Devyn Quinn's Blog, page 19

August 2012 update~

Dear Readers,

Wow. Don’t know about your region of the world, but it’s been boiling hot here! The temps have been hovering over 100 degrees and the poor AC is definitely laboring to keep things cool. Even though August promises to be another long hot month, I am hoping it goes by fast. To say I am ready for winter is an understatement. If you live in an area getting lots of rain, think about sending it here, please!

So what’s been up? Well, some of you have written to ask about the release of Darkness Awakening, the second book in the Vampire Armageddon series. Yes, there is a listing on Amazon and a few other book sites, and the date of release is given as August 7, 2012. Unfortunately the book’s information was uploaded to databases by the publisher, and even though that book was cancelled it remains listed as one of my forthcoming titles. A few of you know why this book ended up not happening, but for those of you who don’t, here is the short version: Around this time last year, I was in contract negotiations with NAL for a third paranormal series–having closed the contract for the Dark Tides series (Siren’s Call, Siren’s Surrender, Siren’s Desire) with the delivery of the final title  in the trilogy. An offer came through my agent, one that would have chopped the VA series down to two books–while only signing a single title in the new series. In other words, instead of offering a new contract and an advance for a new set of books, the publisher wanted to cut one book off the Vampire Armageddon contract (I signed for 3), and tack a first book in a new series onto the existing contract. This was unacceptable, as it would have killed the VA series at two titles, and it would not have guaranteed me that more than 1 book would be picked up in the third paranormal series. In other words, the publisher had no intention of really doing anything with either series. Although I was almost done with Darkness Awakening, I made the decision to close the file and leave the book unfinished. I also returned the advance and decided to walk away from NAL. I really don’t know what will happen with the second VA book. The entire experience killed my enthusiasm for the series. Once that dies, it is difficult to regain the momentum.

So what am I working on? Well, as you can see by the sidebar, I’ve got a lot planned for 2013, which I am working on implementing as I venture into the realm of self-publishing. Yes, it was briefly announced that I had signed a few contracts with a small press. Unfortunately they have closed their doors and the contracts have been voided. That’s just part of the business. I have a few other irons in the fire, but until I have some firm news, I’m not going to announce anything yet.  Book 1 (Incantation) of the new paranormal series, which I have tagged “Witching Hours”, is in the works for an August 2013 release.

Finally, the most important part of this post: The winners of the July giveaway are: Anna M – MN, Colleen T – UK, Sandra L – CO. All winners have been notified. Thanks to all who entered!

That’s about it for this month. Stay cool everyone!

Devyn

July 2012 Giveaway~

Dear Readers,

Sorry to be so lax with the updates, but I’ve got a lot going on! Can’t believe it’s only the start of summer and already the temps are soaring past 100! In between working on the new books and trying to keep cool, time just seems to slip through my fingers. Right now the best part of the day is when the sun finally sets and the cool shades of evening settle in. That’s when it’s time to kick back and relax with a glass of one’s favorite vino and a good novel. Which got me to thinking that maybe it’s time to give away a few books.

July Giveaway

Since I can’t give away the wine, I’ve put together a little goodie bag– which will include the Siren’s Trilogy along with my favorite Starbucks coffee, and a custom Devyn Quinn mug. My favorite flavor is Mocha, but the winner able to may choose their preference: Vanilla, Caramel or Mocha. Second and third place winners will receive a signed copy of Soul of the Wildcat, along with a cup and coffee of their choice.

How to say you’d like to have it? Simply send an email to devynquinn@aol.com with your name and current mailing address. Subject: Summer Giveaway

Winner(s) will be drawn on July 31st, 2012.

Meanwhile, it’s back to work on The Resurrectionist.  Be sure and check out the first chapter. It’s unedited, so this is your chance to tell me what you think! Download it here!

Until next month!

Warmly,

Devyn

May 10, 2012~

It’s been an exciting week! Now that it’s done I’m ready to unveil the cover for my upcoming steampunk novel, The Resurrectionist! There are two versions, the blue for eBook and the gold for print. Tentative release is Feb 2013, though I am aiming for the end of the year–if at all possible.

Credit goes to artist Stella Price for capturing my vision so perfectly!

So what’s it about? Here’s a teaser synopsis:

London, 1830

In the emerging field of medicine, Lady Florentia Palmer is a firm believer in science. She has no patience for the simple beliefs of an earlier age, or the tenants of religion based on faith alone. She also does not care for the limits society places on her womanhood, and is determined to carve her own path in life. As a noblewoman with a substantial trust, she is able to follow her passion with complete impunity.

Unfortunately women of her era aren’t allowed to attend med school, which pushes Florentia to take a desperate risk: to disguise herself as a young man. Her deception, thus far, has gone undiscovered and Florentia is a top student and promising surgeon. But hiding her unfortunate gender isn’t the sole obstacle this young student faces. In order to study anatomy, she must acquire stolen corpses, a highly illegal and dangerous measure.

Her current subject turns out to be the victim of a strange murder. But that’s not the only thing Florentia is about to discover. In fact, she is shocked beyond reason when he revives during the autopsy! Probing the miraculous event, Florentia learns he isn’t exactly alive. The young man, Andrew Waterston, is one of the undead; a vampire. As science and superstition clash, Florentia delves deeper into the mystery of how Andrew became “infected” with what must surely be a strange new disease. Excited by the prospect of discovering the source, her search for the truth plunges her into London’s dangerous underworld, where creatures of nightmare walk fog shrouded streets in search of victims they need to feed hellish hungers. There, she will encounter a darkly fascinating being, the ungodly beast Marcellus Harlowe Haslam ~ who is also a master of seduction. Drawing Florentia in as a spider lures the fragile fly, Marcellus threatens to steal not only her heart, but drain away her very soul…

Keep in mind this is only the tip of what I’ve got planned for my intrepid sleuth and her newly undead sidekick!

So that’s it for now. Questions and comments are welcome!

Off to write!

Devyn

May 3, 2012~

Dear Readers,

More exciting news! I’ve signed three more contracts, one for the paranormal-erotic romance “Catty Tales” series and one for a full-length steampunk novel, titled The Resurrectionist. All three are with Ruby Lioness Press.

If all works out, my first novella, Why Not Me?, will debut in later July 2012. The first Catty Tales (and yes, it’s about those shape-shifting felines) will be releasing for Halloween. The Resurrectionist is slated for a Feb 2013 release. And, yes, it will be in print. This is my first try at writing in the genre, but I’m excited about the possibilities it presents and looking forward to writing it.

Don’t forget that you can also send for a signed bookmark and bookplate set in free stuff. I’ve also got some bookmarks from Echoes of Angels and Descent of Demons, which will soon be in print again through MojoCastle press (late in May, I hope!!!)

Meanwhile, feel free to friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter as I start this new chapter in my career.

Warmly,

Devyn

April 20, 2012~

Dear Readers,

Well, it’s been a long 8 months since I sat down in front of the computer to write. Last Sept, I’d sworn that I was done, done, done with the up and down life of a writer. Well, of course, I had to learn the hard way that it’s something you don’t easily leave behind, especially if you feel that creating with the written word is your calling in life.

So, okay. I had to take a hard look and decide what I wanted to do. The conclusion was easy. I want to write. So here we go…

To kick things into gear, I’m pleased to announce that I have accepted a contract with Ruby Lioness Press (rubylionesspress.com) to write a contemporary story for their Clearwater multi-author series. And, yes, it will be steamy! It’s been a few years since I wrote in the erotica genre, but that’s where I initially made my name when I began publishing in New York with Kensington’s Aphrodisia imprint. Will I be writing more in future times? The short answer is of course!

I’ll also be looking into going ahead and continuing a couple of series that readers have been asking for a resolution to. This will include a third Kynn book, tentatively titled Sins of the Soul, and that pesky third Eternity book that’s been on my hard drive for more years than I care to count. Yes, I did write it. I never released it, though, and still can’t figure out why. I’ll also be exploring new full length novels, including some new paranormal series I’ve been letting simmer for awhile.

So that’s the latest. Meanwhile, here’s the synopsis for the new novella. Release date TBA:

Why Not Me?

Allison Rains is a vet tech at the Vet Clinic in Clearwater, WY. At 30 years of age, she’s settled into the community where she grew up. Independent with a bit of a prickly streak, Allison is currently single. At 17, she married her high school sweetheart, Lucian Donner, but the marriage was a complete failure. While Allison wanted to remain in Clearwater, Lucien had dreams of a bigger world with brighter horizons. An artist and dreamer, her young husband wanted to see the world. Settling down in a small town to raise a family definitely wasn’t anything he had on his mind. The marriage ended after six miserable months. Love, or rather lust, wasn’t enough to keep them together. Although the two adored each other, they were just too damn young to make things work. He was the dreamer intent on skipping college, and she was always the practical one. And the last thing Allison wanted to do was live the life of a struggling artist.

Since that time, Allison has dated but she just hasn’t found the man she considers to be “the one”. Part of the problem may be that her heart still belongs to the man she loved, but lost. A piece of her soul feels like it’s missing, never to be filled again. To compensate, Allison has thrown herself into her work with neglected and abandoned animals. Her life is comfortable and a small circle of friends and family keeps her busy. Her younger sister, Colleen is about to deliver her first child. While she’s thrilled to be an aunt, Allison won’t admit to her family that her heart still aches for the man that walked away.

Returning to Clearwater isn’t something Lucien Donner wants to do. However since his father has passed away unexpectedly, he’s got the job of coming home to help his mother sort through his dad’s estate. The house he grew up in will need to be sold, and his ageing mother relocated to an apartment she can manage. From Lucien’s point of view, Clearwater was always a nice place to be from, but he definitely didn’t want to spend his entire life in such a small community. The bright lights of the big cities beckoned, and Lucien was eager to prove himself. Unfortunately, the uncertainties of pursuing an artistic career has left him struggling to find his way. Nobody wants to roll back into their hometown as a failure, but that is exactly what Lucien’s doing. He’s broke and out of work, and coming home is the only way he can salvage the tattered remnants of his pride. Once his mother is resettled, he plans to take his portion of his inheritance and start over somewhere far away.

A monkey wrench is throw into Lucien’s plans when he accidentally strikes a stray dog with his vehicle. Unable to leave the wounded animal to die, Lucien bundles the dog into his car and rushes to the local vet. As far as he knows old Doc Gleason is still running the place. Rushing the animal inside, he’s surprised to see Allison Rains working there. Since their divorce 13 years ago, he’s fallen out of touch with his ex-wife. Seeing her after so much time has passed is a shock. The pretty teenager he married on a youthful whim is now a beautiful –and mature— woman. It takes only seconds for his feelings for Allison to return, full force. Thought he knows he’ll be playing with fire, he asks Allison out, presumably to catch up on old times. Although he doesn’t plan to stay in town for more than a few weeks, he can’t help wondering if the heat they’d once generated can be rekindled…

Allison, however, isn’t in any mood for games. Although Lucien’s little boy smile and talented hands still turn her on in all the right ways, she isn’t up for a brief affair. If Lucien plans to slide between her sheets, he’d better plan on staying awhile. She wants more from her ex. Maybe more than he’s willing to give. But the old saying of nothing ventured, nothing gained is so very true. All Allison needs to do is convince the reluctant Lucien that this time around she’s got all the right moves to keep him where he belongs: at home, in Clearwater. With her.

Some naughty lingerie and a pair of handcuffs might be helpful…

Be sure and check out Ruby Lioness Press for more details on the Clearwater series.

Warmest regards,

Devyn

PS: Free Stuff is back… Bookmarks and a signed bookplate… Send for yours today!

April 16, 2012~

Dear Readers,

A few months ago I announced that I was going to take some time away from writing. Last September, I crashed and burned during negotiations with Penguin/NAL for a third series. The offer they made wasn’t a good one and I turned it down. At the time I was frustrated, angry and felt my career wasn’t making any headway, and the decision to leave the business seemed to be the right one. I thought it would be easy to walk away.

I was wrong.

Since that time I’ve been conflicted and struggling with the decision. I love to write. It’s all I know how to do. And I felt terrible that I left so many series unfinished and so many books unwritten. The thought of never writing again has bothered me. A lot. It hasn’t been easy to shut the door and throw away the key on something that has consumed almost 25 years of my life.

So, I’m going to write again. And since I’m no longer tied to any particular publisher, it means I no longer have to write within any given sets of parameters as expected by any particular editor. Simply put, I’m going to write what I want to, the way I want to. And I’ll release it the way I want, in the formats my readers have come to expect. Writing is a lonely job. It should be fun since so much time and effort goes into putting out something readers will enjoy. I’m not saying publishing in New York prevented me from doing my best write a good book. But the pressures of deadlines, editor red-lines and apathetic publishers giving the books zero support seriously drained away all my creative energy. The thrill of losing myself in myself in my characters had vanished. However, those same characters are refusing to be put aside. They live on in my mind, demanding release. The only way to free them is to put their stories down on paper.

What does this mean for future releases? Well, I’ll probably be going independent to finish the series’ that were left in limbo. This will mean a return to the Kynn books (Sins of the Flesh, Sins of the Night) as well as the Eternity books (Echoes of Angels, Descent of Demons), as well as other single titles that were shopped around but never sold. Given time –and a good editor– I will begin releasing new material by the end of 2012. If all works out, new books and novellas will (hopefully) appear several times a year on a regular release schedule. I am planning to explore options in both eBook and print, so no one will miss out on the books they want.

It isn’t going to happen overnight. But I am currently working to put the old gears back into motion and see if I can’t return to doing what I’ve always felt I was born to do. We all have a calling in life. I’ve always felt mine was, and is, to write.

To close this note, I want to thank all the people who wrote to request more books. Your kind words and support means so much! I’m touched and deeply grateful for every single one of my readers. I hope that you’ll be sharing in my new adventure for many years to come!

Warmest wishes to all~

Devyn

March 24, 2012~

Dear Readers,

Thank you for visiting DevynQuinn.com. I have some news to share, so here goes:

Although I have written several novels and novellas, and even won a few awards, I had to learn the hard way a book has little chance of succeeding without the support of the publisher and marketing team. Unfortunately my books did not receive any publicity, and most slipped into quiet oblivion despite my best efforts to promote myself.

While it was a bitter pill to swallow, I finally had to realize I do not have the magic touch for attracting readers. With that in mind, I have made the decision to put down my pen for awhile and pursue other avenues of creativity.

The decision was a difficult one. Don't get me wrong. I love to write and I love hearing from my readers. (I still do, and the contact form is still in place.) It just came to the point where the excitement of creating a new story disappeared and the aggravation of the New York publication process wasn't worth the stress. Life is too just short to be angry or disappointed with one's work.

For the convenience of readers I am leaving this site in place. But there will be no new releases for a while, with the exception of Descent of Demons (Keepers of Eternity 2), which was already in the publication que last year with Mojocastle Press. Given a little space and time I might be back with a renewed desire to write and fresh ideas. For now, I simply need a break. I do hope everyone understands as I sort everything out.

Any future announcements will be posted here.

Warmest regards,

Devyn

Feb 12, 2012~

Dear Readers,

Thank you for visiting DevynQuinn.com. I have some news to share, so here goes:

Although I have written several novels and novellas, and even won a few awards, I had to learn the hard way that a book has no chance of success without the support of the publisher and marketing team. Unfortunately my books did not receive any publicity, and most slipped into quiet oblivion despite my best efforts to promote myself.

While it was a bitter pill to swallow, I finally had to realize that I do not have the magic touch for attracting readers. With that in mind, I have made the decision to put down my pen and pursue other interests. Life is too short to be be angry or disappointed with one's work, and I'm weary of watching my books go unnoticed and unread.

The decision was a difficult one, but I am retiring Devyn Quinn. For the convenience of readers I am leaving this site in place. But there will be no future releases under that pen name.

Warmest regards,

Devyn

Now Available~

While fighting for their lives, three mermaid sisters must battle dark and forbidden desires hidden in the ocean's depths…

After defeating the covert agency that threatened to destroy her and her sisters, Addison Lonike grudgingly resumes her life as an EMT in Maine. She would love nothing more than to take on the dangerous Mer queen, Magaera, who is hell-bent on destroying them. But with two baby nieces on the way, she can't take the risk. That is, until Mason McKenzie arrives…

Captain of the naval task force on the hunt for Queen Magaera in the Mediterranean, Mason sees the perfect recruit in Addison. But while at sea, the pair is pulled under a wave of passion that threatens their independent natures—and their mission. An encounter with a new race of male sea-shifters further complicates Addison's desires. Now, she must choose between a life of the sea, or fulfilling the deepest longings of her heart…

The final book in an exciting trilogy!

"A root-able heroine, a divinely sexy hero, and a really cool bad guy (bad gal?), Devyn Quinn's Siren's Desire has pretty much everything you need to curl up and get lost for hours." –MaryJanice Davidson, New York Times best-selling author of the Undead series

"Devyn Quinn's Siren's Desire provides an action-packed fantasy within a really 'hot' romance novel. I loved the main characters, Mason and Addison, and the sparks that fly between them. As a fantasy author, I really enjoyed and appreciated all the world-building Ms. Quinn did for the "Siren" trilogy; her mermaids are both human and otherwordly, drawn to human males, yet having their own magic and traditions. This triumphant conclusion to the story of the three Lonike sisters and the men that fall hard for them is sure to engage both romance and fantasy readers!" ~ AC Crispin, author of The Price of Freedom

"In the final book in the Dark Tides trilogy about magical mermaids, Quinn uses her lovely way with words to whisk you away to imaginative places filled with remarkable people. Readers will be spellbound. 4 stars." – Romantic Times

"The final Dark Tides oceanic romantic fantasy is a super finish to a stupendous saga in which the key to the series is the belief that the Siren and Mer species exists. Fast-paced from start to the finish, readers will enjoy the third Lonike sister's escapades in love, tide and adventures as Devyn Quinn casts a charming spell on her audience." – Alternative World Reviews

Download the 1st chapter here!

Coming Soon to print!

I'm thrilled to announce that Echoes of Angels is close to returning to print! Every writer has a "book of their heart" and the Eternity series is mine. Although I've only released 2 in the series (Descent of Demons is returning to print and ebook soon, with expanded text!), I've always held off releasing the third. Most excuses ranged from it wasn't ready to be read to I'm working on other books. Well, the time has come for me to pull the third book out of obscurity and get it read for release. If all goes well, 2012 will see cranky Irish assassin Morgan Saint-Evanston back in action. For those readers who have never had the pleasure of meeting Morgan, I urge you to check out the first title. The ebook is now available trough most booksellers (Amazon, B&N, etc…). As for those of you who prefer print, just as soon as I have copies in my hands, I'll let you know! According to my publisher, it's going to be mid-November, but I am hoping it's sooner!

Synopsis: Julienne Hunter had it all. And she used it–her beauty, wit and grace–with a heedless and reckless daring to climb to the pinnacle of success in the world of high fashion. There was no tomorrow in her glittering world and no secrets that her charm could not hide.

But old bodies will not stay buried and Julienne is about to learn the truth of her own lost past. Crushing tragedy lures Julienne back to the family home her mother, Cassandra, abandoned over twenty-one years ago–and straight into the unwelcome embrace of the man her mother feared.

Morgan Saint-Evanston.

Dark. Brooding. Sexy as hell. He's everything a woman desires, yet his own dark secrets have tainted his heart and blackened his soul. He is a man Julienne will dare to take as her lover even as he plunges her into an occult realm where human souls are open barter and swords and sorcery still rule…

Download the first 3 chapters here!

Theme: Witchcraft/Fantasy/Immortality