As I've been banging on about, the ARC for The Hating Game is now almost ready! Yes, I'm about to collapse in heap on my desk, but I'm actually starting to feel less nervous and more excited.And today, I had the super-fun task of writing the dedication. Of course there can only be one person to whom I could dedicate my first novel... but there's a shiny little beetle-black gadget that also deserves my eternal gratitude: my former BlackBerry. If it wasn't for that phone, I probably would have taken much longer to leave the corporate world and really begin my writing career.
Before I gave up my full-time job, I worked in a very busy office. It was intense; it was frantic; it was long hours, from seven-thirty in the morning to six at night with no lunch... and while I might not have taken issue with that, I knew it wasn't my life's ambition. Not by a long shot. I'd already given a lot of thought to taking up a part-time job elsewhere and having a go at writing.
One Friday, things reached a breaking point. Coming home from work, I met up with a friend and proceeded to rant on about how unhappy I was, how I wanted to quit, and precisely what was wrong with my bosses.
The weekend passed in a blur as usual, and on a rainy cold November morning I made my way back into the office. Just seconds inside the door, I got a call: could I meet with my bosses, pronto. Shrugging, I figured it was just an early morning strategy meeting.
But oh, no. It was anything but. As I swung into the chair in front of them, they fixed me with an intense stare and asked if I realised I'd rung them last Friday evening. My brow furrowed. What? I hadn't rung them on Friday -- at least not to my knowledge.
Although I hadn't, apparently my dandy little BlackBerry had! Oh yes! Unbeknownst to me, it had revelled in its freedom (I'd forgot to lock it), dialling my bosses' voice mail and leaving not just one BUT TWO messages of me, raving away to my friend about our wonderful workplace.
Needless to say, my sentiments did not go down well. Before my bosses could say anything, I handed in my notice -- with my feelings out there on the table, suddenly it was clear to me (and now, to them!) that I couldn't do this any longer.
One painful month later and I was free, working part-time and starting my writing in earnest.
So... as much as I resented you at the time, shiny BlackBerry, thank you!
Who have -- or would -- you dedicate your book to?
Yowch. That's tough, but easier to look back on now, right?
ReplyDeleteI'd have to dedicate my book to the resin Thai buddha candle holder that I found at a discount shop. His face is so serene. I stare at the flickering shadows from the tea lights when I need inspiration, and he always comes through for me!
Wow! something like that only happens in the movies!!! Yikes! well, it certainly turned out for the best, didn't it? I'd have to dedicate my book to my half sister. She's the first person who actually took an interest and read it with enthusiasm. Not even my parents really gave a crap. English is my man's second language so he hasn't had much to do with it either, except act a as a crying pad for all those tears I shed through the pains of writing it! So yeah, sister and my man. Definitely.
ReplyDeleteWhoa. Talk about taking a leap, huh? Well good for you (and us!) that you made the split-decision to move on...I bet you're much happier now! And congrats on the upcoming ARC!
ReplyDeleteTalli,
ReplyDeleteI love this story! It's crazy that actually happened to you! Your leaving was meant to be...even the Blackberry knew it. :)
I still get that horrible sinking feeling with I think about my bosses overhearing what I said. Ugghhhh. It was NOT a good moment, but yes, it did turn out for the best! :)
ReplyDeleteJeez, I heart my blackberry, thank goodness I've left the office behind! Now I can moan to the dog about the office boss!
ReplyDeleteIt was meant to be chick, sometimes we just need that push.
Of course this would never happen on an Android (well it probably could thinking about it).
ReplyDeleteLove this story - at least it turned out for the best :)
ha ha you should send that boss ur book for xmas.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are getting more excited about your book and let the infectious excitement begin.
What an incredible story! The universe meant for you to write. Can't wait to read your book! I hope it's a huge hit. And your next one you definitely should dedicate to your Blackberry.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how what might have felt like a nightmare at the time was actually a blessing in disguise. Because here you are, ARC close at hand, ready to publish ... Kudos to you! (And your Blackberry).
ReplyDeleteWow that sounds like something you read about and cringe, knowing it couldn't possibly happen to you! Thank goodness it did though :o)
ReplyDeleteBoring maybe, but I'd dedicate my book to my husband for not minding me working VERY part-time so I can write.
Yeesh! Apparently your Blackberry knew what you needed more than you did at the time. :) Cool story!
ReplyDeleteGreat story. Mine would have to be Live-In Handyman for supporting me through all this, even when at times he thinks my writing is his enemy.
ReplyDeleteWhooooops! Well, maybe that Blackberry knew how unhappy you were and did you the favor of dialing!
ReplyDeleteYowza, what a story! It was like the universe was pushing you into a corner and forcing you to take your leap of faith, huh?
ReplyDeleteWow! I cringed as I read each word, the feelings of my company I'm always nervous that someone will hear me say things, or watch me write things!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that it worked out for the best and you are happily writing away! I can't wait to see those amazing ARC's!!!!
I'm with Jess, only in the movies I thought! Now you've proved me wrong! Still cringing!
Thanks, all! If it hadn't happened to me, I never would have believed it! Sigh. The lesson? Lock your phone! :)
ReplyDeleteOh boy that was motivation to hand in your notice!
ReplyDeletewow! my heart sank for you reading this...thank goodness it all worked out for the best!
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess it's good cause it gave you the kick you needed, but ... WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteOh no! That is one of my biggest fears! My phone has called out to friends while it was in my purse and left five minute messages on their voicemails. For that reason, i don't have my boss's phone number in my list of contacts but on a note in one of my phone apps - no risk of rogue dialing!
ReplyDeleteWow I can imagine how you felt when you realised what had happened. Ouch! But well done for handing in your notice pronto - and for goign for it!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. You no longer have that dreadful job. I know what it’s like to leave a horrible job. On the one hand you’re happy, and on the other you wonder if you will survive or have to beg for your job back. A year ago I left my job. I had that job for 4 years and it was my first real job. It was a part of me and leaving it felt like leaving half of who I am. But in the long run, my current job pays a lot more, I’m not the boss’s personal verbal punching bag, and there is no competition between my co-workers on who’s the boss’s favorite.
ReplyDeleteAs for dedicating a book to someone: I would dedicate my novella (which I will be submitting today. *wish me luck*) to my dog. When I adopted my dog; he was abused, starved, scared of men, and had a few heath problems do to abuse and neglect. Now he’s a happy, healthy puppy. Seeing the abuse he had went through, I started writing a romance novel in which animal welfare and abuse play a big part.
Lock your phone, people! I can happen to you! :)
ReplyDeleteLia, I know. I had such mixed emotions about leaving. I wanted to be excited about what was ahead, but I'd never *not* had a job and I was terrified of the unknown. It was very freeing, yes, but it felt like everything had been pulled out from under me -- even if I wasn't happy at all in the job!
And just FYI, I'm on fire with the typos this week. Expect lots of typos on my blog comments! :)
ReplyDeleteEverything happens for a reason... glad things worked out for you!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's hard not to believe things are meant to be! I'd dedicate my book to my teapot, which has seen me through thick and thin.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a story - and what a great plotline for a novel! Glad it all worked out for the best though x
ReplyDeleteCrikey. What a fab story!
ReplyDeleteI dedicated mine to my wife because without her I would be nothing of interest to anyone other than angsty college kids. I am going to dedicate my next book to her as well though I am to understand that there is some sort of rule about this. Maybe I'll dedicate it to my typewriter and my .357 instead.
ReplyDeleteGuess it forced you to make a decision!
ReplyDeleteI dedicated my book to my wife. I'd be rather useless without her.
What a fantastic story! Obviously the Universe wanted to give you a kick in the right direction... You should use it, though - sounds like a great novel opening to me...! :-)
ReplyDeleteMy stomach sank with you as I read your tale. But what a wonderful kick in the backside to make you pack it in and follow your dream. And look how far you have come. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteMy husband did that. He's a notorious butt-dialer.
ReplyDeleteGlad it worked out for you (worked out well for my husband, too - although he's just at a better company now).
Geez, dedication, hmmm I don't know. Maybe my old boss. He was the first person to realize my writing potential. He used to get a kick out of my essays I wrote in college. he used to proof them before I turned them in.
oh dear! My Blackberry does this too! but luckily with not so drastic consequences!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I don't know how you stayed composed in front of your bosses! I would have fallen apart. But it sounds like everything worked out for the best:)
ReplyDeleteWow--that is such an incredible story. I remember feeling kind of the same way when I walked away from hollywood--though my turning point was a nightmare job interview, not a blackberry phone call. Isn't it funny how horrifyingly stressful things like that can set us on the right path? So glad it set things right for you. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, that's like something out of a movie! You should write to the Blackberry people and let them know, since it turned out serendipitous after all :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, what an incredible story - if you used that in a book, no one would believe it was true. It could only be something taken from real life.
ReplyDeleteYou needed a push to leave a job you hated and you got it from a most unexpected quarter. I knew a Blackberry was a smartphone but I had no idea they were that clever! Brilliant!
oh man, that would be some serious unhappiness!
ReplyDeleteDedication of my first book- well rightly I don't know.
The normal people like my parents, i would want to but they never really encouraged my writing.
I think my first book would be dedicated to my sweet girls, the children who have sprung so many exciting times on me I can't count them on my fingers and toes. :) They are young right now, but my whole life revolves around them, and they have been so patient with mommy and her schooling and her writing.
That is the most fabulous story I've ever heard. Seriously. I know just how you felt. I hate working for a corporation and I hold fast to the dream that some day I can tell it to kiss off and become a ful time writer.
ReplyDeleteYou're living my dream. lol! Good for you!!
I'd have to say it depends on which story it is as to who'd dedicate the book to. Can't wait to read The Hating Game. :)
Talli, I put my feelings out there "on the table" at my last job, and oh well, same end as you.
ReplyDeleteI'd dedicate my book to my Significant Other because I'm a undercover romantic like that. :)
OH my goodness!! It wasn't the time you were in Staines was it?!!?!? LOL!! Oh wow!! What a way to quit - I love it!!! LOL!!! It's like when someone emails a rant against someone and then sends it to that person by mistake and there isn't anything on god's green earth to retract it! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteYay!! Well done the blackberry!!!!
Oooh who or what would I dedicate my novel to?!?!?! Michelle Pfieffer's Cat woman! :-)
Take care
x
You didn't?!?!?! LOL
ReplyDeleteWith six books, each one's had a different dedication, but not one to an electronic device.
Wow- crazy!! Would make a great start to a romantic comedy.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are writing. cheers~
Oops! That sounds like it was bad at the time, but I'm so glad things worked out for the best.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who I'd dedicate my book to yet. Hmm, now I'm thinking....
Isn't it weird sometimes how life works out like that?
ReplyDeleteI don't know who I'd dedicate my book to, there's too many people I WANT to dedicate it to.
Old Kitty - No, not Staines. An undisclosed location! :)
ReplyDeleteI did actually use this in the second novel I wrote, which shall never see the light of day. I may take this incident out again now that it's diminished somewhat in cringe-worthiness!
Oh my God, Talli!!! You must have been so embarassed in front of them. I think I might have run to the door it that happened to me and they'd never see me again! LOL! But look at you now!!! I love this story! I agree with Jessica, I thought this only happens in the movies! :)
ReplyDeleteOh man...Eeek. is all I can say...
ReplyDeleteI would def. thank the usual suspects plus one gross cat names Fim. #hesucks
WoW! That's a story to write down and put in a book. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI would dedicate a book to my family. I always thought it would be funny to put "you are who you think you are" and have those strange extended family members wonder exactly what that meant. :o)
Thanks for sharing that awesome story!
Talli,
ReplyDeleteI really love that story! Glad you got out of there. It's a tale that could only happen in this century! :)
It was fate! Gotta love that shiney black square :)
ReplyDeleteWow lady that is some story! You hear about things like that happening but I've never known anyone it has happened to! How fun to get to write your dedication!
ReplyDeleteThere have been a few times when someone has called me, but didn't know it. I could hear they were having a conversation, and in their car, but no details. I wish I could have (sort of). I've always wanted to be a fly on the wall. ;)
ReplyDeleteEEPS! LOL Awesome ending, but I bet you were a little shocked when you walked into your former bosses office! Congrats on your amazing success!
ReplyDeleteYikes! I'm so glad it turned out well for you - It must have been so uncomfortable at the time!
ReplyDeleteMy family. Always :)
Wow. That is the butt dial of all butt dials!
ReplyDeleteChange isn't easy, but sometimes a forced change is just what we need. I'm so glad it happened, so you could follow your dream!
Book dedication? Awesome husband and three sons, hands down.
Wow! I've pocket and purse-dialed people in my time but nothing this intense ever came of it. But you know what, the direction of your life was clearly meant to change. And look, a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteNo, scratch that, it's not a happy ending, it's a happy BEGINNING.
I hope you do dedicate your book to your Blackberry, but if you don't the awesome story is here.
ReplyDeleteMy husband told me my first book has to be dedicated to him. I don't have a good story like yours anyway.
If you get a chance tomorrow, please stop by my blog. I'm hosting a Halloween Haunting!
ha ha ha! I love this. a truly smart phone. I can hear it now talking to your pocket or your purse - "oh that big wuss - she rattles on about wanting to leave but she won't do it - what can I do to push her towards her dream - hey! I know!" and the rest is herstory.
ReplyDeleteWow, pretty amazing. Some things are just meant to be! :)
ReplyDeleteOh. My. God. This is one of my biggest fears! I am CONSTANtly checking my blackberry to make sure it's locked and didn't dial anyone accidentally, in particular when I'm ranting about work ;)
ReplyDeleteI feel like you just described my current life... it was the eeriest feeling reading this post.
I'm so proud of you for taking that step, and realizing it wasn't what you wanted, even if it wasn't intentional.
Everything happens for a reason, and you've found your true calling :)
I had to quit my job as well to take writing seriously. I'm so glad I did. I wish I had a Blackberry to thank.
ReplyDeleteCD
Mine would be to the boss who forced my retirement due to budget cuts. Gave me the push I needed.
ReplyDeleteYours is definitely sitcom material.LOL
WOW! That must have been horrible at the time, but then ended up being a blessing. Thanks for sharing this story. You are so brave!
ReplyDeleteI get that old anxious feeling just reading that and remembering!! Oh that job. I could go on for hours....
ReplyDeleteWow... What an amazing story! I'm glad you were able to leave an unhappy situation and follow your dream. Go Blackberry! lol
ReplyDeleteO_O Goodness, that is definitely not something you experience/hear about everyday! Well I am glad that you are in a more comfortable situation than you were back then. :)
ReplyDelete~TRA
http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
OMG!! My stomach fell reading this story. Yipes.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness it has a happy ending. :)
Great story, Talli! I can't wait to see who you really dedicate your book to...
ReplyDeleteOMG love that story. As you know my books are deciated to my husband, son and stepsons. I assume yours will be dedicated to your wonderful husband....we're hoping you'll both come to ours for a weekend as soon as you get a chance to take a break from your hard work!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great little story and so meant to be. Sometimes we're too scared to take the risk of quitting our jobs and following our dreams so little things like that (albeit embarrassing at the time) turn out to be for the best. So well done you!
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, I'd dedicate my book to all the girls out there who have experienced dating hell in their bid to find Mr Right. Without these stories my book wouldn't exist. Now all I need to do is finish the damn thing!
Ouch! That must have been an awkward meeting. Glad it all worked out for the best! :)
ReplyDeleteOMG!! This made my neck hair prickle. I know it had an excellent outcome but it must have felt so terrible at the time. Well done for turning bad into good.
ReplyDeleteOh my word that is my worst nightmare. That's why I don't have anyone in my contacts list that I talk about! Ha,ha. I actually had that happen to me at work with email. Accidentally emailed the person I was talking about. Yikes!! Very uncomfortable. Technology can be a bitch, but glad it all worked out for you in the end.
ReplyDeleteOMG, T!!! I can't even imagine... well, I can. Hubs used to butt-dial my parents all the time and I just KNEW they were going to catch me complaining loudly about them... while they were graciously keeping my children so I could have a mini-vacay... :D LOL!!! It's those happy accidents~
ReplyDeletegood luck w/the dedication. I'm thinking my acknowledgments will be longer than the book~ ;p <3
holy cow! I can't imagine how horrifyingly horrifying that must have been but as you say, at least it got you to where you are today! Yikes!- that's total book material by the way too, so the perks to the situation just keep adding up:)
ReplyDeleteThis story just screams Talli Roland, in every line!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Talli .. what an incredible story .. I'd have 'died' - vapourised into non-existence ..
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to little Miss Blackberry .. who just told tales on you ..
Great - you're here! Such fun .. thanks made me smile for the weekend .. have fun .. Hilary
OMG! What a story. My sisters phone used to call me ... once from the doctor's office! I came close to dedicating my upcoming book (soon!) to sour ju jubes and sushi! But those in my life will have to wait a bit longer to see who this book is dedicated to!
ReplyDeleteThat is one hell of a motivation to do what you really love doing, so many thanks to your Blackberry for being evil on that day, hehe :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't know who to dedicate a book to, there'd be too many people I'd wanna list (and people I'd undoubtedly accidentally leave out)