It was absolutely perfect! Except possibly the temperature…
>
Whirling Dervish
Much has been going on since last I posted here about anything other than AUSTENTATIOUS.
But first, I must share my book news: AUSTENTATIOUS was featured alongside new releases from Mary Balogh, Lisa Kleypas, Sarah MacLean, and Rachel Herron (!!) in Women’s World under the header, “You deserve the best…New romance novel!” I am thrilled!!
Next up, because it’s taking up the next biggest chunk of my time: I’ve decided to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this year. One of my best friends from high school was recently diagnosed and went through treatment, and I will be walking as a tribute to her. It’s 26 miles the first day and 13 miles the second on April 21. So far my longest walk has been 8.5 miles, and I have to say that this training is highlighting every foot frailty a person could possibly have. Well, that I have. I’m actually a little worried about making it the full distance. One day it’s blisters, the next it’s the bones on top of my feet. Something’s gotta give!
I chipped a tooth on a gluten-free pretzel and, as a result, I needed to get a new crown put in my mouth. Huzzah!
With LOTS of help from my friends, I hosted an AUSTENTATIOUS Launch Party! It was extraordinarily chilly, which isn’t overly surprising given 
that it was held on the outdoor patio of a local Dunn Bros. Coffee Shop, but Texas weather is pretty fickle. We didn’t know what we were gonna get. I had a great turnout. There was a reading (ugh!), some divine cupcakes, some party games, and the mustaches on sticks I had to have. I will be posting pictures as soon as I get them from my designated photographers. Here’s one I snapped with my phone…
I started an inspiration board for Book 3 (with Kensington) on Pinterest, and I’m loving adding new pins. I’m 50 pages in on this book and just now starting to find my rhythm.
I managed to only read a single book in about a month’s time. It was The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stewart. I enjoyed it, but it felt more like a series of hilarious character sketches instead of a cohesive story. Next up? Sass & Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler, who I will be signing with (along with Patrice Sarath) at the Town and Country B&N in Houston on March 10th, 2:00pm. Should you be in the area, I’d love to see you!
Okay, I think that’s about it for now. What have you been up to?
Giveaway Winner
Hello.
Remember me? Seems like forever since I’ve posted, but honestly, with everything else going on, this blog has simply slipped through the cracks. And I apologize to my 2 (3?) dedicated readers. 🙂
Today I’m simply posting to reveal the secret message that my Scavenger Hunt produced and to announce the Winner!
The secret message was… Experience and rediscover the magic of Jane Austen in quirky Austin, Texas.
The view down South Congress Ave in Austin, Texas, via.
Thank you to all of you who worked it out and played along! I hope you had fun! And for those who have purchased AUSTENTATIOUS already, thank you! I hope you are enjoying it!
But I could only pick one winner, and it was blueyedirishgrl. She selected a $100 B&N gift card as her prize. Congratulations, Michele!!
I hope to be back tomorrow, after I’ve submitted my (already late) first 50 pages of a new project to my agent. I hope you’ll swing back by. Then again, it’s possible the sore throat I contracted today will morph into something worse, and I won’t feel up to blogging at all. Let’s all cross our fingers that that won’t happen!