C.C. Hunter's Blog, page 36

Happy Holidays!!

I hope all of you are having a great time this holiday, spending time with your loved ones. I’m having friends and family over, but I’m sneaking away to my study to work on Eternal.  Shhh…Yes, I have to write, even during the holiday.  Okay, I’m not going to be working as much, I can’t because well…it’s not the season to focus solely on work.

If you’ve read my books, you could probably tell how important I think family and friends are.  Kylie is so lucky to have a great mom, even a stepdad, and she’s extra lucky to have Miranda and Della in her life.  And let’s not forget Lucas and even Derek.  All the Shadow Falls crew are her family.  So this year, I hope you all will hug those you hold dear to your heart and remember what this season is all about.  It’s not about the gifts (yes, they are nice) or the milk and cookies and the egg nog (yes, I enjoy those, too).  It’s all about the people who love us and the people we love that makes this season so special.

Below is little poem I wrote just for fun.  Happy Holiday’s guys!!

A Holiday Poem

‘Tis a week before Christmas and all through the camp

Not a supernatural is complaining,

Not a chameleon . . . or even a vamp

The blood is served in the dining room hall

The weres are poised for the full moon to fall

Witches are waiting for the high priestess to call

Each fae longs to offer merry to all

The forest trees are decorated, and stand amazingly tall

Stocking are hung on the cabin walls

A few ghosts and elves may stop by

But something odd crosses over the dark sky

Is it a sleigh, or a shape-shifter in flight?

Everyone hears the clatter happening this night

But the death angels assure us there’s no reason for fright

It’s just a jolly ol’ soul passing through

Collecting holiday wishes from all the Shadow Falls crew

Merry Christmas from Kylie, Lucas, Della, Miranda, Perry, Steve, Holiday and Burnett

More Answers to Your Questions

I have to say, you guys can ask some really great questions. Many of you asked more than one. Katie B. was one of those who did, so I’m going to try to answer them, because they are questions I’m often asked.

1. Is Holiday going to have the baby during this series??? I need to know!”

Great question!!  And the answer is… A definite yes!  You won’t even have to wait too long!!!  And I can tell you that I cried big Texas tears when I wrote that scene, too.  (And how big are Texas-sized tears?  Big!  The kind that smears your mascara and gives you raccoon eyes.)

2. How many books will be in Della’s series?

I’m planning on three.  It could change, but I think three is a great number.  I’ve finished Reborn and am working on Eternal now.  Della is up to her eyebrows in trouble.  That girl stays in trouble.  She and Burnett are butting heads constantly.

3. Are you still going to involve the falls?

Oh, yes!!  You’ll get plenty of the falls.  Scenes that are both creepy and heart soothing.  Scenes that will make you want to find your own falls, or at least your own special place where you can relax and find some peace.

Thanks Katie B. for asking so many questions.

Street Team News!!

In my October 1st blog, I announced that I was forming a new street team for Della’s Shadow Falls:After Dark. The response was over whelming. I really want to thank everyone for taking the time to answer all my questions. I was going to select the new members of my team before now, but I got pretty busy with moving into a new house and finishing Reborn. But I’m finally caught up (sort of), and the street team welcome letter will go out this week. So, be sure to check your email.  I wish I could have included everyone, but unfortunately, I had to limit the number. I’m sorry if you didn’t make my team, but maybe you will next time.

 

More Answers

Have you ever heard the saying, “Be careful what you wish for?” Last week I asked for some questions you’d like me to answer, and you sent in a lot of them. They’re good questions, too. But where do I begin? Well, I chose a couple that got asked more than once.

Will I ever write from a guy’s point of view?  Well, hmmm…  This may be letting the horse out of the barn too soon, but I have written a couple of scenes from a male point of view.  All I’m going to say is that it is from one of Kylie’s love interests, and you’ll have an opportunity to see it before Reborn is out.
Was it difficult switching from Kylie to Della?  I admit a couple of times, I found Della answering in a toned-down voice and I realized that Della wouldn’t say it like that.  It’s as if Kylie spoke nicely, but thought with sass.  Della speaks with sass and then thinks nicely.  She’s working on trying to be nicer.
Do I see a Miranda POV book?  I would really like to do a story from Miranda’s point of view.  But to do that, I need to cause a lot of havoc in Miranda’s life.  I mean, she and Perry would have to have some major issues. Why?  Because it’s the issues that makes a story good.  But who knows.  I think I might at least find a novella from Miranda.
Has Della’s sassiness made me a less or more sassy person?  I hate to admit this, but I think channeling Della has given me a little more backbone.  “Don’t mess with me” seems to be my mantra.  There’s something about getting into Della’s skin that just gives you a bit more sass. I like it.  I might keep the Dellatude!

 Join Me in 2014

January 16, 2014, I’ll be at the Perfect Blend Bakery Café at 329 Sawdust Road in Spring, Texas (just south of The Woodlands). If you live in the area, stop on by from 7-9 PM. I’ll be reading from my books and answering questions.  I’d love to meet you!

Winner!

Last week’s winner of a Shadow Falls t-shirt is Mara Petrovsky. Congratulations, Mara! Please email your address to cc@cchunterbooks.com.

 

 

 

Just Ask Me

This week I decided to do something a little different.  I’m always getting questions from fans, and I decided to answer a few of them on the blog.

Three Questions I’m regularly asked:

1) Was it hard ending Kylie’s story?

It was terrible.  Seriously, one day my hubby and I were driving somewhere and he asked me that very question and I started crying.  Big Texas-size tears, too.  I think that’s why I was so compelled to write Saved at Sunrise, which is the story about Della and Steve’s mission.  I just wasn’t ready to say good bye to all my wonderful Shadow Falls characters.  And as it worked out, writing that novella is what landed me the contract to write Shadow Falls: After Dark.  You see when my editor read it, she could tell that I was still very close to that whole world, so she proposed that I write Della’s story.

2) What are the differences between Shadow Falls and the new series, Shadow Falls: After Dark?

A lot of fans have emailed me worried they will no longer be able to catch up with Kylie and Lucas. Well, don’t worry, in Reborn you get all sorts of glimpses of these two.  They even have a small argument.  And Kylie tells Della and Miranda how wonderful it feels to be his girlfriend.  The story will pick up where Chosen at Nightfall ended.  The big difference is that these next books will be from Della’s point of view.  And because Della is a bit sassier than Kylie, you’ll get a little more snark.  Ahh, but when you get inside Della’s head, you are also going to get an inside view of her pain, her insecurities, her fears.  Yes, Della does have fears.   You’ll also see just how much she cares about Kylie and Miranda.  Yes, she loves the witch even if she’s always arguing with her.  The book will also be a little more kick a$$.  Hey…that’s who Della is.  She’s just that kind of girl.

3) If you could go back and tell your teen self a piece of advice, what would it be?

There is a piece of advice I’d give my teen self, and it’s the same advice I regularly give myself today.  Be careful who your friends are.  You see, our actions, our moods, and our accomplishments are often times effected by who we call our friends.  And that is true as adults as well as teens.  When you hang around with someone who is a go-getter and sets goals and meets those goals, you have a tendency to do the same.  When you hang around someone who is always whining and seeing the worst in life, you have a tendency to see things that way as well.  Negativity is as contagious as a stomach virus.  But the good news is so is happiness and motivation.  So if we hang with people who try to do the right thing, we are encouraged to do the right thing.  Your friends won’t be perfect, they may be grumpy from time to time, like Della is.  But when it matters most, our friends should be role models.  A good friend is someone who encourages you to be a better person, not someone who pulls you down and leads you down the wrong path.

T-Shirt Giveaway!!!!

Now it’s your turn.  Leave me some questions and over the next few blogs, I’ll try to answer a few of them.  Oh, and I’ll give away one T-shirt to someone who leaves a comment. (Unfortunately, this giveaway is limited to US residents. Sorry! And if you are reading this blog on Goodreads, you have to leave your comment on my website blog in order to be entered to win.)

 

 

Leserpries

How many of you have heard of leserpreis? Probably not very many. What is it? Well, leserpreis is a German word that actually means “readers’ choice award.” And it’s time for the Leserpreis or Readers’ Choice Awards in Germany, which is the biggest people’s choice book award in the German-speaking world. So, more than 15,000 readers nominated over 4,000 books and authors in 15 different categories.

The exciting news is that my audio book for Awake at Dawn (Erwacht im Morgengrauen) was voted onto the short list for “Best Audio Book.” You can see the complete list at Lovely Books   (http://www.lovelybooks.de/ leserpreis/2013/hoerbuch/).

Now the important part starts. Readers can vote for their favorite books until Thursday, November 28th.  So you can go to Lovely Books  and vote for the audio version of Awake at Dawn. You will have to log in to vote, but you don’t have to receive their emails unless you wish to. Then, on November 29th, the Leserpreis in Gold, Silver and Bronze will be awarded. So, be sure to vote.

We Have Two Winners!

The two winners from last weeks giveaway are Shaila (from the UK) and Misty Marie (from the USA). Please email your mailing address to cc@cchunterbooks.com. Congratulations!

Moving On!

This past month I did something I hadn’t done in a long, long time.  I moved.  And you know that it’s hard to move, even when you love your new place.  I left a place where a lot of memories lived.  I know I’ve taken those memories with me, but still, it was hard to leave.  I didn’t even move that far from my old house, but I will miss living next door to my neighbors.  I’ve met a few of my new neighbors and they are very friendly and nice.  So I’m sure I’ll make some new friends.  But I’m keeping my old friends, too.  At least twice a week, I still go to my friend’s house and walk and then she comes here twice a week to walk.  Some things are just too special leave.  And friends are that special.  I know Kylie, Miranda and Della would agree.

Meanwhile, I’m still adjusting to my new house.  Would you believe I still haven’t gotten my office fixed up yet?   I’m writing this blog in the middle of a cluttered office with my computer on a small table.  I just moved my computer here a week ago.  As a matter of fact, I finished Reborn on my lap top, moving around to find the perfect spot to write.  The best spot I found was on my front porch, sitting on my wicker porch swing.  I love it out there.  And I know I’ll love my new office once I get it all set up.  I need a new desk and some office furniture, cabinets, bookshelves and even a comfortable sofa, where I can sit and read during breaks.  But right now, I feel almost as if my front porch is my office.  Here’s a picture.

Have any of you guys had to move lately?  Do you miss something that you left behind?  You know change isn’t easy.  Even when it’s good change like getting a new house.

Another Giveaway!

Anyway, make sure you leave a post and I’ll give away one more pack of promotional items.  How about I give away two.  One to my foreign fans.  So make sure y’all leave a comment and tell me which country you are from.

Thanks for stopping in.

Winners!

Last week’s winners of the cool Shadow Falls: After Dark packets are Lisa Ray, Rebeccah Carley and Tori Stegle. Congratulations! Please email your mailing address to cc@cchunterbooks.com.

I’m Celebrating with a Giveaway!

Guess what guys?  I’ve finished. That’s right, I finally finished Reborn.  Let me tell you, I cried, I laughed, and I sighed–a lot.  It was a labor of love. Della gets herself in some more jambs, but somehow she always manages to get out.  She also gets kissed by TWO different guys.  Yup, Steve has some competition.  And just wait until you meet this guy!  He’s so… mysterious.  Not to mention he’s got green eyes you could get lost in.  You’re gonna love him. But then again, you might hate him.  Ahh, but Steve is still great.  He still melts my heart.  Guess we’ll have to wait and see how Della feels about him, and just how the new guys fits in.

 

 

But besides talking about finishing Reborn and all the problems in store for Della, I just wanted to do a shout out to all my fans.  A big thank you to those of you who came out to see me at my recent events.  Here’s a picture of me with Kaity, who drove for hours to come see me at the Houston Book Rave. (Thank you, Kaity!)  I can’t tell you how much it means to me to meet you guys.  Sometimes writing is a lonely business, and meeting my readers just makes my day and keeps me inspired.  And last Saturday, I taught a workshop at a library in College Station, Texas and I had some more fans show up there.  I had a great time talking about my books and I always love talking about writing.

More exciting news? I just got some of the swag in for Della’s series, Shadow Falls: After Dark. It’s a really handy little cell phone or iPod carrier with wrist strap, and I also got book marks and a tiny flash light to light your way “After Dark.” LOL. Anyway to celebrate my finishing Reborn, I’m giving away packets of Reborn promotional items to THREE lucky readers who leave a comment. (Unfortunately, I have to limit this giveaway to U.S. residents, and as always, if you are reading this on Goodreads, you have to leave your comment on my Web blog in order to be entered to win.)

 

 

Sophie Jordan’s Foreplay!

Sophie Jordan isn’t just a great friend of mine, she’s a very talented author. Most of you know her for her YA New York Times best-selling Firelight series. But she has also started a new series called The Ivy Chronicles, and the first book, Foreplay, is available today. Unlike Firelight, this series is New Adult. What does that mean? Well, I’ll let Sophie explain that in detail, but basically, it means this series isn’t meant for all of you. It’s for those of you who are a little older.  I was lucky enough to read the first book in her series, Foreplay before it’s release, and I loved it. So,I asked Sophie to share a little about Foreplay with us.

 

 

Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs.

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

Sophie and I sat down together so she could answer a few of my  question about Foreplay.

1. Your newest book, Foreplay, is described as “new adult.” How does new adult differ from young adult, and what is your target audience?

Sophie: My target audience is 18+. New Adult features a hero and heroine typically between the ages of 18-25. That means the setting is often college … just because that’s where a lot of 18-25 year-olds happen to be. It’s an exciting time of life to write about. It’s really the first time the heroine is engaging in a relationship with a guy that really matters. There is no safety net/parents to fall back on. It’s probably the heroine’s first grown-up relationship. Her mistakes are bigger … emotions are bigger, more intense. And I love that! Love writing BIG stories with BIG emotions.

2. You started your career as a teacher. Do you think that experience helps you to relate to young/new adults better? If so, how?

Sophie: I think so. I definitely heard (and saw firsthand) my share of teenage anecdotes! Plenty of fodder for fiction.

3. Tell us a bit about your lead character, Pepper. What is she like?

Sophie: Pepper is a hybrid of me and all my college friends rolled into one. So fun to write!! She’s very identifiable — a girl who is finally coming out of her shell and experiencing the world and life as an adult.

4. Your NYT best-selling Firelight series involved a pride of dragons. Are there any paranormal elements to Foreplay?

Sophie: No, no paranormal elements. It’s just fun, realistic straight-up contemporary fiction.

Foreplay is currently available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Indie Bound. And as a special treat, Sophie said I could reveal her new really cool book trailer for Foreplay. I hope you enjoy it, and I also hope those of you that are older read Sophie Jordan’s Foreplay.

 

 

 

What’s Della Up To?

Della has been one busy vampire lately. While I’ve been feverishly working to finish Reborn, Della keeps going off in different directions. Now, she is in a race against time to save someone—and time is running out.  So, this wasn’t a good time to sit her down to answer a few more of your questions, but I needed a little break. My mind was working overtime and I thought a nice chat with Della might help.

CC: Della, can you give me a few minutes?

Della: She gives me a dirty look. You know I can’t really stop right now. I have to help someone.

CC: I know, but remember, if I’m not writing, the danger isn’t getting any worse.

Della: She thinks for a moment, then nods. I guess you’re right. And I could use a breather. I’m so tired of fighting. Hey, maybe you could go on a vacation or something and give everyone a break?

CC: Not going to happen. I promised my publisher, remember? Plus, I have readers waiting for Reborn. Would you want me to let them down?

Della: No, I guess not.

CC: Take a seat. This will only take a few minutes.

Della sits down on my sofa and crossed her legs, her foot continually bouncing. That girl can’t sit still!

CC: I have just a couple of more questions from your readers.

Della: Come on! I’ve answered enough questions. If that’s what you want, just get back to writing and let me get on with my mission.

CC: Now don’t be like that. All I’m asking for is a few minutes of your time. Do this for me and maybe I’ll do something nice for you.

Della: She looks at me suspiciously. Like what?

CC: Oh, I don’t know. Maybe—you’ll get kissed again. I smile.

Della: She snorts. That’s only going to happen if I want it to happen.

CC: Don’t be so sure.

Della: What’s that supposed to mean?

CC: Never mind. Let’s get on with this. Rachael wants to know: If you could be any paranormal, what would you choose? (Keep in mind all the powers you would give up or gain.) And I know that’s a hard question given what happens in Reborn, but give it a shot, okay?

Della: She stops bouncing her foot and crosses her arms over her chest. Yeah, and you know how scared I am about all of that. Anyway, if someone had asked me that a few months ago, I’d have probably said that I’d rather not be any kind of paranormal, but everything has changed now. I’m glad I’m a vampire. I mean, without my powers, I’d never have been able to protect my friends. Without all of my powers. She gives me a meaningful look before she continues. But vampires are the coolest paranormal, except maybe a chameleon because they have so many more powers.

CC: Okay, let’s not give anything away here. I clear my throat. Katrina said that everyone has that one person they can tell their deepest darkest secrets to. The person who knows the true Della under that thick, tough skin of yours, the one person you can truly open up to. She wants to know who that is for you? Is it Kylie or someone else?

Della: Thick, tough skin? I like that. She sits up a little straighter, and starts bouncing her foot again. I have to say, I’m not one to spill my guts all the time. Like Miranda. She blabs about everything.  What good is that? It doesn’t change anything.

CC: But sometimes it feels good to confide in someone. Ask for advice.

Della: I suppose, and when I do need advice, which isn’t often, I usually go to Kylie. She knows me pretty well, and I know she’s got my back. But Holiday’s pretty cool, too. She nods her head in thought. She’s a good listener.

CC:  What about Steve?

Della: I don’t want to talk about him right now.

CC: I know it’s hard. So, I’ll let that one go for now. Thanks for answering these questions. But I think that’s enough for today.

Della doesn’t move.

CC: Is there something else?

Della: It’s going to turn out okay, right? In Reborn?

CC: I’m trying my best. I don’t like people to get hurt, but sometime it can’t be helped.

Della: Don’t let it happen this time. Please. Her eyes fill with tears.

CC: Well, nothing is going to happen—good or bad—if I don’t get back to work. So, let’ see I what I can do. I point toward the door.

Della: She rises and gives me a long look. Make it right.

There’s no mistake that’s a warning. But life isn’t always fair. But maybe things will turn out okay. I have to believe it, anyway.

Where I’ll Be and When!!!

The Houston BookRave is one of the biggest book signings in the U.S. is in Houston, Texas this Saturday, November 2, 2013  I’ll be there with over 50 Young Adult, New Adult and Adult authors. Best of all, it’s free and open to the public!  Get your free ticket at the Houston Bookrave website!

November 9, 2013, I’ll be at the Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station, Texas from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. I’m teaching a class called “Polish Me Pretty,” an editing workshop for teens and adults. There will be a book signing and you can bring a copies of my books from home or purchase them there.

 

 

 

Social Media and Other Things

I hope everyone applied to be on my new street team by emailing the answers from my October 11th  blog to me. I’ll be contacting the new members soon. One of my questions was whether or not you had a Facebook page. Why? I love Facebook! If you liked me on Facebook, you know that I post links to this blog, talk about my life, and post my signings on my Facebook pages. But I also enjoy keeping in touch with family and friends through FB. Do you? What do you like to post on your Facebook page?

Anyway, not long ago, I got pretty excited when my Shadow Falls Series Facebook page surpassed 9,000 likes. Jumping up and down excited. Then a friend of mine pointed out that 10,000 likes would be even cooler. So I’m going to ask you to like my Shadow Falls Facebook page if you haven’t already. And also ask your friends to like it, too. I’d love to reach 10,000 likes.

Huge Book Event!!!

Did you know one of the biggest book signings in the U.S. is in Houston, Texas on Saturday, November 2, 2013?  I’m talking about the Houston Bookrave!  I’m going to be there with over 50 Young Adult, New Adult and Adult authors. We’ll be signing our books, and there will even be author parties.  Best of all, it’s free and open to the public!   So, if you are planning on attending, pop on over to the Houston Bookrave website and get your free ticket. We want to get an idea of how many will attend so we will have enough books for everyone. Don’t miss this event!

Winners!!

Last week’s winners of Mary Beth Bass’ new YA book, everything you know, are Amber Conrad and Paula Millhouse. Congratulations! Please email your ebook format preference: Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble NOOK, to cc@cchunterbooks.com.