A Surprise Celebration!
Instead of an excerpt today, we’re throwing a surprise celebration party for one of our Jungle Buddies. Please join us in wishing a huge, CONGRATULATIONS to Jodie Wilkerson for selling her very first novella! She is officially a published author!
Jodie, all your hard work has paid off and we’re so proud and excited for you! This is your special day here at Plotmonkeys, so enjoy the hunks I’ve invited to the party to help you celebrate this wonderful accomplishment!
When your hunks give you a break, be sure to share all the details of your upcoming book with us! The title, the publisher, and the date we can get our hands on the story!
Congratulations, Jodie! Good luck with this!
Comment by Margay — July 31, 2008 @ 6:13 am
3
for Jodie!!!!
GO JODIE!!!
Comment by ev — July 31, 2008 @ 7:01 am
OMG!!!
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry! You guys are absolutely amazing and thank you for throwing this party for me! 
The only thing that could be better would be if I was in SF and could give you all thank you hugs personally!! 
This is so perfect because I’ve been trying to figure out a way to let everyone know I was changing my name. Writing under a pen name is so much easier for me (I worry way too much about what other people would think and avoid criticism whenever possible)
so I’m writing under the name Alannah Lynne.
The name of the story is Reaction Time, it’s being published as an e-book by Samhain and will be available sometime this winter - I don’t have an exact date yet but I’ll make sure you all know it as soon as I get it!
Here’s the blurb:
Nikki Kincaid carries her smart-mouth and bad attitude like other women carry mace - and she isn’t afraid to lose it. As a championship contender in the NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing Series, she has buried her naturally submissive tendencies to become a tight-gripped control freak. But Adam Guthrie, a seasoned Dom and friend of her brother, sees through her bluster and thunder and believes Nikki was made to be his. When someone begins sending Nikki threatening letters, Adam uses it to his advantage. Five days of protecting Nikki, while she participates in this weekend’s racing activities, gives him the perfect opportunity to show her just how good relinquishing control can be.
Despite the whole premise, the dominance and submission elements are very minor and I’ve actually received quite a few compliments on the way it’s handled. Adam isn’t an overbearing jerk who forces Nikki to do anything. He’s a guy who loves her and wants her to be who she is.
It also has a fair amount of humor in it - it opens with her participating in an illegal drag race with him (a cop) in the car with her!
Thanks again, Janelle, Leslie, Julie, Carly!!!! When I grow up I want to be just like you guys!!!!!
Comment by Jodie/Alannah — July 31, 2008 @ 7:16 am
Oh, and thank you for those hunks!!! :giggle:
Comment by Jodie/Alannah — July 31, 2008 @ 7:19 am
Congratulations, Jodie! Good luck!
Comment by Cheryl S. — July 31, 2008 @ 7:39 am
That is so awesome!! Congratulations!!
Comment by Sara Murphy — July 31, 2008 @ 8:02 am
Colleen
Comment by Colleen — July 31, 2008 @ 8:33 am
Can’t wait to find out the release date so I can buy your ebook. It sounds like a really great book with both mystery and romance.
Comment by Liza — July 31, 2008 @ 8:42 am
Congrats Jodie!!!!
This is amazing, you must be on cloud nine. Of course, now you have three hunks to do your bidding. Congrats on your success. 
Comment by Patty L. — July 31, 2008 @ 8:45 am
Thanks, everyone!
It’s so much fun to be able to celebrate this news and share the excitement with everyone here! Thank you!!!!
Comment by Jodie/Alannah — July 31, 2008 @ 9:02 am
Comment by katie — July 31, 2008 @ 9:31 am
Congrats on the book, The hunks are great to wake you up in the morning.. It has made my day LOL
Comment by Brenda M — July 31, 2008 @ 9:55 am
Congrats on the book, The hunks are great to wake you up in the morning.. It has made my day LOL
Comment by Brenda M — July 31, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Comment by Alicia Tags — July 31, 2008 @ 10:37 am
Jodie, Congrats on your big accomplishment! Best of luck as a pub’d writer.
Patricia
Comment by Patricia — July 31, 2008 @ 10:40 am
Good morning junbgle buddies and plotmonkeys….
Jodie/Alanna I just want to say a big CONGRATULATIONS! That is so awesome..let’s party…
I am so happy for you…you have been working really hard on your writing…this so awesome… 
I am so happy to be sharing this moment with you in the jungle… 
I would love to learn more about your book too…and those hunks…you know, if you ever need me…to help you, you know…send them my way… :oops: :oops:
I wish you the best of luck, and to see you on the other side of the table at the next RWA conference…
Here’s to you
BTW, I love your pseudonym…I think that Alanna is a beautiful name…my cousin’s name is Alana…
I will swing by later for some cake, it there is any left….
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — July 31, 2008 @ 10:46 am
Wishing you the best of luck!
Comment by Susan — July 31, 2008 @ 10:57 am
Congrats again Jodie! We have all been talking about you and wishing you much success. Hope this is the beginning of wonderful things!
Comment by Leslie — July 31, 2008 @ 11:05 am
Comment by Colleen — July 31, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Congratulations, Jodie!
Thanks for allowing us to share the excitement of getting your novella published with you!
Comment by Karin — July 31, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Jodie, you are da bomb!!!!!! I’m so proud of you!!
Congratulations again!!!!!
Cher
Comment by Cher Gorman — July 31, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Congratulations! Enjoy your special occasion (and the hunks, too!)
Pat Cochran
Comment by Pat Cochran — July 31, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
Congratulations again, Jodie!!! I hope you’re enjoying your special surprise celebration. There’s plenty of drinks and cake for everyone
so have fun and don’t wear out the hunks too badly! 
Comment by Janelle Denison — July 31, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Comment by quilt lady — July 31, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
CONGRATULATIONS from San Francisco, Jodie! We’re happy to celebrate your exciting news with you here in the jungle!!!!!
More on the conference next week!
Comment by carly phillips — July 31, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
Comment by limecello — July 31, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
Congrats, Jodie.
Comment by Jane — July 31, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
I’m glad I found out about your celebration. I’ve been waiting years for this - congratulations! Love & Friends.
Comment by Kitty — July 31, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Thanks again, everyone! This is too much fun!
Cher, aren’t you supposed to be giving us some reports from conference? Just even a little taste of what’s going on….it’s awful not being there…okay, that’s not true. The hunks are making it oh so wonderful to be here :giggle: but I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants details.
I like the idea of sneaking off for a few days too…I might have to take that under advisement!
Leslie, Janelle, Carly, Julie - thanks again for making me feel so special and for throwing this incredible celebration for me!
Comment by Jodie/Alannah — July 31, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Congratulations again Jodie!!! As soon as your book is released we’ll have to figure out some way for you to autograph it for me! I’m absolutely thrilled for you!!
{{{Hugs}}}
Luanna
Comment by Luanna — July 31, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Luanna!
You’re too funny!!
Thanks for all of your help and fabulous proof-reading skills in getting it ready!!
Comment by Jodie/Alannah — July 31, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
Congrats on such a KICK BUTT accomplishment! Good luck, may you have many books published!
Comment by Darla — July 31, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
Aw, Jodie!!! That is AWESOME! Amazing news! Your blurb sounds great! And only a couple more months, right? Winter’s soon, isn’t it??
Comment by Fedora — July 31, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
Congrats, Jodie! I know you must still be walking on air. You Go, girl!
Comment by Carol R — July 31, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
Congratulations on your first sale!
Comment by Estella — July 31, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
Congrats on the book!
Have lots of fun at the conference!!!
Comment by barbarav — July 31, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
Comment by Donna M — July 31, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
Wow! Congrats to you on your first novella. Keep us posted so we know when we can read the rest.
Comment by Anna D — July 31, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
Hi ALL,
I have actually sent my reports to Julie. Not sure when they will be posted. I am having a fabulous time though. It’s great to be here and see so many old friends and of course make some new ones. There is the usual conference nonsense with waiting for the elevators, eating the proverbial “chicken” at the luncheons.
The literacy signing last night was an absolute zoo! There were 450 authors who signed and 58,000 dollars was raised. Victoria Alexander spoke at the luncheon today and she was fabulous. So funny, charming and gave us all a boost of inspiration to keep going, keep trying, keep scaling that mountain just like poor Frodo did. But to remember that it’s the journey that is important. And that if even one person reads one of our books it makes us a storyteller.
This afternoon I went to a PAN workshop and heard Gail Blanke speak. I can’t tell you how fabulous that was. I feel energized again.
Well, it’s time to go find some food before I head over to the Rotunda at Neiman Marcus for the PASIC reception.
Take care,
Cher
Comment by Cher Gorman — July 31, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
I just wanted to drop back by and tell everyone thanks one more time. I will never, ever forget this party and thanks to everyone for making it such a special day for me!
Fedora - I’m guessing 5-7 months, but I’m sure the time will fly by.
Donna - I can’t wait to hear your report and
Cher, thanks for the update!
Have a great night everyone, and thanks again!!
Comment by Jodie/Alannah — July 31, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
CONGRATS Jodie!!!
Comment by Dina — July 31, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
Comment by Yolanda — July 31, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
Congratulations, Jodie! That’s fantastic!
Comment by Robin — July 31, 2008 @ 11:25 pm
Comment by Ardie — August 1, 2008 @ 1:12 am
Congrats Jodie!!
Comment by Lori T — August 1, 2008 @ 2:16 am
Congratulations Jodie
What fantastic news
Comment by Gigi — August 1, 2008 @ 6:04 am
Woohoo!!! Congrats Jodie!!
Comment by bunny — August 1, 2008 @ 6:13 am
Congratulations, Jodie! What awesome news!
Comment by PJ — August 1, 2008 @ 8:23 am
Great news! You go girl! Iwish you all the best…..Cindi
Comment by Cindi — August 1, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Comment by Lori Barnes — August 1, 2008 @ 11:53 pm
Yikes! I somehow missed this earlier. Belated congratulations, Jodie! Good on you!
Comment by Silver J. — August 2, 2008 @ 12:38 am
Congrats Jodie
Comment by Susan Ford — August 2, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Yea Jodie
Comment by Linda L Gates — August 2, 2008 @ 9:31 am
I’m really happy for you Jodie, way to go
Comment by Jack W Mishler — August 2, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Congratulations, Jodie! May it be a harbinger of many publishings to come! But the first time is mighty hard to beat.
Comment by GladysMP — August 2, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
congrats Jodi, thanks for the hotties.
Comment by kh — August 2, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
Congrats again Jodie! You know I am thrilled for you!
Comment by Jennifer Y. — August 5, 2008 @ 1:43 am
Hi Jodie!!
I know I’m late to the party, but celebrating anyway!! I couldn’t be happier or more excited for you. I know how hard you’ve worked and I’m so happy to celebrate this with you.
I’ve told you before, Your my idol!
I hope that this opens many doors for you….congratulations!
Tina
Comment by Tina Martinesi — August 14, 2008 @ 7:13 pm