Tuesday, May 19, 2009

"...we have chosen your fiction submission..."

That's right! I got my first acceptance!

*does backflip*

My short story Shipwreck that I posted in April was accepted at flashquake, an online publication, for their Summer issue. It will be online from June 1st through the end of August and I'll post a link as soon as it's up.

In addition to finally having a writing credit to include in my upcoming query letter to agents, I get a CD of the issue AND five dollars!

Six editors vote on submissions and they included their comments in my email. The three that said something beyond "Yes" or "Maybe" said the following: "Engaging", "Beautiful, magical story", and "Nicely told".

I know this isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it certainly made me jump up and dance!
at

37 comments:

  1. PenguinMay 19, 2009 at 8:56 AM

    Congratulations Melanie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hey, you are a writer. I told you so, but now others have also.

    I am very happy today. This is very good news.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    Thanks!! It was definitely a nice way to start my Monday. I opened the email right after I write yesterday's post, otherwise I would have announced it then.

    ReplyDelete
  3. WendyCinNYCMay 19, 2009 at 9:23 AM

    Still happy for you! Yay!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChristyMay 19, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    Wow that is VERY exciting news. Congratulations - so happy for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    Thanks Wendy and Christy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. erica m. chapmanMay 19, 2009 at 10:00 AM

    Totally awesome!! Congrats! Publication is always a big deal :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Melanie's MomMay 19, 2009 at 10:12 AM

    See -- I may have jumped the gun a bit, but as your mother, I KNEW you were a writer! $5 isn't going to support me in my old age, however, so you need to get cracking!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Janna LeadbetterMay 19, 2009 at 10:15 AM

    Nope, it IS a big deal. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    Thanks ladies. And I know it's a big deal, it's just not THE big deal. :P

    Mom, I'll see what I can do.

    ReplyDelete
  10. acMay 19, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    That's great news! You must be so excited.

    Please let us know what you spend your $5 on. I'm always interested to know what writers do with their first payday.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Amy Sue NathanMay 19, 2009 at 11:08 AM

    ((BIG HUG))

    Congrats from Chicago!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Stephen ParrishMay 19, 2009 at 11:30 AM

    Well done. Today Flashquake, tomorrow the world.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JennaMay 19, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    Congrats Mel!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 12:07 PM

    AC, that's an excellent point. It will most likely be groceries since my parents deposit the money in my account and I only use my debit card at the grocery store.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 12:07 PM

    Thanks Amy & Jenna!

    Stephen, let's hope!

    ReplyDelete
  16. PamMay 19, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    Congratulations, Melanie. Doesn't this mean that now you're not just a writer, but an author?!

    That's exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    Pam, this means I'm sort of a writer. Author comes with a book publication. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. JLCMay 19, 2009 at 1:10 PM

    *Brings the male hula dancers to celebrate with Mel*

    Awesome! Congrats Mel!

    ReplyDelete
  19. NadineMay 19, 2009 at 1:25 PM

    I'm so excited for you!! And just to help you celebrate, I think I will have a glass of wine tonight. Or two... :)

    CONGRATS!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jon VanZileMay 19, 2009 at 2:18 PM

    Congatulations! That's a HUGE step in the journey!

    And p.s., your mom is too funny.

    ReplyDelete
  21. KatieMay 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM

    Congratulations! That is very exciting.

    ReplyDelete
  22. RobinMay 19, 2009 at 6:03 PM

    Yay!!! I want to jump and dance with you! That's terrific! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 6:19 PM

    Turkey, I knew I could count on you!

    *shakes booty*

    ReplyDelete
  24. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 6:22 PM

    Nadine, thanks for helping me celebrate. :P I just sent Ibis for beer at the store across the street. It's really for the Wings game, but I'll say it's to celebrate. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 6:23 PM

    Thanks Lurker!

    Yes, she's very amusing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 6:23 PM

    Thanks Katie & Robin!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Travis ErwinMay 19, 2009 at 9:38 PM

    Woohoo! Congrats.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Melanie HooyengaMay 19, 2009 at 9:54 PM

    Thanks Travis!

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousMay 20, 2009 at 3:45 AM

    Much congrats!

    I really am so happy for you. It *is* a big deal. First sales always are. Be proud (you earned it!) and treat yourself to something extra nice.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Benjamin SolahMay 20, 2009 at 7:08 AM

    Congrats! That's a pretty big milestone! Hope to be following by making that one soon too!

    Let us know when it's up so I can read it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Jewel AllenMay 20, 2009 at 7:41 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!

    I hope we can see a link up soon.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Melanie HooyengaMay 20, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    Thanks Gypsy! I don't know why I always try to downplay accomplishments, but I do. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Melanie HooyengaMay 20, 2009 at 8:15 AM

    Thanks Ben & Pink!

    I'll post a link as soon as it's available.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Joe BaroneMay 20, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    Congratulations, Melanie.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Melanie HooyengaMay 20, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    Thanks Joe!

    ReplyDelete
  36. ssasMay 20, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    any sale is brilliant. enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Melanie HooyengaMay 21, 2009 at 7:47 AM

    Thanks SS@S!

    And what an honor to have you stop by. :)

    ReplyDelete

Every comment makes my email ding. I smile when I get email. Please make me smile. :)

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.