Well, the moment is (almost) here. I continue to work on other projects, etc., - but my first big "Ma, look, I'm Published" - moment is almost here. An essay I wrote is going to be included in the upcoming "Irish Letters" issue of The Sewanee Review - which, frankly, is rather a big deal. Read the history of this illustrious journal here. It is the oldest continuously published literary journal in America. When I read that list of author names I just ... my mind goes blank.
In this venerable journal you'll find the direct literary line to Flannery O'Connor, Robert Penn Warren, Hart Crane, Anne Sexton, Harry Crews, and Fred Chappell-not to mention, Andre Dubus and Cormac McCarthy, whose first stories were published in The Sewanee Review.
So now it's my turn. The most recent issue came out and has my name in the back, part of their "Next up ..." announcements. It's thrilling, really, and I feel all humble and moved and all that. It makes me feel like crying. I am PROUD to be included in such a publication. It gives me goosebumps, frankly.
This was the first piece I sent out for publication (which none of you all have read), and this was the second magazine I chose to send it to. So far, I don't have that bad a track record, huh??
The issue should be out in the fall (at least what's they tell me) and I will certainly give you all a heads up. The Sewanee Review is not easy to find - there are only a couple of little literary magazine shops here in New York where I have seen it. So it's not like you can just run out to Barnes and Noble and get it. Maybe Borders would carry it, but I'm not sure.
I have a subscription, and - I'm not just saying this because I'm going to be published by them - if you like good essays, excellent new fiction, short stories, nonfiction essays, book reviews - The Sewanee Review is top of the line. Also, if you subscribe, you'll be able to participate in my (first) moment of glory. Subscribe here - click on "Order this journal". It's 25 bucks for one year. (I'm shameless, I know. Whatever. I'm normally so humble that I am actually self-destructive. I can afford a little pride. So here you go. BUY THIS MAGAZINE.) But more than that ... just wanted to preen a little bit. I'm really proud and happy and excited.
Posted by sheilaCongratulations, Sheila. Proud to say I knew you when.
Posted by: Rob at July 2, 2006 8:52 PMCongratulations!!! I am SO proud of you!!
Posted by: DeAnna at July 2, 2006 8:59 PMOh my god I am bursting with pride and I didn't have anything to do with it, I'm just so proud to be RELATED to you. Congratulations and much love!
Posted by: Kerry at July 2, 2006 9:47 PMExcellent news! Congratulations, Sheila! I can't wait to read it. I'm so excited for you. :)
Posted by: curly mcdimple at July 2, 2006 10:21 PMthat is fantastic! congratulations!
Posted by: sarahk at July 2, 2006 10:25 PMOh, Sheila! Anyone who reads this blog KNOWS it was just a matter of time. SOOO fabulous! I feel all jittery and breathless just reading about it. Can't wait!! GO, SHEILA!!
Posted by: tracey at July 2, 2006 10:44 PMCan't wait to get it in my hands!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Alex at July 3, 2006 12:20 AMWoo hoo! Go Sheila go!
Posted by: Mark at July 3, 2006 1:03 AMDear Sheila,
Mad props sister. Mad mad props. Mad mad mad props. I will be subscribing to the bad assewanee journal. It's about muhfuggin time is all I have to say. About muhfuggin time.
Congratulalalalalalalalalalallalalalallalalalalalalations!]]
love
brendan
YAY Sheila!!
Posted by: mere at July 3, 2006 6:09 AMGO SHEILA!!
Posted by: Jayne at July 3, 2006 7:54 AMYahoo, Sheila! I had a dream about you last night, that we were in a hotel in NYC- one of the ones we used to go to in high school, waiting for the bookstore to open up so we could storm it so we could get the first copy. Mere, Betsy, Kate and J were there with us. And Ceileidh. And Ceileidh was sick and you were taking care of her. And she wanted you, not me. And you totally were into being Florence Nightengale to her, and doting on her.(Which is reasonable to expect, as she adores you) But I was freaking out, as we needed to storm the bookstore momentarily!! Note to self: If we go to NYC: Leave Ceileidh home. hahahha
Congratulations, my friend. You are talented on so many, many levels. It is about time you begin to be recognized for it.
Oh Man! That is so cool--I can't wait to read your essay. Listen Sheila, you've turned a corner, in no time at all they'll be callin' you. I'm totally jealous. Way to go.
Posted by: Missy at July 3, 2006 8:54 AMCongrats Ms. O'Malley! Very cool, can't wait to read it.
Posted by: chuck in maine at July 3, 2006 9:01 AMCongratulations, Sheila.
Posted by: Cullen at July 3, 2006 9:24 AMGo Sheila! This is almost as cool as Kung Food Guy. =P Put me down for a copy.
Posted by: Nightfly at July 3, 2006 9:48 AMThat is terrific (insert picture of the Coco Catch here). Well done indeed. Congratulations!
Posted by: Ken at July 3, 2006 10:08 AMCongratulations Sheila! You write like noone I know and you rock!
xxoo
Jackie
This is the sort of thing that you hope will happen for your talented, amazing friends, but rarely does. I couldn't think of a more deserving person, Sheila - the world at large is very lucky indeed to have this opportunity to discover your writing. Woo hoo!!!
Posted by: Stevie at July 3, 2006 10:48 AMOh, BTW - this is a Pantheon post title!
Posted by: Nightfly at July 3, 2006 11:26 AMSo delighted for you! That's some kind of exalted company you're keepin'. Couldn't happen to a better writer.
I have to ask: will it be Joycean?
Buy the mag and find out!
Posted by: red at July 3, 2006 11:57 AMWOW Sheila! What GREAT news!! I'm speechless!!
I'm so glad, and happy, and totally delighted for you!!!!!!! Justice has been done, you are a wonderful writer (and I am obviously not the only one who thinks so!).
You go, Sheila!!!! :-D
Posted by: Ceci at July 3, 2006 2:12 PMWOW! I'm so glad you told us about it. How exciting for you. Congratulations!
Posted by: Jen at July 3, 2006 2:49 PMCongratulations Sheila. No writer on the web that I know of deserves to be published more than you. I can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Dave E. at July 4, 2006 2:14 PM