Thanks for the entries...

Monday, June 30, 2008

Happy holiday week to all of you---

Thank you all so much for jumping so quickly to enter my spur of the moment contest. There are definitely plenty of true colors hopefuls out there--many more than I expected. Because of the time crunch, we had to put all this together quickly, and so we've chosen the lucky winners and sent out the manuscripts. But to those of you who didn't win this time, we'll keep your name in the hat for the first advance reading copy. I'm not sure when that will be, but I'll keep you in the loop. I really wish I'd had enough copies for all of you...

aloha and thanks again for entering--

I'll write more this afternoon.

Kristin

32 Comments:

Blogger princessapr said...

I love knowing there's a new book on its way. So sad considering Firefly Lane just came out. It's times like this that I realized I'm just as demanding as all the other crazy readers out there! I can't wait to hear all the good reviews (as I'm sure they all will be). I hope everyone posts and gives their thoughts without any spoilers, of course!

June 30, 2008 at 12:21 PM  
Blogger J+W said...

Kristin,
Happy Holiday week to you too!

I'll be heading to GA for the holiday weekend -humidity, yuk!- so..for fear of the manuscript sitting lonely in my mailbox. =D Any chance someone can shoot a quick email out to the very lucky winners?

Have a great & safe 4th!

P.S. It is too cool that you have an assistant! And how cool is it to BE your asssitant! Lucky girl Kim!
P.P.S. I'm assuming you have a computer guru techie somewhere that sets up your -beautiful- website. Any chance s/he can set up a RSS feed for your blog? Thanks.

June 30, 2008 at 1:41 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

I have to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th that request to let the winners know who they are! I certainly hope my name was one of them, but if it wasn't, then you can bet that I will be one of the first in line to get the new release when it hits the shelves/audiobook sellers in February. I just didn't want to have to wait THAT long.. :) February is SO far away!

Is it meant to be a surprise to the winners so that the manuscript just shows up in their mailbox? What an incredible surprise that would be to see it arrive at my door. I think I would just have to shout out if that did occur...unless we were sworn to secrecy. I hope that isn't the case. :)

So, if the book is wrapped up Kristin, would you elaborate on why it takes such a long time to reach the shelves? Does it really take 8 months or so to print them? Can't take that long, can it?

Curious inquiring minds want to know.. ;) At least this one does..

Happy 4th!
Linda

July 1, 2008 at 11:55 AM  
Blogger Di said...

Wow! What a special treat. I am still waiting for Firefly Lane to hit these shores. I have managed to get all other books published but have to wait soooo loonnng to get the "new" ones. I won't be beaten!
I can't wait to read it, the friendships created in the teen years and as young adults, are so special. I remember the late 60's early 70's so well, the feelings of freedom and the promise life held for me and my friends. Music can still bring that back, so emotive. Did Whiter Shade of Pale reach the USA?
Happy 4th July to you all.

Di

July 1, 2008 at 12:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Looking forward to seeing who wins!
xoxo
Jocelyn

July 2, 2008 at 11:59 AM  
Blogger Kimberly Fisk said...

WINNERS!!!

Congratulations to Lisa H. and Cindy W. Your advance sneak peek of Kristin's new book is on its way. Enjoy! I sure did. :)

Again, thank you to everyone who entered. It would have been so great if we had enough copies to give to everyone.

Kim

July 2, 2008 at 3:57 PM  
Blogger Kimberly Fisk said...

And, Wendy. YES, being Kristin's assistant is the best job in the world. Best Job. Best Boss!!!

Kim

July 2, 2008 at 3:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am on cloud nine !!!!!!!!! This is the best wedding present I could have ever received. Thank you, thank you, a million times - THANK YOU !!!

July 2, 2008 at 4:13 PM  
Blogger Cindy W said...

OH MY LUCKY STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just have to say, I opened the mail today and low and behold there IT was. True Colors, the book that I only DREAMED of being able to read before others. IT WAS HERE IN MY HOUSE. Because I didn't get an email that I had won, the excitement that I shared with my dog(Leia the Pug - since nobody else was home at the time) was borderline crazy, jumping up and down, squealing like a kid.

I just finished a book this morning and I'm off to start True Colors right now. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!!

Cindy

July 2, 2008 at 7:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the winners!! Enjoy for us all.

I'm sure you will ;-)

Have a great holiday weekend everyone.

July 2, 2008 at 7:50 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

Hey Kristin!

I am getting ready to go to work, but I wanted to ask one of the other posters, I believe her name is Di, what she means by she is still waiting for Firefly to hit her shores? Where exactly is she located? If she reads this post, perhaps she will answer the question. I was under the assumption that whenever a book hit the stands in the US that it also published everywhere else in the world too. Is that not true? If it takes longer to publish internationally, how much longer does it take to hit countries like the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, France, etc.. Does your publishing company have people who are fluent in different related languages ready to translate your book into the related languages?

Inquiring minds want to know where that post that you said you would write more of in the afternoon is? LOLOLOL.. Thanks so much, Kristin!

Oh, is there a way that I can verify that the box of books that I sent for the Botswana Project got to the right address? I forgot to put a delivery confirmation on it, so I have no clue.

Write soon, okie doke? :))))
Linda

July 3, 2008 at 11:28 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Kristin! I enjoy all of your books so much and can't wait for the next! I appreciate a writer who's at the same place in life I am and writes so interestingly about women in their 30s and 40s. I'm a nonfiction writer myself and have great appreciation of what you do.
I sent a question to your e-mail and am thinking it would have been better to have put in on your blog. About Firefly Lane - I was curious as to why Kate or her mother never told Tully they loved her. It seems Tully needed desperately to know someone loved her, but two people who obviously did, never told her so. Did you have a reason for this? Just curious. I guess it kind of broke my heart that they never voiced their love to Tully although they made it obvious that they did love her. I tell my best friend I love her most every time I talk with her.

July 3, 2008 at 2:00 PM  
Blogger Leen said...

Hey Kristin and all other readers,

I'm Leen, just another Kristin Hannah fan who has just recently discovered this blog, only I'm slightly different than most of you because I live in Belgium. Get out a map and find me, 'cause I wouldn't be surprised if some of you people can't even point out my country on the map. Heck, I wouldn't be any good at naming all the states of the US on a blind map either, so I don't blame you!

Anyways... since my mother tongue is Dutch, you might expect me to read books in that language only. I don't though. With the ones I like a lot, I just can't wait until they have translated it, so I read it in English (and then sometimes buy the Dutch version later anyway!).

I saw a question about that in one of the other comments, by the way. "Firefly lane", which I've read in English when it first appeared in February, has now just hit the stores in the Dutch version. It's called "Who reaches for the stars" in Dutch and I've been told it's an abbreviated version (haven't read it yet, though, so I'll have to get back to you on that one) which makes sense since it's supposed to be only 400 pages, whereas the original English version had 479 pages, even though that could be due to a different font and such too.

The one who told me that the Dutch version was gonna be shorter was the translator herself, though, cuz I mailed her in February to ask whether it was gonna take a long time before the translation was finished. Funny thing was she wrote me back, thinking I was male (which I never corrected) cuz Leen (pronounced as Lane) is mostly a man's name in The Netherlands, whereas in Belgium 90% of the people named Leen are female.

Since I'm an avid reader, who always has some book going, mostly some romantic or "real as life" story, like the ones Kristin writes OR some kind of thriller, detective, "whodunit" story, I'd like to tell you also about the book I'm reading right now, which is an omnibus edition of two of Tami Hoag's novels called "Night sins" and "Guilty as sin". For some reason I love reading about missing children and I've read a couple of other novels by Tami Hoag which I really liked too, so I'm enjoying this one also. The first part is almost finished and I have yet another culprit in mind now, after changing my mind almost a dozen times by now. But I think I got it right this time - it just makes so much sense! :)

July 3, 2008 at 8:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Kristin, I've never blogged before, I'm still in the "dark ages". I so enjoy your books. "Firefly Lane" had me sobbing in middle of night when I finished the book. Friends are so important in our lives, it would be so empty without them!! Glad you liked my story about pinching off lit ends of fireflies as a kid in Iowa to make rings and bracelets. They stayed lit for a while, guess we were pretending they were "diamonds"!
Question, does one have to "blog" to be eligible for first copy of "True Colors"? If so, it would be wonderful, FANTASTIC, great to receive a copy. Like Cindy, I would be jumping up and down at cluster mailbox should one appear there!!
Have a fantastic summer. Take care. Priscilla

July 5, 2008 at 12:21 PM  
Blogger princessapr said...

Wow, Leen, it must be so great to read a book in both English and a translated language to compare. I find it funny just to see the titles change from English to another language. You'll have to let us know any differences or revisions.

July 7, 2008 at 10:29 AM  
Blogger Cindy W said...

I felt obligated to post my review of True Colors by Kristin Hannah. I feel so special for being able to read this book and thank you Kristin for the opportunity!!!
Cindy W

Kristin Hannah’s new book True Colors takes us on a journey of sisterhood and love- perhaps the title should have been The Things we do or don’t do or do later for love. I thought it would be hard for KH to outdo herself after writing Firefly Lane, but this book delivers such a exquisite story of family, love, choices, jealousy, hope, passion, prejudice, faith and no faith, I was breathless at times reading about this to the bone love.

The family ranch, Water’s Edge, is in the beautiful and cold state of Washington. In her description of where the story takes place, I felt like I was sitting on the fence at Water’s Edge. It is incredible how original and fresh Kristin Hannah writes about the kind of love that makes a person whole- and some never experience this kind. You think you know exactly where the story is going and then, BOOM, turn and then another turn, and then another. The secondary characters come off the page, giving them so much life, you start to care for all of the people entwined in the story.

I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but this book was like a Christmas Present to me. As every piece of paper was torn away from the package, there was a gift of a story that I will not soon forget. I was sad when I turned the last page, and the story ended.

You CAN’T miss reading this story. The intensity and dynamics that Kristin Hannah brings to the table with her books is ever present, and the romance in the story, is of the same caliber.

July 8, 2008 at 7:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great review, Cindy! You captured how much you enjoyed the story and the setting, without giving away a thing.

I very much look forward to reading True Colors.

Thank you for your prompt posting.

July 9, 2008 at 10:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

AHHH!! I so wish I could have been in the drawing. I checked back the day after it was closed. Any way I can get in on another contest?

Kristin, hope your 4th went well! If you weren't in Washington, it was a nice one. No rain in my neck of the woods!

Best wishes from your vet girl fan in Washington!

July 10, 2008 at 12:07 AM  
Blogger Cindy W said...

Thanks Lynn, that was my hope. I felt the need after winning to post the review, especially since I know I would be checking every day for one!

I still don't feel the review did the book justice. It will be a reread soon, it was that good!

July 10, 2008 at 6:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with Cindy completely. My wedding (TOMORROW - YIKES!!) has kept me from finishing the book yet, but so far - AMAZING!! You all will not be disappointed. It's addictive, and will be my first priority after I get through this weekend. Best to all of you!

July 10, 2008 at 10:58 AM  
Blogger Kimberly Fisk said...

Lisa--CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming wedding. And wow is right, tomorrow!! If you post pictures anywhere, please let us know. I'd love to see them.

Leen--Welcome to the blog and how cool you get to read both the English and Dutch versions of Kristin's books. I loved hearing what the Dutch title of Firefly is.

Also, for all of those who didn't win an early bound galley of True Colors, don't despair. Fingers crossed Kristin's publisher will send us a few ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies) of True Colors in the next few months. And if they do, we'll hold another drawing. Ahhhhhhhh, prizes. Nothing I like better!! ha ha ha

And Wendy, not to sound like a complete idiot, but what is an RSS feed for the blog???

Kim

July 10, 2008 at 10:40 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

Hey Kristin!

This comment is said totally "tongue in cheek" but with hope that it could happen.. :) In your last entry you wrote:

I really wish I'd had enough copies for all of you...

I have always wondered just how much an author can do in terms of giving his/her books away once they hit the shelves. So here is the question..

Once the book is published, could you not get several copies of the book and give them to whomever you wanted to send one to? Have some sort of contest or just be generous (to your own pocketbook's detriment) and send out copies to all of your regular bloggers? **Hint!** Of course, signed copies would be very much appreciated.. ;)

I know that won't happen, but I am just dangling some possible bait, and I am hoping that you bite.. ;)

I will have to get into your new post, YAY!, later.. It is too juicy for just a quick reply!
Linda

July 11, 2008 at 1:41 PM  
Blogger Leen said...

Hey girls,

Thanks for the warm welcome. :)

I'm looking forward to reading the Dutch version of Firefly and I'll let you know about the differences, only I've got about a zillion other books to finish at this moment and I'm leaving on vacation to Canada on Monday, for which I will be gone until the 28th. Maybe I'll get to "talk" to you guys while I'm there or otherwise I'll check in again once I'm back!

As for "True colors" - man, can I get it yesterday? It sounds so wonderful, so perfect, so... Kristin! ;)

Love,
Leen

July 11, 2008 at 7:34 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Linda:

You've asked an interesting question about the publication time necessary to publish a book. It's definitely worth writing an entire blog entry about, and I'll try to remember to do that in the next few weeks (remind me if I forget), but let me give you a broad overview now. I finished the final first draft of True Colors in January of 08, then it went off to my editor, and she wielded her incredible insight and sent me back to the drawing board. The book was finally "done" in late March. At that time, it goes off in several directions. There are copyeditors who look for errors big and small (and a good one is worth his or her weight in gold), then to people who design the cover and write the flap copy and decide what month to publish. You get the idea. A lot goes into it. And as we all know, a perfect cover is so important. All of that takes time. bottom line, 9 to 12 months allows everyone a lot of breathing room and time to really do their jobs well. The good news for an author is that by the time True Colors comes out, I will be close to finishing my next book, and that really relieves some of the stress, but the "next" book is always the best...:)

thanks for a great question!

aloha,
Kristin

July 17, 2008 at 10:23 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Di and Leen--

Welcome to this side of the world! It's great to hear from both of you. I'm lucky enough to be published in about 29 languages, so I've got readers all around the world. And I've actually been to Belgium! It's a beautiful place; you're lucky to live there. Also, Tami Hoag is an extremely talented writer, with whom I've been friends for years. If you're just discovering her work, you have a lot of fun to look forward to! also, you might want to check out Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly.

aloha,
Kristin

July 17, 2008 at 10:28 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Kay--

thanks for your wonderfully insightful question about the deeper dynamics of Kate and Tully's relationship. You have a very sharp eye and great mind. Let me ask you this: why do you think I made that choice? I'll answer--promise--but I'm wondering what you think.

And good for you for saying I love you so regularly and carefully. You must be a great friend.

aloha,
k

July 17, 2008 at 10:30 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Priscilla--

Boy,do I know about the techie dark ages. I'm deep in the dark myself. I'm still learning this whole internet thing, and sometimes I have a little trouble, but mostly, it's fun, don't you think? I'm so glad you joined into the conversation. Keep it up!

Sorry the contest came up and went so quickly, but there will be another at the end of summer, as soon as I have advance reading copies, so keep checking in. Also, make sure you're on my newsletter list, so you'll be kept up to date on everything.

aloha,
K

July 17, 2008 at 10:33 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Sheila--

don't fret about this contest. another one is coming, I promise! Make sure you're on the newsletter mailing list. :) Keep up the studies--

aloha,
Kristin

July 17, 2008 at 10:35 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Cindy--

Thanks so much for your lovely review of True Colors! It's always difficult to let a book go out into the world, especially in manuscript form, mistakes and all, and I truly appreciate your great comments. I hope everyone loves it, too.

aloha,
K

July 17, 2008 at 10:38 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear linda---

And you ask another interesting question about authors and the number of our own books that are made available to us. I can't speak for all authors, but I can tell you that I get 48 copies of my hardcovers from the publisher. Anything over and above that, I buy at retail price and give away. Glad you asked!

Obviously, I can't give away copies of True Colors to everyone on the blog, but believe me, I'll be doing special giveaways just for "my girls." You guys definitely won't be forgotten. :)

As a small aside, I hear that Firefly Lane is currently "on sale" at BN.com. Maybe the savings will help some of you._

And the books you sent to Botswana arrived safely, I'm told. Thanks!

aloha,
K

July 17, 2008 at 10:42 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Leen--

I'll call my foreign agent (a dutch woman, btw) and find out when True Colors will be published in your neck of the woods...

Aloha,
Kristin

July 17, 2008 at 10:44 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Lisa---

GIVE US WEDDING SCOOP!!!

congratulations

Kristin

July 17, 2008 at 10:44 PM  

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