Our days, our memories, are what we make of them. Seven years ago today, my dad died. I still read things or see things that I want to share with him, then remember that I can’t. He died before my first short story was published, so he never got to see my name in print. When I first told him as an adult that I was working on a novel — for NaNoWriMo — he was impressed because he said he didn’t have the patience to write something that long. (I don’t have patience either; I have perseverance.) I think he would be proud of what I’ve gotten done so far, and what I’m working on, all the books and stories I have yet to write and release into the wild.
I don’t remember if I was thinking of him two years ago when I launched this blog, but exactly two years to the day, I wrote my first post on this blog, on series characterization. One person commented on that post. I get a few more commenters now.
And to reward those of you who find my thoughts worth reading and commenting on, I’m having a giveaway. The rules are simple: comment on this post to enter. The order you comment in determines your entry number — 1, 2, 3, whatever. (I won’t count my responses, or multiple comments by the same person. One entry per person.) I’ll use random.org to choose a winner. Drawing will be held next Thursday, September 20, at noon Eastern Time.
The winner gets a $25 gift certificate for Amazon or Barnes & Noble, their choice. (Or, you know, Kobo, or whatever, as long as I can purchase it on-line.)
Origami plot bunnies!
Second-place winner gets a free copy of something I’ve written, their choice. (A coupon code for download at Smashwords in the winner’s preferred format will be provided.)
And third-place winner gets half a dozen colorful origami plot bunnies. Aren’t they adorable? They come in two different styles and a range of colors, and each one has a random plot element hidden inside.
Thank you all for visiting my blog, for making yourselves at home in my little corner of the Web. Good luck!
(By the way, this morning, I discovered that September 13 also marks the anniversary of John Scalzi’s blog, Whatever. Of course, he’s been doing this much longer and has a much, much larger audience. Maybe when I’ve been blogging for fourteen years, I’ll have half the audience he does now. One can hope!)
I find myself wondering what if my parents hadn’t died, would they be proud or disappointed. Hugs, Erin. Your dad sounded wonderful.
Hugs on your parents, Maripat.
Thanks. We had our moments. We were too much alike in temperament — both always assuming we knew best, for example — to get along all the time (he couldn’t understand why I wanted to start a freelance business indexing, for example, and thought I was grossly overpaid for some of my work), but we loved each other a lot, and when we were getting along, it was great.
Huh, I would think those plot bunnies were the first prize. They’re so cute!
Congratulations on your second anniversary and here’s hoping for many more.
Heh. I was tempted to say that everyone who enters gets a plot bunny. There are always more where they came from, after all! 😉
Thank you.
Hugs and gentle smiles for your memories of your dad. I know he would be proud of all you’ve achieved and are yet to achieve!
Thanks, David! I like to believe that’s true.
{{{hugs}}}
How could your dad not be proud? You’re amazingly accomplished and pulled together. Keep it up!
(Boy, those bunnies sure are cute!)
Thank you, Nicki!
(Can you believe I still have some of those bunnies around? Of course, I can always make more!)
Sounds like you had a nice dad, who encouraged you.
I miss mine too. He passed away three years ago. The bunnies are really colorful and cool.
He was the kind of dad who would always tell random strangers (let alone friends and neighbors) all the accomplishments of his kids — getting married, joining the Army, awards at school, whatever. If he were still alive, I have no doubt he’d be handing out bookmarks and business cards so people could find my books!
Hugs for you on the loss of your dad.
I’m glad you like the bunnies! (Note to self: everyone likes the origami. Do post soon with pics of some of husband’s creations.)
Hugs for your Dad anniversary … and big smiles for your blog anniversary!
Thank you, Widdershins!
Hugs to you and I’m glad you have such good memories of him. Congrats on your blog anniversary! Those bunnies are cute! I’d never want to unfold one, though. 🙂
Thanks, Laura!
Think of the bunnies as insurance — always knowing that you’ve got a plot element in reserve. 😉
He did tell everyone he met about the wonderful accomplishments of his kids! He really cared. Now, I’m crying and I didn’t yesterday. Hw had such a marvelous mind! He is missed.
Aw, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry. Love you.
Hugs on your dad’s loss, but I’m sure wherever he is he is proud of you for what you’ve accomplished and what you’re working towards.
I have to agree with the others…the plot bunnies are adorable :).
Thanks, Margaret!
Origami — one more piece of evidence we’ll never live in a paperless society. 😉
It’s okay. Love you, too.
He…. Must cut the nails again.
Sorry for your father’s loss. Such a huge void left in us when a loved one passes on.
Condolences on your dad. The loss of a loved one always leaves such a void.
Thanks. That it does.
Sorry for your loss. My dad’s support has been invaluable in getting me published. I mean concrete support – there’s no way I could have afforded printing/copying and mailing out tens of thousands of pages in manuscripts and book proposals, some of them abroad, but he did it, as well as mailing out my grant applications, review copies (I now live in a different country from my audience) etc.
Thank you.
Your dad sounds amazing! Congrats on having such a wonderful relationship.