posted by Christie Kelley
Give me a good question and you will either get a signed copy of Every Night I'm Yours or if you already have it, a $10 Amazon gift certificate.
So, my release, Every Night I'm Yours, hits the bookstores this month. I was told by a certain pushy author (whose initials are AC and I don't mean Aunty Cindy) that I must have a release party here.
Okay, but what if I'm not in the partying kind of mood
? That's not to say I'm not completely ecstatic that ENIY is out, it's just been an absolutely crazy month. To give you an example, I started writing this blog almost an hour and a half ago (6:00pm est yesterday). I'm only on my second paragraph.
Okay, but what if I'm not in the partying kind of mood
? That's not to say I'm not completely ecstatic that ENIY is out, it's just been an absolutely crazy month. To give you an example, I started writing this blog almost an hour and a half ago (6:00pm est yesterday). I'm only on my second paragraph.Why?
Let's see, first there was the call from a client that used up a good 25 minutes, plus two emails from other clients, two emails back to them and one to a different client. Then there was the wash. Did it have to be done at 7pm? Yes, if my son doesn't want to sleep in sheets that are damp from a
little problem last night. (I've been gone all day and the workers were here) Now add in the time it took to get the washer and dryer back into place (see above about the workers being here today), then as the washer switches to the drain/spin, water rushes out all over the floor. We now have a backed up washer drain from the previously discussed workers being here.
Now you have a feel for my entire month. It's been like this all month. So when people ask me if I'm excited about Every Night being out, I have no idea how to respond. I still haven't had a book signing yet. There was one scheduled for yesterday but it was postponed until March.
Today, eleven days after my book was "officially" released, I finally walked into a bookstore and saw it. Okay, that was really cool. I turned the two copies outward so people would see it and placed "local author" stickers on them.
Let's see, first there was the call from a client that used up a good 25 minutes, plus two emails from other clients, two emails back to them and one to a different client. Then there was the wash. Did it have to be done at 7pm? Yes, if my son doesn't want to sleep in sheets that are damp from a
little problem last night. (I've been gone all day and the workers were here) Now add in the time it took to get the washer and dryer back into place (see above about the workers being here today), then as the washer switches to the drain/spin, water rushes out all over the floor. We now have a backed up washer drain from the previously discussed workers being here.Now you have a feel for my entire month. It's been like this all month. So when people ask me if I'm excited about Every Night being out, I have no idea how to respond. I still haven't had a book signing yet. There was one scheduled for yesterday but it was postponed until March.
Today, eleven days after my book was "officially" released, I finally walked into a bookstore and saw it. Okay, that was really cool. I turned the two copies outward so people would see it and placed "local author" stickers on them.
I've decided I need to get out of this funk. I'm looking for you all to help me. I would love to answer questions anyone might have about the book. Or if you have a question for Avis or Banning, ask away. I might be able to convince them to stop by. They are a little slow with this whole internet thing. They really prefer paper and quill.
Give me a good question and you will either get a signed copy of Every Night I'm Yours or if you already have it, a $10 Amazon gift certificate.
61 comments:
Okay, is it possible????? Did I get him????? Can I undo all the bad habits he's picked up elsewhere? Let's see
Wahooooo, I got the GR!!! Doing the happy chicken dance here in sunny California.
Pobre Christie! What a nightmare month; you should be able to enjoy your first release without such life difficulties interfering. Sending cyber hugs and good wishes your way.
I'm only on page 60 of ENIY, but I loved Avis and Banning from the start. Their names are so unique and they are characters you really want to root for -- in different ways. I can't wait until they get together.
WTG, Jo-Mama!
I'm SURE with all you vast parenting experience you'll be able to whip the GR into shape in less than 24 hours. Just don't let him near those raspberry margaritas again. :-)
And Christie, of course NOBODY would think that a pushy writer with the initials AC could POSSIBLY be MOI!
AC
Congrats Jo!
And Christie, you already know I LOVED the book...congrats again on the release! I can't wait to read more! Sending you lots of hugs!
Christie, hugs on the crazy month! And hooray on finding your book on the shelves! No questions come to mind at the moment except when can I get my hands on my very own copy? :) I'm SO looking forward to it! (And apologies, but I can't remember--what inspired Avis and Banning's names?)
Congrats, Jo!
Congrats on the GR Jo I am sure you can undo any bad habits he has picked up, he must be missing Australia he hasn't been down under for a trip lately.
Christie congratulations on the release as you know I have read ENIY and absolutley loved it. Avis and Banning are so hot together and I loved the way they drew strength from each other.I loved the scence when they are critiquing the book together, I also love the other characters in the book Avis's girlfriends and Trey. Are we going to see any of their stories I would love to see Jennette, Sophie and Elizabeth have their stories and I would love to know more about Trey and Charlotte.
I am sorry that things are going slow with the house but it will be worth it in the end.
Again a big congratulations on a wonderful story I highly recomend it to everyone I loved it.
Have Fun
Helen
Congratulations on your debut, Christie!!!!!!!!!!!! My exclamation marks are partying for you even if you're not.
Hey, I know what it's like, though. The release of a book is a little like the tree falling in the forest unless you make a big deal out of it yourself. That's why you need a launch party, even if it's only one in the lair. I have my copy of ENIY and can't wait to get stuck into it. Where did you find the name Avis for your heroine? I haven't heard that before.
Congrats on nabbing our gilded bird, JoMama! I'm sure he'll be a model citizen once you're finished with him.
WHOHOHOOOOOOOOOO Christie on your release (the book is holding court on my nightstand as I type). I'm so excited for you!
And hugs on the crazy stress of the month! Its tough enough to get through a debut release month when life is semi-normal (is that possible?) but when everything is topsy turvy, its even tougher.
My biggest piece of advice? Take lots of pictures. Every bookstore stop, every signing, every event or thing you do -take pictures. In six months, when you've finally recovered (okay, maybe you're stronger than I am, maybe you'll recover in 2 LOL) you can look at them and enjoy it from a nice distance of numb happiness ;-)
Someday you'll be sitting at a conference workshop (about how to write fabulously sensual historicals!) and telling everyone about when your first book came out! :)
I feel for you on the on-going house/life craziness. We've all definitely been there.
What's your favorite way to research? Any tidbits you find especially compelling about the time period?
Christie, so sorry about the house disasters! I can completely relate.
I am so looking forward to reading ENIY. Congratulations on your first release!!
I have a fun question--one I've used on the Mystery Author forum over at RNTV:
If you could choose decadent desserts to describe your hero and heroine, what would they be?
Congratalations and I hope life calms down for you.
I would ask Avis and Banning what their first thoughts were when they met each other.
Congrats!
Good morning, everyone! I had a great night sleep and I'm in a much better mood. Yeah, it might have something to do with the thought that it's Sunday and the workers shouldn't be here today.
Jo, treat that GR well today. Someday, I'll grab him again.
I've had a lot of people ask about Avis and Banning's names. They both started out as secondary characters so I didn't waste a lot of time analyzing their names. At one time there was this cute regency website that had a name generator. I played with it and came up with Avis.
I figured that would do for a secondary character. After I got to know Avis, I came to really love her name.
Banning was much easier. I was on a baby name website and found it. As soon as I read the name, I loved it. And it is an English name, though probably not used in the Regency.
AC, you're never pushy. At least not until you get that whip in your hand.
Jennifer, you're such a sweetie! I know you loved ENIY and I loved the review you wrote!
flchen1, where are you? You should be able to find it at the major book stores.
And thanks for the hugs.
Helen, thank you so much! I'm so glad you loved the book.
I am writing Jennette's story right now. Then if my editor buys more the order would be Elizabeth, Victoria and finally Sophie.
Trey's story was the book that Avis and Banning first appeared. I don't know if I'll ever go back to it. The story had a lot of problems but gave me ENIY.
Christine, thanks for the exclamations marks!!! I'm much more in the partying mood this morning.
Thanks, Tawny. I feel really stupid because I had my camera in the car (from taking real estate pictures) and I didn't even think to bring it into Borders with me.
LOL, I love your line of being able to enjoy it from the distance of numb happiness.
Thanks, gillian!
My favorite way to research? The web first, then the library and when all else fails (or I don't have time for the first two steps) there's the Beau Monde chapter of RWA. If you don't know they're a chapter that specializes in the Regency and there are some people with incredible knowledge on their loop.
Congrats, Christie!
I'm sorry that so much of life came at you all at once, but you've got a lot of people excited for you! And you can take pleasure in the fact that so many people are loving Every Night I'm Yours! That's a satisfaction you can carry with you no matter where you are or how many hammers are pounding in the next room. Congrats!
gannon, thank you! I LOVE your question about describing your h/h as desserts.
But such a hard question now that I think about it. Hmm, of course it would be so easy to describe Banning as cheesecake--rich, thick, and goes to all the "wrong" places on a woman.
Avis, is lighter but has complex flavors like a carrotcake.
Hi Maureen,
That is really a hard question because when I wrote the story they had already known each other for years. Their mothers had been very close friends as are Jennette (Banning's sister) and Avis.
So I don't think it would have been a first meet thought but more of a realization that the girl he knew from visiting his sister had grown into a very desirable woman. That can definitely throw a man off-kilter.
Thanks, minna!
Hi Deb,
Thanks for stopping by! And btw, your book is marked with mine on Amazon for a buy together deal. Way cool!
Congratulations, Christie!!!!!! *joining in the exclamation mark dance*
My thoughts would be to focus on what you've accomplished...your book..your baby...is published!!!!!
Take pictures, make a promo plan, trip a construction worker (just for fun) and party!!
Joan!! But one of my contruction guys is a rather cute New Zealander with a great accent. I really wouldn't want to trip him up. Now, the painters, I would like to trip every one of them.
Good morning, Christie! Sorry to hear you had such a bad month, but very glad today is looking better!
Avis and her friends are such interesting women for their times. Since Avis challenges societies rules for unmarried women in such a unique way, are you planning for the other ladies to do the same?
Hi Suz! Of course my heroines challenge society's rules, some more than others. Jennette is running from her past. Elizabeth is trying to uncover her past. Victoria is absolutely nothing like she wants her friends to believe. And Sophie, well she's just a hoot.
Local author... That bit was funny... Congrats on your new book, I have seen on several blogs :)
I have to add... I have seen your book in two differnt bookstores here and they were highlighted in the section Hot and New :)
I bought a copy right away!
PS: Avis... it means opinion in french, where does that come from!
Christie, the rest of us are excited enough for you and ten of your closest friends!!!!! We can't believe it is finally OUT OUT OUT!!
I picked up my copy a little over a week ago, and having my own insane work thing going on, it has been teasing me from my bedside table. But I did get started and absolutely LOVE Avis and Banning! They've just gotten to his house and the slow seduction has begun. You are a master at sexual tension, and I'm just so impressed by the pacing and the way you layer in the backstory slowly as you go. Well done!!
Enjoy the release party!! Maybe we need to get the margaritas flowing? I know it's early, but it's been a hard month, right?
Anyone got a blender?
Hi Lily, you do what you have to do as author to sell books (or homes). Some people will pick it up just because it's a local author.
Nathalie, Wow! My book under hot and new? That made my day! And I didn't know Avis meant opinion in French. Somehow that seems very appropriate for her.
Kirsten, thank you for the compliments. I'm blushing over here.
As far as the margaritas, bring it on. It's 10:30am here and I'm ready for one. I have an offer coming in on one of my slow listings. (six months no activity). So between that and the release, I'm ready to party now.
Hmm, I do have a blender, but I have no idea where it is. My husband packed it in a box and now he has no clue where he put the box. (Aren't men great?) I could borrow my neighbor's margarita maker. This thing is awesome! A real man's blender.
Christie, I am so excited about the release, the Banditas will get the party going and you can come in when you are ready. I so relate to the bad month, it just happens that way sometimes. There is always a silver lining, somewhere, in your case it is seeing the support from all your Bandita friends.
Maybe your subconcious was at work when the name Avis was chosen.
Do you want us to take pictures of your books when we find them?
Congrats on the GR Jo, he can be a trip, just don't get him near a room full of women.
LOL, Helen and Christine, the little guy is starting to pick up a Yankee accent. He was quite well-mannered when I fed him breakfast this morning, and I think I've even gotten the morning crowing down to a squawk!
Christie, I concur with Tawny on the pix-taking. You can relive your "excitement" vicariously through them at a later date. Sometimes life kicked us in the a** and that's the best we can do!
YAY!!!!!!!!!! CHRISTY IS PUBBED!!!!!!! Confetti!!!!!!!! Balloon Drop !!!!!!!!!!! Fireworks!!!!! GET THE PICTURE??? Congratulations, Christy! You have to know what an incredible accomplishment this is and I am so excited for you. Speaking of pictures, I would like to suggest that anyone who sees the book out in stores or especially sees a great display (new and hot is fabulous!) takes a photo and sends it to Christy. Tawny is right. This is something you need to create a scrapbook for and then look at is once the madness is over. I haven't seen it in my neck of the woods yet, BUT I live in the middle of nowhere. I did, however, zip an e-mail off to Tammy at The Book Basket (our local book store) and ask her to order several copies.
Now, my question is - did Avis and Banning present their inner conflict to you from the start or did you have to peel back their layers to find it? Was it something you knew or something that came to you after you had written some of their story?
Oh, and thank goodness you got the GR, Jo-Mama! He has been leading a real rake's lifestyle lately and he needs his Mama to set him straight! Some of these Banditas (and Banditos) have been leading him down the road to sin and iniquity!
Did somebody mention margaritas??? Woohoo!!!!! It's a party!!!!
Congratulations Christie!!!!!! More happy dancing exclamations points for you!!!!
Okay, don't anyone drop any spoilers. I'm only in Chapter Four. Banning has just surprised Avis in the library and he won't let her leave without--oops, almost a spoiler! Sorry! ;-)
Loving the book, Christie!! And way to go, Jo! Hope it's sunny up north!
Dianna, thanks! I would love people to send me pictures of my book in stores. That would be awesome!
doglady!! Thank you for all the excitement!
As far as their inner conflict, Avis was pretty straight forward with it. But Banning was a typical man and I had to drag it out of him. For the longest time, I kept thinking this man has no conflict. He's titled, he's wealthy, he has no real issue with marriage. Then it finally started to leak out of him.
Hi Kate!! Have a margarita on me. I'm still negotiating this real estate deal as I try to keep up on the blog today. So no margarita until the deal is done.
I'm glad you are liking the book so far and I promise not to give away any spoilers.
HURRAH! Kate is in the Lair! There will be no blender shortage. :-)
Christie let me add a few more exclamation marks!!!!!!!! I know, hard to believe from shy, retiring lil Aunty... MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (snaps riding crop)
I know what you mean about these heroes who do NOT like to open up. The hero in my book (formerly known as Death In The Fens) was very closed-mouthed, certainly a rarity for an Irishman! It was a real challenge to get him to show his true emotions, but finally he admitted to having enough baggage to clog Heathrow. :-)
Can you share some of your other challenges in writing ENIY?
And Kate, how bout mixing up a batch of pomegranate martinis? It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
AC
the so NOT pushy :-)
Hi again, AC (the not so pushy one), to be honest, I think getting Banning's inner conflict was about the hardest thing in the book. The only other hard part was getting people to believe Avis' motivation for taking a lover.
This book didn't do very well in a lot of contests because so many judges would tell me Avis just wouldn't have done something so scandalous at this time.
Emory Billingsworth was also difficult to write. When I first started writing this story he was much darker. Really almost too dark. Then I lightened him up too much and had to change him again.
So really, what was the easy part of the book? Gee, the sexual tension. Super easy with those characters.
I am writing Jennette's story right now. Then if my editor buys more the order would be Elizabeth, Victoria and finally Sophie.
WOOHOO!!! You know, one of the first things I thought as I was reading and when I was finished was, "Wonder when the next one comes out..." I even wrote to ask you about future stories...LOL. I do hope you get a chance to revisit Trey and Charlotte...they sound like they have an interesting story. And of course, Somerton ;o)
POP!
That was the sound of a champagne cork in your honor.
Wasn't it amazing to see your book - your name - on the bookshelves? I do hope you introduced yourself to the manager of the bookstore. If it's a local bookstore, chances are they'll offer to set up a booksigning for you. Let's face it - all your neighbors are chomping at the bit to pick up a copy and see what's REALLY happening over at your house *g* (why is it that the people who should know better confuse fiction with reality?)
ENIY is sitting in my office, waiting for me to finish up these RITA entries so I can submerge myself in your world. Can't wait.
Take a deep breath and celebrate Bandita! Your activity levels are about to explode, so breathe deep the celebration.
Hello Christie,
Congrats on the release. A release party is exactly what you need. How does Banning convince Avis that Emory was the wrong choice for her?
Hi Donna! Good luck with those Rita entries. I'm so glad I chose the GH this year. There's no way I'd have time to read 6-8 books right now. I did my GH entries over the xmas holiday. Done and over.
And my neighbors already bought their copies for the bookclub next month. That should be an interesting night.
Hi Jane, you're right. This is exactly what I needed. That and getting an accepted offer on one of my slow house listings. It's a great day, don't even mind the temperature or the chance of rain. The fireplace is on and there's no sense in cleaning a house under contruction. So it's back to Book 2 edits for me.
As far as how Banning convinces Avis about Billingsworth, well that goes slowly. He gives her pieces of information and finally tells her one major thing, which of course she doesn't quite believe. Billingsworth being the true slime he is, does a fine job of showing his true colors to her. But I can't give away anymore. No spoilers from me!
Sounds like the party is hotting up and I am looking forward to Jennette's story and the other girls and I am with Jennifer I do hope you re-visit Trey and Charlotte's story and Sommerton also sounds very interesting.
I loved the sexual seduction in this book you have a wonderful voice for it Christie.
Have Fun
Helen
Thanks, Helen. Jennifer also asked about Somerton. Trust me, he'll get his :) I really can't wait to write Somerton. He's definitely a little darker than most of my heroes. And he really doesn't care if he is.
Big congrats, fellow K-debut author! It's got to be a little hard to feel celebratory with all your house "challenges" right now. The book sounds great and I will add it to my list. This one might put me over into free shipping. Beautiful cover, and great endorsement-blurb placement!
Oh, what good advice Tawny gives about taking pictures. I noticed Trish took a pic of her signing her contract. That so did not occur to me. I didn't even photocopy my first advance check. Duh.
Congrats on the release Christie! Sorry about the strange month though! Hope your next release comes out at a better time (like when you feel like partying!).
Thanks, Esri! I definitely need to take more pictures.
brownone, thanks for stopping by the party. I have no idea when book 2 comes out right now. Hopefully, I'll be hearing soon.
Christie, sorry I'm late to the party, but I'm just as thrilled about your release! Huge congrats. And try to focus on how awesome your house will be when the workers are all long gone. :)
Esri, I totally forgot to photocopy my first check too. I got back from depositing it in the bank and went, "Well crap!"
Christie, I don't know whether to be sad or excited, I was going to take pictures of your book on the shelves, but........ they had sold all but one. It was turned face out but it was all by it's lonesome. I asked and was assured that there was more on the way so I am still taking it as a very good thing, yes?????
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