Thank you so much to everyone who entered to win an ARC of THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT. I have read all your entrees—and I’m overwhelmed by your support of the series. What I didn’t expect was how moving your answers would turn out to be. You’ve reminded me of so many important things.
Here are a few of them:
- Tests are hard, but if we prepare, we can succeed. Some of you have mastered Calculus and Physics. I stand in awe. Truly.
- Our health should be a top priority/I’m not the only one wishing I could shed a few pounds. Some of you have, and I applaud you. Thank you for inspiring me to renew my commitment to a good diet and regular exercise.
- Families—our parents, our children, our sisters and brothers—are what bring us our deepest satisfaction.
- Friends are what give our life color.
- Bullies suck. (I hope that wasn’t a bully thing to say.)
- Sometimes the small things—like opening a can of tuna with a new opener—can be just the thing to make us feel great, if we allow it to be.
- Going the extra mile—helping a neighbor, stepping in when no one else will—feels great. We should do it more often, yes?
- Some of you are writers and bloggers—hooray for finishing the draft! The chapter! For the new followers! I know how hard y’all are working. Picture me handing you orange slices and Gatorade! Keep it up! That’s how things get done. Simple as that.
- You have baked cakes, survived seventh grade, adopted puppies, landed jobs, left jobs, kissed your kids, helped your friends, held back words when it was right, danced and sang in front of others despite your shyness, and offered encouragement when it was needed.
- You are students, bloggers, writers, librarians, mothers, neighbors, friends, sisters, bakers. You are forgiving, generous, hard-working, and courageous.
- I think you are all amazing.
OK. Switching gears. I contacted my publisher and told them how incredible you all are. I was hoping they would send 500 ARCs so I could mail one to each of you.
Alas, that didn’t happen. But Harper did offer to send me TWENTY ARCs, which means that twenty of you, not three, will receive an ARC, which I think is pretty great. Thank you, Harper!
I have your email addresses—or a means to get a hold of those of you who’ve been selected. Congratulations! I’ll be in touch today.
For those of you who didn’t win, I’m sorry. I tried, really. But I hope you’ll still check out the book in January, and Roar and Liv later this month. And thank you so much for taking the time to share your proud moments with me.
This was one of the coolest things I’ve been a part of in a long time.
Oh, I guess I should say it this way:
The last thing I did that I’m proud of is connecting with all of you.
