I have often wondered whether this day would ever come. I watched the years go by, with no indication of a result. Oh, I had little victories: several short stories sold and published; a few non-fiction articles; a regular spot in a satirical magazine for a few years; bucket loads of reviews published and, finally, a self-published book of which I was proud. But still, the big one eluded me.

It wasn't for lack of trying. I've written several novels but couldn't get anyone willing to take them on. I have been ignored by some big names in the publishing world; not even a "no thanks" email. Others were very encouraging. "We like your style. We love the story. Your characters are interesting. But, you don't suit our list/We don't think we can sell this/No thank you."

I've been told by an agent that they were excited by the book and were passing it on up the food chain, only to find out - about six months later - that particular agent had left the agency and the group no longer dealt with fantasy.

I've been asked to rewrite a book to change it from adult to young adult, but when I did that the agent told me it was "too young" and the publisher told me it was "too adult".

I've been told by a publisher, who specialises in authors and stories particular to my state, that "true stories don't sell". Even though, that's their speciality.

When I finally scraped some of my husband's money together and self-published, I had trouble selling enough books to make it worth while. It's really hard to do it all on your own. (Okay...it's difficult for me.)

But now - finally - I can announce that I am under contract!  A traditional publisher, Stone Table Books, has signed me up. They're going to publish Dragon-friend (book 2 in the series: The Flight) and also do a reprint of Beast-speaker (bk 1). They will be launched together, later this year. That's because I haven't finished book 2 yet. That's right! They signed me up for two books on the strength of my writing in the first book. Amazing!

I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have someone believe in my work. Someone who is willing to back me and support me, and push to get my work in print. When I was first offered the contract, I admit it: I cried.

I still find it all a little surreal. Is this really happening? What's the catch? Perhaps I'll finally believe it when I see the new covers, done by a proper illustrator. Perhaps I'll finally believe it when I'm sitting at the book launch, signing copies. And, if it's all a dream, then WOO HOO! Dream on!