Vicki Pettersson's Blog, page 6

Urban Fantasy bonanza

Sew, last month my publisher had a great deal on all my books – basically you could get everything I’d ever written for the price of one book – and I’ve been hearing from new readers ever since. Sorry you missed out? Me, too!

But Harper is offering a similar deal this month with fabulous Urban Fantasy author Jocelynn Drake and I thought my readers would like to know. Here are the deets:

For the month of April, all the Dark Days series e-books are on sale for $0.99 each on Kindle, Nook, and Kobo. So for Dark Days, that’s:

Prequel e-novellas

Bound to Me

The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten

e-books

Nightwallker

Dayhunter

Dawnbreaker

Pray for Dawn

Wait for Dusk

Burn the Night

All of the novellas for her new Asylum Tales series are $0.99 as well. That’s:

Prequel e-novellas

The Asylum Interviews: Bronx

The Asylum Interviews: Trixie 

e-anthology

Blood by Moonlight (which includes the short story “Of Men and Monsters” from the Asylum Tales)

So if you’ve tried the Dark Days series, but haven’t picked up the Asylum Tales yet, this is great way to start.  For $3, you can get the three novellas that introduce you to Gage, Trixie, and Bronx in the city of Low Town.

If you’ve tried the Asylum Tales and are interested in giving my vampires a try, this is the perfect time to meet the Fire Starter Mira and the vampire hunter Danaus.

If you haven’t tried any of Jocelynn Drake’s books yet … why?

Well, here’s your chance, and you won’t get a better — so here are her pages on Amazon, Nook and Kobo, and be sure to share the deal with your friends.

Happy reading!

THE LOST – a lovely place to end it!

So I ended my tour of THE LOST last Saturday at Houston’s amazing Murder by the Book indie store. I’m only posting about it now because I went on a writing binge on Sunday and Monday, then traveled yesterday. I’m home now, and finally have my photos uploaded, and they brought such a smile to my face. I can’t thank my readers enough for taking time out of their days, and lives, to show up and chat with me about people who were once only a part of my imagination. I haven’t laughed that hard in so long, every stop unique, each wonderful. I can go back to my writing cave with a smile on my face. But first…

I’ve always said that as exciting as it is to write books and send them out into the world, the reason I write is for connection. It’s a partnership between the reader and me … but sometimes I get to go out in the world, too, and there’s another connection. Bam! Bosom friends. Such is the case with John and Matt, whom I met a few years ago because John read and enjoyed my Zodiac series enough to champion it as a bookseller at MBTB. Writing aside, I’m just plain lucky to know these men, and whether I spend five minutes or five hours in their company, I walk away better for it.

If you’re in Houston, you need to go here. If you’re not in Houston you can call them for a signed copy of my book, and many of your other faves as well. I did some shopping after my signing and came home with a nice haul myself.

I love it because they do so many events that when I roll into town it’s like stepping into my own living room. Easy-peasy, except filled with readers. They let me chat, too, which I love (way more fun than reading from my own book!).

A “behind-the-scenes” shot:

My husband, James, took loads of photos … right up until he got distracted by hockey scores on his iPhone. (I know. What the hell?)

As I said, the next couple of days were spend marathon writing, but I did it — I got a book off to my agent and have now turned my attention back to the third and final Celestial Blues novel, THE GIVEN. There were lots of questions and talk from readers about the cover art  — the first two books really have hit such a nerve with you guys — and my editor and I have worked hard on ideas for THE GIVEN, so I can’t wait to see what Larry Rostant (the cover artist) does with that.

Off now to clean off the flotsam and jetsam that somehow gathers when I’m doing Other Things. Mostly paperwork and bills and taxes and doctor appointments and such. But spring is here, my windows are open, and I’m back at my desk. Can’t complain about that!

Thank you again, readers, for fueling me for another year (Thrillerfest and Bouchercon notwithstanding).

Dallas, hometown love.

Some of you may know that I now call Dallas home, at least part of the time. I will always remain a Vegas girl at heart, but c’mon. Dallas has tacos.

Dallas is also home to the Fresh Fiction bookclub, which is more than a bookclub, it’s really a community of readers. They’re smart, voracious, knowledgeable, and fun, and I’ve gotten to know many of them through the events Fresh Fiction has throughout the year, like Boas & Tiaras, and Readers & Ritas — basically, they bring authors and readers together, and they really brought it at last night’s Dallas signing:

First, dinner, where we all talked about books, what we’re reading now and next. I answered a few questions about Kit and Grif, too:

Then on to the bookstore where, after a brief intro by bookseller Robbie, I read from THE LOST:

My good friend Dan Hale took time from his teaching schedule and his duties as the Exec. VP of Mystery Writers of America to stop by and say hi. He made me nervous:

Q & A — my very favorite part of signings. Seriously, if you go to an author signing, please go with questions in mind. We love it because it keeps us from just standing there and staring at you … staring at us. Yanno?

Fresh Fiction also had giveaways for those who could answer questions related to both my Signs of the Zodiac series and Celestial Blues. It was great fun. Then on to the signing. This is James, my Facebook friend. Here’s our convo in a nutshell:

“Were you saying what I think you were saying at the end of THE LOST?”

“Well, I don’t know. What did you think I was saying?”

It was all very deep.

And Jennifer! My other Facebook friend who skipped a hockey game to come see me. That’s dedication:

Eric, Cassie, and Nancy always come to my Dallas signings — I’m telling you, I’m really starting to know readers here — and this year they brought Leah, who probably knows more about the Zodiac books than I do.

Yes, I photobombed my own signing. What?

We can be normal … for a moment at least.

Finally, the dearest Sara Reyes of Fresh Fiction, ie., the ringleader:

A cheerleader, too, for authors and readers. If you’re in Dallas, get to know her. You won’t be sorry.

Thank you Cody, and all those at the Dallas B&N, and thank you Fresh Fiction. You’re what makes Dallas home.

Today, I write. Tomorrow, at 4:30, I’ll be in Houston at the wonderful Murder by the Book, one of my very favorite bookstores.

Up next, Dallas!

Ah – Dallas, Texas. My other Home Sweet Home.
I’ll be doing this:

Here:

Tomorrow (Thursday).
Signing is at 7 pm.
A pre-signing dinner with readers at the adjacent Blue Mesa Grill is at 5 pm.
You can ask or tell me anything. I dare you. Even if you’ve already read THE LOST and it goes something like this:
“GAAAAH!!! I shoulda known you’d do something like that at the end of The Lost… you did it all the time in the Zodiac series! Hurry up and write, dangit!”    — J.Loughry, reader.
(Now that’s a review.)
See you tomorrow!

Thank you, Richmond!

Last stop for what Pamela Palmer called (and I agree) the “Dream Team.” I can’t tell you how great it was to spend two full days with her, Jeaniene Frost and Kim Harrison. And I can’t express how supportive and on-it the folks at the Virginia Festival of Books and Fountain Bookstore were as well. They made the trip to the east coast and the battle with weather (more on that in a minute) entirely worth it. I’m back at my desk now, but a part of me wishes I could relive the weekend again. The readers in and around VA were so welcoming. Thank you all, again, for coming out.

Yesterday saw Kelly Justice, the owner of Fountain Bookstore (and possessor of a seriously righteous heroine’s name) moderating a panel with the four of us for readers who braved the dodgy Richmond weather. It was fast-paced and fun, and I enjoyed hearing the other authors’ responses as much as the audience did. Here’s the crowd and venue — very atmospheric, don’t you think?

And here’s our signing table. I picked this one because it looks like the reader in the leather jacket is yelling at Pamela Palmer, which I’m all for.

When the fun was finally over … well, it really was over. I hopped on a plane, and in a matter of 10 minutes my view had gone from bad to worse:

     

We were delayed for four hours, but I eventually made it home c. 2 am, and am now planted firmly behind my desk. I won’t come out again until Thursday, when I meet with Dallas readers for a dinner put on by the awesome reader group, Fresh Fiction. Who’s joining me? That’s at 5 pm, and after that will be a 7 pm signing at B&N. I hope to see the Dallas peeps there! Until then … I scribble.

Charlottesville yesterday, Richmond today

I’m currently in Virginia for their fabulous Festival of Books, and I’ve had a wonderful time speaking with readers and catching up with three of my favorite UF and paranormal authors: Pamela Palmer (who’s new Vamp City series sounds terrifying) Jeaniene Frost (whom I have missed) and Kim Harrison (whom I adore, always and forever, amen).

The four of us will be doing a signing in Richmond today at 2pm Sam Miller’s restaurant (1212 E Cary St.). There will be authors, readers, book signed, and adult beverages — is that civilized or what?

For now, here’s some photos of yesterday’s event

:

 ( Can anyone spot what’s amiss with the above photo? )

Thank you, Charlottesville, for showing us such a good time!

I’m looking forward to Richmond — it’s my first time at Fountain Bookstore, and I understand it’s fantastic. Hope to see some of you there!

Viva Las Vegas.

Now that was the way to kick off a tour!

My Las Vegas readers came out last night to share cake, swap stories, and asked some great questions about THE LOST. They were also patient with me as I read from the book for the first time. I chose a passage highlighting Kit and Grif’s passion, their relationship, and the way they tend to butt heads. When the repartee really started flying, I enlisted help:

Yep, that’s Jessica, from yesterday’s post. She read Kit’s dialogue (obvs!) and I read Grif’s. Here’s a better pic of her, and friend Stephanie, who brought the rockabilly element alive last night:

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First there was this:

(You can’t tell from this pic, but this cake was so sparkly that one reader actually asked if Edward Cullen was inside. Probably not the first time someone has had that fantasy.) Thank you again to Stephen and Jared at Showboy Bakeshop – so professional, so delish. (The cake, not the boys. Though I’m sure they’re fine, too.)

Anyway, I’m totally spoiled now and would like cake at all my book launches. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pics of the coffee klatch – too busy chatting, I guess – but perhaps one of my readers will pop up with one. It was fun getting to know new readers, and catching up with old ones, and I’m anticipating more of a two-way convo as we converse online from now on.

Finally, thank you to the awesome booksellers at the B&N on Rainbow:

They were very patient, professional and knowledgeable. If you live in Vegas, make sure to stop in. They seem to have weekly events at that store  (though, of course, not all of them boast sparkly cake. )

I’m off now to the east coast now (where it’s still friggin’ winter!) for the Virginia Festival of Books. I’ll be in Charlottesville tomorrow and Richmond on Sunday, along with Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost and Pamela Palmer.

Join us?

Reader love in Vegas, baby.

So a few of my readers may remember this photo from last year:

This is Jessica, and the dress she is wearing is Lola (everyone say, “Hi, Lola!”) which she clearly custom made and patterned off the dress on the cover of THE TAKEN. Believe me, she’s not the only one who fell in love with that dress. I got more comments on that dress when the cover was first revealed than anything else.

Anyhoo, Jessica wore Lola to my signing in LA last year and I had a wonderful time meeting her, squee-ing over her work, and meeting her gorgeous husband, Eric. Jess is so sweet and unbelievably talented. (Please take a moment to visit her blog, The Magic Garment Ride, to see her work and her wit at work.) Here is the entire process she went through in making Lola,and I’d cobbled some of these photos together for a post, but she saved me the trouble and talks about the whole process so much better than I ever could. Clothes, like people, have stories.

Yes, you may be asking, but what about THE LOST? I mean, the dress Kit is wearing on that cover is no sleeper.

Well …

Meet Ava!

Whom, it seems, has a bit of an attitude problem.

But Jess persevered, and you can read about the whole thing here, from the way she haggled for the fabric in LA’s garment district to the threats and apologies that flew between Jessica and Ava before they came to an understanding.

(BTW, am I the only one totally in awe of someone who knows how to sew so well? It is like magic to me. I had to ask my husband to thread a needle for a seam on a Skelanimal this weekend. Swear. Yes, my big, six-foot, former hockey player husband can sew better than me. And cook, but we’re not talking about that in this post, are we?)

Digression over, I cannot wait to meet Ava, attitude and all, and I don’t have to – Jessica is coming to my Las Vegas signing tonight at the Barnes & Noble in Las Vegas! I’m so excited!

Remember, I’m hosting a little coffee klatch for all readers at 5 pm in the B&N coffee shop, and the signing is at 7 pm. But if you’re coming, make sure you take a minute to find Jessica – she’s Kit Craig’s lookalike so shouldn’t be hard to miss – and let her know what you think of her work. (And, while you’re there, maybe give Ava a piece of your mind, too!)

A true Vegas signing — let there be cake!

So. I’m cruising up to the Anthem part of Vegas/Henderson last week on the way to visit a girlfriend. And I pass this sign.

And I think, Pfft. Showboys. If you’re going to call your business Showboy Bakeshop in Las Vegas, you’d better bring it, ’cause there are actual showgirls here and we know showboys. I know showboys. This is a showboy:

This is not a showboy:

Showboy:

Not a showboy:

Anyway. I stop in on the way home, very critical, very judgy yanno, very … show me a showboy, and I’d like a cupcake with that.

And I get this:

And this:

And OMG, this:

And my retired showgirl heart gave a pitty-pat, I devoured a sample and then a cupcake and then another cupcake – because, hand to heart, they were the absolute moistest cakes I’ve ever had in my life (and if you’ve been friends with me on Facebook for any length of time you know how I feel about cupcakes. Those and brisket tacos are pretty much the only reason I work out).

And it’s all because of these guys, Jared and Stephen, who are indeed realio-trulio Showboys.

In fact, Stephen and I missed working with each other in the Folies Bergere by a mere two years, and I’m retroactively sad about that because we basically did the same thing between numbers: created. I wrote my first book, he designed cakes and flavors and ideas for his own business, the Showboy Bakeshop. Perfect for Las Vegas. Perfect for me.

(A gratuitous shot of cupcake pops. Please note the bling.)

All of which is a long way of saying that my first signing to celebrate the release of THE LOST is at the Rainbow B&N in Vegas next Thursday the 21st at 7:00 pm. But at 5:00 pm I’m hosting a coffee klatch for readers (that’s you, this is your invite) in the B&N cafe, and there will be cake.

Oh yes. There will be cake.

Final Week of Zodiac e-sale

B&N, Amazon, iBooks, or Kobo. Harper has it here. Sale ends the 13th, after that prices revert to normal, so get clickin’ if you want to get the whole Signs of the Zodiac series for less than the cost of one book. Go ahead. I don’t mind.