I am so deeply touched by all the outpouring of love, support, and downright awesomeness across the blogosphere for Open Minds’ Virtual Launch party!!
Over 100 tweets, over 250 blog comments (and they keep coming), fistfuls of FB postings … I’m completely overwelmed by the support of all the Party Hosts and Party Hoppers and just plain friends.
Because of your amazing work in spreading the word about Open Minds, it surged past the #10,000 mark on the Paid Kindle list, and currently (as of 2:04 am, yes I’m up, really, who could sleep?) sitting at #8,950 with nine 5-star reviews. For a while, earlier in the evening, it flirted with the top 100 on Kindle for the children’s e-book Action&Adventure bestseller list. For those of you not familiar with Amazon rankings and bestseller lists, that’s mind-bogglingly good! I couldn’t ask for a better book birthday present, so again I say, THANK YOU!
#TheBlogosphereROCKS
I’ve decided to hold off awarding prizes until tomorrow, partly because the comments keep coming and partly because I’m so tired I’m afraid I can’t count straight and I don’t want to mess it up. I’ve been to every post, but I haven’t been able to respond to every comment like I normally do. But please know I’ve read (and greatly appreciated!) them all! (And I may yet respond … you know, after sleeping a bit, so I don’t sound like someone’s jacked into my brain and replaced it with mush. Wait, maybe that already happened …)
UPDATE: Got some sleep, regained my ability to count, and (hopefully) replied to most commenters (thank you again)!
A winning tweet from SherAHart:
everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.
A winning comment from Natalie Aguirre:
Congrats Susan! So excited for you. Enjoy your debut!
Sheri Larsen, Dianne Salerni, Margo Berendsen, Angela Brown, Michelle Davidson Argyle, Emilia_Quill, Tricia O’Brien, Cathy C. Hall, Michelle Dennis Evans, Sherrie Petersen, Cherie Colyer, Laura Pauling, Vicki Tremper, Laura Diamond, Erin L Thomas, Vicki Wilson, Tara Tyler, VR Barkowski, Robyn Campbell
While I’m recovering from Virtual Party hangover, I will also be out Blog Touring. If you’d like to stop by, this is where I’ll be:
WEDNESDAY, November 2nd
Word Spelunking Book Blogger
“THREE WORDS: Suspenseful. Innovative. Thought-Provoking…okay, so technically that’s four words but I added a hyphen between thought and provoking so that makes it one word…right?!”
Aeicha has posted her review of Open Minds, along with a quick 10 question interview, in which I talk about using European male models to cast Raf and Simon (characters in the story). It’s a hard life, but someone’s gotta do it.
This is an incredibly thorough and in-depth review of Open Minds. Thanks to Aeicha for putting such wonderful thought and analysis into her review!
Also: I’m giving away an e-book copy of Open Minds! Stop by Word Spelunking to enter! (Giveaway open 11/2-11/9.)
THURSDAY, November 3rd
TwiMom101 Book Blog
Mandy will post her review of Open Minds, along with her own 10 Question Super Short interview, in which I reveal my favorite movie actor (hint: it has to do with kissing, of course).
Random Thoughts
Sharon Mayhew is interviewing me over at her blog today! She asks lots of great questions, including whether self-publishing my son’s book was a dry run for Open Minds (answer: not exactly). Stop by and a lucky commenter will win a bookmark and a copy of Open Minds! Giveaway open until November 17th!
FRIDAY, November 4th
The Reading Housewives of Indiana
Jacinda posted her review of Open Minds, and is hosting an e-book giveaway. Stop by to enter! Giveaway open until November 18th!
AND ON SATURDAY SHE RESTED. (translation: I need a nap. Maybe two.)
Posting may be sporadic during the Blog Tour (11/2 – 11/18). (Also, I’m embarking on NaNoWriMo, heaven help me.) After that, I promise the blog will get back to regular posting, and Open Minds won’t be all I talk about!
Peace out.
That's so awesome, Susan!!
All that and NaNo too? I'm swooning in exhaustion for you. LOL
Congrats Susan!
Sounds awesome, Sue! Congratulations on such a great kickoff.
Pretty cool. Go Nano.
Have to say, I'm Team Simon.
So far. I'm not done reading yet.
Congratulations Susan!!! Sorry I couldn't post my #OpenMinds post yesterday but it's up today! WIshing you loads of success and I can't wait to read Open Minds!
Congratulations! That's so incredible! Hope you've gotten some rest now. 🙂
WOW! That's really incredible! =)
I don't really understand how the Amazon ranking thing works but it sounds awesome.
Congrats! Glad to be a part of it all 😉
How cool that it's already surged so high! That's awesome! Congrats — you (and the book) are totally deserving 🙂
Woooo! Glad your hard work paid off, Susan. As I said, I'll be asking you some questions before my next launch.
That's wonderful news, Susan!! Now, we need to keep it going!! Yaaayyyy, OPEN MINDS!! 🙂
I wish I could have taken part, but I've seen a lot of love for you and your book on the blogs today. Well done, Susan!
Yay, congrats Susan. So happy for you and GET SOME REST ALREADY!
Wow. Congratulations!
Well done, Susan! Wishing you continued success.
I just read about your book on Adam Heine's blog, and it sounded so intriguing I immediately bought the kindle version. Great premise! And congrats!
@ava No rest for the weary. Or is that wicked? I can never keep it straight. #THANKYOU 🙂
How much fun are you having? Lots, I hope. A big CONGRATS to you, Susan.
@Lindsey You sound like my mom! (And she's always right.) I will be resting … soon … 🙂
@meredith Thank you!! 🙂
@Illiadfan Thank you SO MUCH for buying the book! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
yay, Susan! So happy for you!
@prerna Thank you!! 🙂
Ack! I missed the day! You're all over the place, though. Congrats on a fab launch. Running over to FB to help spread the word!
That's so brilliant, Susan! I hope Open Minds continues to rise in success.
I'm giving away a copy of your book too, Susan. Congratulations on your success so far! What a great kickoff to your trilogy!
@Everyone I've updated the post to include WINNERS!!
This is exciting. Can I be a groupie? Is there an outfit I have to where?
LOL! That is SO AWESOME, Susan!!! I am so happy for you and your awesome book. I can't wait to read it. Yay for you, congrats to the winners, and blogging wins again! 😀 ((big hugs)) <3
Congrats, Susan!
Good luck with the blog tour. Will try to check out some of the stopover sites.
If you like Nano, then may the 'force' be with you. Just don't get burned out.
@DG Thanks! The writing is usually the antidote for me to getting burned out (I'm writing right now!). I may not reach 50k, but I'll be happy doing it. 🙂
Susan, well done, saw the interview you did on Sharon Mayhew's blog, your book sounds great! Blessings,
Amanda
Amanda – Realityarts-Creativity
Art Blog
Congrats Susan on an amazing kick off for Open Minds!
Congratulations! Susan. I saw your post on GoodReads.
-It's good to see a YALITCHAT member doing so well.
–Sandra
Thanks Sandra! 🙂