Richelle Mead's Blog, page 18
February 24, 2012
There's an app for me
You may have heard this mentioned in other places, but here it is officially: a World of Richelle Mead app will be launching on March 2, 2012. That's one week from today! What is a World of Richelle Mead app, you ask? Well, that's an excellent question. It's a one-stop source for everything related to the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series--and, even better, it's FREE!We've loaded up the books with all sorts of enhancements: notes from me, fun facts from behind the scenes of the series, photos, videos, and much more. There's a really cool character section where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about all the main characters in the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series. Additionally, the app has a community section where you can get all the latest VA and Bloodlines news, connect with other fans on Facebook and Twitter, and see where people are using the app all around the globe! And, of course, you'll be able to download and read the books in both series. I've heard some people saying they already have the app, but they just have regular e-versions of the book. This isn't out yet, and it's action-packed :)
I'm excited to show you more of the app, and starting on Monday, February 27, I'm going to be telling you a little bit about each part of the app up until release day. You'll also get to see screenshots that'll give you a sense of what it'll be like using the app. In the meantime, you can check the Bloodlines Facebook page for an FAQ that gives you some initial info, like where the app is available and other technical details. In the meantime, stay tuned, and check back Monday to begin our pre-app countdown. :)
February 15, 2012
Odds, ends, etc.
Just a quick post to catch up on a few things and let you know I'm still alive. First up, today is the last day to nominate books for the 2011 Teen Choice Book of the Year. Naturally, I'm advocating for Bloodlines, but you can of course vote for any other book. In fact, you can nominate up to five, so you can pick a bunch of your faves--which is good, since 2011 saw tons of awesome new YA books. The link to nominate is here, and they have a link there that will take you to a list of popular 2011 books. You don't have to pick from that list, though. You can write in any nomination, so long as it was a 2011 YA release.
The other thing I wanted to address was a couple of questions I got. First, regarding my new series (see previous post), a few people had asked if it was only going to be two books long since that's what the deal was for. The answer: hopefully not! I've got lots more planned. Book deals are always done in batches, even if the author intends on having five, twelve, etc. books. Vampire Academy was initially sold in a two-book contract. Then we sold the third in another contract. Four and five had their own contract, and finally, book six was rolled into another deal with the Bloodlines books. So, provided you like Age of X, we should be seeing more of those as time goes on.
The other question I've been asked a lot pertains to The Golden Lily description (see previous previous post). Some readers asked if the guy mentioned there, Brayden, was actually Ian, the Alchemist from Last Sacrifice. At first, I thought that was a weird question. Then I remembered the Tomas/Mikhail mishap, and I realized that when it comes to Richelle Mead, that really isn't an unreasonable question. The answer: no, Brayden and Ian aren't the same character. There was no naming mistake this time! Brayden is a new person you'll meet in TGL, and Ian is off waiting in the wings somewhere.
The other thing I wanted to address was a couple of questions I got. First, regarding my new series (see previous post), a few people had asked if it was only going to be two books long since that's what the deal was for. The answer: hopefully not! I've got lots more planned. Book deals are always done in batches, even if the author intends on having five, twelve, etc. books. Vampire Academy was initially sold in a two-book contract. Then we sold the third in another contract. Four and five had their own contract, and finally, book six was rolled into another deal with the Bloodlines books. So, provided you like Age of X, we should be seeing more of those as time goes on.
The other question I've been asked a lot pertains to The Golden Lily description (see previous previous post). Some readers asked if the guy mentioned there, Brayden, was actually Ian, the Alchemist from Last Sacrifice. At first, I thought that was a weird question. Then I remembered the Tomas/Mikhail mishap, and I realized that when it comes to Richelle Mead, that really isn't an unreasonable question. The answer: no, Brayden and Ian aren't the same character. There was no naming mistake this time! Brayden is a new person you'll meet in TGL, and Ian is off waiting in the wings somewhere.
February 9, 2012
At last: my next adult series
With Dark Swan and Georgina coming to a close, many have asked if I'll be writing any other books for adults or just sticking to young adult.
Well, the answer was published today in PW's new deals section:
February 9, 2012
Fiction: Paranormal
NYT bestselling author Richelle Mead's GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS, the first novel in her new adult paranormal series, Age of X, featuring an unlikely pair charged with investigating mystical phenomena in a futuristic world that was nearly destroyed by religious extremists, to Brian Tart at Dutton, with Jessica Horvath editing, in a two-book deal, by Jim McCarthy at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (world).
It sounds a little heavy, but don't worry. It'll have a lot of the same wacky humor, romantic and mythological intrigue, and occasional cliffhanger that you've come to expect from Richelle Mead novels. I'm excited to write it. I'm not sure what genre to call it. The world has gone through its dystopian phase and is in a much prettier, more advanced era--one that fears religion or anything mystical. So, you can imagine the complications when weird and seemingly magical things start happening. My protagonists are awesome, but I can't say much more about them or the rest of the plot until we're much closer to its release. That'll be a while since I can't write as fast as I used to.
Perhaps the greatest challenge will be that I can't fall back on my old crutch of constantly referencing pop culture as part of my humor. I guess I'll have to find another way to be funny. Unless you think 1980s music will survive a hundred years into the future?
Well, the answer was published today in PW's new deals section:
February 9, 2012
Fiction: Paranormal
NYT bestselling author Richelle Mead's GAMEBOARD OF THE GODS, the first novel in her new adult paranormal series, Age of X, featuring an unlikely pair charged with investigating mystical phenomena in a futuristic world that was nearly destroyed by religious extremists, to Brian Tart at Dutton, with Jessica Horvath editing, in a two-book deal, by Jim McCarthy at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (world).
It sounds a little heavy, but don't worry. It'll have a lot of the same wacky humor, romantic and mythological intrigue, and occasional cliffhanger that you've come to expect from Richelle Mead novels. I'm excited to write it. I'm not sure what genre to call it. The world has gone through its dystopian phase and is in a much prettier, more advanced era--one that fears religion or anything mystical. So, you can imagine the complications when weird and seemingly magical things start happening. My protagonists are awesome, but I can't say much more about them or the rest of the plot until we're much closer to its release. That'll be a while since I can't write as fast as I used to.
Perhaps the greatest challenge will be that I can't fall back on my old crutch of constantly referencing pop culture as part of my humor. I guess I'll have to find another way to be funny. Unless you think 1980s music will survive a hundred years into the future?
February 3, 2012
The Golden Lily Description
And here I was, stumped for a topic today! Then lo, the Official Bloodlines page went live with The Golden Lily's description!
Here you go! It has a release date of June 19 in English-speaking countries. Other countries TBA.
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.
But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.
When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.
Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?
Here you go! It has a release date of June 19 in English-speaking countries. Other countries TBA.
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.
But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.
When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.
Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?
January 19, 2012
On Sydney Sage and body image
I recently heard someone trashing The Hunger Games, saying: "Sorry, I just don't think it's right having children try to kill each other for TV entertainment." The implication was that Suzanne Collins actually endorses those activities, which of course isn't true. She's simply telling a story, not an autobiography, and if anything, her books make a pointed commentary on the extremes our own society goes to for entertainment.
Anyway, it brings up something I see often, this idea that characters' actions or thoughts are what the author believes is THE RIGHT THING. Sure, some authors are preaching a message, and yes, being relatable and likable are important in characters. But that doesn't always mean characters are doing the right things or that they're telling you the right things. Like I said, authors are telling stories, and flawed characters are more interesting than perfect ones.
Which brings me to my main point: Bloodlines. Now, I'm going to talk about stuff in the book, and while it doesn't give away any big plot spoilers, purists who haven't read the book might want to skip this. When Bloodlines came out, I got a few upset emails from people about how *I* was saying that Sydney's size 4 (or 2 in the ARC) figure was too big. But I'm not saying that. Sydney is saying that. She isn't all-knowing or perfect (just really smart), and when she looks in the mirror, she thinks she needs to be a size smaller. Is that true? No, and it's clear from some of the comments others make about her. She looks great, but she doesn't see it that way. She just knows that she doesn't look like those super tall, super slim Moroi. And her dad isn't helping matters!
While I don't like unhealthy body images, I do like that Sydney has this flaw. She's so remarkably observant about the world but blind when it comes to herself. Many of us are, unfortunately, especially with looks. This is an issue that will be revisited in the series, one that she's going to have to work on. This also means you can't always trust Sydney to tell you the truth. That's not to say she's lying to you or that she's not reporting events around her correctly. But, she's telling the story through her eyes, and it's colored by her perceptions. She's our filter. This is true of all books. You can never trust any first person narrator to be telling an objective story, any more than you can in real life. Don't take their opinions as gospel--or as the author's opinion. :)
That's my deep thought for this snowy, icy day in Seattle. I actually meant to write about this months ago, to make sure there weren't readers out there taking the message the wrong way! Bloodlines came out the week my son was born, and like so many other things, this post got delayed. One of these days I'll catch up on all that I want to do...probably when he goes to college...
Anyway, it brings up something I see often, this idea that characters' actions or thoughts are what the author believes is THE RIGHT THING. Sure, some authors are preaching a message, and yes, being relatable and likable are important in characters. But that doesn't always mean characters are doing the right things or that they're telling you the right things. Like I said, authors are telling stories, and flawed characters are more interesting than perfect ones.
Which brings me to my main point: Bloodlines. Now, I'm going to talk about stuff in the book, and while it doesn't give away any big plot spoilers, purists who haven't read the book might want to skip this. When Bloodlines came out, I got a few upset emails from people about how *I* was saying that Sydney's size 4 (or 2 in the ARC) figure was too big. But I'm not saying that. Sydney is saying that. She isn't all-knowing or perfect (just really smart), and when she looks in the mirror, she thinks she needs to be a size smaller. Is that true? No, and it's clear from some of the comments others make about her. She looks great, but she doesn't see it that way. She just knows that she doesn't look like those super tall, super slim Moroi. And her dad isn't helping matters!
While I don't like unhealthy body images, I do like that Sydney has this flaw. She's so remarkably observant about the world but blind when it comes to herself. Many of us are, unfortunately, especially with looks. This is an issue that will be revisited in the series, one that she's going to have to work on. This also means you can't always trust Sydney to tell you the truth. That's not to say she's lying to you or that she's not reporting events around her correctly. But, she's telling the story through her eyes, and it's colored by her perceptions. She's our filter. This is true of all books. You can never trust any first person narrator to be telling an objective story, any more than you can in real life. Don't take their opinions as gospel--or as the author's opinion. :)
That's my deep thought for this snowy, icy day in Seattle. I actually meant to write about this months ago, to make sure there weren't readers out there taking the message the wrong way! Bloodlines came out the week my son was born, and like so many other things, this post got delayed. One of these days I'll catch up on all that I want to do...probably when he goes to college...
January 13, 2012
Here comes the neighborhood
Before I begin this, I would like to state up front that I don't actively watch my neighbors. In fact, the window positioning in my house doesn't really even allow me to. So, all these hijinks I write about are the result of either what I see when I go to and from my car, or when the wackiness forces itself upon me in the form of crazy parties, police raids, etc.
And sometimes, stuff lands on my doorstep. Literally.
For moms who don't know this already, Amazon is a pretty sweet place to order large amounts of baby supplies. A couple Saturdays ago, I was expecting a big delivery of diapers. The doorbell rang while I was tending to the baby, and I couldn't get to the package right away. When I finally opened the door later, I found the expected package. And something more. Sitting on top of it was a plastic booster seat. I had not ordered a booster seat. It wasn't even like a misdelivery. It wasn't tagged or packaged. It looked it had come from someone's garage, as though someone had dug it out and put it on my doorstep on top of the box of diapers.
Who's giving me unsolicited baby gifts? While I comment on my neighbors a lot, I don't actually know any of them, except for the HOA guy who keeps watch on the neighborhood. He's not really the type to do this, and anyway, I'm not sure he knows I have a baby. My husband and I wondered if maybe someone else in the neighborhood saw us bringing the baby in or out one day and decided they'd "gift" us with their unwanted goods. The booster seat was even blue, intended for a boy.
We recently started using a baby monitor for my son's naps, and in keeping with my normal conspiracy theories, perhaps someone's been listening in and learned we have a baby. If the KGB were still next door, I'd say this is the obvious explanation. We're pretty careful about having conversations near it, but anyone monitoring that signal could still have deduced we have a baby by my son's crying.
In the meantime, we aren't sure what to do with the booster seat. He's not quite big enough for it, and anyway, we don't really want to use something that came from an unknown source. The obvious choice is to throw it away, but what if someone we know comes forward and says, "Oh, hey, did you get the booster seat I left on your doorstep without any identifying information?" That seems pretty unlikely, seeing as it hasn't happened yet. So, the booster seat is currently collecting dust in our garage while we figure out our next step. I'm not really a fan of creepy gifts, but I suppose if I had to choose between that or covert Cold War operations going on next door...well...hmm. Let me get back to you on that.
And sometimes, stuff lands on my doorstep. Literally.
For moms who don't know this already, Amazon is a pretty sweet place to order large amounts of baby supplies. A couple Saturdays ago, I was expecting a big delivery of diapers. The doorbell rang while I was tending to the baby, and I couldn't get to the package right away. When I finally opened the door later, I found the expected package. And something more. Sitting on top of it was a plastic booster seat. I had not ordered a booster seat. It wasn't even like a misdelivery. It wasn't tagged or packaged. It looked it had come from someone's garage, as though someone had dug it out and put it on my doorstep on top of the box of diapers.
Who's giving me unsolicited baby gifts? While I comment on my neighbors a lot, I don't actually know any of them, except for the HOA guy who keeps watch on the neighborhood. He's not really the type to do this, and anyway, I'm not sure he knows I have a baby. My husband and I wondered if maybe someone else in the neighborhood saw us bringing the baby in or out one day and decided they'd "gift" us with their unwanted goods. The booster seat was even blue, intended for a boy.
We recently started using a baby monitor for my son's naps, and in keeping with my normal conspiracy theories, perhaps someone's been listening in and learned we have a baby. If the KGB were still next door, I'd say this is the obvious explanation. We're pretty careful about having conversations near it, but anyone monitoring that signal could still have deduced we have a baby by my son's crying.
In the meantime, we aren't sure what to do with the booster seat. He's not quite big enough for it, and anyway, we don't really want to use something that came from an unknown source. The obvious choice is to throw it away, but what if someone we know comes forward and says, "Oh, hey, did you get the booster seat I left on your doorstep without any identifying information?" That seems pretty unlikely, seeing as it hasn't happened yet. So, the booster seat is currently collecting dust in our garage while we figure out our next step. I'm not really a fan of creepy gifts, but I suppose if I had to choose between that or covert Cold War operations going on next door...well...hmm. Let me get back to you on that.
January 12, 2012
Go Blue or Go Home
It's my day to blog at the League of Reluctant Adults, so I'm going to be lazy and send you over there. I answer questions about what to study in college and whether you should go by sharing some of my wackier anecdotes.
January 6, 2012
Richelle, explain.
Warning: I'm going to talk about Shadow Heir. And while I won't be giving away any specific details, there may be some general spoilery stuff. So, perhaps you should avoid this post if you haven't read the book yet...but come back to it once you've finished SH.
Anyway, if you've read SH, you probably know that the ending resolves some things...but not others. Obviously, this troubles some people since there's a big, big question left open there. I had a couple of reasons for ending it it in that OMG way. One is that I kind of like leaving a little mystery at the end, kind of like in the 1980s Flash Gordon movie when Ming's ring starts glowing. (IS HE REALLY DEAD? IS HE COMING BACK?). I don't always want to have every single detail neat and tidy at the end of a series. It can feel a little too perfect. I like to think about things afterward and leave a few open doors. Many have asked if I have plans, on some far off day, to wrap up some of the remaining mysteries.
My answer? You never know. :)
In the meantime, thanks so much for everyone's support. I know a lot of people really dig the mystery there, and even those anxious for more books have been super supportive and know that I'm not trying to torment anyone. :) Feedback for the book overall has been really positive, and I'm super, super grateful for all the wonderful readers out there.
And if you haven't got your Eugenie fix yet, the first four issues of the Dark Swan comic have been released in a bound hardcover form. It's on Amazon and also available from BN and University Books. The artwork is so gorgeous, and if you've loved the series, you'll think this is amazing. Other issues will be coming out in the near future, so you can expect more beautiful things to come.
And if you need STILL MORE Eugenie, check out this app that Kensington made and find out which Dark Swan character you are!
Anyway, if you've read SH, you probably know that the ending resolves some things...but not others. Obviously, this troubles some people since there's a big, big question left open there. I had a couple of reasons for ending it it in that OMG way. One is that I kind of like leaving a little mystery at the end, kind of like in the 1980s Flash Gordon movie when Ming's ring starts glowing. (IS HE REALLY DEAD? IS HE COMING BACK?). I don't always want to have every single detail neat and tidy at the end of a series. It can feel a little too perfect. I like to think about things afterward and leave a few open doors. Many have asked if I have plans, on some far off day, to wrap up some of the remaining mysteries.
My answer? You never know. :)
In the meantime, thanks so much for everyone's support. I know a lot of people really dig the mystery there, and even those anxious for more books have been super supportive and know that I'm not trying to torment anyone. :) Feedback for the book overall has been really positive, and I'm super, super grateful for all the wonderful readers out there.
And if you haven't got your Eugenie fix yet, the first four issues of the Dark Swan comic have been released in a bound hardcover form. It's on Amazon and also available from BN and University Books. The artwork is so gorgeous, and if you've loved the series, you'll think this is amazing. Other issues will be coming out in the near future, so you can expect more beautiful things to come.
And if you need STILL MORE Eugenie, check out this app that Kensington made and find out which Dark Swan character you are!
December 28, 2011
Shadow Heir release day!
Oh, hey. Check it out! Today is Shadow Heir's official release day in the U.S., making it my...um, let's see...seventeenth novel in print. Yikes. Seventeen? How does that happen? One word at a time, I guess.
The UK has a slightly later release date, though I'm told UK Kindle users can already download it. Australia usually follows the UK, though places like Rendezvous Books sell U.S. imports and ship within Australia. Other countries, as always, are unknown to me. The translations usually come later, and English imports depend on what stores you can find within your own country.
In the meantime, RT Magazine is holding a contest for ALL of the Dark Swan books, which is pretty nice of them. It's U.S. only, and you can find their details here.
Books aside, I hope all of you are enjoying the holidays. My family had a pretty awesome Christmas, with lots of delicious food and a very spoiled (and adorable, if I do say so myself) baby. I'm getting work done today, since my husband has the week off. It's hard to believe 2011 is almost over! This has definitely been a big year for me--and certainly the most memorable! I should have some cool news for you guys in January, as well as a ton of international book covers that I'm behind on. Good times.
The UK has a slightly later release date, though I'm told UK Kindle users can already download it. Australia usually follows the UK, though places like Rendezvous Books sell U.S. imports and ship within Australia. Other countries, as always, are unknown to me. The translations usually come later, and English imports depend on what stores you can find within your own country.
In the meantime, RT Magazine is holding a contest for ALL of the Dark Swan books, which is pretty nice of them. It's U.S. only, and you can find their details here.
Books aside, I hope all of you are enjoying the holidays. My family had a pretty awesome Christmas, with lots of delicious food and a very spoiled (and adorable, if I do say so myself) baby. I'm getting work done today, since my husband has the week off. It's hard to believe 2011 is almost over! This has definitely been a big year for me--and certainly the most memorable! I should have some cool news for you guys in January, as well as a ton of international book covers that I'm behind on. Good times.
December 25, 2011
Holiday offering, part 2
Yikes. Christmas in Seattle has brought us a crazy wind and rain storm. Here's hoping my power and/or internet don't go out before I post this!
As promised, here are three out-of-context quotes from The Golden Lily. I like out-of-context stuff because it's fun to try to figure out who's saying it. Well, I think it's fun. You guys are probably like, "Richelle, that's IT???" But we're still a ways out from this book's publication, so you only get teases for now! I'm sure Penguin Australia will give you more when the book's officially finished, and you can expect the first chapter usually a month or two before the publication date.
So, here we go. These are all lines that are spoken and that come from different parts of the book. These would sound ridiculous if they were part of the same conversation!
Quote #1:
"You made your own jean shorts...with a butter knife?"
Quote #2:
"Too bad you got so bogged down in books. You've got the spirit of a warrior."
Quote #3:
"You need me? You yell. You want to leave? We go. I'll get you out of here, no matter what."
Who said them? And to whom? Ahh...the suspense!
As promised, here are three out-of-context quotes from The Golden Lily. I like out-of-context stuff because it's fun to try to figure out who's saying it. Well, I think it's fun. You guys are probably like, "Richelle, that's IT???" But we're still a ways out from this book's publication, so you only get teases for now! I'm sure Penguin Australia will give you more when the book's officially finished, and you can expect the first chapter usually a month or two before the publication date.
So, here we go. These are all lines that are spoken and that come from different parts of the book. These would sound ridiculous if they were part of the same conversation!
Quote #1:
"You made your own jean shorts...with a butter knife?"
Quote #2:
"Too bad you got so bogged down in books. You've got the spirit of a warrior."
Quote #3:
"You need me? You yell. You want to leave? We go. I'll get you out of here, no matter what."
Who said them? And to whom? Ahh...the suspense!
