CAFE: A gathering place. A place of refreshment.

Thirsty for the latest releases in Christian fiction? Ready for a peek into the world of publishing and writing conferences? Hungry for spiritual and real-life nourishment? Pull up a seat; you're in the right place, and I'm so glad you've stopped by.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

A Blogoversary and A Giveaway

When I saw that another blogger on Twitter who also has a Cafe site was celebrating her blogoversary, I thought, "Hey, I've been doing this a couple of years. Maybe I should do that and have a party or something." I'm shocked! When I went back and checked, I found out that on September 12, 2007, I tapped out my first blog. So, I've been blogging for THREE years. Three! I could've sworn it was only two. Alas, here's what I wrote in that first post . . .

Today I'm releasing my first ever blog to orbit in cyberspace. Does the world need another blog? How many is too many? I've wrestled with this and a few million other questions for quite some time. What relevance can I offer? How can I enlighten writers, friends, family? And whatever made me think I should become a blogger?

The answer to that, of course, is the still, small voice upon which my life is anchored. The voice which whispered to me that I could become a writer. That urges me on when tough choices come my way. That comforts me when life throws me a curve. That takes my breath away when unexpected beauty crosses my path.

I am first a child of God. I'm also a wife, a mom, Mimi to a batch of extraordinary little people, daughter, sister, friend . . . and writer. So whether the world needs another blog or not, I can't honestly say. I only know that I am here. No fancy-schmancy stuff. Just a few laughs, sharing about books and writing. Always time for a good cup of coffee. I would be honored to have you along for the journey.

It's been a fun three years and I must say that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The world still does not need another blog. I still wrestle with what to write. I'm still a child of God (praise be!) and wear the same hats I did back then. Coffee?? Well, those of you who know me, know that I think coffee is the nectar of the gods, and my days are richer because of this heavenly brew.

What has changed since that first post?

Our immediate family has grown by two - our first granddaughter who came a few weeks after the launch of this blog and a new daughter-in-law who is lovely, witty, and wonderful!

I'm still on a writing journey, only now I've been blessed with my first published book and a second one on the way. If starting a blog sprinkles magic dust on the publishing fairies and you are waiting to be published, then by all means, start a blog. Results are not guaranteed, but I do promise you will encounter some terrific people and have a few laughs.

I do think this calls for a celebration, don't you? September will also mark the third month that my book has been on bookstore shelves. So, in keeping with "three" how about I give away three copies of Chasing Lilacs???

To enter, please leave a comment (with your contact info please) and tell me how you learned of my blog and if you are a reader, a writer or any other interesting facts about yourself that you'd like for my readers to know. Even if you already have a copy (and THANK YOU to all who've bought one) you can enter and give it away if you win.

I'll be drawing for three winners on the last day of the month - the 30th!

Thank you all for being faithful readers!

Disclaimer: Void where prohibited. Your chances of winning dependent on the number of entries.

29 comments:

Mary said...

Congratulations Carla! Has it been that long already? Wow, how wonderful is our loving Lord to help us share so much with each other through computers.

I would love to win a copy of Chasing Lilacs. And I would gladly review it for you if you like. I'll also share with family and friends.

God bless! Mary

Anne Mateer said...

Happy Blogoversary, Carla! I always love finding you here. Your three years of blogging have been a blessing to us all!

Carmen said...

Happy Blogoversary! I'm close to have a celebration of 100 blogs and giveaways. Would love a copy of Chasing Lilacs. Please enter me.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Idaho Quilter said...

Love the book but hate to loan my copy So it would be nice to win, so I can share.

Patti Lacy said...

Happy blogoversary! Another coined word!!!

You needn't enter me in the contest as I HAVE my own copy!!
LOVE IT!!
Patti

Jewel Sample said...

Congratulations on three years of blogging Carla. I would have to check on how many I have done at jewelofabook.com.

Please place my name in your hat for the CHASING LILACS give a way. I have a copy, but I will never part with it and if you haven't read it yet, Check out my review and you will see what I mean.

SilverBill said...

Happy Blogoversary, Carla! You are really on a roll!

carla stewart said...

Hi Mary! What a great offer - I'd love for you to review the book. Always welcome. And so glad to have you stop by.

Anne - we've been at this blogging thing for a while, haven't we? I learn so much about people from their blogs. You're the best!

Carmen, faithful reader, so great to see see. And your name is in the hat!

Idaho Quilter - Thanks for your kind words, but I'm like you . . . I don't like to loan out my favorite books, and I'm glad you consider mine in that group. Did you know I used to be a quilter? We'll have to compare notes sometime.

Patti, Thanks for always being so supportive. You're the best cheerleader in the world. And yes, I like coining words. Can't take credit for blogoversary, though. Picked that up in TwitterWorld. Fitting, though.

Best to you all!

carla stewart said...

Jewel, your review was wonderful (like you!). Lots of people on FB "liked" it too. There's no better way to spread the word about a book than to share with others. Good luck in the draw!

Thanks, Ellyll Silver Bill! I love to find ways to celebrate the smallest of occasions, and I love sharing my books with people. Thanks for stopping by.

Martha A. said...

Hope it is around for many more years!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Unknown said...

Happy Blogoversary! I just stumbled across your blog today, and have really enjoyed what I've read thus far. I found a link to your blog on Jean Fischer's Blog - the Walrus and the Carpenter. Thank you for the encouraging words. I've been blogging for two years now, and find the experience wonderful. I get to meet a lot of great people, like yourself. Again, Happy Blogoversary!

Christina Banks
stinarose(at)bell(dot)net

Pencildancers said...

Congratulations...hmm now I'm wondering how long I've been doing this! I often wonder if anyone besides Patti Lacey reads my blog! :)

Edwina said...

Congratulations! An awesome three years! I would love to win your book!

edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anne Payne said...

I found your blog through ACFW. I'm just a reader, but I love many kinds of books! You got a very positive review from Publisher's Weekly. I would love to read your book.

homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

Jo said...

Congrats on your three mark on your blog. I just found your blog from your email to the ACFW group and will most definitely be back. I love to find new places to read about new books.

Blessings,
JO
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

windycindy said...

Happy 3rd Blogaversary to you!
I wish you many more happy and
healthy Blogaversaries...
I learned about you via the ACFW!
I would be honored to win a copy
of your Chasing Lilacs Book.
I always love sharing my books
with family and friends!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

cozymysterygirl said...

congrats on your 3 anniversary of your blog.I enjoy finding new books to read.This book will ost definetly be on my list to read.Please enter me into your giveaway thanks
Kellie

Alice. J. Wisler said...

Carla,

I just wanted to stop by to say congratulations! Your writing is wonderful and I enjoyed Chasing Lilacs. If I were to win a copy, I'd be delighted to give it away at one of my Writing the Heartache grief-writing workshops.

~ Alice J. Wisler

Alice. J. Wisler said...

Carla,

Congratulations! Thanks for all you do for authors. I enjoyed Chasing Lilacs and if I were to win a copy, I'd give it to an attendee at one of my Writing the Heartache grief-writing workshops.

~ Alice
wisler@mindspring.com
http://www.alicewisler.com

Wendy said...

Congrat's on 3 years and your book release. I found your blog through the acfwbookclub yahoo group. I am an avid Christian fiction reader.
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogaversay! I would love to win a copy of your book. You have a lot of friends out here, readers all!

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Sylvia said...

Hi Carla, I think I met you through Facebook. I'd LOVE to have a copy of Chasing Lilacs, so I hope my name is drawn. However, I see that there are 21 comments ahead of mine, so my chances are 1 in 7. SIGH.

Happy Blogoverary!

sylviastewart1@gmail.com

carla stewart said...

Many thanks to all who've stopped by and left a comment. I'm pulling for all of you! I'll also be tallying the info for how you found my blog and will give an update on that later. Thanks for celebrating with me. Hope your Labor Day weekend is great.

Carole said...

I'm not sure how I first discovered your blog, Carla, but I've followed for a long time and enjoyed your road to publication. I am simply a reader with no writing ability whatsoever!

The only thing remotely interesting that comes to mind is that I've played the piano for my church for 47 years now, starting when I was 16. I hated piano and had quit taking lessons when I was asked to fill in one Sunday - and the rest is history, as they say. I even went on to get my Masters degree in music education.

Family drama is my favorite genre and I appreciate the chance to win your book, Carla.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Myra Johnson said...

Happy blogoversary, Carla! My goodness, I can almost remember back three years ago when you were angsting over the idea of starting a blog. I'd say it's become a raging success--as has its lovely creator!

Sandee61 said...

Happy Blogoversary! I'd love to be entered for your book, Chasing Lilacs...it looks like a great read. Thank you!

I'm a reader, no blog yet, but I admire all the wonderful ladies who do, and maybe someday I'll try one. Let's see...interesting facts, I learned to read before I went to school...my Mom taught me, using my Dad's Army bible. I love to cook and bake, and have collected cookbooks since the age of 15, many, many moons ago and my collection is in the thousands.
I learned of your blog through other blogs I subscribe too...can't remember which one, but glad I found it. :-)

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

Congratulations on three years! That's awesome. I learned about your blogsite from other blogs and have had you on my favorites list for months now. I would love to be entered into your drawing for Chasing Lilacs. Thank you for the chance to win.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

carla stewart said...

Carole, Myra, and Sandee - What would I do without your faithful following? Thanks so much for stopping by. And yes, Myra, I was over-the-top anxious about starting a blog. You encouraged me and have walked beside me during it all. Thank you.

carla stewart said...

Thanks, Cindy, for putting me on your favorites list. Good luck in the drawing!