Or at least it’s beginning to feel like it.  And, honestly, I’d rather have the books than the snow. Though apparently I’m going to get both this month. LOL

Every once in awhile in an author’s career–at least in mine–there comes a month where several different publishers decide to release at the same time. This month I’ve had four releases–3 print, 1 ebook. The print is a reprint of the entire Realm Immortal series from Samhain Publishing. Mandy Roth, aka Natalie Winters, did the cover art for the second printing and I am totally thrilled with the look she gave them!

Which one is your favorite? I’ve been getting a lot of emails for all of them, but the unofficial tally is that Stone Queen is in the lead.

Realm Immortal:
1.King of the Unblessed - ebook / print
2. Faery Queen - ebook / print
3. Stone Queen - ebook / print

On the ebook front Divinity Warriors continues with the new alternate reality plane, Divinity Healers: Ariella’s Keeper. This is the first book of the trilogy.

Hope you all had a wonderful Jan! Stay warm!!

December 1 my latest Nocturne story will be out. THE BEWITCHING HOUR is a BITE about Hector Morales of the San Antonio crime lab and he’s come to Necropolis for Lyra and Theron’s wedding. And it just happens he gets the best present…

I hope y’all will check the lastest story of the Valorian Chronicles.

After that there will two more books in the series. The next full length book will be out in July, it’s called THE VAMPIRE’S KISS and then the one after that will be likely October and is called THE WOLF’S HEART.

I’m working on new stuff for Nocturne but sometimes its hard finding the perfect next series to work out. I’ve written 6 Valorian books and it will be both sad and exciting to work on something new.

What would you like to see as a series in Nocturne? What kind of creature? What type of story?

I’m here to talk about the Great Depression.

Mine.

Yup, I’m heading down into a deep dark abyss where everything sucks. I’m tired all the time now, and I’m eating way too much bad food, not exercising, when I was doing it every day and losing weight, and I want to throw myself onto my bed, grab a pillow and sob uncontrollably leaving everything wet and soggy with tears and snot.

Not a pretty picture, I know.

And I know its source, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Sometimes its really hard being a writer. No wonder alcoholism and creativity seem to go hand in hand. I could easily be drunk every day. Maybe it would help.

So I’m looking for ways to ease my suffering. Movies usually help. But lately I haven’t found any good ones. My favorite TV shows also help, but True Blood is done for the season, and BSG is just plain done. Yes, I have them on DVD, but it’s not helping either. And however much I love Dexter its not filling the void either.

I have been buying a lot of books of late as well, hoping one of them will ease my pain. As I’m reading it does, but the second I put it down I’m hurting all over again.

So, I’m reaching out to you dear Bradford Bunch blog readers….

HELP ME!!

What are some of the ways you find comfort? What kinds of movies, or books, or whatnot make you feel better? Any bad foods I should be eating?

Right now I’m learning to adapt in my career and basically in my life since writing is a huge part of it. I’ve recently come to a grinding halt, not of my choice, and now I have to deal with it. It’s been difficult and trying and emotional, and I’ve had more than one teary moment…

It’s been hard. But last night something happened. I realized that there was a big chunk of my love of writing, a big part of my overall dream, that I wasn’t doing anymore. And that’s screenwriting. It came to my notice after I entered a online writing contest on a whim, to see if I could do it, and well I got my scores back from my scene and yes, I CAN DO IT and well if I do say so myself.

So, I’ve decided I’ve been given a gift…the gift of time. And I’m going to use it to rediscover my love for screenwriting…and who knows what may happen. I came close twice 7 years ago to realizing that dream…now I have years of writing experience, industry experience, and contacts. It may be a whole different story this time around…

And speaking of movies, there are a bunch coming out in the next few months based on books. Lots of adaptations going on.

Where the Wild Things Are - beloved children’s book brought to life in live action

Fantastic Mr. Fox - another children’s book coming to the screen, really interested to see what Wes Anderson does with this one

The Men Who Stare at Goats - should be hilarious, George Clooney involved with paranormal research done by the military

Lovely Bones - heartbreaking novel, I’m predicting some Oscar noms with this one

Cirque du Freak - Vampire’s Assistant - I’ve read the book, and it’s pretty dark, but the trailer for this makes it look very light and comedic

New Moon - the Twilight sequel, trailer looks awesome I have to admit

The Road - cannot wait for this, Viggo Mortensen in what is sure to be an Oscar nominated performance

And the one I really can’t wait to see…

Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief

Looking forward to any of these? If you could choose one book to be made into a movie what would it be, and who would star in it?

 I’m kicking the Tour off here today with the fabulous Bradford Bunch – who always know how to throw a party - thank you so much for letting me join you!

 To celebrate the August 25^th release of my Gothic Victorian fantasy debut, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the Strangely Beautiful series, my Haunted London Blog Tour will introduce you to some of the real, documented London haunts who “ghost-star” in the book.

 I’ve had a life-long love for the 19^th century, England and ghosts.  When I first set foot in London, I felt history sweep over me like a strong wind.  Secondly, I felt sure the city was alive not only with the pulsing energy of the living but the restless energy of the dead. When the character of Professor Alexi Rychman and his Guard of spectral police make their rounds, it is to any number of familiar London phantasms.  Since these characters are familiar to The Guard, I don’t get the opportunity to tell their full story in the book.  But these tales are too good not to tell in their full, spooky splendor…

 1. Bloody Bones -50 Berkley Square “The Most Haunted House in London!”

 The Georgian façade of 50 Berkley Square is plain.  But inside, it’s been mayhem, perhaps since its foundations were laid in the 1700s.  In the 19^th century this address was considered by Charles Harper, in his 1907 publication Haunted Houses to be “the Most Haunted House in London!”     

50 Berkeley Square

“…it seems that a Something or Other, very terrible indeed, haunts or did haunt a particular room.  This unnamed Raw Head and Bloody Bones, or whatever it is, has been sufficiently awful to have cause d the death, in convulsions, of at least two fool-hardy persons who have dared to sleep in that chamber…”

 There are several theories as to why the very bricks of this Georgian-style building can cause a palpable shock to the psychically adept, the most chilling is that the lunatic brother of a Mr. Du Pré was once locked up and fed through a hole in a door due to his extremely violent tendencies and his ghost remains therein.  Two deaths have been attributed to the premises. A nobleman died of shock to his system soon after seeing something he couldn’t even speak to describe. Due to the reputation of a hideous entity residing within, the building could not keep tenants.  Strange lights were seen in windows, disembodied screams as well as the sound of a heavy body dragged down the staircase could be heard at night.  The second death occurred when two trespassing sailors awoke to heavy footsteps.  The door of the haunted room flew open and a horrific, formless mass began to overtake them.  One sailor escaped and returned with a policeman, only to find his friend’s corpse impaled on the railings outside, terror on his face.

… Here’s how Berkeley Square makes its “Ghost-appearance” in the The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker:

-

             Entering the dank shadow of a nearby alley, Rebecca sighed. “Fifty Berkeley Square is causing trouble again,” she remarked. As was often the case, she was the first to feel the burning in her veins.

            “The usual? Noises?”

            “Yes, and moving lights. Books ejected from second-story windows, blood dripping from their bindings. It will be rather a mess.”

            Alexi sighed. “Shall we clean it up, then?”

            She shook her head. “Let me handle it.”

            “Rebecca, Bloody Bones is a trial. It’s not a task for you alone.”

            “Alexi, please. You’ve enough to worry about,” she assured him. When he raised an eyebrow, she asked, “You truly think I cannot arraign the subject myself?”

            Alexi was silent.

            “Shall we bet on the matter?”

            Alexi’s lips curved. “Why, Headmistress, you surprise me. I didn’t think you a wagering woman.”

            “You press me to strange deeds, Professor.”

            “Indeed. Well, then: a bottle of my favourite sherry. It shall await me at La Belle et La Bête upon your failure. I do believe Josephine keeps several in stock—perhaps for just such an occasion.”

            Rebecca grimaced. “While I have every faith in my success, I do wish your tastes were less expensive. But, a bottle of sherry it is. And now we’d best get back to Athens.”

            “Should we?” he asked.

            “It is the first day of class, Professor, and you have students to terrify.”

            “Ah yes, so I do.”

—- (End of Excerpt)

My research relies heavily upon Richard Jones, one of the founders of the fabulous London Walks and author of the fantastic compendium “Haunted London” published by Barnes & Noble Books, visit him at www.haunted-london.com.  Come visit me at www.leannareneehieber.com to find out more about The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and follow along on the rest of the tour!  There’s a Contest too, so stop by and check out the details. And of course, I hope you’ll pick up The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker at a bookstore near you and that you’ll love it as much as I loved writing it.  

Be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win a signed copy!  One entry will be drawn randomly at Midnight 8/22 ! (US mail only, please)

Blessings!

Leanna Renee Hieber

www.leannareneehieber.com

www.twitter.com/leannarenee

I can’t believe it’s almost here, the final book of the Elemental Witches series. Witch Fury will release on June 2nd, just three weeks from today.

If you’ve been reading the series, you’re familiar with Theodosius Winters from a short appearance in Witch Blood and a secondary role in Witch Heart. As readers know, Theo is very much in need of love. He’s the kind of hero I love to write–dark, brooding, a bit dangerous, and just a little bit damaged. It’s the kind of damage that only true love can heal.

His childhood was rocky and, then, when he was teen Theo was kidnapped by the Duskoff, along with someone very important to him. Coveting his powerful earth magick, the Duskoff tried to break Theo to their will, but failed. In the process Theo had to watch the murder of the one person in the world he loved. That’s bound to push just about anyone into a world of darkness, huh? As an adult, Theo works for the Chicago Coven and his favorite job is making the Duskoff pay every chance he gets.

Enter Sarafina Connell. Outgoing, vivacious, and with a million friends, Sarafina is Theo’s opposite in just about every way. She’s also had trauma in her life, but with the support of those who love her, she’s weathered the storm much more successfully than loner Theo.

Unfortunately, when she comes home one day to find Stefan Faucheux in her living room, she’s in for a whole new trauma. Stefan nabs her and forces her accept a truth she wants no part of–she’s a fire witch. World turned on end and reality a jumbled mess, the Chicago Coven raids the house where she’s being kept and Theo assumes she’s a warlock–his least favorite thing in the world.

So, you see, they have a few things to overcome.

And the barriers to their relationship are only part of the problem. The Duskoff is back and deadlier than ever. This time they intend to use every resource they have to take down the Chicago Coven for once and for all.

I’m a bit sad to see the end of the Elemental Witches series, but also excited about things to come. I have a new series starting, which will be launched with the novella, Sweet Enchantment, in the Hot for the Holidays anthology that comes out in late September, which also features novellas by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight and Allyson James. Then the first full length novel of the series, Wicked Enchantment, will release in January, 2010. It’s a whole new world and new characters for me to discover and I love that. I hope you will too!

If you want to read the first chapter of Witch Fury, or see the book video, they’re right here.

Hello everyone! I’m very delighted to have my very extra special friend Lauren Hawkeye here, at The Bradford Bunch. She’s a writer on the move, and by that I mean to the top! She’s recently had her first Spice Brief go on sale at Harlequin. Kudos to her and much thanks for stopping by!

WHY REJECTION ISN’T ALWAYS A BAD THING

“Wet”, my first Harlequin release, was written for a different publisher altogether. Answering a call for submissions for an anthology, I wrote a story titled “Urban Legend” and submitted to this publisher, who we will call Other. Urban Legend was rejected by Other, but the editor liked my voice and invited me to try again if I could squeeze another story out before the deadline.

Well, as far as I was concerned, this was IT. I poured everything that I was into that story, read it and reread a thousand times. When I finally hit send, I was certain, I had that feeling in my gut, that the editor would just love it.

Well, she did. But she loved four other stories more… and there wasn’t room for a fifth in the book.

I cried. I complained about the injustice of it all. I threatened to give up writing. I had been so SURE. Finally, the story was returned to my hard drive, where it languished for a good three months with nary a second glance. Nary a second glance, that is, until I unexpectedly found myself offered representation by an agent. Scrolling through said hard drive, I came across “Wet” and thought, what the heck. Tentatively I hit send again, this time to my agent.

She loved it. She sent it to Susan Pezzack Swinwood of Harlequin Spice Briefs, who loved it. And I was a happy girl.

Moral of the story? A rejection can be a good thing. A bigger, better thing. A making more money than you would at the first place thing. A building a reputation with your dream editor thing.

Has anyone else had a rejection that turned out well?

And, on a completely unrelated note, you should all check out Brenda Novak’s fifth annual online auction to benefit diabetes research, running for the entire month of May at Brenda Novak

Be there or be square!

Lauren’s first Spice Brief wet is available HERE:

Writing a book is a journey. One that has a beginning, middle and when the gods are shining down on you, an END.

Sometimes this journey can be like a quick trip to the mall. You get in, get the deals and and get the hell out. You’re done. I’ve had one of those trips in the writing world. My first book, DARK REVENGE came together in under seven weeks. From the time I put the opening scene down to paper, until I typed “The End.” It was fully edited, good to go. It landed on Laura Bradfords desk and lets just say, my week ended on a high note.

That was last year. And I’ve learned a lot since then. Mainly, that not every book I write is gonna be the quickie type. Not every book is gonna be a slam dunk. Kind of hard to sell one if your agent thinks it stinks.

I think that each new project is a journey totally different from the last. Like, maybe you get to the mall, buy the fab shoes that were on sale with an additional 50% off, only to get them home and well, the freaking things hurt like hell. Ya gotta take them back, and start over.

Or sometimes the shoes fit just fine, it’s just…you don’t feel like wearing them. Not yet, anyway. You know they’ll look amazing, that they’ll drop at least 10 pounds from your frame, just by adding the additional four inches, but you procastinate……and don’t really feel like it. You make excuses. blah, blah, blah. You spend all day watching your dvd’s of Supernatural and Battlestar Gallactica. And playing solitaire on the computer and surfing the net…….

Yes, I’ve just had one of those trips. I’m talking about RAVYN’S FALL, the young adult I just turned into my agent. It’s not that this last book took me a super long time to write. I started it, in January. But between mid January to the end of February I think I wrote maybe 25k. Not great when I wanted it done by mid March.

I needed to get my feet into those freaking shoes!

And, thank god I did. I managed to write another 50k and edit the damn thing and it’s done. And what a feeling. To type, The End!

So now, I’m about to delve back into the world of my Jaguars. My next book is the second in the series, and I actually started it last summer. I had to put it aside and deal with revisions on the first as well as writing a couple proposals and then, well taking the funky trip to the mall, the one that never ended.

I have about 20k done. It’s not due until September, but I want it in my editors hands by the end of June. Let’s just hope the journey I take for DARK CRAVING is more like the first one, quick, painless and productive……because there’s no greater feeling for a writer then finishing something amazing, some incredible story that was in your head! How cool is that?

I love music. A lot. Many different artists inspire me and I use them to help me get into the mood. The following is a song by the band Sixx Am. It’s called Life is Beautiful and it was one that I listened to a lot while writing Rayvn’s Fall. Enjoy.

Hey all! It’s been one heck of a crazy week here in the land of hockey tournaments, more hockey tournaments and oh yeah, mid winter break. I can say I survived the trip to Jordan and the trip to Buffalo. I managed to make it through two days at a hotel with 14 kids, their families including siblings and an unhealthy amount of pizza, wings and beer. (Bud Lite Lime rocks!) On a side note, my son’s hockey team kicked butt on both sides of the border!

So, these distractions have been swept away and now I’m faced with The Next Step on my road to publication. I’m sure most of you are aware that I’m the newbie around here. I signed with Laura Bradford last summer and she sold my book to Avon/Harpercollins. (I still get all squeeeeeeeeeeish when I think about it!) Since then I’ve gone through many firsts. Revisions, contracts, line edits and now, (horns blowing in the background please!) discussing my COVER!

I’m so pumped I just can’t even tell you. My editor told me to jot down ideas about what I’d like on the cover. I can honestly say I had a moment, because truthfully I’m not artistic at all when it comes to this stuff. I just want the cover gods to smile on me and give me something great. But, I decided the professional thing to do was a bit of research, and then give Esi my opinion.

What I found was a lot of covers that rocked and some that were mediocre at best. I think that covers are the most important tool you can have when it comes to attracting readers….especially if you’re a newbie like myself. I realized that most of the books I’ve purchased lately (from new authors), I bought because the cover drew me in and the blurb was well written. So, this is important stuff.

I want my cover to look great and thought this would be a great place to ask all of you out there in Bradford land, what is it about a cover that makes you grab that book from the shelf? What do you like and dislike? What’s your favorite cover?

Currently, I’m favouring one with my dude on the front, but I want to see his face. I’m not so enamored of books where you can’t see the guys face. But, would a couple be better?

What do you all think?

And this is totally unrelated, but any early predictions for American Idol? I have to say, I’m really digging Adam Lambert. He’s like a really yummy young version of Nikki Sixx without the smelly heroin addiciton thing going on. And the little chick with the red hair and raspy voice? Luv her too!

Or rather, it will be.  Next week.   Yesirree…..I’m officially on vacation and can’t wait.  I’m heading to sunny Mexico and taking the hubby and kids along for the ride.  Truthfully, this winter has been brutal and that’s saying something considering I’m a Canuk and so enjoy my winter sports.  But, the cold and snow have finally taken their toll and driven me to the land of endless margaritas.  It will be vacation for sure, but I aim to do a bit of research while I’m there.

You see, there is madness to my methods.  I fell in love with the entire region while doing research for my first paranormal, Dark Revenge.  My main character is a Jaguar Warrior and while they are part of the Aztec culture a good portion of my first book takes place in the jungles of Belize and involves an old Mayan ruin.  I’ve been to Belize and it is indeed a beautiul country.  But, when I was there, I never did make it into the jungle to tour some of the Mayan ruins close by.

I will be hitting one for sure while in the Mayan Riviera and I can’t wait.  To touch and feel and to just imagine the culture that built these incredible monuments is something that I  just can’t wait to experience.  I want to spend a fair bit of time in the jungle, to really get a sense of it, as the second book in my series, Dark Craving takes place mainly in the jungles.  Where it’s hot and humid and for my two main characters, very much a background to the life and death situation they find themselves in.  And how fitting, really since that’s how I envision the jungle to be.  Wild and untamed and filled with predators…some of which are yummy jaguars!

So, my vacation will be relaxing and I hope to get some work snuck in as well…in between the Coronas and margaritas , and I’ll be taking along some books to read…I have Kiss of Fate by Deborah Cooke, At Grave’s End by Jeaniene Frost and I have Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton. 

So, who else has been lucky enough to travel and maybe do a little research?  And if so, where have you been?  Or, where would you like to go?

On my ipod.  Van Nuys with SIXX AM with the still very hot Nikki Sixx……a la Supernatural!

 Van Nuys, Sixx AM………Dean!

ps.  I don’t know how to upload the video but if you click on this link there is some Supernatural love there!  Have a great week all and I’ll see you when I return from vaca!