“When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you. Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in and sees you through. When you wish upon a star your dreams come true.” -Song from Pinocchio & Lyrics by Cliff Edwards

I do wish upon a star when it is the lone star in the sky. I always make the same wish. It is never about me. Therefore, I did not wish upon a star to become an author.

Since I was a little girl, I loved the song, “When You Wish Upon a  Star.” I still do, because, in all of us, darlings, there is still that little girl who wishes and wishes her dream, or 100 dreams, will come true.

When I received an email on 12/11/17 from an Editorial Director at the publishing house, Abrams, a wish of mine came true. I was going to become an author.

The Letter

Dear Susan “Honey” Good,

I’m the Editorial Director of a division within a publishing company called Abrams.

I am reaching out to see if you would be interested in working on a project with us.

Everything about your work suggests that you would be the perfect match for this type of project. I would love the opportunity to talk to you about it in more detail. If you are interested, please drop me a line and I will follow up to arrange a phone conversation.

I hope that something great may come of this email.

All the best.

My Emotional Response to the Letter

After I read my email, I rushed to tell Shelly. These were my exact words to my Ultimate Concierge, “I cannot believe what happened. I have been asked to write a book for a publishing company! I am beyond grateful.”

His response: “You earned the appointment. You have been writing your thoughts for five years. I applaud you.”

A light bulb went off as I listened to him, and I thought, “Why don’t I ever think like that?”

And then I thought to myself, “La de da. I am glad I don’t!”

He gave me a big hug and kiss, and I remember Orchid sensing my happiness as she rubbed her body next to mine.

My Reply to the Editor’s Email

Hi,

I may be interested. Let’s talk.

Where are you located? I am in California.

Tomorrow is good!

Best always,

Honey

Back to My Story

Something ‘greater than great’ came of this project. In the five years of Honey Good, working with Abrams and my editor proved thus far to be my happiest. Why? Because, believe it or not, it was stress-free and very educational. I was productive and creative, all the time learning about a new industry and enjoying the interaction with my editor.

Working on this project took several months, during which time I bonded with my editor, worked with a professional woman, a publisher, and an agent, instead of an attorney on my contract, and learned so much about the publishing business. I was involved with every aspect of the project from the contract to the editing, the font type, the colors, the art and of course the writing. My honey bee, Susan, a stickler on everything, thank goodness, was on every conference call with me when I spoke to my editor and the publisher and agent who negotiated my contract.

The book is now completed and will go to the marketing department at Abrams. A plan for publicity and distribution is in the works and Abrams will be forwarding that to me soon.

What’s to Come

The next part of this journey will be another learning experience I have to look forward to. The Honey Good team will contribute to the marketing program, in concert with Abrams and our social media campaign, as well as a landing page for my book. I also look forward to speaking engagements, another new experience.

In the ‘quiet of the night’ is when I did all of my writing. I love that phrase, which my dear friend, Penelope, sent me in the middle of the night, long ago. Hanging onto words is a love of mine, darlings.

This book is not about me. It is about you! Aren’t you curious to see what is inside the cover? Soon you shall! I am smiling.

Which of Your Wildest Dreams Has Come True?

Please share your thoughts with me via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this story, please subscribe to my email list. Once a day, when I post a new story, you will receive it in your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE.