Monday, February 22, 2010

Exciting Things Happening. . .

So it's been busy, busy, busy around here lately. But some very exciting things have been happening (both book and non-book related) and I thought I'd share:

1. THE DARK DIVINE is taking on the world! I'm pleased to announce that we've sold the foreign rights to THE DAR DIVINE for the following territories:

Germany, France, Spain, Hungary, Indonesia, Poland, Thailand, Estonia, the UK, and Australia/New Zealand.

The best part is that Egmont UK bought the rights to TDD for the UK And Australia/New Zealand, so they'll have the same cover as the US edition. Also, the UK edition is scheduled to be in stores in July!

2. I won my first award!! The folks over at the Smoochie Awards selected Daniel and Grace to win an award for one of the Best "Otherworldly" YA Kisses of 2009! (For their kiss under the walnut tree.) You can watch the amusing virtual awards ceremony here.

3. THE REALLY BIG NON-BOOK RELATED NEWS:

I've been teasing peeps on twitter for the last couple of days about our BIG NEWS. And no, I am still NOT having a baby. But our news does have something to do with babies . . .

Okay, but I think I need to give you some back-story before the announcement.

Regular readers of blog will know how incredibly awesome and supportive Hubby has been with all of my book related craziness. He is my faithful reader, beta-editor, motivator, sounding board, web designer, marketing guru, street team manager, biggest fan, and he even pinch-hits for me in the kitchen when I'm on deadline. Many of my friends have said that Hubby should win some sort of award for being the most supportive spouse on the planet--and I whole-heartedly agree.

But if you think that Hubby's whole world revolves around me and my book, you'd be wrong. He's actually been working very hard on his own exciting project that is finally launching TODAY!

And what is this exciting project you ask?

Well, it all started a little over a year ago while I was sitting on the couch, working on edits for TDD, and KidA came toddling into the room with a rank diaper. Usually, every diaper change in our house was a negotiation that went something like this:

Hubby: I changed the last poopy diaper, so it's your turn.

Me: Yeah, well I changed 2 poopies while you were at work, so it's still your turn.

Hubby: But I got up with him in the middle of the night, so it's your turn.

Me: But I was pregnant with the kid for nine months and had to have major surgery in order to bring him into this world--so therefore it is ALWAYS your turn.

Hubby: *silence* *goes to get wet-wipes*

Me: (In my head) Muwahahahahaha

Anyway, since I was hard at work on TDD, Hubby very kindly skipped the negotiation part and started changing KidA's diaper without any prompting from me. But he was half-way through when he suddenly said, "Yeesh! There has to be something you can do about the smell. I mean, even after I change the kid, he still smells poopy. And it's not like we can bathe him every single time he poops."

And then I could practically see the light bulb go on just above his head.

Yes, an idea was born. Hubby took that idea and his business savvy to his two good friends, one who just happens to be a scientist who works in the cosmetics industry, the other who is an experienced marketer. They banded together as a team, and after a year of formulating, testing, trialing, designing labels and packaging, and many other tasks I won't delve into. . . that awesome idea became a whole new company dedicated to solving the problems faced by new parents.

That company is called LITTLE STINKER. And today is it's launch day!

LITTLE STINKER is a new skincare line for babies and mommies, dedicated to making all-natural, safe, effective, and innovative products that solve the problems created by the "little stinkers" in our lives.

The company plans on launching several new products in the near future, but today they are kicking off the launch with their flagship product:

LITTLE STINKER Baby Butt Spray!!

Okay, so I'm a little biased, but seriously, I think this stuff is awesome. No more lingering poop smell in the air, or on your kid's bum, after a diaper change! It's even great for potty-training kids who need to wear a pull-up to bed. It can be spritzed on diaper pails, smelly toilets, stinky feet, or even your husband. Heck, I often use the stuff as body splash for myself because it smells so darn good. Plus, it's dermatologist and pediatrician tested to be good for your baby/toddler's delicate skin. And it makes the perfect baby shower gift!

We swear by this stuff at our house, and the friends we've given samples to come back begging for more!

If you're a mom or dad, or know someone who is, be sure to check out the LITTLE STINKER website and blog.

Okay, okay. Don't worry, this is just a temporary change in programming on the ReadBree blog. I won't be turning it into a giant infomercial for LITTLE STINKER. But I just HAD to tell you all how thrilled I am for Hubby on this special day. And I am even more excited that it's my turn to be supportive of him as he embarks on his own exciting adventure.

Congratulations, Hubby! I Love You Right Up To The Moon And Back Again.

And if you want to help spread the word about LITTLE STINKER, please Tweet/Facebook/or Blog the following link: http://www.littlestinkerusa.com/

And if you come back and tell me about your word-of-mouth efforts (with linkage), I'll enter you in a drawing for a chance to win your choice of one of the following prizes:

1. A first chapter (up to 15 pages) critique of your YA novel by me (to be done AFTER my March 15th deadline)

2. A signed copy of THE DARK DIVINE

3. A YA novel of your choice

(Giveaway ends at noon on Sunday, February 28th. Winner will be announced later that day. . .or the next.)

32 comments:

S.F. Robertson said...

Congrads on the new endeavor, Bree! It sounds like it's been a blast for you.

I tweeted and posted it on my Facebook. Links below.

http://twitter.com/wastepaperprose/status/9486653819

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/wastepaperprose?v=feed&story_fbid=1142616786121&ref=mf

Anonymous said...

I tweeted! Congrats to your husband!

http://twitter.com/kelseydickson

liesel said...

Whoo-hoo! Good things all around for your family!!

Candace said...

Congrats to your hubby! This product looks great! I may have to get some! And I really want a signed copy of The Dark Divine (I read a copy from the library).
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/candacemom2two/status/9487267449
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=10150092738795716&id=513560826#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=513560826
candace_redinger at yahoo dot com

Lindsey Leavitt said...

Get out. GET OUT. Baby just had a blow out in the middle of the night yesterday and we SAID THE SAME THING. Even with little nursing babies, the smell doesn't go away.
That's so funny, I am so buying me some sweet bum spray. Congrats to you both for having dreams and pursuing them, Bree.

Julie said...

This is a totally awesome idea! Fortunately my brother's out of diapers, but I still remember the horrific smells!

I tweeted it here:
http://twitter.com/bloggersbooks/status/9490322409

Mary not so Contrary said...

That is totally awesome! Go Hubby!!! I totally FB it for you guys. I wont enter the contest though since I alread have my awesome signed copy of TDD (thanks to my mom for going to seeing you in T-Vill for me) and my book is...... well I guess it just is right now. Still working on charcter devlopment. Totally excited for your hubby though! Thats awesome!!

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

This is so brilliant, Bri! I actually used to work for a skin and body care company here in salt lake (you may know the apothica store at the gateway), and I gave them your husband's website to peruse :)

I also tweeted your link from my blog's new twitter @iswimforoceans

Congratulations to you both!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to your hubby! I think my hubby would also appreciate that spray. We've tried hanging little air freshener bags in the room, etc. A spray might be the way to go. Thanks for spreading the word!

Elizabeth Morgan said...

Happy Day for You and your husband. I posted about the new product here.
http://elizabethwritersblock.blogspot.com/2010/02/cooking-monday.html

This seems exciting!!!!

Mistie said...

You go Bricky!
What a great idea. I was just thinking how perfect that is. I totally get the whole idea. Seneka likes to walk around naked and a nice smelling behind would help make it all smell better.
Best of luck with the new venture!

throuthehaze said...

This product sounds great! I don't have kids but my bf has stinky feet and could use a product like this lol

tweet:
http://twitter.com/throuthehaze/status/9494480944

Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

* said...

Baby butt spray, sounds like a fabulous product. Hmm, do you sell that stuff for adults, too?

Bree Biesinger Despain said...

Hey guys! Thanks so much for the support. I'm so proud of Hubby! It's been a ton of work to get this business up and running, and we're crossing our fingers that it pays off.

Terresa...works great on adults too. Hehe.

Ari said...

Ooo perfect when you have stinky uggs o.o

http://twitter.com/sheba201/status/9499858601

*continues to stare*

Ari
teensactuallyread@gmail.com

Jessica B said...

Sounds cool! I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Pinkhair/status/9501959353

shutupjessicasreading @ gmaildotcom

Sarah Steele said...

Oh man. Not only do I want to try this, I wouldn't mind winning a sweet prize, either!!!!

Sarah Steele said...

Oh, sorry. Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/sarahkay2003?ref=profile

Amber Lynae said...

http://www.facebook.com/AmberLynae82?v=app_2309869772&ref=profile

I think that is how to post evidence, I don't know how to share it with you once I put the link up. in my status.

The product sounds amazing and something we could use around our house.

Melony said...

Bree, I blogged http://pulleytimes8.blogspot.com/2010/02/flynn.html facebooked http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/melonyJpulley and tweeted... That is one cool product! When my twins were little we Febreezed them...this is genius! :D

Bunny B said...

Congrats to your husband! Tweeted: http://twitter.com/bunnyb/status/9524388407

Kay Cassidy said...

What a round of fabulous news, Bree!!!

Congratulations on the exciting sales and the fun award (mwah!) and how totally cool that your husband is following his dreams too. Fingers crossed for continued amazing and wonderful things for both of you!

Sara said...

Hey Bree, that is so exciting! What a great idea. I hope it goes very well for your hubby. And congrats on all the foreign rights sales! I FB'd about your product. :-)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/sarajlarson21?ref=profile

Borostyán said...

YAY! Hungary!

I'm glad it will be published in my language :)

And congrat on your husband's work!
Sounds very good!

I posted about it on my blog.
http://kincsesladiko.blogspot.com/2010/02/kaki-szag-semlegesito-pelenkasok-borere.html
I'd be happy with a signed copy of TDD, if I'm one of the winners :)

Anonymous said...

That is AWESOME! I'm totally getting some for my little sister's baby shower!

ronna15 said...

That is just the coolest!! Congratulations to you and your hubby! I hope your product sells cause this is just genius.

I facebooked mine. ;D
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1849050565

-ronna15

Brodie said...

That is such a great idea!! Huge congrats to your husband, I wish him all the best success on his new endeavor!

And yay for TDD finally going to hit Australian shelves =)

I tweeted here - http://twitter.com/peacelovevegan/status/9570043350

I'd love to be entered if international, please.

Thanks!
hanging.by.a.moment_@hotmail.com

Jessy said...

Such a great idea! Congrats!

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Emma015/statuses/9628377355

findjessyhere at gmail dot com

Heather Zundel said...

Wow. You must be so proud of your husband. That is going to come in handy. Talk about filling a niche. :)

I blogged about it here. Hopefully this really takes off. Congratulations to both of you.

Lyn Bardwell said...

I hope I'm not too late to get in on this! This is a fantastic idea. I can't wait to try it!

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/bardingwell

Blog:
http://myinstructionmanual.blogspot.com/

I also Facebook'd it, but I can't get the right link!

I'll post these again later today when there's more traffic out there.

Suzette Saxton said...

It's neat to see your husband at your signings. He takes such good care of your kids!

Congrats to him for making the leap, and to you for your awesome book news!

Unknown said...

Wow! A big congrats to both of you! Does that stuff ship out of country? The smell just seems to get worse with age! And I had to laugh because I'm sure my husband and I have had that exact conversation.

I just finished your book. It was so lovely! I thoroughly enjoyed it and was sad to have it end. Wonderful characters! You tell an awesome story and I imagine you have the best critique group ever. Congrats again! It deserves to be an international best seller!