Monday, December 30, 2013

We Will Survive Book Reading


Dear Friends/Family,

At first I was afraid… it’d be my three children and me, but that would’ve been totally okay because I love those little darlings. But then Linda and her husband, Bill came in and I was no longer petrified.

Linda O'Connell and husband, Bill

A man and lady were occupying the room we had reserved, so my daughter kindly informed them of the event and invited them to stay. It turns out he is a writer and they would’ve loved to attend, but they couldn't. 

Critique partner, Sioux and her friend Darice popped in. Carrie (the gelato maker and friend of the family) graced us with her presence too. Then long time friends of my son’s, Martina and Josh surprised us! And last but not least, my older sister, Sue bounced in. My little sister, Ruth and her husband, Bud had every intention of coming, but traffic made it impossible. No worries.

from left to right: Martina, Josh, Darice, Sioux

from left to right: Rita, Jessica, Carrie, Suzanne

We started a little late and I began with a big No-No by saying my story paled compared to others in the book. After the reading was over I was told that my experience… okay, I don’t know the exact words, but I received the message loud and clear, especially after receiving another in private. The sheer kindness of people… well, my heart is more opened and I will be more positive about myself.

When I read, I go into some zone and I read well (there, how’s that for positivity?).

 Lynn Obermoeller

Linda then read her story. I heard comments about how well she read. And of course, she’s a pro.


Linda O'Connell

Linda and I both shared our experience meeting Ms. Gaynor and how it was like sitting with friends… just like what we were doing right then at the reading.

The ugly Christmas sweater meets disco winner clearly belonged to my son, Casey. However, since a lot of folks missed that memo, we put everyone’s name in the drawing and my sister, Suzanne won. She generously and kindly turned to Josh and handed him the book. Josh later admitted that he knew he was going to be the winner, but when his name wasn’t drawn, he was like, oh well. But then when my sister handed him the book, his intuition of being the winner was realized! (I love how those things happen, and watching kindness in action.)

You can't really tell that Casey won the best dressed contest because he took off some of his decorations (a white jacket and white tie and another Christmas scarf wrapped around his neck), but can you see the Christmas lights in his beard?

from left to right: Rita (the baby in the story), me (Lynn), Casey, Jessica

Sioux had given Linda and me a Christmas card with a poem she created replacing the words to "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" with "Oh Come All Ye Writers." Sioux is one of the most hilarious people I know. The three of us belted out the song to Sioux's words. And let me tell you, we can't sing like Gloria Gaynor. The notes and chords that left our lips were funnier than Sioux's words to the song.

Seven more books were sold! Thank you! And the proceeds of the sales will go to a local shelter for abused women. If anyone knows of one, suggestions are welcome. I have a few (as in two) more books for sale and if you're interested, contact me at lober13(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll donate that money as well. I spied some copies at STL Books in Kirkwood, MO so you can always purchase a copy there... if you're local to the area.


Here's what you would have received as a gift for attending...

Handmade ornament with "We Will Survive... 2013" printed inside along with some glittery stuff

But because the holidays made it hard for those to attend, if you again email me that you've purchased a book, I will send you an ornament... while they last.

From the top and the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your loving support and kindness.

And know that we all will survive… somehow.

left to right: Lynn Obermoeller and Linda O'Connell


Monday, December 16, 2013

We Will Survive Book Reading Christmas Event

Dear Friends and Family,

By now, you all know about We Will Survive... here's the latest on an upcoming event.


(Click on flyer to enlarge)

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Chicken Soup Signing Cancelled, but Handmade Marketplace Craft Show Still On

Dear Friends and Family,

The Chicken Soup for the Soul book signing at Main Street Books has been cancelled due to the snowy weather (although the book store may be open, best to call and check), however, if you are the adventurous type, you can still head to the Handmade Marketplace Craft Show but it starts at 12 Noon now instead of 9 AM.


Check back for details about the We Will Survive reading on Monday, December 23!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Christmas Meets Disco and Chicken Soup and Crafts

Dear Friends and Family,

First let me say that the book signing with Cathi LaMarche, Alice Muschany, Linda O'Connell and myself (we four St. Louis writers) who are honored to be in Gloria Gaynor's new release, We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration and the Power of Song was a complete success. Thank you everyone!!! We sold out the store's copies in the first hour and had to run to our cars and grab our own personal stash. A good signing I'm told is selling 7-10 copies. We sold 32! Plus the four I was going to pick up for a friend, that makes 36! You can also check us out in St. Louis Today (Post-Dispatch).

I was completely overwhelmed and at one point forgot how to write my name. After the event, I received an email from a grade school friend, Eddie who said, "Lynn, you looked so happy." I felt more nervous than happy, but after I thought about it, I was happy. So many friends and relatives came to support me, it made my heart sing... which is why my head can't stop singing, "I Will Survive"- it's been playing non-stop since.

Here's a few pictures from the event:

Cathi LaMarche, Linda O'Connell, Lynn Obermoeller, Alice Muschany


 Kim Coleman (an amazing survivor herself), Lynn Obermoeller

Here we are again with Donna Volkenannt in the background



I know some of you wanted to attend and had other commitments, so here's another chance only this will be a little different, hence the title of the blog post Christmas Meets Disco. On Monday, December 23 at 7:00 PM head on over to The Gelateria where Linda and I will read our stories and you can also get your signed copies of We Will Survive or bring in your copy to have it signed. And not only that, we're giving away a copy for the best dressed Christmas Meets Disco outfit. Add to the fun, you'll receive a free ornament especially designed by yours truly if you come to the event. The Gelateria has food and drink so come straight from work and relax, treat yourself and have a good time. I heard there will be chocolate too. But remember, if the weather is bad we'll be cancelling, so check back here for updates.


I'm in a critique group with four lovely ladies--Linda O'Connell, Sioux Roslawski, Tammy Goodsell and Beth Wood. They, along with some other local writers, will be signing books from various (new) Chicken Soup titles this Saturday, December 14 at Main Street Books in St. Charles. From 11-1 you can see Cathi LaMarche and Nina Miller. From 1-3 you'll spot Linda O'Connell, Tammy Goodsell and Theresa Sanders. From 3-5 get a look at Sioux Roslawski and Beth Wood. Bring a canned good and you will get a discount on your purchase. A win-win, you're helping feed someone in need and saving a few bucks.

And if you're still itching for some unique holiday gifts to buy, you can also head over to the St. Charles Community College where my daughter will be displaying her hand-made goodies. Lots of other crafters too. That's from 9-4. Make a day of it, that's what I plan to do. And if you can't make the craft fair, but still want some home-made goodies, check out Rita's egabragcrafts.com!

Christmas Meets Disco
3197 S. Grand
St. Louis, MO
Monday, December 23
7:00 PM

Chicken Soup
307 South Main
St. Charles, MO
Saturday, December 14
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

St.Charles Community College Gymnasium
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.
Cottleville, MO 63376
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM






Saturday, December 7, 2013

And the Winner is...

Dear Friends and Family,

We have a winner...

MARY

Congratulations Mary and if you email me your address, I will make sure you get your copy of We Will Survive.  My email is: lober13(at)gmail(dot)com.  However, if you come by to the signing today, I'll make sure you get the book!

Thank you everyone... stay tuned for highlights from the book signing!

xo

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Book Give-A-Way, We Will Survive


Here’s a chance to win your copy of Gloria Gaynor’s new release, We Will Survive, if you haven't already purchased one. But even if you have, it will make a nice Christmas gift.

This copy will be signed by four St. Louis authors—yes, four of us (Linda O’Connell, Cathi LaMarche, Alice Muschany and myself) have our stories of survival in We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song.

I’m going to pick a winner before Saturday, December 7 because that way if you don’t win, you’ll have a chance to get your own signed copy from us four at Barnes & Noble, Mid Rivers Center Drive, St. Peters, MO from 1-3:00 PM on Saturday, December 7.

And if you cant make the book signing, there’s a rumor that Linda and myself will be reading our stories at the Gelateria on Monday, December 23 at 7:00 PM. Books will be available for purchase, along with other fun give-a-ways. Weather permitting, so check back here to make sure it’s on.

December is a busy month and if you don’t have time for any of the above, hop on over to Amazon and purchase a copy… I’ll still sign it for you, if you want.

Okay, so how do you win a copy? Just comment on this blog post. And if you tell a friend and they comment and mention your name, I’ll put you in the drawing twice!

Hurry, you only have four days… I’ll announce the winner on Saturday morning.

Oh, and check out the cool letters made out of books that my gradeschool BFF gave me… can’t get much cuter than that. Thanks Susan!