13 Comments
Thank you, thank you, thank you! All of you who went rushing out and bought your books and put Confessions of a Little Black Gown on the New York Times bestseller list and on USA Today’s list as well. It was amazing to get back from being out of town and finding those messages on the machine. Like finding a solid chocolate bunny in the Easter basket, not one of those hollow ones. So my deep, humble and heart felt appreciation for your support.
Warning, if you haven’t read Confessions yet, this next part contains a spoiler.
Another thing I found in the email box when I returned was a note from Jessica (of the Dedication fame) and she wrote:
I am actually writing to you to inform you that my sister finished your book yesterday and called me hysterical!!!! She talked-yelled at me in the highest pitch possible for the human person to ever make because Pippin did not end up (yet) with the right guy. Finally when she took a breath to start up again I mentioned that Pippin’s book is coming out soon.
However she loved the book:)
I’ve been getting a lot of these messages, mostly in high-pitched emails, which fortunately I can’t hear, but they do have the neighborhood dogs howling all over the place every time I open one. Sort of a romance novelist’s version of a “howler.” I now know how Ron Weasley feels when he gets those from his mother. Never fear, Pippin fans, her book is coming in two weeks.
In fact, in an odd coincidence, I was at Easter Mass yesterday (which isn’t the odd part because I go to mass every week, and it was Easter yesterday) but it was really crowded and I didn’t really notice the young man seated next to me until we came to the “Our Father” where everyone holds hands and I turned and realized I was sitting next to Dash. I kid you not, he looked exactly like I’d always envisioned Dash looked like, minus the flamboyant pirate garb. I sort of mumbled my way through the prayer and tried frantically to think of a way to tell him he looked exactly like I’d always imagined. You see my dilemma right there, don’t you? How not to sound like the crazy woman? So I reluctantly let go of his hand and let him walk out of my life. Oh, the things I do to stay out of the whacky factory.
I’ve only had this happen once before, when I saw a deadringer for Rafe Danvers from It Takes a Hero walk into Starbucks. That time I was so struck dumb, that I had no way of making a complete idiot out of myself. I just sort of stared at him and sighed when he walked out, and then realized that every other woman in the place was doing the same thing. I mean, this guy was drop dead gorgeous.
But this Church-Dash was like I’ve always thought of Dash–handsome in a rugged, independent sort of way, with the hint of boyish charm that teases you. Okay, I think I need to concentrate on writing and not stalking men at Mass. If you haven’t seen a “Dash” lately, it isn’t too late to go out and get Confessions of a Little Black Gown and get all caught up and ready for Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress when it comes out on April 28th.
So thank you again for putting Confessions on the bestseller lists and just a note of warning: I’m in the last three weeks of finishing up the next book, so my blogs and email response time might be, shall we say, a little off. I’ve got to parcel out my words these days so I can write furiously on the book and give it my best fine tuning. I like this part of a book and I hate it, so hang in there with me, will ya?
April 13th, 2009 at 8:22 am · Link
I finished reading “Confessions” last week, Elizabeth, and REALLY enjoyed it! Glad I’d ordered my copy early. Congrats on hitting the LIST again!! How exciting! And, um, where is your church? I’d like to meet that Dash. Unfortunately, my “excitement” at Easter Mass yesterday consisted of being asked with my parents to carry up the gifts, and I spent the entire time praying I wouldn’t accidentally drop the Body of Christ all over the church floor. Is there some kind of holy 10 second rule? 😉
April 13th, 2009 at 12:17 pm · Link
Thank you!!! I got the prize I won in your contest this weekend and used it to whittle down my book list for this year. Can’t wait for Red Dress!!
April 13th, 2009 at 12:43 pm · Link
I can imagine you were a bit stunned to see Dash in real life. Cool, too. I LOVED Tally’s book and when I was finished it, I wanted to read it again! I kid you not. I can’t imagine how Pippin’s story will be and WHAT a shocker about her in Confessions – that is all I will say. Can’t wait to read it!
April 13th, 2009 at 7:41 pm · Link
I bought my copy this week! 🙂 Made a special trip to the bookstore!! 😀
April 13th, 2009 at 11:39 pm · Link
I just bought one of your books for the first time this weekend (This Rake of Mine). I read it – cover to cover – in a few hours. My neighbor already has it and is reading it too, with my highest recommendations. I plan on making a trip to the bookstore tomorrow to grab as many of them off the shelf, with your name on them, that I can find. I’m disappointed in myself for not having discovered you sooner – no worries though, I plan to be caught up to current very soon! Thank you for the wonderful read.
Blessings,
Aubrey
April 14th, 2009 at 8:06 am · Link
Christina, I do the same thing–but we have Matthew with us, so that adds a whole new “unpredictable” to the “OMG, what if–” panic that happens when they ask.
Thanks again to all who’ve picked up a copy! I really appreciate it.
April 15th, 2009 at 12:33 pm · Link
Elizabeth,
While at Borders today, I checked all of your books to see if any were autographed, but alas! None were.
Laura
April 15th, 2009 at 11:07 pm · Link
Couldn’t you have asked him for a picture?! I carry a camera with me everywhere for car accidents, star sitings, and handsome men who look like favorite characters. I haven’t had a chance to use it for the last but I’m still hoping ;o)
April 18th, 2009 at 5:24 am · Link
I just finished reading Black Gown, and yes you had me crying. I went in the next day to work and gave Love Letters and Black gown to my friend and said she HAD to read them because they were great!!! Red Dress comes out the day before I leave for my trip to England so you can bet that I’m taking that with me!
April 19th, 2009 at 2:59 pm · Link
I just recently discovered your books at the library. I have read Love Letters from a Duke and Stealing the Bride so far and had to run out and buy Confessions yesterday. I’ve finished reading it and have to say it was such a great book. Can’t wait to read Pippin and Dash’s story.
April 24th, 2009 at 2:37 pm · Link
OK Elizabeth, I am with Jessica’s sister. WHY, WHY, WHY, did you do that to Pippin and Dash?
April 28th, 2009 at 9:01 pm · Link
I almost sent a “howler” e-mail. I finished Confessions and I immediately wanted to read Pippin’s story. I think I might drag my husband to the store tonight to see if I can find Memoirs.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 am · Link
Read the three Bachelor Chronicles books, Letters to Red Dress this weekend, super enthralling! But have to agree I teared up when Pippen & Dash were seperated in Black Gown, but wonderful release dates, I tend to lose track when waiting two years between series releases (especially on cliff hangers). Just wondering if you were planning on adding any future books with the Langley’s? With Nate and/or John?
These were the first books I’ve read from you, but definitely adding you to my favorites!
Don’t work too hard, but maybe adding a picture of ‘Dash’ would be a bonus on the site?