Six days until 1001 Firefly Lane house parties!!!!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Hey everyone---
I woke today to the sight of this sunrise outside my window. When you see a sky like this, you just know it's going to be a good day, don't you? I have to admit, I'm not usually an early riser, so maybe I'm missing skies like this a lot. (I'm really more of a sunset girl). But I saw this and then I remembered that the house parties were coming up, and I thought it had to be a good sign.
I don't know how many of you are hostesses, but I've been checking out the house party site in the past few weeks, and I LOVE hearing all the ideas for the parties. There is so much creativity going on out there. Hat parties, pajama parties, seventies-themed parties; there's music and food and fun on the horizon, I can tell. I especially adore the groups that are choosing to wear pink ribbons. It's such a perfect touch for Firefly Lane. As most of you know, breast cancer is a subject that has touched my life on a profound level, so it truly touches me that it has become a part of the parties. Last year, I began a fund to help out in my own small way, and thanks to the fireflies, we raised a lot of money to help women battling breast cancer in outlying areas, and this year, I'm focusing on raising awareness of IBC. All the women wearing pink ribbons to the parties are like warriors, joinging with me. So THANKS!!! You guys rock. And if you'd like to help me make a difference, you know you can go to my site and make a small donation in the name of your party, your group, or anyone whom you'd like to honor. http://www.kristinhannah.com/content/firefly_fund.php
For anyone who hasn't checking out the whole house party scoop, check out http://houseparty.com/celebratingstories. There's a lot of fun ideas there and some really great women. I especially love all the photographs that have been posted. I need to find a way to put them on my site...
And now, onto the Winter Memories contest. I have read all of the entries, and I have to say, I am blown away. Once again, you guys have have touched my heart with your personal stories. As a writer, I spend a good part of my life in the hazy world of make believe, and it is so wonderful to be grounded again by honest, heartfelt memories. I am so sad that I can't call every single Winter Memory author a winner and send her a signed copy of Winter Garden. But there were simply too many entries for that. So, what I've done is pick two winners (and yes one is a firefly) to whom I'm going to send my last two advanced reading copies. Because I simply loved so many of the entries, though, I've also chosen several Honorable Mentions who will recieve signed copies of another of my recent titles. To everyone else, I'm going to send a signed book plate.
Thanks again so so much for taking the time to enter this contest and share small pieces of your life with me. As soon as Kim and I can figure out how to do it, we're going to post quite a few of the essays on the site, so keep your eye out for them. You know what's really interesting, is how much the essays have in common. We all, it seems, remember snow days and Christmas mornings and being with our loved ones. That, most of all. Our best memories all surround times spent with our families. It's a great reminders to make memories whenever and wherever we can. Even though our families some times drive us crazy, they also complete and uplift us.
The winners are--drum roll, please--Patricia Tilton and Naomi Bliss. Thanks for two truly touching Winter Memories. Honorable mentions go out to Julie Benson, Brenda Ivester, Rebecca Hamarode, Kim Griffith, Nancy Gillingham, Nicole Rosati, Karen Haney, Kelly Branyik, Kay Harms, Virgina Camden, Dawn Kleckner, and Sharon MacDonald. A special shout out goes to my cousin, Leslie, who slipped in a Winter Memory that included me. :) I will mail out the advance reading copies tomorrow. So, enjoy! The other books will go out as soon as Kim and I can get them all in the mail. With the tour coming up, things are a little crazy around here, so I hope you'll be patient with us.
And now, because Kim will come in and yell at me if I don't do this (she really does, too--you should see her when she's mad), I want to tell you all that True Colors went up to number 5 on the New York Times list. Wow! What a champagne moment. Thanks to all of you who made it possible....and to those of you who bought and read Kim's book, Lake Magic, another big thanks. She made the Barnes and Noble romance bestseller list--quite a feat for a first novel. Brava, Kim!
LOST is only a few days away....I just had to say that. :)
And what do we all think about the changes on American Idol now that it's actually coming? Looking forward to Ellen?
The parties aren't the only countdown going on, btw. Don't forget that Winter Garden comes out 2/2 and I am DYING to hear what you all think. This is my favorite book to date and I really wonder if you'll all agree. And I hope to meet as many of you as possible on my upcoming tour. I'll be in Portland, Oregon, Chicago, Atlanta, NYC, Long Island, and Ann Arbor. The complete listing is at http://www.kristinhannah.com/content/about_kristin.php?id=Tour%20Dates. If you live close, come see me, and be sure and tell me you read the blog!
That's all for now, I guess. Aloha from the Pacific Northwest==
Kristin
19 Comments:
Kristin,
I am speechless and surprised to have my Winter Memory entry selected as one of the top two. I was shocked to see my name in bold. With so many entries, I am honored. In entering, I was just happy that you unknowingly nudged me to start writing again after 5 years of not being able to -- you gave me a gift! I owe you and April, who came up with the idea, the largest thank you! And, your timing of the announcement today came at a time when my spirits required lifting. My father passed on Friday.
I will happily look forward to receiving the advanced reading copy!
And, congratulations to Naomi Bliss, I will look forward to reading her story, and to those who won Honorable Mentions.
And, I hope everyone holding parties has a wonderful time!
Have fun with your book tours and congratulations on True Colors making #5 on the New York Times best seller list. It was an outstanding book.
Blessings to all,
Patricia
Oh, Patricia, I'm so sorry to hear the news about your father. It has not been an easy time of late for your family.
I can't wait to see photos of the house parties. I preordered my copy and can't wait for its arrival. My friend read the blurb and is anxious to read it as well. As I told Kim, I really enjoyed Lake Magic. It sparked my romance reading again, and it's nice to read just a sweet romance book without the paranormal or suspense.
Nothing much new here. Friday Night Lights is winding down its season on DirecTV (though we're like 2 of 200 viewers). This season has had some really funny moments and one of the best episodes of any television show I've seen.
I was going to go to the zoo today to see the panda, but we're going to brave the crowds next weekend and do the big official farewell as a family. Also, bookclub and movie club meet next week so I'll be thinking of everyone having a house party.
I had a rough week at work filled with fires and ready to start this week fresh and refreshed.
Kristin,
Hey ya!! Have you chosen the winner for the Look Who's Reading contest yet? I know the life of an author of your stature is very busy so I understand if it slipped away from you :).
Patricia,
Congrats on your win!! I can't wait to read your entry along with Naomi's and all the others! Exciting, exciting! And, on another note, I'm very sorry to hear about your father. It's just terrible when someone that important in your life passes.
-Erin
Congratulations Firefly Patricia and to all the Winter Memory contest winners!! And Kristin is so right, I was about to come on and give her a none-too-gently nudge to tell her good news.
Whoooo Hoooooo, Kristin!! Utterly FABULOUS about True Colors!!
As for American Idol--I really miss Paula. It just doesn't feel the same. I can't even imagine next year w/out Paula AND Simon!
Kim
Patricia;
I am so very, very sorry to hear about your dad. Sending you a hug and prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything.
Thank you all for your comments about my father. Nothing prepared me for what happened. Since this is such a positive blog about winners, parties, Kristin's book etc, I want to remain upbeat and won't say anymore. But, I really could use your prayers right now because I have much to do. Finding out I was selected was such a bright ray of sunshine for me today -- and it helped considerably. Thank you for your support. You are all terrific!
Love,
Patricia
Patricia,
I am so glad you won...was that the story you originally posted on the blog? I really enjoyed reading that!
I am sorry about your dad and I am glad your winning gave you a lift. I'll be thinking of you...
Hopefully you will be able to tell us what you think of Winter Garden.
Sincere prayers of acceptance, and healing, for you Patricia. I am sorry for your loss.
Though bittersweet, congratulations for the contest win. And, congrats to all the winners. I am sure Kristin had quite a time picking out the best of the best.
I can't wait for you guys to start reading Winter Garden. As you know, I was honored an ARC myself, and I am not joking at all when I tell you it's my favorite book of all time. I can't remember a book teaching me so much, and making me feel so deeply, at the same time. That is Winter Garden. It is truly a profound story, that will leave you wanting more with each page turn. And, you'll find yourself releasing your breath on the last sentence of the book, unaware you've been holding it for several pages. It's amazing.
I would also encourage anyone to read Lake Magic (Kim's book), if you haven't already done so. It is wonderful! I couldn't wait to dive into that one, and was not disappointed at all. The story is great, the communication catchy, and your heart will feel good and full after reading this book. Our own Princess Firefly is much too modest about her own talent! It's a must read, for sure!
For now, all take care. Firefly Hugs to you guys!
Lisa
Patricia, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. You have my prayers and anything else you need. I'm glad winning the contest was able to bring you some sunshine *hugs*
Kristin - congrats on True Colors! Another confirmation that your writing truly captures universal experiences for women...and men. I found out my friend's husband has read all your books since Magic Hour and loves them. :)
I have an ARC of Winter Garden but have been saving it for my day off on Monday. I've pre ordered it along with my February books and am looking forward to another great book.
Kimberly - I love Lake Magic. I really do. It was a nice way to ease back into contemporary romance after a year of reading mostly paranormal and futuristic romance novels. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Have a blast at all the House Parties tomorrow! I can't wait to hear all about it and if you're recruited new fans.
I'll be at Movie Club. I'm attempting California egg rolls if I can find all the ingredients (my back up is an avocado Caprese salad). The theme is California.
Hi guys. I went to a fabulous party from work on Saturday night, and I had a firefly to drink, just had to.
Patricia, my thoughts are with you. On Friday, I learned that my 21 year old sister has cervical cancer. She's taking it amazingly well. I think when I go to Kristin's tour, I'll buy her Between Sisters for Valentine's day.
Hope everyone else is fine.
April- I LOVE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!!!
Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. Along with Patricia and her family, I will keep you and yours in my prayers, too. I hope they caughter your sister's cancer early.
I used to watch Friday Night Lights but then they took it off the air.
April, is Movie Club like a book club?
Lisa, I agree with you completely: Winter Garden is my favorite book of all time! I'm so excited for people to start reading and talking about it. If any Fireflies make it to Kristin's signings, I hope you say you're a Firefly. I'll be at the Poulsbo signing and hopefully the Lake Forest Park one, too. Any Fireflies going to either of those signings? I'd love to meet up!
And for those of you on Facebook, check out the new shoes April bought. WOW!! I so wish I could wear shoes like that.
Kimberly,
I am so excited -- I received my advance copy ot Winter Garden today. I needed some joy in my life right now! So, I will be a few chapters ahead of everyone else by the time they get their copies. I'm still pinching myself that my story was selected.
Kimberly, wrote a book review on Lake Magic on Amazon last week and I posted a comment and question on your new blog -- hoping to get conversation started. I want to hear from the author, Kimberly Fisk, now. Good luck with you book signings -- savour every moment. We all want to hear about everything!
Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about your sister and will hold her in my prayers. I hope they caught it early. That was Fireflies do, care and pray for each other. Thank you both.
And, I hope Kristin has a great time touring and meeting fans and Fireflies. Am also very curious to know how the parties went and to see photos.
Blessings,
Patricia
I'm so glad Winter Garden arrived, Patricia. But good grief, how slow can the post office be with priority mail?! Well, neither here nor there, just glad it arrived safe and sound and you can fall into another amazing Hannah world. And I just looked on Amazon and saw your incredibly kind review. Thank you so much! (And thank you to all the Fireflies!! I just love this group!!)
Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. I pray she caught it early and battles strong and kick cancer's butt.
Friday Night Lights is not off the air! It premieres on DirecTV early. Thanks to NBC's horrible programming schedule, it is coming back in March. This season has all new characters (almost - though Riggens and Saracen and the Taylors are there still) and a good time to start the show or come back. The Saracen episode (about 4 into the season) is some of the best television I've ever seen. Still stays with me today.
My copy of Winter Garden shipped today which should give me enough time to finish my current book (Power Play).
Movie club is like book club. We watch a movie and do pot luck in the theme of the movie.
You can also see my shoes on my blog (though it's a few posts down). http://princessapr.blogspot.com I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear them. :) Gives me enough time to wear them and not fall, too.
Oooh, Amazon reviews. I always forget those. I should get better about that. Good call, Patricia!
Oh, and Oscar nominations came out. Anybody have any favorites or any disappointments or movies that are now on your Netflix list (I just added a bunch).
Patricia, I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. There's never a way to prepare yourself for the death of a parent. It is a terrible, terrible thing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..
And to Michelle, also, my heartfelt prayers go out into the universe for your sister. I know I'm not the only firefly praying for her full and speedy recovery.
xoxo to both of you---
Thanks so much, Lisa, for your enthusiasm over Winter Garden. I happen to love it, too! Of course, I'm more than a little biased...
What an amazing gift! I was given three of your books at a "House Party". I started reading Firefly Lane last Thursday..needless to say, I finished it last night. Dear Lord, woman! You are a talented writer. Your books speak to my spirit, to my heart, and my imagination. I laughed, I cried, I remembered situations I had found myself in in my youth, and somehow...I was both...Tully and Kate. Thank you! It has been such a long time since I was "hooked" on a story. Thank you, Kristin, and keep them coming!
Always,
Becky Gruhl
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