Where to host the random book giveaway

Today, we officially celebrated the end of the 2011 WordCount Blogathon with a Twitter party. Participating bloggers met on Twitter.com at 10 a.m., PST, to discuss what we loved and hated about the blogathon. We discussed what we learned and what we could learn more about. But I'll leave the serious wrap-up of what happened and who said what to Michelle Rafter; she'll blog about it tomorrow.  I just wanted to announce the cool thing that happened to me at the party.

I seized the opportunity to offer a book giveaway. I've done this before, at real parties. But without the inspiration of Jennifer Willis I might not have done it this time. I hadn't even thought of it, till I saw that she was giving away of copy of her new book, Valhalla. So I figured I could add to the fun, diving in at the last minute with a book giveaway of my own and a surefire winner on board. Michelle always offers prizes at the end of the party, anyway, so it makes sense to celebrate with our own creations and expertise. Seems to make the whole affair more personal and appreciated.

And it took the sting off my last giveaway that flopped. If you'll recall, I had a giveaway in early May here. When the winner didn't step up to claim her prize, that contest fizzled out, and I didn't have a back-up plan. Lesson learned: always have a back-up plan. That being said, today's Twitter party became my back-up plan without me even realizing it. Plus, I managed to find another guest poster in Willis. We'll work that out in the future, I'm sure.

Until then, let me congratulate the winner of my book, Backroads & Byways of Arizona. I'll be mailing a signed copy to Kim C. who is known as @mymommynme on Twitter. In the blogging world, look for her fitness tips. Congratulations, Kim. I hope you enjoy the book.

And thank you to all who joined me here during the 31 days in May. We did it! And now we can take a well-deserved break.