Jocelynn Drake's Blog: Announcements, page 31

Interviewing a Warlock

Happy Friday!  You've survived the week and I think you deserve something good to read.  I've got a few suggestions for you.

First, today is the last stop on my mini-blog tour where I introduce you to the major characters within my new series The Asylum Tales.

Meet Gage at Literary Escapism

Meet Parker at All Things Urban Fantasy

Meet Bronx at Tynga's Reviews

Meet Trixie at A Great Read.

And finally...

Today, you can see my brief interview with the warlock Gideon over at Larissa's Bookish Life.

I am running one last contest for this blog tour.  I have given out a total of 8 free copies of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx and I'm going to give out 2 more today.

First, go to Larissa's Bookish Life and read Gideon's interview.  Second, email me at JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom and tell me how long Gideon has been a guardian warlock.  Also, tell me if you want a Kindle or Nook version of the story if you win the contest.

The contest ends at midnight Eastern time.  The two winners will be chosen randomly from those who give me the correct answer.

Have a great day!

Happy Book Release Day!

It's out!  It's finally out!

Yes, you can now take a stroll through Low Town with Gage and his strange companions as the first prequel novella has been released for The Asylum Tales.  So, if you haven't pre-ordered yet, rush off to your preferred vendor and purchase a copy of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx for your e-reader.  It's only $1.99 and it's a great way to get a break from the heat.

The short story runs around 80 pages and the e-book includes the first few chapters of my upcoming novel, Angel's Ink. The story tells of how Gage met his friend and coworker Bronx as well as the the trouble the two got into while trying to help Gage's friend Parker, who happens to be an incubus.

Do you like crazy misadventure?
Do you like sexy incubi?
Do you like trolls?

This story has them, as well as tattoos, karaoke, and Vestal Virgins.  Yes, welcome to Low Town.  It's a strange place, but I think you're going to like it here.

In addition, the second stage of my blog tour continues today over at All Things Urban Fantasy.  In today's interview, you get to meet Parker, the incubus.  I have to admit this was one of my most uncomfortable interviews ever.  Partially because I hadn't planned on speaking to Parker and partially because Parker has the same wicked sense of humor as Gage.  So stop over and check it out.

Also, if you missed yesterday's interview, stop my Literary Escapism to read about Gage.

As for yesterday's contest, the two winners have been contacted.  I will run another contest today similar to yesterday's.  Go to All Things Urban Fantasy and read the interview.  Then email me at JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom, and tell me the name of Parker's former love interest.

The contest ends at midnight Eastern time.  I will pick two winners from the group.  Just be sure to tell me the email address you want me to use and whether you want a Kindle or Nook edition.  Give it a try.  I didn't get a lot of contest entries yesterday so you could have a good chance at winning.

Bronx Is Coming

One more week!  It's just one more week until you get your first peek into the Asylum Tales.  Just one more week until The Asylum Interviews: Bronx is finally released.  I can't wait!


I am excited to report that a few people have been lucky to get a sneak preview of the novella and the reviews have been rather good.  If you would like to hear what others are thinking without any spoilers, check out Literary Escapism's thoughts.

I also caught this review over at Fantasy Bytes.  While it's not overly glowing, I am rather fond of it because the book seems to have captured the attention of someone who might not usually read my work.

Do you like warlocks?
Do you like tattoo artists?
Do you like incubi?
Do you like trolls?
Do you like crazy situations?
Check out my newest story for the Asylum Tales!

Cover Reveal: Trixie

I received this new cover a couple weeks ago and I have been waiting for the release of my new website in order to reveal it.  Well, the website has been re-launched and it's now time to show off my new cover.  As you know, I have a new series (The Asylum Tales) launching this summer.  It kicks off with the release of the novella The Asylum Interviews: Bronx on July 3.  A sort of companion novella is being released on September 4 called The Asylum Interviews: Trixie on September 4.  for the curious, here is the cover:

Isn't she positively lovely?  I do so love my covers. Happiness really is a new book cover some days.  What I love even more is that the covers for Bronx and Trixie match!  See!



At this point, you're thinking: Damn it, Jocelynn, just tell us what it's about!

Here is HarperCollins description:

The second of two prequel stories to Jocelynn Drake's Angel's Ink—the
first novel in her new Asylum Tales series about a magical tattoo
artist, Gage, and his friends: Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true
identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx.

Here is a little more from me:

Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master
vampire.  While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of
getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.

When I sold the series to my publisher, they asked for two novels as well as two novellas that could be released before the first book in the series.  With that in mind, I thought it best to describe how Gage (my main character) met his two friends and co-workers Bronx and Trixie.  Let's just say it was an adventure.

Oh, and we have less than two weeks until The Asylum Interviews: Bronx is released!  Happy Dance.

Website Relaunch

We have been busy!  With the upcoming release of a new series, I decided that it was time to redesign the website.  I didn't do the designing because I don't have a talent for it.  However, I did provide the content, because I'm pretty good at the whole writing thing.

Would you like to read deleted scenes, short stories, and extra details for the Dark Days series?

Would you like to read new behind-the-scenes details for the Asylum Tales?

Would you like a complete list of all the places where you can find me?

Check out my newly redesigned site!  www.JocelynnDrake.com

If you've contacted me about helping to promote the Asylum Tales, I will getting back to you today as I try to organize a blog tour for The Asylum Interviews: Trixie release in September. I'm also hoping to get some writing done. (Fingers crossed)

Also, just 15 more days until The Asylum Interviews: Bronx is released!  Fifteen more days until you get to step into Low Town!  I think you're going to love it! I can't wait! (I'm using too many exclamation points!!  Help!!)

Okay, I'm better now.  We've got two more weeks.

Want to Help Promote Asylum?

When I handed in my draft of the second book to the Asylum Tales, I was ahead of the game.  My schedule was clear for the next several months with the exception of pulling together some promotion for the release of the novellas and the novel later this year.



Now, less than a month later, I look around and find that somehow I'm managed to get behind.  I really don't know how it happened.  Well, maybe I do.  I started agreeing to things, expecting to take care of them quickly only to not have that happen.  Also, website redesign kind of exploded all over me, sucking up more than two full days I had been planning to use for writing. (But I think we're launching it this weekend! YAY!)



The result?  It's time to haul ass, put in some long hours, and get this stuff done.



First, the promo.  I have started pulling together some appearances to promote the new series that launches this summer, but I am looking to expand my reach at bit more.  Are you interested in having me appear on your blog to talk about the new Asylum Tales series?  I would be willing to provide either a guest blog or answer interview questions.  At the moment, I am booked July 2-7, August 3, and October 16. The rest of my schedule is open.



Here is what is coming out:



THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: BRONX

The first of two prequel novellas that introduce readers to the new world of Low Town in the Asylum Tales. It's not easy being a tattoo artist and a warlock, especially when you're
in hiding. Or when a botched ink job has amplified an incubus's
existing sex appeal into one that could wreck the whole town. And your
only help is a troll. 
The story will be released as an e-book on July 3.



THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: TRIXIE

The second of two prequel novellas that introduce readers to the new world of Low Town in the Asylum Tales.  Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master
vampire.  While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of
getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.  The story will be released as an e-book on September 4.



ANGEL'S INK

The first book in the Asylum Tales

BUYER BEWARE...

Looking for a tattoo -- and maybe a little something extra: a burst of
good luck, a dollop of love, or even a hex on an ex?  Head to the quiet
and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town.  Using his unique
potions -- a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks -- to
etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire.  But in a
place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and
vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has a price.



No one knows that better than Gage.  Turning his back on his own kind,
he left the magical Ivory Towers where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a
decision that cost him his right to practice magic.  If he disobeys,
his punishment -- execution -- will be swift.

 

Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful
warlocks who want him dead -- or the secrets of his own past.  But with
the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true
identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage just might make it
through this enchanted world alive.



The story will be released as a trade paperback and e-book on October 16.



A new Halloween-themed Anthology

I recently agreed to be a part of a new Halloween anthology featuring two other authors.  We don't have title for the anthology yet or a final release date.  My story will be set within the Asylum Tales world.  I am still writing this one and hope to have it done by the end of the week.  The anthology will be released as an e-book in October.



Also, don't forget that both BOUND TO ME and  THE DEAD, THE DAMNED, AND THE FORGOTTEN were released earlier this year -- the last Dark Days series stories to be released.





Holy crap!  I've been busy.

So, do you have any burning questions for me or my new characters?  Want to chat one last time about Mira?  Learn what it was like to start a new series?  If you want to help me spread the word for the new series or even the Dark Days series, please email me at Jocelynn DOT drake AT gmail DOT com .



Once I get the last short story I'm working on finished, I will be contacting several more bloggers to line up promotion to support TRIXIE.  I can't wait for you to meet the gang at Asylum.  They are an interesting group that have some mad skills when it comes to finding trouble.

Writing, Revising, & E3

The weekend was not productive, but I'm going to use the old excuse that I needed a little time off to relax and think. The weekend was about playing video games, reading books, and walking to dog. Not a bad plan as I am now read7 to jump back into the fray. Good thing, too, as it's going to be a busy week.

I'm currently balancing several projects at once. The first is a redesign of my website. We go through this every couple of years. I've seen the new home page and color scheme, and LOVE it. It is now my job to go through each page of the old site and make sure that all the info that's being transferred is accurate, as well as decide whether I want to keep it, rewrite it, or delete it. I've gotten an updated links page to my designer and today is the About page. I am also hoping to get a chunk of the Extras page revised today. Tomorrow will be the Essays/History info along with the books.

If you've got any suggestions of what you'd like to see on my site, I'm taking them now. Just leave a comment, please.

In addition, I am also working on a short story that will be released later this year for Gage and the gang. I had started a version last week but didn't care for it, so I'm starting again. The story isn't due until July 1 and it's a little short compared to other things I've written, so I have plenty of time to get it done.

In addition, I have received the line edited version of Book 2 with the revision letter coming soon. I'm hoping to get the short story done and then turn to Book 2, which I will revise for a while, then quickly edit the short story. With any luck, both will be done about the same time, so that July and August is all about promoting the new series and working on something new. (You know, evil schemes for taking over the world and such.)

If I work hard today, I've even got a reward lined up. E3, baby! Yes, while the publishing world is focused on BEA this week, my attention is on tonight's E3 announcements. E3 is the annual video game expo out in L.A. where all the game designers preview their new games and hardware. At 6 pm (EST) is Ubisoft and Sony is at 9 pm (EST), so I have my evening planned. It's going to be a good day!

Angels & Devils

Mondays frequently prove to be a hodgepodge of random for me as I catch on things before launching into writing.  I've been slowly pulling together thoughts for a mini-blog tour to celebrate the release of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx on July 3 as well as making some notes for a new project that I am working on.  And there's the usual emails, blog entries, cleaning, and video gaming that makes every day complete.



So, for today's blog, I've got just a list of random things that you should be aware of.



First, the lovely Vicki Pettersson has a new book/series kicking off in less than a month.  The first book in the Celestial Blues is called The Taken, and I think it looks pretty darn awesome.  I haven't read it yet and I'm looking forward to picking up my copy when Ms. Pettersson comes to the Cincinnati area on June 20. 



Here is a description of the book:



"Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was back when gumshoes hoofed
the streets . . . and he was still alive. Fifty years later, he’s a
celestial Centurion, assisting the recently, and violently, dead. Yet
just because he’s an angel doesn’t mean he’s a saint. One small mistake
has altered fate, and now he’s been dumped back onto to the mortal
mudflat to collect another soul—Katherine “Kit” Craig, a journalist
whose latest investigation is about to get her clipped.



Bucking heavenly orders, Grif refuses to let this sable-haired siren
with hairpin curves come to harm. Besides, protecting her offers a
chance to find the truth about his own mysterious death — and wreak some
vengeance for the murder of his beloved wife, Evie.



Joining forces, Kit and Grif’s search for answers leads beyond the
blinding lights of the Strip into the dark heart of an evil conspiracy.
But a ruthless killer determined to destroy them isn’t Griffin’s biggest
threat. His growing attraction to Kit could cost them both their lives,
as well as the answer to the greatest mystery of his long afterlife …"



Sounds interesting, right?  Well, HarperCollins has made the first chapter available to read now!  Click here to read the first chapter.



In the realm of new books, Richard Kadrey has released the cover for the fourth Sandman Slim novel, Devil Said Bang.  I really do love this series and this is a fantastic cover!  The book will be released August 28.



And then on Twitter, I caught that Book Club Girl has provided links to a Book Club Ebook Bonanza.  There's a list of 12 great books that an inexpensively priced.



Let's see, Nicole Murphy has a cool post over at Supernatural Underground today about the skills learned while pursuing self-publishing.  She also has a new story available to read for free! 



Finally, if you aren't getting enough of me, I do also maintain a Tumblr page where I post my more random stuff as well as a discussion board that is open for comments.  I do check it at least once a day and answer questions as quickly as possible.

Cover Reveal

I've just gotten the green light from my editor to flash my awesome new covers around.  I'm practically bouncing in my seat, which certainly doesn't make it easy to try to type this.  I love, love, love my covers.  I have a total of three new covers, but I'm only going to show two today.  I'm still waiting for a final version of one, but I think two new covers in one day is plenty.  We need to pace ourselves.



So, first we have the cover for the first novella that will be released on July 3.  The Asylum Interviews: Bronx.

Can I just say 'yum'?  I mean, seriously. Yum.  I don't get sexy guy covers too often, and I certainly wasn't expecting them with my new series, but damn.  This is awesome.  And it perfectly fits since the Bronx story is about a sexy incubus who gets a tattoo with results in chaos.



Here's my description of the story.





In Low Town, where humans walk and work side-by-side with elves, vampires, ogres, and all manner of creature, it's understandable that people occasionally need a little help in their lives.  Whether is love, work, or ... other, tattoo artists are there to try to help turn the odds into your favor.  When Gage's friend Parker needs help with his love life, tattoo artists Gage and Bronx are only too happy to help.  But the incubus ends up getting more than he bargained for with his new tattoo, and his friends are forced to scramble to fix the mess they've created before someone gets hurt.



If you're a guy and aren't comfortable with the cover, just remember: it's an e-book.  No one will see what you're reading.  And trust me, you're going to love this story.



If you're interested in pre-ordering The Asylum Interviews: Bronx, here's a link to Amazon and Barnes & Noble.



And here's the second cover that I'm sure you're dying to see.  It has been floating around the internet for the past couple of weeks, but I usually can't post the cover until about two months before.  But since my publisher has released it, I get to post it now!

Angel's Ink will be released on October 16.



Here's the book description:



Looking for a tattoo -- and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of love, or even a hex on an ex?  Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town.  Using his unique potions -- a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks -- to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire.  But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has a price.

No one knows that better than Gage.  Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Towers where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him his right to practice magic.  If he disobeys, his punishment -- execution -- will be swift.

Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead -- or the secrets of his own past.  But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage just might make it through this enchanted world alive.



I can't wait for this book to be released.  Here's what other authors have been saying!



“Gritty, authentic and face-paced! This urban fantasy series rocks!”

—J.R. Ward

“A lot of fun, with a whole new take on the dark urban fantasy. Bright and breezy, with fascinating characters, and a background with hidden depths. Drake puts the ink in incredible.”

-Simon R. Green

“Angel’s Ink is an other-earthly blend of magic and technology in the best tradition of urban fantasy that refused to let me go. The continuing Asylum Tales promise to be intriguing and wildly inventive.”—Kim Harrison

Are you excited?  I'm excited!  Interested in pre-ordering a copy?  Click here!

More news to come.

 So, what do you think of the covers? 

Oodles of News

The week is half over and I haven't been as productive as I would have liked, but hey! I just finished a book.  The brain needs a little down time before I start being insanely productive again.  I've been writing, but it's been mostly playing that could turn into something later.  We'll see.



I did, however, clean off my white board of all my Book 2 notes on Tuesday and I've slowly started making notes on what I would like to do next (in the hopes that my publisher is interested in a "next").  I've got several balls sort of sitting on the table next to me.  I am waiting for a couple of green lights before I start trying to juggle anything.  I hate to find myself juggling only to be forced to put it down later or risk dropping it altogether.



In the meantime, I do have a couple small announcements.  A few months ago, I participated in an 30-minute interview with the lovely Vicki Pettersson (of the Zodiac and Celestial Blues series) and the talented Kim Harrison (of the Hollows series).  We talked about ending our old series, starting a new series, and general urban fantasy goodness.  If you would like to listen to this awesome interview we did for XM Sirius Book Channel, please click this link.



 Elsewhere, I am happy to report that my new novellas are now available for pre-order.  Whoo-hoo!  Yes, we are one step closer to diving deep into the world of the Asylum Tales.  Since it's a crazy place, I thought it best to ease you in slowly and introduce you to some of the main characters.  The first novella being released is The Asylum Interviews: Bronx.



The Asylum Interviews: Bronx



The novella takes place about four years before the events of the first novel, Angel's Ink and is the story of how my main character Gage met and hired his first employee, Bronx.  With Gage involved, it will come as no surprise that it was a strange meeting as the troll Bronx quickly gets sucked into Gage's insane life when he was only trying to help the poor guy.



In Low Town, where humans walk and work side-by-side with elves, vampires, ogres, and all manner of creature, it's understandable that people occasionally need a little help in their lives.  Whether is love, work, or ... other, tattoo artists are there to try to help turn the odds into your favor.  When Gage's friend Parker needs help with his love life, tattoo artists Gage and Bronx are only too happy to help.  But the incubus ends up getting more than he bargained for with his new tattoo, and his friends are forced to scramble to fix the mess they've created before  someone gets hurt.



If you're interested in stepping into Low Town and Gage's world, I have the links listed for pre-order for your Nook and Kindle.



Amazon

Barnes & Noble



To my knowledge, the story will also contain a preview of Angel's Ink in case you haven't read the opening yet from Bound To Me.  I don't know yet if they are going to do a print-on-demand version.  As more links become available, I will post them here. Bronx will be released on July 3 -- less than 48 days!



The second novella, The Asylum Interviews: Trixie, will be out on September 4 and I will giving out more details when we get closer to the release!