Now THIS is the Christmas spirit
Richard Paul Evans is one of my favorite authors, and if you haven’t read any of his books you definitely should, ASAP. You won’t be sorry. But besides being a great writer, he is a great example of the American Dream.
About fifteen years ago he sat down and wrote a story for his young daughters. A simple, heartfelt gift to capture his love for them. He finished the piece in six weeks, and was so pleased with the result that he printed off 20 copies of it to give to family members and their closest friends. He touched their hearts, and they were inspired to pass the story along to others, who passed it along, who passed it along…you get the idea. Encouraged by his small success, in 1993 he was inspired to seek out an agent and a publisher for his little story. He failed. Not to be discouraged, he went the route of a vanity press and produced the books himself, distributing them to local bookstores where they flew off the shelves.
Once again encouraged by the book’s success, Evans published the book nationally. Again on his own dime. And the book flew to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. The publishing houses who had rejected him before were suddenly very interested in this budding author, and a bidding war ensued. Simon & Schuster eventually won out, giving Mr. Evans a $4.2 million dollar advance. For the book they didn’t want before. Evans had only published it in paperback before, but now that the publishers had it they released it in hardcover, and in 1995 that Christmas gift for two little girls became the first ever book to be #1 on the New York Times bestseller list for both hardcover and paperback editions.
That was the year that I found Richard Paul Evans, and the year that I opened for myself The Christmas Box. I was so moved by the story that I cried – hard – while I read. I devoured that book in one night, and read it three more times that holiday season. And now, 13 years later, I still read it a couple of times a year.
In 1999 I was delighted to be able to meet Mr. Evans at a book signing in Birmingham, Alabama. Of course he is now a renowned author with numerous titles under his belt – all worth reading. He is the most successful self-published author of all time. And I was thrilled to learn a few weeks ago that he is coming to Louisville next week, not only for a book signing but to speak. In my excitement to gather the details, I visited his website where I was blessed yet again by this great man, and I wanted to share that with you.
He is very kindly, very generously offering a bit of Christmas cheer to all of us, and I am so touched. I’ve never seen another offer like it, which is further proof of his character.
For FREE, Richard Paul Evans is offering you a case of his paperback bestseller, The Christmas Box, just to make your own holiday gift-giving a little bit easier. An entire case, 25 copies, that you can share with your family and friends, and all he asks is that you not resell the books for profit. I was so moved, and very happy to pay the nominal shipping charge to get these books. I intend to tuck them in with teacher gifts, our Angel Tree presents for the elderly, and perhaps for a few friends and family members who haven’t read it yet.
If you’d like to share this inspirational story with your nearest and dearest, just visit the free book page on his website to place your own order. The offer is valid through December 1st or while supplies last.
Tags: giveaway, Richard Paul Evans, The Christmas Box
Contests, Giveaways, & Freebies!, Entertainment, Faith & Spirituality | Heather November 13, 2008
Facebook comments:
By Allison, November 13, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
Thanks for the tip…I’ll check it out.
On another note, I posted my “Peek in my Purse” tonight. Thanks again for the idea.
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By Rick, November 15, 2008 @ 5:18 am
Thanks – I’ll check it out.
Nice blog BTW.
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By Julie From Inmates, November 17, 2008 @ 6:59 am
Hi Heather. Just wanted you to know that I have added you to my blog roll. I found you on Darcie’s blog and am delurking. Happy Blogging!!!
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By Darcie, November 17, 2008 @ 8:33 am
I saw this last night and clicked away to order. I forgot to come back and thank you for the heads up.
So Thanks! Great find!
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By Merrie, November 20, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
Okay, totally trusting your judgement on this book (as another avid book lover) and I ordered a box. Yay — something I can give my family and co-workers for the holiday, and only $15! I love it! Thank you.
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