Tosca Lee's Blog, page 11
February 23, 2017
Win a Copy of The Progeny
The paperbook edition of The Progeny will be out March 7th. My publisher is giving away several copies on right here on Goodreads. Enter at the link below by February 28th!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
The cover has a new design, but you’ll experience the same thrills inside. Here’s what readers are saying:
“One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a very long time. Don’t miss this one.” – Alyssa on Goodreads
“Outstanding plot twists, great suspense and surprises abound in this book!” – Steve on Goodreads
“Such a wild ride! Fast paced, action packed, full of mystery, and suspense. I loved it!” -Ashley on Goodreads
You can pre-order copies of The Progeny now.
http://amzn.to/2kuMmHw
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
The cover has a new design, but you’ll experience the same thrills inside. Here’s what readers are saying:
“One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a very long time. Don’t miss this one.” – Alyssa on Goodreads
“Outstanding plot twists, great suspense and surprises abound in this book!” – Steve on Goodreads
“Such a wild ride! Fast paced, action packed, full of mystery, and suspense. I loved it!” -Ashley on Goodreads
You can pre-order copies of The Progeny now.
http://amzn.to/2kuMmHw
January 25, 2017
In which Tosca Interviews Herself on the Delay of Firstborn
In truth, this was a hard interview to get. After weeks of unanswered calls and no-shows, I finally cornered the elusive inner-author with a bacon trap in the kitchen, (which she did, in fact, manage to nab before the dog).
Me: There you are!
Tosca: This is my bacon. You can’t take it from me.
Me: There’s been a lot of speculation swirling around your recent trip to New York City. Care to comment?
Tosca: Those photos weren’t me. Someone hacked my Snapchat—
Me: I’m referring to rumors that you went to discuss your next series, but more importantly, a delay in the release of Firstborn. Is it true that the sequel readers have been asking about for months, is, in fact, delayed until May?
Tosca: Just so you know, I lobbied for the sequel to be released six or even four months after the first book. Due to a few eruptions in 2016 (cough cough—Olympics—cough—election) that wasn’t possible. We settled on February 28 but yes; due to circumstances outside of my control, that has now been pushed to May 2. But I want you to know I wrote that book in a fervor between getting married and going on my honeymoon a year ago because I was concerned about getting it out to everyone who wanted to hunt me down after The Progeny.
Me: You mean because of the cliffhanger.
Tosca: The purported cliffhanger. That might be an alternative fact.
Me: An alternative fact that resulted in triple deadbolts on your front door. So you wrote it that quickly to save your own skin.
Tosca: Hey, you saw that video of the crazy lady at Barnes and Noble.
Me: So you were holed up for weeks, writing…
Tosca: Yes. In a bunker. Salman Rushdie and I are like *this.*
Me: A bunker in Bora Bora. With a hot man who is your husband and looks nothing like Salman Rushdie.
Tosca: That was only for a week. The point is, I'm always thinking about my readers—from plot twist to character insights and revelations, I’m thinking of how best to serve and entertain them. To help them escape. It’s my privilege as a novelist and a job I take seriously. Which is why I wanted to get it to them as soon as possible.
Me: You say that, but isn’t it true that you’re unapologetic about the way you left The Progeny?
Tosca: In the words of Rick Riordian’s dedication of The House of Hades, “To my wonderful readers: Sorry about that last cliffhanger. Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA.”
Me: That’s not funny.
Tosca: It kind of is. It’s also true that his last line was, “But seriously, I love you guys.” Which is why we do it. Because we love our readers and want them to have fun. Remember questioning who shot J.R. in the 80s? What was going to happen to Rachel and Ross after he accidentally said her name at his wedding to another woman in the 90s? Wondering whether Bonnie and Damon died at the end of The Vampire Diaries season 5? And don’t get me started on the Walking Dead’s Glenn. Suspense has kept us tuning in—and turning pages—from Gone With the Wind to The Mazerunner for decades. We love stories because they rip our hearts out and make us want more.
Me: And yet you still hoped to get Firstborn to readers sooner.
Tosca: I’m not a sadist.
Me: Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?
Tosca: Sorry guys. I tried my best. I really did. That said, I loved writing Firstborn and hope you feel it was worth the wait.
Me: How are you going to make that wait up to us?
Tosca: Did you miss the part where I said this wasn't my fault?
Me: And yet...
Tosca: Well, I guess I could release some behind-the-story secrets.
Me: Keep talking.
Tosca: Swag?
Me: Isn’t it true that you promised your readers a serial short story to hold them over?
Tosca: I might have, yeah, I kind of—
Me: And isn’t it true that you said you’d make it available before the end of 2016?
Tosca: Why do I feel like I'm being interrogated?
Me: Because you’ve seen way too many episodes of Homeland.
Tosca: Look, I’ve had a lot on my plate lately.
Me: Evidently. Aren’t those the same sweat pants you wore yesterday and last week? Exactly how much stress eating have you been doing anyway?
Tosca: This interview’s over. I’m taking the bacon. And the See’s toffee in the cabinet.
So there you have it. It isn’t the news I wanted to deliver, and I’ve dragged my heels in doing so. It pains me to see Firstborn get penalized for the delay in early reviews that have nothing to do with the writing, but there it is.
For those of you who loved The Progeny,I can promise you this: more non-stop action, thrills, big reveals, and a major conclusion to this duology (there are only two books in this story) that has given me so much joy to write.
Meanwhile, I’m on to the next series, and I’m ready to amp up the thrills.
Thank you for hanging tough with me. Thank you for supporting me through trying periods as this one has been. You are foremost in my thoughts, and my stories are for you.
Me: There you are!
Tosca: This is my bacon. You can’t take it from me.
Me: There’s been a lot of speculation swirling around your recent trip to New York City. Care to comment?
Tosca: Those photos weren’t me. Someone hacked my Snapchat—
Me: I’m referring to rumors that you went to discuss your next series, but more importantly, a delay in the release of Firstborn. Is it true that the sequel readers have been asking about for months, is, in fact, delayed until May?
Tosca: Just so you know, I lobbied for the sequel to be released six or even four months after the first book. Due to a few eruptions in 2016 (cough cough—Olympics—cough—election) that wasn’t possible. We settled on February 28 but yes; due to circumstances outside of my control, that has now been pushed to May 2. But I want you to know I wrote that book in a fervor between getting married and going on my honeymoon a year ago because I was concerned about getting it out to everyone who wanted to hunt me down after The Progeny.
Me: You mean because of the cliffhanger.
Tosca: The purported cliffhanger. That might be an alternative fact.
Me: An alternative fact that resulted in triple deadbolts on your front door. So you wrote it that quickly to save your own skin.
Tosca: Hey, you saw that video of the crazy lady at Barnes and Noble.
Me: So you were holed up for weeks, writing…
Tosca: Yes. In a bunker. Salman Rushdie and I are like *this.*
Me: A bunker in Bora Bora. With a hot man who is your husband and looks nothing like Salman Rushdie.
Tosca: That was only for a week. The point is, I'm always thinking about my readers—from plot twist to character insights and revelations, I’m thinking of how best to serve and entertain them. To help them escape. It’s my privilege as a novelist and a job I take seriously. Which is why I wanted to get it to them as soon as possible.
Me: You say that, but isn’t it true that you’re unapologetic about the way you left The Progeny?
Tosca: In the words of Rick Riordian’s dedication of The House of Hades, “To my wonderful readers: Sorry about that last cliffhanger. Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA.”
Me: That’s not funny.
Tosca: It kind of is. It’s also true that his last line was, “But seriously, I love you guys.” Which is why we do it. Because we love our readers and want them to have fun. Remember questioning who shot J.R. in the 80s? What was going to happen to Rachel and Ross after he accidentally said her name at his wedding to another woman in the 90s? Wondering whether Bonnie and Damon died at the end of The Vampire Diaries season 5? And don’t get me started on the Walking Dead’s Glenn. Suspense has kept us tuning in—and turning pages—from Gone With the Wind to The Mazerunner for decades. We love stories because they rip our hearts out and make us want more.
Me: And yet you still hoped to get Firstborn to readers sooner.
Tosca: I’m not a sadist.
Me: Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?
Tosca: Sorry guys. I tried my best. I really did. That said, I loved writing Firstborn and hope you feel it was worth the wait.
Me: How are you going to make that wait up to us?
Tosca: Did you miss the part where I said this wasn't my fault?
Me: And yet...
Tosca: Well, I guess I could release some behind-the-story secrets.
Me: Keep talking.
Tosca: Swag?
Me: Isn’t it true that you promised your readers a serial short story to hold them over?
Tosca: I might have, yeah, I kind of—
Me: And isn’t it true that you said you’d make it available before the end of 2016?
Tosca: Why do I feel like I'm being interrogated?
Me: Because you’ve seen way too many episodes of Homeland.
Tosca: Look, I’ve had a lot on my plate lately.
Me: Evidently. Aren’t those the same sweat pants you wore yesterday and last week? Exactly how much stress eating have you been doing anyway?
Tosca: This interview’s over. I’m taking the bacon. And the See’s toffee in the cabinet.
So there you have it. It isn’t the news I wanted to deliver, and I’ve dragged my heels in doing so. It pains me to see Firstborn get penalized for the delay in early reviews that have nothing to do with the writing, but there it is.
For those of you who loved The Progeny,I can promise you this: more non-stop action, thrills, big reveals, and a major conclusion to this duology (there are only two books in this story) that has given me so much joy to write.
Meanwhile, I’m on to the next series, and I’m ready to amp up the thrills.
Thank you for hanging tough with me. Thank you for supporting me through trying periods as this one has been. You are foremost in my thoughts, and my stories are for you.
December 29, 2016
Best of 2016
Thank you, Write/Read/Life, for naming The Progeny Top Thriller pick of 2016!
"There is not much I can say that will adequately portray how good this book is! Lee is a master storyteller has crafted the best story that I have read in a long, long time."
Read their full review here: https://writereadlife.com/2016/05/24/...
"There is not much I can say that will adequately portray how good this book is! Lee is a master storyteller has crafted the best story that I have read in a long, long time."
Read their full review here: https://writereadlife.com/2016/05/24/...
October 18, 2016
Look What Came in the Mail...
My publisher just sent me the last galley of Firstborn, the sequel to The Progeny. That means two things: first, it's going into production and on its way to you! (Yay!) Second... I'm late starting the short stories I promised. BUT they're coming... so look out and make sure you're signed up for my newsletter, which is how I'll be sending them to you. Use this link to subscribe: http://eepurl.com/bF4HaT
In the meantime, I have one question for you. It occurred to me while I was writing the Author's Note for this duology (which will appear at the back of Firstborn), that I don't actually know if people read these things. Do you? Why or why not? Leave a comment with your answer.
Meanwhile, we're working on the big Firstborn cover reveal, after which Firstborn will be ready for pre-orders. Are you ready to run for your life... again?
In the meantime, I have one question for you. It occurred to me while I was writing the Author's Note for this duology (which will appear at the back of Firstborn), that I don't actually know if people read these things. Do you? Why or why not? Leave a comment with your answer.
Meanwhile, we're working on the big Firstborn cover reveal, after which Firstborn will be ready for pre-orders. Are you ready to run for your life... again?
July 26, 2016
New Progeny T: Live Now!
I don't always know a book's theme until I start writing.
But week after week as I wrote the story of Audra, who had lost her past, and of the young descendants of Elizabeth Bathory living without guarantee of tomorrow, the theme became dazzlingly apparent to me. Live. Live now, in the only moment that exists: this one.
If you've read The Progeny, you know that the last character on Audra’s UV tattoo is the ancient Glagolitic symbol for "life." A reminder for any of us living in the past or worrying about the future to LIVE fully, right now, in the present. Something I have to remember to do daily, hourly. Sometimes by the moment itself.
As someone who struggles with OCD, anxiety and occasional depression, I made this t-shirt as a reminder for myself. But I know I'm not alone in my preoccupation with things that seem bigger than they are, worry about a past that no longer exists, or fear of the future. Every time I've been transparent in an interview about depression, or even the ups and downs of creative life, I've received a massive response and outpouring of "me, too."
So I’ve made these shirts for you, too. A reminder for those of us untethered from the moment to fear not! And be fully alive—right now.
Tosca
ORDER YOUR SHIRT HERE: http://toscalee.com/product/glagoliti...
May 28, 2016
Secrets and Beans
Now that we’ve already established that I’m horrible at keeping secrets and good at spilling the beans and now that many of you have already finished reading The Progeny (so many of you devoured it in hours!) I’m here to dish some more (but no spoilers–I promise. And please, no one add any in the comments!)
*I carried the first line of this book around with me for about five years before I knew what story it went to.
*I did that with Iscariot, too.
*Piotrek is a name briefly mentioned in the first edition of Demon: A Memoir.
*Erasing memories using light is actually a thing… that may be a bigger thing in the future. Read about it HERE.
*I love Greenville, Maine. The names of the restaurants are made up–-one of which (The Limit) was picked from suggestions offered by my readers on Facebook.
*The whole thing about Audra’s bike crash scars… yeah. That’s me. As is the thing about Attila.
*A man sitting next to Audra in one scene is reading a Steven James novel. A character in one of Steven James’ novels is reading a Tosca Lee novel. You can also find a character reading Demon: A Memoir in one of James Rubart’s novels.
*They really do serve coffee with little shots of water in Croatia. I think you’re supposed to drink the water first. Or at least, that’s what I did.
*All the details about Lubenice on Cres island are true.
*Everything about the tunnels beneath Budapest is true.
*Yeah, I loved coming up with all the costumes (which was your favorite?)
*Two of Audra’s major clues are on the front and back cover.
*Pay attention to the map!
*Two characters alive at the end of Book 1 do not survive Book 2.
*I carried the first line of this book around with me for about five years before I knew what story it went to.
*I did that with Iscariot, too.
*Piotrek is a name briefly mentioned in the first edition of Demon: A Memoir.
*Erasing memories using light is actually a thing… that may be a bigger thing in the future. Read about it HERE.
*I love Greenville, Maine. The names of the restaurants are made up–-one of which (The Limit) was picked from suggestions offered by my readers on Facebook.
*The whole thing about Audra’s bike crash scars… yeah. That’s me. As is the thing about Attila.
*A man sitting next to Audra in one scene is reading a Steven James novel. A character in one of Steven James’ novels is reading a Tosca Lee novel. You can also find a character reading Demon: A Memoir in one of James Rubart’s novels.
*They really do serve coffee with little shots of water in Croatia. I think you’re supposed to drink the water first. Or at least, that’s what I did.
*All the details about Lubenice on Cres island are true.
*Everything about the tunnels beneath Budapest is true.
*Yeah, I loved coming up with all the costumes (which was your favorite?)
*Two of Audra’s major clues are on the front and back cover.
*Pay attention to the map!
*Two characters alive at the end of Book 1 do not survive Book 2.
May 25, 2016
Who are You Really?
The Progeny is out! What a journey this has been. I started research for this book and its sequel almost two years ago and it has taken me places far beyond the borders of Croatia and Hungary, where I went in pursuit of the “Blood Countess,” Elizabeth Bathory.
Why? Because at its heart, The Progeny is about one simple question:
Who are you really?
Who are you when your roles–daughter, son, sister, brother, friend, neighbor, wife, husband, student, job and titles–and your relationships are stripped away? Who are you at your core? When we step out of the history and experiences that we think define us, that make up an identity we believe to be our true selves… who are you? Are we just the sum of those things… or something beyond them all?
The Progeny is also about genius in all its forms–some more obvious than others. Maybe you, like me, have OCD. Or have contended with something unseen by others, in secret, for years. Maybe you’ve struggled with it through your life to the point that it’s interfered in your daily existence. Whether it’s ADD, ADHD, addiction, depression, anxiety, bi-polor disorder, autism, a chronic illness… whatever it is… I believe it informs your particular genius. The thing that causes you to see the world in a way that others can’t. I wrote this book as a reminder that the way you see the world is a gift. You are amazing. You are Progeny. (Use your powers for good, people!)
This book is about and for you. It’s about us and who we are. Because we’re not so different, in the end.
I love you guys. This story is for you.
PS: We worked hard with the publisher to get the price down for this launch. Look for The Progeny at your favorite book retailer.
Why? Because at its heart, The Progeny is about one simple question:
Who are you really?
Who are you when your roles–daughter, son, sister, brother, friend, neighbor, wife, husband, student, job and titles–and your relationships are stripped away? Who are you at your core? When we step out of the history and experiences that we think define us, that make up an identity we believe to be our true selves… who are you? Are we just the sum of those things… or something beyond them all?
The Progeny is also about genius in all its forms–some more obvious than others. Maybe you, like me, have OCD. Or have contended with something unseen by others, in secret, for years. Maybe you’ve struggled with it through your life to the point that it’s interfered in your daily existence. Whether it’s ADD, ADHD, addiction, depression, anxiety, bi-polor disorder, autism, a chronic illness… whatever it is… I believe it informs your particular genius. The thing that causes you to see the world in a way that others can’t. I wrote this book as a reminder that the way you see the world is a gift. You are amazing. You are Progeny. (Use your powers for good, people!)
This book is about and for you. It’s about us and who we are. Because we’re not so different, in the end.
I love you guys. This story is for you.
PS: We worked hard with the publisher to get the price down for this launch. Look for The Progeny at your favorite book retailer.
May 22, 2016
Progeny Signing
Oh my Gosh. There’s nothing like doing a signing at your home Barnes & Noble—three days before your latest release, no less (just for the hometown advantage. ;D)
I met and re-met the most incredible readers, old and new friends, book club members, and friends/family of fans too far away who came on their behalf. I admired tattoos, held babies (they didn’t even spit up on me—win!), hugged a lot, and just loved getting to hear a little about the lives, triumphs, work and families of those who took the time to come out.
Honestly, this is my favorite part of my job. Yes, I love writing. But writing is just communication—a way to connect with other human beings. To invite them to escape with you into another world/time/set of shoes and live vicariously for a while. To let others know that they are not alone, or weird (or, if they are, that we’re all weird).
Days like yesterday fill me with gratitude—for you, for books, for story, for the legacy of the most creative Being in the universe that flows in each of us.
I also got to meet the amazing April and Leslie, who made the funnest video about their day. Be sure to check it out and subscribe to April’s YouTube channel! Here's the link:
http://bit.ly/1TC2PUE
I met and re-met the most incredible readers, old and new friends, book club members, and friends/family of fans too far away who came on their behalf. I admired tattoos, held babies (they didn’t even spit up on me—win!), hugged a lot, and just loved getting to hear a little about the lives, triumphs, work and families of those who took the time to come out.
Honestly, this is my favorite part of my job. Yes, I love writing. But writing is just communication—a way to connect with other human beings. To invite them to escape with you into another world/time/set of shoes and live vicariously for a while. To let others know that they are not alone, or weird (or, if they are, that we’re all weird).
Days like yesterday fill me with gratitude—for you, for books, for story, for the legacy of the most creative Being in the universe that flows in each of us.
I also got to meet the amazing April and Leslie, who made the funnest video about their day. Be sure to check it out and subscribe to April’s YouTube channel! Here's the link:
http://bit.ly/1TC2PUE
May 20, 2016
Let's Talk About Food
Let’s talk about food.
If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I Tweet nearly as much about food as I do about writing.
Perhaps more.
Yeah, probably more. (Except right before book releases, but I still manage to slip a few morsels in.)
I wish I did not love food so much. As it is, I love the feeling of sitting down to a meal—be it at a four-star restaurant or Taco Hell at home. I love the pleasure of eating the way I love lolling in sun-warmed sheets that smell like skin. The way I love a great foot rub, hot water in a bath, fires in the winter.
If I had to pick a last meal, I’d be hard pressed; I could feasibly eat a last meal every day from now until I’m 80.
Among my favorites:
Movie buttered popcorn with evil fake buttery topping
Red Lobster cheese biscuits
Any biscuit, actually
Mashed potatoes
Ham gravy
Caviar with accouterments
Hot dogs with mustard
Greasy cheeseburgers
Miso soup
Roasted garlic soup
Feta marinated in olive oil and herbs
Crisp tater tots and ketchup
Guacamole
Perfectly grilled cheese
Tomato dill soup
Pad See-iew
Enchiladas
Chicken salad served in half an avocado
Morels
Korean seaweed and rice
Homemade croutons
Biscuits and gravy
Mulligatawny soup
Fresh oysters
Warm donuts
Ribeye
Sweet potato tempura
Warm chocolate cake with fudge frosting
Fried chicken and cold slaw
Anything with alfredo sauce on it
Crispy salads with blue cheese
Warm, crusty bread (and cold, salty butter)
When I’m queasy, I head for McDonald’s. There’s something seriously medicinal about McDonald’s fries and orange Hi-C. And there’s nothing in the WORLD like McDonald’s hashbrowns.
Can I get an “Amen?”
If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I Tweet nearly as much about food as I do about writing.
Perhaps more.
Yeah, probably more. (Except right before book releases, but I still manage to slip a few morsels in.)
I wish I did not love food so much. As it is, I love the feeling of sitting down to a meal—be it at a four-star restaurant or Taco Hell at home. I love the pleasure of eating the way I love lolling in sun-warmed sheets that smell like skin. The way I love a great foot rub, hot water in a bath, fires in the winter.
If I had to pick a last meal, I’d be hard pressed; I could feasibly eat a last meal every day from now until I’m 80.
Among my favorites:
Movie buttered popcorn with evil fake buttery topping
Red Lobster cheese biscuits
Any biscuit, actually
Mashed potatoes
Ham gravy
Caviar with accouterments
Hot dogs with mustard
Greasy cheeseburgers
Miso soup
Roasted garlic soup
Feta marinated in olive oil and herbs
Crisp tater tots and ketchup
Guacamole
Perfectly grilled cheese
Tomato dill soup
Pad See-iew
Enchiladas
Chicken salad served in half an avocado
Morels
Korean seaweed and rice
Homemade croutons
Biscuits and gravy
Mulligatawny soup
Fresh oysters
Warm donuts
Ribeye
Sweet potato tempura
Warm chocolate cake with fudge frosting
Fried chicken and cold slaw
Anything with alfredo sauce on it
Crispy salads with blue cheese
Warm, crusty bread (and cold, salty butter)
When I’m queasy, I head for McDonald’s. There’s something seriously medicinal about McDonald’s fries and orange Hi-C. And there’s nothing in the WORLD like McDonald’s hashbrowns.
Can I get an “Amen?”
May 9, 2016
Mother's Day
So some of you know that I got married last January (thank you for your sweet notes!) and some of you know I recently became a new mom to four beautiful human beings—three of which (all boys) are still at home. I spend a lot of time playing football, video games, and cooking these days! And honestly, I always had mad respect for moms before—but now I honestly don’t know how they do it all. (Seriously, moms, I need your secrets/vitamin supplements/tips…)
As we barrel toward release day for The Progeny (May 24!), I have to share that one of my most treasured memories of researching this book was taking my mom with me to Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy and Vienna. We tromped through castle ruins in Slovakia, took trains from Budapest to Bratislava, busses from Trieste, Italy, to Opatija, Croatia, visited churches an hour from the Ukranian border and ruin pubs in Budapest. My mom and I have a long history of traveling together—from India to the Carpathians of Transylvania, from Ixtapa to the Amazon. We long ago decided it was more fun to skip the gifts for birthdays, holidays and other occasions and just save up for our next big adventure and create some memories together. I’m so grateful for each one of them.
So on this Mother’s Day, I wish you beautiful memories—of mothers still with us or passed on—and send huge appreciation to the women doing the most important job in the world.
As we barrel toward release day for The Progeny (May 24!), I have to share that one of my most treasured memories of researching this book was taking my mom with me to Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy and Vienna. We tromped through castle ruins in Slovakia, took trains from Budapest to Bratislava, busses from Trieste, Italy, to Opatija, Croatia, visited churches an hour from the Ukranian border and ruin pubs in Budapest. My mom and I have a long history of traveling together—from India to the Carpathians of Transylvania, from Ixtapa to the Amazon. We long ago decided it was more fun to skip the gifts for birthdays, holidays and other occasions and just save up for our next big adventure and create some memories together. I’m so grateful for each one of them.
So on this Mother’s Day, I wish you beautiful memories—of mothers still with us or passed on—and send huge appreciation to the women doing the most important job in the world.
