Deeanne Gist - www.deeannegist.com - Inspirational Romance Author

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May 07, 2007

Exciting Happenings!

COURTING TROUBLE has come off the presses! A copy arrived in my mailbox last week and that means they are being boxed up and shipped to stores as we speak!

There is always something really special about seeing the finished product. This time as I flipped through the book, I noticed something at the very end of the book that I had heard BHP was thinking of doing, but had never actually heard it was a "go."

This is what I found:

I don't know if you can read it very well on here, but it basically says that if readers come to my website I will:

Gather your ideas for what should happen to the main character (Essie) in the sequel
Give you early glimpses of the sequel as the book takes shape
Give you an opportunity to share your favorite moments of COURTING TROUBLE with other fans
Chat with you about books, writing and more

Well ... needless to say, I shot of an urgent message to my web designer saying, "Ohmygosh! We need to set up a Discussion Board asap!!"

True to character, my web designer got right on it and she is putting together a special web forum that all of us can go to for expanded discussions on COURTING TROUBLE and its sequel, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE.

She gave me a sneak peek at the forum and it looks soooooo cool! I can't wait to get it up and running so we can all go over and play. We are tenatively scheduling the "Grand Opening" of the web forum for May 21st. So ... mark your calendars!!

I was thinking we needed some kind of link on the side here to the web forum. Any ideas of what we could call it so readers will know what it is? What kind of icon should we use to designate it?

P.S. We have winners for the Leave a Comment Contests. I'm just waiting to gather pictures of the winners and hope to announce them on Thursday. But we have started another contest, so if you want to be eligible to win an advance copy of COURTING TROUBLE, then leave a comment today!

posted by Deeanne on 05/07/2007

Comments: 45

AP said...

I can't wait to read the book!

5/7/2007

Barb said...

Wo, you're gonna be a bizzy girl with all of that! I think the book cover could make a great icon for a fan forum, tho maybe it's too detailed if you want something small. We need to read the book to get icon ideas from Essie's life!!!! Any hints of what she's into, Miz Dee???

5/7/2007

Deeanne said...

Essie is into bicycles, bloomers and sliding down banisters!

5/7/2007

Sylvia M. said...

Hi, Deeanne, I am one of the winners and have sent a picture in response to the e-mail I received. Did the e-mail go through OK? I am very excited to read the new book!:)

5/7/2007

Deb said...

How exciting!! I can't wait to get a store copy! Since I have been so lucky to already have read about Essie, I think a Bicycle icon would be perfect!

5/7/2007

Sharlene MacLaren said...

I'm reading the book now. You guys are gonna love it. As for the bicycle icon, cute idea. However, we need a caption like, hm, "TROUBLE MAKERS, click here!" Shar

5/7/2007

Katybug said...

Oh Dee, THAT is going to be SO FUN!!!! I love the title of your next book...spoken like a true Texan! :-) Shar's idea about Trouble Makers--SPOT ON! GREAT IDEA! :-) Katy

5/7/2007

Barb said...

"Trouble makers"--oh my! To click or not to click?! How funny... :oD

5/7/2007

EJ said...

Oh, well, I guess I'd better leave a comment! I'll have to read the book if I'm going to leave helpful suggestions! It looks great and I'm looking forward to it.

5/7/2007

Deeanne said...

LOL, Shar. I *love* TROUBLE MAKERS. That is hilarious!!! Dare we do it?

5/7/2007

Sharlene MacLaren said...

DARE WE DO IT? We are talking Dee Gist's website. Of course, we dare to do it. Who are we if we're not trouble-makers? hee-hee You guys are in for a treat with this one. Let me just say, prepare yourselves. Uh, Dee, the ending...ah, well, I WILL say you have whet my appetite for "Trouble 2" Keep those computer keys in motion! Group Hug, Shar

5/7/2007

Rachel said...

Deeanne- My mom and I have both read your other books more than once. We can't wait to find "Courting Trouble" in the stores!

5/7/2007

Jenster said...

DARE! DARE! "Trouble Makers" is PERFECT! Oh boy! One more place for me to go to as I'm trying to avoid those dirty dishes. LOL

5/7/2007

Meg Moseley said...

Yes! Trouble Makers is entirely appropriate for Essie. Go for it, Dee!

5/7/2007

Bernadine said...

Looking forward to reading the book.

5/7/2007

Belinda said...

I love Trouble Makers. And I can't wait to read Courting Trouble.

5/7/2007

Deeanne said...

Oh, nooooo! I'm scared to call it Trouble Makers. I already get myself into enough *trouble* as it is!! Oh, golly. I can feel myself succumbing to peer pressure already. I'm gonna see my editor next week. I'll run it by him and see what he says.

Oh, golly. Oh, golly. Will y'all ocme with me??

5/7/2007

HeathahLee said...

I'm so looking forward to reading "Courting Trouble!" I would love to be a part of the discussion group, but seeing as how I'd forget my head if it weren't glued down, I'll probably forget! Maybe I won't be able to contain myself after reading, and I'll remember! =)

5/7/2007

Barb said...

Sure, we'll come with ya, Miz Dee! Is it a lunch meeting or should we dress strictly for bizness?! Frankly "trouble makers" sounds much snappier than "trouble courters," esp for a forum click-on. Or is it the word "trouble" in any form that troubles you??? You could consider something like "cycling enthusiasts," buuuuuut I think Shar picked the real winner with her "trouble maker." Just tell your editor that ALL have sinned--or made trouble--and fallen short of the glory of God, so it's not inappropriate for a Christian author to use that phrase on her website!

5/8/2007

Sylvia said...

You could call it "Bridge Over Troubled Water"!

5/8/2007

Sharlene MacLaren said...

Dee, Dee, do not fear thy editor. Simply direct him to our blog comments regarding the "Trouble Makers" pun, and it will put his mind at ease as he will immediately see what a bunch of innocents we really are. We are all innocents, right? (Or is your editor a she? This could make a difference, as she editors tend to be a bit more strict in their thinking.) Hugs and giggles, Shar

5/8/2007

Meagan said...

Trouble Makers is definately a winner!! I can't wait to actually read the book! Ever since I finished Lady I have been patiently waiting for Trouble to hit the shelves! Almost there! WooHoo!

5/8/2007

Barb said...

Oo Shar--What's that in the parentheses? Female editors tend to be stricter than male editors? That sounds interesting! What's the scoop on that thought???

5/8/2007

Ashley said...

LOL, Good thing you get your copies before everyone else, Dee. A discussion forum sounds like fun. Can't wait to read the book!

5/8/2007

Sharlene MacLaren said...

Barb, I have no idea. After I hit 'Post Comments', I thought to myself...there I go again, sayin' stuff before I think. Barb's gonna get me on this one. Now, you see why I thought "Trouble Makers" was a good name for the discussion forum. tsk,tsk... Hugs all around, Shar

5/8/2007

Teal said...

Can't wait to read Courting Trouble and see the discussion board! Please enter me in the contest too ;) In His grip, Teal :)

5/9/2007

DMateer said...

This book looks so fun! When does it come out so I can buy a copy? (Just in case I don't win one.)

5/9/2007

Barb said...

I don't believe it Shar! It musta been some intuition of yours? I think Miz Dee's editor is a guy? Is he a prison warden or a pussycat, Miz Dee?

5/9/2007

Deeanne said...

I have two editors. I guy and a girl. The girl does my editorial edits and is as sweet as pie. The guy is in charge of everything else regarding me (including what I might want to name my web forum). He is really sweet, too, and hardly ever tells me "no." But when I do outrageous things, he gets this ... look on his face. Like my dad used to when I was 16. Ya know? And I respect him so much, I don't want to do anything that might concern him.

In the meanwhile ... feel free to offer any other suggestions you might have!! Who knows. When I tell him what y'all have cooked up, he may laugh and say, "Go for it." I'll let you know, one way or the other!

5/9/2007

Barb said...

I s'pose if we were really polite we'd invite Mr Guy Editor into the discussion, so he can see what fun-loving and exciting fans Miz Dee has helpin' her with click-on names! Give him a call and invite him over, Miz Dee!

5/9/2007

Valerie Comer said...

Is the forum *only* to be used for this particular project or will it be an ongoing forum for as long as you're writing books? (May you live long and prosper!) Might be fun to have something with your last name in it, but I haven't got the catchy phrase at the tip of my fingers. Something to do with the Gist Of It. Or something. :P

5/9/2007

Deeanne said...

That's a great point, Valerie. Actually, we'll be able to discuss any of my books and all kinds of other things (besides the TROUBLE books). And, yes, we are planning for this to be a long-term project. Anybody want to piggyback onto Val's "Gist" idea?

5/9/2007

Sharlene MacLaren said...

Dee, I have a book signing at my local Barnes & Noble this Saturday and I went in to see what needs to be done yet and what they've done for publicity, etc. Anyway, went into the "Religious" section and there was Courting Trouble! Woo-Hoo. It's official, folks. Dee's book is on the shelves! And guess what, Dee, mine was a couple shelves away. It felt good to be your neighbor! (smile) Hugs to all! Shar

5/9/2007

Crystal said...

Dee, I love the idea about asking the readers opinion on what could happen to Essie in the future!! You are an amazing author, both of your well written novels are on my books I have read more than 5 times list and they are the only books on that list : ) Keep them coming, I am off to buy Courting Trouble tomorrow. I can't wait I will consume it in a day I am sure!!! God Bless- Crystal

5/9/2007

Angela said...

Dee, I'm sure you forum will be as succesful as your books. I love the community that you've created. And I'm headed to the bookstore this weekend to buy Courting Trouble. I'm running short on reading material because I'm usually in the kiddie section of the library...though my son and I both checked out books from the "illustrated classics" section this week and I got to read Pride and Prejudice for the first time. Inspiring.

5/10/2007

Narelle said...

Trouble schmuble!!! How about Getting with the Gist or Get the Gist or this is way too long but tickled my funny bone - The Trouble with Getting the Gist - haha!!!

5/10/2007

daisy4given said...

I am so excited to see this!! I have heard you talk about (either in this blog or in an interview, I can't remember) that you hd originally made a three-book deal, so knowing that "Courting Trouble" was going to be your third book, I was scared that it would be a while until we heard from you again. So to know that "Trouble" is going to have a sequel makes me so overjoyed! And I haven't even read "Trouble" yet, but I know I'll love it, and I look forward to chatting in the new message board. YEAY!

5/11/2007

Tiff / Amber said...

Oh my, how I've missed this blog and the interaction. Can't believe it's been months since I've visited. Was all pumped last year after reading Bride and anxiously waiting for Measure, then met Deeanne at the ACFW Conference and had a blast. After that, had to hit the keyboard for multiple book requests from an editor and agent as well as waiting on the news for a contract for my very first book. Got the contract in December, then got engaged in March, and it's been a whirlwind every since! All that to say, after reading the EXCITING news of Deeanne's Christy Award Nomination for Measure of a Lady...I just had to come back here and post. I'm sure Dee's already got the post ready for Monday morning to announce. But I'm happy to post the CONGRATS here too. :) And to weigh in on the forum...I love the idea of "Get the Gist." Fits perfectly for the general discussion board on all things Gist. :)

5/12/2007

Deeanne said...

Huge CONGRATS, Tiff, on the sale of your first book and your engagement! Wow! Blessings are really flowing for you! Glad to hear back from you. And ... thanks!

Daisy: No worries. I'm contracted for a book every June until 2011 so far. That was sweet, though!

5/12/2007

Shauna said...

That's great that you're setting up the forum. I've tried a few but haven't got the hang of them, so I'm looking forward to learning this one. I love that you might have your Grand Opening on May 21. That just so happens to be my birthday! Yipee! Oops, I was supposed to have supper in the oven 15 mins ago. I guess I should go start preparing it. LOL!

5/15/2007

Deeanne said...

Happy Birthday, Shauna!!

5/17/2007

Patricia said...

I am so excited that Courting Trouble is almost out! I would love to have an advanced copy, so put my name in the pot!

5/20/2007

Sunday said...

This should probably wait for a message board, but I want to tell you how much this story touched my heart. In some ways, it is my story, and made me evaluate who I am and why I do what I do. I appreciate the heart you poured into this story. It reminded me that I have worth...this heroine knows who her HERO is. Thank you, Deeanne...and thank you, Jesus.

5/24/2007