Meet Anne Greenwood Brown!
My connection to author Anne Greenwood Brown is a modern online friendship story complete with a happily-ever-after scene involving Anne and Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House. There are also appearances by Kate Middleton, Prince William, church talk, plenty of Yiddish, and even a circumcision. That’s right.
The purpose of this post is not only to celebrate the long-awaited release of Anne’s novel LIES BENEATH (think murderous mermaids in Lake Superior!), but also a celebration of the power of a writing partnership and a friendship found in an unexpected place.
Meeting Anne Online
In early 2010, after sending out short stories throughout the previous year, I had an exciting acceptance letter. It was from an online magazine I admired called Literary Mama. As it turned out, Anne had a piece published on Literary Mama the following month.
Her very personal essay and the way she told it left me breathless. (I’m not exaggerating.) It’s short and I suggest you read it. In the comments section I wrote, “Such a beautiful, piece, Anne. I can’t wait to read more of what you have to say some day. I’m sure it will be soon.”
Turns out I’m psychic. Just kidding.
In all seriousness though, I did end up seeing more of Anne’s words soon after that comment. Anne recognized my name from an incredibly resourceful blog for writers that we both frequently commented on called Writer Unboxed. Just goes to show the real community that exists on these blogs!
Twin Cities Writers
When Anne noted that we both lived in the Twin Cities (albeit on opposite corners), she bravely reached out to see if I was looking for a critique partner. I say “bravely” because even as frequent visitors to the Writer Unboxed site, we only knew each other on a surface level. Taking on a critique partner is a big deal. First of all, you make yourself vulnerable when you share rough drafts. Also, agreeing to read someone else’s work is a massive time commitment. Finally, as the reader you have to learn how to give constructive, honest feedback. “Good job” written in the margins of your partner’s work-in-progress doesn’t quite cut it—hence the aforementioned time commitment.
Becoming a Beta Reader For a Friend
The manuscript I read for Anne (several versions actually) went on to get literary representation and eventually sold quickly to Random House in a two-book deal. Side note: Anne’s “How I Got My Agent” story is a fantastic one involving years of hard work and a few strokes of luck. She explains that crazy experience best in this article for Writer’s Digest.
As for the other piece of our partnership, all of the stories Anne helped me edit were eventually published. One was even nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She continues to encourage me to complete any one of the quarter-finished novel manuscripts she’s read for me, but as my regular readers know I’m hanging out in the non-fiction section these days. No matter what, Anne is constantly humoring my ever-changing writing goals and helping me think through the bigger picture.
A Book Deal!
In the year+ between Anne’s book deal and the LIES BENEATH release, we’ve been to each other’s houses (we live 50 minutes apart when traffic is light), and had many in-person lunches, dinners, coffees, and of course countless emails and texts. One major highlight was traveling together from Minneapolis to Boston for The Muse & the Marketplace writing conference in early 2011.
In the tiny room we shared in the old hotel, we watched CNN’s coverage of William and Kate’s wedding as Anne patiently explained the differences between Catholic proceedings and the Anglican customs of the Church of England. Seven months later as the only two red-heads in a sea of brunettes, Anne and her daughter made the 50 minute drive to attend my son’s bris.
Anne and I are far more than writing partners now. We’re close friends, and it is in that spirit that I ask you to
support my uber-talented friend’s debut novel. See why Anne’s agent scooped her up quickly and why Random House rushed to sign her! Buy a copy for a teen in your life or for yourself. (Hello Hunger Games and Twilight. “Young Adult” fiction is all the rage.)
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72 Responses
What a heartwarming story! I’ve also met my critique partners through online writer type blogs, but alas, we don’t live so close.
Since I follow YA closely even though I don’t write it now, I have heard of Lies Beneath. We’ve got it at the library, and your post has me bumping it up on my to-read list!
Oh, I love this story! Because I firmly believe that relationships begun in this wild ether of ours can lead to real, sturdy friendships, because I am so thrilled to watch both of your writing success, because I got to meet you both at that spring 2011 Muse! xoxo
I absolutely remember meeting you and your bff there. 🙂
What a great story! I’ve met a few writers in person that I first met online and I’ve found them all to be delightful. But my most unexpected new friendship didn’t start over the Internet. I signed up for an all-day tap dance workshop and made plans to carpool with another woman from my class. On the two-hour drive, we discovered that we were both wrting novels. Small world! Now we get together to talk writing and to celebrate our progress in addition to dancing together in class every week.
Hmmm…I can tap dance. Not sure about Nina. Maybe we’ll add it to our meetings.
I consider both you and Anne to be friends since our chance encounter at the Muse 2011. This article was really touching and great testament to the power of online friendships (which eventually move offline). Whether I win or not, I will be buying/reading Anne’s book. I am beyond excited for her and I hope she has a wonderful launch of her book baby.
*waves* : )
Cindy! I remember you sitting with Anne and me for breakfast the first morning. Think of how far we’ve all come since then. A lot happens in a year even in terms of relationships and connections.
After reading MWF Seeking BFF (your recommendation of course!) I began to look differently at how I make friends and interact with new people. After ten years in Cleveland (how has it been that long?!) I was “set-up” on a blind friend date with a woman who recently moved back to town. The two Lisas went to lunch, hit it off immediately and we are now starting a book club together. (I’ll be sure to keep you posted on how that goes.) Even after you live somewhere for a long time there are still new friends at every turn and the opportunity to start a new group, new experience or new adventure. Your story made me happy as all friend stories do!
Thanks for sharing this, Lisa. I think it’s important to never close yourself up to new friendships. This week I had dinner with another blogger in town who I’ve only known online. We totally hit it off and already made plans for her family to come over for brunch in July. I’m also going for a walk later in the week with someone I’ve never met in person before. You and I both know what it’s like to move to a well-established Jewish community and have no “old” friends. I try to stay open to new people all the time!
Meanwhile, still wish you’d move HERE.
The lovely friendship you two share is such a wonderful testimony to the connections that can be made in our online writer’s world; it’s my favorite part of social networking! My unexpected friendship story is that I actually met a writer friend online who turned out to live around the corner from me (literally six houses away)! Then we ran into one another at the post office, recognized each other from our Twitter pics and have since gotten together for coffee! As for Anne’s book — I’ve been looking forward to reading it ever since I first heard about it, so no question I’d love to win a copy!!!
I cannot believe you live so close! That’s crazy. On another note, wouldn’t it be amazing if they organized a Writer Unboxed conference. We’d all finally get to meet! I don’t think we’d do much learning/writing. Lots of socializing.
Ahh Nina, this is just too flippin’ cool! Stories like this give me chills. Can’t wait to read Anne’s piece on Literary Mama and the Reader’s Digest one. You are so right that reaching out for a writing partner is really brave, and brave of you to accept! You’re both an inspiration.
As for an unexpected friendship – I feel like ALL of my blogging friendships are unexpected! I had NO idea there was this supportive, talented community at my fingertips until the past year. It is unendingly heartwarming, and hopefully I’ll keep challenging myself to make brave moves like both of you!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. I am excited to read Anne’s book.
What a fantastic story. I love it when online and real-world experiences mesh. I wish Anne (and YOU) all the success in the world! It’s so great to have a friend to travel on your writing journey with you. I look forward to reading Anne’s book.
Wow, Lies Beneath looks amazing! Gorgeous cover, too. I totally want a copy! =) And I have to admit that I’m jealous of your friendship. How lucky that you two found each other and that it has worked out so well for both of you. Lies Beneath is going on my “to-read” list. Nice to meet you, Anne, and best of luck with the release!
Thank you!
You always have the most exciting friendship stories! I’m glad you and Anne found each other! It seems destined to be. I’ve been on a YA kick recently so I’d love to read her book! I like that it’s set in Lake Superior, I just visited that lake with my book club when we toured Madeline Island! Small world. 🙂
I thought of that when I saw your last post. My husband and I took a trip to Bayfield last year. Loved it there. Anne has great pictures on her blog of all the sites where the book has scenes.
Lovely- I have a couple of online writer friends that I share work with. It is hard to explain to people how you can know someone well who you haven’t actually met in person. I would never have imagined I would fall into these kinds of friendships, the only thing I can equate it to is a sort of pen pal– but much more immediate in this modern age. I am a total YA/MG addict, so I will definitely check it out!!!
YES—this exactly—-> “I would never have imagined I would fall into these kinds of friendships, the only thing I can equate it to is a sort of pen pal– but much more immediate in this modern age.”
What a great friendship story! Looking forward to reading Anne’s novel.
I love the stories of how friendships begin and flourish. I met a friend online through a blog that had nothing to do with writing. She moved from Germany and wanted to meet. I am hesitant about people coming to my home because I live very rustic. The brave thing came anyway, and keeps coming back. In spite of learning to chop and stack wood, deal with bears, and having to use kerosene lanterns. She hasn’t mastered building a fire though. But one rainy night by the wood stove with a pot of nettle tea, she told me about her mother’s death and how I have filled that void for her and how she has been quietly writing. She was embarrassed to admit it, but once the confession was out, we were off and away, talking, talking, talking about words and stories. To me, this is the value of the internet; shrinking the world and opening up relationships. And isn’t it great finding a friend with a similar passion?
Wow! Now that’s a story!
Lisa–I completely agree with this “To me, this is the value of the internet; shrinking the world and opening up relationships.” Like Kat said in another comment, I never would have imagined myself being so open and willing. Most of my life I’ve lived within the confines of a small community. It’s been eye-opening and very cool for me to make friends with all kinds of people of all ages, etc.
That’s so great you guys found each other online and were able to connect in person. I have been eagerly awaiting this novel by Anne after I “met” her online as well. I can only imagine how proud you are of her and finally seeing her novel in person (and that you helped!)
An unexpected friendship for me has to the one I have with Erika Robuck. I have never met her but hold her near and dear to my heart. Writers are wonderful people-you are all unexpected treasures!
I bet you two will meet eventually! Maybe her book tour will bring her to Kansas?
Nina, I have been blessed since I began this journey of the “blog.” Blessed to find great people who share my love of reading and writing, blessed to find true kindred spirts … two women more than others have made an impact on my life as a woman and writer. The first is who I lovingly call my life-coach, a woman who walked with me through one of the most frightening changes in my adult life … held me steady and remains steady. the other is a great cyber friend Laura Drake of WITS. She has been an inspiration and has given me the courage to finally take my work to a higher level.
Cherish those who come into your life. Such a wonderful gift 🙂
How fabulous! I love this story. I could, of course, mention how I found you through Julie Gardner, whom I’m sure will be equally well-received one day. But I can also say I met my critique partner, El Farris, much like you met yours. Her comments kept showing up on blogs I liked. She has now finished draft 1of her novel and is working on revisions. I’m so excited for her because I feel like there is a little piece of me in her book. And I adore her. I can’t wait to meet her in person in September! Anyway, I’d love a copy of this book. I’m off to read the story that took your breath away. Whaaat? It must be amazing!
I thought of you and El as I was writing this post!
Absolutely love this, Nina!
The power of the internet is pure fab, hard to explain, and adds a whole new dimension to meant-to-be friendships and meetings.
So many congrats to Ann! Can’t wait to read your novel – murderous mermaids here I come! 🙂
Omigosh. Just read “the pece.” here is my comment (through tears):
Anne! Nina wasn’t kidding. I am weeping. That is possibly the most beautiful piece of writing I have ever read. Ever. My eyes are filled with tears. Such a wonderful daughter. Amazing how these curses can become blessings, our greatest gifts, no?
So nice to meet you.
Wowzers. Nina, I want that book.
Oh, wow. Thanks so much Renee. It was a tough one to write. She’s 12 now (as of yesterday) and things couldn’t be better!
I do not kid. 😉 Really though, I cried too. I recently saw Anne do a public reading of this piece because Kate Hopper (another Minneapolis writer) used it in an anthology. It was even more powerful in person.
I loved reading this story–and of course it’s awesome to hear that WU played a part in the two of you getting to know each other. Good critique partners are hard to find, but cps who can truly elevate your writing? Gold. I’m so happy for you both. And congrats again to Anne!
Hope you don’t I used that picture! I still think we look like first cousins.
I don’t mind in the least, coz!
Just gotta second what Teri’s sentiment about how cool it is that WU plays a role in this fairy tale friendship. I’ve ‘met’ so many wonderful folks, including you and Anne. Both the blog and the facebook group have led to so much connectivity and friendship for me.
Count me among those looking forward to Lies Beneath (I’m a Great Lakes guy, through and through). So glad Stacy Jensen (another great WU tribe mate) pointed the way over here, Nina!
I saw that Stacy did that on the WU Facebook forum. So nice of them! The WU site and Facebook page are a real community. You don’t have to be together in person to feel people’s desire to help.
What a great story; I didn’t realize that this is how you met! How fantastic for both of you, and I can’t wait to read Anne’s book!
I echo everyone else’s sentiments — that I would LOVE a copy of Anne’s book. I’m quite amazed at the relationships I’ve formed on Twitter with successful, award-winning authors who are as gracious in person (and behind the scenes of the 140-character limit) as they are online. Social media is THE only way I’d have met some of the fabulous authors I’ve formed connections with. And of course, there are the fabulous friends I’ve met who, like me, haven’t quite gotten to the “published” qualifier yet. But we’ll get there with one another’s help!
It really is such a generous writing community out there. I’m always amazed at how much we help each other.
What a beautiful story! And yes…I want a copy! LOL!
I have to say, like most, I’ve been blown away by the relationships and friendships I’ve created and nurtured that started through this whole blogging/twitter thing. Reaching out to support one another and becoming far more than cheerleading blog buddies but creating long lasting friendships – SUCH a blessing!
Here’s to yours and Anne’s uberlicious success!
I just read Anne’s article on WD about how she got her agent and I’m amazed. Not that her book is being published, but all the twists and turns it took to get her to this point. Moral of the story: never give up!
Congratulations to Anne!
I’m so glad you read that! Anyone with hopes of publishing needs to read that article ASAP. I do not link for no good reason. It’s all good stuff.
Thanks, Jackie! And I have to say not giving up, when the writing is fun!
I mean…not giving up IS EASY when the writing is fun. uff.
I loved Anne’s story on Literary Mama, and I love the story of how the two of you have formed such an amazing connection. Thanks to both of you for sharing your stories with us. And I would love to read Anne’s book!
Thanks, Bekki!
Especially hits home right now, I’m sure!
What an amazing story! I have heard of this book and would love to read it 🙂
Great story. So often we read about how being in a “virtual” world all the time deprives us of real relationships – this is a nice reminder of how even online we can create communities. And of course I want the book. I love reading YA – great way to connect with my 13 yo.
Totally! I got into YA because I wanted to know what my kids were reading. I got sucked in big time.
I can’t wait for my kids to read the YA books I love! (Of course they’re 7, 5, 3, and 7 months so I’ll be waiting a long time.)
Nina-when I graduated from Northwestern- I had been married to your father for a year and didn’t think about friends because I still had all my college friends. Then the college friends moved away and I lost a lot of my support system.There was no internet in 1967. Connecting to people was a lot harder. I forced myself to learn to play bridge to please your dad and actually acquired two close friends as a result. As convoluted as it may sound-both involved the birth of babies. First, Elaine. She and I were roomates in the hospital after Lisa was born. We were both from out of town married to local boys. Someone brought cards and a bottle of wine. We played bridge in the hospital; that was the beginning of our couples game that has now started year 41. Second, Linda R. She played bridge with me in a ladies afternoon bridge game once a week. We were friendly, but we got to be close friends right after you were born. I was in the hospital on New Years Eve 1976-the day after your birth-and the phone rang. It was Linda. She said that she thought I might be feeling a little down because of New Years and being alone iin the hospital after visiting hours. I was impressed by her sensitivity and kindness; we have been close friends every since.
Who else thinks my mom should guest post again!?
Mom, I’ve always thought of the bridge group as an extended family. It’s beyond friendship at this post!
Congratulations to you both, Anne and Nina! I love this story. I love the writing community I’ve found on twitter and consider a few to be good friends. I look forward to someday being in the same room and giggling over our shared jokes.
Me too! I would love to attend one big writing/blogging conference as long as I knew all of my Twitter buds would be there too.
What a great story of modern day pen pals becoming in person friends. I count myself very lucky to have stumbled upon some of the best people in unexpected places, and have lifelong friends to show for it.
Thanks for stopping by the blog! I think it’s so important to stay open to friendship in all phases of our lives. Just this week (via the blog) I went out with two different people for “friend dates.” Both times I was a little nervous but we had a great time. And since they live in town I know we’ll continue getting to know each other in person. We’re all busy, but connecting enriches our lives.
Wow, that truly is a fairytale friendship! And Anne’s story…what a gift. I don’t even know what else to say….
Having a critique buddy you click with is priceless! Love this story.
Nina, I’ve been reading your blog for a couple months now and today’s post gave me such good vibes! I’ve now found LIterary Mama and will be frequenting. I’m also in the Twin Cities, doing the mom thing and really trying to get the writing thing going. Your blog is inspirational to me, not to sound cheesy. But you’re doing the damn thing and that’s what I’m shooting for, so that you so much for sharing your experience with us (me).
Maegan! I can’t tell you how much I love that you let me know you’re reading, enjoying, AND that you’re a fellow Twin Cities writer. Have you ever taken a class at the Loft? I haven’t for a few years (babies, etc.) but I’ve always enjoyed them and plan to again at some point.
Nina! I haven’t taken a class at the Loft, but it’s on my to do list. I’m hoping an online children’s book writing class pops up soon. Oh, and I took the captcha thing off the blog. Thanks for the tip. I didn’t even know it was there.
If you’re up for it, I’d love to keep in touch, maybe via email? I’m trying to build up some writing contacts and I really enjoy your style. I promise I’m not a weirdo. 🙂
Absolutely let’s keep in touch via email! I can’t promise I’m NOT a weirdo though. 😉
This is so beautiful and touching, and I loved every word of it. I love these stories of how we build our writer tribes. Best wishes to you both, and I can’t wait to read Anne’s novel.
Finally back to the blogosphere, and delighted to read this touching post. And lovely pix, too! 🙂
That is a great story Nina, just very cool and something that is very timely for me.