I think I have an idea for a contest. But first:
Yesterday was another appearance day for me, this time in Winona, at a charity affair, raising money for a hospital. There were three authors present. Two of us write mystery fiction, the third writes true crime books. Well . . . book. He’s only got one at present, about the Congdon murders, a very big deal in Minnesota. Over lunch – a slice of baked chicken over an Asian salad, carrot cake for dessert – each of us got to make a fifteen-minute presentation about our writing. The audience was appreciative to all of us, but I think I got off the best line: “As Fred Allen once said, ‘I don’t know why anyone would write a book when for a few dollars he could buy one.’” After lunch, the three of us moved to a long table and sold/signed our books. My hat got quite a few compliments.
There was a big crowd present, over a hundred. And while we didn’t sell a hundred books, we sold quite a few. So despite the long drive – about three hours each way for me – it was a worthwhile journey. I think we each made a few new fans.
Today I am off to buy some purple flowers and take them to the Science Museum of Minnesota where they will be turned into dye. I will use the experience in the book I am writing called, curiously enough, And Then You Dye. I understand the color of the plant material doesn’t always forecast the color of the dye, so this should be interesting. I’ll let you know next week.
I want to offer a contest next week. Win a free book. But which book? How about I leave it up to you? Let me know if you would prefer a copy of the first book in the Betsy Devonshire series, Crewel World, or a copy of the newest one, Buttons and Bones. Or would you like a copy of my first published novel, Murder at the War? Or a copy of the first in my Dame Frevisse mystery series, The Novice’s Tale? Or some other book? Let me know. Whichever gets the most votes is the one I’ll offer next week.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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9 comments:
Howdy, Monica!It will be interesting to know the "dye" results next week. My indoor red geranium plant always leaves a dye mark on my fingers when I pick up the petals off the floor.
Crewel World would be my pick for the contest. I had read most of your books before I finally ordered the first one from the library to understand how Betsy became owner of the shop. It is very rare.
I'd love a copy of Buttons and Bones. The appearance yesterday sounds like fun, and we all know that sometimes they aren't. I've avoided dyeing so far, but now and then I get the urge, and I may try Kool-Aid dyeing one of these days. Has spring arrived in Minnesota yet?
Oh, but I don't like being the first one. Maybe this time it will be a lucky number for me. The book I would like to win is The Novice’s Tale.
Crewel World, I think. Carol's right. It's always nice to find out how things began.
Great idea, BTW!
Oh dear, only three replies - and each wants a different prize. This is going to be difficult!
Well, I have ALL your Betsy Devonshire novels - unless the prize would be the Next one. To keep from making 4 different suggestions, I suggest your very first published book. Thank you for offering a prize. Hope you had an interesting day at the Science Museum.
Carol S --
Crewel World is hardly rare - it's readily available at Amazon in both paperback and Kindle form. I'd go for Murder at the War, her first published book.
It's always interesting hearing what you are up to. I'm going to be trying my hand at dying yarn in the near future and will be interested to hear how your dying efforts go.
Hi! Contest! I love contests. If I were to win your contest I would love a copy of your book The Novice's Tale. Consider me entered. Thank you.
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