MeiLin Miranda's Blog, page 52
May 13, 2011
Reaching the Kushiel Audience
I've been told over and over that my work appeals to readers of Jacqueline Carey
. I've been told this so many times I'm beginning to believe it, even though I've never read any of her books.
So here's what I'm wondering: If you're a Jacqueline Carey fan, how did you first hear about her? Are there any places JC fans hang out? How do you think I might get word out to her fans about my books? As always, I appreciate you guys more than you'll ever know. You are my "army." 
Chapter 11 Part 1 | Lovers and Beloveds | IHGK Book 1
Dinner that night was a thoroughly uncomfortable meal, but no matter how fast Temmin ate, it never seemed to end. His father kept a stony silence; his mother watched them both with apprehension. Ellika bounced with impatience; Sedra merely crooked an eyebrow at him. Fennows smirked and grimaced and nudged his way through all five courses.
When the ladies left and Affton brought in the port and cheese tray, Temmin swallowed a polite glass and rose to excuse himself. To his surprise, Harsin rose as well. "Fennows, we're leaving the ladies to you," the King said. "I'm sure you won't mind."
"Oh, I should think not!" said Fennows, brightening. "P'rhaps I can finally convince Elly to listen to my poetry!" The lordling knocked back his port, scattering nutshells and cheese rinds, and hurried toward the Small Sitting Room.
Once father and son sat before the fire in Harsin's study, the butler re-appeared with another decanter. "I had Affton set aside the best port for us. No point wasting it on that ass Fennows," snorted Harsin.
May 9, 2011
Chapter 10 Part 7 | Lovers and Beloveds | IHGK Book 1
When he'd recovered himself somewhat, he found he'd been deposited on the couch. The anger left him, replaced with fear and shame. Tears filled his eyes. The twins held him, soothing him like a child. Was he the powerful or the powerless? Powerful, he supposed--he was the Heir to an empire, but he hadn't thought much about it until recently. Did his soul really crave power? If not, why did it attract him so? Ibbit was right; men were inherently depraved, or at least he was. What had Fennows said about patronizing whores--"the Lovers' Temple makes you think about it."
"I don't want to think about it, I don't want to be like that," he sniffled as his tears subsided.
"Tem, you already are 'like that,'" soothed Allis. "You know so little about yourself, but you told me everything on our ride."
"Did I? Then tell me how evil a man I am."
May 6, 2011
Chapter 10 Part 6 | Lovers and Beloveds | IHGK Book 1
They walked into the Great Hall, an enclosed courtyard where entwined statues of Neya and Nerr rose three stories high. In niches along the wall stood individual statues of the Twins in all Their various aspects; hundreds of flickering candles stood before each one. Elaborate offerings lay before the giant statues spilling onto their feet: towers of sweets, a profusion of flowers.
May 2, 2011
Chapter 10 Part 5 | Lovers and Beloveds | IHGK Book 1
Temmin peered into the first room. It held a low, wide Temple couch piled with pillows, a dressing screen, and no other furnishings. A middle-aged woman reclined into the pillows, feet on the floor, Temple skirt rucked up around her waist; all her attention focused on the man in street clothes kneeling before her. The man gave a muffled groan, his face buried so deep in the woman's sex he seemed to be pushing his way inside her. "Can they see us?" he whispered.
May 1, 2011
Bellydance "Lovers and Beloveds" sale!
I spent a little more than I should have at the Saqra Bellydance Showcase this weekend. 
Not a bank-breaker, but I'd be able to face Velvet Ackbar with a little more equanimity if I could sell a bunch of ebooks quick.
So! My impulsivity is your gain! The first 25 people to use coupon BELLY get $1 off the ebook of "Lovers and Beloveds." Go!
April 30, 2011
New for Patrons: Interviews with Teacher and Jenks
In the Patrons area, I've posted interviews with both Teacher and Jenks. The questions are from Syria Says, a review blog that's looking at "Lovers and Beloveds" and that likes getting character interviews like this. I sent her Teacher's, but I thought the patrons deserved to see both interviews now.
Enjoy!
April 29, 2011
Chapter 10 Part 4 | Lovers and Beloveds | IHGK Book 1
Allis took his arm on one side, Issak on the other, and they began their tour, four of the Temple's Own trailing before and behind. Temmin observed politely as they looked into the neat dormitories, the vast library, and the erotic art collection. He wanted to spend more time in the last, but the twins propelled him out the door into the gardens.
The gardens contained many little nooks and niches; tucked away in more than one were passionate couples--or more than couples. Deeply embarrassed, Temmin didn't know whether to stare or look away, but neither Allis nor Issak seemed to care, sometimes ignoring the lovemakers, sometimes stopping to observe and even comment, and then moving on. "Were those Lovers and Beloveds, or...?" asked Temmin.
"Most of them," said Issak absently.
April 25, 2011
Chapter 10 Part 3 | Lovers and Beloveds | IHGK Book One
Temmin came to his tour of the Temple on Neyaday. A quiet Jenks helped the Prince dress; Temmin thought it wisest not to ask after his subdued mood, and let him have his way without complaint.
Ellika stayed in her room after the incident at Naister's, and never did send for the new dress. She found an unworn one suited for the occasion in the back of her wardrobe, and insisted on going with Temmin "just to the door if nothing else." Some of her naturally cheerful spirit made its way past the shock of Horn's death, and she came bouncing down the stairs behind her brother to take his arm. She wore a confection of white lace and ribbons against pale pink silk. "You look like a wedding cake," said Temmin, kissing the top of her head.
"Thank you! Put your gloves on, Temmy."
April 22, 2011
Chapter 10 Part 2 | Lovers and Beloveds | IHGK Book One
Temmin and Teacher crouched down beside him. The man's face grew gray; he reached out for Temmin's hand, and said, "Your Highness, I've been loyal all my life. I'd as soon kill myself as hurt you. But they took my son and my two little girls last night. Sent me one of the baby's fingers--" He choked. "I told them I was no fighter, but they said you were too well-guarded...they had to take every chance from now on...and that if I didn't kill you when you came today, they'd send all three back in pieces."
