Sometimes being a writer is fun....and others it's a blast

One of the best things that has happened to me since I became a writer is meeting new people.  I have made so many great friends--both virtual and in person--through the stories I tell and my involvement with other readers and writers.  I feel very blessed by my good fortune.

One group of ladies I have come to know are the Red Hat Ladies in East Valley, aka the Foxy Dahlings. They have a book club and have invited me to speak to them several times. I tell you, I have more fun at these meetings! This month I went to talk about HAUNTING WARRIOR, the latest release in my Haunting Series.

They ladies surprised me by making me an honorary member of the club.  As the book worm who never got picked for the team, this was a highlight for me.  :)  Thank you so much Foxy Dahlings for your support of my writing, your enthusiasm over my books, and your friendship!

If you have a book club and would like to talk books, let me know.  My circle of friends is never too big.  :)  I can be reached at erinquinnbooks.com

And the winner is...

The winner of the give away with Erin Kellison is:

Gram (comment posted on July 20, 2010 12:24 PM)

Gram, please email me with your mailing address to write2erinquinn (@) aol dot com.  :)
 
Congratulations.
 
Don't forget to stop by again.  Next up... Renee Bernard!

Spotlight on: Erin Kellison!!!

I'm really excited to have debut author Erin Kellison as my spotlight author today.  I met Erin through my local Romance Writers of America chapter and it's been exciting watching her journey on the road to publication!  Erin Kellison is the author of the Shadow Series, which includes SHADOW BOUND and SHADOW FALL. The first was just released and has so far recieved fabulous reviews.

Erin, welcome.  It's great to welcome another Erin to my blog.  :)  Tell us about your Shadow Series:

Erin K:  First of all, a big thank you to Erin Quinn for sharing her blog with me! I am giving away a copy of both my debut release, Shadow Bound, and its sequel, Shadow Fall, to one lucky commenter today. Also, consider popping by my website, http://www.erinkellison.com/, to sign up for my newsletter and to put your name in the hat for my Nook raffle.

Erin Q:  Wow, a Nook raffle?  Do you hear that readers???  And a giveaway here too.  Be sure to leave a comment!  Okay, onto the meat.  Tell us about the Shadows.....


Erin K:  When I was first beginning Shadow Bound I had a good idea of who my hero, Adam Thorne, and heroine, Talia O’Brien, were as people. I could picture them. I could hear them speak in my head. I knew exactly what they would do next, and why. I can’t say the same of Adam’s good friend, Custo Santovari. I tried to delete him from the manuscript of Shadow Bound several times. He was the guy that did the dirty work for Adam, and I wanted Adam to do his own dirty work, as any hero should. Delete.

A couple days later, I’d be writing him back in again. I didn’t even like him, but I needed him for this spot right here. And that scene. And in the chapter to come. As I was writing, I discovered that Custo wasn’t just a guy who got things done and helped to move the plot for me. In fact, not one of those convenient helper-outer scenes remained. Instead, he became a foil for Adam and Adam’s psychotic brother. In the darkest of times, Custo kept Adam grounded, kept him sane, kept him human.

Something bad happens to Custo in Shadow Bound. Very bad, but critical to the book. One of my critique partners said, “Reconsider. You can’t do that to a sidekick.” I remember reading the message on my computer screen and shaking my head in bafflement. Custo had gone way past sidekick. Custo was a hero.

At least in my mind.

Up until that point, I had never remotely considered writing a book about Custo, but now he was stuck in my head. When I got “The Call” from my editor with an offer for Shadow Bound, she asked if I had ideas for future books. She seemed interested in one direction in particular, but I wanted Custo. I didn’t have a pitch prepared, and had very little of a story in mind. My passion must have come across, however, in the near-incoherent, please-let-me-try plea I gave on behalf of Custo. She asked to see a proposal. Shadow Fall comes out July 27th.

And I’d wanted to delete him altogether in the beginning. Now, frankly, he’s my favorite.

Who are some of your favorite characters?

Here’s the back cover blurb for Shadow Fall:

Sacrifice

Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn't cut out to be an angel.

Mystery

One moment he's fleeing Heaven; the next, he's waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who's desperately afraid of the dark.

Shadow

It gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover.

Wolf

He pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast.

Erin Q:  I can't wait to read these!  I've had them on my TBR since before they were published and since I'm not one of those readers who has to wait for a whole series to come out before starting, no more delay.  :)

Want to know more about Erin?  Go to:  http://www.erinkellison.com/ and don't forget about that raffle on her site for the Nook or the contest here for autographed copies of her books!
Erin, thanks so much for stopping by!!!!

Back to reality

The trouble with vacations is coming back.

In the past I've counteracted this tragedy with taking my work with me--so in fact, I never leave.  This trip was different.  I needed to unplug or lose my mind.  So I unplugged.  I lounged on the beach reading other people's books and enjoying myself immensely.  But now I'm back and oh, do I have catch up to do.  My tan is fading and I still can't get adjusted to my time zone.  However, I do feel like I had a vacation and I'm ready...if not quite willing....to get back to work.  Picture to the right is of me parasailing.  So fun.  We saw a whole school of dolphins below us as we floated in the air.

But before I put my nose to the grindstone, I need to shout out about some great books I read over my vacation.  I was a pre-reader for Kathryne Kennedy's next installment in her ELVEN LORD'S series.  Fabulous and imaginative--readers who loved THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER will be charmed and engrossed by THE LADY OF THE STORM.

Next, I devoured Nalini Singh's BONDS OF JUSTICE.  I'm a huge Nalini fan and her Psy-Changling stories are among my favorites.  BONDS didn't disappoint.  Put it this way--I didn't want to go to dinner because I wanted to keep reading and I really hate to miss a meal.  I'm still--ANXIOUSLY--awaiting Hawk's story (hint, hint, Nalini) but every story in this series is just wonderful.  Not only are her Psy-Changlings riveting, but her Angel series is fabulous too.

From there I jumped into the TIME WEAVER by Shana Abé.  Shana's writing is like music.  She creates such a rich and lush world that it's really hard to leave it.  The one more page syndrome had me with THE TIME WEAVER and I got a major sunburn because I didn't want to move.  Totally worth it.  Zane reappears who is one of my favorite of her characters.  If you haven't read Shana, really, you're missing out.  She is so incredibly gifted that I feel like a hack whenever I finish one of her books.

Then I picked up a reader recommendation--I can't remember WHO told me to read this author, but I am so grateful.  I'm just loving Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson books.  I started MOON CALLED at the airport and finished it shortly after getting home.  Couldn't wait to get the second,  BLOOD BOUND and last night I started the third, IRON KISSED.  I love her weave of history, magic, legend and the "real" world.

There are two books I didn't get to read on vacation that I have burning a hole in my TBR.  One is Jennifer Ashley's LADY ISABELLE'S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE.  Jennifer recently won the Crown Books Award for the first in this series, THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE which is on my keeper shelf forever.  So incredibly good.  If you love Regency, you will love Jennifer's books (although she doesn't just write Regency.  Jennifer is so versatile that she has two successful pen names--Jennifer Ashley and Allyson James--her new STORMWALKER as Allyson is fabulous..

The second is Gini Koch's TOUCHED BY AN ALIEN.  I have heard such amazing things about this book that I can't wait to read it.  There are more books in this series so I want to read the first so I can be salivating with her other fans for the next!

And now...well, I'm off to get my page count in on the last of the HAUNTING books.  If you've suggested a title, the results aren't in yet, so stay tuned.  I will announce when I have them for you!

BTW, check out the new widget for HAUNTING DESIRE!  (top right of this page)

And tell me....what are you reading that you want to shout out about?

Ah, paradise....

You haven't heard much from me this week because I'm on vacation!  Hawaii with its white sands, blue skies and killer Mai Tais, to be exact.  I'll be back at the keyboard next week, but for now, I'm not thinking of much more than applying the next layer of sunscreen.  :)

It is my extreme pleasure to have Kathryne Kennedy here on my blog today.  I've been talking about Kathryne's new book, THE FIRE LORD''S LOVER ever since I was lucky enough to preview it after she wrote it.  I'm a huge fan and this book makes it onto my favorite list.  It's just wonderful!!!!

So, please join me in welcoming, Kathryne Kennedy!

Kathryne:  Today is the OFFICIAL release day of THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, and to celebrate I’m hosting some fun give-a-ways here on Erin’s blog! First off, just leave a comment at the end of my post, and you’ll be entered to win a free copy of THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER (Canada & U.S. addresses only). You can also send me an email with your mailing address to: Kathryne@KathryneKennedy.com with CASA LAUNCH PARTY in the subject line, and I’ll send you a little packet of goodies (bookplate, bookmark, custom emery board). Finally, sign up for my newsletter via my website: http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/ and you’ll automatically be entered to win a chocolate diamond necklace.

I’ve put together a fun post to celebrate, and so I hope you enjoy reading:

HOW TO TALK TO A DRAGON

My step-by-step guide to speaking with Ador, the black dragon in THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER:

First you have to find him. It’s a good bet that he’s perched in the highest point around, and in Firehame Palace, that would be the north tower. In my new series, THE ELVEN LORDS, there are seven realms created by the elven lords, and each has their own primary magical power and dragon-steeds. For the sovereignty of Firehame, Lord Mor'ded rules with the power of fire and his black scepter is linked with his dragon-steed, Ador. So it’s going to be warm up there in this dragon’s tower, with magical fire licking the walls of the palace and smoke occasionally trickling from Ador’s snout. Wear your lightest mantua, and avoid silk, which easily ignites.

Show no fear, or the dragon will think you are prey and will eat you. (Just kidding. Ador prefers a nice haunch of beef to the bitter taste of humans.)

If the dragon is sleeping, don’t wake him up. (This time, I’m not kidding.) Like dogs, they prefer a good nap to just about anything else. You don’t need to make a sound to let him know of your presence, for he smelled you long before you could see him. Be patient; if he wants to talk to you, umm, it’s his choice.

Try excessive flattery. When Lady Cassandra (the heroine in THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER) first met Ador, she remarked on how beautiful his wings and black scales were, and instantly endeared herself to the dragon.

Try not to get frustrated. Ador has his own hidden agenda, and will often speak obtusely and answer your questions with a remark that might not seem even remotely connected. But time will reveal his wisdom. In the beginning of THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, my hero, General Dominic Raikes, comments on his impending marriage to Lady Cassandra. Ador replies that he smells a change in the wind, and it takes Dominic some time before he truly understands what the importance of that statement.

As much as you might be tempted, do not ask for the dragon to give you a ride on his back. He would consider it rude. Dominic has always longed for what Ador calls a ‘star dance’, but the dragon only offers when Dominic needs some comfort after discovering the evil that truly lies within Firehame palace.

Ador will be able to read what’s in your heart. Be careful that you truly want the answers to any questions you may ask.

If the dragon hasn’t already ended the conversation by flying away, thank him for his time and back toward the tower doorway, because if he does launch, you’ll need to be prepared for the gust of wind from his wings.

I hope you enjoyed visiting Ador, and I’m looking forward to any comments or questions you may have. Thanks so much for having me, Erin! It was such a pleasure to celebrate my release here!

All My Magical Best,

Kathryne

THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES JULY 2010

Kathryne Kennedy's historical fantasy romances have garnered awards and a growing readership. This exciting new series, set against the lavish backdrops of Georgian and Victorian England so beloved by romance readers, is deliciously dark and exciting.

Fighting for control of a kingdom that is split into seven domains, Elven warlords use their human slaves to breed an endless supply of soldiers for their armies. Dominic Raikes, the half-blood son of the Elven Lord himself is one such warrior. Betrothed to Lady Cassandra, who has been raised in a convent to keep her pure, he little suspects that she's been secretly trained as an assassin to murder his father. Dominic and Cassandra soon discover that each one is not what they seem, but the price of trust may be their very lives, and the destruction of the magical realm each is desperately trying to save…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family—which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com.

Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Borders    BooksAMillion   Chapters/Indigo   Kathryne’s Bookseller Directory

Tuesday, Kathryne Kennedy will be here....

Just reminding you all to stop by on Tuesday when I spotlight one of my favorite authors and her much anticipated book, THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER.  If you've frequented my blog, you already know that I was pre-reader for this novel and I loved it.  Kathryne Kennedy is one of the authors whose imagination takes you to rare and wonderful places.  I know Kathryne personally, and she is a very down to earth and "normal" person (as much as any writer can be normal,  ha ha) but the things she thinks of!!!  The first book of hers that I read was Enchanting the Lady and I said it had "The imagination of JK Rowling and the romance of Julie Garwood all rolled up into one fabulous novel."  I think that is true about all of her books.  So fresh and unique and incredibly romantic.

Anyway, I hope you'll stop by and say hi on the 6th when she's here.  And of course....There's a giveaway!

PS:  Keep those title suggestions coming!  Haven't settled on one yet and still looking for that "perfect haunting"  :)