From Michelle: Have we ever got a ab fab kick-off 4 2010! Liz Maverick's here today because she generously "won" a high bid in the 2009 Brenda Novak Online Auction for Diabetes Research. But Liz would have ended up here in the pink anyway, since I can't seem to keep quiet about her wicked hip and hot new romance, "Crimson & Steam." There's just no reason not to place scoring it at the top of your To Do in '10 list. So please offer Liz your lustiest "Ring in the New" Bella buongiorno...
From Liz: Happy New Year, Bellas! Resolutions tend to be rather specific things like a promise to lose weight, a pledge to go out more and finally meet that someone or a vow to be a better person in some specific way. As I wrote in my newsletter earlier this week, I used to make plenty of resolutions. Then it dawned on me that I was not actually getting progressively richer or skinnier—nor was I becoming imbued with a greater sense of inner peace as planned. I still make a few token resolutions just to make sure I clean my apartment, floss and ingest enough Omega-3s during the year. But I now prefer to think of New Years as a reminder to take a really deep breath. The clicking sound coming from one of those old analog clocks with the black-on-white numbers as it flips at midnight is a sweet sound, indeed. It’s as if the whole world agrees on something for a second in time—fresh start, anything is possible,
I’m a big believer in reinvention, grand adventures and giving oneself permission to do out of the ordinary things, and this happens to be a Blue Moon New Year. The phrase “once in a blue moon” suggests a rare event. So more than ever, this is the time to do something extraordinary and step out of your comfort zone—whether it takes a phone call, a couple of steps outside your door or a long plane ride.
"Crimson & Steam" is actually the result of just such a reinvention. It’s a hybrid book, an “out-of-the-box” book, as they call it. It combines romance, paranormal, futuristic, and steampunk historical elements. In short, it’s not normal. None of the books in the Crimson
I hope this is a true Blue Moon year for all of you. Happy New Year!
Did this New Years feel different to you from years before? Did you make resolutions? Did you breathe a sigh of relief that we could put the 00’s to bed or were you sorry to see the year end?
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52 comments:
I'm really gla 2009 is over. It was really bad year and I hope 2010 will be better :)
I am really glad 2009 is over. I took the year to learn a whole lot about writing and the craft. I anxious to get this year rolling and put all the knowledge to work.
The 00' in general were a time of growth in my personal life. I am happy to say, I WILL NOT MISS 2003-2007!!!!
Cheers to a new year!
I agree totally...I am so glad that 2009 is behind me...it was a really rough year. My hopes and determination are that 2010 will be a better year...with good things happening and, of course, filled with great reads!!!
I generally don't make New Year's Resolutions apart from trying to be a better person and be less judgemental. I feel those two I can handle.
Crimon & Steam rocks! I managed to get a copy in early December and loved it. Hope the series continues.
Liz, I loved your blog post and it sort of goes great with my new mantra *Do One thing different".
It goes w/the saying that if you keep doing the same things than you will get the same results. So here's to a healthy and prosperous Blue Moon Year to all of us.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290@comcast.net
To me it's just another year really, but I am excited to see where ill end up.
Amandasaucy @ gmail . com
2009 brought fulfillment of a life-long dream in that I finally, finally sold my first book. Then, in November, lightning struck again when my publisher bought the proposal for a 2nd book. 2010 is the year, I need to make good on that promise--finish the 2nd book and write a third. So I'm totally jazzed and eager to get the New Year started!
there's no big difference to me,just another year,meaning another year old.ack!lol.
Just have to remember to write 2010 instead of 2009,usually takes a couple weeks :)
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Liz, great post -- you make me feel excited and a little nervous, but I feel big things happening this year.
Crimson and Steam is like a dream come true, and I haven't even read it yet, my favorite kinds of books never fit nicely into one genre.
Im glad 2009 is over,ive got lots to look forward too this new year,2 sons getting married in the fall an a new grandbaby coming in July,so gonna be interesting,with 6 kids an 5 grandkids we are busy,but our last one leaves the nest this year so we are empty nesters finally,so my resolution is to just enjoy what comes an try to stay CALM! lol, happy new year!
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
I just have to say that, Liz, you are ALREADY skinny enough and a hot enough babe. If you resolved to do that more, no one else would ever have a chance!
And yes, may all our steamy dreams come true this year!
2009 was a great year-my last as a thirty-something woman. Hello, 2010. I'm expecting wonderful things from you!! I'll do my part, of course.
Not a good year here either. Glad it is over. And so far this one isn't so great either. LOL. Didn't make any resolutions either. Happy New Year all.
Sue Brandes
I don't make resolutions, but I do set some goals that I hope to accomplish.
reading_frenzy at yahoo dot com
I set goals for myself but don't make resolutions, as such. Sometimes I give myself a little kick up the behind so I remember to stay on track, but that's about it.
While 2009 didn't bring the book sale I had dreamed of in 2008, it was still a very good year for me. I learned a lot, met a lot of wonderful people -- including Michelle!, attended my first mystery writers conference, my first RWA National, and many other positive things that are too numerous to mention.
There were some low points -- plenty of rejections, my son's car was stolen, someone close to me died -- but, overall, it was still a good year.
That said, I'm hoping 2010 will be even better. Every year is like opening a new book -- there's a sense of anticipation and excitement, and curiosity about what it will bring. I have high hopes for 2010!
I am looking forward to a new decade, the last one was just so-so. I do make resolutions but usually they don't stick.
Angelwolfstorm@aim.com
Liz - I forgot to mention how great this series sounds. I love "hybrid" books and authors who go outside the box. I'll have to check these out!
The last quarter of 2009 hit our family hard with a major health issue so yes I was ready for a fresh start. And a new decade with the Winter Olympics in our hometown gives us something to look forward to rather us looking back.
Hi Tamara!
Your new books sounds great!
I was quite happy to end 2009. It was a craptastic year and i'm glad to see it go.
I did make a few new year resolutions. One of them was to read 50 books, find a job, my first boyfriend, and learn to be more patient. ^^
I don't make resolutions but somehow in 2009 even less than ever before. The days since New Year went by in a blurr because I have so much to do for my Facharbeit - I know, I must be getting on the nerves of everyone who has to read this again and again, but on 29th January is the handing-in and then it's all. Over. Finally.
I know that there were many cool things in 2009 and also many not-so-cool things, although at the moment I can't clearly give examples for either of them. Oh, yes, I learned about RBTB and got to know all you great people! But still, I'm looking forward to 2010 since I'll graduate in May (only four months until then, aaaaah!) and, if everything works out as I've planned, I can finally start studying my beloved languages in September, tee-hee.
In general, I'm very curious as to what 2010 will bring. Show me everythin' you've got, baby!
2009 wasn't a bad year so I'm hoping 2010 will top that. I generally don't make any resolutions other than to be a better version of myself any way, shape or form.
jenma76(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh, Lisak, you couldn't get on my nerves even if you tried, I love hearing about the Facharbeit.
I want to tell everyone who had some bad things in 2009, I'm sorry, hope coming here is a bright spot like it is for me.
Fresh starts everyone.
Hey Ames, I know how much you love the Facharbeit, baby (especially the word)! *snicker* I think when I'm finished I'll post all the pictures I painted somewhere so that everyone can admire my great talent!
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Heeeeey! Guys! This was a joke, okay? I'm not that stuck up, okay? No, really, I'm not. Not much, at least...
Although in life having many things to be thankful for am most thankful to put 2009 behind myself and my family. Suffice to say 2010 begins a new decade for us all and am looking forward to the positive changes that we all hope for in our economy and life in general...
This is a nice way to start off the New Year, love all of Liz's Crimson City works and am excited to read Crimson and Steam to see what is next!!!!
Jackie B Central Texas
jacabur2008[AT]gmail[DOT]com
This New Years didn't feel any different to me. I just hope that this year is better than the last.
Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Normally, I would make the resoultion of, "I'm gonna quit smoking, eat better, and lose weight."
Then it dawned on me. If I quit smoking, I'll eat more, weigh more, and be a truely nasty person.
There goes the resolutions. LOL!
I would like to quit the habit and be healthier. One day.
Thanks,
Fallon Hadley
fallonhadley@live.com
This new honestly made no difference for me. I actually don't have any new year resolutions either...LOL
I cam't wait for the new Liz Maverick book!
kalynnick AT yahoo DOT com
No big difference, but I hope this year will be a better one.
My only resolution was to spend more time with my family.
eva.silkka at gmail.com
I read a great article about not setting goals or making resolutions, but instead, decide what your desires are and write them down.
Desires sound so much more fun than goals...
Lisa -- you should post them...facebook?
The past decade brought me both good and bad. Bad: lost my darling husband of 22 years, my father and several relatives.
Good: got closer to Mom and Sis. Found Ellora’s Cave, which published my 4-book DANCE series and several others, and an upcoming historical erotic romance. Met Michelle at the Princeton Romance Conference. Got up my nerve to go to several Romantic Times Conventions. Have shifted my image from stuffy senior citizen to Cougar -- not just on the prowl, but writing about them - see http://temptthecougar.blogspot.com/
And I look forward to reading Liz’s new Steampunk book!
Cris Anson
crisanson @ aol . com
Cris, wow. Sounds like you've come out of the 2000s a wise, strong, adventurous woman. Brava. I will definately be checking out your stuff.
I am so glad 2009 is over this year 2010 can only get better-can't get worse! I usually do not make New Year's Resolutions but I do think of it as a new start-forget the old and try to make this year the best ever!
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I am glad 2009 is over and have high hopes for 2010.
I have read the first couple books in the Crimson City series and loved them. Crimson & Steam sounds great.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Hey, Bellas! I must say that in some ways, 2009 was a good year and a bad year and I eagerly look forward to 2010. But, as my grandmother used to say, life is what you make it and I'm headed into this year and tomorrow that it's gonna be the best!
Happy reading!
Buona sera, Bellas and Happy New Year! Grazie mille, Liz, thanks loads for this lovely post. It's really inspirational cause you give us a bye on those resolutions we can't seem to fulfill.
But your idea of stepping out of our comfort zone just a little, gulping that air and jumping forward is awfully tempting. But, yeah, as some have said, awfully scary, too.
It's very cool to hear yoyu talk about how writing the first Crimson book was a departure for you. And look how well that's worked out!
I just want to say thanks again for kicking off the New Year for us at RBTB. What a great way to begin as we mean to go forward in 2010. : )
Like many of you, I'm looking forward to 2010 with a sense of excitement and the usual trepidation: What the heck will happen, and what can I make happen out of the opportunities that are going to fall into my lap?
I wonder: who are the new friends I'll make this year, and what kinds of mischief will my 'old' friends draw me into (for surely they're always the ones getting me into trouble!).
And I think this year can only get better for so many of us who've either been hit hard by the economy or have friends/loved ones who were. I feel a real sense of hopefulness among so many who still are looking for things to improve for their families.
Personally? Every New Year I hope I'll learn more -- and finally learn from my mistakes. I'll keep you posted on whether that finally pans out...
Liz, I was INSANELY happy when 2009 ended! I weathered the financial crisis (I work at a bank), watch my 401K evaporate and got no merit raise at work.
After a year of clipping coupons, buying only sale items at the grocery store and going without things like, oh, professional hair color (!), I was ready for a decent, if scaled down, holiday season. Then, right before Thanksgiving, my husband was laid off.
It was a thrift store Christmas all the way around, let me tell you.
I feel 2010 is full of untapped potential and I hope and pray it's easier on us than 2009. I shudder to think what could happen to make it worse!
I'm excited that 2010 is here for a number of reasons #1 I am 10 year recovery from breast cancer.Yes I take more time to celebrate the small things life has to offer that most of us over look.#2 this is the year I will meet at least 12 wonderful women I have not met face to face but will do in July of this year in Nashville at the RWA My VERY first book conference.#3 I have found that I really enjoy reading Blogs not ready for my own yet I dont have much to say But someday I might........
Have a good day.
alba47@gmail.com.
2009 had many good events as well as some very sad. A year ago my daughter was on bedrest, during her 3rd pregnancy - two did not go the full 9 months, and living with her grandmother. In February her water broke and she delivered her daughter 10 weeks early, at 3 lbs 13 oz. She spent the first 10 weeks in CICU and was thankfully healthy. She arrived home April 30th to a great grandmother who was dying. Within the month my mother was dead. We celebrated her life and the next day we celebrated her great granddaughter's life, in Baptism. But I am looking forward to the beauty of the new year and a growing, beautiful infant granddaughter.
I did not make resolutions. I just try to make each year better than the rest. The last decade was good for me. And hopefully the next will be evern better!
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
My resolutions are not so much about weight loss but just to get healthier. Also, to go back to school and I start Wednesday. Yay!
Deidre
It was a good year for me writing-wise, but family-wise things got a bit complicated, so I'm glad to start afresh in 2010. I love romance novels that blend different elements and sub-genres and this one sounds fabulous!
I'm looking forward to the new year, but 2009 was exciting for me-filled with firsts: my first conference pitch, my first rejection (yay PRO status!) my first RWA convention, my first sale, my first guest blog.
The list could probably go on, but I think I'll journal it simply to reflect and celebrate my milestones. I'm not sad to see it go, just very grateful for what it yielded.
I don't really make resolutions anymore, as I tend to forget I even made them in the first place, but we lost a lot of good people this year, so here's to 2010.
julieguan AT gmail DOT com
I didn't make any resolutions this year. I just pray that this year will be full of happiness,prosperity and good health for me, my family and all of my friends.
uniquas at ymail dot com
I'm always happy to see the New Year and gratiful to still be alive. My resolution is always a generic "do better" at everything.
Finished reading through all your comments--you guys are so great :) I'm sure 2010 is going to be a fabulous year. Thanks to Michelle for having me! And I do hope I get an opportunity to meet some of you at reader events in the new year.
Cheers,
Liz
I am happy to see a new year and truly hope in this new year that I can say I have beaten cancer. I had enough of last year with 2 surgeries, radiation treatments and dh's 2 surgeries. Time for a 'new' year.
I resolve to eat better and to not let people stomp on me; at least I am going to let them know in a nice way that I don't appreciate what they said(especially my friend/neighbour is really bad about running me down lately). I resolve to be more assertive.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
Hi, Liz :) Enjoyed reading more about you and your books :)
This New Year started out much different than any other for me... for one, I actually attended a New Year's Eve party at a hotel in downtown Houston... it was a blast, and I hope just the beginning of many great things to come :)
aliciaeflores1 @ yahoo.com
I wonder if years from now, people will wonder how we survived the Great Recession. Here's hoping 2010 is better all the way around. I would love to win a free book.
mgraham@looneytitle.com
I didn't make any resolutions. This New Year started differesnt from last year because I attended a party for NYE with my friends.
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
I make the same resolution every year: try to quit smoking (v. hard!) and to exercise more. I am NOT creative, lol.
nunahboop@gmail.com
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