Festival Congratulations
48 hours after the festival, and we have our first piece of
stunningly wonderful news.
DAVID HEADLEY IS OFFERING REPRESENTATION TO SEAN WALSH for his self-illustrated children's fantasy novel.
David Headley doesn't even represent kids' authors, or fantasy, but he was so blown away he had to get his mitts on this. Massive well dones to Sean. Massive well dones to David too, for being such an approachable, positive, and hard-working guy all weekend.
But also huge, fat, massive well dones to DEBI ALPER, who has done loads of editorial work with Sean over the past year and whose help has surely been one of the things that has made the difference here. Also - and how's this for personal, ultra-committed, WW-ish service - she made a point of seeking out David to tell him how much she rated Sean's work and how he should take particular care to look at it. Given that DH was not positively inclined towards kids' fantasy in the first place, then that little extra touch might have made all the difference.
Anyway, huge, fat, monster well dones to all concerned. And my goodness, I don't think those will be the first well dones either ...
DAVID HEADLEY IS OFFERING REPRESENTATION TO SEAN WALSH for his self-illustrated children's fantasy novel.
David Headley doesn't even represent kids' authors, or fantasy, but he was so blown away he had to get his mitts on this. Massive well dones to Sean. Massive well dones to David too, for being such an approachable, positive, and hard-working guy all weekend.
But also huge, fat, massive well dones to DEBI ALPER, who has done loads of editorial work with Sean over the past year and whose help has surely been one of the things that has made the difference here. Also - and how's this for personal, ultra-committed, WW-ish service - she made a point of seeking out David to tell him how much she rated Sean's work and how he should take particular care to look at it. Given that DH was not positively inclined towards kids' fantasy in the first place, then that little extra touch might have made all the difference.
Anyway, huge, fat, monster well dones to all concerned. And my goodness, I don't think those will be the first well dones either ...
Comments
Subscribe
Visitor counter
Blog Roll Centre
Blog Hints
29 Comments
Sean deserves this, believe me. He has a prodigious talent, but, boy, did he lack self-belief. One of the things I have had to do with him over this last year (I first met him at York 2010 in a Book Doctor session) is constantly tell him to keep going and not give up on his creation.
And he did. And just look at what's happened!
Now, as Harry says, we're waiting to hear more positive news like this from some of the other wonderful talented authors we met. Writers rock!
Ding ding. Next please.
This is the type of positive news that we writers need after a hard three days at the Festival! I think some people have been a little worried, unhappy and even thinking of giving it all up but as Debi said, Sean was at the Festival last year and has worked very hard to get his MS polished and ready.
This should be a lesson to us all. Keep at it, work hard and the rewards will come.
Well done Sean, David and Debi!
Keep the words coming, people!
xxx
Last year was great, and I cannot speak highly enough of Debi and her help since. This Festival may well have been the last throw of the dice for me as it is seven years since 'Peripherealm' was conceived.
But, instead of putting my MS to bed I now seem to be entering the next extremely exciting chapter! Debi was instrumental in this and deserves all the thanks I can offer. I can only recommend to anyone needing a bit of editorial advice and a whole lot of positvity about their work, gets in contact with Debi. She just won't allow you to doubt yourself if your work has merit....and i'm sure it has.
David has been great so far and I look forward to working with him as my agreement is signed and he sets about getting my MS ready for the editors. Thanks for being brave enough to take a punt on this aging yorkshire debut novelist.
Also thanks to Harry and the team, especially the ladies at the desk in the 1to1 hall, you were stars. Haven't felt so good about myself and my work since....I can't remember when!
My advice, for what it's worth, enjoy your writing and don't let anyone tell you you won't succeed. If I can then you most certainly can.
All the best to all of you with quills poised at the ready.....and I hope you see my book on the shelves some time soon.
xxx
So now I get to say what I've looked forward to saying for a year: I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!
Simply brilliant.
Huge congratulations all round.
The Festie was perfect for him, because he really is the 'whole package'. Though he's far too self-deprecating, his quiet passion for the world he's created, together with his words and awesome illustrations just wouldn't come over in the same way in a slushpile submission.
The agreement has arrived and will be signed, sealed and delivered by the end of the week. Thanks for sticking with your gut instinct David.
Still trying to make sense of this. Maybe the stars were aligned, maybe I'd not walked on the cracks in the pavement, maybe I was due a break. All I can say to anyone needing a fillip is, just keep writing because you enjoy it and who knows who'll want to join you on your journey?
And Debi......just go easy on the writer you're working with at the moment, it sounds as though you might just be earning yourself a reputation!
So ... when are you going to start on the next book?
*ducks back below the parapet*
Sandra Norvall has also been a brick, and is publishing an article on my Festival experience on Fantasy Faction, titled-'A moment of Magic-introducing Sean Walsh.'
All still very exciting and I feel I'm really beginning to learn the writer's trade in more depth. Before I was just braying six inch nails into wood with a hammer, now I've been shown how to use a plane and spirit level. The results are hopefully far more polished and will lead to the next level.
Time will tell!
Click here to sign up now.