Birthday Bash + Critique Giveaway!

Filed in: blog | giveaway    Tags: birthday celebration | first five pages critique | giveaway | golden heart

*beams*

It seems that everyone throws some sort of special giveaway on their blog for their birthday, so I tried to think what would be something nice that I would also enjoy.

The Golden Heart deadline for signing up was yesterday and the due date for sending in the entry is December 2nd. Everyone knows I get kind of sentimental around Golden Heart season, so how about a five page critique?

I’m a bit of a first five pages nut. Don’t ask me how to write page 6-300, because that’s still a mystery to me.

So if you leave a comment here with your premise in 1-2 sentences and you’ll be entered in the drawing. I’ll draw randomly Friday night. The premise is just to let me know you’re interested in the critique rather than just here to wish me a big old Happy Birthday. (Yes, I am an attention ho on my birthday.) You don’t have to be entered in the Golden Heart, but if you are, just let me know and I’ll send a little Ruby-slipper heel clicking your way for good mojo.

I’ll announce the winner Friday. The winner needs to send their five pages to me by Saturday, 11/20. I’ll return it by Monday–plenty of time to tweak for that Golden Heart entry!

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Thank you so much

Filed in: Announcements | blog | giveaway | new releases    Tags: butterflly swords | giveaway | launch celebration | taming of mei lin

Thank you to all the friends, family members & fans who have encouraged and supported me.

Thank you to all the people on the interwebs who have put up banners and covers and started talking about Butterfly Swords long before it was available

To all the book bloggers who interviewed and blogged

To all the Tweeters who helped get the word out

To crazy friends who’ve talked up the book in bookstores to absolute strangers

To the bookmark and postcard posse who have taken postcards as far as Hawaii and Australia!

To reviewers who read the book and took the time to write up a review

To all the readers who recommended Butterfly Swords for book clubs and book chats.

Basically to everyone online and on the ground who’s taken the time to tell someone, just one other someone about Butterfly Swords, I wholeheartedly thank you. This Launch Celebration has exceeded all my wildest expectations. I feel like Butterfly Swords and The Taming of Mei Lin are surrounded by goodwill and generosity.

All that’s left to do is pass out gifts, right? I’ll draw the three grand prize winners tonight and post the names tomorrow morning. I’m almost done annotating the book, the twin swords are resting in my office, and the color poster looks fabulous.

In the meantime, virtual cake for everyone!

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Release Day, Launch Celebration, Blog Tour & Art!

Filed in: Announcements | Asian fantasy | blog | new releases | promotion    Tags: artwork | butterfly swords | giveaway | release day | the taming of mei lin

If I could describe what’s inside my head right now, it’s like the first trip to Disneyland when you’re walking down Main Street and, oh my gosh, everything looks amazing and smells so good and the moment you turn your head there’s something new.

And you don’t want to miss any of it in case Mom and Dad never take you here again.

I’m a published author, finally…

It’s my release day for The Taming of Mei Lin! It’s also my digital release day for Butterfly Swords. Yes, indeed. You can buy the digital version of Butterfly Swords and The Taming of Mei Lin from eHarlequin. “Mei Lin” is also available via Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If you want a hard copy of Butterfly Swords, you’ll have to wait for October 1st. One more month…I’m bouncing with excitement.

Official Launch Celebration kicks off

The official launch celebration kicks off today. Spread the word and be entered in the celebration drawings to be held September 15, October 1, and October 15. Fans and friends have already started spreading the word. Check out the official Butterfly Swords promotion page at http://www.butterfly-swords.com

The blog tour also kicks off today. I’ll be giving away download codes for The Taming of Mei Lin from eHarlequin at a couple guest blogs. The first one is today The Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood where I blog about “Writing Short and Not So Sweet“.  Check out the rest of the Blog Tour for the rest of the month and October.

Warrior Women Month

To celebrate my feisty heroines and honor the strong women who inspired them, I’m dedicating September to Warrior Women on my blog. I’ll be featuring interviews from three kick-butt warrior women throughout the month: Wing Chun  instructor Mandy Sayah, stuntwoman and Ninja Warrior Luci Romberg, and swords expert Linda Heenan.  We’ll also be chatting about our favorite heroines – real and fictional throughout the month.

Get the RSS Feed and don’t miss out.

Artwork for Butterfly Swords

I saved the best for last. I was so thrilled to sell my first book, that I splurged a little and commissioned artwork from one of my favorite DeviantArtists, Wendy (Cha Cha) aka schumy330.I’ll be adding an autographed, color print of this to the Grand Prize drawing.

Her depiction of Ryam and Ai Li nearly brought tears to my eyes. I even love the little palanquin in the background and the armored soldiers. *sniffs*

P.S. Yes, I know that’s a jian she’s holding and not a butterfly sword (dao). It’s PERFECT and GORGEOUS.

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Giveaway winner

Filed in: Announcements | Asian fantasy | blog    Tags: giveaway | launch celebration | newsletter | warrior women month

Thank you to all that subscribed to the newsletter!

In the wide, open landscape that is the internet, it’s hard to know who you’re broadcasting to. I like to connect with people on a more intimate level if possible. Though an e-mail is hardly the most personal of measures, this newsletter update is the best way for me to stay in touch with readers and I’ll continue to offer promotions that are exclusive to newsletter subscribers. Hopefully, if fortune favors it, I’ll be able to meet some of you in the future.

Of all the people near and far who let me know that they “Can’t Wait” for Butterfly Swords, one won’t have to wait too much longer:

Congratulations Christine Alba! I’ll be putting your autographed copy of Butterfly Swords in the mail today.

Remember that the Launch Celebration begins on September 1, 2010 with the release of “The Taming of Mei Lin” a digital short story from Harlequin Historical Undone. I’ll also be starting a “Warrior Women Month” feature on the blog with interviews and features celebration the strong women that inspire me.

Tell everyone you know. The more the merrier.

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First Butterfly Swords giveaway!

Filed in: Announcements | blog    Tags: giveaway | newsletter | promotion

So far, newsletter subscribers have received insider info, sneak peeks at the book trailer, and advance news about new stories and sales. This week, they’ll be eligible for my first giveaway:

My agent Gail called me yesterday and gushed that she was holding a copy of Butterfly Swords in her hands and that it was gorgeous! She wanted to warn me so I didn’t run into  the wall or burst into tears or kiss the mailman when I saw them. I’m waiting eagerly…

So I’m giving away my very first copy of Butterfly Swords this weekend! The entry link is only in the newsletter, so join up and enter with the correct passphrase for a chance to win.

Also, anyone who subscribes before September 1 will be given two free entries for the Launch Celebration giveaways. Come see the goodies and join the launch crew activities.

Sign up for Jeannie’s Email Newsletter

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Brenda Novak Auction for Diabetes

Filed in: blog    Tags: brenda novak auction | charity | giveaway | ruby-slippered sisterhood

This is a wonderful example of the sense of community and charity among writers and readers. New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak started this auction to raise money for diabetes research after her child was diagnosed with diabetes. This year, her goal is to raise one million dollars.

The Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood is donating a basket of gift items. It includes regional specialties from all over the world – Alaska and Australia are represented in there. Also several books and 3 partial critiques. I’m including a Gooey Louie butter cake from St. Louis as well as a critique and a butterfly swords souvenir charm. All the other sisters have pitched in as well. The pile of giveaway items is growing in my basement. It feels like Christmas!

But tempted as I am, I know these goodies are meant for a generous bidder and not for me. Follow the link to our basket — and then you can browse the other items as well. I’m watching several already and can’t wait to bid! I’m eyeing some promotion packages (because I have to get ready for that) as well as a deep edit from Margie Lawson, lunch with Jamie Ford, and a trip to London for two.  Wish me luck!

Bidding on the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood gift basket opens on May 1st. Some other items will open tonight.

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