2009–what a year. It was dismal on the economic front. I’ve heard so many heart-wrenching stories of people losing their jobs and houses. People I know have battled illness and surgeries, and along with them, in my own limited way, I have felt the fragility of life as well as the preciousness of it. I’ve experienced people’s incredible ability to thrive under difficult circumstances. I met one wonderful, wonderful lady through my work as an author who is battling with a serious illness, and yet told me how much she looks forward to her books…how much joy and happiness they bring her. It was a humbling, special experience that I didn’t expect to have as an author.
Last year at this time I was still in the thrilling first month of having released my first NY published book, Wicked Burn. Because of that, I met many of you for the first time, and I’m so, so grateful. For all of it. For the opportunity to write. For the new friends. For the chance to expand the horizons of my world.
I really feel hopeful as I write to you here today on New Year’s Eve, 2009. I know I still have a lot to learn about my craft and about the publishing world in general, but I’m willing to learn. I’m willing to work, and I’m willing to listen.
So yeah…hopeful.
I started out in the publishing world in eBooks. I was reflecting today on how fortunate I was to have tested my legs in that market and to still be a part of the thriving, innovative eBook world. How lucky are we, as authors, that there are publishers out there willing to take a chance on our perhaps not-so-conventional ideas…ideas that might be turned down by traditional publishers as unmarketable or ‘not what readers are looking for at this time.’ This is a market that is growing at a mind-boggling rate every month…every day. The Ebook industry reflects, I think, the consumers increasingly independent-mindedness and demand for precisely what he or she wants, when he or she wants it and outstripping big business’ tendency to decide what that desire is (and shove it down or throats).
So my New Year’s Eve gift to one of you readers out there was an extra shot of independence and choice in your reading habits!
The random number generator chose that lucky reader to be…Dani!!! *grin* Yay! Congrats, Dani! Write to me at bethkery@aol.com
To the rest of you–fellow readers, writers, lovers of romance and travelers through the bloglands of that great territory of books–I wish you the happiest, most prosperous, most fulfilling year of your life!
2010, here we come!
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What a wonderful heartfelt post Beth. It really said it all. I think while we are reading we can forget for awhile all the stresses of life. Sometimes we gain strength from this, sometimes even good ideas that help us survive & cope. Every new book is a potential hidden treasure to me for that reason. This has been a crazy year for me but getting to know you, your books and by extension, a lot of awesome people, has been the highlight of 2009. Best wishes for the new year to you & your family.
Congrats & enjoy Dani!! Great way to start the new year.
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Beth,
Thank you so much for so many enjoyable hours of reading. I love your books.
I’m so excited that I won — Thank you Beth.
I would like to wish everyone a Happy & Healthy New Year.
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Beth;
Lovely well thought out post. Getting to know you and being introduced to your wonderful stories has been one of the special highlights of 2009.
Wishing you everything wonderful in 2010!
Dani! Congratulations.. :)
You enjoy..
Wishing Everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Best
Lea
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congrats Dani
Happy New Year Beth
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Happy New Year Beth!
And congrats Dani :-)
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Happy New Year Beth! It’s hard to believe I’ve only known you about a year now. I hope 2010 has you achieving your dreams and bringing us even more amazing books :)
Congrats Dani! WTG!!!
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Happy New Year Beth and thanks for such a wonderful post! Congrats Dani on winning!
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Congratulations Dani!
Happy New Year Beth! I wish you many more adventures! :D
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Congratulations Dani~
Thanks Beth for your post and for having such a fun contest. Thanks for writing such good books.
Happy New Year everyone!
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Aw, thanks for the nice comments, ladies. You guys be joyful…and safe! See you in 2010.
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CONGRATS DANI!
MY ONE LAST YELL TO SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!
:wink:
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YES, THIS IS AN AWESOME CONTEST THAT I SURE WOULD LIKE TO WIN AS SANTA MISSED MY HOME! LOL
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Congrats to Dani. Happy New Year to you and your family, Beth.
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Happy New Year, Hotcha!
Jane…best to you, and the same to your family.
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Congrats Dani! What a wonderful New Year’s Present. Enjoy!
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Congrats, Dani!
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Happy New Year!
Congrats Dani!
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Congrtas Dani !
Happy New Year!
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CONGRATAADANI!!
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Happy New Year! Congratulations Dani!
Amy M
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Beth, I think you spelled my name wrong,
.
Kidding, congrats Dani.
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LOL, Dina! ;) Congrats, Dani, and thanks, Beth, for the wonderful post and the wonderful blog! Happy 2010!
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You’ll have to let us know how you like your reader once you get it. After losing every single ereader contest I entered over the last three months (and having more difficulties holding actual books for long periods of time due to my quadraplegia), I finally bit the bullet and bought one exactly like Beth gave away. It came yesterday and I can’t tell you how much easier it has made reading for me.
Every disabled person should have one imho. Using one tip of a finger (or pencil) is so much easier than trying to lay heavy objects on top of the book to keep it open.