Elizabeth Hunter's Blog, page 45

Book Release News for This Same Earth

While tomorrow is the official release day for This Same Earth (Elemental Mysteries #2), the book is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords now. (I always post early to avoid glitches in the system and the word among you savvy readers tends to get out!) A Hidden Fire is only $o.99 through the holiday season, and the new book, This Same Earth, is $2.99.

I wanted to link you to a few different reviews and interviews I'll be doing over the next couple of days. Spread the word if you like the books! I'd love to get new readers this Christmas season.

I have a blogtalk radio interview with the lovely ladies of Journal Jabber tonight at 9pm EST. There is a chat room available online, and a telephone number you can call if you have questions for me about the book or the series. You can listen right through your computer from anywhere in the world. I'd love to hear from you guys!

Rebecca over at Bending the Spine posted a review yesterday for the book, and she was also kind enough to interview me for her blog. Here's the link for the interview. She asked some great questions about the books, the characters, and what I have planned for the future of the Elemental Mysteries. I hope you'll check it out! There is also a give-away for both books there, so if you want to enter to win, or give the link to a friend, the raffle is running for two weeks.

I also have an interview with the lovely Mandy at Twimom101 Book Blog on Wednesday. Mandy may have found the sexiest "Gio" picture I've seen from a reader, but if you're curious, you'll have to ask her. Oh, and she got me to admit who I see as Caspar. She's wily like that.

Giovanni, not to be left out, will have an interview on Wednesday, December 7th over at Better Read Than Dead. Kristin asked him some great questions (I, of course, typed them as I didn't want him to short out my laptop) and she might have convinced him to reveal a few secrets about the series…

I'm sure there's probably something that I've forgotten in all this, but my brain is a bit of a mush with everything going on!

That's all for now, folks! I'm really enjoying the advance reviews, and I can't wait for readers to let me know what they think of the new book. If you enjoy it, please consider leaving a review wherever you bought it, and/or on GoodReads if you're a member over there. Reviews really do help authors a lot. Also, there is a tagging feature (the little boxes you can check) at the bottom of each book page on Amazon. These are "tags" or keywords that help readers find books on Amazon's system. Again, if you have time, it'd be great if you clicked or added the tags you think best describe any of my books. Thanks for your help, and…

Thanks for reading!

Elizabeth

P.S. the paperback proof for A Hidden Fire came today, and it looks fantastic. I should be receiving the proof for This Same Earth in the mail this week, so when that happens, the paperback versions of both books should be available on Amazon within 5-7 days!

A December Sale and other fun news

It's the last week before the release of my second book, This Same Earth, and there is much going on both in the Elemental Mysteries world, and e-publishing in general this last month before Christmas.

My news first! (Hey, it's my blog.) The November promotion for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption went smashingly, and readers raised over $98 to help promote adoption from the foster care system! Thanks to all of you who bought the book last month. Going forward, look for more news of my involvement and promotion of this charity that is so close to my heart.

My new promotion for the Elemental Mysteries will run through December (and possibly the first part of January). I have lowered the cost of the first book, A Hidden Fire, to just…$0.99. That's right, folks. I'm not going to lie; it was a bit painful, but that means that, starting next week, if you know someone with an e-reader (or who is getting one for Christmas!) you can buy them the first and second Elemental Mysteries books for a total of $3.98. That's less than four dollars for what would be almost a thousand pages of reading in paperback. If you like the books and the series, please consider buying it for a Christmas present!

Speaking of presents, my paperback issues seem to be resolved, and I ordered proofs of the first and second books from CreateSpace yesterday. I'm very excited to see my books in paperback and make that option available for readers. I'll let you know when I get them. (Unless they look awful, in which case I will hide them from everyone except my mother.)

photo by Markus Bernet

I read very exciting news about the opening of the Italian and Spanish Amazon stores this morning. Why is that exciting? Well, I have quite a few international readers, and some of them live in those countries. So for them, they no longer have to pay stiff markups on e-books, which is great news for Spanish and Italian readers and independent publishers like me! I also write an Italian vampire, and I just love Italy. I spent time there in my twenties, and I absolutely adore it. It has some of the kindest, most generous people you will ever meet. I would recommend travel there for anyone. Spain? I haven't travelled to you yet, but you're on the top of my list. My mom and I have been planning a trip for years. And not just because of the wine, I promise.

I don't have a teaser for you today, but if you wander over to Nocturnal Book Reviews, the author has posted an advanced review of This Same Earth, along with a very cool excerpt from the book! I hope you check it out. Karina has many fantastic reviews on her site for those who like paranormal fiction.

photo by SunshineCity

Last, I want to send a belated thanks to all the bloggers and reviewers that have read, enjoyed, and helped to promote my books. It can be a very hard slog when you feel like you're in the book promotion game all on your own, and book bloggers really make a huge difference and devote a lot of time, completely out of their own love of reading. So, thank you, folks!

I hope everyone enjoys the start of the Christmas season. I have a six year old, so I am reminded of it on an almost hourly basis. Have a wonderful weekend and whatever you are reading, enjoy!

And thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

Teaser Tuesday: Sneak Peek at Chapter Two of This Same Earth

Hello, my readers! I'm posting early because I have a very busy morning tomorrow. Sorry I was so absent last week, but between getting the final formatting done for This Same Earth and Thanksgiving, it turned out to be a busy week! I've got a lot going on this last week before Book 2 launches, so I hope you'll take a look at some of the places I'll be hopping around!

Twimom101 has graciously offered to interview me on her blog next week! She asks good questions, so I hope you'll check it out! Better Read Than Dead Book Reviews will have a review posted of the book, and I believe I'll be doing an interview of some kind over there, as well. Check that site out, she's got a ton of great reviews for indie releases. Last, but not least, Yours Truly is having her first radio interview over with the lovely ladies of JournalJabber, which is put on by Journalstone Publishing! I'm going to be there on Tuesday, December 6th (one week from Tuesday) and the show starts at 9pm EST. I'll be talking about the new book and the series as a whole. Or…what's on my Walmart shopping list, could be either. Hope you might come over and take a listen.

~~~

Now, I had a hard time picking a teaser for this week that didn't give too much away, and I'm going to just assume that you have all read Chapter One if you're going to read this teaser, so here's a sneak peak at Chapter Two of This Same Earth (Elemental Mysteries #2) which will be released next week:

"Go to hell," [Beatrice] called over her shoulder as she made her way through the halls of the institution. She had changed in subtle ways he hadn't been able to detect in photographs. Her figure was fuller, and she carried herself with a grace and confidence she hadn't known five years before. Her walk was more assured, and the almost imperceptible lines that touched her face only added to the depth of her dramatic features.

She was absolutely stunning. And really, really pissed-off.

Her scent was the same, a sweet melange of honeysuckle and lemon that made his fangs descend when he thought of the single taste of her blood he'd enjoyed years before.

"Beatrice," he called again. "I've already told Dr. Stevens you'll be helping me on my project while I'm doing my research here."

She whirled around at her office door. "Well, you can just use that voodoo to change her mind then, can't you?"

He came to stand in front of her and took a deep breath, staring at her mouth, which was pursed in displeasure. "I could." He shrugged. "But I won't."

Beatrice looked like she wanted to slap him again, but her hands were full of documents and books, so he reached behind her and opened her door, scenting her as he leaned over her shoulder.

"You still smell like honeysuckle," he murmured before she shoved him aside so she could enter the office.

Just a very sneaky peak for you all. Can't wait for next week!

Also, I'm putting in a cool acoustic version of "I'm not calling you a liar" by Florence + the Machine, which is on the This Same Earth playlist. It's a different version of the song that really highlights Florence's voice. Also, I got the opportunity to see F+tM live last summer. Amazing, people. If you ever have the opportunity to see her in concert, jump on it. In the wash of musical crap that we see these days, Florence is an original.

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

Teaser Tuesday: 2009

The Huntington Library

Okay, folks! This is the last teaser from the journals that I have for you, though I may sneak one more teaser from a different chapter in next week before the release, which is just two weeks from today! A hint exclusively for my website readers, the book will be uploaded prior to the actual release on December 7th (just to make sure they don't get caught in Amazon, B&N, or Smashword's systems) so if you search the weekend before release, you might just snag an early copy.

In other news, the advance reviews for This Same Earth are starting to trickle in! The book already has a few ratings on GoodReads, and Mandy over at Twimom101 Book Blog posted the first official review of the book! Lots to read over there, and she posted a sneaky little teaser for her own Teaser Tuesday, but you'll have to pop over to her blog to find it (and leave her some comment love, she's great!)

Mandy has also generously offered to do a little interview with me for the book's release, so you might want to bookmark or follow her site! If you're looking for good indie or trade releases, she does a ton of reviews!

I'm taking the SmallBoy to the museum today, but I hope all of you have a wonderful Tuesday, and a very Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my American readers! If you've not read A Hidden Fire yet (or know of someone that might enjoy the book) encourage them to buy it! Lots of traveling time this weekend.

As always, thanks for reading!

Elizabeth

Teaser Tuesday: 2008 and the Valle de Cochamó

So, here is the link to the 2008 journals for Beatrice as she vacations in the Cochamó Valley.  Just in case you were wondering, the Cochamó Valley really does exist in the mountains of Chilean Patagonia.  It really is very isolated, and it really is that beautiful.  Sadly, I haven't been, but very much hope to go someday.

Image by Daniel Gambino

Publication news for This Same Earth is excellent! I have done the final edits on the manuscript, and it is at the proofer right now.  Once I give final approval, it will go to the formatter and then out to you readers! ARCs will be going out to reviewers soon, so there should be some reviews posted by the release.  Thanks again for all your amazing enthusiasm.  You are all an inspiration to me.

I absolutely loved the response I got to the Polyvore sets I created for Gio and Beatrice. I guess you all like clothes!

Image by Cody

Here are a few pictures of the valley via Cochamo.com.  If you are a rock-climber, I've heard that it's a dream come true.

Giovanni Vecchio

More Polyvore fun for Gio. Now, Giovanni Vecchio is far more likely to worry about his current research than his clothes, so we're not going to see many daring fashion choices from him. That said, he's been around long enough to appreciate nice things, so he wears a pretty classic wardrobe. He also has a tendency to burn his clothes off his back, so I don't see him getting too attached to any of them.
Giovanni Vecchio by elizabethhunter featuring a white cotton dress

Polyvore Fun—Beatrice

So, I was taking a break from editing Saturday night (because my life really is that glamorous) and decided to play around on Polyvore.  If you don't know, Polyvore is a fun site where you can put together outfits, accessories, etc. for yourself, or (as I decided to do) make outfits for your fictional characters.

For Beatrice, the fun is in the accessories.  This is how I envision the outfit she wears to the Dia de los Muertos carnival where she meets Giovanni.  While her Docs are usually a sensible black, she decided to jazz it up in honor of the occasion.

I'll be posting a set for Giovanni tomorrow, after I get more editing done.  So, does it fit your mental picture?  What do you envision her wearing?  Feel free to create something and send me the link! I'd love to take a peek into your imagination, too.

Have a great weekend!

E

Elemental Mysteries News: GoodReads profile for book two and a title for book three

Just a quick post to update you on the progress of This Same Earth! I just got back the edited manuscript from Amy the Wonder Editor, and I'll be going through it, cleaning things up before it gets sent off to the proofer and formatter! Things are right on track for an early December release.

I love all the excitement surrounding the book and all the support for our November Promotion for the Dave Thomas Foundation. Readers have raised over $26 dollars this month to support this amazing charity.

I've put up a GoodReads profile for This Same Earth, you can find it HERE.  If you're looking forward to the book, add it and recommend to a friend!

And since the first draft for book three is finished (yay!), I'll let blog followers in on the title.  If you haven't guessed already, all my titles are taken from quotes from classical literature or philosophy.  The quote for book three comes from the ancient Greek writer, Aesop.

"The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over."

The title for book three will be: The Force of Wind.

Have a great weekend and an amazing Veteran's Day.

E

Being a parent makes me a better writer

A dear friend had a baby girl early this morning.  This, of course, makes me all sentimental about being mommy.  I started thinking about when my own son was born and what a crazy ride it was. I also start thinking about diapers…shudder. But congrats, N! Have fun with little Emily!

I always tell new moms to have fun.  You get such a ridiculous amount of advice from so many people when you're pregnant or have a new baby.  But I don't think anyone told me how much fun being a parent was.  I love it.  My son is a huge gift.  Being a parent isn't for everyone, but it's been a huge blessing in my own life.  And, I'd say it made me a far better writer.

What?  You mean the constant distraction, incessant noise, and hectic schedule make you a better writer?  Ha! Well, there is a lot of that, but being a parent has taught me some things about life and the human condition that I don't think I could have learned any other way.

Little cave people: Children and character motivation.  You want to delve into base human nature? Visit a playground full of toddlers.  Seriously, they're like little cavemen, just cuter (sometimes).  You think humanity has a core of decency and love for its fellow man? Um…that screaming three year old throwing sand in her baby brother's hair says no.  If anything will make you look long and hard at human nature and basic questions of civilization, it is children.  I never had to teach my son to lie, hit, or steal.  He did all those things on his own. Civilizing him, on the other hand, is a constant chore.  Think human nature has changed much through the ages.  Think again the next time you're delving into a character's motivation, desire, or actions.
Filter? What filter?: Writing the internal monologue.  In the same vein, children are also affectionate.  Enthusiastic.  Full of wonder and excitement.  They think something, they say it.  They feel something, they express it.  They see a really overweight lady at the grocery store, they mention it.  Loudly.  Children may show the dark side of human nature, but they also reflect the wonder of the world around them with clarity and simplicity.  Think about that the next time you're writing an internal monologue. Adults usually think the same way, we just filter it.
How I became capable of kisses and murder at the same time: Deepening characterization.  Nothing will make you a better writer than just experiencing life, and parenthood is a huge part of that.  You may not want children personally (it isn't for everyone) but you can't deny that the continuation of the species is a big part of the human experience.  Children will broaden your mind, if you let them.  Children will also help you remember your own discovery of the world.  The range of emotion they provoke is like nothing else.  For instance, I never thought of myself as a particularly violent person until I became a parent, but when faced with the idea of someone harming my child, I easily say that violence is an option.  Conversely, I loved my husband on an entirely new and different level when he became my son's father.  Parenthood opens you up, in good ways and bad, but it all combines to create a fuller human experience.
Welcome to the club: Understanding context.  When you become a parent, you enter a club that has no international boundary.  It has no ethnic culture or language.  It is not bound by time.  The love/pride/fear/etc. that I feel for my son is not unique to me.  It is shared by parents the world over, in all times and places and cultures.  It is utterly unique and completely common, all at the same time.  Try that on for perspective.  As writers, we often try to capture what is unique and what is common to all our readers.  We struggle to connect that which happens now to the past, or place our characters and their lives in the proper context.  Becoming a parent has opened my eyes to that more than anything else.
I've been covered in poo, nothing can embarrass me now: Using humor. I don't even need to explain this one, do I?  My son is hilarious.  And I am funnier because of my son.  I have more self-deprecation because I have been covered in poo in public.  (After that, it's a lot harder to think of yourself as better than anyone else.)  When my son was younger, if I didn't feel like I'd had a complete day until I was humiliated in front of others at least once.  Now that he's older?  My turn.  ("Mom, stop it." "Oh my gosh, Mom, what are you doing?" "Mom, my friends are right there!")  Payback is fun.  Kids are fun.  And kids are funny.  Need a little more humor in your life?  In your writing?  Connect with a kid.

So, what's the point, E?  Are you saying I have to become a parent to be a good writer? No, of course not.  Parenthood obviously isn't everyone's cup of tea.  But if you are a parent, just take a minute to appreciate the things your kids have taught you, whether they realized it or not (probably not) and explore those ideas in your writing.  Think about what you have learned from them, not just what a distraction they are.  Appreciate the time when they're begging for your attention, because it's precious.

And don't forget to have fun, with writing and with your kids.

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

P.S. Also, don't forget to spread the word about our November Promotion for A Hidden Fire.  All my proceeds for the book this month are going to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, in honor of National Adoption Month.

Teaser Tuesday: This Same Earth Official Trailer

So, readers get a special treat today.  Why? Well, not only do you get the 2007 entries for Beatrice's journal, but you get the official trailer for This Same Earth, Elemental Mysteries Book Two, which will be out at the beginning of December.

I'm not gonna lie, I'm kind of in love with this trailer. C outdid himself.  Let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you back next week! Don't forget to spread the word about my November promotion to benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption!

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth