Friday, May 21, 2010

Story of a Girl

December 2007: Girl is about to turn thirty. That's right. The big 3-0.

Girl decides to write about the first three decades of her life.

Girl likes this writing thing.

Girl writes, girl writes, girl writes. A whole book, she writes.

Girl researches, girl researches, girl researches.

Girl queries, girl queries, girl queries.

Girl waits, girl waits, girl waits.

Girl discovers blogging.

Girl blogs, girl blogs, girl blogs.

Girl queries, girl writes, girl waits.

Girl blogs. Girl shelves first failed novel.

February 2009: Girl enters ABNA 2009 with a new novel. Makes it to the quarter-finals.

Girl screams. Girl celebrates. Girl finds much needed confidence.

Girl rewrites, girl rewrites, girl rewrites.

Girl queries new novel.

Girl waits.

Girl blogs.

Girl revises, girl revises, girl revises.

Girl queries.

Girl waits.

November 2009: Girl signs with the amazing Michelle Andelman at Lynn C. Franklin.

Girl screams. Girl celebrates. Girl finds much needed confidence.

Girl writes.

Girl blogs.

Girl rewrites another novel while waiting and blogging.

Girl checks email, checks email, checks email.

Girl waits. Blogs. Breathes -- involuntarily.

February 25, 2010: Girl gets an email.

Opens it.

Girl can't breathe. Black spots crowd her vision.

Phone rings.

Girl snaps to attention. Looks at caller ID. It's a 212 area code.

Girl shoves peanut butter M&M's at girl kidlet and races upstairs, locking the bedroom door behind her. (Super parenting there! Nominate girl for mother of the year!)

Girl talks to agent.

The email is really true.

Girl.

Has.

Book.

Deal.

Girl screams. Girl celebrates. Girl might faint.

From Publisher's Marketplace: Elana Johnson's CONTROL ISSUES, set in a brainwashed society where those gifted with mind control best join the powers that be, but one rebel girl tries to beat them at their own game, to Anica Rissi at Simon Pulse, by Michelle Andelman at Lynn Franklin Associates (NA).

(Girl blogs.)

Girl gets gifts from editor:




Girl wonders what's better than books and chocolate.

Oh yeah.

Sleep. (Girl sleeps. zzzzzzzzz)

249 comments:

  1. Fun. Fabulous. Congrats! Peanut M&Ms, they're our downfall.

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  2. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so HAPPY for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    :):):):):):):)

    Can't wait to read it!

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  3. Darnit, I thought I'd be first again :(

    Ah well, learn from example of girl and try, try again :):)

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  4. Girl is amazing. Girl is inspiration. Girl has friend that found herself *squeeing* (which is unnatural).

    So excited for you lady!

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  5. Congratulations on it all becoming official!!! I'm so happy for you!

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  6. OMG FINALLY! I am so excited for you.

    *Tosses Confetti*

    *Happy Dances*

    *BEGS for an ARC.*

    *Pouts because she knows there will be a LONG line*

    *Hopes for a contest*

    Congrats Elana--you SO deserve it!

    {{HUGS}}

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  7. Congrats! That is so awesome!

    I love how this blog post is written. So, amusing and inspiring at the same time.

    Yay for chocolate and books! That's a hard to beat combo.

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  8. Yay!! Huge congrats!!! Come join the 11sies!! =)

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  9. Can't. Breathe. Too happy for you, E! Congratulations! Here's to the first of many amazing books, amazing deals and the start of an AMAZING career. XOXO

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  10. what a cool way to share your story! I love it! And congrats!

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  11. Look at that! It can happen! Even to those of us who lack confidence most of the time! I'm very happy for you!

    Congrats!

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  12. OMG YAY!!! CONGRATS

    THAT IS SO AWESOME <3 <3

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  13. Woo-hoo! Congratulations! I remember Control Issues from ABNA! I'll be buying a copy when it comes out!

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  14. happy happy happy happy happy happy DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! really, truly, seriously GREAT!!!!!!

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  15. I've got chills! I'm so excited for you Elana - not terribly surprised though - knew it had to happen! AWESOME!!! :)

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  16. Elana! I cannot say I am surprised...well because I knew, but I am so happy for your ability to make it official and public! After reading the first pages on your website, I have been tormented by wanting to read the remainder. Make sure I know when preorders are possible! Yay! Yay!

    Love the timeline! I hope to have one someday soon too! Mine will be a little less repetitive :)

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  17. OMG! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Can't wait to read it!!!!!

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  18. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    AWESOMENESS!

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  19. Simon Pulse. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! U so deserve this!!! Whenever you're ready. *Wink, wink* U know what I mean. Super excited for you.

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  20. Congratulations, Elana!!!! I was sooooo hoping I'd hear this news from you soon! You totally deserve this--Im SQUEEEING for you! You eat that chocolate and enjoy it! Ok, can I get in line for an arc? Yay!!!!!!!

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  21. I love a happy ending!!! Especially when it happens to a fellow writer!
    Congrats!

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  22. Your RTs are all over twitter, CONGRATS! Fantastic way to share it, love the post.

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  23. Great news, Elana! Enjoy the momment...

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  24. So, so happy for you! That's amazing news. :)

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  25. ELANA ELANA ELANA!! I am dancing around my living room - so excited for you!! LOVE LOVE LOVE THE NEWS SO SO SO EXCITED!!!

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    Visit My Kingdom Anytime

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  26. Congrats! I can't wait to read it!

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  27. Woo hoo - congrats!!!!! I'm so excited for you :)

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  28. I'm so happy for you! What an amazing moment. Congratulations.

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  29. Yay!!!!!! So happy for you!! Woo Hoo ;o) Congrats!!!! *throws confetti* Awesome news...

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  30. Congratulations!!! I can only wonder what took the publishers so long!! :)

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  31. You rockstar, you! Big big congrats! :)
    And loved the cute story to go along with the announcement. Way to go!

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  32. weeeeeeeeeee!! Congratulations Elana! Holy cow you've been keeping that little secret for QUITE SOME TIME!

    So super happy for you =)

    *runs off to dance around, wondering when the book will be listed on good reads so I can add it to my tbr*

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  33. Congratulations, Elana! Hurray! Loved your narrative of the process -- especially the black spots before your eyes when you read your email!

    When I got my letter from Sourcebooks (it was a snail mail letter, believe it or not), I remember feeling faint, too. I had to attend my daughter's Robotics club competition, and I just wandered from person to person, showing my letter to anybody who would stand still to look at it. Can't remember how my daughter's robotics team made out -- I guess I'll share that mother of the year award with you!

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  34. Congratulations! Your book sounds awesome! Bet you're still celebrating.

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  35. Congratulations from one Pulse author to another!! Welcome to the team.

    Sweet dreams!

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  36. How WONDERFUL!!!

    Bask in the awesomeness of this moment, girl.

    YOU DID IT!

    For reals. For serious. I'm so happy for you!

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  37. Congratulations! So awesomely wonderful! Your amazing persistence paid off. :)

    Happy dance, right here, just for you!

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  38. Yay! I just saw this in Publisher's Weekly! I'm so excited for you!

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  39. Hooray! Congrats! I've been waiting for this post patiently. So cute how you put it too... :o)

    Now I can't wait for that pub date!!!

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  40. So happy for you! Congrats! And music is better than sleep!

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  41. So. Freakin'. Proud and excited for you!!!! This is awesome. And how the heck can you keep something like that to yourself for SO LONG? You have way better control, I have issues there. Pun intended. Yes, I'm a dork. Love this! Congrats, lady!!

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  42. Thanks everyone. You all are too kind to me, to always be here and comment and stuff. *crying*

    I'm such a baby. I should put that in the post. Sheesh.

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  43. Congrats!!!! I am so happy for you!!!

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  44. Congrats Girl. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving hard working person!

    I am so happy for you!

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  45. I just saw this on PM and had to rush over here to see if you'd blogged about it yet. Congrats!!!

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  46. Congratulations! I can't wait to read it!

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  47. Elana, that's FANTASTIC! And I mean that 100%, no little green monsters nibbling at the fringes.

    Okay, maybe there's a little bit of the green meanies...all those books and chocolate don't ya know. mmmmmm chocolate.

    Seriously Congratulations! I'm super jazzed for you.

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  48. There really IS nothing better than writing and chocolate.

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  49. OH MY FREAKING AMAZING.

    I will quit screaming now. You are awesome and I will support you by buying your book as soon as it comes out! :) (Not to mention, it sounds like a book right up my alley!)

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  50. Oh. My. Gosh! I saw the news on Twitter and flew over here. I'm so excited for you!! Totally fabulous news. Okay, I'm also eyeing your chocolate. Okay, your book swag too. :) Supercallaspecialosis!

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  51. Squeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I'm so excited for you, Elana! Congratulations!

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  52. HOly Crap! I'm at it again!! Everyone whose blog I read is getting a freaking book deal!!! Must be my magic....yet again.

    Congratulations!

    Shelley

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  53. Two words for you: AWE! SOME!

    Congratulations!!!!

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  54. CONGRATULATIONS ELANA!! You are livin' the dream, GIRL. Eat that chocolate, eat ten bars of it and dance dance dance. You so deserve it! I'm so happy and proud!

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  55. {{{{{{{{{{ Elana }}}}}}}}}

    All I can say is WOW. WOW! !!WOW!!

    Grinning big for you. You SO deserve it.

    Sending congratulatory hugs from this corner of the world. : )

    I'll be elbowing my way to the front of the line to buy it!

    Go you.

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  56. That is so freaking awesome. Super-extra congratulations!

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  57. Congratulations!!!!!!!!! Finally!!!

    YAYAYAYAYAYAY!

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  58. eeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

    Did you hear that?

    That was me, squeeing over here in the Appalachain mountains.

    It was pretty loud.


    *hugs* times a million

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  59. Celebrate Elana Celebrate!!! congrats!

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  60. So exciting! Your writing is worthy of it. I loved seeing the whole process and how long it took. Brought things into perspective for me.
    Congratulations!

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  61. i am BEYOND thrilled for you! you deserve this SO BIG, SO MUCH, SO VERY, VERY MUCH!!

    i can't WAIT to read your book! you're a rockstar!!

    SO SO SO SO SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!

    i literally have butterflies in my stomach JUST FOR YOU!!

    <333333333333333333333

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  62. I'm so pleased for you Elana, really. So, so happy for you!

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  63. Congratulations!!! I am buying it AS SOON as it comes out. :D

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  64. Elana - I have tears in my eyes reading this. I'm so happy for you...oh my gosh! I've always said you rock, but now the whole world will know it too! CONGRATS!!!!! :)

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  65. Elana,
    So can we pre-order yet, or do we have to wait? *wink*

    I'm thrilled for you. It couldn't have happened to a nicer, more deserving person.

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  66. This is absolutely such fantastical news! WHEEEEE!!!!!! *throws confetti and m&ms* *does happy dance* *is inspired to write* :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

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  67. I'm so excited for you, I'm commenting. ;)

    HUGE CONGRATS!!!!!

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  68. Oh YEAH!!!!! Congrats, Elana!!!!!
    Love the presents! :)

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  69. Woo-Hoo. That's fantastic!

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  70. Yea! So happy for you! I knew you were close. Congratulations!!!! :D

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  71. Mazel Tov! For all the help you have given others, you deserve this!Good karma, girl.
    Thanks for showing the way.

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  72. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

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  73. Congratulations, Elana. Loved this post. Awesome.

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  74. Oh yeah!!! Congratulations.

    Girl goes to Disneyland?

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  75. Woohoo! Just saw this on Publisher's Marketplace. That's what I get for being offline today. Congrats! That's so awesome!!

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  76. Congrats!!! That is huge awesome amazing. Love your smile, and your cataloged list of all the work that went through to get there.

    Role model punk writer you. Rock on, woman!! :) SWAK!!!!!!!

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  77. Huge congratulations! I'm so happy for you
    YAY!!!

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  78. Congratulations!

    I'm so, so happy for you!

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  79. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sooooo happy for you! And I can't wait to read your book cause I'm a huge fan of the whole dystopian genre:)

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  80. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! That is so cool. You deserve it, girl. You've worked so hard. Not give me a little of that MoJo will ya. ;-)

    Hugs

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  81. Really fantabulous!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

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  82. I'm so excited for you! Congratulations!

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  83. OH MY GOSH! This is totally awesome!

    I've been wondering when the heck you were going to get a book deal and I am SO happy for you! I can't wait to read Control Issues- your query you've shared has had me intrigued for months!

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  84. Just. *YAY* *smiles!* (and SO much more) ♥

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  85. That's brilliant! I'm so happy for you!!!! *virtual hugs - and a Greek kiss (that means one on each cheek)*

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  86. I have a lot of writer friends. Seriously. I wouldn't even try to count them. You know this. And they all inspire me at one time or another. But I have to say, right now I can't say that any of them--not a single one--has given me more inspiration and encouragement than you have this year.

    I can't think of a single person who deserves this more. And Elana, I'm so proud to be your friend. Congratulations.

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  87. That's so amazing! And chocolate? How awesome! :) Congratulations!!!

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  88. Wow, that is so amazing. Congrats.

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  89. Woohoo! That's so awesome, Elana.

    And inspirational :D

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  90. I'm so HAPPY for you!!! That is the best news ever. Congratulations!!!!

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  91. Oh Elana, I am thrilled!! Ecstatic! This is the best news ever! Yea!!!!!

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  92. No surprise here -- you're great!
    Congratulations!

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  93. Congrats. I'm so happy for you. You just made my Saturday morning great.

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  94. THat's AMAZING! YAY! Massive congrats!

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  95. YAYYAYYAYYAYYAY!!!

    I think you deserve another chocolate bar. Or three. :)

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  96. Yay!!!! Now we can shout it from the rooftops!!! Wooohooo!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

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  97. How absolutely fantastic!!! Sounds like a great story--I can't wait to read it!!!

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  98. OMG, I just saw this in PM this morning and ran over here to see if you blogged about it. CONGRATS!!!

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  99. WOOOHOO! :D Congrats!

    Also, after this post 'girl' doesn't look like a word anymore. Hehe.

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  100. Woo-hoo! And you had the presence of mind to play WIBIJ this week! Now, I really impressed! Congratulations, Elana -- your blog is such a great resource for aspiring authors, and it's wonderful to see your continued success!

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  101. Congrats! :-) So happy for you. *happy dance*

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  102. Yay! I don't have to bit my tongue anymore (it was getting really sore). Summer 2011 can't come soon enough for me!!!!

    CONGRATS, ELANA!!!!!

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  103. Such fantastic news!!! Yay!!! Congratulations!

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  104. Congrats, Elana! I'll be on the lookout for it!

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  105. Yay! Yay! Yay! You so deserve this elana!!!!! So happy for you!!!!

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  106. WHOOOOOO HOOOOOO! I am SOOOOOOO thrilled for you!! What an awesome day this must be for you!!!! I am honored to be part of your celebration!!!!!!!

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  107. i've been unplugged so i didn't see this until today but...
    AWESOME SAUSAGE!!!!!
    That is so so super sweet.

    Also, the post itself was hilarious so thanks for entertaining us during this time when it's ALL ABOUT YOU!
    *interwebs hi-five*

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  108. I am so happy for you. Out of everyone, you've gone above and beyond the call of awesomeness, and I really appreciate it (you).

    You absolutely deserve this, Yoda.
    *big hugs*
    xoxoxoxo

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  109. OMG, congratulations Elana! I'm so happy for you. I can't wait!

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  110. So happy it's official!!! You were grace under pressure. Now come join us at 2k11 and the Elevensies!!

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  111. I know I'm late to the party BUT ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!

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  112. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Ugh, I'm so excited for you- you must be on CLOUD NINE! All our eyes will be peeled for your book when it comes out.

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  113. You fiction writer, you, saving the hook for the end of the post. Elana, I'm so happy for you, I could bust! And I can't wait to read this book. Yeah, baby!

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  114. Woot Wooooooooot!! Book deal, chocolate, and free books. That's the life.

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  115. Amazing news!! Congrats!!
    I can't wait to pick up your book and read it :)

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  116. This is amazing news! Congratulations. All that hard work pays off, cool :-)

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  117. I couldn't be happier for you! You deserve it. This book sounds great. I can't wait to read it. Huzzah to the girl!

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  118. Elana, how could we not be super happy for you? You've been a great inspiration to many, and definitely deserve this. BTW, I did the same "run upstairs, close door, hope kids don't find you" routine both times I got "the call" from my editors. Such is the life of a mother-writer-author. It's all good, though. Congrats again!

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  119. WHAT WHAT WHAT!!!!! So happy for you! *joins in the hundreds of people jumping around the blogosphere ;D

    Ohmygosh...all worth it. See? You're still The Inspiration! :D

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  120. Elana, A big congrats to you!! Way to go!! Enjoy!!

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  121. This is the second miracle book selling I've read in about eight hours.

    It's encouraging: writers ARE getting published!

    You have worked incredibly hard! Wow! You deserve that nice deal with the great publisher. I can tell from your blogging how talented you are.

    It's inspiring! You had to keep that secret in your heart for three months???

    How did you celebrate?

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  122. waaaaaHOOOOOO, Elana!! Congrats and enjoy that cloud ride!!

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  123. Fabulous news! Congrats! Enjoy this moment!

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  124. Congratulations, Elana! And thanks for your wonderful blog. Can't wait to read Control Issues!

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  125. OMG!OMG!OMG!!!!!! Elana, I could honestly not be any happier if it was me - you are one of my favorite people, the queen of motivation and help and all things bloggy, and have more than earned this! I cannot wait to read your book - it will definitely be a pre-order for this fangirl!!!!! Congratulations, friend!! :-)

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  126. I don't know you, you don't know me but I'm really happy for you! Congratulations you must be elated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  127. Such big news!!!!! Congratulations, Elana! I couldn't be more thrilled for you. Yay!!!!!!! Can't wait to get my hands on this book!

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  128. Woohoo! So excited for you, Elana. Can't wait to read it (especially since it's different than what we read in critique group). I have to know what really happens now! :)

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  129. I saw this on Publishers Marketplace under New Deals1 Woo-hoo!!! Congrats, congrats, congrats!

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  130. Wow! Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations!!!! I hope you spend the weekend celebrating and then celebrating some more!

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  131. I'm soooo happy for you! This is fantastic news! Whoo hoo! Congratulations!

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  132. I can't believe I missed this! Thank goodness for your newsletter.

    CONGRATULATIONS Elana! You totally deserve it. I'm looking forward to reading Control Issues. It sounds fantastic.

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  133. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Sorry I'm late!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
    I can't wait to smell your book. You know, open it up and breathe it in. That's when it'll be realer than real.

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  134. Oh Elana. I am so. Happy. For. You.

    Squeeeeee!

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  135. OMG congratulations!!! That's so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  136. OMG!!! Congratulations!!! Can't wait to find out the release date so I can mark my calendar!

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  137. WAH-hoooooo! Yay Elana! But wait, Feb 2010? How come so long to share the news? *clueless*

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  138. *chanting and dancing* Happy Dance! Oh yeah oh yeah oh Happy Dance! Oh yeah oh yeah oh Happy Dance! Ohhhh yeahhhhh (a la KoolAid guy)

    Congratulations Elana! Goes to show if you put in the work and the research time and keep at it, good things happen to great people :) Enjoy the books and chocolate.

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  139. That is so freakin fantastic Elana! I'm so excited for you! I'm so in line to buy your book when it's out!

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  140. Elana you have no idea how hard I'm been cheering for you! Congrats and congrats again! I am so happy for you!

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  141. Wuhoo. Another book to buy and eat up with great joy.

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  142. CONGRATULATIONS ELANA! Yaaaaaaaay!

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  143. Hey, girl, congrats!! You deserve this!!!!!! Woot!!

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  144. Hey, girl, congrats!! You deserve this!!!!!! Woot!!

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  145. ELANA!! I'm SO excited for you!!!!! Can't wait to buy your book -- HUGE congrats for your upcoming publication! Way to go, sista!!

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  146. Oh, you've worked so hard, and your dream is finally coming true! I'm so happy for you and so excited to read your book once it hits the selves! Go celebrate, you crazy lady, you!!!

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  147. YAY!!! Congrats! and it sounds amazing and what a great editor!!! Cant wait!

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  148. Congratulations!!!! I'm excited with you and for you. Look forward to reading your book!

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  149. Yay! So excited for you! Aside from this fabulously exciting news, particularly like the M & M's thing with the kidlet. I'm a mom; I totally get that. Wow, did I mention that I was excited for you?? :)

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  150. Huge sigh of relief here! SO glad I'm not the only mom who shoves candy and/or a movie in front of the kiddos and shuts the bedroom door when the phone rings from New York!!!

    Aaahhhh, I LOVED your Story of a Girl, um, - "The Story of Elana".

    Thrilled to pieces for you!!! xoxo

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  151. -x-
    Thrilling news, Elena! Super and exciting news. The books sounds fabulous too, I can't wait to read it and admire your name printed there on the front.

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  152. Congratulations, Elana!!! I'm so excited for you! And I nominate you for mother of the year! Every writer mom deserves mother of the year!!!

    Oh, wait, I guess the children should get awards since they're the ones who have to put up with writer parents, lol!!!

    I'm opening several bottles of virtual champagne for you! Happy celebrating!!! *throws confetti*

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  153. Holy &*#@!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!! You've been sitting on this news for quite awhile and I never would've thunk it from some recent posts. Hooray!!!!!
    I've been checking out your blog since I began blogging, so it's nice to hear good things happening to someone who's been at this a long time too. Congratulations!

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  154. OMG, hope you can hear my squee all the way from the U.K. :)
    Congratulations Elana.

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  155. Elena, you deserve it! Your blog was one of the first that I found when I entered the blogosphere in March. You give so much good advice, it's great that now you have something for yourself. I don't always comment, but I read your posts, and take everything in.

    I'll be waiting to grab your book off the shelves, when it appears.
    Congratulations!

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  156. Had to shout it out here, too! HOoRay! So happy for you!

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  157. CONGRATULATIONS!

    AND CELEBRATIONS!

    WE WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW WE'RE AS

    HAPPY AS CAN BE!!!!!!!!!!!!

    BLOODY BRILLIANT FROM YOUR TOP BRIT FAN!!!!!!

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  158. Congratulations!!!! Wow, there really is some super good stuff happening to awesome bloggers.

    All the best with the next stage.I can't wait to hear all about it!!

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  159. WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    'Nuff said. Congrats to you!!! I'm doing the happy dance for you!

    ::Does the happy dance....does the happy dance::

    WOOT!

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  160. Congratulations, Elana!!! I look forward to buying your book when it comes out.

    Wahoo!!!

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  161. What a ride, Elana!! Can't wait to read it!

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  162. Wow! Look at all the comments. Well, I have to comment too. That rocks! You rock! I am so dang happy for you. I can't wait to read your book and go to your signings and brag to everyone that the famous Elana Johnson is my friend!

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  163. Dude, I am so damn happy for you!!!!!!!!

    I can't wait to BUY it from a real bookstore and READ it!

    Happy Weekend!!!
    Love,
    Lola

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  164. CONGRATULATIONS, Elana!! I am so happy for you!!! :D :D

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  165. That is so awesome! WOO HOO! Had to happen though, with a book that fab. Wow, I can't wait to read it! Are you joining us at Elevensies?

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  166. Your perseverence is inspiring. It's freakin awesome how much you offer to those who are at where you began. You so deserve this!

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  167. Now that my fingers hurt from scrolling way down to the bottom of the congratulation comments let me add my too. :D
    Congratulations my dear writer friend. You did it!
    You are such a delight and have such a beautiful soul. I love having you in my life and I am beyond thrilled that you can post this amazing news. Now I NEED to read your book. And yes, I will be waiting! Congrats!!!

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  168. Unbelievable- you knew since February and didn't slip once and tell the blogosphere! You are even more incredible than I thought :-)
    You are extremely deserving of this, Elana. You're always there encouraging and trying to motivate others. This couldn't have happened to a more special person.

    So when's it my turn, all-knowing-one? :-)

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  169. HUUUUUUUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am THRILLED for you! :)

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  170. Congratulations!! I can't wait to read it!

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  171. I'm so happy for you!!!! Dream happy dreams as you sleep!

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  172. Comment 200!!! That aside, CONGRATS!!!! I can't believe you've been holding onto this news for so long. Must've been so hard!!! CONGRATS AGAIN!!! SO EXCITED FOR YOU!

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  173. Best girl story. Ever. =D

    So bloody happy for you, Elana! I couldn't be more thrilled!!!

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