I can’t believe that Princess for Hire will be out in just TWO weeks! How is that possible???
I feel like I should be doing something special. Something BIG! So I thought about throwing a blog party. But virtual cupcakes just aren’t the same. I suppose could make them for myself, but eating them alone is just not much fun. (And I really don’t need that much sugar!)
So instead, I decided on a giveaway! And what’s better than free books?
A $25 Amazon Gift card you can use for *anything*! Plus a free copy of Princess for Hire!
I know you all have your eyes on some book you’ve been waiting to buy and just haven’t gotten around to. Well here you go! You can get it for FREE now! So how do you win this fabulous prize? It’s super easy!
Just be a follower of this blog and leave a comment with your best bit of advice on how I should handle release day! Then either tweet or blog about the contest (or Princess for Hire!). We’re all on the honor system here, so no need to post link, I trust you guys! (If you’re not on twitter/don’t have a blog, just leaving a comment is fine).
And this contest is open to anyone who can use the gift card – so I’m hoping that includes my international readers! Questions? Just drop me a line and I’ll do my best to answer!
Contest closes February 28th!
And just to tease you, here is a brief snippet from Princess for Hire. Enjoy!
Galt and I reached the foothills of the Wintergrasp Mountains at noon, though the watery sunlight did nothing to warm my icy fingers. I blew on them to warm them as I slid from my horse to tether him to a tree. A gust of November wind tore through my cloak and tunic like I wore nothing at all. And by the look of the peaks above us, it was only going to get worse the higher we climbed.
Galt moaned as he saw our route, but we didn’t have a choice. I gritted my teeth as we started up the steep mountain face. My numb hands searched for holds to pull me up, as my feet slipped and slid on the loose scree. Between the freezing air, the exertion and the altitude, every breath felt like fire ripping through my lungs. Galt looked even worse for wear, his face red and mottled when he collapsed beside me on the first plateau.
For a while, all I could hear was my heart thudding in my ears. Then the rocky slope above us shifted as something moved further up the cliff. I bit back a curse at my stupidity and jumped to my feet as a low moan echoed down the mountain. I’d made yet another rookie mistake—never let your guard down on a job.
“Get out your sword, Galt,” I ordered, forcing my aching body upright. He groaned, not moving. I nudged him with the toe of my boot. “Now.”
Half a dozen monstrosities slithered down the hillside toward us. I stared in horror, fingers frozen on the hilt of my sword. Most of their flesh had been torn away in ragged strips, exposing gray muscle beneath. Partially eaten eyes bulged from their sockets. Then I got a whiff of the stench. I pressed a hand to my mouth as vomit burned my throat.
The first time i follow you and your blog yesterday ,, and toady you mention a gift ,, what a luck reader I’m 🙂 ,, I will write a review on my blog after reading ,, I will be happy to do that 🙂
Waiting for my copy ,, and thanks again for this gift ,, I don’t know what’s better now this gift or the cupcakes ! 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Awesome snippet! I can hardly wait for release day! My advice (for what it’s worth, LOL!) is to shout from the rooftops that it’s release day! Or rather on Twitter, Facebook, and any other network you use. I’ll be sure to retweet and spread the word for you!
Aww! Thanks, Heather! I will start strengthening the vocal cords right now 🙂 LOL
This book looks really good. Congrats on your upcoming release. I think on your release day you should treat yourself to a day of pampering. Get your nails and toes done, go out to dinner with friends, party. Oh and champagne. Definitely drink some champagne. Also, go and take pictures of your book out in the wild. Good luck!!
I tweeted-
http://twitter.com/iqb2001/status/37604169888043010
What great suggestions, Danielle! Thanks so much – I think I’ll have to go schedule that pedicure right now LOL! And get the other half to buy me a bottle of champagne too, I think!
Sounds cute! Definitely get the word out and give as much as you can leading up to the release date. Make friends. And then drown yourself in chocolate or your preferred candy!
Thanks Laura! I think I can handle drowning myself in chocolate…I’ll probably need the sugar buzz by then LOL!
Hmmm…appear on some blogs that day. Do a another giveaway of your book with some fun princess stuff to go with it. 🙂
So exciting!!!!
Ohhh! I like the princess stuff idea! I never thought of doing something like that! Thanks, Jennifer!
I will tweet for you as soon as I leave here. 🙂
Galt better get up!
Congrats and much success to you,
Lola
Thanks so much, Lola! And Galt eventually gets up, he’s kinda useless some times though 🙂
I totally critiqued the early versions 😛
Hah! You totally critiqued *all* versions 😉 And of course pushed me to finish in the first place. It is much appreciated. Now that I’m a published author and all 😛
My advice with a short story that exciting? Scream about it. Post it everywhere. Shamelessly tell everyone you know that you’re amazing.
Sure, some people might think you’re weird, but that’s the life of a writer. Of which you can now call yourself a PROFESSIONAL one. Eh, eh? Sounds good doesn’t it?
LOL – I think I am well on the way to making everyone sick of me and poor Princess! But I can’t help myself 🙂
Wow. Professional. I’m not sure I’d go quite that far… I’m pretty sure everyone’s going to figure out I’m a sham!!! 😉
Dude how cool are you?
I second the appearance thing – do you want to do an interview or guest post on my blog? I’m happy to be part of your debut day
LOL! Thanks Sophia! I don’t usually think of the world Cool to describe myself so that made me smile!
And I’d Love to be on your blog! I’ll shoot you an email and we can talk more! Thanks so much for stopping by!!!
Finally, I comment! I’ve been thinking about this a lot, wondering what I do would do myself in this situation. I’d be tempted to call in sick to the day job and then just lounge around in my pjs all day drinking good coffee and tackling my TBR pile (because, all authors need to read! 🙂 ). If that isn’t feasible, then just enjoy the amazing feeling and mentally prepare for all the new fans that are bound to be coming your way!
Ha! Great advice, Laura! I wish I could take the day off – but I have meetings and kind of need to be here. But I may try to sneak out a little early! Maybe the other half will take me out to dinner 🙂
Jamie – I think the best way is to celebrate AND promote your book!
Hold a “launch party” at a local (but tasteful) watering hole. Be there to autograph books they buy, have a drink or three. Invite the local press (because that sort of advertising is priceless.) Take photos and have your fellow bloggers do a feature on your launch party.
Many congrats and much love!
~Kim
Aww! Thanks so much, Kim! Since it’s an ebook, I don’t really have much to autograph right now, but I have ordered some covers, just to have something to give out. I think the watering hole idea is fantastic! I’m going to have to remember that for when the real thing happens!
Your release day *must* involve cupcakes! 😉
*bounces off to tweet this post*
Cupcakes are a MUST! Good call Laura!!!