Friday, September 4, 2009

Oh What A Party!

Whew! Thank you! Thank you very much! What a party!

This is the first ever 4 week long Blog Party where free autographed books were given away by the authors every blog day - Monday through Friday!

Aren't we... all. that. Jaaaaaaazzz!

One more time, a very special thank you to the authors who participated: Joy Collins (US), Carolyn 'Carrie' Sheppard (UK), Jeannine Garsee (US), Erin Collins (US), Andrew Revels (US), Susan Gabriel (US), Glyn Pope (France), Carolyn Howard-Johnson (US), Frederiko Aguilar (US), Kip Cosson (US), Connie E. Curry (US), Irene Watson (US), Rita Towes (Canada), Nick Daws (UK), Ray Derby (US), Cathy Marley (US), and Karl Moore (UK), DJ Kirkby (UK)...and me (US).

Congratulations to each of you! You are winners in my book!

Ivy - Storm Surge by Nadine Laman
Kate - Kathryn's Beach by Nadine Laman
Nidhi - Second Chance by Joy Collins
Kate - Ghost Sniffer and Other Stories by Carolyn Sheppard
Susan - Ghost Sniffer and Other Stories by Carolyn Sheppard
Ella - Say The Word by Jeannine Garsee
Carrie - Say The Word by Jeannine Garsee
Nick - Shadow Walk: The Gathering by Erin Collins
Connie - Belly Of The Beast by Andrew Revels
Ivy - Seeking Sara Summers by Susan Gabriel
Roman - To The End Of Love by Glyn Pope
Peggy - The Frugal Editor by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Kevin - Shadow Government by Ray Derby
Kate - The Desert Has No King by Frederiko Aguilar
the Hobbit -Ned Visits New York by Kip Cosson
Pesky Kid - Ned Visits New York by Kip Cosson
Mary - The Bully by Rita Y. Toews
Andrew - Give Me Back My Glory by Connie E. Curry
Nick - Give Me Back My Glory by Connie E. Curry
Glyn - The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference by Irene Watson
Peggy - The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference by Irene Watson
Ivy - The Sitting Swing: Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference by Irene Watson
Carrie - Coming Together by Joy Collins and Joyce Norman
Anne - High Tide by Nadine Laman
Fiona - The Festival On Lyris Five by Nick Daws
Peggy - The Festival On Lyris Five by Nick Daws
Peggy - Peeking Over The Edge by Cathy Marley
Ivy - Peeking Over The Edge by Cathy Marley
Cathy - The Secret To Self Development by Karl Moore
Carrie - From Zaftig to Aspie by DJ Kirkby
Nick - From Zaftig to Aspie by DJ Kirby

Winners, please make sure you have given me your mailing address. I encourage you to blog or otherwise post a book review for the books you won. If you blog, tweet or anything else about the book you won, Please let me know about that and where the reviews are posted and I'll pass the note to our guest writers! Questions? Email me.

Suggestions of places to post reviews include online book sellers, free book review sites, your blog, and filedby.com. Most authors have their favorite place for reviews, so let me encourage you to contact the authors.


As Diana Ross sings, Reach Out And Touch Somebody, we partied in 57 countries: Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Canary Island, Chech Republic, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Republic of Maldives, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The Netherlands, The United States (USA), Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.


There are no words to express how I feel about what happened here. It was a lark comment about my 100th blog post and look what transpired - a celebration of writers, readers, and the writing craft. People have met who might not have otherwise met, friendships have been forged, and the world has glimpsed again why literature is important in society. I say with no hesitation, writers are among the finest people in the world. You are the heart, mind, and soul of this craft. I'm very glad we met.

I love you, I love you all.
Nadine

59 comments:

  1. wow...
    Carrie Sheppard: that was one hell of a ride girl, and you didn't fall off once!

    I have to say it was the most innovative, imaginative, enjoyable and productive idea for book promotion (I won't say marketing) that I've ever encountered.

    You gave so much - I know I am very grateful for the exposure it gave me as a musician and writer.

    Nadine, thank you, you are a very special person.

    Carrie

    PS - my book review of KB is already done!

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  2. As soon as I've read Before, after and somebody inbetween (which I bought, didn't win) I'll review that, and of course Say The Word by Jeannine Garsee and Coming Together by Joy Collins and Joyce Norman when they arrive.

    Have a superb day

    Carrie

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  3. Good morning, World! We have been in 56 countries now, Someone from Peru visited last night before I laid down.

    Carrie, you are most welcome! And thank you for everything you did and do for me. I llove you, Darling. Next time, you'll have YOUR novel done!

    Yes everyone there will be some kind of next time. Subscribe to my blog and newsletter if you'd like to keep track of me. There is never a dull moment...see tomorrow's blog.

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  4. Thank you so much for hosting me and for introducing me to all these great people! xo

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  5. DJ, this is only the beginning, Darling. I love you, my other-side-of-the-coin friend.

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  6. I say again... What A Ride!

    I wish you could patent this idea!

    Carrie

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  7. Had to repost as this got lost yesterday:

    'william clinton'
    anagrams to
    'An ill clown: I'm it!'

    LOL!

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  8. Glen, When words fail, use these. I love you.

    Thank you very much for all of your help. I love you.

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  9. DJ has emailed her winners and they are posted. Nick, if we don't hear from Fiona today, please give me another winner to take her place.

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  10. 'george w bush'
    anagrams to
    'He grew bogus.'

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  11. http://ukfolkie.blogspot.com/

    That's just for starters - come on everyone - spread the news!

    Carrie

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  12. New Idea...aren't I scary.

    Please, everyone leave a note with your blog address posted here. Use the url of the day you posted about the party, if you did. No worries if you didn't.

    Gosh, I love you guys.

    Carrie just posted this: http://ukfolkie.blogspot.com/2009/09/most-amazing-blog-party-on-earth.html

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  13. Opps Carrie, I cross posted your blog.

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  14. Great party, Nadine. Hope we haven't left you too much clearing up to do. Chuffed to see I won another book yesterday. I truly didn't expect that :)

    I'll see if I can contact Fiona via Twitter/Facebook. Otherwise, as you say, I'll pick another winner for my book.

    Nick

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  15. Nadine,
    This was awesome four weeks! You said it, writers are the finest people in the world, and I can't thank you enough for the chance to meet so many beautiful people, both readers and writers. All the books I won will be reviewed on my blog and filrdby and tweeted about (joined yesterday!) Thank you all who chose me as winner of your books!
    Lots of love,
    Ivy

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  16. Nick, you will always be the GodFather moderator to me. Thank you for everything. I love you and Jayne.

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  17. Ivy, my darling. Thank you so much for everything you brought to the party, especially for bring yourself. Thank you for the wonderful reviews you write. I promise to buy your book when you have it published, autographed of course! I love you.

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  18. Oh! Ivy, post your blog address, please.

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  19. It has been a tremendous 4 weeks and I wouldn't die of shock if others don't steal the idea

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  20. Thanks, Glyn. It is already in the works in several places. It is the new "blog tour," but this is so much better than chasing all over the internet looking for where the author went next. With this, there is only one destination, and the writers rotate through the party. I'm happy to share. We did it first and biggest, we will always have that.

    I have surprises for the weekend. I don't usually blog on weekends, so do check back often.

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  21. Twenty-two first time visitors this morning, come say hello. I'm glad you're here.

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  22. willingtoseeless.blogspot.com

    Later I'll write a wrap-up post on the party.

    Nadine, you'll be the first one to get the book when it happens :) Love you too!

    How about a group hug an a Happy Birthday To You for Glyn?

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  23. Oh yes, Happy Birthday, Glyn. I thought it was last Friday.

    Ivy, autographed please?

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  24. It was a great idea, I am just sorry that I couldn't afford to offer my own book !

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  25. No worries, June. I would have covered it. I do have a idea for in the future with a spirituality "Sedona" week. You are on my list. We'll talk more. I still love you, you know.

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  26. Heading for bed, nearly 0500 here in the west 1300 GMT). Leave comments, I'll be back.

    Several people have asked, when do I sleep? When I'm tired, of course.

    BRB

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  27. I have so loved this party!

    I have two blogs - one for stepmoms, http://thestepmomstoolbox.com and one for the rest of my life, http://serendipitysmiles.com

    I have started linking y'all's blogs to Serendipity Smiles, but obviously, I'm missing a bunch of you! If you want to be linked on my blog, please post your URL here or email me at toolboxgrl *@* gmail.com

    Nadine - this was awesome and I can't wait to party at your next blog party!

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  28. Hi Peggy

    If you'd like to add a link to my writing blog, it's at www.mywritingblog.com.

    Many thanks!

    Nick :)

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  29. Great party Nadine!! Congratulations on being the first.

    I'd love to invite everyone to my blog http://tinyurl.com/762pg8 I write about "rewriting life scripts" - information on how we can improve our personal life. I post 3 times a week.

    I also invite you to follow me on twitter. http://twitter.com/irenewatson

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  30. Wow, congrats Nadine!
    This was really funny and cool to watch!
    And congratas to all the winners!

    And who's that person from Uruguay?

    xoxo,
    Ella

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  31. Nadine,
    Your blog party was truly an inspired event. Thank you so much for hosting it.

    AND a special, special thanks to all of you who ordered my book, Seeking Sara Summers. You have kept my dogs in kibble. My whole family is grateful. (Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but you get what I mean. Selling books makes my day, my week, my month! Thank you!!)

    If anyone does a review on Amazon or wherever, please let me know. Or if you want to just stay in touch, email me at: writergabriel@gmail.com

    It's been a special time with a special group of people. Perhaps we should plan a reunion party in a years time to see what we're all doing!! (hint, hint, Nadine)

    All the best,
    Susan Gabriel

    P.S. A special thanks also to Carrie who sent me her amazing CDs. Your talent is bright and lovely, Carrie.

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  32. This was fun and mindboggling. What an event! I am proud to have been a part of it. I hope the winners of my books enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

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  33. HI guys! Got my first cup of coffee and read through your comments. You are awesome! Wouldn't have been much of a party without guests (I was a bit worried the first day that no one would come.)

    Emailed the other day when I sent out 'the end is near' email to the writers, Carolyn Howard-Johnson answered, we can have a reunion!

    So as long as there is an interest, I'll do something. Plus, I know a couple of other people are thinking of doing something like this now and I'll let you know when they do.

    Click the follow button on the left sidebar of this blog and subscribe to my newsletter (on my website) to keep track of what I know.

    Uraguay? No idea, only get reports on the country.

    Love ya!

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  34. Well, can I be cheeky and post my other blog?

    www.thecompletetrainer.blogspot.com

    And if anyone wants to buy books on how to run good meetings (LOL)

    www.thecompletetrainer.com

    Follow me on Twitter? www.twitter.com/completetrainer

    Shameless advertising, moi? YESSSSSS!!!!! (punches the air)

    Have a great weekend everyone.

    Carrie

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  35. Found Carolyn H-J's email. One line. This is it: Maybe we ought to have one more day--a reunion. (-:

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  36. Irene, I follow you on Twitter, Carrie, I'm off to add you too.
    Susan, I'm halfway through your book. I suppose, judging by the rate at which I flip the pages, to be done by..ehem...midnight? I'll email you when I'm done!

    Nadine, you'll get a place in the dedication page :) And signed. Hopefully personally delivered!

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  37. Ivy, I may come get it and see you and your beautiful country. My little imprint, Cactus Rain Publishing has just been hired for a sizable job. Whoo-hoo!

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  38. BTW, I have your book from Cathy, Ivy. I'm waiting to post so I can add something else in it.

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  39. Wow, that would be amazing! And Florence is not too far, how about an excursion? (I'm all in Italy...great job, Susan!)

    Congratulations on the job for Cactus Rain! Big whooo-hoo from me too!

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  40. Because I am a science based person (yes, had a science minor at university!) and a faith based person, I do not believe that things spin out of control in the universe.

    Like in Desiderata, "And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should." Ehrmann 1927

    I beieve we each were at this party for a reason, whether or not we know today what that reason is. But I have no doubts that this party is a boat. http://nadinelaman.blogspot.com/2009/07/its-boat.html

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  41. Well, it sounds like I am not alone this morning. Any of the rest of you starting to feel withdrawal pains? Nadine, this party idea was BRILLIANT! And such fun. I have loved getting to know everyone. You are all the coolest ever.

    Ivy & Peggy, I am thrilled to think my humble little book has now made its way to Croatia and New Hampsire! I hope you both enjoy reading it. Im eagerly anticipating your feedback.

    Susan, it looks like Ivy and I are in a race to the finish on Sara Summers. I have to force myself to put it down so I can get a little work accomplished around here. Somehow, my clients expect me to work. Imagine! BTW, I'm sure glad to hear your dogs will not be going hungry this week.

    And finally, Glyn, happy birthday. May you dance, laugh and stay drunk on life until you collapse in delight.

    Huge warm hugs to everyone wherever you are. I have a feeling we will be meeting again very soon.

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  42. Nadine, you must have set a world's record!!!! :)

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  43. Hi again everyone. I stopped by to read Glyn's daily donkey rebuttal and much to my dissapointment he hasn't been given reason to amke one! I am adding blogs and following twitterers. I am on facebook too as well as here: http://djkirkby.blogspot.com
    Come and find me!

    I'll be posting books to my winners tomorrow and thanks again to everyone, not ofrgetting the Silver Fox (Glyn) and my lovely new cyber twin (Nadine).

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  44. Oh Glyn, it is your birthday!!!!! Happy birthday!

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  45. I have an idea (oh funny! I heard that!) Seriously, I have an idea for an blog party alum message board on First Draft. I need feedback before I do it. There needs to be quite a few people interested before I'd do it.

    I blog M-F. If I posted a Saturday post for comments and links to reviews done on books from the blog party, would you particate? It would be a message center for blog party messages only. (Unmoderated)

    I think that would help us keep in touch as a group, a community. What do you think? Post comments whether you have interest in this - I will make my decision this Sunday based on comments left here today and tomorrow.

    Be honest. I know everyone has time crunches. You won't hurt my feelings if you don't like this idea. It would hurt my feelings if everyone said they wanted a message point then didn't use it after I posted it. So be honest. I will take the absence of a comment as a 'no' vote.

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  46. Irene Watson has arrived in her. Not her personally but the book. 'The Sitting Swing'.
    Thank you Irene, it stands alongside my other signed books and I look forward to reading it.
    Glyn

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  47. Thank you as well DJ for mentioning donkeys

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  48. Jen, I think we have too. Did you see the stats I posted yesterday? As of this past Tuesday, I'm beginning my sixth month as a blogger.

    (Everyone) I'd like some help researching if we have set the records that I think we have. Email me if you're interested or if you find any info that relates to this.

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  49. A reminder: There will be two final party posts over the weekend. Be sure to read both days. Then I'm up to the mountains for a week to visit a friend.

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  50. Hi, Cathy! Sorry, I didn't mean to turn it into a race...but you know what it's like :)
    I'm eager for your book. It will be in great hands, I promise.

    DJ, I am following your blog. Adiing the others as well!


    Glyn, you're doomed with the donkey thing.

    Jeaninne, chica, nice to see you, wish you all the best with the new ms!

    Boy, this feels like leaving a summer camp. I blogged about it here http://willingtoseeless.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-party-wrap-up.html and tweeted it.

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  51. Thank you, Ivy - I left a comment. *smiles*

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  52. Ivana's right. We will miss it. But its been so good for us in many many ways. New friends, publicity, being able to question writers quite directly and donkey talk. Seriously, I feel that I've really benefited.
    Go to the mountains Nadine and have a rest.
    love glyn x to you all

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  53. Be sure to vote if you want a blog party alumni meeting place on Saturdays on First Draft.

    We will never not know each other now that we have had this common experience.

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  54. Nick tells me he and Fiona have caught up with each other on Facebook. I'm very glad to hear that. It seems it was meant to be as it has turned out.

    As far as I know all the authors have reported posting their books by now or will by tomorrow. I have two to send to Ivy, one to Carrie, and one to Pesky Kid on Saturday.

    Winners, please let me know if your prize doesn't arrive - I've sent one on June 3 that has yet to arrive (its replacement will probably arrive first). When they arrive, of course, let your writer know - we always wonder about these things.

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  55. Goodnight, Glyn. Sweet dreams, Birthday Boy!

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  56. Ivy, no offense taken on the race. I was just being cute! Actually, I feel a certain kinship to know someone else is enjoying a really good book at the same time I am. It's the first time I know of that has happened to me and I kinda like the idea.

    Nadine, I also like the idea of weekend blog party reunions. How very generous of you to offer to set it up on your blog. I may not always be able to participate, but would try to check in as often as I can.

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  57. Cathy/Ivy (check with Susan) but if it was my book you two were reading, I'd send you to my filedby.com page to chat about it with each other on my wall. I have no problems with spoilers being discussed on my page there. Click the filedby button at the bottom of the sidebar if you want to see what filedby.com is. But before anyone does this, they should ck with the author, some people are more protective of spoilers.

    On the Saturday reunion post idea, I imagine it to be used all week, rather than the way comments are 'day sensitive' at the party. It would of course be running parallel to my normal First Draft posts. It a coffee shop of sorts post for us alums and the people who wander in and stay. I think though, I'd have to begin a 'thread' every week or the comments would grow too large.

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