Oh my gosh! Guess what? Tiffany Girl was chosen as one of Wiki Ezvid’s Top Ten Must-Read Novels! How fun is that? They even made a video trailer! Check it out and see who else was listed!
Also included in the article are 10 Great Historical Films, Popular Settings for Historical Fiction, 5 Real People Who Changed History and Why You Should Read Historical Fiction.
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL is a RITA Award winner and rated as a 'MUST READ' by USA Today!
I have superpowers—real ones. Like flying. At least, I do when I dream. Sometimes I execute my superpowers with grace, as in the case of flying. No need to make an arrow with my arms the way Superman does. No, no. Not me. I simply lift my chin, arch my back, and away I go. It’s glorious.
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Other times, I’m my old clumsy self, which was the case last night. My superpower was swimming. My stroke? The dog-paddle. You see, I don’t know how to swim. My parents were big believers in floaties and holding ones nose. When I went to college I took a swimming class because I figured a degree wouldn’t do me much good if I drown. So I know the basics, but I’ve not the strength, the endurance, or the athletic ability to swim so much as a lap. I can, however, float on my back. So, in real life, I either float on my back or dog paddle.
When I dream, however, my dog paddle is so strong and so proficient that even Michael Phelps wouldn’t be able to keep up. When I say I book-it through the water, I mean I book-it through the water. Head up at all times (so I can breathe and don’t need to hold my nose), and arms swooping down like a dog’s. I wish you could have seen me. It was glorious the way I sailed through the water. I traveled about thirty yards with each stroke and with hardly any effort at all. Sooooooo fun.
In last night’s case, I had teamed up with Tony Stark (aka Iron Man). We were saving the world from some evil mechanical Santa Clauses. That’s all I remember about the plot other than it was a life threatening thing and we were the world’s last hope. You’d think that teaming up with Robert Downing, Jr. would be the thing that stuck out the most. But no, when I awoke it was to the thrill that I had swam with supersonic speed and ability.
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It occurs to me now that swimming isn’t a superpower, it’s just something I can’t do so it felt like a superpower when I was able to in my dreams. (And clumsy or not, my speed was supersonic, if I do say so myself.) I wonder if tonight my superpower will be rollerblading. I’ve always wanted to rollerblade, but for the life of me can’t manage it. Have taken lessons and everything, but I just can’t do it. *sigh*
What about you? Do you have any superpowers?
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL is a RITA Award winner and rated as a 'MUST READ' by USA Today!
The kids back in 1994.
The first time I went to a RITA ceremony (and an RWA conference), we had four young children (ages 7, 6, 5, & 4) and were living from paycheck to paycheck. It was 1994 and only way I could go was if I shared a hotel room with three people I’d never met (but who were also attending the conference) and if I packed Graham Crackers and peanut butter in my suitcase for all my meals since I couldn't afford to eat out.
The culmination of that conference was the RITA awards ceremony. The RITA is named for founding RWA member Rita Clay Estrada and the ceremony is the equivalent of the Academy Awards for my industry. As a matter of fact, the entire ceremony was like attending the Oscars. The stage was lavishly decorated. The ballroom was packed. Famous authors bedecked in glamorous gowns announced the nominees as the nominees' books and photos flashed up on the screens. Finally, the presenter opened her envelope and said, “And the winner is …”
Founder of RWA, Rita Clay Estrada, whom the RITA is named for.
Once the winner was announced, screams of elation were heard above thunderous applause. A live band played music while the winner made her way up to the podium, a camera following her every move on two giant jumbotrons. A gorgeous blond handed the presenter a stunning 24k statuette which had been made by the same company who makes the Oscars. The presenter then awarded the statue to the winner, who gave her acceptance speech.
During that first ceremony, I was sitting way at the back beside people I'd never met and in a gown I’d borrowed from my sister-in-law. I was so inspired by those authors and thought, “Someday, I want to be the one making my way up to the stage for one of those gorgeous statues.” That night, I wrote my goal down in my journal, packed my bags and headed back home. In the 20-plus years that followed, I was nominated five times (which in and of itself is crazy-exciting), but I'd never brought the girl home … until last Saturday.
I was totally stunned when they called Tiffany Girl along with my name. I know everyone says that, but I truly was. I’d read every book in my category and they were so well written and very representative of the Historical category. But the music started, the presenter awaited, and my husband gave me a huge smile, a quick kiss, and a little nudge when I stared at him in shock.
Even after all the times I'd secretly imagined what it would be like, the reality was even better. Well, except for when I fell off the stage on my way out. I had on black velvet shoes with big bows across the instep. The stiletto of one shoe inadvertently slipped into the bow of the other shoe. I lost my footing, started to pitch forward, and screamed at the top of my lungs. I clung to the railing with one hand and my statue with the other. By some miracle, I gained back my footing.
Jennifer Lawrence falls at the Oscars. At least Deeanne Gist is in good company! Source
It had to be angels. I mean, how else could my stiletto have gotten out of the bow and onto the next step? A true, live miracle. No lie. And thank goodness because if those quick-thinking angels hadn't untangled me, I’d have done a face-plant and broken my nose. No WAY was I letting go of that RITA statue!!
Deeanne Gist and her husband, Greg.
When I finally reached the landing, I was so discombobulated, that I sat down on the stage right in front of everyone, threw back my head and gave a belly laugh out of sheer joy, relief, and embarrassment. The staff rushed over, assured themselves I was unharmed, then quickly whisked me back stage.
When my husband observed all of this from our seats, he turned to the man beside him and said, "My wife isn't very coordinated." Hahahaha. That's the understatement of the year! But it didn't dampen my joy or our celebration afterwards.
When the lights came back up, my dear friend, Kristan Higgins, swept Greg and I into a hug and then into her company. We celebrated with her; the recipient of RWA's Lifetime Achievement Award, Robyn Carr; Robyn's family; and Dianne Moggy of Harlequin. Meanwhile, a plethora of colleagues came by with hugs and words of congratulations—even people I’d never even met before.
Deeanne Gist and Author Kristan Higgins
It was a night dreams were made of and one I’ll never forget. Now, the RITA sits in a place of honor in my office. I get a tiny thrill every time I look at her and am so appreciative of RWA and of you, my readers, without whom I’d never have been able to experience this amazing night and so many others that have come along since I sat at the very back of that ballroom and made a wish upon a star.
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL is a RITA Award winner and rated as a *MUST READ* by USA Today!
At 3:00am, I turned off the computer and tumbled into bed. I fell into an exhausted sleep, slept right through my alarm--and at some point realized the phone was ringing. Snaking one hand from beneath the covers, I fumbled for the phone. "Hello?"
I tried not to sound as if I'd been sleeping. That's so embarrassing, being caught in bed when the day is calling. The voice on the other end was chipper and identified itself as Allison Kelley.
I blinked, trying to make sense of it through the fog. Allison Kelley? As in Executive-Director-of-RWA-Allison-Kelley?
Then it hit me. It's March 25th. RITA finalists. A surge of adrenaline flooded my body. I'm not certain, but I think I said something like, "Get out."
I heard the smile in her voice. "I'm about to make your day a lot brighter." Or something like that. I honestly can't remember because then she told me. Tiffany Girl was a finalist for Best Long Historical in the RITAs.
I flung the covers off. One hand held the phone, the other tried to cram itself into the sleeve of my robe. I gave up and simply walked throughout the house with half my robe on, the other half dragging behind me. (Don't worry. We're empty nesters. I didn't frighten any children.)
Allison and I talked. (She's one of my favorite people.) I got choked up. And she congratulated me again, but had to go. She had a few more calls to make.
I stared at the phone in my hands. Had that just happened? Was I really standing in the middle of the living room half dressed and with the worst bed-head ever? Was Tiffany Girl really nominated? For Best Historical??
"Mr. Wilder had been extremely attentive at the beginning of the evening when Flossie pointed out the Astors, the Vanderbilts, the Roosevelts, and, of course, the Tiffanys." --Tiffany Girl, by Deeanne Gist
I was stunned. You see, this is my fifth nomination. I've never brought the girl home, though, and my nominations have always been in the Inspriational Category. But I'd crossed over with these last three books and I now write mainstream. And, frankly, I just never expected to get nominated. I don't write about Scottish lairds or Regency dukes and duchesses. I write about everyday women in America who struggle to break out of society's molds. You know, women who want to do more than stitch and have babies. (Not that there's anything wrong with stitching and having babies. I love to sew and I love having babies. But if that's all I was allowed to do? Um, no. Shoot me now.)
Bottom line, my books are not your usual historical fare. Sure, maybe back in the '80s, '90s, there were plenty of American-set historicals. But these days? Not so much. And don't get me wrong, I love those Scottish lairds and hunky dukes. I just re-read Julie Garwood's, Saving Grace, which involves a fabulous Scottish laird. And Sherry Thomas's books? Ohmygosh. Love, love, love her Regencies.
But when it comes time for me to sit down and write, I'm simply fascinated with all the stories that happened right here in our own backyard. So this nomination? It was huge to me.
The next few hours of my morning were spent answering congratulatory calls, emails, texts, and social media posts. Things are now beginning to slow down. So here I sit ... with you. I have finally gotten dressed. Even washed my hair. But as for work? Not happening. Not today. Today is a day for popping the champagne cork.
My only regret is I won't be able to share today's bottle with my fellow nominees. I was thrilled to discover two of the other nominees in my category are from my hometown chapter--West Houston RWA (Go Shana Galen & Olivia Drake!)--and are VERY dear to my heart. But we live on polar opposite sides of the city and getting together for a quick toast would take lots of planning, fighting lots of traffic, and investing lots of time that, alas, none of us has.
I'm not sure where Sabrina Jeffries lives. She and I don't know each other well enough (yet) to be BFFs, but we have many mutual friends and acquaintances and often cross each others' paths. So perhaps this will be the time when I'll get to know her a little better. Grace Burrowes is the only one I don't know at all. But I will get to know her. If nothing else, I'll get to know her when I enter into her world by reading her book. :)
None of this would be possible, though, if it weren't for you, the reader. You are the treasure. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You are the reason I sit down and put pen to paper. Thank you. And I really mean that. From the very bottom of my heart.
The RITA Finalists for BEST LONG HISTORICAL are:
"The highest award of distinction in the Romance genre."
Bella and the Beast by Olivia Drake
St. Martin’s Press
Jennifer Enderlin, editor
Earls Just Want to Have Fun by Shana Galen
Sourcebooks, Casablanca
Deb Werksman, editor
If the Viscount Falls by Sabrina Jeffries
Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books
Micki Nuding, editor
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist
Simon & Schuster, Howard Books
Beth Adams, editor
Tremaine’s True Love by Grace Burrowes
Sourcebooks, Casablanca
Deb Werksman, editor
Congratulations to these fellow nominees and to the nominees of all the other categories. Good luck everyone! See you in San Diego for the award ceremony!
International bestselling author, Deeanne Gist IWantHerBook.com
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL was rated as a *MUST READ OF THE YEAR* by USA Today!
While researching Tiffany Girl, I found that The Board Game of Old Maid was the Victorian's version of Hasbro's Game of Life. The couple's journey through the game resembles the ups and downs of most courtships back then. Therefore, I made sure my hero and heroine paired up in my novel to play the game so they could find out if they marry-or if she becomes an "old maid".
When the game ends, my heroine, Flossie Jayne, tells our hero, "It's not how the game ends, but the pleasure of taking a journey together.". Hmmm. Do you agree? Let me know here, on Facebook, or tweet me @DeeanneGist!
International bestselling author, Deeanne Gist IWantHerBook.com
In Need of a Book?
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL was rated as a *MUST READ* by USA Today!
Ahhhhhh.
Rebecca is dating David, who is cousins with Cynthia, whose father is Billy, who has a friend named Chuck...
I know this is foreshadowing, but I want to know what happens now!
Still 300 pages to go!
Is it just me, or does it get better the later in the evening it gets?
Can you relate to any of these? I'd love to know which ones! Let me know here, on my Facebook page or on Twitter @DeeanneGist!
International bestselling author, Deeanne GistIWantHerBook.com
In Need of a Book?
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL was rated as a *MUST READ* by USA Today!
“There is beauty in the helplessness of woman. The clinging trust which searches for extraneous support is graceful and touching.”1
"Notice her teeth, neck, hair and nails. Her clothes must be clean and neat, especially collars and cuffs, and the like."1
"If she's a cheerful helpful about the house, good to her mother, and can get up an appetizing square meal out of 'scraps', she's a jewel worth winning."1
"If she's a cheerful helpful about the house, good to her mother, and can get up an appetizing square meal out of 'scraps', she's a jewel worth winning."1
"Don't be fascinated with a dashing creature...choose rather one of those retiring, modest, sensible girls, who have learnt to deny themselves."1
"It is not enough that a young lady should sing and play and dance as well; she should be able likewise to sew and cook well. She should know how to darn a stocking as well as how to paint a panel."1
"Her body is enfeebled, and her eyes are heavy; her mind is stupefied, her devotions neglected, or hastily performed."1
"Immoderate laughter is exceedingly unbecoming in a lady; she may affect the dimple or the smile, but should carefully avoid any approximation to a horselaugh."1
So, if you traveled back in time, would you be marriageable? Let me know here, on my Facebook page or on Twitter @DeeanneGist!
International bestselling author, Deeanne Gist IWantHerBook.com
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL was rated as a *MUST READ* by USA Today!
1 ”Manners and Morals of Victorian America” by Wayne Erbsen
The leading ladies in my books have a strong sense of self. Here are 12 awe inspiring quotes from some of the women who have shaped history.
Do you have a favorite female role model from history? Or a quote that gives you inspiration? Leave a comment here, on my Facebook page or on Twitter @DeeanneGist!
International Bestselling Author Deeanne Gist
Deeanne's TIFFANY GIRL was rated as a *MUST READ* by USA Today!
