You love winning, right? I love winning. We all love winning.
But how can you ALWAYS be a winner?
You must have a winner's attitude. A true winner looks at the worst day in history and sees one blooming flower beneath the crush of awfulness. That's their focus. There's a win.
So whether you win a prize today or not, you're a winner in my book.
Speaking of winners... Let's begin.
First, I'd like to introduce a total winner. Some of you may have met Theresa Milstein on the blogosphere or through Facebook, but I've been blessed to associate closely with her for many years and read her phenomenal poetry while we've both grown as writers. This woman has SERIOUS skills. Beautiful turning of the word in prose that leaves you feeling smarter and inspired. And guess what?!
HER POETRY IS GETTING PUBLISHED!!! How epic is that?
Time and Circumstance
by Theresa Milstein
Publication date: March, 2017
“The trunk of this family is lost to history / Photo fragments remain as shadows”
With subtle wit, and poignant imagery, the unrelenting passage of time connects the vignettes in Theresa Milstein’s Time and Circumstance. This reflective collection of real and imagined poetry and prose, speculates on an erratic childhood, the uncertainty of adolescence, and the reality of parenthood, through flashbacks of love lost and found.
“This everyday, why again, sometimes / ignored tune has measured time in notes, / seconds, minutes, days, years, and so it goes. / It’s a measure of the man he will become.”
Yay for the winners! But they're not the only ones. I could not believe the outpouring of love with my cover reveal. Seriously. Over 60 people shared my cover throughout the week. Thank you all! But I promised one winner an Amazon gift card. I wish I could give everyone a gift card for helping.
And so the winner is:
Three weeks ago, Elizabeth Seckman shared two lies and one truth with us. Anyone who guessed one of her lie correctly was entered to win an eBook of SWEPT AWAY.
The game:
1. My first week of college, I got the flu and threw up in the elevator. Fortunately, everyone on the elevator just thought I'd been drinking and didn't make a big deal of it.
2. When I was a little girl, my sisters tried to turn me into a beauty pageant queen, but I'd never walk on a stage.
3. The first time I took my driver's test, I backed into a police officer (barely bumped her...no harm done!) and failed the test.
Congrats!
But how can you ALWAYS be a winner?You must have a winner's attitude. A true winner looks at the worst day in history and sees one blooming flower beneath the crush of awfulness. That's their focus. There's a win.
So whether you win a prize today or not, you're a winner in my book.
Speaking of winners... Let's begin.
First, I'd like to introduce a total winner. Some of you may have met Theresa Milstein on the blogosphere or through Facebook, but I've been blessed to associate closely with her for many years and read her phenomenal poetry while we've both grown as writers. This woman has SERIOUS skills. Beautiful turning of the word in prose that leaves you feeling smarter and inspired. And guess what?!
HER POETRY IS GETTING PUBLISHED!!! How epic is that?
Time and Circumstance
by Theresa Milstein
Publication date: March, 2017
“The trunk of this family is lost to history / Photo fragments remain as shadows”
With subtle wit, and poignant imagery, the unrelenting passage of time connects the vignettes in Theresa Milstein’s Time and Circumstance. This reflective collection of real and imagined poetry and prose, speculates on an erratic childhood, the uncertainty of adolescence, and the reality of parenthood, through flashbacks of love lost and found.
“This everyday, why again, sometimes / ignored tune has measured time in notes, / seconds, minutes, days, years, and so it goes. / It’s a measure of the man he will become.”
And now for the winner of the TIMELESS Cover Reveal Giveaway:
And so the winner is:
Meradeth Houston!
AND LEST YOU SHOULD THINK YOU'VE BEEN SHAFTED BY THE WINNER CIRCLE, YOU HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE TO WIN:
BTW, sign ups are still open for
(but not for long)
Three weeks ago, Elizabeth Seckman shared two lies and one truth with us. Anyone who guessed one of her lie correctly was entered to win an eBook of SWEPT AWAY.
The game:
2. When I was a little girl, my sisters tried to turn me into a beauty pageant queen, but I'd never walk on a stage.
3. The first time I took my driver's test, I backed into a police officer (barely bumped her...no harm done!) and failed the test.
The truth: #2. They bought Elizabeth all the cute outfits and did weeks of "rehearsals". The day of the pageant, her sister's car broke down, so they walked miles to get to the local fair grounds where the pageant was held. She did fine in all the practice runs on stage. The day of the pageant, she could see people in the audience over the blinding stage lights. She took a step, maybe two, and froze. That was the end of her beauty queen career.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Congrats!
There will be full month of Truth or Lie games and giveaways coming in October. Are you ready for this awesomeness?
Have you ever won anything cool? What do you think makes a winner? Do you like poetry?
Have you ever won anything cool? What do you think makes a winner? Do you like poetry?
Congrats to Theresa and all the winners! I enter lots of giveaways. I won a boxed set of PNR books just this morning. :) The coolest thing I've won is a Kindle. I still have it after four (five?) years. It's just a basic Kindle, but I love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine. Congrats on winning PNR books. Wow, you won a Kindle???
DeleteThat's the way to do it, right? I regularly win things too, but never anything as big as a kindle!
DeleteI won - how exciting! I'm looking forward to reading Elizabeth's book. Cheers - Ellen
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Ellen.
DeleteYay! So happy for you.
DeleteI won a weekend in a beach house once. When they called to tell me I thought it was some telemarketer gig. I had forgotten I'd dropped my info into a drawing at a festival a few weeks prior!
ReplyDeleteLisa, what a wonderful win!
DeleteCrazy! Dang. Where can I enter for that one? ;)
DeleteGood job, Ellen! I think I actually picked the right one this time.
ReplyDeleteI think you did too. That's got to feel good.
DeleteWOOT!!!! Thank you so much for the win--totally is making my morning bright and cheery :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Cheese!
DeleteCongrats to Theresa on her poetry book release! More congrats go to Ellie, MJF, Meradeth and The Cynical Sailor! Wow - really a lot of winners here. I bet they're all really excited!
ReplyDelete(Thanks for dropping by my blog, Crystal. I'm actually glad you didn't realize I had a release coming on Oct 4th. Sometimes I worry that all I do is yap about the book and my blog readers must be sick of it. But apparently, I must not yap all that much about it if you didn't know. lol)
LOL! That's it. I've also been terribly preoccupied with book release stuff, so I can't attest to having a brain right now. ;)
DeleteThanks so much, Lexa Cain!
DeleteCongrats to all the winners and to Theresa on her new book!
ReplyDeleteSeconded!
DeleteI <3 this so much! "A true winner looks at the worst day in history and sees one blooming flower beneath the crush of awfulness."
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Theresa!
It's all in the attitude, eh?
DeleteThanks, Donna!
DeleteThe winner takes it all, loser standing small
ReplyDeleteOr winner appreciates it all.
DeleteCongrats, Theresa!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I just signed up for the blog tour. It's been a while since I've done some cross-author promotion, so I'm glad to have the chance to do it.
Yay! Glad to have you on board, Sandra!
DeleteThank you, Sandra!
DeleteCongratulations, Theresa! That cover is stunning. I love covers that have clocks on it. (Like yours, Crystal.) :D
ReplyDeleteClock are pretty epic--you won't find me disagreeing.
DeleteGorgeous cover!!
ReplyDeleteIt is, right?
DeleteI'm pretty proud of it (even though I didn't make it). Thanks, Kindlemom.
DeleteCongratulations to Theresa! That's an awesome achievement! And I never really thought about pageant contestants having stage fright, but I suppose it can be nerve-wracking; it's a lot of pressure to look poised while saying and doing the right things.
ReplyDeleteKinda blows the mind, doesn't it?
DeleteNeurotic Workaholic, thank you.
DeleteI've heard that some actors are really shy. Maybe a lot of performers stress beforehand.
Congratulations to Theresa! Love the cover. Wishing her much success! :) Thanks for sharing the exciting news, Crystal!
ReplyDeleteGlad to do it. More than glad.
DeleteHearty congrats, Theresa. I'm not a poet, but everyone I know who is tells me it's almost impossible to publish poetry. Yet, you did it. What a feat!
ReplyDeleteShe totally deserves it too.
DeleteThank you, Jacqui and Crystal. It's a small press that really believes in poetry that took a chance on me.
DeleteCongrats to the winners! Very exciting for Theresa to be getting her poetry published. The cover is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteThanks, Nick. I am excited!
Delete*thumbs up*
ReplyDeleteI love poetry! I dabble in it a little bit myself sometimes. ^_^ I love the cover and title of Theresa's book!
ReplyDeleteI could totally see you doing the poetry thing.
DeleteKrystal, I started by dabbling, and then I took a few workshops. It's become a bigger part of my writing over time.
DeleteCongratulations to all of the winners! And to Teresa for getting her poetry published. I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteYep, I've won a LOT of things in my life... way more than my share. But now? Every day my hubby and I wake up in the morning is a huge win. :)
Aw. I love that, Susan. And I totally agree. Every day is a gift, eh?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSusan, I'm glad you want to read it. I like your perspective on winning.
DeleteCongratulations to Theresa on her poetry publication. Very impressive. And a big congratulation to Meradeth for winning a copy of 'Timeless.' an excellent book.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Aw. Nancy, you rock.
DeleteKudos! That's a very healthy attitude, Crystal.
ReplyDeleteThat's the goal, right?
DeleteI love poetry and have been blogging more about it. I'm so pleased for Theresa. That cover is superb! October is going to be a blast in more ways than one. I'm looking forward to the WEP contest and you're launching your book...:-)
ReplyDeleteRight?! EPIC MONTH WARNING!
DeleteCongratulations to Theresa!! And the cover is stunning and so evocative.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats again, Crystal, on your new book!!
Thank you! It's almost go time. Can't believe it.
DeleteThanks, Connie. I was thrilled with the publisher's work.
DeleteCongratulations, Theresa. The book sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners. I'm going to Good Reads. If we don't win today, we can look forward to tomorrow. :)
That's the attitude! You rock, Beverly!
DeleteCongrats to Theresa. And to the winners.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz!
DeleteCongrats to Theresa! I love that high five pic. :)
ReplyDeleteIt made me giggle too.
DeleteThanks, Yvonne!
DeleteI'm so impressed to be on a winners-theme blog post.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winners of such great prizes. I know I didn't guess the two truths and a lie correctly.
Crystal, your words really moved me. I've been impressed with how focused you've been and how hard you've worked to make your trilogy dream come true. Thank you so much for your support over these many years.
Likewise. We rock, right?
DeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteJen, that's so nice of you to say. Than you!
ReplyDeleteI won Willy Dunne Wooters. Nothing could be cooler.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Lol! Yup You win, Janie.
DeleteHi Crystal - congratulations to Theresa - I think the cover portends well for her book ... good luck to her. Congratulations to a Cynical Sailor ... for guessing Elizabeth's sisters got her dressed up - but that mind couldn't be changed ... not moving onto the that stage!
ReplyDeleteYour Timeless is a brilliant cover too - as is the story line - congratulations and good luck .. cheers Hilary
Hilary, you're such a sweetheart. Thank you for the kind words!
DeleteThanks, Hilary. I think the cover matches what I've written well.
DeleteYou're definitely a winner with your new cover, Crystal,it looks fabulous! I do like poetry, congrats to Theresa on her upcoming release too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne! I guess you missed the week it took over the internet while you were away.
DeleteThanks, Suzanne! I'm happy for Crystal as well.
DeleteCongrats to the winner. Crystal you are inspiring with your productivity. Congrats to you too.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
You may be speaking too soon. LOL. Bring on the insanity!
DeleteCongrats to her for getting her book of poetry published! Many successes to you both.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elle.
DeleteI echo what Crystal says. Thank you, Elle!
Deleteis that a high fiving cat?
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winners of your giveaway! And to Theresa for her poetry publication! Your blog post today is filled with good news! :)
Thanks, Mandy. I agree--this was a good news post!
DeleteIt has to happen periodically, eh?
DeleteTheresa's poetry and book are beautiful. May it soar.
ReplyDeleteYay - I guessed the truth about Elizabeth. She couldn't have hit a cop car. She's too responsible. She's not the type to get drunk. Wait, what am I saying? Smiles.
Thank you, Rawkynrobyn!
DeleteWay to go! You're a pro.
DeleteCongratulations on your book! I'm putting it on my to-read list :)
ReplyDeleteA decision you won't regret. ;)
Delete"Thank"
ReplyDeleteLove Theresa's cover, made sure to share it myself:)
ReplyDeleteAnd rightly so!
DeleteI appreciate it, Mark! :)
DeleteWhat a great post full of good news! Just what I needed today.
ReplyDeleteHave some sunshine, eh? ;)
DeleteWhere, pray tell, might one get a lynx that does freeze frame high fives lie in that picture? I think I need one. :D
ReplyDeleteLOL! Don't we all? That thing is seriously awesome.
DeleteI added Timeless to Goodreads AND entered the giveaway! Fun, fun!
ReplyDeleteHuge congrats to Theresa!! Her poetry is beautiful, just based off the little bit you shared. I look forward to reading more.
Aw, thanks a ton, Kristin!
DeleteI'm glad you like the little bit, Kristin.
DeleteI'll have to go hunt down that Cynical Sailor and get the email address. :)
ReplyDeleteOops. There's an email fail on my part. *sigh*
DeleteCheers to all of the winners! I don't like to brag, but I won second place in a beauty contest in a game of Monopoly once, so I already know I'm a winner.
ReplyDeleteLOL! You're a total winner, and you didn't need a beauty contest to tell you that. ;)
DeleteCongratulations to all the winners! How awesome for them!
ReplyDeleteRight?
DeleteMaybe it's just me, but I tend to think there's way too much focus on winning or losing. I find I enjoy things more when I focus on what I'm doing, making sure I get it done well and correctly, rather than finding a way to make it some kind of victory.
ReplyDeleteBut I could be misinterpreting everything.
That's a healthy attitude. But, who doesn't love getting a prize every now and then, eh?
DeleteAw, nice! Congrats to Theresa and to the giveaway winners.
ReplyDeleteI'm echoing that sentiment.
DeleteGetting a book of poetry published is huge! My congratulations to Theresa on doing that. And I think Elizabeth did exactly the right thing. No to beauty pageants.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Theresa! That's awesome about her poetry book!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Theresa! What a beautiful cover. Also- loved seeing Elizabeth here too. Best of luck Theresa and Elizabeth!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Congrats to the winners and Theresa on her book!
ReplyDeletewww.ficklemillennial.wordpress.com
Congrats to Theresa! Poetry's often a hard sell, so it's wonderful that she's getting her poetry published. I do love poetry. I used to be in a critique group with a poet and learned so much.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winners and Theresa on her book!
ReplyDeleteThat's great news for Theresa! Congratulations to her on getting her book published and to all the winners too.
ReplyDeleteYay, Theresa! I love her cover! Christy
ReplyDelete