Liz here – my turn for a giveaway! Leave a comment today and get a chance to win a copy of Murder Most Finicky or an ARC of Custom Baked Murder! I’ll be giving away one of each.
Breaking news: Congratulations Ginger Smith — you are the winner of the Stick With The Wickeds contest!
We all have a lot of things to be grateful and near the top of the list is our readers. So, Wickeds share a story of an interaction with a reader, be it a note, something that happened face to face, or something via social media that made you smile.
Edith: Here’s my most recent interaction, and one that makes the druge part of writing all worthwhile. On Saturday I was one of twenty authors at the second annual Ipswich Authors Fair. I had my book, bookmarks, newsletter signup sheet, and a pocket full of cough drops. One woman came up, introduced herself, shook hands heartily, and said she’d read all my series. ALL of them? I asked, gestured at the lineup of four series. “Yes! I love your mysteries.” She was so enthusiastic, and so excited to meet me in person, she totally made my day. And if I can add one more, briefly: another fan wrote me an email saying she brought my book to the hospital to get her through a week of recovery after surgery and reading my story helped her through it. That note made my day in a different way.
Liz: I love when I meet readers who want to share stories about their pets with me. Since animals are a huge part of my books, it’s so nice to connect with readers who also feel those soul connections with animals. Often people come up to show me pictures of their cats or dogs, or share a funny story. And when Shaggy comes to events with me, it’s even better. She’s the real star. People love to meet her – she makes everyone smile. I’ve had many readers say to me that my animals, either in person or on my Facebook page, make them happy. And it makes me feel good to share that with people.
Barb: I love the mail I get from readers. Here’s a part of a note about the third book in the Maine Clambake series, Musseled Out.
I read page 289 my eyes filled with tears, there was something personal and special on that page. Six years ago we lost my dad to cancer. I was a total “daddy’s girl” and loved the fact that my father loved taking these trips to Boothbay Harbor. My dad’s name was Bruce and I grew up in…Paris, Maine! So you can imagine how it took my breath away! In a very selfish way, I feel like you wrote the book just for me!
I actually wrote the scene she’s referring to for someone quite different– a man named Bruce whose apartment my husband I were lucky enough to stay in in Paris, France. I had heard through the grapevine that this Bruce was justifiably proud of his lobster eating skills. I’d always wanted to describe how to eat a lobster in one of the books, so away I went. The fact that it spoke so personally to this reader is the happiest of coincidences…and the magic of reading. Dear readers, we love to hear from you!
Jessie: I am so grateful to hear from readers who either live in New England or have moved away who tell me how much my books and the characters feel like home to them. Hearing from readers always makes my week. I still can’t believe I get to connect with people this way! Truly, it is a dream come true!
Julie: A reader wrote me the nicest Facebook message. She loved Clock and Dagger, and then went on to give specific examples of why. It made my day, and I told her so. Honestly, every time someone says they read the book, or leaves a review, I get really misty.
Sherry: I’m always amazed when someone takes time out of their busy lives to attend an event I’m at or takes the time to write a note. A young woman with a toddler drove from DC out to Fairfax to come meet me — if you know anything about the traffic in this area you know this was a big deal!
Readers: What has someone done that has made your day?
Yeah! Please enter me to win! This is such a great blog!!
Thanks so much, Linda. We’re thankful to have you with us.
Last week I got two of my fingers caught in a door. My sons, who are 27, 29, and 35 took care of me as they said I took care of them all their lives. Mostly just by their kind words and hugs and also by supplying me in anything pumpkin flavored! Needless to say, “They made my day” Thanks to all of the authors for your amazing books, I have been reading your great cozies as I recover. Maureen
Isn’t it lovely to have adult sons to take care of you when you need it? I have two and they are treasures. Hope your fingers are okay!
It always makes my day when one of the Wickeds has a new book out!
Aww, Gram, that’s sweet. You know Barb’s novella just came out, and both she and Liz have a new book out the last week of December! You don’t have long to wait.
Yesterday, I received a phone call from the daughter of a man who lived across the hall from my MOther. I had written the man that my Mother passed away a month ago. The daughter called to express her sympathy and it meant a lot to me that she took the time to call, long distance, to express her sympathy and that my Mother’s friendship meant a lot to her Father, who is now in a nursing home.
That’s a wonderful thing to do, Dianne. Thank you for sharing your story. Our condolences on your mother’s passing.
Dianne – not sure if you saw the post that you won this one! I don’t think I heard from you with an address to send your book. Send me an email – liz.mugavero@gmail.com
I have received a card in the mail from my mother or someone else at just the time I needed a bit of support and encouragement. It’s amazing how they come at just the right moment and really helps make my day.
It is amazing how that happens!
I have received a card in the mail from my mother or someone else at a time when I really need support and encouragement. It’s just amazing how these cards come at just the right moment and really make my day.
Oops. Accidentally posted twice.
no worries!
I appreciate a lot of things. Especially the little stuff. I try to remain grateful for everything I’m given and that includes help! My mother in law gave me a card for my birthday that she had signed from a great aunt who had passed away unexpectedly about a month before. All day I thought about how I would not be receiving that special card from her this year. My MIL had gone to Auntie Rea’s house and found the cards she used for birthdays and gave it to me that evening. It meant so much and I really appreciated the effort. Thanks for the fun month of giveaways. You all are the best!
What a lovely story!
I suspect that many readers have no idea how much their kind words (including what they say in reviews) mean to authors! One reader reached out to tell me why she was so touched by a theme in my series. I’ll never forget her willingness to share her story with me. What a nice post, Wicked Cozy Authors!
I love it when a story or theme resonates with someone you don’t know at all. Something about the universality of human experience…
I’m always grateful to hear from readers–and I’m grateful FOR the readers and for my friends the Wickeds, who make this writing journey worthwhile. Good luck, everyone!
Thanks, Susannah. Can’t wait to see you at Crime Bake on Friday.
I always enjoy getting to meet authors and interact with them. You have no idea how much pleasure you give me with your books, and getting to talk to you face to face or interact on just about anything on social media totally makes my day.
(And if I were to win the copy of the ARC of Custom Baked Murder, I wouldn’t complain at all.)
And we so enjoyed meeting you face-to-face, Mark. We’re grateful for all you do.
Mark, you said that beautifully. It does really mean a lot to the readers to get to interact with you gals, as well as the other wonderful authors we love. I also get a tremendous amount of pleasure out of your books. They take me to a very happy and special place and they provide a hobby that serves to keep my mind sharp. Thanks for being you!
(Sorry Mark but I wouldn’t complain if I won either!) 😉
I live in a rural area and we don’t get many chances for such amazing events. It would be about a 60 mile drive or further to attend most of them. This is why I enjoy following the many blogs of those who write wonderful books or promote those same books. I am open to either book. robeader53@yahoo.com
The interwebs are a wonderful way to find people with shared interests.
Since I’m home alone, received no phone calls or left the house yet. No one has had a chance to anything to or for my day. But it’s only 1pm so there’st still hope.
If I’m the lucky winner I’d prefer Murder Most Finicky. Thank you.
Good luck!
I do not own an ARC copy of any book. Just the chance to win one of your’s, Liz, would be a thrill.
Good luck!
I love the cozy mystery books.
So do we! Good luck!
I had knit a pair of over the knee stockings, but did not have any elastic to hold them up (the directions, such as they were, called for ribbons). One of the ladies in the knitting circle brought in some 1/4″ grey elastic which was perfect.
That is lovely! I’m terrible at knitting!
Once a month I get a free DIY facial at Merle Norman. Today was the day. I normally go in all bubbly and we all have a good time. Today I was really down. The owner said I was welcome to come in for an extra freebie because she knows how much the relax me. I mean, along with how good it makes my face feel, I get herbal tea, low lights, soft music, and a vibrating chair. My own private take care of me hour. The owner is a wonderful lady!! Bless her. And I would love one of your books!
That is lovely, Ginny!
I’m thinking back to my teaching years, and the best moment was when a student, with an injury keeping her from dancing, had realized from my comments on her paper that she could express herself in writing just as she did in dance.
Feeling a bit low today . . . but never giving up. “Don’t mourn, organize” Mother Jones . . . or maybe mourn for a bit and then organize.
Books help. <3
That is a lovely story!
Thanks <3
My day was brightened this late summer when a Fb friend sent me an unexpected cozy mystery book, just because!
That’s so sweet!
I am grateful for the little , thoughful things I am able to do for my friends.. It brightens my day immeasurably when I drop a note or card in the mailbox, knowing the smile it will bring on the other end.
I love this. People forget how happy it makes others to get real mail!
It warms my heart to hear my 4 year old son say today is going to be a great day. He likes to say this to all of his teachers at school and if he has a sad friend he always tells them that their day will get better. He is so full of positive energy (he does not get that from me) and seeing his view of the world is just amazing. The best thing he is teaching his 3 year old sister to be friendly and positive, which is no easy task.
I don’t put up a Christmas tree because I’m usually out of town for the holidays. When I came home from my vacation last Christmas, my best friend and her daughter had put up a small tree and decorated my house and had gifts waiting for me under the tree. It was such a nice surprise and was so nice that they went out of their way to make my day special.
I got to stay home today and I am very grateful for it. It’s a small thing but it can have a big impact on just not having to do anything on a day you really need it.
I forgot ewatvess@yahoo.com
My Mother and I run a bookstore she opened 39 years ago this month. One of our customers came in this past Monday with a plate of homemade cookies for us…..she said she wanted us to know how much she appreciated us and our store
My friend came & picked me up & took me to deliver my ballot because I had been unable to make the trip myself.
There is so much to be grateful for. Where does one begin? Have family and friends to share with. Since I can no longer drive. I rarely have to ask. Someone calls and wants to know if I need anything. Or to let me know they plan to go wherever and did I want to go. And I am grateful for the authors and their generosity. It has made my life so much easier. A book is at hand to let my visit other places, other lives. I feel like I am there. Since Linda on Chatting About Cozies led me to so many different authors I have been in seventh heaven. And never a dull moment.
You must be a good person for others to offer so much. My guess is you paid it forward for many years. It’s nice that you are getting yours,now.