While looking for ways of writing query letters and landing agents (I am still far from that stage but curiosity won over), I stumbled upon success stories in different blogs and forums.
Why did a smile appear on my face when I read what others achieved?
It gave me hope. It is those stories of people who landed an agent, who published their first novels which make me believe that I can do the same.
As my story continues to unravel at my fingertips, there are moments where I doubt that anybody except my unwilling husband, one my best friends and maybe my mom will actually read my work. Not a lot of people actually know that I write so it limits the possible immediate audience. I am not ashamed of it, I am a bit shy and it is a tad difficult to discuss my YA paranormal novel in a meeting…
Sometimes, it reassures me. After all, who is not afraid of failures? But at other times, I wish that others could learn to know Laura and her story as much as I, that some may enjoy travelling back in time to witch hunts in France and in New England and feel her uncertainties, her desires…
I do not know the people I came across, I do not know their work but I still did the happy dance for them.
http://www.meganshepherd.com/news/?currentPage=3
http://lisachickos.blogspot.com/2011/10/movable-type-management-my-other-new.html
http://peggyeddleman.blogspot.com/2011/10/quotes-and-cookies-agent-announcement.html
http://christinenorris.livejournal.com/284455.html
There are more out there…Not all will become the next JK Rowling but they have made it, they finished their novel, they landed an agent…
I know it is not the end of the work, not for them and not for me. However, it is a step towards the realization of a dream and this makes me happy.
So if some of my readers also have happy news, don´t hesitate to share 🙂
Elodie Nowodazkij 
Hearing others’ success stories totally inspires me, too! I figure that if they can make it, so can I. It’s an awesome feeling that someday other people will get to know the characters you know so well.
Thanks for linking to my exciting news! It’s been a long time coming. Still a lot of steps to go before others will know my characters, but you’re right– the successes of others helps me know that someday I’ll get there.
Happiness is contagious 🙂 Thanks for commenting (and by the way: beautiful cookies!)
Wow, I just saw your blog post. It put a smile on MY face that my news put a smile on YOUR face! Hopefully, we’ll all be reading about your good agent or publisher news too, soon.
Thanks 🙂 After reading more of your blog, I cannot wait to discover “The Madman´s daughter”…
Oh my gosh, just saw your shout-out! Thank you so much for sharing the news of my agent on your blog… I honestly didn’t think it was going to happen for me, so I am proof that crazy things actually do come true! Best of luck with your submissions…. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you! 🙂