15 years

That's how long it took to get Bearded Lady moving toward print. Along the way I went through three agents, a micro-press, many publisher requests, two editorial board meetings, and a ton of fits and starts.

Then there were all the changes at the personal level.

Moving in together. An engagement, a marriage. Professional rockiness. An unexpected pregnancy. All along the running undercurrent that something was missing. 

Getting a publishing contract isn't a panacea. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel fucking good.