Tag Archive for 'Jane True'

More Pimpage! Updates! And a London Signing!

Hello darlings,

Things have been glorious here in the UK. I’ve spent loads of time with friends since I got in, and it’s been so nice! Last week found me doing lots of catching up with people, and it’s been lovely to have a chance to do so. Tonight I’m going to my friend Linda’s in Notting Hill, where we’ll hang out till our friend Judith arrives from Belgium. Tomorrow we’re throwing our friend Kristin a baby shower, which is not at all a British thing, so everyone’s quite excited.

I’ve finally gotten some work done on my rough draft, and I’m super inspired for Other Projects from being back here. Jane’s series is wrapping up with book six, but I’ve got loads of other things on various burners, simmering away. Meanwhile, in very exciting news, Orbit UK has relaunched my series with an entirely new look. These covers are totally different from Sharon’s, and I love both looks. Both are so quirky, which I think is great for the series. Here’s the UK cover for Tempest Rising:

And Tracking the Tempest:

And Tempest’s Legacy:

And, finally, Eye of the Tempest:

Release dates for these are as follows:

Tempest Rising and Tracking: Both out August 4, 2011

Tempest’s Legacy: September 1, 2011

Eye of the Tempest: October 7, 2011

Tempest’s Fury: July 5, 2012

So for those of you who have been so patiently waiting for book 3, it will be out soon, with book four shortly thereafter!

In other exciting news, I will be doing a London appearance. It’s gonna be a big event that should be loads of fun, and will include other authors. I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve got official word of everything that’s going on, so watch this space!

In terms of pimpage, there were a few releases I FORGOT to pimp with the last batch. I am horrified at such a slip up, and my pimp hand burns with shame.

First of all, the ever lovely Dakota Cassidy has just released Burning Down the Spouse, which looks adorable:

Dakota’s offering these very cool trading cars, featuring her adorable mug:

For details on how to get the trading card, email her at dakota(at)dakotacassidy(dot)com.

Finally, last but certainly not least of our awesome Month o’ League Releases, Michelle Rowen has released the smexily-covered Bloodlust:

So go forth and read! I am now off to zumba. Yes, I’m so addicted I’m doing zumba in London. YAY FOR ZUMBA.

Published on July 8, 2011 in Cover Love, Pimpage! and Signings. 4 Comments Tags: , , .

Vlogs, Brainz, and MORE!

So I promised you vlogs, bitches. And vlogs I have provided.

But first, can I just show you something? It’s something that made me so happy I almost wet myself. Almost. Al-most. It’s me . . . as a zombie. A zombie! A ZOMBIE! (kay, I might be a little slaphappy at this moment, thanks)

Here it is! AWESOME!

I think people might be this happy when their children are born. Maybe. I’m a ZOMBIE! And a COMIC ZOMBIE! I’ve linked the pic to the awesome team that zombied me up: my friend Wendell and his brother, the brainz behind Three Quarter Comics. I would be happy to eviscerate either of them with my sharp little canines, I love them so much for making me a ZOMBIE.

I actually squealed, then did a (zombie) Snoopy dance, then shouted, then giggled for four minutes, straight. Which is a really long time to giggle maniacally in front of friends without explaining yourself, believe me.

And speaking of friends, I’ve enlisted the help of my mates Ruth, Erik, and Linda to vlog another reading of Tracking the Tempest. I’m sure you’re sick of hearing my awful, awful voice and, quite frankly, it’s not the same vlogging without being able to bounce on my enormous ball.

So here are two videos, both of which are from a relatively central section of the book. There ARE some spoilers in this section, as this wasn’t the scene I’d originally intended to vlog. But it’s too perfect for three people, and I had three willing victims . . . er . . . volunteers!

Watch out for these highlights:

- Me sniggering at my own jokes! Obnoxious!

- Linda enjoying her garlic bread. It was delicious!

- Confusion over the term “ejaculation.”

- My reaching for my wine during filming. You can hear the “plonk” as I set it back down.

- My directorial debut, in which you’re reminded why I shouldn’t talk in public. Oh, that accent! Ouch!

So here’s the final reading from Tracking the Tempest, part one:

And here’s part two:

I hope you guys enjoyed the reading! And thanks so much to Rootie, Linda, and Erik for doing it for me. Linda and Ruth I know from Edinburgh, and Erik I went to high school together. Thanks soooo much for humoring me, guys. You’re the best!

In real life news, I return to Chicago tomorrow. I’ll blog my final adventures in Britain in a few days, although pictures were thin on the ground with Ruth being out of commission with her appendectomy. Yes, for those of you not following me on Facebook or Twitter, Ruth had to have an emergency appendectomy after she left Brighton. So it was all a bit crazy, but still super fun and amazing.

In other exciting news, when I get back from England, I turn around and leave for . . . Maine! I’m visiting Eastport and the Old Sow, and will blog with tons of pics from Jane’s world. So stay tuned!

Finally, please give Ruth, Linda, and Erik a round of applause. They were convinced no one would be interested, but I thought they did an absolutely stellar job of reading from Tracking. And I, for one, appreciate it greatly. Bravo, ladies and gentleman. :-)

Published on June 8, 2010 in Pimpage!, Tracking the Tempest and Vlogs. 11 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

RT Review of Tracking the Tempest!

Yay! They like it! They really like it!

Romantic Times has given Jane & Co’s sequel 4.5 stars, saying, “The trajectory of Jane’s first-person adventures means that this increasingly hazardous ride is fast and furious, but the author still takes time to develop character and relationships. Peeler deftly proves she knows how to tell  an irresistible story!”

In the immortal words of Team America . . . “FUCK YEAH!”

Published on May 26, 2010 in Reviews and Tracking the Tempest. 5 Comments Tags: , , .

Book Deal and Day Job Announcements!

I am so excited to announce all sorts of good stuff!

First of all, there’s going to be MORE JANE TRUE! Orbit has bought Jane True, Books 4, 5, and 6. Don’t ask me what they’re going to be called, because I am totally stuck. “Tempest” related names seemed like SUCH a good idea . . . till I ran the fuck out of ideas. Number six might wind up “Tempest Bledsoe.” Just a warning.

But, names aside, there’s going to be MORE JANE! Which makes me so unbelievably happy, not least because I can continue working with everyone at Orbit. They’ve been SO great, and I feel so very honored and humbled by their faith in me.

So that’s some huge news, and very exciting. But equally huge and exciting is that I am on the move, again!

I’ve adored my time at LSUS. My colleagues and students couldn’t have been more amazing. But my life has changed so much with the publication of the books, and it’s more than a little scary working for Louisiana higher ed when there’s a budget crisis. So I am thrilled to announce that I’m moving to teach as an assistant professor in Seton Hill’s MFA program for Writing Popular Fiction. Yes, you read that correctly . . . it’s an MFA specifically for popular, publishable fiction. Here’s the blurb from our website:

http://www.setonhill.edu/index.cfm

The Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill is one of the only programs in the country that teaches writers to create – and market – the fiction that sells. Upon graduation from Seton Hill’s program, you will have completed a full-length market-ready novel, earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from a leading liberal arts University, and become part of a supportive network of published authors.

Seton Hill University’s unique Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction teaches students to write marketable novels in popular genres like mystery, romance, science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Additional specialties include literature for children and adolescents, and cross-genre blends like romantic suspense or young adult mysteries. Knowing that graduate students have many obligations, Seton Hill has designed a flexible, intensive-residency format that allows you to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree while working full-time or caring for a family. One-on-one mentoring by established writers enables students to develop a writing project in a genre of their choice. Online contact with other participants ensures that students become part of a writing community and that they receive varied commentary on their work-in-progress. Week long residencies, twice each year, inform and enliven the writing experience, bringing students together on Seton Hill’s campus to learn the basics and complexities of popular fiction. Lectures and workshops by guest writers of regional and national fame (and editors, agents and publishers) add extra impact to the residency experience.

How cool is that? This semester, I’ll be mentoring students who are writing Urban Fantasy, and teaching at least one online course. I’ll also get an iPad, which I will name Bessie.

So I’m moving to Pittsburgh, people! Seton Hill is in Greensburg, but I’m a city gal by nature. The idea of walking to get a coffee THRILLS me. And in Pittsburgh, I’ll be closer to my family and friends in Chicago, my friends on the East Coast, and an airport from which I can go wherever I please (not just DFW).

That said, I am very sad to leave Shreveport and my friends, colleagues, and students here in Louisiana. I’ve loved my time here and y’all couldn’t have been more welcoming and generous. Thank you so much for a beautiful run, and I will miss you all very, very much. Look me up if you’re in Pennsylvania. :-)

Published on May 17, 2010 in Coming Soon!, Day Job!, My Travels, Nicole Peeler, Urban Fantasy and Writing Process. 76 Comments Tags: , , , .

TRACKING THE TEMPEST: Three Months and Counting.

Yes, my friends. Tracking the Tempest releases THREE MONTHS FROM NOW. Can you believe it? July 1, 2010, you can clutch Jane, once again, in your sweaty paws. Don’t worry. She likes it.

Are you excited? I’m excited. SO excited, in fact, that I had to VLOG FOR YOU. Yes, Vlog. I’m trotting out my beautiful fatch and dulcet voice just for you, people. Enjoy it.

Actually, the vlogs might drive you a bit bonkers, because my bangs (AKA my fringe, for you British readers) are taking over. Notice how they’re nicely swept to one side for the first vlog, and then commence to creep until they’re hanging directly in front of my face, making me look cross-eyed.

I have hair with a mind of its own. I’ve learned long ago not to fight it, for it always wins.

So I apologize for the fringe/bangs. I can’t do a thing with them! There’s a cowlick involved. But here you go…here are your Tracking Related Treats for April 1, 2010. There will be more treats, the first of every month, until release day! Yay!

The first vlog is a warm up to the reading, in which I attempt to introduce myself and the books but mostly just babble:

And here’s the actual reading, the second part of the first chapter of Tracking the Tempest:

And, finally, one last Tracking inspired treat: my own, personal soundtrack to Tracking the Tempest. These are the songs that inspired me, while I wrote. There’s a lot of songs about the illusions we weave regarding love and relationships. Not to give away any spoilers, or anything. ;-) Here’s your soundtrack! Fun!

Thanks for coming over, ladies and gentlemen! Hope you enjoyed the readings and don’t forget to enter the contest, from the post below, to win Richelle Mead and Jaye Wells newest releases. And see you back here next month: same selkie time, same selkie channel, for more Tracking the Tempest!

Published on April 1, 2010 in Coming Soon!, Cover Love, Nicole Peeler, Pimpage!, Tracking the Tempest and Vlogs. 21 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Another Weiner! And I Can’t Stop GIVING SHIT AWAY!

So many exciting things here at the Emporium!

First of all, can I just say HOW AWESOME were your comments for Werewolf Smackdown. Seriously? SO COOL.

You all made me SO HUNGRY with the food ideas/recipes (Thom, you’re amazing), but then you’d put the smackdown on my appetite by adding the blood. It was like Pavlovian training . . . I drooled at the food, and then “Blood!” and the drool would be cut off. Highly hi-larious.

I don’t like to interact too much with the comments for contests, because it sort of skews the numbers I’m working with, but I really, really adore all of them. And I’ve gotten lots of feedback from people (other authors, mainly) who think that the way you engage with my questions is super cool and really fun, so well done, all of you!

I’ll now announce the weiner of Mario’s Werewolf Smackdown. The Contest Can is warming up its vocal chords!

The weiner is . . . . KAYLA B!

CONGRATULATIONS! Email me your address at iheartselkies (at) gmail (daht) com and I’ll get a copy shipped to you forthwith!

And, for all of you who DIDN’T win . . . feeling disappointed? Sharpening your shank of anger? Considering drowning a few kittens? Well, there’s no need for all of that! Because . . .

THERE’S ANOTHER CONTEST! Seriously, the authors at the League have to stop publishing before I go broke. They’re killing me. ;-)

Up in the hot seat today are two of my favorite redheads, Jaye Wells and Richelle Mead.

I’m a huge fan of both of these ladies. Jaye is a fellow Orbit writer, and she invited me into the League. For that I will forever be grateful and have her back in snark. Richelle, meanwhile, could not have impressed me more when I met her at Dragon*Con. She’s so famous! So fabulous! So FAMOUS! And yet, she couldn’t be nicer or more down to earth. I mean, don’t get me wrong, if I ever get famous I will expect to be carried around on a divan by swarthy, well-oiled and muscular minions, who will take by the throats and shake anyone who approaches me without first genuflecting and praising my Infinite Beauty, Wisdom, and Snark, BUT while I’m doing all those things, I’ll think, “Ya know, that Richelle was so humble and fabulous. Maybe there’s a lesson to be learned, in all of that? Like . . . where is my Massager of My Left Pinkie Toe? It’s cramping! It’s CRAMPING!”

So it’s with great excitement that I roll out to the Emporium the newest books by Richelle Mead:

And Jaye Wells!

So exciting! And yes, I will give away these two books to a lucky winner! Just comment on the following, below, to enter to win both Jaye and Richelle’s newest books:

Carolyn Crane just posted this FABULOUS round up of UF and ParaRom Heroine’s hair colors. Jaye and Richelle both are fabulous redheads, and I, as you probably know, dye my hair ridiculous shades of red and pink and magenta and whatever the hell the salon comes up with that week.

So my question is: who’s your favorite redhead? You can name a real person, or a character from books and film. And what does red hair say to you?

To help you on your way, here’s Catherine Tate’s hilarious take on what it’s like to be a redhead:

If I loved Catherine Tate any more, I might explode with love for her. Explode. Not metaphorically, but actually combust. With love. For her.

So comment below and enter to win! I’ll pick a winner on SUNDAY from the Contest Can.

And stay tuned for tomorrow, as I’ll be officially launching the Countdown to Tracking the Tempest! April First means it’s THREE months till Jane’s second book comes out. Can you believe it? I can’t. And to celebrate the official launching of the launching of the launch, I’ll have some Tracking related treats for you.

I’m so excited I could spit.

Classy!

Published on March 31, 2010 in Coming Soon!, Contests, Pimpage! and Tracking the Tempest. 62 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

The (purely symbolic) Awakening

So it’s March 1, which means I’ve officially started Tempest’s Legacy, the third book in the Jane True series.

I say, “officially,” because I don’t have time at the moment to do more than start a folder, called Tempest’s Legacy, and start two files, one called “Tempest’s Legacy Brainstorm,” and one called “Tempest’s Legacy Outline.”

This is how I work.  First I sit down and I brainstorm.  I outline where the characters are “at” in their lives.  This book is going to start one year after the close of Tracking the Tempest, which ends with many Big Bangs.  And I don’t mean Big Bangs as a euphemism for sex.  Or a sudden, and alarming, penchant for large ’80′s hair.  I mean bangs, although some are, indeed, metaphorical.  Sorry, I’m getting distracted.

Anyway, Tracking the Tempest ends with a series of big bangs, and a lot of things up in the air.  So I could take the third book in a lot of different directions . . . If I hadn’t had the whole series nailed down to start with.  That said, there’s still a lot of room to play with Jane and Co., and this book is going to be a bit different than the first two.  The subject matter is darker, and Jane is, paradoxically, both more powerful – magically – than she’s been in the first two books, and more vulnerable – emotionally – than we’ve seen her before.  I’m really putting Jane up against it, in this book.  Which almost makes me feel bad.  Almost.  Until I remember how much I enjoyed beating her up in book two, and I acknowledge that little streak of sadism every writer must, inevitably, have.  

Therefore, I will first do a big brainstorm, in which I define where the old characters are “at.”  Then I devise some new characters, to mix things up.  This is fun, and I’m going to try to integrate some new mythological creatures into every book.  Then I start brainstorming the plot in two ways.  First I outline the Big Plot Points.  What is the BIG arc of this book?  Then I start asking myself the questions I need to fill in that arc.  For example, if I have Jane end up in Toronto, how does she get there?  I’ll literally engage in a Socratic (if Socrates urban fantasized, which I bet he would have if he could have) dialogue with myself, on the page.  Yes, I am apparently schizophrenic as well as sadistic.  Why I live alone?  Most probably.

So in the coming weeks I am going to be going through my process of writing, and I hope to take the readers of this blog (Hi, Mom!) with me.  My process is certainly not everyone’s process, and it is, realistically, a very “academic” process.  Although my process, as an academic, is not every academic’s process, either.  But it is very organized, very outline-driven, and very OCD.  

So drop me any questions you’d like answered about “my” process, or about the books, or about anything you’d like me to discuss in a comment.  

Thanks!

Published on March 1, 2009 in Tempest's Legacy and Writing Process. 10 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Coming soon . . .

Nicole Peeler will have a real website, very shortly.  Until then, you can find her blogging, attempting assassinations, and generally being rather inappropriate, here:

newleaguebanner

 

That said, keep your eyes peeled.  She is slowly learning how to use “technology” and may start actually doing things here.  You can also find her on Facebook.  The password to her friendship is “selkie.”

Published on February 13, 2009 in Coming Soon! and Nicole Peeler. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , .