Monday 4 April 2011

I love the blogosphere! Just look at this!

Don't ever think blogging isn't worth it! I've learnt so much with all the writing practise participating in blogfests gives me, I've benefited from valued feedback from other bloggers regarding my stories, I've made great blogging friends who I wished lived next door, I've learnt a little about other cultures, belief systems and genres, I love all the awards you've been generous to pass onto me, but for instant gratification I love winning! Winning, you say? Yep, I've been a winner a lot lately and I'd like to give credit to the generous bloggers who've judged me and sent me prizes. In no particular order, let me list my recent winnings:


  • Remember The Bernard Pivot Blogfest? Well, I won! The prize just arrived recently! Thank you to Nicole Duclerior from One Significant Moment in Time who sent me this bunch of goodies below:

It includes the short story anthology, Literary Foray. Nicole has signed it, there is a story by Nicole and several by blogger Jessica Bell et al. Can't wait to stop blogging and start reading! And I'm totally addicted to pens so if you want to keep me happy just send me pens! But there's more!. I also can buy books to the value of $20 on Amazon, so I'm going to buy Ann Carbine Best's In the Mirror and another TBA. Thank you Nicole. You are such a generous blogger.

  • Dominic de Mattos of Writes of Passage hosted a No Fear blogfest. I entered an excerpt from one of my 'strong women' stories where my MC is escaping her father's abuse, and lo and behold it was voted the winner! If you'd like to read it, go here.
The prize was $30 which was a lovely gift to receive. Thanks Dom!



  • Then J. C. Martin, the Fighter Writer ran a contest, the Race to 200. You had to enter a story where your character is racing. My story showed my MC racing through the streets of LA to save her daughter. You can read my entry here. For me, winning this contest was fantastic. So was the thrilling review my story received from Genna:

MEET ME AT UNION STATION by L’Aussie @ Flashquake


Genna says:

“L’Aussie opens her scene with great attention to detail and with a dire sense of urgency, which translates into a fast-paced snippet that was impossible to stop reading! The intermingling of action, inner thought, and dialogue is ingenious, as every word moves the story along in one way or another. I love the raw emotions she conveys in a matter of paragraphs. This is a testament to her strong control of language and plot structure. She builds suspense through short, terse sentences. I’m hooked!”


My prize arrived recently, Stephen King's The Running Man. Thank you, thank you J. C. Martin!

  • This morning the lovely Lynda R Young from A Writer's Journey advised me I came third in a draw on her blog which was to celebrate 500 followers. My prize is a critique of 250 words of a WIP. Boy, the fun never stops! Thank you Lynda.
  • And Roland D Yeomans is sending me an autographed copy of a Dean Koontz novel. How sweet is that!
  • And the lovely Nomes from Inkcrush is sending me a book this morning just because I commented and just because she's generous and loves to pass books on!
Now there are plenty of contests I've entered and not won (which is more usual for me) but I just wanted to share what a happy winning streak I'm on at the moment. They say "it's more blessed to give than receive" and I"ve loved sending books and packs of goodies to those who won prizes at my Publication Party. Watch out for my next celebrations where I can continue returning the generosity in the blogosphere.


And I should finish with the lovely bunch of roses my husband gave me. Aren't they gorgeous?!

Try to have a listen to Jessica Bell's video promoting her debut novel below. It got lost amongst the A - Z Challenge madness.

Remember my A - Z posts are found on my L'Aussie Travel Blog. Visit a country a day. Fun!


44 comments:

Len Lambert said...

I wish you lived next door :) It's sad I didn't join the A-Z Blog Challenge blogfest. I'm afraid I'm too busy at the moment that I won't be able to post every day. I'm so behind reading my favourite blogs so I hope you forgive me for not being able to visit often. But you know I heart you! :)

Maggie said...

Congrats!

I won an award today, too, and was feeling rather guilty about it. Some people just don't want them. I feel so much better that you enjoy them as much as I do.

Wow, you did great!

Grandpa said...

Wow Denise, well-done! Let me be the first to congratulate you. Well, never mind if I'm the second or third or even fourth - congratulations!

Len Lambert said...

...and congratulations!!!! Sorry wasn't able to say when I posted my first comment.

Denise Covey said...

Len: Yes I've missed you but life is atrociously busy at times. Thanks for coming by!

Thingy: I can't understand people not wanting awards but I guess they don't want to take the time to reply and do the things you're sometimes asked to. I think we should be thankful someone thought of us. I am. You are. And many others are. Sweet as.

Grandpa: Thanks so much. It's been a good haul, hey?

Denise<3

Lisa Potts said...

So happy for you! It's wonderful when those winning streaks pop up, isn't it? Here's hoping it keeps on going and going like the Energizer Bunny.

Michael Di Gesu said...

WOW! You did have a great month or so! Congrats! Not only talented, but lucky... Roses, too.

Denise Covey said...

Lisa: Doesn't happen often enough!

Michael: Was pretty good. Roses were a nice touch.

RaShelle Workman said...

I love the blogosphere. Congrats on the roses and the lovely review. =D

Denise Covey said...

RaShelle: Thank you. You're so sweet.

Denise<3

Anonymous said...

I just saw that you're going to buy my book. That made my day! I so hope you'll enjoy it.

This A to Z is so much fun. There are so many amazingly creative people "out there"!!!

I didn't lose Jessica Bell. I watched her haunting video. I'm excited to read HER book when it comes out.

Denise Covey said...

Ann, I can't wait to buy your book or Jessica's. I'm amongst such wonderful writers.

Yes I'm enjoying the A - Z immensely.

Denise<3

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Congrats with all your amazing wins! The blogsphere is an amazing place full of amazing and generous people. You deserve all those prizes and more!

Unknown said...

Look at all the loot you've scored in blog contests!! Right on! Thanks for the title of the book you want -- I'll order it tomorrow. Looking forward to it!!

Thanks for the lovely email, Denise! Have a wonderful week!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Wow. You're a regular Jack Sparrow, making off with all that bounty!! Congratulations, Roland

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wow! Congratulations, Denise. Contest wnning hog! Guess that should tell you something about the quality of your writing.

Denise Covey said...

Lynda: Thanks sweets.

Nicole: Thank you again.Awesome prize.

Roland: Yes, I should be ashamed of myself.

Alex: Well, never thought of that, ha ha.

Michelle in a shell said...

Congratulations on your successes! You deserve them.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Michelle!

Nomes said...

I agree the blogosphere is awesome.

I have also been amazed at authors who take time out of their day to track me down and email me to say thanks for my thoughts about their book. Stuff like that really does make my day :)

erica and christy said...

congrats! enjoy all your prizes and roses! christy

J.L. Campbell said...

That's pretty cool. Have fun reading and basking in your gifts.

Unknown said...

Wow, that is so cool! Enjoy the loot! I'm so happy for you.

The Words Crafter said...

Woohoo!!!!! Yay for you, congratulations!!!!!

And I wish we could all just meet up on some island and have a great big party :)

Enjoy your fabulous prizes and happy Monday!

Dawn Embers said...

The blogosphere is an amazing place. It's awesome that you've won those and I know on at least one, I voted for you. :-D

I've won giveaways, mostly books though once was a little jewelry box, on different blogs and those are always fun. I haven't won any of the contests but I figure it's good practice for those rejections that like the work but it just wasn't for the agent. Good to start off small and be prepared right?

It's all fun so far and I can't imagine being without my blogger friends.

Denise Covey said...

Nomes: Yes, that is great when that happens. Makes the 'sphere special.

erica and christy, J L Campbell, Clarissa: Thanks so much.

Words Crafter: I will. You too. Yes wouldn't that be fun!

Dawn: Thanks for your vote! We need each other. Keep plugging away. Your day will come.

Anonymous said...

Awesome stuff L'Aussie! Well done! I can't wait to read your entries on the two writing contests you won, so amazing! I applaud any one who enters let alone WINS! WELL DONE!

You might win again- I am running a little comp to celebrate 1 year of blogging!

Enjoy your prizes!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Alison. Why not? I'll be over.

Nas said...

Congratulations on a great lucky month!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Nas!

dolorah said...

You're on a roll Denise ;) That's awesome.

......dhole

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Donna, I am aren't I?

Francine Howarth said...

Hi,

When on a winning streak go for the big one! I'm so hoping you've subbed a novel this year.

BTW: when's your (long ago mentioned)blogfest gonna hit the blogosphere?

I'm thinking on one to celebrate the end of this A-Z jamboree. But I am sure going to limit sign-up numbers: 35 more than enough. I believe in sharing the love with fellow blogfest hosts. Too many participants and it's impossible to get around to everyone, and I've seen blogfests with fewer than 9 players. ;)

best
F

Denise Covey said...

Hi Francine. I think one after April would be great. I have the idea just need the get up and go!

Denise<3

L'Aussies Travel Blog A - Z Challenge Posts

Talei said...

WOW!! You great big winner you! Congrats!!! ;-) Loving the roses your hubby gave you. Beautiful.

Jules said...

Sounds like you were born with luck, shall we visit a casino together?! :)

Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

Congrats on all the recent wins! How exciting that must have been for you. Long may the good times continue!
Judy (South Africa)

Talli Roland said...

I'm here despite your advice! :) Because I love your blog!

Looks like you've been doing really well around the blogosphere! Gotta love it.

Tiger85 said...

congradulations on your review and all your gifts for winning. I'll take a look at your stories. Can't wait to read them. =)

http://tigeronmybookshelf.blogspot.com/

Alleged Author said...

Congrats on your win!

Denise Covey said...

Talei, Jules, Judy, Talli, Tiger, Alleged: Thank you all. So sweet! I hope my run continues.

Denise<3

Theresa Milstein said...

WOW! Congratulations on all your wins! I should keep track of mine and give shout outs too.

I hope your run continues too.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Theresa. So do I.

Rachael Harrie said...

Well done Denise, such awesome wins (and all merit-based too, go you)!!! Sounds like all those goodies will keep you busy reading for ages :)

Hugs,

Rach