Kelly A. Harmon's Blog, page 5

Mother, Matron, Crone: The Case for Female Characters Beyond the Ingénue

A guest post from Gail Z. Martin

Granny Weatherwax, Minerva McGonagall, Polgara,

Gail Z. Martin

Fiction, like TV, movies and advertising has an interesting, skewed view of the human race. In general, females show up briefly as children, mostly as adolescents or lusty and busty 20 and 30-somethings, and then vanish almost completely from view. Even ads for products clearly used by people over seventy (hello, home stairway elevators!) show female models who can’t be a day over 40. It’s like Log...

Do You Like Dragon Stories?

I’m pleased to announce that my story, “The Dragon’s Clause,” has been reprinted in The Dragon’s Hoard, edited by Carol Hightshoe.

Here’s the back copy text:

Dragons are well known for their hoards—but not all hoards are created equal.

A young dragon starts his hoard with some very precious gifts.
One dragon shares her complaints about taxes with a friend as they wait for a lunch delivery.
Another dragon defends her most precious treasures against a group of greedy goblins.
And yet another ma...

Balticon was a Lot of Fun, (Despite the Mishaps)

A bit overdue due to some intervening life stuff, but here’s my Balticon recap:

Totally Messed Up Registration & Scheduling:
I’m not certain there was anyone who attended this year who was unaffected by Registration issues in what can only be kindly referred to as a Debacle.

Some people waited for over an hour to gain entrance: and these are people that pre-paid — or like myself — were a registered guest! Balticon was debuting a new system. (They probably should have tested it better prior...

2015 Balticon Schedule (And Announcement!)

It’s that time of year again! Balticon.

I’m looking forward to a really special Balticon this year. Many friends are in town just for the event and I’m attending quite a few book launches and parties.

Here’s my schedule:

Saturday, May 23

2:00 PM – Autograph Session – At the Autograph Table
4:00 PM – Reading with Vonnie Winslow Crist – Parlor 1041
7:00 PM – Launch Party: Gail Z. Marting (Attending) – Frankie and Vinnie’s
9:00 PM – 15th Anniversary Broad Universe Party – (Attending/Possibly Rea...

2015 Reader Survey – Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Romance Author Marie Force is hosting a reader survey, which I hope will become an annual thing.

Take This Year’s Survey

The first survey concluded in June 2013, with about 2,950 participants. Here are the results: http://e-bookformattingfairies.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-readers-sound-off-how-they-read.html

Most of the participants were mainly romance readers–which is to be expected, since that’s Ms. Force’s fan base–but readers are readers (I think), so there should be some common stuff acros...

Guest Excerpt from Rachel Rawling’s Latest: Ill Fated

I met Rachel Rawlings in October for Hallowread and picked up her first book in the Maura Kincaide series. I couldn’t put it down. I immediately bought the boxed set.

This book sounds like it will be as exciting as the others. Check out the awesome back cover copy and the excerpt below! (I can’t wait to read it!)

Back Cover Copy

Some things are destined to end in death. After the first attempt on her life Maurin wasn’t scared. Hell, she was almost flattered. But someone put a price on her head...

Bel Air Authors and Artists

If you have any holiday shopping to do, why don’t you join me in downtown Bel Air, MD tomorrow from 10 until 3?

I’ll be at the Bel Air Armory for an Authors and Artists event where we’ll be showcasing our art and selling it.

There will be live entertainment all day–and food! (If for nothing else, come for the food!)

I’d love to see all my old school buddies. If you’re around, please stop in and say, “hello!”

Chessiecon 2014 – Had the Best Time!

Chessiecon

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone associated with Chessiecon, from organizers to volunteers to attendees. I had such a blast!

I had a table in the dealer’s room, too, this year–so I got to see a lot more folks “regularly” as they passed on through to peruse various wares. I had a great time chatting with everyone.

Total squee: all those folks who asked for Book 2 in the Charm City Darkness series. You guys made my day! (Note: It will be out soon! :))

I have one more publ...

Chessiecon, Anyone?

Chessiecon

Chessiecon is a new convention in the Baltimore area, rising from the ashes of Darkover, which has ceased to exist.

I’m pleased to say that I’ll be at the first Chessiecon next weekend. I’ll be doing a few readings, teaching a workshop on novel writing, and sitting in on some interesting panels. When I’m not doing that, I’ll be hanging out in the dealer’s room.

Here’s my schedule:

Friday, November 28, 2014

4PM-5PM Reading: Broad Universe, Timonium Room

6PM-7PM Workshop: Write a Novel in...

Nerd Girl Official Author Talk

Nerd Girl Official Logo

Nerd Girl Official is hosting me today for an indie author talk.

Here’s the link if you want to check it out: linky.

(You should really check it out…there’s a COVER REVEAL for Book 2 of the Charm City Darkness Series!)