Monthly Archive for September, 2011

Guest Post: Karen Duvall!

Hi folks! Today we’ve got a special guest, Karen Duvall. Karen and I are agency sisters, we’re both with McIntosh and Otis. Karen was also very kind to me when I was on submission with Tempest Rising, and asking all sorts of silly questions in Absolute Write’s Purgatory. So it’s with great happiness that I host her here, as she debuts her latest urban fantasy novel, Knight’s Curse. Stay tuned for a contest opportunity at the end of this post.

The Versatility of Urban Fantasy

Do you remember the first urban fantasy you ever read? It may not have been labeled urban fantasy at the time, but I bet you liked it. A lot. I know I did. And I wanted to read as much of it as I could get my hands on.

What’s so great about this subgenre of fantasy is that it’s versatile. You get your fairies and elves or your vampires and witches, and you can have your urban setting with all its contemporary trappings, too. Talk about imagination. Wow, there are so many combinations of the weird and wonderful that the possibilities are endless.

This is what drew me to writing the genre. My head is filled with strangeness most of the time anyway, and to pour it into a story within a world of my own making is like paradise for me. Combining real emotions and familiar situations with the fantastic couldn’t be more satisfying.

That’s how Chalice was born.

Chalice is the heroine of KNIGHT’S CURSE, the first book in my urban fantasy trilogy being published by Harlequin Luna. She’s not so magical as she is powerful by virtue of super human senses that enable her to be an awesome thief. Chalice doesn’t even like magic, at least not at first. She’s kidnapped by a sorcerer and forced to steal cursed and charmed artifacts. She’s a different kind of urban fantasy heroine with an unusual sort of problem. She’s bonded to a homicidal gargoyle as a way for her kidnapper to keep her in line. She can be a slave, or she can die. Her choice. And there are times when death seems the better option.

It’s her ancestry that intrigued me when I began writing the first book. The story sprang from Chalice’s heritage and the mythology I created to go with it. She’s descended from an order of female knights who fought in the Crusade Wars of the eleventh century. All the knights had special talents because they were the progeny of angels, and that gave them an edge over the enemy. They kept the knighthood strong over the centuries by mating with their guardian angels to procreate new knights for the order.

Chalice is adverse to magic because she blames it for everything bad that’s happened in her life, yet she’s forced to confront it every day. Magic is all around her, in nearly everything she touches, even in the man she falls in love with.

I had great fun putting Chalice in harm’s way every chance I got because I knew she would learn from the experience and use it to her advantage. Which she does. The second book explores her knighthood of sisters and the danger that comes close to exterminating them all. The third and final book takes Chalice on a perilous journey that seals a circle of trust, family and love. From the beginning, magic is the constant glue that holds everything together.

If you could create an urban fantasy, or have one custom made just for your reading pleasure, what would make it different from other books on store shelves? How would you make it special?

Thanks Karen! What a great post. And now I’d like to do a contest for Karen. The prize will be any two mass market paperbacks of your choice that are available on Amazon (totaling about $15, or the equivalent in your country’s money). You can enter by answering Karen’s question. You can also earn extra points by reviewing Karen’s debut on your blog, Amazon, Goodreads, etc (one point for each entry); adding Karen on FB and Twitter (one point each);  and/or by adding me on FB or Twitter (one point each). Just be sure to add up your entries for me, as i’m no good at math. ;-)

The Contest Can will pick a wiener in two weeks, on October 14th, to give you reviewers a chance to read and write. Buen suerte!

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Published on September 30, 2011 in Contests and Guest Blogs. 11 Comments Tags: , .

Things I Like!

First off, I have to share the album that made my long, lovely Sunday walk nearly heavenly. It’s the Gaslight Anthem’s side project, The Horrible Crowes. I want to eat this song like it’s fudge:

Gorgeous, right? Another thing I more than like is the fact that New York’s “Fashion” section is claiming that crazy-colored hair is way in style this season. Why do I like this? Because my hairdresser and I have been planning some shenanigans for this winter, and it’s nice to know I’ll be trendy rather than just nuts. Here’s the hot photo from the fun article, click to follow it over:

In furniture, the Thing I Really Like right now is my new lamp. Isn’t it sweet?

It’s heavy and gorgeous and it means my reading corner is back in action. Yay for light/table combos!

Finally, I have to ask you about what YOU like. I just bought tickets to go to San Francisco to visit my lovely friend Jana, and also to attend Juliet Blackwell’s annual Halloween party. I need to look fabulous and slightly trampy.  The theme is Carnival. Where should I look for a costume??? HELP!

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Published on September 26, 2011 in Things I Like. 14 Comments

Over at Pens . . .

I am confused. ;-)

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Published on September 23, 2011 in Over at Pens . . .. 0 Comments

Debauchercon! I Mean, Bouchercon!

Hi folks! I’m happy to announce that I survived Bouchercon! It was so much fun, I don’t know where to begin. Okay, that’s a lie, as I know exactly where to begin: with Friday.

Friday I got in that evening, around 4:30. I went up to our room and let Sophie and Julie know I’d arrived. I then hopped in the shower, as I’d been up super early that morning to get some stuff done and was already feeling grotty. Sophie and Julie took coming home to a nekkid little wet girl very well, and there was much hugging and rejoicing. There was also some imbibing of “drawer whiskey,” the best whiskey ever invented.

After we had a thorough catch up, we did some turns around the bar. I then met my absolutely lovely friends Ervin and Gary, and we had dinner. It was so great to see them, although poor Gary’s car had its radiator blow up, so that meant they didn’t have a car to hang out Saturday. Which was a total bummer, although we definitely got in some good bonding time.

After dinner, I met up with the ladies at the hotel, where there were more turns around the bar. Julie and Sophie know everyone, and I mean everyone, so it was a blur of awesome new people. Everyone was really interesting, and I was loving meeting so many people with whom I had so much to talk about. It was also nice to be at a convention where men outnumbered women, and none of them were Cavemen in loin cloths. At least not that we could see.

To cap the night off, we ended up in our rooms with a bunch of people, a bottle of vodka and one of Laphroig, and there was much frivolity. I, however, am used to a 10:00 pm bedtime, so by midnight (central time), I was done. I went ahead and curled up on my cot and had a grand old time listening to everyone talk while I wrestled with sleep.

The next day was more of the same, but it was such great same. We talked, we worked, we networked, we bonded. I may have bought $20 worth of “gooey butter cake,” but can you blame me? I met the beautiful and graceful Victoria Laurie, who I really liked, along with the very wonderful Maddee, who designs our Pens Fatales blog as well as Sophie and Julie’s websites. They were both such great ladies and I had so much fun getting to know them better. I also did much bonding with the Charlatan’s Debi Murray and Murder by the Book’s Johnnie Cakes, whom I couldn’t love more if he were a saltine cracker.

OH, and this was the coolest thing ever. I MET THE REAL GOAT. Yes, Sophie’s gorgeous Sheriff Goat is based on a REAL MAN, a thriller writer, who came to our room party. He was adorable (and by adorable I mean haaaaht), and he really WAS Goat! *fans herself*

Saturday night after dinner, and another bar turn, we discovered there was a free photo booth! Many shenanigans ensued, a few of which I’ve included in this blog. Eventually, we ended up back in the room, where we had another  party. I curled up like a dead thing at midnight again, but everyone was very sweet about tucking me in and giving me cuddles. I think I brought out everyone’s parental instincts with my propensity to swaddle myself like a cocooning caterpillar, and it was lovely to be on the receiving end of a little TLC.

And that’s exactly what this weekend was. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely met some great people with whom I discussed our MFA and our visiting writer opportunities, and I did loads of great networking. But it’s hard to call that work when it’s so enjoyable to see lovely people like Charlaine Harris and her BFF Paula, whom I adore. So, basically I spent a weekend with kind, interesting, caring people, all the while meeting new people who turned out to be just as wonderful.

It was a great way to put everything into perspective, and realize how lucky, and loved, I really am. When I came home I ordered tickets to San Francisco so I can go to Julie’s halloween party. Viva la ladies!

I was my typical rubbish self at taking pictures, but I still got some fun ones. Mostly due to the photo booth, of course. First off, here’s me with Gary and Ervin. Could they be any hotter? Feel that sizzle.

Next, here’s me trying out a new look:

It made everyone want to pet my kitty. Next we have our first round of photo booth shenanigans. How many writers can you fit into one photo booth? It was like a clown car when we poured out.

And here we are abusing John. Poor muffin.

There are more, but they get increasingly more inappropriate.

Sunday morning, I shared a taxi to the airport with Sophie’s brother, Mike Cooper, whose debut is coming out very soon. He was so nice, and it was very cute seeing Sophie with her bro.

I got home nice and early Sunday, but I was wiped out. I watched much Doctor Who and basked in the glow of the weekend. It was lovely, and much needed, and will remain a great memory.

That was my Bouchercon weekend! How was yours? ;-)

OH, I almost forgot. Vote for me in the Bookies for AAD 2012!

 

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Published on September 19, 2011 in Appearances, Conventions and My Travels. 2 Comments Tags: , , , .

Halp!

I’m having a problem. I don’t know what to wear to Bouchercon.

I’m only there for two days, basically, and it’s going to be intense! I have to keep up with Juliet Blackwell and Sophie Littletfield. I have to do a signing with a stranger. Not to mention, I’ll be hanging out with two of the hottest, smartest, hottest men on the planet, my friends from Chicago, Ervin and Gary. One of them might be who Anyan’s sorta kinda based on. So we’re talking hot broads, hot dudes, and my disheveled ass! Woe is me!

Mama needs to look less like she rolled out of teaching Basic Comp and more like she’s ready for a little RAWR. But I’m also lazy and I have to take a carry on. ;-)

So I’ve taken pictures of four options, and I want you to vote on your TWO MOST FAVORITE. One I’ll wear Friday, one I’ll wear Saturday. Sunday I’m traveling so I’ll look like a hobo, as usual.

Here are your choices! Keep in mind I’m horribly unphotogenic and also not a proper photographer. Furthermore, these will not be worn with leggings, but tights. This fact is important for choice B.

Choice A. It’s a new purple number that may make me look like the purple people eater. But I like it with the silver belt!

Choice B. Right now this bad boy makes me look a bit preggers. BUT keep in mind I’ll be wearing tights, not leggings, for the real deal (it was too hot to wedge myself into anything other than leggings). I also blame the lighting. And not my big fat belleh. *rubs it, soothingly*

Choice C. This is one of my faves. You can’t see it in this lighting, really, but it’s a lovely navy blue. It’s also super comfy, and has fun frills down the front.

Finally, Choice D. One of my fave little black dresses. You’ve seen it before, but it’s that dress.

Have yer vote! Please, only pick two! Or I’ll have to wear one on each thigh.

 

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Published on September 13, 2011 in Uncategorized. 21 Comments

September Pimpage!

September is rife with awesome releases, and I’m putting my official Pimp Slap of Excitement on just a few of them, here on the blog. In no particular order, we have the following Urban Fantasy releases:

A week ago saw the release of the newest baby by one of my favorite people, Jeanne C. Stein. If you haven’t gone and gotten your copy of Crossroads, yet, get to steppin’!

C.E. Murphy, one of my fave authors, has released Wayfinder:

Cherie Priest has her second Cheshire Red Reports book out, Hellbent. I blurbed the first and really enjoyed it:

Trent Jamieson, a fellow Orbit writer, will be releasing The Business of Death. I adore this cover:

Keri Arthur‘s Darkness Unbound comes out at the end of the month:

L.A. Banks, who passed away August 2nd, will release Surrender the Dark. If you buy one book this month, buy this one and help this lovely lady’s family pay her medical bills:

Also out at the end of this month is Jennifer Estep’s Spider’s Revenge. I had the chance to meet Jennifer at AAD 2010, and she was lovely. She also made me want to read this series, it sounds great:

Last but certainly not least is Nancy Holzner’s Bloodstone. Nancy’s another author I met at AAD, and another author whom I now very much want to read:

There are also tons of awesome Para Roms on offer in September. Por ejemplo:

My friend and fellow Leaguer, Michele Bardsley, is releasing Must Love Lycans:

Meljean Brook has released her latest Guardian novel, Demon Marked. I’ve read a few of these and really like the series:

One of my all time favorite writers, Nalini Singh, has her latest Guild Hunter novel out, Archangel’s Blade . I may have cooed with delight:

And, finally, another author of whom I’m a fan, Gena Showalter, is releasing The Darkest Surrender:

These are only a few of the awesome books out this September, so enjoy! It’s a bumper crop this month.

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Published on September 9, 2011 in Pimpage!. 5 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Happy Labor Day!

Go see a movie! Maybe this one:

Looks AWESOME, doesn’t it?

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Published on September 5, 2011 in Nicole Peeler. 5 Comments

Bouchercon Signing! Huzzah!

Hello my pretties! For those of you who didn’t already know, I’ll be going to Bouchercon in St. Louis in just a few weeks. Bouchercon is really a mystery con, and I’m not going so much as an author as I am a professor, to network with mystery writers for the nefarious purposes of our MFA program. I might also be going to hang out with Juliet Blackwell and Sophie Littlefield, and the fact that my good friends Ervin and Gary call St. Louis home is just icing on that sweet, sweet cake.

That said, I’m only going for three days and I’m not on any panels. But I did manage to wrangle a signing! For those of you who’ll be at Bouchercon, I’ll be at the Crimespree table, in the Dealer Room, on Saturday morning from 10 AM – 11 AM. I’ll be with Tom Schreck, who writes about boxing and basset hounds, and I’m looking forward to meeting him.

Now, on the one jazz hand, YAY SIGNING. On the other (less jazz) hand, the dealer room is only open to people with Bouchercon passes. So anyone already a part of Bouchercon who wants to come see me just has to show their badge at the door. BUT, Bouchercon does sell day passes for those of you who can’t do the whole con. They’re 75$, and they’re for the full day. The Saturday schedule for B’con is here. On Saturday, you can use that day pass to see far cooler people than me, such as Sara Paretsky, Val McDermid, Charlaine Harris, and Toni L.P. Kelner.

That said, if you happen to be in the hotel, and you happen to see me at the bar, come talk to me, pass or no pass. I drink Guinness or Makers Mark Manhattans, btw. Just sayin’. ;-)

So yay for signings! Also yay to the fact I just turned in Book Five, Tempest’s Fury, to the editrix. She still needs work, obviously, but getting that first draft in always feels gooooooooood.

It also means that I can start on some new projects, one of which is a short story. Who’d like to learn a little more about Capitola, Moo, and Shar, the ladies of Triptych?

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Published on September 2, 2011 in Uncategorized. 4 Comments