K.L. Bone's Blog, page 14
February 26, 2016
Blood Rose – Cover Reveal!
Coming Spring 2016!
January 3, 2016
Book Giveaway – Jan. 2016
During the month of January 2016, free e-copies of Heart of the Rose, the second novel in the Black Rose Guard dark fantasy series, are available in exchange for anyone willing to leave an honest review as part of a giveaway with the Dauntless Indies Read and Review Squad on Goodreads! Novels that are also available as part of the giveaway include:
The Illusions of Eventide by Sarah M. Cradit
Scornful Sadie by Felicia Tatum
Coming Together by Brandy L. Rivers
Talent: Descended from Myth: Book Two by Erin McFadden
Heart of the Rose: A Tale of the Black Rose Guard by K.L. Bone
Up to two books can be requested at a time. Books can be requested on the Goodreads page under the link: January Read and Review
For more details on the offered books & giveaway rules, please click on the following link to the Dauntless Indies Read & Review Squad Goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/152746-dauntless-indies-read-and-review-squad
November 12, 2015
Witches, Vampires & New Orleans – Undead Con 2015!
For Halloween this year, I returned once again to the city which had so thoroughly captured a large piece of my heart, my beloved New Orleans. It was my third time visiting this wonderful city and second as an invited author of the Undead Conference and Vampire Lestat Ball. The experience was a delightful adventure of seeing new places and revisiting past favorites, sharing my love for the Gothic with fellow enthusiasts and seeing friends both old and new.
The trip began with two fun nights at the Hotel Monteleone, a historic hotel in the French Quarter. After arriving rather late on the first night, we enjoyed a relaxing morning before having lunch at a local bistro called Mr. B’s. If anyone is looking for an excellent restaurant in the area, I would highly recommend it. From the meals to the mouth-watering desserts, everything was excellent and it offered a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.
This wonderful meal was followed by a a few hours of relaxation in the spa before meeting my brother, who had also flown in for the events. With him, we spent the evening walking down the streets of the French Quarter and enjoying the unique feel that is New Orleans.
Thursday was when the real fun began. It started with an excellent breakfast between a group of talented artists and writers who also have the privilege of calling each other the most incredible of friends. With great discussion of art, literature, films, upcoming projects and life in general, we had a amazing and fun morning just getting to spend time visiting, a rarity in our collections of busy lives.
After breakfast, we headed off to the Hilton Garden Inn, where the Undead Con was being held for registration and, more importantly, a reunion of #TeamGregWilkey. For those who do not know, Greg Wilkey is not only a great friend but an author I greatly admire. Last year, after the vampire ball in the wee hours of the morning, #TeamGregWilkey was born as we awaited the world’s slowest pancakes, a group of six friends who decided to find a new and exciting way to promote his work. (I also wrote one of the introductions to Greg’s newest edition of his Mortimer Drake Vampire series, which can be found here if you have not read his work yet) http://www.amazon.com/Life-Undeath-Mortimer-Drake-Omnibus/dp/0996662804/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447368170&sr=8-1&keywords=greg+wilkey
This year it was the same great group and friends…plus t-shirts! It was awesome to see our friend again and with him, reuniting our group to explore New Orleans with the same love and wonder as the first time we walked the streets together.
Later that night, we went to the Q&A with bestselling author, Anne Rice. Though I have had the honor of meeting her several times now, I still cannot help but feel the giddiness of a star-struck child every time I get to see her. Especially when she greeted me with a hug at the entrance of the church where the event was to take place!
Ms. Rice spent her time at the event greeting guests and answering questions about her writing, both past works and upcoming. Then the rest of spent time visiting with old friends and making new ones!
The next day I attended the “Ghost” panel, of which Greg was a participant. The panel answered questions from the crowd and spoke of their spiritual and supernatural experiences, from both personal experience for some, and in the work of fiction for others. It created a unique group and a very interesting discussion for the attentive audience.
After the panel, we grabbed a quick lunch and then got ready for the 27th annual Vampire Lestat Ball, this year titled Gathering of the Ancients. A few hours later after a trip to the saloon and getting tied into my gown, we were ready for the ball. As a featured author, along with other members of my group, we had VIP upstairs access and were escorted past the line directly to the ballroom. The venue was massive, featuring multiple open bars, dance floors, and live bands.
I enjoyed the event, visiting my friends, taking photographs in our formal wear and dancing to the gothic tunes which filled the ballrooms. Then, I also had the privilege of again seeing Anne Rice, who was kind enough to take photos with fans during the party.
However, one of my absolute favorite photographs was this one, standing with friend and fellow authors Greg and Becket (author of Key the Steampunk Vampire Girl series). It was so wonderful to see them both that night.
The next day was my own panel, which I shared with Greg Wilkey, Sarah M. Cradit, Alys Arden, and Dawn Chartier. We had a fun panel with great questions covering everything from our writing methods, to our favorite villains. We had a wonderful time and great discussion with both the audience and each other.
From there, we attended the book release party for another fellow author, Eric Shaw Quinn, whose new book, Write Murder, had just been released. Hosted by the guest of honor and Christopher Rice, the party was rather intimate with an open bar and excellent food.
Every attendee was surprised by a free copy of the novel which was subsequently signed by the guest of honor. Attendees were also greeted by author Christopher Rice, who was there supporting Eric.
We had a great time at the party visiting with the various guests and enjoying the time with friends.
After that, it was straight to the Witches Ball. My second time to attend, it was a wondrous gathering at the Elms Mansion in New Orleans.
Though a touch on the rainy side, the ball organizers did a great job of covering the outdoor section of the party enough to allow people to enjoy, despite watching it rain. I had a great opportunity to see and visit with some dear friends who I had not seen since the last ball.
The next day and after several tearful goodbyes, the majority of the events ended and people began to return home. However, we had booked several additional days to simply explore and enjoy the city. We spent the next few days visiting the French Quarter, visiting others who had booked additional days and simply hanging out together. I also was delighted by the opportunity to meet Trisha Baker, author of the Crimson Vampire series which begins with Crimson Kiss. I have been a long-time fan of her work and was very excited by the chance to meet her.
New Orleans is definitely among my favorite cities that I have ever visited. Everything from the food to the laid-back atmosphere to the friends who gather every year at this wonderful series of events makes the trip completely worthwhile and one that I have been honored and privileged to attend and hope to continue to be a part of for many years to come.
November 9, 2015
Vancouver BC & the Gothic Conference
“Every [living] scholar you have ever studied, is probably in this room,” a favorite professor stated at the first event of the International Gothic Association (IGA) Conference. And, with a few exceptions — he was right.
This post is a little late, (and I promise that a recap of New Orleans will be posted soon) but in August of this year, I had the pleasure of speaking at the IGA biannual Conference in Vancouver BC, Canada. The trip started great, as we located the conference hotel with relative ease and proceeded to check in the night before events were to begin, giving a touch of time to recover from the long drive.
The first day was wonderful as I spent the afternoon both visiting with friends and making new ones. There was also a meet and greet that night which featured an impressive gathering of Gothic lovers from students to writers to professors who came together to celebrate their mutual love of dark landscapes, creatures and literature.
The conference itself was an exciting array of papers, covering topics from the oldest of gothic myth of the victorian era to the most modern of supernatural portrayals ranging from the the supernatural television shows Vampire Diaries and True Blood, to the 2014 release, Prince Lestat to (my personal favorite) Key the Steampunk Vampire Girl, the most current of which was released only a few months ago. It also covered zombies, ghosts, victorian literature and all manner of Gothic tales.
I loved getting to meet everyone and stood in awe as a few of those whose work I have studied, quoted and (though I’ll never admit it) worshiped walked by with kind hellos, willing to indulge endless questions pertaining to student’s favorite themes and topics.
My own paper came on the final day of the conference, at a panel hosted at 8 o’clock that morning. Given the early morning status, I was slightly worried that few people would show. However, to my surprise and delight, almost the entire ballroom was filled with interested people. I had never presented a paper to a crowd quite so large before and was a touch nervous walking up to the podium, however after a few moments of speaking, my nerves had (mostly) vanished and I was able to deliver the speech, which seemed well-received by the listeners. A wonderful introduction to the IGA conference overall, as this was the first time I had ever had the pleasure of attending.
Vancouver was a fun city to visit, though I must admit it is often difficult to truly explore in the middle of a long conference. However we did get to visit some great restaurants, a lovely park and a few other places as we went through town. The greatest night that we had to explore, was the last night of the conference, when we took a river boat tour which doubled as the official dinner for the conference.
It was a fun boat with live music and beautiful settings against the background of the Vancouver sunset. The food was surprisingly good (some conference dinners leave a touch to be wanting) and a good time was had by all.
Overall, it was a great experience and I am very much looking forward to attending this wonderful event in the future.
October 3, 2015
Book Giveaway Oct. 1 – 15, 2015!
Between now and October 15th, 2015 free e-copies of Heir to Kale, the first novel in the Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series, are available in exchange for anyone willing to leave an honest review as part of a giveaway with the Dauntless Indies Read and Review Squad on Goodreads! Novels that are also available for the first two weeks of October include:
The House Of Crimson & Clover Box Set Volumes I-IV: A House of Crimson & Clover Boxed Set by Sarah M. Cradit
Forced Autonomy, Phase 1 by Lila Felix
The list of available books will be changed every two weeks. Books are currently listed and can be requested on the Goodreads page under ‘October Read and Review: Part One.” Simply
Please click on the following links for full rules & details!
Link to Dauntless Indies Read & Review Squad Goodreads page – https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/152746-dauntless-indies-read-and-review-squad
Heir to Koloso, book 2 is now available as well
in paperback & Kindle Download!
September 17, 2015
Black Rose Giveaway Extended!
Between now and Sept. 30th, 2015 free e-copies of Black Rose, the first novel in the Black Rose Guard fantasy series, are available in exchange for anyone willing to leave an honest review as part of a giveaway with the Dauntless Indies Read and Review Squad on Goodreads! Other novels that are also available for the first two weeks of September include:
The Illusions of Eventide by Sarah M. Cradit
Devlin’s Descendant by Felicia Tatum
Changing Destiny by Brandy L. Rivers
His Haunted Heart by Lila Felix
Muse by Erin McFadden
Acceptance by Rebecca Brooke
Fahrenheit by Alex Rosa
The list of available books will be changed every two weeks. Books are currently listed and can be requested on the Dauntless Indies Goodreads page.
To request the novel, click on the link below for the Dauntless Indies Goodreads page.
Link to Dauntless Indies Read & Review Squad Goodreads page – https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/152746-dauntless-indies-read-and-review-squad
Join the page. Then under the links, go to ‘September Read and Review Part Two.” Write which novel you would like to read and in what format in the comments, and your free e-book will be sent to you shortly.
Up to two novels at a time may be requested.
*Further rules & details available on the Dauntless Indies Read and Review Squad Goodreads page. *
September 2, 2015
Book Giveaway Sept. 1 – 15, 2015!
Between now and Sept. 15th, 2015 free e-copies of Black Rose, the first novel in the Black Rose Guard fantasy series, are available in exchange for anyone willing to leave an honest review as part of a giveaway with the Dauntless Indies Read and Review Squad on Goodreads! Other novels that are also available for the first two weeks of September include:
The Illusions of Eventide by Sarah M. Cradit
Devlin’s Descendant by Felicia Tatum
Changing Destiny by Brandy L. Rivers
His Haunted Heart by Lila Felix
The list of available books will be changed every two weeks. Please click on the following links for full rules & details!
Link to Dauntless Indies Read & Review Squad Goodreads page – https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/152746-dauntless-indies-read-and-review-squad
August 20, 2015
Heart of the Rose – Book Release!
Cover by: Skyla Dawn Cameron
In this sequel to Black Rose, reunite with the captains of the Immortal Guard and witness Mara and Edward at the beginning of their epic love story, which spans more than a millennium of heartache, pain, and undying devotion.
When Edward is sent on a mysterious quest by the ruthless queen, nineteen-year-old Mara—the youngest sub-captain to ever serve the Royal Guard—vowed to await his return, never anticipating decades would pass without word of his fate. The noble captain is taken prisoner by a rival court where he is forced to endure years of brutal torment at the hands of his captors. His life clings to but a single thought—Mara.
Refusing to accept that her love will never return, Mara clutches to a hope which defies the bounds of reason. However as years pass, memories fade from comfort to unbearable grief.
As Mara prepares to accept the unimaginable loss, a sinister creature of roses and shadow haunts her dreams. Dreams of blood. Dreams of torment. Dreams of Edward.
The dark presence lingers, and Mara finds herself trapped in a certainty she fears no other will believe—even those closest to her heart. She must choose between honoring her vows to the immortal courts to which she has sworn her life, or leaving to search for the man who possesses her soul.
Dive into the beginning of the tale that shapes the most feared, most loved, and most revered captain in the history of the immortal courts.
Now Available!
Amazon in Paperback & Kindle – http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Rose-Tale-Black-Guard-ebook/dp/B013VSIN38/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Nook – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-the-rose-kl-bone/1122525207?ean=2940151060028
August 18, 2015
London, Oxford & the Monster Conference
In July of this year, I attended the 13th annual conference on Monsters and the Monstrous held at Mansfield College, the University of Oxford.
To begin the trip, flew first into London, where I spent the first two days exploring one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. Though I have been to many countries and had many wondrous adventures, there is likely no place on Earth has has even held my heart so captivated as England. Such a blend of culture and history. Modern and ancient. The land of Shakespeare, Tolkien, Harry Potter, Kings and Queens…
With my grandmother at Hampton Court.
I started the trip by taking a trip to Hampton Court Palace, the court of King Henry VIII, among others.
The palace was massive, elaborate and beautiful. Featuring massive paintings, large bedrooms, dazzling staircases.
Despite having lived in England for several years, I had never been to the palace before, so I was very excited to get to explore. I was also joined there by my friend and writing partner, Jonny,
Who assisted me in the very important mission of finding the centre of the Hampton Court Maze. Here we are, after surprisingly only one wrong turn!
We had an wonderful time!
I also spent an evening at the Queen’s Theatre, where I saw Les Miserables.
It was an emotionally moving masterpiece.Everything from the music, to the voices, to the theatre itself were exquisite. It is definitely up there with the best I have ever seen. (Though I must add here, that Phantom of the Opera is and probably always will be my favorite.)
Then I was off to Oxford.
It was my first time there as well, and I was very excited to not only see the numerous buildings which compose the university, but also to arrive there as a conference presenter. The conference, run by inter-disciplinary.net is a gathering of scholars from beginning post-graduates to full-fledged professors from multiple fields of study who gather to discuss topics they love – in this case, monsters.
My paper was titled:
The Child Who Kills: An examination of the Dionysian Child through John Linqvist’s Let the Right One In
Though it also focused on several other novels featuring child vampires, including Becket’s Key the Steampunk Vampire series (with illustrations by Raven Quinn, Trisha Baker’s Crimson series and Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.
I was very excited to not only be presenting it at Oxford but also among such a distinguished group of my peers. The paper went very well and lead to much discussion and debate.
I also managed to see a few sites in Oxford. I was very excited to grab a drink at the Eagle and Child pub,
A place where both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once met.
They were members of the same writers group known as the Inklings.
I also visited the University of Oxford Christchurch campus where I saw one of the famous dining halls, which was one of the influences for the hall featured in Harry Potter.
And the library where I saw a journal written in Mary Shelley’s own handwriting.
Truly amazing!
After Oxford, I returned to London again for another full day before leaving. I spent most of the afternoon at The Globe Theatre. The Globe, which features Shakespeare’s plays, was built to be a replica of the original theatre which existed in Shakespeare’s lifetime.
People who attend performance there have a choice between being seated or standing beside the stage during the performance. It is a token to Elizabethan theater (1500 & 1600s) where the cheap ‘seats’ were actually simply standing and people paid extra to actually sit during a performance. I opted for a seat myself and watched the play from the upper levels. I saw Richard II, and it was very well done.
After that, it was time to say goodbye to England. Though I am certain it is a place I will return to in the future.
August 5, 2015
Heart of the Rose – Cover Reveal!
Cover by Skyla Dawn Cameron
In this sequel to Black Rose, reunite with the captains of the Immortal Guard and witness Mara and Edward at the beginning of their epic love story, which spans more than a millennium of heartache, pain, and undying devotion.
When Edward is sent on a mysterious quest by the ruthless queen, nineteen-year-old Mara—the youngest sub-captain to ever serve the Royal Guard—vowed to await his return, never anticipating decades would pass without word of his fate. The noble captain is taken prisoner by a rival court where he is forced to endure years of brutal torment at the hands of his captors. His life clings to but a single thought—Mara.
Refusing to accept that her love will never return, Mara clutches to a hope which defies the bounds of reason. However as years pass, memories fade from comfort to unbearable grief.
As Mara prepares to accept the unimaginable loss, a sinister creature of roses and shadow haunts her dreams. Dreams of blood. Dreams of torment. Dreams of Edward.
The dark presence lingers, and Mara finds herself trapped in a certainty she fears no other will believe—even those closest to her heart. She must choose between honoring her vows to the immortal courts to which she has sworn her life, or leaving to search for the man to who possesses her soul.
Dive into the beginning of the tale that shapes the most feared, most loved, and most revered captain in the history of the immortal courts.
Coming Fall 2015!
