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Dear Readers
June 2nd, 2008

I got an email last night from Nalini Singh, congratulating me. To say I was puzzled… is an understatement. I immediately wrote back, begging for clarification. What did I do? Was it good?!

As it turns out, Grimspace made the Locus Bestseller list. Look at Grimspace, riding the paperback list at number four. What does this mean? Well, I can go around calling myself a National Bestselling Author, if I want to. More to the point, it means you guys are awesome. If you hadn’t read it and talked about it, recommended it to each other and spread the word, this wouldn’t have happened. Readers are the true rockstars, and I am grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

But wait, there’s more. Today has been a hell of a good day. I heard from my editor, Anne Sowards, who has sent my urban fantasy novel to a number of authors in hopes of acquiring blurbs. Check out what this author said about Blue Diablo.

Advance Praise
“Ann Aguirre proves herself yet again in this gritty, steamy and altogether wonderful urban fantasy. Outstanding and delicious. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.”
–NYT Bestselling author Patricia Briggs

Yeah, you read that right. I got a blurb from Patricia Briggs. I have now been blurbed by my two writing idols, Sharon Shinn and Patricia Briggs. You should have heard the squeeing.

But wait, there’s more!

I got invited to participate in WorldCon in Denver this summer, which means I get to meet Sharon Shinn. She has agreed that we should do lunch or drinks while we’re both there. (And I’m so thrilled I could bust.)

But wait, there’s more!

I got a new pen this weekend. Not just any pen. It combines the bold quality of a marker with the precision of a pen. They call it the Pilot Bravo! (With exclamation point on pen). That was how I knew it was special, not every pen gets an ! Lori T, I signed your ARC with it. I signed yours too, SmartBitch Sarah! I’m just fixing to leave to drop them in the mail.

There may be more exciting news to announce, but I must keep mum for now. Thanks for celebrating with me.

You know, I’m so happy that I think I’m gonna make this a contest. I feel like sharing the love. Just post a comment and then I’ll draw a random winner next week on June 9th. I’ll buy and send any book as long as it doesn’t cost more than $25. Let’s dance!

This entry was posted on Monday, June 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm and is filed under about me, announcements, bonus post, contest. You can feed this entry. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

64 comments to “Dear Readers”

    1

  1. Pilot makes fantastic pens. Use it well!

    And congrats on all the good news. Wow. It’s well-earned.

    by Susan Helene Gottfried June 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
    2. 2

  2. I am so happy for you!!!!!
    Congratulations Ann. You deserve all the squeeworthiness praise.

    by Has June 2nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
    3. 3

  3. It sounds like you’re having a good day! :) Congratulations on all the good reviews and making the Locus bestseller list! I can’t wait to hear the rest of the exciting news that was hinted at…

    by Kristen June 2nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
    4. 4

  4. Congrats on all the fabulous news! A blurb by Patricia Briggs - Nice! she’s one of my favorite authors evah!

    by wendy June 2nd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
    5. 5

  5. I have to say that I agree 100% with what Patricia Briggs said. I had the privilege of reading Blue Diablo and I absolutely loved it! Fabulous!!!

    Rock on with your bad self, Ann. Woo hoo!

    by Marissa Scott June 2nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
    6. 6

  6. Congrats on all the great news! What a fantastic way to start the week! :-)

    by Rylie June 2nd, 2008 at 6:29 pm
    7. 7

  7. YAY! YAY! YAAAAAY! Congrats on ALL your GOOD news!! you work so hard- you deserve EVERY bit of it!! :D

    (Can’t wait to hear about the other news you’re keeping mum on too! hopefully it’s just as good!)

    by stacey e. June 2nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
    8. 8

  8. Gee, and I can say I knew you when!

    Except you’re exactly the same Annie as you were before you became Ms. Best Selling Author. The only difference is that, in addition to being a fangirl of other authors, you now have fangirls of your own! Oh, and you have less time to play with us.

    I could not be happier and more thrilled for you. ENJOY, Annie!

    by BevQB June 2nd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    9. 9

  9. *giggling*

    You gotta use the !pen! the very speshul !pen!

    So Ms BestSelling Author, Ma’am, when is Vel’s little story coming out?

    (yes, I know, I’m an ungrateful so-and-so who can’t wait, but you know just how much I lust for erm… lurv Vel )

    by azteclady June 2nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
    10. 10

  10. Congrats on the awesome news! That’s wonderful. And on the new pen (I’ll have to look for them the next time I’m hunting for the perfect pen).

    by Ann June 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
    11. 11
  11. Because I love y’all so much — and clearly the pen is the highlight for many of you

    I give you…

    Pen Porn.

    Click it. You know you want to. Marvel at its sexy contours.

    Thanks so much for your good wishes, Susan, Has, and Kristen. This has been a really superior day.

    Wendy, I have no words for how thrilled I am. Patricia is one of my favorite authors evah too.

    Thanks, Marissa. You’re one of the very few who’s received a sneak peek. I’m glad you liked it!

    Rylie, it has absolutely been one of the greatest Mondays ever.

    Thanks, Stacey! I hope to have something to report soon. Send good juju my way.

    Heh, Bev. I just try to do my work and not be overwhelmed with all my good fortune. It’s readers who have gotten me where I am, and readers who will pave the way if I’m lucky enough to do more. I’m glad I have the chance to tell my stories.

    Az, the pen rocks. The Pen Porn was for you!

    Ann, I recommend it if you want your signature to look bold. It’s recommended for faxes, but I like it for signing too. The ink doesn’t bleed through.

    by Ann Aguirre June 2nd, 2008 at 8:43 pm
    12. 12

  12. Congrats, Ann!! That sure is an abundant amount of awesome news! Including the news about the Pilot Bravo! pen. Is it better than a fine point Sharpie? I love those.

    Looking forward to Blue Diablo. Seriously cool title.

    by Christine June 2nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
    13. 13

  13. *swoon*

    What am I going to do now? I’ve fallen in lust with the !pen!

    It’s your fault, Ann, you introduced us!

    by azteclady June 2nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
    14. 14
  14. Christine, being serious, yeah, I like it better than the fine point Sharpie. My signature doesn’t look quite as elegant as I want when I use one, but I can execute lovely flourishes with the Bravo! And the ink doesn’t bleed through to the other side of the page either. It’s very nice.

    Az, luckily for you, in this case, you CAN buy love — and for a reasonable price. This fabulous product comes in three colors (red, black, blue) for the low cost of only $2.25. That’s suggested retail price, might be a little more or less depending on the store. I got mine at Office Depot!

    (And isn’t hilarious that I’m rambling on about this pen with all the other awesome stuff I have going on?)

    by Ann Aguirre June 2nd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
    15. 15

  15. Wow, I almost passed out from all the joy in your post - Patricia Briggs - mmm, you lucky, lucky woman! I looove her. She has been the kindest. That has got to be gratifying?!! Fabulous!
    The pen I will have to check out. I drive my husband crazy looking for the perfect pen.
    You rock, you know?
    Peace.

    by JaimeK June 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
    16. 16

  16. Now who’s sexier and more lust-worthy - Vel or the pen?

    by Kristen June 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
    17. 17

  17. Well, Vel, of course!

    (’cause the !pen! I can get )

    by azteclady June 2nd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
    18. 18

  18. I’d prolly be going on and on about the pen too. It’s probably the fact that the other good news is so mind blowing cool that it’s easier to focus on the simplicity of a pen.

    by Lorelie June 2nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
    19. 19
  19. Oh, Az, I see I didn’t answer you about the story. I’m planning to do stories midway between releases. So the next book comes out 8/26, and Doubleblind comes out 8/26/09.

    So I’m aiming at 2/26 for Vel’s story.

    by Ann Aguirre June 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
    20. 20

  20. OO, another contest. Just about killed me when I didn’t win the arc… I can’t wait for the next arc contest! I can’t flat out wait for the next book! Anyways, kudos on the pen. :) And pen porn. Collect pictures on your computer and get em out when you feel in need of a good, stong, bold man pen. :D Congrats on the making the list, as well.

    Tchao! BK

    by BoxingKing June 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
    21. 21

  21. Squeee! I love seeing happy authors :D

    by Michele June 3rd, 2008 at 12:54 am
    22. 22

  22. Congrats!!!

    by bettie June 3rd, 2008 at 3:24 am
    23. 23

  23. Congratulations on all the news, Ann, you deserve it!

    by Pam P June 3rd, 2008 at 3:43 am
    24. 24

  24. Congratulations Ann. More awsome news

    by Alexandra June 3rd, 2008 at 4:29 am
    25. 25

  25. Congrats that is awesome!

    by Jambrea June 3rd, 2008 at 4:39 am
    26. 26

  26. Congratulations!! Wonderful news.

    by Theresa N June 3rd, 2008 at 7:40 am
    27. 27

  27. Congratulations Ann. Fabulous news.

    by CrystalGB June 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
    28. 28

  28. [...] Grimspace,  but she also got a fabulous author quote from Patricia Briggs!  You read the quote on Ann’s blog.  Rock on with your bad self, Ann!  Woo [...]

    by Congrats & A Movie / The Bradford Bunch June 3rd, 2008 at 9:58 am
    29. 29

  29. Patricia Briggs and Sharon Shinn?? Be still my heart….

    Congratulations!

    by Angie June 3rd, 2008 at 11:06 am
    30. 30

  30. Congratulations! May this be the first of many appearances on best seller lists EVERYWHERE!

    You deserve it :))

    by Hannah T June 3rd, 2008 at 11:08 am
    31. 31
  31. Thanks, everyone.

    Angie - tell me about it! I still can’t believe it. I had the worst time sleeping last night because I was just so excited.

    That’s so sweet of you to say, Hannah! And I hope you’re right.

    by Ann Aguirre June 3rd, 2008 at 11:16 am
    32. 32

  32. Congrats! What wonderful news I hope you did a happy dance, cause I know I would of. and wow Patricia Briggs very awesome!

    by Kristen June 3rd, 2008 at 11:32 am
    33. 33

  33. Congrats Ann!! All around awesome news!!

    by Vivi Anna June 3rd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
    34. 34

  34. Congratulations, Ann! I know you didn’t reach this point without a lot of effort. I enjoyed GRIMSPACE and look forward to reading more of your work.

    by Heather June 3rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
    35. 35

  35. Woo-hoo, Ann!!! Congratulations!

    by Cynthia Eden June 3rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
    36. 36

  36. Congrats x100 on reaching National Best-seller status, Ann. I’m so not surprised.

    And, hmm, who will you fly with when you go to Denver? :)

    by Therese June 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
    37. 37

  37. Sounds like you are on a roll. Congrats and all the great and fantastic news.

    by Larena Wirum June 3rd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
    38. 38

  38. That’s so awesome! Locus rocks, and I’m just thrilled you made their best-sellers list! And I totally get being so excited over a pen; I’m a bit of a pen snob myself!
    Congrats!

    by Kimberly B. June 3rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
    39. 39

  39. Ann, that is GREAT!!! Good for you.

    I hope your new pen gets a workout.

    by Dina June 3rd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
    40. 40

  40. Well deserved, congratulations!

    by Sue A. June 3rd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
    41. 41

  41. Yay! Congrats Ann!

    Hugs, Danette

    by danette June 3rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    42. 42

  42. Wow congrats Ann! That is awesome that you got a blurb from Patricia Briggs!!! Very cool. And congrats on being a Locus Bestseller!!!

    by RachaelfromNJ June 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
    43. 43

  43. Hmm. Well now my news that I’ve posted a review on Grimspace and Duke of Shadows on my blog seems anticlimactic

    by Maya June 3rd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
    44. 44

  44. Ann:
    Just for the record, you’ve gotten more than a blurb from Patty — she’s been gushing about your book to all of her book-reading friends in a most undignified fashion.

    In fact, she’s enthusiastic enough that the manuscript is on the very top of my TBR list. Kudos on a job VERY well done indeed, you rock!

    by Mike Briggs June 4th, 2008 at 12:29 am
    45. 45

  45. Congrats on the great news!

    I’m afraid I haven’t read the book yet, but I have read the excerpt and will be looking for the book asap as it sounds terriffic!

    by Tammy June 4th, 2008 at 7:43 am
    46. 46

  46. congrats you deserve it. And Love love Patricia Briggs too. Need to check out Sharon Shinn. I’ve not read anything of hers.

    by Pamk June 4th, 2008 at 7:50 am
    47. 47
  47. Just for the record, you’ve gotten more than a blurb from Patty — she’s been gushing about your book to all of her book-reading friends in a most undignified fashion.

    In fact, she’s enthusiastic enough that the manuscript is on the very top of my TBR list. Kudos on a job VERY well done indeed, you rock!

    Wow, reading this thrilled me so much! I hope you enjoy it as much as she did. And thank you so much for stopping by to tell me.

    by Ann Aguirre June 4th, 2008 at 11:01 am
    48. 48

  48. Hi Ann, Oo very neat congratulations on being on the Locus bestsellers list WooHoo! Very cool that you have a blurb from Patricia Briggs. *Cheers*

    Hugssss
    LindaH

    by ReadingIsSoMuchFun June 4th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
    49. 49

  49. Hi Ann!!! I just gave a big shoutout of YES! here in the house (don’t worry, my teens just think I’m nuts) but I’m so thrilled for you!! That is fab!!! You should go out and celebrate or do something special for this memory! Maybe print out that list and frame it! Cool on meeting Sharon Shinn. I read her debut book, A SHAPESHIFTER’S WIFE or something like that title. I’m so bad in remembering the names! Patricia Briggs is great to get the quote on too! I love all this happening for you! Congrats again!

    by Caffey June 4th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
    50. 50
  50. Thanks, Caffey. Yes, I loved Sharon Shinn’s debut novel too. I’ve been a huge fan ever since. I’m just as excited over Patricia Briggs. It’s like being a geek for years and suddenly the cool kids ask you to eat at their table.
    by Ann Aguirre June 4th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
    51. 51

  51. Aw Ann that is incredible!
    Thanks for sharing the love!

    by katiebabs June 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
    52. 52

  52. Congrats, and there couldn’t be someone more deserving of all the good news!

    by Teresa W. June 4th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
    53. 53

  53. tha t is awesome congrats on everything.

    by kim h June 5th, 2008 at 12:33 am
    54. 54

  54. Woohoo!! Congrats :)

    by bunny June 5th, 2008 at 6:06 am
    55. 55

  55. Wow, Ann - congratulations! And I’m just amused - trust you to be so great you’re collecting accolades you don’t even know about! Congratulations again!

    by limecello June 5th, 2008 at 10:14 am
    56. 56
  56. Wow, that’s really sweet, LC. *blush*

    I was very surprised and excited to learn about Locus. I keep my nose to the grindstone a lot and don’t go surfing the web too much to see how I’m doing.

    by Ann Aguirre June 5th, 2008 at 10:43 am
    57. 57

  57. Wow, Patricia Briggs! way too cool. Congrats!

    by Robin June 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
    58. 58

  58. Woo-hoo!!! Congrats on the list and the quote and drinks date with Sharon Shinn and the pen! You freaking rock, girl.

    by Jeri June 5th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
    59. 59

  59. Congrats on all the great news!
    Just bought/read Grimspace last week, and loved it!
    Can’t wait for Wanderlust.

    by Renee June 6th, 2008 at 12:45 am
    60. 60
  60. Thanks, Renee. I really hope you like Wanderlust, too.
    by Ann Aguirre June 6th, 2008 at 10:20 am
    61. 61

  61. Congrats on the good news. I can’t wait to read Grimspace. I’ve been reading great reviews about it already.

    by Kimmy Lane June 6th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
    62. 62

  62. Pen Porn? Whoa, careful. Your site may get an R rating.

    Congrats on everything listed above.

    Grimspace goes on my Leaning Tower of TBR list.

    by Laurie June 6th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
    63. 63

  63. Congrats Ann! You deserve it!

    by acdaisy77 June 8th, 2008 at 3:13 am
    64. 64
  64. The contest is now closed. Winner announced shortly.
    by Ann Aguirre June 8th, 2008 at 11:46 pm


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