Monday, March 19, 2012

New Website and Giveaway!

Babysitter. Pizza maker. Day care worker. Youth leader. Lifeguard. Biochem lab worker. Lifeguard part 2. Paleoclimatology lab worker. Resident Advisor. Dry cleaner clerk. Geographic Information Systems Analyst. Real Estate agent. House cleaner. Environmental Technician. Environmental Specialist. Jewelry store salesperson.

Writer. :)

What a glorious thing to be able to label ourselves with the title most dreamed for. To wish, and hope, and work, work, work toward that which we want most. Today, as I reveal my beautiful new website (thanks Andy, my under-paid but much appreciated brother!), I can’t help but think of all choices that led me to where I am today, on the cusp of debuting my very first novel, surrounded by supportive friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers. What a dream job!

A year ago this week, I was waiting with baited breath for the Golden Heart finalist announcements, wondering if my life was about to change. Boy was it ever! This year has been one of the very best in existence, and I am forever grateful and thankful to all those who offered help, support and well-wishes.

In thanks and appreciation for all of you lovely people who have come to join me as I debut the new website, I’m thrilled to offer up a special treat: One lucky commenter will win an Advanced Reader Copy of my debut novel, MORE THAN A STRANGER! Win it way before you can buy it, as the book will release officially June 5th :) Simply leave a comment between now and Wednesday night. The winner will be chosen at random and announced at 9pm EST on March 21 here in the comments section. Good luck!

S0 tell me: what would be your dream job?


PS - Have a look around at the new digs! Excerpts from both MORE THAN A STRANGER and A TASTE FOR SCANDAL can be found by clicking the "Books" link on the menu to the left. Enjoy!

If you don't see the comments section below, click on the post title (New Website and Giveaway) and scroll down. Will have this fixed shortly!

75 comments:

  1. Oh my dream job changes all the time. I would think it would be fun being a doctor and helping people. Or making things that people would like have. Or Getting paid to read books. That would be so much fun. In all honest I font know what I dream to do.
    Oh your website looks fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds like there are too many great dream jobs to choose from, Melody! I'd say that's a good thing :) It's kind of like me and my favorite meal - it changes every other day because there is so much yummyness to go around.
      Thanks for the compliment and for stopping by - good luck!

      Delete
  2. Wow! What an accomplishment! Luv the website and can't wait to read the new book! Congrats Erin and best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kim! What a wild ride it's been :) I hope to see you and the baby in June!

      Delete
  3. Sounds like a plan! Btw luv luv luv the cover!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have my dream job, I am a mom and couldn't ask for anything better than that :)

    I love the blog...very classy!

    Froggy
    froggarita@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How wonderful, Froggy! It sounds like you have some very lucky kids, too :). Thanks so much for hopping in to join us :). Thanks for the lovely compliment, and I'm loving your avatar!

      Delete
  5. One of these days, I wanna be a writer too. You know, after I actually write something coherent! ;) I'm so proud of you for doing what you love and the new site looks great, btw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL - well, the writing something coherent thing does help - but only if you're picky! Thanks so much for stopping by Shelley :)

      Delete
  6. Writer as well! You are living my dream job :)

    Ericajmcfarland@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You already are a writer, Erica! I guess that means you are well on your way to that dream job :) I'm loving the sound of your Regency spy novel. Thanks so much for dropping by!

      Delete
  7. Well, I'm a mom and that is pretty good for me...but I would like to find a way to bottle all their energy and sell it and then be super rich so I could learn to write :)
    The new site looks great! Looking forward to your debut, there have been so many wonderful new historical romance authors this year! It's so great! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha - Lisa you would make a *killing* if you could find out how to bottle that energy! I know because I would happily pay big bucks ;)

      I agree - what a fabulous year for debut historicals! And it's not over yet - my fellow Secret Curtsy Society sisters (fellow 2011 Regency GH finalists) Anne Barton, Valerie Bowman, and Ashlyn Macnamara are all debuting within the year, and Sara Ramsey is already out!

      Delete
    2. I have all those ladies on my radar to watch for :) And I just downloaded Sara Ramsey a few weeks ago and plan to read it soon!

      Delete
    3. I can't WAIT to get to Sara's book. I wish I could finish my TBR pile faster!!

      Delete
  8. Heh, I've been a dry cleaner clerk. Now THERE was a fun job... Right up there with grocery store cashier and front end supervisor. Not doing any of those anymore, since I just had the same dream year you did. Writer for me.

    Don't enter me in the draw, please. I've already pre-ordered your book. I can't wait to read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your ears must have been ringing, Ash - I was just telling Lisa about you! Yes, of all the places I've worked, the dry cleaners was the only place I had to call the cops because a guy went bat-crazy when we couldn't have his wife's dress back to him for a few more hours. I do NOT miss that job.
      It's been a blast undertaking this wonderful journey with you and the other SC sisters - I love having other debut authors out there to commiserate with!

      Delete
    2. I had to call the cops once at the grocery store. Some guy's girlfriend bought cigarettes, left the store with them, and then he came back and tried to return them. Big no-no. Went insane on me when I told him we couldn't take back tobacco products. He yelled so loud he had all the stock boys up front to protect us. I was honestly scared he was going to whale on his girlfriend after they finally left (before the cops had a chance to show). He just gave me that vibe.

      Delete
    3. EEK! Well, that is NOT good. What the heck is wrong with some people? Non-returnable cigarettes, slightly delayed clothes: are these really worth going ballistic for?
      Well, I'm glad we are both free of those places!

      Delete
  9. What a wonderful post, Erin! Congrats on your debut. My dream job is writer, too. But over the course of my life, I've been a bookstore clerk, library clerk, pre-K teacher, documentary filmmaker, programming coordinator at a museum, archival assistant, and veterinary technician. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow - that's quite a list! I knew you were a documentary filmmaker, but the rest were all new to me. How great that you are living the dream job - as a matter of fact, I have your debut novel on the counter of my kitchen as we speak!
      Thanks so much for coming by to see the new website, Lily :)

      Delete
  10. Love the website! It's beautiful! Sooo, can't wait for your book to finally come out!

    I already have my dream job--and am so glad you have yours too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy book birthday, Deb!! I am stoked to get my hands on TALL, DARK, and DISREPUTABLE today when I'm out to lunch with Olivia. And thanks, I think my brother did an amazing job with the website :)
      Way to live the dream my dear - it's a beautiful thing!

      Delete
    2. Good Lord, I dearly wish our lunch WAS today! someone save me from the Monkey House that is my home... ;)

      Delete
    3. LOL - I still don't know how I got the dates so confused! Thank goodness I didn't actually leave the house!

      Delete
  11. Dream job would be run a childrens sports camp for 3 months out of the year. Spend the rest of the year planning and hanging out with my awesome family. Love, Love, Love the new site!! Nicole

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohhh - great dream job! Especially if there was a lake involved ;) So glad you love the site, and thanks for dropping by!

      Delete
  12. Hi Erin,
    Congratulations on a dream come true! I saw my friend, Valerie Bowman's, post on Facebook about your new book! My dream job? I am really into couponing and saving money, so I would love to help other people learn how to do this. I have a Facebook page and a blog, so this may become a reality! Congrats again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vicki! Lovely to meet you - thanks so much for stopping by to say hi!
      What a fabulous dream job - I am TERRIBLE at couponing (though I am great at finding deals). I'll have to check out your blog for sure!
      Good luck in the drawing :)

      Delete
  13. Erin, you're new website is gorgeous!

    I'm so excited for you! And I'm *dying* to read more after that tantalizing excerpt you put up had me shouting at my laptop: "No! You can't stop there! Noooo!"

    My dream job...well, I already have one of my dream jobs but my second one is to be a published writer. :)

    Congrats again, my talented friend. I wish you so much success!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Lord, not you're; It should be YOUR. SMH. :\

      Delete
    2. Hehe! Thanks so much, Marquita! And don't worry, they'll have copy editors to catch those mistakes when you're a published author, lol. Enjoy the lull before the storm my friend, you and your writing career are about to take off!

      Delete
  14. Your new website is FABULOUS!!! I'm in love with it. :) Hmmm...well, I'm doing my dream job now, too, but I've had plenty of others along the way. Pizza maker, every job in a movie theater from usher to general manager, receptionist, office peon, banker, tutor...those are just a few. I much prefer my job today. Glad you're getting to do your dream job, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you, my dear! I think it is so interesting that you have done all things movie theater related and now all things writing related. You must know all about the art of entertaining the masses! Maybe that's why your books are so good...
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  15. Gorgeous website!!! And this post has me smiling from ear to ear:) So proud and excited for you. And I absolutely LOVE the sneak preview excerpts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you, my sister :) Andy did an amazing job - I can't possibly thank him enough! I'm so glad you liked the excerpts - its the first time I've posted anything for people to read of my books!

      Delete
  16. I would love to run and own my own new & used bookstore. I would love to buy/sell used books and new books also. I would also love an area for people to sit and read. Also free wi-fi area where people can come in and use their computers, etc.
    Congrats on the new release. The book looks great and would love to win and read.
    christinebails@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh man - that sounds wonderful! I would totally come and hang out at a place like that. Can you sell tea and coffee too, so I can stay a while? :)
      I'm so glad you dropped by to say hello. Good luck in the drawing!

      Delete
  17. Love love the new website! Congratulations on the site and the debut. I can't wait to read it. I am so excited to have a new historical author to read.

    I have a few dream jobs. Some type of writer for sure. I definitely want to write novels, but recently I have thought I would be wonderful to be a travel writer. I'd also love to be a Disney Imagineer. I think it would be fascinating to create the fantasy world of an attraction from beginning to end. And last I'd love to work on animated films, but since I have no artistic talent that one is pretty unlikely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, Cindy - if you ever read my Trip Adviser reviews, you'd know I have a secret desire to be a travel writer as well ;) And I have to agree, being an Imagineer would be awesome! Pish on the whole needing artistic talent thing - who needs that when you have imagination?!
      Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck in the drawing!

      Delete
  18. First job was picking strawberries and cucumbers and beans when i was 16. Moved on to working fast food at a Hardee's at age 18 where i was made crew supervisor within 6 months. Worked part time also at a hospital in the office taking patient info Then moved on to the Army for a stint in Desert Storm. Got marrried and had kids with a couple rinky dink jobs in between and then 14 years i started with the USPS. I'm a part time mail carrier there. It's not to bad most of my customers know me pretty well and it's a small town. My dream job i guess could be owning a used book store. My husband has told me more than once that's what i need to be doing. lol Might have been a hint that i have to many books though. lol

    The website looks great. I read your excerpt and i definitely liked what i read and would love to find out the whole story. Congrats on your debut release!!

    Lisa B

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, Lisa - what a varied resume you have! You know, I love my local post office lady. I found out the other day that she made a copy of my customized stamp so that she could remember to buy my book - so sweet! Sounds like you have a lovely dream as well - I spent half my college days in the used book store :)
      Thanks so much for stopping by, and for the delightful compliment. I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt! Good luck in the drawing.

      Delete
  19. Erin ~ I just want to be independently wealthy. Then I can dabble in stuff here and there, whenever I feel like it. You know, like a countess or duchess or something. :) *sigh* Ok, time to stop daydreaming and get back to work.

    Actually, I love writing. I've always written. So even if I suddenly meet hoards of earls and dukes, I'd always write. I can't help it.

    Congrats I your release. I'm so excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm - hoards of earls and dukes - that is quite a word picture, lol! Lets hope they are of the romance novel variety, and not the kind we see on the news, lol!
      Yes, writing is a calling, I think. Even when I try to give myself a break, I find myself itching to get back to it :) Thanks so much for stopping by, Ava - I'm so lucky to have such amazingly talented crit partners like you, Lily George, and Catherine Gayle!

      Delete
  20. Well, I'm a mommy, which is the and worst job in the world, depending on who has napped and if there are enough of the same flavor Popsicle to go around! I'm attempting to become (have become?) a writer, which I love, but is almost as much work as being a mommy, lol...
    My dream job, if I'm discounting writing, would be over-seeing the flipping of houses. I love the idea of scouring antique shops and flea markets for finds, having them made over, finding art, fabrics, colors to work with whatever house. There is a spread on Carolyn Murphy in this month's Vogue, how she re-did her CA small house into the very image of a farmhouse in Provence, down to the lemon trees, lavender and chickens wandering the courtyard. It is GORGEOUS. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OOPS! That was supposed to read "BEST and worst job..." Lol...

      Delete
    2. LOL - I don't know, Olivia - that may have been a Freudian slip ;) JK - I know what an awesome mom you are to those boys of yours! And house flipping seems like a lot of work, but a lot of fun. All the possibilities, making things beautiful again - how cool.
      But I doubt you'll have much time for that, what with your burgeoning writing career!

      Delete
  21. A am blessed to be living part of my dream job....stay at home mother of three. When they get a little older I would like to finish the rest of my dream. I have always wanted to write childrens' books. I have one partially finished and one day I hope to make my dream a reality!

    So proud of you Erin!!! Congratulations!! Your site looks awesome (tell Andy I said great job). Love the cover of your book too. Can not wait to read it!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your little kidlets are so lucky to have you for a mom, Cindy! And how cool is that about the children's book? Go you! I have every faith that you can do anything you put your mind too :)

      Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck with the drawing!

      Delete
  22. Great cover and congrats on your debut!

    Marina Adair

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Marina! I can't tell you how much I love the cover - they did such a great job!

      Thanks for stopping by to say hello :)

      Delete
  23. Loving the look of your new site! Congrats all around.

    My dream job is being a television show critique. Any excuse to watch TV AND write about it would be great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Emily! What a fun job that would be. "Turn on the TV, honey - I'm working!"

      Lovely of you to drop in, and good luck in the drawing!

      Delete
  24. Easy answer; hard path to my dream job. I want to publish my manuscript and be successful enough to quit my day job and write full-time. I blog, read fiction and as many articles and non-fiction books as I can, and connect with other writers to advance my writing skills and my MS. I'm soo bored with my day job that I push myself extra hard so I can live my dream an stop wasting my time in a career I hate. :)

    I'm excited to read your book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like you are on the right path to that dream job, Rebecca! I know at least two debut authors who were able to kick the old job to the curb and become full time writers. Have faith!

      Thanks so much for saying hello, and good luck in the drawing!

      Delete
  25. I kind of have a dream job - I am self-employed so I make my own hours, am my own boss, etc. but some days are better than others. If I could do anything I wish I could be a pilot - one because I like going fast (Top Gun was this little girl's favorite not because of the hot Tom Cruise but because of the tricks he does in the plane) and I love traveling so this would get me there at the company's expense. It would be the best of both worlds :)

    Good luck on the release. June will be here before you know it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How lovely to set your own time, your own rules, etc - even if I'm sure it gets crazy sometimes. As for the pilot idea - I totally would love to get my pilots license some day. My dad is a corporate pilot, and gets to fly a gorgeous shiny jet to all kinds of awesome places. His love of his job was one of the things that inspired me to try for my dream job.

      Thanks for dropping by! And yes, I feel like I'm going to blink and it's going to be June!

      Delete
  26. Congrats on your debut release! The blurb for More Than A Stranger hits all my happy reader buttons :D

    I am very close to my dream job now. I do home health care for disabled adults and totally love it. I can't imagine having a job that is more rewarding

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a wonderful and completely fulfilling job, Lillie! It takes a very special person to have the sort of compassion and patience that that kind of job must require. Congrats on doing what you love!

      I'm so glad to have you here today - good luck with the drawing!

      Delete
  27. I think my dream job would be something with books, love to own a book store. The website is awesome. Love it. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Patti! An independent book store is one of my favorite things on earth :) A great thing to dream for!
      Thanks so much for joining me today!

      Delete
  28. My dream job would be to open a children's book store...in Maui!! Someday, maybe when I am independently wealthy :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becky, I can totally see you doing that! Ah, yes, to be independently wealthy...
      Thanks so much for joining me for my website debut! And best of luck in the giveaway :)

      Delete
  29. I'm living it - I'm a full-time writer. :)

    Congratulations on all your success, Erin. You couldn't deserve anything but the best.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Heather, you and I both have gotten very lucky in the dream job department! Thanks so much for the kind words - as well as all your encouragement through the years! I couldn't have gotten better crit partners if I paid you for the job!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have my dream job right now. I have been working at a public library surrounded by books and I especially love it when people ask me to recommend books to them. So I do my best to read as many as I can. But after all these years my next dream job will be a stay at home wife along with my husband when he retires. June 2nd will be our 33rd wedding anniversary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How absolutely wonderful, TxLadyML! To read all day, and to be around books and those who love them as well - heaven :)

      Congrats on the upcoming 'career change'! My hubby and I will be celebrating our 11th on the same day. I hope you guys thoroughly enjoy retirement :)
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  32. Erin, I love the website!!! I can't wait to read More Than a Stranger!!! You have my dream job and I love the journey you took to get there. Keep telling those stories and best of luck!
    Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Tricia! Thanks so much for your sweet words :) I wish I could have told my 15 year old pizza-making self where I'd end up ;) I'm so happy you stopped by to say hello, and I hope you love the book!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hiya Erin,
    J'adore the new website!

    Ok, so yes, my dream job is being a romance novelist and I'm so proud to say I've got that gig, but secretly (well, not any more?) I've always wanted to be a professional organizer.

    Going to read your excerpt next. Ooh, can't wait.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would totally hire you, Val! Honestly, you are like a whirling dervish of efficiency! Thanks so much for stopping by, I'm so glad you like the new website!

      Delete
  35. Student is a pretty good job to me. We are always learning new things no matter what!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen to that! I remember reading an article about an island in Japan with the world's longest lived people. One lady in particular made me grin - she was in her late 90's, and took a class or two every semester. She learned computer science in her late 80's! That kind of thirst for knowledge and engaging the mind is just plain awesome :)

      Thanks so much for joining me today!

      Delete
  36. And the winner is . . .

    ERICA MCFARLAND!!

    Congrats, Erica! I'll send you an email shortly for your mailing address. Thanks so much for joining in the fun, everyone!!

    ReplyDelete