Not only does Seekerville turn SIX this month, but we also hit the mile-marker of ONE MILLION PAGE VIEWS on Thursday. See if you were a swag winner here. Please claim your prize!
The birthday celebration continues, and we invite you to join the celebration October 1-31. We blog daily during our birthday month, so don't miss a day. We have daily presents, and weekly presents, and a final big birthday extravaganza giveaway. All to give back to our Villagers; to say thank you.
Nothing is required except your presence and a comment.* Every time you comment* your name goes in the drawing. This is not the time to lurk.
Week 3 Winner is Melanie Dickerson.
We Have Winners
Contact us at our email address if you are a winner. If you haven't received your prize in 8 weeks, per our legal page, drop us a line (we get busy with writing books and do forget). Please remember we don't contact winners -so please contact us at seekers at seekerville dot net
Do you type The End on the first draft of your manuscript and then live in dread of looking at it again? Love Inspired author, and 2013 RITA© finalist, Missy Tippens shared what she's learned since leaving the island with "A Pantser Turned Plotter Learns to Love Revising," on Monday. The winner of a mentoring package is Courtney Faith!
Two-time Christy Award finalist, and Carol Award winner, Melanie Dickerson returned on Tuesday with, "How to Put Your Own Twist on a Classic Story!" The winner of her giveaway of The Captive Maiden is Jennifer Hall.
Wednesday Love Inspired Suspense author and Seeker, Debby Giusti invited everyone to join her when she blogs about: "Fishing and Looking Back Over the Last Six Years!" Her post netted two winners. Kathy Bailey won the Writer's Journal, 2014 18-month Perfect Planner and a copy of Debby's latest release, The Soldier's Sister. Debby's second winner won a 30 minute phone mentoring chat and that prize goes to Sally! Congratulations to both winners, and remember to keep fishing!
Love Inspired Historical author Clari Dees is our guest on Thursday, with her post, "Five Things I'm Thankful I Knew Before I Left The Island." Winner of The Marshal Meets His Match is Heidi.
Friday Cheryl St.John visited to talk about "Preparing Yourself for Success: Gaining Confidence" and how that led to writing her first non-fiction book: Writing With Emotion, Tension, and Conflict: Techniques for Crafting an Expressive and Compelling Novel. The winner of a Kindle version of Land of Dreams is Piper Huguley.
Saturday: Love Inspired Historical author, Jan Drexler stops by today. She's talking about "Keeping Calm and Carrying On." Winner of a French Press and roasted cocoa beans to enjoy while reading the free copy of her debut novel The Prodigal Son Returns is Linda Finn.
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| Check out all the prizes here. |
Next Week In Seekerville
Monday:Join Seeker and Love Inspired Historical author Janet Dean as she shares what’s she’s learned since leaving the island in her post “What I’ve Learned Writing for Love Inspired.” Janet will give away one of her books—eBook or print—to a reader, winner’s choice. And for an aspiring writer, she will give a phone chat and first chapter critique.
Tuesday:Mark your calendars for Oct 22, 2013 when Publishers Weekly Contributing Editor Barbara Vey guest blogs on Seekerville. Barbara will share details of her "Speech at Oxford...England!" Debby Giusti hosts and is giving away an open ticket to Barbara's Reader Appreciation Luncheon, April 26, 2014 in Milwaukee, WI, with keynote speaker, Debbie Macomber. Check your schedules to see if you can attend the luncheon and want to be entered in the drawing for the luncheon registration. (Any other expenses, including travel costs and hotel are the winner's responsibility.) Arrive on Friday, April 25, 2014 for the mix and mingle with more than 40 of your favorite authors, including Debbie M. More details at: http://www.barbaraveyreaders.com/
Wednesday: Today Seekerville is delighted to welcome back our good friend, Keli Gwyn with her post, "5 Reasons Book Reviewers Rock." Stop by to chat and you might win a copy of A Bride Opens Shop!
Thursday:Need help fleshing out characters? Building your plot? On Thursday, Myra Johnson tells us "What I learned about brainstorming after leaving the island." Chime in with your comments and you could win The Writer's Brainstorming Kit, by Pam McCutcheon and Michael Waite.
Friday:Debut, Love Inspired Historical author, Christina Rich is our special guest today with her post, "First Lines, Great Beginnings." She's even generously giving away two 5 page critiques. Don't miss it!
Saturday:How do we know when we've become successful writers? What yardstick should we use--bestseller lists? Royalty statements? Literary awards? Join award-winning author Lynn Austin as she shares some of her thoughts on achieving and measuring success. Lynn will be giving away a copy of her latest book, Return to Me, so you don't want to miss this exciting post from one of the Christian Fiction industry's most beloved icons.
Seeker Sightings
DO share you own news and sightings in the comments during the Weekend Edition. And we welcome you to share your news (releases, contest finals and wins, book sales or free days, etc.) on our Facebook Page!
Pam Hillman is delighted to announce that Claiming Mariah (Tyndale House) is an EPIC FINALIST! in the Historical Romance Category
On Wednesday, October 23, Myra Johnson is the featured author for the Spartanburg, SC, County Public Library Local Author Series. Myra will be on hand from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to chat with library patrons and autograph books, including her latest release, When the Clouds Roll By. A portion of book sale proceeds will be donated to the Military Chaplains Association of the USA.
Tina Russo Radcliffe is baking in the Yankee Belle Cafe, on Friday, October 25th. You don't want to miss this!
And if you've been tempted to read an excerpt of The Rosetti Curse, Tina's August, indie release, now's your chance. Check it out here at the My Story, My Way: An Indie Adventure Blog.
October 20-23, 2013: Join Julie Lessman on the Christian Fiction Historical Society's blog and win your choice of her books! Find the link here.
For the first time, Stuck Together Book #3 in the Trouble in Texas Series by Mary Connealy is available for pre-order. It releases June 14th, 2014 and has just made it's first appearance for sale on Amazon. Preorder it HERE.
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| Grand prize announced November 2. Have you checked the winner list here? |
Random News & Information
Congratulations to the SYTYCW TOP 50 Finalists!!! (Let us know if you were a finalist!)
Bumps in the Road (Maisey Yates)
The Most Famous Book Set in Every State (Business News Insider)
Study: Read Romance, Be Sensitive (The Atlantic )
FAQ about Publishing: Part 1 (No Rules. Just Write!)
The Number of eBook Singles Published is Growing: ThinReads (AppNewser)
Navigating the author / reader relationship in online communities by Molly O’Keefe (Dear Author)
The Inside Scoop On Romantic Times Magazine (Writers in the Storm)
Killing the Top Ten Sacred Cows of Publishing: #6… Selling to a Big Publisher Insures Quality (Dean Wesley Smith)
At Grand Central's Forever and Forever Yours romance imprints, Amy Pierpont has been promoted to editor-in-chief, while Sourcebooks editorial manager Leah Hultenschmidt has joined as editorial director. Lauren Plude moves up to associate editor, reporting to Hultenschmidt, while Megha Parekh has been promoted to assistant editor.-Publishers Lunch
Free Writing Cheat Sheet (GalleyCat)
How To Write the Perfect Tweet (AllTwitter)
Cindi Myers Market News's Blog summarizes the Spotlight on Belle Books and Bell Bridge Books from the Romance Writers of American conference in Atlanta.
Proofreading Explained (Catherine, Caffeinated)
Please consider nominating Seekerville for the 16th Annual Writer’s Digest 101 Best Website for Writer’s Award. Send an email to writersdigest@fwmedia.com with “101 Websites” in the subject line. Our category is Genres/Niches as we are an Inspirational Romance Writing Community.
Many thanks.
Your friends at Seekerville
That's it! We leave you with Patti Jo Moore's cat Moses, who has hijacked her Seekerville prize mug.
*(Questions about our giveaways? See our legal page above. Please see our spamming rules as well. )
Congratulations to all the winners! What a great week, Seekers, and a BIG CONGRATS on hitting 1,000,000 page views. THAT'S amazing!
ReplyDeleteNext week sounds great. I'm looking forward to reading them.
I don't have big news, but I'm doing my own little happy dance tonight. I finally finished my rough draft a little while ago. It's over 110K, so it will need some serious slicing and dicing, but I'm so thrilled it's done.
I look forward to hearing other news we get to celebrate. :)
I'm leaving Chocolate raspberry torte for any late nighters tonight. And some decaf Good Earth tea.
G'night!
I think we are All WINNERS! So congratulations, Seekerville on your 6th Birthday, and 1,000,000 page views.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jeanne. No small FEAT.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Weekend, everyone. And congratulations to all the winners this week!
ReplyDeleteThe posts were awesome (as usual), and I had so much fun guest hosting on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who came to hang out with me!
Jeanne! Writing THE END is a big deal! Celebrate!
ReplyDeleteI love the WE. So much interesting information in here... Back to the links...
Congratulations Seekerville on hitting 1,000,000. That is AWESOME! Also congratulations to all the winners this week! Next week looks like another wonderful learning week.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
Oh my stars, where have the weeks gone????? Huge congrats to all the winners!!! You guys make me smile even when I'm not here! It's just so much fun being a part of this excitement, the growth, making fun of The Connealy. :)
ReplyDeleteJeanne!!!! happy dancing for you!
That's a wonderful thing and I'm applauding quietly so I don't wake the dogs!!!! :)
I love the article about the myths of publishing.... and interesting to see the change-ups at Grand Central. That always marks me "curious" when editors change up.
Tina, thank you for a lovely WE....
Woohooo -- congrats on the million page views. That's awesome!!!!!! Obviously this is THE happening place in the blogosphere. I had an upside down kind of week so I get to catch up on the week at Seekerville with a cup of hot cocoa...and maybe some of that raspberry torte that Jeanne left. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the WE winners! Happy dancing around the camp fire. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations Jeanne, on finishing the MS!
Thanks Tina, you've collected lots of good information for this WE. :-) Time to start getting ready for church, but the afternoon is mine to browse all the 'good stuff'.
Happy Sunday to all!
Yay! I'm a winner! Congrats to all of the winners this week, especially Seekerville for hitting one million views this week! Yay!
ReplyDeletePiper
Congratulations to Seekerville for hitting the million mark!
ReplyDeleteCongratualions to all of this weeks winners!
Looks like another fun line up for next week.
You ladies REALLY know how to throw a party.
Congratulations to all the winners! Happy birthday Seekerville. What a wonderful way to spend it, and getting 1 million page views. Awesome! All the posts are encouraging and enlightening. Thank you so much for sharing your hindsight, your journey, and helpful tips and advice.
ReplyDeletetscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net
Congrats to all the winners!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd way-to-go Jeanne for typing "the end".
I woke up this morning w/several ideas to make my story better. Got it get it down before it leaves me.
Hope everyone has a great Sunday.
Well, I just spent way to long looking at that website about the most famous books from each state. It was not working and I couldn't read the one from Nebraska.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go ahead and guess it's from the 19th century though. They tend to go straight for Willa Cather of John Neihart. No one can seem to resist. Old Jules usually. Something with a sod house.
C'mon, move into this century people.
Every year Nebraska does Something called (I'm not sure this is right) One book, One Nebraska and they've already done Willa Cather twice, like they honestly don't GET there are authors who have written books more recently.
Grrrrr....and yes, I've nominated myself and other LIVING Nebraska authors. Including Cheryl St.John and other more modern and perfectly successful authors.
Wake Up!!! We have more than one author who ever wrote a book in this state!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to all winners. And to Seekerville on their million views.
ReplyDeleteI've been coming here for years and soaking up tips and friendships, but I think the WE's are my favorite posts. Such great links and information.
Keep rolling, ladies.
There's coffee aplenty.
Okay, this time it worked.
ReplyDeleteMy Antonia, by Willa Cather.
I'm shocked. (NOT)
GOOD MORNING SEEKERVILLE!!!
ReplyDeleteMay your day be productive.
Raspberry torte???? (sniffs avidly)...
ReplyDeleteOh, found it!
Jeanne! Thank you!!!
:)Piper, isn't winning so much fun????? :)
Mary, I didn't like My Antonia at all. I saw how well written it was, but it wasn't a keeper. And then I kind of hated myself for not being literary enough to grasp the deeper meaning behind the book.
So what am I missing????
I love most classics. I really do!!!
Not that one.
Gulp.
They'll probably BLOCK MY LANDING the next time I come into Omaha.
sigh.
'Mornin', Rose!
ReplyDeleteGreat WE, Seekers.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations winners.
Mary, I love My Antonio and Oh Pioneers too. When I was doing research for my western set in Nebraska and was looking for books that were contemporary to the era, Willa's were the only ones I found.
Anyway, I'm sure they were looking for classics. In 100 years, you'll probably be named top author. On the other hand, it doesn't matter how many books I publish, I'll never outdo Margaret Mitchell.
The one million mark! How exciting!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners!
Thanks for all the wonderful encouragement here ladies!!
Cheers,
Sue
Congratulations To EVERYONE!!
ReplyDeleteTina, You Certainly Haven't Lost Your Touch :) Great WE!
Totally Impressed That You'veHit Your 1,000,000 Milestone, Thats HUGE! Lol Awesome :D You All Deserve It From All Your Hard Work.
Hi Ruthy! Share Some Of That Torte, Would Ya?? How Bout I Trade Ya For Some Of These Fresh Hot Pumpkin Donuts We Made This Morning? Fair Enough?
By The Way, Sorry For Weird Typing....Stupid Phone. No Clue Why It Capitalizes Every Word. Clearly It NeedS Your Help Seekers Baha! :P
Be Back In Later,
Hannah
Great WE as always, Miss T!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS to ALL the winners!!
Seekerville is SO generous with all the awesome prizes--not to mention the wisdom shared, the friendship, and the laughs.
Moses is PURR-fectly delighted to be featured in Seekerville today--he's such a sweetheart kitty. :)
AND I'm loving that mug!!
Happy Sunday, and looking forward to the posts this next week--YAY!
Hugs, Patti Jo :)
Congratulations to all the winners! YAY Melanie!
ReplyDeleteHey, I got my ACFW audio - (yes mine works). Loving the chance to listen to all the workshops now.
Julie Lessman - you had me crying too at your workshop with Julie and Natasha.
JEANNE T thanks for that chocolate raspberry tort.
ReplyDeletePatti Jo love your cat. Stinker that he is for stealing the mug.
MARY CONNEALY in Nebraska. Suresh
Congratulations to the winners.
What a lineup! You guys know how to celebrate. <3
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the one million mark! And congrats to all the winners!
ReplyDeleteAnother great week coming up on Seekerville!
Congrats to all the winners!!!
ReplyDeleteI love October! Falling leaves, pumpkins and Seekerville's birthday bash!
One Million Page Views! WOW! Thanks to all of YOU for making it happen. Thanks to Tina for being the woman behind the blog! Outstanding!!!
Has everyone voted in the Writer's Digest blog contest? We need--and appreciate--your support!!!
Moses is a cutie, Pattie Jo! Does he like your peach baking delights?
p.s. Happy Birthday to HELEN!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHannah!!! Gorgeous profile pic!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful WE with many links.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners and to Jeanne. That's an accomplishment to crow about. Fantastic list of guest bloggers next week. Happy Birthday to Seekerville!
HANNAH!!!!! THANKS FOR STOPPING IN. I LIKE THE EVERY WORD BEING CAPITALIZED!!!
ReplyDeleteNo, mine aren't every letter being capitalized against my will, i'm doing that on purpose. :)
Love the new profile picture.
Cheryl St.John, that's for stopping in. Your blog this week was inspiring. I really needed it. A great boost.
ReplyDeleteSANDRA for some reason it just amazes me you can comment from Spain but why? Jenny comments all the time from Australia!!!
ReplyDeleteONE MILLION
ReplyDeleteIT BOGGLES THE MIND!!!
OF COURSE MY MIND SORT OF COMES PRE-BOGGLED.
Awww thank you, Tina and Mary :D I appreciate it!! (See, I know how to type. My phone on the other hand....) It's been fun, excited to tag along this week hopefully if my classes don't consume me too much lol.
ReplyDeleteHope you two are doing well too!
Hannah
HANNAH!!!! LOVE THE PIC AND THE NEW YOU, GIRLFRIEND!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, let me say that I love how open you've been on facebook with your diet, your new lease on life, Hannah!!!!
You sound so much happier, joyous, and confident! Go you!!!!!
Seeing that smile makes my day, Hannah!
Cheryl, you've got a new pic too, don't you?
ReplyDeleteLove it, old or new!!!!
And I agree with Mary and bunch of others, your post resonated with wisdom, reason and understandable points. Not everyone has that gift, and girl, you did a great job. Thank you.
I was totally off healthy food today. We had several pies Dave bought at the baked food sale yesterday, Beth bought Aunt Bea's Banana Cake (an Eichas family favorite!) and I do not want to tell you how much I indulged.
Slight frowny face but I'm sending the sweets home with Beth and the boys... and back to broccoli slaw.
Mmmm.....
Broccoli slaw.
Congratulations on making 1 Million! I am not. It's a great place.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to this rec'd winners.
Ruthy, it's about time you showed back up! :P Thanks, lady! You know, it got to the point where I was like what the heck? I'd much rather be open about it and gain the support of my friends than try to hide it for some reason. Why hide something that is so wonderful? I told my mom that I really just want to make a shirt that says "I've lost 60lbs and counting!!!!" to wear when I'm walking because I just honestly want to tell EVERYONE!! I mean, c'mon. How can you not be excited about something like that?
ReplyDeleteAt some point in your life, everyone needs to have the opportunity to realize that I am important. I am worth it (whatever that it may be). I'm going to keep digging in my heels and fighting! I was actually talking to a friend today and explaining that pancakes are a major trigger food for me and I know that so I've chosen (for the time being) to just cut them out of my life lol I haven't had a single pancake for almost the last 9 months and I'm super proud of myself. This is coming from the girl that was easily making them 2-3 times a week....with chocolate chips.....and coconut....with real maple syrup on it O.O My mouth is watering just thinking about it! HA! Anyway, my friend was arguing that she couldn't do that, didn't have the will power, they tasted too good blah blah blah every excuse I would have used before too. And I told her "I care more about myself than eating the pancakes" and it was a big moment for me. I never realized it until it was actually out in the open.
Change takes time, it's scary and confusing and sometimes just plain awful! But then once you've actually changed....you realize you can't imagine going back to what you were pre-change. Yes, that very same change you dreaded. I know that not everyone has the same problem as me (I'm a foodie, yes, I admit it! lol), but I think the things I have learned over the past almost 9 months can be applied to so, so many other life situations. I've definitely changed, definitely grown, definitely matured a little lol but it's all for the better. You all just get to hang out with a better 'me' than you knew before ;)
I think the world is going to someday be very lucky to finally have the chance to know the better Hannah.
*puts soapbox away* SORRY! See, haven't changed so much, have I? Bahaha!
'I' that I mentioned being.....whomever is reading. You...and you....and you too! Lol not me specifically. Came out conceited sounding :P
ReplyDeleteSo excited to get caught up on all the news today! Congrats to everyone who won! Looking forward to another great week of birthday fun!
ReplyDeleteBarkday pawty!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations all winners - including ME ME ME - a SWAG winner celebrating *gasp* ONE MILLION!!
Gooooooooooooooo Seekers!!!
Ruthy,
ReplyDeleteNothing has been won yet, but it is nice to be recognized! And My Antonia or O Pioneers are the books the "lit types" always drag out for Willa Cather, but I think she wrote better ones......
Enjoying the Seekerville birthday party!!!!
What a week! 1,000,000 page views! Wowsers!!
ReplyDeleteGo Seekerville!!!
And congrats to all the winners this week. :)
Congratulations Pam, Jeanne and all of the winners!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the WE as always!
Jeanne T ... Finishing a rough draft is definitely celebration time. Love hearing that kind of news!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners ... my goodness those are some good prizes.
Haven't had time to read the links yet but look forward to doing that tomorrow. Had a busy day with friends and got to talk through a story ... brainstorming is a wonderful thing.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend.
Nancy C
Piper, you're probably right about Willa Cather. I never read the others, but I wasn't grabbed by those two. I forgot about O, Pioneers.... and then I didn't even like the movie, so clearly I held my bias for years, LOL!
ReplyDelete:)
I love that we're all stretching and growing here together. Because this isn't a business that looks fondly on "standing still". You keep rockin' it, Piper!