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Sunday, July 16, 2006

France, Reviews, Sales, and the Guess Purse!!!

Checking in from my weekend-long revision marathon. The Perfect Daugther's coming along nicely...why do I go out of my way to create so many characters that need to be wrapped up at the end of the book??? It boggles the mind ;O)

Okay, my French cover for A Family for Daniel--well, in France it's now The Responses of the Heart. And here's the link to the site...very cool, I think, particularly since I've already heard from a European reader who LOVED the story of these two struggling single families coming together.

http://www.harlequin.fr/livres/livre.php?isbn=2280079771

And there's a new review up for The Prodigal's Return... I love it when people I haven't asked to read the book take the time to rave ;O)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/AX54G5AL870Q8/ref=cm_cr_auth/102-8388217-2258530?ie=UTF8

Then there's the matter of The Runaway Daughter still outselling The Prodigal's Return on amazon...What's a girl to say about that but...COOL!!!

Finally...about those purses everyone's coming back to check on ;0)...the winner of the XOXO heart purse is...

Kerri1973!!!

And the Borders gift certificate...

Readingissomuchfun!!!

Everyone who's won a prize in the last few days, please email to confirm your mailing address--and please include "prize" or something like it in the subject.

And as promised, today's prize (and tomorrow's to give everyone who might be away for the weekend a chance) is everyone's favorite--another golden Guess purse and wallet combination!!!

We'll keep going through the week, until I run out of purses, LOL!! Okay, that'll never happen. How about through Wednesday, at least!!

So, we need something to discuss today, to keep the party animals pouring in. I LOVED all the shopping talk yesterday, and the fun look into your obsessions and dreams...

What about SUR-prises today?

I've had a lot this week. My bookclub leader on eHarlequin's saying things about The Prodigal's Return that have had my editor calling me to ask, "Did you see that!" Good things. Things a writer lives to hear from her readers. There's a link near the top of the right column of the blog, if you want to check out the last week or so of comments.

Her appreciation for the book (as well as your wonderful support these last few days) have been just the surprise I needed to get me through this revision stuff that happens with every book, and is always more difficult than the last time. I want my stories to entertain, but I want them to touch your hearts, too. When I hear that they have, I'm amazed and energized and determined to do it even better next time.

What's been your greatest surprise lately, or what's unexpected thing in your past changed your world for the better when you least expected it???

More "readings" from the book that knows us all tomorrow, my friends!!

posted by Anna Destefano @ 8:30 AM  

31 Comments:

  • At 10:05 AM, Blogger Meljprincess said…

    Morning Anna! I swear, the excitement in your blog posts is infectious. What a nice way to start the day. My greatest suprise lately was when I e-mailed back and forth with Dave Navarro. It was so cool to finally be able to get in touch with him and see if he remembered me. I know it's trivial but it meant something to me. He is so nice. And, he was nice back then when we had our little encounter. I know lots of famous peeps and I love to name drop. Did I tell you I met Wesley Snipes and Shaq?
    I GUESS that's all for now. But, I'll check in later. Hee.
    CONGRATULATIONS, WINNERS!
    OH, I wrote the Deppster too. But, I know he's super busy now and I don't expect a reply to come anytime soon. If and when it does, you'll be the first to know. :-)

     

  • At 10:32 AM, Blogger tastefully yours said…

    Morning Anna! I just my order for my copy of The Prodigal's Return yesterday and packed in my overnight bag to read on my vacation Thursday. I figured if I didn't put it in the bag I would start reading it and not get my packing done. lol :) I can't wait to read it!

    Congrats to the winners!

     

  • At 11:23 AM, Blogger Fannie said…

    My biggest surprise was finding out that there are more understanding people out ther than we know about. I had a problem and talked to one person and before I knew it I had help coming from sources I never even knew about. The one person had set in motion a chain of people. Thanks Alana. It is so nice to know you are never alone no matter if you think you are. God Bless all and Hugs.

     

  • At 11:45 AM, Blogger Minna said…

    My greatest suprise -a bit nasty one, actually- lately was when I was checking the pages of the embassy of Japan and I noticed this announcement for a Study Tour of Japan for European Youth and realised that I only have a couple of days of time to write an essay and put together my CV and covering letter. I know that a lot of people wish to go and that they choose only few from each country. But at least I have tried. Again!

     

  • At 12:29 PM, Blogger Anna Destefano said…

    Melissa, I'm going to take you up on your offer to get Dave out to the site one of these days. He'll rock the house down, I know it.

    Sherry, I'm thrilled to be in your vacation bag. Where are we going??? LOL!!!

    Fannie, you are such a sweetheart. It doesn't surprise me at all to hear that you're surrounded by whatever love and support you need. I'm thinking, your friends and family are simply paying you back for all you've given them.

    Minna, good luck on your application!!! What an exciting dream. I felt exactly the way you're describing each time I entered an unpublished writing contest, or submitted a book to a publisher for consideration before I'd published. Actually, I feel that each and every time I turn in a new proposal, even now. Like you're taking a leap and you're not sure where you'll land, but you can't help yourself. You can't help but dream one more time. You go, girl!!!

     

  • At 12:30 PM, Blogger Anna Destefano said…

    Kathleen, forgot to do my sport's announcer immitation...

    It's TPD ahead by a nose...TPR is coming on strong, showing good form...they're rounding the final turn...digging in for the sprint home...

    LOL!!

    Don't care who wins at this point...it's all good ;O)

     

  • At 1:21 PM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    Congrats kerri and reading!

    Less than two weeks until Nationals Anna and I'll get to meet you (again) the signing I hope! I am hoping to get TPR there...otherwise I would have already read it and been raving about it (if I liked it as much as your other books).

    I haven't had many surprises in my life that changed it for the better...have had a few bad surprises though.

     

  • At 1:28 PM, Blogger Meljprincess said…

    LOL! Anna. Would you freak if he showed? I haven't heard back from him in a while. I asked him to send me a copy of his book. HA!

     

  • At 2:10 PM, Blogger mmc67 said…

    Hello Anna,
    Just wanted to tell you I had never read a romance book until I picked up a copy of The Unknown Daughter, Then i was hooked. Can't wait to check out The Prodigal's Return. Keep up the good work

     

  • At 2:26 PM, Blogger Cheryl said…

    Congrats winners! I'm afraid no good surprises this week. One surprise that really isn't that stressed me for a few days but I'm pretty much over it now.

     

  • At 2:29 PM, Blogger catslady said…

    Horray Kerri and Readingissomuchfun.

    I lost a ring my husband had given me 25 yrs. ago the day before our 37th anniversary. I found it the next afternoon (after going crazy looking for it) which was a wonderful surprise but then at dinner out that night my husband surprised me with another ring. So now I have two :)

     

  • At 3:09 PM, Blogger Maureen said…

    My best surprise lately was my daughter's report card. My teenage daughter's rebellion was to see how little work she could do in school and still pass. By the way, I enjoy reading about teenagers in your work and how they work on their problems. This year was wonderful, with nothing below a C, but mostly B's and a few A's.

     

  • At 4:03 PM, Blogger Carol M said…

    Congratulations Kerri and Reading!

    My son was in the newspaper. It wasn't exactly a surprise but it was so nice to see his picture and the article he wrote about his job. He is a Senior Education Specialist at the Pittsburgh Zoo. He has many responsibilites but what he likes the most is teaching children of all ages about animals and environmental issues. I'm very proud of him.

     

  • At 4:36 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    I got surprised a couple of months ago by winning front row seats and backstage passes to a Gretchen Wilson concert. I gave my niece and sister my tickets and took their seats so my niece could meet Gretchen Wilson.

     

  • At 5:57 PM, Blogger Dana Pollard said…

    I'm going off writing topic here, but it's a surprise anyhow...

    I've applied for a job. Yes, a J-O-B job! ugh. I really, really want this job too, but I'm not exactly qualified for it on paper. I can DO the job and have for months, but will I get it? Don't know...

    Surprise? I received a call today from my daughter's school. They offered me a job. This isn't the job I want, but it's still a job.

    I guess the real surprise will be which one I get. hmmm...

     

  • At 6:14 PM, Blogger Estella said…

    A very good surprise was that we overpaid our income taxes . They actually notified us and sent a check.

     

  • At 6:26 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    Congrats to the winners.
    A surprise that changed my life happened when I landed my first job out of college. I was doing great, had money in my pocket and then....the company let me go (called it a displacement). I was so upset. I cried and felt horrible. Then 2 days later, I got an offer from another company for a position that paid even more. It turned out to be the best move for me career wise. If I wouldn't have been displaced the first time, I probably would never have taken the chance to find a better & more fulfilling job!
    Anna - The Prodigal's Return was great. Can't wait for the next book.

     

  • At 6:53 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    I recently had my 68th birthday, and I had always thought that was old! Surprise! I don't feel old at all. Guess it's just the body that has to age, not the spirit.

     

  • At 6:58 PM, Blogger Jeanette J said…

    The only surprise I have had lately is being diagnosed a Type II diabetic...which means I really have to watch what I eat now...I've lost 7 pounds since the first of July

     

  • At 11:35 PM, Blogger kerri1973 said…

    Thanks Anna! I'm so thrilled to have won the XOXO purse (I use XO in all my text messages all the time..its kinda my thing and so I'm extra thrilled to have won this one). So, I'll consider that my surprise of the day! :) Congrats on all the best selling books on the charts right now. I never doubted your talent for a second. You're tha bomb baby! Also, how cool is that French title and cover? Sweet! Hugs to all.

     

  • At 12:29 AM, Blogger robynl said…

    Meeting my now hubby at one of my tenants apartment and he came through and dropped in on his way to another city for Christmas. His wife had just passed away. We met and 7 months later we were married and it will be 17 yrs. on July 29th.

    Congrats winners.

     

  • At 8:06 AM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    OOh...everyone has had some great surprises! I have had a few surprises that I have thought of since my last post. I have won several contests from authors over the last few months that have been great surprises.

     

  • At 8:25 AM, Blogger Meljprincess said…

    Anna! Dave is posting bulletins in my MySpace page! I asked him to come over and post. Still waiting.

     

  • At 8:48 AM, Blogger CrystalGB said…

    My biggest surprise lately has been the home improvements that have been done to my home through the generosity of a wonderful Christian organization. It has been a real blessing.

     

  • At 9:20 AM, Blogger Dena said…

    Isn't it funny how they change the names of books and covers overseas? I've seen a cover with a baby on it and there wasn't even a baby in the story,lol.
    Great idea keeping the party going,teehee.thanks Anna.

    I haven't had any surprises lately. Sadly a shocker is I have learned that being a parent to a teenager is a whole different ballgame than when my daughter was younger,how I yearn for those days now!!!!!!!!!!

     

  • At 9:29 AM, Blogger Dena said…

    sorry Linda for your surprises. Good for you Jeanette.
    How funny noodz1.
    congrats Kerri1973.

     

  • At 10:04 AM, Blogger Anna Destefano said…

    Oooh, Dave my come for a visit!!!!! I might have to spruce the place up. Keep me in the loop, Mel--I'm on track for having a new blog post up later this evening. Do you have a fav. DN pick you wanna send me to use ;O)

    Dena, lie to me and tell me the teenage years are the sweetest!!! I have a ten-year-old at home who just started refusing to call me Mommy. I'm not offically Mom. Waaaa.

    Linda and Jeanette, medical surprises are nasty. But today's science is so wonderfully advanced, I'm glad your specialists are on top of your health. Now if they could just make all the invasive stuff just a bit more comfortble.

    I'm LOVE hearing abuot everyone's fav. surprises, especially the sweet ones where your sweetheart shows you just how lucky you are to have him.

    Jack, sorry about the weekend of retribution. Hang in there, she's worth it ;O)

     

  • At 12:18 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    My best surprise was yesterday. My husband helped my daughter and son make breakfast for my birthday. They made pancakes and had a dozen yellow roses for me. My daughter put pink sprinkles on my pancakes lol. It was the best breakfast ever.

    Congrats to the winners!

     

  • At 2:19 PM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    Happy Birthday bamabelle!

     

  • At 6:49 PM, Blogger Meljprincess said…

    Let me find a pic. Tuesday, Anna. I don't know if he'll show but I'm going to bug him like crazy. :-)

     

  • At 7:14 PM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    Hey Mel! Just saw Dave on the news...it said that he and Carmen are splitting...he may be busy.

     

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