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:

Kim B said...

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

Ashanty Vicite said...

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

Katie O'Connor said...

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!

rissa said...

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

DeborahR said...

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!

Jen B. said...

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

June M. said...

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

Jane said...

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

kog said...

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.

Jennifer said...

congrats on the book. I want to read it !

Suzie G said...

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

Polly20 said...

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

Claudia said...

Congrats Kate! I definitely want a copy! :)

The Brunette Librarian said...

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

Maia Strong said...

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. ;-)

Kim B said...

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

Anonymous said...

beautiful cover :)

reginamayross@gmail.com

Kate Davies said...

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!