May 03, 10 @ 6:13 pm
All right, I will admit that my thirty days of blogging every day did not work out as I had envisioned. But I think it went pretty darn well, all things considered. I want to thank all of my guests for joining the celebrations: Michele Bardsley, Jill Myles, Larissa Ione, Charlene Teglia, Jackie Kessler, Jaye Wells, and Jacquelyn Frank. They all rock!
So….. I’m back from the RT Convention and I had a fantastic time. I played Rock Band. I drank lemon drop martinis, I ate (too much) wonderful restaurant food. I met tons of fabulous readers and authors and aspiring authors. Did I mention I ate (too much) wonderful restaurant food? I also accepted my RT Reviewers Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance for TALL, DARK & FANGSOME, which was the ultimate way to end that series, I think. I have a crystal award all engraved and it’s so bee-oot-ifull. I’m so lucky.
TOMORROW A NEW ERA BEGINS. An era of demons and witches and werecats and paranormal investigations and strange romantic entanglements with men who need to possess bodies. Oh, and also I have a new release. HA. No, I was talking about my new release, of course. THE DEMON IN ME. Have I mentioned that book lately? Like, almost every day for a month now. WELL IT IS FINALLY HERE, PEOPLE. IT IS FINALLY HERE. AND BOY OH BOY DO I HOPE YOU LIKE IT.
<—- SIGHTING OF BOOK IN WALMART BY TAMI BATES
Today I’m at Bitten by Books giving away fabulous electronic gift card prizes. JOIN ME!
Tomorrow I’m RIGHT HERE ON THIS BLOG (at www.michellerowen.com/blog/ if you’re reading this mirrored elsewhere). I’ll be hosting a virtual release party with virtual drinks and munchies. Virtual calories don’t count! I may even do a vlog book reading. I’m not sure. We’ll have to see if I’m having a good hair day when I wake up tomorrow. I will be giving away PRIZES AND GOOD KARMA for all of my fabulous guests and YOU’RE ALL INVITED. WHEE!!!!*
*I’m really tired from the convention so it’s good that I’m typing this. My weariness is less evident and my enthusiasm and whee-ness shines through.
See you tomorrow!!!
April 26, 10 @ 8:55 am
***Thanks to everyone for your comments and thanks to Jacquelyn Frank for visiting! The randomly selected winner of the signed copy of NOAH is comment #6 — Heather (DarklyReading)! Heather has been contacted by email to claim her prize.***
To celebrate the countdown to my new release, the first book in the Living in Eden series, THE DEMON IN ME (officially out next Tuesday!!), I’m blogging every day (well, no, but it was a nice idea) — and some days I have fabulous guests and prizes!
Today it’s New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank , author of The Gatherers, The Nightwalkers, and The Shadowdwellers series. She’s generously giving away a signed copy of Noah, one each to two randomly selected commenters (US only please). Winner will be chosen Wednesday, April 28th at 9:00 p.m. EST**. Good luck!
***
What inspired you to write about demons?
I think I like turning convention on it’s ear. When I wrote my Demons, it was still very taboo to come right out and say they were Demons. I like doing taboo things. Hehehe.
Demons — shades of gray or always evil?
Shades of grey….even shades of white knights! Sometimes it’s all about the word ‘demon’. As a largely Christian society, we attach a lot of baggage to that word. I left the baggage at the airport and made my Demon the good guys 
What’s your demonically awesome book about?
The Nightwalkers series is largely about the Demons, their culture and all the things wrong and right about it. Humans are an afterthought in most cases, and yet those pesky humans keep causing so much trouble! When they look at Demons, they expect to see creatures curst by hell, and eventually by their own prejudices they create what they are looking for. In the middle of all of this, my Demons are awakened to all new possibilities of satisfying true love. Something they thought they had lost…something they themselves have killed off the possibility of.
Let’s say Jim Cameron calls and he wants to make JACOB into a movie. Who are your actor/actress choices?
OMG!! James Cameron!! OMG!!! There are only like, three directors I would allow to touch my series. JC, Steven Speilberg and Joss Whedon. But I think my ultimate Jacob would be Gerard Butler. He has the power, the hotness…and I would love to be called as a consultant…(drool). Erm, as for the actress. Kate Beckinsale springs to mind for Isabella. Her range is amazing. She’d do her justice.
What’s your one line of advice for aspiring writers (demonic or otherwise)?
Keep on dreaming. You never know when that bright moment of serendipity will shine and suddenly…all the work and passion you’ve put into it will be worth it. Someone will see it for what it is. Someone will lift it up and think the world of you and your talent.
***
Thanks Jaquelyn!
To learn more about Jackie and her fabulous books, please visit www.jacquelynfrank.com!
**I’m off to the RT Booklovers Convention as of tomorrow and hoping for decent internet access. The drawing will take place at the time above or as soon as possible after it. Thanks!
April 24, 10 @ 7:27 pm
So the RT Booklovers Convention is next week in Columbus, Ohio! (what’s round on both sides and high in the middle? OHIO).
A hunched over writing hermit like yours truly takes a bit of time to adjust being around other real live human beings, but I figure by Tuesday night (max Wednesday noonish) I’ll be all settled in and ready to have some fun!
This is my 4th RT convention and this time I’m finally on a couple of cool panels. Ususally I’m not sure if I’m going to make it to the con until closer to the date, and then I’m too late to be on panels, but not this year. No siree!
Here’s where you can find me…………
>>>Wednesday, April 28th
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM YOUNG ADULT: YOU REALLY CAN GO BACK: TRANSITIONING FROM ADULT ROMANCE TO YOUNG ADULT
WEDNESDAY: For adult romance writers who would like to try their hand at YA, this panel of authors (who write adult romance, urban fantasy, and YA romance) will explain the differences in writing and publishing in these popular fields. We’ll look at writing style and content of YA books versus romance novels as well as how traditional children’s publishers differ from romance publishers and what they’ll expect from you. We’ll look at the differences in marketing and discuss how to keep your more “adult” books from getting into the hands of your new young fans.
Panelists: Kelley Armstrong, Alyxandra Harvey, Caitlin Kittredge, Richelle Mead, Michelle Rowen, Rachel Vincent Moderator: Stacey Klemstein aka Stacey Kade
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM URBAN FANTASY: ALPHA MALES AND THE KICK-ASS HEROINES WHO LOVE THEM
WEDNESDAY: A genre known for its strong heroines needs equally strong men. But women like these aren’t going to put up with guys who are too obnoxiously alpha … or will they? What kind of guy is really the best match? Join us as bestselling authors discuss the highs and lows of creating sexual and romantic tension between couples in urban fantasy. Find out what it takes to create the perfect partner … and why sometimes, one guy just isn’t enough.
Captain: Richelle Mead Panelists: Keri Arthur, Shannon K. Butcher, S. J. Day aka Sylvia Day, Jeaniene Frost, Michelle Rowen
>>>Thursday, April 29th
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM RT BOOK REVIEWS AWARDS CEREMONY
THURSDAY: RT BOOK REVIEWS Career Achievement and Reviewers’ Choice Awards (I’m very happy to announce that TALL, DARK & FANGSOME won the Vampire Romance category (!!!) so I will gratefully and happily be accepting this award!)
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM BOOKSELLER: NOT SO SWEET SIXTEEN PARTY
THURSDAY: Spin the bottle, spiked punch – this is the kind of party your mother warned you about! Embrace your inner 16 year old and join bestselling YA authors for a spring fling John Hughes would be proud of.
Hosted By: Kelley Armstrong, Jennifer Barnes, Holly Black, Heather Brewer, Ally Carter, Shannon Delany, Jackie Kessler, Caitlin Kittredge, Stacey Klemstein aka Stacey Kade, Mari Mancusi, Melissa Marr, Richelle Mead, Michelle Rowen, Carrie Ryan, Jeri Smith-Ready, Rachel Vincent
>>>Friday, April 30th
11:00 a.m. — CLUB RT: Visit with published authors, publishers and cover models in a casual atmosphere. Special vendors and an informal photo area are also in this area of the hotel (use your own cameras). (I’m scheduled for this with a couple other League of Reluctant Adults! Also, the League is giving out Passports to Snark and there will be prizes if you collect stamps and signatures. Good times!)
>>>Saturday, May 1st
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM GIANT BOOK FAIR
SATURDAY: Where can you meet your favorite authors, get your pic taken with them or a cover model, or get a sneak preview to what’s coming out in the wonderful world of women’s fiction? At the one and only RT Booklovers Convention Book Fair! Over 300 authors will autograph books, posters and bookmarks, and you can bring your favorite “keeper” books to have your fav author sign them!! For those bringing collectibles and “keeper” books, we will clearly label the books for you, so as not to mistake them for new books! This event is open to the public for a small fee of $5.00 at the door. All registered attendees will enter 15 minutes prior to the public opening. (We’re allowed to request three books to have on hand. I’ve asked for Tall, Dark & Fangsome, Demon Princess: Reign or Shine, and The Demon in Me. Since this is a few days before TDiM’s release, I’m not sure if it will be there. I sure hope so!!)
BONUS ON-SITE PRIZES!! If you see me in the halls… I am bringing along a few super early copies of Demon Princess: Reign Check with me. Got a boxload of ‘em yesterday! If you are really nice, have READ book #1 already, and are able to correctly answer a skill-testing question (perhaps ) I may just give you one! (while supplies last, of course!)
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some packing to do.
And remember, New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank is my Q&A guest on Monday. She’s giving away a signed copy of Noah to celebrate my 30 Days of Demons! So please come back then!
Until next time, happy reading!
Michelle xoxo
April 20, 10 @ 8:17 pm
***Thanks to everyone for your comments! Some great YA picks there! The randomly selected winner of the signed ARC of REIGN CHECK has been chosen (thanks to random.org) and it is comment #24 – Stacey Monte! Stacey has been contacted by email to claim her prize.***
My last post was not to my liking so I took the video down after a bit of thought. I’ll do another vlog next week when I am feeling a bit less frazzled and am wearing a bit more lip gloss.
To make up for it, I want to give away my very last Advance Reading Copy (ARC) of my May 25th release, the second Demon Princess book, REIGN CHECK, with its original pink cover. When it’s out it’ll have the black cover so this just might be a collector’s item. Maybe? Sort of? Hey, you never know.
Here’s what I want to know — what’s your FAVORITE young adult novel of the past couple of years? I’ll go first: mine’s The Hunger Games. Second place goes to Twilight series. Third place goes to my pal, Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series. But you only have to name one (bonus points for saying what you like so much about it)! Throw a comment in and you’re in the running. I’ll pick a winner at random from all comments, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 21st at 9:00 p.m. EST.
April 19, 10 @ 9:24 am
**Thanks to everyone who entered and thanks to Jackie for being so awesome! The randomly chosen winners are comment #25 – Angie D. who has won a signed copy of Hell’s Belles and Comment #12 – tamibates who won a signed copy of The Road to Hell. Both winners have been contacted by email to claim their prizes!**
To celebrate the countdown to my new release, the first book in the Living in Eden series, THE DEMON IN ME, I’m blogging (almost) every day — and some days I have fabulous guests and prizes!
Today it’s demonically delicious author Jackie Kessler, author of the addictive Hell on Earth series. She’s generously giving away a signed copy of Hell’s Belles and The Road to Hell, one each to two randomly selected commenters (International entries welcome). Winner will be chosen Tuesday, April 20th at 9:00 p.m. EST. Good luck!
***
What inspired you to write about demons?
I wanted to write something paranormal, and I didn’t want to write a vampire or a werewolf–there are tons of terrific vampire and werewolf stories out there, and I didn’t think I could do something different. The next creature I thought of was “demon,” so I ran with that.
Although, when HELL’S BELLES came out, that was right around the time that SUCCUBUS BLUES and DEMON ANGEL hit the shelves. Maybe there was something in the water…?
Demons — shades of gray or always evil?
Yes.
What’s your demonically awesome book about?
HELL’S BELLES is about a succubus who runs away from Hell, hides on Earth as an exotic dancer, and learns the hard way about true love. (Sex, strippers, demons…what’s not to like?)
The first two books in the series (HB and THE ROAD TO HELL) are about the (former) succubus Jezebel. The third book (HOTTER THAN HELL — coming out in mass-market paperback in September 2010, yay!) is about her incubus buddy, Daunuan (pronounced “Don Juan,” sort of).
The upcoming fourth book (HELL TO PAY) is back to Jezebel again — except everything changes. (Seriously. Everything. Stay tuned.)
Let’s say Jim Cameron calls and he’s wants to make HELL’S BELLES into a movie. Who are your actor/actress choices?
First, I have to say that I’m glad it’s Jim and not Frank Coppola. (Coppola stole my good luck pen during my honeymoon. For serious. That’s just uncool. Although I’d probably forgive him if he offered to make HELL’S BELLES into a movie.)
For Jezebel…I’d love to see Christina Ricci. For Paul, Sam Worthington. For Daun, Matt Damon. (Actually, Daun can look like anyone — benefit of being able to take on any human form. I just love Matt Damon.)
What’s your one line of advice for aspiring writers (demonic or otherwise)?
Don’t be afraid to try something completely out of your comfort zone. Maybe you’ve never written comedy, or you avoid sex scenes. Try writing something you never have before. You might surprise yourself and find you’re actually damn good at it. (Or you might suck at it. But you don’t know until you try.)
***
Thanks Jackie!
To learn more about Jackie and her fabulous books, please visit www.jackiekessler.com!
April 17, 10 @ 11:14 am
Don’t forget to comment on yesterday’s post for a chance to win a signed copy of Angel with Attitude. I’ll be drawing a winner tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST!
Today’s post is going to be a bit random and not all about demons.
First, some good news: Yesterday I got the call(s) that I am a double finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for Paranormal Romance – Tall, Dark & Fangsome, and Young Adult – Demon Princess: Reign or Shine! A very nice way to end the week! Thanks to OKRWA for hosting this contest every year!
I very recently finished two big project starting with the second book in my Nightshade duology. This book is scheduled for release July 2011 and should have a final title soon. I also finished my editorial revisions on Touch and Go, my November 2010 Blaze.
Now that I’ve rested for a few days (read: fallen into a temporary coma), I’m ready to start my next project, which is a Nightshade novella that will fall time-wise and release-wise in between the two books (I’m personally calling it Nightshade #1.5). Since I just worked on book #2 I’m feeling fairly confident that I can fall back into the same world for another 100 pages’ worth.
I’m pretty excited about this project since I know, thanks to the very popular lead on this antho — Lora Leigh — that it will be read by a wide variety of people who’ve never taste-tested my work before. Which means I need to hit several things with this story to give a good overview of what my writing offers — this story is on the darker and sexier side of my writing, but I also want to inject it with enough (appropriate) humor that it blends well with my other stuff. Enough romance, enough action, enough thrills, enough dialogue. And a few twists. And I want it to stand alone as much as possible. Sure! No problem!! *sweats*
So that’s where I’m at in my writing world.
DEMONS OF PAST WRITING….. (had to connect it to my theme this month somehow, didn’t I?)
I wanted to share something I found in my cluttered apartment. While trying to declutter this week, I happened upon a folder filled with early writings of mine from when I was about eighteen years old. I seem to recall being a very good writer back in the beginning.
This, however, is not the case. And I have the proof!
I want to share a snippet of my very early work. While I will never claim to be a super talented fantstic author now (although I do think I spin a decent tale), I have definitely improved since this. I see A LOT of writing when I judge contests that looks a lot like this, so my point is….. improvement is possible. Sometimes your writing just needs time and practice to improve.
Bottom line? This sucks. But I’ve gotten better. So if I can do it, so can anyone else!
Title: THE TRAPPER (a charming, romantic tale about a journalist who is sent to Alaska to do a story on fur trapping and inexplicably falls for one of the fur trappers, but realizes that Fur Is Wrong! and compels him to change his animal cruelty ways through their sweet, sweet lovin’.)
She slowly walked away from the office. Her mind spun from all the over working she had been doing lately as she took the familiar elevator down to the lower level where her car was parked.
After walking up to her brand new sportscar, she ran her hand across its smooth, flawless surface and smiled. The week was over and she could go home and sleep the weekend away. She searched in her pockets for her car key, no sign of them. Placing everything she was holding in her arms on the hood of her car, she opened her purse, although some call it her “Life”, everything in it but the kitchen sink as her mother used to tell her. The key had somehow found its way to the very bottom of her purse.
(ARE YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT YET??)
She shoved everything back into the bag and proceeded to open the door. After all the trouble of finding the key, the moment she swung her already thin thigh into the car, she decided to walk for the exercise. She’d worry about her car later.
Away she went. The streets of New York City on a Friday afternoon always invigorated her. She had grown up in this neighborhood and her knowledge of self defense kept her mind at ease about all the horrible things that have been happening to women, not to mention men, these days.
(FYI, STARTING A NOVEL WITH YOUR MAIN CHARACTER “THINKING ABOUT HER LIFE” IS NEVER, NEVER A GOOD THING)
But, she refused to think about anything like that. This weekend was going to be perfect, with just the right mix of social and private activities.
(LET’S SKIP FORWARD TO A DIALOGUE SCENE. I FEEL MY DIALOGUE NOW IS ONE OF MY BIGGEST STRENGTHS. LET’S SEE HOW IT WAS 21 YEARS AGO, SHALL WE?)
“Daddy! I didn’t know you were back from your business trip. Why didn’t you come into the office? Everything is so hectic around there without you.”
“Now, now Rosie, Don’t you think that you’re getting a little old to keep calling me “Daddy”?”
Rosanna stared at him affectionately. “I’ll never be too old to call you Daddy. Maybe the day you stop calling me Rosie.”
“That name was your Grandmother’s, so don’t put it down, smart Alec.” He steered her into a little cafe they were standing beside. A restaurant that business dealings took place in, engagements were met and people responded to marriage proposals. Rosanna remembered the first time her father brought her there, way back when she first got excepted (sic) into the best journalism school in the country. Just because her father owned the magazine she worked for doesn’t mean that’s why she got the job.
The maitre’ D showed them to a little table at the back of the restaurant which offered just the right amount of privacy.
“Well let you know when we have decided what to order. Me and my daughter have some things to discuss.” On a second thought, Jonathon Harding ordered a bottle of champagne.
(GEE, THIS DIALOGUE REALLY FLOWS SO NATURALLY. NOT!)
“Daddy, what’s all this for?” Rosanna was curious. Her father had been out of town for nearly three weeks and he looked like he had something important on his mind.
“Oh, am I keeping you from something? A hot date perhaps?”
“No, nothing like that, I’m just surprised that you have some time to spend with your hard working daughter.”
(I THINK I’M TRYING FOR SARCASM HERE. IT’S NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR.)
Jonathon’s eyes were twinkling. “That’s too bad sweetie. Id like some grandkids before you reach your time of life you know.
(OH BOY)
“Hah, hah, very funny. I still have quite a few years before that will happen thank you very much.”
(LET’S SKIP FORWARD THROUGH THIS SPARKLING CONVO TO GET TO THE POINT)
“Tell me, what’s this champagne for?”
“Alright kiddo, I’ll tell you.” his eyes were set on her with an inner intensity he was well known for. It was as if he could see right through the person he was talking to. “We have just received a story, a very intense story, for next month’s issue. It’s very controversial and I think very good. Would you like to know what the story is going to be about?”
“Well of course I would.” She leaned back in the plushy upholstered chair. “Fire away.”
“A fur trapping.” Jonathan looked triumphant. “What do you think? Our lucky photojournalist gets to spend an entire week out in the middle of nowhere with a big brute of a country man. A whole week.”
(SWEET LORD)
Rosanna was laughing. Image an entire week in the wilderness. It seemed impossible to her since she was born and raised in the city and was very proud of that fact. “Oh really,” she managed to say. “And who is this lucky writer?”
(OH I HAVE NO IDEA. WHOMEVER COULD IT BE?)
“Just guess.”
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe Joe from the editorial staff. He seems like a real country boy.”
“Nope, not him.”
“Then maybe Ed or Dave.”
“Nope.”
“Oh come on Daddy. Tell me. I can’t wait to rub it in.” She picked up her champagne glass getting ready to toast the sucker.
“You, my dear.” Jonathan was smiling broadly. “I thought you might enjoy the challenge instead of sitting around the office writing boring little fashion tips. really, you didn’t go to school for 5 years not to be challenged, did you.”
**
Dude. That was rough. I remember thinking this was such an amazing idea. It’s great to see this, though. I makes me feel heaps more sympathetic toward those whose work I read which is lacking that spark. If the drive is there and the willingness to learn and grow, then the sky really is the limit.
30 Days of Demons continues Monday when the amazing Jackie Kessler will be stopping by for the demon Q&A and she’s giving away a signed copy of Hell’s Belles…
Till then, happy reading!
—Michelle xoxo
April 16, 10 @ 9:39 am
***Thank you to all the commenters! The winners of the signed copy of Angel with Attitude is comment #2o — April Monroe! Congrats! April has been contacted by email to claim her prize.***
Don’t forget to comment on yesterday’s post in order to be in the running for a signed copy of one of two books Charlene Teglia is generously giving away.
My first foray into the world of angels and demons was indirectly inspired by one of my favorite TV shows at the time — Angel. Yes, I started writing about angels because my favorite vampire was named Angel. Angel with Attitude started its life as a mystery novel I wrote or Nanowrimo 2004 where a fallen angel worked to solve cases and do good in the world in order to be redeemed and go back to heaven. The original draft is nothing like was published in July 2006.
I rewrote it entirely after I was first contracted by Warner Books and it became a fun romp to the Underworld to find the key to heaven, involving a fallen angel who doesn’t know why she was kicked out of heaven, her talking rat sidekick (a man turned into a rat by his witch girlfriend), and — who better as a love interest for an angel? A demon, of course. Nathaniel, the tempter demon, was very interesting to write. A…reluctant demon. One who had to do his job and lure the beautiful Valerie to hell or there would be, uh, hell to pay.
I’m still asked to this day if there will be any sequels to this book. The answer: Nope. I said everything I wanted to about these characters and remember them very fondly. If it wasn’t for this book, I likely never would have come up with the idea for The Demon in Me. However, there are no talking rats in that one. Yet.
I’d like to give away a signed copy of Angel with Attitude (original cover) to a commenter. This contest is open to everyone, no matter where you live. Please comment and tell me — what movie, TV show, or book has been your favorite that features angels and/or demons? I’ll pick a winner at random on Friday, April 16th at 9:00 pm EST.
April 15, 10 @ 9:00 am
***Thank you to all the commenters and thank you to Charlene for visiting! The winners of the signed books are comment #4 — Andrea Becraft (Wicked Hot) and comment #27 — Christie (Claimed by the Wolf)! Congrats! Andrea and Christie has been contacted by email to claim their prizes.***
To celebrate the countdown to my new release, the first book in the Living in Eden series, THE DEMON IN ME, I’m blogging every day (yeah, I know I’m not doing so well so far. It was a lovely fantasy while it lasted – sigh) — and some days I have fabulous guests and prizes!
Today it’s fabulously talented author of smokin’ sexy reads, Charlene Teglia. Charlene’s generously giving away a signed copy of her books Wicked Hot and Claimed by the Wolf, one each to two randomly selected commenters (US only please). Winner will be chosen Friday, April 16th at 9:00 p.m. EST. Good luck!
***
What inspired you to write about demons?
Demons are fascinating! The ultimate monster in the closet, the mysterious unknown.
Demons — shades of gray or always evil?
Shades of gray. In Wicked Hot, the heroine is a demon (succubus) but not exactly evil. In the Shadow Guardians (Claimed by the Wolf, Kiss of the Demon), there are evil demons and good demons; Abaran is a demon and one of the good guys, but his intrinsic demon nature makes him a wonderfully dark hero.
What’s your demonically awesome book about?
Wicked Hot: A succubus is sent to tempt the world’s only two Nephilim, half-human/half fallen angels, who may be humanity’s hope or a force mankind can’t stand against.
Shadow Guardians: In Claimed by the Wolf, a witch finds a grimoire full of demon magic that can end the world unless she grows powerful enough to control it. In Kiss of the Demon, hungry ghosts prey on humanity until a psychic teams up with a demon to stop them.
Let’s say Jim Cameron calls and he wants to make Claimed by the Wolf into a movie. Who are your actor/actress choices?
Hmm. Maybe Gerard Butler and Angelina Jolie.
What’s your one line of advice for aspiring writers (demonic or otherwise)?
Write what truly fascinates you.
***
Thanks Charlene!
To learn more about Charlene and her fabulous books, please visit www.charleneteglia.com!
April 12, 10 @ 9:00 am
***Thank you to all the commenters and thank you to Larissa for visiting! The winner of the signed copy of a published Demonica book or a Demonica tote bag is comment #35 — LinzReads! Congrats! LinzReads has been contacted by email to claim her prize.***
To celebrate the countdown to my new release, the first book in the Living in Eden series, THE DEMON IN ME, I’m blogging every day (except for the last two days, that is. *shifty eyes*) — and some days I have fabulous guests and prizes!
Today it’s New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione, author of the addictively sexy Demonica series. She’s generously giving away a signed copy of any published book in the Demonica series OR a Demonica tote bag to a randomly selected commenter (US addresses only please). Winner will be chosen Tuesday, April 13th at 9:00 p.m. EST. Good luck!
***
What inspired you to write about demons?
Well, I’ve always been interested in the paranormal, and the stories I read about succubi and incubi were always fascinating. So when I came up with the concept of Underworld General Hospital, I decided to staff it with demons. Plus, at the time, vampires were all the rage, but no one was writing about demons. (At least, I didn’t think they were. By the time I had Pleasure Unbound written, authors like Gena Showalter and Jacquelyn Frank were already ahead of the game! *g*)
Demons — shades of gray or always evil?
Shades of gray, just like people.
What’s your demonically awesome book about?
Well, the whole series is set in an underworld hospital run by vampires, demons, and were-creatures, but the main characters are mostly demons. Think, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets E.R.” My newest release, Ecstasy Unveiled, is about a half-human, half-incubus assassin who has been pitted against his newfound family in a life-or-death situation. The very person he’s supposed to kill is his brothers’ best friend, and making matters worse, there is someone protecting the target — a gorgeous angel whose very wings are on the line if she fails.
Let’s say Jim Cameron calls and he wants to make Ecstasy Unveiled into a movie. Who are your actor/actress choices?
Honestly, I can’t answer that. I just don’t have anyone in mind for these characters no matter how hard I think. Okay, wait…maybe Milla Jovovich for Idess, the heroine. But the hero, Lore? I’m open to suggestions! *g*
What’s your one line of advice for aspiring writers (demonic or otherwise)?
Never give up, never surrender! What, no? Right, that’s taken. Okay, how about, don’t be afraid to break the rules. Learn them, know them, and then toss them out the window!
***
Thanks Larissa!
To learn more about Larissa and her fabulous books, please visit www.larissaione.com!
April 07, 10 @ 12:26 pm
Don’t forget to comment on yesterday’s post for a chance to win a $10 gift card for Barnes & Noble courtesy of author Michele Bardsley! Contest closes tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Something I didn’t do much of in my earlier books was research. I wanted my ideas to essentially come out of my imagination and down on the page without being led by anything in particular other than the magical ether that surrounds me. La la la.
I was a lot more naive five years ago than I am now.
I research now. Not a huuuugge amount, but more than I used to. This would be evident (I think) when you compare THE DEMON IN ME to ANGEL WITH ATTITUDE. I wrote AwA without knowing much of anything about demons except what I watched on, say, Buffy or Angel. I didn’t realize, when I wrote that book, that Nathaniel, the tempter demon, was basically an incubus — a demon meant to seduce women and take their souls to hell. Since I was ignorant to most of the mythology and was writing in a bubble, I just called him a tempter demon and gave him a different set of rules.
And that’s okay! I think he worked quite well. That was a rather tame book and an actual “incubus” might have been a bit too…hot to handle. But that was then and this is now. 
I wouldn’t say that the world building I’ve done in Living in Eden is strictly based on any one set of mythological guidelines. The joy of being a writer of fantasy is that I can make stuff up, make it my own, and bend some rules, amend some rules — and really, when it’s fantasy, there are no rules that can’t be bent.
Just like my heroines, I like to trust my gut. If something feels right, then I know it’s right. If something feels wrong, then I try to avoid it at all costs.
Some of the things I researched for THE DEMON IN ME that may give some hints on subjects touched on and characters you can expect to meet in the book/series:
Tarot cards
Seven Deadly Sins
Amulets and talismans
Salem witch trials
Clairvoyance
Demonic possession
Exorcisms/Exorcists
Fairies
Demons and fallen angels — hierarchies
Witches
Good times! I actually love doing research and learning new things. Of course, with this subject matter sometimes the internet research will take me into…uh…uncomfortable territory. Demons are not always shiny, happy heroes! I don’t stay at those websites very long. *shudder*
30 Days of Demons continues tomorrow…
Till then, happy reading!
–Michelle xoxo
<—- SIGHTING OF BOOK IN WALMART BY TAMI BATES
