Laurie London's Blog, page 17

My First Book Came Out Today

It's hard to believe that today has finally arrived. Sixteen months after receiving "The Call" from my editor that HQN wanted to buy my series, my debut novel, Bonded By Blood, is on shelves. 

Because I have yet to receive my author copies, I visited my local Barnes and Noble to see what the book looked like in person.

This morning, I was told the book may be in the back, but that it hadn't been entered into the system yet. They took my email and promised to notify me when it went out.

My husband, being the impatient person that he is, insisted we go down there late this afternoon. We scoured the aisles. No Bonded.

Frankly, I just wanted to go home and check it out another time. Having received some very sad news about an old friend this morning, being happy just didn't feel right anyway.

[image error] The bookseller said the copies that came in had already been sold (my friends?), except for one. It was being held for me! Argh. I just wanted to be notified that it was there, not that they'd pull it. 

He unwrapped the white hold wrapper and there it was. My first book.

It was everything I thought it'd be. Rectangular. 378 pages. New paper smell. Crisp, clean edges. Hot guy with fangs. My name on the cover.

I'd say, it's just about perfect.

Since we bought the last copy, I hope they decide to buy more. 

Hot Romance by Texas Writer Warms Up Chilly Western Washington

[image error] How To Marry A Duke , a wonderful Regency romance by debut author and dear friend Vicky Dreiling, has been spotted on store shelves all over Western Washington (and the country). It's The Bachelor, set in Regency England, without the hot tubs or the camera crews. What a fun premise! Yes, she actually got the idea for the book by watching the show.

Vicky and I met several years ago on GIAMx4, an online goals loop for writers. We sold our first books within about six months of each other, and our first two books come out around the same time. Although we write in different genres for different publishers, it's been so fun going through this new and exciting process with her.

"Did you get your revisions yet?"
"No, not yet. How about you."
"Yes, just yesterday."
"Okay, so what do they look like? Are you in a panic or are they not too extensive."
"They're actually not bad."

We email, Facebook, tweet and talk (sometimes for hours) about writing, books, our families, publishing, and promotion, celebrating each other's little victories and downplaying anything negative. Basically, she's one of my BFF writing buddies, although we've never met (which will change at the Romance Writers of America National Conference in NYC this June).

On the way to the bookstore to pick up a copy of her book, I made a quick trip to the grocery store. Imagine my surprise when there, on the top shelf of the grocery store's small book shelf, in the featured author section, was Vicky's book! It's one thing to have your book available in book stores, but it's extra awesome when a store with very little shelf space picks yours to sell. 

[image error] How To Marry A DukeI squealed, did a little jig (much to my daughter's horror), took this picture of it, and told the woman at the checkout all about my friend from Texas who wrote it.

The checker examined the book, started to put it into my bag, but then she paused and looked at it again, as if memorizing the cover. "Those Texans," she said, wrapping the book separately. "They sure know how to write about the good stuff."

"Yes," I said. "They sure do."

If you're looking for a fun yet emotional read, you should pick up a copy of How To Marry A Duke. Then follow Vicky on Twitter (@vickydreiling) during The Bachelor every Monday night for some zany entertainment and lots of laughs.

I'm giving away a copy of How To Marry A Duke to one lucky commenter.

Quick Reflections on a Wonderful Year

In the quiet of the house, before my family gets up, I find myself reflecting on my blessings as the year comes to a close. Having spent the last two days with family and getting ready for more Christmas festivities today, I want to thank you--my friends, readers, and colleagues--for your part in making 2010 a very special year for me.

I hope the holidays find you and your family happy, healthy, and prosperous, and I wish the very best for you in 2011.

Much love,
Laurie

Reader Expections and Why They Matter

[image error] The Black Keys at Deck the Hall BallLast night I attended the Deck The Hall Ball in Seattle which featured some great bands, including Cake (not pictured). They performed songs from their upcoming album as well as a few old ones, and they engaged the audience as only they can. But the song that was glaringly missing from their set list is probably their biggest hit. Short Skirt Long Jacket. My friend and I were disappointed, others around us were disappointed, and when I tweeted that they didn't do that song, several people replied back how weird it was.

That got me thinking about reader expectations when you pick up a book.

When you read a romance you expect certain things to happen. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl over in the end...or a variation of this. And when you read one of the sub-genres, you have additional expectations. Imagine how shocked you'd be if you thought you were reading an inspirational romance, only to find it's erotica--or vice versa. Even if you read both of those genres, chances are, you'd still be disappointed that your expectation wasn't met.

As an author, I try to tap into what readers of paranormal romance want and give it to them. I read recently that an author's goal should be to exploit a reader's fetishes in whatever genre they're writing. I love that. As a reader, I want my fetishes exploited!

Although the concert last night was great, it would've been a lot better if I'd been able to dance on my chair to Short Skirt Long Jacket.

Bookmarks and Free Books

[image error] Wanted to let you know of a couple of freebies going on right now--bookmarks and books. Let's face it--I love free stuff.

My first ever bookmarks have been designed and are being printed as we speak. I can't wait to see them in person. Here's the front with BONDED BY BLOOD. On my screen, it looks a little orange, but I'm assured it's actually red. EMBRACED BY BLOOD, book 2 which is coming out in July, is on the back.

If you want a bookmark and be one of the first to see the cover of EMBRACED (it's not posted anywhere yet), "like" my Facebook page if you haven't already, and send your mailing address to Laurie at LaurieLondonBooks.com. The first 50 people don't need a SASE.

Also, I'm giving away 5 copies of BONDED BY BLOOD on Goodreads. The contest ends before the book comes out, so, if you're lucky, you could get the book before it's even on the shelves.

Take care!
~Laurie

Gommo's Eggnog Pie - My Grandmother's Recipe

My grandma used to make this wonderful Eggnog Pie for the holidays. I'm thankful she contributed her recipe to the Cedar Creek Grist Mill Cookbook, published in 1991, because otherwise, I wouldn't have had it. Several years after she passed away, I was missing her and made the pie for my grandpa at Thanksgiving, using my own chickens' eggs. It made him so happy, so I started making it for all the holidays. Although he's gone now too, everyone still expects me to make it. When I was trying to decide what to bring to my brother's this Thanksgiving, my mom just assumed I would bring Eggnog Pie. Guess I'm carrying on my grandmother's tradition.
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Gommo's original recipe calls for making a regular pastry crust. I did that at first but found we all preferred a graham cracker crust. Sorry, Gommo! (Even Poppo liked it this way too.) It's even easier this way.

1 tsp. Knox gelatin
1 Tbsp. water
1 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Pinch of salt
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. heavy cream, whipped
Nutmeg
1 graham cracker crust pie shell

1. Soak gelatin in the water to soften. Set aside.

2. Scald milk in top of double boiler.

3. Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add to scalded milk and cook until smooth, stirring constantly.

4. Stir small amount of hot mixture into the eggs to temper them, then return to the double boiler and cook three to four minutes longer, stirring constantly with a whisk.

5. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mixture and butter. Whisk till smooth. Cool.

6. Add vanilla. Fold whipped cream into custard mixture. Pour into pie shell and sprinkle with nutmeg. Chill pie until ready to serve.

7 Things Happening in the Sweetblood World

With the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to let you know what's been going on in the Sweetblood world. Okay, let's face it. I've been a really bad blogger, so I have a bunch of things to tell you. When I'm not writing, I primarily hang out on Facebook and Twitter, not here.  

1. BONDED BY BLOOD is available for pre-order at all the major retailers now. Click on the bookcover and it'll take you to Amazon or you can go to my website to see ALL the buy links. My aunt ordered her copy already. So can you. ;-)

2. Check out this excerpt from BONDED BY BLOOD. I'd have put up a little more, but there's cursing in the next scene--quite a lot--and I know my mom reads my website. (I'm not sure how I'm going to handle it when she reads the book. The f-word will be the least of my worries. Seriously. She might disown me or, at the very least, threaten me with a wooden spoon.)

3. If you're a reviewer or a book blogger, BONDED BY BLOOD just went up on NetGalley. In case you're not familiar with that website (I wasn't), it's a place many publishers are using to get electronic copies of books out for reviews prior to a book's release date. I'm nervous and hope at least some of them love Dom and Mackenzie as much as I do.

4. Maybe you noticed and maybe you didn't, but I've got a spot here, on my website, and on my Facebook page to sign up for my newsletter. It all goes to the same place, so if you can't remember if you signed up or not, it'll automatically tell you. It's an easy way to learn about upcoming releases. Since I love special things for fans, I hope to have some fun surprises only for newsletter subscribers. Join now!

5. I'm having a friend design my first ever bookmarks. It'll have BONDED BY BLOOD on one side and EMBRACED BY BLOOD on the other. If you're interested in receiving one, email me your name and address, and when I get them printed, I'll send one to you.

6. I heard from Harlequin's Australian offices that BONDED BY BLOOD will be available there March 2011! They're working on the cover now--must be a marketing thing or a cost center thing to have a different cover--but either way, they said it's really hot. I can't wait to see it.

7. If you want to see some author work spaces (including mine), Lisa Renee Jones is doing a fun series on her blog right now. Check it out--she's giving out some cool prizes too. Next month, she's doing a holiday series and I shared my recipe for Hot Buttered Rum. I'll link it when it goes up.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner for those of us in the US, I hope the holidays find you and your family healthy and happy. 

Ghost Hunting Conference in Port Gamble

[image error] This weekend my teenage son and I attended the first annual Ghost Conference put on by the town of Port Gamble. Located on the Olympic Peninsula on the way to Forks, Port Gamble is a company-owned town, established in the 1850s to serve the mill workers. With its tree-lined streets, white picket fences, and old-fashioned shops, it's been designated a National Historic Landmark and is very "active," making it a popular destination for paranormal investigators.

The weekend began with a ghost walk through the streets and our host told us stories about the various buildings and houses. Residents have reported lights being turned off or on, items moved, strange sounds, etc.

[image error]Port Gamble churchSaturday was filled with workshops and lectures, including tools used in ghost-hunting, the parapsychology of ghost-hunting (given by college instructor Neil McNeil), and a discussion of paranormal in folklore around the world. Author Gregg Olson talked about his book Starvation Heights, an actual sanitarium in Kitsap County around the turn of the century where at least forty people died from starvation which was touted as a remedy for many ailments. Local Seattle icon, Ivar Haglund of Ivar's Acres of Clams was treated there as a boy, and his mother was one of the victims. Paranormal investigator Darren Thompson from WSPIR (Washington State Paranormal Investigative Research) conducted an investigation of the premises and reported his findings. In an audio recording taken in the woods where the sanitarium was located (it burned in a fire years ago), we clearly heard a voice saying, "Help us."

[image error]Port Gamble cemeteryAfter dinner, we reconvened for several of our own self-guided investigations, equipped with cameras and listening devices. My group explored the cemetery, old church, and the Walker-Ames mansion. In the church, a woman reported feeling a tapping on her shoulder during an EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) session led by Dave from Silent Voices. My son felt someone tap his back in the attic of the mansion where the children used to play (we found this out afterwards). A friend took a very unusual self-portrait at the mansion with an unexplained line of light that looked like a cord in front of her face, but upon further investigation, no cord existed.

[image error]Walker-Ames mansionThe Walker-Ames mansion looks a little like Norman Bates' house in Psycho, don't you think? Can you believe we were inside that place just before midnight? We saw all the equipment used by OPPS (Olympic Peninsula Paranormal Society) who showed us how everything works. We then explored all four floors, from the damp and claustrophobic basement to the attic located at the top of a narrow, rickety staircase. 
[image error]Walker-Ames mansionThis picture with the crows was taken right outside the Walker-Ames mansion the day after our investigation. Don't crows flying overhead mean something ominous?

[image error]Former hospitalThis happy-looking blue building is actually the old hospital. People have reported feelings of oppression and heaviness inside. A friend who visited the shop located inside couldn't stay for long because the feeling she got from the place really bothered her.

Although I'm fascinated by all things paranormal (ghosts, vampires, werewolves, aliens), I'm not sure I'm convinced that ghosts really do exist. However, that being said, I'll definitely attend the ghost conference next year.
[image error]The road to ForksAnd finally, if you continue west through Port Gamble, you'll eventually come to Forks. And we all know what you'll find there.

My First Cover! BONDED BY BLOOD

[image error] I'm beyond thrilled to show you the cover of my debut novel BONDED BY BLOOD, the first book in my Sweetblood series which comes out February 2011. It's the preliminary cover, so there may be a few changes when the final one comes out.

Is this hot or what? Looking at him as he's looking at me seriously makes my heart race. And, yes, he's a real guy! HQN hired actual models. As a new author and not knowing their process beforehand, I assumed they'd just photoshop stock photography. (Imagine the conversation at the photo shoot. "Okay, we want you to put on these fangs and this ring. Look like you're about to bite her. Good. Now, look into the camera. Niiice.")

The vibe is totally perfect and the ring has a very special significance in the story. I'm so excited the art department was able to work in that important detail. I love the handwritten, gothic-looking accent font (it's on the back cover too) and the title font. They're going to use it with all the books--they'll all have "By Blood" in the title with that cross icon.

At the recent Emerald City Writers Conference I showed this to a few people. One person said it looks like he's thinking, You're next. Someone else said it's like he wants you to watch.

What do you think he's thinking?

Here's the back cover copy:

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy—
Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkblood rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors. Now, Guardian team leader Dominic Serrano will be forced to choose between the vengeance he craves and the woman he can't live without…
Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she's cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.
For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her…



Copyright © 2011 Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks of Harlequin Enterprises Limited and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Teaser Tuesday: LET ME IN By John Ajvide Lindqvist

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My Teaser:



The earth shall drink his blood. 
For the second time this day Oskar felt almost happy.


pg. 22 LET ME IN By John Ajvide Lindqvist



It's unusual to see a movie before reading the book, but that's exactly what I'm doing. I totally loved the Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In. The setting was bleak, the relationship between the two main characters had a sweet innocence to it, and the story is very, very creepy. However, the subtitled version is much better than the dubbed version. When it was remade by an American film company and retitled to Let Me In, I was skeptical. Because I love vampire films and loved the Swedish version so much, I gave it a try. Even though I knew the story and what to expect (not normally a plus when seeing a scary movie--shock is part of why you go see them), I totally loved it. The story sticks with you for a long time. I hope I enjoy the book as much. Let me say this: If the opening scene is indicative of the whole book, I'm gonna love it!



[image error] Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that pageBE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!






 
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