Sunday, November 28, 2010

Laptop Memorial and Countdown to The Lost Saint - Final Contest!

11/28/2010

So this last week has been a bit harrowing and a little sad, but in the end it turned happy. Poor, poor Laptoppy has finally passed on. She gave a hard fought battle to the Virus O' Doom that was contracted sometime before Halloween. Laptoppy was a good laptop. A friend even. She gave me a good solid 4 years of shared memories and immeasurable service. It was with her that I spent so many months revising THE DARK DIVINE. It was with her that I first "penned" THE LOST SAINT. And it was with her that I drafted the outline to TDD3. She will live on in my heart forever. Rest in peace, dear Laptoppy. Rest in peace.

In Loving Memory...
But the good news that made it a happy week? Well, hubby had known for awhile that Laptoppy was fighting a losing battle, and in his infinite goodness and wisdom, was planning on purchasing me a new MacBook Pro for Christmas to replace Laptoppy due to her inevitable demise. Of course, she died a few weeks early, so unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective), I had to have Christmas a little early this year. But I'll get over it, and Macky is already making a great impression. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to my new best friend.

Macky, say hello to your awesome readers.


Hi!
Seriously. I love him. I didn't know if anyone could fill the void that Laptoppy left, but he's just so pretty (oh, and functional) it's hard not to love him right away.

Anyway, on to why you are likely really here. The COUNTDOWN CONTEST! Yes. It is that time of the month again. The 28th. Of November in point of fact. Which means... wait for it.... THE LOST SAINT COMES OUT IN 1 FREAKING MONTH!!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Sorry. I'm a little excited. And anxious. And panic stricken.

But don't worry fair readers. It may still be a whole month before THE LOST SAINT is released, but my publisher and I have plenty of fun stuff planned over the next month to keep you teased distracted. And that's where the contest comes in. Participation in each of this month's activities is an entry in the contest.

So lets go through the details shall we?

What's happening and what to do:
First, I will be posting my THE LOST SAINT soundtrack here on the blog-- one song a day for the next couple of weeks. The soundtrack consists of songs that helped inspire TLS, and help to convey the emotion of the story as it progresses. (Those that have been long time followers of the blog may remember I posted the soundtrack to THE DARK DIVINE as well, here.) Comment on each TLS song post and you'll get an entry per post.

Second, Starting December 7th, The Romantic Times will be doing a preview of the prologue, first chapter, and second chapter of THE LOST SAINT on their blog. Comment on the posts here to let me know you checked them out and you get an entry.

Third, THE LOST SAINT trailer is nearly complete. I hope to debut to you all right here on the blog next week. Comment on the post and... I think you're getting the idea.

Fourth, Remember how I've been teasing about a super Top Secret TLS project? Well, it's still Top Secret, but it's coming this month. Ditto on the getting an entry.

And as always- comment in the posts with links to your tweets, facebook posts, and blog posts spreading the word for each item and you'll get an additional entry (only one per medium).

If this is confusing, don't worry. I'll be posting a lot this month with everything and will give further details and instructions on how to get your entries as we go along. Basically, its a month long contest with tons of opportunities to enter.

What is it all for (i.e. what can you win):
Boo-ya! I will pick one random, lucky winner who will receive one of these bad boys-
Yes. That is a 6" Kindle with WiFi.

The first place winner will also get a $10 Amazon gift card (so you can buy an eBook version of THE LOST SAINT) and a $20 gift card to iTunes (so you can buy the songs on THE LOST SAINT playlist :D).

Second and third place winners will also be chosen, and each will get signed copies of both THE SCORCH TRIALS by James Dashner and BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.


Contest Rules:

Only 1 comment per post counts as an entry.
Only 1 tweet, facebook post, etc. counts as an entry per activity.
Only US residents can win 1st place, but 2nd & 3rd place prizes are open internationally (Sorry, customs, you know?)
Contest ends at midnight MST on Dec. 26th
Contest winners will be announced the morning of Dec. 28th (TLS release day!).

Awesome, huh? So let's begin:

I give you the first song of the TLS soundtrack. This is one of my favorite Postal Service songs and was a big inspiration for the prologue of TLS (which you'll get to read on December 7th on the RT blog).

Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones


Don't forget to comment to get your first entry in the contest. Tomorrow I'll post song #2.

122 comments:

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE The Postal Service!! Great song choice as well! I'm entering the contest and shared on Twitter: http://bit.ly/h56IsH and FB: http://on.fb.me/eF5EvQ

Thanks for the chance to win such and amazing prize!! I'm stoked to read TLS! jeremywest91@gmail.com

Aubrey said...

EEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!! So fabulous! I absolutely love it all! GREAT song!!! and Great prize! I can't wait for TLS!!!!

Aubrey said...

P.S. I tweeted and marked you in it so hopefully you can verify that.

Unknown said...

:) ** waves welcome new Mac ** and great song Bree !!!!
had to look on utube as in Australia that link wont work ;O
The song was very relaxing !! loved the mellownessss of it !!! Cant wait for TLS... ** hope new mac is all that you loved in lappppeeee and more !!!
Thanks for the great comp !
kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com

Unknown said...

Have shared your comp on facebook under katrina whittaker ;) and twitter under
run_with_wolves

thanks kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com

Cranberryfries said...

It's because of you I started listening to some of the bands I do now. Can't wait to hear what other music it was that inspired you.

Cranberryfries said...

I tweeted about it
http://twitter.com/cranberryfries/status/9144509782827008

Victoria said...

What an excellent contest. Can't wait.

I re-tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/breedespain/status/9126526876389376

Cass said...

Thanks for the contest!

International, sadly. On top of that, I'm capped (meaning SLOW dial-up internet), which is just one luxury of living in Australia. P:

Unknown said...

Hi Bree :)
I'm glad the new laptop is working out so well.
I'm also glad I'm Canadian because I prefer the SIGNED books. (I do so treasure them).
I'm looking forward to Dec 28th!
Love & Best Wishes,
Rob

Bri said...

Bree- Love the song! So jelouse of your new laptop :) But R.I.P. Laptoppy. Can't wait for TLS!!!
Thanks for the chance to win such AWESOME prizes

Nicole Settle said...

Great song! And welcome to the new mac...I've got the same computer and love it. And thanks for the contest!

aurora M. said...

I am so sorry for your loss but I see you newest edition to the family has found a happy home and will be love for just who HE is....Wow ! this contest is a biggie....thanks for a great giveaway!

aurora M. said...

I tweeted this great giveaway!
http://twitter.com/#!/scarletredwill/status/9247559998513152

aurora M. said...

I placed this fantastic giveaway on my Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000261917248

veltara(at)yahoo(dot)com

Bwyatt said...

OOOhhhhh! I'm so excited! Love this song. I'd never heard it before. I'll have to check out more. As always, I spread the word.
www.facebook.com/britney.m.wyatt

YAY! Can't wait!

Anonymous said...

very cool! will have to check out some more of their stuff! ♥

Jenni Elyse said...

Congrats on the new Mac lap top! You'll love it! :D

I'm so excited for the TLS's release date. I can't wait to use Christmas gift cards to buy it!

I'm entering the contest. I tweeted about it here: http://twitter.com/#!/jenni_elyse. Whenever I tweet things, they automatically get posted to Facebook.

me @ jennielyse . com

Danielle Nguyen said...

Oooooh, great song. Makes me even more excited for TLS!

Alden said...

What a great post-Christmas gift. Start counting me in!

Rudi May Hart said...

so cool I'm really excited about this book.

Sue said...

I LOVE this song and what an exciting month coming up!

Ana Lucía said...

I love The Postal Service!!! and this song is pretty amazing

Jena said...

I love love love this song, amazing choice!

Can not wait to hear the other songs and all the good things coming up this month :)

Jessica G. said...

*jumps up and down* I.WANT.THE.LOST.SAINT.NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mk, now I'll act like the 17 year old I am suppose to..........

Hope Macky is ready for being used alot for TDD3 :D:D:D:D:D:D

I tweeted about the giveaway
http://twitter.com/#!/AHappilyEver


StupidLamb61193@gmail.com

Amanda said...

I really want to read The Lost Saint. :)

Adriana said...

Aww, r.i.p. Laptoppy. :(

Love the song! I can't wait to read The Lost Saint. Thanks for the giveaways. :D

Nicole said...

Sorry to hear about the loss of laptoppy, but yeah for a new Mac. I have a very fond relationship with my mac book.

~Aileen's Warped Musings~ said...

This is a GREAT contest, cannot WAIT to read TLS!!! I have a Macbook Pro too!! I love it!! It's just so amazing!!
Like this contest!! Cannot WAIT for next month to read The Lost Saint!!!!

Brynne said...

Poor Laptoppy :( But hello to Macky! :)
This is such an amazing song!!
I can't wait for TLS!!!!!!!

ReaganStar said...

Amazing song, and giveaways WOW.... eeeeek so excited about TLS coming out!!!!
Glad you got the laptop situation handled!

Teril said...

OH my goodness I cannot wait!
This was a great song to choose, I have loved all these inspirational songs from the series. Thanx for putting them up. RIP laptop: You did wonderful things.

Anonymous said...

Love the song! I love the lyrics as well as the background beat. Can't wait for TLS and future song posts! Morgan
p.s. this is also my contest entry
sportslover123456@yahoo.com

Georgia said...

Unfortunately, I'm in Australia but the signed books sound awesome!
That song suits it soo well! I'm hooked on it now!

little_georgia_b@hotmail.com

Shell said...

AHHH! I can't believe The Lost Saint is almost here! I haven't prepared! I need to pre-order and actually have some money to pre-order with!



oreo_93AThotmailDOTcom

Megan Lighthart said...

Ahh!!
I'm so excited!
My best freind and I have been waiting FOREVER!
And we couldn't be any happier than we are now!
*grins ear to ear*

Tanya said...

Great song!! I've already pre-ordered the book. Can't wait to get it!! Awesome contest.

Matt Hayes said...

I have the same computer! I wrote my whole book on it, after going through 3 others in its planning stages...

Anonymous said...

I would love to enter to win the contest. voiceofanangel725@yahoo.com
Thank you!

AliceCullen said...

Hm, I've never heard that song before, but I kinda liked it. I'll be interested to see what sort of inspiration it gave you.
It won't let me post links on here, so I'll just give you my Twitter and Facebook info so you can see that I posted on there. Twitter: @starwarsgrl Facebook: Nicole Tozier
P.S. I'm jealous of your new computer. Mine needs replacing and I'm looking at Macbooks...

CKatherineZ said...

Great song and even greater book! Can't wait for the next one, I'm gonna need to remember to put that on my calendar. . . Thanks for doing this awesome contest!

Chloe said...

Congrats on the new GORGEOUS laptop! And can't wait for The Lost Saint!

lookaftermyheart1901(at)gmail(dot)com

Jessica Pages said...

Great song, so beautiful and dark. can't wait to read the prologue!

Riv Re said...

!!!!!!Awesome contest!!!!!
And sorry about Laptoppy. Macky is really pretty though. My desktop died a few weeks ago, too. I've been stealing time on my family's various computers. It had perfect timing for it's death: Right before NaNo.
Thanks for the great contest. Really excited :)

Kathryn Packer Roberts said...

How awesome! I'm excited for you!

Overlook Building said...

The song is fantastic. I really like the mood it sets for TLS. I can't wait until Dec 28th!

jenlam26 at gmail dot com

Overlook Building said...

I tweeted about the contest here

http://twitter.com/#!/jenlam26/status/9411388380291072

jenlam26 at gmail dot com

stephanie pierce said...

i love the song!! i am DYING toread TLS!!!!! cant wait for it to come out!!!!

Book Nerds said...

Thanks for this contest! I wish you and your new laptop a happy new life together!

TweetyB99 [at] aol [dot] com

Jaz said...

Ohmygoodness, that song is awesome! Thanks for the contest!

wildpeetree7 at hotmail dot com

Val said...

Wow. What a great contest. I love this series and can't wait for TLS. I will tweet this contest too. Thanks.

Vivien said...

Darn, at least you got a lot of mileage off the laptop.

This should be a fun month. I cannot wait!

Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

Laura :) said...

So excited! One month till TLS! :)
Love the song. The Postal Service is awesome! and the song totally got my mind racing thinking about how it inspired the TLS! So Happy!

Anonymous said...

Never really followed The Postal Service, but I still like this song :) Thanks so much for the contest!

throuthehaze said...

I love this song :) Thanks for the great contest!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Great song choice!

twilightforever.edward at gmail dot com

Alethea said...

https://twitter.com/frootjoos/status/9449603850047488

I'm so excited! TDD was not a book I expected to like, and I LOVED it. Can't wait for TLS. :D

Llehn said...

Thanks for sharing :D

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Erin said...

Very cool contest and this would be my very first introduction to The Postal Service. I must say that I love the song and will be adding it to my ipod soon :-)

December 28th is my birthday and I super excited to share it with the release of your book! I can't wait! :-)

ansindt said...

I am super excited for your next book. December 28th is my daughters 8th birthday...does a book for me count as 1 of her birthday presents?

Unknown said...

LOVE Postal Service!! :D
Super excited for TLS!

http://twitter.com/#!/biobrain2121/status/9474659674234880

Maidenveil said...

YESSS!!! what better way to start the countdown than music/playlist! :)

retweeted: (@maidenveil) http://twitter.com/#!/breedespain/status/9333027423395840

FB: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/booboodel/posts/135930599794096

-Len-
maidenveil(at)gmail(dot)com

Mandy IReadIndie said...

awesome song choice!!
awesome contest too!!!
I am super stoked for TLS!!
I tweeted http://www.facebook.com/fweetmom/posts/164446340258222
twimom101 at yahoo dot com

Mandy IReadIndie said...

whoops that was suppose to be I FB'ed lol

Melissa Davies said...

"This Place is a Prison" by the Postal Service is what I imagine Daniel went through... his own prison which he could not leave. And now Jude is going to be in his own prison. I can't wait to read TLS.

Brenna said...

Wow. That's an awesome song to start a novel to. Very cool choice.

Anonymous said...

wow... the music in this song is so unique! I get chills listening to it and even more goose bumps linking the song to TLS. I've never heard of Postal Service until now and now I'm hooked. Can't wait for TLS!

Jessica
P.S. I've always wanted a Kindle ;D

Email is doglover19@bellsouth.net

Minas said...

Awesome song!

minas_1989(at)hotmail(dot)com

Jess (The Cozy Reader) said...

I'm not a fan of this song but I can see how it might make your playlist. It's seems very emotional.

I Tweeted this song and giveaway!

Great giveaway and I can't wait for TLS!

ylime1981 said...

Good, good song!!!!

Thanks for such an amazing contest!

I am counting down the days until TLS. I can't wait to read it! :)

Emily ebdye1(at)gmail(dot)com

Flippin' Fabulous said...

According to my hubby you will love Macky. He is trying to convert me because I have went through several laptoppys in three year's time :-)

Never heard of TPS- I'm so outta the loop. Fab song!

Andrea said...

Awesome song!! helps start the excitement!! I love your new lap top im totally jealous!

Brodie said...

I'm international - so only entering for 2nd and 3rd place! I can't wait to read The Lost Saint, thank you for the awesome contest! And great song!

I tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/peacelovebooksx/status/10157638872473601

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

Unknown said...

This song is absolutely beautiful.

I can't wait until I get to finally read The Lost Saint.

Savannh Paul said...

awesome... really great it seems like this taking forever i cant wait for TLS.... yayyy

Jessy said...

I loved the Dark Divine Soundtrack so I'm sure I'll like this one just as much! You actually introduced me to The Kooks and they are one of my favorite bands now.

Lauren M said...

Yay, The Postal Service! Love their music.

Heidi said...

Visiting from Debbie's blog. Great interview. Debbie tells me you get bored of the same 5 questions at every author interview. Hopefully talking new house and Halloween was a good change up.

I read Dark Divine in 2 days while on vacation in Germany. Whenever I picture the angels garden it's in a German town for me. I am very very excited to read Lost Saint. Yay!

Barbaloot said...

Came from Debbie (cranberryfries) blog and I would LOVE to win a kindle.

Also, I'm excited for your second book to come out. I haven't read the first one yet, and now I'm waiting till they're both out so I can read them together without having to wait.

Sharli said...

TDD soundstrack was awesome so I can't wait for more songs :D
I'm really exited about TLS release!

Vicky said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vicky said...

Awesome contest, even if I can not win the Kindle, fortunately for me I'm getting one as an early Christmas present! Yay! Kind of like Macky there. I still don't have a name for my kindle, which has still not arrive, but in a week or so he will. I don't have a name though, maybe now thanks to macky I will!
Thanks Bree! Have I told you how awesome your name is? I love your name and I can't remember your middle name but I think I saw it on fb and it's perfect. Now, I should stop writing and go on with my life and stop procrastinating. :)
Oh, and btw I cannot hear the song, but I heard it on youtube!

Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books) said...

I bookmarked this post when it went live and I'm happy to finally get around to it.

Sorry about Laptoppy, but Macky looks lovely. I'm super excited to read The Lost Saint and since I loved the songs on the TDD soundtrack, I can't wait to hear all of these songs.

I tweeted this too: http://twitter.com/#!/Nikkayme/status/11179448896327680

Yay for The Postal Service!!

Lisa B. said...

I love the Postal Service. When I heard the first song on this album I knew I had to have it. All thanks to Pandora. Thanks for the great contest, Bree. I can't wait for TLS! And congrats on the new laptop. Macs are supposed to be great.

Anonymous said...

*Pokes hubby* See?! See?! That's the new MAC I want!

Love love love the songs!!! I can't wait for this book!

I ReTweeted!

http://twitter.com/MrsTeeMae/status/11918501908316160

Anonymous said...

oops oops, My e-mail addy too meanmisskittie@gmail.com

Unknown said...

AMAZING giveaway. I cannot wait to read TLS. I also really like this song ;]

Tweeted: http://bit.ly/hNjWcl
FB: http://on.fb.me/eu8Xhm

Thanks!
ashleysbookshelf at gmail dot com

Syreeta said...

WOW, a MacBook Pro, I drool in envy. I am saving up for a beauty like that myself. As for the song, I had never heard of The Postal Service (well other than the one that delivers my mail) and I have listened to this song about 4 times and I am SOOOO digging it. Can't wait to hear more on here.

latishajean said...

What a great giveaway thank you so much. Great song can't wait to read lost saint loved the first book :)
tishajean@charter.net

latishajean said...

Tweeted too
http://twitter.com/#!/latishajean/status/12280800208756736
tishajean@charter.net

latishajean said...

Shared on facebook too
http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=180387838644249&id=1337268497
tishajean@charter.net

Summer said...

Love the Postal Service, they are one of the best bands I ever heard. I enjoyed the Dark Divine and excited for the TSL to come out. Thanks for posting the contest. Cheers!

Elizabeth Morgan said...

Contest are Awesome! Can't Wait!

Aik said...

I'd love to enter! I hope I win the Kindle!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I tweeted:

http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/13504710489145344

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Cicely said...

Wow! Such an awesome giveaway! And I'm sorry about your laptop, but that new mac looks great. Very pretty :)

Chelle said...

Thanks for the chance to win!
Here's my Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Chellebcool/status/13652702047244288
theprairielibrary(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

WOW! I can't wait to read Dark Divine, I know I'm lagging behind. Five children, housework, my own blog and writing.... you know--busy =) I can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm als excited about the second book, too! =)

Liz said...

So excited for The Lost Saint! Thanks for the contest!

Georgia said...

Already posted but I tweeted the giveaway:

http://twitter.com/#!/GeorgiaBlanch

minhchieu said...

eep!! cant wait for the lost saint!!, hope its as good as the dark divine.

i tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/chieu12

minhchieu tran
blubear12@gmail.com

L8BloomerOnline said...

Ohhhh I love the book trailer!

I posted it on my blog, told them about the prologue and the first chapter here,
http://www.latebloomeronline.com/2010/12/book-trailer-lost-saint.html

Then I tweeted about all of it including the contest
http://twitter.com/L8BloomerOnline

Yay! I hope I win! A kindle would be AWESOME!

XOXO!
Jen
jennlynn77@gmail.com

*Melissa* said...

Loved the trailer bree, i played it a few times as well lol, i have two entries, thanks for this amazing giveaway!! I hope you you pick me! So excited for the the lost saint!!!

this is my tweet
http://twitter.com/mnunez466

mnunez466@gmail.com
mnunez466@aol.com

Emily said...

Woohoo! Yay for new laptops. I've just got a regular macbook, but it really has changed my life.

Emily said...

I posted about your trailer on my blog. It's very awesome!

http://emilysreadingroom.blogspot.com/2010/12/lost-saint-by-bree-despain-book-trailer.html

Lisa_Gibson said...

It's a pleasure to meet Mackey! Also love The Postal Service song. :) Thanks for the opportunity to win. I can hardly wait for TLS.
lisadgibson@live.com
Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover

Pokadots1121 said...

This is awesome!
Thanks
Commented on RT book blog.
Pokadots1121@yahoo.com

Pokadots1121 said...

This is awesome!
Thanks
Commented on RT book blog.
Pokadots1121@yahoo.com

Camden T said...

congrats. Thanks for the giveaway.

tadhg(underscore)c(at)cde(dot)state(dot)co(dot)us

Aliah E. said...

Wow! Love the contest! Can't wait for the book!

Taylor said...

Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! Pleeeeease!!!
I've never actually read your book but I will if I win!!! I know that sounds bad but pleeeeease. Come on don't you want another fan?
Oh my gosh I just realized how rude this is sounding. Sorry but I actually will read you books even if I don't win because if this many people love them then it must be good right?
Anyways pleeeeeease pick me!
Thanks

Valerie said...

I love it!

germaine.dulac said...

Aww, sorry about your laptop. I had mine for 7 years before it died. It's hard to let go--but hey! Shiny new Mac!

Oh, and great song! And GREAT contest!

I tweeted the contest: http://twitter.com/#!/germainedulac/status/16111584950620160

Thanks for the giveaway. :)

Mithee (The Deranged Book Lovers) said...

Please enter me! I'm international!!!

somithee at gmail dot com

lace said...

I've not heard of the Postal Service or this song before. Thanks for posting it. I love finding new to me groups

Taffy said...

We love Postal Service in our house!

Taffy said...

I twitted!


taffylovell

tyrca said...

I'm so excited, and Blue is my favorite color. Tweeted it too.

Jade said...

Hi I love that you are having this contest right at Christmas time, Being a mom of three, an avid reader, and fan, I dont get too many presents myself so It would be the most awesome end of the year to win. LOVE UR BOOKS HON!!!
Thanks for the awesome contest and opportunity!

Anonymous said...

So sorry about laptoppy, I feel your pain. I recently lost my own laptoppy too. :(

dpcyang44@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Yay! You got a Mac =D... You should know that once you go Mac, you never go back... And oii, the song definitely has a TDD (and I suppose TLS) feel to it, it's great ^.^

»Sam.

Kira said...

Sorry to hear about your computer! Glad you were able to get a new one, though. I have a Mac and I LOVE it!

I love The Postal Service, what a great song you picked!

KINDLE! *drool* I would love to win any of the prizes.

Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/kirakb2010/status/19173481593704448

Kira (kira.thomas@yahoo.com)