Saturday, December 5, 2009

Come On Over for a Blog Party!

ignore the Sat dec 5 date...crazy-wierd blogger! party going on today Mon 12/7!
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Welcome to the party .. we've been waiting for you.

What are we celebrating?
A contract!! Wahoo! With A Name Like Love sold to Farrar, Straus & Giroux, look for it Fall 2011
And, today's blog party is all about my personal writing numbers

Key numbers along my journey correlating to key prizes and goodies for you!

a bit of pre-party business: in order to win any of the prizes below, you must be an official follower of this blog and must leave a comment on today's thread. Party ends at 6:00pm Mountain Time. Sorry, but I will have to be firm on this time deadline. Please feel free to invite actual friends, but don't post this link on any of the free or give away public forums (that just takes the fun and fairness away from it all). Don't worry, by the end of this post, that last rule will make more sense. Prizes will be determined by a random drawing and announced tomorrow (except the last prize...which is explained later in this post)

And the numbers are....

8 this represents the number of years that I worked consistently on this writing thing. It also represents the number of our first prizes to be given away -- Italian Sodas (in the form of a $5 Barnes and Nobles gift cards to 8 lucky winners...you can really get a soda in their cafe, or use it towards a book). That takes care of our drinks for the party.

3 this represents the number of completed novels I wrote before selling one. It also represents how many people will be getting a copy of my favorite book released this year - The Help by Kathryn Stockett (a fantastic must read...this will be talked about at many-a-conference for years to come as an example of excellent characterization, I am sure) -- prizes given in the form of a $20 Amazon gift card (so you don't really have to get that book, but I'd recommend it). This covers the entertainment portion of our gig today.

5 this represents the number of months my novel was on submission. It also is the number of people who will be receiving a collection of my favorite treats: Swedish fish, five gum, York peppermint patties and whatever catches my eye at the store. The treat combo pack will be mailed to you. This takes care of our party food.

So we have drinks, entertainment and treats....what's missing?

oh, yeah one more thing.....

LOTS - this 'number' represents YOU -- the amazing people I have met through blogging. The supportive comments along the way telling me not to give up when a rejection landed in my mailbox or not to feel discouraged when my work got a less than favorable review. You all encouraged me, supported me, laughed with me and reached a *virtual* hand out when I hinted life was less than peachy from time to time. So, in honor of YOU, my final gift is the element of party music.

Everyone who is an official follower of this blog and who leaves a comment before 6pm Mountain Standard time (up to the first 100 commentors..if it ever gets there but just in case) will receive


a CD of my favorite Christmas songs.


wa-hoo!!! That's right -- you get a CD!!! (up to 100 cd's OR 6pm, whichever comes first)


So, we have drinks, treats, entertainment and music.....it's my way of saying thank you.

sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. Your input and friendship is appreciated and this exciting turn of events would mean far, far less if I didn't have you all to share in the celebration :D
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Party on!
(final note: don't forget to check back tomorrow for a list of our prize winners and details on how to actually get your free cd of my favorite Christmas music!)
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49 comments:

Scott said...

Woo-hoo!! Congrats so much on your success. I'm so happy for you. In fact, in honor of the party . . . I'll have Mom sing a song for you. It doesn't matter that your across the country . . . trust me, with singing like hers, distance has no effect. It should, it doesn't, and it's a sad, sad world after all! Okay, I'm kidding . . . Mom's singing is not that bad, just a tad bit off key. Well, more than a bit, but we can laugh about it! So listen carefully and watch the eastern sky, for when the birds all start to fly away, you'll know the notes of Mom's congrat song are just about there!

S

storyqueen said...

Congratulations, Tess!! I am so happy for you. Your novel sounds amazing and you have worked really hard.

Wow!!!

Shelley

Robyn Campbell said...

First off. We folks who sing off key feel Scott's Mom's pain. Humph!

Congrats my friend. I knew it wouldn't be much longer. I hope to join you soon. *Robyn heads off into a dream like state*

And PARTY!! :)

Tamika: said...

Congratulations Tess! This is absolutely the best news a writer can get!

Thanks for being so generous! The road seems long, but I'm glad to know it's not in vain.

MeganRebekah said...

Wow! You sure now how to throw a blog party. I'd love to see what type of parties you throw in real life too :)

Congrats again on the sale! I can't wait to see your book out in print!

Tess said...

Scott: who wants some angelic voice? what kind of character and spunk is in that? none, I tell you .. none. Thanks for the giggle and for being such a great writerly pal. Can't wait to raise a glass on your contract day :D

Storyqueen: It's a journey for all of us .. that's for sure. Thanks for coming by to help celebrate.

Robyn: he's just saying that cuz his mom and I are in the same category when it comes to singing. ha! And, yes~ yes! I will happily join you in that celebration to come :)

Tess said...

Tamika: I wanted to focus on the fact that this journey is not an overnight thing -- but that it IS worth it. Thanks for picking up on that.

MeganRebekah: I am a party girl ;)

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Tess, Now this is what I call a PARTY! I want to let you know how excited I am for you. As another writer and blogger, watching your journey has been thrilling. I can't wait to pluck your book off the shelf of a book store (or purchase it online). :D
~ Wendy

Corey Schwartz said...

Wow! Tess, what a party!!! Love hearing the numbers. It's SO fascinating to get details of the journey! I can't wait to read your book when it comes out!!!!

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

CONGRATULATIONS, Tess!!!! I am so happy for you! What a wonderful call to get! I can't wait to read A NAME LIKE LOVE. Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!!!! *Clapping*

Unknown said...

Tess, wow, what an incredible party! I'm so happy for you (and inspired)! Congratulations...can't wait to read it when it comes out. :)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

And 1 (one) represents your unique voice, which we will now get to read in a book that has a great title and awesome publishing house. If this isn't a reason to party I don't know what is. I promised a happy dance today so here I go. Let's see how about Nickel Creek's Ode to a Butterfly. *feet fly* *walls shake* *neighbors peek out*

Tess said...

Wendy: thanks so much..it is fun to share the journey!

Corey: I like hearing this info from others, too. thanks for coming by and hope you are feeling better :)

Cynthia: I know you understand how fun this is ... having been there a couple times already :D

Karen: good! I was hoping to share a little inspiration in those numbers.

Tess said...

Tricia: awww, you're the best :D

lisa and laura said...

I LOVE these numbers Tess! This is one of those great success stories that can be traced back to lots of talent and hard work. I'm so proud to know you!

Unknown said...

Yay! Congrats to you!!! And what great ideas for a blog party!!!

Joyce Wolfley said...

Wahoo! Huge congrats on the contract!

Lynnette Labelle said...

Congrats, Tess! Yay, YOU! Totally love this party concept, too. I'll have to remember it for when I'm pubbed, too. Tres cool, girl. Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!

Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com

Jackee said...

I am so happy for you, Tess.

Thanks for the invite to the party. Party on, Wayne! (Umm... does that date me?)

Nayuleska said...

Whoohoo! That's awesome news!

*adds cake to the party food*

Stephanie McGee said...

So, is this the reason we have all this snow? Because a book deal came through? (Come on, we all know most of us feel like hell would have to freeze over to get that book deal. I can't be the only one.)

Not that hell would have to freeze over for you to get a deal. You're an awesome, amazing person. And so incredibly generous. Holy cow.

Congrats on the deal. *raises virtual cider glass* Here's to much success in the future.

Paul Greci said...

Tess, Congratulations! I am very happy for you. What a great and generous party you are throwing!
And thanks for sharing your numbers. Three times is a charm!

Amy Allgeyer Cook said...

OMG!! I LOVE swedish fish!! :) And I love basking in the glow of your accomplishment. Party on!

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

Hey, Tess! I don't know why, but this post didn't show up on my blog until today. That's okay, though. I'm really happy for you! And for everyone who won awesome prizes!

Tess said...

LiLa: fellow 11-sies and party girls (guessing on that last one, but it's a good guess, no?)

Beth: thanks for coming over!

Joyce: thanks!

Lynette: and I'll love coming to that blog party on that very special day :D

Jackee: hahahahaha...it dates us both!

Yunaleska: thanks for the cake!

Stephanie: so true! it makes me almost tolerate the snow today - hahahaha

Paul: 3 was the charm for me, and a good reminder that not everyone reaches this goal overnight. It's worth the effort.

Amy: great taste..no surprise there :D

Tess said...

Kristen: silly girl! the party is today! Monday the 7th ... you got a cd and are entered in for the rest.

Tess said...

Oh, I see the blogger issue - thanks, Kristen! Trying to figure out how to fix it, but it's being a bugger! Put a note to let others know party is today (don't want anyone to miss it!)

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Congratulations again, Tess! I've been following your blog awhile now and it's been great to come along on this journey with you. You're definitely an encouragement to all of us.

I'm definitely celebrating with you here in Colorado! We can build snowmen :D

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Your going to be making a lot of trips to the post office! This is so great Tess! I can just feel your enthusiasm!!!! Woohoo!

I'm still SO excited for you! I want the candy by the way. Really bad. :)

Tina Laurel Lee said...

You have worked really hard and are a great inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing these numbers.
Best blog party I've ever been to, btw.

Jennifer Shirk said...

I love parties!!! Yay!!!!
Five months really isn't that long to shop a book but I bet it felt like forever. LOL! Congrats!!

Amy Saia said...

Whoop, Whoop! Congratulations Tess!

Tess said...

Cindy: we have been on this walk a little bit together, haven't we? Everytime my son plays his guitar, I remember yours :D

Glam: I am stoked! And, prizes determined by random.org .. but good luck! I'll pray the candy goes your way.

TinaLee: why, thank you. thank you very much!

Jennifer: the 5 months wasn't bad, even the 3 novels .. but the 8 years has earned me some dues!

Amy: whoop! whoop!

Stephanie said...

A million congrats to you!!!!! 2011 can't come soon enough!!!!! Looking forward to reading it!!!

And thanks for sharing your numbers...it's incredibly encouraging to see that it can and does happen!!

And awesome prizes!! So so cool of you!!!!!!!

Roni Loren said...

Congratulations!!! That's awesome news. And hearing your numbers definitely proves that persistence pays off. :)

superpaige said...

I don't know how to become a follower. I'm such a dork. Do I "subscribe"?

You're awesome and amazing!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I just figured it out. NOW I'm a follower. I've always been kind of a follower, though, you know. Not much of a leader, just a follower.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Tess, hehe, I know it's random. I'll root for myself or anybody who wants the candy more. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Tess! I'm so happy for you! Truly, I am! 8 years? Wow. I'm so proud of you for sticking it through. I just KNOW your book will be a huge success--just like you are.

I've heard a lot about that book and I'm going to have to read it. I love great characterization!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Tess, you are incredible! Not only are you realizing your dream, you're one of the most giving bloggers ever.

I wish you the best! *hugs*

Angie said...

Definitely a cause for celebration! That is just too exciting. Way to go!

Davin Malasarn said...

Tess, regardless of the prizes, I'm just really happy for you. I've mentioned time and time again how much I admire your writing based on the short excerpts you have posted here on your blog. I'm very happy that your book is being published, and I'm also happy that this book is based on the writing that you were initially the most passionate about. Congratulations!

Crystal said...

Oh My Gosh, Tess, I hope I'm not too late! Would love a Christmas CD, if nothing else . . . was feeling a bit down today due to finances (the kids may not get everything they want this year, but I AM thankful certainly for what we do have), but THEN I remembered your party! Now I feel much, much better! *smiling now* Thanks so mcuh for this celebration and, as I said before, your journey is indeed INSPIRING!

And if I ever get to where you are, I am DEFINITELY doing something like this . . . you have a wonderfully giving spirit! What terrific prizes! :)

Michelle said...

What a fun way to share the celebration! Thanks, Tess.

Tess said...

Stephanie: thanks so much for joining in the fun :D

Roni: it is ALL about the persistence!

Paige: an "official" welcome! (though I know you follow and would have included you, of course!)

Glam: yes, I know that you were kidding :D :D

LT: thanks! I wanted to share that info to remind all of us to NEVER give up!

Janna: aww, thanks :D. I've decided to put almost all of the advance (modest as it is) back into the book in one way or another and this is just one of those little ways - hooray!

Angie: everytime I see you in your 'writing chair' I want to snuggle in .. it looks so comfy!

Davin: is that a new pic? I'll have to pop over and check it out. And, thanks for your kind words. I'm glad it is the story that spoke to my heart the most that got picked up as well. it means something to me, you know?

Crystal: oh, hooray! Glad I could help your day a bit. And, don't worry about the kids. We are going simple this year, too. My daughter asked for 'bubbles' and my son asked for 'an alarm clock'. I was proud of them because we had sat down and explained it was a back to basics year and they seemed to understand. it's good for them to scale back .. it makes what they do get mean more, imho.

Michelle: so so glad you made it over!

Sarah said...

Yay! What a party! I'd almost forgotten, but remembered to swing by when I got home from work.

I'm so very happy for you!

Tess said...

Sarah - you made it ... hooray!!!

We'll close out the party now, it's 6:10 here.

Elana Johnson said...

I know I'm late and I don't care about the prizes. I just want to say CONGRATS one more time. :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

Shoot! My fault for having an exceptionally busy day, including celebrating my 2nd sons 12th birtday. Still, I don't need a prize to motivate me to congratulate YOU! I'm so glad I found you, a bit late to the party, but in attendance none the less. You're an inspiration!