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Friday, July 3, 2009

AustenFest: More Giveaways and Celebrations

Thanks to all of you for your comments on Laurie's post and on the posts of all of my wonderful guest authors during AustenFest! I simply can't wait until July 7th at 7pm (Lucky 7-7-7) to do the big book giveaway... Also, congratulations to the winner of the final $10 B&N giftcard, Judy K.--yay! In addition to this, she'll receive a 3-pack of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew coffee, as will the other B&N giftcard winners. (Please email me, Judy, with your address so I can get these out to you. :)

Something I didn't know until this week: These VIA packets that I've grown so attached to are very new and, thus far, only found in Chicago, Seattle and London (although it's possible to get them online here). However, through the generosity of Starbucks, and their representative Jason, who was kind enough to send me some additional packets, everyone who wins one of my ARCs during the AustenFest drawing will get a sample to taste, too.

But that's not all!

I have an idea for for a new event--one I'd like to begin later this month after the chaos of the RWA National Conference subsides. It's something I hope many of you will find mouthwateringly delicious and a fun way to add a little zing (or at least a little caffeine!) to the end of July and the beginning of August. To participate, you need only have (1) an interest in coffee and (2) a willingness to try a mini taste-testing experiment with me... So, if this sounds like you, please mark your calendars! Next week, after the book drawing brings AustenFest officially to a close, I'll post further details...

But, today, I'm giving away two ARCs (along with VIA packets for each winner) to two commenters on my group blog--a new site with daily posts written by my fellow 2007 Golden Heart finalists, aka my Bond Sisters. For those who may not be familiar with the Golden Heart, is the major award given by members of the Romance Writers of America to a handful of unpublished novelists each summer. Approximately 1,200 people enter the writing contest every year, about 65 final and 10 win. My debut novel, According to Jane, won the Golden Heart in 2007. It was one of my happiest--and most terrifying!--moments (if you're interested, you can read about it here). And the book sold to Kensington the following spring.

So, if you have a chance, please join me over at Nobody Writes It Better today. I'll be talking about the music authors use in our novels and--in my case--some of my favorite '80s tunes!

For those of you in the States, Happy 4th! For those of you elsewhere, Happy Weekend!

16 comments:

Robin said...

Happy 4th of July, Marilyn! Have a great weekend!

Marilyn Brant said...

Thanks, Robin! You, too!!! :)

Caroline said...

Hi Marilyn,
Really loved your post over at Nobody Writes It better. Too fun.

I'll be back for the taste test!! :)

~Caro

Marilyn Brant said...

Caro~thanks for your comments on NWIB (I'm so glad you liked the post :), and YAY on your joining the taste test! Can't wait to do that... Happy 4th!

Nancy J. Parra said...

Hi Marilyn, Happy 4th of July weekend!!

Marilyn Brant said...

Happy 4th to you, too, Nancy! Hope your fireworks are spectacular :).

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited. I feel a little giddy. Thanks--really thanks, to Marilyn for the Austen Fest and sharing the Austen Challenge. I joined. What fun. Of course your debut release is on my list.

Marilyn Brant said...

Oh, Tina, what a sweetie you are!! Thank you so much (*hug*). I know we're going to have a blast with this Austen challenge--and thanks for adding me to your list :). I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed the "fest" too!

Sheila DeChantal said...

Great blog post. I think this may be the first time I have found my way into your blog. Good stuff. I will be back. I would bring coffee but looks like you already have some :)

Marilyn Brant said...

Oh, Sheila--I'm so glad you visited here as well as NWIB--thank you!! Hope you have a fantastic 4th :).

Pamala Knight said...

Here I am, late to the party as always. I'm playing catch up and reading all of your wonderful interviews from the Austenfest authors. Thanks for bringing attention to all of the wonderful authors, Marilyn.

Marilyn Brant said...

Pamala, welcome back!!!! I'm looking forward to hearing all about the big trip. Hope it was wonderful :).

K.M. Saint James said...

Marilyn,

Have a great conference. Sorry I won't be there. Taking the first family cruise this year -- and that totally sucked up all the money. However, I can't wait to go sailing with my fam, so it's a great trade off. Cheer extra loud for L.A. for me, will you?

Unknown said...

Hope you have a good weekend and nice fourth of July celebrations. The article on the music was fascinating, as is most the info and tidbits you share. Thanks for posting it. :)


Ooh, and I got the recipe book. It has quite a few things that I need to try.

Marilyn Brant said...

Sandra~I'll cheer loud enough for the entire state of TX, don't worry! Hope you have a marvelous time on your cruise :).

Tiffany~I'm glad the recipe book got there!! And thanks for reading the music post as well as the AustenFest interviews... The best part of all of this for me was getting to "meet" so many lovely new people online :).

Dina said...

I broke a tooth last wkend but at last I got to enjoy some fireworks in my area.