C.C. Hunter's Blog, page 43

It’s Here!

It’s here! I can finally reveal the cover for my final Shadow Falls book, Chosen at Nightfall. I’m so excited about it. too! I love the cover and think it fits the book perfectly. But then I have been fortunate enough to love all of my Shadow Falls covers.

When I wrote Born at Midnight, my first Shadow Falls book, I had no idea how the cover would look. And I have to admit, I was a bit nervous. I think a book’s cover has a lot to do with whether or not people stop, pick it up and buy it or pass right on by. As it turned out, I was thrilled by the cover and received many great comments about it. And now I have this fabulous cover to be thankful for.

 

But before Chosen at Nightfall comes out in 2013, Whispers at Moonrise will be out October 2.  I know I revealed this cover a while ago, but the closer it gets to the release date, the more excited I get.

So, tell me, what are you looking forward to learning in Whispers at Moonrise? Will Kylie discover another power? Will Lucas’s pack try to break up Kylie and him? And what about Derek? Lots of questions, but you will have to wait to find out. But maybe not…read on.

 

 

Giveaways!

I have two giveaways today! First, I am giving away a Shadow Falls t-shirt to one lucky winner who posts a comment.  Those members of my Shadow Falls Street Team already have a t-shirt,  but you could always win one for your friend.

And especially for my non-Street Team members, I am giving away an advanced copy of Whispers at Moonrise!  So be sure to leave a comment to win. Then you won’t have to wait until October to read it.

More Answers From Lucas and Derek

Okay, I had a little time to ask Lucas and Derek a few more of your questions. So, here are their answers. You may be surprised by what they say.

1. Could you try to get along and possibly become friends with Lucas/Derek if it meant that Kylie would be happier? –Sherri

Derek: I could get along with him, but I’m not completely sure we could become friends. Or at least not close friends. It bothers me that he’s hurt Kylie. And yes, I know that I hurt her, too. And I’m angry at myself about that. I think that will always be one of my biggest regrets.

Lucas: If Kylie wanted it, I’d try to do it, because I want her to be happy. But the truth is that while I’d try, I’m not sure Derek and I have enough in common to be friends. I mean, the thing we have in common mostly is Kylie, and that doesn’t bring us together, it actually does the opposite.

2. Okay, boys, you both know that the other has feelings for Kylie and you both know that currently, Lucas is with Kylie. Putting that aside, as well as your own feelings (or lack thereof) for each other and her, who do you HONESTLY think is best for Kylie? –Missy

Derek: Isn’t that answer evident? The only reason Kylie is with Lucas now is because I screwed up. I can read her emotions, I can feel what she feels. When she’s sad, I can make her happy. When she’s upset, I can help her cope. I love her and I accept her for whatever she is—unlike someone else. Isn’t that love? Wanting to be there to help the person you care about deal with the hard times in life. Accepting everything about the person. If Kylie will just give me a second chance, I’ll prove to her that we were meant to be.

Lucas: Kylie and I have had a bond since we were six and seven-years-old. As crazy as it sounds, I think I knew she was the one for me even back then. She doesn’t know it yet, well, she does figure it out in Whispers at Moonrise, but she was my first kiss, my first love. I snuck into her bedroom window one night when she was sleeping and pressed my lips to her cheek. It was awesome and scary at the same time. I know Kylie and I have some things to work out. My pack and my family don’t think we’re a good match. But what the hell do that know? And soon, very soon, I can stop pretending with my dad and tell him that this is my life and I’m going to live it the way I want to. And that way will always include Kylie.

So, who do you HONESTLY feel would be best for Kylie? Not necessarily who you think is hot (well they both are really!), but who do you think would make her happiest?

The Call That Came At Midnight

Today, I decided to post a personal experience piece I wrote years ago. Yes, in another life, I wrote nonfiction for all sorts of magazines. This story was the leading essay in the Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul 2 in 1995. Well several years back, I got a request from someone in Vietnam to use it to make a short video for a school project. The other night I was searching for something on You Tube and found it. I can’t understand a word of it, but it still brought tears to my eyes because I know the story. And it reminded me in a way of Kylie and Sara and the issues they have with their moms. So, I decided to post it today.

I’ll be upfront with you, there are no vampires, werewolves or any supernaturals in this short piece. But there’s a lot of emotion, and I thought you might enjoy it.

Next week, we’ll go back to answering some more questions you have for Lucas and Derek. And hey…Whispers at Moonrise is getting closer to the release date!!

***

“One of the oldest human needs is having someone to wonder where you are when you don’t come home at night.” Margaret Mead

The Call That Came At Midnight

We all know what it’s like to get that phone call in the middle of the night. This night’s call was no different. Jerking up to the ringing summons, I focused on the red illuminated numbers of my clock. Midnight. Was someone I loved in trouble? Panicky thoughts filled my sleep-dazed mind as I grabbed the receiver.

“Hello?”

My heart pounded, I gripped the phone tighter and eyed my husband, who was now turning to face my side of the bed.

“Mama?” I could hardly hear the whisper over the static. But my thoughts immediately

went to my daughter. When a desperate sound of the young crying voice became clearer on

the line, I grabbed for my husband and squeezed his wrist.

“Mama, I know it’s late. But don’t say…don’t say anything, until I finish. And before you

ask, yes, I’ve been drinking. I nearly ran off the road a few miles back and…”

I drew in a sharp shallow breath, released my husband and pressed my hand against my

forehead. Sleep still fogged my mind and I attempted to fight back the panic. Something

wasn’t right.

“And I got so scared,” she continued. “All I could think about was how it would hurt you if a policeman came to your door and said I’d been killed. I want…to come home. I know running away was wrong. I know you’ve been worried sick. I should have called you days ago, but I was afraid…afraid….”

Sobs of deep-felt emotion flowed from the receiver and poured into my heart. Immediately

I pictured my daughter’s face in my mind, I recalled the light raspy sound of her voice and my fogged senses seemed to clear. “I think–”

“No! Please let me finish! Please!” She pleaded, not so much in anger, but in desperation.

I paused and tried to think what to say, before I could go on, she continued. “I’m pregnant,

Mama. I know I shouldn’t be drinking now…especially now, but I’m scared, Mama. So

scared!”

The voice broke again and I bit into my lip, feeling my own eyes fill with moisture. I looked at my husband who sat silently mouthing, “Who is it?”

I shook my head and when I didn’t answer, he jumped up and left the room, returning

seconds later with the portable phone held to his ear.

The caller must have heard the click in the line because she continued, “Are you still there?

Please don’t hang up on me! I need you. I feel so alone.”

I clutched the phone and stared at my husband, seeking guidance. “I’m here, I wouldn’t hang up,” I said.

“I should have told you, Mama. I know I should have told you. But when we talk, you just

keep telling me what I should do. You read all those pamphlets on how to talk about sex and all, but all you do is talk. You don’t listen to me. You never let me tell you how I feel. It is as if my feelings aren’t important. Because you’re my mother, you think you have all the answers.  But sometimes I don’t need answers. I just want someone to listen.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared at the how-to-talk-to-your-kids pamphlets

scattered on my night stand. “I’m listening,” I whispered.

“You know, back there on the road, after I got the car under control, I started thinking

about the baby and taking care of it. Then I saw this phone booth and it was as if I could hear you preaching about how people shouldn’t drink and drive. So I called a taxi. I want to come home.”

“That’s good, Honey,” I said, relief filling my chest. My husband came closer, sat down

beside me and laced his fingers through mine. I knew from his touch that he thought I was

doing and saying the right thing.

“But you know, I think I can drive now.”

“No!” I snapped, my muscles stiffened, envisioning a wreck, envisioning losing a child, and I tightened the clasp on my husband’s hand. “Please, wait for the taxi. Don’t hang up on me until the taxi gets there.”

“I just want to come home, Mama.”

“I know. But do this for your mama. Wait for the taxi, please.”

I listened to the silence in fear. When I didn’t hear her answer I bit into my lip and closed

my eyes. Somehow I had to stop her from driving. But how?

“There’s the taxi, now.”

Only when I heard someone in the background asking about a Yellow Cab did I feel my

tension easing. She would get home.

“I’m coming home, Mama.” There was a click, and the phone went silent.

Moving from the bed, tears forming in my eyes, I walked out into the hall and went to stand in my sixteen-year-old daughter’s room. The dark silence hung thick. My husband came from behind, wrapped his arms around me, and rested his chin on the top of my head. I wiped the tears from my cheeks. “We have to learn to listen,” I said to him.

He pulled me around to face him. “We’ll learn. You’ll see.” Then he took me into his arms,

and I buried my head in his shoulder.

I let him hold me for several moments, then I pulled back and stared back at the bed. He

studied me for a second then asked, “Do you think she’ll ever know she dialed the wrong

number?”

I looked at our sleeping daughter, then back at him. “Maybe it wasn’t such a wrong

number.” Somehow, I was sure this had been some kind of a wake call for me as a mother.

“Mom, Dad, what are you doing?” The muffled young voice came from under the covers.

I walked over to my daughter who now sat up staring into the darkness. “We’re practicing,” I answered her question.

“Practicing what?” she mumbled and laid back on the mattress her eyes already closed in

slumber.

“Listening,” I whispered and brushed a hand over her cheek.

***

Now that you’ve read the story, watch the video and let me know what you think.

Lucas & Derek Speak Out

I loved all the great questions for Lucas and Derek. I’ll try to answer most of them over time. However, I’m nose deep in writing the Chosen at Nightfall. And I’ve gotten a rough draft of the cover. I love it! Anyway, for today’s blog I decided to answers one question.

1. When was the first moment you knew Kylie was for you? What’s one word you would use to describe how she makes you feel? — Joc

Derek: It was the first time I felt her. I was standing in the parking lot waiting for the bus to take us to Shadow Falls. I felt her. Her emotions were so pure, so heart-rendering, I wanted to help her so badly, it hurt. And then of course, I looked at her. It was over then, she had snatched my heart right out of my chest. And for the one word that would describe her? I’d have to say, it was breathtaking.

Lucas: The first time I saw her. She was only six year olds. But she was precious. Hey…I was only seven, so she wasn’t too young for me. The way she smiled. The way her eyes lit up, it was magical. Then, I looked to see if she was all human and she wasn’t. I mean…I didn’t know what she was, but one word kept playing across my mind: Mine. I wanted her to be mine. I guess that’s the word I would describe her. Although, honestly, it would take more than one word to describe her.

And now that I’ve answered these for Lucas and Derek, I want to ask you guys a question. What do you think you should feel when you first lay eyes on that special person? What thought goes through your mind. Maybe you’ve met that special person, or maybe it’s still a dream that will happen soon.

And because I don’t like to ask questions I don’t answer, here’s my answer to that question:

For me when I first laid eyes on Mr. Craig. I thought, he’s cute, but I’m so not looking for a guy in my life. He had to convince me that while it might not be the right time, he was definitely the right person. And I’m so glad he convinced me!

Oh…has everyone read the scenes from Lucas and Derek about the first seeing Kylie the first time at the camp? If not check it out: http://www.cchunterbooks.com/specialcontent.html.

Winner

The winner of the Shadow Falls t-shirt from last week is Brooklyn. Please email me at cc@cchunterbooks.com with your mailing address and t-shirt size.

Excellence

[image error]When I sit down to write a book, I want to write the very best book I can. I’m not happy if it is just good. Heck no, I want it to be excellent.  After all, I didn’t set out against all the odds of being a published author to write so-so books. If I had, well, I can tell you I never would have gotten published in the first place. My constant search for excellence got me thinking….

Right now, the world is watching the very best athletes on the planet compete in London at the Olympic Games. These are people who have dedicated their lives to their particular sport.  I’m sure every one of them was tempted at some point to give up on their dream of competing at the Olympics. Don’t you think those gymnasts would like to eat a Twinkie now and then? Maybe Ryan Lochte wanted to go to the movies with his friends instead of swimming laps? But did they? Probably not. They stayed focused on their goal, their constant journey to achieve excellence—to be the best of the best.

Now I’m not going to compare myself to an Olympic athlete. My exercise consists of a brisk morning walk. But I like to think I do have one thing in common with them. Like them, I have kept focused on my dream. Kylie, too, has kept her focus on discovering what type of paranormal she is and how to use her powers. And she has had quite a few distractions, but her main goal has remained constant. You’ll be surprised in Whispers at Moonrise all that Kylie learns and exactly what powers she discovers.  At one point, those powers leave her pretty darn frightened. But like an Olympian, she faces her challenges, and stays true to her goal.

I set out many years ago, not to win an Olympic gold medal, but to be a published author. I stayed focused and I achieved that goal.  And every time I sit down at my computer, I give it my all, and write the very best book I can. I owe that to myself and my readers.  Those Olympic athletes never gave up on their dreams, and neither did I.  And neither should you.  Commit to your dream and stay focused. You never know how far you can go.

So tell me your dreams. What do you want to achieve? I’ll give away a Shadow Falls t-shirt to one of you who answers my question.

Derek and Lucas

We have heard quite a lot from Kylie lately. So many of you wrote in such great questions for her to answer. And she answered them admirably, even the more difficult ones. I’m proud of her, but then she is one of the bravest people I know.

Anyway, I thought it would be a change of pace if I asked Derek and Lucas a question. I mean, why should Kylie always be put on the spot? Besides, she is trying to decide between the two of them, and maybe their answers might help.

I sat down with each of them separately. After all, they hardly get along, and I didn’t want to start a fae-werewolf war.

CC: If you could take Kylie anywhere on a special date, where would it be?

Derek: *He is silent for a moment, then a slow smile spreads over his face.* I’d take her back to our special place by the creek. Kylie likes it there, even though that’s where she saw the snake. I can tell when she’s there, she gets relaxed and comfortable. It’s as if she can stop worrying about things. I’d love to take her there again and just listen to the water flowing and look up at the trees. I think it was there that we first really connected. Our first kiss almost happened there. *He glances up at me with those green eyes, then quickly looks away.* And while it didn’t happen, in those first few seconds, I knew kissing her was going to be addictive.

CC: Okay thanks, Derek. I’m sure my readers will be interested to know.

CC: Okay, Lucas, I asked Derek this same question, and now it is your turn. If you could take Kylie anywhere on a special date, where would it be?

Lucas: *He rubs his chin, deep in thought.* Well, Kylie had told me how great theme parks are, with roller coasters and crazy rides. I’m not sure that I would totally get into them , but I think she wants me to experience it. I can tell she kind of likes them, so I would like to share it with her. It would be so good to just be somewhere with her and not have to worry about my pack watching and giving me warning looks about letting my feelings for her grow. *He leans toward me and lowers his voice.* Doesn’t any of my pack understand that’s it too late, I already care too much?

CC: Thanks for answering, Lucas.

So there you have it. That was my question for Derek and Lucas. What question would you ask them if you had the chance?

Winners

Thanks to everyone who responded to my Itty Bitty blog. Unfortunately, I could only pick five t-shirt winners and five notepad and pen winners.

The t-shirt winners are Jennifer Drew, Missy, Daz, Margaret Kosmata and Amanda.

The notepad and pen winners are Regina, Caroline, Isabel, Tess and Ariel.

Please email your mailing address to cc@cchunterbooks.com by July 30.

Itty Bitty

This week I’ve been getting ready for my Romance Writers of America conference. I’ll be jumping on a plane on Friday to go to California. I’ll be signing my books at RWA’s Autographing for Literacy at the Anaheim Convention Center on Wednesday, July 25 from 5pm to 8pm. Pop in to see me if you are in the area. Ahh, but this week, I’ve been shopping. While I know a lot girls and women love shopping, I think I missed out on getting the shopping gene.

I think part of the reason I’m not the biggest fan of shopping is because for me, shopping is hard work. You see, I’m short. And it’s just hard to find things that fit. Ugh. If I had three wishes, growing a few inches would be my wish. And I would also like to have bigger feet. Do you know how hard it is to find size five and half shoes? I spent a whole day shoe shopping. Seven stores and four hours later, I finally found one pair of shoes.

I had a friend in high school, a tall friend, who wanted to be petite. While she longed to be small and cute. I longed to be tall and glamorous. I guess we always want what we don’t have, right?

But seriously, I think tall people have the advantages that us short people don’t have. I can’t put anything on top of the refrigerator without getting a chair. You should see me trying to slow dance with my six-feet-two-inch hubby. I don’t even like talking to him when we’re standing up, because I get a neck ache.

Even grocery shopping can be difficult when what I want is on the top shelve. If you’re ever in the Houston area and you see a short blonde climbing on the grocery shelves to reach the light raspberry salad dressing, it might be me.

Today in honor of being itty bitty, I’m giving away some t-shirts—itty bitty T-shirts. You see, when I ordered my first t-shirts, the small size was…extra small. So I have extra shirts in the extra small size.

So speak up itty bitty fans. This is your week. Five people will win an extra small shirt. And just so I’m not leaving out my other fans, five other people will win a Shadow Falls note pad and pen. So . . . make sure all you guys leave a comment and tell me if you are applying for the t-shirt or the note pad and pen. Sorry, due to mailing cost, only USA residents. The winners will be announced on the blog next week. So make sure you come back and see if you won and then send me your snail mail address for me to mail out your shirts and prizes.

Have a great week and I hope to see some of you in California.

 

My BIg News

I have big news! The fifth, and final book, in my Shadow Falls series will be called Chosen at Nightfall. Don’t you just love the title? I do! I don’t have a cover yet, but it is coming soon, and when it does, I’ll share it with you. And while I have been working on Chosen at Nightfall a lot this summer, I’ve still found some time to have a little fun. I spent the 4th of July weekend in Alabama with my dad. I always enjoy going back to my hometown to visit family and friends. I also went to California for a book signing in Oceanside. It was such a thrill to meet so many of my fans.

[image error]Now, I am getting ready to go back to California for the Romance Writers of America Conference in Anaheim. I’ll be signing my books at RWA’s Autographing for Literacy at the Anaheim Convention Center on Wednesday, July 25 from 5pm to 8pm. Not only is it a wonderful chance for you to meet about 500 authors, but all the proceeds go to literacy programs. So, if you live in California, try to come on by. (And, yes, I know it is a big state. It’s like when I meet someone who knows somebody from Texas, and they ask if I know them.) But if you live around Anaheim, I’d love it if you came to my signing. Or maybe you just know someone who lives there, and you can tell them about it.

And more big news? Born at Midnight is at number 18 on the Best Seller List in Germany. Danke, to all my German readers! (I am jumping up and down here!)

Have you checked the Whispers at Moonrise countdown on my home page, lately? Yup, just 83 days left. I know, it seems like a lot, but it will pass quickly. So, to help you while you wait, I thought it would only be fair if I revealed a couple of things that happen in Whispers at Moonrise. First of all, Kylie finally admits she is in love with …someone. No, I’m not going to tell you who. Do I look crazy? That is something you’ll have to wait for. And secondly, somebody saves Kylie’s life in Whispers, and you’ll be shocked when you find out who it is.

Are you having a fun summer? Any great travel plans? Going to Anaheim, maybe? If so, I hope to see you there!

July 4th!

[image error]Happy 4th of July! Also known as Independence Day, it celebrates the day in 1776 when our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Now how celebrating U.S. independence evolved into family cookouts, I’ll never know. But I am extremely grateful.

Every 4th of July I love to get together with my family and friends, throw some burgers or a brisket on the grill, and make up a batch of potato salad. And maybe when the brisket is cooking, I’ll find some time to curl up in a corner with a good book from my “to be read” pile (which gets higher every time I look). I am reading Alyson Noel’s Fated at the moment, and I am looking forward to finding a few minutes to read tomorrow so I can find out what else is going on with Daire Santos.

[image error]Then there are the fireworks! Now that’s a fitting way to celebrate the birth of the U.S. I always look forward to watching the sky light up with colorful fireworks. Of course, my cats and dog hate fireworks.  So that means I have to do some serious cuddling at night fall.

What are your plans for the 4th of July? Do you have any traditions? If you are going to do a bit of reading over the holiday, what are you reading?

Ghost Hunting

 

There are some human beings who are dimly aware of their own deaths, yet have chosen to stay on in what used to be their homes, to be close to surroundings they once held dear. –Hans Holzer

 

A couple of weekends ago, I did something that Kylie would have hated. I went ghost hunting. I know Kylie doesn’t have to go looking for ghosts, they just come to her, and it doesn’t always thrill her that they find her, either. I’ll be honest, I’m not too thrilled about meeting up with a ghost either. But in the name of research, I went on a ghost hunt.

I was in San Diego, California, and I heard someone say something say something about a haunted house being open for tours. I couldn’t resist. I mean, so far, Kylie has managed to deal with all the ghosts that have crossed her path, so surely I could, right? Well, let’s just say I think Kylie handles ghost better than I did.

According to the Travel Channel’s American Most Haunted, The Whaley House is the number one most haunted house in the United States. The land where the house stand was once used to hang people. As a matter of fact, the earliest documented ghost at the Whaley House was “Yankee Jim,” who was convicted of grand larceny and hanged on the gallows off the back of a wagon on the property. According to the San Diego Union, “soon after the couple and children moved in, unexplained heavy footfalls were heard moving around the house.”

Several deaths took place at the house, and people regularly think they have seen one of the Whaley family still meandering around the property. Even the Whaley’s family dog has been spotted by visiting children. I did a slow stroll through the house, and I have to admit, I got chills. Not exactly like Kylie gets chills, just the kind that ran up my back as if something, or someone, was letting me know they were there.

In Whispers at Moonrise, Kylie goes back to the cemetery. Once again she’s surrounded by the dead, and they all want to reach out and touch her. Let me tell you, it was one spooky scene to write. Even I was I ready to leave those pages behind. Later on in Whispers at Moonrise, Kylie’s pulled into a grave, shared by three people. It was very crowded and she didn’t care for the snakes and insects crawling all over her. Let’s just say she wanted out of there–and quick.

Have you ever gone to a haunted house? Have you ever gotten a feeling that someone from the other side was there visiting? How about walking around a cemetery and getting goose bumps? I want to hear about your scariest ghost experience.

Street Team Update

As you recall in my June 5th blog, I told you the exciting news about the Street Team I am forming. I asked that you answer a few questions and said I would pick 50 lucky readers to be on my team. The response was overwhelming. Gosh, I have some fantastic and very avid fans out there!

If you haven’t emailed me the answers to my questions and responded to the follow-up email requesting your address, I’m afraid it is too late. I have closed the search for Street Team members, and those selected will be notified soon by email.