Let's see, it all began in June 2004 when I read a submission call at
www.lit.org for KnitLit - Volume III. I thought... hey .. I knit and I bet I could write something about knitting. I submitted one epic style poem about a young woman, her lover, an old crone and an Aran sweater - a short non-fiction story about knitting and family ties. I wasn't done with the topic so I wrote an amusing villanelle about an Aran sweater gone wrong. I didn't submit that one until a writer friend suggested it might be more agreeable than a lengthy poem. In September, 2004 at the last minute, I submitted that one too. I promptly forgot all about it because I was positive my writing was of little consequence.
On January 12th, 2005 I got an e-mail from KnitLit advising me that they'd approved of my villanelle titled 'Aran Go Blah'! I was pleased but as I read the e-mail information I realized I'd hit the jackpot because their publisher is Random House!! I was told I'd have to approve the edits done but upon checking discovered there were none. I was also told that there was a slight chance (2%) my poem would not make it into the final book. I was asked to mail in a formal notice that the poem was my creation completely and to provide a 50 word bio which could be included.
In March 2005 I received another e-mail giving me an update on the publication's progress plus providing me with a list of authors.
I was told that the book would be for sale in September 2005 and I was hoping that I would be able to buy it in England while I was on my holiday. I received word that it would be out on September 27th which was three days after I returned home.
KnitLit III is now listed for sale on Amazon.com and there are 'knit-ins' in book stores being set up across the USA. Any day now I will receive my free copy of the book plus an honorarium of $50 US.
Is this the first time I've achieved monetary gain from my writing? No, a letter to the provincial government resulted in an excused $800 property transfer title tax that had been levied against my parents. I still have the letter from the Provincial Privy Council (on elegant paper complete with coat of arms letterhead) advising me that my request had merit. However, that was not creative writing, it was justice delivered.
If not for taking the advice of a writer friend and putting aside my personal preference for the epic poem, I would still be in the realm of being an unpaid published author.
Am I in heaven? Absolutely!
I encourage readers to visit the KnitLit website and if they have knitters in the family to think about purchasing a copy for them for Christmas.
http://www.knitlit.com/
Amazon.com link
