were out with Scalzi, so he could appropriately embarrass you.

    Woohooooo! This is *so* awesome!

  46. Tina Connolly Tina Connolly on 10.02.2009 at 14:11 (Reply)

    Awesome! Congrats!

  47. Scott D Scott D on 10.02.2009 at 14:11 (Reply)

    Woo hoo! Way to go Mary!

  48. Tiffani Tiffani on 10.02.2009 at 14:14 (Reply)

    Oh Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it!
    (clicked here from Whatever. Scalzi’s announcement in the restaurant: too cool!)

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 10.02.2009 at 15:46 (Reply)

      He’s a funny man and pretty darn cool.

  49. Jeff Jeff on 10.02.2009 at 14:14 (Reply)

    So awesomely awesome with a side order of awesome and win(!) for dessert—with awesome sauce and awesome sprinkles.

    …and it couldn’t happen to a better person as a better birthday gift.

    Awesome.

  50. Novembrance Novembrance on 10.02.2009 at 14:18 (Reply)

    Congratulations! What an absolute thrill! It is richly deserved, and I can’t wait to read the books.

  51. Rinda Elliott Rinda Elliott on 10.02.2009 at 14:18 (Reply)

    Wonderful news! Congratulations!

  52. Judy Straalsund Judy Straalsund on 10.02.2009 at 14:20 (Reply)

    Yippeee!!!! You go girl :-)

  53. Matthew Rotundo Matthew Rotundo on 10.02.2009 at 14:21 (Reply)

    This. Totally. Rocks.

  54. Cynthia K. Dalton Cynthia K. Dalton on 10.02.2009 at 14:25 (Reply)

    Congratulations!

  55. Stephen Segal Stephen Segal on 10.02.2009 at 14:29 (Reply)

    Long due and richly deserved! Congratulatorification engine: engaged.

  56. Pam Adams Pam Adams on 10.02.2009 at 14:29 (Reply)

    Hooray!! You talked about this novel on the morning Denvention strolls, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting this news. Double awesome with a side of hot fudge sauce!

  57. Mercurio Rivera Mercurio Rivera on 10.02.2009 at 14:30 (Reply)

    Congratulations on this latest accomplishment, Mary!

  58. Douglas Cohen Douglas Cohen on 10.02.2009 at 14:32 (Reply)

    Congrats!

  59. Lawrence M. Schoen Lawrence M. Schoen on 10.02.2009 at 14:32 (Reply)

    Yay, yay, and more yay!!!

  60. David Macinnis Gill David Macinnis Gill on 10.02.2009 at 14:34 (Reply)

    Way to go, Mary Robinette. I can’t wait to read your novel. If it’s as good as your short stories, the reading world is in for a treat. Is Tor releasing it as an adult title or a cross-over?

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 15.02.2009 at 01:04 (Reply)

      I would guess that they are releasing it as an adult title.

  61. Aliette de Bodard Aliette de Bodard on 10.02.2009 at 14:34 (Reply)

    Yay!!!!! Entirely well-deserved.

  62. JustAnotherJohn JustAnotherJohn on 10.02.2009 at 14:39 (Reply)

    Congratulations! Hope to see it in stores soon!

  63. Brandon Schory Brandon Schory on 10.02.2009 at 14:39 (Reply)

    Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to pick up a copy!!

  64. Chang Chang on 10.02.2009 at 14:40 (Reply)

    FINALLY!!!

    Congratulations!

  65. Nora Nora on 10.02.2009 at 14:44 (Reply)

    There are all these people on the train and I’m surprised that they can’t tell that I’ve just SOLD A NOVEL because I’m glowing. Since it’s still in the offer stage, it’s a secret beyond telling a few friends and family but I want to turn to the man sitting next to me on the train and say, “Excuse me. You don’t know me, but I just found out that I’ve sold my first novel and I had to tell someone.” Heck, I want to tell EVERYBODY.

    I know the feeling. I found out about my sale at work, in the middle of a Very Serious Planning Retreat, and had to sit there ALL DAY with my Very Serious Director Face on, and say Very Serious Things about strategy and mission and blah blah blah, when all the while I wanted to turn cartwheels and gibber.

    But it’s such a great feeling, isn’t it? =) Savor the hell out of it. Congratulations!

  66. Marko Kloos Marko Kloos on 10.02.2009 at 14:45 (Reply)

    Congratulations! That’s a heaping stack of Awesome with a frosting made of Win.

  67. David Louis Edelman David Louis Edelman on 10.02.2009 at 14:45 (Reply)

    Congrats, congrats, congrats! A long time a-comin’, and I totally could not be more happy for you right now. Well, no, that’s not true. I’d be happier for you if you got a two-book deal, $300 million in gold bullion, and a lifetime supply of fried chicken. But short of that, couldn’t be happier.

    {Mmmm… fried chicken.)

  68. L. S. King L. S. King on 10.02.2009 at 14:47 (Reply)

    Congratulations!! Jane Austen with magic — I will be awaiting it eagerly!

  69. Alex D M Alex D M on 10.02.2009 at 14:52 (Reply)

    Congratulations!!

  70. Joe Iriarte Joe Iriarte on 10.02.2009 at 14:52 (Reply)

    Congratulations!!

  71. David Anthony Durham David Anthony Durham on 10.02.2009 at 14:55 (Reply)

    Mary,

    Awesome. Congrats. I’ll totally look forward to it!

    I’m actually teaching a class on Popular Fiction at Cal State right now. Last week I had them listen to Rampion. This week we’ll talk, and I’ll tell them to look for the novel (eventually)!

    Very pleased for you.

    -David.

  72. CTJen CTJen on 10.02.2009 at 14:56 (Reply)

    way cool. way, way cool. congratulations! I’m seething with jealousy. ;-)

  73. -e- -e- on 10.02.2009 at 14:56 (Reply)

    And now, finally, you can exhale and spread the glorious news far and wide! But WAIT, I want more details about this TWO book deal please…

    and, any chance I can get you to sign my copies?

    love and congratulations, you clever girl

  74. Kasey Mackenzie Kasey Mackenzie on 10.02.2009 at 14:58 (Reply)

    Oh, what wonderful news! And I have to laugh at the similarity to my own story–I found out that Jessica Wade at Penguin was offering on my first book on October 22, 2008–my own birthday! Of course, I also said best birthday ever! Congratulations!

  75. Elizabeth McCoy Elizabeth McCoy on 10.02.2009 at 14:58 (Reply)

    Congrats! And a sequel? Excellent!

  76. tchernabyelo tchernabyelo on 10.02.2009 at 15:05 (Reply)

    Awesome. Congratulations!

  77. Tom Keegan Tom Keegan on 10.02.2009 at 15:08 (Reply)

    I reserve the right to be the first to say I knew her when she was merely a talented puppeteer!!! Now she’s a soon-to-be-published novelist!!!

    CONGRATS!!!!

    1. -d- -d- on 10.02.2009 at 17:05 (Reply)

      You may reserve that right, but I changed her diaper.

  78. Jeff Soesbe (yeff) Jeff Soesbe (yeff) on 10.02.2009 at 15:09 (Reply)

    Congratulations! That’s awesome!

    - yeff

  79. John Chu John Chu on 10.02.2009 at 15:19 (Reply)

    That’s wonderful. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait for the novel to be published so I can read it.

  80. Mark Teppo Mark Teppo on 10.02.2009 at 15:20 (Reply)

    Hooray! [Cue:jumping up and down. Repeat.] Congratulations!

  81. Patricia Bray Patricia Bray on 10.02.2009 at 15:21 (Reply)

    Congratulations! I hope you’re still floating on cloud 9 and enjoying every minute.

  82. MikeB MikeB on 10.02.2009 at 15:22 (Reply)

    Just on the basis of what I have read of your work to date this one would have been on the “to buy” list immediately. The “Jane Austen with magic” is just a bonus! Congratulations.

  83. Todd Vandemark Todd Vandemark on 10.02.2009 at 15:27 (Reply)

    It aims to be the novel that Jane Austen would write if she lived in a world where magic actually worked. I would read a chapter of Persuasion and then write a chapter of this.

    Sounds wonderful! Congratulations!!!

  84. CJ CJ on 10.02.2009 at 15:28 (Reply)

    Wonderful news, and awesome timing! Congratulations! I can’t wait to read it.

  85. J F Lewis J F Lewis on 10.02.2009 at 15:29 (Reply)

    Gratz, Mary! This is fantastic news! :)

  86. Autumn Autumn on 10.02.2009 at 15:36 (Reply)

    I’m here via Whatever, and he’s right: best news within an unspecified period of time for me! I love Austen, and I love the magic-in-Regency concept, so I am already hopping up and down and wanting these books in my hands. Now, please. Nownownow.

    I have no idea how you sat on that news for a week without exploding. How sweet it must be to release it into the wild!

  87. Leah Bobet Leah Bobet on 10.02.2009 at 15:44 (Reply)

    Wheee! Congrats!

  88. Astaryth Astaryth on 10.02.2009 at 15:48 (Reply)

    Congratulations! That ROCKS! And how kind of Scalzi to out you to the whole restaurant… and now the rest of the internet. ;p

  89. Karen Wester Newton Karen Wester Newton on 10.02.2009 at 15:49 (Reply)

    To quote Dr. Who, FANTASTIC!

  90. Lynne Thomas Lynne Thomas on 10.02.2009 at 15:55 (Reply)

    This is fantastic!

    …now be sure to *save everything* involved in the process for archiving, ok?

  91. Krinn DNZ Krinn DNZ on 10.02.2009 at 16:01 (Reply)

    Hooray for you!

  92. J.D. Rhoades J.D. Rhoades on 10.02.2009 at 16:07 (Reply)

    Huzzah! It’s a great feeling, innit?

  93. htom htom on 10.02.2009 at 16:16 (Reply)

    An intriguing premise. Congratulations, now be careful not to burst into flame!

  94. Berry Berry on 10.02.2009 at 16:26 (Reply)

    Yay! Congratulations!

  95. Matthew Brown Matthew Brown on 10.02.2009 at 16:26 (Reply)

    Yay! Congratulations!

  96. Marie Brennan Marie Brennan on 10.02.2009 at 16:28 (Reply)

    That’s fabulous! The world needs more Jane Austen with magic.

  97. Jennifer Jennifer on 10.02.2009 at 16:50 (Reply)

    Congratulations! Sounds like an interesting twist–I’d like to read it!

  98. Steph Campisi Steph Campisi on 10.02.2009 at 16:57 (Reply)

    Wooooooo!

    Sounds great–can’t wait to read it! :)

  99. Claire Claire on 10.02.2009 at 17:03 (Reply)

    And to quote Dr Who again – Brilliant!
    Very many congratulations to you. I look forward to reading it.

  100. Misty Massey Misty Massey on 10.02.2009 at 17:12 (Reply)

    Congratulations! What wonderful news!

  101. yani yani on 10.02.2009 at 17:39 (Reply)

    Mary!!!! I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! I am getting teary just thinking about it. I just can’t help but to think of the big picture and how long you’ve been working towards this. What an honor to be picked up by Tor, I remember when you sold your first short story and how exciting THAT was! Milestones and Markers. Congratulations. Now we’ve all got to start reading your excerpts right away so we’re not the last bozos on the bus. XOXOXO So much love. Y

  102. Garrett Winn Garrett Winn on 10.02.2009 at 17:49 (Reply)

    Way to go! You’re awesome!

  103. Melissa Mead Melissa Mead on 10.02.2009 at 17:54 (Reply)

    That is fantastic! Congratulations!

  104. Ellen Kushner Ellen Kushner on 10.02.2009 at 17:57 (Reply)

    Congrats! I am just stupidly happy for you. Can’t wait to read it.

  105. Joe Sherry Joe Sherry on 10.02.2009 at 18:18 (Reply)

    Congrats, Mary!

  106. Chris Roberson Chris Roberson on 10.02.2009 at 18:21 (Reply)

    Awesome.

  107. Fathercrow Fathercrow on 10.02.2009 at 18:31 (Reply)

    Phoom-Zzott!!! There goes a rising star!

  108. Pat Esden Pat Esden on 10.02.2009 at 18:36 (Reply)

    Yay! Congratulations. I’m so thrilled for you.

    (and for me because I’ll finally get to read it)

  109. Ned Ned on 10.02.2009 at 19:04 (Reply)

    Congratulations, wonderful news!

  110. Bryan Beus Bryan Beus on 10.02.2009 at 19:18 (Reply)

    congrats! That’s awesome!

  111. Dan Goodman Dan Goodman on 10.02.2009 at 19:22 (Reply)

    Congratulations!

  112. momk momk on 10.02.2009 at 19:27 (Reply)

    Mary, your triumph and good news fills us with joy.
    Ho’omaika’i!

  113. suzanne suzanne on 10.02.2009 at 19:34 (Reply)

    congrats! That is great news!
    That is a wonderful birthday present.
    I’ll see you next month in Philly at the PSFS meeting.

  114. SMD SMD on 10.02.2009 at 19:40 (Reply)

    Con-freaking-grats! Great news indeed :) . Nothing more to say beyond that…and that…and that…oh you get the point.

  115. Jamie Jamie on 10.02.2009 at 19:43 (Reply)

    Jane Austen + magic = win.

    I can’t wait to read your novel!

  116. Evan Nichols Evan Nichols on 10.02.2009 at 20:19 (Reply)

    Woohoo! Congratulations! *throws confetti* That is amazing, wonderful news! I’m so very impressed that you could go so long without saying anything. I’ll still say it (because I haven’t yet, but it’s obviously true) Happy Birthday!

  117. Amal Amal on 10.02.2009 at 20:31 (Reply)

    EEEEEEEEEE! CONGRATULATIONS!

    I’m really looking forward to reading. Here’s hoping for fantastic cover art!

  118. Jeff S. Jeff S. on 10.02.2009 at 20:48 (Reply)

    Just wrap up all the prior comments with a big ribbon and then…
    whack it with a baseball bat like a pinata so it pours out all over again. Yippee!!!!

    Way to go MRK, I’m glad you’re getting the recognition your talent deserves and we get
    to have another source for good stuff to read. I’ve got to tell you that the things you read in San Francisco(wasn’t there, heard later at John’s place) were top drawer. way to go

  119. pamela Lloyd pamela Lloyd on 10.02.2009 at 20:56 (Reply)

    John Scalzi sent me to add to the congratulations. May this be only the first of many, many more. I love Shades of Milk and Honey as a title, btw; it’s so evocative.

  120. Rembrant Rembrant on 10.02.2009 at 20:57 (Reply)

    Congratulations from a Scalzi fan.

  121. Elaine M Brennan Elaine M Brennan on 10.02.2009 at 21:08 (Reply)

    What superb news! Congratulations to you, and to us, we who are going to get to read these books!

  122. Debbie Mumford Debbie Mumford on 10.02.2009 at 21:26 (Reply)

    Congratulations, Mary! That is such awesome news!!!

  123. Kelly Jones Kelly Jones on 10.02.2009 at 21:29 (Reply)

    Congrats – I’m excited to read it! Regency fantasies are my favorite!!

  124. viola black viola black on 10.02.2009 at 21:40 (Reply)

    oh, this rocks. came here from Scalzi’s site –
    and totally look forward to reading this! excellent, and congratulations!

  125. Brad Beaulieu Brad Beaulieu on 10.02.2009 at 21:46 (Reply)

    Awww. And I remember you when you were just a little bootcamper… How far you’ve come… ::sniffs::

    Well done, Mary. Be proud.

  126. Steve Buchheit Steve Buchheit on 10.02.2009 at 21:59 (Reply)

    Fran-friggin’-tastic. Congrats. And I say shout it out to the world on the train and bus.

    And mostly, loudly, to all those who asked, “Why would you want to write?” Call them up at 3 in the morning to tell them.

  127. Vy Vy on 10.02.2009 at 22:06 (Reply)

    Congratulations!

  128. C.C. Finlay C.C. Finlay on 10.02.2009 at 22:16 (Reply)

    YEAH! You think it’s good news for you, but it’s great news for us readers. Congratulations!

  129. Angela Slatter Angela Slatter on 10.02.2009 at 22:20 (Reply)

    Congratulations, lovely. x

  130. Gigi Gridley Gigi Gridley on 10.02.2009 at 22:21 (Reply)

    Huge, heartfelt congrats to you, Mary :)

  131. Nargel Nargel on 10.02.2009 at 22:38 (Reply)

    Caught the link at Whatever and very glad I did. Congrats on the great news and it’s a twofer at that. cue happy, happy, snoopy dance. ;)

  132. Sara Genge Sara Genge on 10.02.2009 at 22:57 (Reply)

    Congrats! You are so awesome. I wish you the best.

  133. Michael Curry Michael Curry on 10.02.2009 at 23:29 (Reply)

    Woohoo….congratulations again, Mary! I’m glad that Jenn got to call you during your lunch with Scalzi, and that he properly embarrassed you. Oh, and hurray for the second book getting added!

  134. Sarah Beth Durst Sarah Beth Durst on 11.02.2009 at 00:11 (Reply)

    YAY! Congratulations, Mary! Can’t wait to read it!

    Best wishes,
    Sarah

  135. Gennita Low Gennita Low on 11.02.2009 at 00:12 (Reply)

    Congratulations! THE CALL is always memorable, but as a birthday present? PRICELESS! Can’t wait to read the book, Mary.

  136. Christopher Parks Christopher Parks on 11.02.2009 at 00:36 (Reply)

    Yayyyy!!!!!!!!! Mary, it couldn’t happen to a nicer person. I know how long this has been a dream of yours, and it is so wonderful to see it realized. I can’t wait to read it. I hope you’ll write something nice in it when I come to the book signing.

    -Chris

  137. Rick Novy Rick Novy on 11.02.2009 at 00:36 (Reply)

    Congratulations. May it be the first of a great many.

  138. Ellen Asher Ellen Asher on 11.02.2009 at 01:43 (Reply)

    Just got the news through SFScope — many, many, many congratulations! I can’t wait to read the book.

  139. Jonathan Vos Post Jonathan Vos Post on 11.02.2009 at 02:54 (Reply)

    Congratulations! I look forward to buying it, reading it, lending it.

    By synchronicity, I was in between seeing my Department Chairman (Ph>d., Math) and my Division Chairman (M.D., Ph.D.) at the grad school where I’m getting a new teaching credential, and a clerk asked what was the best birthday present I’d ever gotten. “The one where I turned 100 and a magic spell made me young again,” I said, and she cracked up.

    See? You’re spreading joy through the sub-aether. Double congrats.

  140. Jeff C. Jeff C. on 11.02.2009 at 03:38 (Reply)

    Congratulations

  141. jen jen on 11.02.2009 at 03:58 (Reply)

    CONGRATULATIONS! I just saw it over on Jen’s site.

    What a great hopeful thing! I hope this is the first of many. :)

  142. Marjorie Marjorie on 11.02.2009 at 05:38 (Reply)

    Congratulations! What exciting news, and like many ofthe other postes, it sounds like a book I shall want to read when it comes out. Enjoy the excitement!

  143. Ken Ken on 11.02.2009 at 07:07 (Reply)

    I’m so delighted and proud! Way to go Mary. Way to go!

    :)

  144. Ralan Ralan on 11.02.2009 at 07:40 (Reply)

    Hearty congrats! You do deserve this, Mary. A wonderful writer and person. A great idea and totally you. And judging by all these comments you’ve sold your first 100 copies.

  145. Jen Jen on 11.02.2009 at 08:02 (Reply)

    Congratulations- what fantastic news! I can’t wait to read it :-)

  146. MarkHB MarkHB on 11.02.2009 at 08:34 (Reply)

    Wahey! Congratumalations, MRK!

  147. Tyhitia Tyhitia on 11.02.2009 at 10:45 (Reply)

    ongratulations, Mary!! :-) I can’t wait to feel that excitement. Wonderful…

  148. Lawrence Schimel Lawrence Schimel on 11.02.2009 at 11:05 (Reply)

    Mazel tov!

  149. Gretchen Gretchen on 11.02.2009 at 12:51 (Reply)

    In a weird twist of parallel birthday fate, my agent informed me yesterday (which was my birthday as well) that my novel is going on submission this week! Congratulations on your sale. I hope the publishing gods are as kind to me!

  150. Rod Santos Rod Santos on 11.02.2009 at 13:54 (Reply)

    Here, have one more drop in the sea of Congratulations! :D

    So when’s the first book coming out? Tomorrow?? ;D

  151. Dave Hall Dave Hall on 11.02.2009 at 14:59 (Reply)

    Scalzi seems pretty proud of you. And despite the bacon fixation, he seems pretty normal. So if he approves, you must be darned good.

    I am looking forward to seeing your new book on the shelves of my local Indie Bookstore.

    Congratulations on the two book deal!

  152. ScottM ScottM on 11.02.2009 at 18:09 (Reply)

    Congratulations! I look forward to reading more from you (though I have to admit that Austen’s not the strongest pitch for me…)

  153. Joe Iriarte Joe Iriarte on 11.02.2009 at 18:13 (Reply)

    This made me think of your novel:

    http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510XXFxXXGL._SS500_.jpg

    (Note: It’s a real book.)

  154. Kelson Kelson on 11.02.2009 at 20:32 (Reply)

    Hooray! Many Congrats.

  155. Suzanne Suzanne on 12.02.2009 at 01:42 (Reply)

    It was only a matter of time!

    YAY!!!

    I’ll be at the head of the long line of folks waiting to buy it!

  156. Aunia Kahn Aunia Kahn on 12.02.2009 at 10:17 (Reply)

    That is amazing news to hear. I am very proud of you. Many more wonderful successful adventures to come. Much Light, AK.

  157. jenny gardiner jenny gardiner on 12.02.2009 at 10:52 (Reply)

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! One of the best feelings in the world, isn’t it, to find out that you’ve sold?!! Especially in this crazy market. I was incommunicado in Costa Rica two weeks ago when an urgent CALL ME!!! email downloaded on my phone as we drove through a fleeting wifi hotspot area. Then I was incommunicado for another 3 hours before I could find a place to email, then call her to learn the great news! Enjoy the afterglow ;-)

  158. Chris Chris on 12.02.2009 at 12:50 (Reply)

    Congratulations! I can feel your glow coming through the screen…or maybe there’s something wrong with my monitor. Either way, congratulations!

  159. Monica of the Masks Monica of the Masks on 12.02.2009 at 14:10 (Reply)

    Congratulations Mary! That is just brilliantly fantastic!

  160. John Charny John Charny on 12.02.2009 at 18:02 (Reply)

    Go girl go. You have worked hard for it. Yea!

  161. Jason Erik Lundberg Jason Erik Lundberg on 14.02.2009 at 00:26 (Reply)

    Brilliant! This is fantastic news, Mary. Big big congratulations. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.

  162. john simpson john simpson on 14.02.2009 at 09:00 (Reply)

    Well done!Well deserved.Since I first came across your work(Evil Robot Monkey)and sent my first and only fan e-mail the quality of your writing has stood out.Now comes the recognition.Onward and upward! J.S.

  163. ND ND on 14.02.2009 at 21:48 (Reply)

    Congratulations! I read & enjoyed yr online version, and look forward very much to getting the analog version when it hits bookstores.

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 14.02.2009 at 22:49 (Reply)

      Thanks! And the version you read was the raw draft, posted as I wrote it. The final will include some scenes that you’ve not seen. Whee!

  164. Michele Lee Michele Lee on 16.02.2009 at 18:51 (Reply)

    OMG there is not a YAY big enough!! I’m sorry I didn’t get here earlier, but Congratulations!!! Heck yeah! I can’t wait to buy it!!!Eleventy!!!

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 16.02.2009 at 19:19 (Reply)

      Thank you!

  165. fly fly on 22.02.2009 at 01:50 (Reply)

    Congratulations for getting published! We need more NaNo novels to hit store shelves! And two books at that.

    I may very well need a bigger bookshelf!

    1. Mary Robinette Kowal Mary Robinette Kowal on 22.02.2009 at 18:17 (Reply)

      Thank you! More people need to finish and edit their NaNos.

      1. fly fly on 23.02.2009 at 03:04 (Reply)

        My nanos both need so much work, they actually need rewrites.
        I’m tackling at least one of them during edmo, maybe both.

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