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 Ruby Release: URL LovePosted by Vanessa Barneveld Sep 17 2012, 12:00 am in ebook, inspiration, Ruby Release The Story Behind the Publication Story When our Darynda Jones won a RITA in July, she encouraged me rub her statuette after the awards ceremony. “For good luck,” she said. I believe everything Ms. Jones says, so I immediately took her up on that offer.  Darynda’s lucky RITA statuette And wouldn’t you know it? Good fortune started pouring in faster than I could say, “There’s no place like the best-seller lists.” I scored a front-row seat at a Chris Isaak concert near San Fran two days before the gig without even trying. Swoon. It did cost a small fortune, but let’s not quibble. Guitar tech, Ken Cheatwood, was only too happy to chat with me about Chris’s guitars before the band went on. My hands shook as I snapped photos of him and the guitars. He smiled and told me there was no need to be nervous. I told him I was trembling due to the cold mountain air. In actual fact, I really was freaking out, but I didn’t want to seem uncool by saying so. Somehow I don’t think I fooled Ken.  Chris Isaak in a modest mirror-ball suit Next night, I drove to the same mountain-top venue to see Duran Duran‘s gig, and narrowly avoided a low-speed collision with a tree and a parking attendant (Hey, I don’t normally drive on the American side of the road.) The parking attendant was very kind, and no there was no damage done to his limbs or the tree’s limbs. Lucky! The following morning, Duran Duran’s frontman Simon Le Bon posted a suggestive tweet about the scorching Bay Area weather. I responded within 20 seconds and he retweeted me to his 80,000+ followers. Double swoon. Seriously, this was like close encounters of the third kind — contact with a higher life form, someone I’ve idolized for three decades. If we’re going be technical, he didn’t write back to me per se, but the episode turned me into a grinning fool for a week. It ties in spookily well with my next nugget of luck, the biggest of all…  The retweet that made my day Upon my arrival from the U.S. in mid-August, I noticed an email from HarperCollins Australia in my inbox. Figuring it had to be a rejection (because how lucky can one person be?) I didn’t open it right away. But when I did… Oh, my. There was my very first acceptance letter for a work of fiction – a sweet short story called The Tweetest Thing, which was e-published TODAY as part of an anthology, URL Love: From Texting to Twitter, the Hottest Online Love Stories. How does my short story tie in with Simon Le Bon’s retweet? I was inspired to write The Tweetest Thing after seeing Duran Duran live for the first time back in March. In the story, introverted and sensible Jess connects with a music icon via Twitter, but will they go one step further into the real world? In real life, introverted and often silly Vanessa connects with a music icon via Twitter. It’s a case of life imitating art, however, I can assure readers, my husband and the gorgeous Mrs. Yasmin Le Bon that the real-life cyber connection ended very quickly!  The URL Love anthology from HarperCollins Australia HarperCollins Australia’s URL Love is a collection of ten short stories set in the age of lookin’ for love online. It’s available now in digital format from Amazon and iBookstore. Visit the Facebook fan page and listen to the Harper staff read out lines from the stories. Thank you for bearing with the blog’s temporarily sedate server speed today. If you’re “Hungry like the wolf,” grab a snack and let’s talk. One commenter will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Have you interacted with your idols through social media? Want to chat about Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, Duran Duran and/or Chris Isaak? Did getting up close and personal with Darynda’s RITA Award bring you good luck, too?
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Wow, Vanessa, what a lovely story. And seriously, I’ve read The Tweetest Thing and it’s a lovely story too! I think you should send a copy to Monsieur Le Bon and thank him for the inspiration! Love the pic of Chris Isaak! Modest suit indeed! I think his Wicked Thing is one of the sexiest songs ever recorded – gives me goosebumps and believe me, I’m not wicked at all! Good luck with URL LOVE. I bet it’s a huge hit. If all the stories are as good as yours, it’s bound to be. And thanks to Darynda for sharing her Rita golden luck! xxx
On social media, it always surprises me who follows me. Would you believe Kevin Costner follows me? I wouldn’t have a clue why but it takes me back to seeing Dances with Wolves over and over and over again. Purely for lupine appreciation, you know!
I just picked myself up off the floor… KEVIN COSTNER is an Anna Campbell follower?! Wow, I’m super impressed! Of course, why wouldn’t he follow you? You’re so much fun to be around.
If my memory serves me correctly, Chris was playing ‘Wicked Game’ when I took that photo. I could be wrong, though. I was just dazzled by that suit and his blue, blue eyes.
Thank you for saying such lovely things about my short story. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be sitting here as a newly pubbed author. Mwah!
Oh, rubbish, m’dear! Too modest by half. If you hadn’t written a lovely story, you wouldn’t have been picked, simple as that! Although lifelong gratitude is always welcome, LOL!
Okay, you have my lifetime guarantee on that!
Kevin C? Not Richard A?
Annie, purely for Anna’s benefit, I just did a quick check to see if Mr. Armitage tweets. There’s at least one guy who *says* he’s Richard Armitage. I’m just not sure if he’s THE Richard Armitage. I reckon Anna will just have to be satisfied with Kevin.
Vanessa, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be able to go on to Amazon and buy your first work of published fiction. Forget the rock stars, I’m a Vanessa fan!
Oh, wow, you bought my story? Thank you so much! I’m a huge Kandy Shepherd fan from way back and I’m totally floored by your kind words. xxx
Vanessa, this is lovely! You should definitely, at the very least, Tweet about your story at Simon Le Bon.
Thanks for stopping by, Mel! I’m looking forward to reading your story, ‘M@tchmaker’, in the anthology. I loved your blog post about it.
After much deliberation, I included Simon Le Bon in my tweet this morning. He probably thinks I’m a total loon — lol!
Not a bit of it! It’s great publicity for you both!
Vanessa, no, I’ve never been brave enough to do that. I’ve only just learnt in recent years about writing to authors whose books I like (duh). Can’t imagine approaching any of my teen idols that way. What an absolute thrill. I can’t wait to read your story – it sounds sweet and lovely.
Hi, Annie! Thanks so much for coming along today. I’m sure you must receive lovely fan mail from readers and fellow authors. I do think interacting with your idols can be daunting, though. I don’t know what came over me when I replied to SimonLB’s tweet. Maybe it had something to do with the scorching heat that day!
Vanessa, I’m sure he was thrilled!
Lolz! I’ll keep telling myself that.
Vanessa, I love your cheeky tweet to Simon LB! So clever!
I’m thrilled to bits for you that the RITA rubbing has caused a tide of well-deserved treasures to come your way! Some of those were just good luck but the acceptance for your short story has been thoroughly earned! WOOHOO!
I’m off to Amazon to snaffle myself a copy!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Sharon, and for snaffling the book! You are simply darling.
I’m glad you liked the tweet as much as Simon did.
At the time, I don’t know what shocked me more — that he actually read my silly comment or that the whole episode echoed the short story I’d written!
So very excited for you – you’re such a beautiful light filled being and that radiates through your writing! Really looking forward to having my own copy of the book and to read “The Tweetest Thing”. As far as getting up close and personal to famous peeps, nothing to speak of but I did at one stage wish I was called Rio and could dance on the sand.
Congratulations Vanessa
Helen/Rio! Actually, Helen, I was thinking of starting a Duran Duran cover band — with your dulcet singing voice, you’d make an excellent Simon Le Bon! I’m so very excited to see you here celebrating with me! You’ve been a wonderful friend and supporter of my writing since last century.
Thanks for commenting! x
Hell yeah – count me in!!!!
Excellent! I have a jazz version of ‘Rio’ all worked out!
Vanessa I did a bad bad thing
. I preordered URL a couple of weeks ago because my sister has a couple of stories in it and was thrilled to see you were there too. And the best thing? The book pinged on to my iPad today like magic! Doncha just love whisper net? Am taking it to bed wih me tonight!
Ooh, Amy, what a wicked thing to do! You mean your sister who also co-writes wickedly witty stories with you? How fabulous! I’m taking Kindle to bed with me too.
Thanks so much for coming over her to comment! Really, you did a good, good thing.
Yikes — I mean, coming over “here”!!! Oh, dear…
Yes, that sister
Vanessa, you crack me up!!! Congratulations on all your post statuette rubbing success, and YAY for your release!!!
Thanks so much, Kim! You were at Darynda’s table that night, right? I hope you gave RITA a good massage, too! I’d love to see you nab a statuette of your own soon!
Oh yeah, I was at her table. I gave the lady a good rub
And this year I at least get to enter for one! So…we’ll see, I guess! 
Kim, *when* that happens, promise me you’ll write a blog post about it!
Vanessa, it has been a long journey and we have been on that road with you. Congratulations on your first publication and I know there will be many more.
Best
Cathleen
You certainly have been there for almost my entire writing journey, Cathleen! I’m grateful for all the help and advice you’ve given me. Thanks so much for commenting! x
Vanessa….you lucky girl! Well, only partially lucky. Talent has a lot to do with it, too. And I’m not talking about your talent for rubbing elbows (live or virtually) with the higher lifeforms. LOL!
Congratulations on your new release!
Now…where did Darynda go with that statuette? I need an encounter of the closest kind with one Mr. Johnny Depp.
Johnny Depp, Jenn? I thought you were a major Duranie too. Have you switched allegiances?!
I’m picturing a queue of strangers at Darynda’s door, all demanding to rub her RITA.
Thanks for your kind words, hon!
Vanessa, congratulations on the publication of your short story. I hope you’re sending Simon a copy.
You are so talented I know you are going to have a wonderful career!
Aw, Cheryl, you are so lovely. Thanks for the congrats and compliments! I have pondered the idea of sending a copy to Mr. Le Bon — but I’m stumped over how to do it since it’s an e-book! Hmm…
Amazon gifting! Of course, you’ll need an email address for that…
Vanessa, I’m seriously so thrilled for you. Congrats on your first published story. I know it’s only the first of many to come!
Aw, thanks for the congrats, Amanda! I knew about sending gift cards, but I didn’t know you could gift books. Will investigate ASAP. I’ll try to contact his ‘people’ so I can send him a copy — there are a couple of avenues.
Look forward to receiving my copy.
Um, is this for real? Squee! LOL
Oh, I so want it to be. Squeeling with you, sister.
Uh – For heaven’s sake, send him a copy! Wow! Just…Wow!
*nervous giggles*
Why, hello, ‘Simon’! So kind of you to drop in at my humble cyber abode.
Okay, clearly this isn’t the real SLeBon. I wish!
Hi Vanessa!
Congrats, congrats, congrats! I can’t wait to read this story. Great post, and fingers crossed that the good luck keeps rolling your way!
Hello, my fabulous agency mate, Pintip! Thank you for dropping by and lending your support as always. I hope you like the story. It’s starting to hit me now that my work *is* out there for others to read and pick over. Yikes!
Vanessa!
What a fun story. Sadly I have not connected on twitter with any hearthrobs. Old or young.
However my brother found his love bride more than a decade ago in an AOL chat room.
Congratulations on your story.
Thanks, Hope! How cool about your brother finding his true love online! I’m happy to hear everything worked out for them.
Hey, hon. Loved, loved, your story here and you know I’m heading to Amazon right now for your first PUBLISHED work. (GRINNING) I can’t wait to read it and to leave a review.
Now, I’m right behind Jenn, looking for Darynda because I love Johnny for more than being a priate.
You’re so sweet, Autumn! I hope you were able to get on to the Amazon site. I know you had some problems with it earlier.
Johnny Depp — I’m in that fan club along with you and Jenn.
Vanessa – huge CONGRATULATIONS!!! on all your fabulous news and experiences! Who knew fondling a statuette could turn out so marvelously? ; ) Of course, we all know that you made your own luck, and all the good things coming to your are earned and deserved. This will be the start of something BIG!!
Ahoy there, Jen! You’re right — there was quite a bit of hard work involved, not just dumb luck! Thanks for the congrats and very kind words. x
You know you deserve this. Congratulations!!! Great story about your story, too. Sometimes the stars align. And it appears you owe someone a copy of your book. My, my, my. Our little sis travels in some august company (and brings them to visit)!
I know!
Thank you, Gwyn! I’m slowly working up the courage to send the book to Monsieur Le Bon, as everyone’s been suggesting. Feeling a bit like the cowardly lion right now — lol!
LOVE the photos. Coonrats on the sale.
Thanks, Rita! Chris Isaak encouraged the audience to snap away. I think all those camera flashes going off made his mirrored suit even more dazzling!
What what great news, and what a fun post! See what happens when you rub RITA’s belly?
Ooh, how I envy you your fabulous music week, Vanessa! It’s been years since I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Isaak perform live, but the DD show I saw in Minneapolis last year was absolutely top-notch. Between the tour, the release of “A Diamond in the Mind” and John’s upcoming book, it’s been a banner couple of years for the band’s longtime fans.
Tammy, you have such good taste in everything! Chris Isaak was on fire — I hadn’t seen him in a few years either. And DD? Wow. Just brilliant. You can tell they’re actually enjoying themselves onstage. You’re right about them being top-notch. Little wonder their Saratoga shows were sold out. I’m getting impatient for my John Taylor memoir! It’s winging its way from the UK as we speak.
If that was really M. Le Bon posting, I think the Rubies all reverted to our fifteen-year-old selves and let out a huge SQUEEE. (Yes, I still have a pink leather tie from my Durannie years. Which haven’t actually ended.)
Vanessa, your story sounds wonderful and I can’t wait to read it!
Hello, my fellow die-hard Durannie Cate! Pink tie, eh? Did you have white jazz shoes too? Headband? Black-and-white-striped T-shirt? To the Saratoga gig, I wore a b&w striped dress in honour of DD circa 1983. I saw at least five other girls in b&w stripes — hilarious.
Thanks so much for your support.
Yay yay yay,Vanessa! Here’s to serendipity! I’m off to snag my copy of URL Love, bouncing giddily all the way. Congrats on your release day!
Yay, Vivi! I’m so excited that *you’re* so excited! It means a lot to me. Thanks ever so for buying the e-book. I hope you like it.
Vanessa!!! Love the cover! Can’t wait to read the book. And how great to see how your luck changed after rubbing Darynda’s Rita. Hey, Darynda, can I borrow that girl for a rub, too?
Lindsey
Jimmie Joe Johnson: Manwhore – Redneck romance at its best!
Kensington Publishing
Thank you, Lindsey! Darynda’s really gonna need to keep an eye on that RITA from now on. I might have to chip in for extra security costs!
What a great story, Vanessa! The Tweetest Thing sounds like a super cute read! Can’t wait to snag it. Happy release day!
Thanks for the release day lurve, my dear agency/Ruby sis! The Tweetest Thing is definitely a sweet story – I hope you like it!
This made me smile so big!!!! I’m thrilled for you, Ruby Sis, and can’t wait to see what else comes of your incredible talent. Super congrats! Off to get this now! ~D~
I’m glad this put a smile on your face, Darynda! Please say hi to your RITA for me and make sure she knows what a big impact she made on my life.
))
Thanks for your kind words and for checking out the book!
What a fun and wonderful story, Vanessa! Thank you so much for sharing it, and congrats on the release, I can’t wait to read it!
*Waving madly* to another agency sistah! Thanks for stopping by, Sharon. I hope you collected a lavender cupcake on the way over here!
You don’t need luck, Vanessa! You’re awesome all on your own.
I love your story and how you gathered wonderful experiences after rubbing RITA. I know continued good things will come your way. Can’t wait to read your story. Congratulations on the release. Hugs!!
Aw, shucks, Shea! Thanks for saying so, hon! It does seem rather coincidental that such fun things happened to me after my brush with Darynda’s golden girl.
I’m out of chocolate-coated sunflower seeds. Just thought I’d put that out there.
Yay! Vanessa! So excited and I’ll be off to order as soon as I get back home. I love when real life inspires art. I know the story is wonderful.
As to Duran Duran, I have to admit not being a huge music fan. I sing the words wrong and never know which band sings what. But I have to say its weird when my kids sing “Hungry Like a Wolf”. It’s so suggestive it makes my skin crawl hearing my ten year old sing it. Lol. Now as for me, I love those overtones. Seriously sexy. Oh, and I’m with Anna on the Chris Issak song – makes you feel like lolling around in silk sheets.
Super congrats!
Lol to Chris Isaak making you want to loll around in silk sheets, Liz! He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he? Totally get what you’re saying about Simon’s lyrics.
DD’s original guitarist, Andy, mentioned in his memoir something about Simon’s lyrics always being full of sexual innuendo — I read a lot more into them now than I did as a teenager!
Psst, if anyone thinks Duran Duran was just an 80s band: guess again, and yay, you can go do some shopping! Some of their very best stuff is more recent–Red Carpet Massacre and Astronaut are two of my favorite CDs EVAH. Check out their catalog at iTunes or over at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Duran-Duran/e/B000AQ2AK2/
This has been a public service announcement.
Cate, I salute you! You’re absolutely right — Duran Duran is still relevant and making great music after all these years. I *love* their latest album, All You Need Is Now. Collaborating on that one with producer Mark Ronson was a brilliant move. He’s brought out their synth-based roots again — lots of great textures and sounds. /end nerdy blathering
You have to send him a copy now, right?
Looking forward to reading the story, too!
Jamie, I just might do that now that Amanda has shown me the way! All I need is a bit of courage…
Your good luck run is continuing, Vanessa! Enjoy sending the copy to Mr. Le Bon!! Aren’t you glad you rubbed Darynda’s RITA?
Thanks, Elise! I’m very glad Darynda let me have some alone time with her statuette.
She’s lucky we live on different continents, otherwise I’d be visiting her every other day for a top-up rub!
Congrats on your new release, Vanessa! So exciting! Your short story sounds great!
Thanks very much, Jacqui! It is very exciting, and still rather unbelievable that the story’s out there!
Congrats, Vanessa! The story sounds really cute. As for RITA rubbing, I actually got to sleep under RITA’s watchful eye.
Oh, that’s right, Laurie! You shared a room with the two golden gals, Darynda and RITA. May they bring you much luck and all of it good!
Vanessa!!! Congratulations, my friend! This is so very cool, and I can’t wait to get my hands (or Kindle, as it were) on a copy!
The only rock god social media interaction I’ve had is that I “liked” Sebastian Bach on FB, and I think he responded to a comment I made. We’re not, like, going out or anything…
Anyway! Have some bubbly, enjoy the day, and may this be the start of wonderful(er) things for you!
xo
Beth
Wow, cool, Beth! Doesn’t it make your heart stop when they actually respond? What’s that old saying – “First comes a Facebook message, next comes marriage”? Oh, it’s something like that!
Thanks so much for your unending support over the years, Beth. I’m raising my champers glass to you (and to Sebastian). xxx
“The Tweetest Thing” – I love that! What a fabulous title, and the anthology looks great. Congrats!!
Sounds like you had a seriously great few months, Vanessa, and it couldn’t happen to a better person. Of course, I’m certain hard work and talent had something to do with aligning all those, ahem, stars.
Thanks so much for your lovely sentiments, Anne Marie. I couldn’t think of any other title for that story — it’s very much on the sweet side of the romance spectrum!
LOL! Oh, no, V. I’m a huge Duranie!
Love me them Wild Boys!
But, you know me…I DREAM of Johnny. Probably far more than I should admit. Ha!
Congrats, again, doll!
I always giggle when I think of an email you wrote that consisted entirely of DD song titles. You must re-post it for all to see!
I literally just woke up here on the other side of the world and am getting ready for the day job. Thank you to everyone for commenting and buying the anthology! I will be back to reply to you all. Including that commenter who may or may not be Simon. I suspect *not*!!!
Vanessa, what a cool story! I love the way the universe works to send good fortune our way, and how events and actions all seem to interconnect. Good for you for putting yourself out there like that. And huge congrats on the publication of your story! I want to read it!
Laurie, the universe indeed works in mysterious ways. I find the best things happen when you’re not even expecting them. I’m chuffed to hear you’re excited about reading the story. I hope you like it!
Love your story, Vanessa. Gosh, Darynda could sell those “lucky rubs.” Congrats on The Tweetest Thing. Great title!
Thanks very much, Bev!
Totally agree with you — a RITA-rubbing business could be a nice little earner for Darynda.
Huh. Whaddya know? There’s a button on the top-right of the Amazon page that reads “Give as a gift.” I’ve never noticed that on Amazon pages before!
Yay Vanessa!!!
I’m so thrilled for you. That RITA, (She weights a ton I might add) may have helped a little, but you are a SUPERSTAR and it was just a matter of time. (I did rub the old girl myself though, just in case there’s truth to that rumor Miz D was spreading around that night!)
Let’s find the biggest, baddest roller coaster in Atlanta next year to celebrate eh? On me!
(PS. could you post a link to where I can buy your book? I went to Amazon and searched but couldn’t find it.)
Why, hello, Miz Tammy! Thanks so much for celebrating with me. (And can I just take this moment to tell you how much I love the cactus jelly you gave me?)
I am girding my loins and stomach for a monster roller-coaster junket with you next year! Can’t wait!
I’m sorry you had trouble buying the book on Amazon — it was lovely of you to try! There was a slight glitch, but I’ve been assured it’s been fixed. If you go to anthology’s Facebook fan page, you’ll find links to all the e-tailers in one handy spot:
https://www.facebook.com/URLLove1/app_158676164256738
A humongous thank you to everyone who commented or even just stopped by today. It’s been fabulous chatting with you.
The winner of a 10-buck Amazon gift card is… (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE, ROGER TAYLOR) …Jen McAndrews!!! I will be in touch with you shortly. x
I can’t wait to read it, Ms V. It sounds fabulous
Think i will give it to *myself* as a gift, lol.
congratulations!!
Robyn! Thanks so much for dropping by! You should definitely spoil yourself with the gift of an e-book. You deserve it.
Congrats on your first publication, Vanessa!!!!
And I hope Simon loves it, too!
Thanks, Elisa!!! Duran Duran’s lovely helper Katy is forwarding a copy to Mr. Le Bon. I hope he likes it, too. My nerves are racked over all this!
Vanessa!
So sorry to arrive late to the fabulous Ruby launch party! I’m so excited for your anthology. And what a great title! THE TWEETEST THING? That’s awesome.
I’m still waiting for some amazing luck for myself. I, too, touched Darynda’s RITA. Hopefully, someday soon, I’ll be touching yours. Hmmm. That didn’t come out so right. Good luck, my awesome MargaRITA sister! Love you!
Kim! There are still streamers strewn around, half-empty bottles of Dom, I’m swaying to “Save a Prayer”… and now you’re here. Yay! Thanks so much for stopping. I think you’ll one day have your own RITA to fondle. Your books are wonderful and I can’t wait for everybody to find out for themselves. Love ya!
What a gorgeous story of good luck happening to someone who absolutely deserves it all – hunky rock stars, publishing contracts, tweeting celebrity – the full bit!
Hi, Bev! You are so sweet. Right back at ya! Thanks for celebrating with me.
[...] to events and real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental!!! From 2pm AEST today at the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood site, I will reveal more about the story and how a simple retweet from DD’s Simon Le Bon [...]