I’ve been promising you some news for a while now. I didn’t mean to leave you with an obnoxious cliffhanger; I’ve just been waiting for the dust to settle. (Actually, I’ve been waiting for Ashton Kutcher to jump out from behind my curtains and yell, “Punk’d!”)
I’m not entirely convinced that this is really happening – it may be a hallucination brought on by a questionable batch of pork spring rolls from little Vietnam (I do eat a lot of them). But here goes …
The short story
I launched my self-published book in the first week of September this year. In just over two months, I’ve landed some big publishing deals and a movie deal. My book has just sold to:
- Hyperion Voice (North American rights)
- Penguin (Australia / NZ rights)
- Summersdale (UK rights)
- Seismic Pictures in Hollywood (film option)
Allow me to insert a gaggle of exclamation marks: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How it all unfolded
A week after launching my book online, I received an email from a movie producer. He’d chanced upon my Twitter profile, which led him to an excerpt from my book. He sent me a quick email to see if my film rights were available. I told him I’d already optioned them to one Steven Spielberg …
… in my dreams!
“Yes, they’re available,” I told him. I assumed he was probably a recluse from Kansas with poor hygiene and a disturbing collection of author headshots pinned to his apartment walls. You see, producers don’t just Tweet you out of the blue with, Oh, hey, I love your voice, and I’d like to consider turning your self-published book into a Hollywood film. No, siree, that doesn’t happen in real life.
So I sent over a copy of my book, and promptly forgot about it.
Two weeks later, the producer called me. He was full of enthusiasm and he talked in detail about his creative vision for the project. He asked if I had any suggestions on who would play my character in the film. The only actor that came to mind was DJ Qualls, but instead of answering with something intelligible, I responded by choking on my soft palate.
It began to dawn on me that maybe this peculiar man from Kansas was actually a producer from Hollywood.
Days later, the producer sent me an option offer for the media rights. But before I had a chance to collect my jaw from the keyboard, I received a completely unrelated offer from an editor at a UK publishing house (who’d also found me through social media).
It all seemed to good to be true. I read and re-read the offers, trying to identify the scam. My dad, a scriptwriter by profession, gave his two cents’ worth: “Looks legit to me. Why don’t you get an agent?”
Up until that point, I’d been unsuccessful in my pursuit to land an agent. I spent the first half of 2011 either crafting queries letters to agents, or pounding my head against cold, hard surfaces as the rejections piled up. One agent told me that, while he loved my writing, it was probably going to be a long, uncertain road to landing a publishing deal. Apparently, memoirs don’t sell well to publishers unless your name is Hilton, Kennedy, or Fey.
Then, around mid-year, I decided to change course. Unwilling to be defeated, I followed the direction of my internal compass, which was pointing towards SELF-PUBLISH. I began getting my manuscript ready. I worked with an editor and a proofreader, and I pulled from my years of experience in marketing and graphic design to create a cover. I was furiously determined to create sleek product, and I sweated the small stuff into the wee hours of the night.
As the self-published project took over my life, I fantasized about a house fire that would wipe out every trace of this obsessive-compulsive beast that had swallowed my entire life. Things like food and exercise and changing out of my robe became low priority. I wondered how long I had until my loved ones arranged an intervention: “So about this whole ‘book’ thing, Torre. It’s time to let go. You need to move on. It’s getting really sad.”
Then …
September 7
I launched my self-published book through my blog, Twitter, and Facebook.
October 1
I was sent an option offer from Seismic Pictures in Hollywood.
October 6
I was offered a deal from Summersdale in the UK.
October 13
I signed with Elizabeth Evans from Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency in New York. I also aligned with Jessica Regel from the same agency for film and foreign rights.
November 2
Thanks to the graceful choreography of Elizabeth Evans, three US publishers were prepared to go to auction, but we received an incredible pre-emptive offer from Hyperion that was far too handsome to turn down. At 3.30 a.m. my time, we accepted the offer.
November 11
Thanks to Jessica Regel, my book went to auction in Australia with four big publishers. I received some amazing offers, but I chose Penguin because of their glowing energy for the story.
Allow me to insert a throng of exclamation marks: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s taken me a year and a half of full-time writing, ten months of promoting, one sorry social life, 5,334 Tweets, and a stack of edited drafts that’s thigh-high, but it worked! I would say that it’s a dream come true, except that I never even let myself dream up something this epic. I’m awash with mixed emotions: happiness, relief, shock, and also a tiny remaining seed of doubt: is Ashton Kutcher still crouching behind my curtains?
My book will be released in 2013
My sincere apologies to all of the people who’ve emailed wondering why they can’t buy my book on Amazon. The self-published version is no longer available. It’ll be released as a summer read in 2013 (January in Australia and May in the US and the UK) as Love with a Chance of Drowning. Please sign up here if you’d like to receive an email when it launches.
I owe many thanks …
To the wonderful agents at JVNLA, who have well and truly exceeded my expectations. Thanks to Robert Schwartz from Seismic Pictures, and Jennifer Barclay from Summersdale. They both scouted me on Twitter, which is sooooo 2011! I’m sensing some fun times ahead, hopefully without DJ Qualls.
I put a lot of work into self-publishing, and I’ve been awfully precious about selling my baby, but I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that my publishers will be able to launch the book to heights that I can’t reach on my own. I can’t wait to work with Christine Pride from Hyperion, Kirsten Abbott from Penguin, and Jennifer Barclay from Summersdale.
Thanks to all of the people who have helped me: my test readers, my enablers, my blog subscribers, my travel blogging community, and my memoir writers’ community. I’ve been touched by the generosity of so many people who have been willing to give their time and energy by offering advice, critique, and reviews. I’m so glad to be a part of the blogging community. (We may bicker like old lovers, but we love like old friends.)
Thanks to the DeRoche family and the Nepomnaschy family for your help and support. I have some very talented sisters, including Summer (who you should totally hire for all things film-related – she helped me with my trailer) and Bree (who you should totally hire if you want to get your manuscript edited and ready for submissions or self-publishing – she edited my manuscript).
And then there’s Ivan. He’s been my creative partner and my producer. He’s been my punching bag, my cook, my masseuse, my fetcher of wine, and my therapist. At times, he’s used all of his strength to hoist me up from a dark pit of self-doubt.
I found him in a cocktail bar. What. The. Hell?
Torre DeRoche is the author of two travel memoirs, Love with a Chance of Drowning (2013) and The Worrier’s Guide to the End of the World (due out September 2017). She has written for The Atlantic, The Guardian Travel, The Sydney Morning Herald, Emirates, and two Lonely Planet anthologies.
241 Response Comments
So thrilled for you. That’s UNBELIEVEABLE!! And it gives me hope. xx
You.
Are.
A.
God.
Damn.
Rockstar.
I’m so freaking glad that you are able to let this news out of the bag now and tell the world! I don’t tell many people that they’ve inspired me but Torre, my friend?
You inspire me with your awesomeness.
And that Ivan guy? He’s pretty cool too, you know. You guys should *totally* hook up.
There are no words to describe my delight for you. I smiled as I read this entire post — your story is inspiring to the core and I am ready to celebrate all the joy that lies ahead. Congratulations!!!
Wow! I’m so happy for you. You totally deserve it and I can’t wait for the big film premiere party. (I AM invited, right?! 🙂 )
Torre,
CONGRATULATIONS! I’m so proud of you and your amazing book. It’s been wonderful being able to see this happen, and I think it couldn’t happen to a more deserving, talented and wonderful human being. Rock on!
Also I TOTALLY CALLED THIS. 🙂 It was impossible to think that your book wasn’t going to be picked up, very, very quickly.
Enjoy it! Celebrate! Then get started on book #2 🙂
Woohoo! Amazing, well-deserved news. I’m not even surprised as your book is so much better than many published books I have read and I can well imagine it as a movie – can’t wait!
Bah! Congratulations! (Sorry. That’s as witty as I get when it comes to congratulatory responses.)
And even if the people involved happen to have poor hygiene, it don’t matter.
YOU DID IT!
This is wonderful news, Torre. Congrats! I’m so happy for you!! I had a feeling big things would happen with your book! You inspire me to continue with mine (I was recently in a slump) and to get my act together. Thanks for sharing your journey and I look forward to seeing where it takes you next. And I can’t wait to read the book and see the movie! 🙂
I say it once again. Nostradamus!!!! I seriously should join the circus… 🙂 Torre, I am so very happy for you. It’s nice to see good things happen to talented and hard-working people. When you come to New York, I hope you’ll give me a ring!
You are Nostradamus, Dina. Yes, I’ll visit you in New York!
That is amazing!! It’s fantastic to see so much hard work come to fruition. Count me among your state-side supporters when it comes to promoting the hell out of your book.
Torre, I’m so beyond thrilled for you! This is a huge accomplishment and it must feel like walking around in a dream! So… how will you celebrate?
that’s absolutely amazing!! congrats!
your story is definitely interesting enough so i can see why it appealed to them.. the power of social media! wow.
Ah! I’m so disappointed that I’ll have to wait until 2013 to read your book (I’ve had it bookmarked on Goodreads forever!)….. but I’m so happy for this great news! Congratulations!
This is the first post I’ve read of yours … and what a great way to get introduced! It reads like fantasy, and your enthusiasm is completely contagious. A big congratulations!
Wow! This is incredible! Excellent job, Torre. You deserve this.
Wow, congratulations! This is so great! It’s so nice to see your hard work and passion pay off in such an incredible way. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out 🙂
WOW, Torre! WOW! Your next book/movie has to be your self-published to big publishing deal story! You have just set a little fire under every writer not yet published. I’m coming to you soon for advice. A million congratulations. 🙂
Great insight! That’s the answer we’ve been looking for.
Like I told Ivan, when you go to do your interview with Jon Stewart, I gotta attend! Congrats. See you in 4 WEEKS!
But then you’ll take over and tell jokes about Irritable Bitch Syndrome.
So proud of you, cannot wait for the enslaught of media attention promoting your awesome book. You are so talented and deserve all if this. Congrats again gorgeous x
Torre, it’s amazing and you deserve every second of it. You have a unique voice and a unique story. I feel proud!!! Yayayayaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa yayayaa!!!!!!!!
Booyah!!! As soon as you said “big news”, my question to you was going to be…Who’s going to play you in the movie??
Damn me not having a Kindle or I’d have read it by now. Guess I’ll have to wait yet…
CONGRATS!
What a fantastic story – congratulations! Enjoy your success.
What an amazing story! Congratulations!
That is totally freaking awesome! Congrats!
WOW! Superb news. I hooked a NY agent through a contact on twitter but nothing has come of it yet!
I’m delighted for you. 😉
Brilliant. Just brilliant. Sometimes those Latin guys just got the goods…
Well, damn (and please excuse the language.) Oh, never mind, don’t excuse it. Now, that’s a story. Sell this publishing story as a dream come true. So so happy for you – I’m doing tiny little dances!
Lots of squeals and !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! of excitement coming from mine and Girls Gone Moto’s end. Girl…this is fucking fantastic. Good work being so clear on your desires and your willingness to put in the work. If we just keep following what we love, what we want follows. What a story! Can’t wait to keep supporting you.
Xo,
Sally
Wow! That’s amazing!! Congratulation! Way to go!
Congratulations Torre, this is wonderful!!!! I loved the book – your story – and I can’t wait to see it on the big screen too 😉
Torre!! Congratulations. This is a dream come true!! You are my inspiration. I only hope, a year from now when I am done with my book, I can have even half of the blessings you have. I am so happy for you. x
I’m sooo happy for you, Torre! I knew this book would be a huge success and if I was a big film producer, I would totally have bought the movie rights. Can’t wait to see it on the big screen!
Amazing news!! Congratulations, Torre, we are so happy for you! And we are so excited to know that we got one of the self-published copies, it’ll probably be worth tons of money one day, hehe 😉 You have to give a second thought to who should play you in the movie… maybe write about a post about who you’d approve of and who not 😀
Wow!!! I can’t wait to see it in bookstores in Australia (by the time I finish my own trip). Finally I can get a copy! Albeit, the price from the self-published version will probably double 😉 Congratulations Torre. Movie rights too. OMG!!! When is the next book coming? 😀
Oh wow!!! That’s so awesome!! A BOOK AND MOVIE DEAL!? CONGRATS! That’s like, I think, the most ultimate dream EVAR.
I’m so happy for you – and everything happened to quickly too! Which is pretty incredible!
EEEEE!!!! Torre, this is all such amazing news! I got goosebumps just reading this. You totally deserve it, though. All of it.
And holy crap, a possible movie deal?? That’s amazing.
Does this mean my self-published version of your book is going to be worth big bucks someday once you’re rich and famous? If so, I totally am going to need you to sign it… 😉
CONGRATULATIONS!
Bravo! You are an inspiration to us all. Your story is really encouraging and I can feel your excitement/daze all the way in Athens, Greece. I love reading stories of people who’ve made it, despite the ‘naysayers’ and people pushing us to live ‘normal’ lives. Keep us updated.
:0)
I don’t know what to say other than that you deserve every single bit of success you get…and that you have to sign my book copy when I get to Melbourne!!! 😀
I know I’ve told you this backwards and forwards, but CONGRATULATIONS! Totally well-deserved.
And seriously, why don’t any of my one-night stands turn out like this?
Not bad at all. <—(Translation notes: this is British for "WTFzomg!!!&*£*&&%$(*"*&%*£%!£%%$£%$$amazingballsof*((%^£*(%!!!!!").
Yeah that’s what I’m talking about baync-bi-e work!
I’m so glad I bought your book on Amazon when I had the chance!
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
That is all. 😉
Oh, OK, it’s not *quite* all. Congratulations, lady – I’m so pleased for you. And yay! This means that I *can* buy your book for my technonumpty ma after all. You. Are. Brilliant.
Congrats on this amazing accomplishment!!! I feel lucky I was able to buy the book a couple weeks ago before the self published version had to be taken down. Good luck with everything!!!
Wonderful news! It that doesn’t qualify as inspiration for indie writers I don’t know what does. I’m looking forward to the book. Roll on 2013!
This is so FREAKING AMAZING. Congratulations! You are living everyone’s dream right now!
Dave put it perfectly:
You.
Are.
A.
God.
Damn.
Rockstar.
So proud of my little sister! Success you wouldn’t dare DREAM of. Yet from the first time I read it, I knew it was genius. I’ve read it 5 times and bawled my eyes out every single time – so moved, so inspired. Such clever writing! Such a beautiful adventure-love story to tell.
– Bree
Torre, congratulations! I love the role Twitter played in making the connections. And you’re in good hands with Hyperion Voice. They’re a terrific publisher.
That is freaking awesome! Way to go Torre!!
You just chipped away a bit at my pretty steadfast desire to not self-publish! I too had a bruised head from the querying of agents. I let the book sit for a few years…you’ve inspired me to give it another go.
I can’t wait to read it. Congrats!!
“…He was full of enthusiasm…”
I’m not at all surprised. Luckily, I bought your lovely mots for my Kindle shortly after it was released. I even saved it to read after the dust settled from my move here to Vietnam, and…
I’m here to tell ya – it’s one FANTASTIC read, Torre! And I say that as a rather picky reader. I admit at first I was a bit skeptical as I thought it might just be a short e-book full of fluff. But… NO WAY!
Your writing style is delightful, and the story is chock full of grit. A most enjoyable read, and I only hope you’ll follow up with your further “land” adventures there in Australia. That and…
Uh, can I tell all my friends that “I knew you when”? 😉
Seriously girl – HUGE Congratulations. You deserve every bit of your new fame!
What a happy story. Had planned to buy your book this week — love to read travel adventures. Will now look forward to 2013.
Totally awesome!! You deserve it. It is so wonderful to hear of how this happened for you- LOVE social media!!
Can’t wait to hear more about it and when the movie comes out.
so so excited for you
O.M.G. I am so so so happy for you and consider myself lucky that already have a copy of your book! I wish that I had you sign it! I am also incredibly inspired!!!! Way to go!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot wait to see the movie!
Wow, I think I just found my new hero(ine). This is the kind of story that I can only dream of – congratulations on turning your hard work into a wonderful reality.
Torre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so incredibly happy for you! You are an incredible writer and I no doubt this will be the first of many. And those feelings are not dampened at all by the fact that you will no even appear in screen when Ivan and I chat on Skype 😉
Bigh hug and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
Pablo Nepo…
Thanks so much for all the comments and congrats!!! You sure know how to make a gal feel special. I’m going to have a glass of champagne for each one of you and wee sfoiu g lkjp shdfkjhiiiiiaapoi lkjlggiu
Congratulations on your book,
Congratulations! This is great for you and inspiring for all writers 🙂
I am SO excited for you! What a wonderful reward for all your hard work, determination, and creative zeal. I look forward to hearing more about where these book and movie deals take you. I’m also feeling a bit smug about getting a chance to read your book before it was taken off Amazon. I’m already a big fan and can’t wait to spread the word about it when 2013 rolls around. 🙂
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! So excited for you!!!! Think of all the people that will get to read your story AND see the movie!!!! I wonder who will get to play you; there has got to be someone better than DJ Qualls 😛 haha.
All the best!
HOLEE.CRAP.TORRE!!
So amazing and so happy for you! As you said, the best dreams that come true are sometimes the ones you wouldn’t even allow yourself to dream! MAJOR MAJOR kudos for making it all happen!
Hi Torre
I’m so excited for you. I’ve been devouring your book up and it truly takes me right there on the boat..your emotions are so raw and vivid.
I only ask that the publishers keep the tall and handsome part for Ivan but please don’t have them turn him into a dark latino…those clear eyes, blond hair and fair skin are part of his beauty…most people have a pre set biast image of an Argentine as dark eyes with olive skin! (PW described him as tall dark and handsome)
Love your blog!
This is COMPLETELY awesome and I am excited for you. Seems like everyone knew talent when they read it!
Torre, I’m so happy for you!! What blessings in your life, enjoy it all.
Huge contratulations to you!! That is such an inspriational and amazing story. I must say only one thing upsets me. Your self-pubbed book is sitting in my Amazon wish list. I so wish I had purchased it sooner. Guess I’ll be waiting for the next release. Again, congrats!!!!
Congrats! That is awesome, and deserved.
Congratulations! This is amazing! I am grinning from ear to ear at the thought of all those readers (and watchers) holding your book in their hands in 2013. I am priviledged to have my own version already and to have loved it as one of your first readers.
I have tears in my eyes, this is so over the moon amazing and you deserve it all!!!
This is just too incredible of a story! Congratulations!!!!
Big congrats, Torre! Loved the look of your book, and wished I had hit ‘buy’ while it was still available. Best of luck with everything!
Torre, that is the best news ever. I loved your book. It rocked and you’re awesome.
Congrats Torre! It’s inspiring seeing others pursue their dreams and accomplish even more than what they initially intended!
MY sweet Torre…..form AMAZING GRACE ( your boat Gracie) to an AMAZING BOOK from an Amazing writer……
I told you before in this blog the movie was coming…….YOU DID IT GIRL…….so proud of you…..
I agree with cousin Lorie……about Ivan in the movie…..if DJ Qualls is not available maybe BRAD PIT..and Torre can be played by Torre……
The Nepomnaschy’s family are ready for the next adventure, book, movie..
All our love and support to both of you.
You are AMAZING!
An inspiration! GO YOU!
CONGRATULATIONS!
(Record number of CAPS and !!!! in one of my comments – so worth it!!!)
This is absolutely amazing and well deserved! Congratulations!! 😉
Congrats!!! This is awesome. So excited for you 🙂
I, like the massage parlours here in Bangkok, love a happy ending. I am so over-the-moon happy for you!! You deserve every ounce of success you talented go-getter you!! And like the GlobetrotteGirls, I’m glad I got my paws on the self-published version too! 🙂
Yaayyy!! So excited for you Torre! Congrats!!
I have to say I’m glad I got one of the last copies of the self-published book as I didn’t want to miss out and have to wait until 2013 to read it! However, I’ll be supporting the whole thing along the way because HOW FREAKING AWESOME!
Enjoy the success of all your hard work!!
Congratulations for being awesome (& the whole book thing too shucks)!!!
You are really an Inspiration for everyone Torre. Thank you for following your heart because it led you to this amazing adventure and now look at you!! Yay!
Rock on!
That is awesome news. Great work and congratulations. I better go read it now…
Wow – HUGE congrats!! That is such an accomplishment and such an inspiration to every budding writer out there. So happy your hard work and dreaming paid off =)
Many many many congratulations. I love success stories and you brought a tear to my eye. I knew you had the talent and I knew you had the story, but I also knew that so many times there is no recognition of these things in this world, so not only congratulation on completing the task with style, but congratulations on beating the odds too!
You deserve this Torre.
It’s a brilliant success story and your book must be brilliant too. Thank heavens I managed to snag a signed copy of the self-published version and don’t have to wait until 2013 to read it:)
Well done Torre, I’m super excited for you. Not sure about the movie though…. unless it is played by you! x A
Wow Torre, the word ‘congratulations’ doesn’t even cut it at this point. Holy frickin’ shit balls, that is f$@king amazing! I can’t believe I have witnessed this story unfolding, and I feel so honored to have read your book already. You are an inspiration, and above all a truly gifted writer with a unique and special talent for making me laugh and cry at the same time. Yeeha! Enjoy the moment! Much love.
That is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am thrilled for you! I have reading your blog and you are an awesome writer with marvelous creativity! Kudos to you!
Congratulations, Torre! Well done! You are truly an inspiration to sailors, writers and lovers everywhere!
So what is next? I pray it is not an adventure about airplanes because if the engine dies…
Ok, sorry, let me put it another way: This world desperately needs MORE of you!
I am sooooo happy for you! I’ve been following your blog amongst your adventurous journey and you so totally deserve this! I can’t wait to see your book on the shelves and in a movie theater near me. If you need me to star in your movie I’d be happy too! Kidding. Congrats 1000 times!
Torre! So utterly happy for you! This is truly fantastic. Let me know when you will be in SF for a book tour. I will be the first in line!!
Xoxo,
Steph L.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Your talent, skill and tenacity are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for daring not to give up, pushing forward to self-publishing, and then managing the abyss of social media. I can’t wait to read your book, watch your movie and shake your hand, and then give you a big congratulatory hand for this Extraordinary life you are living. Thanks also for restoring hope that writing these books can and does make a difference, even though it’s not easy! You are Brilliant!
Congratulations! I’m one of the lucky few who managed to get hold of your self-published e-book and am busy reading it now. I’m loving every second of it. I’m super excited for your part that you’ve landed all these publishing deals and a movie option to boot! Just goes to show, with big risks come big rewards 🙂 Enjoy!
I’m a bit late catching up on blog backlog – sorry! Torre, I’m not at all surprised by your success! When I asked to feature your story on my blog a few weeks ago, I just knew you had a fine talent and it was a matter of time before you went viral! I am so happy for you and your well-deserved success and will be following along as your adventure unfolds. I hope your father is doing well and wish you and your family a wonderful time celebrating life! I mean, how cool is this???
All I can say is: WOW!!!!! 🙂
Congratulations, Torre! This is a true success story 🙂
Wow…A-mazing! what an inspiration you are to us authors…being a newly self-published one myself. Gives me hope to see that dreams really do come true. Wishing you the very best in your film and publishing pursuits!
xo Lyn
That is awesome! Congrats!!! Gives me hope my soon-to-be book could be successful too 🙂
As I read this I am both SO ECSTATIC for you and also kind of seething with jealousy. Also a little bummed I procrastinated on getting your book and now I have to freaking wait til 2013 (bad job me).
What you did is amazing and an inspiration for all of us travel blogger/aspiring authors. Excellent work.
Holy freaking cow, that is absolutely fantastic! I don’t know you from Adam, but I’m bouncing up and down in my chair happy for you!
*hugs from a KANSAS girl*
Myn
Congratulations–you deserve! T
Wonderful to hear your story, you sound like you really deserve it.
Well done! Congratulations on your success and thanks for the inspiration. We’ll look for the movie in South American theaters soon.
This is fantastic news, congratulations! Very exciting! Can’t wait to see how it all comes together =)
It is so inspiring to hear of someone that has had so much success. It sounds like you worked hard for this. congratulations.
OMG. Seriously Torre – this is unbelievable! I am SO SO SO happy for you and can’t wait to see this all come to fruition on screen! You are a golden girl!! 🙂 – Beth
Congratulations ! I read your book and could not put it down till I finished reading it.
What a life time adventurous journey you and Ivan undertook !
Wishing you all the success and best wishes to you and Ivan.
Sulabh and Bimal Masih ( Monica and Jeorge’s friends )
There’s not much more I can really add to the discussion except to say…congrats!
For all of us with original work, I thank you for telling this story. ; )
Linda
Huge congratulations!
Big congrats! Indie writers UNITE!
Congratulations! I know all too well how much work it takes to launch a book.
Congrats on your wonderful news! It is certainly a dream-come-true for us writers and self-published authors. Your story is very inspirational & gives me hope 🙂
Amazing story, Torre! So happy for you. It proves when you put in the hard work, good things can happen. Everything just fell into place once it got rolling! I’ll be watching for it’s launch. Congratulations! Ready to get going on the next one?
As a fellow sailor and author I hope this wonderful success makes up for all those chopping nights, canned food and heart- in- mouth moments in the middle of the ocean.
Ace work.
Angela
Congratulations. Your post has given bloggers everywhere a damn good reason to push through Resistance and “do the work” every day. Well done.
Holy awesome! That is so amazing! I’m super happy for you.
Again with the inspiration. I’m going to churn out another 10,000 words tonight :-p
Congratulations! What an amazing story. I will never doubt the power of twitter or self-promotion again! Thank you for sharing; this kind of success story gives me hope for my own projects.
What a truly amazing story.
Well done and congratulations on this amazing success story. It really shows the power of social media in this day and age.
That’s awesome news! Definitely a tribute to the strength of your writing, and social media skills.
Should be an exciting ride from now on.
I just chanced upon this blog post because of Jenny Blake’s emails and I LOVE what I have read so far. It brings back memories of writing my first and only novel and trying my hand at getting published…. while I set those dreams aside for college, I’m hoping to make them a reality some day.
And I, too, am a fearful adventurer and non risk taker. Took my first real vacation back to my home country ON MY OWN and it was worth it. I’m hoping my life will be filled with more of me overcoming fears.
Wish you lots of luck and great fun!
Pam
Congratulations.
We can say we knew you before you became famous.
This is one of the most inspiring stories I’ve read lately. Congrats on all of your successes! I’m sure there are still many more to come. I look forward to hopefully following in your footsteps in the near future!
Hi Torre, I am so excited for you (for being published and the movie deal) and for me because I purchased your book (swept) from your website. It is the type of book I love. I am no longer in paid employment so I do not buy books that often and I have been saving yours for a special day to read. I am obsessive once I start reading and I will probably read it in one sitting. So it sits currently in my (huge) bookcase waiting for me to demolish it. Then last night I read http://www.unbravegirl.com/2011/10/required-reading/ ‘s great review on it and now I am all fired up about it, so I returned to your website, only to discover your amazing news.
Enjoy your success!
Jan
Dear Torre,
!!!!!!! You are FUNNY!!!! Wow what a dream come true. Can you help me do the same? I need help to lift my book to a bigger publisher. It’s not self-published, and it’s on Amazon (my wordpress site explains more) BUT my small publisher is limited in resources along with time, and our printer (although doing a beautiful job) is now experiencing delays –no fulfillment or distribution, etc.etc!!!
Will you take a quick look at my site and tell me … Do you think that one of your saviors would be interested in taking over my book. I have full rights to it, and my publisher would be happy.
OK…. AND…. i look forward to reading your book! THANKS, Lynn.
Torre, this is the most amazing news ever! Fittingly (because it relates to your story), I’ve been living on a ship since August and am just now catching up on four months worth of blog posts and just finding out your big news. Congrats! You deserve it! Can’t wait to read the book!!!
Congratulations Torre!!! You are an inspiration to us all, and we are so happy for you.
Wishing you a FANTASTIC New Year!
Cheers:)
Judit & Corina
So thats why Santa forgot to deliver your book?! Congratulations Torre!!
awesome encouragement – so it CAN happen!
i’m working on a book proposal and was getting impatient about writing it, looking for agents etc… I had wanted the book published by last year!
but i guess there’s a time for everything
thanks for the inspiration and lifting me up again
Noch Noch
Congratulation.
I struggled for a long time, but ended up with self publishing of my book (The Rock Of Hell). In fact I had contacted three agents, and received unpleasant reply. I realize now that the self publishing does not work for everyone.
I think you inspired me to go out and look for agents again. But I am not sure if agents would accept a self published book advertised on Amazon website and the publisher’s.
Thank you for being so honest.
Sincerely
Kay Hassan
I am so happy that I read this tale. It has certainly inspired me. In fact, I have shared similar fate in terms of rejectioins, but there is one ting I can tell the writer regarding his success… determination and the will to forge all the tides and scale any hurdles is certainly a key factor to success.
I will endeavor to emulate you, considering that “will never let go ” attitude. Congrats.
Alton.
You have my blessings.
Well done love your story.
The only time luck comes before work is in the dictionary.
This. Is. AWESOME!
Congratulations! 🙂
I am on the edge of my book being looked at by a big publisher and my shoe-in asked me if it’s what I truly want…my ‘story’ and ‘voice’ will change, the book will change, I will lose control but it’ll go big. Not sure which way to go. Thoughts? Are you sad yours has been bought / altered?
Congratulations! What an amazing story. Clearly, your writing is superb. (I found your success story through Kristin Espinasse.)
You inspire me! I’ve just finished a mystery novel and need the courage to navigate the waters of finding an agent. Your story of self-publishing first is one that I’ll consider…when we return from our annual trip to France. I’ll have some time to think it over while we’re vacationing.
Thanks so much,
Freda Cameron
Interesting story. Congratulations!
This is so great! Happy for ur dream to come true! Enjoy it all properly 🙂
Awesome deal, thanks for the insight, I’m barely getting started with this nomadic life and this info surely helps
Congrats and side note I loved your throng and gaggle of exclamation marks.
I look forward to being able to download your book next year.
infatti quello ke vveloo dire, io odio gli enigmi ma ad altri possono piacere per il fatto ke non tutti hanno gli stessi gusti, nel 4 e 5 capitolo gli enigmi erano pochi ,per i puristi una bestemmia ma per quelli come me era una cosa ottima, nel uc non ci sono enigmi ma si spara e basta, e la cosa mi ha fatto molto piacere, ma avrei preferito dei remake,se poi fanno gli enigmi ok ma che non siano tanto complicati
OMG I am doing the smae thing this agent said I have a WINNER then tells me the genre is not compatible and lead me to believe she was going to publish me…made me wait for three months when I could have queried and begged (you know the painful drill). I am wondering did you go with CreateSpace or LuLu or ?? please devulge if you can …I am at the crossroads now…God Bless and CONGRATS you must be dizzy and floating at the same time!! luv T
Wow…congrats. I’m glad I got the self-published version on kindle…otherwise I’d have to wait until next year. I’ll be sure to push the new version when it comes up, because I LOVED it.
I too have had your book saved in my “later” queue on Amazon. Now I’ll just buy a dead tree version next year. It gives hope that good things do happen to talented and smart people.
Wow – what a fantastic dream come true!! I can’t wait to read it.
I found you through a video someone posted who helped you with your book trailer, and then I loved your book cover which led me to your book page, which led me to this very exciting story about self publishing and what happened next! I work mostly with authors and lots of agents, and publishing people, so I found your story just fabulous. Congratulations!
Thanks, Linda. What a funny trail of crumbs! The person who helped with my trailer was my sister, Summer DeRoche. What was the video, just out of interest?
Seriously unreal. I want to follow in your footsteps! Tell me, did posting up in at amazing bungalow on Koh Tao aid in all of this success? I hope so! Congrats.
Just heard you on ABC Radio National. Came straight here. Well done you. A fab story. Love your style. It is joyous, intelligent. The best with everything. Loani
Loved your book Torre. Hard to put it back on the bedside table once I’d started. If you’d write another one that would be good.
Thanks, Nerissa! I’ll get cracking on the 2nd one.
One of the most inspiring things I’ve read in a while. I locked myself in my parents attic after traveling the world for 3 years just to write my book. I self published in June 2012 and although sales are going well I have yet to receive an movie offer. So, I foolhardily decided to write a screenplay myself and I’m planning to move to Hollywood to try and sell the screenplay.
A bold plan to some, a dumb unrealistic plan to others.
Me, I don’t really care to live on next to nothing as long as I can do my own thing. Such a difference with the materialistic guy I used to be. ( I did move out of my parents house though. At 36 years old that wasn’t an ideal solution to say the least haha)
I doubt it if any of your readers like my writing (since the majority is female) but what can I say, I like yours.
Neil
Thank you Torre, Can’t wait to read the book!!
This is INCREDIBLE! Way to go! I just found out about you, your blog, and your book today, which I look forward to reading. I’m finishing my first book right now, a travel memoir about my first year living in rural Hunan province, so your story was especially inspirational and helpful. Keep up the awesomeness!
Hey Torre,
I just found your site. I love your story and just wanted to say congrats. Really inspiring!
Just goes to show with a lot of work and a little luck, what can come our way.
Cheers!
I came late to the party. But the story still thrills as much two years after. My book is coming along and you are a great inspirer, Torre. Love you.
Wow. What a story! Congratulations! You inspire us all.
Congratulations! I bought a small engineless sailboat 5 years ago and have had over 60 crew sail on her and about 8000 miles. A book idea I’ve been working on is to tell the story through my crew. All but two have agreed to send me a manuscript of their story, but sadly only half a dozen have done it. I had thought from all the varied perspectives, that it would be interesting even to those who hadn’t been there.
A few years ago a gal asked me to sail around the world with her and we got married. It didn’t work, and we still each have our own boats, but not each other. Then I met a girl who didn’t sail. I figured it was easier to teach a nice gal to sail than a mean sailor to be nice. I thought that she would be interested in writing and making a film about it as so many want to do this, but never get started. But the only one to get excited about it was me.
Thanks for your writing. I just bought your book and can’t wait to read it. Hope it is not only for chicks! And thanks for the inspiration. Hope you’re still sailing and like beam reaches, Bart
Great story and thanks for the inspiration…I’m about to follow your lead. Though I think it will be a hard act to follow!
Found your site through the WDS participant list–I’m also a northern Thailand dweller.
Wish you all the best!
Kim
Hi, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in
Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just
wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!
Thanks! I gave up designing websites that accommodate for Internet Explorer in the mid 1950’s. 🙂
I just finished a self published book called “Life Throws Curves” a Journey of my life with an alcoholic after world War two, then adultry. Finding myself old and alone hoping to make a movie of this book to portray some real life hardships for a movie. I need some adbice and help to getting started. On a budget of course.
Annette L. Cardon
hi torre; our stories are kinda similar! I picked up your book at the library just because it was a new book and the cover blurb sounded good. it was a real page turner, and your writing style is great! kind of just like your book, I met my wife in 1999, two weeks after I left my first wife of 30 years. Teresa was from Pennsylvania, and I lived in beachwood, nj, about 70 miles away from her, give or take. she and her boyfriend had just broken up, and her sailboat was a mile or two away from the bar which I co owned. I was bartending when she came in. she had never been in a bar before, but on her way home to pa. she saw a bar by the the name of “grumpy’s”. she was feeling so grumpy and miserable before she left her boat she told me she looked up towards the sky while she was on the boat and asked god to send her someone she could love. we’ve been together ever since…I loved your book, and she’ll be starting it tomorrow..keep up the good work! steven
remarkable ambition if I don’t say do you have any advice or of a help line someone like me that works like a book about her life it’s definitelya lifetime
Wow, your story is amazing and I feel like synchronicity is at play that I found your site because I am trying to do the same: to finish a memoir, pitching it to agents, looking into self-publishing options etc. Your success motivates me and I thank you for that! Best of luck!
Iulia x
What an amazing tale! I also self published a book on tarot cards that I’ve worked on since 2001. I did the art for each of the 22 cards – embroideries, sculptures, spirit dolls and monotypes. Then came the writing.
Boy, did I hope for a miracle! Didn’t happen too much but have a great book and know this is my contribution to the world. Thanks for sharing your life. I’m so happy for you!!!
Wow, amazing, and clearly you deserve your success! Can’t wait to read your book.
Oh my God, I know I’m pretty late to the party, but congratulations! I just stumbled across your blog and this is the first post I read. It is such a great story and I’m really happy for you. It must have been so surreal when it first happened! I look forward to reading it 🙂
Hi Torre, what an amazing story. My novel got picked up online too, I was serialising it on my blog after getting fed up with rejection letters which said they liked the book. ‘Ignoring Gravity’ launched a week ago [March 2014] as part of the UK launch of a new publishing imprint, Britain’s Next Bestseller. It’s crowdfunded which means once my novel has demonstrated [by getting pre-orders] that there’s a market out there for it, the publisher publishes it. So it’s not a conventional publishing deal, nor is it self-publishing. It’s a new kind of publishing. Good luck with your journey! SD
http://www.www.britainsnextbestseller.co.uk/book/index/IgnoringGravity/
I love your story!
I am a first grade teacher who has collaborated with my friend Craig and wrote a book teaching students about our wonderful world. We did self-publish and in the process of getting up our FB page and Twitter account and website.
I hope that, one day, our book can become a movie.
Any further suggestions you have for us…We’d appreciate ..
Thanks,
Marissa
I loved the book/story! You lived a dream I’ve always wanted, sailing to exotic places. I LOVE sailing! The book was written very well. I didn’t want to put it down. The ending made me happy! I wasn’t sure Ivan was going to stay or go. I cannot wait for the film to come out. Thank you so much Torre for inspiring me to continue to dream and showing me that there is a love out there that is incredible with the right person. Very nice!
WOW congratulations!!!
Amazing story and very inspiring and helpful for me since I am almost ready to self-publish my book “Delicious Myanmar” and having headaches looking for an agent…
Thanks!!!
What kind of story did you write in your book? I am currently writing my Tell All Book and I should be completing my book by the end of October of this year. I’ve been working in this book for almost 2 years and I am proud to say that almost finished. Do you have any suggestions? Your story give me hope. Congrats for your success.
Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your adventures and how you handled your fears. I can identify with them. My husband (72) and I (70) are on our sailboat on the ICW. Not as challenging as the Pacific but still have fears. I do like the problem solving.
Really inspiring. I just know the leap is hardly ever easy.
Wow, this is amazing! You really deserve it.
Your story is inspiring. I just self-published and yes, the doubt tried creeping in. But I have hope! 🙂 You mentioned that you launched on social media – any tips, pointers, secrets you’re willing to share??
Kathy
P.S. CONGRATS!!!!! Would love to read your book! 🙂
Thanks for sharing. It’s nice to know that dreams do come true!
That’s amazing! Go you! I am looking to start writing books and screen and have started a couple. Sometimes doing it your own way is the best way. 🙂
Loved your book. My stepfather, Malek Shimmon, (now deceased) owned the Persian Aub Zam Zam, on Haight Street, in San Francisco. Surprised as heck when your characters met there. The place is authentic; he came from Persia.
Loved your book.. Great story.. Hard to find books that are true life’s that keep you interested.. So keep adventures coming so that we can read a new great story.. And I will be the first in line for it and also going to see it on the big screen at the movies.. Take care and God bless..
Love your book! I’ve read it twice, and I never read books twice. Just bought a copy for a friend & have told countless others about it. It’s funny, witty, engaging, entertaining, all that good stuff 🙂 Not sure why I’m just discovering your blog now…
Any news of a movie coming out??
Lynn
Loved your book. My stepfather, Malek Shimmon, (now deceased) owned the Persian Aub Zam Zam, on Haight Street, in San Francisco.
That’s amazing!
What an inspiring story for all of us romantic travel memoir writers 🙂 Loved your book and love that you didn’t let agent rejections bog you down.
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