Paranormal Bonds by Julie Catherine Book Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway {Ends 6/23}

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Getting Published

With my very first novel, I applied to a prestigious writing contest in England, put on by the editors who discovered Harry Potter. It was kind of a lark, so I was pleasantly surprised when I made the long list (20 selections) and down-right shocked when I was selected for the short list (top five!). They planned a big, fancy luncheon for the short list contenders and various industry experts like editors, agents, publishers etc.

It was in England, and I was not in England, but my husband was super supportive and told me we should go! We took the time off work, booked our flights and jet set to London to have a cute mini trip and attend the celebration.

Everything was amazing!

London is such a cool place. The other authors on the short list and I met up to connect. Meeting other authors in the same position as me was super helpful, and really calmed my nerves. I hope I did the same for them. After a coffee together, we all went on to the luncheon.

There was press and photo ops, and I glad-handed a lot of people. It was all such a blur. They sat the finalists at the head table and we ate a delicious meal, although I could barely stomach any, I was so nervous. And then… before dessert was served, the big reveal.

The head honcho from the company stood up and addressed the room, he put together lovely, flowery reviews of the authors and their stories, and all the things he loved about their books. He told us about the first author, and the second, and the third author, and I waited to hear about mine. He told us about the fourth author, and my ears burned.

Oh my gosh, he was saving me for last. That was big!

This was the first time I’d been reviewed by anybody, let alone this huge industry name! He finished with author number four and I held my breath.

What would he say?

He said: “And, well, that’s everybody!”

And grinned at the collective he’d gathered that day. He forgot that was only four of the five. He forgot he hadn’t even mentioned my book. He forgot that I was there.

And I was sitting beside him.

So, you might have guessed, I didn’t win. But I kept writing anyway!