But how could we let the Book Roast slide into oblivion without saying thank you to the Queen of the Roast, our friend, Chris Eldin?
Yes, today, folks, we are not roasting a book, but a person, and, to be honest, all we want to do is say thank you. Check out the post below for a bit of Book Roast history, plus some of its high spots and bloopers - feel free to add more in the comments (more bloopers? surely not!). But if you want to say thank you - this post is the place to do it.
I'll kick it off with a big communal thank you from all of us. Roast Masters, Roastees, all our visitors and other friends. Some of us know how much time and work you've put into this - all of us know how much fun it has been. So thank you! From all of us.
*Roast will run through Thursday evening and all day Friday, so even though our princess has retired for the night, feel free to leave a message for her to find in the morning.*
The Master Chef
Blogless Troll, Antonio
Blogless Troll, The Dishwasher
Dee Laine, Miss Susanna Spitfire
Diesel (Rob Kroese), Roast Master
Jason Evans, Roast Master
Phoenix Sullivan, Roast Master
Robin S, Miss Savannah Spitfire
Ms. Sally Spitfire, Mystery Publisher
Sarah Laurenson, Roast Master
Shona Snowden, Roast Master
Stephen Parrish, Roast Master
Last Book Roast. Sejarah Blogger Template Design by: Evyta Ar on Blogs Tutorial
97 comments:
Chris, thank you so much for the work you put into the Book Roast - for coming up with the idea in the first place, for developing it into something that would actually work and for all you did behind the scenes, organising writers, agents and we unworthy colleagues to make sure that it all happened the way it should. It's been a blast!
And now I want to go and kick The Dishwasher's butt, sorry, praise his fine work, just one last time...
Yes, indeed, thank you. It's common folks with ideas like yours that make the world just a bit better place to be.
Aloha and Mahalo for helping all writers and authors and bringing us all together...
You brought LOTTERY to many readers...
and I thank you.
A fond farewell,
Patricia Wood
Wow, so sorry to see it end. Chris, it's such a wonderful thing that you've done, bringing us all together with humor and wit. Thank you. I've enjoyed being part of it, even for just a little while.
Best wishes,
Lucienne Diver
Chris, thanks for being such a inspiring and energic leader! You really embraced this spirit of comraderie and marketing and promotion. Now, it's time to get drunk!!
Chris, dawling...you are an inspiration and a big part of my life for the last three years! Book Roast was nothing short of brilliant my dear. Simply brilliant.
I'm truly overwhelmed. I don't know what to say, except that you guys, your friendship, has meant the world to me. I don't think I've ever been this close to a group of people. Thank you so, so much for doing this. I'm deeply touched by all of this, overwhelmed.
Hugs. Big, big hugs that convey a deep-down happy. Thank you.
Awwwww. Right when I have more free time for the summer. :(
While I wasn't able to participate over the past few months, I've always loved the concept of the Book Roast and enjoyed immensely when I did get to join in the fun. AND I'm pretty sure I won at least two new (and wonderful) books through the brilliant Book Roast.
I will miss it terribly.
Thank you, Chris, for this amazing brainchild. And thank you to all the Roast Masters and authors and agents and editors who've participated.
Chris, you should be very proud of having put all this together!
Congrats, Chris, on being a generator of wonderful ideas, and being such a sweetheart.
From one Queen to another...
Thank you so much, Chris! It was wonderful being roasted (neosporin does wonders for those burns).
If I had actual Queenly powers, I'd knight you (or whatever it is they do for Ladies. See? No powers).
Oh Lawdy,
Say it ain't so sugar dumplin'. Why I've just barely gotten to know y'all. And Antonio! Where will I be able to meet him now?
Antonio....*sigh*
Well there's just nothin' else to do in situations like this than to go right out and bake up some of my delicious peach cobbler. I'm sending you some dear. And aren't you just as cute as a button in spring.
Speaking of Antonio...
You know, this surprise party is nice and all, but I thought coming from you guys there'd be a stripper involved. So? Where is he? I'm looking out the windows and I'm not seeing anything yet.
Chris,
I was very happy to have my book featured on Book Roast and loved the questions you guys came up with.
It's been fun getting a glimpse of new books and playing the game, trying to be the cleverest. What fun! Thank you so much for all the work you and everyone else has put into this site!
Seriously though, all of this is really really nice, and TOO MUCH!!!
:-)
I hope one day to figure out a way to get BlogTV to work, then we can all meet in a virtual environ that's a little closer to reality.
This is from Chumplet aka Sandra Cormier, who's having trouble posting (if this applies to anybody else, please try again, we've just adjusted something down in the steam room.)
"You really started something special, Chris, and I'm forever grateful for the many friends I made in blogland because of you!
Damn, I wanted to kick off the print version of book number three, but alas, too late.
Kudos to your wonderful chefs and guest bloggers, as well as all the great authors! I really lucked out in this place, winning more than one fine book.
I hope we continue to have an enriching online relationship, Chris.
Best of luck in all your endeavours!
Love, Chumplet"
Hey, Chris, Stephen sent you a nudie photo only yesterday! That's your strippers for the year, young lady.
Why, Miss Chris,
I do declare, honey...you and nekkid men. Why, I...never.
*walks away from window and sulks*
Oh, all right, Shona. If you say so...
;-)
Thank you so much for the wonder which was Book Roast! It was always a blast for all involved!
Miss Savannah is hanging out! I miss you, girl!
Why, Miss Chris, I wouldn't'a missed it for the world!
I tip my wine glass to you, honey.
Chris rocks.
There.
I said it.
Charles, thank you so much for everything you've done to support us! We thought of you as a mini-master. :-)
Pat, I will always remember when you said yes to coming on my blog. We barely knew each other, but you were so gracious and forthcoming. A genuine person. Thank you for everything!
Lucienne, I still wonder what you'd do with a children's book. If you ever want to step into that world, please let me know so I can warn the children. ahahahaha! Just kidding! Thank you also for supporting our blog and letting us roast you!!
Jason, You did so much work, behind the scenes and unsung so to speak. Thank you for saying yes when I first asked. It's what enabled us to get a group together. And I can't wait for the next Clarity contest. You are a homegrown celebrity, and a beloved one at that. Thank you.
Well done, Chris & friends. The roasting may be over, but the flame, I'm sure, will burn on...
I agree, ril. I had a tiny toe dip compared to Chris and the rest. Well done, all of you.
Precie, It's been a long time since I've seen you around! Thank you for everything in the past, and I hope we can reconnect and see each other more through the writing blogs.
Doreen, I miss coming over to your blog terribly. That will be rectified immediately. Thank you for being so down-to-earth and accessible! And HILARIOUS!!!! Please don't write children's books! Please!
Miss Susannah, Now that you're out of seclusion, I expect to see you more. Period.
Danette, thank you. You have a remarkable voice for children's books, and I hope to learn a lot from your journey. You're a truly nice person who deserves every success. I'm very glad we're running around in the same circles.
Steve made me take down the photo of his naked, uh, self. Dude knows how to break a lady's heart. Sorry, Chris. Maybe we can persuade our Dishwasher to do a little bump and grind for you...
LOL @ ril, who I think is an SNL writer.
:-)
Robin, I'm going to give you my hug in person.
PJ, Thank you!!
Phoenix, those covers are awesome. AWESOME! I've always been a fan of yours. You're such a modest person with so many talents, why, I'd whisk you away somewhere if you'd let me. Forget Antonio.
;-)
I swear I posted something 20 minutes ago.
Something very clever and heartfelt.
Ummm, go Chris!
Sandra, I can't even remember where I met you anymore---on Miss Snark or EE? Or both? It just shows how long we've known each other. I'm very glad to be in the circle of your blogging friends. Thank you for everything... And book 3? Did I read that correctly? Congratulations!!!
Switched the comments form so that avatars would show up. Special requests are always honored at this grill, eh?
Paca, I love you too, man.
:-) I want to say something like seeing you, a familiar face in the blogosphere, but now I'm tired and I really do think the llama version of you is just darling. ANd I'm sorry I always pick on you. I just can't help myself. It's that paca smirk that brings it out.
Now, go back and write that other thing you wrote to me. And make it rhyme.
Phoenix, you have magical powers. Another reason to whisk you away...
Ummm, go Chris!No, stay. Some of us like you...
AHAHAH! Ril! I don't know if we've ever ganged up on the paca. But like I said, he's fun to pick on.
Yay! Now I can post! I can't remember where we met either, Chris -- I think it was on EE's blog.
This is the first time I saw your picture up close. You're one hot chica!
Yup, book number 3 - another ebook that's supposed to go to print any day now.
Hey, who drank all the beer?
I don't know if we've ever ganged up on the paca. But like I said, he's fun to pick on.Well of course, I don't condone bullying... Now, I'm off to spend his lunch money.
Guys, I have to check out for the night, but I'll check back in the morning.
{Group Hug}
:-)
We'll keep this running all day tomorrow too - see you then! Happy dreams!
Better late than never.
Thanks for everything, Chris. Even for including me in this gang, um, bunch of weir, um, wonderful authors. It was so amazing to meet you in person. We will do that again sometime - in your neck of the woods.
Chris, I was on Book Roast a couple times--thanks for all you did and everyone else who helped! Sorry to hear there's to be no more. Best of luck with the future!
Don't worry, I feel very picked.
By the way, nice to meet you, Shona. McKoala says you're a friend of hers, so you must be okay.
I won't mention the things Chris says about you.
Who needs beer? There's champagne in this corner.
Ah, 'true, yes it could be said that McK and I are very close.
Hey, Chris is gone. We can talk about her. Paca, she was the one that took your lunch money. Ril just spent it.
Oh no.... I just found this note about the Last Roast in my junk mail box - how sad.
It was definitely a pleasure to have been roasted here (& not nearly as painful as I thought it would be)
And I have managed to stop ion at some of the roasts since then and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I've just got two words for you = Thank You.
chris, you are awesome! i enjoyed myself thoroughly whenever i poked my nose into the roast, and especially loved being marinaded myself! i hope we get to see each other soon, and i'm glad you are reading neil g as well! =D cheers to chris and all the roasters for their hard work and dedication!!
Hi Chris. BookRoast brought exposure to nearly 100 authors, 99 of whom don't love you as much as I do, but I'm sure they're just as grateful.
I like to joke that despite all the questions I answered, I never won anything. But in fact I met some wonderful people and made some friends for life.
Thanks for inviting me to participate. Next time we do something it'll have the word "Naked" in it, and if that pretty boy Antonio shows up, it won't be his book that gets roasted.
I think I know what's just around the corner for you, and I think it's safe to hold my breath. Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid.
And oh, by the way, I hired some entertainment for your party. Just please wait until I leave the room.
Thanks for everything.
Chris - thank you for hosting the Book Roast - it was fun, and I discovered some terrific new authors and books. I loved dropping by to read the blurbs, excerpts and comments. Ashley, from my book Time for Alexander, thanks you - and she says she wishes she could hop into another time machine and have it all start again...
:-)
Thanks so much for giving us Book Roast, Chris.
You're a good friend and a great book person.
Gary
Chris, you did something excellent with this site. You created a shining start of information, entertainment and community.
I volunteered to strip for the party but they turned me down. :/
Oh hell. Star, not start.
Luckily you write better than your fans do!
Thanks, Chris, for the inspiration and for making it work. It was a wonderful idea, beautifully carried out. I'm sad it's ending but at least it's going out with a bang.
I hope someone finds a stripper for you!
I always manage to get here late! Thanks Chris for all your work and good humour. I think the Blog TV thing would be a hoot. I've watched John Green do it (host a blog TV - nit it, it).
Oh horrors where did the picture of the orange hairless men come from???
Sarah, I can't tell you how much fun I had meeting you in person, and what a joy it is to be your friend. I hope you and Deb make it over to the DC/Balt area one day. I'll you two out on the town.
Stacey, it was fun having you on the roast!! I hope you have every success with your books, and thank you so much for dropping in today.
Paca, you're still smirking...
;-)
Chelle, thank you!! It was fun getting to know you over at the roast!
Cindy, Thank you for this, but most importantly for introducing me to Neil G!! Of course that would've been nicer in person, but one day when you're famous, don't forget this promise I made you make.
:-)
Stephen, you were my favorite author. But don't talk to me about bold strokes when you send in baby pictures. Thanks for the linky present though. It's a start.
Jennifer, thank you for dropping in! As you know, I LOVE the premise of your book! :-) I hope you write more.
Gary, Thank you! It has been a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you via the blogosphere and twitter. I see very good things ahead of you...
Sylvia! Who turned you down? I'm here now. Waiting...
:-) Thank you!!
FairyHedgeHog, Thank you! One day I'm going to ask how you got your name. But in the meantime, I'm looking forward to hanging out on your side of the blogs. You guys have way too much fun over there.
JaneyV, see above comment! Robin has a great circle of friends...I'm going to enjoy hanging out on that side a bit more! Yes, we'll think of how to do Blog TV. Would be a hoot!!!
Izza making my eyes a watering to know there izza no more Booka Roast. But Crees, you are a especial person and izza very amazing how you bringa people together. Iffa you are inna NY give a me a call anna we canna be doing lunch. Anna then I do the dance for you that you are alwaysa talking about.
Hi Chris and the Bookroast Crew.
I did post a long message earlier on, but just realised I commented on the wrong post!
I just wanted to add my grateful thanks to Chris - and to everyone else who's made the Book roast such a memorable experience.
I've had the honor and priviledge to be roasted not once, but three times. On each occasion I had a blast and have been overshelmed by the number of comments, and the wit and humour of the whole thing.
I've loved reading other people's excerpts as well, and making the occasional comment and the atmosphere here has been like a big friendly barbeque, one that had an endless supply of food and drink and where you never knew who might pop in next.
THANK YOU CHRIS AND THE BOOKROAST -you will besorely missed!
Hey, they told me the party was Friday and I find out it started yesterday. Just like in real life. Anyway, Chris, Book Roast was an amazing idea and there are very few people who could've willed it into being like you did. I'm honored to have been even a small part of it.
Thank you, Hywela! I saw your other message and was going to acknowledge over there, but then I saw it here. Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm! You have such a terrific attitude that will take you far!
Antonio! BT! AHAHAHAH about being told it was Friday and then starting early. Robin called to wake me up last night because I had no idea you guys were doing this! I'm having a hard time looking at the pics of Antonio and the troll simultaneously. Something is happening inside my brain, meshing the two images. It's not pretty. But seriously, you are such a sweetheart, and I meant that very sincerely. Thank you for everything, but most especially your friendship. I will think of another project to pull you into. I already told Shona...
;-)
You know Chris, this retirement from blogging isn't all it's cracked up to be!
Congratulations on a great blog and all your hard work.
We'll have the gin pail waiting!
OMG! A Snark siting! Yes, I see what happened with your retirement. Now you have three blogs, twitter, and facebook. That is so not going to happen to me. I've already figured out how to get others to do all the hard work and take the credit, so I figure I can squeeze at least 8 other projects out of these fine people.
I have an idea for a picture book, it's been on my mind for two years. It's called "Killer Yap" and it's about a dog gone bad. I will of course credit you when it's published.
Seriously though, I heart you very much, and appreciate everything you do for us fledgling writers. *sniff, sniff*
Thank you!!
Hi Chris:
As a twice-roasted author, I am going to miss the snark, the insanity, and the fun!
E
P.S. So where IS this nude photo of Stephen? Does he cover his private parts with a Scrabble board in it? Or . . . a Scrabble TILE?
Thank you for a wonderful blog. You've helped so many writers and readers find each other.
We'll miss you!
Chris, you will not be forgotten. Thanks so much for making me a part of Book Roast. I have a feeling it's going to come back someday, somehow.
Best of luck and stay in touch.
Cheers,
Dennis
Chris, what a labor of love! I've mostly been a lurker, but I certainly enjoyed the show. You will be missed. Wishing you all the best!
It's a mark of a person's quality when mention of their name turns to talk of strippers quicker than the whistle of a whisked-off g-string.
(And how dinkily those boys have strup, btw.)
Everything about Book Roast has been a treat, Chris, and you've helped raise the profile of a multitude of writers and spark productive discussion between them.
It's a shame there will be no more book roast, but you'll still be around, right?
Chris, I have SO loved being a part of BookRoast. It was a brilliant concept, brilliant in execution and a rocketshiptrip of fun to contribute to! I bless the bloggergods for the day that I stumbled across your site and the moment when you said... hey... maybe that random girl who works in publishing might be worthy of a regular guest blog on my site... In all seriousness, it has been a pleasure and a privilege for me. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
This was a great idea, well executed. I only wish I had time to enjoy it more frequently than I did.
I'm so sorry to hear this. I've been at the roast a few times, and always immensed enjoyed it. It was a great idea, and loads of fun.
Chris, I wish the very best to you. Thank you for opening the roast, and having all of us weirdo-s...er, um...ahem...wacky authors spotlighted!
Chris,
The Book Roast concept and execution (that sounds ominous) was brilliant. You really should be proud of what you and your partners accomplished. I was a newcomer these last few months, but I was instantly captivated and came back again and again to read the lively discussions and sometimes toss in my two cents. Thanks for the fun and the memories. Pat/Tricia
Chris, you are an inspiration. How you bring so many together and turn ideas into reality.
I'll keep peering through my hole in the fence... don't wanna miss what you do next! It always smells good!
Oh Stephen - was that your graduation picture? I bet you're the one on the right.
Yay for Chris! I haven't participated in this little project as much as I would have liked to, but I thank you for the opportunity to be involved. You're an inspiration to all of us struggling writers. :)
P.S. So where IS this nude photo of Stephen? Does he cover his private parts with a Scrabble board in it? Or . . . a Scrabble TILE?
Envy is the root of all insults.
Oh Stephen - was that your graduation picture? I bet you're the one on the right.
Damn, I wish. If I looked like that I'd be to busy to blog.
An intriguing idea and format run efficiently by a woman who loves books...Thanks, Chris, for the fun and learning BOOK ROAST has provided. Best wishes on your next ventures!
Anne Broyles
Hi Chris. Thank you for creating such a novel idea. I'm so sorry to learn this is it. I have enjoyed being roasted and visiting fellow authors at their roasts. Best of luck to you and all the roast masters. We'll miss you guys!
Sharon
Thanks Erica! You were one of our very first authors, and there is a special name for that. I'll let Stephen use it in his next Scrabble game with you.
;-)
Thanks Melanie, and very much Ditto!!
Dennis, Dennis, Dennis... :-)
You bring positive energy wherever you go. Thank you for all you do for the writing community!
Tena! You got a makeover! Girlfriend, you're looking good! WO, Thank you!! It's been an honor getting to know you. We'll definitely see each other around!
Ms. Sally, :-)
Rocketshiptrip. I want that word and I want it now. It's going in my current WIP.
Thank *you* for taking a chance!! We were all whispering to each, behind your back, "she really said yes! no, I promise I won't scare her off. you promise too..." It was a ROCKETSHIPTRIP that you said yes!!!
PJD, You gave a lot of enthusiasm and support at the beginning, and that will always be remembered. Thank you!!
Chris,
I didn't even know you were retiring (because no one sent me an email or anything, because apparently Stephen was too busy not getting his ass handed to him in scrabble, but I'll digress)
I don't know what to say - you are amazing and I love you - really and for true. I can't wait to see your novels in stores and on blog tours - I'll be the first to line up to promote you.
Miss Mae, Thank you for all of your support! It was a pleasure roasting you! You're just the right amount of weird.
:-)
Thanks Tricia, That was one of the best things for us---getting to know the authors in a party atmosphere. I'm glad you were able to stop by for some of it!
Aine, Thank you! Right back at you...I am learning a tremendous amount from reading your blog. A true pleasure. I hope to meet you and Jason this summer!
Diesel, Thanks for supporting this idea! You have some wicked cool marketing ideas yourself!
Sorry, Merry, the email list was not complete, because we had to scramble up addresses from here and there to retain the surprise element. I'm glad you found us though!
Man. I came home from my vacation in Afghanistan to find Miss Snark retired, and now I get back from Pyongyang to find this? I'd better stay close to home for the foreseeable future.
Hi Anne, As a fellow children's book writer, it was a lot of fun to have you over! Thank you for your kind words and support!
Hi Sharon, This is really nice, reconnecting with authors from the past. Thanks so much for being a part of our blog! I really enjoyed meeting you here and getting to know about your book!
Hi Merry, So sorry about the email mixup! I know in the past I've tried to find an email for you and have had difficulty because it wasn't in your profile. But I'm so happy that you came over and said one last farewell... Your interview with Erica was a terrific idea!!! Hope to see more over at your blog!
:-)
chris, thx for all the fun and great folk i've met through the BOOK ROAST!
sorry i missed most of this week :(
i hope some day you'll feel up to reviving it, though understand it is very time consuming
blessings to you and yours :)
EE! Our resident artist. Few people know you're the genius behind Miss Savannah's avatar. Thank you again for doing that!!!!
---even though you strive to be evil, there are cracks. Big ones, actually.
Thanks for popping in for our farewell party. Well, I guess it's more like a *me* party. hehe
Now that this thing is winding up, I can spend more time over at your blog. Who's over there these days?
:-)
LW, If we lasted any longer, we would've recruited you to be Roast Master!!
Many, many thanks for dropping in and making the authors feel right at home. You helped us out a lot, and I do appreciate all of it.
Shona, At last, I come to you. I know you had a lot to do with this farewell party, and I just want to thank you for everything you've done for this endeavor, but most importantly everything you've done for me as a friend. I hope you're going to be someone I can stay close to for years to come.
HUGS!!!
:-)
Shona,
Don't sweat it - I was just poking some fun at Stephen, I'm not actually mad at anyone :-) I probably missed it because I was busy on my blog the last few days.
Chris,
Fixed - now you all can find an email addy for me - sorry about that, when I started blogging I was paranoid about what info to put online, and I just never added it to the profile, even though most of my blogging friends already have it :-)
Wow to this comment trail!
Aw, Chris, thank you. And you just know we are going to meet some day. Probably in an airport, the way we roam around the world!
And as you often say, and know, this blog wouldn't be here without the help of the whole team, so thank you everybody. It's been fun! We made her cry!
With happiness, people, happiness.
Ah, well, I guess we're kind of closed now. But I'll leave the comments on this post open until tomorrow morning, because I'd really like Chris to have the last, last word...
Chris, you have the floor.
It's really sad to see Book Roast go. I had a lot of fun and met many great people. Thank you for doing this.
Hi Ray,
Thanks! It has been a pleasure. Hope to see you over at AW!
Shona, Merry....
:-)
Shona........................
Word.
Three cheers for Chris!!!
thx chris, once i learned the hang of it, it was a real BLAST!
hope something equal, or even better, is percolating in the back of your mind! :)
Let me add my voice to the chorus: thank you so much!
Thanks againg for all you've done promoting books! I've been proud to be a blog guest!
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