• Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan
• Pulitzer Prize finalist Dave Eggers
• New York Times bestselling authors Elizabeth Gilbert, AJ Jacobs, and Gregory Maguire
• Singer/ Songwriter Melissa Etheridge

The Moment hit booksellers two days ago. It’s already been featured on NPR and in the New York Times.

This would have been the perfect opportunity for us to get together and eat some ham, yes? We could be that gang that rolls deep. I’m not sure exactly what that means, or if I’m using it correctly, but damn, doesn’t it just sound good?

Instead of a big celebration at Cracker Barrel, I’ve giving away THREE copies of the book.

Just leave a comment under the post titled “The Moment Giveaway” on the Flourish in Progress Facebook page, and I’ll choose three people randomly next Monday.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS BEING DONE ENTIRELY ON FACEBOOK. COMMENTS ON THIS POST ARE CLOSED.
image via knockknock.biz

When friends tell me their awesome news, I make it a point to let them know I am FUCKING EXCITED. I widen my eyes, open my mouth into an “O,” and put my hands up. It probably looks like I’m about to be hit by a train, but that’s my Congratulations Face.

It’s nearly impossible for me to be excited for myself. I feel self-conscious and selfish when I sneak into the bathroom and give myself the same Congratulations Face in the mirror I give to everyone else.

Plus, it’s hard to fist bump yourself. I know because I tested it out once. It makes you cross-eyed.

A year ago, I submitted an essay to Smith Magazine about the moment that changed my life for their upcoming book, The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous and Obscure (Harper Perennial).

Why am I even doing this? They’ve received thousands and thousands and thousands of submissions. I’m not even a real writer!

A month passed. Six months passed. I didn’t hear back from them. I forgot about it. And then a month ago, Smith Magazine dropped me a line, “You’re in the book, bitch!” Well, they didn’t say “bitch” but I added that in my head because I think it makes the news sound more official.

It hits booksellers January 3rd. My moment is titled “Liner Notes,” page 164.

I’m excited. And I just gave myself a fist bump. Fuck being cross-eyed.

UPDATE: To celebrate this good news, I have purchased the following items today: ChapStick Flava Craze Lip Balm, heavy-duty adjustable 3-hole punch, a dozen retractable gel roller pens, and a bag of Funyuns. I feel pretty gangsta right now. Thank you for letting me share.
A shout out to my friend Carolyn for sending me this picture.