Audio Auditions and Big Book Giveaway

Exciting stuff still happening in the countdown to book launch! It has been such a fun, eye-opening process, and I'm still thoroughly enjoying it.

In the mail recently, I received small signature cards from my publishers, to pass out at book events. These are cards for e-readers of Keowee Valley, who may want a signed book but of course don't want me marking up their Kindle or Nook. Very cool.

Here's what they look like. Yes, that is my giant hand.

The front is a replica of the cover of my novel. The back has got the quote from Pat Conroy (sigh, happy sigh), a quick tag line or two (I think of this as a voice-over for a book), and a place for me to sign the card. EBook users can actually buy these cool signature card-holding books called Keeper Kases, featured in a recent article in Publisher's Weekly. Then, at book signings collect signature cards like mine from their favorite authors. I think this is pretty darn inventive, and a fun way to make a memory.

Of course, the thought of anybody actually wanting my signature still feels a bit odd (and even funny) to me. But, hey: any chance to meet readers and talk books, and I'll take it!

On another note, if you are a romance reader and would like the chance to win a whole batch of new books, you should definitely check out blogger and book reviewer Stephanie Gamverona's interview at "Romancing the Book." Stephanie is hosting a giveaway for readers, the prize from which will be tote bags including all kinds of goodies (books, eBooks, bookmarks, and more). I'm donating an autographed print copy of Keowee Valley. Just scroll to the bottom of the post and answer the question at the end for a chance to win.

Finally, my publishers are starting to hold auditions for the audio for Keowee Valley! Which means, of course, that it's going to be available as a book-on-tape. I fell in love with books-on-tape years ago, driving back and forth from the S.C. coast to the foothills to visit my then-boyfriend, now-husband when we were in grad school. I find this so utterly cool.

More from me as the countdown to publication continues.

Happy, Happy Friday to all!