Once and awhile I get a muse, or a new friend, or a miracle wrapped in a human body that takes the time to message me on twitter to tell me how much they loved Angst and Buried in Angst. Sometimes they will post a review to Amazon or Goodreads, sometimes it’s just a well timed thank you for writing the books. I don’t know if I can actually put into words how much this means. But, for a brief second, let me try.
How many times have you had a bad waiter, or received poor service, or could just tell that the person behind the counter didn’t care. It bothered you so much that you were going to write the manager, the president of the company, or maybe the local newspaper…and didn’t. Now, flip that upside down and how many times have you gotten just amazing service, that person that genuinely cared, the right smile at the right time. It deserved more than a good tip and you were going to call or email or write someone but didn’t. Not to be a pessimist, but I think a lot of people make more of an effort to complain than compliment. That’s how significant those messages are.
I’ve always felt those few complaints and compliments represent a much greater force, the unheard from group that by exhaustion or meekness doesn’t speak their heart. This is exactly the reason that one thousandth of one percent who takes the time to do what I’m bad at doing, on either side of the fence, is so significant. Those few who do it for no gain or reason other than to share their genuine opinion inspire me in ways I can’t explain. And I’m so very grateful.
I’m fortunate that this happens several times throughout a month. So, to say thanks, every quarter I put the names in a hat and draw one. I offer the ‘winner’ a T-Shirt. It’s a little thing, and maybe even silly, but I just have to thank them for how much they mean to me. Now, honestly, everyone who has purchased my books and enjoys them deserves a T-Shirt. Heck, if I could buy everyone a house I would. I often joke with my friends that my marketing budget is Twitter (you know, because it’s free.) But if readers make the effort I feel like I have to do something. So, if you happen to be one of those who have received a message asking for your shirt size, I swear I’m not being creepy, it’s just my way of saying thank you! (If I asked for the size of any other article of clothing, I apologize, probably the rum. Probably.)
Tell people about your Angst! Tweet, Facebook, or Google+ the message “I've got Angst and love it, do you? www.gotangst.com” Let me know by sharing a link here and that’s considered an entry (if you can’t share a link just reply to this post and let me know what you did). I have 10 shirts that I will gladly ship out in late February, and will randomly draw names from a hat. (A top hat, because top hats are cool.)
This contest goes from now through February 1st, 2014. I’ll ship to any country the cheapest way possible, heh, and if I don’t have your shirt size in stock I’ll order it. (It’ll take me a few extra weeks.) In addition, I’ll do a random drawing, two people will receive a signed copy of Angst and Buried in Angst.
If you have any questions, please message me here or on Twitter. One entry per person, and good luck to those who participate. Whether or not you put your name in the hat, thank you very much for reading my books. I’m just getting started, and we are going to have a lot of fun!
