Richelle Mead's Blog, page 22
June 24, 2011
Some covers for your Friday
I always build up copies of new international covers, and then when I'm short on blog material, it's pretty handy to scour my computer and see what I haven't posted yet. There's probably a few more, but these are four I know I haven't shown yet. Some have been making the rounds, so I figured I'd given the official nod on them:
UK cover of Bloodlines, release date August 23.
UK cover of Succubus Revealed, release date unknown but probably semi-near the U.S.'s (August 30)
German version of Succubus Revealed, to be released October 2011
And lastly, it looks like the French have gone back and changed the cover for Georgina #2 (Succubus on Top in the U.S., Succubus Nights in parts of Europe)
UK cover of Bloodlines, release date August 23.
UK cover of Succubus Revealed, release date unknown but probably semi-near the U.S.'s (August 30)
German version of Succubus Revealed, to be released October 2011
And lastly, it looks like the French have gone back and changed the cover for Georgina #2 (Succubus on Top in the U.S., Succubus Nights in parts of Europe)
June 22, 2011
L.A. Banks Auction
When I don't blog for a while, you can assume I've been keeping my head down and writing. Today is no exception, and I'm mostly just trying to keep up with book due dates before the baby's due date.
I had to emerge, though, to talk briefly about author L.A. Banks. She's known for the Vampire Huntress Legend series, as well as a number of other great books. She was one of the very first writing in urban fantasy, back before the genre had a name and people were like, "Who wants to read about supernatural characters in the modern world?" I remember seeing her books for the first time when I was in a bookstore years ago, trying to figure out if there was any genre out there that my newly-written Succubus Blues might fit into.
Those on certain urban fantasy and romance loops may have recently heard the sad news about L.A.'s fight with cancer. Some of the details are here. It's a terrible thing for anyone to be facing, and my heart goes out to her and her family. Besides helping define a genre, L.A. is also just a really nice person. She was very gracious and kind the one time I met her. I was awed that someone as established as her would take the time to talk to a newbie like me.
Others have had this same experience, which is why a ton of people in the publishing industry have banded together for Share Your Heart: The L.A. Banks Auction. Even if you're a successfully published author, this job doesn't come with health insurance, and the cost of her treatment is sky-high. All proceeds from the auction will go towards L.A.'s medical bills, and there is a ton of stuff up for bid. There are manuscript critiques from authors and agents, conference packages (including RT, the con with the faery ball and Mr. Romance!), interviews, and autographed books by all sorts of authors--Charlaine Harris, Marjorie Liu, and JR Ward are just a few.
Here's a link to the L.A. Banks charity page on eBay. At the time I'm writing this blog, not everything has been posted to eBay. They're literally putting it up as I type. Here's the master list of everything that will eventually be up there, so if you don't see it on eBay yet, just wait.
Oh yeah. I also donated some stuff! Here's what the "Richelle Mead Sampler" contains:
* Succubus Blues
* Dark Swan comic #1
* Kisses from Hell anthology
* Eternal Lover anthology
* Vampire Academy mass market edition--featuring Chapter 1 of Bloodlines
The direct link to that Richelle Mead listing is here. All items will come autographed, and although it's not mentioned in the listing, I'll throw in a Dark Swan #2 comic if I have them by the time the auction ends. My items only ship to the U.S. (sorry!), though many of the other items in the auction ship worldwide. Note that I'm not in charge of this auction, so any technical questions need to be directed to the seller listed on the eBay page. That's JoCarol Jones, one of the amazing organizers of the RT Con. She created a new seller account for this charity event, but be assured, she's reputable and organized. Those running the auction have set starting bids at various levels. Some are above retail, in the spirit of charity, and others are pretty snazzy bargains. So check it all out, and see what you find! It's for a great cause.
I had to emerge, though, to talk briefly about author L.A. Banks. She's known for the Vampire Huntress Legend series, as well as a number of other great books. She was one of the very first writing in urban fantasy, back before the genre had a name and people were like, "Who wants to read about supernatural characters in the modern world?" I remember seeing her books for the first time when I was in a bookstore years ago, trying to figure out if there was any genre out there that my newly-written Succubus Blues might fit into.Those on certain urban fantasy and romance loops may have recently heard the sad news about L.A.'s fight with cancer. Some of the details are here. It's a terrible thing for anyone to be facing, and my heart goes out to her and her family. Besides helping define a genre, L.A. is also just a really nice person. She was very gracious and kind the one time I met her. I was awed that someone as established as her would take the time to talk to a newbie like me.
Others have had this same experience, which is why a ton of people in the publishing industry have banded together for Share Your Heart: The L.A. Banks Auction. Even if you're a successfully published author, this job doesn't come with health insurance, and the cost of her treatment is sky-high. All proceeds from the auction will go towards L.A.'s medical bills, and there is a ton of stuff up for bid. There are manuscript critiques from authors and agents, conference packages (including RT, the con with the faery ball and Mr. Romance!), interviews, and autographed books by all sorts of authors--Charlaine Harris, Marjorie Liu, and JR Ward are just a few.
Here's a link to the L.A. Banks charity page on eBay. At the time I'm writing this blog, not everything has been posted to eBay. They're literally putting it up as I type. Here's the master list of everything that will eventually be up there, so if you don't see it on eBay yet, just wait.
Oh yeah. I also donated some stuff! Here's what the "Richelle Mead Sampler" contains:
* Succubus Blues
* Dark Swan comic #1
* Kisses from Hell anthology
* Eternal Lover anthology
* Vampire Academy mass market edition--featuring Chapter 1 of Bloodlines
The direct link to that Richelle Mead listing is here. All items will come autographed, and although it's not mentioned in the listing, I'll throw in a Dark Swan #2 comic if I have them by the time the auction ends. My items only ship to the U.S. (sorry!), though many of the other items in the auction ship worldwide. Note that I'm not in charge of this auction, so any technical questions need to be directed to the seller listed on the eBay page. That's JoCarol Jones, one of the amazing organizers of the RT Con. She created a new seller account for this charity event, but be assured, she's reputable and organized. Those running the auction have set starting bids at various levels. Some are above retail, in the spirit of charity, and others are pretty snazzy bargains. So check it all out, and see what you find! It's for a great cause.
June 13, 2011
What writers do
Sorry for being quiet! This week, a couple awesome folks from Penguin Australia were in town filming me in my daily life--as well as me talking about Bloodlines. They filmed for three days or so and are going to turn all their footage into a series of short videos about me and the books. They have a couple promotions unique to Australians, but otherwise, these are videos that anyone in the world will be able to watch. Expect them to be released online over time as Bloodlines gets closer, and I'll definitely let you know about any updates!
The other news is that University Bookstore's mystery shipment of the Dark Swan comic finally arrived this week. Yay! So, I scurried over and signed them all, and the store had them out the door again within 24 hours. So, those who ordered them should be getting them soon, depending on wherever you live. Thanks again for your patience with this bizarreness!
That's most of the news today, and it's back to writing as usual for me. I blogged over at the League of Reluctant Adults, however, and talked about all the other things an author has to do that doesn't actually involve writing a book! So if you're curious about what this job entails (or why authors have trouble making deadlines!), then check out this post.
More later!
The other news is that University Bookstore's mystery shipment of the Dark Swan comic finally arrived this week. Yay! So, I scurried over and signed them all, and the store had them out the door again within 24 hours. So, those who ordered them should be getting them soon, depending on wherever you live. Thanks again for your patience with this bizarreness!
That's most of the news today, and it's back to writing as usual for me. I blogged over at the League of Reluctant Adults, however, and talked about all the other things an author has to do that doesn't actually involve writing a book! So if you're curious about what this job entails (or why authors have trouble making deadlines!), then check out this post.
More later!
June 8, 2011
Fun with the Dark Swan comic
I've got a couple of news bits about the Dark Swan/Storm Born comic. Tomorrow, Bitten By Books will be hosting a big event to celebrate the release of the first issue. An interview with me will be posted, and the creative team (including the artist and script writer) behind the comic will be around throughout the day to answer your questions. BBB will also be giving away ten copies of the comic that are signed by me and the rest of the team. Like I've said before, though: the comic is based on an adult novel and contains similar adult content, so my younger readers should take note of that. If you do choose to enter to win an issue, you can RSVP today and get some extra entries here. For those who don't RSVP, I'll post the direct link to the event when it goes live. Regardless, definitely check out BBB tomorrow if you're a Eugenie fan.
The other comic news is for those who ordered signed copies of the first issue from University Bookstore. To both my frustration and the store's, those issues still haven't arrived at the store. I can tell you that it's absolutely not the store's fault and that all of us are pulling our hair out over this. It's a shipping problem. All we can do is wait, and I'm on high alert to dash over there and sign those copies the instant the shipment surfaces. They'll then be mailed out ASAP. I've got some more bonus autographed cover flats I'm going to add to those orders, but other than that, all I can do is beg and thank you for your patience. I can't stress enough how weird and irregular it is. Also note: those who've ordered signed books don't have to worry about similar delays. this doesn't happen with books. This is an issue that's unique to the comics and shouldn't be happening with future issues. So again, thank you for your patience, and I'm crossing my fingers I'll be getting a call tomorrow to head over and sign some comics!
The other comic news is for those who ordered signed copies of the first issue from University Bookstore. To both my frustration and the store's, those issues still haven't arrived at the store. I can tell you that it's absolutely not the store's fault and that all of us are pulling our hair out over this. It's a shipping problem. All we can do is wait, and I'm on high alert to dash over there and sign those copies the instant the shipment surfaces. They'll then be mailed out ASAP. I've got some more bonus autographed cover flats I'm going to add to those orders, but other than that, all I can do is beg and thank you for your patience. I can't stress enough how weird and irregular it is. Also note: those who've ordered signed books don't have to worry about similar delays. this doesn't happen with books. This is an issue that's unique to the comics and shouldn't be happening with future issues. So again, thank you for your patience, and I'm crossing my fingers I'll be getting a call tomorrow to head over and sign some comics!
June 3, 2011
Bloodlines Q&A, plus a bonus
I get a lot of questions about Bloodlines, many from people who don't know it exists or what it's about. So, I figured I'd make a handy list of some common questions in the hopes of clearing some things up. Hope these help! Spread the word for August!
What is Bloodlines? Wasn't Last Sacrifice the final Vampire Academy book?
Last Sacrifice was the final book about Rose. Bloodlines is a spin-off series set in the same world of Moroi, Strigoi, and dhampirs. (Bloodlines is also the name of the first book in the series). So, VA technically ended...but it kind of didn't. We're just going to tell someone else's story for a while and give poor Rose a break. If I kept telling stories about Rose, it wouldn't be all hearts and flowers. More bad things would happen to her!
So what is Bloodlines about then?
Bloodlines has a lot of the characters from the first VA series, but our focus is on a new set: Sydney, Jill, Adrian, and Eddie. Here's the official description:
BLOOD DOESN'T LIE. Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...
Wait. You said Adrian was in this book. That description didn't have him. How does he fit into this story?
You'll have to read the book to find out! I can tell you, though, that if you love Adrian, you'll love this. He's all over the book, and everything he says in it is awesome.
Is Bloodlines told in first or third POV?
It's told in first--the "I" voice, and Sydney is the narrator. Before it was written, I'd planned on doing third and rotating through the characters, but once I started working on it, first with Sydney felt like the way to go.
When does Bloodlines come out?
In English-speaking countries, it will be out August 23.
What about non-English-speaking countries?
For a book to come out in other countries and be translated into other languages, a separate deal has to be worked out with each individual publisher. Many international book companies are currently in the process of negotiating to publish Bloodlines, and then there will be a delay for translation. I currently have no information on what countries are negotiating or what their schedules will be for Bloodlines.
Will there be any excerpt or first chapter released a month beforehand?
The first chapter of Bloodlines will be released in the mass market edition (that's a small sized paperback) of Vampire Academy #1, which is coming out June 28. (Here's a pic of the cover). We're hoping some other excerpt will be posted online before Bloodlines comes out, but I don't have any info on that yet. Penguin Australia will also be doing its pre-release teasers, and I'll post those when they come.
Isn't there a short story coming out about Rose and Dimitri in Russia?
This isn't a Bloodlines question, but I get asked about it daily and wanted to clear things up. :) It will come out in an anthology in late 2012, and again: it's a short story, not a novel.
Are you doing a book tour for Bloodlines?
No. I'm doing no more travel for the rest of the year or early 2012 due to my pregnancy, though I will be autographing copies of my August releases for University Bookstore. Updates about my schedule are always on my website calendar. I'd also recommend joining my announcements-only mailing list to have updates sent directly to you about when I'm back on the road again in 2012.
Is there anything else you can say about Bloodlines?
Well, I'm not big on spoilers, so I'm not going to say much more. But, here's an Entertainment Weekly article about the series. Penguin Books also maintains an official Bloodlines countdown page that has some videos of me talking about the series.
What's this bonus that's mentioned in the blog title?
If you've read this far, then yay! You get to hear the latest news. I know it seems crazy since the first Bloodlines isn't even out yet, but I'm happy to announce the title for book #2 in the Bloodlines series: The Golden Lily.
Book 2! When does that come out?
The Golden Lily will be out in spring 2012. And, if all is going well with the baby then, my hope is to be out touring again then.
Do you just like asking and answering your own questions?
Yes. I kind of do.
What is Bloodlines? Wasn't Last Sacrifice the final Vampire Academy book?
Last Sacrifice was the final book about Rose. Bloodlines is a spin-off series set in the same world of Moroi, Strigoi, and dhampirs. (Bloodlines is also the name of the first book in the series). So, VA technically ended...but it kind of didn't. We're just going to tell someone else's story for a while and give poor Rose a break. If I kept telling stories about Rose, it wouldn't be all hearts and flowers. More bad things would happen to her!
So what is Bloodlines about then?
Bloodlines has a lot of the characters from the first VA series, but our focus is on a new set: Sydney, Jill, Adrian, and Eddie. Here's the official description:
BLOOD DOESN'T LIE. Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...
Wait. You said Adrian was in this book. That description didn't have him. How does he fit into this story?
You'll have to read the book to find out! I can tell you, though, that if you love Adrian, you'll love this. He's all over the book, and everything he says in it is awesome.
Is Bloodlines told in first or third POV?
It's told in first--the "I" voice, and Sydney is the narrator. Before it was written, I'd planned on doing third and rotating through the characters, but once I started working on it, first with Sydney felt like the way to go.
When does Bloodlines come out?
In English-speaking countries, it will be out August 23.
What about non-English-speaking countries?
For a book to come out in other countries and be translated into other languages, a separate deal has to be worked out with each individual publisher. Many international book companies are currently in the process of negotiating to publish Bloodlines, and then there will be a delay for translation. I currently have no information on what countries are negotiating or what their schedules will be for Bloodlines.
Will there be any excerpt or first chapter released a month beforehand?
The first chapter of Bloodlines will be released in the mass market edition (that's a small sized paperback) of Vampire Academy #1, which is coming out June 28. (Here's a pic of the cover). We're hoping some other excerpt will be posted online before Bloodlines comes out, but I don't have any info on that yet. Penguin Australia will also be doing its pre-release teasers, and I'll post those when they come.
Isn't there a short story coming out about Rose and Dimitri in Russia?
This isn't a Bloodlines question, but I get asked about it daily and wanted to clear things up. :) It will come out in an anthology in late 2012, and again: it's a short story, not a novel.
Are you doing a book tour for Bloodlines?
No. I'm doing no more travel for the rest of the year or early 2012 due to my pregnancy, though I will be autographing copies of my August releases for University Bookstore. Updates about my schedule are always on my website calendar. I'd also recommend joining my announcements-only mailing list to have updates sent directly to you about when I'm back on the road again in 2012.
Is there anything else you can say about Bloodlines?
Well, I'm not big on spoilers, so I'm not going to say much more. But, here's an Entertainment Weekly article about the series. Penguin Books also maintains an official Bloodlines countdown page that has some videos of me talking about the series.
What's this bonus that's mentioned in the blog title?
If you've read this far, then yay! You get to hear the latest news. I know it seems crazy since the first Bloodlines isn't even out yet, but I'm happy to announce the title for book #2 in the Bloodlines series: The Golden Lily.
Book 2! When does that come out?
The Golden Lily will be out in spring 2012. And, if all is going well with the baby then, my hope is to be out touring again then.
Do you just like asking and answering your own questions?
Yes. I kind of do.
June 2, 2011
Picture perfect
Well, today has been a big day for comics and graphic novels. After some delay, I'm super excited to announce that the first issue of the Storm Born/Dark Swan comic was released today in the US and Canada! It's a really, really beautiful comic, and I think Eugenie fans will adore it. Because this is being released in comic book issues first, your best way to find it is in a comic book store. Bookstores like Barnes and Noble or Amazon only carry a very limited selection of comics and may not have it. If you're not sure about the local comic scene in your city, this website will help you find a store in your area that you can call up to request the comic from. My pals at University Bookstore also are selling copies, but they've sold out of issue one. It's still possible to place orders for future issues, though. Storm Born will be told in eight issues that come out on a monthly basis. Eventually, those issues will be sold as one complete graphic novel, and then that will be available in regular "real" and online bookstores--probably in 2012.In other news, I received advanced copies of the Vampire Academy graphic novel today too! That comes out August 23 (the same day as Bloodlines). VA isn't coming out in comic book issues. It will come out as one big graphic novel that retells the orignal novel all at once. As such, it'll be available right away through regular bookstores. Confused? Just think of it like this. Comic books go to comic book stores. Graphic novels go to bookstores. The VA graphic novel is also really beautiful:
The August 23 release date is only for English-speaking countries. Very few book publishers in other countries have bought translation rights for the VA graphic novel, so I don't have any information on when it might be sold internationally. Fans in other countries who read English can always order it from US bookstores--but you'll just have to deal with international shipping. If I find out any news about availability, I'll definitely let you know!
May 30, 2011
Richelle, where have you been?
So glad you asked. This blog has been quiet for the last week because I've been on the road, enjoying my last travel of the year before I hunker down and have a baby. My husband came with me, and we made sure to make the most of my time away. First stop on the trip: Minneapolis.
If you've followed my blog before, you know about my snowed-out Minneapolis signing that had to be canceled in December. Well, in spite of springtime storms attempting to thwart me this time, I finally made it to the twin cities. There, I got to meet Sylvia--a writer, VA fan, and MAC makeup artist.
Sylvia offered to do my makeup before the Minneapolis signing. Since I love MAC and dislike doing my own makeup, this was hardly an offer I could refuse.
She brought me into the Mall of America's MAC store and did a pretty awesome job. I only wish I could have her on-hand for every signing I do!
After that, it was off to the signing. And just like a 1980s Tiffany concert, my signing was held right in the middle of the mall and its traffic.
Here's a shot from down at ground level. I got to sit around leisurely, like I was holding a boardroom meeting, and read from the first chapter of Bloodlines.
Those who read about my canceled December signing probably also read about the hardcore fans who still trekked out to the mall through the blizzard and had their own signing with Fauxchelle. I got to meet up with these lovely ladies for a meet-and-greet and some photo ops.
And here we are, together IN THE SAME ROOM: me and my doppelganger, Fauxchelle! I didn't get a shot of it, but near my signing table in the mall, Fauxchelle also got to pose with fans too.
The Mall of America signing was super fun, and a lot of people who'd wanted to come in the blizzard were able to make it out this time. And yup, we still had t-shirts and tattoos on-hand.
After the signing, my husband and I had a little bit of time before we had to fly out. So, we took in the sights around the mall and got to see the famous amusement park in the center.
We also got to see the insane LEGO sculptures surrounding the mall's LEGO store. These are bigger than us and made entirely of LEGOs.
From Minneapolis, it was time to move on to New York City and BookExpo America. BEA is the publishing industry's big annual trade show. They highlight upcoming releases, have giveaways, and bring in authors to sign. A lot of the authors sign in these corral-like stations, and the signing times are a very specific length of time. They're fast and furious, and when time's up, it's up, and the next author gets shuffled in.
This year, I actually signed at Penguin's booth, but it was of the same quick nature. One hour of me signing for 300+ people! No personalizations or pictures, but I still got to say hi to everyone. It was crazy but super fun. Beside me is Casey McIntyre, the hardest working publicist in NYC. Those in the know will also spot my agent, Jim McCarthy, in the background in blue.
Lots of others were signing while I was, including--wait for it--Tyra Banks! She has a novel coming out, and my husband was able to get some pics of her, including this one which we're pretty sure qualifies as a classic example of smizing.
Ice-T was also working the BEA floor. I don't know the whole story, but I assume he must have something book-related going on too.
Good times all around! And before I left BEA, I posed with Bloodlines at the Penguin booth. Standing next to one of your book covers--one that's bigger than you--is pretty surreal.
And that wrapped up BEA. Before heading out of New York, my husband and I got to take in a play and bum around the city. We were only there for a few days, though, and then it was time to go! Our last stop of the week was west Michigan, where both of us grew up. This was an entirely family trip, with no business or book stuff of any kind. It was great to see everyone, especially since I won't be traveling for a while when the baby comes in August.
We got home from Michigan yesterday, wrapping up three cities in one week! Twitter-followers will know the journey back to Seattle was "complicated," to say the least. But that's a post for another day. For now, I want to thank everyone that came out to see me on this trip. It's a little bittersweet knowing I'm on hiatus from travel for a while, but it's also kind of a relief. I picked up a cold in Michigan and am just getting a little more tired and sluggish in general. So, it's going to be nice to just hang out at home now, write some books, and wait for the baby. I'll still be blogging and interneting (is that a word?) the whole time, and you can expect me back on the road in 2012!
If you've followed my blog before, you know about my snowed-out Minneapolis signing that had to be canceled in December. Well, in spite of springtime storms attempting to thwart me this time, I finally made it to the twin cities. There, I got to meet Sylvia--a writer, VA fan, and MAC makeup artist.
Sylvia offered to do my makeup before the Minneapolis signing. Since I love MAC and dislike doing my own makeup, this was hardly an offer I could refuse.
She brought me into the Mall of America's MAC store and did a pretty awesome job. I only wish I could have her on-hand for every signing I do!
After that, it was off to the signing. And just like a 1980s Tiffany concert, my signing was held right in the middle of the mall and its traffic.
Here's a shot from down at ground level. I got to sit around leisurely, like I was holding a boardroom meeting, and read from the first chapter of Bloodlines.
Those who read about my canceled December signing probably also read about the hardcore fans who still trekked out to the mall through the blizzard and had their own signing with Fauxchelle. I got to meet up with these lovely ladies for a meet-and-greet and some photo ops.
And here we are, together IN THE SAME ROOM: me and my doppelganger, Fauxchelle! I didn't get a shot of it, but near my signing table in the mall, Fauxchelle also got to pose with fans too.
The Mall of America signing was super fun, and a lot of people who'd wanted to come in the blizzard were able to make it out this time. And yup, we still had t-shirts and tattoos on-hand.
After the signing, my husband and I had a little bit of time before we had to fly out. So, we took in the sights around the mall and got to see the famous amusement park in the center.
We also got to see the insane LEGO sculptures surrounding the mall's LEGO store. These are bigger than us and made entirely of LEGOs.
From Minneapolis, it was time to move on to New York City and BookExpo America. BEA is the publishing industry's big annual trade show. They highlight upcoming releases, have giveaways, and bring in authors to sign. A lot of the authors sign in these corral-like stations, and the signing times are a very specific length of time. They're fast and furious, and when time's up, it's up, and the next author gets shuffled in.
This year, I actually signed at Penguin's booth, but it was of the same quick nature. One hour of me signing for 300+ people! No personalizations or pictures, but I still got to say hi to everyone. It was crazy but super fun. Beside me is Casey McIntyre, the hardest working publicist in NYC. Those in the know will also spot my agent, Jim McCarthy, in the background in blue.
Lots of others were signing while I was, including--wait for it--Tyra Banks! She has a novel coming out, and my husband was able to get some pics of her, including this one which we're pretty sure qualifies as a classic example of smizing.
Ice-T was also working the BEA floor. I don't know the whole story, but I assume he must have something book-related going on too.
Good times all around! And before I left BEA, I posed with Bloodlines at the Penguin booth. Standing next to one of your book covers--one that's bigger than you--is pretty surreal.
And that wrapped up BEA. Before heading out of New York, my husband and I got to take in a play and bum around the city. We were only there for a few days, though, and then it was time to go! Our last stop of the week was west Michigan, where both of us grew up. This was an entirely family trip, with no business or book stuff of any kind. It was great to see everyone, especially since I won't be traveling for a while when the baby comes in August.
We got home from Michigan yesterday, wrapping up three cities in one week! Twitter-followers will know the journey back to Seattle was "complicated," to say the least. But that's a post for another day. For now, I want to thank everyone that came out to see me on this trip. It's a little bittersweet knowing I'm on hiatus from travel for a while, but it's also kind of a relief. I picked up a cold in Michigan and am just getting a little more tired and sluggish in general. So, it's going to be nice to just hang out at home now, write some books, and wait for the baby. I'll still be blogging and interneting (is that a word?) the whole time, and you can expect me back on the road in 2012!
May 20, 2011
Reminder: I'll be seeing you soon, Minneapolis!
For those who missed the news: I'll be signing books at the Mall of America in Minneapolis this Sunday, May 20, at 1pm. Check my website for signing/picture rules and more details on location.
We'll be having some prize giveaways, and I'll also be reading aloud from Bloodlines to start things off! So, hopefully everyone who missed the snowed-out December event will be able to make it. And hopefully there'll be no snow this time. I know it's May, but I wouldn't put anything past Minnesota weather.
More later!
We'll be having some prize giveaways, and I'll also be reading aloud from Bloodlines to start things off! So, hopefully everyone who missed the snowed-out December event will be able to make it. And hopefully there'll be no snow this time. I know it's May, but I wouldn't put anything past Minnesota weather.
More later!
May 17, 2011
Important Storm Born comic news
I have slightly disappointing news for tomorrow. Due to an unexpected production issue, the first issue of the Storm Born comic won't be out tomorrow (May 18) as originally planned. It's been delayed a week and will now be out May 25. Very sorry for the inconvenience! For those panicking that this means there'll be delays on Bloodlines or Succubus Revealed, rest easy. This is super rare, and novels and comics are different creatures. Everything in August will be released as scheduled.One additional snag this presents is that if you ordered a signed copy of the comic from University Bookstore, the odds seem good now that the store will receive their supply while I'm out of town next week for my Minneapolis and BookExpo signings (check this link if you might be able to attend one!). This means I can't autograph the comics in time to ship on release day. I'll sign them as soon as I'm back on Memorial Day weekend, and they'll go out immediately thereafter. It just means those people will have a few days of additional delay, which is something the store and I never like to do. Sadly, there's just not much to be done if I'm not in town. As a thank you for your patience, people who place orders for the first Storm Born comic by Memorial Day weekend will get an autographed cover flat of Succubus Revealed put in with the order.
Last I heard, University Bookstore still has comics available for order. I mentioned in an earlier post that they were only ordering a limited amount. So, if you're interested in a signed copy and the SR cover flat, it's not too late to reserve one. Instructions are on my website. University Bookstore ships internationally, which is useful since the comic will otherwise only be available in US and Canadian stores. The downside is that international shipping is pricey, most likely more than the cover cost of the comic! So, for those overseas, consider wisely. If you can hold off a few months for more issues to come out, you might be able to set up something with the store where they hold them and then ship four or so to save shipping. I'm just speculating, so check with them!And of course, Americans and Canadians don't have to order from U Books at all if you want a comic right on release day and don't need an autograph. Just hunt down your local comic book store!
Phew! That's it. Sorry things are so complicated. It's amazing how one week's delay can have so many other effects. And again, I've got to say this is a super rare occurrence, one that won't be repeated for future issues of the comic. I got to see the complete first issue this weekend, and wow, is it beautiful! The warning I'll add, though, is that just like the novel, the comic is intended for adults. Don't think that drawings = kids. But, if you're a Eugenie fan, you'll love this.
May 12, 2011
Comic countdown
A quick reminder if you live near Minneapolis--check this post for info about my upcoming signing this month! Hoping to see you there.
In other news, we're less than a week away from the first issue of the Storm Born comic coming out! It's crazy. I blogged about it and the VA graphic novel over at the League of Reluctant Adults today, explaining what an awesome experience it's been. Remember, the SB comics will only initially be sold in comic book stores in the US and Canada, so ask your local shops! There are also a limited number that University Bookstore will ship (and that I'll autograph). I don't *think* they've sold out yet, but the store should let you know. Enjoy!
In other news, we're less than a week away from the first issue of the Storm Born comic coming out! It's crazy. I blogged about it and the VA graphic novel over at the League of Reluctant Adults today, explaining what an awesome experience it's been. Remember, the SB comics will only initially be sold in comic book stores in the US and Canada, so ask your local shops! There are also a limited number that University Bookstore will ship (and that I'll autograph). I don't *think* they've sold out yet, but the store should let you know. Enjoy!
