Wednesday, December 21, 2011

An Early Present

Yesterday, my husband called with the news that a package had been delivered for me. "It's from Samhain," he said.

I immediately started jumping up and down - and then just as quickly stopped, because I wasn't sure how I'd explain it if any of my co-workers walked by. But the excitement stayed on throughout the day, despite my head cold, the fact that I had to work the week before Christmas while the rest of the family was off for winter break, and the sad truth that I wouldn't be home until the next day to actually open the package.

See, I knew what was inside. My author copies for Take A Chance On Me. And even though it's my fifth print title, I was still beyond excited.

For one thing, it never gets old. (And I really, really hope it never will.) Seeing my book, my name, in print - amazing.

For another, this is my very first single title book. The first time something I've written has been published as a stand-alone title. I've had stories and novellas in anthologies and collections, both by myself and with other authors, but it's the first time I've had a full-length novel published.

Excuse me, I'm getting a little verklempt.

So this package from Samhain, which I ripped into the minute I walked in the door from work tonight, was just about the best early Christmas present I could have gotten. It put a smile on my face and was a great reminder of just how much I love being an author.

And in the spirit of the season, I'd like to give away a copy of the book as well. Comment on this post by Christmas morning and you'll be entered to win!

(Print copy in the US; e-book copy outside the US.)

So what's the best gift you've ever gotten - or given?

18 comments:

  1. I sooooo want one of these! I loved that story!

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  2. That is soo exciting! Congrats! I can't wait to read it.

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  3. Wow. Look at that cover. Nice!
    Best gift I ever recieved ... learning that my first e-book was going to be published. I don't think anything has ever matched that. Well, maybe the birth of my twin daughters in mid-December all those years ago.

    Congratulations and happy days to you!

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  4. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!! Congrats!

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  5. Congrats on the book! Can't wait to read it! I think the best Christmas gift is just the time spent with family and friends, how I miss the past Christmases with grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc!

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  6. The best gift I have ever given was a letter from Santa to my daughter. It took a little planning and organizing but it was SOOOOO worth it. We have a videotape that I think she will love when she gets older.
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

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  7. Congrats on your book! That is wonderful! One of my favorite gifts I have ever given was an afghan that I crocheted for my grandfather. He was taking blood thinners and I know from experience (I had my first blood clot at age 20) that the meds will make you freeze sometimes. So I made my grandfather a throw to use when he was cold. I ended up making my great-grandmother one too for the same reason, lol.
    Have a wonderful Christmas & New Year!
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  8. Congrats on receiving your author copies. One of the best gifts I've received was a plane ticket.

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  9. Congratulations, Kate! I can only imagine how good that must feel - wow.

    Best gift I've ever gotten? Hm. When I was about six, my mom surprised me with the Fisher Price Little People Hospital. It was my first brand new FP toy, not a hand me down, and it was the coolest thing ever. I played with it endlessly.

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  10. congrats on the book. I want to read it !

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  11. Congrats to you, Kate, and Merry Christmas! I have that book on my wanna read list!

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  12. Congratulations so much on the release. I always love spending time with my family at this time of the year.

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  13. Congrats Kate! I definitely want a copy! :)

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  14. Congratulations on your new release :) Always an exceptional day to get that finished copy in your hands, I'm sure.

    Have a very Merry Christmas!

    rachie2004 AT yah00 *d8t* c-m

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  15. Woo-hoo! Congrats!

    Best present I ever gave? A set of dishes that I'd painted with stick-figures of the complete works of Shakespeare. That was a total freakin' coup at that wedding party. ;-)

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  16. I forgot to say my best gift...I love all my gifts, but I guess my favorite was my engagement ring.

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  17. beautiful cover :)

    reginamayross@gmail.com

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  18. Congrats to Rissa - you won the autographed print copy of Take A Chance On Me! Send me your mailing deets at kate AT kate-davies DOT com and I'll pop it in the mail.

    And anyone else who'd like a trading card for TACOM, and me your address and I'll send it your way. Thanks for commenting!

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