Lucienne Diver's Blog: Lucienne Diver's Drivel, page 27

GCC Interview with Eileen Cook

Today I’m pleased to present an interview with Eileen Cook, author of Unraveling Isobel, The Education of Hailey Kendrick and her latest from Simon Pulse, Almost the Truth.

Book Summary:

From the author of Unraveling Isobel and The Education of Hailey Kendrick, a smart, romantic novel about a teenage con artist who might be in over her head.

Sadie can’t wait to get away from her backwards small town, her delusional mom, her jailbird dad, and the tiny trailer where she was raised…even though leaving those things behind also means leaving Brendan. Sadie wants a better life, and she has been working steadily toward it, one con at a time.

But when Sadie’s mother wipes out Sadie’s savings, her escape plan is suddenly gone. She needs to come up with a lot of cash—and fast—or she’ll be stuck in this town forever.

With Brendan’s help, she devises a plan—the ultimate con—to get the money. But the more lies Sadie spins, the more she starts falling for her own hoax…and perhaps for the wrong boy. Sadie wanted to change her life, but she wasn’t prepared to have it flipped upside down by her own deception. With her future at stake and her heart on the line, suddenly it seems like she has a lot more than just money to lose….

Praise for Eileen Cook’s books

“.. enormously appealing and great company throughout this breezy read…..the highest quality—like a gourmet truffle. Cook has whipped up a real treat.” – Kirkus Starred Review

“Thrilling and creepy, super sexy, and so very hilarious.” – Lisa McMann, bestselling author of the Wake trilogy

“Sassy and sly and sweet all at the same time, this book made me laugh out loud.” – Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries and Airhead

Interview with Eileen Cook

What is your writing process like?  Are you a plotter or a pantser?  Do you schedule time to write each day or are you a spree writer?

I am a panster by nature, but find I do more and more plotting.  I can’t plot everything out or else I lose interest in the story, but I’m finding it helpful to have some idea of where the book is going- at least the major turning points. I try and schedule some time every day to write, but there are days/weeks/months where the best made plans don’t work. When that happens I sneak the writing in anyway I can.

 

What is the hardest part about the publishing process for you and how do you get through it? (For me, it’s copyediting and sour cream and onion chips.)

The waiting! Everything in publishing takes soooooooo long. I get through it by keeping busy.  And chocolate. Never underestimate the healing power of chocolate.

 

We drop your hero or heroine on a deserted island.  Quick, what are the three things he or she can’t live without?

Her best friend Brendan (who she sort of accidentally slept with- but she’s going to sort that out), pizza from her favorite local place and a book on architecture to keep her busy.

 

If your story were a film, who would you cast?

I’m terrible at this! I always want to cast actors who died years ago or else I can’t remember their names. I think I would have them cast all unknown actors- that way I won’t have any preconceived ideas.  However, I’m open for them putting Colin Firth in the movie just so I can meet him.

Paranormal Pride

Okay, maybe my pride isn’t paranormal, but these books are.  Tuesday saw the release of DD Barant’s latest Bloodhound Files novel UNDEAD TO THE WORLD and next Tuesday sees the release of Molly Cochran’s wonderful young adult novel POISON, sequel to LEGACY.  (For those of you who remember Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy’s NYT bestselling, classic Arthurian novel THE FOREVER KING and sequels, you’ll really enjoy these books.  For those of you who don’t…well, chop chop.  What’s holding you back?)

UNDEAD TO THE WORLD by DD Barant

Vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, ghosts—profiler Jace Valchek thought she had seen it all. Until now…

Jace’s return to Kansas is an instant reminder that there really is no place like home. The tavern is still brimming with losers, practical jokers, and motorcycle chicks. Even the town’s only Goth is still wearing eyeliner. But just as Jace is about to click her heels and hightail out of there, she’s roped into a brand-new case. Somebody is possessed. And the bodies are piling up…

UNDEAD TO THE WORLD

They call him the Gallowsman. According to legend, he was sentenced to hang—though his crimes still have not been specified. When he was strung up to die, his spirit stuck around waiting for people to hang themselves…so he could steal their bodies. Now, with the undead rising up and going on a rampage, Jace must put her own neck on the line. Can she get the Gallowsman to give up the ghost?

Reviews

“Snappy writing, a page-turning story and fresh world-building make Dying Bites a satisfying meal of a book.”—Kelley Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Men of the Otherworld and The Awakening

“Dying Bites is wacky, unpredictable, fresh and amazing.  I would kill to write as well as D.D. Barant. Seriously.”—Nancy Holder, author of Pretty Little Devils  

“This engrossing debut adds another captivating protagonist to the urban fantasy ranks…Barant’s well-developed world offers intriguing enhancements to mythology and history. Jace is remarkable, strong-willed and smart, and she sets an unstoppable pace. Look for the Bloodhound Files to go far.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A heroine with plenty of guts, moxie and a sense of the absurd.  [A] fresh and original take on urban fantasy…Huge kudos to Barant for spicing things up with a story that expertly integrates detective work, kick-butt action and a wacky sense of humor.  Make sure you get in early on the outstanding new Bloodhound Files series.”—RT Book Reviews

“D D Barant builds a strong world and fills it with fascinating characters that will delight and entertain. Dying Bites is a well-written urban fantasy with a gripping plot and a heroine who is quite believable with her very human flaws.  I’m looking forward to seeing more in this captivating world.”—Darque Reviews (starred read)

“Five stars. An exciting new series. It has humor, mystery, and adventure. A great book!”—Affair de Coeur

“Barant does an excellent job introducing a whole new world where vampires make up the majority of the population…quick and engrossing…a great new series.”—The Romance Reader

POISON by Molly Cochran

Arthurian legend mixes with modern-day witchcraft in this haunting sequel to Legacy, which Publishers Weekly said “should please the legions of paranormal fans looking for a sophisticated supernatural thriller.”

After the riveting—and romantic—events of Legacy, Katy has won Peter’s heart and is nowclaiming her place in the magical world. Though half the students at her boarding school come from witching lines, the use of magic is expressly forbidden at Ainsworth, so as to keep the witching world hidden from the blue-blooded preppies, aka Muffies, who also walk the halls.

But the Muffies have at least a notion of magic, because Katy catches them staging a made-up ritual—and to her astonishment, the girls collapse at Katy’s feet and fall into comas. When Katy is blamed, she becomes desperate to clear her name and finds herself battling all odds to harness her growing magical powers in order to save the Muffies and dispel the Darkness once more.

Reviews

“Will satisfy readers hungry for a little paranormal excitement and romance in a post-Twilight world… a quick, entertaining read.”—Kirkus



“an exciting and well-written tale of contemporary witchcraft and romance…should please the legions of paranormal fans looking for a sophisticated supernatural thriller.” —Publishers Weekly

“The well conceived history and culture of Katy’s magical world make this first title unique … The teasing epilogue promises a sequel, and readers will be ready for it.” —Booklist

“A fast-paced, electrifying read! My heart throbbed for the tender romance trapped in a world of boarding-school backstabbing. With a courageous yet achingly human heroine, Molly Cochran made me believe in magic!”–Jeri Smith-Ready, award-winning author of the SHADE trilogy

“An amazing debut crackling with magic and mystery!”—Shannon Delany, author of 13 to Life



“Wonderful book. Eerie and suspenseful, with a romance you root for all the way through.”—Janice Hardy, author of The Healing Wars

Giving up on Perfect

I’m over at Magical Words today talking about “Giving up on Perfect.”  Love to hear your thoughts!

CyberMonday sales!

BOTH of my series publishers are running sales right now for CyberMonday, so, of course I want to crow about them, just in case anyone wants to—oh, I don’t know—run out and buy up a whole bunch of books this holiday season.  They don’t have to be mine.  Lots of great books to choose from!

For instance: Samhain Publishing is giving 40% off their inventory through midnight tonight!  I’m not sure you need it, but here’s the coupon.  You can find my Latter-Day Olympians mythical murder mysteries here, and there are lots of great other reads there, including historical romances by Debra Mullins and erotic romances by Crystal Jordan.

Flux Books is offering 25% off all the way until January 1st!  They’ve got many amazing authors as well, like my friends Simone Elkeles and Laurie Faria Stolarz. My Vamped series books are over here.

The Latter-Day Olympians series (thus far)

…she can’t turn men to stone, but she can stop them in their tracks

                          

Digital 2011, Print 2012           Digital 2012, Print 2013

ISBN: 978-1609284923           ISBN: 978-1609289324

“Bad Blood is a delightful urban fantasy, a clever mix of Janet Evanovich and Rick Riordan…” —Long and Short Reviews

“This is a great book to coil up with on a lazy Sunday afternoon.” —Fresh Fiction

________________

The Vamped Series

… undead or undercover, fangs are always in fashion.

                                                            

ISBN 978-0738714745    ISBN 978-0738721293    ISBN 978-0738730394    ISBN 978-0738731506

 

“Perfect for teens and adults, this is a book to share, savor and revisit.” —Paige Crutcher at Examiner.com

“witty, sweet, and just dark enough to ignite my morbid taste buds.” —Bitten by Books

“Diver takes vampires to a whole new level.” — I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read

“[A] witty vampire romance/adventure with plenty of heart and action.”—VOYA

Literary Auction to raise money for Hurricane Sandy victims

Going on RIGHT NOW, a wonderful auction organized by C.T. Adams to benefit Hurricane Sandy victims.  Lots of amazing items, like autographed books and manuscript critiques, and more on the way.  Items included are by Carol Nelson Douglas, Brenda Novak, Jim Butcher, Shannon Butcher, CT Adams, Rachel Caine, Carrie Vaughn, Linnea Sinclair, Charlaine Harris & Jade Lee/ Kathy Lyons…  You can help people out and knock off your holiday shopping list, all in one fell swoop!

GoodReads et. al.

So many exciting things going on over at GoodReads! Here are a few things of note:

Diana Pharaoh Francis’s publisher, Pocket Books is, doing a giveaway of her latest Horngate Witches novel BLOOD WINTER. Enter now for a chance to win!

Rachel Caine is doing a giveaway of her latest bestselling Morganville Vampires novel BITTER BLOOD (ending Nov. 20th). Enter here for a chance to win!

The GoodReads Choice Awards are in their semi-final round, and I’m so pleased to see on the ballot:

CASKET OF SOULS by Lynn Flewelling and THE KILLING MOON by N.K. Jemisin up for Best Fantasy 0f 2012

BITING COLD by Chloe Neill up for Best Paranormal Fantasy of 2012 (A quick note here that BITING COLD has also just received a great recommendation from Jessie at USA Today…though beware spoilers if you click over to the article.)
THE DARKEST SEDUCTION by Gena Showalter up for Best Romance of 2012

Whoever you’re rooting for, I hope you’ll go cast your vote!

In other news, Ramez Naam, whose debut novel NEXUS is coming out from Angry Robot Books in December, is offering up a free preview for Kindle of the first three chapters.  Get them while they’re hot!  AND if you order a copy of NEXUS before December 31st, Ramez will give away a copy of his non-fiction book MORE THAN HUMAN as well.  Details here.

Love is in the air

Okay, I should never have thought of “Love is in the Air” as the title for this post, because now I have the sappy old 70s song stuck in my head.  WARNING: do not click on this link or you will too!

 

The reason for the title and the post are two new Nocturne releases coming out this week (tomorrow, in fact)!

KODIAK CHAINED by Doranna Durgin

One mission. One night. One costly misstep…. Don’t miss this scintillating romance from Doranna Durgin!A mighty Kodiak shifter, Ruger is more than a Sentinel warrior. As a Healer, he willingly risks everything defending the sick and helpless. But after an ambush nearly kills him, he can do only so much—until a sensual lady black bear shifter arrives to provide him backup….

In human form, she is called Mariska. Feisty and self-assured, she has finagled her present assignment helping Ruger chase down a rising new threat. The moment Mariska scents the heroic, battle-scarred grizzly she knows he will be her only weakness…and greatest desire.

Mariska will do anything to aid Ruger—even if confronting the enemy puts everything she holds dear in jeopardy.

 

HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE 4 with stories by New York Times bestselling author Susan Krinard, as well as Theresa Meyers and Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

Don’t be afraid to snuggle up with these sexy, immortal heroes. They will weave their way into your fantasies and spice up your cold winter nights.Halfway to Dawn by Susan Krinard

Amid a supernatural war between the races, can Fiona, captain of the human special forces, and Kain, a compelling fugitive from the vampire army, risk working together to attain peace on earth?

The Gift by Theresa Meyers

All Cullen McCormack wants for Christmas is the missing locket that holds the key to his immortality. But will Angelica, the woman who now flaunts it about her exquisite neck, also claim his vampire heart?

Bright Star by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

Immortal Dylan McCay has vowed to protect the secret origins of his species at all costs—until he meets Savannah, a passionate astronomer on the brink of discovering the elusive Christmas Star….

I’m pretty sure either book will heat up your holidays!

New Releases!

I’m a couple of days late posting about this week’s new releases, but it’s been a crazy, busy, wonderful week, and I’m just glad to be doing so now!  Happy Book Birthday to Rachel Caine, Steven Harper, Bryan Anderson and David Mack!

BITTER BLOOD by Rachel Caine

Latest in the blockbuster, New York Times-bestselling Morganville Vampires series

Blurb:

For years, the human and vampire residents of Morganville, Texas, have managed to co-exist in peace. But now that the threat to the vampires has been defeated, the human residents are learning that the gravest danger they face is the enemy within…

Thanks to the eradication of the parasitic creatures known as the draug, the vampires of Morganville have been freed of their usual constraints. With the vampires indulging their every whim, the town’s human population is determined to hold on to their lives by taking up arms. But college student Claire Danvers isn’t about to take sides, considering she has ties to both the humans and the vampires.

To make matters worse, a television show comes to Morganville looking for ghosts, just as vampire and human politics collide. Now, Claire and her friends have to figure out how to keep the peace without ending up on the nightly news…or worse.

THE DRAGON MEN by Steven Harper

Third in the amazing steampunk series The Clockwork Empire (really, really, really not kidding, y’all – this one blew me away)

Blurb:

As China prepares to become the ultimate power in an era of extraordinary invention and horror, Alice Michaels’ fate lies inside the walls of the forbidden kingdom….



Gavin Ennock has everything a man could desire—except time. As the clockwork plague consumes his body and mind, it drives him increasingly mad and fractures his relationship with his fiancée, Alice, Lady Michaels. Their only hope is that the Dragon Men of China can cure him.

But a power-mad general has seized the Chinese throne in a determined offensive to conquer Asia, Britain—indeed, the entire world. He has closed the country’s borders to all foreigners. The former ruling dynasty, however, is scheming to return the rightful heir to power. Their designs will draw Gavin and Alice down a treacherous path strewn with intrigue and power struggles. One wrong step will seal Gavin’s fate…and determine the future of the world.

NO TURNING BACK by Bryan Anderson with David Mack

One Man’s Inspiring Story of Courage, Determination and Hope

Blurb:

The word conquer has changed meaning for Bryan Anderson. As a U.S. Army Sergeant in Iraq, it meant taking down the enemy. After becoming Iraq’s fourth triple amputee from a roadside explosive, what he had to conquer got a bit more personal.

On October 23, 2005, the moment Bryan looked down and realized he no longer had legs, he cracked a joke. It was a tragedy that could break many, but Bryan transformed it into something positive, something that propelled him forward. Despite grueling surgeries and rehabilitation, his goal has always been bigger than simply walking again. Making the most of life, he went for it, learning how to snowboard, water-ski, rock climb, and skateboard with his condition—even winning himself some gold medals to place next to his Purple Heart.

In this inspiring memoir, Bryan shares his infectious love for life that touches anyone who’s faced hardship. Anyone, in any circumstance, can overcome the toughest challenges, by not just surviving, but thriving. No Turning Back is a testament to pure hard work, perseverance, and hope for a better life—no matter what shape it takes.

Bestsellers and Award Nominees!

So much good news to report and congratulations to pass along!  I’ll be doing a post later today on some of this week’s fabulous new release.  Right now, I want to congratulate David Mack on making #30 on the New York Times Paperback Bestseller List for his new Star Trek novel THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY!

Also, I’m very excited to congratulate The Knight Agency’s 2012 Romantic Times Award nominees!

NOMINEES –

Harlequin Nocturne: WOLF WHISPERER by Karen Whiddon

Harlequin Romance: RETURN OF THE LAST MCKENNA by Shirley Jump

Harlequin Romantic Suspense: THE COP’S MISSING CHILD by Karen Whiddon

Love Inspired Historical: THE GOVERNESS AND MR. GRANDVILLE  by Abby Gaines

Paranormal Romantic Suspense: EDGE OF SANITY by Shannon K. Butcher

First Historical Romance: A LADY AND HER MAGIC by Tammy Falkner

Historical Fantasy/Paranormal:

WARRIOR’S REDEMPTION by Melissa Mayhue

KING OF THE ISLES by Debbie Mazzuca

First Mystery: THE ANATOMIST’S APPRENTICE by Tessa Harris

Shapeshifter Romance: TANGLE OF NEED by Nalini Singh

Paranormal Romance:

SOMETHING ABOUT WITCHES by Joey W.Hill

Paranormal Worldbuilding:

SPELLFIRE by Jessica Andersen

ARCHANGEL’S STORM by Nalini Singh

Fantasy Novel: THE SHADOWED SUN by N.K. Jemisin

Also, I want to congratulation Knight Agency authors Meljean Brook and Cie Adams for their books RIVETED (in Book of the Year and Steampunk) and THE ISIS COLLAR (co-written with Cathy Clamp as Cat Adams and up in the Urban Fantasy category) for their nominations!

GCC Interview with Kelly Parra

I’m pleased to present a new Girlfriends Cyber Circuit interview today with Kelly Parra, two-time RITA Award finalist and author of such YA novels as GRAPHITI GIRL and INVISIBLE TOUCH.  She’s here today to talk about the new anthology SOMETHING WICKED.

SOMETHING WICKED: Young Adult Short Stories
Published by Buzz Books USA | October 2012
ISBN 1938493060
 

“Mesmerizing and eerie. Tales to keep you reading late into the dark night.” – Tara Hudson, author of HEREAFTER and ARISE

 

BLURB:

Sometimes, they aren’t costumes.

They’re baaaack.

More nightmares brought to you by the authors of the young adult anthology Prom Dates to Die For…

Beware the Midnight Troll on your late-night stroll by Mari Hestekin. Swim at your own risk Under Loch and Cay by Jenny Peterson. A curse of spiders on campus means Arach War by Lena Brown. Through a Glass Darkly one could lose a soul by Heather Dearly. Supernatural Hunters turn to the sea in Mermania by Kelly Parra. Social media goes to the ghouls in Spectral Media by Aaron Smith.

Don’t miss this paranormal fun for tween, teens and adults!

Kelly Parra’s short story “Mermania” continues Teen Supernatural Hunters Jaz and Blake’s paranormal adventures. The duo debuted in “Darkness Becomes Him” in the young adult anthology PROM DATES TO DIE FOR as they battled a soul hungry dark angel. In SOMETHING WICKED a merman entrances Jaz and it’s up to her and Blake to rush against time before Jaz grows her own tail by the full moon!

Something Wicked facebook: http://www.facebook.com/somethingwick...

INTERVIEW with Kelly Parra

What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you schedule time to write each day or are you a spree writer?

Kelly: Hi Lucienne, thanks for having me on your blog! Well, my writing process is very sporadic. I’m a spree writer. I write when I have moments free in the day between kid drop offs to school and an odd work schedule. I’m also a writer who has to feel the creative muse flowing in order to make progress. If I don’t, then I have to edit.

What is the hardest part about the publishing process for you and how do you get through it? (For me, it’s copyediting and sour cream and onion chips.)

Kelly: The hardest part for me has always been finishing the book on deadline. You have to write even when you don’t feel the muse or something stressful is happening at home. When I first entered the publishing world about 6 years ago, I was stressed all the time. Worried I had to please everyone and I didn’t know how much stress can effect your life. Now, I’m a little more wiser, still learning, but I know how to shift priorties and to keep calm as they say!

We drop your hero or heroine on a deserted island. Quick, what are the three things he or she can’t live without?

Kelly: Jaz and Blake in “Mermania” are teen supernatural hunters. I’m going to say the three things they would need on a deserted island would be: each other, some sort of talisman to ward off the monsters, and probably a weapon.

If your story were a film, who would you cast?

Kelly: Jaz is tough on the outside and vulnerable in the inside. Blake is daring and smart. One of my favorite young actresses is Brit Robertson. And for Blake, maybe, Liam Hemsworth.