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Birthday bash - day 1! Annie Solomon stops by...

June 8, 2009
birthday bash... & shares her thoughts on after the "happily ever after"! So without further ado, presenting Annie:

annie solomon
One of the great things about books is their ability to take you to a whole other world. Whether it’s an alternate reality, like Hogwarts, or a place of dangers and romance, like the romantic suspense books I write, the attraction — at least for me — is to go somewhere you’d never go in real life and meet people you’d never meet there, either. As a romance writer, it’s my pleasure to bring you a Happily Ever After (HEA). But do you ever wonder what happens after our hero and heroine defeat the monster and walk off hand in hand?

I do.

When I finish a book, the characters like to hang around for a while. I find myself wondering what it would be like to see them in a week, a month, a year. For instance, Margo, my heroine in Blackout, spends the book trying to uncover her true identity while dodging assassination attempts. Once she gets her HEA what will she do? Even she can’t imagine herself strolling to the park with a baby carriage. Will she become a cop? A private investigator? What will her new life be like?

Edie, the heroine of my current romantic suspense, One Deadly Sin, starts off with one goal only to discover that’s not what she wanted all along. Her HEA implies a whole new lifestyle for her. We close the book with the feeling that all will be well. But how? Will she open her own bar? Her own bike shop? Or will she fall in love with baking? What trouble or joy will she encounter on the road to domestication?

It’s fun to speculate. Especially when you finish one of those hard-to-put-down books that you wish would never end.

So... what do you think? Do you ever wonder what happens to the characters you fall in love with after they get their HEA?

Giveaway!
one deadly sinblackoutThanks to the lovely Anna at Hachette, I have the following up for grabs! One grand-prize winner will receive a copy of Annie Solomon's One Deadly Sin AND Blackout!! Up to four other winners will get their pick of either book, but will only receive one. The number of entrants will determine the number of extra winners: for every 10 entrants, one winner will be picked. The first name selected is the grand prize-winner. So a total of 50 entrants will equal 5 total winners.

To enter, comment & share your thoughts on Annie's question - do you ever wonder? Or is it done & over with when you've read the last page? As always, +1 for followers, +2 for sharing with the whole wide world! Do come back & let me know where & how this was shared... This is open to residents of the US and Canada only, with no P.O. Boxes (sorry, Hachette rules).

Contest ends at 6:00 p.m. on June 15th, so hurry up!! Good luck!

78 comments:

Vanessa said...

I always wonder what will happen to the characters after "ever after." Sometimes I really don't think it's going to work out for them long term. haha

gypsyrover21@yahoo.ca

Annie Solomon said...

NotNessie, I know what you mean! But when it comes to my fantasy life I try to pretend everyone will be happy forever and ever. It is, after all, a fantasy!!!

Annie Solomon said...

Oh, and by the way--Happy Birthday, Drey!

wheels209 said...

Hi Drey,
I wonder all the time how characters will grow in the span of a series. Sadly if I don't have that wondering moment at the end of a book the story or the characters did not pull me in enough too care.

I would like a chance to win Blackout only, because I already won One Deadly Sin from you. I am a follower.
Thanks Drey have a great week. I will try and do the same.
wheels209@verizon.net

housemouse88 said...

It really depends on the author and the characters if I wonder what has happened with their life after the get their happy ending. I already have "One Deadly Sin" and loved it. Would love to win a copy of "Blackout". Please enter me in this contest. Have a great day.

house_mouse88 at yahoo dot com

I'm a follower.

KR said...

oh yes I wonder. I often think I could write a great sequel! LOL

I follow.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

tina werner said...

i always wonder what will happen... i love to think that maybe there will be another book to explain what should happen LOL!

i'm already a follower

i have you linked on my side bar
http://www.tinawerner.blogspot.com

i'd love to win black out, since i've already won one deadly sin.

thanks!

stampitchick at yahoo dot ca

Phyllis Bourne said...

I often wish I could peek in on characters to make sure they're still doing okay. LOL! Even though I know they're not real people, they sometimes feel like it.

I already have both books, so no need to enter me in the contest.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Hey, doll. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you. No need to enter me. I'm still drowning in books.

Thanks for the e-mail!

Anonymous said...

I always wonder what would happen next to characters when the book ends.
Please only enter me in the Blackout giveaway.I already have a copy of One deadly Sin.

Great giveaway,thanks

elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower

elaing8(at)netscape(net)

angela said...

Wondering is part of the enjoyment! Did Elizabeth Bennett loosen up Mr.Darcy or did he return to his priggish ways?
Annie, I already have Blackout and loved it.

clenna said...

Some books I wonder about the characters and think about them for a long time. But some I like the conclusion and find it satisfying and not mystifying.
If I win only one (and I really want to read them both) I would choose Black Out but oh I'd love them both!!!

Anonymous said...

I always always always wonder what happened to the characters, although some endings are more satisfying in that regard than others.

Anonymous said...

I follow.

Anonymous said...

I put the link on my sidebar.

Ladytink_534 said...

Oh I always wonder what happens next. That's why I just adore series since you get to know. Now I doubt say, Stephanie Plum for instance will ever be written about as a little old lady, probably quite like Grandma Mazur but it's still fun to imagine! :)

Current follower

Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

Darlene said...

Oh gosh, I always wonder what happens to characters at the end of the books I love. I think that's one of the reasons I love sequels so much. I've been hearing so much about this book I figure I should enter. lol. I'm already a follower...
bj19662001 (at) yahoo (dot) ca

scottsgal said...

I think a good book does kind of make you wonder what happens to the characters - I don't however like too many loose ends at the end of a book unless there's a sequel planned

msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I'm a follower and subscriber via email

Dixie said...

I just finished One Deadly Sin and I can't imagine Edie baking cupcakes and going to Parent/Teacher meetings-at least not and remaining happy.
If I win, I would love to read Blackout.


southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com

Monica McCabe said...

I'm always curious! I love books that have an epilogue, some little something that gives us a peek into the future. You don't find it too often, but it's like a treasure when you do!

Becky W. said...

If I liked the book and story, I ALWAYS wonder what happens to the characters of the story! It's part of the reason I like series books so much! The characters continue to come back and develop!

I LOVED LOVED One Deadly Sin, so I'd love to win Blackout!

I'm a follower!

kysmom02 AT hotmail DOT com

Annie Solomon said...

Cool to hear everyone's thoughts on after the HEA! I never thought about an epilog, Monica. I always enjoy them in movies and TV shows, though. As for series, I've never done one, though I can see how fun they'd be. You'd get to glimpse the "after" in subsequent books, even if only briefly. Hmmm... I'l have to put on my thinking cap and come up with one!

Gaby317 said...

I don't really think of HEA - it's nice to suspend the disbelief and pretend that everything continues on without much conflict or disappointment! I wonder how good things become and like following updates in their lives, but I don't imagine any strife!

+ 1 I'm a follower

+2 I'll post a link to this contest on my blog's sideroll

www.startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com

gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com

chey said...

I often wonder what's going to happen to characters after the book is over.



chey127 at hotmail dot com

L said...

I always wonder what will happen to the characters after I close the book. I love series because it sort of concludes their life, but it still leaves you wondering what will happen to them latter. I'd love to win Black Out.

I'm a follower.

I posted a link to this contest on my sidebar here:
http://hookedonyabooks.blogspot.com/

lovinfitch(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

For me, I ALWAYS wonder. It's a chronic problem of mine. For all the time I spend reading a book, I'll spend just as long afterwards with possible scenarios for 'what happened next' running through my head. It doesn't matter what type of book it is either. Sometimes it's fun, but it can be a little irritating if I'm really busy with other stuff and keep having the scenarios pop into my head.

Thanks for the giveaway.

tiffanyak1986(at)hotmail(dot)com

lingeorge said...

Yes, I always wonder just what happens to the characters next - as long as I care about the chaacter. This is why I get involved in series books a lot. I spend months waiting the next installment as to what happens. I prefer trilogys and series writing because of that. When through with a stand alone noivel, I wonder for days what will happen after HEA, including Cinderella and Sleepy Beauty.

Yes, I follow

throuthehaze said...

i always wonder (as long as the book was good) and i keep my fingers crossed that one day ill get to find out through a new book

Jane said...

I do wonder what happens to the characters after the book ends. I want to know how the hero and heroine are getting along, if they're happy.

I'm a follower of this blog.

janie1215 AT excite.com

Valorie said...

I do! Which is why I love series novels and always feel sad when they come to an end. If I love a series and characters, I want a lifetime of books! It's never enough.

I follow.

I already have a copy of One Deadly Sin, but I'd love Black Out. :)

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

Pissenlit said...

Oh yes, I definitely wonder what happens after an HEA. I get sad(and sometimes frustrated!) when a story ends. I guess that's why I tend to read more series books than stand-alones.

I'm supposed to be getting a copy of One Deadly Sin already so I'd love to be in the running for a copy of Blackout.

CherylS22 said...

For me it's done & over with on the last page. I'm ready to move on to another book. I really don't care for books that leave me hanging at the end & leave me waiting for the sequel.

I already have a copy of "One Deadly Sin" but would love to win "Black Out"

Thanks,
megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com

CherylS22 said...

I follow

megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com

Pam P said...

I do wonder what happens after the end, their HEA, and sometimes think of my own epilog if there isn't one.

Love to get Black Out, One Deadly Sin is now in my TBR. Blog follower

The Brunette Librarian said...

I ALWAYS wonder what will happen. It's fun to kind of create my own little happily after after for them...but a few books have had such great endings I simply put down the book and smile.

Lyoness2009 said...

Happy happy birthday Drey! :)

I usually finish the book and am happy with the results..only if the ending is really abrupt or if I didn't like it, do I wonder "what if"

lyoness2009 AT hotmail DOT com

Kat Bryan said...

Usually the day after I finish a good book, I'll think, "Hey, I'd better read some more and see what's happening." Then I'll remember that I'm done. It's always kind of sad when the story is over.
winterset AT peoplepc.com

donnas said...

All the time. I always want to know what happens next.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Anonymous said...

I always wander what happens after I am done a book. Silly, cause when the book is done...so is the story...unless it is a series...But I still wander.

thebun at personainternet dot com

Anonymous said...

I forgot to say...I subscribe.
thebun at personainternet dot com

Fokxxy said...

I always wonder about my favorite characters Happily ever after..

I always want to read more about them.

The stories and characters always linger for me as well.

please enter me.

ssummmer(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

If I enjoy a book I definitely wonder.

bjhopper(at)me(dot)com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Posted this contest on my sidebar

http://bridget3420.blogspot.com

bjhopper(at)me(dot)com

delitealex said...

I always wonder what happens with the characters after the book is over especially if there is no epilogue.

delitealex2006ATyahooDOTcom

delitealex said...

I follow and posted on my blog

http://mustlovebooks-delitealex.blogspot.com

Nicole said...

I almost always wonder what happens after the HEA, especially if it's a storyline I really enjoy.
I think that's why I really like series, because the story just keeps going on and on.

I follow.

Karen H said...

It really depends on the author and how into the story I am. Sometimes, I will wonder 'is that all there is?' and want more. Some of my favorite authors have begun writing and posting extra chapters or 2nd epilogues on their websites. It brings back favorite characters and gives the reader an update on what has been going on since the book ended. Great fun! I love it!

Would love to have copies of your books too! Enter me in the drawing.

kkhaas[at]bellsouth[dot]net

Karen H said...

+1 I am a follower

kkhaas[at]bellsouth[dot]net

A Reader said...

If its a really engrossing read yes I do wonder. Heck I still wonder if Scarlett ever got her man.

Thanks for the giveaway!
Kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

A Reader said...

Listed on my bog under current giveaways.
http://metroreader.blogspot.com/


Kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

Marie said...

Many times I wonder about characters after I finish a book, I figure that means the characters were really well done if I'm still thinking about them :-)

marielay@gmail.com

Luvdaylilies said...

I would like a chance to read Blackout! I, too, have a copy of One Deadly Sin. If I were to win both I would pass along the extra=)

I do wonder about the characters after the story ends~ I suppose that's one reason I enjoy reading a series.

Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

Luvdaylilies said...

I am a follower=)



Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

mrsshukra said...

When I read fiction, I just enjoy what I've read, don't analyze too much! Thanks!
delilah0180 (at) yahoo (dot) com

dag888888 said...

I'm a follower!
dag888888 at yahoo dot com

Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Hi Yes I do wonder what happens to the characters and if they do live HEA. Some books do need sequels and don't get them. Count me in for the giveaway. Merci
MarionG
polo-puppy-fluffy AT hotmail Dot com

Dawn M. said...

Sometimes I do. And if they're really stuck in my head, I have fun making up my own epilogue. :0)

I would love to be entered for Blackout. I already have One Deadly Sin.

Thanks!

Anita Yancey said...

I always wonder what would happen to the characters, and if the book is really good, it leaves me hoping for another book about them. Some books I think about the characters for weeks after finishing the book. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

budletsmom said...

Of course I wonder but usually don't worry to hard and always try to think they live happily over after.

budletsmom(at)yahoo(dot)com

rubynreba said...

Oh, I always think about the characters and what they will do next!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

budletsmom said...

I just joined your followers.

budletsmom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Lisa said...

I do love HEAs. Sequels can be fun. Unlike movies book sequels seem less likely tobe disappointing. Why is that?

Llisa said...

Whoops! Post # 70
lisamasini@aol.com

Cindy said...

Yes, I do wonder after the ever after! I recently read Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and I still wonder about those characters!

Both of these books sound great. Black Out is my first choice if I have to pick one.

I am a follower of your blog!

Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com

Cindy said...

I follow you on Twitter! You are on my list of Favorites. My username is Soccermom213

I tweet about your blog and will tweet about this giveaway!

Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com

Cindy said...

Wow, that was easy, thanks to your link! I just re-tweeted about this giveaway!

Username on Twitter is Soccermom213@aol.com

Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com

ossmcalc said...

Yes, I do wonder about some characters after the ending of the book. I like to imagine for some what would happen to them.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I follow.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

Suzanne Yester said...

Happy B.Day Drey!
And now for the giveaway!...Please enter me!
*I never wonder what happens to the characters after the HEA ending, I always ASSUME that they are happy and continue to live out whatever path they've chosen.:D (well reading is a fantasy sometimes!)

*I retweeted your giveaway on Twitter..My Twitter name is Chickwithbooks

Thanks for a great giveaway!
Suzanne
quzy (at) mac (dot) com

Libby's Library said...

I always wonder what happens, and look forward to a sequal!!! Thanks for the giveaway.

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

I follow.
Happy Birthday!

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Ally said...

I wonder why the author chose to the story the way they did-especially when it totally throws me for a loop. I like to know the author's process.

I'm also a follower. Thanks!
Allygotts567@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

It's pretty much over and done with, if there is a HEA. The few authors I've read who tried to do a sequel after that have failed miserably (happiness is pretty boring, it turns out).

I subscribe via RSS

kolists [at] gmail [dot] com

http://booksontheknob.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I don't usually wonder about people in fictional books-- and what "happened" to them. Nothing happened. They're not real! hee hee.

karin56381 (at) gmail.com

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