Sunday, April 20, 2008
Susan Speaks: Honey, I'm Home!
I ducked out of the Romantic Times Convention yesterday around 3 and got home a little bit before 4. Those of you who know me or who I freshly met (and I have seen many Google searches for West of Mars already. Whee!) know that I'm a local chick and by the time yesterday afternoon came, when I'd checked out of my hotel SUITE (remind me to tell that story), I was glad. I was itchy to get home.
Anyway, here are some more impressions and things I learned. I want to promise that there will be more of these in the days ahead, but there probably won't be. The only thing I can promise is that there are yet more winds of change afoot...
1. I'm a proud Pittsburgher, but I was amazed and horrified at the condition of the Pittsburgh Hilton. Others can tell you more about it, but let's just say that many, many of us were glad we'd been evicted and sent to the Omni William Penn, even if it was a bit of an inconvenience.
This was my third bad experience in a row at a Hilton hotel. I'm done with you, Hilton Hotels. My money now goes elsewhere, even if I wind up spending more. From what I've seen (including the promised refund that I'm still waiting on, two years later), the problems exist across the board.
I wonder what the Board of Health would say about the servers who stuck their bare thumbs in the pour spout of the water pitchers when they put them on our table.
Yes, friends, I've called the Board of Health for things like that before. Piss me off far enough and I'll make a point of pushing back.
2. The Mystery Chix and a Rooster are amazing, amazing people. Don't ask me which is my favorite; I can't pick. Check out their websites. Tell them I sent you. Read their books. Rave about them with me.
I have lots of promo bookmarks and business cards from this gang. If you'd like some, drop me an e-mail and I'll mail them out to you.
3. Many of the authors whose blogs appear in my Google Reader are way cool. Rachel Vincent. Shiloh Walker. Megan Hart. Lauren Dane. Anya Bast. Ann Aguirre. Aline de Chevigny. Jennifer Estep. None, however, made me squeal the way I did when Colleen Gleason and I ran into each other (inches from literally) and made the connection. That's just to say how awesome Colleen is.
I loved how excited she got when I told her I'd seen Rises the Night for sale in my local GROCERY. Yes, folks, I found a copy there and had to show it to my family, all of whom gave me blank stares. Many of the surrounding shoppers were initially curious but my strange and sudden inability to form words upon discovery of the book might have prevented a few sales I otherwise should have pimped for my bud Colleen.
4. I met Judi Fennell in the shuttle back to the Omni and hooked her up with the woman running the SOS mixer/thingie. I hope she had a great time!
4. Of all these cool people, none were cooler than Ann. Let me tell you, I'd have been lost without Ann. She's the ultimate fan girl, in the perfect sense, because she is a librarian who is also the library's buyer. It was a LOT of fun to walk up to editors and hear her ask for their list so she can buy their books.
Even better was meeting her cast of characters, her friends. Particularly that moment during the Faery Ball when MaryJanice Davidson came and plunked down on the couch beside me. Why? 'cause she knew Ann, who was on my other side.
Best of all was at the Vampire Ball, when I pretty much dumped Ann in favor of a new bud (who also dumped a friend in order to bond with me). Ann understood, and then some. I still feel bad about it 'cause Ann's too cool to do that to. But once the whole story behind that comes out, you'll agree with Ann.
So to make up for it, I played Tour Manager for HER at the huge book signing. While I'm a bit too incapacitated to carry the LOAD of books she'd brought from home to be signed, I did carry her new purchases for her, help the authors spell her name right, and generally have fun.
No, I did NOT tell a single one of those authors to please spell her name S-U-S-A-N. But there were a few times there that I was tempted.
Be sure to become one of Ann's fan girls. She deserves it.
Anyway, here are some more impressions and things I learned. I want to promise that there will be more of these in the days ahead, but there probably won't be. The only thing I can promise is that there are yet more winds of change afoot...
1. I'm a proud Pittsburgher, but I was amazed and horrified at the condition of the Pittsburgh Hilton. Others can tell you more about it, but let's just say that many, many of us were glad we'd been evicted and sent to the Omni William Penn, even if it was a bit of an inconvenience.
This was my third bad experience in a row at a Hilton hotel. I'm done with you, Hilton Hotels. My money now goes elsewhere, even if I wind up spending more. From what I've seen (including the promised refund that I'm still waiting on, two years later), the problems exist across the board.
I wonder what the Board of Health would say about the servers who stuck their bare thumbs in the pour spout of the water pitchers when they put them on our table.
Yes, friends, I've called the Board of Health for things like that before. Piss me off far enough and I'll make a point of pushing back.
2. The Mystery Chix and a Rooster are amazing, amazing people. Don't ask me which is my favorite; I can't pick. Check out their websites. Tell them I sent you. Read their books. Rave about them with me.
I have lots of promo bookmarks and business cards from this gang. If you'd like some, drop me an e-mail and I'll mail them out to you.
3. Many of the authors whose blogs appear in my Google Reader are way cool. Rachel Vincent. Shiloh Walker. Megan Hart. Lauren Dane. Anya Bast. Ann Aguirre. Aline de Chevigny. Jennifer Estep. None, however, made me squeal the way I did when Colleen Gleason and I ran into each other (inches from literally) and made the connection. That's just to say how awesome Colleen is.
I loved how excited she got when I told her I'd seen Rises the Night for sale in my local GROCERY. Yes, folks, I found a copy there and had to show it to my family, all of whom gave me blank stares. Many of the surrounding shoppers were initially curious but my strange and sudden inability to form words upon discovery of the book might have prevented a few sales I otherwise should have pimped for my bud Colleen.
4. I met Judi Fennell in the shuttle back to the Omni and hooked her up with the woman running the SOS mixer/thingie. I hope she had a great time!
4. Of all these cool people, none were cooler than Ann. Let me tell you, I'd have been lost without Ann. She's the ultimate fan girl, in the perfect sense, because she is a librarian who is also the library's buyer. It was a LOT of fun to walk up to editors and hear her ask for their list so she can buy their books.
Even better was meeting her cast of characters, her friends. Particularly that moment during the Faery Ball when MaryJanice Davidson came and plunked down on the couch beside me. Why? 'cause she knew Ann, who was on my other side.
Best of all was at the Vampire Ball, when I pretty much dumped Ann in favor of a new bud (who also dumped a friend in order to bond with me). Ann understood, and then some. I still feel bad about it 'cause Ann's too cool to do that to. But once the whole story behind that comes out, you'll agree with Ann.
So to make up for it, I played Tour Manager for HER at the huge book signing. While I'm a bit too incapacitated to carry the LOAD of books she'd brought from home to be signed, I did carry her new purchases for her, help the authors spell her name right, and generally have fun.
No, I did NOT tell a single one of those authors to please spell her name S-U-S-A-N. But there were a few times there that I was tempted.
Be sure to become one of Ann's fan girls. She deserves it.
Labels: Aline, Ann Aguirre, Colleen Gleason, Jennifer Estep, Susan Speaks
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: 2007 Reading Roundup
Wow. What a year it's been. Lots of new characters here at the blog, particularly Roadie Poet and Springer. You'll definitely see more of RP; I'm into him, too.
But this is about the books I've read over the past twelve months. I'm not quite at 100 read for the year, but there are five days left and a trip in there (more on that trip to come), and I know it'll be close. I can do it.
So let's take a few minutes and look at some of the highlights from my reading year:
It took me five books before I fell in love with something this year, and when I did, it was a doozy. Clay's Quilt, by Silas House. I even blogged about it here, so go back and see what I had to say.
Then I began my year-long reviewing blitz, as I think of it. First was LL Cool J's Platinum Workout. Check out the name of my post when I told you about it! Now that I'm reviewing a bit more steadily, it seems funny to see how excited I was.
I also read two good ones: The Potter's House by Rosie Thomas and The Wild Girl: The Notebooks of Ned Giles, by Jim Fergus. I'd loved Fergus' debut, One Thousand White Women, and this follow-up was not a letdown. The Potter's House was a neat read with a kicker of an ending.
Unthinkable? I don't think so. Joshua Braff's debut novel knocked my socks off. Will there be more from Braff? I don't know, but I certainly hope so -- so long as it's of this same quality.
I revisted a now-favorite writer, Jeanne Ray, this time with Step-Ball-Change, a dance move that always makes me smile when I hear it used in real life, like it has been lately in my household. And right after, I had my first taste of James Alan Gardner via Expendable, which gave new meaning to the phrase, "Oh, shit."
2007 was the year to catch up on my Linda Fairstein books. I'm now up to Entombed. I can see it from where I sit; that's a good sign. Hopefully it'll get read in 2008. You'd think after reading four or so of her novels in a fairly short period, I'd burn out, but nope. I can't wait to see what trouble lies ahead for Alex next.
My first Tess Gerritsen, whose blog I really like, my first Nancy Martin (who is a local!), my first Susan McBride, my first Allana Martin, catching up with oldies by Marcia Muller and Edna Buchanan... it was a big year for reading mysteries, so I softened it up with some of my favorite graphic novelist's works: Joann Sfar writing with Lewis Trondheim.
Nevada Barr's books run hot and cold with me, but the discovery of debut author Jennifer Estep sure soothed my crankies. As you guys know, I've become a huge Estep fan and can hardly wait for the 2008 release of Jinx.
My favorite book title of the year? Lily Bret's You Gotta Have Balls. NOT what you're thinking, folks. This was a fun, breezy read that my book club chose, probably so I'd stop having fun with the title. And did I have fun!
I did some cross-cultural reading, with Victor Villasenor's Rain of Gold. This huge, fat book was a great read, although I'm not sure if his follow-up works could come close to matching the scale of this debut. And I kept up the cross-cultural stuff, sort of, with the self-published phenomenon, Rashi's Daughters: Book One: Jehoved. Another book club pick, I can see why this did well. It's well-crafted and I'm eager to see if author Maggie Anton's shift to a major publisher fixed the nits I had with her writing, itself. So yes, my book club will be reading Book Two: Miriam at some point.
Speaking of book club, we also read Mary Doria Russell's A Thread of Grace. Read what I had to say about it here.
At long last, I got into Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Underworld series, reading the first two. I spent some time with Rachel Caine, again, and, of course, finished off the Harry Potter series.
More reviews, this time for Colleen Gleason's first two books. Make that another sequel I hope to get my hands on during the upcoming year...
And more local writers: Lila Shaara's beautiful Every Secret Thing and Rebecca Drake's The Next Killing (the review for which is up at Front Street). Friends, too: Ann Pino's My New-Found Land was great fun, and KL Going's The Garden of Eve is a quick, thought-provoking middle-grade book. I can hardly wait to catch up enough to sink into Going's St. Iggy. And my e-published friends, who have shown me a whole brave new world and new ways of reading. Robyn Rotham and Red Garnier; you guys rock. What a great way to be exposed to e-books.
But the read of the year? The one that has impacted me the most deeply? Nope, not The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green, even though I can't believe I said that. You guys know what my best of the year pick is -- Nikki Sixx's The Heroin Diaries. I still say it's a marketing failure, given that it's got its own soundtrack. And I still say it ought to be required reading in high schools. There's nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive.
Happy reading in 2008, everyone. Let me know if you read any of these; I'd love to know what you think. As always.
But this is about the books I've read over the past twelve months. I'm not quite at 100 read for the year, but there are five days left and a trip in there (more on that trip to come), and I know it'll be close. I can do it.
So let's take a few minutes and look at some of the highlights from my reading year:
It took me five books before I fell in love with something this year, and when I did, it was a doozy. Clay's Quilt, by Silas House. I even blogged about it here, so go back and see what I had to say.
Then I began my year-long reviewing blitz, as I think of it. First was LL Cool J's Platinum Workout. Check out the name of my post when I told you about it! Now that I'm reviewing a bit more steadily, it seems funny to see how excited I was.
I also read two good ones: The Potter's House by Rosie Thomas and The Wild Girl: The Notebooks of Ned Giles, by Jim Fergus. I'd loved Fergus' debut, One Thousand White Women, and this follow-up was not a letdown. The Potter's House was a neat read with a kicker of an ending.
Unthinkable? I don't think so. Joshua Braff's debut novel knocked my socks off. Will there be more from Braff? I don't know, but I certainly hope so -- so long as it's of this same quality.
I revisted a now-favorite writer, Jeanne Ray, this time with Step-Ball-Change, a dance move that always makes me smile when I hear it used in real life, like it has been lately in my household. And right after, I had my first taste of James Alan Gardner via Expendable, which gave new meaning to the phrase, "Oh, shit."
2007 was the year to catch up on my Linda Fairstein books. I'm now up to Entombed. I can see it from where I sit; that's a good sign. Hopefully it'll get read in 2008. You'd think after reading four or so of her novels in a fairly short period, I'd burn out, but nope. I can't wait to see what trouble lies ahead for Alex next.
My first Tess Gerritsen, whose blog I really like, my first Nancy Martin (who is a local!), my first Susan McBride, my first Allana Martin, catching up with oldies by Marcia Muller and Edna Buchanan... it was a big year for reading mysteries, so I softened it up with some of my favorite graphic novelist's works: Joann Sfar writing with Lewis Trondheim.
Nevada Barr's books run hot and cold with me, but the discovery of debut author Jennifer Estep sure soothed my crankies. As you guys know, I've become a huge Estep fan and can hardly wait for the 2008 release of Jinx.
My favorite book title of the year? Lily Bret's You Gotta Have Balls. NOT what you're thinking, folks. This was a fun, breezy read that my book club chose, probably so I'd stop having fun with the title. And did I have fun!
I did some cross-cultural reading, with Victor Villasenor's Rain of Gold. This huge, fat book was a great read, although I'm not sure if his follow-up works could come close to matching the scale of this debut. And I kept up the cross-cultural stuff, sort of, with the self-published phenomenon, Rashi's Daughters: Book One: Jehoved. Another book club pick, I can see why this did well. It's well-crafted and I'm eager to see if author Maggie Anton's shift to a major publisher fixed the nits I had with her writing, itself. So yes, my book club will be reading Book Two: Miriam at some point.
Speaking of book club, we also read Mary Doria Russell's A Thread of Grace. Read what I had to say about it here.
At long last, I got into Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Underworld series, reading the first two. I spent some time with Rachel Caine, again, and, of course, finished off the Harry Potter series.
More reviews, this time for Colleen Gleason's first two books. Make that another sequel I hope to get my hands on during the upcoming year...
And more local writers: Lila Shaara's beautiful Every Secret Thing and Rebecca Drake's The Next Killing (the review for which is up at Front Street). Friends, too: Ann Pino's My New-Found Land was great fun, and KL Going's The Garden of Eve is a quick, thought-provoking middle-grade book. I can hardly wait to catch up enough to sink into Going's St. Iggy. And my e-published friends, who have shown me a whole brave new world and new ways of reading. Robyn Rotham and Red Garnier; you guys rock. What a great way to be exposed to e-books.
But the read of the year? The one that has impacted me the most deeply? Nope, not The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green, even though I can't believe I said that. You guys know what my best of the year pick is -- Nikki Sixx's The Heroin Diaries. I still say it's a marketing failure, given that it's got its own soundtrack. And I still say it ought to be required reading in high schools. There's nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive.
Happy reading in 2008, everyone. Let me know if you read any of these; I'd love to know what you think. As always.
Labels: books, Colleen Gleason, Jeanne Ray, Jennifer Estep, Joann Sfar, Joshua Braff, Karma Girl, KL Going, Linda Fairstein, LL Cool J, Mary Doria Russell, Nikki Sixx, Red Garnier, Susan's Book Talk
Friday, December 21, 2007
Booking Through Thursday: And the Nominees Are...
Oops. Almost forgot this week!
Booking through Thursday asks:
1. What fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
2. What non-fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
3. And, do “best of” lists influence your reading?
Let's go backwards.
Yes, best-of lists influence my reading. If a book shows up on 90% of the lists, I'll often refuse to read it, figuring it's overhyped and I probably won't like it. The list of books I've been stung with like this is pretty long.
As for non-fiction, you guys know me. Other than the occasional rock-and-roll-themed book I'll review for Front Street Reviews, I avoid non-fiction.
So... that brings us to fiction. And to be honest, I have no clue, other than Jennifer Estep's books, and the latest Colleen Gleason, what else I've read this year that was actually published in 2007.
I'd do better to give you a round-up of what I've read in 2007, and I'll be doing that before the 27th, so if you're in town, stay tuned. If you're going to be travelling, add me to your reader so it'll be there when you get home.
Merry Christmas to my celebrating friends, happy Eid to those who are about to end their celebrations, and safe travels to all.
And if you need something to fill your time, there's a cool interview posted at Front Street you shouldn't miss, as well as Bunnygirl's Holiday Flash Fiction Carnival.
Booking through Thursday asks:
1. What fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
2. What non-fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
3. And, do “best of” lists influence your reading?
Let's go backwards.
Yes, best-of lists influence my reading. If a book shows up on 90% of the lists, I'll often refuse to read it, figuring it's overhyped and I probably won't like it. The list of books I've been stung with like this is pretty long.
As for non-fiction, you guys know me. Other than the occasional rock-and-roll-themed book I'll review for Front Street Reviews, I avoid non-fiction.
So... that brings us to fiction. And to be honest, I have no clue, other than Jennifer Estep's books, and the latest Colleen Gleason, what else I've read this year that was actually published in 2007.
I'd do better to give you a round-up of what I've read in 2007, and I'll be doing that before the 27th, so if you're in town, stay tuned. If you're going to be travelling, add me to your reader so it'll be there when you get home.
Merry Christmas to my celebrating friends, happy Eid to those who are about to end their celebrations, and safe travels to all.
And if you need something to fill your time, there's a cool interview posted at Front Street you shouldn't miss, as well as Bunnygirl's Holiday Flash Fiction Carnival.
Labels: Booking Through Thursday, Colleen Gleason, Front Street Reviews, Jennifer Estep
Friday, September 28, 2007
Booking Through Thursday: Friendship
I am loving this week's Booking Through Thursday question.
Buy a Friend a Book Week is October 1-7 (as well as the first weeks of January, April, and July). During this week, you’re encouraged to buy a friend a book for no good reason. Not for their birthday, not because it’s a holiday, not to cheer them up–just because it’s a book.
What book would you choose to give to a friend and why?
And, if you’re feeling generous enough–head on over to Powell's and actually send one on its way!
Well. There are a million books I'd love to share; that's why I have my Library Thing widget on my sidebar. Those are only the books I've loved enough to rave about.
But I've come across three that are worth mentioning!
First, all you Tamora Pierce fans, listen up! Ms. Pierce has collaborated with Timothy Liebe on a graphic novel called White Tiger. I've only begun reading it, so no total raves yet, but what caught my eye, other than the author's name, is the artwork. Wow! It looks like I was lucky enough to pick it up on release day, too. Bonus!
And to tie books and music together yet again (like I don't do this often?), I found Rob Zombie's The Haunted World of El Superbeasto. Flipping through, there seem to be lots of naked boobies and the vivid colors that Zombie is known for. A bit less detail than we're used to from him; I wonder if that's to better fit the format of a graphic novel. But what's this I hear about a movie-tie-in? (yeah, it looks like it came out in 2006. What hole have I been living in?)
And lastly, head over to SuperFastReader. She's giving away a Jeffrey Overstreet's Auralia's Colors because she read it and flipped for it. I haven't even heard of it before, so I'll be checking it out with you. Please take note that this contest coincides with Buy a Friend a Book Week! Good timing, Superfast!!!
Edited to add: I forgot to tell you all to go on over to my review home, Front Street Reviews, and check out my thoughts on Colleen Gleason's first two books. I'd buy those for someone... Well, maybe myself, as my copies have already been stolen! They were autographed, too!
Buy a Friend a Book Week is October 1-7 (as well as the first weeks of January, April, and July). During this week, you’re encouraged to buy a friend a book for no good reason. Not for their birthday, not because it’s a holiday, not to cheer them up–just because it’s a book.
What book would you choose to give to a friend and why?
And, if you’re feeling generous enough–head on over to Powell's and actually send one on its way!
Well. There are a million books I'd love to share; that's why I have my Library Thing widget on my sidebar. Those are only the books I've loved enough to rave about.
But I've come across three that are worth mentioning!
First, all you Tamora Pierce fans, listen up! Ms. Pierce has collaborated with Timothy Liebe on a graphic novel called White Tiger. I've only begun reading it, so no total raves yet, but what caught my eye, other than the author's name, is the artwork. Wow! It looks like I was lucky enough to pick it up on release day, too. Bonus!
And to tie books and music together yet again (like I don't do this often?), I found Rob Zombie's The Haunted World of El Superbeasto. Flipping through, there seem to be lots of naked boobies and the vivid colors that Zombie is known for. A bit less detail than we're used to from him; I wonder if that's to better fit the format of a graphic novel. But what's this I hear about a movie-tie-in? (yeah, it looks like it came out in 2006. What hole have I been living in?)
And lastly, head over to SuperFastReader. She's giving away a Jeffrey Overstreet's Auralia's Colors because she read it and flipped for it. I haven't even heard of it before, so I'll be checking it out with you. Please take note that this contest coincides with Buy a Friend a Book Week! Good timing, Superfast!!!
Edited to add: I forgot to tell you all to go on over to my review home, Front Street Reviews, and check out my thoughts on Colleen Gleason's first two books. I'd buy those for someone... Well, maybe myself, as my copies have already been stolen! They were autographed, too!
Labels: Booking Through Thursday, Colleen Gleason, Front Street Reviews, Rob Zombie, Tamora Pierce
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #25 -- Inspired to think
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I was debating this week about pulling out my soapbox and blathering about how important it is for us to be a community, whether online or in our neighborhoods or whatever. But actions speak louder than words, so here's the story: I gave my good friend zzz  , and he turned around and gave it right back to me. At first, I was stunned and flabbergasted. But then Wylie asked me about characters on her blog and... well, I'd like to give to Wylie for that post.Thus... 1. Walter was born because Wylie asked if a rock star could be named Walter. How could I not rise to that challenge? 2. Walter is fifty. He's been rocking for over thirty years. 3. He's a guitar purist and innovator. Think Joe Satriani. All guitar, all the time. What can it do? What are the bounds of the instrument, and how can those boundaries be pushed? 4. Walter may have thinning grey hair, but what's left gets worn back in a ponytail that makes him look more like a hippie than a rocker. 5. Walter has pretty bad arthritis and a really good doctor who keeps his hands limber through advanced pharmaceutical use. 6. Walter has a companion, Lila, who's been with him for twenty years. 7. Walter's had a number of gold and platinum records over the years. He's played for as many as 20,000 during the peaks in his career -- and as few as ten during the dips. 8. Grizzled road veteran… that pretty much says it all, right? 9. I think you have to have a certain level of smarts, savvy, and luck to have this sort of career. 10. And good people around you. 11. Hopefully, Walter expands on your idea of a Rock Star. Does a rock star have to be someone who shines all the time, like Mitchell and Trevor? Can you be a star if you've never reached the pinnacle? 12. The outtake I'll post over the weekend may actually be the start to my exploring Walter and writing a novel about him. Be sure you stop back and tell me what you think. 13. So… Wylie and others… from what little you've seen so far, CAN a rock star be named Walter? Lest the Thinking Blogger award fun be over so fast, I'd also like to give it to Colleen Gleason. Read the outtake carefully once I post it and you'll see why. And if you've missed it somehow, Just a reminder... go vote for me!     Back to Thinking Blogger stuff: Here are the rules, for you newly tagged folk... How participation works: If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme. Optional: Display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote. |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Labels: Blogger's Choice Award, Colleen Gleason, Thinking Blogger Award, Walter, Wylie Kinson
Monday, January 29, 2007
Susan Speaks: Random Notes
Thanks to everyone who's been visiting as part of the Debut a Debut contest. I hope you'll all stay, look around, and come back often. There's room in my zany world for all of you, and I'd love to see you all delurk.
More authors are popping up daily, asking to be included in this list. Congratulations to all on the list; may your sales be strong.
I'll keep on trying to feature authors who've been in touch with me in one form or another. Today, it's Colleen Gleason. A fellow Thursday Thirteener and an all-around nice woman, Colleen is making it more affordable for any of you to choose her book, The Rest Falls Away, for one of your contest entries (and if you're reading this, unless you're the Tour Manager or Erica, you're eligible to enter. Yes, even if you've donated a prize).
Here's a coupon to use until February 4, 2007.
(of course, if you use my above link and buy it at Powells.com, you'll help me afford prizes for future, smaller contests. Your pick; save a buck or chip in for a future contest prize. Both have their pros and cons)
On to other stuff...
I'm reading the March Guitar World magazine right now. (what happened to magazines not hitting the sales rack until the month listed on the spine?), and I about lost it when I noticed an ad for Krank Amps. Who do you think they have pictured as musicians who use their product?
Toki Wartooth and Skwisgaar Skwigelf. Of, yes, Dethklok. That most famous (and favorite) of fictional bands.
The Tour Manager thinks it's a great idea if I order both Dethklok shirts and post pictures of me wearing them, so stay tuned for that. I know you regulars around here are dying to know what I really look like!
More later. I've got literary agents to query, books to write, and a knee to nurse.
More authors are popping up daily, asking to be included in this list. Congratulations to all on the list; may your sales be strong.
I'll keep on trying to feature authors who've been in touch with me in one form or another. Today, it's Colleen Gleason. A fellow Thursday Thirteener and an all-around nice woman, Colleen is making it more affordable for any of you to choose her book, The Rest Falls Away, for one of your contest entries (and if you're reading this, unless you're the Tour Manager or Erica, you're eligible to enter. Yes, even if you've donated a prize).
Here's a coupon to use until February 4, 2007.
(of course, if you use my above link and buy it at Powells.com, you'll help me afford prizes for future, smaller contests. Your pick; save a buck or chip in for a future contest prize. Both have their pros and cons)
On to other stuff...
I'm reading the March Guitar World magazine right now. (what happened to magazines not hitting the sales rack until the month listed on the spine?), and I about lost it when I noticed an ad for Krank Amps. Who do you think they have pictured as musicians who use their product?
Toki Wartooth and Skwisgaar Skwigelf. Of, yes, Dethklok. That most famous (and favorite) of fictional bands.
The Tour Manager thinks it's a great idea if I order both Dethklok shirts and post pictures of me wearing them, so stay tuned for that. I know you regulars around here are dying to know what I really look like!
More later. I've got literary agents to query, books to write, and a knee to nurse.
Labels: books, Colleen Gleason, contest, Debut a Debut, Dethklok, Susan Speaks
