Winners from Sidebar Giveaways

Don't panic, these aren't the blogoversary winners, just the two winners from the giveaways ending today that were on the sidebar. :-)

And the winner of A Son Comes Home is...

Ariel!!!!

And the winner of Where Hearts Are Free is....

Wendy!!!

Both ladies have been emailed and have a week to get back with me. Thanks for coming by everyone, the blogoversary is still in full swing until tomorrow night, so check out the links above for more great contests!

:-)

Stay Seated! Party Day 7 with Lynette Eason!!

Help me welcome to the blog party, suspense author Lynette Eason!! Today we have all kinds of goodies to choose from. Take as much as you want, there will be plenty! And no calories included. 

;-)

What was the last party you attended?

My brother's 40th birthday party.

What is your favorite party food?

Hm...cake and ice cream! LOL. I like pizza, bbq and all that kind of stuff too. We had a little bit of everything at my brother's party.

Where would you hold your dream party and who would attend?

My dream party would be in the middle of summer on a tropical island. All of my family and friends would be there. Including all of my favorite authors!

If you could invite just one of your characters to a party, who would it be?

Definitely Jamie Cash from Don't Look Back. She needs a party!

If you could go back in time, which famous party event would you attend?

Probably a party in celebration of the ending of the Civil War. I LOVE that time period. And yes, I adore Gone with the Wind and Scarlett O'Hara.

I couldn't get enough of these deserts, so consider today the desert bar! Bring something to share and take a plate of some sweet treat. And while you're at it, there are going to be TWO winners today thanks to Lynette. Two fortunate readers are going to win a copy of Don't Look Back. You won't want to miss this book!

The Life of the Party with Deborah Raney and Myra Johnson!

Who would attend your dream party?

Wow! It's party time! What fun questions! Well, since I peeked ahead at the questions and see that I sort of get a chance to answer this two ways, I'm going to say my dream party would include my dearest writing friends starting with my writing critique partner, Tamera Alexander, and other writers I love to brainstorm with, including (but not limited to! No way could I put a limit on this guest list!) Colleen Coble, Rene Gutteridge, Cheryl Hodde, Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, Kim Vogle Sawyer, Stephanie Grace Whitson, Deborah Vogts. Goodness, there are so many! But these are the ones I've gotten to know well and can be totally myself around. And that's what makes a party really fun!

What is your most memorable party event?

There've been many, but one of the most memorable was bittersweet, too. My little sister, a newlywed, was killed in a car accident two days before our oldest son's third birthday. We'd planned a big birthday party with our families and our grandparents, who were all living but one back then. We decided that we all wanted to be together anyway, so we made a cake and filled our house with people we love. It was precious to be together, comforting each other as we mourned the tragic loss, yet having a reason to celebrate too.

   

What is your favorite cake or party food?

Just one? I've always requested angel food cake for my birthday, but I'd be just as happy with a great carrot cake or tiramisu! My husband and I recently gave up sweets except for rare occasions, so now ANY cake sounds amazing! Bring it on! ; )

Casey: Deb have all the cake and tiramisu you want, no calories included! ;-)

If you could host one party in a lifetime, who would attend?

If I could only have one party, I'd definitely choose to be surrounded by my family––my parents and mother-in-law, my husband's grandparents (who will turn 100 and 101, and celebrate their 82nd wedding anniversary next May, God willing!) My husband, of course, and our four kids and their spouses, plus our daughters' special boyfriend, and of course our two little grandsons, who would be the life of the party! I'd invite my sisters and brother and their families, my husband’s three brothers and sister and their families, and both our aunts, uncles and cousins who are very special in my life. We'd need a BIG place to have the party since Ken and I are both the eldest of five-kid families! I've been so very blessed to have families that are as dear as any friends.

 

What was the last party you attended?

We invited some friends from our church over for a game night. Played Balderdash and had a blast! It wasn't a special occasion...just a chance to share an evening with dear friends and get to know them better. Sometimes "no reason" parties are the best! 

Parties, we all love ‘em! What is your favorite party memory?

Guess what. I am NOT a party person--LOL! But somehow I raised at least one daughter who's crazy about them. My favorite party memory, though, is actually my other daughter's 13th birthday. Instead of just inviting a bunch of friends over for munchies and music, we planned several party games--Limbo, ping-pong tournaments, "synchronized swimming" competitions in our backyard pool, etc. All the kids said it was the most fun they'd had at a birthday party in a long time! So when each of our girls turned 16, we did repeat performances, and everyone had a blast!

If you could throw any party you wanted and have anyone attend, who would be there?

Personally, I'd prefer to keep it small--just immediate family and a few close friends. My other favorite party group would ALWAYS include The Seekers (www.seekerville.blogspot.com)

If you could go back in time, what party event would you attend?

Wow, tough one, Casey! You know, the first thought that popped into my head was the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned the water into wine. Now wouldn't THAT be a wonderful party to attend!

Describe your perfect party attire.

Bermudas, a wild Hawaiian-print shirt, and some super-cool shades!

What is your favorite cake?

Fudgy chocolate with lots of frosting.

Thanks SO much to Deb Raney and Myra Johnson for visiting the blog today to help celebrate my blogoversary! Loved the interviews ladies!!

And now fun for the readers! Deb and Myra have both been extremely generous to offer a gift to my blog followers and remember the FIRST commenter today gets an extra entry into the BASH on Sunday, now just a couple days away!!!

Today's winners get to choose from one of Myra's books and one of Deb's books offered below.

So, what is your favorite cake? Leave a comment letting us know and enter away while you're at it.  :-)



Celebrate Love with Sandra D. Bricker and Karen Witemeyer! Party Day 5!!!

Who throws a better party than Sandra D. Bricker? If you have read one of her books, you know she knows how to make her characters have fun. One of my favorite scenes in Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida  was when the hero and heroine go dancing- retro style.

And one of my new favorite authors on the novel scene is Karen Witemeyer who's characters know how to swoon along with the reader's heart. I have fallen in love with more than just one of her characters! And some of the party events in her stories are vivid with detail and make me jump right into the story and party along with them.

These lovely ladies agreed to do an interview and giveaways for my party, thank you so much!! I think you are going to like this. :-)

What is the last party you attended?

Sandra: My BFF and I hosted it in our hotel room. It was an intimate little gathering of my favorite people on the night before ACFW began in Indianapolis. It was so much fun!

Karen: The last party I attended was an informal get-together after church at a friend's house. Several ladies cooked pots of soup and there was salad, corn bread and french bread, not to mention the decadent Reese's Peanutbutter Cup chocolate cake we had for dessert. Soup and salad sounds like a light lunch, doesn't it? Boy, I came home more full than I'd been in a long time. There were at least 5 families there and several college students. We chatted and ate and watched a little baseball and football on TV. It was a great time of fellowship.

Of the characters in your books, which one had the propensity to party? Or at least enjoy a good time?

Sandra: That would HAVE TO BE Emma and Fee from Always the Baker Never the Bride.

Karen: Adelaide Proctor, my heroine in Head in the Clouds, has a vivid imagination and loves to honor others. So when the sheep shearing on the ranch where she worked was finally concluded, she and her young charge, Isabella, organized a fun indoor picnic for all the staff. They ate finger foods and played games like charades and blind man's bluff. A good time was had by all--and a little romance began to stir, too.

 Imagine you are Oprah for a moment. What would be the perfect party gift to give away?

Sandra: I would love to award grants to writers who don't have second incomes (a husband, a day job, etc.) so that they could write full-time for a year.

Karen: Wow. Let's see... Oprah is known for her extravagant gifts, but it would depend on what type of party we were giving and if there was a theme. Since I'm an author, maybe I could give away iPads to everyone who attended. My books would already be downloaded, of course, along with some of my favorite titles from other authors.

Who would attend your dream party?

Sandra: Garry Marshall, Nora Ephron, Sandra Bullock, Drew Barrymore, and Dick Van Dyke.  :-)

Karen: I'm actually not much of a party-goer and mingling with people I don't know well is terribly uncomfortable for me, so the guest list for my dream party would include my family and closest friends. It would be informal and full of games and laughter. Nothing to get stressed over in preparation, so that I can just sit back and enjoy the party without having to play hostess.

What is your favorite party memory?

Sandra: Finding myself standing under the mistletoe with John Stamos. That was the best stroke of luck EVER!

Karen: One of my favorite party memories is from my daughter's birthday. I think she was turning 9 at the time. She'd been reading the Little House on the Prairie books and I convinced her to have a frontier party. We made sunbonnets for all the girls and had plastic cowboy hats and bandanas for the boys. We played authentic 19th century games like graces (a game where you throw a beribboned hoop through the air and your partner catches it on a pair of sticks) and had sack and three-legged races. Everyone had a great time, and I was loving the historical theme. The research for the games even found its way into my first book. You just never know what will spark an idea.

Casey again: Hmmm, Sandra I want to know more about that mistle toe event. ;-)

Karen that prairie party sounds like my kind of event, LOVED The Little House on the Prairier set!!

What's a party without gifts, right?? Check out the generosity of Sandra and Karen below. Remember, first commenter gets an extra chance in Sunday's BLOWOUT! You won't want to miss it!

That is FOUR WINNERS TODAY!!!!!!!!! Thank you Sandra and Karen! Be sure and tell me in your comment which one or all that you would like to be entered to win.

So, today's party question: what is your favorite party type book? Or one that had a party you wished you could have joined in person?

Visit Karen's website

Visit Sandra's website

Another Day to PARTY!! Casey Interviews, Renee, Amber, Ashley, Joy, Carman and Molly!!

What party I ask would be complete without interviewing our fellow bloggers? The ones that make this journey so very fun. What would we do without the rest of the community of bloggers that share the joy and are always willing to help with nearly anything! I had to share the fun with my blogger buds, so here are just a few of the MANY I have enjoyed connecting with. Check it out! There are THREE giveaways going on today! Don't forget that first commenter gets an EXTRA entry in Sunday's BLOWOUT!

Heeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeee's

Molly at Book Reviews by Molly, Amber at Seasons of Humility, Carman at A Sequence of Continuous Delights, Ashley at After All Tomorrow is Another Day, Joy at Edgy Inspirational Romance and Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot

What is your favorite way to celebrate an event?



Molly



Molly: To spend it with my family. I am a single mom of two boys (ages 8 and 6) and live with my parents (not ashamed to say it-without them and the Lord I wouldn't be where I am today!) so we are all VERY close. If something is going on or there is a holiday or party of some sort I always want to spend it with them, as its special to me and so are they =)

Renee and Coco

Renee: Is there any other way to celebrate a special event than gathering around with your family and friends all together in one place? When you can’t be with all your family or friends it helps to have social network site likes Twitter or Facebook where you can go to wish friends birthday wishes or congratulations. Of course I also like to celebrate on my blog and on friend’s blogs with interviews and special guests and great books. ;-) What better way to celebrate life’s successes than by sharing a good book!

Joy

Joy: I feel bad answering any party related questions because I have social reclusive tendencies (my husband assures me I'm one pet allergy away from being the neighborhood cat lady- holed up in her house talking to her animals).  Parties are really not my thing.  So my favorite way to celebrate something would definitely be at home with my family. 

Amber

Amber: I love celebrating with family and/or very close friends! And as those who have visited my blog ("Seasons of Humility") know, I love themed parties! My last birthday was Toy Story-themed in honor of the release of Toy Story 3 in theaters, and I even did a themed birthday week (with different themes each day pertaining in some sense to Toy Story) on my blog. Yay for fun themes!

Ashley

Ashley: That's a no brainier. I love to celebrate any shindig with lots of people, lots of activity and LOTS of noise. It doesn't matter what we're celebrating or where, for me, no party is complete without everyone in the room talking at 150 decibels. That's what makes a party...well.., a party.



Carman



Carman: With my friends and family all around me! (I also usually squeal and wiggle a lot when I'm really excited. LOL)

What is your favorite party activity?

Renee: Hmmm Hmmm this is a toughie but I definitely LOVE to eat cake, that’s an activity, right?

Is a party complete without cake? No way! I love just about any kind of cake but my favorite is definitely vanilla, not the big box store cakes or cake mix but homemade light fluffy goodness like the cake from the local bakery. Yum!

Joy: Pin the tail on the donkey?  My son loves that one, but it's probably only popular with the preschool set.

Carman: Dancing! I love to turn the music up really loud, close my eyes, and just have fun. Especially when my friends are there and we can laugh at each other. ;D

Ashley: Dancing!  I may have two left feet, but if I hear 50's swing music start playing, there ain’t nothing that can keep me off the dance floor.

Molly: Hmm.....that is a tough one. Charades is a good one I suppose, if I have to name just one.

Amber: Opening presents! Oh, wait, just parties in general? ;) Well, I love eating and socializing, if those count for party activities. Food at birthday parties for our family is amazing! My grandma makes a delightfully delicious chocolate Texas cake. Yum! And as for the socializing part, it's great to just joke and chat away with loved ones. I can be quite the chatter box when I'm excited about something, and parties are worth getting excited about!

If you could have any party you wanted, what would it be?

Amber: Ooooh, a question about themes! Well, I'm sure I could think of a bunch of great party themes I would love, but I'll try to stick to just one. ;) I'm assuming we're working with unlimited funds, right? (If we're going to begin using our imaginations, we might as well exercise them thoroughly!)

I think it would be fantastic to have a "Love Finds You" book series party! We could have a bunch of mini-themes going on, with chocolate treats in honor of LFY in Hershey, Pennsylvania; Hawaiian leis to wear in honor of LFY in Lahaina, Hawaii; a rodeo in honor of LFY in Pendleton, Oregon; etc. Each person could dress up to fit the time period or setting of any one of the books in the series of her choosing and we could have a contest, with the person with the most creative outfit winning a trip to the place she was representing! And, of course, there would be goody bags with a copy of one of the books in each bag. (Don't worry; we could trade with each other, too!) We would have a grand ol' time with lots of music, food, and book-talk!

I'm thinking I should keep this is mind as a possible themed blog week idea!

Ashley: Oh boy, that’s a toughie. Umm…I'd have to say a party themed after my favorite books. Like we'd  have traditional Irish food (like in A Passion Most Pure), Pin-the-Sail-On-The-Pirate-Ship (after The Red Siren) and  of course it would be a costume party and I don’t about all Y’all, but I would definitely wear the dress Scarlett (from Gone With The Wind), wore when she went to visit Ashley at the Lumber Mill. It was a beautiful white organza dress with a low sitting bustle in the back, accompanied by a stunning, blue velvet bolero to go over the top, and a jaunty little white hat and veil to top off the ensemble. ;)

Carman: Good question! Um... I would probably have a legit Gone With the Wind party with authentic costumes, food, and dances. (Not to mention the house. With the staircase!)

Molly: Books. Anything dealing with books. =) It could be a birthday with Books as decorations and books on the cake. Or, if "book" decorations aren’t available, vintage decorations. I LOVE vintage stuff and butterflies. 

Joy: A book launch party and it would take place online so I could enjoy it from my laptop in my pajamas. :)

Renee: Okay this is another tough question but if it were possible I would have a book/Pittsburgh Steelers/Mustang/ vintage clothing themed party…hmmmm maybe that’s why I don’t have a lot of parties because that would be sooooo crazy!

If you could invite anyone you wanted, who would be there?

Molly: Hmm....my best friend (whom I've never met face to face!) Michelle (she's a fellow blogger too-http://michellevsblog.blogspot.com) and, of course, my kids and parents would be there. If I had to choose some others, it would be my dear friend Deb (whom I've also never met face to face) and my Aunt.

Joy: My network of online friends, aspiring writers, and published authors.

Renee: Well family and friends are a given of course but I would definitely invite all of my Blogger friends too! It would be fun to get a bunch of us together in one room to talk books wouldn’t it?

Ashley: Beside you guys? Probably all my ancestors; see on my dad's side, my family members were a Russian circus act eons ago (or so goes the family legend), and I think they would really know how to P-A-R-T-Y! And if all else failed, they, at least, could teach me how to walk on a tightrope, which has been kind of a lifelong dream of mine.

Amber: I would invite all of my dear blogging friends! It would be so great to meet you all in person. And I think it would be fun to invite all of the authors of the "Love Finds You" books, too! (Cerella, that means you have to come and bring the chocolate-covered strawberries for us all!)

Carman: Besides friends and family, I would invite all of the authors and bloggers that I have gotten to know over the Internet. It would be so cool to meet them all in person!

What is your favorite memory?

Joy: As a kid, I went to a birthday party at McDonald's and I remember thinking that was the coolest thing (we didn't eat out very often in the seventies).  So having a cheeseburger and birthday cake there was pretty cool.  I gave my son a birthday party at McDonald's a couple of decades later.  Somehow I think the novelty was lost on him.  And the cake didn't taste as good as I remembered.

Ashley: That would have to be the time we had a birthday party for both  my Dad and oldest Sister, Stephanie. See, they both share the same birth date and so we have always had a joint party for them and that year my sister got it in her head to put some excitement into the party, as if blowing out 5 dozen candles wasn't exciting enough. So, being the "loving" and "mature" sister that Stephanie was, she actually came up behind me, while I was eating my slice of cake, and  out of the blue asked me "how do the little piggy eat?". Before I could utter a word, my head was face first into my slice of cake. All I remember were streaks of blue and white icing and my sister's laughter and that of the rest of the family too. I It was all in good fun, but I'm still looking for the perfect opportunity to get back at her.  

Renee: Oh gosh, I don’t go to many parties but I have to say one of the best I’ve ever been to was not one with a bunch of people but an impromptu bachelorette party with two good friends. It wasn’t a wild and crazy type party unless you count 3 girls sitting together in Eat ‘n Park for 2 hours talking books, guys and everything in between as crazy.  There’s nothing as much fun as hanging out with your girlfriends especially when you don’t get to see them all that much! I was also introduced to the Twilight series that night and have been Team Edward ever since.

Carman: That would probably be my Sweet Sixteen FOOD FIGHT! We had noodles, oatmeal, bread crumbs, and lots of other fun stuff. It was stinking awesome! :D

Amber: That's a hard one! I have such a wonderful family, and all of my birthday parties have been so special. I also have fond memories of Murder Mystery parties I've hosted. It helps to have a dummy in the house that you can use for the body! ;) One of my poor friends has been the person to "discover" it both times, and we've all had some laughs over that. Good times!

 

FUN interview Ladies! Thanks for being game!!

Okay, here we go again! There are going to be THREE winners today. Two from me and Renee has generously offered a copy of Amy Inspired as well. Thanks Renee!

Remember, the first person to comment gets an EXTRA entry into this Sunday's BLOWOUT extravaganza.

Today's giveaways are:

 

 

Let's extend the interview, shall we? Take one of the above questions from the blogger interview and answer it! Then tell me which book you would like to win. Another day to celebrate an AWESOME year of blogging!!!

A Writer's Party!! Tiffany Colter and Critique Giveaway!!

I want to introduce you to a simply lovely lady (inside and out) and one who has critiqued my writing in the past, Tiffany Colter, Writing Career Coach.

Have you read Jody Hedlund's The Preacher's Bride yet? You should! Tiffany helped mentor Jody in that work of excellent fiction. Along with helping many other authors who are now published or on their way to publication. Though she can in no way guarantee publication, it is obvious she has the ability to help the new author.

I worked with Tiff for quite a while on my first manuscript and know she is one tough critic! But underneath the surface "toughness" is a heart that really longs to see the writer do a great job.

I am SO thrilled to offer Tiff to you today and she has generously offered a critique winning to someone this week in honor of my blog celebration, so read on!

 Parties are almost always a great place for memories, what is your favorite?

My favorite party memory?  Hmm, that is a tough one. I've not been to many parties. I know, SHOCKING!! [Everyone who knows me personally is now laughing. I'm a major homebody!]

But there are actually a couple of parties that stand out to me. One was when I moved to Ann Arbor in High School. I was a new kid and going through MAJOR culture shock. I decided to invite a group of kids to come over. I cannot tell you what in particular stood out about that party, I just always remembered it.
The other one was when I turned 10. This was back in the 80s [yes, the EIGHTIES....feels so long ago.] My Dad was a photographer and had access to these new recorders. You could make movies on them [the Huge camcorder was bigger than most VCRs are now]. Well, most of us kids had never seen anything like this so we spent the entire slumber party jostling for a position in front of the TV [the camcorder was sitting on top of the TV...too heavy to hold.] And my little brother, Seth, who was about 7 at the time attacked the party and was chasing us around the room. Funny memories!!

Who would attend your dream party?

My Dream Party? Wow, I have no idea. I'd obviously want my family & friends. I was an exchange student, so I'd count my French and German families among MY family. I'd want Jim Meister [my 9th grade lit teacher who told me to "Become Famous Someday"], and I'd want some of my heroes to be there.

What is your favorite cake?

This may surprise you, but I'm not a huge cake fan. I don't really have much of a sweet tooth. I like Greek Yogurt that is pomegranate or Fig flavored. I don't like sugar in my coffee. I like Dark Chocolate. As a child I'd eat straight cocoa powder [without sugar] and I'd rather have fresh fruit with creme fraiche on it than ice cream.
So, I guess my favorite cake might be coffee cake.

  Where would you hold your party?

The Hathaway House in Blissfield, MI. No doubt in my mind!

What would you serve?

Hathaway's Signature dishes [Salmon, Steak Diane, Fried Chicken, Carriage House Salad, Pate and Hathaway Cheese, and their torte.] I'd also bring in fresh fruit, a variety of cheeses [among them Boursin, Brie, and Raclette] and finger sandwiches. I know it sounds pretentious, but it's my party, right?

Fun happenings, Tiff!! Thanks for being here!

And now what Tiff is offering to giveaway away to one fortunate commenter this week that would like to have their writing critiqued. I warn you, she's thorough.... ;-)

Winner's choice of either:1. A 3k word detailed edit/critique
2. A 40 minute phone consultation/brainstorm session.
3. A copy of my newest Writing Career Coach training book in print or ebook form.

And with all of these, the winner will also get 20% any service [other than printing] within 30 days of your event.

Party Question of the day:

Would is the main dish you would serve at your party?

Remember, first commenters get an extra entry into Sunday's BLOWOUT!

I brought a fruit platter to go along with the cheese, so help yourself! :-)