Hello my lovelies! Can you believe it’s my second year out on my own? I’ve actually been blogging on and off since 1996. Yes! Since blogging was even a term! But I’ve been blogging continuously since 2002. Crazy, right?
I had something set up with the Plotmonkeys (Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly, Julie Leto, and Carly Phillips) in June, but life and their deadlines and other issues have led to a slight delay. I’m hoping we can do it up in style on the 31st, but know either way, they’re with us in spirit!
In fact, they were all kind enough to write something last minute around the theme “Two.” Carly and Leslie are on super deadline, and Janelle is very sick – and Julie I’m sure is about to stab me in the face. Heh. So, wish Carly and Leslie luck, Janelle well, and that Julie likes me again at some point in the near future!
I’m weird about numbers…I like even numbers. And since two is the first even number, it’s special. When I think about the TWO or second, I think immediately about second chances. Like right now, for instance, I’m writing again in a series of books that I thought died in 2006 when the publisher decided they didn’t want anymore of the series after only TWO books. And since no other publisher wanted to take a series that another publisher abandoned, my Dirty series, starring a kick-ass, Latina ex-bounty hunter, was dead in the water. Until it wasn’t. In 2012, I finally won the rights back from Pocket (blows my mind how they’d give me such a hard time about getting the rights back to a series they willfully no longer wanted to publish!) and re-released them digitally. The reader response was so strong, I published a third book in the series (a short novel called DIRTY LITTLE CHRISTMAS) and now I’m working on what will be the first full-length book in the series that I’ll publish in the spring. Here it is seven years later and my beloved series and characters are getting a second chance. Best. Thing. Ever.
So the word “second” doesn’t have a negative connotation for me! It’s about getting another go at something…just like Lime (and her readers!) get another chance to enjoy her blog, read her reviews and feel charitable when we help her donate toward clean water resources. It’s win-win for all of us!
Congratulations on your second anniversary, LIME!!!
~ Julie
And now Leslie who took the time to write this note (my apologies to her readers for taking her away from you for a period!)
When I think of the word ‘two’ I can’t help thinking of a loving relationship between two people. Like the one I have with my husband. Yes, I adore my children, and my family unit–five if you include them, dozens if you extend it to all my siblings, parents, nieces, nephews, etc. But the foundation upon which I build everything else in my life resides in Bruce. Together, we two are the island on which everything else rests.
~ Leslie
And we’re all wishing Janelle a swift recovery from her bug. And congratulations on such a lovely milestone!
The number “2” reminds me of the day I met my husband – – July 2nd. It was a very good day, and we’ve been together for over 30 years!
~ Janelle
And last but not least Carly who is also on an OMG deadline.
When I think of the number two, I think of a couple. A perfect pair. Two people meant to be together forever. Can’t you tell I write and read romance? That’s what makes two a very special number!
~ Carly
Now… at first I was going to say – guess I’ve planned as a gift for all of you? … The gift of me!
But then I thought about it, and was like – well, frankly if I were you, I wouldn’t think that was a great prize. So I sent out a desperate plea. Even from a while ago, the lovely and kind @Monikarw has been wanting to give something away on my blog. And at 2 AM I sent out a plea – and got a wonderful response from generous readers, which made me sniffly, so touched was I with their generosity. So, no glib statement from me. 😉
First up, from Monika, the winner has a choice of two things – either any book up to $15 from Book Depository, or a $15 gift card to Amazon! Monika is an avid reader, and brightens up everyone’s day with her unflagging positive and upbeat attitude. I don’t know why, but she thinks I’m great. We exchange bitchy sister stories, and ranty emails. 😀 Monika’s rules for her giveaway are that you have to say something nice about me. (Isn’t that a riot? And I can’t make this shit up.) <3 She’s a darling. [For sure she likes me better than I like me :P]
Next, we have a giveaway from *Priscilla Shay and Vicky Dreiling! Patricia is offering a signed copy of How to Ravish a Rake and some author swag. And Vicky, catching the discussion has generously offered another signed copy as well as some promo items! Two signed copies! Whee!
Who is Patricia? Bio: She is fascinated with all things historical and the only way she can explain it is by claiming she was – clearly – born in the wrong century. (Although, she has been dabbling in the Paranormal and Young Adult.) She holds a B.A. in English: Creative Writing, Honors (with a minor in History) and currently lives in New York pursing a M.A. in History. She is also a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America). When not writing she can be found in a corner crafting, drawing, or baking. August 2012 she signed a contract with Boroughs Publishing Group for a short story. Details coming soon!
THEN fabulous prizes from Lorelie Brown and Katie Porter! <3 Lorelie is giving away both Wayward One and An Indiscreet Debutante. From Katie Porter, Lead and Follow.
(You can click on any of the book titles for more information.)
I’m hoping to add more – and there’s a chance the Plotmonkeys (and others!) might be joining in to chat, so please. Tell me – how would you like to celebrate a blogiversary? I think I’ll keep everything open for all of this month. 🙂
Oh! And! Keep your eyes peeled! This post might be getting edited and I’m hoping to debut a new look!
Now let’s all celebrate! \o/