Saturday, June 18, 2011

EMILY CAME BY THIS MORNING...SEE WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND!

Most of the time I am busy interviewing other authors, who generously offer one of their books to one of you wonderful people, who take a spare moment to respond, or just say hello.

This week, I decided to do something a little different.

As a Victorian Romance Writer,  I also love to read the writings of Emily Dickinson.  That being the case, I searched high and low until I found just the right prize I could offer to one of you!

For the next several days, as I run a little writer and reader survey here at A PEN FOR YOUR THOUGHTS, I am giving you the opportunity to win one of Emily's favorite items. (More or Less.)

If you love romance straight out of the 19th century, or even if you don't, I thought you might enjoy doing this special something with me.

I kind of call it that extra highlight to a Summer day... 

Here's how it goes: I will write out a few survey questions. As you respond, I want your most honest answers to any or all questions you wish to respond to. Got it?

When we're all done sending in our this n' that answer choices, I will draw one special name (at random, of course), and the winner will get the awesome little prize you see below.

YOU'LL LOVE IT
I sure do

Here it is:
An official
Emily Dickinson Inkwell & Quill Pen

 

Direct from one of my favorite shops
Victorian Trading Co!

There was once a purposeful intent when pondered words
were tediously scribed in fresh ink.

Experience the romance! 

Pewter & glass. 3".
A $25 value 



Are you ready for the survey?




1. What is the best book series you ever read or wrote, and why?

2. What do you like to see in a book first? The backcover, the front cover, the blurb, the endorsements, the first few pages, the end, where it was published?

3. What do you REALLY look for in a book?

4. What makes you put a book down real fast?

5. When is your favorite time of day to read?

6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author?

7. How long does it take you to write a book, start to finish, or READ a book, start to finish?

8. What is your favorite genre and why?

9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not?

10. Who is your favorite Victorian poet?

Okay...Go for it. I REALLY look forward to hearing from you! Remember to include your email address for me. Thanks. Hope I draw your name!


Congratulations to Melinda Elsmore from Arizona. My daughter just drew your name! Watch your mail or UPS drivers. Your gift will arrive in about ten days or so. BLESSINGS to you from Shirley


16 comments:

  1. 1. Best book series is probably Julia Quinn's books. She is so funny.

    2. What do you like to see in a book first? the front cover

    3. What do you REALLY look for in a book? reality: a little humor: a few tears: lotsa romance: an inspirational reference (even like Victoria Holt might have done), and a hero I'll fall in love with

    4. What makes you put a book down real fast? WHEN IT IS BORING AT THE BEGINNING

    5. When is your favorite time of day to read? At Night

    6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author? VERY VERY VERY

    7. How long does it take you to write a book, start to finish, or READ a book, start to finish? THat depends. Some I can't put down. Others take me DAYS

    8. What is your favorite genre and why? Historical

    9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not? Not near enough. Too busy

    10. Who is your favorite Victorian poet? Elizabeth Barrett Browning

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1. What is the best book series you ever read or wrote, and why?
    Nancy Drew was the best series I ever read. Because at the end of each book, I already wanted to read the next one.

    2. What do you like to see in a book first? The backcover, the front cover, the blurb, the endorsements, the first few pages, the end, where it was published?
    The back cover. I want to know what the story is about, and if it interests me, then I'll read the first 3 paragraphs and either buy it, or look for something else.

    3. What do you REALLY look for in a book?
    Story.

    4. What makes you put a book down real fast?
    Plot that fits together too conveniently in order to make the story work.

    5. When is your favorite time of day to read?
    Before bed, when the house (and hopefully my husband, who is also reading) are quiet.

    6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author?
    As long as the story from the back cover interests me, it doesn't matter if the author is multi-published or first time.

    7. How long does it take you to write a book, start to finish, or READ a book, start to finish?
    To write - 6 months. To read, depends on the book, and my personal schedule. May and June are very busy times of year for me, I read less, and find it harder to write.

    8. What is your favorite genre and why?
    Romantic comedy. Because life has enough stress, I read to escape the stress.

    9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not?
    No. But I write lots of email. I prefer email because my handwriting is really bad (often the people at work can't read my writing, but I try to write more neatly for my boss), but I type really fast.

    10. Who is your favorite Victorian poet?
    Sorry, I don't read poetry.

    Gail Sattler
    booksbygail@shaw.ca
    www.gailsattler.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1: Julie Lessman’s Daughters of Boston series. She wrote the characters until they danced on the page and I became a member of the O’Connor family. Those books still dance in my head and I eagerly wait for more.

    2: When I shop for a book I first, look at the cover, pick it up, flip to the back, if I’m still interested I go to the first few pages. STILL interested I see who endorsed it. If all of the above has been met, most likely I’ll walk out with it. ;-)

    3: A story that sweeps me away. Plain and simple. I have to be engaged with loveable characters in hard situations that make me root for them.

    4: Lots of telling. Lots and lots of telling. Don’t push something on me, let me experience it with the characters.

    5: Ah, don’t really have one. Any moment with a good book is a good time to read. ;-)

    6: Probably as inclined as I am to pick up a well-known author. The real question is what does the book LOOK like it’s going to be. I know they say don’t judge a book by its cover, but anymore the cover does give insight to the book.

    7: Write? Don’t start there. Way. Too. Long. ;-) Read? 2-4 days depending on the book and how often I get to read. I read pretty fast.

    8: Women’s fiction, for their deep plots and issue oriented fiction. But I also love historical, chick lit, contemp.

    9: Yes! That is the only way my BF and I communicate and I find a handwritten letter rich in its own weight and a connection with that person across the miles that can’t be duplicated in email.

    10: I’m sorry, but I don’t read poetry. Just…never have.

    Fun questions! Caseym(.)writer(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1. What is the best book series you ever read. MARK OF THE LION BY FRANCINE RIVERS. SO REAL

    2. What do you like to see in a book first? the blurb, the first few pages,

    3. What do you REALLY look for in a book? True to life

    4. What makes you put a book down real fast? Starts too slow

    5. When is your favorite time of day to read? Afternoon when I'm resting

    6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author?
    I'll read ANY good writing author.

    7. How long does it take you to write a book, FOREVER becuase I am not yet publsihsed.

    8. What is your favorite genre and why? I like war stories with romance

    9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not? No. I do emails

    10. Who is your favorite Victorian poet? I like them all. I love poetry

    ReplyDelete
  5. 1. Francine Rivers - Mark of the Lion Series. It was so rich in history from Rome & Jerusalem in 70a.d. I was totally captivated by the characters and the trauma & triumphs they experienced!

    2. Front cover, publisher, blurb or back cover, in that order :)

    3. "Real" characters & believable situations. But I'm not above enjoying the light & easy at times.

    4. SLOW beginnings...

    5. Anytime! I read mostly early morning, though when my children are still sleeping :)

    6. I'll read any author as long as the book sounds good.

    7. 1-4 days reading one, depending on how captvated I am. I read Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig in 5 hours!

    8. Regency first because I love how mannered society was, but Suspense comes in a close second.

    9. I don't write letters anymore. Arthritis in my hands makes my writing illegible :(

    This was fun!!! Thanks :0)

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net
    10. The Brownings!

    ReplyDelete
  6. First I would like to thank you for offering this great contest. I had a set very similar to this and lost it in a move from TN to AZ last year It devastated me so I sure hope to win it

    1.The best book series I have ever read is by Tony Hillerman the Chee and Leaphorn series on the Navajo Reseravtion.

    2.What I check out first is the front cover

    3.I look for inspiration in everyday life

    4. What makes me put a book down real fast is when I read the first chapter and seem to be confused

    5.My favorite time to read is in the late evenings when the sun is setting

    6.I am very inclined to read something from a new author. They are trying to make it and I know what that is like

    7. It usually takes me to write a book in 30 days but it is a rough draft. To read a book it usually takes me 2 weeks according to what is happening in my life

    8.My favorite genre is mystery. I guess the reason is because I find intrigue in the Native American culture a perfect place to write about

    9.Most definitely I still write letters I love to write

    10.My favorite poet is Emily Dickinson of course

    Okay there you go really enjoyed doing this

    Here is my email
    nativeauthor@gmail.com

    Hope to win

    Walk in harmony,
    Melinda

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1. What is the best book series you ever read? I've never written one yet, so I guess I would have to say all the ones I read when I was young.

    2. What do you like to see in a book first? The first few pages. I don't care about the publisher. Most of the time i don't look.

    3. What do you REALLY look for in a book? Enjoyment

    4. What makes you put a book down real fast? Repitition

    5. When is your favorite time of day to read? ALL THE TIME

    6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author?
    I like to get to know the authors. but I also like ones I have never heard of.

    7. How long does it take you to write a book. Two years.
    READ a book, start to finish? two months

    8. What is your favorite genre and why? Gothic

    9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not?
    On the computer

    10.My favorite poet. The ones who do limericks.

    Desiree Ann
    Milwaukie

    ReplyDelete
  8. 1. What is the best book series you ever read or wrote, and why?

    Books by Charlotte Bronte; rich examination of the characters, the heroines' independence and fortitude.

    2. What do you like to see in a book first? The back cover, the front cover, the blurb, the endorsements, the first few pages, the end, where it was published?

    Front cover, back cover & blurb, first few pgs.

    3. What do you REALLY look for in a book?

    A story I want to read every night; (usually historical romantic fiction,) with interesting, well-drawn characters.

    4. What makes you put a book down real fast?

    A lot of telling; bad grammatical errors.

    5. When is your favorite time of day to read?

    Evening.

    6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author?

    If I read the blurb for story content, and check the style of writing on first few pgs. (and they sound good), I will read a debut author.

    7. How long does it take you to write a book, start to finish, or READ a book, start to finish?

    Approx. 9-10 mos. to write; to read: usually less than a week (depends on length--300-350pgs.)

    8. What is your favorite genre and why?

    Historical Romantic Suspense; like the tension in the romance--
    and the suspense!

    9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not?

    Yes; I not only enjoy the physical feel of writing with pen & paper, (a way to relax) but it's scientifically proven that the brain is firing synapses more often than when we use calculators (for math) or do texting.

    10. Who is your favorite Victorian poet?

    Emily Dickinson--because her writing/thoughts remind me of an American "Jane Eyre", for some reason (maybe a little gothic?).

    ReplyDelete
  9. 1. My favorite series is "The Mitford Series" by Jan Karon. I love Father Tim, and all the wonderful characters and the wonderful little town of Mitford.

    2. The first thing I like to see if the blurb, to see if it might interest me.

    3. I look for great character development, and storyline, and also love great descriptive passages.

    4. One thing that makes me put down a book real fast is if doesn't hold my interest, and also, if find there is quite a bit of vulgar language!

    5. I suppose my favorite time of day to read, is at night in bed, that is if I don't fall asleep, and I also like to read in the mornings in the bed. I guess you could say, I'm a bed reader!

    6. I would be very inclinded to read a new author, if I read the blurb, and maybe the first few pages, and I found it interesting. I LOVE to find new authors!

    7. I'm not a writer, so the length of time it takes me to read a book varies. I'm not exactly the fastest reader, so I would say for an average length book, four to five days, for a huge book, maybe a week or two.

    8. I would say my favorite genre, is historical fiction. I've always had a great love for history. I also like "cozy" type mysteries.

    9. I do write letter once in awhile, but not nearly as much, as I should.

    10. I don't know if she's a Victorian poet or not, but I love Edna St. Vincent Millay's poems.

    Thank you very much.

    Becky Carden
    recarden(at)cableone(dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  10. 1.My favorite series is the J A Jance series set in southeast Arizona staring Sheriff Joanna Brady.
    2. I like to see first the Front Cover of a book..that's the eyecatcher for me.
    3.I really look for the main character and how they are involved in the "situation" of the book...how they solve the situation; whether it's picking oneself up from something and moving on or handling a situation or solving the mystery...basically, the plot of the book.
    4. I'll put a book down if it has too many chapters devoted to how"grass grows"...like Michner's book Hawaii...I got really tired of reading about how the volcanos formed the islands.
    5.I read mostly in the late afternoon.
    6. I have read lots of debut authors and unknown authors..as long as the story sounds good in the blurb.
    7.Sometimes I can read a book in a few days if I don't do anything else but it usually takes a couple weeks to read a book.
    8. My favorite genre is mysteries/thrillers. I like the excitement of the stories.
    9. Yes I still write letters since I have some friends who do not have the internet. And I don't like talking on the phone.
    10. I don't have a favorite Victorian poet.
    JFWisherd(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. 1. Best series: Toss up between Wendell Berry's Port William, KY series and the Mitford series.

    2. Usually the back cover blurb.

    3. Deep characters.

    4. Too much violence.

    5. Just before supper, when day's work is done, maybe early evening, too.

    6. I don't care; I usually just see if the the story and people in it are interesting.

    7. I need a year, at least, to write, edit, revise, etc. to get the book the way it should. I can read a book (normal length) in a couple of days or a week, depending on what else I'm involved in.

    8. Probably general fiction, preferably with some romance but not where the romance is the main theme. I want to care about the characters.

    9. I write letters only for expressing condolences or sometimes a thank-you if an email is inappropriate.

    10. Maybe Tennyson.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Woo Hoo! Such interesting comments so far. You guys are awesome. I'll wait for a few more...maybe. Then I'll stick you all in my trusty basket, clasp my hands together, say a little prayer, and reach in and draw the fun winner.
    Keep your prayer fingers crossed.

    ReplyDelete
  13. 1. Book series: Is it okay when I was young? I couldnt quit reading The Bobbsie Twin books

    2. What do you like to see in a book first? the first few pages

    3. What do you REALLY look for in a book? The entire story has to be good

    4. What makes you put a book down real fast? Bad words

    5. When is your favorite time of day to read? Afternoons

    6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author?

    I love to read all kinds of authors. I'm always willing to try something new.

    7. How long does it take you to write a book, start to finish, or READ a book, start to finish? several weeks

    8. What is your favorite genre and why? Mysteries for sure

    9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not? all the time because I love the feel of them

    10. Who is your favorite Victorian poet? Don't read a lot of poetry.

    Love coming here.
    Betty Fimple
    Windsor

    ReplyDelete
  14. The wait is killing me I want to win so bad. Keeping my fingers crossed. Again thanks for hosting such a great thing here

    Walk in harmony,
    Melinda

    ReplyDelete
  15. 1. What is the best book series you ever read or wrote, and why?

    The Bobbsey Twins. I know, I know. :) This is a children's book series. The reason I chose this series is that I read it as an impressionable child. This series helped me to escape some challenging situations I was going through at the time and actually set me on the journey of becoming a writer. So the Bobbsey Twins series holds a very special place in my heart.

    2. What do you like to see in a book first? The backcover, the front cover, the blurb, the endorsements, the first few pages, the end, where it was published?

    I'm one of those people who like to read the Acknowledgments first. I always enjoy seeing the names of all those silent heroes who help bring a book to life. I believe that nothing is achieved in isolation. There is always a team of great people helping along the way.

    3. What do you REALLY look for in a book?

    Strong emotion
    Life-changing theme
    Living characters

    4. What makes you put a book down real fast?

    Poor writing

    5. When is your favorite time of day to read?

    Evening

    6. How inclined are you to read a debut author, or an unknown author?

    Very much inclined. I'm interested most in good writing. It doesn't matter if the book is the author's first or ninety-first.

    7. How long does it take you to write a book, start to finish, or READ a book, start to finish?

    WRITE: I just finished my first novel. From start to finish, it took me about seven years--as long as my PhD degree. :) The reason writing my novel took me so long, however, is that I had so very much to learn about writing a novel.

    READ: Depending on the book, about two to three hours.

    8. What is your favorite genre and why?

    Women's Fiction - As a Life Coach, I work with women, especially women in transition. I love to see women overcome and discover who they really are.

    9. Do you still write letters? Why or why not?

    Yes. I love to write letters. It is a lost art. I still write them because I believe that taking the time to do so conveys my love in a way that is no longer common.

    10. Who is your favorite Victorian poet?

    Actually, Emily Dickinson with Elizabeth Barrett Browning a close second, followed by Christina Rossetti.

    Blessings,

    MaryAnn Diorio
    www.maryanndiorio.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you Shirley so very much. I am so excited. I will definitely be watching the mail.

    Walk in harmony always my friend,
    Melinda

    ReplyDelete