I have very clear memories of the day after eighth grade when I first opened The Eye of World, the first book in the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. Instantly, I was hooked. I read it all day, with reluctant breaks for meals. In fact, when my mother summoned me downstairs to set the dinner table, I tried to get out of the chore by arguing that I was far too engrossed in Jordan’s fantasy landscape and vibrant characters. Needless to say, my argument fell flat!

That summer, I tore my way through all the available WoT books and then fretted over the time required to wait until the next installment. I read and reread each novel, until their spines were well-creased. On those spines was Tor’s telltale logo: the mountain peak that promised vistas of fantastical lands and adventures beyond the scope of banal reality.

So, you can only imagine my delight when I learned that my novel, Confucius Jane, had been purchased by Tor and would be released under the Forge imprint in January of 2016. To say I was ecstatic might be an understatement!

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Tor/Forge’s headquarters in the historic Flatiron building in New York City. I pass the Flatiron building somewhat regularly–especially on the way to Shake Shack–and had always admired it. But now, I was granted the insider’s perspective. My wonderful editor, Kristin Sevick, shepherded me around the office and introduced to me to everyone in sight. They were cordial and congratulatory, and I felt immediately at home. One of the day’s high points was meeting Tom Doherty, Tor’s founder, who insisted that I come behind his desk to take in his view. His office at the prow of the Flatiron commands an impressive perspective, looking out over Madison Square with a clear line of sight all the way up to Central Park.

But like all mountaintop experiences, my visit drew to a close. When I found myself alone in the elevator, I couldn’t resist indulgently snapping a selfie. My dazed and exhilarated smile sums up exactly how I feel about my good fortune to be working with the excellent team at Tor/Forge.