Tuesday, January 08, 2013

You're Invited to do a Random Act of Kindness for The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever

The fact that this book has come to be is a testament to insane optimism, determination, love, and luck. I've decided there's no better way to celebrate my good fortune than to pass it on. However, since I'm not a publisher and can't make another author's dream come true, I've come up with the next best thing.

From now until Valentine's Day, I'll be doing random, kind, and loving things for strangers. It would mean so much to me if you would join me in the fun and multiply the impact I can have. Whether you shovel someone's driveway, pay for their coffee, hand out flowers or hugs on the corner, donate clothes or food or books to those in need, or whatever creative idea you come up with, please shoot me an e-mail (with a picture if possible) telling me about what you've done.

Doing these random acts of kindness should fill you and the recipient with joy, but in case that's not enough, each week right here on my blog, I'll post roundups of all the good things people are doing in honor of The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever. And on Valentine's Day, I'll send free autographed books to five of the people who participate. Book recipients will be determined by my three teens, who were three little kids when they first inspired the story of Yuckiest, Stinkiest.

It's that simple!
Thanks for helping me celebrate!

 My kids when I wrote the first draft of Yuckiest, Stinkiest

My kids today. That's how long it takes to get a book published! 

11 comments:

jan godown annino said...

Such a lovely family.
Such a tenacious author.
Such an original take on a favorite holiday.
I'm a visiting reader in first grade & will suggest to Ms. Joe, the media center director, that she order it.

This new book sounds read-aloud perfect & like a candy box full of fun.

I thank Teaching Authors to tipping me off to this title.

Brava!

Brenda said...

Thank you Jan! I love those Teaching Authors!!

Sarah said...

Congrats on your book! We received your postcard and plan to stock it in our shop! We've shared your giveaway on our FB page. Take care and till then...Your friend at The Storybook Garden

Brenda said...

Thank you, Sarah! I appreciate that!!

Anonymous said...

Your story of persistance in getting your book published is inspiring to me as an illustrator-author. I have not sent my work to near as many places, but finally got it published.
The disheartening thing was to hear today that the two unlikely characters I created years ago (with a title of the same name) and are in my stories have been published and given an award yesterday. Thankfully they look different. Sometimes it can take too long.

Anonymous said...

Your story of persistance in getting your book published is inspiring to me as an illustrator-author. I have not sent my work to near as many places, but finally got it published.
The disheartening thing was to hear today that the two unlikely characters I created years ago (with a title of the same name) and are in my stories have been published and given an award yesterday. Thankfully they look different. Sometimes it can take too long.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brenda said...

Anon, That is so frustrating. I hope you will keep on writing and illustrating and working on your craft. I bet you have lots of stories inside you. Good luck!

Unknown said...

The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever" What a wonderful gift to the world! <3

Unknown said...

The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever"... What a wonderful gift to the world! <3

Sarah said...

Copies of your new book arrived today! Your title is now in stock at The Storybook Garden in Weslaco, TX!