May 4th, 2009 | by KateDouglas |
Okay, so I’m a hard core JR Ward fan. Seriously in love with the Black Dagger Brotherhood and have been anxiously awaiting Rehvenge’s story in LOVER AVENGED. Not just a little anxious, but big time, as I pre-ordered it online knowing I wouldn’t be able to get to a store on April 28 and well aware I didn’t want to wait a moment longer. The book arrived the day after I completed my latest book, DemonFire, which is the first story in my new Demon Slayers series for Kensington Zebra, so I was ready. I curled up on the couch, the house was quiet, and I started to read.
Now, if you’re really into a series, ANY series, you know what it’s like when you start a new story. You already love the world or you wouldn’t be buying the books–in this case, forking over WAY more than I should have for hardcover. LOVER AVENGED is a huge book–close to 600 pages, and I was all the way to page 368 when I went to 369, AND IT WAS FRICKIN’ GONE! TORN OUT, JUST A LITTLE PIECE STUCK NEAR THE BOTTOM!!! I sat there for a good five minutes in total disbelief–I had been so caught up in the story that it was like getting physically ripped out of another dimension.
Finally I set the book down and decided to walk away for a minute. Had to leave Caldwell, NY and all the brothers and return to my own dimension, which, of course, meant checking email and going on Facebook, where I did a primal scream and told the world what had happened.
Within SECONDS I had a reply from a Facebook friend, a woman I’ve never met but someone who took pity on me, scanned both sides of the missing page and emailed them to me. Liz from Colorado has been elevated to heroine status in my book–the pages arrived, I went downstairs and crawled back into the BDB world and stayed up half the night to finish the book, but I realized, as I closed the pages, that what had occurred would have been impossible just a few short years ago.
It also reminded me what terrific people we are privileged to meet through various online communities. Sometimes I complain about what a time suck Facebook and MySpace and even blogging can be, and then I realize what an important connection the Internet has given me with people I’d otherwise never have a chance to meet. There are wonderful folks I’ve met through my newsletter that I have gotten to meet in real life on the occasional trips my husband and I take–others I’ve gotten to know through Facebook and MySpace, through replying to their emails about Wolf Tales, all individuals I never would have met if not for this medium that can be either a boon or a blessing.
For what it’s worth, the Internet has changed my life, and I’d have to say it’s all in a good way. What about you? Can you think of something that’s happened in your life that’s been totally due to people you’ve met online? A change in your career, maybe someone you’ve met you might never have known? I started thinking of all the things that have changed for me, and realized I could go on for days, from my first published books that were digital, to Liz sending me pages 369 and 370 after taking pity on my total frustration. We are a digitally connected world, from Twitter to MySpace, to Facebook, blogs and plain old email. And it’s not impersonal at all–it’s one more way to connect with some truly fantastic people.
And Liz, this is my public thank you for making this latest book even more special for me–that someone I have never met would take the time to scan and send me the missing pages meant more than you can possibly realize.
**I will be giving away a copy of Wolf Tales VII (or another in the series if you already have that one) to one of you who leaves a comment. Drawing at the end of the week.
Wow that is so cool of Liz! I’m impressed! I would’ve been pretty riled if I noticed a missing page
The internet has totally changed my life! Not only am I addicted to it (tee hee), I got my start in publishing online. I’ve met so many authors and readers online. I think it’s becoming an online world. Granted, I have to step back into the real world every now and then to remind myself to reconnect with nature. LOL.
by Shelli Stevens · May 4th, 2009 at 10:50 amI have been introduced to so many wonderful authors and books via the internet, book chats and sites, as well as facebook. I cant imagine my life without the internet. And right now it is the only communications i have with my hubby. My life has felt like its been down around my knees for months now but i can always count on a good book chat or a story like yours on facebook, or an email from hubby or friends to cheer me up at the end of the day.. what a great thing someone did, but thats just the group of people that book lovers are.. wonderful..
by Jolene · May 4th, 2009 at 11:02 amHi Kate,
Yes, the Internet has changed so much for me. I’ve been able to meet some very interesting people and get to know some very good writers. It has also helped to build my confidence and get over my fear as well.
The Internet has been a great experience because now I know that there are people in the world who are like me, and I know that you are one of them Kate.
Great blog and awesome story! Liz must be a very giving and kind person!
Carrie
by Carrie from Wisconsin · May 4th, 2009 at 11:04 amShelli, my running joke is that I don’t get out much, but when I think of it, I’m “out and about” all the time with my online friends!
And Jolene, you’re one of them! It was so cool actually meeting you in person. Have been thinking of you and hoping all is well. I can’t imagine dealing with life on a daily basis w/o my spouse here to help. It can’t be easy for you–you have my complete and total respect and admiration, m’dear!
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 11:05 amOne of my best friends is a woman who lives in England and whom I wouldn’t have met had we not connected through on an online chat. We have the chance to visit in person a few times a year as she travels(single and childless, while I have college bound children, and need to think tuition!)
That’s just one small story that springs to my mind when thinking of how the internet has changed things in my world.
Sandi
by Sandi · May 4th, 2009 at 11:06 amSo very true Kate, so very true. I can relate and I have met the nicest people on the internet. Some have changed my life for the better. You for instance have given me that kick I needed to get started on my dream and I can’t thank you enough.
by Robbie · May 4th, 2009 at 11:11 amKate…What I love about the Internet—even from its earliest days—is that it is gender and age neutral. I was in my 50’s, hand coding HTML in 1996 (before software was developed to do it), working with techs just out of college. Since I could do the job and speak the language, we interacted and worked together really well. I learned a lot.
JoAnn Ainsworth
by JoAnn Smith Ainsworth · May 4th, 2009 at 11:11 amOUT OF THE DARK, 978-1-60504-277-(http://www.joannsmithainsworth.com/reviews.shtml)
Hi Carrie–so nice to see you here! (I “met” Carrie over at the Running With Quills blog–she’s a perfect example of making friends on line!) And you’re right–Liz is my heroine this week!
Sandi, how cool that you guys get to meet on a fairly regular basis–another example of the Internet broadening out world.
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 11:13 amRobbie, thank you for the kind words. They’re much appreciated–there’s nothing more satisfying than following a dream and turning it into reality. I wish you the very best.
JoAnn, that’s an important point–the fact that age isn’t a factor online. I see that a lot when I correspond with fans and we discover that I’m older than their moms! What’s really fun is that I think they develop a new awareness–since I write such sexually explicit stories, they realize that just because you’re older, it doesn’t mean you’ve dried up and died!
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 11:17 amThe Internet is such an amazing place. I have reconnected with friends that i haven’t seen in 15+ years.
I have met so many people who I would have never met or talked to in person.
Because I am I quiet person, it’s hard to open up to people when i meet them face to face but with the internet you meet people who share the same interests as you and I feel that talking to them online really helps me open up in a way that i could not do otherwise.
Melinda
by Melinda · May 4th, 2009 at 11:50 amI have to honestly say, that the internet has made me come out of my shell. I am relatively a shy person, basically a loner. I started out on Yahoo, then LiveJournal, and now Facebook, and I love the people I have gotten to meet…face-to-face at this point.
The internet forces you to see people in a different way. You have to ‘read’ their tone, when you can’t see body language. I also think people are more open with words, than they would be face-to-face.
I’m glad I have my internet friends.
by ELaine · May 4th, 2009 at 11:55 amMelinda, I know exactly what you’re saying. I’ve always been better at organizing my thoughts by writing, so I actually can express myself much better online.
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 11:56 amSo true, Elaine. I think the Internet makes it easier to interact with people in a lot of ways–for one thing, it’s on the schedule that works for us. My neighbors have learned NOT to drop in on me–when I’m writing I hate to be interrupted, whereas my online contacts are at my convenience.
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 11:58 amHi Kate,
The internet is a great tool. Since most of my friends no longer live close, it seems that we stay in touch via emails and blogs. Without that, more than likely these friendships would fade over time, and that would be tragic.
However, I have limited my exposure online because it started to encroach on my personal relationships and goals (which are more important to me). I don’t Facebook, I don’t Myspace, and I don’t Twitter. I know these are all wildly popular right now, but there is just not enough time in the day to do it all, so I choose the most important, and try to keep up.
That being said, I am so glad you were able to get the missing pages from a new online friend.
BTW I love your Wolf Tales series!
cldivineATyahooDOTcom
by Booklover1335 · May 4th, 2009 at 12:02 pmHI AGAIN KATE! AS I’VE ALREADY TOLD YOU, ANTON CHEVAL IS MY FAVE OF THE WOLF TALES GANG. YOU SURE DID DREAM UP A HOT ONE! I AGREE THAT THIS FACEBOOK/TWITTER/MY SPACE REVOLUTION IS A GREAT THING! I KNOW I WOULDN’T HAVE GOTTEN THE CHANCE TO MEET MY FAVE AUTHORS SO EASILY! DOWNSIDE? IT DOESN’T HELP MY PROCRASTINATION ONE LITTLE BIT!!!
by TAMARA HOLBERT · May 4th, 2009 at 12:07 pmI remember when my grandson, Cheyenne told me that he would make me “up-to-date” and he made me a MySpace profile page. Before that, I didn’t trust the internet cause all I could think of was viruses. Surprise, surprise. My grandson changed my life. I got to meet so many people, especially authors, who have made my world broader and richer. Fell in love with Wolf Tales and found out that author had a MySpace page and I requested her to become my friend. When she accepted, I began to email her to death as I type the way I talk. lol We found that we had more in common than just the series she wrote and that she didn’t mind the jabber. ;> D. We have since met in person and you’d think that we have known each other quite a long time. That is just one example of the wonderful people I have met through Yahoo groups, MySpace, and keeping in touch with family and friends on the web. I have a long way to go to be really “up-to-date” in regards to everything webwise. But this old gal ain’t doing too bad.
. Mo
by Mo · May 4th, 2009 at 12:11 pmLOL…cldivine, sometimes I think I have no personal life beyond what I get online, but I do understand where you’re coming from. Believe me, you’re no happier than I am about getting those missing pages. So glad you’re enjoying Wolf Tales, because I love writing the stories!
Tamara–procrastination?
I should have had this blog posted last night but didn’t…so yeah, I understand procrastination!
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 12:11 pmHi, Kate
by Ali · May 4th, 2009 at 12:13 pmThe internet for me has been a fabulous place to connect with other romance readers and writers. I always wanted to connect with people who had the same reading interests that I did. Being shy didn’t help matters. But, once I discovered the online community of readers and writers, I was in heaven! *bg*. This has helped me open up a bit more… to the point where I recently started a local romance readers club
Hey Mo! And yes, she DOES talk the way she types, only more!!! Mo’s a perfect example of meeting and connecting with someone online and hitting it off in the real world. In fact my husband and I went out to dinner with her on our last trip and it was like spending the evening with someone we’d both known forever! Of course, what Mo DIDN’T say is that her first email to me was to let me know that when I killed off a stack of bad guys in Wolf Tales III, I neglected to hide all the bodies. She wanted to know what I intended to do with the leftover corpse. For all I know, it’s still under the front porch of the Chanku pack’s house in Maine…
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 12:15 pmGood for you on the club, Ali! That’s very cool–and I find it interesting how many people who are essentially fairly shy in real life have managed to stake their claim to a good chunk of cyberspace!
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 12:16 pmThe internet is an amazing thing. I got a book signed personally by Anne Rice, but strangely I really got nothing from the brief face to face experience. You say hi! and introduce yourself and it is so impersonal. Whereas through the internet like here I get to express my opinions and share my thoughts and really interact with authors. You get to bypass the small talk which I could with less of and instead you really get to the heart of matters. I also like that you get to find people with shared interests, without having to sign up to some club, from the comfort of your home.
by Sue A. · May 4th, 2009 at 12:22 pmHi Kate,
by Eva S · May 4th, 2009 at 12:25 pmI have found so many new friends and reconnected with old ones, thanks to internet and Facebook! I have wonderful romanceloving friends overseas and recently I’ve got a friend in my own small country, maybe we can meet someday…. I’ll introduce to her your wonderful wolves!
Hi Kate!
by Cheryl McInnis · May 4th, 2009 at 12:58 pmGreat blog today, it really made me stop and think.
I definitely appreciate Facebook, it’s been great to catch up with old friends, and share pics with family that live far away. As a reader, being able to join reader’s groups and discuss books has opened up many other genres of books for me to enjoy based on my new friends recommendations, and add many, many authors to my auto-buy list! Also, I’ve been lucky enough to score a great gig as a reviewer. It feeds my reading addiction without costing me a small fortune. Last, but not least, shopping online is the greatest thing EVAH
I hate shopping in a mall, dragging kids around, looking for parking spots….. the internet lets me leave all those things behind, and just choose and click. For the record, being able to browse an online bookstore, choose a title, and then have the ebook delivered in seconds….pure nirvana for me. Thank you internet!!!
Until this past couple of years, I did not have facebook, I did not read blogs and I did not go on anybook club chat rooms. But that changed when I read this fantastic Virgin River series and this soon changed my life. I was and am still on LTD disability and these wonderful people who I have met from all over the world have save me. Saved me from being at times bored out of my skull. I have and always will be a people person. So when I cannot get out to see my friends, my cyber friends have been there for me. So it was a happy day when I was introduced to all these wonderful people.
by Kathleen O · May 4th, 2009 at 1:01 pmgood points, Sue. The Internet allows you to be more direct. Of course, it’s easier for people to misinterpret things, but at the same time, I think we’re all learning better how to communicate via online posts, mail etc.
Hi Eva! You, m’dear, are another perfect example of someone I’ve met online I might not have met otherwise! Every person we meet enriches our lives, and I appreciate the reminder of how far our reach extends within the Internet community. Thanks for your post!
Hi Kathleen–ah, another Virgin River junkie! I’m as bad with Robyn’s books as I am with JR Ward’s, and the funny thing is, the readers on Robyn Carr’s list are the ones who got me to read the first four of the Black Dagger Brotherhood that had been sitting in my TBR pile forever! Read the first one and I was hooked. For anyone reading this blog today, Robyn Carr, author of the wonderful Virgin River series, has a fantastic readers group that meets at Jack’s Bar. Here’s a link to subscribe: RobynCarr_Chatgroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 1:12 pmThey’re a terrific group of very supportive women and I thoroughly enjoy myself whenever I have a chance to stop in for a visit.
There was once a woman who was in a horribly wrecked and abusive marraige, and in those days, the internet isn’t quite what it is today, but somehow thru the system and by the grace of the Lord above, she met the kindest person, (man) who was the exact strength she needed at the exact moment she needed it. He lent her money to get away from the horrors of her world and escape and he helped her begin to rebuild not only her life, but herself and the lives of her children. He was kind. He gave her total acceptance and took on her 4 little daughters even tho he had never been married and never had children of his own. He loved them all… he gave them everything he had and still does to this day. He never once has looked back. He eventually became their dad and my husband and after almost 20 years, he still remains that strength for us all.
Without the ‘internet’ I would have never met this man. He was in Toronto… I in New Mexico, but the computer was the link. My girls wouldn’t have grown up safe and their babies would not be so fortunate to have their Bumpa. Thank God and email for changing my poorly lived life into one of joy and happiness!
by Mandy · May 4th, 2009 at 1:25 pmWow that is just so cool!!! I’m slowly working my way into blogs – haven’t tried facebook, twitter,etc. yet!! Maybe one day!!
by Martha Lawson · May 4th, 2009 at 1:39 pmMandy, that’s an amazing story, and I’m so glad you’ve found happiness. The Internet definitely played a huge role in your life!
Martha–I’m not going near twitter (yet!) but I love the others. Definitely great places to connect.
by KateDouglas · May 4th, 2009 at 2:26 pmWell I’m not sure it’s safe to advocate that in todays world… but it saved my life for sure! I am truly blessed… every moment of my life!
by Mandy · May 4th, 2009 at 2:32 pmWow this was a wonderful thing for Liz to do. I just check my HB copy of Lover Avenged to make sure I had pages 369 and 370, they were there. I thought I would wait and take it with me on vacation to read it at the end of this month. I have facebook, myspace and a blog, but not twitter. I go into them once in awhile. I love going to some of the readers blogs and see what they are doing. I love my chat groups I belong to, I have so many can’t go to them all. A lot of the people I have met through them belong to most of them. I have met a lot of great authors and have added so many books to my TBR pile I don’t know if I will ever be able to get them all. I so love the Black Dagger Brotherhood books by JR Ward. I have all of the books and it is worth paying the $15.00 for the last one when you can’t wait for it to come out in paperback. Kate I have read some of your books and so love the characters in them. I have so many of them I have to get now just to catch up on them. I need to buy the in between ones, of the ones I have before I will read them. I don’t want to read them out of order. Isn’t that terrible to tell an author that you can’t read her books that you have because you have to read them in order. I’m sorry Kate, please forgive me. I so wanted to meet you when you were here in Arizona, but when I’m the only one working and my DH is on disability it was hard for me to take the time off of work. Maybe next time.
by Loretta Wilson · May 4th, 2009 at 2:53 pmI get so frustrated with the internet sometimes, okay not actually the internet itself, but MySpace, & Facebook, especially facebook. But I have met some wonderful people, connected with old friends, and am totally addicted now. Before the internet I would ever have thought about connecting with a favorite author, but the internet has allowed me to do that. It makes the books more interesting to me to get snippets of what is going on while the author is writing. So all in all it is a good thing.
by Doris · May 4th, 2009 at 3:19 pmKate: All I can say is if it weren’t for the internet I would not be able to know what books you have ready for the public to read or when they’re going to be published!!!!!
Oh, and uh, shopping.
by Heather Watkins from Franklin, TN · May 4th, 2009 at 3:58 pmI met my husband (together 16 years now!) online, back in the early days of dial-up BBS. lol We met through a writing SIG (special interest group, old-school terminology) and now we are published authors together. A true Happily Ever After~
So yes, I’d say the internet definitely changed my life for the better.
by Anthea Lawson · May 4th, 2009 at 4:44 pmHere Here Anthea! It’s truly the best kind of Happily Ever After isn’t it?? Congrats!
by Mandy · May 4th, 2009 at 4:46 pmI moved to Oklahoma about 4 years ago. I’m from Maryland. The internet helps me keep in better contact with my family.
by Lisa F. · May 4th, 2009 at 5:10 pmDiscovering ebooks has been an amazing adventure. Love instant reads of favorite authors, and finding any kind of genre to suit my moods at the press of a button.
by Cathy M · May 4th, 2009 at 5:35 pmHello again from Austria, yes I agree, the internet has changed our lives a lot. I keep more in touch with some friends through email, and I’ve found quite a few of my now favourite authors – you, Kate, included, of course – on various websites and/or postings by other readers. And yes, I do spend sometimes more hours than I should at the computer, mainly late evenings, given the fact that there are a husband, three girls and a house to take care of. But that’s OK, who needs sleep?
by Edith · May 4th, 2009 at 6:15 pmGreetings, Edith
Mandy–sometimes taking a chance is what saves us…and I agree, it’s not always the safest thing to do, but there are times when you have no choice. Obviously it worked for you!
Loretta, I was really sorry I didn’t get to meet you, but I really do understand–and I’m just as bad as you about reading a series out of order, so PLEASE don’t apologize! Mine are especially connected, so you’re right to wait. Hope you can get them filled in soon!
Doris, I will admit to my own love/hate relationship with the computer and the Internet, but I can’t imagine being without either.
Heather–so glad you know what’s REALLY important!
Anthea, that’s really cool. I wasn’t online until around 2001 or so.
Cathy, good point with the ebooks. There’s a lot to be said for instant gratification!
Hi Edith–so good to hear from you. Sleep? I forget what it feels like!
by Kate Douglas · May 4th, 2009 at 7:56 pmThanks to the internet I have some of the very best friends. Some of which have helped me a great deal dealing with my husband’s illness. There are some days when it is that unexpected hello or email from an internet friend that changes a day from a black pit to a tunnel with a light at the end.
by Chris Roberts · May 4th, 2009 at 8:08 pmGreat Post, Kate.
And so so true. Today our social circles are totally different.
CC
by Christie Craig · May 4th, 2009 at 8:38 pmKate,
by Suzanne · May 4th, 2009 at 9:51 pmYou are so right. I met a friend that lives in Thailand through the internet and we’ve been exchanging little gifts and just “talking” for over a year now. Sometimes when I’m down and think my life is so difficult, I think of this friend who joins many of the government protests despite the fact that her health is not the greatest but she feels so strongly about these issues that she can’t just sit home. Her courage and determination has helped me tremendously.
I have met some great friends I never would have met if it wasn’t for the internet. One is in New York and one is in New Jersey. I wouldn’t have met them if it wasn’t for the internet. Plus I never would have found some awesome authors and books if not for the internet. We wouldn’t have had ebooks or ebook readers if not for the internet.
by Amy S. · May 4th, 2009 at 9:57 pmGreat post. The internet is wonderful. I am on here all time. My favorite thing to do is read all the authors blogs and I enjoy reading how they are real people just like me. It makes reading there books that much more enjoyable.
by sara hurt · May 4th, 2009 at 10:38 pmKate,
by Molly Evans · May 4th, 2009 at 10:45 pmyou are so right. We piss and moan about all of the things that take up our time, but just look back an entire century at all of the things that have changed. I’m a nurse, so I think of all of the medical strides that have come our way. my DH, computer guru, says that one day in the near future we’ll have bio technology, computers implanted in people. Can’t wait to have that so I can do more on the fly, but will it clean my house and can it make coffee?
Molly
Wow. Now I’m blushing. Thanks for the kind words, Kate, but I really don’t think I did anything all that special. I am a hardcore Ward fan, too, and would want someone to do the same for me… I have met some of the most fantastic people online, either through Facebook, Twitter or Yahoo writing loops. And I would definitely term these online connections in my pool of friendships… yourself included!
by Liz Pelletier · May 4th, 2009 at 11:12 pmOver the weekend i was listening to THE AXMAKERS GIFT by James Burke. He writes how in the past the gift of the inventors among us has been used to separate the populace into specialists and generalists, with the specialists taking the advantage. He was hoping at the time of that recording, pre-21st century, that the web would return us to small communities. I think this is a demonstration that we are headed in the right direction.
by Denice · May 4th, 2009 at 11:20 pmThat is so awesome that she sent you those pages.. I’d have DIED if I was missing a page in the middle…I was right there at the bookstore to get mine the day it came out… and saw that they had Sexy Beast VI too, which I also grabbed!
I just love the internet… I have to say most of my best friends are online friends, because it’s not so much up to chance, I can find people who are into the things I’m into and I love these people! Plus I get to talk to cool authors and found out about a lot of books I may never have noticed in the store otherwise.
by Mur · May 4th, 2009 at 11:30 pmChris, that is so true. Some days I’ll be totally out of the mood to write (generally with a deadline looming) or feeling down or depressed, and then I’ll get a really nice note from a reader and it turns my whole day around. I hope your husband is doing better.
Hey Christie! Yep, that is definitely the truth! (And in my case, it’s a vast improvement over what mine WAS like!)
Suzanne, it’s almost like the pen pals I used to have, except you don’t have to wait months for a letter! I wrote to pen pals (this was in the 1950s and 60s) in Switzerland, Japan and Columbia, but none of us ever met. With the Internet, it’s like I’ve got pen pals all over the world, but we can have real time conversations. I love that!
I feel the same way, Amy. That’s what’s been so cool this past year, though, is hitting the road and actually getting to meet people in person that I’ve chatted with online.
Sarah, what I’ve enjoyed has been getting to know my readers–and finding out they’re real people, just like me. We’ve got the same issues, the same gripes and the same interests, yet we’re all unique. I love reading the blogs, too!
Molly, I don’t have a computer chip to clean the house, but I’ve got a husband who vacuums and washes windows and cleans toilets…does that count?
Hey Liz! Thanks for coming by!! Liz is the one who saved my soul when I got to the missing page in Lover Avenged. Btw, Barnes & Noble is replacing the book. They were very quick to respond and I’m really glad I’ll have one that’s complete for when I reread it.
Denice, that’s a really interesting theory, and it’s true in so many ways. The world wide web has allowed us to find communities of people with similar interests. We’re like a lot of little villages, connected in cyberspace.
Mur, I got on Facebook and did a primal scream–Liz came running and offered to send the page. A few minutes later, I had her email! It was definitely cool, plus, it gave me a great idea for a blog when i didn’t have a clue what I was going to write about today. All in all, a pretty cool thing in spite of the moment of panic.
It’s POURING rain here, which is so cool…after three years of drought, we need every drop and I love hearing it come down. Just had to say something!
by Kate Douglas · May 4th, 2009 at 11:58 pmKate if that ever happens to your books, my poor hubby will have to find a store that’s open 24 hours so I could get those pages to read
I so understand how you can be so into it and nothing can interrupt that time with your book! I sadly haven’t read all so I have some catching up to do. I remember once when I discovered Judith McNaught and her book was 700 pages (I think it was PERFECT or PARADISE, I can’t remember which title it was) and I remember oh this thick book! But it went so fast it was so good!
I did have to deal with a book once that I was reading, a historical, and when I got to like page 150, page 1 started all over again. Lucky it was early evening and went back to the store and exchanged it. But that’s the only time that happened.
One of my goals was to catch up with my series reads so going to plan that for JR Ward’s books!
by Caffey · May 5th, 2009 at 12:00 amI recently attended the RT convention for the first time, and several months before the event I had joined a loop of other authors attending. By the time I arrived in Florida, I already had so many friends that my natural tendency to be introverted around strangers never kicked in. I even roomed with a fellow author I only knew from the FF&P RWA chapter online and I’m happy to say she was the perfect conference-mate. I don’t think my experience at RT would have been half as rewarding or FUN without all of these online friendships.
by Liz Pelletier · May 5th, 2009 at 12:49 amI live in the boonies, Caffey–no all night anything unless you count the owls, bats and occasional mountain lion! The Internet and Liz saved my butt…and my sanity!
Liz, that’s a perfect example. I’ve roomed with lots of women I only knew online and it was like we were old friends when we actually met in person. Did you have a good time? RT is an experience!!!
by Kate Douglas · May 5th, 2009 at 1:25 amKate, that is AWESOME! I’ve been on the other end of a similar experience, where another reader was missing the last page of one of Suz Brockmann’s novels. I was so happy to have that one intact and typed in the last page so she could sleep in peace that night
And I know that because of the Internet, I’ve “met” tons of friends and authors that I’d never have had the chance to, and my TBR is even more mountainous that it was before I started 
by Fedora · May 5th, 2009 at 2:19 amThe internet does allow connections that would have taken months or years to develop to spring up overnight. When I love a story, I enjoy being able to go find an email address or a web page and give feedback in the moment. I have written to authors in the past but it had to go to the publisher or the letter was never mailed because there was no stamp. In the groups and blogs I follow I have found new authors to love and been exposed to all kinds of content I would never find on my own.
by Lindsey Ekland · May 5th, 2009 at 2:46 amI remember the first forays of Internet play. This will really date me, but I don’t care. The only “virtual communities,” that really existed for the public were very simple things like moos and what could be called holomucks. Holomucks and moos were very simplistic versions of “online games.” There were no graphics, just print and the only way to get it was through use of a CRT or essentially, a “dumb terminal”. In fact, that was the only way to connect to the university back then, through their servers and it was more for programming purposes than anything else.
It is through a holomuck that I first met my husband. After that we had what could be considered “online chats,” which were really simple interfaces from one terminal to another. There was no such thing as multi-tasking back then, so when you were chatting with someone, you had to sit and watch the words come on the screen, even the poor typing, and then the corrections. Now, the way these things are designed, you don’t see it, but then you used to see everything, mistakes and all.
Hard to believe it went from that to this in fifteen years!
Great blog topic!
by Carrie from Wisconsin · May 5th, 2009 at 4:27 amLOL…good morning, Fedora. You’re another Internet angel, then! Little acts of kindness like yours and Liz’s are so thoughtful, and really mean a lot to the recipient. I almost hate to give up my copy of Lover Avenged with the two printed out sheets inside, but B&N is sending me a return label when they replace the book, so it has to go back. And don’t talk about TBR piles…mine “toppled” the other day and I still haven’t cleaned up the mess!
Lindsey, as an author I love that instant feedback. I have mail almost daily from readers who have read one or all my books, and I really look forward to hearing from them–even from the ones who don’t like the stories. Sometimes we can get a dialogue going that gives me ideas for future stories, and sometimes I can answer questions where they’re unclear about the storyline. I get a LOT of email from readers who don’t realize the stories in the Sexy Beast (and one Wild Nights) anthologies are part of Wolf Tales.
Carrie, that is so interesting! I missed that part of the WWW entirely. I do remember when I was in college (late sixties) and the campus computer took up an entire room. It used to spit out little cardboard cards with square punch holes. I wasn’t introduced to the Internet until our son bought his first computer when he was about sixteen (he’s 32 now) It was horribly expensive–well over a thousand dollars as I recall, and really cumbersome. I didn’t get online until about eight or ten years ago, and things have really changed since then.
by Kate Douglas · May 5th, 2009 at 8:36 am(Including me–how did I get so OLD?)
I’m going to be gone today, but will respond when I get home if there are anymore comments. Driving over to Stockton to visit my almost 88 year old mom. We’re going shopping, which means I’m going to be pooped when I get back! Six hours of driving for about three hours of shopping…
Have a great day, everyone!
by Kate Douglas · May 5th, 2009 at 8:38 amHey, shopping’s a good thing and visiting your mom is DEFINITELY a good thing, so have a terrific day! As for getting old, *sigh* We’re the ones who have seen a ton of things change in our lifetimes! I catch myself saying, “We didn’t have that when I was a kid…” way too often!
by Fedora · May 5th, 2009 at 10:20 amHey Kate…That is so awesome the way you received the missing pages…I’ve had it happen to me and my reaction was just like yours except it never occurred to me to either rant to fellow book group members or ask for help
If it ever happens again, I won’t hesitate now.
I’m a loner and so internet friends are perfect for me…particularly because I’m not a “phone” person. I love to be able to connect without intruding and have established some good and long time (as in 10 years) internet buddies with like interest. I love the two way street at writing/answering when it’s convenient.
The problem, of course, is maintaining a balance between necessary life functions, reading and connecting. I find that from time to time I have to regroup and prioritize because reading a book a day is my ultimate pleasure but does consume major time.
It’s been awhile since we’ve connected but I do need to
because I have some comments to share about the last Sexy Beast book but it’s that time thing again….damn…there’s just never enough 
by Nancy Bristow · May 5th, 2009 at 1:55 pmHey Kate…That is so awesome the way you received the missing pages…I’ve had it happen to me and my reaction was just like yours except it never occurred to me to either rant to fellow book group members or ask for help
If it ever happens again, I won’t hesitate now.
I’m a loner and so internet friends are perfect for me…particularly because I’m not a “phone” person. I love to be able to connect without intruding and have established some good and long time (as in 10 years) internet buddies with like interest. I love the two way street at writing/answering when it’s convenient.
The problem, of course, is maintaining a balance between necessary life functions, reading and connecting. I find that from time to time I have to regroup and prioritize because reading a book a day is my ultimate pleasure but does consume major time.
It’s been awhile since we’ve connected but I do need to
because I have some comments to share about the last Sexy Beast book but it’s that time thing again….damn…there’s just never enough 
by Nancy Bristow · May 5th, 2009 at 1:55 pmHey Kate, I would have been soooooo frustrated…after reading the page numbers, I went to check my copy to make sure that particular page was there…
Kudos to Liz for riding to the rescue…
Wow, the online community is absolutely amazing…I would not have met so many of the people I have if the Internet wasn’t available to make me feel some semblance of security. I would not have met you and many of my author friends, like the plotmonkeys (Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly, Julie Leto, and Carly Phillips) Gena Showalter, Robyn Carr, and so many others if it wasn’t for this medium. It gave me to courage to email you and get to know you, as best as I could…I would not have met so many wonderful people that I would never have met otherwise…
This medium also enabled me to get my Masters in Education, which I probably wouldn’t have done…
If you pull my name for the prize, give it to Liz okay…I need to get back to Caldwell, but I need to rein it in…I don’t want to blow threw it…there is so much going on already, and I haven’t been able to ground myself yet…
by Paula R · May 5th, 2009 at 3:24 pmIt’s really cool to hear everyone’s stories! I just want to thank everyone for sharing!
Carrie
by Carrie from Wisconsin · May 5th, 2009 at 3:41 pmThat was real nice of her to scan and send.
I have bought books and got so ingrosed into them to find out that they were missing pages. After waiting days or even months for a new book to make its way out and then not being able to read it when you want is a bummer. This happened to me on Wolf Tales 3. I was not a happy person, you can ask all my friends.
Chelsea
by Chelsea · May 5th, 2009 at 4:09 pmHi Fedora–well, I’m home after six hours of driving and five hours of shopping…can we say pooped!
Mom’s 88 and recovering from surgery, and while she’s still a good driver, she doesn’t like to shop by herself, so I try and get over every once in awhile and take her to the various stores. I run and fetch clothes while she tries things on. We had a good day and she bought enough to keep her out of trouble for awhile!
Hi Nancy–in a lot of ways I’m the same–it’s nice to connect on MY schedule!
I don’t always have the energy for actually getting out and socializing, especially with all the writing I do–it’s not that unusual for me to spend upwards of ten to fifteen hours a day working on a book, and after I do marathons like that, I’m not fit company for anyone!
I’ll look forwad to hearing from you on Sexy Beast! I love it when readers have stuff to say, and a lot of times you see things I totally miss.
Paula, be careful in Caldwell…there are lessers about! Congrats on the masters–that’s such a terrific achievement…and you’re right about the people we get to meet. I think that’s the best part!
Me too, Carrie! Isn’t it great?
Chelsea–On Wolf Tales III? Really? Did you contact the publisher? If they didn’t replace it, write to me off list with your address and I’ll send you a replacement copy. That’s terrible, though production problems can occur. The thing is, in my copy of Ward’s book, the page appears to be torn out…a lot different than just a production error!!!
by Kate Douglas · May 6th, 2009 at 12:07 amHi Kate,
If you want a funny, my first computer was a Commodore 64 and the games played on them were so simple. A lot like the games you can play on Facebook, just without all the graphics!
Lemonade stand and Oregon Trail were the only games I actually remember playing. Pong! was our game system and then we upgraded to an Atari 2600. I loved that system and my mom got pretty good at taking the controllers apart and fixing them because my sister, her, me and whoever else was over would beat on the joysticks something fierce!
I still have the 2600 and almost every game, I just have to figure out a way to hook it up to a TV (the converter got lost or messed up or something) because Circus Atari was my favorite game and they have yet to make it for any game system that I know of!
We do have a PS2, but it will be a long while before we upgrade to something else…..
Hope you enjoyed that little jaunt through electronic history!
Carrie
by Carrie from Wisconsin · May 6th, 2009 at 12:49 am
I totally feel your pain, while waiting for your book, Sexy Beast VI to arrive, I was reading “A Hunger like no other”, By Kresley Cole in her Immortals after Dark Series, and on page 184 words were missing, 
it happened a few other times in the book, so I went to Amazon.com where you can view pages, if you’re a member, can use the “Kendle”, as they call it, to view like the first or last page, a back of a book, or certain pages And it is all FREE you do have to buy a book from them first, which I have already done in the past. From Your Favorite Fan, Tracie Maslen 
by Tracie Maslen · May 6th, 2009 at 1:16 amCarrie, I can’t recall what my first computer even was called, but it used floppy disks and I could play pac man on it! That’s been awhile…
Tracie, I actually went to Amazon.com because they have that “peek inside” thing where some books have parts available online, but unfortunately Ward’s wasn’t one of them…so it was definitely cool that Liz bailed me out.
Do hope you like Sexy Beast VI!
by Kate Douglas · May 6th, 2009 at 1:21 amP.S.
by Tracie Maslen · May 6th, 2009 at 1:24 amI received your book Sexy Beast VI today and am looking forward to reading it!!! I can’t wait to find out what happens next…
Wow! That was a fast comment! I am sorry that Wards isn’t one of them…I tried to help…sorry that you couldn’t find it. Maybe you can help me I have been trying to get into Antonio’s website to become a member, but I am new to the whole “myspace” thing, do you know how I can become his “friend”? I have been trying to figure that out for a while now, not only for Anthony for my family and other friends as well…Can you help? By the way, I love his pics, He’s HOT!
by Tracie Maslen · May 6th, 2009 at 1:30 amLOL…who is Antonio?
by Kate Douglas · May 6th, 2009 at 1:31 amYeah, Kate, mine had a floppy drive and the ability to use a cassette to record data! I never used that though because the device was really expensive and the really big floppies (I’m talking 5 inches now and very touchy!) were cheaper.
I’m guessing that you may have had an Apple or Apple IIe, possibly (from early to mid 80′s)? Or was that before the time of your first computer? I think the other early computer was an Omni. Is it possible you just had a simple word processor with no connectivity abilities? Just curious!
by Carrie from Wisconsin · May 6th, 2009 at 1:38 amI believe that is the name of the guy on the cover of your books…
Am I saying it right?
by Tracie Maslen · May 6th, 2009 at 1:39 amGive me a sec, let me check….
by Tracie Maslen · May 6th, 2009 at 1:40 amOH! I am so excited I found out how to do it!!! I am gonna be on here all night!!! LOL!
by Tracie Maslen · May 6th, 2009 at 1:51 amKate, isn’t “Tony” on your Sexy Beast covers? Or are you not supposed to disclose that info??
by Tracie Maslen · May 6th, 2009 at 1:54 amHi Tracie–sorry, I went to bed before I saw your question. Didn’t recognize “Antonio!” Anthony Catanzaro was on Sexy Beast II, III and IV, but I think those are the only covers of mine he’s on. He’s also on a lot of other Aphrodisia titles. He’s got a great website at http://www.anthonycatanzaro.com and a fan club, if you’re interested in checking it out. His wife, Tina, is also on MySpace, and they’re a terrific couple.
Carrie, I honestly can’t recall what my first computer was. I wasn’t online and it was more of a word processor than anything, but it wasn’t an Apple. As I recall, I got it in 1990 because it was a gift for my 40th birthday…sheesh. Almost twenty years ago!
by Kate Douglas · May 6th, 2009 at 10:11 amAh, ok, the Apple well was before that. But it’s kind of funny when you think about it. I got my first computer, an HP, in 1997, and only because I got a really great discount. 10 years later, it up and died…. And the computer guy I talked to said that’s about how long they’ll last. I have to say, that was a great gift! My laptop was a gift too, but I knew about it since a laptop basically becomes an extension of yourself, so they need to be hand picked….
I have got to get me your Sexy Beast books! Are all of them still available in print format somewhere?
Carrie
by Carrie from Wisconsin · May 6th, 2009 at 12:39 pmHi Carrie: yep–all the Sexy Beast and Wolf Tales books are available. If you can’t find them in the local bookstores (both Borders and B&N tend to stock a lot of them) you can order them directly from the publisher at http://www.kensingtonbooks.com Just type my name into the search engine, and the entire list will come up.
by Kate Douglas · May 6th, 2009 at 12:41 pmThanks Kate!
by Carrie from Wisconsin · May 6th, 2009 at 12:54 pmI love interacting with friends on the net. This year, I was kind of hurt when my family, including my mom, forgot my birthday. But my online friends didn’t let me down and helped me celebrate, even if it was long distance. So I love the interaction online a lot.
by Nancy Gilliland · May 6th, 2009 at 9:16 pmKate, I can honestly say the internet has changed my life for the best.
You see, I met my husband in a chat room. I know what you are thinking! But I had lost my first husband to cancer in 2001. I was lonely and a friend advised me to go to this Over 40 chat room and “just talk”.
My third time in the room, Don signed on. We hit it off and within a week we were dating. We have been married 1 1/2 years. I could not have asked for a more loving and caring man. And he sure has brought out my wold side, if you know what I mean!
I have more friends due to the internet than I would have.
Keep up the writing! Love your books.
Sheri
by Sheri · May 6th, 2009 at 10:09 pmNancy, the same thing has happened to me, where my “real world” friends have totally forgotten I exist, but my online friends are always around. Hope you had a happy birthday anyway!
Sheri, that is just too cool, and I’m amazed by the number of couples who have connected online. As busy as our lives are, though, it makes sense!
by Kate Douglas · May 7th, 2009 at 12:58 amWINNER! I want to announce my winner–it’s Loretta Wilson. Loretta, please contact me so I can figure out what book to send to you!
Thanks so much, everyone, for your comments and for stopping by. This has been a lot of fun!!!
by Kate Douglas · May 7th, 2009 at 1:07 amThanks Kate, Will be letting you know which one I want. Enjoyed reading all the comments left here.
by Loretta Wilson · May 8th, 2009 at 4:23 amI have to agree I love J.R. Wards books I am also hooked. That was so awesome she did that for you. I agree the internet has changed my life so much also. I have made great friends from lots of places. If not for the internet I wouldn’t have know how to get my daughter a 2nd opinion when she was born & have a team for her medical needs. SO it is amazing the people we meet & friends we make also.
Annette
by Annette Woods · May 8th, 2009 at 12:00 pmAnnette, that’s a really important aspect of the ‘net–doing research for important medical information. I know that the website I do for our son’s friend, Ross Dillon, has had over a hundred thousand hits for people looking for information on traumatic brain injury. Ross was hit by a car when he was on a training ride on his bike seven years ago. He was 25 years old. Now he’s 32 and still unable to care for himself. I’m glad you were able to find the information you needed.
by Kate Douglas · May 8th, 2009 at 3:52 pmKate yes I agree the internet is remarkable for for medical info we also have a website on our daughter to not sure how many hits we did it thru a webring with other families also in that area. That had to be hard on him & his family I am glad they were able to share their story & do a webpage I know that helps when you can help to. Thank You for sharing.
by Annette Woods · May 8th, 2009 at 4:00 pmAnnette
Blogging can be fun can’t it. I would love to win this book. Friday is my birthday so that would be a great gift. Have a great week.
by Gina · May 12th, 2009 at 9:42 pmSorry, Gina! I gave the book away on the 7th…this blog was a week ago!
by Kate Douglas · May 12th, 2009 at 11:59 pm