<hyperventilate> Okay, so it’s already May 3rd! Still Sucks to Be Me is coming out on May 11th! Ack! I feel so unprepared this time. Is that weird? It’s my second book, but in some ways I feel more ACK than with the first one. I think it’s partly because there’s some other craziness going on in my life right now, so I just don’t feel mentally prepared (more on that stuff later, when I can share it).

So…the lovely ladies over at Novel Novice are featuring Still Sucks to Be Me/Sucks to Be Me as their Novel of the Month! Woot! There’s gonna be giveaways and all kinds of stuff going on over there, including some desktop wallpapers. I definitely want you to check that out.

There will also be some various interviews and what not and I’ll post links as they go up. And I’ve officially ordered some new bookmarks and new temporary tattoos (a VRA Logo one and a Vampire Squirrel one too). So I’m kind of ready.

But wait…you’re here to see what the launch contest is, aren’t you? Ha, gotcha! I knew it! Without further ado…

Still Sucks to Be Me Launch Contest!

In celebration of the launch of my second book, I’m going to be giving away one GRAND prize and 4 other prizes. Actually, I should say prize packs. (NOTE: I updated the Second Prize because I’d forgotten to include the video chat with me earlier!)

UPDATE Monday, May 10th…I’ve added to the prizes!!

A bloody cool Sucks to Be Me vase

The Prizes

1. (Epic) Grand Prize: a signed hardback copy of Sucks to Be Me, a signed hardback copy of Still Sucks to Be Me, assorted bookmarks and stickers, A Vampire/Monster Pack from my Publisher: (including a copy of Monster Slayers, a copy of A Practical Guide to Vampires, and Nocturne), your choice of a T-shirt from the Sucks to Be Me T-shirt Shop, AND a visit from me (the visit can either be A) a pizza party for you and up to 15 of your friends OR B) a presentation-style/workshop visit for up to 300 people) to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada (or, hey, if you live somewhere really cool, I reserve the right to expand this to include international locations)! PLUS a one-of-a-kind Sucks to Be Me wine bottle vase!
2. Second Prize: a signed hardback copy of Sucks to Be Me, a signed hardback copy of Still Sucks to Be Me, assorted bookmarks and stickers, A Vampire/Monster Pack from my Publisher: (including a copy of Monster Slayers, a copy of A Practical Guide to Vampires, and Nocturne), a Skype Video chat with me (for however many people you want to cram into the room), and your choice of a T-shirt from the Sucks to Be Me T-shirt Shop PLUS a one-of-a-kind Sucks to Be Me wine bottle vase!
3. 3 Runners-up Prizes: a signed hardback copy of Still Sucks to Be Me, assorted bookmarks and stickers, and A Vampire/Monster Pack from my Publisher: (including a copy of Monster Slayers, a copy of A Practical Guide to Vampires, and Nocturne)

I said Epic, right? That’s pretty epic, isn’t it? I can’t wait to meet whoever wins the Grand Prize!!!

Who Can Enter

Anyone, anywhere (though note the stipulation for the Grand Prize…since I’m paying for this trip myself, I’m going to have to restrict it to the US/Canada…but I’m leaving some wiggle room…if you’re international, try and talk me into your location!). All other prizes are completely open to all locations (since, you know, I love *all* my fans everywhere).

Entrants under the age of 13 will need a parent’s permission before being able to accept a prize.

How to Enter

Okay, so I’d solicited comments and suggestions on what people should have to do to enter this Epic contest. And there were some really, really great ones. But then, I thought, Hey! Maybe I should make it easier… So…to enter, all you gotta do is tell me why YOU should win. However, there’s a chance to win bonus entries (see below the form).

BONUS: Extra Entries!

Want to get extra entries? MORE chances to win? E-mail me (at kim @ kimberlypauley.com) any (or all) of the following for extra entries (these are the ideas that people submitted). The more creative the better! Be sure to use the same e-mail address you submitted your entry under so I can match it up.

• Fan fiction! Write a story featuring any of characters from the story. Heck, re-write the ending if you want!
• Create/draw a picture of Mina (or anyone) to show what she’d look like after turning (or just at all!)
• Make a song playlist that you think fit the books
• Create/draw a vampire squirrel!
• Create a YouTube video with something to do with the book or the book launch (could be a trailer, a book review, a re-enactment of a scene, just you chatting…whatever!) Be sure to tag it with “sucks to be me, book, Kimberly Pauley” so I can find it online to add it to my YouTube channel.

By sending in the extra entry, you give me permission to post it online to share. (It will be posted by first name only)

How to Win/Contest Details

I’ll be judging all of the entries with a panel of esteemed judges (okay, maybe not esteemed, but definitely energetic). The contest runs until June 11th. Winners will be announced soon after (depending on how many entries there are and how long it takes me to get through them). If, for some reason, you are not able to complete the online entry form, you can mail your entries to me at PO Box 303, Grayslake, IL 60030. All mailed entries must be received by June 11th.