Cape Elizabeth, Maine – I don’t know what the UPS driver’s day was like before he pulled up out front. I’d been expecting him. My editor, the amazing Holly West, had told me that Advanced Reader Editions of our book, Google It: A History of Google, were en route. But as soon as I heard the engine of that truck, I jumped down an entire flight of stairs, rushed the front door, and pounced on the man carrying that package.
“Hello,” he said, “how are you?” Which, in Maine, sounds like ‘how-ah-ya’.
“I am totally freaking amazing! You have my book in your hands. My published book is in your hands right now!”
The road from choosing to follow this dream to having the dream show up on my front doorstep has been filled with rejections, set backs, revisions, writing, and rewriting, and more REWRITING.
So the UPS driver got kind of tickled by the whole thing. But this is not a moment for long exchanges. I want to say he handed me the package. But I think I may have jerked it right out of his hands.
Then, I walked (read: FLOATED) inside and stared at the package. I’ve got to be honest, my heart raced. What do I do now? I mean, this was a MOMENT. The very thing that I had been working for, hoping for, going crazy for… and it was actually here. There was an actual book, that I wrote, with my name on it!
So I FaceTimed my dad and ripped that padded envelope open!
I giggled and smiled. My dad cried. The moment we had been waiting for. Now, how long till the boys got home from school and I could put my book in their hands?
: )
Anna
P.S. Are you a writer? Just receive a rejection or ten of them? Experiencing a setback? DON’T GIVE UP! Your UPS driver is counting on a moment like this and it’s headed your way. It is.
P.P.S. Win an early copy of GOOGLE IT: A HISTORY OF GOOGLE! Want to remember the days of paper maps, phonebooks, the card catalog, AND a phone that only made phone calls? Comment below to be entered in for a chance to win. I’ll pick one winner on April Fool’s Day (2018)! Want to pre-order the book? Click here!
Congratulations on this wonderfulness, Anna! Much love!!!!
I cannot wait to read this book–one, because it’s a fascinating topic, and two, I am confident it is well written and carefully researched.
Congrats, Anna! It’s amazing!! You’re amazing!! I am definitely going to get my hands on a copy.
What a feeling, Anna! Hooray, hooray!!!!
CONGRATS!!!
Yay, Anna!!!!!!!! So happy for you!!!!! Dream Big, Girl!!!???⭐️?
We are SUPER excited for you and can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations Anna! I was just thinking about you yesterday :>) Yay for you. I’ll be ordering one too.
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this moment. Jumping for joy with you. Can’t wait to read it!
CONGRATS CONGRATS!
Congrats!!!
I can’t let my UPS driver down … gotta keep at it. Congratulations on your beautiful book!
Congratulations Anna, I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished.
A hardy congratulations to you! This is awesome news! I know you are just over the moon with excitement and sheer joy! Well done!
Wahoo!! What a gorgeous cover for a perfect story! Huge, HUGE congratulations, Anna on your wonderful journey so far.
Congratulations! I went to school with your father and I know he is beaming as you are. I enjoyed reading the post! Wesley Stoddard
Way to go Anna! Sending you a huge hug from Canada.
Oh, Anna!!!!
This made me smile so, so much! Congratulations on your dream come true!
I can’t wait to read it!!!
Write On! ?
?
Yay! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing this moment of joy!! xoxo
You wrote a book about Google? I am totally impressed. I was at Goolfe HQ in Cambridge last week and got off elevator at 5th floor and it looks like Red Line Station. Can’t wait to read your book!
Oh, Anna. Your joy makes me happy-teary. Congratulations!
Special time, well deserved my dear! xox celeste
Anna, I am so happy for you and loved this post. Very funny! How nice that you shared that moment with your dad. He must be so proud. Congratulations! I can’t wait to have you sign my copy.
I could not be prouder of you and I look forward to reading this book and all future books!
Congratulations, Anna!!!
Wow great job! Anna you are a bright shiny star. Boys , Mommy did it!
Anna,
I’m so happy for and proud of you! Thank you for persevering.
Sherry Blackford
Wow! Job well done and so proud of you! Can’t wait to read:)
This is fantastic! I look forward to reading this.
Congratulations, Anna! Thanks for sharing this wonderful moment!
I love success stories! Congrats !
How exciting! What an achievement! Congratulations, my friend.
I CAN’T WAIT to read it! SO proud of you, smarty-pants! Waiting on my fav spaceman too;)❤️
Congratulations from New Bern, NC!
Oh, how excited I am for you and so so proud! I remember the little girl who adored her Daddy….I know he is ecstatic and proud! Well deserved, Anna…you are an inspiration❣️❣️❣️
Wow! I love this story! Congrats on an amazing writing milestone! Your book sounds wonderful!
OH Anna!!! I’m so very happy for you, so excited for you, and so PROUD of you! Love you and can’t wait till we can celebrate together! GO YOU!
Sweetum!! Can’t wait to read YOUR book. 🙂 congrats
Exciting news, Anna. Congratulations! I hope you sell a million copies….or more. All the best.
I’m so excited for you and know your family is exceptionally proud! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see it go up the charts!