Kim Fielding's Blog, page 10
March 26, 2018
The Little Library is here!
Are you familiar with the concept of Little Free Libraries? Someone builds one on their property and sticks books in it, and anyone who passes by can borrow a book. The idea is that borrowers will return the books when they’re done with them, or replace them with new ones.
You can check here to see if there are any of these libraries near you. Here’s one we found in San Francisco:
And this is one my daughter discovered in Portland:
In The Little Library, one of these wonderful little things serves as a partial solution for Elliott’s book-hoarding problem–and a pathway to companionship and love. I hope you enjoy the book. It released today!
Amazon ebook
Amazon print
Smashwords
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
(If you happen to have a Little Free Library near you, wouldn’t it be fun to leave a copy of this book?)
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March 18, 2018
The Little Library will release March 26
Yay! As originally planned, The Little Library will release March 26. Yay!
The paperback may take an extra couple of days. I’m setting it up so that if you buy the paperback, you get the ebook for free.
Here’s the ebook preorder link!
Thank you for your patience!
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March 16, 2018
Update on The Little Library
Folks, after considerable agonizing, I’ve asked Riptide Publishing to return the rights for The Little Library to me. This wasn’t any easy decision, but I made it in hopes of doing the best I can for my readers, who I appreciate so much.
Riptide has been extremely accommodating in this matter. So much so that I should be able to release the book on or near its originally planned release date (March 26), with LC Chase’s beautiful cover, which you’ve already seen.
If you’ve preordered from Riptide, you should be getting a refund soon.
I’ll announce on my blog and social media as soon as the book is available for order. You’ll get the same professionally edited (by several rounds of editors!) book with the same cover you would have, so the only difference for you will be that you’ll order directly from booksellers. The book will be available in both print and ebook versions.
There may be some slight delay due to my travel–I’m in Paris now, returning to the US on Monday–but I don’t anticipate anything major.
I apologize for this confusion, but I do hope you’re still willing to give this book a chance. Thank you so much for being a reader!
PS–If you’re a reviewer and would like a review copy, please let me know. If you’ve already read and plan to post a review (thank you!!) I can supply you with a link as soon as I have one–just let me know.
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March 12, 2018
Happy Monday from Zagreb!
I’ve been in Zagreb for a week now. I’m spending some of my time doing day-job work at the university, but of course I’m also having fun. I’ve been wandering, shopping, visiting museums, meeting up with friends, and eating my favorite local foods.
I’ve lucked out with some good weather. It was snowing lightly when I arrived, but since then temps have warmed up and all I’ve had to deal with is a little rain.
I’ve also been doing some writing. By the end of this week I hope to finish my first draft of Creature, the third book in the Bureau series. This one will be longer than the other two; it’s coming in at over 30K words.
I’m getting very exited about two upcoming book releases. The Little Library releases two weeks from today! You can preorder now from Riptide Publishing. Also keep an eye out for my blog tour with exclusive content and a giveaway.
Then next month, A Full Plate releases from Dreamspinner Press. You can preorder that one now too, and I’ll be doing another blog tour.
In a few days I’ll leave my beloved Zagreb by train and go to Paris for Salon Livre, where I’ll be signing books. I hope to see some of you there!
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March 7, 2018
Over the moon
I’m in one of my favorite places in the world–Zagreb. I have a lovely apartment literally in the center of the city. I’m dealing with travel adventures such as lost luggage (now found), unaccessible work email (now accessed), and deciphering labels and signs in a language I don’t speak (Croatian people generally speak excellent English and are gracious about doing so).
And then I find out that Love Is Heartless is a Lambda Literary Award finalist, in the gay mystery category.
Not only that, but I’m in the company of some very fine authors indeed, some of whom I’m lucky enough to count as friends. I couldn’t be me more thrilled!
And Dreamspinner is temporarily offering you a discount on books from its three finalists: Rhys Ford, C.C. Poe, and me.
Dreamspinner Press and DSP Publications are proud to have three titles as Lambda Literary Finalists and to celebrate they are 35% off.
Tramps and Thieves
Love Is Heartless
The Mystery of the Curiosities at DSP Publications
If you need the series these finalists are a part of, Murder and Mayhem, Love Can’t, and Snow & Winter are included in the 35% off sale.
WHERE? Dreamspinner Press & DSP Publications
WHEN? March 06, 2018 – 10:00 AM Eastern To March 09, 2018 – 11:59 PM Eastern
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March 5, 2018
Off again
As you’re reading this, I’m arriving in one of my favorite cities, Zagreb. (Which has featured in a few of my stories, of course.) I’ll be staying in a wonderful apartment right on the main square (I once spent a month in that apartment). Ten zillion cafes and one of Europe’s best greenmarkets, all right outside my door. While I’m there I’ll be doing some research and guest lectures. Day job stuff.
And then I get to take the train to Paris. I’m excited about the journey itself because I love train travel. In Paris I’ll be signing books at Salon Livre. I hope to see some of you there!
Because there’s no rest for the wicked, I’ll also be working on the finishing the 3rd book in the Bureau series and doing final edits on Blyd and Pearce, which is due out this summer. I enjoy writing while I travel. Later when I read the stories, I remember where I was as I wrote each bit.
I’ll post photos, I promise! So make sure you keep up with me on social media.
And check it out–I now have two novels available for preorder! The Little Library releases March 26 and A Full Plate on April 17.
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February 21, 2018
Interview Roulette: Laura Lascarso
Laura Lascarso spins the wheel!
Are you a nerd and/or a geek? Provide evidence to support your answer.
This question is a lot tougher to answer than I initially thought. Maybe it’s because I have to provide evidence. In order to give a proper answer, I’ll have to define what I believe a nerd/geek to be. I think of nerds as people who are really proficient at a particular subject and can really dig in on an argument or debate and defend their point of view with actual evidence. In that somewhat narrow interpretation, I’d have to say I’m probably not a nerd because I don’t think I’m an expert on anything and usually when debates arise, I doubt my own level of knowledge on the subject. I’d say I’m more of a generalist where I know a little bit about a lot of things. I’m also really bad at remembering information and facts. Like, I’ll do a whole slew of research on a topic for a book and then people will ask me questions about the topic and I’ll completely forget what I’d learned. The same thing happens when I’m revising. I’ll be like, how did I even know this, and I’ll have to look it up again just to be sure I’m not making stuff up. I can’t even trust myself!
Due to a magical curse, for the rest of your life you can read only one genre of books. Which genre will it be?
Another tough question! I’d probably pick Young Adult as a genre because within that category can be any number of sub-genres. Yeah, it’s kind of a cheat answer, but there you have it.
It would be nice if we got medals or ribbons for everyday achievements. What did you earn ribbons for this week?
I paid all of my bills on time and cut my son’s hair without any bald spots. Go me!
Aside from writing, in what ways are you creative?
I’m what you’d call broke with expensive taste, so a lot of times I’ll see things I want and then think about ways to make it myself. Or, if I want to add a piece of furniture, so I’ll find something in need of rehab and refinish it. I like painting and working with wood because it’s so forgiving for an amateur like myself.
A 17-year-old girl has asked one of your characters for advice. What is she asking about and what advice does the character give?
She’s probably asking, is it always going to be this hard? And my character would tell her no, it won’t always be this hard, but you have to go through it in order to reach the other side. I’m sorry. I wish I could take the pain for you, but it is part of your journey. I hope you make some friends along the way and if the journey becomes too hard at points, ask for help.
If you were to become a street performer, what would you do to entertain people and earn some money?
This is another great question. I am not the best at performing (I’m more of a backstage person), so I would probably rely on my strongest talent and read aloud from books that either I’ve written or gotten permission to read or classics where I’m not infringing on copyright. I sometimes read whole books aloud to my family and it’s pretty fun, though I don’t know anyone would pay me to do it J
Which modern invention could you absolutely not survive without?
Honestly, because I live in Florida and I absolutely love it, I’d probably say air conditioner, because without it, I’d have to move north into cooler climes. A close second would be a word processor. I can’t imagine not being able to “delete” in a manuscript.
Book Title: When Everything Is Blue
Publication Date: Dreamspinner Press: March 4, 2018
Book blurb:
Sometimes the people we need most aren’t bonded by blood but by something deeper.
When they were kids, golden boy Chris Mitcham rescued dweeby Theo Wooten from the neighborhood bullies and taught him how to “be cool.” Now, years later, Theo’s developed romantic feelings for his best friend that “arise” at the most inopportune times. Theo hates lying to Chris, but in coming out, he might lose the one person who understands him best, a risk he’s not willing to take.
When a relationship with another young man goes south, Theo is forced to confront his own sexuality along with his growing attraction to Chris and the stunted, tenuous relationship Theo has with his father. Will Chris abandon Theo when he learns the truth, or will he stand by him in this tumultuous season of self-discovery?
In this quirky coming-of-age romance, Theo’s path to manhood is fraught with several awkward firsts, a few haters, but also the tender comfort of an unexpected lover.
Book buy links:
DSP eBook: https://www. dreamspinnerpress.com/books/ when-everything-is-blue-by- laura-lascarso-9420-b
Author bio:
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society. When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Veronica Mars, and trying to convince politicians that climate change is real. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Author contacts:
Website: www.lauralascarso.com
Facebook: /lascarso
Twitter: @lauralascarso
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Interview Roulette: Kelly Haworth
Today is Kelly Haworth’s turn to play!
Describe one of your characters’ dream vehicles.
Ooooh. So Riese is one of those guys who likes to pretend he’s a bad boy when he’s really not. All bark and no bite, you know. His favorite vehicle (which he does actually own but only because he’s trying to maintain that bad boy look) is an emerald green Yamaha motorcycle. With matching helmet. Why green? Cause it matches his eyes. *rolls eyes*
Which house did the sorting hat put you in?
I love harry potter as much as the next guy but for some reason I’ve never really cared about what house I would be in? I think I’ve been sorted into Gryphondor and Ravenclaw depending on the test and I just don’t really feel a connection to any of it. *shrug* Now if you were to ask me what kind of bending I would have (from Avatar the Last Airbender) I would be like AAAGGGHHH I WANT TO SAY FIRE BUT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE WATER NOOOOOO ^_^
If you could go back in time and change something in your life, what would it be?
This is such a hard question because I feel like any mistakes or inconveniences I have made have helped shape who I am today. But I think it would be to go back in time to me as a teenager, thinking that I was a boy in a girl’s body because I had no other way to describe how I felt, and explain to past-me what being transgender is. It may have changed my whole future, and who knows if I would still have ended up with my husband and have my two children. But I do still wish I would have known. That way I wouldn’t have pushed the feelings away for almost a decade and maybe would have figured out my identity sooner.
You are permitted to place ONE ITEM in a time capsule chest to be buried and unearthed 100 years from now. What would it be, and why?
A diary. I’m not saying specifically mine or anything, but just a really thorough diary describing modern life. I feel like it is really hard to picture in detail how a person lived a hundred years ago—like, we could say a teen in 1918 was dealing with WW1, but how was school? What did they do for fun and entertainment? What was common knowledge and what wasn’t? I think a diary would be a really precious gift to that future generation, a unique peak into what was.
Somebody gives you $10,000 with the provision that you can’t save it and you can’t spend it on anything altruistic or practical. What do you do?
Down payment on a new car. Because excuse me but a brand-new car isn’t practical at all. What car you ask? I guess a Tesla is out because that’s too much on the practical side? That’s too bad. I guess I’ll go for *my* dream vehicle—a blue corvette.
If you were a shapeshifter, what shape would you most likely shift into?
Okay my aforementioned Riese in question 1? He’s a shapeshifter. So I’ve thought about this question way too much and have an immediate answer: a man, specifically a cis-male body. Assuming of course I would be able to shift back. But yeah, I want to know what it’s like and experience first-hand the differences in the way they’re treated and the things they can do that I can’t. Wink wink. Nudge nudge. LOL!
Black licorice—yay or nay?
UUUUGGGHHHH *throws up* yeah that’s gonna be a nay from me.
What is your theme song?
This is so hard for me because I used to be so incredibly passionate for music and lately I haven’t been able to concentrate on music at all. So, current theme song is a big huge shrug or maybe kid’s music (thank you toddlers). The most recent song I could call a theme song would be Muse’s “Madness.” Despite some negative themes, the song is really inspiring to me and my romances. I think it may be the theme song to my entire Under the Empire series.
What is your least favorite writing trope, cliché, or character archetype, and why?
Well, if this isn’t the most loaded question ever. Or maybe I spend too much time on twitter. I don’t have a definitive answer for this, but I could mention a few ones that irk me. Gay For You has its place, and that place is the character realizing they are bisexual and living happily ever after. I really don’t get the allure of billionaire stories. Mpreg is definitely not for me, and likewise I don’t understand alpha/beta/omega/knotting at all. For those of you reading this who love those tropes, that’s totally okay! I’m happy you love them and encourage you to. 
February 19, 2018
Interview Roulette: E.J. Russell
It’s E.J. Russell’s turn at the wheel!
When it comes to travel, do you prefer to plan everything or play it by ear?
I discovered something unexpected about myself after my husband and I stupidly bought a timeshare: I hate to travel. I had probably tried to ignore this odd kick in my gallop because there are a lot of places I’d love to be—I just don’t want to endure getting there. I don’t find the process of travel relaxing. I get so tangled up in logistics—how will we get to the airport, how will we get from the airport, what about a rental car, what if we don’t get a rental car, and on and on and on—that I can’t enjoy the destination. So when travel looms, hell yes I plan it. It’s the only way to survive!
Which Disney character most closely resembles you?
Probably Bagheera in the first animated Jungle Book—a little uptight, always trying to plan for the benefit of his charge (Mowgli) and counteract the—shall we say, less structured?—parenting style of Baloo. Although if we’re talking about what character I would be cast to portray… Many years ago, when I was still acting, whenever I saw a play or movie with my other actor friends, they would lean over and say, “Ellen, that’s your part.” Usually, these would be quirky, awkward, or just plain weird characters. (What can I say? I was a type.). When I saw James and the Giant Peach, I could imagine them leaning over when the aunts demand, “Where’s our peach?” and saying, “Ellen, those are your parts!”
What invention would you love to see created in order to make your life easier?
I would dearly love a brain-to-laptop interface, so that when I think about a scene, it’s immediately translated to the page without any pesky typing or dictation needed.
Say you met your all-time favorite celebrity, would you play it cool? Or would you utterly humiliate yourself?
My all-time favorite celebrity is someone I couldn’t hope to meet because (sadly) the world lost him many years ago. But if gifted with a trip in the TARDIS, I’d choose to meet Harpo Marx in his heyday for two reasons—first, because I think he was brilliant. Second, because we could conduct our meeting entirely wordlessly—with whistles, horns, ocarinas, charades, and a variety of over-the-top grimaces. This would work perfectly for me, because whenever I meet anyone I’m remotely intimidated by (in other words, everyone), I’m completely incapable of putting together intelligible sentences. Or, if it’s going well, my voice suddenly goes hoarse and I spend all my time coughing as they edge away.
Which holiday is your favorite and why?
This is a tough one because most holidays are weighed down with traditions or expectations that don’t resonate with me. Also, many of them involve celebrations of some type and I’m so not a party person. Thanksgiving? Nope, because I hate cooking and an entire day devoted to a giant meal is not my idea of a good time. Christmas? Now that my kids all live across the country, Christmas has become a logistical conundrum (see answer #1), so nope. New Year’s Eve? Nope, nope, nopity-nope. Party + alcohol + staying up late is a triple threat for me. And as for my birthday? Oh, hell nope. My idea of the perfect holiday, regardless of where it actually falls in the calendar, is a day where I don’t have to worry about outside commitments, where I can relax, perhaps with a (very) few loved ones/friends, and we design our own festivities—even if they just involve watching The Incredibles or The Holiday for the umpteenth time, mimosas optional.
One of your books is being made into a movie. Who would you cast for the major roles?
If Stumptown Spirits were to be made into a movie, I’d cast Dylan O’Brien as Riley and Tyler Hoechlin as Logan, since I was totally shipping Sterek when I wrote the book!
If you could go back in time and change something in your life, what would it be?
When I was eight years old, I fell down in dance class and broke my front teeth. As a result, I wouldn’t go back to class. If I could change anything, I’d change the impulse to do that stupid tour jeté in tap shoes (when I had no clue what I was doing)—or failing that, to put the incident behind me and keep taking lessons. I’ve always regretted not learning to dance.
Book blurb:
The Artist’s Touch
(Art Medium #1)
Two men haunted by more than the past.
Painter Stefan Cobbe was homeless and debt-ridden after the death of his wealthy partner, but the worst loss of all was his artistic inspiration. After two years of nothing, he’s offered patronage by an eccentric gallery owner and starts to produce again, canvas after canvas. The only problem? He can’t remember painting any of them—not one single brushstroke.
Luke Morganstern’s reputation as an art-fraud investigator is in tatters. He can’t afford to turn down any job, even a lousy one for an anonymous client who sends him after an unidentified forger in a remote cabin in Oregon. When the alleged forger turns out to be Stefan, the man he never stopped loving, Luke’s professional ethics are stretched beyond the breaking point.
As the two men take tentative steps toward reconciliation, evidence begins to mount that they’re not alone in the woods. Someone—or something—is watching. Something with sinister plans for them both. To escape, Luke must overcome his suspicions and Stefan must trust Luke with his deepest fears. Otherwise they could forfeit their relationship, their sanity—and their lives.
Publisher’s note: This is a heavily revised and significantly expanded reprint of Northern Light. The second book in the Art Medium series, Tested In Fire, is a first edition. Both are sold together in both ebook and print collections.
Book buy links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2snM2iO
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2BaElvD
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2Dk4uy3
iBooks: https://apple.co/2ESskND
Riptide: http://bit.ly/2CmdW07
Books2Read universal: http://books2read.com/the-artists-touch
Author bio:
E.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst, and happy endings.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
Author contacts:
Website: http://ejrussell.com
Blog: http://ejrussell.com/bloggery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E.J.Russell....
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ej_russell
Email: ejr@ejrussell.com
Other (Amazon author page): http://amazon.com/author/ej_russell
Other (Newsletter): http://ejrussell.com/newsletter/
Other (Goodreads): http://www.goodreads.com/ej_russell
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February 13, 2018
Interview Roulette: Lou Hoffman
Let’s watch Lou Hoffman spin the wheel!
What was your favorite school subject? Least favorite?
I loved Phys Ed, English, and Spanish. I liked school. I can’t think of a least favorite—oh, maybe “health” in junior high. I actually loved math, but disliked geometry, and loved science but disliked dissecting things. I had a hard time in music classes, but that was because, due to my parents’ religion, I wasn’t allowed to participate in anything that had to do with a holiday, so I always felt like an outsider. Art might have been my least favorite, but not because I didn’t like crayons, paints, pastels, and pa·pier mâ·ché. I loved those things. But it always seemed like art classes were really for “cool” kids who knew they were talented. Again, I didn’t feel part of things, and was always a bit embarrassed just to be there. It wasn’t until after I was out of school that I realized I had sufficient talent and vision to, if nothing more, at least create music and art and enjoy it. It’s one of the things I try to instill in the young people in my life—your talent, your ability, your creativity are unique. Don’t be caught in the trap of false comparisons. That other person’s ideas and work are different, but that doesn’t mean better.
Aliens kidnap you and put you in a zoo. What does the sign on your cage say?
Beware: Caffeine is fed automatically. Do not disrupt the supply. 
