Adrian Faulkner, author of The Four Realms, is visiting the virtual offices today. Please welcome him.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Adrian Faulkner] Ex-pop culture journalist turned Urban Fantasy writer. Lover of books, movies, TV and games. Good sense of humour. Complete & utter geek.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about The Four Realms?
[Adrian Faulkner] The story really starts with a dead body. When the novel starts we see half-vampire, Darwin and his friend and fallen angel, Cassidy running along the streets of London after Darwin smells the blood of the corpse. Cassidy’s had him surviving on rat’s blood for a while now to stop him killing, and it’s left Darwin gaunt and sickly. So Darwin sees a freshly dead corpse as a way to get a proper meal and keep Cassidy happy. It’s on the corpse they discover a notebook in a mysterious language.
It’s not long before Maureen Summerglass, an 82 year old gatekeeper between worlds, learns of the death of one of the wizards of the Friary of New Salisbury whilst visiting London. Suspecting a cover up, she breaks a lifetime of protocol and sneaks through the gateway in her cellar into New Salisbury hoping to find answers.
Darwin soon finds that someone else is after the notebook and willing to wipe out every last vampire if necessary. Maureen discovers danger in a world that is unlike that she has been lead to believe but instead one of fast food, black market goods and Tuk Tuks.
Darwin tries desperately to escape the mysterious Mr West and his cohorts, trying to save the vampire survivors in the process. Maureen, meanwhile, discovers that she might just be the first human female to be able to do magic; which is going to come in handy as people are trying to kill her as well.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Adrian Faulkner] The concept for the land of Venefasia where the city of New Salisbury lies was born out of watching a news report on a remote Amazon tribe and seeing one of the kids wearing a Nike T-Shirt. It got me thinking how if the wardrobe from CS Lewis’s Narnia novels existed, it wouldn’t be used for wartime evacuees to go to tea with Fauns but for smuggling black market goods, weapons and drugs. As a result, the world of Venefasia has a bit more of a third world / Iron curtain feel than the typical medieval basis of a lot of fantasy.
At the time I first started work on The Four Realms, Buffy and as a result the kick ass female was really prevalent. I wanted to do something different and as a result decided there weren’t enough elderly protagonists. From that Maureen was pretty much there from day one. She’s been a load of fun to write.
Darwin and Cassidy took a bit more time. Originally they were a bit more “Lone wolf and cub” – an elderly warrior / protector and young innocent. As time went by their ages came closer together. Darwin became a bit more of an idealistic young man, and Cassidy became a lot more fun and kooky. She’s probably the most difficult to write as it’s hard to keep her light and fun with everything Darwin and her go through.
Mr West was the character who brought it together though. Who and what he is… well, that’s a bit of a spoiler but I’m hoping readers will like it and get an idea of the direction I’d like to take the story in through future novels.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Darwin?
[Adrian Faulkner] “lack of identity” – He’s half vampire and the vampire council has always viewed him as a bit of a freak. But at the same time it’s hard to identify as human when you need blood to survive. Cassidy wants to bring more of the humanity out of him but that puts him in conflict with his desire to be seen as an equal by his vampire brethren.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Maureen won’t leave the house without.
[Adrian Faulkner] Probably her handbag. It would hold her keys, her purse and about a hundred tissues
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Darwin’s pockets?
[Adrian Faulkner] At the start of the book both he and Cassidy are homeless, so I guess a mobile cell phone, keys and money would be obvious answers.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Maureen’s greatest regret?
[Adrian Faulkner] I think over the course of the novel, we see it’s her dedication to the Friary. She’s served them unquestioningly since the mantle of gatekeeper was passed to her by her mother. And as we get to see, they haven’t been too good at looking after her. Her house is a bit ramshackled. She dare not let anyone into the house in case they find the big oak door in the cellar. So she suffers with no heating, in fear of her nosey neighbours, only to discover that the Friary is thinking of closing her gateway and throwing her out on the streets.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Adrian Faulkner] I have three. The first is Star Wars which just unleashed my imagination. It was like an explosion going off in my head when I first saw it. The second was the GI Joe comic book. On the surface it was a stupid toy tie-in but writer Larry Hama didn’t let that stop him from writing some fantastic characters. I remember looking up from one issue back in the 80s / early 90s and thinking to myself “Good story is character driven.” It was a revelation at the time. The final influence is Lord of the Rings, a book so detailed, so imaginative, it still blows my mind.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Adrian Faulkner] A computer. I have been known to write draft chapters in longhand when they’ve been particularly tricky but mostly I like to type them directly into the computer
Diet Coke. This is my poison of choice. I drink way too much of the stuff.
Music. I find it difficult to write without music and own a ridiculous number of orchestral scores from films, television and games.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Adrian Faulkner] Probably Lou Morgan’s Blood and Feathers. I know Lou so thought I had a good idea of what to expect, but sometimes a friend’s book can surprise you in a really good way. Thoroughly enjoyed it
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
[Adrian Faulkner] Probably CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I’d been a big reader before I read that at eight years old but that book was the one that made me want to be a writer. Looking back now, I can see all the faults, but even so I still have a fondness for it.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Adrian Faulkner] In my spare time, I’m a very active Geocacher. This is the hobby where you go hunting for hidden Tupperware in the countryside armed only with a GPS. It’s a lot of fun and is a good source of exercise. That said, I’ve been so busy with the book, I’ve hardly had time to do any these past few months
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Adrian Faulkner] I have my own website over at www.adrianfaulkner.com where I blog and give updates. I’m also fairly active on Twitter as @figures
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
The Four Realms is available now! Please click the link to order a digital copy from Amazon.
About the book
Half-vampire Darwin stumbles across a corpse on the streets of London, and in a pocket discovers a notebook in a mysterious language. Divided between human ethics and vampire bloodlust, Darwin finds himself both condemner and saviour of a race who’ve never considered him one of their own. Now, he must try and lead the survivors to sanctuary in New Salisbury before Mr West completes his genocide of the vampires in his quest to obtain the book…
Maureen Summerglass is eighty-two years old, and a prisoner in her ramshackle home. She is afraid to let people enter in case they discover the oak door in her cellar. Threatened with homelessness and retirement from her job as a gatekeeper between worlds, Maureen breaks protocol when the death of a close friend is covered up… and enters the city of New Salisbury to search for his missing notebook. There, she discovers a world unlike the one of myth and fairy tale she imagined, and instead one of black market economies, brand names and tuk tuks. As she investigates, not only is she in extreme danger, but discovers she may be the first human female able to use magic…
“An imaginative foray into a dark world of danger and adventure. Hang onto your hat!” – Gail Z. Martin, author of The Dread
About the author
Adrian Faulkner has been writing stories since he was 7 and has never really stopped making things up.
He created and, for 10 years, edited Action-Figure, a global entertainment news website covering geek market (toys, collectibles, comics, movies). The site hit a quarter of a million audited page impressions a day and was considered a market leader and industry benchmark. During this time he worked with a number of celebrities including Good Charlotte, Rob Zombie, Mike Mignola and others on promoting entertainment properties and associated merchandise. He has interviewed a number of celebrities including Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale and Stan Winston.
He has also written for numerous magazines including ToyFare, Ultimate Adventure, Area51 and Memorabilia (where he was contributing editor) and along with Steve Holland, Alex Summersby, Steve White, Toby Weidmann and Tim Muray has written a book on Sci-Fi Art.
In 2009, he sold the site to allow more time on his fiction. In 2011, he had a short story published in the British Fantasy Society’s BFS Journal.
Adrian lives in Berkshire and in his spare time likes to play World of Warcraft and go geocaching. He is independently ranked within the top 50 geocachers in the country.
Adrian Faulkner and his publisher, Anarchy Books want to share an excerpt from The Four Realms with you. After the excerpt, enter to win the entire Anarchy Books catalog – digital books and albums – on a CD! What an awesome giveaway! That will keep you busy for quite a while!
Excerpt: The Four Realms by Adrian Faulkner
It was snowing in New York. The thick storm clouds overhead had turned afternoon into evening and filled the streets and avenues with their cargo. On news of the storm’s approach, most of the city had emptied, workers leaving their offices before the journey home became impassable.
Broadway was practically empty. The clothing sellers who normally crowded the sidewalk were gone, having shut up and left hours ago, leaving a solitary figure making his way south through the shin deep snow. He seemed unprepared for the weather. His trousers were a size too big for him and his shirt was partly untucked.
Winds whipped around the city blocks like a serpent, striking from every direction with icy blasts, causing Mr West to draw his jacket ever tighter and vow to couple his plans with the weather forecast next time.
There were much easier ways to get from New Jersey to the meeting place in the heart of New York City. However, Mr West had ‘chosen’ to take the Transit in, and walk, rather than take a cab, down from Penn Station. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. "Know your enemy," the training programs had told him, and he felt that by experiencing choice, he better understood the inhabitants of this world.
Choice was abhorrent to him. Yes, he told himself, decisions often needed to be made, but that should only be done by those whose job function it was to make them for individuals, and then only after careful analysis and consultation. Otherwise, you had what you had here… a chaotic system.
Of course the humans and dwarves, and even the elves would argue that without choice there was no freedom, but what use was freedom when all that was stopping people killing you or stealing from you was a thinly guised code of moral conduct. With choice, it gave people the right to do bad things to others. Where was the freedom from crime, the freedom of job security, the freedom of not having to worry about the course of your life?
No, Mr West told himself, the amount of choice here was bad. Even worse it was so unproductive. It made their enemies unpredictable and irrational, something that the data models still needed to take into account.
He stepped off the sidewalk to cross 27th street and jarred himself as the drop, hidden in snow, was more than he expected. The snow soaked his trouser leg up to above the knee. He hated New York, even their sidewalks weren’t uniform. No wonder they needed so many lawyers.
He was surprised to see that the Pizza restaurant was still open, and despite feeling slightly uncomfortable about it, ‘chose’ to stop and buy a slice. If there was one redeeming feature of New York, and indeed, the whole of this realm, it was Pizza. Since the start of the operation here, he had tried just about every variety. He ignored his logic which told him he did not need to eat and ordered a slice of pepperoni. Pizza heated and bagged to go, Mr West left the relative warmth of the parlour and stepped out into the snow once again.
He didn’t have far to go. The awning of the next building marked his destination. The shivering doorman saw him, swung into action, opening the door, and upon noticing the pizza, asked Mr West: "You get that from next door?"
Mr West nodded.
"Best Pizza in the city," the doorman exclaimed as Mr West shook himself off and stamped the snow from his feet. He walked up the narrow passageway toward the lobby and elevator. A member of cleaning staff was busy fighting a losing battle trying to mop the floor of melted snow the guests had brought in.
Mr West took the elevator to the twelfth floor, and knocked on door 1203. He was expected and the door opened almost instantaneously. Three men dressed immaculately in black suits and white shirts stood on the other side; so alike in every such way that it would be easy to confuse them for identical triplets. They looked slightly nervous as Mr West entered. The one who had answered the door closed it quickly behind West, whilst the other two stood up from the twin beds they had been sitting on. Mr West grabbed the chair from the writing desk and sat down to face the huge window that looked out over the city. Standing in front of it was a fourth man, much older than the other three but similarly dressed. His cropped hair and beard were as white as the snow outside and his face was etched with a scowl as deep as his wrinkles.
"You’re late, Mr West," the older man growled.
"Sorry," West replied nonchalantly, beginning to eat his pizza slice. "Traffic was terrible."
If you enjoyed the excerpt, you can order The Four Realms by clicking the cover below:
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This week I am excited for the Signet Regency digital releases. What’s on your wish list?
Check back tomorrow for the new and notable young adult releases.
Click on the cover for the Amazon product page
After by Ellen Datlow (Oct 9, 2012)
Dark in the Woods by Rosemary Laurey (Oct 9, 2012)
Dark Sun Rising by B.L. Bonita (Oct 9, 2012)
Faerie by Delle Jacobs (Oct 9, 2012)
The Golden Feather: Signet Regency Romance (InterMix) by Amanda McCabe (Oct 9, 2012)
Have Monster, Will Travel by Lila Dubois (Oct 9, 2012)
Skies of Steel: The Ether Chronicles by Zoe Archer (Oct 9, 2012)
Turn to Darkness: A Novella by Jaime Rush (Oct 9, 2012)
The Wagered Heart: Signet Regency Romance (InterMix) by Rhonda Woodward (Oct 9, 2012)
Calling the Shots (Long Shots) by Christine d’Abo (Oct 8, 2012)
Lana’s Lawman: A Loveswept Classic Romance by Karen Leabo (Oct 8, 2012)
Nights in White Satin: A Loveswept Classic Romance by Linda Cajio (Oct 8, 2012)
Saving the Rifleman (War Girls) by Julie Rowe (Oct 8, 2012)
The Three Musketeers: Born to Be Wild: A Loveswept Classic Romance by Donna Kauffman (Oct 8, 2012)
The Three Musketeers: Surrender the Dark: A Loveswept Classic Romance by Donna Kauffman (Oct 8, 2012)
Until There Was You: A Loveswept Contemporary Military Romance by Jessica Scott (Oct 8, 2012)
First-time author Marissa Carmel debuted last month with her YA fantasy iFeel (http://goo.gl/MnDYg). As she continues on her blog tour, see what she has to say about the expectations of being a writer and a mother.
You plan, God laughs. This is the story of my life.
There are ideals and expectations I assume everyone has; whom you will marry, what your career will be like, where you will raise your kids. And yes, I had all those ideologies in my head, except mine were more like, have a career, don't get married and absolutely no kids. Boy was I wrong. Today I am married with two kids, and living in a state I only passed through on occasion. And my career? Well let’s just say, I have more than one, and I never saw that coming. Who needs more than one career? Apparently me. To make a long story short, I started my first career as a logistician, yawn, I won’t bore you with the details. The second career came shortly after.
I've always loved to write. Always. My imagination constantly runs away with itself, and I am without doubt following it. My best subject was creative writing. So when I would write, it was primarily for me (or a good grade). As time went on though, I found myself imagining more and more and wanting to create, but my life was so busy, and what would it get me anyway? Until one day my mother- in- law dropped a bomb that would change my life. She was talking to one of my husband’s cousins who was complaining about getting her college degree (she was already married with 4 kids. Yikes. I’d be complaining too.) And my MIL, the wise woman that she is simply said, honey, time is going to go by anyway, so you might as well do it. Well, it felt like the sky fell on me. The advice wasn’t even directed at me, but it resonated. I started writing that night. And never stopped.
My husband once asked where my creativity comes from, and in return I asked him if he ever heard voices in his head. His reply, I needed to see a shrink. I told him a keyboard and a curser is the best therapy. I have always loved the supernatural, thanks in part to my mom; Charmed was one of our favorite shows to watch together and still is. So when I started writing, it only felt natural that it took on a paranormal feel. But I didn't want to write about vampires or werewolves or
Cover Shot! is a regular feature here at the Café. I love discovering new covers, and when I find them, I like to share. More than anything else, I am consumed with the mystery that each new discovery represents. There is an allure to a beautiful cover. Will the story contained under the pages live up to promise of the gorgeous cover art?
I haven’t heard of Misty Evans or her Kali Sweet urban fantasy series before, but this cover for Sweet Chaos got my attention. This is the second book in the series, and it looks pretty good. Have you read anything by Misty Evans?
| Three hundred years later, the ghosts from her past are hunting for revenge. The past always finds a way to bite you in the ass. As a three-hundred-year old vengeance demon, I’ve made a lot of enemies. The worst was Queen Maria, the Italian Court’s most devious succubus and a ruler who used me as a weapon of mass destruction to inflict pain and kill hundreds of humans in her torture chambers. Now she’s back, this time as a ghost, and she’s invited a new friend to the party—a vampire king who wants my head on a stake. Together they’re bringing a war to Chicago that will topple the carefully constructed world I’ve protected for centuries. But I’m Kali Sweet. I never run from my past…and I’m not about to hide from my present. |
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By: Julie,
on 8/6/2012
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Here are some new and notable books that are releasing this week:
Check back tomorrow for YA and MG releases
(Please hit your refresh button if the images don’t load)
Sweet Deception by Heather Snow
Kiss of the Moon by Lisa Jackson (eBook)
A Woman Made for Pleasure by Michele Sinclair
The Spymaster’s Daughter by Jeane Westin
A Lady Never Lies by Juliana Gray
The Black Isle by Sandi Tan (Kindle eBook is 4.99!)
Contemporary
Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
One Night Rodeo by Lorelei James
White Hot by Nina Bruhns
Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker
The Grass King’s Concubine by Kari Sperring
Libriomancer by Jim C Hines
Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway
Time Untime by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Biting Cold by Chole Neill
Master of Darkness by Angela Knight
Desire After Dark by Jo Carlisle
Kept by Seduction by Jaymie Holland
Lover’s Instinct by Katie Reus (eNovella)
Mina Wentwork and the Invisible City by Meljean Brook (eNovella)
Originally Human by Eileen Wilks
King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
A Wolf at the Door by K A Stewart
Two Weeks’ Notice by Rachel Caine
Seawitch by Kat Richardson
The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow
Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards
Heart of Darkness by Kira Brady
Fragile by Shiloh Walker
A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious by Mary Wine
Are any of these on your to buy list?
Linda Grimes is the author of In A Fix, a new Urban Fantasy release from Tor Books. It will be hitting store shelves next week, and in the meantime, Linda dropped by the virtual offices to introduce herself and chat about her book.
[Manga Maniac Café] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Linda Grimes] My tweetography, huh? Okay, let’s see … "Linda Grimes is a smartass writer of light urban fantasy who will do anything (except take her clothes off) for a laugh."
[Manga Maniac Café] Can you tell us a little about In a Fix?
[Linda Grimes] Yes, I can.
Oh, wait … you want me to actually do it? Okay, I’ll give you the short and long of it.
Short version:
Ciel Halligan, a kind of human chameleon, has a great job: she steps into her clients’ lives and fixes their problems for them—as them—but collecting her hefty paycheck can be a real killer.
Longer version:
Snagging a marriage proposal for her client while on an all-expenses-paid vacation should be a simple job for Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire. A kind of human chameleon, she’s able to take on her clients’ appearances and slip seamlessly into their lives, solving any sticky problems they don’t want to deal with themselves. No fuss, no muss. Big paycheck. This particular assignment is pretty enjoyable…that is, until Ciel’s island resort bungalow is blown to smithereens and her client’s about-to-be-fiancé is snatched by modern-day Vikings. For some reason, Ciel begins to suspect that getting the ring is going to be a tad more difficult than originally anticipated. Going from romance to rescue requires some serious gear-shifting, as well as a little backup. Her best friend, Billy, and Mark, the CIA agent she’s been crushing on for years – both skilled adaptors – step in to help, but their priority is, annoyingly, keeping her safe. Before long, Ciel is dedicating more energy to escaping their watchful eyes than she is to saving her client’s intended. Suddenly, facing down a horde of Vikings feels like the least of her problems.
[Manga Maniac Café] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Linda Grimes] Is it too "woo-woo" to say I think they were always there in my head, just waiting for the right trigger to make them spring into view? Because, weird as that sounds, that’s what happened. The trigger was seeing a vanity license plate with the name "Ciel" on it while I was riding along on the Fairfax County Parkway. Ciel—and her story—popped into my consciousness just like that.
[Manga Maniac Café] What three words best describe Ciel?
[Linda Grimes] Short, sharp, and hilarious.
[Manga Maniac Café] What are three things Mark would never have in his bedroom?
[Linda Grimes] Ruffles, a throw pillow, and a French poodle. (So, of course, Ciel will no doubt give him a ruffled throw pillow embroidered with a French poodle for his next birthday, because that’s just how she rolls.)
[Manga Maniac Café] What is Billy’s single most prized possession?
[Linda Grimes] Oh, that’s easy—his cherry-red 1957 Chevy Bel Air. Nothing else comes close. He was born in the back seat of it, so his connection to it goes back a long way.
[Manga Maniac Café] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Linda Grimes] You mean other than booze and chocolate? (Not really. Okay, maybe a little.)
No, clichéd as it sounds, I’d have to say good books (way too many of them to name here—besides, I’m terrified I’d leave some favorite off the list, and never forgive myself). Every time I read a book that really grabs me—that drags me into another world—I think to myself, I want to do that to somebody!
[Manga Maniac Café] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Linda Grimes] Booze, chocolate, and … oh, all right. I’ll try to be serious. I need my laptop, quiet, and a good night’s sleep. Without those things I’m pretty useless.
[Manga Maniac Café] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Linda Grimes] The Taken, by Vicki Pettersson. The rockabilly-noir sensibility, coupled with the paranormal aspects, just blew me away. It’s so original—I love it!
[Manga Maniac Café] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
[Linda Grimes] Astrid Lindgen’s Circus Child was the first book I could read all by myself. Once I broke the key, there was no stopping me! I read everything I could get my hands on.
[Manga Maniac Café] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Linda Grimes] Read, of course. But also hang out with my husband, and my kids (when they visit the nest). Not just because I’m related to them, either—they’re genuinely fun to be around.
I’m also quite fond of providing feedback to people on their cooking, as long as they don’t expect me to participate in the prep. I’m a wonderful culinary audience.
[Manga Maniac Café] How can readers connect with you?
[Linda Grimes] They can find me at my blog, Visiting Reality (lindagrimes.com), or on Twitter (@linda_grimes).
I’m also on GoodReads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5029662.Linda_Grimes).
Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog, and for asking such fun questions!
[Manga Maniac Café] Thank you!
You can preorder In A Fix from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the widget below
Author Bio:
Linda grew up in Texas, where she rode horses and embarrassed herself onstage a lot. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband, whom she snagged after he saw her in a musical number at the now defunct Melodrama Theater in San Antonio. (There’s nothing like a rousing chorus of "If You Wanna Catch a Fish You Gotta Wiggle Your Bait" to hook a man for a lifetime.) Like her globetrotting main character, Linda has spent her fair share of time overseas, though fortunately under less stressful circumstances. Kidnapping and daring rescues are all well and good in fiction, but she prefers sanity in her real life.
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By:
Terry Lee Wilde,
on 9/2/2012
Blog:
Wilde Teen Books
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Barnes and NobleAmazon SmashwordsPrint book:
Amazon Princess Ritasia misses the adventure of getting her brother and cousins out of trouble, but when the hawk fae king arrives to court her, she becomes involved in trouble nothing like she's ever faced before.
The hawk fae king, Tiernan, must find a bride, but being a tyrant king, or so his people believe, he must find a woman who would help him to change his people's view of how he and his queen shall rule. Princess Ritasia isn't anything like what he'd envision his queen would be like. Rough and tumble, unafraid of danger, and speaking her mind, the lady might just be the one for him.
The princess believes the king is a tyrant, at least at times. But she discovers he's not all that he seems, and she wants to learn even more. The problem is that Ritasia stumbles across an ancient queen's magical artifact and nothing will ever be the same between her people, his, and what is dug up at the ancient fae dig site.
Old Cover:
I had to work on the cover for The Ancient Fae to create a print copy. So while I was at it...I know, I was supposed to be writing, but I decided I needed to take a day off and get caught up on other stuff, like updating my website and all! ...do I sound guilty, or what???
But while I was messing around with covers, I redid
.....The Shadow Elf. I was just having too much fun!
But it was Labor Day weekend after all, and I think it's deserved, don't you? Next, I'm going to work on Silence of the Wolf marketing materials. But you see, after I made the covers, I had to upload them to all the sales sites, and then I had to update my webpage. And then I had to update my blog. And then...well, did you ever read The Cat in the Hat's Spot book? Not sure what it was called, but it was about trying to clean one mess up and creating another, and another, and well, one spot led to a whole house full of spots. It's so very true, you see.
So I'm off to clean up all my spots...Have a super great Sunday! Hope yours is spot free!
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Next, I'm working on putting The Shadow Elf and Lady Caroline and the Egotistical Earl into print, which is one reason I redid the covers also for those two books.
But for now, I'm off to work on Silence of the Wolf and marketing materials!
Have a super Sunday!!!
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy IS reality!"
www.terryspear.com
By: Julie,
on 9/3/2012
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Here are new adult releases for the week. It’s a monster list, with quite a few titles from my wish list. I think I am most excited for Her Amish Man because it looks wonderfully cheesy, and Not Proper Enough. Are there any must haves from your list? Check back tomorrow for new and notable Young Adult releases.
Click the titles for the Amazon product page.
Alone Time: Visits to Petal, Part 1
by Lauren Dane (Sep 4, 2012)
Guardian (Berkley Sensation)
by Catherine Mann (Sep 4, 2012)
Her Amish Man
by Erin Bates (Sep 4, 2012)
In Rides Trouble: Black Knights Inc.
. by Julie Ann Walker (Sep 4, 2012)
The Reluctant Amazon
by Sandy James (Sep 3, 2012)
Kiss of Steel
by Bec McMaster (Sep 1, 2012)
A Lady and Her Magic
by Tammy Falkner (Sep 1, 2012)
The Last Renegade (Berkley Sensation)
by Jo Goodman (Sep 4, 2012)
Not Proper Enough (A Reforming the Scoundrels Romance) (Berkley Sensation)
by Carolyn Jewel (Sep 4, 2012)
Playing to Win
by Jaci Burton (Sep 4, 2012)
Ruined By Moonlight: A Whispers of Scandal Novel
by Emma Wildes (Sep 4, 2012)
A Season for Sin
by Vicky Dreiling (Sep 4, 2012)
When You Give a Duke a Diamond (The Fallen Ladies)
by Shana Galen (Sep 1, 2012)
Witch Born
by Amber Argyle (Sep 5, 2012)
Dragon’s Moon (A Children of the Moon Novel)
by Lucy Monroe (Sep 4, 2012)
How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (Dragon Kin)
by G.A. Aiken (Sep 4, 2012)
In a Fix
by Linda Grimes (Sep 4, 2012)
The Kingmakers (Vampire Empire, Book 3)
by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith (Sep 4, 2012)
The Lost Night (A Rainshadow Novel)
) by Jayne Castle (Sep 4, 2012)
The Map of the Sky: A Novel
by Felix J Palma (Sep 4, 2012)
Primal Possession: A Moon Shifter Novel
by Katie Reus (Sep 4, 2012)
Ravenous (Clare Point Vampires)
by V. K. Forrest (Sep 4, 2012)
Riveted (A Novel of the Iron Seas)
by Meljean Brook (Sep 4, 2012)
The Skybound Sea (The Aeons’ Gate Book Three))
by Sam Sykes (Sep 4, 2012)
A Tale of Two Vampires: A Dark Ones Novel
by Katie MacAlister (Sep 4, 2012)
This Case Is Gonna Kill Me
by Phillipa Bornikova (Sep 4, 2012)
Two Ravens and One Crow: An Iron Druid Chronicles Novella
by Kevin Hearne (Sep 4, 2012) (Novella)
The Wild Road: Book Three of Karavans
by Jennifer Roberson (Sep 4, 2012)
Are any of these on your must have list?
Captured Heart (Highland Hearts)
by Heather McCollum
Blaze of Winter: A Loveswept Contemporary Romance
by Elisabeth Barrett
Full Blooded (Jessica McClain)
by Amanda Carlson (Sep 11, 2012)
Hot Ride
by Kelly Jamieson (Sep 11, 2012)
Silver Mine
by Vivian Arend (Sep 11, 2012)
Stone of Ascension: Energen, Book 2
by Lynda Aicher (Sep 11, 2012)
All He Ever Needed (The Kowalskis)
by Shannon Stacey (Sep 10, 2012)
Broken Promises
by J.K. Coi (Sep 10, 2012)
Light My Fire: A Loveswept Classic Romance
by Donna Kauffman (Sep 10, 2012
Santerra’s Sin: A Loveswept Classic Romance
by Donna Kauffman (Sep 10, 2012)
Silent Warrior: A Loveswept Classic Romance
by Donna Kauffman (Sep 10, 2012)
Dark Knight: A Loveswept Romance Classic
by Donna Kauffman (Sep 10, 2012
Under the Moon (Goddesses Rising)
by Natalie J. Damschroder
What’s on your shopping list?
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.
I am so excited about this book! I love Kersten Hamilton’s Goblin Wars series and I am literally counting down the day for When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears to be released. June 2013, baby, and you will be mine!
| “People will die.” Locked doors are opening, and uncanny creatures are tumbling through mysterious portals from Mag Mell, the world-between-worlds, into the streets of Chicago. The Dark Man has marked Aiden with a new song that’s scared him badly, and a frightening new group of sídhe is lurking nearby. Teagan knows this is war, and she must protect her family. She leaves her flesh and bones behind to join Finn in hunting the evil beings across the city. Meanwhile, their relationship is heating up—almost faster than they can control. But he is still bound to fight goblins his entire life . . . and by blood she is one of them now. Then the gateway to Mag Mell cracks open again, and the Wylltsons find themselves caught in a trap. As her loved ones begin to die, Teagan realizes that she must destroy the Dark Man and his minions once and for all in order to save those who remain . . . . . . before it is too late. |
What are you waiting on?
Jill Archer is the author of Dark Light of Day, an urban fantasy about a law student who is training to represent demons. I think the premise is brilliant! I don’t know what’s scarier – lawyers or demons! (Just kidding!) Jill dropped by the virtual offices to introduce herself and to chat about her new book.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Jill Archer] Eclectic night owl who loves Sour Patch kids, Twizzlers, organic salads, Vitamix smoothies, my Keurig coffee brewer, wine, books and movies.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about The Dark Light of Day?
[Jill Archer] In a nutshell, Dark Light of Day is about Noon Onyx, a first year law student who is being trained to represent demons. But the story’s as much about Noon’s magical and romantic struggles as it is about her academic ones. I should also mention that, even though the book is considered "urban fantasy," the setting is not contemporary. The story mostly takes place in New Babylon, a city with a circa 1900′s technology level that was built on top of the ancient battlefield of Armageddon in a country called Halja.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Jill Archer] Noon Onyx is very loosely inspired by the librarian Evelyn "Evie" Carnahan from the movie, The Mummy.
I used to be a lawyer. A few years ago, I was at a writer’s group event and sat next to a librarian during one of the lunches. We each commiserated with the other about how dull we felt our day jobs were, a feeling each of us couldn’t believe the other had. It led to a discussion about Evie’s character and I got the idea to see if I could somehow create a similarly bookish lawyer character who lived in some sort of "otherworld."
Around the same time, I came across my old copy of Scott Turow’s ONE L ("the turbulent true story of a first year at Harvard Law School") and thought, "Hey, how cool would it be to write a story about a first year law student who is being trained to represent demons?"
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What was the most challenging aspect of writing the book?
[Jill Archer] Weaving together the sub-plots. Dark Light of Day has fantasy, romance, and mystery elements. I tried to tie the sub-plots together with common themes, motifs, and/or plot nexuses.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Noon?
[Jill Archer] Strong, smart, and kind
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are three things Ari would never have in his pocket?
[Jill Archer] A cell phone, a match, and a flower. (No boutonnieres for Ari either!)
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Noon’s single most prized possession?
[Jill Archer] Despite her privileged background, Noon’s not that into material possessions. She does love her collection of high necked sweaters, cloaks, and wraps though because they allow her to hide the telltale "demon mark" of a waning magic user.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Jill Archer] My love of nature, forests, and flowers helped me to create two of the main types of magic in the book: waning magic, the dark, destructive, fiery magic that’s used to control demons, and waxing magic, the soft, creative, nurturing magic that’s used to grow gardens and heal people. The idea evolved from my fascination with the duality of nature’s forces (forest fires versus summer blooms, tsunamis versus spring rains).
Other creative influences: demons and deities from around the world, Christian mythology, pagan holidays, even legal concepts. I played fast and loose with all of them. I tried to be respectful of my sources, while at the same time staying true to my primary goal, which was to write an entertaining story. I thought it would be interesting to create a world within which the traditional sides of bad and good were more muddied than they are in our world.
I’ve also been influenced by other authors. I admire writers such as Lois McMaster Bujold, S.M. Stirling, Colleen McCullough, Naomi Novik, and Elizabeth Peters. I would never, and could never, emulate their style, but just reading their work and knowing there are writers out there writing such fantastic novels influences me to put out the best work that I can. When I read the work of someone I admire, it’s an invigorating feeling!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Jill Archer] An idea, a computer, and coffee. 
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Jill Archer] The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan. Last summer, I attended a writer’s workshop presented by him and Simone Elkeles. It was tearfully funny, but the point is the moment David described that book, I knew I would like it. I left the session and went straight to the temporary bookstore that had been set up in the hotel for the conference and bought it. When I finally read it, I didn’t just like it — I loved it.
I love that the story is told out of order. I love that it’s not told in chapters but in dictionary entries like "kerfuffle" and "cocksure." I love its ending, its humor, and its honesty. But most of all, I love how the reader has to work a little to get it. It’s not a story that’s spoon fed to you. And yet, it’s very light and easy to digest. You can read it in a night if you want or easily before bed over the course of a few. It was in my TBR pile for a year, but it was worth the wait.
If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. My fourth grade teacher read it aloud to the class that year and I was hooked from that point on. What a story! I just read it to my kids this past year and then we all watched the movie. So fun!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Jill Archer] I like to hike and bike, although I don’t have as much time to do those things as I would like. Of course, I love to read. I also love to watch movies and, occasionally, TV (I’ve been known to go on a streaming binge if I find a series I particularly like). I love to hang out with friends and family. We take a lot of day trips. My husband is a recreational pilot and we have a small Cessna that we fly around in on the weekends.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Jill Archer] I have a website and blog through WordPress, which people can find at www.jillarcher.com. I blog about books, movies, interesting people I’ve met, day tripping in our little Cessna, and miscellaneous things I find interesting. Although it’s time consuming, I enjoy blogging. I like to write shorter pieces on a variety of topics just to keep things fresh and I love connecting with other people who have blogs on subjects that interest me. Recently, I experimented with a summer romance guest blog series and that’s been tons of fun! I’m also on Twitter (@archer_jill) and Facebook.
I appreciate your interest in Noon Onyx and Dark Light of Day. Thank you, Julie, for interviewing me for Manga Maniac Cafe. Best wishes and happy reading to you and your readers!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
Dark Light of Day can be pre-ordered from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the widget below:
Here are this week’s new and notable releases for romance and UF/PNR readers. What’s on your list?
Check back tomorrow for this week’s Young Adult releases.
Click the covers for the Amazon product page
Blaze by Joan Swan (Sep 25, 2012)
Unleashed by Crystal Jordan (Sep 25, 2012)
Dawn’s Desire by Donna Grant (Sep 25, 2012) – Novella, only .99!
Lord of Temptation (Lost Lords of Pembrook) by Lorraine Heath (Sep 25, 2012)
Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane (Sep 25, 2012)
Josh by R.C. Ryan (Sep 25, 2012)
My Scandalous Viscount (Inferno Club) by Gaelen Foley (Sep 25, 2012)
Outlaw Derek by Kay Hooper (Sep 25, 2012)
An Outlaw’s Christmas (Mckettricks) by Linda Lael Miller (Sep 25, 2012)
Rules to Catch a Devilish Duke by Suzanne Enoch (Sep 25, 2012)
Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman (Sep 25, 2012)
Seduction’s Shift (Shadow Shifters) by A.C. Arthur (Sep 25, 2012)
Shadow Rising: The Shadow Slayers, Book 2 by Cassi Carver (Sep 25, 2012)
When the Duchess Said Yes (Wylder Sisters) by Isabella Bradford (Sep 25, 2012)
The Undead In My Bed by Katie MacAlister and Jessica Sims (Sep 25, 2012)
How a Lady Weds a Rogue by Katharine Ashe
Thirst by Karen E. Taylor (Sep 25, 2012)
Alchemystic by Anton Strout (Sep 25, 2012)
Blood Riders by Michael P. Spradlin (Sep 25, 2012)
Boyfriend from Hell (Saturn’s Daughters) by Jamie Quaid (Sep 25, 2012)
The Sundering (Time of Legends) by Gav Thorpe (Sep 25, 2012)
Dark Light of Day by Jill Archer (Sep 25, 2012)
Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel (Sep 25, 2012)
Earth to Hell: Journey to Wudang: Book One by Kylie Chan (Sep 25, 2012)
How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde (Sep 25, 2012)
Immortal Surrender (Curse of the Templars) by Claire Ashgrove (Sep 25, 2012)
The Moonstone and Miss Jones (Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator) by Jillian Stone (Sep 25, 2012)
Personal Demon by Susan Sizemore (Sep 25, 2012)
Sacrifice the Wicked: A Dark Mission Novel by Karina Cooper (Sep 25, 2012)
Something Witchy This Way Comes: A Jolie Wilkins Novel by H. P. Mallory (Sep 25, 2012)
A Star Shall Fall by Marie Brennan (Sep 25, 2012)
There are a ton of awesome releases this week, so I split the adult list into two parts. First up are the PNR/UF and Fantasy titles. So many of these are on my wish list! What’s on yours?
Check back tomorrow for new romance releases.
Click on the covers for the Amazon product page.
Dark Currents: Agent of Hel by Jacqueline Carey (Oct 2, 2012)
Daughter of the Sword: A Novel of the Fated Blades by Steve Bein (Oct 2, 2012)
Death’s Rival: A Jane Yellowrock Novel by Faith Hunter (Oct 2, 2012)
Ember’s Kiss: A Dragonfire Novel by Deborah Cooke (Oct 2, 2012)
Ghosts of Memories: A Vampire Memories Novel by Barb Hendee (Oct 2, 2012)
Ironskin by Tina Connolly (Oct 2, 2012)
London Eye (Toxic City Book One) by Tim Lebbon (Oct 2, 2012)
Mate Claimed (Shifters Unbound) by Jennifer Ashley (Oct 2, 2012)
Mortal Ties (Lupi) by Eileen Wilks (Oct 2, 2012)
Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians) by Dianne Duvall (Oct 2, 2012)
Revelation (A Novel of the Seven Signs) by Erica Hayes (Oct 2, 2012)
Savage Hunger by Terry Spear (Oct 2, 2012)
Skarlet: Part One of the Vampire Trinity (Vampire Babylon Trilogy) by Thomas Emson (Oct 2, 2012)
Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone (Oct 2, 2012)
Werewolf in Denver: A Wild About You Novel by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Oct 2, 2012)
Wicked Whispers (Castle of Dark Dreams) by Nina Bangs (Oct 2, 2012)
Courting Trouble by Jenny Schwartz (Oct 1, 2012)
Mark of the Witch (The Portal) by Maggie Shayne (Oct 1, 2012)
Wild Hearts in Atlantis by Alyssa Day (Oct 2, 2012)
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