Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Nothing Better than a Group of Girlfriends


by Sarah Pekkanen

You know the saying “lucky in love”? I’m lucky in girlfriends. During the past decade, especially, I find myself feeling exceedingly grateful for the funny, warm, supportive women in my life – the kind of friends I can call on at a moment’s notice for a pep talk, glass of wine, good laugh, or, best of all, mix of the three. That’s why I’m so happy to be part of this blog, to connect with a new group of writer and reader friends.

Publishing is a funny business. Every one of us cycles through ups and downs, bad reviews and good sales weeks, disastrous book-signings in which two people show up and the manager is forced to make strained small talk with us for three hours, and days when the luminous words in our heads evaporate into wisps at the precise moment we sit down before our computers. It’s why we need to support each other – to offer up a chilled glass of generously-portioned Chardonnay (sip steadily; repeat as necessary).

I’ve heard dire predictions about the future of publishing - “No one reads anymore!” “Kindles will make books obsolete!” – and yet, in the midst of it all, I’ve also noticed a wonderful kind of backlash: Women authors reaching out a hand to others, spreading the word about new books they love and infusing publishing with a fresh burst of energy.

For me, it happened when Jennifer Weiner read an advance copy of my debut novel, The Opposite of Me, and decided to do something extraordinary. She held a one-day giveaway in which she signed and sent off copies of her book to every single person who pre-ordered my novel (yes, I can hardly believe it either)!

It’s an incredible story, but it gets better. Emily Giffin saw what Jennifer did – and held a nearly-identical giveaway for another new author named Irene Zutell, who wrote a terrific book called Pieces of Happily Ever After. Since then, I can barely navigate the Internet without tripping over similar shows of support - Jen Lancaster champions the new Stacy Ballis novel, Good Enough to Eat; Julie Buxbaum turns over her blog to an author who is in turn trying to get attention for yet another author’s books; and now Jen Weiner is launching a big on-line book club (check out her FB page to follow along http://www.facebook.com/JenniferWeiner?ref=ts ). This blog just began, but already, we're all celebrating each other’s new covers, re-tweeting our colleagues’ glowing reviews, and joining forces for book giveaways.

Some people might say this is a tough time to be writing books…. but in a way, I think it’s the best time ever.  So, in the spirit of girlfriends and book-lovers, I’d like to offer a book written by any of the contributors to this blog (you can see all the names in the list on the right-hand side of this blog). Leave a comment letting me know which book you’d like and I’ll pick a winner using random.org and buy it for you.

Happy reading – and writing!

31 comments:

  1. I know that it's not out yet, but I would love the chance to win "The Love Godess' Cooking School" by Melissa Senate. Thanks!

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  2. What a lovely piece! Women can get so much done when we come together!

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  3. This is the sweetest, most inspiring post. And yes, girl power is the best. This coming from a proud alum of Smith College. And thank you for paying it forward. May your generosity be infinitely contagious.

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  4. Couldn't agree more, Sarah, about the amazing generosity of female authors. I see it every day, whether on Facebook or Twitter or a blog--someone commenting with support, RTing good news, a shout-out about a new release, advice about the biz, etc.

    And congratulations to YOU on your review of Sophie Kinsella's Mini Shopaholic in today's Washington Post!!! http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/21/AR2010092105371.html

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  5. This is such a true and wonderful post, Sarah. When I got into this business four years ago, I had no idea what to expect--I worried it would be lonely, but like you, I was thrilled to discover this wonderful community of women writers--who are fun, smart, supportive--and who I now consider friends. It's amazing.

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  6. I, too, have been so lucky with writer friends. I swear they are some of the nicest people in the world.

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  7. Girl power! I love this post, Sarah! And I, too, am so thrilled to be a part of the Girlfriends Book Club!!

    Off to read your Washington Post review.... (Thanks, Melissa, for linking!!)

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  8. Thanks everyone - and don't forget to list which book you'd like to win!

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  9. I'm three months pregnant with my first book (release date is March 29, 2011) and SO GLAD to discover this blog! Thanks for providing this! I will be back often.

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  10. Oh, man, I wrote a piece about Girl Power for next week! Now you'll think I'm a big copycat. ;-) I, too, am really glad to know (and continue to meet) such wonderful women in this business. It's very heartening! Congrats on everything, Sarah!

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  11. I'd love to read any of the books by your contributors. Always open to new stories! :)

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  12. I'd love to read any of the books by your contributors. Always open to new stories! :)

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  13. I totally love the camaraderie between authors. It's so nice to see everyone working together. I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know some amazing women this way (including you) too. :) I love how the writing business is not competitive and catty the way other arts professions are.

    Anyway, I'm with Jonita in wanting the new Melissa Senate novel. :)

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  14. I would love to read Girl Stolen by April Henry! It is on my to read list!! thank you so much- what a great blog!
    shannonjean14@yahoo.com

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  15. What a wonderful and generous idea. I would love to read Frenemies by Megan Crane. Thank you!

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  16. Sarah, your own warmth and generosity shines through on this post ;).

    I have to say, the incredible supportiveness and helpfulness of other writers has astounded me throughout my publishing journey -- including great acts of kindness by many of the writers here on this blog. (Love you all!) I feel really fortunate to have met such fabulous writing friends along the way...

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  17. Sarah, you are a rock star! Girl (women) Power is the best. If only we ruled the world! Maybe someday :)

    I've always wanted to read Brenda Janowitz's books, but honestly any book by any of the fabulous writers we have on this blog will be a treat!

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  18. Oh my gosh, how much fun! You are so nice to offer this! First, I would love a copy of your new book! I don't know if that counts since it hasn't come out yet, but there it is. If not, I would love to win a copy of Souvenir by Therese Fowler.
    Thanks!

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  19. Great post Sarah! You've got to be a good girlfriend to be lucky in girlfriends is my belief. I would love to read The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate. I've been looking for it in my local bookstores since it first came out, but haven't been able to get my hands on a copy.

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  20. My saying on my book blog book end babes has been books rock, girlfriends rule. I love being a part of this blog and sharing our stories. Great post. Thank you for being a light shining on other authors.

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  21. I feel so joyful to see these talented women working together to spread each other's names and work.

    I would love to have a copy of Melissa Senate's 'The Love Goddess' Cooking School' when it's out...reading and cooking, my favorite combo!

    Thanks Sarah, as always, you rock!

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  22. I would love to read any of the contributors novels! Jenny Gardiner's Slim to None sounds right up my alley.

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  23. Very nice article. I'll have to return when I have more time to read the rest of the articles and check out the other authors. Since I am new to your work also, if I'd win, I'd like a copy of either The Opposite of Love or your new book that will be coming out.

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  24. I'd love to read Girl, Stolen by April Henry - it sounds like a really interesting read!

    It's so nice of you to do this, Sarah - this shows that not all girls are out to stab each other in the back, some really are here to help! :)

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  25. Sarah I love this and so fun to read these posts! You met me in New York and know I am a huge reader so I would say if I won I would be thrilled if you chose the book. Too many excellent authors here and book choices for me to pick!

    Thanks!

    Sheila
    journeythroughbooks@gmail.com

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  26. Thank you so much for the lovely comments, everyone! And Susan - no worries, more girl power posts would be great! :)

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  27. What a wonderful way to celebrate girlfriends. I would love to win anything by Alison Pace. Thank you for always be willing to do these awesome giveaways, and supporting your fellow authors!

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  28. I would absolutely love to read "The Opposite of Me."

    Thanks for sharing such a heartwarming post.

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  29. Susan Mo wins Frenemies! Thanks so much for the kind words, everyone.... and happy weekend! xoxo

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  30. Utterly awesome! Gotta love good karma. What you put out in the universe comes back. Way to go to all the big names who are helping out the up and comers. It proves my theory that there IS enough room on the shelves for all of us, even if they're cyber shelves.

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