Anya Bast is running one seriously sweet contest on her blog! She’s giving away awesome prizes–and some seriously cool books (and I’m not just saying they are cool b/c she’s giving away some of mine; they really are cool!).

I recently held a newsletter only ARC contest (see, this is totally why you should subscribe to my newsletter).  When I sent out my August newsletter, subscribers were given the chance to enter a contest to win an autographed Advanced Reader Copy of MIDNIGHT SINS.    And today is the day that I get to announce the winners!

The Advanced Reader Copies will be shipped to:  Christy and Larena W.  (Quick note, there were a few Christy’s who entered–I emailed the winners just a few moments ago to cut down on the Christy confusion.)   Congrats, Christy and Larena!

And if you didn’t win, don’t worry–more contests will be coming!  Stay tuned!

Thanks to everyone who entered my newsletter contest.  This was, by far, the biggest contest response I’ve ever received.  Thank you.

I absolutely love it when my friends have good news to share–and two of my writing friends have some fantastic news to share, so I thought I’d mention them today. 

Now, I did mention Edie yesterday, but her news is so hugely awesome that I wanted to mention it again.  Edie Ramer is one of the finalists in the American Title contest, sponsored by the Romantic Times. Her entry is titled DEAD PEOPLE (I love that!). Congrats, Edie!!

And my second friend with some great news?  Manda Collins.  I met Manda through my local writing chapter, and, at our last meeting, Manda announced that she has signed with Holly Root of the Waxman Literary Agency.  Yay, Manda!

Starting the day with good news just feels…good.  So, hey, if you’ve got some news to share, post away!

(And, just a quick reminder–I’ll be chatting at Coffee Time Romance tonight with Jacquelyn Frank and Stella Price. The chat starts at 9 p.m. Eastern–if you have a chance, stop by!)

(Ah, is it Monday already?)

Calista Fox–a lady who is an all around great person and a fabulous author–is having a reader appreciation month over at her site. She’s giving away autographed books, posting author interviews, and generally having fun. Today, she’s posted an interview with Allyson James (and she’s giving away a free download of CATCH A FALLING STAR). On Wednesday, Calista will post the interview she conducted with me. In addition to the interview, Calista and I are giving away an autographed copy of EVERLASTING BAD BOYS (check her site on Wednesday for details!). But these aren’t the only prizes…If you visit Calista’s site for the rest of the month, you’ll find more interviews and lots more books.

Tomorrow night at 9 pm. Eastern time, I will be over at Coffee Time Romance, chatting with Jacquelyn Frank and Stella Price. Book talk, prizes…what more could you ask for at a chat? If you get a chance, do stop by.

And, final bit of weekly news…I’m blogging today over at Divas of the Dark. My topic? Promotions–the other side of writing. Because an author’s life isn’t just about writing; instead, promotion work is a big responsibility for authors.

The family and I went to the beach this weekend, so I’m still in recovery mode. I’m going to try and wake myself up a bit more–and then get to work organizing a few more mailings.

How was your weekend?

Update!!!!!! Update!!!!! Okay, so since I was at the beach (and catching an Elmo live show–don’t ask) I missed this news on Friday and as soon as I got the scoop, I had to come back and post. Because, you see, someone I know had a very, very good weekend…

Edie Ramer is a finalist in the American Title V contest!!! That is awesome! Congrats, Edie!

So I headed over to Books-A-Million to pick up a needed bundle of books the other day, and guess what I saw?  EVERLASTING BAD BOYS on their Recommended Reads shelf! 

How very cool.

And speaking of recommended reads, Manda has selected the September pick for my book club.  She picked THE PRICE OF DESIRE by Jo Goodman.  This will be my first historical by Jo Goodman–and I’m looking forward to the read.

Anyone else have any good reads to suggest before I head back to the bookstore?