Past Newsletters
April 22, 2010
Dear Friends,
It's a gorgeous spring day, and I'm sitting on my front porch with my laptop, thinking over the past month. When I sent out March's newsletter, I was so excited yet nervous about the launch of The Opposite of Me. I couldn't wait to see my book in stores, and I hoped I'd get some nice reviews and, more importantly, a few notes from readers who identified with characters in my novel.
Writing is such a solitary process, and most writers are pretty critical of themselves (my brain apparently rents space to tenants named Self Doubt and I'm Going to Mock Your Metaphors). So when you send a book out into the world, all you can do is hope. Hope that people pick it up in stores, when there are so many other books vying for their attention. Hope that someone likes it - and that they recommend it to a friend or two. Hope that you get a chance to publish another book someday, because the whole process - even the crazy-making times, like when your plot is twisting itself into knots and you can't quite remember why you ever thought that you, of all people, could actually write a book- well, it can be frustrating and all-consuming and yet somehow, it's also the most fun you've ever had.
(Self Doubt is wondering if that paragraph above makes any sense, and is gently saying, "Really, don't you think people have stopped reading by now?")
Anyway, I'm thrilled to say the events of the past month have exceeded my dreams: The Opposite of Me is now a USAToday "notable" book, and won 3.5 out of 4 stars from People magazine. Redbook picked it as a must-read for March, and Cosmopolitan called it "sweet, smart and funny." And, in no small part thanks to the incredible generosity of author Jennifer Weiner - you can read about what she did here - the book is in a third printing!
It's all so incredibly exciting, and made even more so because my publisher just bought my second book, which I've written, and my third book, which I have not started yet. But the notes I've saved to go back and re-read aren't from book reviewers: They're from real people who took the time to write to me after something in my book touched a chord within them. I never knew so many women had sister stories like the ones I described in The Opposite of Me, and I've been grateful to learn about how these real-life women relate to my novel.
I hope my next book strikes a similar nerve. We don't have a title for it yet, but I can tell you it'll be published in Spring of 2011. Though the story is very different, it's told in the same voice as The Opposite of Me, with humor and heart (at least I hope so - Self Doubt thinks that sounds a little pompous). Here's a bit more about the book: 34-year-old Julia Dunhill wakes up one day to discover her husband, Michael, has turned into a completely different person because of an extraordinary experience. Julia - who also sees pieces of her life reflected in the world's great operas - has three weeks to decide if she should stay with Michael... or leave him to begin a new life on her own.
Before I go (because my second book is already through the first round of edits and I need to get to work so we can hustle it out in less than a year), I wanted to name the winner for this month's raffle of a book and some Godivas. The name my webmaster picked using random.org is Erika D. from Connecticut. Erika, please pick any book published by Washington Square Press, a division of Simon & Schuster - I'm kind of partial to them, seeing as they published my book and all- and I'll ship it right out to you.
And if you'd like more chances at winning free books, you might want to consider checking out the fan page for my novel. I'm giving away two books a week for the rest of the month!
Happy reading - and thanks to all of you for coming along with me as I go through the publication process. I appreciate your support more than you know!
xoxo,
Sarah
March 1, 2010
You've probably heard me mention a time or ten that my debut novel, The Opposite of Me, will be published by Washington Square Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, next week. But before it hits bookstores, we're holding "Sarah Spike Day," with a big raffle and an extraordinary giveaway for everyone who pre-orders my book this Wednesday, March 3!
First, a little background on how all of this got started: I'm fascinated by the behind-the-scenes workings of the publishing industry, and one thing I've learned is that sites like Amazon.com take notice of good pre-pub sales and recommend that book more frequently to shoppers. Early on-line orders also spike interest from other booksellers - which all combine to give a debut author a much-needed boost.
I know there are a lot of books competing for your attention. So, what's in it for you if you order The Opposite of Me on 3/3? Excellent question; you're clearly a savvy consumer. Here are my raffle prizes:
- A small, sleek HD camcorder from DXG USA's Pro Gear line for 2010, which retails for $300.
- A gift bag containing five hot new Simon & Schuster releases.
- Five high-end, cotton t-shirts from Heart Threads Clothing. You pick the size, color and secret message printed on the inside of your shirt and worn close to your heart. Five winners!
- A 30-minute phone consultation in which I'll explain, step-by-step, how I got signed by a literary agent and publisher. This will include an editorial critique of your manuscript of up to 40 pages. If you're not interested in writing a novel, you can gift this prize to anyone you choose.
- This last prize is one a character in my book, Lindsey, would especially like: A $35 gift certificate to MAC cosmetics (Lindsey is a fan of their eyeshadow) and a gorgeous red bustier from Affinitas Intimates. It would probably look best on a woman, but we won't pass judgment if the guys want to win it.
But that's not all. Now for the even bigger news... I'm proud and honored to announce that #1 New York Times bestseller Jennifer Weiner, author of seven blockbusters including Best Friends Forever and In Her Shoes, which was made into a major motion picture staring Cameron Diaz, is supporting The Opposite of Me by holding an incredible giveaway of her own! Please visit Jen's website at www.jenniferweiner.blogspot.com for the details of how she is giving a free, autographed copy of one of her books to every single person who orders The Opposite of Me on March 3 only, until she runs out of books - which she says won't be for a while (yes, you read that right - you get a Jen Weiner book! And you! And you! And you over there in the corner!) Jen is my favorite author, and I'm blown away by her generosity - or Jenerosity, as we're calling it. She's a huge success, and now she wants to reach out and help a debut author because she remembers the feeling of waiting for your first book to come out - and I'm the lucky one.
So, to recap:
- Buy The Opposite of Me on-line on Wednesday, March 3 from places including Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Powells.com
- Email your receipt to me at sarah@sarahpekkanen.com and put CONTEST in the subject line.
- Then mosey over to Jen's website at www.jenniferweiner.blogspot.com and read about where to email the same receipt to get a free, signed book by Jen Weiner.
I'll notify you on Friday if you're a raffle winner.
If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Opposite of Me, a Redbook magazine book club pick, there's a link on the main page of my website, www.sarahpekkanen.com. Thank you so much for considering this and for supporting the launch of The Opposite of Me!
Here's what others are saying:
"With her smart, soulful novel, author Pekkanen explores the place where self and sisterhood intersect."
- Redbook magazine, March book club pick
"It's warm, it's whimsical, and it's a winner (already translated into three languages)."
- Courier-Mail (Australia)
"Fresh, appealing.... Both sisters are fully realized-flawed but likable, and the story is at turns funny and poignant."
- Booklist
"We like SpongeBob Squarepants better."
- Sarah Pekkanen's kids
xoxo,
Sarah
January 29, 2010
Dear Friends,
I feel immensely pregnant right now.
No, dear God, not that kind of pregnant (having popped out three boys in recent years, the shop, shall we say, is closed). It's just that the months leading up to a book release feel a lot like gestation. "How much longer for you?" an author asked me recently. I rubbed gentle circles on a galley copy of my book and said with a maternal smile, "Six weeks." And just like the crazy, frenzied, nesting woman I become in the months leading up to birth, I'm starting to take on the persona of a hyper, wild-eyed debut author. Am I doing everything I should be doing to help nudge my book into the hands of readers? Am I doing too much (no one likes people who try too hard, cough-Heidi Montag-cough).
Some of the ancillary events that come along with publishing a book have been fun - but surreal. I've been doing photo shoots and interviews, writing guest blogs and preparing to film a trailer (more on that next month). And I've been introducing myself to booksellers and making a fabulous impression, as always. The other day I popped into Borders to buy a few books, and I had my two older boys and their buddy along with me. After chatting with the woman at the information desk, I mentioned my novel, trying to ignore the howls of laughter coming from the boys. She asked me if I wanted to do a signing at the store, and I gently and lovingly kicked one of my sons (he was rolling on the floor, laughing at something) and told her I'd be thrilled to do one. I finally extricated myself from the conversation to see what was making the boys giggle and realized they'd commandeered a Borders computer and were perusing books with the word "poop" in the title. There were more than you might expect, by the way.
Oh, here's something fun: I just got the cover of the Spanish edition of The Opposite of Me. The cover and title are different (They've dubbed it, A World Between You and Me), and it'll be out in July. And I've got a bunch of readings lined up, mostly in D.C., Maryland and Virginia for now, that you can check out on the events page of my website if you're in town and interested. Be forewarned: I'm going to try to get everyone to go out for drinks afterwards. They're not giving me an epidural for this birth, so I figure a shot or two of vodka is a fine substitute.
Time for my monthly giveaway of Godivas and a book. The name my webmaster drew is Erin from Honolulu, Hawaii. Erin, just email me via the link on my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and I'll send the goodies your way! Are you all as ready for Spring as I am?
xoxo,
Sarah
December 22, 2009
Dear Friends,
I'm going to be really brief, because I know how busy you are during this time of year - and if you're not busy, would you mind popping over to my house and lending a hand? Just open that bag of cookies from Trader Joe's and crumple the edges a bit so I can pass them off for homemade when I put them in gift bags. I'll be back next month with a chattier update, but for now I wanted to spread a little holiday cheer by giving one of you a book and some Godivas (hey! I said put the cookies in the bags. I see you eating them!)
Okay, the name my webmaster drew for this month's winner is ... Heather R. from Ontario, Canada. Heather, just drop me an email via the contact link on my website, www.sarahpekkanen.com, and I'll rush the goodies to you. You can pick any book by my publisher, Atria, a division of Simon & Schuster.
If you didn't win this month, I'm also giving away a galley of my upcoming novel, The Opposite of Me, on my group author's blog. If you're so inclined, pop over to www.thedebutanteball.com and leave a comment on my post dated today, (Tuesday Dec. 22), and I'll pick the winner of my galley on Christmas Eve.
See you next month!
xoxo,
Sarah
October 27, 2009
Dear Friends,
I’m so hoping this finds you all happy and healthy and that you’ve avoided the kind of week I just endured. My middle son had a reaction to a chicken pox vaccine, which meant he came down with a mild case of chicken pox. Which meant the baby came down with a mild case of chicken pox - while teething, the poor little guy. I had approximately 58 work deadlines (fine, more like six, but I’m trolling for sympathy here), and I still had to hand-roll sushi with my oldest son for his class project on Japan. This perfect storm of domestic bliss coincided with my husband’s trip to Chicago for business. His timing is just impeccable, and I sweetly told him so when he called from his relaxing dinner with colleagues at a lovely restaurant. On the bright side, though, I probably taught all our neighbors a few new colorful words.
Now I’m coming up for air, and feeling very grateful that everyone is healthy, and that I’m managing to meet my deadlines, and that no one was poisoned by my sushi. It’s possible, however, that no one actually ate the sushi, since my presentation was, shall we say, a tad bit lacking. This is in no way related to the fact that I had a sip one two glasses of Chardonnay after I realized I hadn’t made nearly enough rice and would need to cook another batch. Oh, and that it was supposed to be cucumber sushi and I’d forgotten to buy CUCUMBERS. I searched my pantry and came up with possible substitutes: Vitamin gummy bear sushi? Wheaties sushi? Chocolate sus- no, I won’t go there. I can’t even joke about defiling chocolate in such a heartless manner.
Anyway, cucumbers were obtained, Tylenol was dispensed, magazine columns were written, and now I’m taking a deep breath for the first time in days. Things will improve; there is Halloween candy to be purchased! And to be purchased again, after I eat all of the candy well before Halloween!
Don’t you just love this time of year? And there is other fun news on the horizon; some bookstores like Barnes & Noble in Bethesda have scheduled me to do signings of The Opposite of Me when it is released in March, and I found out I’m going to be a speaker at the Virginia Festival of the Book (www.vabook.org) also in March. Last year John Grisham, Rita Dove and David Baldacci headlined the festival, so I’m feeling a little star-struck. Fair warning in case you come to a reading: If I get nervous about public speaking, I’m going to picture you all naked. So you might want to start working out.
Let’s see, what else… oh, Bethesda Magazine is going to excerpt part of my book for their March/April issue, and do you know what’s strange? I’ve been re-reading The Opposite of Me to find passages for the excerpt, and it feels completely surreal. Mr. Horror himself, Stephen King, once described the feeling of reading your own book as if it was written not by you, but by “a soul-twin.” And it’s true; some pages of my novel are very familiar to me, but I can’t actually remember writing them. Maybe it’s partly because my brain is so focused on the new novel I’m writing, and after all, there is only so much space inside my brain. (Go ahead, make a joke. No, really, I know you want to. I’ll wait).
In any case, I’m off to buy candy – best to stock up early in case of a shortage – but before I do, I want to send one of you an Atria book of your choice and some Godivas. The name my webmaster picked from random.org is Kristin T. from Everett, WA. Kristin, just contact me through the link via my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com to let me know which book you’d like.
Happy Halloween!
xoxo,
Sarah
September 29, 2009
Dear Friends,
No Hollywood director would ever make a movie about the real life of an author. Trust me, after 10 minutes everyone would throw popcorn at the screen and storm out, demanding a refund. Because here's how a typical day for me goes:
9 a.m. Stare at computer screen. Refrain from checking email, but only because I did so 30 seconds ago. Sip coffee. Sternly tell self it's time to get down to work.
9:02 a.m. Coffee is getting cold. Who can possibly work under these conditions? Get up to microwave it.
9:04 a.m. Really must write now. Will just check out celebrity gossip web site, then buckle down.
9:17 a.m. Seriously? Lindsay Lohan did that? Will just email a few friends to alert them.
9:24 a.m. Pull up novel-in-progress on my computer screen. Consider changing font. Debate merits of Helvetica versus Times New Roman. Write a few sentences. Immediately backspace over sentences.
9:38 a.m. Need more coffee.
9:42 a.m. Neck is getting sore. Must move laptop to new location.
9:45 a.m. Ooh, someone emailed me! It's an ad from PetSmart. Consider rushing out to stock up on rawhide bones. No, no, really must work.
9:46 a.m. Write a few paragraphs. Delete, type more. Edit, type more. Stand up and stretch.
Is anyone still reading? No, I didn't think so. Writing just isn't glamorous. I wear jeans or sweat pants when I do it. I talk to myself. Once I felt a sharp pain in my back that I diagnosed as a pinched nerve, until I realized I was leaning against a Lego. There's no immediate reward, other than the satisfaction that comes from having crafted a colorful scene, or from watching the word count tick up.
But every now and then, something thrilling happens. And last week, it happened to me, when I boarded a train to New York to have lunch with my agent, editor, and Atria publicist. Does every writer imagine the ways in which scenarios like this one could go all wrong, or do only the most neurotic among us do so? Because I was convinced I'd spill hot coffee in my editor's lap. Or that I'd have spinach between my teeth the whole time. Or that I'd forget how to talk and just sit there, making fish movements with my lips.
But everyone was so warm and friendly that I forgot my nerves, and had an amazing time (still, I avoided spinach). We chatted about The Opposite of Me (I can't believe it's already up for sale on amazon.com and in other places!), and savored blue-crab-and-avocado salads and a plate of yummy cookies. Then we went back to the Simon & Schuster building, and I got to meet my publisher, Judith Curr. Just being in her office and seeing the lineup of books Atria is publishing was awe-inspiring. I left with a handful of new releases - and a determination to acquire a charming Australian accent just like Judith's.
Now I'm back at home, the kids are off from school today and demanding food and entertainment, and I'm limping because I stepped on a sharp little toy racecar. I'm wearing jeans, and my hair is scrunched into its usual ponytail. Give me a little broom and point me toward a dirty fireplace, because I'm basically Cinderella, back from the glamour of New York. But man, was it fun while it lasted!
I'd love to give some Godivas and a new book to one of you (actually, I'd love to give them to all of you, but my bank account is digging in its heels and yelling, "No!"). The name my webmaster pulled from Random.org is Meaghan R. from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Meaghan, just contact me through the link on my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com to let me know which Atria book you'd like.
Oh, and if anyone wants to know how I got my agent (a thoroughly humiliating story) pop by and visit www.thedebutanteball.com, where I blog every Tuesday and other soon-to-be-published authors take turns on other days. It's a great on-line community for anyone interested in reading - or writing.
xoxo,
Sarah
August 24, 2009
Dear Friends,
One of the best pieces of advice I got when I sold my novel was to put down the champagne (or sparkling apple juice, in my case, since I was knocked up yet again) and start writing my second one, pronto. I can't remember who said it to me, but since then, I've heard the same snippet of wisdom dozens of times. And right now I'm really, really grateful that I listened.
Because even though the launch for The Opposite of Me is six months away, I'm finding more and more of my daily hours are consumed by business-y details, rather than writer-ly ones (the writer-ly details mainly revolve around hiring a sitter and grabbing my laptop and fleeing from my young children to the nearest coffeeshop, where I get to place picky drink orders for a change instead of filling them).
It's amazing to me how much behind-the-scenes stuff goes on before a book is published, and every single part of it - even proof-reading my novel for typos for the tenth time - still feels pretty darn thrilling. But if I hadn't made a running start at my second novel, I'm not sure when I'd find the time for the uninterrupted think-sessions I need to get the bones of a book-length plot figured out. (About that next novel -- the first half of it is in pretty good shape, but I'm muddling through the second part now and am at the point where I'm convinced I shouldn't even be allowed to take dictation, let alone type out my own thoughts. My computer screen has a dent in it that's exactly the size of my forehead, and I'm constantly mumbling to myself like a crazy person. So, it's going about as well as usual).
I can see how easy it would be to get distracted by the business stuff, which is much more fun for those of us who have short attention spans and need immediate gratification. Like when I got my book cover overnighted to me - well, who could write that day? I had to rush around and show it to everyone I know. (I have to say I love, love, love my cover. What does an author do when he or she hates theirs? I'm so glad I don't have to find out). And last week, when I learned the Australian rights had been sold for The Opposite of Me, I had to practice talking in an Australian accent before I delivered the news to my family ("Why do you keep shouting 'Mate' at me?" asked a bewildered sibling. "Am I an endangered zoo animal you're encouraging to breed?")
If I let it, all the fun auxiliary stuff could consume my limited work hours and six months from now, I'd have no new book. Or I'd have half of a new book, and half of a garbled pile of criminally bad prose that would cause my agent to flee town and not leave a forwarding address.
Which is why I need to remind myself, day in and day out, that this all started with the writing. The most important thing I can do is keep my head down and write, every single day. The problem is, writing can be hard. Writing can be frustrating. Writing can be ugly (seriously, you should see my first drafts; they'd make you run away screaming, "My eyes! My eyes! I'm blind!")
It's much, much more fun to fold down the lid of my laptop and finish a writing session than it is to start one. And these days, there are so many distractions around - email and Twittter, Facebook and cell phones - that setting aside quiet hours to think and write and re-write are harder than ever.
Which leads me to a question someone emailed me earlier this month:
How do you get motivated to write?
I've got a few tricks I'm more than happy to share with you. One is to go somewhere away from the ringing phone and full laundry basket and pile of mail that needs sorting. If you're stuck at a coffeeshop with nothing but your laptop, sooner or later, you're going to write, if only to avoid dying from sheer boredom or caffeine overload.
Another thing I do is go to Barnes & Noble or Borders or some of the fabulous independent bookstores in my area, like Politics & Prose, and write there. Surrounding myself with books somehow makes me feel excited to get words down on paper and imagine that someday, my own book might find a spot on the shelves. (Once, in a moment of desperation, I even found the exact space on the shelf where my novel would go and quietly eased apart the books on either side, creating an empty space for my novel. I know, I know - pretty pathetic. But hey, it got me to write another few pages!)
I also try to set goals - say 1,000 words a day, or about four pages - and see if I can beat them. I talk to myself like I'm a jittery horse I'm trying to soothe, saying it doesn't matter what I write as long as I get something down on paper. The first draft is the slab of clay you throw down on the pottery wheel. It's the shaping and trimming and smoothing that makes it into something special.
When all else fails, there's always chocolate. Sometimes I gulp down coffee and a little chocolate (fine, more than a little) and use that burst of energy to buzz through a few pages. Once I've gotten started, it's usually not hard at all to keep going.
So there you have it, my recipe for becoming a published author: Delude yourself, eat chocolate, and order overpriced lattes. Mumbling to yourself is optional but encouraged.
Speaking of chocolate (and when am I not?) it's time for my giveaway, and this month's winner of an Atria book and Godiva is Vicky S. from Leeds, U.K. Vicky, just contact me via the link on my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and I'll rush them to you.
And if you've got a few free moments, check out the grog (group author's blog) at www.thedebutanteball.com that I'm co-writing this year. My first post goes up on Sept. 1, and after that, I'll be yakking away every Tuesday on subjects like how I got my agent (which is a very embarrassing story. If you're looking for an agent, you should never do what I did!)
Hope your September is filled with fresh air and happy thoughts.
xoxo,
Sarah
August 4, 2009
Dear Friends,
Every writer I know struggles with, well… writing. Not just the actual sitting down and firing up the computer and forcing those fingers across the keyboard until you hit page 350. No, to succeed in the publishing world today, new authors need to do more than just finish a novel. They need to let people know about it. After all, there are close to 200,000 books published every year. Guess how many of them make the bestseller list published in The New York Times each Sunday? The top 15 hardcover, and top 20 paperbacks. Yikes. It’s enough to make all of us writers pull the proverbial covers over our heads (with adequate emergency chocolate supplies in hand, of course. I mean, God forbid we should get hypoglycemic while we’re cowering!)
So, every author I know has grappled with the eternal question: To blog, or not to blog? Some writers refuse to do it. They argue that they only have so much creative energy, and to blog three or four times a week would drain it away from their next book. Others say it’s essential, a mutually beneficial way to interact with readers and writers and promote their novels. Many of those names you see on the top 15 lists are authors who blog.
As with most things in life, I can see both sides. Hey, I’m a middle child – blame that for my inability to form extreme opinions. (I’d make a terrible juror: “Oh, he’s definitely guilty. Really? Hmmm… you raise a good point about the alibi. Innocent! The man is innocent! Oh, wait, I didn’t think about the bloody knife… let’s put him away for life!”)
Which is why I’m feeling like I won the lottery right now. I’ve been picked as one of five new novelists to take over the reins of The Debutante Ball (www.thedebutanteball.com), a fabulous group blog. Three years ago, a group of new female authors started the blog, and every year, the outgoing class picks the new authors (or Debs, as they’re called) to write about their entrance into the publishing world. So starting in about a month, I’ll be blogging once a week, which sounds like just about the perfect amount. The other four weekdays, my fellow Debs will be writing about their experiences – check them out if you can; their books sound amazing – and on the weekend, we’ll have a guest author weigh in. Past guests include John Grisham, Jodi Picoult and Jane Green. It’s all so exciting and fun and authorly that I’m getting giddy just thinking about it. (I will not turn into a blubbering fool if Jodi Picoult comes back to guest author. I will not. I will be professional, calm, and non-drooling. I will not send her my manuscripts and beg her to breathe on them in hopes that her literary magic will be transferred onto my words. Professional!)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on blogs. Do you read any regularly? What keeps you coming back to a blog? What makes you stop reading? Which authors should we invite to write a guest post? If you’ve got a minute, drop me a line via my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com or friend me on Facebook and let me know.
There’s still plenty of time for some good beach reading, so I’m sending one of you a new book (and, it goes without saying, chocolate. Hypoglycemia is a serious, serious concern of mine, and I don’t want any of you to be afflicted by it). The name my webmaster drew from Random.org is Kate from Moscow, Idaho. Kate, just send me an email and let me know which Atria book you’d like for some good end-of-summer reading!
xoxo,
Sarah
P.S. Speaking of that Top 15 New York Times list, I just can’t resist giving a shout out to my editor, Greer Hendricks, who is also the editor of the novel listed in the #1 slot yesterday (“Best Friends Forever” by Jennifer Weiner). And I share my agent, Victoria Sanders, with author Karin Slaughter, who holds the #14 spot for “Undone” on the same list. I’m very humbled to be keeping such incredible company!
June 30, 2009
Dear Friends,
I feel sorry for fashion models. Sure, those overpaid, rock star-dating freaks of nature don't usually conjure sympathy (despite their sob stories about being called --- gasp - "Giraffe legs" in junior high school). But two weeks ago, I had my author photo taken, and while I'm still not convinced supermodels should get the big bucks AND Leo DiCaprio, I don't think it's a completely cushy job any longer.
The photographer came over one afternoon during a narrow sliver of time when I'd organized a baby-sitter for my baby and a Wii extravaganza for my older kids. I was showered (a minor triumph), mascara'd, and though I hadn't managed to squeeze in a haircut or a trip to buy new Spanx, all things considered, I was feeling pretty triumphant about my grooming.
So there we were, me and the photographer, in my backyard, ready to take the picture that would proclaim to readers: See how friendly (but not too friendly, certainly not in a stalkerish way!) and smart (not too smart, though! No threats to you Mensa members here!) this author is? Isn't her novel just leaping into your hands and compelling you to start reading it?
The problem was, it was hot outside. Brutally hot. And I was wearing a sweater (even I knew better than to trot out my usual summer uniform of slightly stained Old Navy t-shirts).
"Perch on this chair," the photographer suggested.
I obligingly perched, smiled, and sweated while the camera clicked. After a few minutes, my thigh muscles complained about perching on the edge of a chair and suggested we all go inside for a little restorative chocolate treat.
"You don't look comfortable," the photographer said. "Maybe a different outfit?"
I raced inside, changed, came back outside, and posed again.
"Hmm..." Hilary the photographer said. "I'm not sure that shirt is the right color for you."
Since I know and trust Hilary - she shoots my photo for a magazine column I write - I dashed upstairs again to change. I tore through my closet, which was stuffed with shorts and t-shirts, maternity wear, and a few very outdated business suits. Where were all my clothes? My cute, trendy, flattering clothes? Did I really dress like this? The horror!
"Mom," one of my kids whined, "can we have popcorn?"
"I'm having a photo shoot," I said importantly. "You know, for my book." The kid looked at me blankly.
"The Opposite of Me?" I said. "Due out in March? At bookstores everywhere? Didn't Mommy teach you to say that whenever possible?"
"He bit me!" came an outraged wail.
"Stop fighting and I'll take you to the pool in ten minutes," I lied to my children, whose sense of time is seriously warped from scenarios just like this one.
"I've got to go," the babysitter said apologetically. "I have another job to get to."
"Let's put the baby on a blanket outside," I said desperately. "He can watch the photo shoot."
"Did you powder your nose? You really should," the photographer asked, clearly feeling this was no time for subtlety.
I powdered, brushed my hair, threw back my shoulders, and posed again.
"THARM alert!" The photographer shouted.
(A "Tharm" happens when you position your arm in such a way that it appears to be bigger than a typical arm -- more like a thigh. Like the Ebola virus and men with bushy toupees, it is to be avoided at all costs).
I shifted, sweated, and posed. The baby rolled off the blanket into the grass. The older kids made popcorn themselves and doused it with a pound of butter. Was the baby rolling onto a bee? Why were the older kids being so quiet inside? And why didn't I have cuter clothes? Wasn't it bad enough that I drove a minivan?
"Smile!"
God, it was exhausting. I'm still waiting for Leo DiCaprio to ring my doorbell and whisk me off to a private island to recuperate. Sadly, the only person who has shown up is a pimply teenager trying to sell me glossy magazines that feature supermodels (who I'm pretty sure have no "tharm" issues).
Anyway, now that summer is finally here, I can't wait to pick up the new Jennifer Weiner book, Best Friends Forever, and I'd love to send a copy to one of you, along with some chocolates! I can't think of a better care package for the beach (helpful Heloise hint: Eat the chocolates quickly. You know, before the sun melts them. I always do, even in December. You never know when a freak warm patch will come along). My web designer pulled the name of this month's winner using Random.org, as always.... And the winner is Alyce. Just contact me through the link on my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and I'll rush them to you. I hope you all have a wonderful, tharm-less summer and I'll see you next month!
xoxo,
Sarah
May 31, 2009
Dear Friends,
I've just gotten back from the most glorious place on Earth. If you're a book-lover, it doesn't get any better than this: a gigantic publishing convention smack in the middle of New York City. And here's the kicker -- everywhere you go, people give you free books! Books that aren't even published yet! Books that won't hit stores until this summer or even this fall! Authors and publishers smile and urge you on as you scramble to grab as many books as you can with your grubby little hands and load them onto the back of your husband/sherpa!
I need to take a deep breath; I'm getting verklempt.
Anyway, the event is called BookExpo America, and I went there to meet my Dutch publisher, some of my favorite book bloggers, and a few other folks. The free books were just a bonus. Oh, and did I mention that at some booths, they gave away candy? There were also massage stations. Seriously. It's as though the entire, multi-million-dollar event was tailor-made for me. There was no Brad Pitt sighting - really, the Expo's only flaw -- but Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band were in the house. Who knew they had books to promote? My friend who got close to Steven reports that he has a completely unlined face, wrinkly neck - like his wrinkles all packed up and migrated south for the winter and have yet to make the round trip back - and an astonishingly creative and bizarrely random brain.
Also, there was a woman who appeared to be orange-ish (tanning bed mishap?) strutting around in a tiny bikini and holding a guitar. I think she was promoting a book about learning to play the guitar, but no one seemed to notice the book. And given that I never saw her actually play the guitar, I'm not sure she read it, either. SpongeBob Squarepants himself ambled by and handed me a pile of stickers to give to my kids. This was all juxtaposed with bestselling authors like Joyce Carol Oates, Mary Higgins Clark and Karin Slaughter milling around and signing free copies of their upcoming novels. God, it was fabulous. My husband Glenn -- aka The Sherpa -- and I took turns wearing Dylan in a Baby Bjorn as we spent hours walking around the Javitz Center and gaping. Have you been there? Definitely the biggest indoor space I've ever encountered. It was dizzying.
Baby Dylan was a champ. He crunched on a few books, dozed a bit, and tried to steal bites of the cake I'd scored from a booth that was promoting a book about how to make cakes (see! It just gets better and better, doesn't it?) Baby D also posed for a picture with a lovely editor from the Dutch publishing house that bought the rights to The Opposite of Me. It was humbling to see my name listed among the authors this great house in Holland translates and publishes - Steven King, Alexander McCall Smith, and Danielle Steele, to name just a few.
Can I make a little confession? You've all been so wonderfully supportive that I don't feel embarrassed sharing this. The night before the event kicked into high gear, Glenn and Dylan and I went to the Javitz Center to register. We got our badges and decided to stroll around for a bit so I'd know where to go for my meetings the next morning. I really do tend to run late for everything - even childbirth - and I was trying to put forth the appearance of being somewhat professional. So we wandered through the cavernous building and found our way up to the International Rights Center, where I was meeting my foreign agent (she also brought chocolate to the meeting. Love her!) Then we walked back down another floor to where all the publishers had spaces decorated with posters and banners and bookshelves featuring their upcoming releases. It was strangely quiet in the huge building - just a few workmen were driving around forklifts with crates of books here and there - and the air seemed thick and rich with the promise of the next day's frenzy. I found the area reserved for Simon & Schuster (my publisher, Atria, is part of S&S) and wandered in, feeling like I was crossing the threshold into another world. Glenn and Dylan and I were the only people there.
I spun around, taking it all in, and I couldn't help it: my eyes filled with tears. Then Glenn snapped pictures of me standing there with a huge goofy grin on my face, and a few of me frowning importantly as I pretended to take a business call. I lifted Dylan high into the air for a final triumphant picture under the Simon & Schuster banner (that kid is getting heavy - no more chewing on books for him)! I still can't quite believe that all those hours with my laptop - squeezed in while the kids were at school, or early in the morning while the dog dozed on my feet - added up to this: Although The Opposite of Me won't hit bookstores until March of next year, the title on my badge read "Author."
I'm saving that badge forever.
Now that I've gotten my fill of free books, I'd love to send one to you. I've asked my web designer to pull a name using Random.org... and this month's winner is Angela from Manchester, United Kingdom. Angela, please contact me through my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and I'll rush some chocolates and an Atria book to you, just in time for some lovely summer reading. Have a wonderful, sunny June!
xoxo,
Sarah
May 11, 2009
Dear Friends,
Gaah -- is it already May? What happened? Okay, please humor me and pretend it’s still April just for a minute. This month I’ll be short and quick (that’s what she said) since all kinds of deadlines are looming. And – tangent alert -- doesn’t the word “looming” make deadlines seem like big, hulking creatures in hockey masks who leap out when you unwisely enter abandoned buildings while foreboding music wafts through the air?
Yeah, that’s kind of how I feel about deadlines. They’re out to get me, and I’m not safe in the shower, or the basement, or even (cue knife-shrieking music) while trying to hide from my computer in the safe rosy televised glow of “American Idol.”
If only I were the kind of calm, practical person who did one thing at a time without ever getting distracted by celebrity gossip web sites or the chocolate screaming my name from the pantry, I’d probably just squeak past the finish line and accomplish everything I need to this month. Sadly, the siren call of the chocolate is too strong – as is that happy little “ding” that compels me to abandon my work and instantly check my new email messages, which are almost always random ads from hardware or electronics stores (why? why? I can’t fix anything, and I still sometimes refer to my iPod as my “walkman,” causing my kids to stare at me with great confusion).
I know you’re all busy too and that I promised to be brief, but I’m so excited I had to share this -- I just saw the German cover of my novel! It will have a different cover in every country, and the U.S. one isn’t done yet. But here’s a peek if you’re interested, and in case you don’t understand German, the title roughly translates into: “The Way of Women” (I’m not sure yet if the title will be changed in other countries; it’s pretty much the prerogative of the publisher). And take a closer look at the vines of the flowers; do you see the shoes hidden in them?
All right, I’ve finally got to muster up my courage and face that deadline now (don’t worry; though I’m covered with mud and am limping, I’m armed with an old baseball bat and since I’m the only one left in the abandoned building, I’m pretty sure I’ll survive for the sequel). But first, I want to give one of you some goodies and a new book to make your spring an even happier one. This month’s winner is Rob H. from the Netherlands. Rob, just contact me through my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and let me know which book you’d like to read and I’ll quickly ship it along with some goodies to your doorstep.
See you next month (er, sort of)!
xoxo,
Sarah
April 16, 2009
Dear Friends,
Just a quick update: those of you who are interested in writing might like to hear my segment on yesterday's "All Things Considered" on NPR.
The link is below, and if you enjoy it, I'd be grateful if you'd click on the "recommend" button at the bottom of the NPR webpage. Feel free to pass it on to anyone you know who might be itching to write a novel!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100237796
And here's a quick description of my novel, The Opposite of Me:
Twenty-nine year old Lindsey Rose has, for as long as she can remember, lived in the shadow of her devastatingly beautiful fraternal twin sister, Alex. Determined to get noticed, Lindsey is finally on the cusp of being named Creative Vice President of an elite New York advertising agency, after years of 80 plus hour weeks, migraines, and profound loneliness. But during the course of one devastating night, Lindsey's carefully-constructed life implodes. Humiliated and desperate, she flees the glitter of Manhattan and retreats to the time warp of her parents' Maryland home. As her sister plans her lavish wedding to her prince charming, Lindsey struggles to maintain her identity as the smart, responsible twin, while she furtively tries to put her career back together. But things get more complicated when a long held family secret is unleashed that forces both sisters to reconsider who they are and who they are meant to be.
I'll be back soon with a chattier update and, yes, more chocolate and book giveaways!l
xoxo,
Sarah
March 31, 2009
Dear Friends,
Wouldn’t you just love to be one of those people who only needs four or five hours of sleep a night? I swear they exist; I’ve got positive confirmation that these strange creatures walk among us. A friend of mine is married to one, and though I keep finding excuses to pat her on the back, I’ve yet to discover a wind-up key or other evidence that she’s not actually human. (I should probably stop my little investigation; she’s starting to avoid me.)
Imagine how different your life would be: You’d spring out of bed at 3:30 a.m., exercise, maybe organize your closet or pay the bills – and, of course, work on your novel. All this before the rest of the country staggers into their kitchens, bleating like mindless sheep for their coffee.
Unfortunately, you guys are probably more like me: I’ve got an intense, life-long love affair going on with sleep (kind of like Prince Charles and Camilla, but less yucky). I pine for it when I don’t spend enough time with it. I talk about it incessantly, plot ways to get more of it, and get cranky when my private time with sleep is interrupted by, say, a small child climbing into bed with me at 3 a.m. and promptly peeing on me.
Stick with me; I swear I’m about to get to the point here.
The point (oh, thank God, I hear you sigh) is that I’ve heard the same question from a number of you this month: How do you make the time to write? I’d love to write a book, but I’m too busy!
I hear you. None of us have enough time in the day to tackle everything we need to, and this year especially, I feel like I’m desperate to stretch the seams of those measly 24-hours units as far as possible.
But no matter what else gives – my laundry pile could be a perfect body-disposal spot for the Mob, and a family of five could dine quite well off of the leftovers on the floor of my minivan -- I always, always find a way to write, even if a 20-minute chunk is all I can carve out that day. Here’s how I look at it: Writing is exactly like exercising. You need to do it consistently to get results. (At least that’s what I’ve heard – I don’t exactly have that exercise thing down yet.)
I used to think I’d write a book when I had more time. I imagined myself breezing into the perfect little coffee shop, where, after sipping a steaming espresso, I’d poise my fingers above my laptop’s keyboard and watch as a flawless novel unfurled. I wouldn’t write the whole thing in a single day, of course – it would probably take a few weeks. But as long as the conditions were just so, creative inspiration would emerge, almost like a separate entity, and I’d sit back and watch it go to work.
Huh. I’ve since learned writing, at least for me, doesn’t work that way. I have to write when I’m exhausted. I have to write when I’m grumpy, when I’m bored with writing, and when I’m convinced I’m the worst writer in the entire world. I can’t make writing too… precious, for lack of a better word (and I’m a writer; I really should have a better word), or I’ll never get it done. It’s the equivalent of a runner faithfully getting out there on freezing cold days, on rainy days when every passing car splatters a puddle’s worth of water on her, and on days when her shin splints cry out for mercy. Sure, there will be days when she feels like she’s flying; when the sun is gentle and so is the breeze, and she could run forever. Those golden days exist in writing, too, but I know I’ll never stumble upon them unless I’ve done the gritty, painful training.
Starting is the hardest part. Just staring at that blank page and feeling it stare ominously back at you can be intimidating enough to make you sprint for that stash of chocolate you’ve hidden from your family and coworkers. (I swear my blank pages cop a real attitude, like, “Oh, you’re going to write a book? Yeah? You and what army?”)
But here’s one thing I try to remember: We all have the same toolkit, filled with exactly twenty-six letters. They’re not all that scary. Some of them, like “q,” seem downright friendly (though “x” can be a bit foreboding at times, like a swaggering bully on the neighborhood playground). Mix them up. Play with them a little. Try them out in different combinations.
And don’t be afraid if you don’t get it right the first time. I read in The Washington Post this week that Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the blockbuster Eat, Pray, Love just threw away a 500-page manuscript because she wasn’t happy with it. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. This hugely successful writer – she’s been on Oprah not once but twice – is pulling herself up the learning curve one painful inch at a time, just like the rest of us.
So, tell yourself you’ll try to write for twenty minutes a day. An hour, when you can spare it. Or maybe you’ll aim for a page every day instead. It’ll add up; I promise: That’s how I wrote my first novel, The Opposite of Me, (you guys know it’s being published next March, right? I can still barely believe it myself.) It’s also how I’m writing my second novel: One letter at a time. Drop me a line through the “contact” link on my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and let me know how your writing is going.
O.K., enough about writing – let’s talk about reading! The winner of my giveaway this month is Brie from Pennsylvania. Brie, please contact me at sarah@sarahpekkanen.com and let me know which Atria book you’d like me to have delivered to your doorstep.
As for me, I hear something I need to go investigate now. I’m pretty sure it’s the plaintive cry of one of my kids who is trapped underneath a pile of laundry.
xoxo,
Sarah
February 26, 2009
Dear Friends,
We've got a new title! Well, I say we, but actually, it was my editor at Atria who dreamed it up. I absolutely love it. Ready? Here it is...
The Opposite of Me
Do you love it? Like it? Feel unsure about it but think it might look more attractive after you've had a few drinks? Drop me a line at sarah@sarahpekkanen.com and let me know!
I swear, coming up with a title was harder than actually writing the book. And to those of you who are chiming in, "But Sarah, YOU didn't come up with the title" - well, technically, yes, you sticklers (have any of you thought about becoming lawyers? Really, you'd be good at it.) But I agonized over it. I searched through song lyrics for inspiration (becoming sidetracked by lengthy internal debates over whether David Cook is actually sexy.) I tried out titles on my kids as I put them to bed. I called family members and demanded help, then I mocked and ridiculed their suggestions (but not to their faces - Pekkanens are more passive-aggressive than confrontational).
But now it's done, and I feel like a great weight has been lifted. The Opposite of Me! It sounds better every time I say it aloud. Of course, I'm deep into writing book number two and I don't have a title for that one, either. So my working title is Book Number Two, and I can practically feel its smoldering resentment ("You spent so much time thinking about your first novel's title and you're ignoring mine! You love your first book better, don't you! Just admit it!").
Er. Sorry. The weather's been bad and I haven't gotten out much. Plus, I'm still trying to figure out this Facebook thing and I recently posted a warm note on a friend's wall, lamenting the fact that I hadn't seen her and inviting her over. I signed the note with hugs and kisses. Then, I realized I'd been logged into my husband's Facebook account and therefore the note came from him. He has met my friend exactly twice.
Soldiering on, though. This month, all of you will be automatically entered into my drawing for a book and chocolates, as usual, but I want to double your chances to win something. So here's the scoop: Forward this email to a friend (please use link at the end of this email) who loves books and might be interested in subscribing to my monthly newsletter. If your friend subscribes between now and March 5, we'll know they are extremely intelligent and highly attractive. No, no, I mean, they'll be entered into a special drawing just for new subscribers. If your friend's name is pulled, I'll ask who referred them to my newsletter -- and you'll BOTH win an Atria book of your choice, delivered hot off the presses to your doorstep. If you get five friends to sign up, you'll get five additional chances to win. Get ten friends to sign up, and I'll personally march David Cook over there to serenade you, after we wipe off his guyliner (Chris Daughtry is the only Idol who should be allowed to wear black eyeliner, ever). Remember, the second drawing is just for new subscribers between now and March 5, so tell your friends to sign up soon. All they need to do is visit my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and type their email into the little box on the main page. It's so simple, I'm almost confident I could even do it.
Off to massage the ego of Book Number Two, but before I go, here's this month's winner, Lynne M. from Elgin, Scotland. Lynne, just contact me via the link on my website at www.sarahpekkanen.com and let me know which Atria book you'd like and I'll rush it to you. And remember, if any of you gets a message from my husband, please ignore it.
xoxo,
Sarah Pekkanen
January 30, 2009
Dear Friends,
When you sell a novel, you get a chance to take stock of your life. That's what I learned when my publisher, Atria, sent me an author questionnaire to fill out. I'm trying to come up with interesting anecdotes to reveal as I look back over my past, um ... er... 25 years (I hear you all snickering, and it's just not kind!)
Should I put in the fact that I was once rejected as a contestant on Wheel of Fortune? It crushes me still; I have a Rain Man-like ability to guess puzzles with only a letter or two showing and I know I would've sailed through to glory of the bonus round. Hey, it may not be the most useful talent, but it's the only one I've got.
Maybe it would be better if I wrote about the time I was waitressing and President Bush (the first one) came into my restaurant. Being me, I bumped into another waitress and sent both of our trays of drinks crashing to the floor. Margaritas and shards of glass splattered everywhere, and I swear, I was inches away from being taken down by a Secret Service agent.
Somehow, I don't think this is what my publisher had in mind "Clumsy 'Wheel' Reject" just doesn't carry the same cachet on a book cover as, say, "Pulitzer Prize Winner."
So while I search my mind for possibilities (Once I chased a Jon Stewart-look alike through the streets of Manhattan before realizing it was just a random short, grey-haired guy! Oh, and my left foot is slightly bigger than my right one!), I'm also trying to come up with a new title for my book. The problem is, I'm wretched at coming up with titles. I suggested "The Brad Pitt Naked Pictures Book," but the lawyers might frown (and I'm scared of Angelina's wrath). So, stay tuned for a new title - hopefully I'll have one by next month.
Are you ready for chocolate and a new book? As usual, my webmaster drew a name from my newsletter subscribers, and this month's winner is Sara Y. of Pasadena, CA. Sara, please contact me via my website www.sarahpekkanen.com and let me know which Atria book you'd like - anything by Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Weiner or Lisa Tucker.
Now I'm off to try to get a more interesting life. Hmm.... I wonder if Angelina's is for rent?
xoxo,
Sarah Pekkanen
December 31, 2008
Dear Friends,
If there's a spare foot around, I guarantee you it's going to end up in my mouth. One of my friends tells me the reason I'm a bit clumsy— both verbally and physically— is because I'm a Sagittarius. Apparently we're famous for blurting out words we instantly wish we could snatch back. I'm going to cling to that explanation, because it lets me off the hook. Don't blame me - I'm nothing but the puppet of my domineering astrological sign, right?
Want an example? I recently got some happy news on the publishing front: My foreign agent sold the rights to my upcoming novel in Germany! It will feel so strange yet thrilling to see my name plastered on the cover of a book I can't even read. I was really grateful for all the hard work my foreign rights agent, Chandler Crawford, has done on my behalf, so I wrote an email expressing my thanks. I thought about how to address the email, and decided I should play it safe and address it to "Mr. Crawford," since we've never met in person and I didn't want to seem cheeky.
Oops. Turns out Chandler is a woman. Luckily, she's a woman with a sense of humor.
Chandler works closely with my agent in New York, a fantastic woman named Victoria Sanders. And yes, I also managed to bungle my introduction to Victoria before she agreed to represent me. Right after Victoria expressed interest in my manuscript, I emailed one of Victoria's big clients (a thriller writer named Karin Slaughter), to get the scoop about Victoria. Hey, I'm a former newspaper reporter - I like to check things out.
Oops again, big time. I quickly got an email back that read, "Hi, this is Victoria. I answer Karin's email when she is on book tour..."
Thank God Victoria also has a sense of humor, since it's generally not a wise strategic tactic to offend literary agents when you're trying to get them to sign you. So far, I've managed to avoid insulting my publishers, but it's probably only a matter of time before I spark an international incident.
Speaking of agents, someone emailed me recently and asked how I got mine. There really isn't any secret to the process— or at least any that I know about (other than, um, not insulting them). Once I'd written my book - and that's the hard part; getting the novel written first— I read the acknowledgements sections of novels I really liked. I figured if authors I admired thanked their agents, it was a good sign. I collected a handful of names of agents, then worked myself into a tizzy composing a one-page query letter describing my book. Basically, writing a query letter is like putting all your chips on red in Vegas and spinning the wheel. You've got just one shot to get lucky and spark the interest of an agent. I agonized over my letter, trying to make my manuscript sound every bit as enticing as the back cover of a novel I'd pick up in a bookstore and be dying to instantly read. Once my letter was complete, I Googled the dream agents on my list and found their websites, which provided instructions about how to send in query letters. Most wanted it emailed, rather than sent via snail mail.
And that was that - Victoria emailed me back saying she liked my query and wanted to read my novel. So I emailed it to her, and after she read it, I went to New York to meet her and a few other agents who had expressed interest. I really clicked with Victoria (who fed me excellent Italian food during my visit and insisted that I order dessert), and that's how I got my agent.
January is a great month for curling up by a crackling fire with a glass of red wine and a new book, so let me give one of you a jump-start with my goodie bag of chocolate and a yummy new book. As always, my web designer used Random.org to select the name of this month's winner. And the winner is... Lindsay C. from Marietta, Georgia. Lindsay, please contact me via the email address on my website's homepage at www.sarahpekkanen.com and I'll help you choose any book published by Atria, the division of Simon & Schuster that will publish my novel in early 2010.
Oh, have I mentioned what happened to me on Christmas Eve? During a lovely, extremely crowded church service filled with bright-eyed children and their serenely smiling parents, I somehow leaned up against a fire alarm and set it off. Luckily an usher managed to turn off the wailing alarm before everyone had to evacuate.
Sometimes I really wish I'd been born during any other month but November.
xoxo,
Sarah Pekkanen
November 27, 2008
Dear Friends,
What a month! A brand-new baby, book edits, and I've begun writing book number two, which I intend to finish before my debut novel is even published. Luckily, our new little boy Dylan is a dream. He started off life in the most considerate way possible, arriving just three hours after we got to the hospital. Labor went shockingly well, although I might've frightened the anesthesiologist with my heartfelt marriage proposal after he made my pain disappear. Dylan eats beautifully, loves to snuggle, and sleeps for hours at a stretch. I know, I know -- it can't possibly last!
October 11, 2008
Dear Friends,
Welcome to my first monthly newsletter! Thank you so much for checking out my website and signing up. I know you guys are all dying to read my novel, and it's not just about the free chocolate, right? Um, right? Thanks, Mom and Dad –I can hear you chiming in. As for the rest of you, settle down! I'll get to my monthly drawing in just a second.
Along with giving away goodies every month, I'm going to use this space to detail what happens from the time a manuscript is sold until it hits bookstores. Personally, I don't know much about what happens behind-the-scenes in the publishing world, and I'm dying to learn about it.
So far, I've signed my publishing contract with Atria and my editor, Greer Hendricks, is working her magic on my manuscript this month. Then, Greer will give me back my manuscript and we'll chat and I'll incorporate her thoughts and suggestions. I have to tell you guys, I was literally speechless when I learned Greer liked my book. She is the same editor who works with Jennifer Weiner ("In Her Shoes," "Good In Bed," and "Certain Girls," among other books). I consider Jennifer the gold standard of writers in my genre, so even to meet Greer was fantastic. Then, when my agent called to tell me Greer had made an offer on my book... Well, I would've jumped up and down screaming, but I was standing in Penn Station in New York, wedged between dozens of overly fragrant commuters (it was July, and quite hot out), and fighting my way toward an Amtrak train back to D.C. I always sort of pictured myself celebrating a book deal with champagne, not by being pummeled by briefcase-and-cell-phone-wielding businesspeople as I fought my way through what felt disconcertingly like a middle-aged mosh pit.
I hear you all muttering, Homer Simpson-like, "Chocolate ... CHOCOLATE!" so let's get to it. We used Random.Org to pull the winner for this month's giveaway. I'm putting together a bag of yummies, including this fantastic new tea I discovered called "Ineeka Green Limon." It's more of a Zen experience than an actual cup of tea. Plus, you can pick any book of your choice by Jodi Picoult, Lisa Tucker, or Jennifer Weiner and I'll add it to the bag. If you've read them all, you're a reader after my own heart – email me and we'll select another author together. I'm tucking in a few surprises, too, things that I really like and that bring me comfort and happiness. (Think of me as your poor woman's Oprah. There will be no new cars in the gift bag.)
Oh yes, did I mention Godivas will be involved?
Tea, books, chocolate... I only wish I could stuff David Beckham into the gift bag with instructions to give you a world-class backrub. But try as I may, his cleats kept puncturing the bag and he's complaining about the sharp edges of the Godiva box. Whiner.
This month's winner is Stacy H. from Surprise, Arizona (yes, that is the real name of the town!) Stacy, contact me at sarah@sarahpekkanen.com and I'll send you the bag of goodies right away.
Thanks again for subscribing, and I'd be thrilled if you'd pass along my website address – www.sarahpekkanen.com – to any other book lovers you know.
See you next month!
Hugs,
Sarah Pekkanen
