Monday, April 24, 2017

Pina Colada & Jane Austen Anyone?


You're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy! 

Welcome to Whidbey Island Washington!!!



Whidbey Island is also the place my book series is set :-)

 


Here is what I'm giving away...


 - My soul - 

(no that's wrong! That was just for my offspring :-) 


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2 FREE copies of my ebook -  The Rejected Writers' Book Club (no purchase or medical history required just a happy comment!)


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1 - $15 Amazon Gift Card (to be spent frivolously by yourself) 


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All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment under this post.


Welcome to the block party!!!


Have a seat, grab a drink!



Also, I have snacks!


Go on grab a snack - this picture of food is dairy-soy-nut-colerstrol-fat-gluten EVEN calorie free! 


I know, I know, we creative types sometimes find it hard to party when we would rather be delving into a new world or better still writing one. So as well as a snack grab yourself a miniature Jane Austin novel! Or did you bring your own book to read?






WELCOME to my little corner of the bloggerspeare!!!

Today will be the biggest gathering of people that my little blog home has ever hosted. I know this because I have a tracker on my site, a "You've Got People!"alarm, and that tells me most days that I'm the only person who visits. Well, that's not strictly true, I thought I had a stalker from California once until I realized that it is some sort of tracking bot from blogger to make sure my info goes out into the world. 

I have nicknamed her Calbot and enjoy her reassuring presence telling me she will always be here! And I guess Calbot and I have been here over 8'000 times in the last six years! 


Here's a picture of Calbot, she's cute don't you think!



Everyday I'd pour her and a cup of tea, and ask her how things were going  in her life, I noticed she was kind of quiet on the subject, until I realized she didn't have one! And I thought I didn't get out much. 





If you are visiting me for the first time, (cough, cough, of course you are), let me introduce myself, my name is Suzanne Kelman and I write, what I loving refer to as, "a lot of old nonsense" that people buy.  I have been writing humor (or 'trying to' if you believe my one-star reviews) for about 7 years now, and I have had my ups and downs, as writing humor can be a very serious business!

Here is a picture of me looking very fancy-smancy, right after this picture was taken my scarf blew off! 





PS I don't look anything like this most days I'm usually a lot less shiny, shuffling around in PJ's, muttering about a deadline.

My first book the Rejected Writers Book Club, went out into the world by accident, ( I really must stop pressing "send" when I'm on Createspace) I wrote it for fun, about celebrating being rejected as a writer instead of feeling bad about it. 



HERE IS THE LINK TO THIS BOOK: 

http://amzn.to/2oWJ5QO 

Synopsis

Librarian Janet Johnson is puzzled when she is invited—and practically dragged—to her first meeting of the Rejected Writers’ Book Club. This quirky group of women would much rather celebrate one another’s rejected manuscripts over cups of tea and slices of lemon cake than actually publish a book. 


But good friends are exactly what Janet needs after moving to the small town of Southlea Bay, Washington. 


Just as the ladies are about to raise a teacup to their five hundredth rejection letter, they receive bad news that could destroy one member’s reputation—and disband the group forever. 


To save the club, Janet joins her fellow writers on a wild road trip to San Francisco in search of the local publisher who holds the key to a long-buried secret. As they race to the finish line, they’ll face their fears—landslides, haunted houses, handsome strangers, ungrateful children—and have the time of their lives.






The Story behind the Story behind the... You know what I mean... 


The Rejected Writers Book Club was inspired by an experience I had ten years ago. 

I was at a book signing at the library and the author started his presentation by opening a plastic store bag and emptying all his rejection letters from publishers onto the table. He explained he wanted to illustrate his writers journey.  

As we watched in horror the cavalcade of official letters pouring forth there was a collective in-breath of shock, all about the library bookshelves (all the way back to handicrafts.) As this is the writers equivalent of emptying your dirty underwear out in a public building. 




But interesting enough, once the cat, or as in this case the rejections, were out of the bag, there was the collective out-breath of relief - yes everyone has experienced rejection and everyone has underwear. 

Some of us choose not to wear it of course, especially our bra's, after 6pm. A time in our house known as 'Dinner and a Show"when I dazzle my son each night by producing a bra from up my sleeve! 


But rejection is also a part of a writers life as much as anything else. Whether it's a publisher or even a bad review. So, this idea intrigued me and I realized we should be celebrating our rejections like scars they are all stepping stones on our writers journey, and what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, right! 

And that's how my book was born.   

The Rejected Writers Book Club is about a quirky group of gals that get together once a month to celebrate their rejection from publishers in style. With tea and cake and collecting them in a large book. Things are going dandy until an expected event puts the group in peril and they have to go off on a crazy, madcap cross-country adventure to save the club. 


My book went out into the world in 2015 and got uncovered from under a rock by a publisher that offered me money.  I know who knew books could make money? And now there it sits, or parties, like a rebellious step-child next to much more important books at my Lake Union Publishers. 



So, all this is to say, I'm a Pindy, a published Indie, who will always be a full Indie at heart, and LOVES to support the Indie community. 


I also have a podcast for Indie/traditional  authors called 'Writing Publishing and Beyond" hosted by Blondie and the Brit (I'm the Brit)



We have interviewed over 80 amazing authors, many Indies, about writing, publishing and marketing, feel free to shuffle over there, too, for some great interview and quite a few laughs!





Anyway, my second book is due out in June, the same crazy gals are taking to the stage, because being rejected by publishers just wasn't publicly humiliating enough, and it will be out June 6th. Yes, for all you history buffs that was D-day and I'm planning on "storming" the bookshelves. 

Here is a link if you're interested in my next lot of old nonsense! 

http://amzn.to/2piKG2F




Synopsis:

After months of playing the lottery and hoping for an uptick in her dog-boarding business, Janet’s friend Annie must face the inevitable: the bank is foreclosing on her family farm. But thanks to the Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Annie doesn’t have to face it alone because Doris has another crazy plan!

In a moment of inspiration, their fearless leader declares a solution: a musical extravaganza. Flora, who has never sung a note in her life, will play the lead, supported by a group of baby boomers with two left feet.  Janet will be their reluctant director along with a hypochondriac costume designer, a pyrotechnics enthusiast, and Janet’s very pregnant daughter pitching in—what could possibly go wrong?




PS if you are a book reviewer and like reviewing lots of old nonsense, I have Free, yes, I said Free, ARC's of this book all shiny and ready for you to read! Just let me know in the comments below! 




The first page of Rejected Writers Take the Stage




Thank you for popping by Kelman and Calbot are SO glad you did!  







86 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Best of luck with the upcoming release! (:

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  3. Hi Suzanne, Thank you for the most entertaining welcome email from an author I have received to date! Have a great blog block party (I'll probably be asleep through it as I'm on the other side of the world in the future, lol)! Thanks Dianne

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    1. Thanks Dianne!
      I'm so glad it brightened your day. I'm so glad do have you here you visiting my Southlea Bay family! Excited to be getting comments from the other side of the world...I've gone global!!! Have a great evening/morning delete as appropriate :-P

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  4. Greetings from Australia, Suzanne! What a marvelous sense of humor you have, and it shines through with warmth and clarity in all that you have written. More books to add to my TBR list, with pleasure. Great post!🐨

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    1. Thank you S??? (Suzanne, Susan, Silvia???) it's like having a spy name :-) I believe humor is the answer to life, next to not dying of course. If your laughing at something it hasn't got any power over you! I wrote this book series for fun, so I'm glad so many people have enjoyed it. I'm no Toni Morrison, but if it brightened somebodys day I'm happy! Australia...wow I'm in awe, so is Calbot!

      Have a great day? Suzanne

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    2. lol ... We share the same first name! Although being a spy of course does hold enormous appeal (Most of my characters are in that line of business)I use humor of the darkest variety in all my books.

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  5. I live in Colorado USA. You are hilarious.

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  6. I live in Colorado USA. You are hilarious.

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    1. Thank you for your vote of confidence, Christina :-) I will inform my family where the jury is still out, especially with the teenager :-)

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  7. Awesome post! Have an amazing party, I'm looking forward to being there.

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  8. First time visitor to this site. Glad I stopped by since your books sound like the kind I enjoy reading
    jwisley(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Wonderful! Thank you Joyce glad we met! I hope you enjoy!

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  9. This is so exciting !!! Thank you ! Love Your Blog !

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    1. Hi Patty,
      Thanks Its fun to have people over! and I didn't even have to vacuum the carpet! :-)

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  10. Nice to "meet" you via your newsletter/blog. :)

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  11. What a great post, Suzanne, and what a great spirit! :D Good to know you. I am smiling from cheek to cheek just going through your brilliant post. What a humorous title for your book. I bet it will be full of laughter. I look forward to reading it. Have a great day full of sunshine and laughter. Enjoy your day. :)

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    1. Thank you Joy! I can't wait to hear that you think of it! You have a great evening!

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  12. Oh, my gosh. This post is so funny. Calbot! I'll remember that one.

    Your books sound wonderful. Wishing you the best of luck with your tour day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed reading your post.

    And I'm virtually-indulging in the snacks you provided as we speak! Great with a cup of coffee. :)

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    1. Glad you liked it Staci, :-) thanks for stopping by!

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  13. Fun Post! Began my day with a smile. I added your book to my kindle. I look forward to this read:) it also got me to wondering if I could cover my desk with all my post-indie publishing rejections. Pretty close I believe. Thanks for putting out all the treats that fit all the dietary needs. Enjoy your party.

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    1. Hey thanks D..L. Glad you enjoyed my snacks! Takes some with you, why don't you!

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  14. Hi - you are so funny! I am still laughing about "Dinner and a Show" - I do the same thing. Well, not out my sleeve since that would be too difficult for me and I don't have kids, but I do have a husband and dogs, and they all enjoy the show. :) Love your post - and that picture where you live looks gorgeous! Glad I stopped by! :)

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    1. Hi Lynn,
      Glad you stoped by, too, just about to perform Dinner and a Show in a minute :-P

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  15. I love your stories and read them over and over. :-) The characters are truly amazing.

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    1. Hi Mellissa,
      I think you are my number one supporter. Thank you always cheering me on, it really encourages me.
      Have a great evening!

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  17. What a fun post! Best wishes with your writing journey.

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  18. The ability to laugh at yourself is good medicine in a pinch. Hi Suzanne and thank you for making me smile just when I needed it. Best of luck on your tour.

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    1. Hi Shirley,
      I totally agree! I keep myself highly entertained!

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  19. Well you know how to throw a party!! Great post :D

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it! All the fun without the hangover! :-)

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  20. Humor is one of the most important traits to remain sane and healthy. I love your humor and looking forward to reading your books. Enjoy your party!

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    1. Thank you Karen, I look forward to hearing if you enjoy them :-)

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  21. What a great post! Calbot is the cutest. Your sense of humour shines through in this post and we could all use a laugh in today's world. I've added The Rejected Writers Book Club to my TBR.

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    1. Yay! Michelle, thanks for the support. I hope you enjoy it!

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  22. This was awesome! Thanks for the smiles. 😊 I love the humor in your writing. I will definitely be adding your book to my TBR.

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  23. Hi Suzanne,

    This was such a fun time reading your blog. Love the title Rejected Writers Book Club. (definitely have to read this!) Hope you're enjoying your tour.

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    1. Hi Patricia,
      I'm having so much fun on the tour! thanks for stopping by!

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  24. I love it! Can I join your Rejected Writers' Book Club? I wouldn't be an asset though. Too afraid of being rejected, I've never sent my book to agents or publishers. I had it edited and then it was published. No rejection letters but I do have some harsh reviews. A Rejected Writers' Club would be a great idea and a way to promote your books.

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    1. Hi Susanne, Of course you can join :-) Harsh reviews are the worst. my latest this week "God Awful" was the title of the review. I didn't read it :-) she summed up for me how she felt. But I have so many people that enjoy it, I always focus on the happy people!

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  25. Hi Suzanne, I love your post and of course your special book, THE REJECTED WRITERS' BOOK CLUB and its most appropriate cover. I hope you have a successful day. Kind regards Maretha Botha

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  26. Lovely pics and blogs! Thank you for sharing Suzanne!

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    1. You're welcome Michael thank you for stopping by!

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  27. What a Fun post! Loved the photo. Hope you're having a fun party.

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  28. So nice to meet you Suzanne. It certainly appears you know how to have fun. We are so glad you've joined the club. Good luck with your launch and your tour.

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    1. Nice to meet you too John.:-)
      So, happy to be a part of such a welcome and kind group of authors, the tour has been amazing!

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  29. What a fun blog post. Thanks for the chance to meet you and, er, the bot. Your book-soon-books sound fun, too! Good luck to you.

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    1. Nice to meet you Stephen, so glad you could stop by!

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  30. Oh my that was a fun post. Great to meet you and your books. Best of luck with the release on D-Day!

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    1. Thanks Charles, I'm looking forward to this launch :-) And the tour has been amazing!

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  31. I cannot wait to read The Rejected Writers' Book Club. I thank you for holding the block party tonight.

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    1. Hey Jerry, Thank you so much for stopping, I hope you enjoy!

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    2. Just checking to see if a winner had been picked. Thanks!

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  32. I so enjoyed attending your block party. Worked in the yard all day and needed a humorous relief. Your party was just what I needed. I am a tea drinker so of course I was mighty impressed with your book cover. I must read this book - if it is anything like your block party, I won't be disappointed.

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    1. Hi Gracie,
      I'm English so I'm a tea drinker too :-) Hope you enjoy the book!

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  33. Hi Suzanne. I enjoyed your post. It's always great to hear from another Washingtonian. Lol I hope you're having a great party day!

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    1. I am having fun! I Love living in the Northwest :-) Glad you enjoyed it!

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  34. Ooh, cocktails and snacks on a gorgeous island!! What more could I want?! Lovely post, Suzanne, and great to get to know more about you and your work! :)

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    1. Glad you enjoyed them Harmony! Thanks I think about you every day because you are such an awesome retweeter. I can't keep up, but try to send your posts when ever i get time :-) Thanks so much for the support!

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  35. Well I can see that you and Calbot (squeee! :-D ) have had plenty of visitors today Suzanne! Great party - pina coladas and Jane Austen are 2 of my most favourite things! Love your part of the world - it really does look beautiful. All the best with the new book ;-)

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    1. Hi Jan!
      We are exhausted, I've left Calbot vacuuming the carpet, while I finish the leftovers :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  36. Might as well enjoy the ride right? Along with all the ups and downs and rejections. Love that you took that and made it into a thing... and a book. :) Congratulations on your new release coming up. Now it's really time to take the bra off. :)

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    1. Absolutely Maggie :-) I'm one of those, half full - lemons into lemonade, type people, always looking for a way to make something better or laugh at it :-) Time to take the bra off and throw it in the air!

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  37. I loved this post! It really tickled me. Your books are just the kind I enjoy reading and I will pop to Amazon now to add some to my kindle. Have a fun filled and fabulous party!

    I wrote this post twice as the first one didn't seem to go anywhere, so you may get two!

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    1. I'm so glad you like my quirky sense of humor! I hope you enjoy my crazy ladies too!
      Have a great evening!

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  38. Suzanne, I just adore your sense of humour. Thanks for sharing this entertaining post with us, as it's a pleasure getting to learn more about you and your work. Best wishes for continued success with your upcoming release. Cheers! :)

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    1. Aww thank thank you Natalie I do like to laugh and have fun that's for sure! Live is too short!
      Have a great evening!

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  39. Suzanne I love your light-hearted and classy self! Thanks for a great Blog tour stop!
    Robert Kimbrell

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    1. Thank you Robert! Nice to meet you, thank you for stopping by!

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  40. Great post, Suzanne! Love the pictures! Hope you enjoyed your party day. :) ~Mar

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    1. I had a fabulous party day, I love this wonderful and supportive group!

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  41. Well I love your blog and want to introduce it to my blog which never gets many comments but people do stop by. I always wonder, if you are already here why not post a comment, "I was here'? I am a humor writer among other things and our humour is similar--which of course is why I like it.I think the premise for your first book is hysterical and hope to get to it soon. You brightens up an otherwise boring rainy afternoon!!

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    1. Nice to meet you Micki
      I would love my blog to be introduced to your blog, is it single too :-P I'm so glad I brightened up your day!

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  42. Delightful post! Love the story and the photos...and the laughter! All the best to you!

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    1. Yay! So glad you you pop in to see me! Gwen, have a a great evening!

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  43. Great party Suzanne! I'll have to run over and pick up your book. I love to laugh and procrastinate instead of write! I can do both while helping you get reviews! LOL! Enjoy RRBC!

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  44. Just checking to see if the winner was ever chosen. Thanks.

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