Monday, October 13, 2008

Climbing the Ladder...


In our writing profession, we have landmarks--moments, achievements or events that seem to elevate us up a rung. Some of these are quite notable (awards, book reviews, sales) and some personal and quiet (fan mail, nods and favors from peers and superiors).

Along this line, I am always particularly tickled whenever I see my name in the acknowledgement of a friend’s book, whether it stands alone or as part of a group (such as the Buzz Girls). It’s so fulfilling to know that I helped someone along on their writer’s journey, even just a little bit.

This week I hit a new landmark. On the back cover of my critique partner, Kelly Parra’s (fabulous) new release, Invisible Touch is an endorsement quote from yours truly:

“Readers are going to delight in this fast-paced, gripping story, and be kept spellbound until its surprising finish,” Tina Ferraro, author of How to Hook a Hottie.

I am thrilled that MTV Books not only liked my quote (I’m not a natural born reviewer, so finding what I want to say and how to say it is sometimes a challenge for me) but that they think that my name and my reputation might possibly help Kelly’s sales. It is an incredible honor to be attached to this terrific book!


So share with us...have you had any recent landmarks in your career? Anything that either made you feel proud or that you’d stepped up a rung on the ladder?

What I’m Re-Reading: Invisible Touch, Kelly Parra

Tina

Tina Ferraro
The ABC’s of Kissing Boys - January 13, 2009
How to Hook a Hottie - Out Now, Book Sense Top Teen Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Out Now
www.tinaferraro.com

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I was proud to have been acknowledged in your book, Tina! And on a personal level, every time I write something that I don't want to "delete" the next morning, I feel good.

Janie

TinaFerraro said...

"every time I write something that I don't want to delete the next morning, I feel good."

Bravo, Janie! I feel the same way. What a thrill to re-read yesterday's words and feel good about them.

Marley Gibson said...

Congrats Tina, to both you and Kelly!!! Whoohooo!!! = )

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

Tina, I was so excited to learn your quote would be on the back copy of Touch!!

And I even kept it as a surprise to Tina for a bit until I could email her the cover with her name. haha!

I definitely understand about "climbing the ladder" when you're a writer. Any small accomplishment pushes us forward, even when we're discouraged we step down, but hopefully keep going up. :) :)

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

Thanks, Marley!!

Wendy Toliver said...

I agree it's a great feeling to be thanked in an author's book (and yay for Kelly's!), but I just had something happen on the other side of the coin. I had to cut my acknowledgments short so it would fit in a certain amount of space, so some of the names ended up being grouped together. I know there's no way of naming each and every person who's influenced you or your book (it would be a novel itself!) but how I wish I could! BTW, good job on your quote, Tina.

TinaFerraro said...

Thanks, Marley!

And yes, Kelly, any move forward, no matter how small, is meaningful in our business.

Wendy, sorry your acknowledgements got caught short. But a bright side? You can let people think they WOULD have been in there, if space permitted. ;)

The Golfing Librarian said...

What? There's a ladder?!?! ;-)

I nearly got a Library Director gig. Always a bridesmaid...

stephhale said...

Congrats on the quote, Tina! How exciting. I can't wait to grab myself a copy of Invisible Touch. :)

Heather Davis said...

Congrats on the quote, Tina! That's so rad. And yay to Kelly, too!

As far as milestones, how about teaching a workshop this last weekend with Dona at my hometown writer's conference! I was so glad people came to hear us speak about YA...

Authorness said...

How cool to be quoted on Kelly's book! It's definitely a step up. The currency exchange rate is also heading up, so I'm getting 'Invisible Touch' on my next Amazon shopping trip.

Three of my lovely friends have acknowledged me in their books in the past year. Don't I feel special! I can't wait to return the favour.

Recent landmarks? Hmm... I just finished rewriting a book. At first it really hurt to trash whole chapters, but I finally realised the changes were for the best. Fingers crossed.

Vanessa