# 7 on the New York Times!!!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Hello friends---


Okay, so really, I hate to be the kind of person who goes around touting her own success, and I'm vaguely uncomfortable doing it now (most of my friends and family don't even know that Firefly is on its third week on the Times list), but I really feel as if you all are such an integral part of it. Honestly, I couldn't have done it without you. You guys have been such an important, vital part of spreading the word on Firefly Lane and I think your enthusiasm has been contagious. Women all around the country are choosing it for their book clubs, and I suspect more than a few have talked to one of my online friends in the past year.


Thanks also to Lisa for posting the People magazine review of True Colors. What a lucky break that was, wasn't it?? As an avid People magazine reader myself, it's always fun to turn a page and see a review of my own book. Even if it's not good, but when it's great??? Well that's a call up the girls and order a pitcher of margarits night. :) Now, if only my local Safeway would put out the new magazines, I could actually SEE it!!

Okay, so that's what's happening with the books. But you know what's even more front burner these days...that's right...LOST is back on. I watched the season opener and I thought my head was going to explode as I tried to figure out all of it. When are they? Where are they? What in the heck is happening??? I love it, love it, love it. All I ask is that Kate/Jack/Sawyer get back together on screen soon...

And then there are the movies. What a month for good things to watch. I'm slowly working my way through the Oscar noms so that I can win the Oscar pool I have with my friends. To that end, I've seen Benjamin Button (loved it--thought Brad and Cate were remarkable, as was the make up), saw Slumdog Millionaire (LOVED it--favorite movie this year so far, but a very tough, difficult, gritty movie to watch--with a KILLER ending), Frost/Nixon (really good). On the list to see: Milk, Rachel Getting Married, The Reader, Revolutionary Road. Anyone got any reviews???

On tv--Private Practice, Fringe, American Idol, and Biggest Loser all have my undivided attention. I am liking Grey's Anatomy, but they better pull something big out of the hat with the Izzy/Denny story line. Haven't liked that much, but I like Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidd...

What are all of your favorite movies and tv shows this season?

Thanks again for being such loyal fireflies and for spreading the word about the books. You guys rock!!!

aloha,

Kristin

38 Comments:

Blogger princessapr said...

I can't wait for my copy of True Colors! I don't think it's shipped yet, but my books have been arriving late. Congrats on the NY Times Bestseller list and the People review! That's awesome!

I don't watch Lost partly because I didn't care for the first bunch of episodes and partly because I hate doing anything anyone tells me to do and EVERYONE I know tells me I HAVE to see it. :) We're big Scrubs fans here. We've been liking Grey's Anatomy lately. We kind of got out of it a few years ago, but we keep watching anyway. Also, I'd put Bones high on our favorites list.

As for movies, I've only seen Bride Wars which wasn't as bad as I thought. It was a good matinee with the girls. We've also started our book club again. Our first book wasn't universally loved, but it did get us back on track and we all finished it.

I hope to see more of the movies before the actual Oscars, but I think I may only get to see one.

Congrats again! And, as my sister believes, if you don't toot your own horn, who will? :)

January 30, 2009 at 10:05 PM  
Blogger princessapr said...

I guess I should read the updates in order.

Wow, Kim, is this your first trip to Hawaii? I've never been, but my entire family has and loved it.

Little Miss has her first haircut tomorrow! We'll see how it goes.

Will there be a post where we can just talk about True Colors without spoiling anything for anyone who has not read it yet?

January 30, 2009 at 10:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I came in to say that FIREFLY LANE is one of my favorite books this year. Seriously, seriously love it. The clothes, the times, all of it.

So, congrats and well deserved.

But also--Slumdog Millionaire rocks. Man, oh, man, oh man. Loved. It.

January 30, 2009 at 11:20 PM  
Blogger Chasing Inspriation said...

I'm hoping for a coupon from B&N for True Colors, otherwise, I'll pick it up mid Feb after we know the mortgage has been taken care of. Darn layoff messing with my book buying pleasure. Don't worry though, I have money for it. :D

Congrats on Firefly Lane being on the NYT list for 3 weeks! I hope True Colors makes it there and for even longer.

We've been watching CSI, Bones, and The Mentalist this year and I've been using Hulu to watch Life. We're also Scrubs fans, but it's opposite Bones and we don't have a DVR yet so I hope Hulu carries Scrubs as well.

The only movie we've seen lately has been Marley and Me. It's a great movie, but I forgot the end was sad and we saw it on Christmas day almost a year after we had to euthanize our beloved dog. Thankfully, the entire audience was bawling so I didn't have to feel foolish for sobbing. Still, a good movie.

I'll be on the look out for the people magazine review! Go Kristin!

January 31, 2009 at 1:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've lost interest in LOST since two seasons ago. Same goes w/GA...I was die hard fan until my favorite part of it Cristina & Burke were no more. Meredith annoys the heck out of me with her boohoo woe is me attitude. Seriously grow up.

Now, shows I still watch? Without A Trace, L&O SVU, Dexter, Survivor, Heroes,anything Gordon Ramsey. And a new favorite this season The United States of Tara on Showtime with Toni Collette & John Corbett. Check it out! www.sho.com/tara

Movies: Gran Torino w/Clint Eastwood (BEST movie I've watched in a long long time. Everyone that watched it with us agreed 110%). Ghost town, better than I thought; Swing Vote, annoying in the middle but good ending, Seven Pounds with Will Smith was OK but could've used a better ending. Looking forward to watching Slumdog Millinioare and the BF is patiently waiting for Appaloosa on our Netflix list.
I almost forogt! The Visitor, I think it was an independent film and it is out on DVD now. Really good movie, much better than we thought it would be. Slow at the beginning so give it a chance but it's worth it...one of those make you think movies and depends on where you stand on the issue.

January 31, 2009 at 9:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I loved Firefly Lane....I could totally identify with the characters, since I'm their exact age! It was a little like going back in time remembering the friendships I had at that time. I liked it so much I had to try another KH book and I'm now reading On Mystic Lake....I LOVE it also! I work at a Borders so I can't wait til Tuesday when I can get my hands on True Colors first thing in the morning!

January 31, 2009 at 1:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello! Just wanted to drop in and say first, congratulations Kristin, on Firefly Lane being on the NY Times list. All I can say, is well, YES, as it should be! It is a terrific story that was made all the more special because the characters are my age and boy, did it take me back to high school and the struggles beyond, with my old music to boot. (-;

I was one of the lucky winners who received an early copy of True Colors. (Thank you, God and Kristin!) It is simply awesome! I devoured it and I can't recommend it highly enough. The characters just pulled me right in and kept me by their sides, through both pain and joy, tragedy and triumph. Winona, Aurora and Vivi Ann had quite a story to tell.

Winona is the oldest, the leader and the one to try to solve every problem that arises, all the while battling her personal demons. Aurora is the middle sister and quite simply, the glue that holds their family together(in my opinion anyway.) She is the calm in the storm. Vivi is the baby of the family and it's bright, flamboyant star. Now, I must confess, I truly wanted to shake thier father most of the time! LOL

I have three sisters myself, and while we are very different, like the Grey sisters, we have a bond that is impossible to express or describe. They are my best friends, each in her own way, and no matter how angry we can be at one another, we always find our way back to each other. We are lucky to have one another.

Kristin, more congratulations on True Colors. You are one of my absolutely favorite authors and a master story-teller. Thank you for the sometimes heartwrenching but always satisfying journeys through your stories.

Anita

January 31, 2009 at 8:30 PM  
Blogger Kimberly Fisk said...

Sheesh--about time you posted the news about True Colors hitting the NY Times. You had until tomorrow to come clean or else I was going to shout it out. :)

April, this will be my second trip to Hawaii. When I graduated high school, I went with seven girlfriends (well five friends, a cousin and one of my sisters). $279for flight and hotel for a week. (that dates me!! LOL) We found my sister her future husband (in a bar) and I learned you can live off fruit--the kind that comes on the side of a drink. ha ha ha

Kim

February 1, 2009 at 12:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kristin,

Congratulations on the *great* People Magazine review! I read Firefly Lane this past summer and here's how I know it was the most engrossing book I have read in a long time...I was reading it on a long stretch of beach and the next time I looked up, I was surrounded by water and had about two minutes to grab my beach chair, my towel and, of course, my copy of Firefly Lane.
I can't wait to dive into True Colors, I'm hoping for the same reaction! :)
best wishes,
Jocelyn

February 1, 2009 at 11:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous - - make Magic Hour your next Kristin Hannah book. It's incredible! I promise! My very favorite so far.

Movies - I saw Benjamin Button last week and really liked it. The acting was amazing. Even though I was originally hesitant to see such an impossible story, I left satisfied and glad I saw it. Next on my agenda: Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, The Reader, Gran Torino.

TV - I am still hooked on House, even repeat episodes. I am in extreme denial that Prison Break is over. Wwwwaaaaa!!

Books - I am finally reading some things that have been in my pile for too long. I am reading No One You Know (Michelle Richmond). Just finished Suzanne Somers, Breakthrough. Didn't enlighten me as much as I hoped. I'm still taking my tiny hormone pill every morning in place of being a human pin cushion. I also just finished The Secret Life of Bees. I know, I know ..... I'm the only person in the world who is JUST NOW reading this. Don't have a clue what took me so long, but I absolutely loved it. I can't wait for the movie to come out on DVD, as I missed it in the theater.

Aside from that, work - work - work. I've been incredibly busy at work, and appreciate the blessing being able to say that.

It's Super Bowl Sunday (go Cardinals since my Cowboys are out), I have a mani/pedi in an hour and a half, it's a beautiful day, and we're making one of my favorite dinners tonight. Life is good!

Take care fly friends!

Lisa

February 1, 2009 at 11:36 AM  
Blogger princessapr said...

Hey, Kim, sometimes, the fruit on the side of drinks is the only way I can say I'm not drinking on an empty stomach. :)

I just read Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann, and I loved it. I don't always love her books though they're still solid reads for me. I love a book that opens with sex and torture. I'm weird like that, I guess.

Naomi, Scrubs can be viewed on ABC.com, I believe. They have a nice message board and Bill Lawrence has a blog. This season has been great. I just read it will not be back in any incarnation next season so this is it. Scrubs isn't moving until March to its new time slot either so there's still time to watch.

February 2, 2009 at 12:21 PM  
Blogger Leen said...

Hello fireflies!

Today (it's February 3rd here already) is the day! I wish there was some way I could get "True Colors" already, like some of you will, but I'll wait patiently. I've ordered it from an online bookstore on Jan 21st, and ever since then it has said "waiting for publisher's delivery", so I don't know when I'm ever gonna get it. Strange thing is it says the same thing about the two Barbara Delinsky books I have in the same order, which are NOT advance orders.

It's no real biggy, though, cuz I have plenty of stuff to read still (but actually, all I wanna read right now is "True Colors" - I'm kinda stubborn that way). I've just started a Lisa Scottoline paperback called "The Vendetta defense" which has brought up so many memories that I kinda find it hard to read on at this point, but then I don't wanna put it aside either. So I guess I'll read that until the mailman brings me my order.

Or... I might take Lisa's advice and reread "Magic hour" while I'm waiting for my next Kristin Hannah book. I just got treated to a new hardcover copy (I only had the paperback version) so that seems like a great reason to read it again.

Anyways: no hints from me for TV series (some of what you guys mention gets broadcasted over here too, but I hardly ever watch any of it and the rest is just unknown to me) nor movies (I think the last time I was in a theatre was to watch the latest Harry Potter movie), so I'll just add a BIG congrats to Kristin, as well as the question why there are still 6 other books on top of hers in that list?

Heck... I once bought 22 copies of my favourite artists' single to win a contest and at the same time to help them go up in the charts, so if it were up to me, you'd be on that #1 spot before you'd know and if you didn't brag, I would!

So anyways... that was my contribution for today. I'll go back and hide in my shell now. ;)

Love,
Leen

February 2, 2009 at 6:23 PM  
Blogger chloesnana said...

Good Morning Fireflies,

Congratulations, Kristin on your success with Firefly Lane. I loved that book and was one of the honorable mentions in the Kate & Tully contest.

I just finished reading True Colors (my preordered copy came in January) and I loved it. As it was stated before the characters just pulled you in. My emotions were all over the place. Job well done, Kristin, as always.

February 3, 2009 at 10:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW!! I have had THEE hardest time finding a book for about a year now that gripped me from the begininng and kept my mind racing back to it while I waited for my next oppurtunity to pick it back up. Firefly Lane girls did it and I just finished it about an hour ago.
Thank you Kristin for that.

I am a working stay at home mother (I run an in home daycare) who very much wants to write a book and I once again feel inspired to do it.
Perhaps we will meet in Gresham:)

Heather Kramer

February 5, 2009 at 2:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Guys!

My TV List right about now:

Without A Trace, CSI:, American Idol (How about Bikini Girl ha ha!), I really do like Private Practice, and I can't wait for Survivor, sometimes, Law and Order, I'm still enthralled in the Bachelor even though Stephanie went home. So now I guess it's go Melissa! She's such a cute personality!

As for movies, I guess I don't get out much , the last one I saw was Marley and Me. Bride Wars looks hysterical.

As far as books, right now I'm reading 76 Seaside Ave, A Cedar Cove book by Debbie Macomber. Only thing is, I wish I was reading these books in order.

February 6, 2009 at 10:11 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Right now I watch "Lost", Greys Anatomy, Private Practice, American Idol!! I'm loving that right now.. I love Ghost Hunters on the sci fi channel, Desperate housewives, brothers and sisters..I think you would like brothers and sisters..That's a great, funny show. and it has drama as well. It's a great season this year..

February 8, 2009 at 10:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Michelle,

You do really want to read the Cedar Cove books in order. The stories flow together nicely that way. Can you restart?

Okay, enough of a break here. My kitchen is a mess and I need to reboot the laundry but I have been reading True Colors non stop!!

February 8, 2009 at 1:30 PM  
Blogger Kari Simonson said...

Congratulations!

February 10, 2009 at 11:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I forgot about my fave Friday Night Lights! Tons of wonderful characters.

Smiles!

February 11, 2009 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Hi guys----

Just want you all to know that I haven't forgotten about you!!! I just posted a new entry from an internet cafe and it's really hot!!! So as soon as I get back, I'll read and answer all of these great posts!!! I'm out of touch, but it won't be for long!!

adios from sunny mexico

K

February 17, 2009 at 11:35 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear April---

Gosh, it feels like I've been gone forever! I even missed the first haircut. :( I'll bet she's absolutely gorgeous.

You bring up a great point about a True Colors discussion. When does everyone think that's a good idea? I'd love to hear what you all think without worrying about spoiling it for new readers.

Ideas? Opinions? I know you fireflies have plenty of opinions..It's one of the things I love most.

aloha,
K

February 25, 2009 at 8:55 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Barb--

What a lovely post. Thank you so, so much. It is amazing to get a compliment from a writer of your caliber. And a friend, to boot. In case there are any fireflies in our midst who don't know the talented and generous Barbara Samuel (ONeal), I suggest you head right to your local bookstore. Her newest book is out right now in trade, published under Barbara O'Neal. You'll be happy to add her work onto your bookshelf. Just fyi, I have always been a particular fan of Lady Luck. (Forgive me, the entire title is cool but escapes me at the moment) Is that book still available, Barb?

Anyway, thanks again Barb. Any reading suggestions for me?

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 8:58 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Naomi---

First and foremost, I say you should go to the library and get a copy of True Colors. Obviously, you've got more important priorities right now than books, B and N coupon or no (how do you get a coupon anyway).

What's better than a nice, fresh library book anyway? You can buy the book in trade paperback next year if you want one for your collection. Or maybe we'll have another contest this month and you'll finally get lucky. In fact, Kim, if you're reading this and lurking, let's do a contest asap. We've got a few extra TC lying around...

And btw way, Naomi, what the heck is HULU? Isn't that what Alec Baldwin was promoting at the super bowl? I didn't understand it then or now...

aloha,
K

ps: thanks for the nyt congratulations. I am honestly blown away and massively humbled by FL's success. Makes a girl wonder, what the heck do I write next? Thank God the book for 2010 is done or I might be a wreck...

:_)

February 25, 2009 at 10:11 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Wendy---

Even tho you've given up on Lost (okay, I understand it, really I do, but I'm ocd and once I've started something I have to see it through, and I love a dense, inexplicable mythology), I have to totally agree with you about the united states of Tara. I thought it was going to be ridiculous, but since I routinely watch all HBO series, I gave it a try, and I love it! The childrens/husband and wife/family relationships are surprising real for a show about such an odd topic. And I love john corbett and Toni Collette. In fact, wouldn't she make a GREAT Winona?

Can't believe I missed Gran Torino. EVERYONE loved it. Will race when it comes out on video. And YES to slumdog. Tough to watch but so very uplifting.

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 10:16 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Anonymous---

Welcome to the blog!! Thanks so much for having the guts to post. We welcome you and hope you'll stick around. And since you work at Borders, tell us what great books have we overlooked?

aloha,
K

February 25, 2009 at 10:17 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Anita---

thanks so much for the kind words about True Colors. As April pointed out, I'd love to find a way on this blog, or this board, to genuinely talk about the book--what we all liked and didn't like about the book (and yes, I am like any reader; there are things I loved and things I didn't--just cause I wrote it doesn't change that). Let's all put our heads together and figure out when and where. As you all know, I'm website challenged, so your help will be much appreciated.

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 10:20 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Kim---

I can't believe you mentioned the fruit. Oh baby, will you be getting your caloric intake from the fruit on the side of your pina colada. And yes, there WILL be a photo of us on the beach. We might be hiding behind a chair or a log, but you all will see our hands--with our drinks--and our smiles. Kim is the world's best assistant and an ever better friend and I look forward to sitting on the sand with her, with our toes in the water, talking about the latest book we've both read. And we'll share every moment with our firefly friends...

aloha,
K

February 25, 2009 at 10:22 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Jocelyn---

Reading as the tide rises---you are TOTALLY a woman after my own heart. It has happened to me more times than I can count.

Good to hear from you!

aloha,
K

February 25, 2009 at 10:23 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Lisa--

Don't know what to comment on first. The mani-pedi? That sounds good. It is one of my favorite things to do in the world. Before we went to Mexico, my sister in law, my niece, my Debbie (my dad's wife--can't quite call her step mom or my dad's wife, but whatever she is, I adore her). Anyway, we all went for m/p and then in Mexico we took photos of our feet in the white sand. So fun. And just to make it even better, my niece was sitting in the chair, getting her feet done, and reading a people magazine. Suddenly she says, Aunt Kristin, this is your picture...

The review! How fun is that!

And like you, I'm boo hooing Prison Break, but with my current tv situation, it's the least of my worries...
a
Also, I read Michelle Richmaond's Year of Fog and liked it--same author?

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 10:31 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Leen--

Harry Potter??? Harry Potter???? that is WAY too long ago. You have to get out to the theater more. What about Slumdog Millionaire? Twilight? We all want to think of you going out, having a blast, watching a movie. Set aside some of those papers and tell us what you go to!!!

Let us know when TC shows up on your doorstop. I know you'll have a review that makes me think and makes me laugh...

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 11:11 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Cloesnanna--

thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed True Colors. It was actually a lot of fun to write. I can't say that about all of the books. :)

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 11:13 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Heather---

thanks so much! If you've read this website, you know I started my career as a stay at home mom and still feel as if that's what I am, although my son is grown and gone now. I've just never really identified as a career woman. Strange, huh? Probably because I work at home and never leave...

anyway, good luck to you and my best advice is to believe in yourself and write word one, and then word two, and word three and so on...

Best of luck to you. did we meet in Gresham???

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 11:16 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Michelle---

Survivor girls unite!!! I missed the first episode because we were in Mexico, but I'm ready for tomorrow night. I heard there was a great twist at the beginning. :)

I can't believe you watched Marley and me. I can't believe so many people loved it, in fact. i am not a fan of the dog dies in the end movies. Just too, too sad for me. Did you enjoy it?

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 11:19 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Tiffany---

You watch exactly the same shows that I do. You'll notice that they're almost all abc so I'm totally LOST right now. No pun intended...

Enjoy the shows I can't watch. And yes, I love Brothers and sisters. It's one of my favorite shows. I love the sally field character.

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 11:21 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Lynn---

I'm sorry to hear that your kitchen is a mess (like the rest of ours) but I'm glad you're reading True Colors!!! I'm gladd that the book is better than doing the dishes. :)

aloha,
k

February 25, 2009 at 11:23 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Thanks, Kari!!!

I am one lucky girl....

aloha,
K

February 25, 2009 at 11:23 PM  
Blogger Leen said...

Well, I AM heading somewhere this weekend. Going on a trip to The Netherlands to hear and see my favourite Belgians sing there. Ok, it's no movie theatre, but at least it gets me outta the house, right? Gonna have to do all my school work on Sunday, so I'll be busy as hell afterwards. And it's a 4.5 hour drive for a 45 minute performance, so I must be darn crazy for doing this. Wish I had a Harry Potter near for this, so that he could just teleport me back and forth.

Love,
Leen

March 6, 2009 at 11:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Kristin - just finished reading True Colors - it was the first of your books and I will certainly be on the lookout for the others. One question though - page 120 Winona is using stationery that calls her Esquire - doesn't that just refer to gentlemen? I am just back from a cruise to Hawaii and unfortunately had only three days there so we didn't see enough of it. I saw the first 10 minutes of Slumdog Millionaire on the ship but just could not watch it- too much reality!! Can't wait to get another of your books. Ellen -- Canada.

April 10, 2009 at 11:45 PM  

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