Denise Jaden's Blog, page 12
January 15, 2014
Writing Prompt Wednesday: Is Honesty the Best Policy?
Do you remember the movie LIAR LIAR? In it, Jim Carrey gets himself into a lot of trouble when he's suddenly compelled to tell the truth about every single little thing.
Think of your characters and any secrets they may be keeping or even just things they're choosing not to say out loud. What kind of havoc could you create in their lives today by letting something slip? Maybe a female character thinks her best friend should really start exercising. Or maybe a man who is gifted with computers feels the need to let it out how brainless he thinks many of the people in his life are.
See what you can reveal today that your characters don't really want to reveal.
Think of your characters and any secrets they may be keeping or even just things they're choosing not to say out loud. What kind of havoc could you create in their lives today by letting something slip? Maybe a female character thinks her best friend should really start exercising. Or maybe a man who is gifted with computers feels the need to let it out how brainless he thinks many of the people in his life are.
See what you can reveal today that your characters don't really want to reveal.
January 10, 2014
Fast Fiction Friday: But What About Depth?
Just because I believe in fast-drafting a first draft of a novel, does not mean I don't believe in deep characters and plotlines. I do a lot of prep work before fast-drafting to get to know who my characters are at a gut level, like how they feel about their mothers and fathers, what's the worst thing a parent has done or said to them, how they still carry around some of their most embarrassing moments...
However, even with a lot of prep work, I don't like to nail anything down in stone until after my first draft. To me, fast-drafting is as much about exploration as it is about finishing a book. Often I'll get to the end of writing a draft before I really know what the book should be about. And when I go back to read the draft over, I hardly recognize many of the scenes or character traits that have shown up. To me, that is the characters showing me who they are, rather than the other way around.
There are a lot of things that an author needs to think about when crafting a satisfying novel, but I like to take the fast-drafting phase--only 30 days--and spend that time not thinking, and instead just feeling what's happening with my characters and which direction I feel they want to go.
So if we're talking about depth, to be honest, I find more of that as a fast-drafter than I ever did before.
However, even with a lot of prep work, I don't like to nail anything down in stone until after my first draft. To me, fast-drafting is as much about exploration as it is about finishing a book. Often I'll get to the end of writing a draft before I really know what the book should be about. And when I go back to read the draft over, I hardly recognize many of the scenes or character traits that have shown up. To me, that is the characters showing me who they are, rather than the other way around.
There are a lot of things that an author needs to think about when crafting a satisfying novel, but I like to take the fast-drafting phase--only 30 days--and spend that time not thinking, and instead just feeling what's happening with my characters and which direction I feel they want to go.
So if we're talking about depth, to be honest, I find more of that as a fast-drafter than I ever did before.
January 8, 2014
Writing Prompt Wednesday: New Years Resolutions!
I talked a little last week about how I make resolutions, which has evolved--a lot--over the years. But how do our characters make resolutions? Is your main character the type of person who makes huge, ambitious resolutions that he or she will likely never come close to meeting? Or does he or she swear off the idea completely?
Today, sit down for five minutes and make a resolution letter or list from your main character's point of view (or if your character doesn't make resolutions, have him or her list all of the reasons why not.
Today, sit down for five minutes and make a resolution letter or list from your main character's point of view (or if your character doesn't make resolutions, have him or her list all of the reasons why not.
January 3, 2014
Fast Fiction Friday: Don't Beat Yourself Up!
New Year's resolutions are bunk.
There, I've said it.
Which is not to say that I never make any. I just make resolutions with a loose hand and a light heart. I've seen too many people make huge resolutions, and then beat themselves up by January 3rd because they've already broken them. Then, because they feel like garbage and worthless and have been beating themselves up, they often become even worse in the area they made the resolution.
You see, it's not the resolutions that are bad. It's the self-talk we allow ourselves that's truly detrimental.
I made a resolution this year to read more of the things I want to read and less of the things I *should* read. I purposely set my GoodReads reading goal for this year at 10 (down from 100 last year). You know how it's gone so far? I've already been reading two *should* books. Since January 1st!
But you know what? I'm not beating myself up about it. Because I have a whole year to improve (many years if I need it). January 1st is only a day. For most, it's a day off, so it can be a good opportunity to evaluate life and make some plans. The great thing about setting resolutions is that you're thinking of ways you can better yourself. That's a GOOD thing. Assessing how you're doing on these goals, though, takes time. I'll bet if you set some goals for self-improvement and then don't look back at them until the end of the year, you will have improved. Maybe you won't meet your goals exactly, but who cares if you're better than you were!
I saw several writers on Twitter this year professing that they were going to make writing more of a priority this year. Then, the next day, I saw those same writers saying, "I haven't written a word...it's sure to be another sucky writing year." It makes me so upset for them. They're talking themselves into defeat, and they still have ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD TO IMPROVE!
I commend you if you have plans to better yourself--this year, or any time in the future. Just promise yourself that you'll cut yourself some slack along the way. Notice all the little things you've already improved on. Positive self-talk and noticing your achievements, no matter how small, will definitely get you farther in life than calling yourself names.
There, I've said it.
Which is not to say that I never make any. I just make resolutions with a loose hand and a light heart. I've seen too many people make huge resolutions, and then beat themselves up by January 3rd because they've already broken them. Then, because they feel like garbage and worthless and have been beating themselves up, they often become even worse in the area they made the resolution.
You see, it's not the resolutions that are bad. It's the self-talk we allow ourselves that's truly detrimental.
I made a resolution this year to read more of the things I want to read and less of the things I *should* read. I purposely set my GoodReads reading goal for this year at 10 (down from 100 last year). You know how it's gone so far? I've already been reading two *should* books. Since January 1st!
But you know what? I'm not beating myself up about it. Because I have a whole year to improve (many years if I need it). January 1st is only a day. For most, it's a day off, so it can be a good opportunity to evaluate life and make some plans. The great thing about setting resolutions is that you're thinking of ways you can better yourself. That's a GOOD thing. Assessing how you're doing on these goals, though, takes time. I'll bet if you set some goals for self-improvement and then don't look back at them until the end of the year, you will have improved. Maybe you won't meet your goals exactly, but who cares if you're better than you were!
I saw several writers on Twitter this year professing that they were going to make writing more of a priority this year. Then, the next day, I saw those same writers saying, "I haven't written a word...it's sure to be another sucky writing year." It makes me so upset for them. They're talking themselves into defeat, and they still have ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD TO IMPROVE!
I commend you if you have plans to better yourself--this year, or any time in the future. Just promise yourself that you'll cut yourself some slack along the way. Notice all the little things you've already improved on. Positive self-talk and noticing your achievements, no matter how small, will definitely get you farther in life than calling yourself names.
January 2, 2014
GCC Presents Kristina Springer and MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS!
I'm happy to welcome another author from the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit! This week, Kristina Springer's latest book, My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours, is releasing in paperback in stores and online stores everywhere!
About the Book:Now available everywhere in paperback, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS which Meg Cabot says is “Irresistible as a fluffy kitten. I laughed out loud and so will you!" was a Scholastic Book Club Bestseller and a YALSA Quick Pick.
Seventh grade was supposed to be fun, but Tori is having major drama with her BFF, Sienna. Sienna changed a lot over the summer—on the first day of school she’s tan, confident, and full of stories about her new dreamy boyfriend. Tori knows that she’s totally making this guy up. So Tori invents her own fake boyfriend, who is better than Sienna’s in every way. Things are going great—unless you count the whole lying-to-your-best-friend thing—until everyone insists Tori and Sienna bring their boyfriends to the back-to-school dance.
Praise For My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours…"Irresistible as a fluffy kitten. I laughed out loud and so will you!" —Meg Cabot, author of the Airhead and Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series"Tori is an appealing, engaging protagonist whose peppy first-person narrative includes some introspective moments and incorporates issues that readers will appreciate, especially the importance of honesty, trust, and self-appreciation. An enjoyable, entertaining read." —Booklist"Friendship versus one-upmanship in seventh grade is the subject of Springer’s very funny and strongly realistic novel." —Publishers Weekly"The sheer exhaustion of a fake-boyfriend arms race, with the need to create fake email accounts and to come up with competing romantic gestures on the fly, is cleverly depicted." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books"The themes will resonate with any girl who’s ever gone through the hardships of middle school: friendship, boys, popularity, and, most importantly, choosing to do the right, but often more difficult, thing. A fun read." —School Library Journal"The dialogue is realistic, and Springer brings refreshing personalities to standard character types; Tori’s parents are divorced, but both parents are active in her life, for instance, and the popular girls aren’t mean." —Kirkus Reviews
Kristina is running a My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours Release Contest until 1/15/14 on her blog: http://kristinaspringer.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-fake-boyfriend-is-better-than-yours.htmlHere’s what the winner will get:• A $20 gift card (Starbucks or Amazon, your choice!), • Autographed copy of My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours, • Fake Boyfriend Emergency Kit, and a • Variety of bookmarks/stickers from all of my books
And Kristina stopped by for a short interview:1. Tell me about your book in seven words or less. Crazy fun competition of the fake boyfriends. 2. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why? I really like Tori’s dad. He’s not your typical divorced dad stereotype. 3. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors? Don’t give up. 4. What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether? Gushy overly emotional poetry.
About the Author:Kristina Springer is the best-selling author of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS, JUST YOUR AVERAGE PRINCESS, THE PAPARAZZI PROJECT and BOY SWAP. She has a Masters in Writing from DePaul University and she resides in a suburb of Chicago with her husband and children. Read more about her at http://www.kristinaspringer.comand follow her on twitter @TinaSpringer.
Here's more of where you can find Kristina online:Website: http://www.kristinaspringer.comFacbook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaSpringerTwitter: https://twitter.com/TinaSpringerBook on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fake-Boyfriend-Better-Than-Yours/dp/0312641591/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-fake-boyfriend-is-better-than-yours-kristina-springer/1022684250?ean=9780312641597Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780312641597
About the Book:Now available everywhere in paperback, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS which Meg Cabot says is “Irresistible as a fluffy kitten. I laughed out loud and so will you!" was a Scholastic Book Club Bestseller and a YALSA Quick Pick.Seventh grade was supposed to be fun, but Tori is having major drama with her BFF, Sienna. Sienna changed a lot over the summer—on the first day of school she’s tan, confident, and full of stories about her new dreamy boyfriend. Tori knows that she’s totally making this guy up. So Tori invents her own fake boyfriend, who is better than Sienna’s in every way. Things are going great—unless you count the whole lying-to-your-best-friend thing—until everyone insists Tori and Sienna bring their boyfriends to the back-to-school dance.
Praise For My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours…"Irresistible as a fluffy kitten. I laughed out loud and so will you!" —Meg Cabot, author of the Airhead and Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series"Tori is an appealing, engaging protagonist whose peppy first-person narrative includes some introspective moments and incorporates issues that readers will appreciate, especially the importance of honesty, trust, and self-appreciation. An enjoyable, entertaining read." —Booklist"Friendship versus one-upmanship in seventh grade is the subject of Springer’s very funny and strongly realistic novel." —Publishers Weekly"The sheer exhaustion of a fake-boyfriend arms race, with the need to create fake email accounts and to come up with competing romantic gestures on the fly, is cleverly depicted." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books"The themes will resonate with any girl who’s ever gone through the hardships of middle school: friendship, boys, popularity, and, most importantly, choosing to do the right, but often more difficult, thing. A fun read." —School Library Journal"The dialogue is realistic, and Springer brings refreshing personalities to standard character types; Tori’s parents are divorced, but both parents are active in her life, for instance, and the popular girls aren’t mean." —Kirkus Reviews
Kristina is running a My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours Release Contest until 1/15/14 on her blog: http://kristinaspringer.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-fake-boyfriend-is-better-than-yours.htmlHere’s what the winner will get:• A $20 gift card (Starbucks or Amazon, your choice!), • Autographed copy of My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours, • Fake Boyfriend Emergency Kit, and a • Variety of bookmarks/stickers from all of my books
And Kristina stopped by for a short interview:1. Tell me about your book in seven words or less. Crazy fun competition of the fake boyfriends. 2. Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why? I really like Tori’s dad. He’s not your typical divorced dad stereotype. 3. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors? Don’t give up. 4. What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether? Gushy overly emotional poetry.
About the Author:Kristina Springer is the best-selling author of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS, JUST YOUR AVERAGE PRINCESS, THE PAPARAZZI PROJECT and BOY SWAP. She has a Masters in Writing from DePaul University and she resides in a suburb of Chicago with her husband and children. Read more about her at http://www.kristinaspringer.comand follow her on twitter @TinaSpringer.
Here's more of where you can find Kristina online:Website: http://www.kristinaspringer.comFacbook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaSpringerTwitter: https://twitter.com/TinaSpringerBook on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fake-Boyfriend-Better-Than-Yours/dp/0312641591/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-fake-boyfriend-is-better-than-yours-kristina-springer/1022684250?ean=9780312641597Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780312641597
December 31, 2013
Reading Recap for 2013!
I said I wasn't going to do it, but I went ahead and did it anyway. I set a stupidly lofty goal of reading 100 books this year. Yes, I completed it, (I actually read 103) but only because I rarely leave goals uncompleted. It's in my blood. Also, I should not that about a third of the books were on audio, but they were still full versions.
Last year I said I was going to set a better, more-realistic goal for myself for the year: To find 12 books I really love. Well, I completed that goal too! If you're looking for some fantastic books to read, check my sidebar (13 books actually made it to my 12 awesome books list - I couldn't decide.)
So I won't go over those, but I wanted to add a specialized list here, to give you a few more thoughts into the books I enjoyed and why I enjoyed them this year. Not all of these books were published in 2013, but they are all books I read during the year.
The book that made me LOL the most: Don't Lick the Minivan by Leanne Shirtliffe
- If you have kids or have ever considered having kids, this is a great book for you. My husband was constantly asking me, "What? What are you laughing at?" followed by, "Oh, you're reading that book again."
The book that inspired me the most: It's Not Just Gymnastics; It's Life by Lance Ringnald
- I started this book feeling old and like I was generally losing interest in uncovering the strong and flexible person I used to be, but since March, since reading this book, I've been excited about working out again, trying new things physically, and even writing my own book concerning some of this stuff (more to come on that!) I love reading biographies of interesting people, and this book was definitely that.
The Book that I was the most conflicted about: Just One Year by Gayle Forman
- It's a little hard to go into why I was so conflicted about this book without giving spoilers. Let me just say that I LOVED the setting (Holland! India! Paris!) of this book, I LOVED the self-discovery, I LOVED the writing... but partway through, I started getting frustrated with the plot. I did something I NEVER do: I skipped ahead to the ending. It helped rid me of my frustration, and I was able to go back and enjoy the rest of the book, but I didn't love the ending, and had I not skipped ahead (which I still feel oddly guilty about) I think I would have found it a very frustrating read.
The most romantic book I read this year: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- I'm not sure what else to say about this, except I just wanted to hug this book over and over and over again.
The most artsy book I read this year: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr
- (Followed closely by This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales). I love books where the main character is very skilled at an art of some kind, and this was such a book. It reminded me a little of Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez. Both books really inspire me to work harder at being me in my art.
If I had to pick a favorite book this year? I'd have to go with the Summer Trilogy by Jenny Han
- Sorry, there's no way I could pick just one of these books. I loved them all, and I especially loved how they fit together. I listened to this series on audio, and actually listened to the whole series twice in a row, because I just didn't want these characters to stop being in my life.
So those are some of my favorites and whys...Now I'd love to hear yours!
If you want to see the full list of books I read this year, check out my GoodReads page.
Last year I said I was going to set a better, more-realistic goal for myself for the year: To find 12 books I really love. Well, I completed that goal too! If you're looking for some fantastic books to read, check my sidebar (13 books actually made it to my 12 awesome books list - I couldn't decide.)
So I won't go over those, but I wanted to add a specialized list here, to give you a few more thoughts into the books I enjoyed and why I enjoyed them this year. Not all of these books were published in 2013, but they are all books I read during the year.
The book that made me LOL the most: Don't Lick the Minivan by Leanne Shirtliffe- If you have kids or have ever considered having kids, this is a great book for you. My husband was constantly asking me, "What? What are you laughing at?" followed by, "Oh, you're reading that book again."
The book that inspired me the most: It's Not Just Gymnastics; It's Life by Lance Ringnald
- I started this book feeling old and like I was generally losing interest in uncovering the strong and flexible person I used to be, but since March, since reading this book, I've been excited about working out again, trying new things physically, and even writing my own book concerning some of this stuff (more to come on that!) I love reading biographies of interesting people, and this book was definitely that.
The Book that I was the most conflicted about: Just One Year by Gayle Forman
- It's a little hard to go into why I was so conflicted about this book without giving spoilers. Let me just say that I LOVED the setting (Holland! India! Paris!) of this book, I LOVED the self-discovery, I LOVED the writing... but partway through, I started getting frustrated with the plot. I did something I NEVER do: I skipped ahead to the ending. It helped rid me of my frustration, and I was able to go back and enjoy the rest of the book, but I didn't love the ending, and had I not skipped ahead (which I still feel oddly guilty about) I think I would have found it a very frustrating read.
The most romantic book I read this year: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- I'm not sure what else to say about this, except I just wanted to hug this book over and over and over again.
The most artsy book I read this year: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr- (Followed closely by This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales). I love books where the main character is very skilled at an art of some kind, and this was such a book. It reminded me a little of Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez. Both books really inspire me to work harder at being me in my art.
If I had to pick a favorite book this year? I'd have to go with the Summer Trilogy by Jenny Han
- Sorry, there's no way I could pick just one of these books. I loved them all, and I especially loved how they fit together. I listened to this series on audio, and actually listened to the whole series twice in a row, because I just didn't want these characters to stop being in my life.So those are some of my favorites and whys...Now I'd love to hear yours!
If you want to see the full list of books I read this year, check out my GoodReads page.
December 28, 2013
Happy Holidays!
I didn't make it by here to do a Writing Prompt Wednesday or a Fast Fiction Friday this week, but I did want to stop by to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and many warm wishes to all of you!
I've been enjoying time with family and friends, as well as using my spare moments to work hard on finishing up some writing work that I can't tell you about quite yet. But soon!
I hope to be back next week with a recap of what I've read this year, favorite books, most-impacting books, that sort of thing. In the meantime, I'd love to hear some of your favorite books of the year.
I have a lot of hope that 2014 will be an exceptional year. I'll be spending some time thinking of what I want in life and what direction I see myself moving forward, as well as writing some goals for the year.Wishing you and your families many, many blessings for next week, next year, and for the years to come!
December 18, 2013
Writing Prompt Wednesday: The Smells of the Holidays!
Everywhere I go these days I either smell gingerbread or eggnog. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE these smells, and in fact, these smells are probably part of what makes me love this time of year so much.
With that in mind, think of your characters' favorite smells. What are they? How often do they get a chance to smell these favorite smells? Do these smells stir up any special memories for your characters?
How can you introduce one of these favorite smells for one of your characters today? What is his or her reaction? Can you pull up a memory of either the last time he or she smelled this smell or the first time?
With that in mind, think of your characters' favorite smells. What are they? How often do they get a chance to smell these favorite smells? Do these smells stir up any special memories for your characters?
How can you introduce one of these favorite smells for one of your characters today? What is his or her reaction? Can you pull up a memory of either the last time he or she smelled this smell or the first time?
December 13, 2013
Fast Fiction Friday: Respect Your Beta Readers
Good critique partners and beta readers are worth their weight in gold.
My readers are an integral part of my revision process, and when we're talking about getting a book into a polished state in as quick of time as possible, one of the first things to look at is finding the right readers for your books. And then KEEPING those right readers, once you've found them.
Finding appropriate, helpful readers, quite honestly, is a matter of trial and error. Your readers, hopefully, should enjoy the majority of what you write, even if they do see flaws in it. You don't want the process to be like pulling teeth for them, or it will take them six months or more to provide you with feedback.
Part of finding good readers is BEING a good reader. When someone asks you for help with their manuscript, make an effort to clear your schedule and read it in a timely manner. Then, hopefully, they will do the same for you when it comes time for them to read one of your books. Try to provide the most helpful and fully-explained feedback you can. Think of how clearly you would want it worded if you were hearing it about your work.
Then, when it comes time to sending your work out to these helpful, timely readers, don't send them unpolished garbage writing. Make it as good as you can on your own before sending it out. Get yourself a text-to-speech program (I use the one on my Kindle) to play back your story with an ear for typos and clunky sentences. You can hear the difference between "She went to her house" and "She went to her hose" even on the most computerized voice. Honestly, I think it comes across as disrespectful to a reader's time if you haven't taken the time to make your writing as easy as possible for them to read.
When it's as good as you can make it, then send your writing out to one or two people (save some readers for the next revision round - always assume there will be a next round).
There are some parts of the process that are going to take time, they just are. But the idea here is to make them take the least amount of time possible.
My readers are an integral part of my revision process, and when we're talking about getting a book into a polished state in as quick of time as possible, one of the first things to look at is finding the right readers for your books. And then KEEPING those right readers, once you've found them.
Finding appropriate, helpful readers, quite honestly, is a matter of trial and error. Your readers, hopefully, should enjoy the majority of what you write, even if they do see flaws in it. You don't want the process to be like pulling teeth for them, or it will take them six months or more to provide you with feedback.
Part of finding good readers is BEING a good reader. When someone asks you for help with their manuscript, make an effort to clear your schedule and read it in a timely manner. Then, hopefully, they will do the same for you when it comes time for them to read one of your books. Try to provide the most helpful and fully-explained feedback you can. Think of how clearly you would want it worded if you were hearing it about your work.
Then, when it comes time to sending your work out to these helpful, timely readers, don't send them unpolished garbage writing. Make it as good as you can on your own before sending it out. Get yourself a text-to-speech program (I use the one on my Kindle) to play back your story with an ear for typos and clunky sentences. You can hear the difference between "She went to her house" and "She went to her hose" even on the most computerized voice. Honestly, I think it comes across as disrespectful to a reader's time if you haven't taken the time to make your writing as easy as possible for them to read.
When it's as good as you can make it, then send your writing out to one or two people (save some readers for the next revision round - always assume there will be a next round).
There are some parts of the process that are going to take time, they just are. But the idea here is to make them take the least amount of time possible.
December 12, 2013
GCC Presents KICKING IT, Including a Story by Lucienne Diver!
Another member of our Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit is celebrating the release of an anthology. I'm excited to share with you: KICKING IT...
Featuring stories by SHANNON K. BUTCHER * RACHEL CAINE * LUCIENNE DIVER * CHRIS MARIE GREEN * CHRISTINA HENRY * FAITH HUNTER * CHLOE NEILL * KALAYNA PRICE * ROB THURMAN
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine has modern-day potions witches Holly and Andrew facing off against a firebrand politician who wears literally killer boots in a Texas-sized rodeo of trouble.
Boot-loving Cadogan vampire Lindsey must team up with off-again, on-again vampire partner Luc when a woman from her past is targeted by supernaturals in New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill’s all-new adventure.
And New York Times bestselling author Rob Thurman features Trixa Iktomi from her Trickster series dealing with magical vengeance and magical footwear.
Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Today bestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground.
Lucienne Diver's story – “The Parlor” (set in the world of the Lat ter-Day Olympians series)Tori Karacis, P.I. and part gorgon, goes undercover in a gambling den to get the lowdown on a client’s delinquent husband. What she finds are disappearances tracing back to The Parlor going back years and a sinister proprietess who makes sure that even when you win, you lose.
Excerpt:Boss lady. It was what my assistant Jesus (pronounced Hey-Zeus) called me. Times like these I missed the hell out of him. I could only imagine his scathing commentary on the place. "Tinfoil bikinis, really? It's like The Wizard of Oz meets the deli counter. If I only had a style..."
Quotes:Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Todaybestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground.” — All Things Urban Fantasy“The writing in this anthology is excellent and the stories are a mix of fun, edge of your seat kick ass action, and great characters… Kalayna and Faith did a great job of bringing together some of the best writers of urban fantasy!” —Kings River Life“If you need a break and want to read some short and sweet, yet plenty kick-ass, urban fantasy gems featuring plenty of girl power, you’re in for a treat! There’s something here for just about every UF fan, and I only covered the tip of the spiked heel!” —My Bookish Ways
Author Bio: Lucienne Diver writes the
Latter-Day Olympians
urban fantasy series for Samhain, featuring a heroine who can, quite literally, stop men in their tracks. Long and Short Reviews gave the first in the series her favorite pull-quote of all times, "Bad Blood is a delightful urban fantasy, a clever mix of Janet Evanovich and Rick Riordan.” Sequels:
Crazy in the Blood
and
Rise of the Blood
. She also writes the popular Vamped young adult series (think Clueless meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Her short stories have been featured in the
Strip-Mauled
and
Fangs for the Mammaries
anthologies edited by Esther Friesner and, of course, the
Kicking It
anthology new from Roc Books. Her essay on abuse is included in the
Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories
anthology from HarperTeen.
Links:Excerpt (at Bitten by Books): http://bittenbybooks.com/66257/kicking-it-exclusive-excerpt-from-author-lucienne-diver/Author’s website: http://www.luciennediver.com/Blog:http://luciennediver.wordpress.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/luciennediver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucienne-Diver/162714330443458
Featuring stories by SHANNON K. BUTCHER * RACHEL CAINE * LUCIENNE DIVER * CHRIS MARIE GREEN * CHRISTINA HENRY * FAITH HUNTER * CHLOE NEILL * KALAYNA PRICE * ROB THURMAN
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine has modern-day potions witches Holly and Andrew facing off against a firebrand politician who wears literally killer boots in a Texas-sized rodeo of trouble.
Boot-loving Cadogan vampire Lindsey must team up with off-again, on-again vampire partner Luc when a woman from her past is targeted by supernaturals in New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill’s all-new adventure.
And New York Times bestselling author Rob Thurman features Trixa Iktomi from her Trickster series dealing with magical vengeance and magical footwear.
Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Today bestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground.
Lucienne Diver's story – “The Parlor” (set in the world of the Lat ter-Day Olympians series)Tori Karacis, P.I. and part gorgon, goes undercover in a gambling den to get the lowdown on a client’s delinquent husband. What she finds are disappearances tracing back to The Parlor going back years and a sinister proprietess who makes sure that even when you win, you lose.
Excerpt:Boss lady. It was what my assistant Jesus (pronounced Hey-Zeus) called me. Times like these I missed the hell out of him. I could only imagine his scathing commentary on the place. "Tinfoil bikinis, really? It's like The Wizard of Oz meets the deli counter. If I only had a style..."
Quotes:Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Todaybestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground.” — All Things Urban Fantasy“The writing in this anthology is excellent and the stories are a mix of fun, edge of your seat kick ass action, and great characters… Kalayna and Faith did a great job of bringing together some of the best writers of urban fantasy!” —Kings River Life“If you need a break and want to read some short and sweet, yet plenty kick-ass, urban fantasy gems featuring plenty of girl power, you’re in for a treat! There’s something here for just about every UF fan, and I only covered the tip of the spiked heel!” —My Bookish Ways
Author Bio: Lucienne Diver writes the
Latter-Day Olympians
urban fantasy series for Samhain, featuring a heroine who can, quite literally, stop men in their tracks. Long and Short Reviews gave the first in the series her favorite pull-quote of all times, "Bad Blood is a delightful urban fantasy, a clever mix of Janet Evanovich and Rick Riordan.” Sequels:
Crazy in the Blood
and
Rise of the Blood
. She also writes the popular Vamped young adult series (think Clueless meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Her short stories have been featured in the
Strip-Mauled
and
Fangs for the Mammaries
anthologies edited by Esther Friesner and, of course, the
Kicking It
anthology new from Roc Books. Her essay on abuse is included in the
Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories
anthology from HarperTeen. Links:Excerpt (at Bitten by Books): http://bittenbybooks.com/66257/kicking-it-exclusive-excerpt-from-author-lucienne-diver/Author’s website: http://www.luciennediver.com/Blog:http://luciennediver.wordpress.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/luciennediver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucienne-Diver/162714330443458
