My First Book! On Sale Now!

Something I rarely talk about here is my first book,  Don't Throw Rocks At His Window. It's a little advice book for how to get over a broken heart. I loved writing it. It made me laugh and it made me cry. And even though it has a very small target audience, and I have made practically no money at all on it, I am so glad I wrote it. It introduced me to publishing and, more importantly, to the awesome people at Shadow Mountain who fell in love with Edenbrooke and gave it a home.

A few weeks ago I received a very surprising email from a creative writing professor at BYU. He had somehow found my book, read it, and wrote to tell me how impressed he was with the writing. He was also generous enough to review it on Amazon. (The only other review was written by my aunt. That is how sadly small the response has been.)

This is what he wrote in his review:

*****
I am not an impulse buyer. I've worn the same two pairs of shoes for the past decade and I comparison shop for toothpaste. As a creative writing teacher, I'm particularly snobby about what I read--I rarely buy a book until at least three people I trust have raved about it, and even then I usually wait for the used price to go down.

I bought this book last night at full price in a store after a) seeing the tiger in the "Stalking Is For Predatory Animals" section and b) reading the metaphors for a broken heart on the third page of the book. ("In an art museum," writes Donaldson, "your heart would be the Picasso painting that looks like a person was taken apart and then stuck back together with all the parts in the wrong places. On a mission to Mars, your heart would be the astronaut who gets stranded outside of the space shuttle without a tether and goes floating off, silently screaming, to suffocate in cold, dark space.") Maybe I'm just out of touch, but snarky tigers and lyrical heartbreak were not things I was expecting from Deseret Book--it's delightful to be so pleasantly surprised.

The target audience for this book is women in their teens and twenties who have recently been through painful break-ups. I am nowhere close to that demographic, but I loved this brief book for its wit, its insight, and its ability to mediate the space between abstract gospel concepts and the messy everyday realities of modern life.

Julie C. Donaldson is a thoughtful, talented writer willing to take stylistic risks to talk straight to readers longing for something to connect to. I really, really enjoyed this book.
*****

It's been easy for me to forget my first book--to relegate it to the pile of rejected things that I've collected on my journey as a writer. But after reading this review, I've decided to bring my first child back home and embrace it. Right now it's on sale for the ridiculously low price of $3.99. I think they're just trying to get rid of their stock. At this price I make no money on the sales. But if anyone would like to give this little book a home, I would love you for it. You can order it here.


**p.s. This book is written from a Christian viewpoint. If religious things offend you, this may not be the book for you. 

I'm Teaching a Class!

What are you doing next Wednesday night? How about coming to meet me at Family Literacy Night in Kaysville, Utah?

Tyler Whitesides, the author of Janitors, will be kicking off the night with what I'm sure will be a fabulous keynote address, and after that, nineteen local authors (including me!) will be teaching short 15 minute classes. Mine will be called "How to Craft Compelling Stories," where we'll go through some of the writing process together.

Celebrate My Friend's Book with Me!

My husband and I are freezing here in Edinburgh! I had to buy a hat and gloves this morning, I'm wearing two jackets, and really wishing I had my warm coat . . . but we're having a glorious time! I can't wait to tell you more about it.

While I'm away, though, I want to tell you about my friend, Jaime Richardson. In Edenbrooke, in my acknowledgements, I call her Jaime Mormann, which is her maiden name that she uses for fiction writing. She is the girl I went to England with back in 2007, and is one of my dear friends. Shortly after we went to England, she started a blog called sophistimom.com, where she writes about her kids, their favorite books, and the most amazing recipes.

Exclusive Sneak Peek of Blackmoore

Okay, everyone! I am, as we speak, on my way to Scotland!! It's going to be wonderful exploring the places that give depth and breadth to my writing, and I can't wait to tell you all about them when I get back.

But until then, I want to show you the cover of Blackmoore . . . and I will just as soon as I tell you a little bit about it.

The Fan Fiction Winners and a Book Signing

Wow, everybody. I was just overwhelmed with the response to our Edenbrooke Birthday Celebration! I really do have the most wonderful readers and it thrills me that we can share a story that has been in my heart for so many years.

I loved all the photographs and designs and parties that you sent in, but I've been saving the best for last: the fan fiction!

Without any further ado, I would like to announce the winners!

And they are . . .

It's Your Birthday, Edenbrooke!

It has been so much fun to prepare for Edenbrooke's birthday today. It's been one year to the day since Edenbrooke was published, and I never dreamed I would gather such a tremendous group of kindred spirits to enjoy Marianne and Philip's story. THANK YOU ALL for giving Edenbrooke a place in your hearts and minds. And now on to the announcements!!

1. I have many secret projects in the works, but some of them have to stay secret a little bit longer. The one I can reveal is this:

1. My beautiful and talented sister Audrey is a graphic designer and the queen of all things Proper. She and I have dreamed up some wonderful Edenbrooke products and the shop will be opening on Etsy in two weeks. This darling print is just one of many things you will be able to order.

2. The talented Christine Walters has been generous enough to draw another sketch of a character for Edenbrooke. I requested Cecily. I think she turned out lovely!

3. I spent most of today trying to get my family ready for a camping trip to Zion National Park tomorrow. It was a crazy day of grocery shopping and hauling out sleeping bags and doing laundry. But when I popped in from running errands, I found a package waiting for me! Look what it was!

Aren't they beautiful? They're from two wonderful readers, Lawrence Winterfield and Aundrea Gibson. I was so surprised and so touched. Thank you, Lawrence and Aundrea! I also received a card that featured a cow and a lovely reader's ideas of how to celebrate Edenbrooke day. Thank you Carol! It was so thoughtful!

4. An awesome fan created this Edenbrooke quiz! I loved it. And I'm ashamed to say I didn't know some of the answers!

Edenbrooke Quiz

1. Which wasn’t part of the ‘lethal combination’ that Philip declared after hearing of Mr.Whittles?

a. Wet mouth

b. Sweaty shiny face

c. Creaky corset

d. Twice the age

2. What color is not mentioned in the book as Marianne’s eye color?

a. Green

b. Blue

c. Gray

d. Brown

3. Mr. Beaufort has his hair done in which style?

a. “Frightened Owl”

b. Brummell style

c. Bedford Crop

d. Caesar Cut

4. Marianne can be stubborn, which was mentioned when Philip teased her of her stubborn streak

while talking in the library?

a. Refusing to touch the doll

b. Refusing help after the Inn

c. Staying in a tree all day as a child

d. Not accepting the compliment of her beauty

5. When Philip and William left for their trip, Marianne thought they were doing things a rector

wouldn’t approve of. What were they actually doing?

a. Carousing

b. Hunting

c. Bull baiting

d. Horse racing

6. What does Philip say is the easiest work he’s ever done and the most enjoyable?

a. Managing the estate

b. Horse racing

c. Making Marianne blush

d. Stealing the hearts of women he had no intention of keeping

7. What year does the book take place?

a. 1812

b. 1814

c. 1815

d. 1816

8. Where does James, the coachman, go?

a. Bath

b. Brighton

c. Dover

d. Lambon

9. Which did Marianne not mention she missed of her home while talking to Philip in the library?

a. Family

b. Friends

c. Horse

d. Land

10. What color is the gown Marianne wears the night of ball at the Assembly Room?

a. White

b. Green

c. Pink

d. Blue

11. What flower does Cecily smell like?

a. Roses

b. Lilacs

c. Lilies

d. Orchid

12. Who does Cecily wish to marry?

a. Sir Charles

b. Philip

c. Mr. Beaufort

d. Mr. Kellet

13. The stables are on what side of the house?

a. East

b. South

c. West

d. North

14. How does Marianne encourage Philip?

a. Accept a compliment

b. Touch his arm

c. Laugh at everything he says

d. Smile demurely

15. What is the name of the nurse?

a. Mrs. Butler

b. Ms. Nutley

c. Mrs. Nutley

d. Ms. Cutley

16. A gentle ___ would never have able to keep up with Philip.

a. Horse

b. Mare

c. Butterfly

d. Bunny

17. Which is not a name of the cows mentioned when Marianne is pretending to be a milkmaid?

a. Annabelle

b. Betsy

c. Ginger

d. Bessie

18. Which does Marianne tend to call Philip?

a. Hateful

b. Odious

c. Inappropriate

d. Scandalous

19. Which is Marianne’s pet name to her family?

a. Annie

b. Anne

c. Mary

d. Moon

20. Which of Philip’s ancestors named Edenbrooke?

a. His great-great Grandmother

b. His great-great-great Grandfather

c. His great-great-great Grandmother

d. His great-great-great-great-Grandmother

21. Which species did Mr. Clumpett not mention in the book?

a. Jungle Bush-Quail

b. Indian Giant Squirrel

c. Beetle

d. Indian rhinoceros

22. Who was the epitome of a wealthy, elegant young lady?

a. Mrs. Clumpett

b. Cecily

c. Miss Grace

d. Louisa

23. What color are Grandmother’s eyes?

a. Green

b. Blue

c. Gray

d. Brown

24. Which books interested Philip’s father?

a. Philosophy

b. History

c. Mythology

d. Poetry

25. What is the name of the inn that Marianne stops at twice?

a. King’s Crown

b. Rose and Crown

c. White Horse

d. Red Lion

26. What drink was Mr. Beaufort drinking at the inn?

a. Whiskey

b. Wine

c. Ale

d. Brandy

27. Marianne offers to exchange the painting for what?

a. Edenbrooke

b. Meg

c. Philip’s heart

d. Money

28. Rowton, Philip’s horse, is what breed?

a. Godolphin

b. Brandenburger

c. Anglo-Arabian

d. Italian Trotter

29. Mrs. Fairhurst was the ___ visitor to call on Lady Caroline that morning.

a. First

b. Second

c. Third

d. Fourth

30. Both Mrs. Clumpett and Marianne were cursed with what?

a. Being the youngest

b. Having beautiful sisters

c. Not what society calls elegant or accomplished

d. No figure

Answers: 1.B, 2.D, 3.B, 4.D, 5.D, 6.C, 7.D, 8.B, 9.C, 10.B , 11.B, 12.B, 13.D, 14.A, 15.C, 16.B, 17.B, 18.,

19.A, 20.C, 21.B, 22.C, 23.C, 24.A, 25.B, 26.D, 27.C, 28.A, 29.C, 30.B

4. Fan Photos! Peruse and enjoy!

(If I missed anyone's photo, I'm sorry! I'll add it later if you let me know.)

5. I got fan fiction! I'm going to have my family judge it and I'll announce the winner here next week! And I'll be giving away some signed Edenbrooke copies for my fans who contributed photos and fan fiction.

Thank you all again for taking part in the Edenbrooke celebration. I know a lot of you were hoping for another scene from me, but the fact is, I'm fully immersed in my Blackmoore characters and I'm only three days away from finishing that book, so I can't risk getting my head back into Edenbrooke characters. But I'll have more great news coming in the next few weeks, both about Edenbrooke and Blackmoore. 

It's an Edenbrooke Celebration!

Okay, I know I have been absent here for a ridiculously long time, and I am sorry! But the good news is that I have been absent here but working really hard on other things, which you will hear about in the coming weeks and months. There are many exciting and wonderful things to tell you but right now I have to keep my lips zipped.

But there is one thing I've been working on that I can tell you about. It's Edenbrooke's birthday next week on Wednesday, March 27!

I was so busy with my other projects that I wasn't even thinking about this day coming up until a great reader brought it to my attention. Since Edenbrooke was my first book, I did not have a launch party. (Nobody would have come, because nobody knew me.) But I think it would be really fun to have a party to mark the first year of my first book, and I would love for you to join me!

Here are a few ways you can celebrate the day with me. Pick one or all or whatever works for you.

1. Reread Edenbrooke! Any time between now and March 27th, go immerse yourself in Philip and Marianne again. And then...

2. On March 27th, let's have an Edenbrooke blitz on whatever social media forum you like. I would love it if everyone would choose a favorite line (or two or three) from the book and share it on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest or Instagram...whatever you like. Let's see if we can spread the Edenbrooke love! If you've read Edenbrooke more than once, share that too! Let's see who has read it the most times! And I'll send the winner something special.

3. Send me your photos/videos/writing. Be creative with this! Take a photo of you and all your sisters/girlfriends/boyfriends/grandmotherly neighbors dressed up in fancy hats. Or take a video of yourself twirling. Or go fall into a river. Or send me your fan fiction! Write a scene between Marianne and Philip! I'll post as many as I can here on the blog or over on my Facebook page. I'll also pick the top three entries and send you personalized signed copies of Edenbrooke. Or something else really cool. (Okay, I haven't thought through all the details, but we're just running with this, okay? Work with me here, peeps. It will be cool. I promise.)

EDIT: Please send me your photos/videos/fan fiction at donaldson.julianne@gmail.com. Thanks!


4. I will have a very special present waiting for you here on this blog next Wednesday. I don't want to give away what it will be, but I am SURE you will enjoy it.

What do you think? Are you on board? Then let's get going and make March 27th a really awesome, fun, Edenbrooke-y day!!

xoxo

p.s. I am much more active on my Facebook page than I am here on the blog. If you're on Facebook at all, please like my page and get yourself up-to-date with all the fun Edenbrooke news. It's https://www.facebook.com/DonaldsonJulianne

Book Signing Event in So Cal

I'm taking my kids to Disneyland this weekend! (It's our first time! Ever!)

That means I'll have my first out-of-state book signing! It's all happened kind of at the last minute, but I would LOVE to see some of you. On Saturday, February 2nd, from 1-3 pm, I'll be signing copies of Edenbrooke at the Deseret Book store in Santa Ana. Here's the address: 2230 E. Seventeenth St. Santa Ana, CA.

I hope to see you there!!!

Isaac's Christmas Delivery. Finally.

Isaac

Dear Friends,

(for I consider you all friends--all of you who took part in the Christmas miracle to help Isaac's family)

There are some experiences in life so bitter-sweet, it is painful to recount them. And that is how I feel about the day I delivered Isaac's Christmas gifts. To tell you about that day means to travel back toward a heartache that time has since dulled to a degree. But I will go back there for you, because you were a part of it all along, and you deserve to be a part of it still.

Isaac was not at school the day I delivered his Christmas gifts. He had not been at school all week, because he had been at home taking care of his sick mother. I wanted to see him personally; to tell him everything that had happened to make this miracle happen. But finally I accepted the fact that I wouldn't see him myself, and instead, I wrote him a letter. My husband Fred helped me load up the mini-van--it was packed!--and we drove to Isaac's school, where his school counselors were waiting for us.

It was a packed mini-van.

Van's loaded; I'm ready to go play Santa Claus!

Isaac's new bike in his school parking lot.

I was grinning like a kid on Christmas morning as we unloaded the van and sent loads of gifts, groceries, and of course the bike into the school. The counselors would deliver it to Isaac's home that afternoon. They thanked me and asked me to express their appreciation to everyone who made this possible. Then they told me that this would mean a lot to Isaac's family. They told me that his mother's illness was quite serious and that it would, in fact, take her very soon. They told me that this would be their last Christmas together as a family.

Isaac reading his letter with his mom.

And even though I had only spent five minutes in Isaac's presence, I felt the blow as if it was happening to someone very close to me. I stood there shivering in the cold parking lot, with Fred's arm around my shoulders, and I cried for Isaac. I didn't stop crying for him for a while. I cried all the way home from his school. And now, typing this, I find I still have tears for him. I don't know what will happen to him when his mom dies. The counselors didn't know. They vaguely said that his older sisters would take care of him. But he's so young still, and it hurts to think of what he will go through--what grief, yes, but also what hardships he will face.

I wrote Isaac a letter. (I already told you that.) It was kind of long, and kind of personal. But I will tell you the gist of it--I told him that I believed we crossed paths for a purpose. I told him that no matter what happens in his life, he is never alone, because God loves him and watches over him. I told him that he could always pray for help and that God would send someone to help him, just as He sent me the day Isaac's bike broke. I told him how so many people donated money and clothes and time to let him know that he was not alone, and that all of these people--even though none of you know him personally--care about him. And I encouraged him to be good, to work hard, to wear his bike helmet, and to be sweet to his mom. At the end of the letter, I included the names of everyone who made a donation. In addition to the help given to Isaac's family, I donated the leftover cash ($600) to the Northwest Middle School family support program. I know it will go to good use.

Christmas in Isaac's home

His counselors took pictures when they delivered the gifts to his apartment, and today they finally sent the pictures to me. They told me that he teared up when he read the letter. And they told me that his family was very surprised and very, very appreciative of the wonderful Christmas surprise we provided for them.

Isaac's family

At the end of my letter to Isaac, I wished him and his family a very merry Christmas. But more than that, I told him, I wished him a bright and hopeful future. That is still, and always will be, my wish for Isaac.

A Christmas Gift For YOU!

I am so excited for today! For a long time now I've had some amazing Edenbrooke paper dolls that my publisher had commissioned. I've been itching to share them with you, but I wanted to do something special with them. Over the weekend I spent many, many hours with my paper dolls and my very amateur skills with a camera and a computer. And I made something for you. Consider it my homemade Christmas card for you, my wonderful, supportive, amazing readers. (Now, for the sake of my pride, please keep in mind that the majority of my talent lies in writing, and that your expectations for the quality of this video should be very low. Very, very low.)

 Without further ado, I give to you "12 Days of Christmas at Edenbrooke."


 


 For those of you who made it through the entire song (and after spending about 40 hours making that, I definitely never want to hear that song again), you will have seen these promising words: "Download your own Edenbrooke paper dolls at www.juliannedonaldson.com." This is the place. Now look up above this post and see the new page tab that says "Edenbrooke paper dolls." Go there and you will find all of the paper dolls (not all of them were used in the video) with extra outfits for Marianne and Philip. You can download, print, and enjoy for yourself.

 I had so much fun with these paper dolls! I made little dialogue bubbles for them and a simple flannel board (a big piece of felt from the craft store taped to a bulletin board). My kids (and all the neighbor kids who like to hang out here) LOVED playing with the paper dolls. In fact, they got so involved with playing with them that I had to print off another set for my project. My older kids had the characters say funny things with the dialogue bubbles and the younger kids liked to do silly things like put Marianne's bonnet on Mr. Whittles. So go have fun with these, share them with your friends, and let me know how you or your kids play with them.

And have a very Merry Christmas!