Happy St Patrick's Day
Monday, March 17, 2008
Good afternoon, one and all--
Sorry that it's been a while since my last post, but things have been a bit crazy at the Hannah homestead. I've got family visiting from Los Angeles, and a book that needs editing, and I've gotten the flu that's going around. Sounds pretty much like all of our lives at some point, doesn't it? We working women have much too little time...
Anyway, enough with the excuses and on to the content. First on my mind is the fabulous Dance for a Wish live auction and party which I attended last week. It's an annual event, sponsored by the Kitsap County chapter of Make a Wish. I was especially pleased to be a part of it because my husband and I have very good friends whose lives were touched by that organization. When their young son was battling leukemia, Make a Wish gave their whole family the trip of a lifetime. It might not seem like much, given the gravity of the situation which precedes it, but that vacation really meant a lot to them. The video record of their trip made me weep like a baby.
That was pretty much the high point of the month so far for me. As I've mentioned before, I'm editing the final draft of the book for next year, and as much as I love editing, it can get a little exhausting. Especially when you realize--as I did this week--that the entire timeline is wrong. Yikes. Next time I'm writing a book that takes place in a week. Then I can keep track of the days. :)
Oh, wait. I'm forgetting my last booksigning. Last week I had a signing at Village Books in Bellingham, and two very talented authors showed up to support me: Christina Dodd and Lisa Kleypas. Both have superb books out right now, and it really meant a lot to me that they took time from their busy writing schedules to visit the bookstore. In fact, one of the best things about this career is the friends. I have to say, a lot of us have been friends forever, and we're always there for each other--to toast a book hitting the list, or to drink in consolation of a book not hitting the list. Either way, year in and year out, we help each other through the rough times. I first met Christina about twenty years ago, when we were both finalists in a contest for unpublished writers. And here we are, still friends--still crazy--after all these years. That's a real gift. Maybe sometime I can get Christina or Lisa to guest blog on this site so you can meet them. And that brings me back to Firefly Lane, because, as you know...it's about the friends...
So thank you all for your continuing support of this book. It's currently on its sixth week on the New York Times list, and I know that's because people like you are buying it and talking about it. Believe me, I've been in the business long enough to genuinely, deeply appreciate that kind of enthusiasm from readers.
A few final tidbits. I am getting emails that ask for specific information. The most often repeated question is about sequels. Apparently many of you want Firefly Lane to go on. All I can say is that I'd love to come back to these characters at some point, but I have to have a really first rate story. If and when I find one, I'll be back. Also, several of you asked about my signoff line of "aloha." I use this because I spend about half of the year in Hawaii, and it has become more than a second home to me; it's almost a way of life. It's who I'm becoming, if that makes sense. I want to be a woman who runs in the morning and works in the afternoon and sits on the beach, reading, on the weekends. I also want to learn to kayak and kite surf (okay, that second part is never going to happen--but let me dream), and to hula. But for now, I'll settle for spending a few months over there every year, making a killer pina colada, and signing my correspondence with "aloha."
I'm also getting a lot of contest entries, and we're closing in on the deadline, so any of you who are on the fence, please jump in! Write a short bit about your best friend. I've had a ball reading them, and who knows? You might win the Nordstrom gift certificate.
Well, that's it for now. I'm going to go back downstairs to hang out with my beautiful sister, cooler-than-cool brother, and the rest of the fam. When they leave and the house is quiet again, you can count on hearing from me again.
Aloha,
Kristin
Sorry that it's been a while since my last post, but things have been a bit crazy at the Hannah homestead. I've got family visiting from Los Angeles, and a book that needs editing, and I've gotten the flu that's going around. Sounds pretty much like all of our lives at some point, doesn't it? We working women have much too little time...
Anyway, enough with the excuses and on to the content. First on my mind is the fabulous Dance for a Wish live auction and party which I attended last week. It's an annual event, sponsored by the Kitsap County chapter of Make a Wish. I was especially pleased to be a part of it because my husband and I have very good friends whose lives were touched by that organization. When their young son was battling leukemia, Make a Wish gave their whole family the trip of a lifetime. It might not seem like much, given the gravity of the situation which precedes it, but that vacation really meant a lot to them. The video record of their trip made me weep like a baby.
That was pretty much the high point of the month so far for me. As I've mentioned before, I'm editing the final draft of the book for next year, and as much as I love editing, it can get a little exhausting. Especially when you realize--as I did this week--that the entire timeline is wrong. Yikes. Next time I'm writing a book that takes place in a week. Then I can keep track of the days. :)
Oh, wait. I'm forgetting my last booksigning. Last week I had a signing at Village Books in Bellingham, and two very talented authors showed up to support me: Christina Dodd and Lisa Kleypas. Both have superb books out right now, and it really meant a lot to me that they took time from their busy writing schedules to visit the bookstore. In fact, one of the best things about this career is the friends. I have to say, a lot of us have been friends forever, and we're always there for each other--to toast a book hitting the list, or to drink in consolation of a book not hitting the list. Either way, year in and year out, we help each other through the rough times. I first met Christina about twenty years ago, when we were both finalists in a contest for unpublished writers. And here we are, still friends--still crazy--after all these years. That's a real gift. Maybe sometime I can get Christina or Lisa to guest blog on this site so you can meet them. And that brings me back to Firefly Lane, because, as you know...it's about the friends...
So thank you all for your continuing support of this book. It's currently on its sixth week on the New York Times list, and I know that's because people like you are buying it and talking about it. Believe me, I've been in the business long enough to genuinely, deeply appreciate that kind of enthusiasm from readers.
A few final tidbits. I am getting emails that ask for specific information. The most often repeated question is about sequels. Apparently many of you want Firefly Lane to go on. All I can say is that I'd love to come back to these characters at some point, but I have to have a really first rate story. If and when I find one, I'll be back. Also, several of you asked about my signoff line of "aloha." I use this because I spend about half of the year in Hawaii, and it has become more than a second home to me; it's almost a way of life. It's who I'm becoming, if that makes sense. I want to be a woman who runs in the morning and works in the afternoon and sits on the beach, reading, on the weekends. I also want to learn to kayak and kite surf (okay, that second part is never going to happen--but let me dream), and to hula. But for now, I'll settle for spending a few months over there every year, making a killer pina colada, and signing my correspondence with "aloha."
I'm also getting a lot of contest entries, and we're closing in on the deadline, so any of you who are on the fence, please jump in! Write a short bit about your best friend. I've had a ball reading them, and who knows? You might win the Nordstrom gift certificate.
Well, that's it for now. I'm going to go back downstairs to hang out with my beautiful sister, cooler-than-cool brother, and the rest of the fam. When they leave and the house is quiet again, you can count on hearing from me again.
Aloha,
Kristin
5 Comments:
Hi Kristin..
I tried to write yesterday, but my computer decided to show it's demonic side and I gave up after 3 tries.. Hopefully, I will be successful today.
I hope that your visit with your family is going well. Are they here for Easter weekend or just because?
I usually do want most of the books that I have read by you to go on.. but I can't see where Firefly could go much further. I guess I am in the minority on this one.
I think I am overdosing on Kristin Hannah books.. LOL.. I have listened to Distant Shores, The Things We Do For Love, Summer Island, Magic Hour, and Firefly Lane. I have "read" On Mystic Lake, which could definitely go on.. I am currently reading Between Sisters in one bathroom and Angels Fall in our master bathroom.. I have Home Again waiting in the wings.. I swear, if you ever come to Raleigh, I am going to bring all of them to your book signing and get you to sign them all.. :) Of course, I would love to host you at my home for dinner while you are in town. I know, that is more likely than not, a serious pipe dream.. but a girl can dream, can't she?
I have read Lisa Kleypas just recently.. Her book called Sugar Daddy was really great..I think I need to get used to her before I really go nuts like I did with your writing.
I am not familiar with Christina Dodd. Do you know Lisa Scottoline? Nora Roberts? Diana Gabaldon? Sue Grafton?
Oh wow! Do you remember KC and the Sunshine Band from the 70s? Get Down Tonight is playing on the radio right now.. I used to love to dance to that song.. :)
Make A Wish Foundation is a wonderful charity to support. I feel that way about the Children's Miracle Network and The March of Dimes charitable organization.
March of Dimes paid for my cleft palate surgery when I was 2 years old. That surgery enabled me to have a normal life without any hairlip present, and the only drawback to the procedure was that my teeth, when they came in both as baby teeth and permanent teeth are very soft, as well as the roof of my mouth being much smaller than a normal adult's mouth. Along with 6 other children in 1965 made Duke Medical Center's medical history because the procedure that they performed then was a brand new procedure for Plastic Surgery/Cleft Palate/Intracranial Surgeons, and no one had a clue if it would work. The doctors gave my parents 2 choices.. This new and radical surgical procedure, or the standard cleft palate surgery, which would make my have to go through metal plate surgery as I grew up until my mouth stopped growing in my late teen years. I am very blessed that they chose the procedure that they did. I know, too much information.. ;) Sorry about that..
Anyway.. I support the Duke Children's Miracle Network, St. Jude Hospital, and March of Dimes. I wish that I could support more, because all of them are phenomenal causes...I also support the North Shore Animal League and SPCA. Animals need a voice too..
You should take a look at my new puppy that I am picking up this weekend. I will post her picture on my own blog at:
http://musingsofadayinthelifeof.blogspot.com/
I haven't written in my blog for a really long time, but I am aiming to do that this weekend.. so hopefully, you can see my new family member.
Oh before I forget again.. Is the Meghan Dontess character in Distant Shores the same hotshot divorce attorney in Between Sisters? As you know, she is briefly mentioned a few times in Distant Shores, but she is one of the major characters in Between Sisters.. and I was thinking that since the two books came right behind each other that perhaps the character of Meghan was the same woman in each book. True or False?
Anyway, I gotta run.. I will be glad when you can come back to your blog.. I so enjoy communicating with you.. It is SO fun!
Thanks! Happy Easter, too!
Linda
I have been one of the ones who is spreading your book! I bought a copy for myself after borrowing it from a friend. I bought one for my mom for her birthday and I bought one for our youth pastor's wife who's husband is working out of town until May, and wanted to give her something great to read.
I can tell how much I love a book by how quick I read it Fabulous 2 days, Really Good 3 days Good 4 days and you get the idea. Well Mrs. Hannah, I read it in 24 hours! A new record for me. I keep thinking of the characters and I can't wait to reread the book. And I can't wait for the movie. So who do you think would be good actors/actresses for FL?
Dear Linda--
Happy belated Easter to you, too! Your new puppy is adorable! I think I know what you'll be doing for the next few months. :)
That's great to hear about the charities you support, also. I have a new idea percolating about that, so keep your eye on the blog for mention of it in the coming months.
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Cindy--
Thanks so much for spreaking the word! I really appreciate every single reader.
take care and aloha,
Kristin
Dear Cindy--
Thanks so much for spreaking the word! I really appreciate every single reader.
take care and aloha,
Kristin
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