4k Hits and Moving Forward

I just wanted to pause my writing for one moment to write a quick and sincere thank you to everyone who's visited my blog since its inception. Yesterday evening my blog hit 4000 page views. It's been kind of a lumpy bumpy ride these past two-ish years that I've actually been active here. I've had times where I couldn't get three words typed, and I've had times where I've written an entire novella in less than three weeks. With me, there's not much in-between.
And with me, there's not much room for writing blog posts no matter what kind of time I'm having writing my stories. For that, I apologize. I'm not the best at social networking. I find it really difficult to post comments on others things. I'm actually really kind of afraid of not conveying myself properly and accidentally offending someone with my words when I'm typing.
When I'm speaking, on the other hand, I don't have to cherry pick my words as much. I stutter and stammer and might still have some difficulty expressing myself, but I don't have to sit and second guess what I'm saying because when I'm speaking you can tell my mood. You can plainly hear or see my expression and tone so what's meant as a compliment shouldn't come off as an insult (and vice versa).
I'm trying to push forward and force myself to speak on the internet. In fact, I've made an acquaintance in one of my lovely readers. She followed me on Twitter and it was linked to her tumblr so I followed her back on both and we ended up skyping that entire night away. It was just about the best time I'd ever had with someone on the internet.
So here's the thing: Please, do not be afraid to approach me. I want your readership, but more importantly I want your friendship. Who knows? Maybe you'll make it into one of my stories! I take a lot of my friends and put them in my stories, in one way or another.
Anyway, if you catch me on the internet, go ahead and talk to me. Bother me. Tell me I should be writing and then start enthusing about Star Trek or Doctor Who.

This month, I'm hosting an event over on fridley.patch.com. Every day, I'm posting a 50-150 word excerpt (shooting for 100 words each time, but sometimes it's a bit over and sometimes a bit under, because paragraphs) from something I'm working on. And: All through June, July and August I'll be releasing one short story every Friday or Saturday.
This week it's a zombie action gorefest.

Giveaway!

In just 7 days I will be releasing Sketchbooks #2: Paper Lanterns, so I figured this would be the perfect time to do a giveaway. The rules/how to enter are simple: Comment on this blog post, and then go over to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmaline-Westlund/162474990490828 and click "like." You are then officially entered. Only one entry per person, and the winner will be chosen at random once there are 10 people who have entered.

But what will you win?
Well, one GRAND PRIZE winner will receive a signed copy of Paper Dolls, a signed copy of Paper Lanterns, both e-books, and an official Destruction Productions hoodie (size will be XL).

Two runners up will each receive signed copies of Paper Dolls. 


Everyone else will receive the ebook of Paper Lanterns.

Tell your friends, tell your family, let everyone know about this giveaway!


EDIT: Giveaway will end on January 31st, 2012, regardless of entrant numbers. Winners will receive their physical prizes by the end of February (hopefully, haven't been able to order the hoodie yet). Re-Edit: This has been slightly modified since I no longer deal through Smashwords.com.