Elizabeth Hunter's Blog, page 38

New Waterlocked and a contest!

Gobble gobble, yum.

Happy Thanksgiving week!

I’m back with the first proper chapter of Gemma and Terry’s novella, Waterlocked. I was blown away by your amazing response to the prologue. The website hit its all-time high for traffic AND I got some fantastic suggestions for the boat’s name. In the end, I could only pick one, so I decided on Conquest, which was a suggestion from reader, Katie Rose. Thanks Katie! Conquest is simple, direct, and somehow very… British. Mostly, it just suits Terry as he’s a bit of a conqueror. The real question is will he be able to conquer Gemma’s heart? (Too cheesy?) It won’t show up for a couple chapters, but you’ll see it, I promise.

Warning: This chapter is not PG. Actually, this novella is not PG. Terry and Gemma have a very passionate relationship, so if more explicit scenes are not your thing, feel free to skip this story. But please don’t read and then complain that there’s too much sex. Every couple I’ve written, every relationship and story is different. This is Terry and Gemma’s story. Honestly, in pretty much all my books I get an equal number of readers saying there’s too much sex and not enough sex. I know it’s a personal thing. This is the way I write, so please respect that.

Fun news at the end of the chapter: For everyone who leaves a comment, you’ll be entered to win a signed paperback of any one of my books. The contest IS open to international readers, so don’t let that stop you. (I love my international readers!) The contest will run through the end of the holiday weekend; I’ll choose a winner on Sunday, November 25, 2012.

Finally, have a wonderful Thanksgiving week to all my American readers! And for my international ones, find something this week to be thankful for and express that. A habit of gratitude is never a bad thing.

As for me? I am thankful for many things, not least of all is YOU, my amazing readers. Thank you for making this year amazing. Thank you for reading.

Elizabeth

WATERLOCKED: CHAPTER ONE

Free Fiction: Waterlocked

Because I really truly have the best readers in the world, I’m going to put some free fiction up for you all.

Okay, I KNOW I said that I was taking a break from the Elemental Mysteries world for a while, but then this little novella started rattling around in my brain. Actually, it’s been rattling around for a while (almost a year) and I just wanted to get it out. Plus, I’m in that murky wait-awhile-before-you-start-serious-editing stage for the Cambio Springs novel (it’s kinda like letting bread rise) and I was at loose ends.

What does that mean for you?

You get free stuff!

This is a novella, so it’s only about ten chapters. The plot is all sketched out, and I have three chapters written and a few more outlined. I’ll be finishing it as I post serial style here on the website, one chapter a week. If you love me, you’ll leave me comments with feedback. Plus, there will be little contests, questions, and other kinds of reader input at the end of each chapter, so you can chime in on stuff like that. (Maybe even get a character named after you or something. You never know.)

If you have NOT subscribed to the blog, please do that, because you’ll get a little email whenever I post a new chapter. (It’s the button at the top right of the page that says ‘Follow’.) I really don’t post all that much, so I won’t spam you, or flood your inbox with junk or promotions or things like that.

When the story is finished, I’ll put it up in the stores and, if you enjoyed it, you can pay me a few dollars. If not, it’ll still be available for a while on the website. Mainly, I want to involve my regular blog readers in my writing process a little and play around with a fun story. (My first-reader, Kristy, would probably tell you I’m just being a feedback and attention hog. She’s… probably right.)

WARNING: This is NOT edited. Normally when I write something, it goes through me in editing mode, Super-Kristy, other beta readers, my editor and my proofreader before I publish it. This is pretty much just me. Does this mean there will be typos? YES. (Feel free to let me know if you find one, though, there’s not really a prize for that or anything.) Other than a bit of feedback from Super-K, this is straight from the brain-space. Fiction in its messiest form. Bwahahahaha!

So, no more chatting. Here it is, the Prologue for the new story: WATERLOCKED.

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

New extras on the website.

Hey all! Now that I have inflicted my newest release on you, I’m actually taking a break for a while to work on some other stuff. (Though, I may have an Elemental World novella coming out this winter. Depends on my editor’s schedule.) Incidentally, thank you bunches for all your support during the Building From Ashes release. The reception to the first Elemental World book has been AMAZING. I really do have the best readers in the world.

Now, I can hear the grumbling starting already. Ah!!! Stop it right now! I gave you voracious readers five books in just over a year. No muttering behind my back. Do you want me to get burned out or start producing crap? That’s right, I didn’t think so. *comforting head pats and snuggles* Don’t worry, I’ll be back. I have a lot more stories to tell in this world.

And besides, I’ve decided to put a little extra feature here on the website for you all. It’s just called ‘Extras’ and I’ll be posting little bits of stuff every now and again. They’re not deleted scenes, per se, just random bits that amuse me. There won’t be any rhyme, reason, or schedule, but I’ll try to put up a post when I publish one. They’re mostly funnies. If you like them, please leave me a comment so I can hear from you awesome peeps. Even though I can’t respond to everyone, I love hearing from you guys.

Enjoy!

Elizabeth

Official Release: Building From Ashes: An Elemental World Novel

Today is the day! It’s the official release for Building From Ashes, the first book in the Elemental World series.

It’s not often that you get the kind of reader clamor to write about a supporting character the way I did with Carwyn. From the first book, readers e-mailed me, messaged me on Facebook and Twitter, and otherwise made it known that they wanted MORE CARWYN. And while I loved the character, it wasn’t until the middle of the second book that I knew—really knew—he had his own story to tell.

~~~

Carwyn glared at Giovanni. “I’ll not change who I am because of a madman. I cast no judgment, but—”

“For God’s sake, Carwyn—”

“Do not take His name in vain among my people, di Spada!” the priest roared, standing up from the table and meeting Giovanni nose-to-nose as they squared off against each other.

“Fine,” Giovanni spit out, “but I’m going to feed, as well. I’ve no interest in principle over survival.”

Giovanni stormed out, leaving Beatrice gaping at them both as Carwyn sat down again, staring at the half-eaten meal in front of him. The humans and vampires in the kitchen dispersed and Beatrice sat silently, at a loss for what to say.

“I’m truly an ass sometimes, aren’t I?” Carwyn finally muttered.

“He’s worried about you. And I think he feels guilty.”

“Why?” He began eating again. “I’m the one that agreed to help him get you back. Isn’t it my fault? Oh, wait, you’re the one we rescued, so maybe it’s your fault.” Beatrice felt tears spring to her eyes as she watched the surly vampire. “No…not your fault, after all, you were only targeted because of your father, so perhaps it’s Stephen De Novo’s fault after all.”

“Carw—”

“Or,” he finally looked up at her with a fierce expression in his blue eyes. “It’s the fault of the man who kidnapped my son. Yes…” He nodded and took a gulp from the mug that Sinéad set by his elbow. “I’m sticking with this being Lorenzo’s fault. Because that’s the vampire I’m going to kill if I don’t get my Ioan back.” He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, smearing it across his jaw in an ominous red streak before he continued inhaling his food. (This Same Earth)

~~~

See, every character has to have a catalyst, a reason to go through change after so many years of life. Sadly, for Carwyn, it was the death of his son. And from that point on, Carwyn’s story ran alongside Gio and Beatrice’s in my mind. I knew what he was going through as I wrote their books. I plotted out his and Brigid’s story in my head long before I ever wrote it down. And while he may have been mostly absent from The Force of Wind, he was never far from my mind.

And finally, his book is here. I hope you’ll check out some of the amazing reviews already posted online at some of my favorite blogs:

“Every time I read anything Elizabeth writes I can’t help but immerse myself in her gorgeous, captivating and lively world of elemental vampires completely, so her books for me are always a treat.”–Nocturnal Book Reviews

“Readers who are looking for a good book that screams mystery and romance…Building of Ashes was made for you.” –I Read Indie

“I really enjoyed this book.  Carwyn is compassionate and extremely hilarious.  He’s so cheeky, I love him!  Brigid is strong and independent, asking for help when necessary, complimenting Carwyn greatly.  The plot is pretty involved but easy to get caught up in!   Another stellar story from Elizabeth.”–Sinfully Delicious Book Reviews

In addition to reviews, I hope you’ll check out the rather silly (and very fun to write) conversation that Gio, Beatrice, Carwyn, and Tenzin had at my house the other night about… Halloween costumes. It’s posted over at Fuzzy.Coffee.Books and it might give you a giggle.

And if you have your OWN ideas about what Carwyn should wear as a Halloween costume, please do leave a comment over at the blog tour page to be entered to win a signed paperback of Building From Ashes. The contest runs through the end of the month.

I hope you’ll check out the book on Amazon or Smashwords. (Barnes & Noble, I’m still waiting for you. What’s up?) And please remember to leave an honest review wherever you buy.

Thanks for reading!

Elizabeth

Carwyn update and where to find me (other than here)

I’m a busy little bee, but I haven’t updated here on the blog in a while!

Publishing News: Major edits on Carwyn’s book, Building From Ashes are complete! It is in the hands of my lovely proofreader right now, who is working on it before it goes to the formatter. That means that (natural disasters and exploding cats aside) the book will be ready for it’s release on October 23rd, which is only a week from today!

HOWEVER, should you want to win an early copy of the book (and you participate in the entity known as Facebook) you can enter to win an early copy over on my new “Elizabeth Hunter” page by ‘liking’ the page. That’s it! All you have to do is like it and you’re entered. I’m doing the drawing tomorrow night, so don’t wait!

Where to find me: Here, obviously (and on Facebook and Twitter), but I’ve also been sucked into the wonderful world of Pinterest. Far more than just a general time-suck, Pinterest is a great way to keep up with my current works-in-progress like the Cambio Springs series and a new Contemporary Romance that I’ve been plotting out. I can ‘pin’ pictures, songs, and quotes that inspire me and you, my dear readers, can get a sneak peek of what’s going on in my brain. If you’re at all curious about what I’m writing next, my Pinterest boards will offer some clues.

New projects: As I’ve mentioned, I’m going to be taking a break from the Elemental Mysteries world for a little bit after the release for Ashes. As most of you know, I’ve been writing almost non-stop in the Elemental world for over a year, and the last thing I want is to get burned out. I have a LOT of stories to tell there, but if I don’t give my brain a rest and work on other things, I’m afraid the work could get stale. Keeping things fresh makes me a better writer and gives you guys some variety, too!

I’m about 3/4 of the way finished with the first draft for the Cambio Springs novel (which is still untitled) and my next project is going to be a fun contemporary romance with a lighter feel. Think bookshops, tattoos, and banter. I’m gonna have fun with this one.

I’ll see you all next week, everyone!

Elizabeth

Building From Ashes: A new teaser I have entitled: “Where’s the purple?”

It’s been just weeks and weeks since I’ve tormented you with a new teaser, so here goes. It’s a nice long one from Christmas of 2007. I told you that Ashes covers quite the time span, right?

Aaaaanyway, here it is. And keep checking back on the blog next week. I’m going to have a contest for one lucky reader here on the blog to win an advance copy of Building From Ashes WEEKS before its release. I haven’t decided what it will be yet, but I’ll figure something out. In the meantime, enjoy your teaser!

Brigid was so short that Carwyn stared down at the top of her head in the pew at Christmas Eve mass. She was sitting next to him, dressed in a simple black dress, and her hair was her natural dark brown, trimmed into a short, professional bob. Compared to the college girl he’d met two years before, she was hardly recognizable. Her pixie face had taken on the more mature angles of a woman. Her figure was slight and lovely. Luckily, the hard expression in her eyes had softened, and she seemed far more comfortable in her own skin.

She had been formal to him. Polite, but formal. Proper. And more than a little disinterested. He wondered if she was the sort to hold a grudge.

Carwyn found it oddly annoying. He somehow wished she would roll her eyes again. He’s be lying to say that he’d not thought of her in the years since he’d seen her outside the pub in Dublin. Something about the young woman had haunted his thoughts. He admired the way she’d struggled through her difficulties. She had finally found success, but for some reason, her very proper clothing and neatly cut hair bothered him.

He whipped out the Christmas program, scribbled a note in the margins, and handed it to her. She looked up at him with disapproval, but took the note, anyway.

‘What happened to the purple?’

She mouthed, ‘Purple?’ and looked at him in confusion. He grabbed the note and scribbled again.

‘Hair.’

He saw a tiny smile cross her face. An appealing blush came to her cheek, and she grabbed his pen.

‘Not exactly office-appropriate.’

He scowled. ‘Not the right office, then.’

Carwyn couldn’t stop the grin when he saw her roll her eyes. She took the pen and wrote back.

‘What do you know about the right office? According to Ioan, you wear Hawaiian shirts under your vestments. Not to mention your rumored television habits.’ 

‘Lies. All lies. I’m a picture of devotion and obedience. Highly appropriate at all times.’

Irritating children, telling on him like that. Carwyn frowned and poked his son in the shoulder. Ioan and Deirdre were sitting in the pew in front of him. His son looked over his shoulder, then between the two of them and the note Brigid held in her lap.

“Behave, both of you,” Ioan whispered. “Brigid, I expect this behavior out of him, but not you. Father Jacob is in the middle of the homily.”

“And it’s a very boring one,” Carwyn whispered back. “Trust me, I’ve heard a few.”

He took perverse pleasure in Brigid’s quiet snort. Ioan tried to look disapproving, but he smiled before Deirdre pinched his side and he turned back to the front of the church.

Carwyn took the note and scribbled again, ‘Why preach a doom and gloom sermon on Christmas Eve?’

She wrote back, ‘To remind us of our grave sins amidst the worldly revelry.’

‘God loves revelry. He told me.’

Brigid snorted again, and Deirdre turned around, reaching back to snatch the program from them. Carwyn crossed his arms and glared at her as the priest finished the mass. And he may have snuck a few more glances at the intriguing Brigid Connor.

I’m leaving this weekend for yet another music festival, so I hope you have a good week! Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

Carwyn and Brigid’s song: Not With Haste

For those who have followed my writing for a while, you probably know what a music nut I am. I make playlists for all of my books that I use while I’m writing, some of which I’ve posted on the blog. (I know, I need to update.) And there are usually one or two songs that really scream out as the main characters’ theme in my mind. For Gio and Beatrice, it was Sarah Brightman’s “Anytime, Anywhere” and Snow Patrol’s “Set Fire to the Third Bar.” But for Carwyn and Brigid… I have to confess that while lots of songs fit scenes or aspects of their story, no ONE song screamed out at me as “theirs.”

Until a couple days ago.

I’m a huge Mumford & Sons fan. I had the opportunity a while back to listen to them in Monterey, talking a little about how John Steinbeck’s work had influenced their music and songwriting. It was a joy to listen to a thoughtful discussion of how music and books often go hand in hand, and how another artist can inspire you. Like I said, HUGE fan, love their sound and their writing, so I was just itching for their new album “Babel” to come out. Got it right away, listened to it straight through. Loved it. Then, I listened again, and I REALLY listened.

And there was Carwyn and Brigid’s song. Track #12. Started out softly, with just a guitar and a voice. But the lyrics, guys. These lyrics speak to me. Speak to who Brigid and Carwyn became in this book. It’s perfect. PERFECT. So take a listen to Not With Haste:

Your eyes they tie

Me down so hard

I’ll never learn to put up a guard

So keep my love

My candle bright

Learn me hard, oh learn me right

This ain’t no sham

I am what I am

Though I may speak

Some tongue of old

Or even spit out some holy word

I have no strength

From which to speak

When you sit me down, and see I’m weak

We will run and scream

You will dance with me

They’ll fulfill our dreams

And we’ll be free

And we will be who we are

And they’ll heal our scars

Sadness will be far away

So as we walked

Through fields of green

Was the fairest sun I’d ever seen

And I was broke

I was on my knees

But you said yes as I said please

This ain’t no sham

I am what I am

I leave no ties

For a cynic’s mind

We will run and scream

You will dance with me

They’ll fulfill our dreams

And we’ll be free

And we will be who we are

And they’ll heal our scars

Sadness will be far away

Do not let my fickle flesh go to waste

As it keeps my heart and soul in its place

And I will love with urgency but not with haste

***

“I will love with urgency but not with haste…”

Thanks guys. Truly. From one writer to four of the best, thank you. And in case you’re wondering, BUY BABEL. It’s amazing.

***

Advance reviews for Building From Ashes are starting to roll in on Goodreads. Which is always nerve-wracking—I mean fun! I sent a few ARCs out to make sure readers and bloggers had enough time to read. A month should be enough, right?

I may have underestimated people’s enthusiasm for this one:

“This novel for all practical purposes is a trilogy in one cover, it is divided into 3 “books” and each has a plot and a main thrust to it while all proceed towards a main theme which as with previous works is a masterful combination of action, romance and mystery. …Each has the ability to pull you into the story and make you part of it, the writing is excellent, the story has humor, action, mystery and characters that you will love.” -Douglas C. Meeks

“This is not a love story so much as it is a ‘life story’ of Brigid and Carwyn. It is very much a character driven book, detailing the years before and after during their love story; how they grew and changed before they came to be together.” -BamaGal

“Returning readers to the world of the Elemental Mystery series in this first Elemental World spin-off, the outrageous, gaudy-Hawaiian-shirt-wearing, earth vampire priest Carwyn gets his own eternal happily ever after in a wonderful character driven story laced with a bit of mystery, sprinkled with a bit of action, warmed by love sweet love, and heated by an eventual touch of steam.” -Melindeeloo

Incredibly flattered. Incredibly grateful. Thanks for taking the time to read, everyone. And thank you for your thoughtful, well-written, and spoiler-free reviews.

And for my Chicago area readers, PLEASE don’t forget that I’m at the Palmer House in Chicago this Saturday, signing and selling the new EM paperbacks from 12-4. It’s free and open to the public, and I’ll be joined by a bunch of awesome authors. Click here for more info. I would LOVE to see you. And you do NOT have to buy a book there for me to sign it. If you already have a paperback, bookmark, receipt from Target… yeah, I’ll sign anything. (Body parts not included.)

Have a great weekend!

Elizabeth

A New Carwyn Teaser (just because)

Just because I love you, I’m posting a new teaser for Building From Ashes. The timeline in this books is… complicated. It stretches from BEFORE A Hidden Fire starts (so you see a little character history) until AFTER A Fall of Water finishes. As I’m sure lots of you could tell, Carwyn had quite a few things going on in his life that didn’t make it into Gio and Beatrice’s story. So Building From Ashes explores that storyline and also sets up the Elemental World for some new adventures.

This teaser is just a bit of the overlap in the two books. This is a small moment between Beatrice and Carwyn from the five years that Gio was out of her life and she was in Southern California. I mentioned that Carwyn and Tenzin both came to visit her at different times. Here is one of those times:

“Brilliant tradition. Excellent use of explosives.”

He and Beatrice were leaning against a pile of rocks he’d formed to create a kind of shelter from the wind that whipped down the California coast. They were roasting marshmallows on the deserted beach, enjoying the bonfire, and watching the distant fireworks that marked American Independence Day.

Beatrice said, “It is fitting, isn’t it? We do like our violent celebrations.”

“You do. Is this better than the fireworks in Houston?”

“Oh yeah. The rich people put on a great show.”

Carwyn snorted, enjoying the fact that his friend didn’t lump herself in with the rich, despite the rather massive fortune she’d stolen the year before from a vicious water vampire who had kidnapped her. Lorenzo was the estranged son of his friend, Giovanni, and a villain at the core. Carwyn, Giovanni, and their friend, Tenzin had attacked his compound in Greece and rescued Beatrice the year before, driving Lorenzo underground—or underwater, as the case may have been—but Carwyn knew he was still lurking. He also knew that, since helping his friends, he had become a target.

It didn’t concern him. Another hundred years, another enemy to watch out for. When you lived as long as he did, it was inevitable.

He saw Beatrice glancing at the ocean as the tide came in. Few would notice how the waves still made her tense, but she deliberately turned back to the fire and ignored them.

“Too much?” he asked, catching her eye and nodding toward the ocean. “We can always take the bike further up the coast. Plenty of dark left. We can just keep riding if you don’t want to listen to the water.”

She shook her head. “No, this is good. I’m good. I need to get over it, you know? Otherwise…”

“What?”

She smiled at him. “Sometimes, life hands you things you think you won’t survive. You probably know that better than me.”

He shrugged. “Despite my years, sometimes I feel as if I’ve lived a very charmed life. My family, for the most part, has been safe.”

“But still, things happen. There’s no such thing as complete safety.”

He thought of a dark room and a helpless little girl. “Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

“So when life breaks, you have to pick up the pieces and keep moving. Otherwise, you stay broken. And instead of being a survivor, you’re always a victim.” Beatrice leaned toward the fire and crossed her arms over her chest. “And I don’t want to be known for what happened to me. I want to be known for me.”

“Look at you, wise girl.” He winked at her. “You can handle anything, can’t you?”

“A good friend. A nice warm fire. I can’t handle everything, but I can handle the waves for a bit.”

Can’t wait for all of you to read Carwyn’s story which releases on October 23rd!

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

Cover Reveal: Building From Ashes

~~~
Coming on OCTOBER 23rd, the first book in the expanded Elemental World series
by Elizabeth Hunter
~~~





 
Synopsis:

For a thousand years, powerful earth vampire Carwyn ap Bryn has served others. God. His family. His friends. But tragedy and loss disrupt his peaceful existence, causing him to question everything he has committed his eternity to.

Brigid Connor has known about vampires since they rescued her from a painful childhood. But not even their vast elemental power can save her from the demons that torment her.


As loyalties are tested and new paths are forged, a lurking danger slowly grows in the Elemental World. Carwyn and Brigid will learn that even secrets revealed can come back to haunt you when you least expect it.


Please visit one of the following participating blogs for an exclusive teaser of the new book:
The Autumn Review
I Read Indie Book Blog
Better Read Than Dead
Booknerds Across America
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

August News, Chicago Conference, and Bloody September!

Cross-posted from ElizabethHunterWrites.com…

The month of August is ending and what a month it has been! Lots going on, lots of new readers, and WAY more blog traffic. Hi to all the new readers! *waves like a dork* Welcome to my blog and I hope you hang around. Press the subscribe button if you like. I promise not to flood your inbox. I only post a couple times a week, max, but this is the best way to keep up with new releases, teasers, and other stuff like that.

WRITING NEWS!!! 

I’m finishing up revisions for Carwyn’s book this week, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking. I’m also continuing with the first draft of the new Cambio Springs book (you can read the first chapter here). Life is fun in shapeshifter-land…

What’s coming up in September? Well, I think I’m going to extend the free book promotion for A Hidden Fire. The series as a whole has been doing amazingly well, so I want to thank all my readers, new and old, and if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? I’ve always said that happy readers are the best advertising money can’t buy and you all prove me right every single day. Once I get done with revisions, I’ll be able to burrow into the writing cave and tear things up in shapeshifter-land so I can get the new books out faster.

~~~

I also want to remind everyone about Chicago! Seriously, you guys, the line up at this event is going to be amazing. NYT bestsellers, Colleen Hoover and Tracey Garvis-Graves will be there. Abbi Glines, Elizabeth Reyes, and a bunch of the hottest names in indie and traditional pub are meeting and the event is open to the public. I’ll be there meeting you all, selling the new editions of the paperbacks (they’re gorgeous), and signing whatever for anyone that shows up. The event website is here. Like I said, it’s open to the public and I’d love to meet anyone that could make it.

~~~

Saving the best for last, are you ready for Bloody September? This is a new contest/blood drive that was the brainchild of the awesome Laura Bradley Rede, and I’m thrilled to be lending a… vein to the cause. (Along with some signed books.) Blood supplies in the US are at a fifteen year low and some of your favorite paranormal authors (including yours truly) are taking action! And we hope our readers do, too! Donate blood in September and get a chance at an awesome prize pack and some great runner-up prizes, as well. We just need photographic evidence of non-vampiric blood donation and you’re entered to win. I’ll be posting more about this later in the week.

Lots to do, so I’m out for now. Have a great week, everyone!

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth