Saturday, January 29, 2011

Cover My Shift Giveaways


When I worked in the ER, my shifts were scheduled six weeks at a time--meaning, I knew only that far in advance what my life would be like. For instance, I'd work 7 AM to 7 PM three weekdays and have four days (including a weekend) off. The next week maybe I'd be working three weekend shifts and have my days off starting on Monday. It was enough to make my new husband (who worked bankers' hours, like most sane folks) completely crazy.
But with the schedule in my hands I did know when I had to show up with scrubs and a stethoscope around my neck. Prepared for anything. To save lives, control chaos, dodge a right hook . . . or entertain--ask any Triage Nurse valiantly trying to keep things sane in a waiting room full rambunctious children and grumpy adults with non-emergent complaints. Exam glove balloons, jokes . . . tap dancing. Really. The medical version of the Southwest Airlines flight attendants' shtick. Anything to help ease the waiting room angst.

Anyhow, once it was finalized, any deviation from the work schedule had to be approved by the ER Director, and if I wanted to take a day off, it was MY responsibility to find a qualified nurse to "cover my shift." I'll be honest with you: sometimes bribes were involved. And, trust me, I was willing to stoop to that when I thought I wasn't going to get my schedule changed to accommodate my honeymoon in Venice. But mostly, I counted on friends to help me out by "covering my shift." And I'd reciprocate, of course. That's what friends do.

But now, as an AUTHOR, I know my work schedule MONTHS in advance. YEARS, actually, when you consider a multi-book contract like the one I just signed (still grinning) with Tyndale House. Now the scheduling "glitch" happens when there is a lag-time between books. As in the lengthy stretch of time between the release of Code Triage in October of 2010, and the anticipated release of (working title) Trauma Plan in spring of 2012. Oh, yes, I hear you counting. I hear the loooong sighs. And I'm honored by your kind impatience! I assure you that I am typing as fast as I can. Still . . .

If I were in the ER, and you were in the waiting room, I might be blowing up a few exam glove balloons and dusting off my tap shoes. But I have a better idea:

I'll get some (very) qualified folks to "cover my shift." Authors--friends--that I trust to take over in my absence. And to do that, I'm going to offer regular BOOK GIVEAWAYS during the months that I am heads-down and working toward my scheduled deadlines. You'll have a chance to meet (re-discover or re-gift) some very talented writers, and I'll feel secure knowing that these cool folks are "covering my shift" while I am working on new stories just for you.

My goal will be to offer a chance at free books each month. I'll announce this in various places. Here on RX: Hope. On my FaceBook Page or Twitter. And/or via my newsletter. It will be up to you to stay tuned to those venues (and to say "hi," so I don't get lonely at the keyboard).

I'll offer a variety of CBA books in several subgenres, including Historical, Women's Fiction, Medical Suspense, Romantic Suspense, and more. I'll also include selections from the Mercy Hospital series--just so you don't forget me. AND I'm prepared to offer Amazon e-books, to readers who prefer that reading format.

First giveaway February 1st. Check back here to see who "covers my shift."


What do you think? Fun? Can I count on you in my "waiting room?"


15 comments:

Wilma said...

Sounds good to me!
I'll be here waiting!:)

Teri Yarbrough said...

Cool. What an awesome idea. Can't wait for your next book. Oh I need a marker for my gloves as I blow them up. I want to add funny faces. Waiting rooms can be so boring as you wait.

Anonymous said...

You can count on me to be waiting for sure!!- Slewis

Unknown said...

what a great idea! Ahh yes getting shift covered....always interesting.

kristenethridge said...

Love it, Candace! What a cute and creative idea!

Jordyn Redwood said...

Yes, I'll be in the waiting room. Trying to think of a unique complaint to entertain... abdominal pain for three years and I'm checking in at 0300 on a Tuesday morning. I know you can relate....

Anonymous said...

Sound great! Thanks :)
Beth Gillihan

kykitty said...

You know I will be "patiently" waiting.

KathyT said...

Thanks Candace. What a splendid idea! I love getting recommendations for other authors I will probably enjoy from people whose opinion I trust. We'll try to keep the waiting room noise down "to a dull roar" as we wait. May God keep you encouraged and creative as you write!

Carol Moncado said...

Forget you? Darlin' it ain't happenin...

But giveaways are cool too...

Can't wait for the next one!

Carol

Beth said...

Yes I will be in the waiting room for your giveaways. Its always exciting to learn about new authors!! Very cool idea!!!

Casey said...

It is going to be a looong wait. And I did almost give a looong sigh...until you caught me. :) So I can't wait to see who covers your shift either. ;)

Edwina said...

Candace,

This is a great idea! I'm sitting in the waiting room now!

Blessings!

Unknown said...

Sounds like fun! Blogging - and other social media interaction - can become a real drag from important writing time, especially when you're down to crunch time with deadlines. Enjoy your "break"!

CandaceCalvert said...

Ah! I'm SO thrilled (and honored) by your enthusiasm--and heartwarming loyalty. Also excited about the author who will be "scrubbing in" for tomorrow's giveaway. She has a special message for you. Stay tuned!