Thursday, December 1, 2016

Advent Calendar Day 1


Happy 1st of December!

Hasn’t this been the craziest of years? I feel like we just finished LAST year’s Advent Calendar and here we go again!

If you’re new to me and the blog, this might be your first Josh Lanyon Advent Calendar. How it works is like this: all through the month of December I try to post something of interest or good cheer every day. Sometimes it's just a nice photograph, sometimes it's a giveaway, sometimes it's a holiday coda.

A coda, for those of you joining us for the first time, is an ending part of a piece of music or a work of literature or drama that is separate from the earlier parts. The fact that the coda is separate from earlier parts of the story is what makes it different from, say, an epilogue wherein all the story parts are pulled together and we have a final last word on what it all meant.

So in this case, the codas are all bits and bobs from my existing stories -- in some cases they're bridges to new stories and in other cases they are a final glimpse of the characters. Sometimes they are really short -- just a couple of lines. Sometimes they're an actual vignette. Once again, I’m planning to do about six codas this year, maybe more depending on the time factor.

What’s different this year is I’m inviting readers like you to submit their own holiday offerings too. Anything related to any of the stories is welcome. The idea being that no one better understands what a fan might enjoy than another fan! So if you want to submit artwork or a snippet from a scene you wish I’d written or a poem or a song or anything at all really, send it to me through my website contact page and we’ll put those into the calendar as well. (All donations gratefully accepted!)

As for why I do the Advent Calendar? It's just a way of thanking you all for your kindness and support during the year. Yes, you buy the books because you like the stories, but there are lots of stories and lots of authors out there, so I appreciate the fact that so often you choose Josh Lanyon stories. Thank you very sincerely. I truly hope you enjoy this year's calendar.

Happy Holidays to each and every one of you.

38 comments:

  1. I am in awe, that you take the time for the Advent Calendar, Josh! It is a shame, that the little stories I have in my mind, orbit your characters, will not make the way to written words. Authors are authors, because they are authors!

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    1. :-) Well, those who read and comment also participate. So all is well.

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  2. Wonderful! Thank you for the Advent Calendar, dear Josh! Always looking forward to it, and I can't wait for all the new codas and surprises :-)

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  3. I always look forward to your Advent Calendar and appreciate that you take the time to do it. It's a fun way to end a year. Can't wait to see what treats are in store this time. :)

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    1. Thank you so much! It's a lot of work, but I actually love doing it.

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  4. Amazed and grateful you are finding time for this. Looking forward to the goodies you and your fans concoct. As for now... I'm going to drool over the pic above.Maybe if I stare at it long enough, the contents will appear on my table. :-D

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  5. ....did you say something? I was distracted by the cheese tray. It's rather lovely. Mightn't I have a piece while I sit by the fire and enjoy this year's advent calendar?
    Thank you.

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    1. That is the purrrfect way to enjoy the calendar!

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  6. The most wonderful time of the year, indeed! I am always so excited for your calendar. Thank you, Josh!

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  7. I think the thing that has always set you aside from other authors is your interaction with and inclusion of your readers. I'm looking forward to what you and others have for us this Season.

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  8. How come it's December already?!!!

    Your Christmas Codas and your Advent Calendar make this month extra special. I feel like an enthusiastic kid again while opening your blog every day! Thank you so much for taking the time doing this, dear Josh. Even in the midst of the busiest season! You're always so generous towards your readers.

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    1. Aww. I'm so glad our little calendar tradition is enjoyed!

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  9. I'm so glad you explained everything in detail about what a coda is and what you do every year. I've always just followed along, enjoying it all, but very confused. You know.... like usual. :)

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  10. What a wonderful idea! I always follow your calendar and relish your codas, but I think it is great to see what everybody else has to offer.
    Thank you, Josh!

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    1. I love the fact that we've already got several contributions. It makes it all the more special.

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  11. I always look forward to these gifts every year Josh. Thank you so much for your generosity to your readers

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    1. Thank you! It's pretty much a tradition now for me too!

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  13. Josh, your Christmas Codas and Advent Calendar bring joy and wonder into my life.
    ~Judy S

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  14. I always look forward to December and your advent calendar. Thank you so much!

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  15. So looking forward to it! Thank you, Josh :)

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  16. Rubbing my hands in gleeful anticipation :)

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  17. Been away so missed the start, a quick catch up tonight!
    Looking forward to the diverse offerings as usual.
    Happy festivities to you

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  18. Ooh hand clapping gleefully! It will be like a xmas fiesta, not just one xmas day. Thanks Santa.

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  19. well...I finally made it back to day 1 and what an amazing experience it has been! thanks for putting this together, I love it :)

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  20. Hope your season is fantastic and that next year is better for you. Thanks for everything.

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  21. Oh no, I missed the Murder Between the Pages giveaway. Shoot.
    Thanks anyway, Josh. It's a nice holiday special.
    Love your books...you're my favorite author
    CAS

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