Where do I even begin? How will I ever get through it all? Do you really need details? Is it necessary to learn that two girls, when thwarted in their casual effort to pick up a bottle of Blanton’s, will go on a rampage that ends in frantic calls to stores to put what is, apparently, the last bottle in the state on hold? Yes, on hold. Or that this ridiculousness will be followed by an even more frantic drive across town, a sprint through a parking lot, and a breathless entrance to a store about to close? And how would you feel to learn that the bottle presented was one of those little airplane ones? Cute. Very cute. Love the small horse on top. But the two girls would not hide their horrified amazement. Luckily for everyone involved the (cough) amusing gentlemen behind the counter produced the real deal and no one got hurt.

Or would you rather hear about the cows? Or, more importantly, the previously unknown talents that the divine Renee Rosen possesses in the field of Cow Whispering? Betcha didn’t even know there were Cow Whisperers. Pictures here. It made for quite a New Year’s Eve.

Or I could regale you with stories of yesterday afternoon, which I spent snuggled in a bathtub with the fabulous J.T. Ellison. We were hiding from a tornado. Fear not–despite the location, I remained a good hostess. Served my girl tea in the tub. In retrospect, I should probably have given her gin. Preferably, of course, the bathtub variety.

But instead of going into detail about any of the above nonsense, I’m going to tell you about the coolest contest I’ve yet seen put on for an author. My dear friend and brilliant writer, Jon Clinch, is soon to celebrate the release of his debut novel, Finn, in trade paperback. Now. I am certain that none of our readers need be told this novel is nothing short of a stunning achievement. I expect that each of you owns no fewer than three copies of the hardcover. But here’s the thing: you need to pick up the paperback as well. Because there are some subtle differences. Read it again; see if you can find them.

But I digress. Imagine that! : )

(And, yes, that’s a space in the smiley emoticon. I don’t like squished smilies. Get over it.)

Random House is sponsoring a rather amazing contest for the trade edition of Finn: Design a menu for a meal to be eaten when your book group discusses the novel. If your culinary proposal is the best, Jon will come speak to your book club and donate a classroom set of the book to your local high school. And, I imagine, partake of the undoubtedly divine meal. How cool is that???? You know you want to win and you know you can come up with something good. Jon’s the judge, and I assure you he has impeccable taste. So don’t forget to test those recipes….

Complete entry information here.

Next week, I’ll be back with Virtual Cocktails. My guest will be the delightful Deanna Raybourn, fellow member of the Society for the Preservation of Authors Who Write About Young Victorian Widows. Ok. So, yeah, we’re the only two members. This is an exclusive group, people! EXCLUSIVE! You won’t want to miss a thing. Trust me. Send in your questions!

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention that the trade paperback of A Poisoned Season went on sale everywhere this week (evidence here). If you have a heart, ya might pick up a copy. You know, help out a girl who narrowly escaped a tornado….

And with that, I think I’ve bludgeoned you enough for one day. Have a fantastic weekend. And if you’re looking for Blanton’s, call first. I hear it’s on backorder after the Christmas rush.

xo
Tasha