Bridget Allison's Blog, page 2
June 21, 2014
"Maid in Waiting" Publication Date
I want to thank all of you who have reached out to find out about "Maid in Waiting." I sincerely apologize. I know how it feel to wait for a book and discover a new author has delayed publication.
"Maid in Waiting" is not ready to be uploaded (although I am going to take at least one of you up on a very kind offer to preview and note typos--thanks Richard! I do have a copy editor now who went through the first book and a fan who has noted some additional typos.
I am dreadfully sorry. I would not have included the first chapter of "Waiting" at the end of "Maid in the Shade" if I had known that it would take me longer than expected to release my death grip on the manuscript.
Please stay tuned (it will be several more weeks) and I will let you know as soon as it is available.
Thank you again,
Bridget
"Maid in Waiting" is not ready to be uploaded (although I am going to take at least one of you up on a very kind offer to preview and note typos--thanks Richard! I do have a copy editor now who went through the first book and a fan who has noted some additional typos.
I am dreadfully sorry. I would not have included the first chapter of "Waiting" at the end of "Maid in the Shade" if I had known that it would take me longer than expected to release my death grip on the manuscript.
Please stay tuned (it will be several more weeks) and I will let you know as soon as it is available.
Thank you again,
Bridget
June 13, 2014
�� �� �� �� �� Maid in Waiting Coming Soon!
Like our maid, keeping readers waiting -- but not for long!
Hi, and thank you for all the great feedback and questions. There are two pressing questions I should answer right away.
The first is WHERE is book #3, Maid in Waiting?
It is on the way. I want it to live up to your expectations. This is not a formulaic process, and I am working hard to deliver the story and characters you have come to count on and love.
The second question I've received a lot is, "Will Ben be in book #3?"
Well, of course if you read books one and two, you did see the first chapter of "Maid in Waiting," so I understand your concerns. However, you don't want me to answer that, do you? REALLY?
I'm grateful for all your comments, emails and reviews. You can find me on Goodreads where I have begun to blog, as well as Facebook, where I write about a little bit of everything. Feel free to friend me, although most of my posts are already public. I also tweet under the name @Foralark.
I look forward to getting the book to you, and my fingers are crossed that you like it even better than the first two!
Also, if you would like to review the books on Amazon, Nook or Goodreads, I would really appreciate it.
The first is WHERE is book #3, Maid in Waiting?
It is on the way. I want it to live up to your expectations. This is not a formulaic process, and I am working hard to deliver the story and characters you have come to count on and love.
The second question I've received a lot is, "Will Ben be in book #3?"
Well, of course if you read books one and two, you did see the first chapter of "Maid in Waiting," so I understand your concerns. However, you don't want me to answer that, do you? REALLY?
I'm grateful for all your comments, emails and reviews. You can find me on Goodreads where I have begun to blog, as well as Facebook, where I write about a little bit of everything. Feel free to friend me, although most of my posts are already public. I also tweet under the name @Foralark.
I look forward to getting the book to you, and my fingers are crossed that you like it even better than the first two!
Also, if you would like to review the books on Amazon, Nook or Goodreads, I would really appreciate it.
Maid in Waiting Coming Soon!
#3 In Gretchen Gallen "Maid for Murder
Hi and thank you for all the great feedback and questions. There are two pressing questions I should answer right away. The first is WHERE is book #3, Maid in Waiting?
It is on the way, I want it to live up to your expectations, not a canned formula while preserving the characters you have come to love.
The second question "Will Ben be in book #3?" Well, of course if you read books one and two you did see the first chapter of "Maid in Waiting" so I understand your concerns. However, you don't want me to answer that do you? REALLY?
I do appreciate all your comments, emails and reviews. You can find me on Goodreads where I have begun to blog as well as Facebook, where I write about a little bit of everything. Feel free to friend me, although most of my posts are already public. I also tweet under the name Foralark.
I look forward to getting the book to you and fingers crossed that you like it even better than the first two!
Best,
Bridget
It is on the way, I want it to live up to your expectations, not a canned formula while preserving the characters you have come to love.
The second question "Will Ben be in book #3?" Well, of course if you read books one and two you did see the first chapter of "Maid in Waiting" so I understand your concerns. However, you don't want me to answer that do you? REALLY?
I do appreciate all your comments, emails and reviews. You can find me on Goodreads where I have begun to blog as well as Facebook, where I write about a little bit of everything. Feel free to friend me, although most of my posts are already public. I also tweet under the name Foralark.
I look forward to getting the book to you and fingers crossed that you like it even better than the first two!
Best,
Bridget
Fashion Fairytales
I was thinking about the Cinderella story today. The mice helping out with Cinderella's dress for the ball was pure wonder for me. Tiny animals making tailor made clothes without my having to set foot in a store? Yes, PLEASE.
In fairytales the love of a prince was a means to an end and I think I always recognized that before I'd learned of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. A good, handsome and powerful man could knock out Maslow's first three levels in spades.
For some, that story ends with the prince whisking the beleaguered Cinderella away from her dreary life to true love, riches and a palace. I look back on the conclusion now and think the most fantastic part was that someone brought that young woman a stunning pair of shoes, they fit perfectly, and she didn't have to go to a mall.
In fairytales the love of a prince was a means to an end and I think I always recognized that before I'd learned of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. A good, handsome and powerful man could knock out Maslow's first three levels in spades.
For some, that story ends with the prince whisking the beleaguered Cinderella away from her dreary life to true love, riches and a palace. I look back on the conclusion now and think the most fantastic part was that someone brought that young woman a stunning pair of shoes, they fit perfectly, and she didn't have to go to a mall.
June 12, 2014
Checking Out the Chocolate
I frequent the same grocery store, almost on a daily basis. I know just about everyone, except the teenagers who seem to come and go with a startling frequency just as I become a familiar face.
If I were paranoid I might ask "How is it that they vanish just as I am beginning to know them? OR is Harris Teeter a way station for "wit sec"? Is my folksy charm the last straw that sends them racing off to the closest Starbucks to train as Barristas? I do like to engage them.
One question I'm usually asked as I check out. "Ma'am, would you like to hold on to this? And they display my milk chocolate Dove bar to all and sundry.
"Would I like to hold onto it? Yes. Why do you ask? Are you going to try to take it from me? Do I look like I'm having some sort of chocolate emergency? Or are muggers roving the lot outside ready to snatch my bags and rumage through them looking for sweets?"
Young clerks get flustered as I screw around with them before I dictate that I feel perfectly safe having it tossed in the grocery bag.
After all, I am not an animal. I have self control.
On the way home as I hold the wheel and grope through the back seat for it, I have to wonder if I look like the kind of person with so little discipline I can't make this three-mile drive without swerving on the road as my fingers reach around each bag for that lovely wrapped rectangle of milky chocolate goodness.
I do not eat that chocolate bar on the way home. Not the whole thing for God's sake. Not every time.
If I were paranoid I might ask "How is it that they vanish just as I am beginning to know them? OR is Harris Teeter a way station for "wit sec"? Is my folksy charm the last straw that sends them racing off to the closest Starbucks to train as Barristas? I do like to engage them.
One question I'm usually asked as I check out. "Ma'am, would you like to hold on to this? And they display my milk chocolate Dove bar to all and sundry.
"Would I like to hold onto it? Yes. Why do you ask? Are you going to try to take it from me? Do I look like I'm having some sort of chocolate emergency? Or are muggers roving the lot outside ready to snatch my bags and rumage through them looking for sweets?"
Young clerks get flustered as I screw around with them before I dictate that I feel perfectly safe having it tossed in the grocery bag.
After all, I am not an animal. I have self control.
On the way home as I hold the wheel and grope through the back seat for it, I have to wonder if I look like the kind of person with so little discipline I can't make this three-mile drive without swerving on the road as my fingers reach around each bag for that lovely wrapped rectangle of milky chocolate goodness.
I do not eat that chocolate bar on the way home. Not the whole thing for God's sake. Not every time.
May 31, 2014
Love One Another
Tonight I watched "The Normal Heart" and I didn't cry. This is something I tell people. I was brought up this way, and for the most part I am fine with the unshed tears. They well up and I don't know where they go. They nourish my heart, feed my soul set me to pondering and this evening I reflected on hatred, fear, predjudice and the people who clearly don't understand love. Love is magical. Love is the luminous and fragrant flower in a dark garden. It is where the heart seeks a resting place. Tonight I watched this war against disease and ignorance unfold on film and I remembered. I remembered hungering for information. I remembered when the burning question was not "How can we save the gay community?" The real question on everyones' minds was: "Can WE get it?" Those of you with congested and limited hearts say in an aside to willing ears that there is a gay agenda. And I want to ask "If you need change to occur, what is wrong with having an agenda? Don't you need a plan?" Sometimes I hear that the media and entertainment industry is behind it all. "Making us accept gays." Maybe. But isn't that a good thing? Isn't it wonderful? Media, entertainment, communication...there are speeches, books and films that have gradually opened hearts and minds and changed opinions in a sweeping way.
I talked to my children about gay rights when they were in middle school. I talked to them about the right to marry, the times when a gay couple could only put one parent on the form so that when the child they so desperately loved was ill one was "the" parent while the other was trapped outside, behind the glass of the "family only" room. So much has changed. But not enough.
I don't need to know you have "a gay friend" any more than I need to know you have a tall friend or a blonde friend. I'm more interested in what that says about you, that you needed to point it out first before I hear what is coming next.
What I really want to know is whether you think that gay friend has a right to marry and have a family. If you think the bible backs up your opinion that they shouldn't then I have to reply "Well, yes I have heard that one countless times." But all I hear about in my church is not the passage about who must lie with whom. I hear "Love one another."
I talked to my children about gay rights when they were in middle school. I talked to them about the right to marry, the times when a gay couple could only put one parent on the form so that when the child they so desperately loved was ill one was "the" parent while the other was trapped outside, behind the glass of the "family only" room. So much has changed. But not enough.
I don't need to know you have "a gay friend" any more than I need to know you have a tall friend or a blonde friend. I'm more interested in what that says about you, that you needed to point it out first before I hear what is coming next.
What I really want to know is whether you think that gay friend has a right to marry and have a family. If you think the bible backs up your opinion that they shouldn't then I have to reply "Well, yes I have heard that one countless times." But all I hear about in my church is not the passage about who must lie with whom. I hear "Love one another."
April 7, 2014
"Maid for Mayhem" Promotion
Hi,
As planned I have removed my books from Kindle Select for a short while as I investigate other marketing opportunities. (They are still available from Amazon, just not in KDP Select so I could run sales and reduce the price
through other venues.)
I did change the cover some time ago from the one depicted here, so please don't be thrown by that.
I really encourage anyone interested in reading the mystery series to start with "Maid for Mayhem" Although "Maid in the Shade" can stand alone, most reviewers point out that the enjoyment is much higher if they are read in order.
I also want to take a moment to thank all the fans who have written to say how much they enjoy the series, both the humor and the mystery which "kept them guessing." There is no higher praise than that.
Gretchen Gallen has many more adventures in store for her and her unique friends and beaus.
Maid in the Shade has a bonus chapter from book #3, "Maid in Waiting" for those who want to see where the characters are heading next.
In the meantime here is the promotion for ereadernewstoday.com, it is going to be available here for another week and "Maid for Mayhem" will be available here as well Click on the title to obtain it from Amazon and there are links below the book description for nook, etc.
Thank you so much again for all the lovely letters, emails and your support.
Follow me on twitter (Foralark) or Facebook for updates or a bit of humor as you wait for "Maid in Waiting!"
Fond Regards,
Bridget
http://ereadernewstoday.com/more-kind...
As planned I have removed my books from Kindle Select for a short while as I investigate other marketing opportunities. (They are still available from Amazon, just not in KDP Select so I could run sales and reduce the price
through other venues.)I did change the cover some time ago from the one depicted here, so please don't be thrown by that.
I really encourage anyone interested in reading the mystery series to start with "Maid for Mayhem" Although "Maid in the Shade" can stand alone, most reviewers point out that the enjoyment is much higher if they are read in order.
I also want to take a moment to thank all the fans who have written to say how much they enjoy the series, both the humor and the mystery which "kept them guessing." There is no higher praise than that.
Gretchen Gallen has many more adventures in store for her and her unique friends and beaus.
Maid in the Shade has a bonus chapter from book #3, "Maid in Waiting" for those who want to see where the characters are heading next.
In the meantime here is the promotion for ereadernewstoday.com, it is going to be available here for another week and "Maid for Mayhem" will be available here as well Click on the title to obtain it from Amazon and there are links below the book description for nook, etc.
Thank you so much again for all the lovely letters, emails and your support.
Follow me on twitter (Foralark) or Facebook for updates or a bit of humor as you wait for "Maid in Waiting!"
Fond Regards,
Bridget
http://ereadernewstoday.com/more-kind...
March 21, 2014
MOSEY IN "MAID"
Mosey will be in Maid in Waiting, but his role is limited in the first half of this one.
Like Gretchen, I am a fan of large breeds. I have had Afghan Hounds, Schnauzers and an Irish Wolfhound. My wolfhound had a convenient name registered: Stoneybrook Ninegates Mosaic (Hence the name Mosey). I miss having a dog right now as we lost Stormy in February.
It was very sad, and I was very torn about what to do during her last days. Ultimately, the vet came to the house because she had become a bit terrified outside of her comfort zone. He put her to sleep in my arms, and when I settled her back into her bed he asked if I would be leaving her there for a few days.
"God no!" I replied, imagining how freaked out I would be, stumbling to the kitchen and passing her corpse. He explained that his Buddist clients often wait three days until the spirit is truly gone. I can appreciate that, but I fetched my shovel and went out in the cold and rain to bury her beside our Mosey.
Like Gretchen, I am a fan of large breeds. I have had Afghan Hounds, Schnauzers and an Irish Wolfhound. My wolfhound had a convenient name registered: Stoneybrook Ninegates Mosaic (Hence the name Mosey). I miss having a dog right now as we lost Stormy in February.
It was very sad, and I was very torn about what to do during her last days. Ultimately, the vet came to the house because she had become a bit terrified outside of her comfort zone. He put her to sleep in my arms, and when I settled her back into her bed he asked if I would be leaving her there for a few days.
"God no!" I replied, imagining how freaked out I would be, stumbling to the kitchen and passing her corpse. He explained that his Buddist clients often wait three days until the spirit is truly gone. I can appreciate that, but I fetched my shovel and went out in the cold and rain to bury her beside our Mosey.
January 21, 2014
Maid in the shade is here!
I'm pleased to announce Maid in the Shade is published! I love the author platform for Nook, but I belong to Amazon through January.
It's essential to read the series in sequence, so "Maid for Mayhem," where our story begins, has been discounted. Maid for Mayhem has enjoyed an average review rating of 4.8 out of a possible 5 points on Amazon.com ebooks. lease take a look at the reviews. Flatteringly, some readers have compared the humor to Sedaris or noted that they were "howling with laughter." When the paces quickens, it really picks up! I have recently added it to Goodreads, but with around 2,400 downloads this month internationally I expect more reviews will be in soon.
I look forward to your feedback!
It's essential to read the series in sequence, so "Maid for Mayhem," where our story begins, has been discounted. Maid for Mayhem has enjoyed an average review rating of 4.8 out of a possible 5 points on Amazon.com ebooks. lease take a look at the reviews. Flatteringly, some readers have compared the humor to Sedaris or noted that they were "howling with laughter." When the paces quickens, it really picks up! I have recently added it to Goodreads, but with around 2,400 downloads this month internationally I expect more reviews will be in soon.
I look forward to your feedback!
December 10, 2013
THOUGHTS ON Maid in the Shade
I am so happy to see the sales and reviews increasing for Maid for Mayhem as well as Maid in the Shade. In the past fifteen days I have sold around 1,000 copies and I am really hoping for more reviews. Please! Additionally, I hope you will feel free to email me, as many have done. I take most comments seriously; however, I have to say I was amused when one reviewer complained that Gretchen was not a southern name. My parents had eight children and there is not a Sookie, Mary-Dallas, or Beau among us!
I included a preview chapter of the next book, Maid in Waiting. I know many of you are a little alarmed by the possibility that Ben may be dead, but I think (I hope!) this is the element that separates the "Maid" series from a more canned one. I do not want to make it very predictable. And, of course, I'm Southern and Irish -- two groups that are expert in finding humor in the dark. But I don't think we've killed off anyone yet who didn't somehow deserve it.
I really appreciate several reviewers who noted that "Mayhem" unfolds slowly. I hope you stick with me on it. And speaking of reviews, there were some revisions just after publication, I did hire a copy editor, and I am happy to report that no recent reviews have had any complaints about typos.
If you're a writer yourself in search of a copy editor, you can find mine on Twitter, @bunburying. She did an excellent job!
I have requested Amazon enable your e-readers to download the latest version.
Anyway, I do look forward to hearing from you about Maid in the Shade. You can find me on Amazon or email me at ballison1st@aol.com. I am always glad to hear from you!
