The reviews are in and former University of Memphis student and Daily Helmsman reporter, Johanna Edwards, is poised to be the next big thing in chick-lit.
Edwards' novel "The Next Big Thing" is about a plus-sized girl named Kat who applies to be a contestant on the reality show "From Fat to Fabulous." Kat hopes this will help her meet her online crush Nick who lives in London, and thinks she's a size four.
Edwards, 27, says she's wanted to be an author since before she could even write.
"When I was a little kid I used to dictate stories and have my dad write them down for me," Edwards said.
Edwards is also an avid reader and lists reading and writing as her two biggest passions in life. Having such a big dream come true so early in her career is hard for Edwards to wrap her brain around.
"I keep pinching myself, expecting to wake up and discover this is all a dream," Edwards said.
Edwards' ideas for her novel became a reality in a very short amount of time. She wrote the entire novel in about three weeks, found an agent in about 10 weeks and a publisher in just a couple of days.
"My book went out on submission on a Friday and the offers started coming in the following Tuesday," Edwards said.
Edwards received a two-book contract with Berkley publishing, which is an imprint of Penguin Putnam. She has already completed her second novel for Berkley, and is hard at work on her third, which will be shopped to different agents this summer.
Edwards hopes to stay at Berkley publishing, describing them as her dream publisher.
Another dream of Edwards is to eventually branch out of the chick-lit genre.
"I think a few years down the road I may branch out and try to go with something more literary, or perhaps I'll try my hand at writing a travel novel," Edwards said.
For now, however, she says she couldn't be happier doing funny, quirky novels.
Now that "The Next Big Thing" is gracing bookshelves everywhere, Edwards says it is a weird and surreal feeling.
"This book is very personal to me, and sometimes it feels like I'm publishing my diary," Edwards said.
Although some nerves are beginning to set in for Edwards, her excitement and sense of accomplishment outweigh her apprehensions.
"The joys are endless. There are no words to describe what it's like seeing your book in a bookstore," Edwards said. "For a writer, there is no better feeling."
The biggest pressure for Edwards is hoping that her novel finds an audience. Judging by the reviews she's already received from Publishers Weekly and The New York Post, she has little to worry about.
Publishers Weekly called "The Next Big Thing," "A Best Bet for Spring 2005" and The New York Post raves that the novel is "Required Reading."
Edwards has received the seal of approval from some of her favorite authors as well.
Edwards' favorite author, Jennifer Weiner, author of New York Times Bestsellers "Good In Bed" and "In Her Shoes," has a blurb in "The Next Big Thing." Edwards describes that as another huge thrill.
Jennifer Paddock, author of "A Secret Word," says that "The Next Big Thing" is as addictive as reality television.
All fabulous reviews aside, Edwards plans to keep her job as a producer of WYPL's "Book Talk," which is a nationally syndicated radio and television program. Although writing is her passion, she believes it is important to maintain other interests aside from writing.
"If I were a full-time writer I'd probably drive myself nuts! I'd check my email 400 times a day and sit by the phone waiting to hear word from New York," Edwards said.
In the meantime, an estimated 150 people are expected to show up at Edwards' book signing at Davis-Kidd Tuesday evening. These fans of chick-lit are excited to have a heroine that is more realistic and similar to them.
"It's been an absolute whirlwind, and I thank my lucky stars every day," Edwards said. "I'm just going to enjoy this amazing ride for as long as it lasts."
