Thursday, December 30, 2010

really BIG news


(chăp'bʊk') 
n.
A small book or pamphlet containing poems, ballads, stories, or religious tracts.
[CHAP(MAN) + BOOK (so called because it was originally sold by chapmen).]

I must admit, a year ago, when my dear friend Elizabeth Wix suggested I publish a chapbook, I was such a novice, I actually had to Google the word.  The term chapbook was formalized by bibliophiles of the 19th century, as a variety of ephemera (disposable, cheaply printed material), popular or folk literature. It includes many kinds of printed material such as pamphlets, political and religious tracts, poetry, nursery rhymes, folk tales, children's literature and almanacs. The term is derived from "chapman", a variety of peddler, who circulated such literature as part of his stock.

The big, big news at the manor is I've been chosen as a semi-finalist in The Finishing Line Press 2010 Open Chapbook competition! (The first place winner will be announced later this spring.)  This means they have agreed to publish my 26 page chapbook, assign an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), and it will be available to purchase on Amazon. Heavens to murgatroyd!  This is my very first submission to a poetry competition, and since I had heard nothing since I sent in my manuscript back in June, I was convinced it was a total wash. I am stunned and elated, to say the least. Stay tuned for upcoming book info this spring.  In the meantime, please help yourself to a glass of cyber champagne. A huge thank you to all my faithful readers who have been such an enormous encouragement along the way. You are the best. I could not have done it without you, sweet people.

149 comments:

  1. a huge congratulations Tess!!! I must admit, I'm not at all surprised! cheers to 2011 xxo

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  2. Wow! Raising my cyberglass and toasting your success!
    Congratulations, I'm so pleased for you!

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  3. tremendous coolness tess and what joy!!! champers are flowing here at the golden fish world headquarters!!!! steven

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  4. Yea! raising my warm glass of merlot, but pretending it's cool bubbly champagne ; ' )

    I am not a bit surprised, but honored to celebrate with you!

    All the best,
    amy

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  5. oh well done! I love your poetry! Is it okay if I have a real life glass!?:)

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  6. B R A V O !!!!!

    Mazel tov. This is GREAT news. Can't wait to buy my own copy. This is so right.

    Cheers!!

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  7. Yes, please do pop open a real live bottle! :D

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  8. WOW! This is huge news indeed! And thank you for the bubbly -- congratulations to you and my fingers are crossed about the final award which I imagine should TOTALLY go to you!

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  9. Tess,
    I can think of no one more deserving!
    Congratulations.
    rel

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  10. Congratulations ...and thanks for the drink! Cheers, here's to you!

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  11. WOWZA! Congratulations to you.

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  12. I've just poured an imaginary flute of Mumm's Cordon Rouge and am lifting it in toast to this occasion. Best of luck!

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  13. Wonderful, wonderful news! Congratulations, Tess!

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  14. fantastically, wonderfully, amazingly BRILLIANT news!!

    heartiest congratulations!!

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  15. PS. cheap red wine is the best i can do, but it's a-flowin'...

    ;)

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  16. Kudos, Tess! We all knew it--how many times have we collectively said to do a book! Way to go. A wonderful way to ring in the New Year!

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  17. congratulations mrs murgatroyd! that's fantastic. I only have eggnog... so tonight I'll say a toast to you! it's sheer poetry!

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  18. *clap,clap,clap* So happy for you!

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  19. Kudos to you Willow. Well deserved.

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  20. What happy news! Many congrats!

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  21. Congratulations Willow! Much deserved!

    Sarah
    theweatheredword.blogspot.com

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  22. Congratulations Willow! Much deserved!

    Sarah
    theweatheredword.blogspot.com

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  23. Wooo hooo! Way to go Tess!!! Congratulations.

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  24. Oh wow, that is splendid news Willow! Congratulations- you deserve it!

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  25. Spectacular news, Tess! Mucho, mucho, felicadades!

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  26. This cyber friend is raising her cyber glass of champagne .... CHEERS!!!!! May I say 'I knew you when' ????

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  27. Congratulations! What excitement!

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  28. Tess,

    Absolutely a cause for celebration! No small accomplishment!

    Trulyfool

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  29. This is truly stupendous news. For yours to stand out so amidst the thousands that must have entered the contest. WAY TO GO! Well of course WE know you write amazingly. And soon the world will too. You will be on Amazon!!!! You have Arrived! Congratulations indeed.

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  30. BRAVO and cheers to you! I look forward to buying a copy when it's available!!

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  31. TA DA!

    I always wondered what a chap book was too.

    Congratulations!

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  32. Double triple wowzer!!!
    Again, you lead the way,
    our lady of Dublin, the
    poet laureate of Ohio,
    underground, hiding out
    at a spooky manor, and
    now more of the word will
    know about the Tess Talent,
    the real deal. Are some of
    the Magpie poems going
    to be part of your book,
    or are these older poems
    you had a stash of.
    Considering the number
    of followers you have,
    perhaps the chapbook
    will do well. I certainly
    will shell out pronto for
    a copy. Gosh, the mistress
    of the poetic pack is beginning
    to go big time. A few of the
    poets I follow, and cyber-friend
    are "Published", and wonder
    woman, you will move on up
    and start on the publishing
    journey. All of us are ecstatic
    for you. You certainly have the
    talent, and organizational skills
    to keep this dog hunting for
    many moons to come. 2011 will
    be a landmark, a premier year
    to Ms. Tess Kincaid, PP
    "published poet".
    The header on poet Bobby Byrd's
    blog reads, "It is a great time
    to be a poet, but the pay is still
    shitty."

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  33. Wow! Congrats!! That is a fabulous Christmas gift!

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  34. What an honor but you certainly deserve it -- barbara

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  35. I always knew you could do it. Way to go. Pappy

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  36. Fantastic, simply fantastic news. How wonderful!

    Well done Tess. I am over the moon for you. Congratulations.

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  37. This is most excellent news, Tess!! YAY!!!! What a lovely way to ring in the new year!!!

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  38. Wonderful news, congratulations!

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  39. Fantastic News! Congratulations, Tess. Now, we'll be looking forward to the its publication.

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  40. Yeah for you Tess!

    Thank you for introducing me to the concept of a chapbook.

    Felicity x

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  41. Congratulations, I'm not surprised. Anxiously awaiting my own copy.

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  42. Splendid news! Pass the bubbly!

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  43. Fantastic news! I'll buy it as soon as it's available.

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  44. Oh my goodness
    congratulations!!
    drinks for everyone
    so happy for you!

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  45. So exciting. You must be over the moon...

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  46. Congratulations, Tess! I'll be waiting to place my Amazon order! Then I'll want a "cyber" autograph!!

    Rick

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  47. how exciting for you!! congrats!!

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  48. That's fabulous. I look forward to hearing the final good news later on.... but even up to now it's great!

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  49. What a fantastic way to bring in the New Year. Obviously, you already have many copies SOLD!

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  50. Sooo happy for you, Tess!! Congratulations! What a great way to start the New Year!!

    Lifting my glass ~ Cheers!

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  51. That is so wonderful, Tess. I was thrilled to publish my own poetry book, at the age of 65! It, too, is available on Amazon. I had wanted to do it forever, for my mother, who had encouraged my poetry since my early childhood.
    Sadly, she had a stroke in February, three months before the book was published and does not even know my brother or me, much less is she able to read or understand anymore.

    I cannot imagine that you will not be the first place winner.

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  52. Congratulayions Tess! Great News Towards The Start Of A New Year.
    also,generally, Best Wishes To You & Yours for The New Year.

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  53. That is Big News and congratualtions to you. It is also really cool. If we were allowed to vote then my vote would go to you.

    I think I will drink a toast of the bubbly to your great future. I can remember back to when you were afraid to post one of your poems, and now you may be published. This just shows that one should never be afraid of doing anything because one never knows what the future holds.

    Congratuations again and,
    God bless.

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  54. It was only a matter of time, Tess. You are a writer of rare quality. Congratulations, and cheers!

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  55. wow - that's fantastic tess - congrats! i'll exchange my cup of coffee for a glass of cyber champagne right now - cheers!

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  56. That is SOOO exciting!!! You know we're going to want to have our copy signed : ) This is only the beginning of great things to come for you, my Dear. Congratulations!

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  57. Many congratulations, Tess!

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  58. Well done!! this is fantastic news.. first I've ever heard of a chapbook, sounds marvellous!

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  59. Congratulations, Tess. You're closing 2010 out in style. Let us know when it is available for purchase. Of course I will have to track you down somewhere so you can sign my copy. I hope this is just the first of many beautiful blessings for you in the coming year.

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  60. Huge congratulations Tess....such fantastic news...and so well deserved, xv.

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  61. Well done - huge congratulations! This is really well-deserved, as so many have pointed out. Raising a glass to you - cheers!

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  62. WOW... this is GREAT NEWS.. a big Cheer of Congratulations to you, Dear Willow. And as my LadyCat has commented earlier, we must have our signed copy. I knew you could do it and besides, you are a winner in our eyes regardless!! :)
    We're looking forward to great things coming your way. This is only the beginning! xoxo
    Lord Thomas of Wellington

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  63. Perhaps a virtual (chap)-book signing Willow?
    Congratulations!!

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  64. Wow is all I can say echoing others. A toast and a few to you. A surprise but yet no surprise as your poetry is so wonderful. Also, kudos to your selection of poems, whatever they were. Such an important part of putting together a MS. I can't wait to read it.

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  65. Mazel tov - according to spell check. Have to learn to spell to publish a chapbook. Congrats, I can spell that.

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  66. This is wonderful news! And I am sure it will be you, as it is you! I will keep my fingers crossed!

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  67. Bravo! Hope you win it too.

    A great way to start the New Year.
    Best wishes whichever way it goes.

    Love . . . Arija

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  68. Most hearty cheers on this notable status! All the best!!!

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  69. Congratulations, Tess!
    A jury that actually knows what it's doing. Who would ever have thought it?
    Looking forward to reading it.

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  70. this is me - green - with envy...

    so happy to hear and proud of you. what a wonderful end to a grand year.

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  71. Congratulations Tess!
    I am so happy for you!

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  72. Willow,
    I am truly so happy for you my sweet. What a fantastic happening.
    I will cross my fingers and pray you are the winner. You are in my eyes anyway.
    Happy New Year amd may all your wishes come true.
    yvonne

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  73. Tess!!!!!

    No way! I mean , yes , way!!

    Congratulations and then some. So completely deserved.
    I can't wait to own my own copy of your brilliance.

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  74. Congratulations! I knew it was just a matter of time before you were published. I'm sure this is just the beginning. I feel very privileged to know you "when". Imagine if Emily Dickensen had been able to have a blog. What riches we would have found. And imagine being able to interact with her and have a friendship! We are very lucky in our technology.

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  75. Now that's cause for a Happy New Year! Well done, Tess!

    I can't say that I'm not feeling a twinge of envy, because I fear that I am, but that won't prevent me from offering my heartiest congratulations!

    Kat

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  76. Tess, so glad this worked out! Finishing Line will do a great job for you. I'm looking forward to seeing the manuscript, and even more to reading the chapbook itself, poems encased in a gorgeous cover (FL does well by its poets in this).
    Enjoy! Champagne for all around!

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  77. Congratulations! Your creativity should be recognized. Cheers.

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  78. Cheers to you, Willow! How fabulous and exciting... Congrats. Obviously, you rock. Happy New Year 2011!!

    ~Brenda

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  79. Never doubt yourself. Your words mind their mistress well. Thanks for all you do and I will most certainly not only drink a glass of champagne in your honor, but purchase your chapbook as well. A fabulous way to start the new year. Looking forward to following your career as a poet.

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  80. wonderful, wonderful news and so deserved. know that i will purchase your book for myself and also give it as gifts to people i love. can't wait!

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  81. Wonderful news! Congratulations!

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  82. I am not surprised at all!! You are an amazing poet and writer! Wonderful ideas and information flow from your blog continually! I am so happy for you Tess! ( i still want to call you Willow....)
    :-) You will be starting out the new year with a bang! Happy New Year! :-)

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  83. Oh, Carrie, please do still call me Willow if you like, I go by both. I started my blog almost three years ago with "Willow" as my avatar, but now I would like my real name to be attached to my poetry.

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  84. Congrats, Tess!!!!!!!! That is amazingly wonderful news! Looking forward to buying a copy.

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  85. Brava! This is so well deserved!!!!

    Your new year is ALREADY beginning on a fabulous note!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  86. nice work... i had a feeling you'd be published..sooner than later

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  87. Congratulations...well deserved!

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  88. Awesome! I will most certainly pick one up when it is available. You should consider carrying some yourself that way we can get them signed. I am going to do this with my book soon - I've acquired the copies from the pub and now I just need a button essentially.

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  89. wow, that is truly an achievement tess --- BIG congrats and i look forward to reading your published poems!

    p.s. i'm not surprised by this at all, btw -- you are so talented, it was just a matter of time......

    xxx

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  90. Good for you - and hello there!

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  91. Congratulations!!! That is wonderful news. The glass is raised--here's to you! Well done!

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  92. Well, I am not stunned as you said you are because I am not surprised. What a great honor and you truly deserve it. Wow! It is so great..I don't have the words for it right now! Congratulations to you, Tess. And you know the great thing about you...as I am making my comment there were 99 comments before me and you read every one and comment on them...wow...is the only word I can think of. It encompasses a vast array of emotions, I think!

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  93. I am so proud of you sweet woman!!! Raising my glass to you! May you have a lovely New Year and may many success follow!

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  94. Happy Happy News, just in time for the New Year.

    And since I am a teetotaler, I will enjoy that cyber champagne with glee!

    Happy New Year!

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  95. Congratulations!!!! I am so going to buy a copy!!!!

    Have a grand new year!
    xoxo

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  96. I'm very, very happy for you!!!

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  97. Quite an accomplishment..fingers crossed!!

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  98. Wonderful news! Very proud of you :)

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  99. Oh, hooray for you! My poet's heart rejoices for you!

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  100. I am SO not surprised at this news. Your poetry is top notch. Congrats!

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  101. Many many congratulations. N one could deserve it more. Of the many blogs I follow, your writing always stands out in its clarity and beauty.Great way to start the New Year!

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  102. Hearty congratulations Tess! Very well deserved - and you should get another prize for being the inspiration for the weekly outpouring of so much creativity through the Magpie Tales!
    Submit more! It can only lead to further recognition and success!

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  103. Stuff the cyber champagne... this calls for the real stuff! Well done and we are now hanging here waiting for the next round. Happy NY. XX

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  104. tears of happiness for you..well deserved and a BIG congratulations !!!!!!

    i am so happy for you..great job !!!!

    you have been such a good friend here in this blogland to me this year...and i want you to know how much i treasure our friendship....

    raising a glass of champagne to toast you, your book and the new year...

    CHEERS and HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES, my friend

    love
    love

    kary and teddy
    xxx

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  105. Congratulations, Tess,
    these are truly great news!
    I am so happy for you,
    cheers and to the next one,
    Merisi

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  106. I LOVE your new header and the pristine whiteness of your blog pages!

    Happy New Year to you and yours,
    hugs,
    Merisi

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  107. What a wonderful way to approach the new year! At last......
    Many congratulations, you are so very deserving. Bravo!

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  108. Kudos Tess! Well deserved too. I will toast you and your wonderful words tonight!

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  109. OH!!!! Happy, happy, happy day!!
    I think it was my very last comment here a few days ago when I mentioned something about how I would be able to say "I knew you when...." We will all be cheering you on with this one!
    Warm HUGGGSS, dear one!

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  110. another CONGRATULATIONS...cheers

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  111. Congratulations, Tess! This is wonderful news. Well deserved.

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  112. Congratulations Tess! I think this is merely the tip of the iceberg as far as your talent goes. You are so unique, creative and incredibly talented. I anxiously await....Happy New Year! Cheers!

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  113. Double Murgatroyd!

    Cheers, TK!

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  114. Tess - How exciting!!!
    you deserve it
    cheers to you and here's to a great 2011

    Moonie hugs

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  115. Happy New Year's Eve Tess,

    Congrats on the writing honor. I think you'd fit right in with the Chapbook authors and artists of yore.

    Thank you for your warm and woolly holiday greeting. I need it - bloody cold outside here on the CA Central Coast.
    Marjorie

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  116. I am so pleased for you ---What an exciting way to start the New Year...well deserved for one who gives so much of her time in bringing writers together ...Congrat's Tess and thank you for all your support throughout 2010....bkm

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  117. YAYAYAY. Fabulous news. Couldn't happen to a nicer, more supportive person. Wishing you all the best with it!

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  118. Not a cyberglass..............raising the real thing left over from carousing last night/early this morning!

    Wow, this is fabulous news, however definitely not unexpected - you really do deserve this Willow - Happy, Happy New Year!!!!!!

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  119. WOW congrats and Happy New Year:)

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  120. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  121. Congratulations on receiving this joyful news!

    How still the Bells in Steeples stand
    Till swollen with the Sky
    They leap upon their silver Feet
    In Frantic Melody!

    ~ Emily Dickinson

    May the rest of the New Year be as wonderful for you.

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  122. Way to go and I'm told infinitely better than self publishing. You've had some good advice.

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  123. Congratulations on a huge milestone!

    My best

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  124. No surprises here, other than its taken this long for talent to be recognised. Big news to match a big talent.

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  125. Congratulations! I still recall when you posted a poem to your blog for the first time. Wishing lots of success and happiness in the New Year, Tess!
    Catherine

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  126. that's amazing. congratulations.

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  127. Congratulations to you!
    A great way to start 2011!
    Joy and peace to you in the new year!

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  128. Serious congrats to you. What a way to begin the new year!

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  129. Congratulations Tess, though it's kinda easy to see why you won...:)
    I love your blog and feel so honoured that you stopped by mine. really appreciate.
    Wish you a lovely 2011.
    Let's stay connected, literary :)

    Love and light.

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  130. wonderful way to start the New Year with such grand news. If we could vote for you somehow --- let us all know.... Cyber glass clicking away,

    cheers,
    joanny

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  131. Thank you, dear ones. You've made my celebration extra special. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the book. xx You're the best!

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  132. Joining the chorus of congratulations! Awesome accomplishment. 2011 is starting out well for you.

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  133. Congratulations - what great news to start a new year!

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  134. Congratulations! That's a truly wonderful way to start 2011. Speaking of which...Happy New Year! :) Also, thanks for Magpie Tales, which has become one of my favorite memes.

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  135. That is just so darned exciting I am beaming back at my beaming monitor! Such a deal, you, in all humility, submit your chapbook on kind of a lark and win the recognition you so deserve. Great story, Tess.
    (My stepfather's last name was Chapman.)

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  136. That's delightful news! Heartiest congratulations!

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  137. Forget the cyber stuff! I have some of the real thing here which I am lifting in a toast to you! I will say "I knew her when..."
    xoxo!

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  138. Wonderful! And I'm not that surprised - but really, really pleased for you.

    Congratulations!

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  139. Well, I'll be dog-gone.

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  140. Wow Tess I am so happy for you but I have to say I am not at all surprised that you are a semi-finalist. Your poetry is truly wonderful. I can't wait to be among your many blogger friends to buy a copy. Hugs Kristen

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)