New York, New York!

All She Wrote Notes

The last time I walked past Penguin publishing was five years ago. I happened to be staying with a friend in Soho, and, while she was showing me around her fabulous neighborhood, we walked by it. I remember thinking something like, “Oh, that’s cool. That’s where the books with the little Penguins on them come from!” But I never thought I’d actually write one of those books myself. In fact, then, I didn’t have any idea about five big publishing houses and imprints within them, and I’m pretty sure I’d never even heard the term “literary agent.” Or known that an “editor” was actually someone who acquired books, not just shined them up.

I was in finance then. And I loved it. It was fun and rewarding and I got wear gorgeous shoes every day. (Because, let’s face it, that’s what really matters.) I didn’t necessarily see myself doing that as a life-long career. But I certainly didn’t have writing Dear Carolina on my mind.

So it kind of shocks me when I think that now, only five years later, I’m going to get to walk by that building again. Only, this time, they’ll let me in. It’s a moment I used to lie in bed at night and dream about. Getting to go to my New York publisher’s office. Of course, then, I didn’t know if it would ever happen. I was always in some great coat in my head, which is consistent since it’s going to be about eighteen degrees.

Considering that it was 76 here yesterday, that will be a shock. It won’t be gorgeous, but, all the same, I’m fairly happy that Will insisted on getting me that Patagonia parka.

(And don’t worry. I’ll wear great shoes.)

Starting off 2015 with a big dream-come-true moment feels pretty special. So I wanted to share it all with you. And tell you that I hope your 2015 is getting off to a running start too. I think it’s going to be a very good year!