AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That doesn’t mean that they are actual trolls; they just like to play a game where there are trolls.”
“Is this the time you tell me that you are a secret D&D player or something?”
“Hardly.”
When I first got to college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I loved music and theater, but I also knew that being in front of people and being constantly scrutinized was my biggest nightmare, especially with Jonathan being so far away. I fell even more in love with books when I took a creative writing class. The ability to create and tell a story was fascinating. I didn’t know if I wanted to write books, plays, or something else, but I wanted to write.
After hitting a few bumps along the way, I lost confidence in my ability to put words to the page. After a few too many negative critiques, I found it was just easier to help others follow their dreams. I’m side character energy; it’s kind of what we do. We help others find and follow their dreams. Maybe someday it will be my turn, but for now I’m okay with it.
At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
My senior year of college when I got an internship at a big publishing house, I felt on top of the world. It was even better when I was offered an entry position after graduation. Two years ago, Sheila Quimby, my then-manager, decided to branch out on her own and start her own independent publishing company. She wanted to focus more on indie writers rather than bigger names. She believes in giving everyone a voice and asked me to join her back in Los Angeles with a job that was more than I could have ever dreamed of having just started my career. It was an added bonus that the job would bring me closer to home. I could move back to Ridgeview and be close to my family.
Quimby Publishing’s goal is that we work as a family and do as much in-house as possible. That means that each department works together to make each author feel special and successful from the start of the project through publishing and launching. We do a little bit of everything, from media coverage and launch parties to the more obvious edits and actual publishing. I have loved being able to be part of the process and holding the hands of my authors’, people I have grown to truly care for, as we work together to make their dreams a reality.
“Welcome everyone,” Sheila says in her smooth southern accent. “I know all y’all are as excited as I am about a lot of our upcoming projects this quarter. How about we get the ball rolling with a little good news minute. It’s important that we celebrate each of our accomplishments.” She smiles at everyone around the table, “Even those that aren’t work related. We are a family after all.” Sheila settles into her chair and listens intently to each piece of good news that is shared.
After everyone shares, Shelia sits up straighter in her chair. Now that we’ve had our “family bonding,” she’s in business mode.
“Now let’s get a status update from each department.” She looks to her right, “Stuart, how are things in sports?”
I must have been daydreaming way more than I thought I was because when Sheila calls my name I jump. Maybe Trina is right; I am distracted. I’m off my game today. Which is so unlike me.
I look up to see Shelia’s expectant expression. “I’m sorry, Sheila, I must have missed the question.”
A brief impatient look crosses her features before it smooths back out. “I asked how things are going with Franklin Davis?”
“The Forest series is really coming along. I think his readers will really like this trilogy as much as if not more than his last. Book one is doing well in sales and really picking up a following. He’s been invited to that FanCon that is happening at the end of next month to do a short Q & A, as well as a reading to some of the fans. With this new attention he has asked that some of his contract be revised to include appearances and what is to be expected on either end.” I give my colleague Stacia an inquisitive look, and I’m grateful she knows what I am asking her and gives me a wordless nod before, I add, “Contract updates have already been sent off for the added revisions and should be back to us to have Franklin sign by the end of business day tomorrow.”
“Perfect. Is Miles’ firm handling the contract?” Without waiting for a reply, she answers her own question. “Of course they are!”
Another grueling twenty minutes later, the meeting ends, and Stacia and I are free to head back to our part of the office.
The children’s department is a little slice of heaven compared to the dull, monochromatic look of the rest of the office. We have bright office chairs that complement the white desks tops, pictures of books we have published cover the walls, and our newly added reading nook was just the final touch needed. It’s perfect.
As we cross the threshold of the doorway Trina looks up from her desk, “Troy called while you were in the meeting.”
“Is the contract done already?” I ask with excitement. “I wasn’t expecting it to be done until tomorrow at the very earliest!”
“Yes, because he loves you and wants to have your children,” she chortles.
Rolling my eyes, I reply, “Just the contract is fine.”
“You’ve got to admire how hard he tries, Millie. I mean your contracts get done so much faster than anyone else’s ever do. And you get a personalized call. I usually get an email telling me that they are ready for pickup at my convenience.” Stacia almost sounds as if she is complaining.
If I could transfer all this extra attention to literally anyone else I would. I mean, it was sweet at first. Troy learned my Starbucks order, sent imported chocolates to the office, he even once ordered a singing gram. It started crossing the line when the pickup lines got more and more suggestive the more I told him I wasn’t interested. He went from the sweet guy across the hall, who I only saw as a friend, to the guy who never grew up and still acted like a frat guy real quick. I’ve become a challenge he must conquer. Well, sorry not sorry, buddy. It ain’t ever happening.
“I appreciate the speediness of his attention to work related things. As far as anything else, the only thing that Troy Donaldson is interested in is the fact that I don’t fall at his feet. He certainly isn’t used to it.”
“But he sure does look good trying,” Trina swoons.
“Don’t be that girl,” I fake a gag. “He’s a player, and we all know it. And it doesn’t matter how he looks while doing anything since I am not and never will be interested. So, if you all will excuse me, I am going to go pick up the contract so that I can do my job.”
I stand and start collecting my things I need to take with me. I look up and notice Kimber glowering over at me.
I glance at Stacia and Trina, “What is it with her? Why does she hate me so much?”
Stacia shrugs. “I don’t know. You’ve both been here forever. Maybe you accidentally said something that she took the wrong way?”
