Old best friends week
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Good evening one and all--
Well, I'm back from my west coast tour, and I want to thank those of you who ventured out of your comfy homes to join me at the various book stores. I met so many wonderful readers--in Seattle at Third Place Books, in Beaverton at Powell's, in Oakland at Good Great Place for Books, in San Francisco at Book Passage, at Dutton's in Brentwood, and at the totally cool Eagle Harbor Books/Liberty Bay books joint signing in Poulsbo. I'm bringing home lots of great memories--perhaps the best was standing in Brentwood in the dark, watching the eclipse with several old and new friends.
Most of all, I've been amazed and humbled by the response to Firefly Lane. After all these years in this career, I can't tell you what it means to me to see people buying my work with such enthusiasm. For the first time ever, my book hit the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today lists all in the very first week of publication. Wow!! I absolutely cannot believe it. So, thanks much to all of you who made that possible.
And now, on to the really important stuff: The Oscars. We had a rockin', girl dominated Oscar party at my house, complete with champagne and strawberries, wonderful food, and endless "dress" opinions. As usual, we had a hotly contested winner pool, and Megan Chance proved to be the big winner. Again. I maintain that she spends far, far too much time on research. :) But how can one argue with success? I will point out, however, that it was a tough prediction year even for her. It took 14 categories to win; usually it take 16 or more.
I've been parked in front of the television MUCH too much since I got home. I'm trying to catch up on American Idol, Project Runway (go Christian and Jillian!), Prison Break (LOVE that show--is anyone else even watching it?) Lost (most excellent episode last week), and last but not least, Make me a supermodel. But don't tell anyone about that last one. :)
One last thing. I don't know if it was Firefly Lane and all of your cool comments and remarks, or all of the discussion of old friends in general, but when I was getting ready for my tour, I decided to call some old friends in a couple of the cities. Women I hadn't seen or really talked to in probably a decade. Amazingly, a little internet research and you can reconnect with people! Anyway, I met these two remarkable women, whom I've really missed over the years, and it was as if we'd never been apart. So let me say this: if there's someone you've missed, give her a call. Life is short and friendship just goes on and on. Thanks Penny and Charlotte...It was great seeing both of you.
Well, I guess I'd best run along. My book recommendation for this week: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It totally rocked.
Also, I have a question for all of you. I've received several postings/comments that contain big spoilers, usually without a warning that they're coming. Up to now, I haven't posted these remarks so that the reading experience isn't tainted for new readers. What do you all think of that? Do you want to see ALL comments, regardless of spoilers?
Thanks and aloha,
Kristin
Well, I'm back from my west coast tour, and I want to thank those of you who ventured out of your comfy homes to join me at the various book stores. I met so many wonderful readers--in Seattle at Third Place Books, in Beaverton at Powell's, in Oakland at Good Great Place for Books, in San Francisco at Book Passage, at Dutton's in Brentwood, and at the totally cool Eagle Harbor Books/Liberty Bay books joint signing in Poulsbo. I'm bringing home lots of great memories--perhaps the best was standing in Brentwood in the dark, watching the eclipse with several old and new friends.
Most of all, I've been amazed and humbled by the response to Firefly Lane. After all these years in this career, I can't tell you what it means to me to see people buying my work with such enthusiasm. For the first time ever, my book hit the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today lists all in the very first week of publication. Wow!! I absolutely cannot believe it. So, thanks much to all of you who made that possible.
And now, on to the really important stuff: The Oscars. We had a rockin', girl dominated Oscar party at my house, complete with champagne and strawberries, wonderful food, and endless "dress" opinions. As usual, we had a hotly contested winner pool, and Megan Chance proved to be the big winner. Again. I maintain that she spends far, far too much time on research. :) But how can one argue with success? I will point out, however, that it was a tough prediction year even for her. It took 14 categories to win; usually it take 16 or more.
I've been parked in front of the television MUCH too much since I got home. I'm trying to catch up on American Idol, Project Runway (go Christian and Jillian!), Prison Break (LOVE that show--is anyone else even watching it?) Lost (most excellent episode last week), and last but not least, Make me a supermodel. But don't tell anyone about that last one. :)
One last thing. I don't know if it was Firefly Lane and all of your cool comments and remarks, or all of the discussion of old friends in general, but when I was getting ready for my tour, I decided to call some old friends in a couple of the cities. Women I hadn't seen or really talked to in probably a decade. Amazingly, a little internet research and you can reconnect with people! Anyway, I met these two remarkable women, whom I've really missed over the years, and it was as if we'd never been apart. So let me say this: if there's someone you've missed, give her a call. Life is short and friendship just goes on and on. Thanks Penny and Charlotte...It was great seeing both of you.
Well, I guess I'd best run along. My book recommendation for this week: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It totally rocked.
Also, I have a question for all of you. I've received several postings/comments that contain big spoilers, usually without a warning that they're coming. Up to now, I haven't posted these remarks so that the reading experience isn't tainted for new readers. What do you all think of that? Do you want to see ALL comments, regardless of spoilers?
Thanks and aloha,
Kristin
23 Comments:
Bravo Kristin on the most compelling book I have read in the past two years. (Remember that I am the one who will only read your books as anyone else is just plain wasting my time LOL) I won't be a spoiler because I think that would be absolutely WRONG. The book has wayyyy too much to offer to spoil it. Can't wait til your next book, though I know it will be next year. Much Love and admiration. Can hardly wait to see you in Leavenworth. Mary in Malaga
Hi Kristin,
First off, love your books and recommend them to everyone. Firefly Lane kept me up reading late into the night (with a few tears actually rolling!). I was quite tired the next day, but it was worth it.
Secondly, I would vote for no spoilers. Unfortunately, there was a comment regarding a previous book of yours (one I have not read yet) and it did give away part of the storyline. Perhaps an area specifically for spoilers would help this situation.
Thanks for your great work!
Have you read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen? Great book.
Hi Kristin,
I am glad that your tour went well! It sounds like you had a great turnout. I just wish you could make it to Raleigh, NC for a book signing.. **Pout**
As for the question you asked about spoilers, since I have already read Firefly, I would not be opposed to seeing those types of posts. However, I think that if I haven't had the chance to read or listen to a new book of yours yet, I cannot say that I would want to read specific spoilers relating to same. Generalized spoilers about character names, etc.. are not the same as specific spoilers that tell say the ending.. I hope that I did not do one of those in any of my posts on your blog. If I did, I do apologize profusely.
Anyway, I have to say again that I loved Firefly, and I have recommended it to several of my friends and associates. I have a really good friend in Boston who does not have access to a copy in her local library yet, so I am going to mail her my copies of both Magic Hour and Firefly.. That is how badly I want her to listen to your work. :)
If you get a chance to respond, I would very much like to hear from you. Of course, if my posts are WAY too long, you can tell me to stop writing so much.. :)
Take care,
Linda
Hi Kristin
My aunt sent me (and all the girls in the family) an e-mail this morning that read:
"Just finished another one I think you all will enjoy. You might even find a portion of your own life there.
It's DISTANT SHORES by Kristin Hannah"
I googled you to find out more. I'm a blogger and was happy to see you have one too. I'm also happy to see you have many more books.
I'll be picking some up soon.
Just wanted you to know the words getting out to our family. LOL
Hugs!
Kat
Hi Kristin - Just finished Firefly Lane this week and I, too, must confess that I was up until the wee hours of 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. I've read all of your books except "Between Sisters" which is the only one I've missed and it's on my Must Purchase List. :D I loved Firefly Lane ... it was a tough read for me as I lost one of my best friends 2-1/2 years ago and this book really hit home with me - about how precious those friends really are and how you should cherish them fully.
I started reading your books in 1994 when I discovered "If You Believe". I read a review of it in Romantic Times magazine. At the time I was having minor surgery and with daytime TV being particularly boring, I stocked up on new books to help in the recovery process. I always used to read romance but was bored with it until I read your book. You didn't use the traditional formula of the heroine and hero and the same old story formula. Your characters felt real - had doubts, worries, and questioned their feelings for one another. I was intrigued. After that I got a list of all your books, luckily found them at my local bookstore and bought them all. After working my way through that stack ... I was hooked! Since then I've always bought your books and shared them with family and friends. "Home Again" really was awesome and "Magic Hour" was incredible. "Comfort and Joy" was tremendous; my mother and her best friend loved that one! Firefly brought me to tears several times - it just got to me. Not many authors do that do me, I'll admit.
I generally read lots of crime/mystery thrillers as well as biography and many others. My book shelves contain books by Stephen King, Patricia Cornwell, and Tess Gerritsen is a favorite of mine. I then got hooked on John Connolly and his books are sooo scary I can't read them at night, but they're wonderfully written. So your warm, feel-good and lovingly written books are added to these scary thrillers so I balance it out in the end. :D
Your new website and blog are terrific; I'm really enjoying those! I just wish you had the time to do a book tour up here to the New England region - I'm sure you have lots of loyal readers on the east coast. If you ever get to Portland, Maine, I'll be sure to greet you and don't be surprised if I show up with ALL of your books! (LOL) :D
At any rate, I loved Firefly Lane and hated to see it end. I grew up in that era and the whole story was wonderful - you got the toe socks in there, the bell bottom jeans, all the weird fashions, and especially the music. My first albums were "Night at the Opera" by Queen and Springsteen's "Born To Run" - and I still have all the 1970s albums to this day and also in CDs. When you mentioned certain songs in the book, the music was running through my head while I was reading and it took me back to times when life was simpler, innocent in a way and I'd give anything to go back to that time for just one day to hang with my old friends once more. We didn't know how special those times were. Thanks for reminding me of that.
Thanks for writing all these wonderful stories - you deserve all the success!
Debbie in Maine
Dear Lynn:
Thanks so much for your no spoilers vote. I always think it's nice to discover a story completely for yourself, don't you? And thanks for the Water for Elephans recommendation. I'll look for it. I'm heading off to Hawaii again soon and more books for the TBR pile are always welcome.
take care,
Kristin
Dear Linda--
Are you kidding about writing too much?? :) I'm a writer. There's nothing I love more than words, and I especially love those words from a reader who loves my books. :)
I, too, would love to come to Raleigh some time. I've heard such lovely things about that area, but I've never been there. Much of New England and the South are foreign to me, but I hope to change that someday soon. Now that I'm a certified "empty nester" hopefully I'll finally get to see more of this beautiful country. Raleigh and Portland, Maine will definitely be on the top of my list!
Thanks again, Linda, for your support and enthusiasm. I really appreciate it. Especially now, when I'm in the middle of revising my next novel; it's a crazy time where a little "I love you work" support goes a long way.
my best to you and yours--and I hope your friend enjoys the books, too.
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Kat--
Thanks for checking in! Please pass my thanks along to your Aunt. Does she live in Oregon, by any chance? I always thought that one of the strongest aspects of that particular novel was it's sense of place--the wild, windswept Oregon coast. It's a magical place.
Have you read other of my books? Just wondering how you came across Firefly...
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Debbie--
Your post really made me smile. On so many levels. First is the fact that you obviously first read me as a romance writer, and have been faithful enough to follow me to strange new places all these years later. :) And you noticed exactly what I tried to do in romance, which was to tell a familiar storyline in as new a way as possible. So I appreciate you noticing that. If You Believe was really the first novel lin which I delved into themes that would prove to be hallmarks of my work--family dynamics, difficult emotional issues, loss, second chances, and yes, even death.
Secondly, we seem to like a lot of the same authors. I always can tell how I'd get along with people by finding out who they read--and definitely, you and Linda and I should be friends! I particularly love Gerritson. And you live in the The King's state. Lucky you. He's really been an inspiration to me, as well as kind of a marker of my literary life. The Shining and The Stand were really important reads to me.
And then there are your musical memories! So cool. You sound like exactly the reader I was looking for with Firefly. When I hear things from you, and Linda, and Lynn and the rest of the gang on the board, it really makes me proud. All those long hours at the computer, or with a notepad in my hand, are totally worth it.
so thanks so much to all of you...
Now, I've got to go hang with my husband for a while. It IS Sunday night, after all. Family time...
Aloha and keep in touch--
Kristin
one more thing, Debbie--
what is :D???
lol,
Kristin
Dear Mary--
What can I say, girlfriend???
You're the best. See you soon,
aloha,
k
Spoilers are bad...however, this is coming from a girl who likes to read the end of a book before she buys it. What can I say, I'm a happy ending girl.
I hope this isn't a spoiler question, but I'm wondering if the end of Firefly Lane is the end of the story. Is more coming later?
I have to respond to Debbie...that's so coincidental..I am from Maine as well, orginally. I graduated from what was then known as the University of Maine at Orono, alma mater of...Stephen King. It was so fun for me to read Firestarter when it first came out and be able to completely relate to the college campus scenes. They are described exactly like UMO. I also enjoy Tess Gerritsen. I find it amazing when an author can make me grimace and look away from the page ;-)
My oldest brother went there as well and he now lives (coincidentally, again) in Hawaii.
My oldest son was born in Portland, Maine and we used to live right outside of Portland. Small world, getting smaller thanks to cyberspace!
I have started The Things We Do for Love and I also have The Thirteenth Tale ready to go next. So many books, so little time...so true!
Dear Linda--
Kristin wrote:
Are you kidding about writing too much?? :) I'm a writer. There's nothing I love more than words, and I especially love those words from a reader who loves my books. :)
**Hey Kristin..
No, I wasn't kidding.. :) Sometimes, I think that I go on and on and bore people to tears. It is an ADD thing.. My friends have always told me that reading my letters feels like they are sitting in the living room with me, but for some reason, I think I should shut up sometimes.. :) Thanks for telling me differently..
Kristin wrote:
I, too, would love to come to Raleigh some time. I've heard such lovely things about that area, but I've never been there. Much of New England and the South are foreign to me, but I hope to change that someday soon.
**So do I! I am sure that all of your East Coast fans hope to hear that you are coming this way very soon. I know that I will be where you are in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, or Greensboro, NC. That gives you a few cities to choose from.. :)
Kristin wrote:
Thanks again, Linda, for your support and enthusiasm. I really appreciate it. Especially now, when I'm in the middle of revising my next novel; it's a crazy time where a little "I love your work" support goes a long way.
**Well, revisions mean that the book will come out soon, yes? Can we dare hope for that? I think that most of my favorite authors release a new book about once a year, and I think that you said the Firefly took you about 2 years to finish.. I can tell you that you have a diehard fan in this writer. I have listened to quite a few of your books since I listened to Magic Hour.. The last one was Distant Shores, and it was very good as well. I have noticed that the books that I have read from you almost always have some sort of tragic event, whether it is domestic abuse that ends in death, cancer, AIDS, something..and there are always best friends somewhere in the books, relationships with each respective parent, lots of times someone has lost their mom for whatever reason.. I am thinking that these themes are present because it is something that you can relate to on some level. I think sometimes that I could write a book on how to survive the dysfunction junction that has effected so many of our lives growing up. In my case, it was my dad who was the abuser..Lots of times when I read books that have that type of abuse in them, and the woman is able to triumph over it, I can SO RELATE!! I just want to send Hurrahs! to the authors and the characters, even though they are fictional.
The only "romance authors" that I still read with any regularity are Nora Roberts and Bertrice Small. I suppose that Diana Gabaldon could be considered a romance author, but I don't see her work in that light, even though the Outlander series has been primarily about a couple and their unending love for each other..To me, it is about time travel and fantasy.. Nora Roberts puts out those trilogies like clockwork.. I just want to know how it is that she puts out 3 books a year (sometimes more) in any given trilogy, along with at least 1 or 2 under JD Robb. She MUST use a text expander software on her computer like I do for my job.. :) Bertrice Small writes really HOT reads, but it takes her a while to put one out. The last serial book that I read from her was about Hegar and the heroine was Lara..I have read 2 of the 3, but I haven't managed to get the last book in that series yet.
I just finished Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline. Wonderful book! I just love it when she writes about Mary DeNunzio. She has some of the best comments and comebacks.. I just LOVE the books with any of the Rosato and Associates attornies in them. I will scoop them right up.
Kristin wrote:
my best to you and yours--and I hope your friend enjoys the books, too.
**I am sure that Chrystine will enjoy both of the books that I am sending her. I have to get Firefly back from my mom first.. :)
Kristin wrote to Debbie..
I always can tell how I'd get along with people by finding out who they read--and definitely, you and Linda and I should be friends!
**I can certainly go for that! It would be SO totally COOL to be friends with you! I think we would get along famously!
Speaking of musical influences, do you know who my favorite musical artist that rocked for me in the 70's was? Elton John.. I would listen to him whenever I needed to unwind, be alone, when I was happy.. you name it, I would listen all of the time. Have you heard his latest 2 CDs? Peachtree Road and The Captain and the Kid? Some of his best work in a really long time. He is together with Bernie Taupin again, and you can SURE tell the difference.. :)
My favorite song of all time though is playing on the radio right now.. The Pretenders "I'll Stand By You" I bought the CD that it is on just for that 1 song! Don't care much for the CD as a whole, but I do play that song over and over. I believe that I heard it for the first time on General Hospital when Robin was saying goodbye to her boyfriend that was dying from AIDS. Funny, I can't remember his name, but I remember that song. Weird what things you remember..
Man.. Bob Seger, John Cougar Mellencamp, Elton John, Eagles, Rod Stewart, so many more that I can't even begin to write them down.. It was a much simpler time..like Debbie said..
Sooo, Kristin.. What is the next book about? Care to give a few hints? Please? ;) Oh, the symbol that you asked Debbie about is supposed to be a winking smiley face, I think.. I could not figure out how to make it for this post.
I have SO got to stop procrastinating and get my fingers to work for the company that PAYS me to do so.. :)
Have a good week, Kristin.. I am sure that you will get all of the revisions worked out.. If you ever need to hear a friendly, (albeit an EXTREMELY excited voice) on the phone cheering you on, just let me know.. and I will give you my phone number. That would be just the coolest thing!
Take care,
Linda
Kristin, I love to see that you watch Project Runway...I LOVE that show and I am so excited that Christian and Jullian have made it this far. I will be interested to see who actually wins. Both are really talented.
Speaking of American Idol you won't believe what happened to me last week. Melinda Doolittle from last season was in Sacramento promoting American Idol Slow Churned ice cream and I won a private party with her and my closest 25 friends and family along with Dreyer's ice cream!! Melinda sang three songs, signed autographs, took pictures and ate ice cream with everyone. It was a blast!
I am still trying to finish up Angel Falls and hope to get onto Firefly Lane very soon!! I am sure it will be great once I can get to it!!
Take care,
Becky
Oh, Angel Falls is one of my favorites. I cry at the most ridiculous part every time I read it, and it's not even a sad part.
Anyway, I've always wanted to read The Thirteenth Tale. Something about the cover that draws me in. I have yet to actually read it though.
I also vote no to spoilers though it does help for discussion. Is it possible to have a spoilers only post for people? I figure that could be a good compromise.
april, the people pleaser
Dear Beth--
Yours is the first sequel question I've gotten on this book so far. It's actually something I hear on a lot of my books. I don't know if people want more of the story or if they just love continuing characters. Either way, I would love to do a sequel to this book someday. Without a spoiler, I'd say that there's one character I'd love to check back in with in a few years. What do you think?
thanks,
Kristin
Dear Lynn--
It sounds like we definitely have similar reading tastes, so don't be shy about recommendations!
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Linda--
That's so great to hear your memories about the music. It seems that so many of us really date ourselves with the songs of our era. Like you, Elton John was a biggie for me. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was my first album--I still remember the crazy cartoon pictures and the way it opened up. :) That kind of reminds me--have you--or anyone in the conversation--seen Across the Universe? I had wanted to see it in the theaters, but missed it somehow, and finally rented it this weekend. All I can say is WOW! It was such a creative, inventive, romantic story. And that Beatles' music. Swoon. It will really take you back...
ANd now about the next book. Yes, my revisions mean that you have a book to look forward to about a year from now. I try really hard to do a book a year. As a reader it's what I prefer also, so I try to keep that up as a writer. That being said, some go a little quicker and some a little slower. :) This one, thank goodness, went quickly. I'm really pleased with it, too. It's another strong story about sisters, but it has a really kick butt love story in there, too. In fact, I think it's the most romantic novel I've written in years, maybe ever. I'll give you all a sneak peek at the cover and title when I have one.
Don't worry about writing too much on the blog, either. I love hearing from you.
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Becky-
Wow!! That is so cool. Melinda Doolittle was my absolute favorite last year! She was totally robbed of the crown. I've been wondering what she's up to. Do you have any idea? Give up the scoop!!
And all I can say about Project Runway is GO CHRISTIAN. That boy is mega talented. We're going to hear big things from him someday. He really knows how to put on a dramatic show.
Aloha and keep in touch--
Kristin
Okay, April--
I have to know. What part in Angel Falls makes you cry? And will you be at RWA this summer?
hope to see you there--
aloha,
Kristin
Kristin, Melinda has been promoting Dreyer's ice cream and is traveling around to 10 different cities doing a live performance in peoples homes all while eating ice cream!! She has a cd coming out in June, so look for that!
I agree...Christian on Project Runwway is extremely talented!! I love his stuff and can't wait to see what else he does in the future.
Take Care,
Becky
Dear Kristin, I just finished Firefly Lane and it was fantastic! What a moving story about two friends who grew up at the same time I did! I agree that no spoilers should be included in the blog -- we all deserve the chance to feel and read and imagine the stories as they unfold word by word, paragraph by paragraph and page by page. I love all your books -- keep writing!
Jane
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