Comments on: My First Sale by Jennifer Donnelly, Just Keep Writing

By: Deborah Friend

Deborah Friend — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:53:30 +0000

For many years I’ve had people tell me I needed to write a book. I’ve heard a small voice in my head tell me to: ” pick up a pen and start writting”, my head says, you don’t know what you’re doing. Any insight?

By: Patricia Fry

Patricia Fry — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:27:33 +0000

Great story. I hope that other hopeful authors will keep hoping and keep writing, as you did. But let’s not forget to do our part as published authors–show them the way.

Publishing is not an extension of your writing, folks. In order to succeed, except in rare cases, you really must understand something about the publishing business, how it works, what your options are, the consequences of your decisions and your responsibility as a published author.

By: Sunday Paper: Novel Things to Read « 2008: Year of the Books

Sunday Paper: Novel Things to Read « 2008: Year of the Books — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:27:25 +0000

[...] My First Sale, Jennifer Donnelly [...]

By: Jennifer Donnelly

Jennifer Donnelly — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:17:54 +0000

Shucks, you guys! Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my post! I’m glad to know that it gave some inspiration to you.

Maggie — ANL was marketed as YA, but I’m happy to say that it has become a total crossover book. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Jayne — that’s the line that I want most want aspiring writers to remember. Don’t be the one to tell yourself NO. The world is full of people ready and willing to do it. Don’t do it to yourself.

Gini — thanks very much for your good wishes! And yes, that’s it exactly w/the title change. ANL is AGL in the UK to avoid confusion with Pullman’s book Northern Lights, which it the Golden Compass in the US.

Thank you all again for your very kind words about my work. They’re a total shot in the arm as I sit down to do battle with a new YA novel!

With best wishes,

Jennifer

By: Anna

Anna — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:28:11 +0000

Loved this story. Two parts inspirational, one part depressing and all parts are well-written. Fabulous.

By: Brie

Brie — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:44:26 +0000

Awesome first sale story! I’m really looking forward to reading The Winter Rose. It’s not in any of my local book stores yet but as soon as it is I’m getting it.

By: Maya

Maya — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:52:06 +0000

great story – beautiful cover!

By: Edie Ramer

Edie Ramer — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:40:14 +0000

Thanks for sharing your inspirational story. After reading this, I’m looking forward to reading your book.

By: Sarah McCarty

Sarah McCarty — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:45:36 +0000

I’m so glad you kept writing, Jennifer. I absolutely LOVED The Tea Rose (can I say loved again?) and can’t wait to get The Winter Rose.

By: azteclady

azteclady — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:40:29 +0000

That’s beautiful, Ms Donnelly!

And, as Jayne says, everyone who wants to write should remember your words.

By: Shiloh Walker

Shiloh Walker — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:04:39 +0000

(A bottle of Prozac would have helped, too.)

Man… ain’t that the truth…

Loved the post.

By: Patrice Michelle

Patrice Michelle — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:29:16 +0000

This was beautifully written and inspiring in many ways. Thanks for sharing your story.

By: Ciar Cullen

Ciar Cullen — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:27:19 +0000

What a wonderful post. I am going to buy your work today, as a thank-you for the inspiration.

By: Jennifer McKenzie

Jennifer McKenzie — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:09:22 +0000

Now THAT is inspirational. What an awesome post.

By: vanessa jaye

vanessa jaye — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:59:30 +0000

If this lovely, lyrical post is any indication of your writing, then I’m going out to buy your books today. What a wonderful ‘first sale’ story.

By: Tumperkin

Tumperkin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:38:38 +0000

I love these posts and this is one of the best. Inspirational.

By: Gini

Gini — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:11:05 +0000

What a lovely post. I was confused for a bit because A Northern Light was published as A Gathering Light in the U.K. I thought the book was fantastic and your post is just a taste of the writing talent in your book for anyone who hasn’t read it yet. I didn’t know it was YA. It certainly didn’t read like one, and was in general fiction in the UK bookshop I bought it from, the cover doesn’t look YA either although I much prefer the cover of A Northern Light.
I wonder if it was given a different name in the UK so it wasn’t confused with Northern Lights Vol 1 of His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman which is The Golden Compass in the US?
Well, I’m greatful you never gave up with the writing and wish you every success in the future.

By: Jayne

Jayne — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:46:26 +0000

I knew that nothing and no one could guarantee I'd ever get published, but I myself would guarantee that I didn't if I stopped.

I think all aspiring authors need to remember this.

By: Janine

Janine — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:44:36 +0000

Wonderful first sale story. Thanks so much for sharing it!

By: Maggie Robinson

Maggie Robinson — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:23:39 +0000

Gosh, even this “call” blog is lyrical. Ms. Donnelly, I have only read A Northern Light (I moderate a teen girls’ reading group in my high school library) and I thought it was simply stunning. I know it’s marketed as YA, but I’m well past the age of sixteen and thought it was truly one of the most beautiful and compelling books I’ve ever read. I look forward to reading your other work.