Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Whoa, Are Those Pigs Flying?

I've imagined writing this post way more than I should admit. Sometimes it was filled with excited pictures of me jumping up and down clad in all orange clothing. Sometimes it was in all caps with lots of squee's and eeeek's. Pretty much all the time I was giggling like crazy as I wrote it. Well, that one's still true (teehee).

I mean, that's what you're supposed to do when you finally get an agent, right? Wait, I didn't mention that yet? Oh, yeah—maybe I should tell you. I have an agent now! And his name is Nathan Bransford.

(I'll give you a second to reread that, because I'm sure you're in just as much shock as I am. No—for reals—you are totally reading that right.)

So, um, Nathan's my agent! Me. Like, the girl who writes about ninjas and wizards and cyborgs (Not at the same time! Though that would be cool...). I'm currently going between that squealing giddy laughter I mentioned and a kind of quiet awe.

Dude, I have an agent. (Warning: I'll be saying that a lot, mostly to keep reminding myself it's true.)

If you didn't know, I've been querying for a while. I try not to think about how long it's been. Funnily enough, I sent my very first query to Nathan at the end of October 2007. Yup, I got rejected the next day and it was well deserved. I was nowhere near ready, and poor First Book was quickly abandoned. At least I realized that I had much work to do.

So I wrote another book. And another. I queried both of those projects too (both of which Nathan also rejected, hehe. [Also completely deserved]). I also wrote a lot more books while querying that never made it to agent inboxes. Do I have to say the number? Okay, okay—Relax, I'm a Ninja was my 8th novel.

Yeah, my 8th novel. I'm definitely persistent.

It was just a baby of an idea when I decided to write the first paragraph for Nathan's contest. I didn't expect anyone to take interest—it was just a fun idea about a nerd boy who was actually a ninja in hiding. But, well, I won! And that was awesome mostly because I could get a real critique from a real agent. I never dreamed that he would become my agent.

Seriously, I needed a critique. I knew there was something wrong with my writing. I was trying desperately to fix it, but I just couldn't see it. I'd had several agents tell me my prose was messy, which was kind of helpful, but I didn't know what, exactly, made it messy.

So like a total dork I sent my 2nd draft material to Nathan for my partial critique. I figured I could use his advice to revise the whole manuscript—I didn't expect him to request the full instead. And stupid me sent it, knowing I really needed to revise. (Note: Don't be stupid like me. Luck isn't always there for you.) Let's just say I finally got my critique; it was brilliant; and I was very, very lucky he offered to take a look after I'd properly revised.

To make a long story short(er). I did a lot of revising—months worth. And it was the BEST experience ever. I am extremely grateful for how much I've learned through these revisions. I've learned how to truly craft a book, how hard I can actually push myself, and that good things come to those who don't ever give up.

Perhaps that's why I'm not filling this post with screams and silly pictures, as tempting as it may be. The celebration and joy goes so deep down to my soul I want to express it, uh, more maturely right now.

I did it. Oh my goodness, I have an agent! It was so much work—more than I ever imagined—but I made my dream come true. And it was completely worth it! I'm so grateful that Nathan took a chance on me, that he saw something there in all that mess of my writing. It is quite fitting that the first agent I queried would ultimately be the last one I queried. It's like a life chiasmus.

I can't wait for all the work following this step. I'm sure it won't be anything like I imagine, but great and life-changing all the same. Bring it on.

Oh, fine, one more time: I have an agent! (*Squee*)

99 comments:

  1. CONGRATS CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    And thanks to Nathan, we have met each other. I think we owe him a lot, especially now! Such exciting news I'm still jumping up and down. Now let's go get sushi puhhleease!

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  2. This is so awesome, Natalie. I'm so excited for you (and jealous, but we can talk about that later). You deserve it.

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  3. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

    Nathan is so awesome, I can just tell reading his blog. I'm so happy for you!

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  4. Wow. WOW. I'm so in awe! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (and *squee*!)

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  5. NATALIE HAS AN AGENT!!!

    Teeheeheehee :)

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  6. How very AWESOME!!!!!!!!
    (for Nathan, of course) ;-)

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  7. You know how I feel about this : ) : )

    YAY Natalie! YAY Nathan! YAY Ninjas!

    Pretty much just yay everything right now. Also, it's about freaking time everyone else got to see what a genius you are.

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  8. SQUEEEE!!!!

    You got an agent! I am so giddy for you!

    It is only fitting that a ninja cyborg would get a ninja agent-way to go landing Nathan. That is SO awesome.

    SQUEEE!!!!

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  9. Wow, wow, wow!
    That's so amazing! Congrats! I know you've been working hard toward that goal and totally deserve it!!!!
    Congrats x1000!!!

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  10. Congrats!!!!! This is so so exciting...you have far more restraint than I would probably have!!!!

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  11. Congratulations! Wow, such a perfect post for this very happy moment. Inspiring!

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  12. Kiersten, that's kind of like DDD (Diners, Drive ins, and Dives) except NNN!

    Congratulations Natalie!

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  13. I am so excited for you! Now for those of us who don't really understand the whole details of what that means, does that mean you are definitely going to get published now and make millions? :)

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  14. I've already twittered my excitement for you, but I don't want to be left out of the blog party too.

    Natalie officially has an agent! Woo-hoo!

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  15. Thanks everyone!

    And Tammy, no—no guarantees. It means I have this really cool agent who thinks my book is great. He's going to try and sell it to a publisher—and I have every confidence he will succeed.

    There are probably no millions anywhere, though.

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  16. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! So exciting, Natalie! (I lurk via Google Reader, BTW). Live the euphoria to the fullest.

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  17. Wow, congratulations! I loved your submission to that contest, and I'm so glad it's come to fruition. :D

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  18. This is fabulous news! Way to go girl!

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  19. That's great. No wonder you're so excited! Congratulations.

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  20. Natalie, I think your mature post deserves a mature comment:

    WAHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!!!! YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!!!!!!

    Seriously, though, you deserve this. I know how hard you worked for it and I'm glad your reward finally came.

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  21. Natalie, I am so very happy for you! :) :) :)

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  22. Natalie, as you know, I am SO happy for you! You've earned this. So go celebrate! I hereby declare a day of partying and booty shakin'! :) :)

    YAY for Natalie!!

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  23. You have achieved a level of awesomeness most of us can only dream of. BIG congrats and *hugs*! Now go out and buy some orange boots or something ;)

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  24. Natalie, I couldn't be happier for you. You deserve it and your agent is most definitely a rock star! I can't wait to hear about your publishing experience - enjoy this most exciting and special time in your life.;-)

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  25. Congratulations, Natalie! I saw the announcement on Kiersten's blog, and I thought that sounded familiar!

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  26. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekk!

    I WILL SQUEE AND ALL-CAPS FOR YOU! YOU HAVE AN AGENT. AND IT'S NATHAN. OHMYSTARS, NATALIE, I AM SO, SO, SOOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! A HUNDRED, MILLION, BILLION TIMES!!!

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  27. What a fantastic story! CONGRATS!

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  28. WOO WOO.

    That's so awesome. Made my morning!

    Nathan is Awesome Wrapped in Bacon!

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  29. Congratulations! That's so awesome! Can't wait to read about your journey. So exciting!

    Also, my current WIP features ninjas indirectly, so I'm doubly excited to hear that people are interested in them! Go ninjas!

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  30. I don't even know you and I think this is SO COOL! Congrats, congrats, congrats! And also to your friend Kiersten who I just read about too!

    You girls give us all hope!

    Best of luck!!!!

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  31. Super Congrats!!! Way to snag an awesome agent!

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  32. I am giddy with joy for you. This is a fine way to begin September. I adored Relax - I'm a Ninja and I am sure that the super-duper revised version is Super-Duper Awesome. I am thrilled that Nathan stuck with you on this and Sooooooo excited that he's going to represent you. It's an awesome day.

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    You deserve this. You really really do. xxxxxxxxx

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  33. As I said yesterday...

    THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH CAPS AND EXCLAMATION MARKS IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Yay! Congrats! Wahoo! W00t!

    You worked hard for it and you absolutely deserve it. Congratulations! :)

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  34. I've found the perfect way to celebrate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHBUcnIW_Oc

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  35. Congratulations! That's amazing. Well done! Enjoy celebrating.

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  36. Yay to The Whip! Yay to The Bran! Yay to the Ninj.

    Uh... that last one doesn't really work, does it?

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  37. You earned it!!! You worked hard to get your agent. Harder than most people! Congratulations!

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  38. Congratulations NATALIE!!!! WOWZERS!

    So, that's pretty cool. I completely agree with the sentiment expressed many times before me (41? where have I been?) that you have worked incredibly hard for this and deserve to be very proud. And I hope you celebrate by doing something completely and totally irresponsible. I'm not advocating streaking or anything, BUT, that could be appropriate given the magnitude of this news. Or go swim in a bathtub of chocolate or start a food fight in an old folk's home or something along those lines. Because...

    HOLY SCHMOLEY THIS IS AWESOME! You and Stephanie are my heroes. YABBADABBADOOO!

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  39. HOLY CRAP THAT'S AMAZING!!!!!

    I'm extremely excited for you!!!!!!

    (I will now type many exclamation points just so you know how awesome this news is)

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  40. WOW!

    That is SO SO awesome. You are awesome. Your book, I know, is going to be awesome.

    WELL DONE and WOW and I agree with Jenn Johansson!

    Wonderful, wonderful news.

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  41. Congratulations! That is wonderful news!

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  42. Wow! I go away for 2 hours and I can't believe how many people have stopped by! You guys are so great.

    Thanks for all the congrats! I truly appreciate it.

    And Nicco, yes, we must play some DDR in celebration. Excellent idea.

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  43. WOW!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

    I read all the blogs I follow in Google Reader, so I had to read through SIX other blogs that you had an agent before I even got to yours! LOL.

    Congrats, and good luck with the rest of the publishing process! I look forward to seeing NINJAS on bookshelves.

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  44. Congratulations. That's totally awesome and to get Nathan, wow is all I have to say. I loved your advice about pushing yourself and that good things come to those who don't ever give up.

    I definitely needed that today.

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  45. Congratulations, Natalie! I'm really happy for you! Good luck with the next steps of this publishing process. And, also, thanks for sharing the journey. It gives me hope that you stuck with it for 8 novels!

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  46. I am so overjoyed/excited for you. You worked sooo hard for this, and I believe you 100% deserve it! I can't wait until I can go buy your shiny novels off the shelf and brag to everyone that I know the girl who writes the most incredible cyborg/ninja book around. I'm seriously thrilled for you!

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  47. CONGRATS! Thank you so much for letting us in on the experience :)

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  48. *Major Fan Girl SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!!*

    You lucky, fabulous, fantastic writer you!!!! How awesome is that!!!!

    *much cake and other party accouterments*

    Congrats!!!

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  49. Hey, Label-mate! Many congratulations!!!! You are in very good hands.

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  50. Congrats Natalie!!! In case you didn't know who this is, it's Kasie's sis :). I always knew from the second of hearing you read parts of your books that you would land an agent. You are too good not to! Congrats again that is so exciting!!

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  51. I'm so pleased for you Natalie. Relax I'm a Ninja is a great book and you deserve your success. You've really stuck at it too and shown the rest of us how to do it.

    Squee!

    But Nathan Bransford. I mean. Well. Golly.

    Squee!

    Your book must be as good as I thought.

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  52. Debra, thanks so much!

    Lisa, whoa, Label-mates. Weird! And so incredibly awesome!

    Once again, thanks to all. Gosh, I'm blushing over all these kind words.

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  53. Congrats Natalie! You go girl! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

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  54. Hooray! Congratulations Natalie--your hard work is paying off!

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  55. Oh my gosh, Congrats! :D
    Your persistence is paying off. :)

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  56. Wheeeee! You are a rock star! Enjoy your orange purse!

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  57. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (Just so you know, I jumped up and down and squeed a little bit on your behalf. ;) )

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  58. Congratulations! That's fantastic :)

    (Um no, I haven't actually visited your blog, but I came here via Kiersten's blog, and reading your post I got really excited for you!)

    Good on you, it's great to hear how your hard work paid off. And an agent like Nathan Bransford!! You should be squeeing :)

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  59. Congratulations, Natalie. Well deserved!

    (Now go and do the icecream and cake dance!!)

    Shelley

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  60. Your Mom is telling the world so even though you don't know me from Adam....congratulations!!!!

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  61. Wonderful news, Natalie! Here's hoping for a quick sale!

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  62. Dude...I knew you WHEN!!!



    Congrats Natalie...I get signed copy right???

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  63. I'm another one over here from your mom's blog to congratulate you. This is WONDERFUL news!!! Best of luck with the rest of your "authorly" journey!

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  64. We all just knew it was a matter of time, right? You worked so hard, and NATHAN BRANSFORD?!! I'm so excited to hear about your impending book deal.

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  65. congratulations! you give real meaning to "Dreams do come true"

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  66. WOW, I love reading success stories like yours. And yes, YOU did make your dreams come true - nicely done!

    p.s. new to your blog :)

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  67. Yippee!!! and Congratulations!!!

    You stuck with it and your diligence has paid off! Way to Go Honey!! We are soooo PROUD of you!!!

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  68. Holt crap!!!!! How cool is that?...Congrats! I'm so excited for you. It's going to me an amazing journey. I wish you the very best!

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  69. I followed the link from Kiersten and came over to say . . .

    Congratulations and well done on getting an agent!
    You have an agent!

    You can now say things like:
    "I just got an email from my agent."
    "I need to call my agent and talk about my book."
    "Oh look, there's a message on the cellphone. I wonder if it's from my agent?'

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  70. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! NATALIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  71. I just wanted to say Congrats. Your hard work has paid off.

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  72. Dudette! You're awesome ... and deserving! Good luck!

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  73. Natalie, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! That's amazing and exciting and UBER AWESOME!!! :D

    I'm so happy for you!!

    Now then, when's that book coming out? ;)

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  74. Congratulations!!!! Iam vary happy for you... I love fantasy books and I hope yours will be a success, so I can sometime read it... (in Spain we only get the bestsellers... :))))...
    Love from Spain!!!

    Marta

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  75. This is great news, Natalie.

    With your shoes and his T shirt, you can conquer the world...

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  76. Congratulations Natalie!!
    You'v earned it :D

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  77. I'm new here but WOOOOOOOAAAAAAA well done! I will be checking in from now on to see your progress :-)

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  78. I'm new here but WOOOOOOOAAAAAAA well done! I will be checking in from now on to see your progress :-)

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  79. One step closer to the Dream, Natalie. I think you are clearly out of the forrest now and have one hell of a guide. I totally can't wait to see how this unfolds. Please, I beg you, for the love of God, keep us updated.

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  80. Holy, freakin' cow! I'm so excited for you! This totally deserves exclamation points! I had a feeling he'd snap you up. Where the heck was I yesterday that I missed this. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

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  81. How the heck did I miss this post?!?! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! HOORAY, NATALIE! HOORAY, HOORAY, HOORAY!

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  82. I tell my girls (I have 7) and my son. Dream big dreams. Big ones. I weep with joy when I see them even get half way there. I'm proud of you as one of your mom's good pals.

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  83. I saw the good new on Stephanie Perkins's blog and am stopping by to say congratulations!!!

    I wish you all the best with some awesome sprinkles on top.

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  84. Congrats! I am so excited for you!

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  85. I know I'm late but CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    Since you didn't put screaming hearts and jumping giraffes in your post, your blog readers will for you.

    Great news, and such a great agent. Good luck in everything that comes.

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  86. Wow, way to go, Natalie!!

    I check in on your blog only occasionally, but man, I picked the right month!!!

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so happy for you!!

    Kris (from March 2006 BBC and LitMatch.net)

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  87. Also late to the party. I heard about it through LadyGlamis's blog. Just wanted to stop by and wish you the best of luck and say CONGRATS. Your post was very inspiring.

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  88. You don't just have an agent; you have a ROCKSTAR agent. Congrats, Natalie! If there's anyone who deserves a rockstar agent, it's a cyborg ninja writer like you.

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