If so, then welcome to my world. Off balance seems to be a normal state for me lately. Today, I'm sort of playing "catch up" with a few things that I have let slip by and then hopefully get back on track later this week. And no, the photo (to the right) has nothing to do with this post. I just thought it was eye catching. :)
I've been honored with a number of blog awards in recent weeks and I plan to give that special attention in a few days. I don't want the blogs that passed the awards on to me to think I don't appreciate them, because I really do. I'd just like to say a proper "Thank You" later rather than a quick one now.
Today's post will be a rambling - a little of this and a little of that. First on the agenda is the music. I'm sure you've noticed that it doesn't start playing as soon as the blog opens up. I decided to be different this month and offer the music, but only if you want to click on it to listen. I'm not sure which way is best. I'm hoping that those who visit here will let me know which way they prefer. Please let me know - automatically on or turn it on if you want it.
Next on the agenda is giveaway winners. The contest for "Countess of Scandal" and "Dare to Surrender" ended Wednesday evening, Feb. 3. Thanks to Anna and the people of the Hachette Book Group there are five lucky winners for each contest.
The winners of "Countess of Scandal" are G.S. M. of Houston, Texas; Ann C. of Sious Falls, SD; Sue A. of San Francisco, CA; Anita Y. of Barnesville, GA; and Lori S. of Brainerd, MN. Congratulations.
The winners of "Dare to Surrender" are Eve D. of Centreville, VA; Jung J. of Vancover, B.C.; Wanda B. of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Beth M. of South Amboy, NJ; and Anita Y. of Barnesville, GA. Congratulations.
Jennifer Stanley's giveaway for one copy of her latest book, "Stirring Up Strife" ended Wednesday night as well. The winner is L. Diane Wolfe. Congratulations Diane, please e-mail me at mcbookshelf@gmail.com with your address so I can forward it to have your book shipped.
Elizabeth Spann Craig's giveaway for one copy of her book, "Pretty Is as Pretty Dies" ended recently. The winner was Esme C. of Costa Mesa, CA. Congratulations.
Another giveaway is underway. The "Ecstasy Unveiled" blog tour is running through Feb. 7 and author Larissa Lone will be guest blogging here on Sunday, Feb. 7.
Thanks to Anna and the folks at the Hachette Book Group, I have five copies of the book to giveaway. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only and no p.o. boxes accepted. The giveaway ends Sunday, Feb. 5. Send an email to me at mcbookshelf@gmail.com with "Win Ecstasy" in the subject line and include your name and address in the e-mail.
I also have a number of wonderful authors lined up for guest post in the coming days. Those include: Carla Buckley on Friday, Feb. 5; Larissa Lone on Sunday, Feb. 7; Angela Henry on Monday, Feb. 8; Ogo Ogbata on Tuesday, Feb. 9; Vincent Zandri on Wednesday, Feb. 10; and Heather Webber on Thursday, Feb. 11. That's just a few of the great authors stopping by to tell about their latest book releases and give some insight into their writings.
I know I've had quite a few authors guest blogging here lately and I greatly appreciate them doing that. There are so many great books coming out, I just want to share information on all that I can. I also have a number of book reviews lined up in the coming days. Be sure to check out the other giveaways posted on the sidebar.
How's your week going? Is the crazy weather causing any delays or problems for you? General Lee (the South's ground hog) predicts spring is just around the corner for us. I'm hoping he's right and warm sunshine will soon be here to stay. Have a great Thursday, comment and come back often!
I have a feeling General Lee is wrong, but let's hope not! :) We're supposed to have more wintry weather here in NC this weekend. How about you?
ReplyDeleteLoved the guest bloggers! And congrats to all the contest winners.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Oh hey, I won! LOL
ReplyDeleteI've got a giveaway/contest going on for my next book too.
And my life is ALWAYS a little off balance...
Mason - Trust me, you're far from the only one who's a little off-balance. My family just moved, and I think it'll be weeks before I feel stable again, as thought "stable" were a normal state of being for me ; ).
ReplyDeleteI've thoroughly enjoyed learning from all the authors you've featured on your blog, and I want you to know how much I appreciate your opening your blog up to writers. I look forward to what you have in store for us this coming week, too : ).
Elizabeth, I'm afraid you may be right about General Lee. We're suppose to have 1 to 2 inches of rain. So far no "s" word yet.
ReplyDeleteDiane, congratulations on the win. Hope you enjoy the book, it looks great.
Margot, I won't even think about moving. I have so much "stuff" no one would dare come near it to move it. I'm looking forward to the coming days with all the wonderful authors dropping by (you included). :)
I hope General Lee is right - but I can't help but think that his timing might be off a bit. We're supposed to get hit with a major storm this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy all the guest bloggers here, too - and congrats to all the winners!
I am glad to hear the South has its own groundhog! Yay for General Lee. I want warmer weather.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Congrats to the winners! Oh! And I prefer to turn on the music if I want. (Your page loads faster that way too.)
ReplyDeleteI really missed the music playing but it was easy to turn on, which I did. Love the long list of accomplished authors who will be visiting.
ReplyDeleteIngrid, I think his timing is off. But I am so hoping for spring.
ReplyDeleteHelen, yes the South has to have a ground hog of it's own. :) Besides how can a Northern ground hog predict for the South? LOL.
Crystal, good to know about the page loading faster. My computer has given me so many problems lately I'm never sure how anything is really working.
Deb, hope you enjoy this month's selection of music. There's just so many great books coming out it's hard to keep up. Love to have you as a guest blogger with your next release. Please keep it in mind.
Love your music, but I think better to turn it on because some might be listening to something else or might be at work without headphones - and supposed to be working - LOL.
ReplyDeleteI have times when life throws twists and turns my way, too. They eventually sort themselves out. And leave me exhausted.
Just discovering your blog and I have to say I love rambling post. It's like putting a bunch of things in a crockpot and coming back later to discover a delicious soup.
ReplyDeleteI always have my sound turned off but I think it's nice to give people the choice of on or off.
Only have one suggestion, when you list the authors who are going to guest post, maybe mention their book title or something about them. I'm not familiar with the ones you listed, but curious.
Wow... you are busy. I can relate. To Do Lists for writers can grow exponentially overnite. I need to get off the computer and get things done. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
We just giggle at the groundhog predictions up here - even though there is at least 1 Canadian groundhog who predicts. If we only had 6 more weeks of the white stuff it would be happy dance time :)
ReplyDeleteCarol, I hadn't even thought about people checking while they were at work. Definitely off then. I'm with you on being exhausted once things sort themselves out. :)
ReplyDeleteCC, thanks for stopping by. Hope you'll drop in often. Love the soup comparison. I'll have to see if I can come up with something that will allow me to list a book with the authors. It took forever to find that widget and make it work. Technology is not a friend of mine.
Stephen, if your list is anything like mine I think it multiples by four sometimes. Good luck with getting things done.
Jemi, I don't see how you stand it. I'm not a snow loving person. I long, hope, pray, wish and cry for sunshine and summer. LOL. I guess the ground hog tradition does seem a bit silly to Canada.