Friday, March 25, 2011

The Golden Heart® Call(s)

10:35 Between classes I sneak a peek at my phone. Husband texted a half hour earlier . . . someone from RWA® will call me during my lunch break. Heart palpitations ensue.

10:36 How will I survive today's long division lesson?

12:01 Lunch time! I run to computer to log on to RWA site . . . internet connection is down, dash it all. I will my phone to ring.

12:04 It rings. A lovely RWA board member informs me How to Reform a Rake finaled in the Regency category of the Golden Heart. While she graciously imparts information, I alternately gasp/cry. We hang up.

12:07 In a valiant attempt to avoid splotchy face, I dry my eyes and take deep breaths.

12:08 I call husband to tell him the good news and--What's this? Someone's beeping in. Probably the recorded message about home mortgages, but still . . . I should answer it.

12:09 Hello? It's a different--but equally lovely--RWA board member. Uh-oh. Obviously, there's been a mistake, and they're calling to revoke my finalist status. I brace myself. But no . . . she explains that my other entry, The Proper Miss's Guide to Bad Behavior, is also a finalist. OH. MY.

12:12 Attempts to avoid splotchy face are utterly futile. Happiness!

10 comments:

Mary Curry said...

How exciting, Anne! I'll look forward to cheering you on in July!!!!

Anne Barton said...

Thank you, Mary! Looking forward to meeting you!

Keli Gwyn said...

What a wonderful way to end your week! I'm sooo happy for you, Anne. I shed some tears of joy on your behalf.

I'm looking forward to whooping and hollering for you in NYC. I'd really like you to win the GH and get some new bling. I've always wanted to see one of the necklaces up close. ;-)

I hope you did some serious celebrating. A DOUBLE final deserves it!

Anne Barton said...

Thank you, Keli! Yes, it was a good Friday for sure. We have lots to celebrate in NYC, not the least of which is your *first sale*! WOOT!

Sarah Simas said...

I'm so excited for you. I read the list and was like, "Anne Barton! I know her!"

I'll screaming for you from my PC while your in NYC. Hope you treat yourself to a pair of snazzy shoes for the convention! :)

Anne Barton said...

Sarah, you *know* there'll be shoes! Thanks for the good wishes--I really appreciate it. :)

Susan Anne Mason said...

Anne,

So very happy for you! I can't imagine how exciting it would be to have TWO entries finaling!!

Super Congrats!

Sue

Anne Barton said...

Thanks, Sue!!! I feel lucky for sure! One of the entries just missed finaling last year, so I tweaked it a little and sprinkled pixie dust on it before mailing. :)

The other I drafted just in time to make the deadline . . . I've spent the last 3 months revising.
I'm excited about both of them.

Thanks for the congrats. I hope all is well with you!

Anonymous said...

How did I miss that you were a double finalist. I am so sorry.

Double Congrats. I can't WAIT FOR NYC.

Anonymous said...

And new picture!! Love it.