Sherman Alexie is one of my favorite authors. I'd read his grocery list. So when I saw War Dances in the bookstore, of course I bought it. I've had it for a couple of weeks now, and finally picked it up to read at a time when I was in need of serious distraction.

Let me start by saying that Alexie is writing at a level most authors only dream about reaching. When I offer a criticism, I'm still talking about levels of good.

I'd need a week at least to put together the kind of review this book deserves and I'd have to read through it two or three more times -- which I will do, I'm quite certain (the reading, not the review). But I don't have a week, so you get this one draft review.

When I was in grad school and reading Faulkner, Roth and the like, I kept wondering to myself who, today, is the future canon? The writer who just keeps getting better and better until you start to get chills. I've been hard pressed to come up with a name. So many of the literary writers today feel so self-aware and stultifyingly precious that, to be honest, I don't give a hoot. Really.

If he keeps writing like this, and there's no reason to believe he won't, if there's any justice in the world, Alexie is that writer.

I thought War Dances started off good but not Great. I read one of the pieces in substantially, but not exactly, the same form The New Yorker (here, the title story War Dances) It's at this point that the collection really pulled me in. As I progressed through the poems and stories, I start taking in the themes and questions Alexie leaves us to face -- the various narrators' interior lives are fundamentally different from the culturally dominant worldview. We are constantly shown that maybe we don't understand quite enough.

The poem On Airplanes was the first one to make me say, oh. at the end. From that point forward the stories and poems were transformative. Ode to Pay Phones made my breath catch. Ode to Mix Tapes is in a similar class. The story Fearful Symmetry is Alexie at his "turn you around" best. Where you start this story and where you are when it ends are two different worlds, and in between Alexie puts you through a transformation. The last story Salt and the final poem Food Chain were wonderful and so very lovely.

If you love writing, if you're in love with words, if you just want to say you read a great writer before he was writ large, read War Dances

Labels: Authors, Book Review

Today, author HelenKay Dimon answers a lot of tough, hard-hitting questions from yours truly. At the end of it all, she has a book to give away!

Read on about HelenKay, secret government agencies, writing tips and tattooed chefs and then read about how you might be win her book, Holding Out For A Hero. This is a Kensington Brava (meaning it's hot!).

The Interview

1. Write What you Know. That's one of the first rules of successful fiction writing.

Who knew so many authors are vampires, werewolves or demons? Anyway, in looking over your upcoming releases, I'm now curious about how long you've been on the run from the law. (Under the Gun) Also, I notice there's a helicopter on the cover. Awesome. How long have you been flying those things?

When I have some free time in the evenings, I like to grab my gun, head out to the airport and fly a helicopter along the San Diego coastline. The military and FAA don't really like this since they use the same air space and all, but that's why I take the gun. Helicopter versus fighter plane - I win every single time. Just those few hours of flying and shooting and all is well in my world.

And did you really not suspect that some of our author brethren were creatures of the night,or at least aliens? That is the only explanation I can find for...well, never mind.

Exactly. It explains one heck of a lot. Like why writers' conferences are so much fun and why agents and editors have to work late at night so often. (It's the only time they can talk with certain of their clients/authors.)

2. I understand you're a lawyer. Tell me about how being a lawyer prepared you for a career in writing. I have read more than my share of legal briefs and it's been my impression that legal writing is pretty much the opposite of gripping fiction, except for maybe in the facts section if you happen to have an interesting case.

When did the writing bug bite? Did you sit in contracts class doodling story ideas or were you outlining novels instead of your Motion to Dismiss? Or were you too busy running a secret government agency? (It's okay if you're not comfortable talking about your time under cover. Just leave some blanks and I'll fill them in later.)

I think of myself as a recovering lawyer. It's a 12 Step program that begins with getting out and ends with learning not to argue with everyone about everything. Have not conquered that last part yet. That innate need to take the other side of every argument has not subsided yet. Maybe some day.

I have to admit something here....I was one of those. You know the ones. The people who read all the time but don't read romance. I actually wrote and read Motions and thought they were interesting. Yeah, it's sick. Then my life changed. I started litigating contested custody cases. Try to think of something less romantic. I dare you. The work was tough. Watching people rip their kids apart and fight over floral print curtains was hard to take some days.

One day a retiring attorney handed me three romances-- Perfect Partners by Jayne Ann Krentz, The Bride by Julie Garwood and Daniel's Bride by Linda Lael Miller -- and read them and fell in love. I thought the writing was smart and sexy. I realized I'd been missing something. Something pretty great. So, I started reading a lot of romance. About two years later, fueled by an overinflated ego that is just sooooo attractive, I decided I could write one.

Didn't know a thing about fiction writing, but off I went. After a few years of floundering and writing mostly for myself, I decided to go from hobby to potential career. I entered and finaled in Lori Foster's Brava Novella Contest and 18 months later sold to Kensington.

I can honestly say reading romance changed my life. Right now I'd be sitting in a courtroom trying to decide which parent should have the kids on Memorial Day if my world hadn't gone careening wildly off track and into the romance world. I thank Jayne Ann Krentz, Julie Garwood and Linda Lael Miller every single day for that fact I wear sweats instead of pantyhose to work now.

For the record, I don't run a secret government agency but I think the world would be better if I did. Do you know who I can talk to about that?

NB: HelenKay is fibbing. Anyone who flies helicopters and shoots it out with fighter jets is OBVIOUSLY the former head of a secret government agency. I mean, come on. Doh.

Interview Interruptus

Check this out. Is she running secret agency or what? Do you see the office she's sitting in? Does that not say covert agency all over it?

The Interview continues . . .

3. When I interview other authors, I like to get as much writing advice as I can from them. I recently read your book Right Here, Right Now, and I thought the dialogue was exceptionally deft and amusing. As someone who is humor impaired in my fiction, I'm looking for tips on writing humor. If you could also address great dialogue too, that would be helpful (Thanks!)

Did you really read it or are you just saying that to make me like you more? 'Cause it worked I like you even more now.

Yes, I did read it. I'm glad you like me even more. I like you, too, HelenKay. FYI, we don't lie here on my blog. Well, hardly ever. But I'm not lying about your book. Anyway, could we talk a little about dialogue and humor?

But, really, did you read it?? What happens on page 45? And don't give me that "I downloaded the book and my page numbers don't match with the book's" stuff. Not buying it!

Um. Well. Gosh. Oddly enough, I DID read your book on my iPhone. The pages actually don't match the physical copy. I can prove it:



See? Now. About dialogue and humor?

Okay. Good.

That's not about dialogue. Or humor. This is a professional, serious interview here. Plus I need some advice about dialogue and humor.

Back to your question... I love writing dialogue. It's my favorite part. When I write, I actually let the dialogue play in my head (which sounds a little nutty, now that I see that in writing) and put it down on paper as it comes to me. No dialogue tags. No narrative. Just a stream of talk between the characters in the scene, letting it come out in banter and a Moonlighting (am I showing my age?) way. I then build the scene around that back and forth. I end up trimming the dialogue down to avoid a situation where it's obvious I love hearing myself talk and then I layer in the rest.

On humor? I will relay a conversation my hubby and I have just about every week:

Me: I'm funny. Most people aren't funny, so you're lucky to be with me.

Hubby (deadpan): Uh-huh. You're hysterical.

Clearly, he does not appreciate just how funny I am.

Wow. Words fail me.

I'm not sure that my dialogue ever strikes me as funny when I write it. People tell me it's funny, which is fabulous, because I love funny. But, really, I think humor is either a part of your voice or not. If you try to be funny --force it --it comes off as obvious and, well, not funny. I do think it's easier to aim for amusing. We all have amusing things happen to us, stuff that makes us smile. Those relatable pieces of life amuse people and add that bit of lightness to a story.


4. I'm curious about how you managed to have two books out in the same month. Are you just an insanely fast writer?

My publishers hate me. See, those books were supposed to come out in different months. Then, each publisher shifted each book by a month and - viola - two releases. This is somewhat better than October 2009 when I had three releases...all from the same publisher. I cried a lot and worried about the?end of my career during October 2009.

But on the fast thing? I do write fairly fast but only after the book is in my head. I have to start thinking about it all the time, seeing the scenes flash by (again, sounds nutty), before I can get it down on paper in anything other than crap form.

About The Books- Plus the Interview Continues . . .

5. Can you tell me a couple of things about Under the Gun and Leave Me Breathless that aren't in the cover blurb (since those will be posted here for everyone to read and admire.) Is there a spicy or exciting scene or two you can tease us with?

My favorite part of Under The Gun isn't in the cover blurb. See, these folks were once engaged. Our lovely heroine Claire, dumped handsome hero Luke before the wedding and Claire is now accused of killing the guy she married instead of our fine hero. How's that for some added conflict? If that wasn't bad enough, I injured poor Luke in the first scene and keep the guy in pain for the entire book. Mean author.

I'm kind of scared of you now.

Here's a little taste:

The second they were alone Luke pinned Claire with the same green-eyed gaze that used to make her forget what she was saying from one thought to another.

"If you even try move out of this room I'll stop you," he said.

"You only have one good arm."

"I can do a lot with just that one."

Which was exactly why she hadn't yet made a run for the door. "I'm not leaving."

"That's not my experience," he mumbled under his breath.

Adam stalked back into the room and dumped a small box on the table, along with gauze, some medicine, a knife and a bottle. "What are we looking at in terms of injuries here?"

Luke tried to lift his arm but groaned instead. "It's a through and through. Not serious. Just bloody and stings like a son of a bitch."

She eyed up the whiskey. "Which is cause for a celebratory drink?"

Both men stared at her but only Luke answered. "I'm going to use it to clean the wound."

She noticed his husky voice had cleared and his swaying had stopped. Still... "Shouldn't you be at a hospital? I mean, how bad is this?"

Luke picked up a bandage packet and put the edge between his teeth and ripped it open. "It's a gunshot, so it doesn't feel good. But, unfortunately for you, I'm not going to die."

She forgot how dizzying his stubbornness could be. "You are if you don't stop with the attitude."

He peeked up at her through his mop of hair. "I'd like to remind you how I got shot."

That was an easy one. He refused to stick with the mental plan she had worked out for him. He might hate her but his rescue tendencies hadn't dulled.

ooh. I like.

Order Under the Gun

About Leave me Breathless

Leave Me Breathless is sexier and a bit less suspense oriented. Ben is a young superstar judge. Callie is his unwanted bodyguard and is completely unimpressed with Ben's impressive record. Loved making the heroine the tough one and the hero the one who insisted he didn't need help.

PERMISSION TO APPROACH

According to Judge Bennett Walker, trying to kill him is a dumb idea. They might make him wear a big black nightgown to work, but it covers a lot of muscles, and he’s definitely packing beneath it. He’s also an ex-prosecutor and an ex-GI Joe. So when his brother brings in Callie Robbins to protect him, Ben has a few issues. First, he doesn't need a bodyguard. Second, she’s a 130-pound girl—more smoking hot than smoking gun. And third, what if his body wants her guarding the night shift?

Callie has no problem brushing aside Ben’s disbelief. She left the FBI to escape the boys’ club, but she can be deeper undercover and twice as lethal as any beefy John Doe. As for whether someone’s after Bennett or not, the death threats and car bombs look pretty convincing to Callie. Of course, she might get distracted, sitting inches from the sexiest judge in DC for ten hours a day. Keeping him safe is no picnic. Keeping it professional—that might be impossible.

Here's a brief scene from early in their relationship

Something clicked in Ben's head. "Wait, how do you know about the email?"

Callie bit her bottom lip but stayed quiet.

That couldn't be a good sign. "You were on my computer?" He knew the answer but wanted her to own up to the misdemeanor. Maybe apologize.

"I was checking for email threats." She scribbled down something on the lined paper. "Get used to it."

She sure didn't sound sorry to him. "You were violating my privacy."

"We can call it whatever you want."

"How about illegal? I could have you arrested."

She snorted. "Oh, please."

It was hard to threaten someone who refused to be afraid. "Which reminds me, how did you get in the office this morning?

She reached inside her blazer pocket and flashed a courthouse I.D. badge at him. "I also have a key to the suite and my own desk."

He followed her head nod to the small set-up perpendicular from his under the window. How in the hell had he missed that? "I don’t think so."

"You don't get a vote."

She needed to understand how this arrangement was going to work. Her pushy demanding act was not the right answer. "The governor who appointed me and the electorate that keeps me here would disagree."

She rolled her eyes. Made quite the dramatic scene of it, too. "Must you talk like that?"

"Like what?"

"All hoity and superior."

He tried to remember the last time someone fought him this hard and showed so little respect for his position. He came up with an answer fast: never. "Was it the word 'electorate' that upset you?"

She threw her notebook on his desk. "To be honest, most everything you say annoys me."

He was starting to see why she no longer had a job with the FBI. That mouth could not have been an asset in a rule-oriented, follow-the-chain-of-command government agency. "Right back at you, sweetheart."

Oooh. I like this too!


order Leave me Breathless

Carolyn Asks HelenKay a REALLY hard Question

Which of these two scenarios would you prefer? Explain your choice.

A. You're walking down the street on a nice day when a pastry chef runs out of the bakery you're passing and practically mows you down. To apologize, he gives you his pastry chef hat which you wear that afternoon when you're settling in for an afternoon of baking goodies for yours truly. The hat, you discover, confers the ability to make baked goods better than anyone in the world but only if you bake for good, not evil.

B. You're walking down the street on a nice day when a tattoo artist runs out of his tattoo parlor and practically mows you down. To apologize, he gives you a free tattoo (location your choice). One week later, you discover that your new tat confers on you the ability to understand the directions for any product that says "Some assembly required" on the box.

Is there an option for a hot pastry chef with a tattoo? Of those two, I'd pick the hat because I can't cook. If it doesn't come frozen and in a box, I can't make it. Needless to say, my hubby does all of the cooking in our house, which is a good thing because we'd starve otherwise. But the idea of being able to make all the cookies and cakes and cinnamon buns I want is just awesome. I could cook and then eat my way out of the room. I might fantasize about that for the rest of the week. Thanks for putting that in my head.

I can't believe I didn't think of a hot pastry chef with a tattoo! My God, that's brilliant. He should have a tat of an apple pie on his butt.

Thank you so much for hosting me here!

You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by.

How To Possibly Win HelenKay's Book

Answer one or more of the following questions in the comments:

• Suppose the Tattooed Chef DOES NOT have a tattoo of apple pie. But there is a tattoo. What's the next best tat for a hot pastry chef?
• What's your favorite pastry?
• Where do you prefer to eat your favorite pastry?
  

Rules: Contest is open until -- uh -- Wednesday February 17th. Get your comment in by midnight Pacific. If you don't leave me an email so I can contact you if you win, then please commit to checking back Thursday or Friday (2/18-19) to see if you won. Void where prohibited etc.

Go!

Labels: Authors, AuthorTalk, contest, Interview

Go enter Ann Aguirre's Hell Fire ARC contest.

She's giving away 8 ARCs on her blog, and two on Twitter. Check it out. Enter. You won't be sorry.

Over at The Riskies we're setting up a Read-Along. Help us decide what book to read. There will be some prizes during the Risky Reading.

Labels: Authors, contest, reading

Today I'm author Judi Fennel visits my blog to talk about her new release. It's got mermaids. Is that awesome or what? Please note, Judi has a great contest going so check it out at the end of this post!

About The Author

Judi Fennell has had her nose in a book and her head in some celestial realm all her life, including those early years when her mom would exhort her to "get outside!" instead of watching Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie on television. So she did--right into Dad's hammock with her Nancy Drew books.

These days she's more likely to have her nose in her laptop and her head (and the rest of her body) at her favorite bookstore, but she's still reading, whether it be her latest manuscript or friends' books.

A three-time finalist in online contests, Judi has enjoyed the reader feedback she's received and would love to hear what you think about her Mer series. Check out her website at www.JudiFennell.com for excerpts, reviews and fun pictures from reader and writer conferences, and the chance to "dive in" to her stories.

About the Book

She's on a mission to save the planet. . .

Mermaid Angel Tritone has been researching humans from afar, hoping to find a way to convince them to stop polluting. When she jumps into a boat to escape a shark attack, it's her chance to pursue her mission, but she has to keep her identity a total secret. . .

When he finds out what she really is, they're both in mortal danger. . .

For Logan Hardington, finding a beautiful woman on his boat is surely not a problem-- until he discovers she's a mermaid, and suddenly his life is on the line. . .

What people are saying

Fennell's got detailed worldbuilding, creative secondary characters and an impressive use of mythology in this great read. While this title is part of a series, it works well as a stand-alone. Angel and Logan are both incredibly textured characters.
RT BookReview Magazine 4 Stars

Judi Fennell has extraordinary imagination and has certainly used it in creating this exciting and colorful story. Her characters are wonderful.
Fresh Fiction

The best blend of both worlds. I... love each and every character in Catch of A Lifetime (and) found (it) well worth diving into.
Long And Short Reviews 4.5 Books

4 Stars!
Affair de Coeur Magazine

Catch of a Lifetime is a heart warming tale. Ms. Fennell Ms. Fennell has created a delightful world that, I have enjoyed escaping to. It is both dangerous and fun.
Anna's Book Blog

The Interview

1. If your protagonist were to wake up one day with a super power, what would that super power be?
Angel actually wouldn't care whether she had one or not. She can change her tail to legs and back again, so she's pretty happy. Maybe if she could extend that change from two days to six months, that might do it. But she's a scientist; she prefers facts and evidence to magic.

2. If your protagonist were to wake up one day with an intense craving for something, what would the craving be?
Ice cream. Peppermint. Frozen iceberg chips just don't have the same flavor.

3. Would your villain (or antagonist) prefer to be Emperor Ming The Merciless or Darth Vader? Why?
Darth - Ming ruled a planet. Darth has a bigger focus; he wants every universe out there. Ceto has a bone to pick with The Gods and she wouldn't mind having more power than them. As for the sharks, they'd just be happy to have a say in what happens on The Council. Actually, that's not true. I could see A.C. using that as a stepping stone to the throne. Maybe even Poseidon's trident.

4. What do you consider the heart of your story? That is, what is the issue or emotion that propels things forward? Spill your guts on this one.
Angel wanting to be someone. I hadn't seen that coming when I wrote her story. All of a sudden, she's thinking about how much she wants to be so much more than "Just Angel." I hadn't realized. I love when things like that happen when I'm writing a story. All along, she's known why she's pushing so hard for the job she's after, but I hadn't realized why until that moment. It makes writing magical.


5. If you were in charge of casting the movie adaptation of your book, who gets the call?
I always love this question because while I can pick actors/actresses for my characters, I have a hard time seeing them as the characters because the characters are such vivid personalities in their own right. But, by all means, let Hollywood come calling! For Angel, I see Jessica Alba, and for Logan, Hugh Jackman. I have yet to see a Michael anywhere, though. And I'd pull Susan Sarandon in for Ceto, and either Pacino or DeNiro for A.C. Hell, this is a "what if" so let's get both. There are enough thug hammerheads to go around Hollywood mafiosos. Ray Liotta, too.

6. Is there a scene you cut from the book that you kind of wish you could put back in?
The first five chapters. :) Yep, I wrote five chapters before the opening of the book. They showed Angel escaping Hammerhead Harry, and what happens when she shows up on the boat and Michael sees her. But I think the book is stronger written the way it was published. Those five chapters, however, make good "freebies" on my website and will go up over the next few weeks.

7. Do you have a sample chapter posted?
I have an excerpt on my website.

8. Tell us why your editor is the best editor ever in the universe.
Because she loves my stories enough to buy them! And my next series, too. And hopefully more after that. Seriously, though, Deb Werksman is amazing. She knows just how to get to the heart of the story and build it outward from there. She can see things that need clarification and convey them wonderfully. Not that I like having to do those kinds of revisions, but all of my books are stronger because of the role she plays.

Contest

To celebrate the release of each of her books, Judi Fennell and the Atlantis Inn and the Hibiscus House bed and breakfasts are raffling off three romantic beach getaway weekends. All information is on Judi's website, www.JudiFennell.com.

Labels: Authors, contest, Interview

Today I'm putting author Liz Maverick on the spot. She has a new book out, Crimson & Steam which is another installment of the her Crimson City Series AND it's Steampunk. Hoo-ya!

Keep reading to find out how you could win 1 of 3 ARCs for Crimson & Steam. But wait! There's more! You could also find out how you might win a free Kindle and some books by yours truly. (That would be me! Doh.)

About the Book

Did you check out the cover blurb? From Sherrilyn Kenyon. Squeee! For those of you reading via the RSS feed or who don't see the image, it says, and I quote: An outstanding, amazingly written thrill-ride!

I've known Liz for a few years now and well, she's just so funny and nice and so cool. I was lucky enough to write a book in her fantastic Crimson City series so I can totally attest to its awesomeness as a series.



Part paranormal historical set in Victorian England, part classic-Crimson City near-future thriller, Crimson & Steam has the heart of a vampire soulmate romance. The book revives characters and settings beloved by existing fans of the USA Today bestselling Crimson City series but introduces new and old readers alike to the series' werewolf and vampire "Steampunk" beginnings. . . a mystery finally revealed.

Read an excerpt from Crimson Steam

Already convinced? You can buy or pre-order a copy

Carolyn Questions Liz

You write about vampires, mechs and other supernatural creatures. And now there's this Steampunk stuff. Punk? Come on! Do your parents ever worry about you? Please discuss. (Some of us have family who do worry. Any strategies for avoiding uncomfortable questions?)

If you're asking whether my parents think writing romance novels with superhuman characters is weird and are worried about the state of my sanity, that would be no.

Lucky.

I'm always doing some weird project or going on some unusual adventure. Besides, at some point one's parents seem to get used to one's eccentricities. I think they'd be more worried if I stopped.

Or did I misunderstand your question. . . are you asking if my parents are concerned I might be dabbling in the occult? Yeah, that hasn't come up yet. Maybe at Thanksgiving. ;)

Well, now that you mention it. . . Can you check back here after T-Day and let us know?

You are known for your coolness and on-the-edge take-no-prisoners style, including fashion. Suppose someone wanted to be cool, too, but is coolness impaired. Do you have any tips for those of us who wish to be more awesome but lack the awesome-cool gene? Is there a store we can shop at? Books or magazines we should read? Shoes to avoid?

Um. . .er. . . huh. I will secretly consult my dog-eared volume of Binkleys Cool is More Than Just a Four-Letter Word. Ah, the summary at the end of Chapter 6. That looks good.

Checking Amazon for the book...

• 98.7% of Australians do not think of Uggs as a positive fashion-statement. Nor should you. Who knew?


• Never be afraid to buy something when you don't need it. Especially if it's metallic, on sale or vaguely historical-looking. If it's all three, buy two. My life has just changed. I did NOT know!


• Go purchase some new underwear and bras. Right. Now. You totally deserve it. Yes, you do. I said, NOW. Checking Victoria's Secret for metallic brassieres that look like cones (Does that count as historical?)

This is a two part question. You are in a major metropolitan area where most people wear black. It's 2:00 am, there's a full moon, and you are heading home from a night of Slam Poetry. (You won!) First, what's in your pocket(s)? Second, as you round a corner, you come face to face with a werewolf, a zombie and vampire. The werewolf is salivating, the zombie is missing his left ear and the vampire looks really, really thirsty. What do you do?

In pocket: NYC subway card, keys, license, credit card, cookie fortune from the awful Chinese place around the corner: "Remain calm in an emergency crisis." on one side, Chinese to English translation for the word, "umbrella" on the other. I've been holding on to it in case I find myself in a bad situation on a rainy day in Shanghai.

Mine says, "You are a practical and reasonable person." The restaurant wouldn't give me my money back. The Chinese on the other side translates to "squeegee" I wonder what that means?

What do I do?

Werewolf eats zombie, vampire drains werewolf. (Why does this remind me of ro-sham-boh?) I'm left with a vampire which really isn't so bad, all things considered. I offer him a card swipe going Downtown; I'm going Uptown.

Damn, you're good.

Eric or Bill? Edward or Jacob? (Let me know if you need pictures to decide.)

Eric. Is that a serious question? Edward/Jacob...dunno. I didn't read or see. So much for being cool.

No, I wasn't serious at all. I knew you'd pick Eric. The way I know you'd pick Jacob.

Anything coming down the pike from you that we should know about and prepare for?

It's all about Crimson & Steam, baby.
Me want!

How to enter to Win an ARC

To have a chance to win one of three (3!) ARCs of Crimson & Steam you have to first agree to read the book if you win, and post a review somewhere, either on your own blog, Amazon or elsewhere on the internetz. Or you can send me your review and I'll post it here.

Cool with that? Then comment on this post and give your own answer to one of the questions I asked Liz. Any mention of the hotness of Alexander Skarsgard would be greatly appreciated, but will not increase your chances of winning. If your commenter ID does not take me to someplace where I can contact you if you win, you need to either leave an email (You can leave out the @ and . etc) in your comment or commit to check back by midnight (Pacific) Saturday 11/28 to see if you won.

How to enter to win other stuff

Head on over to Liz's facebook page and enter her contest to win a Kindle and some free books. Woot!!

Also head on over to Liz's place because she'll be giving away a signed copy of my historicals Scandal and Indiscreet.

Labels: Authors, contests

Today, author Melissa Senate stops by to tell us about her new book and answer a few questions. Check it out!

About Melissa Senate

Melissa Senate lives on the coast of Maine with her son and their menagerie of pets. She’s the author of eight novels (seven women’s fiction and one young adult) with two on the way. Visit her website melissasenate.com for more information and she’d love if you became her friend Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MelissaSenate) and followed her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/melissasenate).

About the Book

The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate
(Pub Date: 11/17, Simon & Schuster's Downtown Press imprint, $15.00 trade paperback)


Introducing THE SECRET OF JOY (Simon & Schuster trade paperback, $15.00) by Melissa Senate, the "warm, winning" new novel from the bestselling author of See Jane Date and Love You To Death.

Buy the Book from Amazon

The Secret of Joy is a Simon & Schuster Book Club Pick! For more information, check out the
Reading Group Guide:

Praise:

The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate opened my heart, made me laugh, cry, and smile all at the same time. A don't-miss read! -- New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips

The Secret of Joy is a warm hug of a book. Insightful, wise, and romantic, it's as inviting as the small-town life it depicts. -- Claire LaZebnik

A wonderfully heartfelt story about hope, possibilities and the yearning for real connections. Senate's latest will take you on a much needed vacation, while sneaking vital life lessons in when you're not looking. --Caprice Crane

The Interview

1. Tell us about your latest release and the inspiration behind it.

A: 28-year-old New Yorker Rebecca Strand is shocked when her dying father confesses a devastating secret: he had affair when Rebecca was a toddler- and a baby he turned his back on at birth. Now, his wish is that the daughter he abandoned, Joy Joyhawk, read the unsent letters he wrote to her every year on her birthday. Determined to fulfill her father's wish, Rebecca drives to a small town in Maine-- against the advice of her lawyer boyfriend who's sure Joy will be a "disappointing, trashy opportunist" and demand half her father's fortune. But when hopeful Rebecca knocks on her half-sister's door, Joy-- a separated mother who conducts weekend singles tours out of her orange mini-bus-- wants nothing to do with Rebecca or the letters her father wrote to her. Determined to forge some kind of relationship with Joy, Rebecca sticks around, finding unexpected support from Joy's best clients-- the Divorced Ladies Club of Wiscasset-- and a sexy carpenter named Theo . . . .

The inspiration: Several years ago, I received an email out of the blue that said: I think you might be my half-sister. I was. Am. It took me a long time to decide to take that little (huge) nugget and write a novel to help me figure out the answer to some burning questions, such as: if you haven't seen or heard from your biological father, or any member of his family, since you were little (or, in Joy's case, never at all), is his child from another relationship really your sibling? Or just a stranger? Does the word father or sister or brother mean anything without back up? I had a ton of questions and set out to uncover how I felt through a fictional character, but it's interesting to me that I flipped everything on its head in the writing of the story. Nothing but the basic questions that are proposed in the novel are autobiographical. Just the questions! And I surprised myself quite a few times during the writing of this story with how I felt about certain things. Amazing how writing fiction can teach you so much about yourself.

2. Who do you picture in your mind when you write?:

A: Sometimes I picture a lone woman reading my book on a bus or on her sofa or in a coffee shop, and I imagine what she's responding to, relating to, thinking about as she reads. Would this scene make her smile? Would she relate? But most of the time, I picture my characters' faces with their personalities etched into their features. I rarely base my characters physically on celebs (except for my first book—Jane from See Jane Date looked just like Ann Marie from "That Girl" (a young Marlo Thomas). She did not look like Charisma Carpenter, who perfectly played her in the TV movie, but now when I think of Jane, I think of Charisma only. Which makes me think of hot David Boreanaz, which is a good thing.

3. What was the inspiration for your hero? An actor, a picture you saw, some random guy in the coffee shop?:

A: I have long been drawn to guys with dark eyes and dark hair, starting with my very first serious crush in 7th grade. But Theo, Rebecca's love interest, has sandy-blond hair and pale brown eyes because that's just the way he came out of the keyboard-- he sort of created himself. I never base the guys on anyone. They're always inspired by the guy I wish I were dating. (Yes, I'm single!) Right now, as a single mother, I'd love a guy who, like hot, wise Theo, works with his hands and made things, like porch swings and tree houses for my son. A guy who's smart and honest and romantic and always seems to say the right thing at the right time. Oh and hot, too.

4. Writing a letter can be daunting. How do you even begin the process of writing a novel? Does it start with a title? A character? A plot? All or none of the above?

A: An idea flits into my heart, mind and soul (if I may be so dramatic!) and I just know. The idea, just a wispy thing, grips me and I think about it until the two major characters-- my protagonist and the person or thing who "forces" her change—become clear. Then I write out a one page treatment, a bare bones synopsis, then think about that, then revise the storyline into a "pitch" I can share with my agent. If she green-lights it, I'll then let myself dream it into a full blown synopsis, which is what I usually sell a novel on. The synopsis, in its major plot points, rarely changes, but how the characters get from page one to page 325 is another story.

5. What's one piece of writing advice you've found valuable on your journey to publication?

A: Trust yourself. Your gut knows. You know.

6. Tell us why your editor is the best editor ever in the universe.

A: I'm crazy about my editor, Jennifer Heddle at Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books. I love working with her. She's just so razor-sharp smart and aware and interested in the world and pop culture (which I've learned via being her friend on Facebook!). Her suggestions, starting with our first conversation before she even bought my book, were so intelligent and thoughtful. And she's New York honest in a very kind way with her editorial letters and edits. I absolutely trust what she says. As I've gotten to know her, I'm even more touched that she bought my book. She's a tough customer, I think. And that's a good thing.

7. Any tried and true tricks for beating procrastination?

A Tried but not true: taking laptop to a library or coffee lounge without wi-fi. I can't handle more than an hour or two without checking email or reading through Twitter or Facebook. Tried and true: a deadline, whether self-given or publisher-given.

8. Which 'craft' book has inspired or helped you the most throughout your writing career?

A: The most inspiring, to me, is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. But I also love Stephen King's On Writing; Carolyn See's How To Make A Literary Life, and Elizabeth Berg's Escaping Into The Open.

9. If your book were to be made into a movie, who could you see playing the lead role?:

A: For the main character, Rebecca, I see Rachel McAdams. She has such sweetness and hope in her eyes, and such a lovely face. For half-sister Joy, Kristin Bell, with all that "Veronica Mars" intensity. For delicious Theo, Rebecca's love interest, the very attractive Aaron Eckhart. Love his face.

10. If you could only own and read 5 books for the rest of your life, (excluding your own) what five books would you choose?:

A: The Portable Dorothy Parker; the collected works of William Shakespeare; To Kill A Mockingbird; Anne of Green Gables; The Color Purple; and I can't leave off this gem: Why I Like My Mommy by Max (my son's latest work in first grade!)

11. Writers are usually big readers too. How do you make time for reading and what are you reading at the moment?

A: The moment my seven-year-old son closes those eyes for the night, I stretch out on my little sofa with a good book, hot chocolate (it's getting cooold here in Maine) and my two black cats at my feet. I'm reading Elizabeth Berg's Home Safe right now. I love how she manages to write so honestly and elegantly at the same time. She's able to call someone a shit in the loveliest way. Next up: the seven or so books that came from Amazon, staring with Kristina Riggle's Real Life & Liars. I love women's fiction—all these interesting storylines and gorgeous covers.

12. What's next for you?

A: Next up is my second novel for teens, The Mosts, which will be published by Random House in June 2010. Then, my next women's fiction novel from Simon & Schuster, The Love Goddess's Cooking School, about five people in an Italian cooking class, will be published November 2010. I'm staring down a 1/1 deadline (the worst deadline to have!) And I'm being poked at by a new idea . . . .

Labels: Authors, Interview

About the Author

Jessica Brody graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts with degrees in economics and French. In 2005, she left her job at MGM Studios in Los Angeles to become a full-time freelance writer and producer. Jessica currently lives in Los Angeles, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Jessica's website at: www.JessicaBrody.com

About LOVE UNDER COVER

In her job, she’s an expert on men. . .

In her own relationship, she doesn’t have a clue.

Boyfriend behaving badly? Suspect your husband of straying? Jennifer Hunter can supply the ultimate test. She runs a company which specializes in conducting fidelity inspections for those who suspect their loved ones are capable of infidelity.

An expert on men, Jennifer can usually tell if they're single, married or lying. . . Unfortunately, her new boyfriend, Jamie, is one of the few men that she's never been able to 'read.' Has she finally found the perfect man or is he too good to be true?

A captivating new novel from the bestselling author of The Fidelity Files.

Available November 10, wherever books are sold.

Praise

Currently in development as a TV series by the executive producer of Crash!

"With a complicated, sympathetic protagonist, worthy stakes and a clever twist on the standard chick lit narrative, Brody will pull readers in from the first page." -- Publisher's Weekly

"Those who enjoyed Brody's debut will be eager to catch up with Jennifer, but newcomers will be intrigued, too...an honest, witty portrayal of modern love." -- Booklist

"With her usual smart, deft, and witty prose, Brody delves deep into the psychology of a woman who tests the fidelity of strangers for a living but struggles with commitment in her own life." -- Joanne Rendell, author of Crossing Washington Square and The Professors' Wives' Club

Trailer:

The Interview

What was your inspiration behind Love Under Cover?

As soon as I finished writing my first novel, The Fidelity Files¸ I knew that Jennifer's journey wasn't over yet. Although she had seemed to find her happy ending there was so much more fun stuff I had in mind for another book. Setting Jennifer up with an entire agency of fidelity inspectors was definitely the first and foremost on my mind for the next instalment.

Plus, I really wanted to explore what a fidelity inspector would be like in a committed relationship. After everything she's seen—all the cheating, dishonesty, and betrayal—would she really be capable of settling down herself? So that's what I set out to focus on in this book.

What is the most memorable first line you've ever read in a novel?

There's a very powerful young adult novel called The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams that I read last year. It's about a fifteen year old girl who grew up on a polygamist compound and it opens with this: "If I was going to kill the Prophet," I say, not even keeping my voice low, "I'd do it in Africa." I read that line and didn't put the book down until the end. I knew from that line that it was going to be a heart pounding read. And it was.

Which scene (or scenes) in your novel did you love writing? Why?

I love writing any of the scenes with Jennifer's friends. They're all fun in their own way. Zoë has a terrible road rage problem and she has a habit of talking on the phone while driving so those conversations with Jen and Zoë on the phone are always really entertaining for me. I get to channel my inner turrets patient. Sophie is totally neurotic. I love going over the top with her.
And John is the flamboyant gay boy from West Hollywood who is always quick with his sarcasm and wit. Sometimes I don't know where his remarks come from. I must be channelling my inner gay man because I'll write something that he says and think, "That's really funny. Where the hell did that come from?"

Which 'craft' book has inspired or helped you the most throughout your writing career?

SAVE THE CAT, by Blake Snyder. It changed my life. People tell me my books read like movies. Well, that's probably because SAVE THE CAT is actually a book for screenwriting. But I've found it translates exceptionally well to novels. A well-told story is a well-told story, regardless of the medium and a fast-moving story keeps the pages turning. Blake Snyder lays out a simple (yet effective) step-by-step beat sheet of how to tell any story and I'll never write another book without it! He's very well-respected in the industry and I know many writers (screenwriters and novelists alike) that utilize his books. Plus, the book is extremely funny and entertaining to read!

Since becoming a writer, what's the most glamorous thing you've ever done?

When my first book, The Fidelity Files, came out in France last year, my French publisher actually flew me out to Paris to promote it! It was a dream come true! I speak French almost fluently so I was able to conduct all my interviews in French, which was both nerve wrecking and exciting at the same time. Paris has always held a special place in my heart. I was a French major in college and I lived in Paris my junior abroad. Plus, I spent a month in Paris in 2005 finishing the novel so it was all very magical and kismet to be back there to see it in French book stores!

If you could be a superhero, what would you superpower be?

Calorie Immunity. That would definitely be my super power. The ability to eat anything I want and be completely unaffected by the calories contained within. That would be really awesome. And I guess that would automatically make my nemesis cupcakes. Although, if this were a comic book, he would be called "Dr. Cupcake" and his side kick would be called "Sprinkles."

Do you have a sample chapter posted?

Absolutely! www.jessicabrody.com/loveundercover_excerpt.html

What's the main thing you hope people take away from your book?

Entertainment. That's all I seek to do. Entertain people. The reason I started writing was because of Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding. I read that book in college whenever I would go to the gym and I remember looking down at the elliptical and thinking, "Seriously? I've already been exercising for thirty minutes!?" The time would FLY by. I was so inspired and awed by the fact that a book could take me away from my life like that. I knew from that day on that I wanted to be a writer so I could attempt to do the same. So if my book can help pass the time of a long flight or a boring workout then I've accomplished my goal. And if some of the issues about relationships and love and trust that I've delved into get people thinking, than that's just icing on the cupcake.

If you could only own and read 5 books for the rest of your life, (excluding your own) what five books would you choose?

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella to make me laugh.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult to make me cry.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger to make me believe in fantastical love.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer to give me a hot vampire to fantasize about daily.
Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding to remind me of why I write.

What's next for you?

Although I strive to live in the moment, I can't help but be excited about the future! I've got three young adult books scheduled to come out in the next three years from Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. The first, THE KARMA CLUB, releases on April 27 and I simply can't wait! It's about three teen girls who are tired of waiting for Karma to get off its butt and do its job, so they decide to give Karma a helping hand by getting revenge on their evil ex-boyfriends. But they soon discover that when you mess with Karma, Karma messes back. It's a story I wanted to tell for years and I'm so glad it's finally going to be put out to the world. The teen voice feels very natural to me (not sure what that says about my inherent maturity level, but whatever!) and the YA novels are such a blast to write. I think the teenage years resonate with everyone in some way. For me, my teen years were very painful so it's somewhat therapeutic to be able to "go back" and relive them with all the knowledge and wisdom that I have now!

I've never been able to choose just one favorite food, but do you have a clear preference?

People tell me I have an obsessive personality. Meaning, I get hooked on one thing and stick with it for weeks, months, sometimes years and do nothing else. It's very much apparent when it comes to my food. When I find something I like, I'll eat it every day for months until I get sick of it and eventually replace it with something else. Right now, it's Sushi Sunday and Nacho Monday. My boyfriend and I order sushi delivery every Sunday night and we go out to our favorite Mexican restaurant for Nachos every Monday. And now I actually look forward to Mondays!

What's one piece of writing advice you've found valuable on your journey to publication?

Jump and the net will appear. Although I think this applies to any career you're trying to get into. You have to jump in with both feet. Right into the deep end. You can't wait for the perfect opportunity to come along, you just have to go for it. When I decided I would be a published author, I made the decision and I leapt off the cliff…without a parachute. I quit my high-paying, corporate job at a move studio, started taking odd jobs off of Craigslist to make ends meet, downgraded my car, my apartment and my lifestyle to save money and just went for it. I never looked back. I turned down three job offers from other studios, all which paid even more than I was making when I left my previous one. I sold my first novel a year and a half after I quit. Now I write full time and this year, for the first time since I quit my corporate job in 2005, I'm making more as a writer than I was making as a "suit." Do what you love and the money will eventually come. I'm a big believer in this. And I am living proof that it works!

What do you think readers might be surprised to know about you?

I'm a total techno junkie. I love technology and gadgets. iPods, digital cameras, computers, Tivos, Sling Boxes. . . those are my weaknesses. My toys. I would die without my blackberry and my Kindle. Unlike most women, I hate shopping for clothes and shoes. To me it feels like a huge waste of time. In a perfect world, I would just wear my sweat pants and Ugg knock-offs all day, every day (okay, maybe I already do that), but set me loose in a Fry's Electronics or a Best Buy and you probably won't see me for a week.

Which fictional character would you most like to have dinner with?

Um, Edward Cullen, of course! Although after dinner, I'd probably ask him to stick around for a drink, a movie, coffee, and then who knows where it might lead. I'm not to be held responsible (or accountable) for fictional dinner dates with hot vampires.

What is your favorite word?

Hmm. . . that's a tough one. I don't know if I have just one favorite word, I like so very many of them, but I definitely have a least favorite word and that's "panties." God, I hate that word! I cringe just writing it here!

Why do you write?

I once heard someone say, "Dancers dance because they have to." I really loved that and I think it's the same for writers. I definitely have to write. Like I have to breathe. If I don't, I get very stir crazy. All of that energy has to come out somehow and for me, it comes out in words. Lots and lots of words. Some of them are actually worth publishing.

The Contest

You could win a copy of Jessica's Love Under Cover. Here's how. Leave a comment by Friday November 13 in which you mention the superstition you just can't get over. Or say something about Friday the 13th. Do you love it or not? If you don't leave me a way to email you if you win, then commit to checking back here over the weekend to see if you're the winner.

Go forth and comment.

Labels: Authors, Interview

I'm totally Psyched to have New York Times Bestselling author Nalini Singh visiting my blog today. Yay!!!! She has a brand new book out and I'm pimping her right here. That's right. Nalini Singh. Right here at my blog! squeeeeeee! Plus, there's a contest. You could win a free book. Read through to the end of the post to see what you need to do.

And, if you happen to subscribe to my newsletter, one of you will win a book, too! Because I'm awesome that way, and so is Nalini. Need proof? Read on.

Carolyn Poses Important Questions to Nalini

Carolyn: Eric Northman or Vampire Bill?

Nalini: I think Eric. Or maybe Bill. Eric. Bill. Do I have to choose???

Yes. You have to chose. I'll put you down in the Eric column.

Carolyn: You're walking along the forest path when an amazingly hot elf blocks your way. (Assume he closely resembles Orlando Bloom after a 16 week workout regimen rigorously observed.) After you admire his impressive sword with jeweled hilt, he offers you one of two gifts, your choice. Which do you choose, the Elixir of Immortality or fluency in any language?

Nalini: On the face of it, this one is a no brainer - the Elixir, of course, because if you have a millennium or two, learning languages isn't going to be a problem.

However, I'm not sure I'd like to live forever - especially if it was only me who was changed. Can you imagine what it would be like to watch everyone around you grow old while you remained forever young? It would be different if those I loved were also given the chance to be immortal. (The gift and price of immortality is actually something I've considered a lot, as it's one of the threads in my Guild Hunter series.)

You raise some good points. Plus, what if the Elixir didn't confer eternal youth? Elves can be tricky that way.

Carolyn: Which creeps you out more? Spiders hanging from the ceiling (right over your bed) or eyes that glow in the dark (in your closet)?

Nalini: The spiders, hands down! (Have you seen The Grudge? That scene where all that hair is hanging down from the ceiling? Creeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepy!)

I spend many nights staring at my closet.

Carolyn: Dark chocolate or milk?

Nalini: Chocolate in any form is a winner for me.

Glad to hear it, Nalini. It's important to be open minded and flexible about these things.

Carolyn: For the purposes of this question, assume these two items are equal in value. I know you wouldn't want to be cheap. You're shopping someplace exclusive with someone else's bucket o' cash. What do you get me? Diamond earrings (highest quality and exquisitely cut and set) or a brand new top of the line Jag (insurance pre-paid for life of car)

Nalini: Well, if it's someone else's (endless) bucket o' cash, why not both? *g* But if I had to choose, I think I'd go for the diamonds - you could wear and enjoy them 24/7 if you so wished. (Though I suppose you could live in your Jag if you wanted to.)

You are my BFF.

About the Book

BLAZE OF MEMORY
BERKLEY BOOKS
Out 3 November 2009

Nalini Singh returns to the Psy/Changeling world and its "breathtaking blend of passion, adventure, and the paranormal" as a woman without a past becomes the pawn of a man who controls her future. . .

Dev Santos discovers her unconscious and battered, with no memory of who she is. All she knows is that she's dangerous. Charged with protecting his people's most vulnerable secrets, Dev is duty-bound to eliminate all threats. It's a task he's never hesitated to complete . . . until he finds himself drawn to a woman who might yet prove the enemy's most insidious weapon.

Stripped of her memories by a shadowy oppressor, and programmed to carry out cold-blooded murder, Katya Haas is fighting desperately for her sanity itself. Her only hope is Dev. But how can she expect to gain the trust of a man who could very well be her next target? For in this game, one must die. . .

Excerpt

More about Nalini's Books

Reviews

...When it comes to delivering stories that grab you by the throat and don't let go, Singh is in a class by herself! -- Romantic Times

...BLAZE OF MEMORY had me in tears with the tenderness that Dev and Katya exposed in each other. This story adds immensely to the series . . . You will want to revisit this love story again and again. -- Romance Junkies

Contest

Leave a comment with your answer to the question below by midnight (Pacific Time) on Friday November 6 to go into the draw to win a signed copy of Branded By Fire, the previous book in the series.

Read an excerpt of Branded by Fire (warning, excerpt may singe your eyebrows off).

Contest Question: If someone wiped your memory and left you on a hero's doorstep, which hero would you want it to be?

(Carolyn's answer: Eric Northman. Doh. Others of you may disagree which just means more Eric for Carolyn!)

Labels: Authors, contest, Interview

Woot!! Meljean Brook is here! In case you don't know, Meljean's book Demon Forged hit bookstores the same day as Indiscreet. What you may also not know is that there is a character in Indiscreet whose last name, by a huge, amazing coincidence, has the last time Brook. Hard to believe, isn't it? Hah. I was desperate for a name for this guy, and there was Meljean's book. . . Brook. That name is teh awesome! said I. So I stole her name. It's in my book now. Forever.

Meljean writes the awesome Guardian series, and if you like paranormal I really do urge you to read her books if you haven't already started. I love this series. I really really do.

Read on to the end of this post to find out how you can, if you're really clever, get yourself in a position to win a signed copy of Indiscreet AND Demon Forged.

Demon Forged, by the way, was a Romantic Times Top Pick, so you know it's good. (Hoo boy is it!)

Carolyn Interrogates Meljean

1. Thinking back to yourself at, say, five years old, were there any clues then that you'd end up writing novels? If so, what were they? When did you know you had the writing bug?


At five, definitely not. By sixth grade, though, I was reading constantly and making up my own stories. Most of them remained in my head, though I scribbled out ideas and scenes. By eighth grade, I was practicing my pseudonym autograph all over my notebook covers (it looks almost exactly the same as it does today.)

For a long time, though, it wasn't something I seriously pursued. I wrote all of the time, but I didn't think of it in terms of: I'm going to be published and make a living this way. I just really enjoyed writing, and I especially enjoyed writing the kinds of things that I loved reading. After a while, though, and a few trips through other (sensible) career choices, I decided: I'm going to try to do this. And then I got a little unexpected help in that area, and actually did it.

2. Regarding your fan fiction, can you talk a little bit about how, why, when and how long you were writing it?

As I mentioned above, I'd been fiddling with stories for a long time. I'd already noticed that I had a tendency to include romance and fantasy elements in my work, but I didn't really finish anything. I'd have great ideas that just petered out along the way. For a long time, this didn't bother me, because I was just having fun ... but then it started irritating me more and more. I wanted to write a romance (not as a career yet, but just to write it) but I knew I needed to finish it. But something just wasn't clicking.

And at the same time, I was in college, and the writing was kind of a side-thing. So were comic books, and reading fanfiction. And it just happened that I read a fanfic that inspired me, and I became obsessed with a certain couple -- Batman and Wonder Woman -- and so I wrote a chapter in a fanfic romance. Then another. And I said to myself: This is it. This is where we find out if you can finish a novel-length story. It took me a couple of months, but I did ... and I loved not just the story, but the process. So I wrote another fic, and another, for about two years.

But I realized I wasn't satisfied with writing these characters anymore, because I'd begun writing mostly alternate universe fics (where the characters are different versions of Batman and Wonder Woman -- alternate timelines, different worlds, etc). I still had a lot of BM/WW stories to tell, but I wanted to start writing my own characters. I also decided that I was going to finish the story, and submit it, and work toward being published. So I began altering and expanding on of the alternate universe fanfics, and that eventually morphed into the Guardian series.

And in what might have been the luckiest moment of my life, my fanfic caught the eye of my editor, who was a BM/WW fan. She asked if I had anything original to submit at the time I was working on what would become Demon Angel. That story wasn't strong enough yet for a contract, but she offered me a spot in the Hot Spell anthology.

3. Your style of story telling reminds me of some of the Epic Fantasy writers, whose complex characterizations unfold with such incredible richness. Is this a deliberate choice or is it just the way it works for you?

It's both, I think. The simple answer is that it's just the way it works for me -- it's the way my style and my voice just are. But it's also a choice as I'm writing. I love to peel away the layers, I love characters with complexity, who aren't easily defined. I love digging into them, and hurting them, and making them laugh and love. Plus, this is romance, and love is rarely simple -- so I do my best to show every side of a character, so that I am convinced (and hopefully the reader is, too) that the love is deep, and true, and will truly last an eternity.

4. How the heck did you come up with the idea of someone who looks in a mirror and sees Hell instead of his face? (Colin from Demon Angel) And a blacksmith/metalworker heroine (Irena in Demon Forged) explain that one, too.

For Colin, it was a combination of playing off of the classic "vampires can't see themselves in a mirror" myth, and me trying to think of the absolute worst thing that I could do to him. He's incredibly vain, so not seeing his reflection might have been enough -- but throwing in a curse and making him uncertain about whether the hell that he sees is a reflection of his soul (until he discovers the truth and learns that he's just seeing another realm)? Ah, the pain. It's delicious. And it adds another dimension to his vanity, one that makes his character a little more sympathetic, and ties into the plot of the books. It was just one of those ideas that started out very small (me, wondering whether I should let vampires see their reflection) and just worked on several levels.

Irena's character began in a similar way: just a tiny idea that grew into something bigger. In Demon Night, I introduced her, but didn't even mention her by name. She creates a little metal piano for Charlie (which was more about Charlie at that point than Irena), and Charlie describes her as, "a hard-edged female." And that was it.

But I knew I wanted to use this character, I knew she was going to be important in the series (I knew I was going to need a female character who fills the role that Irena eventually takes in Demon Forged) so I began developing her backstory. Once I did, the pieces just fell into place, and much like Colin's curse, her Gift played into both her character and the plot on several levels. I ended up making her into exactly what I needed from that one tiny line in Demon Night.

5. Since we're on the subject of Demon Forged, can you talk a little bit about the ideas and characters of the book? Have you had them bumping around in your head for a while?

To answer the second question first: Yes and no. In this series, I have a general outline of Where I Am Going and What Needs To Happen On The Way, but I don't have a habit of introducing or creating future heroes and heroines before I need them (with a few exceptions, like Michael). So I am usually about two books ahead when I begin deciding who is going to do what, and how they are going to do it. My process of creating Irena is a good example -- I've known from the beginning that I need someone to [avoiding spoilers] do what she does at the end of Demon Forged. I had a vague idea of what kind of a character could do it. And so I'll begin to shape the character as I go along, and I might begin to define and refine that shape in the books that come before hers -- so in that sense, they are in my head for a while, but not from the beginning of the series. Irena wasn't in my head at all as a character when I was writing Demon Angel, for example; there was just a Female Who Fulfills This Role Eventually blank to fill in.

And I think Irena filled that blank spectacularly. She's one of my favorites so far -- a sixteen-hundred-year-old former Roman slave turned Guardian, who has a Gift to manipulate metal, who is rough around the edges and blunt to a fault.

Then there's Alejandro, who is essentially her opposite: subtle, quiet, and with an aristocratic background. No, actually -- "opposite" is probably the wrong word. He's her complement. What she isn't, he is, and so although this makes for some wonderful tension and friction, they fit together wonderfully.

6. If you had a bazillion dollars, what would you get me? What would you buy your daughter?

I'd scour the world for a man who looks like Michael, pay for his wings to be surgically implanted, and then airlift him to your doorstep. Or, you know, just a drink at RWA, because I think that would be awesome to hang out.

I'd probably buy a bunch of plane tickets for my daughter, so that we could travel together. But she'd rather receive a pink unicorn doll or, "a dress with rainbows and stars and hearts on it, and rainbow socks, and sparkly heart shoes, and a ribbon with rainbow colors."

7. You write the most amazing, strong heroines. Please explain how you go about creating your heroines. The more detail the better because I need tips.

Pffft. I've read your heroines. You don't need tips.

But it's basically just starting with an idea, even a stereotype -- a heroine who is a demon, a geek, a recovering alcoholic, a Victorian-type of lady -- and then piling on the layers. I think that when the book is finished, it probably reads like I've been peeling away layers, but it's really just a matter of piling them on as I go and then digging into them.

So for Irena, I had my basic idea, and then I had to make a decision which adds kind of a shallow layer: She's angry.

Then I have to ask: Why is she angry?

And the answer might be as simple as: Because a demon hurt her.

But then it's: But why did that affect her so deeply?

And that's where I get to the fun stuff with my characters. It's not just knowing what happened to them, because everyone has crappy things happen -- but some things, we can shrug off more easily than others. So it's figuring out why it matters so much. What did that demon touch inside her that all of the demons she fought and killed before didn't?

When I hit that, it informs so much in the story: her character, of course, but also how she interacts with other characters, how she views the world, what issues she has to overcome or address when she falls in love, how and who she trusts ... and so even though I have plot points that I have to hit in this series, that I would have made happen no matter what character ended up being the heroine in that book, the way that the character approaches that plot point is so personal, it feels organic rather than just: Okay, this is where Some Random Female Fights A Dragon. At that point, it's not just about getting my series from point F to point G -- it's about Irena winning, and how she wins, and what it means to her.

At least that's how I hope it works.

8. Just why do you love Wonder Woman so much?

I can't deny that some of it is nostalgia. I loved Wonder Woman in Superfriends and I loved Lynda Carter's show, and so the character holds a special place in my little-girl heart.

But I know it's more than that. Part of it is that I've always been drawn to female superheroes and strong female characters on TV -- Charlie's Angels, the Bionic Woman, Firestar in the Spider-Man cartoon, Diana in V (even more than Julie, the heroine of the series), just to start. Why am I drawn to them? I couldn't say. But I do know that Wonder Woman seemed to represent the best and the strongest of them all.

So I think it's fair to say that for a long time, it was just that she represented something. It wasn't the character herself. But then I began reading comic books, and found more there to love. The idea that she will fight, but first she'll try to find a way to solve problems without violence. That she's not about making people better, but about people making themselves better ... whatever "better" means. Which, when written down, sounds really corny -- but I also think it's something that resonates with me. I'm like Mulder, I guess: I want to believe. Not believe that Wonder Woman is real, but that whatever she represents can be.

Then again, maybe it's no more corny that believing that romantic love can be a powerful, transformative, wonderful, complicated, and GOOD thing, and writing a series of books exploring that idea.

But it's not just feelings and ideas -- she's had some kickass stories, too. There's a great series on livejournal that talks about them: When Wondy Was Awesome (http://bluefall.insanejournal.com/13190.html#cutid1) by bluefall. I don't agree with everything bluefall has to say about the character and her adventures, but I do a lot of it.

9. Complete this sentence: Michael belongs to Carolyn because . . . If you can't explain (or won't because it's just so obvious) then can you tell us about how his character evolves through the series? Any hints about what happens to him and when his book is coming up?

Michael belongs to Carolyn because ... I'm afraid of being hurt if I say he doesn't.

Ha, I love questions about Michael, because I just can't answer a lot of them. Michael is a difficult character to write because he's SO old, and he's so powerful, and he's seen so much ... and yet I have to imagine all of that and what it would be like. So as much as I love his character, I also recognize that he's kind of unknowable ... and that I'm going to have to make him knowable in order for his romance to work. So, to that end, I'm completely destroying him (so that I can show what he's made of when I put him back together.)

...and that's all I can say about that.

His book has always been planned as the last book, and I've known who his heroine is since Demon Angel. His book should be the eighth full-length book, which is only three away: first is Demon Blood, then another untitled Guardian book which will feature a h/h from Demon Blood, and then Michael's book.

10. What else are you working on? I understand you have a Steampunk book coming out.


The steampunk series is something that has been germinating since I first submitted my Demon Angel manuscript to my editor. If she didn't like that, I was going to write a steampunk proposal. So that's been in the back of my mind for years now, and so last year, the chance came up to propose it again. I pitched it as League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets The Pirates of the Caribbean, called it the Iron Seas series, and my editor gave me the go-ahead.

The pitch isn't accurate, although the basic elements are there: There are pirates, and there's an alternate Victorian atmosphere with clockwork and steam-based technology. There's also giant squid, nanotech, zombies, dirigibles, and some sexy, sexy times.

And I love writing it. I don't have a release date yet for the first novel, The Iron Duke, but the first novella will be coming out in August 2010, in the anthology BURNING UP, with Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, and Virginia Kantra. Huge, huge fun.

The Contest Low Down

For a chance to win a signed copy of Meljean's Demon Forged, all you have to do is leave a comment. If you want to add in something about why Michael belongs to me, that would make me feel happy, but not affect the chances of your being the winner, who will be randomly chosen on Friday, October 23. If you don't leave me a way to contact me, then check back here Friday or Saturday to see if you won.

For a chance to win a signed copy of Indiscreet, head on over to Meljean's blog. I'm over there today where I'm sure she's being super nice to me.

Labels: Authors, contest, free stuff, Interview

The funny and fabulous Courtney Milan stops by today to talk about her debut, her attack cat, some future books and all manner of other things you'll enjoy hearing about. She'll be giving away some copies of the novella, so read through to the bottom to find out how you can come away with one for yourself.

Courtney Milan
This Wicked Gift in THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS, HQN, October 2009
PROOF BY SEDUCTION, HQN, January 2010

The Interview

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in a Russian gulag, and learned to read by scraping twigs against the....
Oh my God! Courtney, you too? Didn't those twigs really--

Oh. Wait. You want me to tell the truth?
Well, only if it's no trouble.

All righty then. I've held about nine or ten very different jobs, ranging from sales to graphic design to administration of a Linux cluster to animal training. Also, I'm a liar, so some of the things I say may not be 100% true.

Q: Why historical romance?

This one is easy: I can't write contemporaries, because I know absolutely nothing about popular culture. Nada. Not a thing. This is not to say you need to be a pop culture maven to write contemporaries, but it's just one of those little things I've learned: Never lie about subject matter to someone who knows more than you do. You'll never fool them.

Q: Team Eric or Team Bill? Edward or Jacob? (If you answer Bill and Edward, I won't hold it against you. Promise.) Why?

Um, who are Eric and Bill? (See above question.) As for Edward versus Jacob, that's easy. Bella can keep Edward. She deserves him. :)

I will email you some references. Because I'm just generous that way.

Q: Did you train your cat to be an attack cat or did you just get lucky? Do you have a picture you can share?

The cat came pre-trained to attack. We were very lucky with this cat; we got him because a "friend" asked us to watch him over his vacation. Vacation ended and the "friend" never showed up to pick up his cat. Needless to say, we kept the cat and ditched the friend.
Good move. An attack cat is invaluable.
You can see a picture of him, prepared to attack my carefully-built fortress of author copies of my novella


Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser or somewhere in between?

I'm definitely a plotter. And I plot by writing. The way it works is that in order to really get going on a story I need to know the beginning, the middle, and the end. That may sound like the whole story, but really, it's about 30,000 words--there's the part after the beginning but before the middle, and then the part before the middle but after the beginning and after the part after the part after the beginning.... trust me, it's just as confusing inside my head. So I basically have three scenes in my head when I start writing. Everything else I figure out in writing.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the kind of stories you write?

Some people write stories about good people who have bad things happen to them. I write stories about good people who make bad mistakes. In some sense, I think my characters always bring the meat of the story upon themselves, by making choices that while often well-intentioned, are fatally flawed. This is not to say that my characters get into bad situations by their own stupidity--quite the opposite. In fact, if anything, I think that relying too much on intelligence and overthinking are more likely to get my characters in trouble than, say, foolish choices made without thought.

I like writing stories like that because I feel it really pushes my characters to grow emotionally, to discover things about themselves, to rediscover the notion of honor and to decide that they are worthy of respect and love. I really believe it's hard to love another person if you don't love yourself, and so it's crucial that during the course of the story, my heroes and heroines learn to trust themselves as well as the people around them.

Q: I'm pimping you, Courtney. Tell me about your upcoming single title.

On January 1, 2010 (that's a lot of 1's!), my single title debut, PROOF BY SEDUCTION, is coming out. Proof by Seduction is the story of Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, an inveterate scientist who is stunned to find out that his cousin and heir has been visiting a fortune teller for advice. He decides to prove Madame Esmerelda is a fraud. But what he assumes will be a simple task becomes drawn out by a simpler occurrence: He sees her almost naked. And once he's seen behind her disguise, he realizes that she is far more complex than a simple fraud. False as Madame Esmerelda's predictions might be, the woman who plays Madame Esmerelda, Jenny Keeble, is more compelling than any of the fortunes she manufactures. And before he can understand what's happening, he realizes that the way he feels about her can't fit inside a scientific proposition.

To put it in visual terms:



xkcd

PROOF is also the story of Jenny Keeble, an illegitimate byblow who has never known her parents, and who's struggled for respect all her life. She's found a measure of that respect telling rich people what they want to hear. She has money, security, and people who look up to her. But when she meets Gareth, she begins to realize that all of that means nothing if she can't respect herself.

That sounds so awesome. I can't wait to read it.

Q: What else do you have for us to look forward to?

Sometime in 2010, after PROOF BY SEDUCTION, the follow-up, TRIAL BY DESIRE, will be released. TRIAL BY DESIRE is the story of Ned Carhart, the cousin of the hero of PROOF BY SEDUCTION.

But before we even get there, sometime in late November/early December I'll be posting a free read. You know how Harlequin Historicals sometimes have titles like, "Smashingly Drunk Lord, Feisty Maiden?" This will have a similar title. Completely similar. Except... totally different.

Smashingly Drunk Lord, Feisty Maiden was one of my fav reads of 2005.

Q: Can you provide a fun fact or two about your story?

Fun facts! Oh, man, whenever I hear "fun facts" my brain automatically translates that into "lies." What does that say about me? Nothing I haven't already said, I suppose, but alliteration sounds so immediately hyperbolic that it gets me thinking about all kinds of things that are fun. And you know what else alliterates with "fun" and "fact"? Yeah, you got it. Fake. So I will tell you three fun facts about my novella, but one thing I say in this section will be completely fake.
We here at Writer's Diary are all about really good lies. Lie on, Courtney. Lie on.

• I named the hero of my novella after a famous football star.


• I originally described this novella as Dickens's A Christmas Carol meets 419eater.com, but it really ended up being more like The Damnation of Faust takes polite tea with 419eater.com, but then goes on its merry way to a happy ending.


• Hidden inside this Christmas novella is a shocking truth: My novella almost never mentions Christmas. Hidden inside the lack of mention of Christmas in this novella is an even more shocking truth: Chapters of the novella parallel the libretto of Handel's Messiah.

What's the lie? Identify it in comments--and two people who correctly identify the lie will win a copy of my novella! (If nobody correctly identifies the lie, I will give out three copies at random.)

The Important Stuff

Read an Excerpt

Buy a copy of This Wicked Gift

And leave a comment. You could win big!

Labels: Authors, books, contest, Interview