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Vote for Best Paranormal Fantasy                   Vote for Best Graphic Novel & Comic

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A Perfect Blood Feb 2012

Wanna meet your next favorite book? Check out Goodreads.com and vote for KH

Psst... Welcome to the 3^rd Annual Goodreads Choice Awards!

Yeah, they really are in the middle of doing this over there so you have three chances to vote during the month of November:

Opening Round: October 31 – November 13, 2011
Voting open to 15 official nominees, and write-in votes can be placed for any eligible book (the fine print).

Semifinals: November 14 – November 20, 2011
The top 5 write-in votes in each category become official nominees. You can vote for one of the now 20 nominees in each category. Additional write-ins no longer accepted.

Finals: November 21 – November 30, 2011
The field narrows to the top 10 books in each category, and you have one last chance to vote.

Winners will be announced in December.

Being the unrepentant Kimaholic I am I'm pimping my fave authors while pushing for a Pale Demon and Blood Work vote. You can write Blood Work in for the "Best Graphic Novel & Comics" slot and cast a vote for Pale Demon for the "Best Paranormal Fantasy" slot.

Just sayin' spread the word and rock the Kim Harrison vote people. I love her work. Can't wait for A Perfect Blood to come out next year. There's a 2012 book tour (and someone said tee shirts. Yay!). I've already picked my vacation spot so I can go get some more author candy (and autographs for my bookaholic peeps - silly grin). Categories to vote for include:

(1) Favorite Book (2) Best Fiction (3) Best Mystery/Thriller (4) Best Historical Fiction (5) Best Fantasy (6) Best Paranormal Fantasy (7) Best Science Fiction (8) Best Horror (9) Best Romance (10) Best Humor (11) Best Nonfiction (12) History and Biography (13) Best Memoir & Autobiography (14) Food & Cooking (15) Travel & Outdoors (16) Young Adult Fiction (17) Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction (18) Middle Grade & Children's (19) Picture Books (20) Graphic Novel & Comics (21) Best Poetry (22) Goodreads Author

The Hollows Insider: New fiction, facts, maps, murders, and more in the world of Rachel Morgan by Kim Harrison (Oct 25, 2011)

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows, Book 2) by Kim Harrison (Jun 24, 2008)

 

Black Magic Sanction (Rachel Morgan, Book 8) by Kim Harrison (Feb 23, 2010)

 

White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, Book 7) by Kim Harrison (Feb 24, 2009)

 

Blood Work: An Original Hollows Graphic Novel by Kim Harrison, Pedro Maia and Gemma Magno (Jul 12, 2011)

 

Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1) by Kim Harrison (Apr 29, 2008)

 

Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows, Book 3) by Kim Harrison (Sep 2, 2008)

 

For a Few Demons More (The Hollows, Book 5) by Kim Harrison (Nov 27, 2007)

 

The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, Book 6) by Kim Harrison (Nov 25, 2008)

 

A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows, Book 4) by Kim Harrison (Jun 27, 2006)

 

Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery, Book 1) by Kim Harrison (May 26, 2009)

 

Something Deadly This Way Comes (Madison Avery, Book 3) by Kim Harrison (May 24, 2011)

 

Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery, Book 2) by Kim Harrison (May 25, 2010)

 

 

Unbound by Kim Harrison, Melissa Marr, Jeaniene Frost and Vicki Pettersson (Aug 25, 2009)

 

Dates From Hell by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong and Lori Handeland (Mar 28, 2006)

 

This Witch for Hire (Dead Witch Walking - The Good, the Bad, and the Undead) by Kim Harrison (2006)

 

Holidays Are Hell by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Vicki Pettersson and Marjorie M. Liu (Oct 30, 2007)

 

 

KimHarrison.net

Kim Harrison is @BurningBunnies on Twitter

Kim Harrison on Amazon

Kim Harrison on Facebook

A Perfect Blood Feb 2012

"The Hollows Insider" by NYT Bestselling Author Kim Harrison is simply gorgeous...

The Hollows Insider launched today. My gal pals are happy because I had an advanced autographed copy from Comic Con and they have been drooling over my book for days (LOL). Tonight Kim Harrison was at Schuler Books & Music (2820 Towne Center Blvd Lansing MI ) "to celebrate" and then she will be at Nicolas (2513 Jackson Av, Ann Arbor, MI) next Tuesday.

Kim is bringing: "a bunch of Early to Death, Early to Rise Madison books to give away with each Hollows Insider sold (until supplies last, but we’ve got a bunch).  Don’t make me take these back home with me!!). These will be the first edition Hollows Insiders with the glow in the dark covers..."

We have a funeral to attend but keep looking at each other about next Tuesday... Hmm...

I have a very cool Kimaholic update: the Hollows is coming to TV (YAY!!!!). I will have something cool to watch besides Greys Anatomy, Private Practice and Castle (silly grin).

P.S. Only the first editions will have the GLOW IN THE DARK LIMITED EDITION COVER so if I were you I would high-tail it to the nearest bookstores of your choice and buy a fun, fabulous read. Just sayin' my book is mad gorgeous and very cool... It has maps, case files, secret memos and a fascinating investigation in progress. And yeah, my cover glows in the dark. ;-)

The Hollows Insider tour is a rare and beautiful thing... The "A Perfect Blood" tour is next. We are meeting Kim in Miami for that one. I hear there is a tour tee shirt (I love chasing limited edition author swag - happy sigh). We're in Starbucks celebrating... We love Kim and the Hollows series plus the world book is over the top HK-Mad-Kwel. 

This Friday, our very own Bob Stewart and the lovely Christa Caulk will be joining hands for eternity in marriage!  Yup, a couple of my very best friends in the World are getting hitched and permanently tying the knot.  Since I am unable (along with so many other friends and family) to make it to their wedding out in Michigan this year, we are putting together this "LIVE" streaming video to share with everyone.

And Two Become One...

On Behalf of the entire ActiveRain Team, We request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Christa Noelle to Robert Eugene Stewart Jr. this Friday, the Ninth of July, Two Thousand and Ten at Half Past Six in the Evening.
(That's 12:30pm Hawaiian time, 3:30pm Pacific, 5:30pm Central, 6:30pm Eastern)

Gather all your friends and family, calling all ActiveRain Members, Get the Rice Ready....  This Is It!! 

Come join us for the "First Ever" Virtual wedding right here in the Rain. May these two be blessed with great fortune and all the amazing things this earth and universe have to offer them. We wish them peace, happiness, and an abundance of Joy and great health in their new adventure, Journey, and life together as Bob and Christa Stewart. 

Register Here Friday at 6:00pm EST, and Watch The Wedding "LIVE" With Us

We love you both and wish you all the very best.

CONGRATULATIONS and Thank You for sharing this very special day and time with all of us.

BTW - Bob will also be celebrating his Birthday during this momentous occasion.

Recently a call came into the office from a prospective buyer.  After talking with her briefly, I asked her if she was being assisted by an agent who could get her real time updates of newly listed homes when they were listed.

She seemed surprised that this was possible.  But it wasn't until she began to share her online experience with me that I became startled. Apparently, she had clicked on a link on a website to get information about a home listing and didn't think anything of it...until she was presented with a $15 charge on her phone bill the next month.  When she contacted the phone company, they informed her that the click had cost her $15!

Has anyone else run into this? 

I did let her know that you don't have to pay ANYTHING to get updated information about homes in Grand Rapids, MI.  In fact, the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors is now beta testing a new site which will allow prospective homebuyers to customize and SAVE their searches.  They can also choose to associate the search with the real estate agent of their  choice if they'd like.

In addition, the association is asking consumers for feedback so they can enhance what our guests experience while they are online.  Check it out for FREE.  You don't have to pay for the most comprehensive, real estate listing information available in Grand Rapids, MI straight from the professionals who serve in the real estate industry everyday.

If you're searching for an agent to serve your local real estate needs, visit www.auduhomes.com.  You can create your own private search by clicking on the Property Search link and also access tons of information about the local area.

Copyright 2009  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

We picked up two loaves of bread the other day from one of our favorite local bakeries, Great Harvest Bread Company.  Let me tell you, there are few things more singularly delicious than sinking one's teeth into a soft, freshly baked piece of bread.  And when it's challah or cinnamon bread, two of my favorites...well, it's like a little slice of heaven here on earth. :)

As we enjoyed a little break, my husband made a passing remark which went something like this...'just six things'.  Now if you knew my hubby, you would appreciate that he is a man of relatively few words, so one learns to pay attention when he dispenses them.  So, I inquired about what he was referring to.  

Well, he was looking at the label on the bread loaf and noted how simple the ingredient list was. Remember the days when bread contained ingredients that you didn't need a science degree to understand?  I picked up the loaf to see for myself.  The list...white flour, honey, eggs, water, yeast and salt.  That was it!  All that taste and flavor from just a few simple ingredients.

Made me think about our jobs as real estate professionals. At a time when there's so much hype about this and that...social media, online advertising, online networking, personal promotion etc, etc...doesn't it still boil down to just a few simple things?

My dad used to say, 'it's not about what you know, it's about who you know'.  I learned that you Treat people the way you want to be treated...don't manipulate, don't deceive...what goes around comes around.  Then there was this...'whatever your hands find to do...do it with ALL your might.'  And...always keep an open, clean heart...clear those accounts every single night.  And then one of my favorites...a simple African proverb; 'No condition is permanent in this world.' Just a few simple things, but I've found them to be vital in creating an enriching life.

Copyright 2009  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

Have you ever bought a book because of just one chapter?  Or gone to a restaurant because you just love one singularly scrumptious dish?  I have...I bet you have too.

In a world of plenty and an overwhelming abundance of choices, standing out from the crowd is an important part of business survival.  This past week, we drove downtown to check out a new restaurant offering in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.  We'd heard about the Winchester from some friends.

The Winchester is a new gastro pub located on 648 Wealthy St. SE.  Some friends had urged us to check it out.  Stepping into the restaurant revealed the validity of the recommendation.  Every table was full; and at 5:15 there were very few spaces left at the bar.  Two women noting my plight, waved me over and began to wax rhapsodical about the place.  I looked at them closely...they weren't drunk; they were simply true fans who had found something good and wanted everyone to know about it!

As I grabbed a menu to go, I knew that I'd be back.  The fish tacos are calling my name. :) 

Today, being a 'jack of all trades' will be an increasingly difficult job to maintain.  At a time when jobs are being lost by the millions on a monthly basis, it's imperative that professionals of all varieties take the time to understand WHY certain businesses such as the Winchester are flourishing during challenging economic times.  Personally, for me it all boils down to the 'experience'.

I think that there are a few significant elements which help to determine whether an experience will be memorable for the consumer or simply fade into memory.  If a business or business professional concentrates on these issues, they will greatly increase their chances of success in any economy!

Create A First Class Experiences...

In a world overflowing with mediocrity, a first class experience stands out.  It's a little counter-intuitive, but think about it...if you had limited resources, wouldn't you want to get the best bang for your buck? The Winchester is located in a historic building which has been gutted to the core and lovingly renovated.  The owners are planning to move in to an apartment above the restaurant.  Now, that's true commitment! Those who create consistent first class experiences for their clients and offer more than they promise will be big winners.

Get Rid of Unexpected Surprises...

People don't like surprises.  There's enough stuff making folks anxious these days and most people prefer to pay for an experience which is predictable.  Witness the success of franchise organizations.  But what is lost in the typical franchise experience is uniqueness.  The thing about humans is that we are unique (hence the term individuals) and we crave unique combinations.  Any business which is able to marry the benefit of a guaranteed service proposition with a unique element or value which stands out from the crowd will benefit in a time of economic uncertainty. 

Provide A Value Proposition To Your Menu...

As I browsed the menu I picked up at the Winchester, I noted that most of the items were less than $15.  I could count on having a dinner which wouldn't break the bank!  No wonder the place was crowded and full of neighborhood regulars.  Great food and great value.  An unbeatable combo for sure.

As real estate professionals, there's much to take home from this example of a new restaurant which seems to be thriving when many businesses are fading.  It's easy to get caught up in the gloom and doom or to spend our time chasing the new formula for success when in reality, the recipe is quite simple

Consumers want a First Class Experience that Doesn't come with Unexpected Surprises and which Provides Good Value.  It's really not that complicated.

Copyright 2009  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

Last night, we had a pre-Valentines Day Celebration.  We attended Opera Grand Rapids performance of Donizetti's 'The Elixir of Love.' This was preceded by dinner with some friends at the University Club during which we enjoyed the expansive view of the Grand Rapids skyline.

The Elixir of Love is a touching love story with some good comedy thrown in. The happy ending in which true love eventually trumps class differences, competition and financial hardship is quite different from some of the more somber dramatic operas with tragic endings.  The show is running for two day, February 13 & 14, 2009 at the DeVos Hall.  There was a good crowd on opening night.

Partly because we'd planned the evening at the Opera and partly due to sheer busyness, no dinner plans have been made for Valentines Day itself.  So, this morning, on the spur of the moment, we decided to see if there would be any chance of getting into any of Grand Rapids, MI finer restaurants.

Well, we were not surprised to learn, that Valentines' Day is recession proof!  Most fine restaurants in Grand Rapids, Michigan are solidly booked unless one wants to eat at near midnight or shortly after lunch!  This is good news.  Apparently, love is triumphing over all the doom and gloom of economic recession at least for the time being.

As for us...it was off to the grocery store to get some nice steaks and trimmins'.  The roses arrived earlier in the day and they are simply beautiful. They'll decorate the dinner table tonight.  So here's to you for a Happy Valentines Day and hoping that regardless of where you are, it's a day in which you take the time to embrace and enjoy those whom you love.