A Confession, a Galley, a Wishlist and a Heck of a Lot of Chocolate
Posted on | May 19, 2009 | 37 Comments Leave a comment | Print This Post
First, a confession.
After being pretty chipper for most of the year, I finally hit a wall. I’ve been hanging out in the pit of despair and self-pity this week, and can’t seem to shake it. And then, because I am a woman and occasionally oftentimes always hormonal, I am completely disgusted with myself for feeling this way. Gawd.
Maybe it’s the weather (which is finally turning after a long, wet winter), maybe it’s jury duty (why aren’t stay at home moms exempt? Come on!), or maybe it’s the clutter accumulating in my small house at an alarming rate, but whatever the reason I was absolutely dragging myself through the first part of this week. And then, as I mentioned, I spent the second half of this week berating myself for the first part of this week. Nice, huh?
So I am self-medicating by doing a couple of things. First, a galley giveaway. Yes, the galleys for Table Manners have arrived (unfortunately in very short supply, however, so if you want a review copy you’ll have to contact my publicist, Angela Januzzi, at Penguin). I am giving away one signed copy along with a signed remaindered copy of Good Things! If you’re on my mailing list, you are automatically entered. If you’re not, or if you want an extra entry to boost your chances, just leave a comment on this post and tell me what you do when you’re in a slump. You can get one more extra entry by posting or twittering about the giveaway (just leave another comment below with the link). I’ll pull a name June 30. This giveaway is open to anyone (well, 18 or older) anywhere in the world. And yes, both books have recipes and they’re wonderful reads on top of that!
The next thing is this: I just stumbled onto a wish list on amazon.com where someone asked for a copy of Table Manners. And the fog hanging around my head (or vog, to be precise) lifted. I got a little jolt of happiness and it prompted this post and the decision to do a little wishlist-fulfilling. So I got it for her. She won’t get it until the book is released in August, but I hope it’ll be a little surprise that will make her day as she certainly made mine.
And, finally, I’m going to sign off and bury myself in a mountain of delicious chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and watch a movie. I mean really, what else can you do? Oh, and there’s less than 2 weeks left to get in your entry for the Great Hawaii Book Escape Giveaway, so if you haven’t already joined in, you should definitely take a look. If you’ve been hitting the lows like me, this little bit of paradise in a box might cheer you up!
Hugs,
Mia
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37 Responses to “A Confession, a Galley, a Wishlist and a Heck of a Lot of Chocolate”
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May 20th, 2009 @ 3:52 am
I’m so sorry you’re in a slump! Yes, I get them too often (have to admit). NO ONE wants this answer, but I have to be honest…I get a little exercise, and then I always feel better afterward. Oh, and then I have a piece of chocolate and it rounds out the entire experience quite nicely!
I also Twittered your giveaway (so excited to see you on there), and posted it in the sidebar of my blog! You can see it at: http://mjmbecky.blogspot.com
May 20th, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
I self-medicate with chocolate, too! And I take hot showers. I’d get a massage if it was in the budget.
I try to stay on the positive side of life but it isn’t easy, so I totally relate to where you are! Very cool about the amazon.com wishlist–I am going to add Table Manners to mine, too, in case you get in the wishlist giving mood again!
Love your books, Mia, and can’t wait for TM in August!
Liesl
May 20th, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Hi Mia! I just finished Sweet Life and loved it! I am going to get Good Things next.
I was called to jury duty and got excused (well, postponed for two years) because I was a stay at home mom. Each state is different, I think. But I was stressed out wondering how I would find someone to watch my kids in case I had to go.
Movies is a great escape for me. I like videos, too, but going to a theater really changes my mood.
May 20th, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
I’m on your mailing list but I’d like an extra entry, too. I get over the slump by making sure I get enough sleep. I think re-charging your brain makes a big difference. And, that being said, I am off to bed!
May 20th, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
Yuck, I hate the blues. I like Maddy’s suggestion about sleep; I know I’m not getting enough sleep these days! I clean the house to help me get over the blues. The one thing that really seems to do the trick is washing my stainless steel sink with bleach. It absolutely shines and has that bleach smell and not a speck of dirt in sight. It’s a quick 10 minute picker-upper.
I would LUV to win this contest. Good Things was my favorite book of 2007 and I still re-read it from time to time.
May 21st, 2009 @ 9:33 am
Mia,
Get outside and enjoy a nice walk. You will refreshed and ready to go again.
Hope you feel brighter!!
Hi Denise! Thanks for your lovely comment and for stopping by! Hugs, Mia
May 24th, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
Thinking of you this week. Hard week for us too. Much love, Nancy
May 26th, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
Hang in there, Mia. This too shall pass. I go through periods of self pity too. I also partially blame those dang hormones. I often have a good cry and really try to focus on putting things in perspective. I try to tell myself- “What if this were the last day of my life?” … Would I really want to look back and realize I had spent it worrying about work deadlines or stressing about a cluttered house, etc. Don’t get me wrong- I think we are all allowed to “wallow” now and then! We just have to pick up and move on …a new beginning each day! Aren’t we lucky?!! Looking forward to your next book.
Hi Mary Beth! Yes, I think an occasional “wallow” is good, but I also agree that each day is a new beginning and we ARE lucky! And I do agree about those hormones! Thank you for your comment — it was like a lovely dose of sunshine and I’m basking in it! Hugs, Mia
June 2nd, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
Being in a slump is so depressing. What do I do? I got outside and spend some time with our dog. He seems to get my mind off of my troubles and he loves having company, so we both end up winning.
Hi Gladys! My family would love a dog, but until everyone is cooking for themselves and doing their own laundry, I think they’re going to have to wait a big longer! We have quite a few friends with pets, though, and we do love borrowing them for walks. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs, Mia
June 2nd, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
I was in a slump a few weeks ago, and then I started doing yoga. It’s helped quite a bit. So has the chocolate!
Hi Malryn! I’m obviously a big fan of the chocolate, and I used to do tai chi and miss it terribly! Thanks for the reminder to check out the classes again! And I’m logging your comment as an extra entry for the galley contest! Hugs, Mia
June 2nd, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
Hi Mia!
I’m on your mailing list but thought it wouldn’t hurt to get in an extra entry as well. The best way for me to get out of a slump, is to have a DVD Marathon, where I just sit and watch several romantic comedies in a row. It does the trick!
Hi Cherie! I am a big fan of the movie marathons, too. And yup, they have to be funny! It’s so cliche, but laughter sometimes is the best medicine, isn’t it? Thanks for leaving a comment and your extra entry is in! Hugs, Mia
June 3rd, 2009 @ 1:49 am
Maybe your son was correct to send you to ‘time-out’. When I am in a slump I need to get away from people until I can put up with myself. Then I am more ready to put up with them! :>)
June 3rd, 2009 @ 1:53 am
Hi Mia,
I’ve found that sometimes I start getting down when my house gets cluttered with stuff. It’s amazing how much stuff little ones can accumulate. I’ve started having yearly rummage sales, which the kids love helping with. We go do something fun with the money so they don’t mind parting with some toys they didn’t play with anyway!
That’s so sweet that you bought that woman your book. I bet you’ll make her day!
All best,
Stephanie
June 3rd, 2009 @ 2:22 am
When I get in a real funky mood, I find a glass of wine and a long quiet walk with my wife works wonders.
June 3rd, 2009 @ 3:13 am
More often than not, I read when I’m in a slump. But I have also learned that a great way to get out of a slump is to do something nice for someone else. I think just the act of no longer focusing on my own stress makes a huge difference. Then there is also the added benefit of knowing someone else is now happier because of me. Sounds like you use this method yourself!!
June 3rd, 2009 @ 3:16 am
Oh you are not alone! I too am in a slump. What has been helping me is getting out and running. I totally don’t feel like doing it, but I force myself and I feel so much better afterward. Amazing what just twenty minutes can do for the self-esteem. That and bake. I am definitely going to treat myself to some type of dessert this weekend to reward myself.
June 3rd, 2009 @ 4:47 am
When I am in a slump, I just think about my children. I am so lucky to have three great children. My oldest is a Green Beret. He has been deployed three times. I am so very proud of him! My second child is a daughter who recently graduated cum laude from college. She has a part-time job and is going to classes to get certified to teach. My youngest is enrolled in summer school at the college of his choice. He’s taking classes to get a “jump start” on his degree. He is majoring in secondary education. He has scolarships to help pay for his college education. I am one proud mama! See, I have absolutely no reason to be in a slump about anything!
June 3rd, 2009 @ 5:05 am
Hi Mia,
Sorry to hear your in a slump, I hope you get out of it soon. What works for me is a walk in our wooded park or watching my favorite movies and doing nothing else. Hopefully it will pass soon.
I also blogged about your contest on my sidebar. http://annmariebro.blogspot.com/
Have a great week.
June 3rd, 2009 @ 5:14 am
I think that is just totally cool of you to just go and do some wishlist fulfilling. That is definitely going to be something that they will remember forever, and kudos and good karma to you for doing that!
As far as what I would do for myself as a pick-me-up .. there are a few things that make me feel a lot better!
1- Buy more Books
2- Drink some hot tea, and close my eyes while doing so
3- Have a long hot bubble bath with candlelight only
Take care,
Marie
June 3rd, 2009 @ 6:06 am
Eat chocolate!!!
June 3rd, 2009 @ 10:09 am
When I’m in a slump, I read historical romances or watch TV! Thanks!
June 3rd, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
Hi Mia! When I’m in a slump I like to take a day away from responsibilities. Usually this involves piling the kids in the car and heading out to do something fun with them. Or, if the weather is crummy and we just don’t want to go anywhere, we’ll rent movies and snuggle up together (and candy, of course!). Or, if the slump is really bad, I spend all day on the couch with a good book, a cup of tea, and chocolate. You always gotta have chocolate.
I hope you feel better soon!
June 3rd, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
I don’t write, so the only slump that affects me are the daily slumps, sometimes I don’t even want to go to work! Who really does? Then I remind myself that (in my case) I’ll see some really sweet kids that day, and …the old money thing, if I don’t go to work, I can’t make money. Another thing that really lifts my spirits is joking around with my grandchildren, (2 and 1 year old). We joke in many sophisticated ways; singing nursery rhymes in a deep, deep voice, or punk/rock style….chasing each other down the hallway, jumping on my bed along with music…that kind of stuff. Makes me laugh everytime!
June 14th, 2009 @ 9:43 am
All things CALORIC!!!! My preference is definitely chocolate.
June 18th, 2009 @ 9:52 am
First off, I relate to being in a pit alot. I have rhuemotoid arthritis, had a knee replacement three years ago, followed by an ankle fusion the next year, a gallbladder surgery, and two back procedures. Then to top that off I got a Urinary Tract Infection and have been fighting it since May 7th – just released today with it over. Now I have to go see my surgeon again as my right knee has been locking up and my doctor and nurse said I have a huge hole in it (probably from tear 3 years ago). So I spend a lot of time at my computer to keep my sanity. I spend it encouraging authors like I am doing right now with you. I also have become a reviewer on 7 sites this year and every book I win and read, I review. Some I get just to review. Those books lift me up and make me laugh.
But don’t look at my house because since back procedure I am not allowed to do anything to middle of July. I thought then I could do more but I’ll just be facing more down time.
I may have to get my youngest daughter to come over and clean.
But I am happy. I have control over my peace and happiness and I have to fight sometimes to keep it. Find someone you can encourage and you’ll soon forget some of your problems.
Enter me to win as I have not read any of your books and would love to.
June 20th, 2009 @ 2:25 am
Hi Mia,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling down. I discovered your books through a friend, Mia Batol, and read Good Things in a day! It was such a fun read – I’ve been trying to think of how best to review it on my blog.
I’d love to join the contest – would love to hear what happens next in that story.
I too use chocolate when things are bad, but wish that I was the type of person (that I used to be) who ran. When I was first a lawyer in the Philippines, I would get on the treadmill when things were overwhelming. But as a lawyer in NYC, there wasn’t time for that – only to eat at my desk, slumped over the computer. You can see why things got bad and why your books resonated so well with me.
I hope that you feel better soon – you have much to be proud of. It’s a nice day out here in Brooklyn and we’re driving out to see flowers in the countryside. I hope that you have a lovely weekend. You rock!
gaby
June 20th, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
Hi Mia…i love that name! I do not have kids, and for years I have been picking/giving names for all my friends and families newborn.Anyway, after 21 years and still no kids, I finally let go of my “would be” daughters’ name Mia Marie.ANYWAYS…why did I think of that now…slump?
I just finished reading Sweet Life in one day!
Love.love.love it. Can’t wait for our local library to get a copy of Good things and Table Manners. Oh well I may have to break down and actually buy all your books and start a collection.
Dear Marie: I’d love it if your library carried all my titles, but of course I am not one to discourage you if you want to start your own collection, too! And Mia Marie is absolutely lovely! Hugs, Mia
June 22nd, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
I really enjoyed Good Things – it was such a fun read. I loved Kevin and Deirdre and am looking forward to Table Manners!
I just reviewed Good Things by Mia King on my blog, Starting Fresh and wanted to share the link to my review.
http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/2009/06/book-review-good-things-by-mia-king.html
I’d also mentioned the contest (+1 entry) and your website.
Thanks!
Gaby
Thank you, Gaby!
The review was wonderful, I am always so appreciative of people who take the time to read my work and offer reviews! Have a great summer! Hugs, Mia
June 23rd, 2009 @ 6:13 am
When i’m in a slump I walk. It doesn’t matter where, it just helps to get outside, away from technology and spend some time by myself. It’s always sure to put me in a better mood.
June 23rd, 2009 @ 11:08 am
Hi Mia,
When I’m in a slump there is a lot of ice cream with whipped cream, sprinkles, and chocolate syrup. Come to think of it…my pants are a little snug. I’m slumping too.
Thanks for the giveaway!
allygotts567[at]hotmail[dot]com
June 24th, 2009 @ 4:00 am
When I am in a slump I hug my kids, get a good book and take a nice warm bubble bath. Then, I get in my cozy bed and watch a chick flick on TV!!
Hi Shannon! You know, watching movies, especially romantic comedies, has really been a boon to me lately! I think a good laugh is the best way to shift your mood instantly. I just saw He’s Just Not That Into You and couldn’t stop laughing for the rest of the night! Hugs, Mia
June 29th, 2009 @ 5:45 am
I am afraid that chocolate is what I always go for, even knowing that it is not really going to help my mood. The only other thing is to go for a brisk walk, but I don’t usually feel like that when I am moody so I have to force myself out and about.
Hi Jemima! I am so much the same way — a walk or fresh air might help, but when you’re feeling low it’s the last thing you want to do!
Chocolate helps, as does time and a little perspective, and if you can do everything (walk, chocolate, time, perspective), I think that’s a pretty healthy balance! Here’s to lots of walks and lots of chocolate! Hugs, Mia
June 29th, 2009 @ 10:40 am
I just finished reading Good Things and I loved it. I loved the characters, the story, your writing and so happy to see Table Manners coming out. When??
I will just die if they breakup!!!!
Thank you for your books!
Laurie
http://www.smileacrossyourheart.com
Hi Laurie! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment!
Table Manners is out Aug 4 (a Tuesday!). And I’m afraid I can’t say what happens, but let me know what you think after you’ve read it! Take care! Hugs, Mia
June 29th, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
When I am in a slump, (recently had a serious stress related one) I try to spend time with friends and read books, which makes calms me and comforts me.
Your books look so nice! love the covers!
Hope to read and review them someday
Marjolein
Hi Marjolein! If you have a review site, drop me an email–I have a few review copies left of Table Manners! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs, Mia
June 30th, 2009 @ 1:25 am
Thanks for the fun contest! To get out of a slump I usually try to visit a new museum, historical site, park, garden, see a new play, basically do something different to shake things up. I’ll also retweet the contest info.
Hi Aimee–I like your process of trying something new/shaking things up!
And thanks for tweeting the contests! Hugs, Mia
June 30th, 2009 @ 7:32 am
Slump? What slump? Life is too short for slumps! Chocolate is great and there’s no use of beating yourself up when you have a “this too shall pass” attitude!
Play with your child and if you don’t one, borrow one–it can’t get any better seeing life through their eyes!
Aloha Genie–Hear hear! You’ve got my vote! Hugs, Mia
July 1st, 2009 @ 3:05 am
[...] since it is July 1, that means that we have a winner for the Table Manners galley and Good Things giveaway. The winner is Becky R. from Utah! Her name was pulled at random from all the entries including [...]