Reading
Writing
and Romance.
Oh, and celebrating!
You'll have to read to the end of this post to find out why we're celebrating.
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We Have Winners
Seekerville welcomed Heartsong Presents, author Debby Mayne on Tuesday to chat on "Breaking All the Rules." The winner of Debby's June release from Abingdon Press,Pretty is As Pretty Does is Carol Moncado.
Wednesday Love Inspired Suspense author Debby Giusti's blog post was, "Weaving the Inspirational Thread Into Our Stories." The winner for one of Debby's books is Valri. Congrats, Valri! Contact Seekerville with your snail mail address. Also let us which of Debby's books you'd like for your prize!
Readers don’t want to read a story, they want to feel it. Thursday, Thomas Nelson author Margaret Brownley discussed ways to touch your readers’ deepest emotions.The winner of of Waiting for Morning is Piper Huguley.
Firday, 2013 RITA finalist Robin Lee Hatcher joined us with "Creating Characters Who Breathe." Robin shared tips on how she discovers the inner workings of her characters, how she loves to watch them come to life and begin to tell her their stories. Winner of Heart of Gold is Megan Wilson. BTW the hero and heroine from Heart of Gold make a cameo appearance in her novella in A Bride for All Seasons.
Next Week In Seekerville
Monday:What's in your bag? You've been to a trade show, a conference, on vacation, a craft fair, or even to a family reunion, and your tote bag is overflowing with goodies. Pam Hillman shares practical tips on how to collect, organize, identify, and utilize your goodies while at the event and what to do with them when you arrive (exhausted) back home. Stop by and throw a few tips in the comment bag for a chance to win a tote of your own.
Tuesday: "The Exciting Process of Developing a Book Cover. " Today, Sandra Leesmith and Book Designer, Lena Goldfinch will share how book covers are formed in today's digital age.
Wednesday:Ruth Logan Herne and the retreat gang roll in on Wednesday to talk about their "Virtual Writers' Retreat", Stop by as we wrap up the 8-day virtual fun with why it's important to make time for your writing... whatever time of life you might be in. Ruthy's giving away free advice (as if we could stop her!!!) and books, so stop by, grab a cuppa and leave a comment to be entered.
Thursday: "In the Beginning." Today Love Inspired author Tina Radcliffe talks about the beginning of your manuscript. First sentence. First paragraph. First Page. If you're brave you could win a critique.
Friday: The July Contest Update and the Prize Vault is OPEN!! Stop by to meet the July Contest Diva.
Seeker Sightings
Mary Connealy will be speaking at the Clifton Park/Halfmoon Library on 6/28/2013 at 10:30 am. Clifton Park/Halfmoon Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065
Click here: http://toginet.com/podcasts/livinginspired/?s=livinginspired
Then click on: Living Inspired with the Collaborating Authors of A Bride for All Seasons 06-20-2013
Debby Giusti is blogging Tuesday on www.LoveInspiredAuthors.com with a patriotic shout out to our military men and women in uniform!
Random News & Information
A recent independent Seekerville survey has revealed that 90 % of all upcoming romantic heroes are in fact Henry Cavill. In our attempt to assist you with characterization we'd like to share this Henry Cavill interview.
CALLING ALL AUTHORS!
Are you an aspiring author? Perhaps an established author looking for a new publisher home? Then pay attention for your chance to score a contract with Prism Book Group!
Prism’s newest acquiring editor, Paula Mowery, will be accepting "pitches" online July 17th-19th. But first, follow her series of blogs about preparing your manuscript for submission so you'll be ready!
Paula is interested in obtaining inspirational romance of all genres. Read her bio at www.prismbookgroup.com/submissions
Paula will be blogging June 19th, June 26th, and July 3rd with great information on how to better your chances of receiving a contract. Then, July 17th-19th she will be accepting pitches. www.prismbookgroup.com/blog
Joan Alley
Owner/Editor-in-chief
Congratulations to the 2013 Genesis Contest Finalists!
Have you checked out the June 2013 issue of Book Fun Magazine?
Michael Hauge’s Key Story Questions for Novels (Story Mastery)
Are There More Authors Than Readers? (Kindle Review)
Fitzgerald, Stephen King Check Into Algonquin Hotel (PW)
What Sells a Book? (SPR)
How Self-Published Books Are Made: Start To Finish (PART I) (Part II) (Catherine, Caffeinated)
Are You Meeting Your Writing Goals? Try These Productivity Tips For Writers (The Creative Penn)
Coffitivity-Ambient Sounds to Jumpstart Your Creativity.
150 Resources to Help You Write Better, Faster, and More Persuasively (OEDB)
Entangled Publishing is looking for submissions for a winter holiday themed historical romance collection. Send in any winter themed holiday historical romance taking place from 900-1949 between 10,000-20,000 words. Deadline for submissions is July 15 and authors will be notified of acceptance by July 31. The Holiday Magic anthology will be released in late 2013 and will contain three to five authors. Find out more here. (Cindi Meyers Market News's Blog)
"I just sold a three book historical series to Kathy Davis at Heartsong Presents. They are set in the Great Depression. Book one is scheduled to release in March, 2014.
Poor Ken. Last Friday was HIS birthday, and I GOT A PRESENT. That was the day I found out that Melissa Endlich had said YES to the series. But he’s as thrilled as I am—and was even happier for me today when I told him my contract had arrived. And the kids are just as thrilled. It’s wonderful to have such support from my family." -Helen Gray
 |
| Helen Toots Her Own Horn! |
That's it! Have a great Weekend !
Ain't it a hoot!!!
ReplyDeleteA hoot and a toot!!
Extra coffee portions to go around.
Helen
TAKE THAT APRON OFF. This weekend WE SERVE YOU!!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!!
TWO BOOK CONTRACT!!! WOOT!!!!
THREE book contract. :)
ReplyDeleteYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! So glad this is public! Had to bite my tongue while at lunch with Cindy today!
ReplyDeleteSOOOOOOOOOOSOOOOOOOOOOSOOOOOOOO excited for you Helen!!!!!
Plus I won a book! WOOHOO!
Congrats, Helen! Great tootin'!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol.
ReplyDeleteHope to see you next month.
Thanks, Valerie
ReplyDeleteWhoop!! Whoop!! Congratulations, Helen!! That is awesome!!! Can't wait to hear about your series.
ReplyDelete...my mom plays the trumpet, too. :)
Congrats Genesis Finalists!!!
Thanks, Natalie. I still play it occasionally.
ReplyDeleteAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHELEN I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
A HORN ISN'T ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
YOU DESERVE A BRASS BAND!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS, HELEN!!!!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR THIS!!!!
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Seriously, Helen you are an example to us all with your perseverance and hard work and writing writing writing!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe're so proud to have you hanging out with us on Seekerville and letting us party with you over this fantastic and well-deserved success.
HIP, HIP, HOORAY! HELEN!
ReplyDeleteSo. Happy. For. You!
I just finished listening to the radio interview with Mary, Debra, Robin, and Margaret. So fun! Loved being able put voices to names and faces.
OOPS..sorry. THREE BOOK CONTRACT!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMary, I love having this place to hang out. And you guys have been so gracious to me at conferences. I love you all.
ReplyDeleteYeah Helen!
ReplyDelete/
|
/|
_______I_I_I_________/ |
D====/ ____________________ | - -
|| __| | | |___ || \ |
\\__[_=|_[[|_|==_]_// \|
\_________________/ | \
= = =
Thank you, Clari. :)
ReplyDeleteArgh, my trumpet art got all messed up.
ReplyDeleteBut it's the thought that counts, right?
Melissa!! Am I supposed to be able to read that???
ReplyDeleteI was trying to get one of these to show up.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ascii-art.de/ascii/t/trumpet.txt
I failed.
Ahh, I get it. But the thought came through loud and clear. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Helen!
ReplyDeleteHELEN!!!!
ReplyDeleteChocolate AND coffee coming your way! Congratulations!
Terrific WE, Tina!!! :)
YES! Helen, no one deserves it more. Congratulations!
ReplyDeletePeace, Julie who is jumping up and down for joy.
PS. I can't wait to preorder your books. Love the era!
ReplyDeleteOh, Helen!!!! Awesome news! Looks like our books will be releasing the same month!
ReplyDeleteLooks to be a great week coming up. I still need to catch up on last week's posts.
Happy, happy, happy. :)
HELEN!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Wow. WOW!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Helen!! A three book contract is super exciting - enjoy celebrating :)
ReplyDeleteHELEN!!!!!! HUZZAHHHH!!!! HOOOORRRRAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU, AND SO STINKIN' EXCITED!!!!! KID, WE'RE WORKING TOGETHER NOW!!!!
ReplyDeleteOH HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!
THE SKIES ARE GONNA' CLEAR AGAIN!
LET'S SING A SONG OF CHEER AGAIN!
HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!!!!
Party!!!!! I'm got mimosas! And cheese danish, with cinnamon crunch topping. I'll thaw shrimp!
We can't celebrate leaving the Island without some fresh shrimp, right??????
I'm so happy I could bust a gusset.
I don't own a gusset, but I'd bust it for you, Helen!!!!!
Wow, Helen!!!! That is AMAZING news :) SOOOOOO, so, so, so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Helen. I'm so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteI know our husbands make sacrifices on this journey with us, and I'm sure that was the best birthday Ken could have gotten.
Again, congrats!
HELEN!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!! And three books!!!!! Wowzers!!!
ReplyDeleteWait...does that mean Seekerville has to find someone else to do coffee duty? I mean, now that Helen's published and all, she won't want to risk scalding her precious fingers. They're worth a fortune now!
I just saw Helen's news on FB (YEs, I know. I went there first... what was I thinking?)
ReplyDeleteAnd jumped over here to join the party that I knew would be rocking!!!
THREE BOOKS! love it.
Helen are you going to ACFW Conf?
Tina - awesome links to play with later (I will make them part of a reward system ... today's CARROT)
And I am happy to say no current Henry Cavill heroes in my laptop or head. But oh my I certainly can see why.
Do you remember our Pinterest Post (I won the Pinterest Savvy Book). I haven't done much new on there but my A FACE FOR FICTION page is always busy with visitors and pinners.
Oops...forgot to say that Seekerville never ceases to amaze and educate me. I'd never heard of Henry Cavill before Seekerville. I know, what rock am I living under? Anyway -- I get it now. :-) And did you hear he has four brothers?????????? Thud!
ReplyDeleteOh my Henry Cavill Stars.
ReplyDeleteOh my Henry Cavill Stars!!!!
OH MY HENRY CAVILL STARS!!!!
You want to talk enchanting????
Henry Cavill
Oh. My. Stars.
Congratulations! Helen, you must be walking on air!:-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your success!
Helen!!!! WOOO-HOOOO!!! I am sooo happy for you! Congratulations on your three book contract!!!! Rejoicing with you!!! And yes, this does deserve LOTS of exclamation points!
ReplyDeleteHelen, congrats to you!!! I was so excited when I saw this on Facebook that I nearly scrolled past the place where I had won! SO excited for you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd go 20th century historical fiction! You are letting everyone know we are here. Can't wait to read them!
Piper
Congrats to all the winners, finalists, etc. What a way to end the week!
MEGA CONGRATULATIONS, HELEN!! What fabulous, fabulous news! Can you tell us a bit more about the series--where it's set? What the first book is about!?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terri.
ReplyDeleteMay and KC, thanks for helping with the coffee.
ReplyDeleteJulie HS:
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement. You're always there!
Christina, that's awesome. We'll have to party together.
ReplyDeleteNancy, thanks for the WOW!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Narelle. I'm have fun.
ReplyDeleteRuthy, please notice that I'm up early (for me) to return to the party.
ReplyDeleteThanks for always being there for me.
Thanks, Annie.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jackie.
ReplyDeleteKav, I'm still on duty.
ReplyDeleteExcept Tine said I don't have to work today.
HELEN!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
The 'waiting' is over and it's time to celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!!!
Tell us more about your books! Are they set in Missouri????
I am SOOOOOOOOO very happy for you my friend.
Wishing you much success.
Debra, I haven't registered yet but I'm planning to go to conference. In the past I've registered almost as soon as it was possible. But this year I put it off. If this deal had fallen through I had decided I would be too "down" to go. I still have this fear that it'll fall through. :(
ReplyDeleteBut now that the contract has arrived I'm making plans to get there.
The idea right now is to hook up with the Springfield group and road trip with them again.
Thanks, Mary. One minute I'm walking on air. The next I'm thinking, "Is this for real?"
ReplyDeleteJeanne, thanks. Just goes to prove there's a place for those exclamation points!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePiper, didn't mean to distract. But thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteSuper congrats, Helen!!!! So proud of you....looking forward to reading those books!!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~~
Thanks, Glynna.
ReplyDeleteThe series is set in my Missouri Ozarks in the Great Depression. In book one, Ozark Courtship, Callie Blake’s life is turned upside down when her brother is shot—and she knows it should have been her. Born into poverty, she loves her family and has accepted that her lot is to help them. After witnessing a gangster killing in the city, she fled back home to escape the killer. An unexpected protector materializes in the form of Trace Gentry, the hero of her childhood adoration.
Trace Gentry feels protective of Callie—and more. But he dare not risk losing someone else he loves. Can a simple country girl and the proud businessman learn to let God provide their needs—and direct their hearts?
Thank you, Jackie Smith.
ReplyDeleteRose!!!
ReplyDeleteYep, they're in Missouri. I described book one for Glynna, so won't repeat.
Book 2 is to release in June, book 3 in September.
Thanks for always being there.
Helen!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing a Ruthy grin up here in the Black Hills! I KNEW you could do it! I KNEW it would happen soon!
And a THREE book deal on top of that!!!
You must be floating on air :)
What a fun year it will be! Every few months a new Helen Gray book.
Yay, Helen!!! I just saw the news on facebook! I'm so happy for you!!! So exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteYou know, Henry Cavill definitely gets a part in the new Pride and Prejudice I'm begging someone to make. I want another P&P using the same script as the one with Colin Firth. I need a new one because I've watched that one so many times, I think it needs fresh blood. I think Henry Cavill should play Mr. Darcy, but he would also make a good Wickham or Bingley. What do you think?
Jan, like the Ruthy grin.
ReplyDeleteOne minute I'm floating on air, the next I'm wondering if this is real.
It's been a l-o-o-o-ng ride.
Thanks, Melanie. Will you be in Indy in September?
ReplyDeleteHelen, you sweet lady. Always putting the coffee on and I'll bet always serving others. CONTRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe series sounds great. I'm ready to pre-order.
Congrats to all the winners this week, especially CP Piper.
YAY HELEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREE-BOOK CONTRACT!!! FOR YOUR FIRST SALE!!!
ReplyDeleteNever heard a better reason for tooting your own horn!! Delighted for you! Happy dancing in the Hoosier State!!!
Janet
Wonderful Weekend Edition, Tina! Remember the fabulous author party at The Algonquin Hotel when the RWA conference was in NYC? Wow, we treaded on writerly ground. A night's stay in the Simon and Schuster suite would be a kick!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners!
Helen, thanks for the coffee. I brought my favorite apple fritters to celebrate you sale!
Janet
Thanks, Elaine.
ReplyDeleteSnickering here. I've been a pastor's wife for 49 years, but I've never drank a cup of coffee. Don't like it.
Thanks, Janet. PASS ME A FRITTER.
ReplyDeleteHelen, how long has your ride to publication been? Tell the details!
ReplyDeleteJanet
YAY HELEN !!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, dear COFFEE LADY and AUTHOR!!! And Tina is right--we serve YOU this weekend!! (In honor of your AWESOME news I've gotten carried away and baked Peach Muffins, Peach Pancakes, and Georgia Pecan Waffles---all served with warm butter and syrup for the p'cakes and waffles). ENJOY!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the photo of you with the horn! My Mama played a trumpet as a teen, and played it when she marched in the Atlanta parade for the premiere of GONE WITH THE WIND!! (I always thought that was SO cool that Mama was there to celebrate that classic!).
Sending many hugs to Helen and all of Seekerville. Happy Weekend!
More hugs, Patti Jo :)
Janet, I started writing back in the 80's, when my kids were in elementary and junior high school. I accumulated a lot of rejections and near misses, and life got fuller and fuller. I finally put the manuscripts away.
ReplyDeleteAbout ten years later I retired and began again. That was about 6 years ago.
Yay For Helen.!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch great news to hear. Every writer longs for a contract but a THREE BOOK DEAL?????
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Bridgett.
ReplyDeleteToot, toot, toot!!!
HELEN HELEN HELEN!!!! JUMPING UP AND DOWN FOR YOU!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Grab my hand, Myra. We'll jump together!
ReplyDeleteHEEEEELLLLLLLLLEEEEEEENNNNNNNNN!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHOLY FREAKIN' COW ... YOUR FIRSTS SALE!!! And not just ANY sale ... but a THREE-BOOK SALE!!!!
HOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYY COW!!!!!
We are SO excited for you, my friend, and soooooooo proud of you too!!
But, uh ... does this new gig mean you no longer do coffee?????
See??? God has honored you because you've done coffee for Seekerville all these years and you don't even like the stuff!!!! That's self sacrifice at it's most aromatic, my friend, and the payoff won't be in coffee beans, I can tell you that!!
Hugs!!!
Julie
CatMom:
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the Georgia goodies.
I still play the trumpet in church on occasion. You know who always seem to make the comments about liking it? The men!!
Oh HELEN! So VERY excited for you!!!
ReplyDeleteHelennnnn!! Not one but 3! That is terrific!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to swoop the first one off the shelf at my local Walmart!
Thanks for sharing my excitement, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna.
ReplyDeleteWe have a little Walmart here in our little town, but they don't carry the category lines. Grrr
I rely heavily on Amazon.
Helen, I'm not sure if I'll be in Indy or not, but if I'm there, I want a hug from you!!! Or rather, I'll give YOU a hug for your wonderful and well-deserved accomplishment! :-)
ReplyDeleteHat trick!
ReplyDeleteHat Trick!
Hat Trick!
One of the greatest achievements in Sports!
♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♪♫♫♫♪♫
Hear the joyful toot that will even call Gabriel to attention!
Oh, When those Heartsongs
go marching in
you’re gonna love reading
those numbers
when those Heartsongs
go marching in!
CONGRATS X THREE!!!
Oh, Helen, I love the gangster idea. A few years ago I stayed at an old, old hotel called The Elms at Excelsior Springs, Mo. Al Capone, Pretty Boy Floyd, Bugsy Moran all stayed there. There was even a speak-easy (SO COOL)! Harry Truman stayed there often too. Last I was there they still had the old elevators. There were also rumors of the hotel being haunted by some of the people who died when the hotel caught fire. Supposedly there is an Elvis impersonator who haunts the halls too, and someone who was shot and killed in the ballroom is supposed to be dancing around. It's a beautiful old hotel that obviously inspires the creative mind. :)
ReplyDeleteHelen, just read your fantastic news on the ACFW loop. Trumpet is my fav instrument. I'm thrilled for you. Your journey to publication is an inspiration. God Bless. Happy weekend to everyone. And thanks for the weekend edition, Tina.
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is the best news yet! SO HAPPY FOR HELEN!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis just perked up my whole weekend.
Congrats, Helen. Savor every moment of joy! You deserve it!!
Congrats to all the other winners as well!
Cheers,
Sue
I'm so excited to be the winner of Debby's book! I sent my info to the email listed! I hope it was the right one! YAY! I love Debby's books! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteWhoo-hoo!!! What a PARTEE!!!
ReplyDeleteHELEN step AWAY from the coffee pot. You are the guest of honor today!!!
I'm grilling burgers here for EVERYONE. Better grab one quick before my cowboys finish working cows because they'll gobble 'em up faster than you can say get along little dogies!
YAY HELEN! Dancing in the Wisconsin Dells for you this morning! A three booker! That ROCKS! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHELEN'S PARTY RAGES ON!!!!!
I'm so excited and happy for you, Helen!!!!!!!!!
ANYBODY IN THE ALBANY NY AREA!
ReplyDeleteTake note of the appearance I've got scheduled at the Clifton Park, NY library. Details in the weekend edition.
Next Thursday.
Congrats, Kathy! Looking forward to reading your series!
ReplyDeleteIs Melissa Endlich also an editor for Heartsong Presents? You'd mentioned both Kathy Davis and Melissa Endlich and I wasn't sure if Heartsong had two editors.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/
Wow, Helen! I'm so proud of you for hanging in!!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Mary, listened to the podcast for A Bride for all Seasons! You were a delight! All the authors were inspiring and the stories sounded like great fun. Can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Obviously this is a busy party. I brought reinforcements. FOOD. Coconut shrimp, pineapple pomegranate fruit salad and coconut cake.
ReplyDeleteAlong with more pitchers of lemonade.
Captain Jack has promised to make an appearance this weekend too.
Congratulations, Helen! So happy for you!
ReplyDeleteOooh, Helen! "Ozark Courtship" sounds so good! Definitely a story I'll want to read! Having grown up with my grandparents remembrances of the Depression years, it's always been an era that interests me. And having been mostly raised in Missouri, I LOVE the Ozark country! Can't wait for these books to come out!
ReplyDeleteDo you have all three completed?
Helen!!! That is fantastic news and a very interesting time! Congratulation to all! Thanks for the WE. All looks great next week, too.
ReplyDeleteBig congrats to Helen! May it be the first of many contracts!
ReplyDeleteHELEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A THREE BOOK CONTRACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BE STILL, MY SEEKERVILLE HEART!!!!!!
THREE BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
How wonderful!!!
Do I have the dates right? All three books will come out next year? Absolutely fantastic!
Have you completed all of them?
Okay, we want details. Tell us about your "CALL!" Pretty please!!!
Raising my Diet Coke in your honor.
I brought gallons and gallons and gallons of ice cream with lots of toppings so everyone can make their own Ice Cream Sundaes! Enjoy!!!
Helium ballons!
Why, by golly, do I hear a Brass Band playing in the distance?
It's time for the Seekerville parade to celebrate Helen's mega THREE BOOK success!!!
Waving to Valri!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you won.
Pat Jeanne:
ReplyDeleteHappy to see you hear. The trumpet is my number 2 instrument. Piano outranks it. And I' better at it. :)
Sue Anne:
ReplyDeleteAfter waiting so long, I think I'm dreaming.
Cecelia:
ReplyDeleteMelissa is Kathy's boss.
Christina,
ReplyDeleteLet's have a Seekerville retreat at the Elms. How fun would that be! :)
Julie Lessman:
ReplyDeleteI'm told I don't have to do coffee TODAY. But I'll be back on duty next week.
If you ever need a cup here in Missouri, I guess we could meet halfway for one. We're only about 100 miles apart.
Vince:
ReplyDeleteA lot of my books have musical threads in them. The graphics are appropriate!
Christina:
ReplyDeleteThese Missouri hills were full of stills and bootlegging back then.
Lyndee, thanks from Missouri to Wisconsin.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, thanks much.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGlynna:
ReplyDeleteGlynna:
All three books are completed and submitted. Book two is Ozark Schoolmarm, and book three is Ozark Power. But, even though it has not been mentioned, I know that titles often get changed.
Sherida, thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rose. Yes, may it be. :)
ReplyDeleteDebby:
ReplyDeleteThey're all completed and all supposed to come out next year. March, June, and September are what I've been told.
Didn't got a call. It was all e-mail.
And when the contract came, I didn't react at all, because I didn't recognize the name on it. Kathy gave me the YES on the 7th, but the contract came from headquarters Wednesday.
Aw, Helen! :)
ReplyDeleteYou almost made me blush. Or get sick, just a little.
I'm still happy dancing here at the ranch and soon back home in Hilton where the Blodgett clan will gather.
I have food and a water slide. They won't care about a dirty/messy house will they????
Naw.
Helen, I can't wait to read these. I'm just giggling with delight that the islanders are moving on and making way for new islanders, some of which we had at retreat this past week!
WAVING HYSTERICALLY, RETREATERS!!!!
I've had more roast lamb this week than I've had in ten years and LOVED IT!!!!
I am stopping and staring at this line:
ALL THREE BOOKS ARE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED
Let me repeat that in case any newbies here missed it. Helen, can you use your horn to announce this part, please????
ALL THREE BOOKS ARE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED.
Well.
Well.
Well.
Now I'm beaming, beaming, beaming because when all else fails, write.
Write, write, write, then write some more.
Helen, my friend, you are an editor's dream and I'm hugging you AGAIN.
And just grinning!!!!!!
Hey, the fried shrimp platter is ready and there's a fresh sushi platter, too!!!
Dig in, peeps, it's a party!!!!
I love this SO MUCH!!!
ReplyDeleteHelen!!!!
Who said the 3 book opening act couldn't be done??? WHO????
And you did it. So awesome! I just love trailblazers. You rock... with a trumpet!!
Ruthy,
ReplyDeleteI fell off the contest wagon back in the fall. I was too busy getting these proposals, and then complete manuscripts, done to deal with contests. And why do contests when a contract is beckoning? Luring? Drawing? Pushing me to stay on target.
P.S Echoing Debra who said she came over from FB. I saw about three separate threads on Helen's new contract and wondered if everybody was over here, TOO!
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw this on FB this morning, I teared up. How many times have I seen you as the first commenter here, bringing coffee?
How many times did Helen give Kudos to someone's great news?
How many days did Helen says she was writing, editing, revising?
Too many to count. All that perseverance just makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.
This writing gig is... well, only the TOUGH COOKIES need apply.
Well done! I'm still all goose-pimply.
Ruthy,
ReplyDeleteI'm finding similarities in our approach to things.
I like to work ahead.
I plod along.
However, I'm a plotter.
A plodding plotter.
Virginia,
ReplyDeleteYep, trumpet.
Right now I'm tootin' my own horn.
But sometimes I don't do something well and just blow it!
Awww, Virginia.
ReplyDeleteNow you got me tearing up.
Helen! Congrats again! So sorry I called you Kathy in my earlier congrats! I'd sent an earlier email to someone named Kathy, so, my old brain hadn't "clicked" to your name! Forgive me, and congrats!
ReplyDelete~Cecelia Dowdy~
A call came from across the raging seas...
ReplyDeleteA call I have anticipated for many months. That my lovely Helen, possibly a descendent of that other Helen, brave and true, has become a mainland woman...
A contracted author.
A gentle woman of great renown.
And good with a coffee maker.
I will be barista for this gathering of authors... and I am available to help in many ways.
Shrimp? I can bread and fry shrimp with the best of them.
Sushi?
Pretend I'm Japanese, I am that good.
Baklava?
I am Romanian and Greek for the day.
Stew?
My Irish ancestry is proud to call me theirs!!!
But for tonight let us gather 'round the luau fire, dance and be merry. I believe I saw Mary with a young cow...
Delicious!
Mary, not the cow, but in good time she will be lovely as well.
The cow this time.
Is there a spot of rum? For the cake, of course.
For the cake.
Jack is here.
Let the games begin!
Ahoy, Jack
ReplyDeleteWhen are you going to get around to penning a novel of your adventures?
Helen, I'm just tickled pink for you!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Clari, wasn't that fun? Debbie definitely has a southern twang compared to the others! Gotta love that Texas accent. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a party. I had to explain to Man O who Jack was....I was over here laughing so hard. Eh, hmmm.
ReplyDeleteHelen, you know this means a guest appearance on Seekerville and your name in lights on Broadway or at least on a Facebook cover photo?
I just love the fact all three books are submitted and you get to have fun and enjoy the ride.
Peace, Julie
Hi Missy. Toot, toot, toot!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I just submitted a round of edits yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI feel kind of strange now that I'm not in the midst of a project. A GOOD kind of strange.
Got a new project in very beginning stages, though. Mostly research and plotting at this point.
Wahooo!!!! Congratulations Helen! SOOO excited for you!
ReplyDeleteYou oughta do a seekerville post on how to get a HAT TRICK! :D
way to go Helen I am so happy for you and would love to feature you on my blog closer to release date if you are willing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, VisionWriter.
ReplyDeleteHold onto your hat. A post just might materialize.
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
That would be great. The first book isn't due out until March, though.
Thats ok Helen I like to get in early!
ReplyDeleteThis hat trick?
ReplyDeleteWhat is this you say? I have a few tricks.
Savvy???
Some are, well... trickier than others.
Helen, a toast to you! (The toast would have more zest with a bit of rum. What say you, Seekers? Might we have a dram or two?)
And I do believe Tina's coconut cake is missing... Does that mean her scoundrel of a husband has her too busy to BAKE????
Let us hope not!
Although rum cake is nice too. I'd fancy a piece of that right about now.
Helen, darlin', come closer... Let me help you with that horn, dear girl!
I brought that cake earlier Jack. You missed it in the comments.
ReplyDeleteSadly, YOU MISSED THE ENTIRE CAKE.
It went well with Pineapple rum free smoothies.
Congrats, Helen!!! Absolutely LOVE that photo. So happy for you!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks Tina for a great WE, as usual!
Thank you, Anne, on both counts. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Helen! This is WONDERFUL news!
ReplyDeleteWOWEEE!!! Congrats, Helen!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erica. Now I'm nervous, wondering how in the world I'll handle whatever is to come. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pepper. Your day has to be close.
ReplyDeleteHelen! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYYYYYY!! I'm jumping up and down AND trying to type!
ReplyDeleteThis has been so long in the making, I'm so excited they scooped up THREE books at once.
Celebrating with song and dance out here in Colorado!!!
Go get'em, girlfriend!!!!!
HELEN !!!! A three book deal ... Fantastic news! Wow, double wow, and triple wow. May you enjoy every moment of this new adventure.
ReplyDeleteCongratsnto the winners. And thanks, Tina, for the link to the 150 sources. Gadzooks.
Nancy C
Hey, Audra. Just got in from church. All your jumping is making me dizzy.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!!
Thanks Nancy C. An adventure is right. I'm holding my breath for whatever is coming next.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks Anne Barton for the kind words on the WE Ed.
ReplyDeleteHI HELEN, So happy to hear your terrific news.
ReplyDeleteYAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Happy dancing for you.
You look cute tooting your horn btw.
Did Jack leave any cake? Sure would love to save a piece to have with Helen's famous coffee in the morning.
ReplyDeleteStill happy dancing. Congrats again.
Hi, Sandra. Toot, toot, toot.
ReplyDeleteNow I need you guys to hold my hand through the next stages.
Nice job, Helen! I'm so happy for you! What wonderful news! I love your picture!
ReplyDelete