Thanks to both of my jobs and my family’s love of travel, I often have to fly to get to an assortment of destinations. You can imagine that in all that time I’ve faced a number of dilemmas. Cancelled flights. Lost luggage. Turbulent rides. The latter being one of the worst since I have a fear of heights and am not a comfortable passenger in those twenty-five thousand foot high roller coasters.
I know there is nothing that a pilot can sometimes do about those rough rides and I just wait them out as best I can.
But there is something airlines can do about the rest and to my very pleasant surprise Southwest Airlines did just that.
When floods in Nashville forced me to change my flight to Orlando, the only Southwest Airlines charge was the difference in the cost of the two tickets due to the change in destination. No $150 change fee the way my normal carrier charges when stuff happens and flights need to get changed. The change fee would lower to $50 if I waited to do it on the same day as the flight, but no one ever advised me of that. I discovered that fact online recently.
Did I mention that I was originally flying Southwest because their rates were so much cheaper than my normal carrier’s that it was worth the drive down to Philadelphia? 217 versus 337?
I had two big bags with me, one with clothes and one with promo materials. Cost with my normal carrier: $60 if checked at the airport or $55 if done online. Cost with Southwest: $0. Yes, you are seeing that right. Zero dollars for two bags.
Money saved so far: $240 (120 plus 120 in baggage fees).
When I arrived in Orlando I discovered that the handle on my bag had gotten ripped off on one side making it nearly impossible for me to lift it. I headed to the luggage claim area and within about five minutes was handed a brand new bag to replace the one that had been damaged. Nicer than my old beat up bag and with a TSA approved lock to boot.
No questions, no problems. A warm smile on the face of the rep as she helped me deal with the bag issue.
What more can you ask for?
How about roomier seats and more leg room? Yep, you got that, too.
Which leaves me with only one question: When are you coming to Newark, Southwest Airlines?
As many of you who visit the blog know, my Dangerous Woman buddy Jennifer Haymore was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Her publisher and mine, Grand Central Publishing, is helping Jennifer and others fight this disease with a raffle. Here are the details and please feel free to share them!
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Forever Books will hold a raffle at the Romance Writers of America National Convention later this week to raise money for BreastCancer.Org in support of author Jennifer Haymore.
Haymore, author of the forthcoming A Season of Seduction, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer earlier this year. After undergoing a successful surgery, Haymore is responding well to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She has been able to continue writing through her treatments but she’s had to make other adjustments, including missing this year’s Romance Writers of America National Convention.
Haymore’s publisher, Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, is passionate about supporting their author through the disease. Because Haymore is unable to attend the RWA convention, Forever has decided to hold a raffle to raise money for Breast Cancer awareness. 100% of the proceeds will go to www.breastcancer.org , a non-profit organization selected by Haymore, which is dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease.
“Between my family, friends and fans, I have an incredible support system,” said Haymore. “However, I know not everyone affected by the disease is as lucky as I am to be surrounded by such love and support, which is why I chose to support BreastCancer.org. The organization has been an invaluable resource, connecting me to others who can relate to my experience.”
The raffle at RWA will consist of four prizes: an editor critique, an agent critique, a character name in one of Haymore’s upcoming books, and a collection of books signed by bestselling romance authors. Tickets will cost $3 for one ticket, or $5 for two, and will be sold throughout the conference. The prize drawing will be held on Saturday, July 30 during the Grand Central Publishing Book Signing (Disney Swan hotel, Southern hemisphere, Salon 1). The drawing will be held at approximately 4:15.
As we celebrate the birth of our amazing Nation, remember that Liberty is not free. It is safeguarded by the sacrifices of the men, women and families of our military. It is maintained by each and every citizen who respects the laws and rules of this Nation.
Fly the flag proudly today and never be ashamed to say, “I am an American.”
God bless America and all those who serve her. May they be safe and sound and come home quickly.
Autographed ARC of STRONGER THAN SIN & SIN HUNTER Summer Goody bag which includes a STRONGER THAN SIN T-shirt & Tote bag, Jesse Bradford Rubber Football Ducky, Bath & Body Works Shower Gel, Mini-Beach Ball and Candy.
I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend and also had a chance to honor the men, women and families of our military people.
I spent the weekend running around as my baby came home from school and we had an accidental new addition to the family! We came home and found a baby squirrel in our driveway. It was disoriented and had a bloody nose. We didn’t know how long it had been on the hot blacktop.
One of our neighbors is a real animal person, so she helped us, but was not sure it would survive. We gave it water and made a little nest for it. In the meantime, we went in search of its nest and/or mom.
We had a close call with reuniting it with its mommy, but sadly the baby was in danger of attack from other wildlife. We’ve been feeding it formula and keeping it warm. It’s finally opened its eyes and is alert, but we’re trying to track down a rehabilitator who knows what to do with it.
If anyone is in the Central NJ area and knows of one, that would be greatly appreciated.
Besides that, I spent a lot of time working on the new books and also snuck in a barbeque with friends and family.
How about you? Did you all have a wonderful weekend? Are you ready to face the week at work?
This weekend will be hopping for me! First there is the Liberty States Fiction Writers Mayke It Happen get together! Can’t wait to go and hang out with all of my buds and talking about our writing projects.
I’ll be down the shore and hoping to see some sun! But just in case it’s rainy, I’m sharing a fun project with you from my friend Kathy Cano-Murilla, the Crafty Chica aka the Goddess of Glitter! As writers and readers, we always seem to have a vast collection of pens and I thought this crazy pencil cup would be fun to share with you!
If it is sunny, I hope to get some time in along the boardwalk, researching some more spots for . . .
BOOKS 3 and 4 IN THE SINS SERIES!
Yes, you heard it here first! I’ve accepted an offer from Grand Central Publishing for two more books in the SINS series. Not only that, you won’t have to wait that long to read about the continuing adventures of the Carrera clan as well as some new and very dangerous people that will enter their lives (can we say some non-human people with very unusual and deadly powers?)
As you know, STRONGER THAN SIN will be out in November 2010 and you’ll be able to read both Books 3 and 4 in 2011 if all goes as planned! I can’t wait to share these exciting paranormal romance stories with you and I know you’ll all like to see what’s up with Mick, Caterina and Liliana as well as find out more about the dark creatures who will threaten the Carrera clan. As for who will be the hero and heroine in book 3 — here’s a hint: You’ve read about them already in one of the SINS-related books/prequels and you’ll see more of them in STRONGER THAN SIN!
That’s all the beans I’m spilling for now! Hope you all have a great weekend!
I don’t know about you, but I love going to writing conferences (and also my monthly meetings!) There is so much creative energy in the air and whether I’m doing a workshop or listening to one, I always come away re-energized and inspired.
This weekend I’m going to the first ever Liberty States Fiction Writers Create Something Magical Conference. As a founding member, it’s so exciting to see such an amazing response to the conference as well as the group. 150 plus members in our second year and still growing. A diverse, amazingly talented, and totally upbeat collection of individuals!
We’ve got a similarly diverse and talented group of speakers coming to the conference as well 16 editors and agents. Such fun. It’s too late to register, but if you’re in the area, we’ll be having a book fair on Saturday from 5 to 6. Here’s the address for the hotel where the Create Something Magical Conference is being held:
Location and Directions
When: March 13, 2010 Where: Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel
515 Route 1 South & Gill Lane
Iselin, New Jersey 08830
Phone: 732-634-3600 Fax: 732-634-0258 Click here for more info on the hotel. Click Here to Get More Directions Using Mapquest
I hope you’ve got some fun plans for the weekend! Wish me luck during the conference. I’ll be meeting with some editors and also presenting two workshops.
Happy B’day to me! I want to thank you all for all the well wishes and the many messages you send to me every day! So to celebrate my b’day, we’re having a day long Birthday Bash celebration and contest!
Leave a comment on today’s (March 7th) blog before midnight EST for a chance to win a $25 Godiva Gift Card, copy of FURY CALLS and a SINS OF THE FLESH lunch bag!
There is only one thing that says Spring to me more than the crocuses popping their heads through the soil in Bryant Park. What is that one thing? The Philadelphia Flower Show!!
Yep, it’s that time of year again. My sis, niece and I are headed to the show tomorrow, so you won’t see a Fun Friday blog for me. But . . .
Sunday is my b’day so look for a day long celebration and contest! Leave a comment on Sunday’s March 7th blog before midnight EST for a chance to win a $25 Godiva Gift Card, copy of FURY CALLS and a SINS OF THE FLESH lunch bag!
Thanks to both of my jobs and my family’s love of travel, I often have to fly to get to an assortment of destinations. You can imagine that in all that time I’ve faced a number of dilemmas. Cancelled flights. Lost luggage. Turbulent rides. The latter being one of the worst since I have a fear of heights and am not a comfortable passenger in those twenty-five thousand foot high roller coasters.
Autographed ARC of STRONGER THAN SIN & SIN HUNTER Summer Goody bag which includes a STRONGER THAN SIN T-shirt & Tote bag, Jesse Bradford Rubber Football Ducky, Bath & Body Works Shower Gel, Mini-Beach Ball and Candy.
I don’t know about you, but I love going to writing conferences (and also my monthly meetings!) There is so much creative energy in the air and whether I’m doing a workshop or listening to one, I always come away re-energized and inspired.
