Welcome to the…
KNOCK ME FOR A LOOP
CYBER LAUNCH PARTY (Part 2)
As many of you know, Tuesday was the long-awaited release date of KNOCK ME FOR A LOOP. And in addition to doing a little Irish Jig right here in The Dungeon, we had such a nice Cyber Launch Party planned over at AuthorIsland.
Sadly, that did not go so well for me. Everyone else seemed more than capable of commenting—& I can’t thank you enough for dropping in to show your support of my latest release! 
—but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t leave a reply to save my soul. 
Thankfully, the AuthorIsland crew is a heart-y bunch 
& have agreed to let me continue the Cyber Launch Party today in my very own pirate Dungeon, where I know I can post. (’Cause I’m in charge, & Mistress Heidi woudln’t have it any other way. 
)
Here’s what we’re going to do:
#1 — Party like it’s 1799. Or 1999 if you’re a Prince fan. Or 2/2/10 if you’re a “Chicks with Sticks” fan. 
#2 — I will post responses to the comments you guys originally left over at AuthorIsland so you can finally have some answers to your questions & no longer thing I’m a complete slouch for not bothering to pop in & reply on Tuesday. 
#3 — Just like at the original chat, I’ll give away a copy of one of the first “Chicks with Sticks” titles, TANGLED UP IN LOVE or LOVES ME, LOVES ME KNOT to one lucky commentor. (Winner probably won’t be posted until the weekend or early next week, but I’ll draw a name at the end of today’s shindig. 
)
So, as P!nk would say, Let’s get this party started!
AuthorIsland.com asked…
This is the third book in your Chicks With Sticks Trilogy, does it make you a bit sad to see the trilogy end? You’ve had a lot of fun with these books and your readers have fallen in love with these characters!
What’s up next for Heidi Betts?
I have to admit, it is a little sad to see this series coming to an end. I’ve spent so much time with the characters, they feel like family, & I really did have so much fun with them! On the other hand, now that all three books have been released, they’re live & in the world, & we can all go back to visit them as often as we like. 
As for what’s next… Gosh, too much. LOL In June, I’ll have a short story out in Lori Foster’s next benefit collection, with proceeds going to The School for Conductive Learning for children with cerebral palsy & spina bifida. My novella is called “Skin Deep,” but the entire book is titled THE GIFT OF LOVE.
Then in October, I’ll be making my single title paranormal debut with a sexy, funny vampire romance from Kensington Brava. Really excited about this book, & I can’t wait until I’m allowed to start talking about it. The title alone is going to crack people up! 
And at the moment, I’m working on my first new book for Silhouette Desire. It’s called INHERITING HIS SECRET CHRISTMAS BABY & is the last book in the 6-book “Dynasties: The Jarrods” continuity series. I’ve missed writing for Desire, so this has been fun, & I am so loving my characters & storyline. It will be out in December, by the way. (In case you couldn’t tell by the mention of Christmas in the title. *g*)
Leni asked…
I think this was a clever idea for a trilogy and was wondering when did the art of knitting come into your life?
My mom tried several times when I was young to teach me to knit, but it’s something I knew I was just not going to get. I had a better time with crochet & cross-stitch, so I put my craft energies into those instead. Then one day, I tried again & it came to me! (Miracle of miracles. LOL) Ironically, when I first came home from college & announced that I wanted to write romance novels, my parents insisted I do something to make money, so I would knit dishclothes & bath mitts to sell at local craft shops. And now, year’s later, I’m writing romance novels about knitting! My mother gets a huge kick out of that. 
Sharon asked…
Are you working on a new series now?
At the moment, I seem to be working on only stand-alone books…no series. Although the vampire book that will be out in October is actually a three-in-one, so those three connected stories are sort of like a series. And of course I have ideas for more series & trilogies! A writer’s mind never sleeps, it seems. 
Maisey said…
Yay! A a party!! Wow…for a party thrown by Heidi there are a LOT less naked men in here than I thought there would be…
You know, I think it’s possible Maisey jinxed my attendance of the original Launch Party with this remark. The Dungeon Hunks heard her, got their loinclothes in a bunch, & released gremlins into my computer to keep me from attending.
But you’ve gotten your wish now, haven’t you, Maisey? We’ve got Hunks of the Month & Sexy Saturdays to play with. 
Jane said…
I’m curious as to how Bruiser survives the breakup.
Well, aren’t you just going to have to read the book to find out.
Okay, that sounded snarky, but truly, you have to read the book. I’d give too much away if I tried to answer that one. 
Maisey said…
I’m curious about how ZACK will survive the break up!
Ditto, ’cause that would really give too much away. 
Maxine said…
Heidi, I meant to mention that The Book Depository has your books available and they dispatch within 48 hours and it’s free shipping worldwide. I order my books there all the time and receive them in Australia about a week later. Highly recommended!
Thanks so much for mentioning this, Maxine. I get a lot of mail asking where overseas readers can find my books…or complaining that they have to wait months for titles to show up in their corner of the world. The Book Depository really is a great site for buying books, because no matter where you are in the world, they’ll ship to you free of charge! I actually just added links to them to my website for all three “Chicks with Sticks” titles…something I’ve been meaning to do for a while now, so thanks for the reminder. 
Virginia asked…
I know you use to write historicals. Do you see yourself writing historicals again?
Thanks for remembering this, Virginia. Gosh, it was a while ago, but they sure were fun. *g* I don’t have plans to go back to historicals any time in the near future, but you never know. I do have a couple of ideas rattling around in my head, so it could happen. Maybe someday.
Thank you again to everyone who visited AuthorIsland on Tuesday to show your support & encouragement of Zack & Grace’s story. I felt absolutely horrible that I couldn’t pop in to say as much in person, but hopefully today’s Launch Party continuation will make up for that.
So grab a drink & a Dungeon Hunk, & party down, girlfriends! And if you have any more questions about KNOCK ME FOR A LOOP or…whatever…I’ll be here this time, just playing with my little ball of yarn & waiting. 
I surely didn’t MEAN to jinx you! I’m so excited! My kids are in bed, and I get to start Knock any moment now! (bear in mind I’m three hours behind what the time on the post will say!)
But this looks more like a Heidi party to me…is Duane gonna come through in a banana hammock and pass out mixed drinks?
I love it when parties go on for days. Congrats again on the new release, Heidi.
When are the strippers arriving? 
Congrats!
Yay for Heidi! Love the launch party!
Hey, hey hey!!! Now we’re partying!
So sorry Maisey went and jinxed you
: Just kidding Maisey! Computers/internet/software/hardware all have a mind of their own and somedays they just don’t get along 
…simple as that!
Thanks for offering to continue the party and offering up another prize – you’re the bestest!
Have fun and maybe we’ll have to have another party with KNOCK ME FOR A LOOP hits the NYT bestseller list!!!
Congrats Heidi, I got it, I got it, I got it, yesterday at B&N near me at work. They only had 2 on the shelf, I took one and put a bookmark in the other and slapped a great read sticker on it and put several shelf talkers up and the lady who was browsing nearby heard Kelly and I talking about it and putting the stuff up took the last copy, so hopefully the book talkers will drum up more business. So were going to be snowed in Sat. guess who will be reading NMFAL???? huh????i could not post at your party yesterday either.
Hi Heidi! It seems to be jumping in here. I cannot wait to read Tangled and Knock me. I sent out a post last night to the previous blog. Thanks to the efforts of Paula R. and anyone else who donated to the Danielle Fund I was able to order Knock me AND Tangled! Now I just have to wait for it to come in. Plus I am going to read Tangled first so I can get the whole Grace and Zack feel. While I got the “ugly” side when I reviewed He loves me, I want to get the other side. So Hopefully by the end of next week I will be holding both of your books in my hand!!! Don’t be surprised if I send you a really goofy photo of me getting them. I am soooo excited! LMAO!
Woo-hoo! Party like it’s 2/2/10!!!
And I am sooooooooooooo glad to hear “Then in October, I’ll be making my single title paranormal debut with a sexy, funny vampire romance from Kensington Brava.” I can climb back in from the ledge now.
If I had powers great enough to jinx Heidi’s computer, believe me when I say I’d use them for good instead of evil. Well, ok…I’d use them for a cooler evil anyway.
I got more than halfway through KNOCK last night (wanted to wait until teh gremlins weren’t crawling all over me!) and I aim to finish today! Deadlines Shmeadlines…I’m reading a Heidi Betts book!
I’m here, I’m here!
You know, just once I’d like to have an easy morning that isn’t filled with crises & running from the second my feet hit the floor. 
Thank you SO MUCH everyone, for understanding about technical difficulties & being willing to give KNOCK ME FOR A LOOP’s Launch Party a second try! We’ll have fun, I promise. I mean, already with the drinks flowing freely & half-naked chaps running around doing out bidding…does it really *need* to get any better than that?
Maisey~ Chances are Dwayne won’t be making a personal appearance today. There are just too many hormonal women in The Dungeon at the moment & Mistress Heidi is quite possessive of her #1 Dungeon Hunk.
He will, however, be delivering sweet & fruity mixed drinks to me on a regular basis. I will be in a hammock…& so will he. 
You are a fast reader, btw! Hope you’re enjoying Zack & Grace…& that your editor never finds out you blew her off for me.
Thanks, Raelena & Leigh!
Jane~ It’s obvious you were wearing your very dark shades when you arrived. They are here already, dancing away. Don’t you hear the strip club music in the background?
Hope you brought plenty of dollar bills!
AuthorIsland~ From your fingertips to God’s ears! And thank you so much for agreeing to let me continue the party over here. I just felt so badly for not being able to participate on Tuesday, after all the work you’d put into it & all the promoting we’d both done… Oy.
I had to find some way to let readers know I’m not a totally snob who can’t be bothered showing up to my own party. LOL And, hey, I never mind hawking KNOCK a little more. Just love this story & I soooo want everyone else to, too!
Yay, Barb!!! So glad you found a copy of KNOCK so quickly!
And I swear, it’s that kind of enthusiasm & word of mouth that gets other readers eager to read the books, so thank you! 
Danielle~ Saw your comment from yesterday—whoo-hoo on being able to order them…& getting such a great deal, too.
You’re gonna have to read fast, tho, to catch up on TANGLED *&* KNOCK before everybody else does. He he. 
Congrats on the new release. I had to stop by today for Cyber Launch Party Part 2.
Pam~ LOL Shoulda known that would be the part to perk you up.
Seriously, tho, I’m glad to hear you’re anticipating my paranormal debut. I’m nervous, but really excited, too! Just wait, wait, wait till you hear the title & find out what it’s about. 
Hi, Andrea! Thanks for popping in…& being willing to follow the party train over here.
Hope you enjoy our bottomless bottles of cyber bubbly & half-naked hunk-a-doodles. 
Heidi,
Not too worried about reading fast. On a normal day that I don’t have to work at a grocery store I can read as many as 4 books a day. I am what people like to call a speed reader. But kids, husbands, and life has a tendency to interfere. However, when I was reading Love Me I got really nasty lol. Didn’t want to put the book down. i know that is how I am going to be with these two.
Heidi, I’m glad we got to continue your launch party here. And I’m also glad to say I ordered all 3 books in this trilogy from The Book Depository where they are on special. It cost me $20. Yeah! And free postage and they send within 48 hours. Double yeah!
Do I sound excited? You bet I am. I can’t wait to read your stories, plus I get a good deal on them that doesn’t detract from an author’s royalties.
Enjoy your launch!
Woot!! Partying like its 2/2/10!!! Loving the book!!!
Err…what are you talking about? I didn’t blow off my editor…I swear…(come on! you’re gonna get me in trouble!) JK.
And I swear with Duane I only want to look…not touch. I’m a one man woman!
The book is fantastic! I can’t wait to read more! I shall wait until I am not At My Children’s Beck and Call (which is, BTW, not a Presents title you’ll any time soon!)
Yay for second chances.
I missed you at Cyber Launch party…but I just love your Dungeon.
And lovely emoticons
This sounds like a wonderful series and I am looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on the new release!!
Dwayne is safe from me. However, Bradley….not so much!
I have I mentioned this already?…
Zack!!! well if I haven’t I 
Zack.
I
Danielle~ Ah, how I envy you. I was never that fast a reader, but there was a time when I could go thru a bk or 2 in a day.
Hi, Maxine~ Ever since you reminded me about The Book Depository, I’ve been pointing folks in that direction. Esp. overseas readers who can have trouble finding my books right away otherwise.
I hope you enjoy all of the “Chicks” once they arrive.
Thank you, Hollie!!!
Maisey~ You’re right about that not being a very good romance title…but it’s probably the #1 reason we all read fiction to begin with. Children can be so very demanding.
Armenia~ Welcome! So happy to have you with us today! Yet another reason to keep the party going…for anyone who missed it on Tuesday.
Glad you like the emoticons, btw. We’re awfully proud of them…& have a blast changing them every few months. 
Laura~ You have, in fact, mentioned it, but since I never grow tired of hearing that sort of thing, feel free to mention it again another two or three thousand times.
Hi, Rebekah! Welcome & thanks for joining us! Did you get a drink? A half-naked hunk offering lap dances? Be sure to take advantage…Mistress Heidi only lets them out en masse like this on very special occasions.
Well if you insist…..
I
Zack!!!
Well, yeah! Never read a romance until AFTER I had kids! It’s a nice little escape.
Hi Heidi
Can’t wait to get my hands on the book I hven’t found it in town yet as soon as I drop the kids off I make my rounds to all the stores. It irritates me if this was a movie or cd they would always have the new relesease out on time. I had a list of 4 or 5 books that all came out Tuesday can’t get a one of them. I know I should just order them I’m just not that patient and as soon as I order it I will find one.
I will get a copy by the weekend if I have to take a trip to Tampa.
*sneaking into the Dungeon*
Hi, Heidi!! Happy release day plus 2!! Yippee!! I’ve got a couple minutes before we have to race back to school to pick up, so please, pass the drinks and the hunky waiters! Heidi, I’m squeeing to see the releases you’ve got down the pike this year–can’t wait!! Hope you’re having a lovely week, and looking forward to getting out to get my own copy of Knock Me for a Loop!
Missed this on Tues. — death in the family but glad to have seen it today.
Congrats and best wishes.
I have been wanting to read Loves Me, Loves Me Knot and have enjoyed the excerpts.
I will finally email the pattern for the simple knitted slippers now that the holidays are over — I PROMISE.!!
Hope everyone has a great evening.!!
If you’ll allow me a minute…
Okay, I am plotzing here. Sunday afternoon, my agent set up an interview for me with a reporter from the Wall Street Journal about the Amazon/Macmillan situation. Yeah, like *I’m* the person most in-the-know. *snork* But he wanted an author’s perspective, & I am at least one of those. Unfortunately—or maybe fortunately, since I get horribly nervous & frazzled by this sort of thing & always come off sound like a doofus—my quote never got into the article because a couple of hours later Amazon supposedly capitulated.
Well, now that it’s been nearly a week without the Buy buttons being restored, the reporter called me again. Out of the blue. No warning. And Caller ID was no help whatsoever. Asked me more questions that I probably sounded even doofier answering, but…
There are no guarantees, of course, but it’s looking more likely that I’ll make it into the article this time. They actually just called to request a photo & copy of KNOCK’s cover.
Eep, eep, double eep. I don’t know whether to be excited or nervous as all get-out. But if anybody gets the WSJ…lemme know if I’m in there tomorrow, okay? LOL
Okay, where I was I before el mondo freak-out?
Maisey~ Perhaps not the best parenting advice ever, but my mother always told me that once you have kids, your life is over. Thus my fear of all young’uns w/ fewer than 4 feet.
Michele~ Thanks so much for keeping up your search for KNOCK. I know what you mean…books have a street date & are supposed to go on the shelves the same day everywhere, but some places put them out early, some put them out late, some don’t order for weeks after…ugh. But it’s readers like you—& all of my other Darlings, of course
—who persist & bug their local stores to get certain titles who manage to make a difference & alert bookstores to the books readers want to see! 
Hey, Fedora. Long time, no see. Mistress Heidi was just oiling up her whip & getting ready to send out a search party of Dungeon Hunks to find you. (Oh, wait. I shouldn’t have said that, it will just make you go into hiding again.
)
Well, we are glad to see you again, & tho we accept no excuses for your lengthy absence, we are happy to have you back!
Don’t be such a stranger form now on, okay? 
Hi, Ruth! So sorry to hear about your loss. We certainly wouldn’t expect you to pop in with something like that going on…tho we’re glad to have you!
Oooh, I’d love the slipper pattern! And lmk if it’s okay to share cuz I might post it to Must Love Yarn, too, if you don’t mind.
Heidi, I am here…I made it…whew! I thought I wasn’t going to get home in time to change and join in.
Danielle, I am so glad you were able to get “Knock Me.” I am still waiting to get my hot little hands on that one….boohoo. But, I will get it, so I have that to look forward to.
Mistress Heidi, I think it is really interesting that Dwayne won’t be joining us this evening. But, I don’t mind, as long as Eric stays close by my side I will be all right! Congrats on the launch of “Knock Me” again. This is a rockin’ party btw…excuse me…”Eric, sweetie, may I have a glass of champagne please?”
I love that man!!!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
I guess I was too late to party with you guys. I am having fun with just me and Eric hangining around, but I am gonna go to bed soon. You all must be in a hidey hole getting your hockey hickeys from the numerous half nekkid men floatin’ around this place. I will see you guys tomorrow. Have a great rest of the evening Heidi. I know you might be busy with The Rock though…don’t do anything I wouldn’t do….hehehehehehheee…LOL!!! Good night all. It was a great party…I am slightly tipsy and I may start slurring my words…forgive me!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Aw…that’s not true, Heidi. My life didn’t really get started till I had kids. ;-)
I can’t wait to see what happens! I’ll probably pick it up at Walmart tomorrow…
Now you’ve got me curious…what’s the humorous vampire title??
Heidi,
The wall street journal?!!! That is HUGE!!! Way to go. I don’t get it but I am sure you can even view it online.
Also, kids aren’t too bad. Once you get passed the “I hate you” “I wish I had never been born” “I am going to leave.” stages. Yeah…loads of fun! LOL. And my kids haven’t even hit teenage years yet. Oh yeah…and I live in the country which means snow mobiles, hunting, etc for us country folk. They teach them young here. The kids actually are excused for the whole first week of deer hunting season from school! Can you believe it! LOL. I swear. No wonder I am 32 and have had grey hair for more than 5 years lol.
Michele Benard,
Just to let you know I have the same grievance about books. They are supposed to be released on Tuesdays! Damn it I want it and I want it now! LOL. I know for a fact that the stores get them on time. Trust me. I work in a grocery store where we carry a small selection of books and I also have done vending/receiving from time to time. So I know the books come in on time. It is the people who put them out. Their bosses give them a set date and ours are put on shelves on Fridays! How Cruel! LOL. I have found that if I can preorder through say Walmart, I get the book the day the book is released.
Paula R,
Yeah you were a huge help lol.
Anyhoo,
I hope you guys have a wicked and fun filled weekend. My stepmom is sick so I am going down towards Flint for the weekend to visit her. Ever since my dad passed away she has just gone downhill.
Paula~ You weren’t too late, I just drank too much & passed out early.
Maisey & Danielle~ Sorry, but I just have no interest in kids. I only like the wee ones who are cute for 5mins, then you can give them back to their parents when they start to squirm.
Dee~ Sorry, but I can’t share the vamp title just yet…it’s still very hush-hush. Hopefully soon, tho.
hum coulda awore i posted on here lol thenagain i been posting about your books where ever you post im like the cyber stalker or something ok that sounded creepy awesomeness on the new book !