Okay. So recently I posted a question to the published authors who visit this site to share their experiences with THE CALL. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much information, so I’ll share my experience for any of you that are curious.
THE CALL itself is pretty much a blur of my hyperventilating (not really) and Kate telling me to take deep breaths (really). We discussed the contract terms briefly and admired our good fortune. I, of course, am thrilled to be published. Kate is happy that she got to me before another editor did. (Of course, I didn’t say anything to refute that one. 
)
I couldn’t sleep last night. I just kept thinking, “What if she doesn’t like my other stories? What if I can’t write anything that’s as good as STOLEN? What if I can’t finish the story on time?”
I’m terrified. 
I woke this morning to find my internet connection on the fritz. Using my cell phone, I checked my e-mail to find one from Kate that says, “Call me when you wake up.”
Oh no!!! This is where she says she’s made a terrible mistake and I’m not getting the contract!!!
Thankfully, it was a call about deadlines (yes, I have one now and it’s brutal!) and the cover and title (nothing concrete). WOW!!! How do things move so fast! I haven’t finished the last story yet!! Now I’m really terrified.
Then I surf through more e-mails and find one from Black Lace. They want a short story I wrote, but with minor alterations. BY THE 20TH!!! Another deadline!!
So that’s where I’m at. Happy and thrilled and terrified and very, very busy!! 
Well, FM! Congratulations, Sylvia!
I’m thrilled for you, Wendy/Portia and Cece! Whose turn next I wonder? I can’t wait. 
It’s like a snowball effect, Sylvia! Go you!
Wow!!! That’s so cool! *ggg*
I can’t write shorts. I’m going to have to learn, but, uh, I’ve acutally had one 20pg short story turn into 130pgs. I’m not good with short… I admire preople to whom it comes naturally!
I know right now it seems like a lot but I have all the faith in the world that you can meet your deadline (both of them) and I’m so thrilled that Kate loves you as much as we do!!!!!!!!
And you sold to Black Lace, too? You go, girl!
^5!
Jaq
Wow! I mean, WOW! Nothing like a trial by fire, eh?
Congrats again, girl!