I can’t quite believe I’m writing this post and, consequently, I’m not entirely sure how to begin. I’m struggling for calm professionalism whilst, all the while, I simply want to do a silly dance (however unlikely that might be!) and repeatedly yell “yes, yes, yes!” like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally (okay, not quite like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally.)
Legend Press — a youthful, dynamic publisher with an excellent reputation — has accepted my novel, If I Never.
I’ve admired Tom and the Legend team’s work for quite a while. I’ve heard only good things about them (from writers, no less, a notoriously difficult-to-please bunch at of the best of times!) and the prospect of working with them is one I’m really looking forward to. After years of hard graft, cruel but truthful rejection in the early days and numerous close calls in the past five, ten years it’s quite simply wonderful to finally meet a publisher who believes in what I’m doing enough to commit to it. The chance to be a part of such a creative and groundbreaking team and stable is one I truly value. It’s an opportunity that I intend to make the most of.
I will, of course, regularly post further news here and on Twitter. Once I come down from cloud nine, that is.
Gary William Murning Online 
Well done Gary. That is simply brilliant news. Many congratulations!
Thanks, Natalie. Your turn next!
Brilliant news! Congratulations – definitely time to crack open the bubbly!!
Absolutely! 🙂 Going to be a good weekend, methinks 😉
Thanks, mate.
Hearty congratulations, sir! Well-deserved success, I’ll be bound…
Thanks, Tim — really appreciate it. Watch this space for more details as and when 😉
Wonderful Gary. Wonderful wonderful! I can’t wait until it comes out.
Thank you, Niki! I must admit, I can’t wait, either 😉
Congratulations. Don’t deprive yourself, do all the silly dances you want! (and put it on YouTube.) Whatever cultural norms might tell you, you are allowed to be excited about exciting things.
Thanks, Angela! And, incidentally, do you think a silly dance on YouTube might generate sales? 🙂 Might give it a go — but only if everyone joins in and dances with me 😉
This is awesome news, Gary! I’m very excited and happy for you! I think I’ll do a little dance! 😀
Congratulations, my friend! Don’t forget us little folks. 😉
If you’re dancing, head on over to YouTube with the rest of us! LOL
Seriously, thanks, Lottie. It’s people like you, and everyone else who’s been so supportive and excited for me, that have kept me going this long. So thank you for that, too.
That is just the best! How wonderful! I am so happy for you, Gary. All your hard work paid off.
I can’t wait to see it! Make sure we all get a heads up, okay?
You can count on it! 🙂
Wow! I mean, wow….there is no way to express what it feels like to find out that a hard working unpublished, much rejected writer you enjoy reading finally got a sell.
The jealousy is so minor compared to the complete euphoria. I don’t have to worry about the next project or the contract or the edits…I just get to grin like an idiot and think ‘It’s about F*cking time!’
Congratulations my friend. You’ve worked hard and long and you deserve it.
Thanks, Sheila. It took me a while but I got there in the end LOL. And it feels really, really good!
I need to write a bit more about persevering has a writer. I’ve heard so many published writers say in the past that it really is just a question of sticking at it and, if I’m truthful, I was really beginning to doubt that. There’s a lesson in that for all of us — whether we are writers or not, I suppose. Never quit.
Nice one pal, great news.
Cheers, mate — thanks for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.
Congratulations Gary:)) Really pleased for. Know how hard you’ve worked over the years. You really deserve it:))
*Hugs*
Lou xx
Thanks, Lou!
Hell, yes, you were there very early on, weren’t you? You read mama matrix most mysterious on my website and emailed me, if I remember correctly? Must be… fourteen years ago?! xxxx
Nearer 12:) Didn’t have a net connection until ’97. You have the honour of being my first internet friend:)
And what an honour! 🙂
Congratulations Gary! Can’t say I’m surprised… but I can say I’m super excited for you!
xoxo
Thanks, Nienke! That’s really kind of you — and it’s the novel you especially like! 🙂
congrats Gary and welcome to the Legendary authors’ club!
Thanks, Josie! Do we have a secret handshake? 😉
Mega-congratulations, Gary! I knew there would be a brilliant publisher in your future. 8)
Thank you! Pretty exciting time. I’m enjoying every minute, naturally! 😀
Ya f*%*ing cracker mate. Well done you deserve it. Please let me know how things develop and when the book is out.
Congrats John
Cheers, John, mate! I’ll certainly do that 🙂