Caroline Starr Rose

picture book and middle-grade author

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What a Difference a Year Makes!

20 Comments

I started blogging September 2, 2009 and thought it would be fun to re-run my first post today. 

I quit teaching in May. There you have it.
With eleven years of writing under my belt and ten picture book, middle-grade, YA manuscripts circulating out there in the world, I’ve saved one year of pay and am jumping into writing full-time. Nothing has sold. No one has signed me. Am I crazy?
Maybe, but I’m really excited, too.
 
Last September, I had no idea the year would bring an agent and a book sale, but I knew it was time to step out of the classroom, focus on my writing, and get more consistent about feeding my family regularly (!). It was risky and so worth it.
Next September, MAY B. will be an honest-to-goodness, real book.
Thanks to all my readers, old and new, for cheering me on along the way and adding to the conversation around here.
Here’s to the years ahead!
Losing Faith
Don’t forget to stop by Sunday, September 5 for Denise Jaden’s LOSING FAITH blog tour and giveaway.

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Filed Under: May B., publication, the writing life

Comments

  1. Jade says

    September 3, 2010 at 9:48 am

    Happy anniversary!
    I actually remember thinking how brave you were.

    And it was definitely worth it. I’m looking forward to many more years of blogging fun with you!!

    Reply
  2. salarsenッ says

    September 3, 2010 at 10:53 am

    Your anniversary already??? You do a wonderful job. so happy it’s all working out for you.

    Reply
  3. Adventures in Children's Publishing says

    September 3, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Congrats on the milestone! And as for being brave and putting yourself full-time into writing, we are so proud of you (and mildly jealous). We wish you all the best. And no, you’re not crazy. We’re rooting for you!

    Reply
  4. Tabitha Bird says

    September 3, 2010 at 11:15 am

    I remember that post! I thought to myself “Good for her!” I am so glad the year went well. and all the best with your book. I was praying for May.B to sell 🙂 An dI was over the moon when it did. I hope next year is even better for you.

    Reply
  5. Andrea Mack says

    September 3, 2010 at 11:48 am

    Caroline, congratulations on a succesful year — here’s to many more to come!

    Reply
  6. Natalie Aguirre says

    September 3, 2010 at 11:54 am

    Happy Anniversary. Wow you’ve had an amazing year. And you even forgot to mention your big move. Hope the next year is just as awesome.

    Reply
  7. Caroline Starr Rose says

    September 3, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Thank you, everyone! This really means a lot.

    Reply
  8. Andrea Cremer says

    September 3, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Hooray! Wishing you another wonderful year ahead 😉

    Reply
  9. Jill of The O.W.L. says

    September 3, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    Congrats on it all! As teacher (aspiring author) going back to work on Tuesday I can’t tell you how jealous I am! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Jill says

    September 3, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    It’s amazing what can happen in a year. It brings me hope when I think of it.

    Congrats! And here’s to another great year!

    Reply
  11. Melissa says

    September 3, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    Wow, you’ve had an amazing year! I hope the next one brings even more success:)

    Reply
  12. SWK says

    September 3, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    Amazing, lovely post and many congratulations! Have a great weekend. – Stasia

    Reply
  13. Shannon O'Donnell says

    September 3, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Woo-hoo! You made the right choice and we couldn’t be happier for you. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Valerie Geary says

    September 3, 2010 at 6:21 pm

    Wowzer! Happy blog-o-versary!! I must say, I’m very impressed with the year you’ve had! 🙂 May many more wonderful years follow!

    Reply
  15. Christine Fonseca says

    September 3, 2010 at 6:55 pm

    So awesome that you took that leap of faith. Something that is the hardest part! Can’t wait to see what’s next.

    Reply
  16. Rosslyn Elliott says

    September 3, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    I remember admiring your courage and then being blown away when you beat the odds and sold a book so rapidly. 🙂

    Reply
  17. A.L. Sonnichsen says

    September 3, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    Yay, Caroline! Look at you now!! 🙂 I’m so happy for you. And look how the boys have grown since you’ve started feeding them regularly! Just kidding. *wink*

    Amy

    Reply
  18. Karen Strong says

    September 3, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    I love reading blogs like this to show how far a writer has come.

    Kudos for you for going for your dream and persevering.

    Very inspiring.

    Reply
  19. Caroline Starr Rose says

    September 3, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply
  20. Amanda Hosch says

    September 5, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    Congratulations on your first (of many) anniversary. Your leap of faith is very inspiring.

    Reply

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