Saturday 9 April 2011

The Lantern is lit


So where does all that determination to write get you? With a finished manuscript and months of waiting and hoping, followed by the gradual fading of optimism into resignation? Believe me, I’ve been there. Perhaps I’ll tell you, another time. But just sometimes – unexpectedly, incredibly – events move faster and more positively than you ever dared hope.

I didn’t intend to write anything that sat nearly as appositely with the previous post, but a parcel arrived from HarperCollins in New York this week. Inside was a gift-wrapped book: the US Advance Reader’s Editon of The Lantern. Suddenly, it was the moment you sometimes think will never come, even as an experienced author, thoughout all the long months and years of writing and rewriting and editing, then waiting for a verdict from agent and publisher.

But come it has, and with it a special sea-green package encasing a book with a shimmering cover. The front image shows a gate such as Hitchcock might have filmed and its peacock sheen makes an unearthly light against the dark background, which my photography doesn't do justice.


This is an early edition. The cover may or may not be changed before publication at the end of August, and the UK edition will be quite different. But the excitement starts here, and it is very exciting, not least because this is the first time one of my novels is being published in the USA.

And there’s icing on the cake – not just a scraping, but a huge drift of lovely topping, far more than I ever dreamed. I’m completely amazed and delighted beyond words that these very fine and very generous writers, New York Times bestselling authors all, have read The Lantern and sent these endorsements:

“I absolutely adored this beautifully written, modern Gothic novel, set in Provence, full of scents, colors and mystery. It will hook you in from the start and weave its dark, lush magic around you.
—Tatiana de Rosnay, author of Sarah's Key and A Secret Kept

“With The Lantern, Deborah Lawrenson delivers a feast of sights, sounds and smells that grow and change and linger, like a wonderfully complex perfume.  I was captivated by this marvelous, haunting book—at times vivid and lush, at times provocative and chilling.
—Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Lantern is a seductive mixture of a Gothic ghost story and a modern romance that unfolds in a marvelous, crumbling Provencal farmhouse. If the story doesn't keep you up all night reading, the sharp and beautiful descriptions of the South of France will.  Deborah Lawrenson has written an alluring, dark novel that will haunt you and leave you wanting more.”
 —Danielle Trussoni, author of Angelology


45 comments:

Lynne Rees said...

Oh congratulations! What a lovely way to start the weekend. And some wonderful 'puffs' too. You must be 'aux anges'.

Samantha Sotto said...

WOW. JUST. WOW. Congratulations!!!!! The galley is BEAUTIFUL and the blurbs are beyond brilliant!

Unknown said...

How lovely - and I have an idea the book is as beautiful as your blog. Is it already for sale? Many congratulations, you deserve to feel wonderful.

K said...

Comgratulations! It's wonderful to hear that someone is making it in the publishing industry, the quest is so difficult for most. I really look forward to reading your novel.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you! I am hopeful that I'll experience the same thrill one day. For now, I'll bask with you in yours.

Carol said...

Congrats!

Looking forward to seeing the UK cover. :)

carol

Carol said...

Have just seen the UK cover on Amazon.
I do prefer the UK cover :)

carol

Anonymous said...

Brilliant, Deborah - many congratulations! It's beautiful, and what impressive blurbs... The opportunity to celebrate friends' achievements is quickly becoming my favorite part of SheWrites!

Maureen said...

Congratulations for a wonderful accomplishment.

Carol said...

You are an inspiration to all of us aspiring writers! I can't wait to read The Lantern! Warmest congratulations on getting it published.

Anonymous said...

Cette fois-ci, c'est la gloire, Deborah. Bravo!
Je m'associe à ton bonheur et au stress de joie que tu as en redécouvrant ton roman aussi bien présenté.
Passe un bon week-end!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

WONDERFUL!!! I cannot imagine how you feel at this moment with all that you have done to get to this point... Bravo.bravo.bravo!

The endorsements of Rosnay and Stein (read many of theirs) together with Trussoni (have not read) is stunning!!! This your time in the spotlight and I cannot wait to read your novel.

A hearty congratulations to you, mon amie!

Bisous,
Genie

Leovi said...

Congratulations for such a great time for these excellent reviews. Now I just want you to reach a great success and that the future can be translated into Spanish. Good luck and a hug.

James Kiester said...

Big big congratulations! Seriously, it has to feel wonderful.:-)

Muriel said...

Congratulations Deborah! I like the cover...what an achievement...

Unknown said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful treat. A very special package indeed. It's beautiful. :)

bookspersonally said...

Congratulations! it looks absolutely gorgeous!

Karen Wojcik Berner said...

Congratulations! It looks wonderful. Great blurbs. Gorgeous artwork. Must be a tremendous feeling.

Cannot wait to read it.

Please let me know when the August release in the US is scheduled, and I will plug it on my blog.

Cheryl Hart said...

Deborah, being a brand new follower, I am just now learning of your book, The Lantern. How exciting it must be to open that glorious package. :) I am living the moment through you (for now. hee hee)

I searched for the UK cover, and like Dizzy C, I like it best. That's not to say I don't like the one shown in this post. It certainly gives it an eerie feel. I also read the story description and immediately placed it in my Goodreads 'to read' list.

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your joy.

Sara Louise said...

WOW!! You must be chuffed! And you should be! The cover looks great, and I love the comments from the authors (I read Sarah's Key!). Really looking forward to reading The Lantern myself :-)
Bon dimanche!

Forest Dream Weaver said...

Congratulations Deborah,you must be over the moon! These reviews are splendid.....I think we're all in for a treat.

All best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Oh many congratulations dear Deborah!! The book looks gorgeous and those endorsements are wonderful! Can't wait for it to come out in the UK.

BonjourRomance said...

Congratulations Deborah. What a wonderful feeling it must have been when you unwrapped that beautiful package. The cover looks lovely, and I cannot wait to read it;
Well done!
Mimi

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

Dearest Deborah,

Congratulations on this feat most Herculean -- I can only dream of what it must be like to unwrap one's own novel.
Thanks so much for popping by Nero and your kind words.
I will absolutely be adding you to my blogroll and getting my hot hands on your book as soon as humanly possible.
What a delight to catch a better glimpse of the Luberon -- a region I've visited and love -- through your images and words.
Pleasure meeting you, albeit virtually, Alcira

nerochronicles.com

Unknown said...

What a joyour occasion! Can't wait to get my hands on your book and read from cover to cover.
Is the best way to get to know someone to read their work? I wonder about this.

Jacqueline said...

Congratulation! I look forward to reading it.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Deborah. I can imagine the excitement as you tore open the package. I'm very much looking forward to reading The Lantern. If it is anything like as good as the tasters you have been giving us in your blog posts, we are in for a treat.

Fit With Flash said...

oh hey Author with a Blog I just found... i'll make sure to grab a copy of this book once it's out. congrats on achieving! i'll be checking in with you from now on as i'm always looking for a next good read!

Mel u said...

Congratulations-your book sounds wonderful-I am really looking forward to reading it-

Sherry Hicks said...

Congratulations! I too am really looking forward to reading this book! I want one as soon as it is available in the U.S., keep me posted!
Sherry

joanna said...

Congratulations,,, your writing style is superb and you deserve every kind word others have said, I am looking forward to owning my own copy.

Joanny

Kenya D. Williamson said...

The cover's beautiful, Deborah. And what wonderful endorsements! Congratulations! I've also added it to my "to read" list. :)

Jennifer said...

Congratulations! I am eagerly awaiting the release in the U.S. I love the cover it looks great. Great endorsements by some very well received writers.

Lindsay said...

Congratulations of the new book.

Olga said...

It must be a indescribable feeling to see your own book. I think these moments can never be tiring; they're always fresh and exiting, just like seeing a newborn baby. Congratulations!

renilde said...

Dear Deborah, many congratulations, I love reading so I will certainly get a copy as soon as I can, the pieces I read here made me curious. Wishing you succes, x

Anonymous said...

The cover is stunning! Just the sort of book I always will pick up at the bookstore. When do we, your U.S. readers, get a chance to purchase? I'm so excited! Belle

BookGeek said...

What a gorgeous cover! I cannot wait to purchase your book, Deborah! Your writing journey inspires me every time I stroll through your blog.

Saylor said...

Congratulations! What an accomplishment - bravo!

Deborah Lawrenson said...

I feel completely overwhelmed by the generosity of your responses, and appreciate every single one of them more than I can say.

"Cette fois, c'est la gloire!" Merci de tout coeur, Richard! A lovely daydream -I'd settle for sales that justify the publishers' faith in me this time!

I did wonder whether this post might be too self-congratulatory (I won't make a habit of it, promise) when I know that many of you are still writing and waiting interminably on agents and publishers, but I hope the point came across that it can be done, and you really mustn't give up.

PS. I heard last night that this WILL only be the cover for the Advance Reader's Edition in the US. Interesting both the UK and US publishers have changed covers - independently, and to the same one! It's very different, but I do like it very much, and will reveal it as soon as I have the go-ahead.

Becca said...

Oh my goodness. What a beautiful book, and such wonderful endorsements! I'm so happy for you :) And so excited to read it!

Paintdancer said...

C'est magnifique! J'aime surtout des couleurs viridian! Très mystérieux! It definitely sets a tone of mystery and expectation. How incredibly exciting for you! A huge congratulations, Deborah! The book cover is stunning and the suspense in waiting is almost too difficult to bear!

My Sinfonia said...

Oh that is so exciting Deborah! Is it going to be released in Australia?

Deborah Lawrenson said...

My Sinfonia - I'm pretty sure it will be available in Australia and NZ, in the UK edition published by Orion on July 7. That's usually the way it works, so fingers crossed.

Unknown said...

We have just pre-ordered The Lantern, its sounds just our sort of book and I am sure a review will be on our blog days after we both have read it.

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