Wednesday, October 1, 2008

A Fairy Tale Comes True

posted by Aunty Cindy

Once upon a time, a very very long time ago, there lived a little dark-haired girl of Irish heritage who loved stories. When she didn’t have her nose buried in a book, which was actually most of the time, she made up stories for her own and her best friends’ amusement and/or amazement.

This little girl secretly thought that the most wonderful thing in the world would be to write a book and have it on the shelf of the library or bookstore where anyone could read and enjoy it. But she knew that this could never happen to her, because authors were very special people who were not at all like the ordinary people all around her. So she kept writing her stories, mostly in secret, and dreaming.

XX years (insert your favorite number between 20 and 90) passed, and the little girl grew up and had a family and a career. She still loved to read, and she could never quite give up her secret dream of writing. Also, somewhere along the line, the girl (now a woman and not so little) figured out that not all authors were up there on that very special pedestal. Some were real (if not quite ordinary) people just like her!

Finally, unable to stand her Dreaded Day Job any longer, the not-so-little woman quit! Even though most of her co-workers thought she was crazy, she left her career to do what she had always loved most – WRITE STORIES! It paid far less than the Dreaded Day Job, but was much more fun and healthy.

Like all good fairy tales, this one has a happy ending! Turns out that the not-so-little woman was pretty good at writing stories. She even finaled in a VERY BIG contest and made some of the most wonderful friends of her life. Eventually, after X years (insert your fave number between 3 and 4), a real live editor called the not-so-little writer and said, “I want to publish your Irish book.”

The writer screamed, “Yes! YES! OMG YES! (much like her heroine did on page 157)” and then she proceeded to tell friends, family and everyone she knew (and plenty she did not know) that she would soon be A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! It was just a matter of waiting a few hundred days for her book to be on the shelves.

So our not-so-little author and all her friends (and even some people she didn’t know) waited and waited for the day when the Irish book, now titled The Wild Sight: an Irish tale of deadly deeds and forbidden love to appear on the bookstore shelves.

THAT DAY IS TODAY!!!!!!

The author (that would be ME) and all her friends (that would be all of YOU)

PARTIED EVER AFTER!


Dreams and even fairy tales can come true!

Please help your olde Aunty celebrate the release of her debut novel The Wild Sight. And share with us about one of your dreams that came true.

One lucky commenter will win an autographed copy of The Wild Sight, and another will receive a box of chocolates filled with Bailey’s Irish Crème!

PARTY HARDY EVERYONE!!!

102 comments:

Fedora said...

Woohoo, AC!

Fedora said...

Hmm... Well, I feel pretty blessed--I've gotten into the college I wanted, learned to dance, married my fabulous husband, birthed my lovely babies, read many incredible books, made life-long friends... each of those are dreams come true. AC, huge congratulations on The Wild Sight! I see the cabana boys are warming up the blenders :) The GR seems anxious to dig into the chocolate stash--I hope I hid mine well enough ;)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

YIPEE FEDORA!

You get to party with the GR today!

I agree, you've had some wonderful dreams come true and I sincerely hope they continue happening for you!

As you know (coz I saw you stopped by) we had a launch party earlier today (it's still Tues. night on the Left Coast) at the Casa blog and we had a plethora of martinis. I'm ready for some MARGARITAS! Mango please, Cabana boy!

And Sven! My neck is stiff from the earlier partying, howza bout a nice neck massage? AHHHHHHH!

AC

Louisa Cornell said...

Trust Fedora and the GR TO GET THE PARTY STARTED!!!

Congratulations Aunty Dear! Can't wait to get my grubby little paws on your book. (No Frodo! Not you !ME!)And note to self "Check out page 157!!"

I have been so terribly, terribly lucky in my life. Lucky to have met my DH and to have had him for as long as I did. Lucky to achieve my dream of singing in a real live opera (bunches actually) in front of a real live audience that did NOT mistake me for a fruit and vegetable cart!

I have been lucky to have lived in England and Germany and a number of other really great places.

And lately I have had a really amazing dream come true. I finaled in the Golden Heart, actually got to go to Nationals in San Francisco. GOT TO MEET THE BANDITAS IN PERSON!!!! SQUEEEEEEE!

GOT TO HAVE LUNCH WITH THE INCOMPARABLE LA CAMPBELL!!

Am a member of a really great group of GH finalists - SHOUT OUT TO THE PIXIE CHICKS!!

And I have had my work read by real live editors and agents - no takers yet, but who knows what the future holds???

I actually had a chapter published in the Avon FanLit novella! ME! Little ole me!! You can Google me and everything!

Another dream come true is that both of my brothers have found wonderful women to put up with them! And they have great kids so I won't die alone with 57 cats. I spoil my niece and nephews mercilessly as they WILL be in charge of picking out my nursing home!

So, even at 50 I have more dreams in the pipeline and I am just sure one or two more are going to come true. (Okay, keeping Gerrard Butler chained up in my bedroom for years is kind of out there, but hey, you never know!)

Party on, Aunty Cindy! You've earned it!!

jo robertson said...

Cindy, delightful fairy-tale retelling of your journey to publication!

So thrilled for you and the final realization of your dream. Yay for THE WILD SIGHT. Can't wait for my copy to arrive from Amazon.

Bring out the pina coladas and the cabana boys and let's PARTY!!!!

limecello said...

Yay - congratulations, Aunty Cindy :D That's so great your book comes out TODAY.
And good for you on getting the GR, Fedoria!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Louisa said: "Lucky to achieve my dream of singing in a real live opera (bunches actually) in front of a real live audience that did NOT mistake me for a fruit and vegetable cart!"

ROFLOL! Like they WOULD, silly woman! The only fruit and/or veggie we're gonna throw at you is a cyber mango margarita!

And thanx a bunch for saying you and Frodo want your grubby lil paws on TWS (esp. page 157)!

I'm sure your dreams will continue to come true Louisa! YOU deserve it too!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Cabana boys!
A round of pina coladas, starting with Jo-Mama!

Sometimes I feel like having TWS published IS a fairy tale. Except I've always thought *I* should be the wicked witch (and my ex will definitely agree)! LOL!

Thanx for being such a GREAT CP, Jo-Mama and I KNOW your dream of publication will be coming true VERY SOON!

AC

pjpuppymom said...

Huge Congrats, Aunty! I'll be off to the store later this morning (as it is Wednesday here)to, hopefully, pick up my copy of THE WILD SIGHT. Seems like I've been waiting as long as you have for this book to hit the shelves! :) (though I know that's not true)

Since I'm not fully conscious and awake only at the whim of Cassy's bladder I'll come back at a time not in the dead of night to post about my many blessings and dreams come true.

Congrats on nabbing the GR, Flchen!

~PJ...off to stumble her way back to bed.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx a bunch for joining in my celebration, Limecello!

All our Bandita Buddies are THE BEST!

Cabana Boys! More drinks! More Chocolate!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey PJ!
Please let me know if you find TWS anywhere!

So far, NONE of the stores in my area have it on the shelf. (Aunty does a MAJOR POUT!)

Don't spill your margarita as you're stumbling back to bed, and may you dream of Irish hunks!

AC

Barbara Vey said...

I love a happy ending. Congratulations!

Tawny said...

I LOVE this Fairy Tale come true :-) YAY Cindy! I'm so thrilled and excited for you - and so happy to be able to celebrate your release!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx so much Barbara!

And what could be happier than PARTYING EVER AFTER?!?!

Can Lars or Sven be of assistance? And do you prefer mango margaritas or pina coladas? CABANA BOYS! (Aunty snaps her crop) Attend to our guest!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

HUGS Tawny Depp!

No party would be complete without YOU! Bring out the industrial sized blenders, Cabana Boys!

And Tawny, if you happen to be over this way on Sunday, I'd love to have you drop in at my face-to-face launch party!

Same goes for any Northern California commenters. Email me privately for details.

AC

Natalie Hatch said...

I'm wanting your fairy tale for myself... just keep swimming, just keep swimming..

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Natalie,
It's a loong swim from DownUnder! But you're a strong woman and I know you'll make it and have your own happy ending very soon. Thanx so much for joining in the celebration.

Break out the Tim Tams, Cabana Boys, the Oz gals are arriving!

AC

Tawny said...

No party would be complete without YOU! Bring out the industrial sized blenders, Cabana Boys!

Heehee - I'll provide the blenders, you bring on the industrial sized Cabana Boys!! Lol

Keira Soleore said...

I knew it!! Fedora, you were just waiting to pounce on the chook. Treat him well; he was much spoiled chez moi.

AC: A mighty congratulatory pat on the back and a bone-crushing hug, too. Your debut book on the shelves. When did you run out for your first in-store sighting. Have you photographed yourself with it?

I have a sighting for you. At my favorite bookseller's (Border's). I was there earlier today (Tuesday) for a huge pile, saw yours, snagged it.

Dreams definitely propel you forward and keep you going when everything else is gone, against you. I hope you have your dreams written out somewhere so you can read them every once in a great while and think about ways to make them come true.

I'd ADORE a slice of mango in my citrus margarita. Thanks, Sven. And ohhhhhh...yeah... That massage...right there. Yes. Thankee Sven. But today is Aunty's day, so you need to return back to her for *whatever* she *needs*.

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, Fedora.

Happy Release Day, AC. Bring on the champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Don't forget to call me when they're casting for "The Wild Sight" movie.

Anna Sugden said...

Pass the mango mojito, please - the hockey hunks and I will just carry on from yesterday's party *g*.

Congratulations again AC - so proud of all that little dark-haired girl achieved!

I've been very lucky to - despite some tough times ... and still awaiting that final leap of this little English dark-haired girl into the realms of published of author ... I've had a good go of it so far.

Maureen said...

Congratulations Aunty Cindy! I loved your fairy tale with todays happy ending. I definitely feel blessed to have my husband, children and our home.

Helen said...

Well done flchen you two are going to have a great time together again

Aunty Cindy what a beautiful fairy tale I can't wait to read this book hopefully I will have soon. I am so happy for you, all the hard work has paid off and the big day is here.

I always wanted to be a wife and mother and that has come true I feel very lucky I have a beautiful family great friends and I have "meet" some absolutley wonderful authors that have taken me on fabulos adventures full of HEA's.

Bring on the drinks and nibblies chocolate and lets have a party to celebrate
THE WILD SIGHT
and like Louisa I want to read page 157.

Huge congrats Aunty Cindy
Have Fun
Helen

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Way to go Aunt Cindy!!!! My copy should be here today and I can't wait.
My biggest dream was to have more than one child, it came true, just not the way I had planned..LOL

Deb Marlowe said...

Congrats AC! Whoo hoo! Thanks for letting us share one of the greatest days in your life! I know everyone in the Lair has been waiting for it right along with you. Can't wait to read TWS!

Dream come true--I finished my first novella! Man, it's hard to write short. But it's done, baby--and I'm happy with it. Now, someone pass me an umbrella drink and a cabana boy!

Marisa O'Neill said...

Huge Congratulations AC!
fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you if you're...
(love that song,but I digress)

What a wonderful story and I'm so very happy for you. You inspire us all. Following your dreams and making them come true is an experience that makes your heart smile. I've had many dreams come true in my life, I've been very lucky. I'm working on some new dreams right now - in that stage where the sweat on my brow is getting into my eyes and blinding me a little bit. BUT, that's part of the fun and adventure of making your dreams come true. Yes?

I'm really looking forward to reading THE WILD SIGHT.

Maria said...

Congratulations AC!!!

Dreams do come true!

Terry Odell said...

Enjoy your day! Mega Congrats!

Christine Wells said...

Hey Aunty Cindy, congratulations, mate! This is indeed an achievement worth celebrating. With all that storytelling from an early age you were obviously born for this moment. How does it feel? I can't wait for The Wild Sight. I feel in the mood for some fantastic romantic suspense.

And you know everyone's gonna be flicking to p 157 first, don't you????

Ah, now I have a leetle back and shoulder problem from too much time hunched over the computer so I'm going to sip a nice relaxing raspberry mojito while Sven and Lars give me the full treatment. Aahhh, thanks boys, you're dolls!

Fedora, congrats on the rooster! Yet another blessing:)

Susan Sey said...

AC! Wahoo for you & the Wild Sight! (Which is, as you know, an awesome title!) We are so proud of you here in the lair, & will immediately drive to our local bookstore to welcome your baby to the shelves. :-)

As for dreams that came true? Well, my husband. That was the big one, the one that made all the rest of them (our babies, staying home with them & pursing my writing for an hour or two while they nap) possible. If/when my books ever hit the shelves, you can be sure every single one of them will be dedicated to him.

Oh, & you Romance Bandits might get the occasional shout out, too. :-)

Christie Kelley said...

Congratulations, AC!!!! Send the cabana boys down to the cave to hand me a margarita.

I love release parties and this one is fantastic. You deserve to party all day and night. And now I have to get my fingers to Amazon and order your book.

Dina said...

Congrats Aunty Cindy on your realease,!!!!

Marie Force said...

Aunty!
Happy Launch Day! It seemed like Oct. 1 would never get here!! Have a wonderful, wonderful day. You know what my dream come true was!! It happened exactly 30 days ago (well, in addition to my two lovely children, of course...)
Lots o LOVE from your Casa Sister and Evil Twin,
Marie

Terri Osburn said...

I see the party is alive and kicking early in the morning (or is that late into the night? LOL!)

HUGE CONGRATS ON THE BOOK LAUNCH!!!!

I'm so excited to finally see this book in the stores. Now I just have to make it to the durn store. Grrr....

I have lots of dreams I'm still hoping to fulfill, but I have my beautiful daughter and we have a pretty good life. Plus, it's looking up and getting better every year. I was lucky enough to attend Nationals in San Fran (my first trip ever to the West Coast!) and to meet the lovely Banditas (I met Christie in April so I've hit them all!). Plus, I've gotten to meet most of my online friends that are like family to me and lots of other great authors and fellow As Yet Unpubs.

I never would have guessed five years ago all this could have been possible. So I'm thankful for every new day and every new adventure. Looking forward to many, many more!

Rebekah E. said...

Having a daughter is my biggest dream come true. She is the first girl born in like 3 or 4 generations on my husbands side. We never dreamed we would have a girl, just assumed it would be a boy like everyone else in his family seem to have. His face was the best. I remember all of the color drain from his face and he asked the doctor "Are you sure?" But of course now she is daddy's little girl and he spoils her rotten.

Congrats on The Wild Sight. Here too more of your dreams coming true.

Dev said...

What a wonderful story! Congratulations!!!

Donna MacMeans said...

FINALLY - It's here! This book hs taken FOREVER to get on the shelves - or so it seems to me who has been anxiously awaiting it.

Major Congratulations, AC!

Dreams come true? I'm still in love with the man I married so long ago.I have some actual published books with my name on the cover. Life is very, very good.

CrystalGB said...

Congratulations Aunty Cindy. I am so happy for you.

Nathalie said...

Congrats on your new book!

My greatest dream was getting accepted in med school and I am now at my last year :-)

Minna said...

Congrats, AC!

One of my dreams was to visit my relatives in Canada and now I've been there twice.

pjpuppymom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
pjpuppymom said...

The bad news: I've been to every store in town (Wal-Mart, Indy Book, Grocery and Pharmacy) and nobody has THE WILD SIGHT. (extreme pouting here)

The good news: I'll be in Atlanta tomorrow. Surely, someone in the Big City will have it!! (keeping fingers crossed)

Monica McCabe said...

Here's a big ribbon covered box of congratulations for you!

Book launch day...aaahhh...that would be so sweet. I'm keeping up the positive vibes that my day too shall come!

Best wishes for The Wild Sight. I'll be looking for it at the bookstore.

Annie Solomon said...

Well, what a cool story, loucinda! I love your cover, too.

So neat to hear people's dreams coming true. I have to say I had the same dream and mine also came true!!! I'm not the kind that believes in dreams-come-true so it's kind of weird to admit it. But hey--can't deny what is.

Good luck with everything.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Tawny,
TWO industrial sized Cabana Boys laden with umbrella drinks for you!

Morning everyone, and I hope it is as BEAUTIFUL a day where you are as it is here in Nor Cal! WOO HOO! Sunshine, blue sky, great friends to help me PAR-TAY! What could be better?!?!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Keira!!!
Your sighting is the first I've heard! YAY! YAY!! YAY!!! Choccie for YOU! And big MWAH for the Pacific Northwest Borders!

PJ, thanx so much for trying and HOPE HOPE HOPE Atlanta brings you better luck. As of late yesterday afternoon, NONE of the many B&Ns in my area had TWS on hand yet (MAJOR POUT)! Aunty knows because she has a chapter mate who works for B&N and she checked for me. :-(

Well, at least it is SOMEWHERE! And if we all have to drive to Keira's neck o' the woods to find it, I'm all for organizing a ROAD TRIP! Who's with me?!?!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

LOL, Jane!
If I get to help cast for TWS THE MOVIE (Hey, it's all about the dreams, right?) I will mostly concentrate on auditions for the hero. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I'm sure you and ALL my Banditas and BBs stand ready to assist me. ;-)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

HUGS VA!

I'm sure our lil dark-haired English girl will be celebrating VERY SOON! Your hockey hunks and other characters are too good and have won too many accolades. Some smart editor will swoop them up, don't you worry!

Meanwhile, CABANA BOYS! Mojitos all around! Where are Joanie and her gladiators? Somebody check the hill out back for Le Duchesse, Demetrius, and his shield!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Maureen,
Thanx soo much for the congrats!

We all really should take time to feel grateful for our wonderful partners and kidlets (even if they are all grown up like mine)! They really are very special blessings.

AC

Gillian Layne said...

Huge congrats, AC! I'm looking forward to tucking away in a quiet corner and reading Wild Sight very soon! :)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

HUGE THANX HELEN!!!
I do believe you are my #1 fan! I can't wait for TWS to arrive DownUnder!

And I just had to run and check my ARC... actually it is my hero who is invoking all the "sweet saints in heaven" on page 157! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Dianna,
PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE let me know when your copy of TWS arrives!

And sometimes our dreams arrive in a different way that we envisioned, but that doesn't make them any less special! I know that's been the case with me more than once. :-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Deb M. THANX A BUNCH for popping by!

And BIG CONGRATS on finishing your novella. Be sure to let us all know where we can read it.

CABANA BOY!!! TWO umbrella drinks for Ms. Marlowe, one for each hand! And Lars, finish up on Mme D-W's neck and get to work on Deb's tootsies!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Marisa said:"I'm working on some new dreams right now - in that stage where the sweat on my brow is getting into my eyes and blinding me a little bit. BUT, that's part of the fun and adventure of making your dreams come true. Yes?"

YES! I certainly would never say making dreams come true is NOT a lot of hard work. Most of the time IT IS! But super congrats to YOU, Marisa, on all your great dreams that have come true and those you are still working on. I know you'll make it coz you are "that kinda girl!"

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Maria and Terry,
THANX A BUNCH for the congrats.

Okay, just gotta say SQUEEEEEE! Amazon now says, IN STOCK when I pulled up The Wild Sight. As of last night it was still "Not Yet Released." And it also says, Customers who bought this item also bought: "Dark and Dangerous" "Not Without Her Family" and "The Trouble With Moonlight"

Those customers have EXCELLENT TASTE!!!!! ;-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

LOL Madame!
I can see it now, copies of TWS all over the world have a dog-eared P. 157! Well, here's hoping that everyone reads at least p. 156 and 1 58 too!

I have The Dangerous Duke sitting on my bedside table, but will not let myself start until I have a nice block of uninterrupted time. I KNOW I won't be able to stop reading once I start!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Susan,
Thanx so much and I LURVED that you thanked The Banditas FIRST when you won the Golden Heart in SF! ;-)

If you turn to the Acknowledgments in the back of the book (after you finish p. 157) you will see my DH gets the very first Shout Out, but I save the best for last... BANDITAS ROCK!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Christie,
BACK TO WORK! (Aunty snaps her crop) But never fear, we're sending a brigade of Cabana Boys, drinks in hands, into the Deadline Caves for you and the other Banditas stuck down there. As soon as this launch is over, I'm afraid I'll be joining you. :-P

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx Dina and Dev and Marie my Casa Sister!

I appreciate all your support and hope you enjoy The Wild Sight.

Grab a Cabana boy with a drink... Or just grab a Cabana Boy, we're not picky here in the Lair!

AC

Kate Carlisle said...

Awwww Aunty, your lovely happy ending brought tears to my eyes!!

Whoa, and Alejandro's coming toward me with that very large, um, mojito. Another reason to weep tears of joy!!

HAPPY LAUNCH DAY, Aunty!! Enjoy!! This is only the beginning of a wonderful journey! (Hey Pedro, cue The Carpenters, will ya?)

Congrats, Fedora! Enjoy the Bird!

Anna Campbell said...

Very late to the party but couldn't miss out altogether! Aunty Cindy, huge congratulations on the Wild Sight. I'm sure it's going to be a huge hit and the start of an amazing career! Whoo-hooo!!!! Now, where's my cabana boy?

Cherie J said...

Congratulations! So glad for you! Will have to look for your book the next time I am at the bookstore which will probably be soon since I need to get my hands on CL Wilson's latest which just released yesterday.

As for dreams come true. I have been richly dressed. I had almost given up on finding someone to spend the rest of my life with and I finally met my hubby at the age of 30. After a few years we married and now we have a 5 year old boy and a 23 month old girl. Dreams truly do come true.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

AC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crawling out of bed to say......WHOOHOOO AC and mega congrats on The Wild Sight hitting the bookshelves. Will be heading out on my next free day to snatch me up a copy!!!

"Happy partying guys," says the woman from behind her black-as-night-vampire-shades!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Donna,
Tell me about the taking FOREVER part! HAHAHAHAHA!

And how lucky you were to find a keeper so early on! I wasn't so lucky the first time, but I did get my wonderful son so it wasn't a total loss. Plus, I know appreciate my DH even more and we have been together 19 years!

I do believe the marimba band has arrived! WOO! HOOOO! Cabana boys, MORE DRINKS, MORE CHOCCIE!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

HUGS, Terrio!

Thanx for popping by and for the congrats!

I had so much fun meeting and hanging out with you in SF! I hope we get a chance to do it again next year in DC!

You are such a go-getter that I KNOW you can make ALL your dreams come true!

I too am amazed at all that has happened in the past 5 years. I quit my 'day job' on Sept. 22 five years ago! WHOA! It's been a great journey since then.

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Rebekah,
What a wonderful dream come true your daughter sounds! I always wanted a daughter, but I got 7 terrific nieces instead. And now I even have 4 fabulous grand-nieces!

So happy you could join the party today,
AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Crystal, Nathalie and Minna,
Thanx sooo much for dropping by and helping me celebrate. Here are a couple of Cabana boys with trays of drinks and goodies!

And Nathalie, WAY TO GO on that last year of med school! WOOO HOOO! That deserves an extra mojito and Tim Tams!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Monica! HUGS!!!
Long time, no "see." I hope everything is going great for you! So happy you could drop by the party!

I hear the band has started up so grab a Cabana Boy and shake yer booty! If it's one thing we know about here in the Lair, it is BOOTY!

AC

catslady said...

I had never gone anywhere while growing up and the first 15 yrs. of our marriage we got to travel which was always one of my dreams. Then we settled down and had 2 beautiful daughters (I wanted girls)- one who graduated college and just got married and my youngest is currently in college (something I didn't get to do)!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey Gillian,
We see you over in that quiet corner, and is that Lars kneeling beside your chair? And not one but TWO Cabana boys behind it?!?!

PAR-TAY ON, BB! And thanks for your good wishes.

AC

Unknown said...

Congrats on your fairy tale coming true. That doesn't happen to a lot of people so you are very lucky. Just keep up your dreams.

Helen said...

The party is going strong I had better just have a coffee this time round I have to go to work soon and need to be sober for the job LOL

Have Fun
Helen

Fedora said...

OK, the Lair is rocking :) The GR just rushed by with a lampshade on (but maybe he's fleeing the kids after him brandishing lightsabers...) A refill on the margaritas, please, cabana boys :)

Nancy said...

Squee! Way to go, AC!

Congratulations on your fabulous and long-awaited debut. Persistence triumphs again, and all that. How cool!

Great post, too, BTW. :-)

Fedora, congrats on the bird. Don't let him give you any trouble!

Nancy said...

Dreams come true? Hmm, I'm lucky enough to have several. The one I considered least likely happened when I got to study in England. Second least likely breaking a board with a kick in celebration of my first karate belt.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Ah Ha! I see 2 more cave-dwellers sneaking out to PAR-TAY!

Come on out Kate & FoAnna, but only for a brief stint then BACK YOU GO! Deadlines MUST be met!

Yes, dear Kate, Alejandro and his large... mojito do bring tears of joy to the eyes!

Fo, from your lips to SOMEBODY'S ears about TWS being a HUGE hit. I see you've snagged away one of Gillian's Cabana boys and Sven and Lars are working on each of your dainty feet. :-)

MORE DRINKIES! More CHOCCIE!!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Cherie J
Thanx for stopping by! What a wonderful dream come true to meet your DH (I was 38 when I met mine!) and now you have a lovely son and daughter too! WTG and I hope your dreams continue to come true!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Waving to Suz behind her black-as-night vampire shades!

Thanx for stopping in to say hello, Darlin! Hope all this noise is not disturbing your rest. :-P

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Catslady,
CONGRATS on 2 wonderful and smart daughters! How very lucky you are.

I never went much of anywhere either until the DH and I started traveling about a dozen years ago. THEN we started making up for lost time and it has been GREAT!

Thanx again for helping me celebrate!

AC

ArkieRN said...

Wow! Big congrats, AC, on your fairy tale come true. Also congratulations on all the wonderful reviews. I enjoyed the excerpt of The Wild Sight on your web page.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Virginia,
Thanx for dropping by. I know how VERY LUCKY I am! I have GREAT supportive friends like the Banditas and BBs like YOU to hang out with, and to help me celebrate the good things.

Helen,
Don't work too hard at your DDJ (dreaded day job)! We will somehow carry on without you, but it won't be nearly as much fun.

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

LOL Fedora!

Are you sure that's not Jeanne and Nancy with the light-sabres? And I don't think the GR is the ONLY one with a lampshade on his head... Those look suspiciously like Bandita bucket boots. Posh? Joanie? Inara? Shed the shade and FESS UP!

AC
P.S. Fedora, if you pop over to Romance Writers on the Journey, you'll get a nice surprise. :-)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx a bunch for the congrats, Nancy!

Studying in England had to be WONDERFUL!!! As for breaking that board with a well-placed kick, we here in the Lair know NOT to mess with you. Plus, is that a light sabre I see behind your back?!?!?!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

thanx for the good wishes, Arkiern!

I do believe we have a fresh batch of strawberry margaritas coming out of the blender RIGHT NOW!

Glad you liked the excerpt from TWS. I posted a different one last week on the Casablanca Authors blog. Plus if you'd like to read several more (though NOT page 157! HA!) you can join my Yahoo Groups newsletter.

Over HERE, Cabana Boys! My glass needs to be topped off!

AC

Cassondra said...

Woot, AC!

Snoopy Dancing here in Kentucky for you!

I've had the book on order forever. And it's STILL not in. I would have gotten the email from B&N if it were at the store. I usually want booksellers to keep to the release date, but this time I'm aggravated. WANT. IT. NOW.

Can't be much longer I guess (pout).

I've had a few dreams come true, fallen short of a few. I guess that's the way it is in life.

I'm so glad you kept swinging and didn't sit on the bench. This is the first in a long line of dreams come true, Baby!

Lars! Strawberry Margarita please. Joanie! Got any extra gladiators? I need somebody to peel some grapes over here!

Cassondra said...

And congrats on the rooster Flchen1!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

SQUEEEEEE!

I just received my first review on Amazon and it is 5 STARS!!! Terra from Yankee Romance Reviewers posted her terrific review of The Wild Sight!

Here's part of her review: "Our author has given us a story rich in history, Irish lingo, scary settings and fantastically imaginative other worldly characters that all interact with our hero and heroine with such ease that it's like putting on a pair of soft comfy slippers. A romance with punch. A cozy mystery that will make you think twice about going out in the dark. A storyline that will most certainly entertain you from the first page to the last and have you sputtering Irish words long after the book ends."

HUGE THANX AND A BIG MWAH to Terra!!!!!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

HUGS Cassondra!

The B&Ns around here don't have TWS in yet either! GRRRR! But you're right, I've waited this long, what's a few more days?!?!?!

Is that a LAMPSHADE behind your back? FESS UP now! Those grapes were already peeled and distilled now, weren't they?!?!

You and the other AYU Banditas will all have your dreams realized. I JUST KNOW IT! I'd say keep hanging in there, but the rest of us will not let you do otherwise! :-)

AC

Pat Cochran said...

"Happy Launch Day" to you, Aunty
Cindy!! I join all those in the Lair in wishing you the very best of felicitations on this special day!

Strawberry Margaritas, Yum!

My blessings include being honored
by our school district for 25 years
of volunteer work, two volunteer
awards named for me, getting to work with many great people espe-
cially Fran and Pam, got to meet
and marry my Honey, got to have
a wonderful family, and have met
a great group of persons online,
especially in the Lair and even
got to spend a day with the Golden
One!! Life is good!

Pat Cochran

Keira Soleore said...

Aunty's comin' to Seattle!! w00t! w00t! Who else's coming???????

Keira Soleore said...

I've said this before, but I want to be Louisa when I grow up. All that talent!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Congrats on the new release! The Wild Sight sounds great!

Joan said...

{Zoooooooooooooooooooooommmm...}

{Joanie slides around on her shield as she comes to a stop}

Sorry to be late, but the DDJ about DDid me in!

AC, I'm SO excited for your debut! I am looking for it at the first bookstore we sight on the way to Atlanta tomorrow! You know I love all thing things Irish TWS is tops on the list.

Oh, and I'm keeping Demetrius on a...er....short chain so to speak
:-) The Duchesse will have to wrangle him away now!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

OMG there is STILL partying going on here! FANTASTIC!

Annie, I'm afraid in all the excitement, I forgot to thank you for stopping by and congratulating me. And WONDERFUL that your fairy tale of publication came true too!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Pat,
May I just say AGAIN how glad we are to have you back in the Lair after that ugly Ike tried to run you out of town!

What some wonderful dreams you've had come true! Hubby, family, nice job and great co-workers... WTG! And I won't be surprised to see the GR back at your house before long. He LURVES to find those chocolate stashes!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Joanie!
I knew you were at the DDJ. Thank you so much for zooming in even for a few! And may I just say that is quite an attractive "leash" you've got on Demetrius. *AHEM*

Have a safe and fun trip to M&M in Atlanta!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Amy S.
Thanx for dropping by. I do believe there is still a full pitcher of margaritas. Just step carefully over the various Banditas and BBs in states of repose about the floor... *AHEM* (Aunty snaps her crop to wake up a couple of errant Cabana boys!)

A CLEAN glass for our guest, please!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

(Aunty steps carefully around the prostrate form of Lars, sprawled at Cassondra's feet, as she polishes her claymore.)

Keira Darling, as much as I want to head right up your way to secure my copy of TWS, I'm afraid the road trip needs to be postponed until we can sober up enough Cabana Boys to clean this place up!

Broken glass, discarded Tim Tam wrappers, empty liquor kegs... Just another Launch Party here in the Lair. The marimba band stumbles for the drawbridge humming Marisa's ditty about being "Young At Heart" while Sven and several Banditas gently snore.

THANK YOU EVERYONE for making this a WONDERFUL DAY for Yer Olde Aunty!

Unknown said...

Aunty said:

Aunty steps carefully around the prostrate form of Lars, sprawled at Cassondra's feet, as she polishes her claymore.)

A big fat sword in my hands and a hunky guy sprawled at my feet. Can there be a more perfect ending to a great day in the lair?

I think not. ;0)

Carol said...

So Sorry to miss a GREAT party Aunty Cindy...
Congratulations on your book Launch and a fairy tale come true!
I sorry too to have missed the Margaritas's
I'm looking forward to reading your book!
(though at the moment my bookreading has hit a treestump...and stalled to zilch!!! the TBR pile is gigantic!)

The best thing about books is that they still are there to be enjoyed...when we get to them! not like a perishable eh!

My DREAM (1) was to see my daughter and son have a great education...my DD has numbers after her name and my DS is thinking of getting some too!Though he already has a good career.
(2)And for them to be happy!

Cheers Carol

Joan said...

And may I just say that is quite an attractive "leash" you've got on Demetrius. *AHEM*

I know. It matches his eyes

VBG

Keli Gwyn said...

I'm so excited for you, Cindy. I hope your D-Day (Debut Day) was everything you hoped it would be.