It's surreal when people you know start reading your book. Something like running across a stage completely naked under the glare of a follow spot. You search for something to hide behind...but there's nothing.
Not that I've ever done THAT before.
But you're out there. Exposed. Showing all your cards...and somehow, the excitement meshes with the nervous energy which crashes into the fear and you've got this strange concoction that would make Dr. Jekyll raise a brow.
My friend Jenn got an early copy of my book. She texts me lines she loves or tells me what parts she's on. It's kind of awesome. And, yep, surreal.
There's a part near the beginning when you're first introduced to Lila, the beauty queen and southern belle. She's remembering a day when her old friend Suzanne first won her over, despite all efforts to dislike the girl.
While Lila envied Suzanne's low-pressure, I-can-do-anything-I-want-to attitude, she couldn't deny that Suzanne had drawn her in from the moment she gave her a hand mirror she'd found at a flea market.
"Just imagine how many other beautiful faces have looked in that mirror," Suzanne had said. "It made me think of you."
"Looks old." Lila took the mirror and turned it over. The glass had brown stains around the edges.
"But it's neat, right?" Suzanne's eyes widened.
Lila fought the urge to toss it off the way she brushed off every other kind gesture. "Thanks," she said. "It is really neat."
"I'm glad you like it," Suzanne said. "Even though it's old."
Lila held the mirror in front of her, catching her reflection. Suzanne pushed her face next to Lila's and grinned. "Yep. We're stunning," she said.
When Lila laughed, the pain of the morning skittered away. A morning of trying to please Mama. No one else had ever done that for her before.
Yesterday, I got one of the most special, most personal gifts I've ever gotten:
With the most beautiful note that told me that when I looked in the mirror I should see myself the way other people saw me.
And the thoughtfulness of that sort of settled on my shoulders and I thanked God that even in spite of many, many things going wrong (Adam's slipped disk may keep him from going to my launch party...) there are SO many reasons to be thankful. So many beautiful friends in my life.
The kind of friends you write books about...
So, today, my virtual launch party continues, with another {awesome} giveaway...
Today, a giveaway for the girly girl. Lila Adler Olsen is the girly girl of the Sweethaven crew...and I think she'd approve of this giveaway.
1. Your very own OLD, personalized Mirror.
This isn't the one you'll get...yours will be personalized just for you like the one Jenn made for me. And I promise you'll love it.
2. A Custom One {Powerful} Word Necklace by the Amazing Liz Lamoreux.
What word will you choose? Mine would most likely be "surrender..." because Lord knows I need to.
3. Where Women Create's Book of Inspiration.
I have this book. It's GORGEOUS. I have an extra. I want to send it to you.
4. Jeanne Oliver Designs Purse:
I seriously don't think this fabric could be any more beautiful. And the design is adorable. My sweet friend Jeanne has donated this purse and one of you lucky ducks gets to win it! If you don't win, you should head to her shop for yourself...there's some swoonerific stuff in there!!
5. "Poppies" Art Print by Melanie Douthit
It's no secret that I'm addicted to color, so Melanie's artwork is right up my alley! This gorgeous Poppies print is so perfect if it doesn't show up in your box, do NOT look at me.
I swear I wouldn't dream of keeping it for myself.
Melanie's Website and BLOG are worth the gander...go see for yourself!
6. And, of course, I'm giving away a signed copy of this guy right here:
Because I very much want you to have this book. :)
You can get your own copy HERE or HERE or HERE...and I'm told it's coming for Kindle VERY soon so if you're waiting for that, I'll be sure to update when it's ready!
So, how do I enter?
I'm changing it up on you a little today...you get not FOUR, but FIVE chances to enter. Let me explain.
I actually thought to myself "let me 'splain" and in that little daydream I became this guy:
Wonder what it'd feel like to have a mustache.
Hm.
1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me what word you'll have put on the necklace.
2. Go to my snazzy new website and sign up for my newsletter! (Then come back and leave a comment saying you did so.) (Sidenote: I believe newsletters should only go out quarterly (if that.) I promise I won't spam your inbox.)
3. Tweet this link.
4. Facebook this link
5. Blog about "A Sweethaven Summer" or this post.
(Come back each time and leave another comment letting me know you've done these things. Five chances total! (I'll know if you're fibbing about the newsletter. I've got mad technical skillz.)
(Are you afraid now that I just spelled that with a "z"?)
That's it. Easy as cake. (I've baked pies. They aren't easy.)
And you can still enter yesterday's giveaway by clicking on THIS POST.
Thanks, you guys, for helping spread the word! I just can't thank you enough! It means THE WORLD to me!
