I started this blog to connect with others who love the writing craft, artists who struggle with balancing time with a day job, and those who love books for kids and teens.
April 20th marks my 1-year anniversary of blogging and after 200+ posts and 500+ comments, it’s been so much fun meeting other kindred spirits in cyberspace. So thanks to all of my RSS/Email subscribers, Novelista Followers, and Twitter buddies for visiting the blog. I really appreciate it!
To celebrate this milestone, I enlisted the help of my good writer friend, Rachel Renee Russell, the New York Times Bestselling author AND illustrator of the The Dork Diaries series.
Middle-grade fiction is my first love and this series is HILARIOUS! Like laugh out loud funny. The second book in the series, Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl arrives in bookstores on June 8th.
Here are the details of the giveaway:
One winner will receive an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Book 1, Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life.
The grand prize winner will receive copies of Book 1 AND Book 2 — both with a PERSONALIZED autograph.
As my god-daughter and all her friends can testify, this would make a GREAT summer gift for someone who loves the series (and there are MANY trust me).
There are three ways to enter (or do all of them to get better odds):
- Leave a comment and tell me about a milestone or anniversary that you’re proud of. (+1 entry)
- Become a new Novelista Follower by clicking on the blue Join This Site button located on the blog sidebar. If you’re already a Follower, leave a comment letting me know you want to enter the contest. (+1 entry)
- Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment with your Username. If you already follow me at @KarenMusings, tweet this blog post on your Twitter feed. (+1 entry)
I’ll be taking entries for the contest until May 1st at midnight (EDT). I’ll announce the winners on Monday, May 3rd so be sure to check back and see if you’ve won! Winners will receive their prizes after the Book 2 release on June 8th.
Thanks for helping me have a great first year of blogging!
Congratulations Karen on your anniversary. I think the book giveaway is a great idea. I read the first book and loved it. A milestone I am celebrating is writing for children. I have been putting it off and January 2009 I started learning the craft and growing. I am midstream with year 2 and I have won a few writing contest and am submitting pb’s and working on a MG novel of my own. I have learned alot in this last year.
Cool contest :) Ok, I’m game. Let’s see, so, it’s weird, but it’s actually my blog anniversary this month too. I’m proud that I’ve made it a whole year on the blogosphere. I’m also proud of the fact that through blogging, I’ve found great support, critique partners and friends along the way. I think that’s all pretty cool.
I’m also an old follower. And when I say old, I mean, like, if you look at your followers widget, I’m way back at the beginning. See, even then I knew you were cool :)
Also, I’ll be tweeting your contest too. So that’s 3 points for me. Toodles!
Kristi: That’s a great milestone! Keep it up. Good things will come to you!
Tiana: Yes, we go WAY back! LOL. You have now got great odds! Happy Blog Anniversary to you too!
Okay, I’m totally in. Those books look so cute. I love middle grade! And congrats on blogging for a year!
For me, a milestone was actually starting to blog 4 months ago. Blogging was something I had convinced myself I didn’t really need to do, but once I did, am so thankful for all the fellow writers I’ve rubbed virtual shoulders with!
Yay, congrats on your anniversary! One milestone I’m happy about is finding my agent (it’s been almost a year). The whole publishing journey has been a struggle, but having her at my side has made it a lot more bearable.
Laura: You will definitely love this book. It’s so funny. My god-daughter and her friends LOVE it.
Anna: What a great milestone to celebrate. I can’t wait to her some good news from you soon.
Congratulations on your anniversary, Karen! Thanks for all you do for the kidlit community. An anniversary I’m proud of is coming up on October 16 — the 15th anniversary of the Million Man March. I was there at the March and saw a little girl with her father. Nearly a decade later, I turned that memory into my first picture book, One Million Men and Me. I feel blessed to be sharing the story of the March with a new generation. I’m proud of all the ways the March inspired men and women to live their dreams.
Kelly: Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 15 years since the Million Man March. And of course instantly I see the cover of your PB in my mind.
Congratulations! On your One Year Anniversary! You’re certainly mi Novelista Favorita! And I love your “Musings” as well! Keep up the great work Karen!
Congratulations Karen :-)! And, thanks for making my books a part of your anniversary celebration. BTW, Nikki Maxwell says, “Hi.”
No thank YOU Rachel! :)
Congratulations on making the NY Times Bestseller List. I have a feeling that Book 2 will follow in Book 1′s footsteps.
Thanks for donating your wonderful books for my blog anniversary celebration.
Happy Anniversary!
My most recent milestone is completing my fourth manuscript, which just went on submission this week. While I’m waiting, I’ll start on book five–as soon as I figure what it is ;->.
Jeanne: Thanks for stopping by and entering the contest! Congrats on finishing your manuscript! I’m sure you’ll come up with some good ideas for Book Five.
Congrats on your blogiversary, Karen! Dork Diaries #1 is in my TBR pile and I’m so looking forward to reading it (and #2).
My anniversary, coming up on my birthday (September 28th), may be a TMI for some, but it’s one I’m especially proud of. When I turned 15, I made a vow to God to remain a virgin til marraige. This year will mark the 19th anniversary of that vow and I’ve managed to keep it. I’m NOT embarrassed to say that I’m a 33 (soon to be 34) year-old virgin. :o)
Hi Rae: Thanks for entering the contest. Hey, if this is a milestone that’s important to you — that’s all that matters.
I’m nosy so I love TMI. :)
Yikes I missed this when my laptop was away at the laptop homeworld for repairs!! Great contest :)
My milestone is that I’ve been writing seriously for over a year now. I’ve always written for me and for fun – with never a thought towards publication. That’s been different for the past year. It’s tough finding the time, but I love it!
Jemi: Congrats on your milestone! I’m looking to hear good things from you soon. Thanks for entering the contest!
Glad you got your laptop back — it must have been a tough time without it.