It’s true!
I’m thrilled and humbled to announce that my middle grade manuscript, THE CRIMSON FIVE: Spin the Golden Light Bulb, has been acquired by Dayna Anderson at Amberjack Publishing and is set to be released in 2018!
And even better, Amberjack has acquired the sequel also.
I’m in a state of shock… A Two-Book Deal!!
I’m so honored to be working with the amazing people at Amberjack and thankful to them for taking a chance on me, a debut author with a larger than life dream and an over-the-top middle grade story. All I’ve ever wanted was to see this story published, to inspire children—to show them that no dream is too big, no idea is too small, and all ideas are worth pursuing—they just need the courage to try!
THE CRIMSON FIVE: Spin the Golden Light Bulb is the story of five eleven year-olds on an adventure almost to good to be true… kind of like all this right now.
I read recently that it takes the average writer 10 years to traditionally publish their first book. 10 years! If I had known that statistic when I began writing my first middle grade manuscript, back in January 2007, it might have discouraged me. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that patience is a virtue and perseverance is everything. For me, 10 years have flown by in a flash—I guess time does fly when you’re busy writing and dreaming, and writing and hoping, and writing and wishing for your dream to come true. 🙂
I began writing this manuscript (my third) in 2012 and for three years after that I revised to make it as strong, sparkly, and polished as possible. I’m so thankful to my agent, Rebecca Angus of Golden Wheat Literary for seeing potential in this story and for her endless work on my behalf over the last year. My book baby wouldn’t have this amazing opportunity to be born if it wasn’t for her. So thank you, Rebecca. You inspire me every day.
I know this is not the acknowledgment page of the book, but I can’t share my exciting news with all of you without giving a shoutout to my family. My husband, Jim has been by my side through my whole writing journey, supporting and believing in me like no one else. My son, Adam has read every single word of every single revised version of this manuscript over the last four years. This story is as much a part of him as it is of me. And every writer needs a cheerleader too. A believer. A wisher. For me, that person is my daughter, Danielle. No one wishes on my behalf like she does!
To my mom and dad, and to my mother-in-law and father-in-law: You all said I could do this. Thank you for believing that and making me believe it too.
I want to give a shout out also to my critique partners who made this book what it is so far. Beth Hautala, Mel Mercado, Glenn McCarty, and JD Burns…you are gems. Thank you for giving so much of yourselves to me and to this story.
And…to the 5 real life eleven year-olds (who are now 16 & 17 years old!) —Kara, Adam, Meg, Jake, and Julia (my young Odyssey of the Mind 2011 team), the force behind the plot… my Crimson Five Rock Stars: Your over the top ideas, creativity, and teamwork inspired me in ways I cannot express. I had no choice but to write this book!
So guys, thanks for reading about my news and for cheering me on through the years. You know I’m doing the same for all of you. If you keep at it, and keep improving your craft, this publishing thing can happen. You just have to want it bad enough.
In a future post I’ll talk about how the offer and deal came together. Well, as much as I can anyway. I’ve always been interested in that sort of thing and I’m guessing some of you are too. For now I will tell you that the offer came on a day that I least expected it, a simple message from Rebecca that spun my ordinary day, and the weeks that followed, into a frenzy!
Before I write that post though, I’m going to float around in this dreamland I’ve fallen into and keep smiling, grinning, and squealing. I can’t help it. I mean, what else do you do when your dream is about to come true and your fairy tale ending is just over a year away?
Oh right, you keep writing and you keep revising. So I guess that’s what else I’ll do. 🙂
Jackie ❤
Soon to be Published Author!!
They say that good things take time
But really great things happen in the blink of an eye.
-Hannah Montana
swirl and spark 
Oh my gosh, Aunt Jackie. I’d say I can’t believe it, but the truth is: I can! From the first day ten years ago to now and forever, you have been working so hard for this. I’m so proud of you. You really, really deserve this. I’m so grateful for your constant support and your successes are always keeping me motivated, whatever lies ahead. I’m so excited to see where the sequel takes us, but firstly, excited to buy my copy of The Crimson Five!
A billion congrats Jackie!!!
Thank you so much Rita!
I’m that cheerleader!! I couldn’t be more proud of you mom!! You’ve shown me how important it is to dream big & that dreams do come true. Congratulations mama, you did it😊
Thank you so very much Sweetie. I think maybe we’ve inspired each other. If anyone knows how to set big goals and work hard until you achieve them, it’s you. Thank you for being the believer in the impossible right along with me! xoxo
A two book deal!
…A TWO BOOK DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I’m still dancing for you, my wonderful friend! Enjoy this! Every single second! You so deserve it!!!
I loved being part of this journey with you! And now, I can’t wait for the world to read this amazing story!! BOTH of these stories!! (-:
YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! YOU DID IT, JACKIE!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
*blubbers in all the happy!*
Oh my gosh Mel!!!! You had to go and make me cry too! I don’t know what else to say to you that I haven’t already said. You’re my writing soul sister and I’m so happy to have you to share this with. It wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without you!! I’m blubbering in all the happy right now too!! From the bottom of my heart…thank you so so so so much!
Well done!! Congrats! Being there to see the highs and lows, the heartbreaks and jubilation, has been inspiring. I’m sure every published author has their own story, and I’m sure they are all inspiring. Seeing this one unfold from back stage has been motivational for me too. They say a picture is worth 1000 words. I’m not sure there are enough pictures to show (don’t tell 😉) the journey you’ve been on with your writing. Your writing is no longer a hobby. It’s your profession. Welcome to the club.
“If you want it bad enough, dreams do come true, so follow your dreams.” – Chris Cole.
Thank you, James, so very much! You had to make me cry didn’t you?? And you even used a writing reference (show don’t tell)! How did I ever get so lucky? I especially love the movie quote too. It’s perfect!
Congratulations Jackie!!!! It is a long journey, but you made it. So happy for you. I was wondering since I saw a note on Twitter from Rebecca a month or two ago about big news. It is inspiring for me every time someone gets an agent, or a manuscript accepted, or a book printed. One of these days I plan to join you taking these steps. Can’t wait to read it next year.
Thanks Jim! It’s been hard to keep this a secret all of these weeks! Not long ago (like even last week) I had read every “I got an agent story,” or “I got a book deal story” and was so inspired by them too. If you keep at it, your book will be everything you hope it will be…and more! I hope to read yours one day too!!
Congrats!! You deserve this!!
Thanks Jordan! You have believed in me and my writing since you were in 4th grade! That’s like forever. Finally, you’ll be able to see this book in print…even if you have aged out of middle grade books! Thank you so much for being so supportive all of these years!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Thank you so much:)