I consider myself a fairly patient person. I don't mind waiting in long lines or at the doctor's office or in traffic. I don't get impatient for special days such as Christmas or my book release days mainly because I realize there's nothing I can do to make those days get here any faster so why bother? Even if I'm dying to see a new movie, I wait for it to come out on DVD (okay, this one is because with three kids to feed, I can't afford to go to the movies *g*)
But that's not to say I'm always patient (just ask my kids, they'll be happy to tattle on me) While I don't mind waiting for certain things, that doesn't necessarily mean I enjoy waiting either.
For instance, I've begun to wait until the entire season of my favorite TV shows are out on DVD to watch them just so I don't have a whole week between episodes. And I usually watch them as close to the newest season as possible just in case there are any cliff-hangers. That way I can find out how things are resolved a lot sooner :-)
I wish I could do this with book trilogies too. I'd love to be able to spend an entire weekend reading a favorite author's latest trilogy/series from start to finish but books are one area where my patience runs thin. As soon as I know a new release is out, I have to read it even if it means a torturous six month wait for the next installment.
Which brings me to my most recent - and flattering - brush with impatience. I was asked by Harlequin to write an online read for their website, eHarlequin. HIS PERFECT MATCH is a weekly online read meaning each Monday for eight weeks a new chapter will be posted to the website and so far, two chapters have been posted.
And after both chapters, some very lovely people have commented on how they can't wait for the next chapter! How cool is that? People are actually a bit impatient to read something I've written *g* I have to admit, it's very cool - but part of me just wants to send them the rest of the story so they don't have to wait - LOL!
What about you? What makes you impatient? Do you read a trilogy or series all at once or each book as soon as you can get your hands on it? Do cliff-hangers (in books, movies or TV) entice you? Or infuriate you? *g*
Prizes! Today I thought I'd try something different (and hopefully fun *g*) I'll be giving away copies of the winner's choice of either NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY or A NOT-SO-PERFECT PAST but there's a catch :-)
Four times throughout the day I’ll ask a question pertaining to the first two chapters of HIS PERFECT MATCH (yes, you have to read it, but don’t worry, it’s short *g*). The first person to post the correct answer wins! Easy, right? But you never know when I’ll ask a question so be sure to check back :-)
Just click here to read HIS PERFECT MATCH!
78 comments:
Yes, Beth! I'm extremely impatient. But I'm also harried, and forgetful. Sometimes if I have to wait too long between books, I'll forget things :X
Waiting for installments does drive me crazy though - and I did w/ the serials what you do with tv series. If/when I get the chance to read them at eharlequin, sometimes I wait until the whole thing is done, so I can read it in one go :)
I think I'm going to miss out on the questions during the day though :( but how EXCITED am I that a new hard drive was finally installed so I have my computer back! (My computer that was a replacement laptop that I've only had for ~2 wks... *shakes fist at Dell*)
Hey, Limecello, he's back with his favorite gal! Congratulations!
Beth, congratulations on getting picked for the Harlequin serial. Fantastic stuff! Actually I'm terrifically IM-patient although I'm getting better. I remember getting my runes read once (this sort of belongs in Tawny's woo-woo post) and the reader saying I was in this life to learn patience. I think he was right! Just think how long it took me to sell a book as an example!
Good luck to everyone entering the contest. I think this is a great idea, Beth!
Cograts limcello he is back home at his favourite spot have fun with him
Beth
I have been reading the story and am loving it so far I can't wait for the next intallment on Monday.
I too am a very patient person I love the build up to most things like Christmas and Easter (is just around the corner all the chocolate YAY.) As for TV shows I watch them as they are on and am always looking forward to the show especially at the end of a season where we have to wait months for the new season but I wait patiently I read books as they come out unless they are backlists that I have been getting, I do have a couple of sets of series here that I need to read and can read one after the other but I love reading books as they are releases so as I can talk about them around the blogs. I am really a patient person much to my families horror sometimes. LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Patient? Oh yes, I'm the soul of patience.
What? I heard that laughter. There's no need t snort, though.
*sigh* Okay, fine. I'm horribily impatient and naggy and annoying. (yes, Beth, I see you nodding). I admit, though, I do buy series books and hoard them to read all at once, but I see that as a sign of impatience becuase I know once I start reading I'll want to know how the series ends!!
Beth, I love love love this eHQ gig of yours. The story is SO fun (yes, everyone, I have inside info. I can be bribed, too)
Oooh, Limecello -congrats in the Rooster!!
For most things, I'm pretty patient. That does not include books by my favorite authors! Those I want right away. I do have a tendency to reread the previous books in a series right before the new one comes out - just to catch the excitement again.:D
How cool that you're doing that serial for Harlequin! I'll have to wait to read it when I get home from work. Enjoyable blog post!
Beth, I'm thrilled about A Not-So-Perfect Past--I've been eager for Dillon's story since NWHF--and I'm eager to read His Perfect Match, too! BUT... I'm a horrible, horrible person when it comes to serials--I haaaaate waiting for the next installment, so sometimes, I just wait until the whole thing is up and *then* read the whole shebang at once. I know that completely defeats the whole point of getting a little at a time, but I was never very good about self-regulating that way ;p I'll have to make an exception for HPM and head over to take a read now :D
Congrats on the GR, Limecello! The GR must have missed you something awful!
What a clever idea, Beth! I used to be the Queen of Impatience, but since I've gotten older, I'm not in such a hurry any more.
I hate waiting for the next book in my favorite series too and sometimes wait and read them all at once even if they've been written over a period of years. I did this with Anne Perry's William Monk series. When I had my open heart surgery I discovered Anne Perry -- love her writing -- and ordered them all and read them in the 3-month period I was convalescing. Saved my insanity, Ms. Perry did!
Bbeeeeeeeeeeeeethh!!! OK, I want that next chapter and I want it NOW! !!! I have to wait until next MONDAY?! Arrrrrrgh! And then long week upon long week after that before I get each delicious chapter???
This is exactly why it's so horribly painful to read serials! Aiyiyiyiyi...
BTW, I'm loving this story--I'm a huge sucker for the long-term-in-love-with-brother's-best-friend theme... If only the Mondays would get here more quickly ;) (On the plus side, there's a huge something to look forward to for the next six Mondays...)
Ahem - Fedora, I just want to say - DILLON is MINE!!!
Okay, now that's clear LOL, I can pay attention. Beth, I'm another one loving your online read. But, you're a wicked woman teasing us with those chapter endings! Waiting a whole week to read the next part is a killer!
As you might have guessed, I'm impatient, though I'm trying to learn the art of being patient.
I'm another one who prefers to buy series and wait until I can read or watch them in one go. Of course, having moved back to the UK, that's the only way I can watch some of my favourites.
Like Limecello, I often forget things if there's too long a wait. There are just too many books to read! Plus, I like to immerse myself in a series, kind of like paying them a visit.
I've got to the point too of saying to heck with the cost and forking out for the hard cover of my favourite authors. Who wants to wait a year?!
And I'm a glommer. If I find a new author, I often go and get their backlist and start reading from the beginning. It's so frustrating to find an author and realise the book you've bought is part of a series.
Which reminds me - note to authors. If your books are commented in any way - please make a point of telling us on your website! Allison Brennan does this really well, as does Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
I'm an anticipation junkie, so I don't mind waiting, in most instances. I savor the anticipation of Christmas-is-almost-here, and Man-what-will-they-do-on-Big-Love-next! The opposite of impatience, I think it must be!
I'm so excited to hear of your online read, Beth! I'm hopping right over there to read it. I have one coming out next month and I'm a relative newbie to all of this. I'm taking notes!
Ahem... Anna, I love you but I have to disagree.
Dillon is MINE!!
Uh oh - stilettos at dawn!
But, you have Johnny ... I'm hunkless at the moment *g*
So, that makes Dillon MINE!!
Smooches!
FIRST QUESTION
The opening of HIS PERFECT MATCH takes place during a wedding reception. Whose wedding was it?
Hint: They were in my first book, NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY :-)
The first person to post the correct answer wins. Good luck!
Jack and Kelsey
Yay, PJ! You're right, it's Jack and Kelsey's wedding *g*
Email me at beth@bethandrews.net with your snail mail info and let me know which book you'd like.
Thanks for playing :-)
I'll post another question and chance to win later today so I hope you'll all check back!
Good morning! Congrats on nabbing the GR, limecello! What are you two up to this first day of spring?
I'm forgetful too which sort of helps between books because then I 'forget' to be impatient for the next installment :-)
Yay on getting your new hard drive installed. Computer problems are the WORST!
Although I love my Dell computers I've been known to shake my fist at them a time or two as well *g*
I'm very patient about most things...except books. I am not patient about waiting for books! I love to read series but oh, how I suffer between those releases. Once time I tried to collect the books and not start reading them until the entire series had been published. How successful was I? Um, not. Not successful at all. I think I lasted until the second book. (hangs head in shame) What can I say? You reel me in, make me care about characters and I want to know what happens with them...NOW.
Beth, I'm counting the days until the release of A NOT SO PERFECT PAST and looking forward to each Monday so I can savor the next chapter of HIS PERFECT MATCH!
Uh oh - stilettos at dawn!
But, you have Johnny ... I'm hunkless at the moment *g*
*sigh* Well thats not fair. I wanted Dillon *pout*
Okay fine. I'll stick with Johnny. But only because I know I can't win against your triple straps, Anna!
Beth - have I mentioned that I love Rachel and Seth's story?
Anna, you are a wonderful example of not only patience but more importantly, perseverance. And maybe even the old adage of good things come to those who wait *g*
Except now all of us are left to wait IMPATIENTLY for your next book to come out ;-)
Helen, thank you so much for checking out the online read!
Right now I'm a bit impatient for Spring to arrive for real since we have a fresh dusting of snow on the ground *g* But I'm also looking forward to Easter and to the birth of my nephew. My sister is due at the end of this month but I keep thinking she's going to go early :-)
I'll admit, I'm very impatient to hold that new baby in my arms!
(yes, Beth, I see you nodding).
Eek! You can't really see me, can you? Not that I'd ever make a face at you or roll my eyes or nod in agreement to your impatience or anything *g*
And I think you have a great amount of patience! Not only do you put up with me but you patiently read and re-read and re-re-read my stories :-)
See, this is why I love you, Tawny - and because of that, I promise to share (Dillon, not the triple straps *g*).
Yay PJ on getting the first prize - lucky woman!
I agree with Tawny that Rachel and Seth are fab - that first scene at the wedding is wonderful!
Hi, Lara Lee! I'm the same way when it comes to new releases from my favorite authors. I've even been known to go to my local store three times in one day waiting for the new books to be put on the shelves so I can buy a certain story :-)
I'd say the excitement over reading an awesome new story more than makes up for being impatient *g*
Thanks, Beth! I woke up at just the right time this morning! :) Email is on the way!
Fedora, I'm the same way about reading serials and as I mentioned, series TV shows *g* Sometimes it's easier to wait to read or watch something when I know I'll get the whole (as you said *g*) shebang!
Beth, I'm blogging today at RNTV about favorite fictional "bad boys". I'd love to have you stop by and tell our readers about Dillon and his upcoming book.
That invitation extends to the rest of y'all too!
http://www.romancenovel.tv
Jo, I'm so glad you found a series to help get you through your recovery.
Don't you love discovering a new author's series? I discovered Johanna Lindsey's books when my son was a toddler. The first book of hers I read was the fourth in her Mallory series and I immediately bought the first three and raced through them :-)
BTW, I'm loving this story--I'm a huge sucker for the long-term-in-love-with-brother's-best-friend theme...
LOL - thank you so much, Fedora! I'm glad you like the story. I have to admit, I'm a huge fan of this particular theme as well and I had so much fun writing about Rachel and Seth :-)
I just want to say - DILLON is MINE!!!
LOL, Anna! I have a soft spot in my heart for Dillon as well. I do love a tortured hero *g*
And I'm a glommer. If I find a new author, I often go and get their backlist and start reading from the beginning.
I do this too! It's great when they're single title authors but when they're category authors, sometimes finding their backlist can be tricky. I was lucky to have started reading Suzanne Brockmann right around the time Harlequin began re-releasing her Tall, Dark and Dangerous series :-)
Hey, Deb! Congrats on your online read. Ooohh...something else to look forward to - and be impatient about *g* When does the first chapter go up?
Like you, I love the thrill of anticipation. Which is probably why I love romance so much. I adore the "Will they or won't they and if they do, WHEN will they?" aspect :-)
Uh oh - stilettos at dawn!
ROFL! Glad you two resolved this issue without bloodshed. Or worse, broken heels ;-)
Thanks, PJ, and congrats again on being our first winner today *g*
I was laughing as I read your post because like you, I once tried to wait until I had an entire trilogy to read the books but only lasted until book two was released.
Then I spent the day reading the first two stories :-)
Ahh...I love those days when there's nothing else to do but read *ggg*
Limecello, I just have one word ... AGAIN???
I am a very impatient reader when it comes to series books. I always want the next book out NOW !!!
Same thing with movies in a series.
And I definitely will go out and scarf up an author's entire backlist if I read one of their books and really like it.
On the other hand I have infinite patience when it comes to needlework of any kind. I am also patient with dogs that are terrified from trauma and take a while to come around.
I am very impatient with myself when it comes to my writing. I just can't seem to get the story on paper fast enough and when I get blocked I get FRUSTRATED and IMPATIENT!!
Beth - have I mentioned that I love Rachel and Seth's story?
Thanks, Tawny! Even though writing a story that short was really different for me, I had a lot of fun. Mostly because I just love Rachel and her determination that she and Seth belong together.
Whether he realizes it or not ;-)
I am very impatient with myself when it comes to my writing. I just can't seem to get the story on paper fast enough and when I get blocked I get FRUSTRATED and IMPATIENT!!
Oh, I'm the same way, Louisa! I was just saying something very similar to Tawny. I'm so excited about the story I'm working on but there was one sticking point, one are that I just couldn't figure out and it was driving me crazy!
Luckily, Tawny discovered what was missing so now I can get back to writing instead of pacing around my house waiting for an idea to hit me *g*
And I think you have patience just when you (and the dogs you help) need it most!
I am also patient with dogs that are terrified from trauma and take a while to come around.
Louisa, how very fortunate those dogs are to have you as their guardian angel.
SECOND QUESTION
Out of all the gifts Rachel received after finishing Med school, which gift does she tell Seth was her favorite?
You know the drill *g* First person to answer correctly wins!
Good morning, Beth!
I'm with you on the DVDs of TV shows. I waited until the Sopranos was a done deal before I even started so I didn't have to wait around for the next installment. We burned through all eight seasons in...um, let's see...a month of dedicated watching? It was some serious TV time but I still miss those characters.
Unfortunately, we burned through the first two seasons of LOST the same way, & now we're stuck watching in real time. But okay, it's worth it. That show has, granted, had some peaks & valleys, writing-wise, but this season is coming back gang busters. The time travel? Loves it!
Congrats on having your latest masterwork drawing such impatience! I'll have to zoom over to read it this morning!
Seth's gift of a fancy personalized engraved pen :)
He, Susan! I love zooming through an entire season of shows but you're right - the bad part about that is when the show is ongoing and you've caught up *g*
My youngest daughter has discovered The Mentalist (which I think is one of our Jo's favorites *g*) but since it's the first season and ongoing, she can't find the episodes from last fall and it's killing her *g* She's not as patient as her mama. She wants to watch all of the episodes RIGHT NOW :-)
Seth's gift of a fancy personalized engraved pen :)
Correct! Congrats, Fedora!
Send your info to me at: beth@bethandrews.net so I can get your prize out to you :-)
Thanks for playing!
Squee!! So excited, Beth!
Now I want to be patient and hold off on reading the rest of Rachel and Seth's story for the next month and a half, but since we've popped the bag open, so to speak, I'll be eagerly awaiting Mondays when I can have the next chip...
*sigh*
since we've popped the bag open, so to speak, I'll be eagerly awaiting Mondays when I can have the next chip...
Fedora, you've nailed it. That's exactly how I feel. A bag of Peanut M&M's can sit in my pantry for a year and I'll never be tempted but open that baby and I'm all over it. I can't stay away and guaranteed, it will be gone within a week. I'm the same way with books, especially those in a series. If I don't read the first book I'm fine. I can wait. But, read that first book and I can...not...stand...the wait!
Congrats on being today's second winner!
Limecello, he's back with you. Congrats.
PJ and Fedora, congratulations on winning Beth's book. I really like the way you're running this contest, Beth.
I'm impatient for most things. Uh-oh, you all knew that, right? Right. Like I'm impatient for Nationals to get there so I can see the Banditas and PJ in person again, I'm dying (gasping for breath) for the release of Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (two more weeks), I want it to be Friday night already so that my brother and sis-in-law will be here, and so on. For a series I'm really looking forward to reading, I couln't possibly wait to collect all the books and then read them; I read it when they're released and then huff-n-puff my way through the intervening time between releases.
Life's tough when you're Keira.
I often don't have any other choice but to be patient.
Beth, I am very impatient. I hate going to doctors offices because of the wait, you time should mean something too! I will read the books as they come out and then wish later I had waited, very impatient person.
Limecello, you've grabbed the rooster again! Congratulaqtions.
Beth, patience is not, never has been, and is unlikely ever to be my forte. I've never been to a restaurant I considered worth waiting more than 15 minutes for a table. I hate long lines. I can endure them, especially if I have nothing pressing and something to think about, but I try to avoid them if possible.
And I love watching TV series DVDs in huge bursts. I get a better feel for the writing, the story arc, and the way the plots are seeded that way.
I'd rather drive out of my way and keep moving than inch forward on the most direct route. If something ends on a cliffhanger, I hate waiting for the outcome.
BTW, congrats on the eHarlequin serial. That's fabulous.
I'm impatient. Period.
Right now for example, I'm waiting on an ammo shipment, and it's driving me bananas.
I've been following it via the UPS tracking thing, and drawing lines on a google map as it progresses.
I WANT IT NOW.
Ugh, I hate to wait. I'll wait if I must. But no, I do not enjoy it.
Fedora, you've nailed it. That's exactly how I feel. A bag of Peanut M&M's can sit in my pantry for a year and I'll never be tempted but open that baby and I'm all over it.
I'm the same way too, PJ *g* Sometimes giving into temptation only produces MORE temptation :-)
Life's tough when you're Keira.
LOL! Oh, Keira, I feel for you! I'm also so impatient for Nationals! Actually, as soon as I arrive home from one I can't wait until the next one so I can see everyone again *g*
Minna, I think patience is often a good thing to have - whether we have a choice or not *g*
But waiting for certain things is easier said than done!
Virginia, it can be frustrating to wait especially when we all have so many other things that need doing *g* The only time I get impatient is when the wait is longer than what I personally deem acceptable then I have to decide if I'm done waiting (and possibly giving up my appointment) or if I can stick it out :-)
Nancy, I'm very lucky that where we live (small town *g*) the traffic is very light and luckily, I enjoy being the car :-) I do get impatient to be stuck in traffic when I'm running late though - but of course, that's my own fault to begin with so what can I do? :-)
The only time I get really impatient is waiting for my kids to be done with one of their various sports' practices. If a coach says practice ends at a certain time then by golly, they'd better let the kids leave at that time. I can't tell you how many times practices have run over. Very frustrating.
p226, I do the tracking thing too -although minus the lines on the map *g* I get impatient when it says my package left our local hub (whether it's UPS or USPS) two days ago and I STILL haven't received it.
Hope you get your ammo soon :-)
I think that's the first time I've ever said that particular sentence!
Aunt Beth,
I am getting impatient for the new baby in the family to come! It is time for us to have a new nephew/cousin! See you next weekend!!!
Beth, let's not even talk about waiting on hold for customer "service." Aaagh!
I grew up in a small town that had virtually no traffic. I could ride my bike the mile or so from my folks' house to Main St. and might or might not see a car in motion along the way. Those days are gone in that town and, I suspect, most places. But learning to drive was a lot easier then!
Hi Beth! I'm pretty patient. Although, I don't think I could wait for my favorite tv shows to come out on dvd before watching them. I would watch them again! I do get a little impatient when I start a series and then find out the next book won't be out for a year. I hate that!
THIRD QUESTION
In the first chapter of HIS PERFECT MATCH Rachel waves at one of her old teachers. What class did Mr. Sampson teach?
First correct answer wins *g*
Hi, Blaire!
I'd like you all to meet one of my beautiful, brilliant nieces! One of the reasons I'm so excited about going to Nationals in DC is because I'll get to see Blaire and she's going to be my award's night date :-)
I hope your new baby cousin arrives before you visit home, Blaire!
Nancy, I have to admit I'm glad I get to teach my kids how to drive in a small town. I don't know how parents of teens in big cities do it. I'd be a nervous wreck *g*
No pun intended ;-)
What class did Mr. Sampson teach?
eighth-grade math
Christie, I think a big reason I can wait for my favorite shows to come out on DVD is because I'm sort of forgetful *g* I manage to 'forget' about them until I'm ready to watch the DVDs :-)
eighth-grade math
Right! Way to go, Minna! Just send your snail mail info to: beth@bethandrews.net
Thanks for playing!
There's one more chance to win so I hope you'll all check back later :-)
Woohoo! Thank you!
Beth
Holding new babies is just the best they are so beautiful.
I am getting a little impatient for the weather to cool down here I am well over the heat LOL.
Congrats to PJ Fedora and Minna
Have Fun
Helen
FOURTH QUESTION
Seth had to drive his mother home after she'd had one too many of what kind of mixed drink?
First person to post the correct answer wins!
Helen, I adore babies and I can't wait for my nephew to arrive.
And I've had enough of the cold weather. I want some warmth :-)
PJ, you can make an open bag of M&Ms last a whole week???
And yep, Beth, sometimes giving in just makes you want even more... isn't that just how it is?! ;) *only three more days until Monday*...
She had drunk too many Fuzzy Navels
Have Fun
Helen
*only three more days until Monday*...
LOL!
I can make a bag of peanut M&Ms last a week as long as I put them out of sight. Once I see them, I HAVE to have some :-)
She had drunk too many Fuzzy Navels
Correct! Congrats, Helen! Please send me your snail mail info: beth@bethandrews.net
Thanks for playing!
PJ, you can make an open bag of M&Ms last a whole week???
LOL! Regular M&M's? Yes. Peanut M&M's? Not a chance. Oh, and I'm talking about the one pound bags. The little bags? A couple minutes...maybe less. :)
"Oink Oink"
Oh, OK then--you and I could go through one of those massive three-pound bags then ;)
Thank you so much Beth I have sent an email I think I may be getting a little impatient for the next chapter LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Beth -- I followed the link but didn't see where to read your chapters. I saw the blurb for your book, though, and it sounded good. I just ordered it online, and your other book, too.
I'm looking forward to reading them!
Thanks for following the linke, Becke. The chapters are numbered (in small type so they're easy to miss *g*) in the middle of the page.
And thank you so much for ordering NWHF and ANSSP! I hope you enjoy them :-)
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