Beauty is the Beast

Please visit Trapeze Magazine to read my poem, a twist on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. And don't forget to vote! I already have two 5 star ratings! *happy dance*

http://trapezemag.wordpress.com/2010/12/14/december-14-heather-kuehl/

New interview!

Join me on Marva Dasef's blog today as we talk about the writing Muse and the time it took me to write my books from concept to THE END. http://mgddasef.blogspot.com/2010/12/interview-heather-kuehl.html

Don't forget to stop by here tomorrow as I return the favor and interview Marva on this blog!

Signing pics!

Success!

I had a great day today during my book signing at Dreamalot Books. I sold 10 books, and was told that this is the most books any author has every sold during a signing at Dreamalot. It makes me feel really good about myself.

Since my camera isn't handy, I won't be posting pics tonight, but check http://sites.google.com/site/heatherkuehl/events/dreamalot-books tomorrow. I should have the pics up by noon. No promises though; we're decorating for Christmas tomorrow!

The only downer to my fantastic day was learning that only two of the four newspapers I sent press releases to didn't put anything in their paper. One was understandable (it was a Summerville paper and my signing was in Goose Creek), but the other wasn't (it's the primary paper for the tri-county area). Next time, instead of emailing my press release like the gentleman at the primary paper asked me to, I'll snail mail it to him. And if he calls (like he did the last time I snail mailed something to him), I mention this event.

Thank you, The Gazette and Charleston City Paper, for posting my event in your calendar!

Book signing!

Join me today at Dreamalot Books from 12pm to 3pm. I'll be signing copies of Fade to Black and Malevolent Dead.

Dreamalot Books
123B S Goose Creek Blvd.
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 572-4188
http://www.dreamalotbooks.com/

Directions To Store:
Dreamalot Books is located on Hwy 52, 123B South Goose Creek Blvd. in Goose Creek. You will find them just inside the Goose Creek city limits in a strip mall with Allstate Ins., on the opposite side of highway from the Waffle House.

WIP List

What I consider Works in Progress (WIP); A WIP can be a short as a scribbled idea or as long as a finished manuscript that needs serious editing. Above my computer I have several WIP’s ideas taped to my wall. This is what my Works in Progress list looks like right now:

GRAY MAGIC – My NaNo2010 story needs a lot of work, which is why I still consider it a WIP. Synopsis: Tabitha Desdamona Drake is an Enforcer, the person that does the dirty work for the Conclave of witches. The Conclave orders T.D. to find the gray magic witch. A witch wielding gray magic would be able to use dark or light magic without cost, able to end the world with just a thought. The Conclave wants the gray magic witch. With it, they can rule the supernatural world with an iron fist. However, once she gets there T.D. finds that there are more pressing issues to take care of rather than the Conclave's agenda. Witches are being murdered and drained of their magic, and it's up to her to put a stop to it. Enter Dez, a vampire that works for the Lord of Charleston. As mysterious as he is annoying, Dez accompanies T.D. on her search for the witch killer claiming that the vampire Lord has ordered him to do so. But what does a vampire care about murdered witches? Dez's agenda mirrors the orders from the Conclave, and T.D. quickly realizes that she is in more danger than what she's bargained for.


OF WOLF AND MAN - I had just gotten through the hard scene when my computer crashed and I lost a good chunk of it. Tells the story of Juliet and Jensen; Juliet discovers Jensen's dangerous secret and now a Clan of rouge werewolves wants her dead. Synopsis: Juliet knows that Jensen has a dark secret, especially after he uses his super strength to fight three wolves and save her life. Imagine her surprise when she figures out that he's a werewolf. Imagine her greater surprise when she discovers that this knowledge puts her life in danger. The three wolves that attacked her were also Weres, and they want Jensen to themselves. Jensen has to do what he can to save Juliet, when she and her best friend are kidnapped by the Weres during Homecoming. Will he be able to get to Juliet in time, before the Weres change her into one of them? It's my first attempt at YA. I’m currently 33k in, and am at the climax of the story. However, I keep getting sidetracked by other projects. I hope to have this one finished by the first of the year….maybe.


ACROSS TIME - A novella about Amythist Dyier finding love again. Her short stories came out in quick bursts so I hope her novella does the same.


UNTITLED Technopath Story - Originally a short story, I realize that I have more to say. Samantha lives in a post apocalyptic world where a human created microbe can infect technology, making it alive. It needs the earth's resources to survive, and the humans are just scum standing in their way. Samantha is one of only a handful of technopaths, a person that can control technology, that can defeat them. The short story is finished, but I want to add more parts to it and see more of the world that Sam lives in.


UNTITLED Sarah Vargas 4 – I’m taking my sweet time before coming back to Sarah. I want to make sure that her story really needs to continue past Blood Moon. Synopsis: With the Blood Moon Corporation behind her Sarah is ready to start her life with Jared, but a phone call from Donavan puts their well deserved bliss on hold. There's a serial killer murdering humans on the loose in Brainerd, MN, one that changes with the full moon. If the human police catch him, it will put the Seffmoyer Clan in danger - the very Clan that Donavan's sister is in. Will Sarah and Jared be able to catch the supernatural killer before the police do?


UNTITLED Beauty and the Beast – Modern day telling of an old story, with a unique twist. That’s all I’ll say on this project.


THE WRONG MAN – A contemporary romance about finding love in all the wrong places.


UNTITLED ghost romance – The title says it all…


UNITITLED Dreamscape – Jasmine McGovern has the ability to control her dreams, a gift that sets her in the crosshairs of the Blood Moon Corporation. Except they don’t want to kill her. They want to use her ability to assassinate and control. How can she escape them?


AN UNEXPECTED LOVE – Originally a short story about Amir and Phaidra, I want to flesh it out and turn it from a 3k romance into a 15k romance.



And this isn't even all of it! I have ideas scribbled in small notebooks that I carry around with me. So add another 15-20 ideas on top of these I've listed. Sometimes I wish this list was carved in stone. A new idea will crop up, making my long list of WIPs even longer. But at least I can't complain that I don't have anything to write. :)

Word Count and more

I'm on Cate Masters's blog today, talking about my views on the dreaded word count.

http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2010/12/in-author-spotlight-heather-kuehl.html


Can't get enough of me? Join me tonight at 6:30pm EST on Poetic Monthly as I discuss my latest release, Malevolent Dead.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/poeticmonthly

The inspiration for my latest WIP

Ever wanted to know how an author gets inspired to write a certain story? This piece of artwork is the inspiration for my latest WIP.

BTW: My favorite movie of all time is Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Especially the library scene

Guest blogging

I'm guest blogging at Fang-tastic Books today, talking about the joys of paranormal fiction.

http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/welcome-guest-author-heather-kuehl.html

Moonlight, Lace, and Mayhem

I'm being interviewed today at Moonlight, Lace, and Mayhem (love the blog name, by the way). I'll be talking about what I'm thankful for, NaNoWriMo, and Just Another Paranormal Christmas.

http://moonlightlacemayhem.blogspot.com/2010/11/twilight-thursday_22.html

Busy busy

NaNoWriMo is coming to a close, and I've already finished Gray Magic...sort of. Because it's a NaNo creation it's going to need a lot of work, and I have a feeling that there is going to be a lot of scenes cut out of it. I hate useless filler, so if it doesn't help to forward the plot or enhance character development then it's going to have to go.

Tabitha Desdamona Drake is an Enforcer, the person that does the dirty work for the Conclave of witches. The Conclave orders T.D. to find the gray magic witch. A witch wielding gray magic would be able to use dark or light magic without cost, able to end the world with just a thought. The Conclave wants the gray magic witch. With it, they can rule the supernatural world with an iron fist. However, once she gets there T.D. finds that there are more pressing issues to take care of rather than the Conclave's agenda. Witches are being murdered and drained of their magic, and it's up to her to put a stop to it.

Enter Dez, a vampire that works for the Lord of Charleston. As mysterious as he is annoying, Dez accompanies T.D. on her search for the witch killer claiming that the vampire Lord has ordered him to do so. But what does a vampire care about murdered witches? Dez's agenda mirrors the orders from the Conclave, and T.D. quickly realizes that she is in more danger than what she's bargained for.

I can't wait until the manuscript is polished enough to share. T.D.'s story is just begging to be told and Dez's big secret will finally be revealed (for those of you who have been reading the Sarah Vargas Series). As usual, I'm putting Gray Magic aside for a while to let it cool (so to say) and I'm picking up Of Wolf and Man....again. Maybe I'll finally finish it this time.

T.D. short story

My T.D. short story, "Susan's Ghost," is in issue 9 of Etereal Tales - available now!

Here's a sneak peek of "Susan’s Ghost " (People’s Choice Winner of the Ethereal Tales Halloween Competition 2009)


Tabitha Desdemona Drake hated October.

It wasn’t the shift in the muggy Charleston weather that got to her. It wasn’t the department stores going Halloween crazy, trying to make sure they had enough Halloween supplies for their customers. It wasn’t even the witch costumes. Having been born a witch herself, Tabitha Desdemona knew that those hags were just a product of a fearful human’s imagination. No, it was none of these things.

It was the ghosts.

From November through September, Tabitha Desdemona rarely saw a spirit. It was refreshing. But October… The closer it got to Halloween, the worse it got. Half of the time she didn’t know if the person she was speaking with was alive or dead. She would just hang in there, doing her best to ignore them until 11:59pm on October 31. Then, when the clock struck midnight, it was like they had never been there.

But this year was destined to be different.

It was Halloween, and the ghost was in her bedroom; a first. The ghost looked just like her, with blonde hair and striking cerulean eyes. Tabitha Desdemona stared for a minute, thinking that she was looking at her reflection until she could see her bed though the ghost’s transparent stomach. Then her heart lurched.

“Oh Susan…”


Get your copy of Ethereal Tales 9 today from http://cutencreepy.co.uk/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=105&products_id=1039

Published Wrimo!

My March 2010 release Promises To Keep is now listed on the "Published Wrimos" page of http://www.nanowrimo.org/! There are over 60 published "wrimos", including Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. It makes me so proud to see my name listed there. :o)

http://www.nanowrimo.org/publishedwrimos

Book Signing!

Book Signing at Dreamalot Books

Join paranormal author Heather Kuehl at Dreamalot Books on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 12pm to 3pm. She will be signing copies of her books Fade to Black and Malevolent Dead.

Dreamalot Books
123B S Goose Creek Blvd.
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 572-4188
http://www.dreamalotbooks.com/

Directions To Store:
Dreamalot Books is located on Hwy 52, 123B South Goose Creek Blvd. in Goose Creek. You will find them just inside the Goose Creek city limits in a strip mall with Allstate Ins., on the opposite side of highway from the Waffle House.

Last night

I had so much fun last night at Drinking in the Morning's Spooooky-tacular event. It was nerve wracking being in front of so many people - more than 50 - making me think that I need to work on my public speaking skills, but it was fun.

Pictures are up on my website. https://sites.google.com/site/heatherkuehl/events/signings/drinking-in-the-morning-10-25-10

I hope I get the chance to do something like that again. As nerve wracking as it was, it was a blast.

Spooooky-tacular tonight!

Join me tonight at Drinking in the Morning's Halloween Spooooky-tacular as I talk about the Sarah Vargas series. The first 50 guests will receive goodie bags filled with candy, bookmarks, and more from me and the wonderful authors at Eternal Press. Don't forget to stop by the merchandise table to purchase your copy of Fade to Black or Malevolent Dead. Copies are limited! And yes, I will be signing those beautiful books!

The deets (from DitM's Facebook page):

Date:
October 25, 2010

Location:
The Nickelodeon Theater
937 Main Street
Columbia, SC

Time:
Doors open at 10pm, show starts at 10:30pm

More Info:
Spirits take flight at our Drinking in the Morning Spooooky-tacular. Join Aaron and Grant for a frightful evening of mayhem and delight! Vampire writer Heather Dade Kuehl will join us, along with Drunk Joe the Gin-Soaked Magician and some surprise visitors from the shadowy beyond!

In addition to live music from the CASSANGLES, there will also be lots of new media, audience interaction, breaking the fourth wall and web 2.0 cutting edge stuff that really rides the long tail. So make sure you wear your prosumer hats for this social networking extravaganza!

Admission just $5.00, beer and wine will be served! More details as they develop!

Purchase advance tickets here and get a collectible 8x10 print, signed and numbered. Also offering discounted T-Shirts: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drinkinginthemorning.com%2F%3Fp%3D138&h=7dc1c

http://www.drinkinginthemorning.com/

Space Cops

Space Cops is featured on Bish's Beat today. My short story, "To Walk Among Dreams," was featured in this anthology.

http://bishsbeat.blogspot.com/2010/10/pulp-now-space-cops.html


Excerpt from "To Walk Among Dreams" in Space Cops (c) 2009

The turning of pages was the only sound that embraced the soundproof room. I looked around, taking in the light blue ceiling and stark white walls. A small camera was perched above the door, the shining red light indicating that this session was being filmed. The brightness of the florescent lights mixed with the color of the walls was starting to make my head hurt. I took a drag of my cigarette as I waited.

"Tell me why you think you're here."

The woman who spoke crossed her legs, her hands running over her thighs to make sure that her skirt hung right. Her blonde hair was in a long braid down her back with little wispy bangs covering her forehead. It was a flattering look for her. Her skirt was black with little purple flowers on it, the same shade of purple as her blouse. Her black pumps were more elegant that business-like, telling me that she was a woman of wealth. Her hand covered mine, a comforting gesture. I recoiled as though her touch burned. I refused to meet her eyes. I knew all that I needed to know for now. She was new. She had that fresh, just out of grad school feel to her. She was treating me like any other patient.

"Did they explain to you who I am?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Then there is no need for introductions. Did they explain why I was here?"

"Your file states that you suffer from delusions. You wish to make the world a better place..."

"So I have an imaginary world where I dish out justice," I finished for her. "Go get Dr. Cornwell. I don't have time for this."

She smoothed out her skirt - a nervous gesture - and took a deep breath. "The beginning?"

I sighed and leaned back in my chair, tapping my cigarette on a triangluar red ashtray. I raised my eyes up until they met hers; beautiful cerulean blue with flecks of green and gray. Her eyes gave her away. I could read her so easily that it scared me. She stared back into my eyes through my curtain for curly red hair.

I lowered my gaze and asked, "Has anyone ever told you that your eyes are the windows to your soul?"

I didn't want to talk about me. I needed to know about her. After all, I had my orders.

Buy your copy TODAY at Amazon.com

Halloween yummies!

I'm sharing my favorite Halloween recipe at Kayden McLeod's blog today. I love these Double Delicious Halloween Bars. YUM!

http://kaydenmcleod.blogspot.com/2010/10/recipemondayshalloween-double-delicious.html

Vote for Malevolent Dead

It's that time again! You Gotta Read Videos has this month's contest open and Malevolent Dead's book trailer is entry #3. Please stop by http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/ to check out the trailers and cast your vote.

Voting ends Oct. 26.

Malevolent Dead has a review

The Pen and Muse has reviewed Malevolent Dead!

"Kuehl’s skilled writing brings an added dimension to Sarah Vargas without compromising the ass-kicking sensibility of this determined heroine."

Read more at http://thepenmuse.net/archives/1532

Three new reviews

I was in for a surprise this morning when I checked my email. THREE book reviews! *happy dance*


What Night Owl Romance said about Fade to Black, "What you get in this paranormal story is lots of action and excitement. You also get cruel and beat worthy enemy vampires...Oh and the weapons Sarah and Jared use were just COOL!"

They even rated it 4.5 stars! Read more at http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Silvermage-reviews-Fade-To-Black-by-Heather-Kuehl.aspx


What Night Owl Romance said about Malevolent Dead, "The werewolf attacks were surprising and well described. The blood drinking was sexy, hot and a bit creepy. The action kept the story moving and I thoroughly enjoyed the final battle."

They rated it 4 stars! Read more at http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Silvermage-reviews-Malevolent-Dead-by-Heather-Kuehl.aspx


What You Gotta Read said about Malevolent Dead, "Sarah reaches out, grabs hold and drags you through the story with her. Non stop suspense, scorching hot love, or is it lust, scenes and enough paranormal nasties to keep you away from the cemetery permanently make this book one you've gotta read."

They rated it a "you gotta read!" Read more at http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-malevolent-dead-by-heather-kuehl.html

New review for Fade to Black

The Pen and Muse has given Fade to Black an excellent review!

"Kuehl’s writing gives Sarah an edgy, street-savvy persona. Sarah is the modern day heroine with smarts who does not need a dashing hero to come to her rescue."

Read more at http://thepenmuse.net/?p=1487

And keep an eye on The Pen and Muse for a (possible) review of Malevolent Dead.

Halloween Spooooky-tacular LIVE SHOW featuring vampires!

Time:
Monday, October 25 at 10:00pm - October 26 at 12:00am

Location:
The Nickelodeon Theatre
937 Main Street
Columbia, SC

More Info:
Spirits take flight at our Drinking in the Morning Spooooky-tacular. Join Aaron and Grant for a frightful evening of mayhem and delight! Vampire writer Heather Kuehl will join us, along with Drunk Joe the Gin-Soaked Magician and some surprise visitors from the shadowy beyond!

Admission just $5.00, beer and wine will be served! More details as they develop!

http://www.drinkinginthemorning.com/

Siren's Song

My haiku, "Siren's Song," is now up at Aphelion!

http://aphelion-webzine.com/poetry/2010/09/SirenSong.html

I love writing these short poems, trying my best to infuse them with my dark thoughts and paranormal world.

Featured Author

This week I'm the featured author at Romance Writers United. Very cool!

http://rwunited.freehostia.com/featured.html

The Back Story

I was the guest on The Back Story on October 2. I had a blast being on the show, talking about Fade to Black and how I came up with the Sarah Vargas Series. I even got a chance to talk a bit about Malevolent Dead and Blood Moon. To listen to the interview, just go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/back-story/2010/10/02/the-back-story-radio-show .

Malevolent Dead is on YGR Videos

This month, Malevolent Dead is participating in You Gotta Read's Video contest. It is entry #3. I love participating in this contest; it gives me a chance to see other author's book trailers and make notes on how I can improve mine. Make sure you stop by and check it out:

http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to come back at the end of the month to vote for your favorite trailer. Voting will begin on the 21st and run through the 26th.

Reprint acceptance

Aoife's Kiss has accepted "Raising the Dead" for publication in October 2011. "Raising the Dead" was first published in Bewildering Stories in 2008 and tells the story of Kinandrea, an elf who is asked by a human named Jackson to raise his wife from the dead.

(FYI: Aoife is pronounced EE-fah)

Fantastic review for Malevolent Dead

I was on my Twitter account this morning and decided to do a search for Malevolent Dead. The point of the search was to see if All Romance Ebooks had tweeted my book release or not, but what I found was so much better.

Happily Ever After Reviews reviewed Malevolent Dead, rating it 4.5 Teacups! "I would love to say more, but I can’t without giving away some major plot points. Malevolent Dead is an awesome adventure with kick-butt action, hot sexual encounters, and interesting characters."
http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-malevolent-dead-by-heather-kuehl.html

Vote for Fade to Black

You Gotta Read's September cover contest is now open. Please vote for Fade to Black. Fade to Black's cover is #4

http://yougottareadcovers.blogspot.com/

First Chapters Blog - Malevolent Dead

D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters Blog had Malevolent Dead up the other day. However, due to BlogFest, I wasn't able to post about it until now. Stop by and take a peek here:

http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapters.blogspot.com/2010/09/malevolent-dead-by-heather-kuehl.html

Malevolent Dead Tour - Summary

Well, the Malevolent Dead tour is over. Wasn't that fun? If you missed it, here's a list of the blogs I visited. If there are any contests still open they'll be listed at the end of this post.

The Roses of Prose
http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2010/09/saturday-spotlight-heather-kuehl.html

Love Romances and More
http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/09/talking-with-author-heather-kuehl.html

You Gotta Read
http://yougottareadguest.blogspot.com/2010/09/welcome-heather-kuehl.html

Literary Magic
http://www.literary-magic.com/2010/09/meet-heather-kuehl-author-of-fade-to.html

Immortyl Cafe
http://immortylcafe.blogspot.com/2010/09/at-round-table-with-heather-keuhl.html

Fang-tastic Books
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-pdf-of-malevolent-dead-by-heather.html

Immortyl Revolution
http://immortylrevolution.blogspot.com/2010/09/interview-with-author-heather-kuehl.html

Lisa Haselton's Blog
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/interview-with-paranormal-author.html

Annette Snyder's Blog
http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2010/09/heather-kuehl-shares-her-writing.html

Writing Space
http://writingspace.blogspot.com/2010/09/meet-heather-kuehl-author-of-malevolent.html

Bitten By Books
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30347


OPEN CONTESTS!

Win a pdf of Malevolent Dead (Open until Sept 14)

http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-pdf-of-malevolent-dead-by-heather.html

Win 250 Die Cut Business Cards (Open until Sept 20)
http://heatherkuehl.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-monday-win-250-die-cut.html

Bitten By Books Contest

I am the guest at Bitten By Books today. Stop by for a chance to win a $25 Amazon.com gift card! It's going to be an awesome event and I hope that you stop by.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30347

Contest ends at 11:59pm on Sept 11.

REVIEW!! & 10, 11/12 - Annette Snyder's Blog and Wordshaping

Malevolent Dead already has a review!! Bitten by Books gave Malevolent Dead 4.5/5 tombstones, saying that "Once again, Kuehl does not disappoint with this excellent tale filled with interesting characters caught in the midst of pedal-to-the-metal suspense and action in an intriguing supernatural world."

http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Heather%20Kuehl


Today I have two stops on my Malevolent Dead tour; Annette Snyder's Blog and Writing Space. New authors, make sure you check these out. I give newbie advice about promo and talk about the things I wish I knew about the publishing industry before I stepped foot in it.

Annette Snyder's Blog:
http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2010/09/heather-kuehl-shares-her-writing.html

Writing Space:
http://writingspace.blogspot.com/2010/09/meet-heather-kuehl-author-of-malevolent.html

Spotlight

I'm the spotlight author at Joyfully Reviewed today!

http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/interviews/author-spotlight-heather-kuehl

By the way, since I did this interview I've been able to quit my Mt. Dew habit. 1 month and 2 weeks without caffeine! I also received a fabulous review from Mirror Dance for Promises to Keep:

http://mirrordancefantasy.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-of-promises-to-keep.html

Happily Ever After

Check out my interview with Happily Ever After Reviews

http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/author-interview-with-heather-kuehl.html

Only 7 days left until the release of Malevolent Dead!

Freedom!

One of the most glorious things to ever witness is an animal being released back into the wild. I got to see this today when two sea turtles were released at Folly Beach County Park.

From the Sea Turtle Hospital blog:

The 100-pound loggerhead, Santos, was cold-stunned off the New England coast in the winter of ‘08 and treated for a year at the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center at the University of New England. In November of ‘09, the turtle was transported to the South Carolina Aquarium to finish healing, catching a ride in a small Piper Twin Comanche with private pilot, Ronnie Santos from Mount Pleasant, SC. We are grateful for Ronnie and the East Cooper Pilot’s Association for this wonderful support!

The juvenile Kemp’s ridley, Surfer, was caught on hook and line just 4 months ago by a surf fisherman on Hilton Head, SC. Kemp’s ridleys are commonly found in near shore waters in the summertime and are prone to getting caught by recreational fishermen. Surfer underwent surgery to remove the hook that was deeply embedded in the esophagus. A hook that is left in the esophagus of a turtle in the wild can be problematic, possibly resulting in death and we congratulate all fishermen who turn these “hooked” endangered species over to the SCDNR.


For more information about the Sea Turtle Hospital, please visit http://scaquarium.org/STR/default.html

sea turtle flipper-prints in the sand

This was the second time I got to see a sea turtle be released back into the ocean, and I must say that it was heart warming as the first. It brough tears to my eyes as I watched the turtles glide across the sand, eager to get back to their natural habitat.

Crazy Busy Day

I alway feel like a chicken with its head cut off before a book release, running around trying to get as much accomplished as possible before the big day. Here's a run down of what my last two days have looked like

I sent in the last of my guest blog posts. I always try to send them in a month or more ahead of time, that way I'm not busting my ass at the last minute.

I got some promo things written up and saved in my email drafts, like First Chapters Blog, that I won't be able to send in until the book is released. On Sept 7, all I'll have to do it click send.

I got book review requests ready to send out in my email drafts. Just have to attach my book and send...

that is until I got my ARC from Eternal Press with permission to use the proof as an ARC. This means I didn't have to wait until Sept 7 to send out my review requests. Sent out three requests today, and filled out four review request forms.

Double checked my website to make sure everything was ready to go for MALEVOLENT DEAD's release.

Making sure that I mention BLOOD MOON in any MD promo. Hey, it doesn't hurt to start early.

Stopped by the guests blogs I was on today and yesterday to acknowledge the people who commented.

I'm sure tomorrow will be an equally busy day. But with this being my third release, I've found that the more you do ahead of time the more time you'll have for other things - like writing or spending time with the family. In my case it's writing OF WOLF AND MAN.

Character Evolution

I'm guest blogging again today! Learn about the evolution of Sarah Vargas at Nighs of Passion Blog.

http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2010/08/25/behind-the-character-paranormal-romance-author-heather-kuehl/

How embarrassing!

I'm guest blogging at Beyond Romance today about "the blush factor." Stop by to see what embarrasses me.

http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2010/08/blush-factor.html

Blood Moon

While I don't have the contract in my hands yet, I have the overwhelming urge to announce that BLOOD MOON has been accepted for publication by Eternal Press. I'm thinking it will be a Spring/Summer 2011 release, based on the release dates of my previous publications with them.

*happy dance*

I want to lie and say that I've been hard at work on OF WOLF AND MAN, but I haven't. I've spent the last week cleaning my house and reorganizing...aka procrastinating. I've said it before, I hate having to rewrite something that I've already written. I do plan on changing some things, but for the most part from the part I'm at until the Homecoming game I had already written and then lost during the Crash of 2009. I have a "been there, done that" feeling about it.

Of Wolf and Man

I'm going to be complaining about this story for a while, so it's only fair to give you all the back story so you'll understand my frustration.

OF WOLF AND MAN was started over a year ago, maybe even two, and by 30k I was just a mere five chapters away from the end. Then, in September of 2009, my computer crashed. I lost everything; pictures of my newborn son that weren't backed up along with this story. I had an earlier draft backed up and printed, which was good. The bad was that it was only 21k. I was missing three pivotal chapters, one of which was a pain in the ass to write. After that happened, I put the manuscript up. I just didn't have the heart to rewrite what had been lost.

Well, yesterday I sat down and made some changes and I'm almost at 22k. I'm going to finish the tweaking today and start off where I left off. I feel good about this, because I'm adding an interesting subplot that will throw a wrench into Jensen and Juliet's plans. Also go to make sure that I add a meeting with the DeLocket Clan in there as well so that the end makes sense.

I'm sure I will be complaining a ton about this story, because I feel like I should be closer to being finished than what I already am. I hope to have it finished by December.

"Get the hell out of my city."

BLOOD MOON is finally finished, and Damian got to say one of the best lines ever. "Now," Damian said with a wicked smile. "Get the hell out of my city." Couldn't help but grin when he said it. BLOOD MOON's final word count is 22,065, which is all over where I wanted it. FADE TO BLACK was 21,200 and MALEVOLENT DEAD is hanging around 21,936, making BLOOD MOON's length fit in perfectly. Now I just have to edit it and submit the manuscript to a publisher. Ugh, I hate editing! LoL

Don't worry, I don't think this is the end for Sarah. That's why I call this a series and not a trilogy. I have other books planned, but for now I am going to be working on other projects. When I get the itch to write about her again, I will.

And speaking of other projects....

I have a T.D. book outlined. Can't wait to get my claws into that one.

So close...

I ended up adding two more chapters to what I already had in BLOOD MOON. Come to find out, the location was not realistic for what was happening. So I had to back track and change the setting. Voila! Problem fixed. But that doesn't change the fact that writing this book is like pulling teeth. I just keep telling myself that I have 4k left until I'm done, and the final fight is being set up. I hate to say it, but I think I'm tired of writing about Sarah. It's all I've done it seems since FADE TO BLACK was accepted for publication.

I sent a query for DREAM LOVER to a publisher and they wanted to see the entire draft. Yayy! I sent it to them last night and am praying for an acceptance. Here's the blurb for DREAM LOVER:

Denna Rainerd has dreamed about Warren Connelly for the past ten years, their relationship in the dream world hot and passionate. Pity he isn't real...or is he?

Warren wishes that Denna was in his real world, but a human in his world would be a liability. He's a Hunter shapeshifter; sworn to protect his world from the darkest of creatures while he's focused on revenge for the death of his brother.

Their worlds collide when Warren saves Denna's life, setting up a chain of events that will change their lives forever. Will Denna be able to accept Warren's supernatural secrets?

My next project is finishing OF WOLF AND MAN. The almost completed draft was lost in the computer meltdown of 2009, but luckily I had the majority of it backed up and printed. I haven't worked on it because my back up stopped at a scene I had a lot of problems with and I really hate rewriting. But I think I'm going to edit the entire draft and then see what happens. It's so close to being finished that it wouldn't be fair to just let it collect dust. The story is a paranormal YA that centers around Juliet and Jensen.

Juliet knows that Jensen has a dark secret, especially after he uses his super strength to fight three wolves and save her life. Imagine her surprise when she figures out that he's a werewolf. Imagine her greater surprise when she discovers that this knowledge puts her life in danger. The three wolves that attacked her were also Weres, and they want Jensen to themselves. Jensen has to do what he can to save Juliet, when she and her best friend are kidnapped by the Weres during Homecoming. Will he be able to get to Juliet in time, before the Weres change her into one of them?

I am actually looking forward to tweaking this a bit.

Back to the drawing board

After the rush of writing DREAM LOVER, I had hoped I could get into the same groove with BLOOD MOON. No such luck. I spent all day staring at my computer screen, trying to force out scenes and dialouge. I am no further than I was when I began. *sigh*

I printed it up and am going to read though it. Obviously something just isn't right, and I had complained before to my husband that I thought it was going too fast. Maybe if I backtrack and add some stuff in it will flow better. That's usually what happens when I get stuck, aka writer's block. Something isn't right with the story and I have to figure out what.

I must say that I'm still feeling the high from writing DREAM LOVER. When books all but write themselves, it's a heady feeling.

Siren's Song acceptance

Aphelion Webzine has accepted my haiku "Siren's Song" for publication in their September issue. WOOT!

Poetic Monthly

My interview with Poetic Monthly went GREAT! Here's the link for the show:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/poeticmonthly/2010/08/03/pm-radio-show--interview-heather-kuehl

We talked a lot about the publishing industry and there's plenty of tips in the interview for new/aspiring writers.

It took only 5 days

I started writing DREAM LOVER, my Denna and Warren novella, on Friday night and finished it this morning. I thought I was loosing my writing mojo, but instead I churned out a 14k novella in less than a week. WOOT!

I feel so good about this story. I can't wait to edit it and submit it. I can't wait to have the chance to share it with everyone.

It's a party

This week FADE TO BLACK is a guest over at http://deejulian.jimdo.com/blurb-party/ I had originally thought about participating in this after MALEVOLENT DEAD is released, but decided against it. With MD's release a little over a month away, I want new readers to have the time to catch up with the series. Luckily MD is only book 2. When book 3 comes out, I'll probably do the same thing then; promote FADE and MD until the month before the release. Makes sense?

And speaking of book 3...

I've been writing BLOOD MOON since April (probably even before that, but April's the earliest I can think of at the moment). I'm only at 11k and I want it to be around 22k like the other two books. I've been struggling through BM, until Friday. On Friday I reminded myself that BM isn't contracted and I don't have to write it if I'm not currently feeling it. So, I opened a new word document and started writing about Denna and Warren. No, I've never mentioned these characters before. They popped into my head on Friday and haven't left.

Currently I have a little over 10k written, and I can tell that it's going to be a novella around 15k like EPIPHANY. I think it's really funny that I've been struggling to get to 11k in BM for four months, but I did it in two days thanks to Denna and Warren. I hope to finish their story today and then start editing.

On most days I write around 2.5k, when I'm on a roll 5k (and that only happens once in a blue moon). The last two days have been so out of the norm for me that it makes me giddy. I have such a good feeling about these characters and their story. It's set in the same world as my other books, but has a totally different feel. If Nocturne Bites rejects EPIPHANY, then I'll try sending this new story to them. No, I don't have a title yet. I'm thinking about DREAM LOVER or maybe MIDNIGHT DREAMS. What do you think?

Time to vote!

Tomorrow is August 1st. Not only will it be time for a new featured author, but it will also be the time to vote for FADE TO BLACK or PROMISES TO KEEP.

Voting starts tomorrow and ends on Aug 31 on D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters. Since my books were featured on there in July, you can now vote for your favorite cover, first line, last line, and best first chapter! To vote just go on First Chapters tomorrow morning and scroll down to where it says CONTEST! Polls open at 12:02am EST on Aug 1.

FADE TO BLACK

PROMISES TO KEEP

Vote tomorrow for your favorite one!

D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters: Promises to Keep

Stop by D. Renee Bagby's Blog to read the first chapter of PROMISES TO KEEP!

http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapters.blogspot.com/2010/07/promises-to-keep-by-heather-kuehl.html

Blog Talk Radio stations for book promo

List created by Crystalwizard 10/13/09
Blog Talk Radio show list:
Suggested blogtalk radio shows

FastForward Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fastforwardradio/2008/01/07/FastForward-Radio
========================
Sonar4Magtalkshow
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sonar4Magtalkshow
=========================
Alpha Waves Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alphawaves
=======================
The SciFi Pulse Podcast.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/SciFiPulse
====================
Sonar4Magtalk Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sonar4Magtalkshow
====================
Earth Frenzy Radio Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/earthfrenzyradio
====================
Across the pond
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
==================
Book club girl
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Book-Club-Girl
===============
Raw Inspirations Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rawinspirations
===============
Book Bites for Kids
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids
=================
Book that Author
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Book-That-Author
==================
Circle of Seven
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Circle-Of-Seven
==================
The Beyond
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TheBeyond
================
Conversations Live! with C. A. Webb
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive
================
Top Shelf
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TopShelf
=================
Sound Authors Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/soundauthors
==================
Library Love Fest
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LibraryLoveFest
============
Speaking Volumes
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/speakingvolumes
==============
Michigan Literary Network Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/MichiganLiteraryNetwork
================
Urban literary Review
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview
=================
Word Smitten
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WordSmitten
=================
Author Autobahn
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AuthorAutobahn
================
Catch that book radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Catch-That-Book
=================
West Coast Authors
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/crsgorley
============
Page Readers
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Page-Readers
==============
I Just finished
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/I-just-finished
===============
Literary Pizzazz
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz
=================
KWODradio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/KWODradio
====================
Stacey Cochran
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Stacey-Cochran
======================
achoen843
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/acohen843
================
GA Lit Angels
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Cherithe
================
Strategic Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Strategic-Talk-Radio
===================
Christine Rose
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christinerose
===============
Books and Things
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Books-and-Things
================
Before Bedtime
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beforebedtime
=================
The Book Stops Here
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BookStopsHere
==============
EPRN
(3 shows - morning coffee, today's author, the news from eprn)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ewenprime
===============
Back-Story
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Back-Story
=================
Creative Soul (not just authors)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/creativesoul
=================
ASA Blog Talk
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ASA-Blog-Talk
=================
The Teen Zone
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TheTeenZone
============
The Literary Diva
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/diva29
===================

Updates!

I didn't say this before, but July was my vacation from promotion. Since October I've been doing nothing but updating websites, writing guest blogs, and promotion the wazoo out of myself. I've earned many new readers from all that hard work, but I really really needed a break and with MALEVOLENT DEAD's release just around the corner (SEPTEMBER 7th!) I knew that break had to happen now.

Well, July is almost over and things are already starting to pick up again. I have an interview on Poetic Monthly at 6:30pm EST on August 3, a live chat at Romance Junkies at 9pm EST on August 4, and blurb party the week of August 8th. My MALEVOLENT DEAD tour is quickly forming, and the growing list of events can be found here.

And speaking of MALEVOLENT DEAD, the full first chapter can be found on MD's page. I've also updated my Zazzle store with new merchandise, including Team Jared and Team Damian tshirts as well as MD bumper stickers and magnets.

I was notified today that, thanks to a contest I entered at Fang-tastic Books, I won 100 postcards from Uprinting.com. I love free promo things and I love Fang-tastic Books!

I also added a countdown on both my website and this blog. Only 41 days until MD's release. 41 days until you can see what happens next with Sarah Vargas. Don't worry; it'll be here before you know it.

D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters: Fade to Black

Stop by D. Renee Bagby's First Chapters Blog today and read a piece of FADE TO BLACK!

http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapters.blogspot.com/2010/07/fade-to-black-by-heather-kuehl.html?zx=fce3df97fbd7f414

And don't forget that the sequel to FADE, MALEVOLENT DEAD, is due out on Sept 7th!

Another New Review

FADE TO BLACK has gotten another great review, this time from Bitten By Books. It makes me so happy that everyone seems to love it and they want to know what happens next. :o)

Here's the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=27629

Authors Read Closing

I got this email today from Authors Read. It's really sad that their closing their doors, since this was (in my opinion) one of the best promo opportunities out there.


Apologies in advance to all concerned with this message:

Authors Read Radio will be closing its doors as of noon, July 31. Apologies to all the guests who have booked with us for Aug-November of 2010 for this program. We will be unable to fulfill that obligation with you.

We will no longer be accepting applications on the program - however if you feel you have a topic suiting our Conscious Discussions audience (nonprofit orgs, greening the planet, etc) than please do feel free to query us for that. See our site for more info: www.brummet.ca. We will be not able to run the radio program as of July 31st due to a change in the family that requires us to make more time available. It is with some sadness that we let this radio program go, as it was such a wonderful experience supporting other authors in this way. However all the archived episodes of Authors Read will remain online indefinitely for those who would like to sample those previously aired shows.

Our other endeavors including the newsletter, blogs, media ad exchanges, and Conscious Discussions Radio show, etc, - will all continue as usual. And as such we continue to welcome networking, ad exchanges and so on. *New website changes at www.brummet.ca will be happening over the next couple of months, so keep dropping by to see what we've done there as you have time. Also - Coming in Aug/Sept we will have affiliate opportunities for our e-books for those of you who are interested in this. Watch for announcements in our newsletter and on the blog :)

Thank you, too, for all our writing-colleagues who have supported us by purchasing one of our 3 books - helping us keep our projects going as well. I greatly appreciate the feedback from publicists and publishers who have seen the value of Purple Snowflake Marketing and have begun to recommend it to others! Thank you all, so very much.

In appreciation,
Lillian

At least the back episodes will still be available. That's always good. But now this means that I won't be reading from MALEVOLENT DEAD on there in Sept. :,(

Would you appear in your book's movie?

I don't know if I would or not. I wouldn't want any lines, that's for sure. If I were in FADE TO BLACK, I'd want to be one of the Weres in Donavan's house during his meeting. Just in the background. In PROMISES TO KEEP I'd ask to be one of the witches at Iris Falls Church. In MALEVOLENT DEAD I'd again want to be in the background, a Were or one of Damian's vamps. It would be an inside joke of sorts, one that my fans would pick up on.

I started thinking about this when I saw the premire of Eclipse. We went to the theater that was showing all three Twilight movies and for those of you who didn't know, Stephanie Meyer is in the Twilight movie. See Charlie over her left shoulder? It's really quick, and if you're not looking for it it's easily missed.

A lot of authors were in the movies that their books are based off of. I think Stephen King was in one (can't remember which right now). S.E. Hinton was in The Outsiders movie (she was the nurse.) Even Stan Lee is in most of the Marvel movies. Here's a picture of him in Daredevil:

So my question to my writer friends is this: if a movie based on your books was being made, would you make a cameo?

Two Great Things Today

I'm loving today, and it just began! I check my email and discover that I won a free month of advertising from Coffee Time Romance. Yayy! Just in time for MALEVOLENT DEAD's release. Have I ever mentioned how much I love free stuff?

I'm also blogging on how I find a good book at Cate Masters blog today: http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2010/07/in-author-spotlight-heather-kuehl.html

Do I judge a book by its cover? How many pages do I read before I give up on a book? You'll just have to stop by Cate's blog to find out!

Reading From FADE TO BLACK

I'm going to be reading chapters one and two from FADE TO BLACK on Authors Read today. To listen to the show live stop by http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsread at 12pm EST but don't worry. I'll edit this post later today to add the show link in case you miss it.

I'm going to risk sounding like a commercial but Authors Read is a phenomenal place to promote your writing. If you're a writer and haven't been on their show yet, shame on you for missing out.


Edit (1:22PM) - : Here's the link for the show!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsread/2010/07/02/heather-kuehl--fade-to-black

Interview w/ Dusty Pages

I'm being interviewed at Dusty Pages today! Stop by to see what I have to say about PROMISES TO KEEP, how my family feels about my writing, and if I would ever tell the whole truth in my biography.


http://www.sonnetodell.com/sonnetodell/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75&Itemid=13

Cover Art!

Interview Today

I'm being interviewed at C.J. Gabriel's blog today. Stop by to see what I have to say about writing PROMISES TO KEEP, the book that has impacted my life, and what people would be surprised to learn about me.



http://cjgabrielbooks.blogspot.com/2010/06/heather-kuehl-is-in-house.html

Time to Write

I'm so jealous! Many of my author friends on Facebook are talking about how they can get so much writing done during the summer. I wish I could say the same, but since I'm a mom my schedule doesn't really change with summer. I am still getting up early, taking care of the kiddo and our home, and struggling to get chores done during his naps. By the time he goes to bed at night I am so exhausted and wanting to spend a little quality time with my husband. I do get a little bit of writing done here and there, but not enough to keep up with the ideas in my brain. This is what my Works in Progress list looks like right now:

1) BLOOD MOON (finish by Sept at latest; you see, I like to have a book ready to submit when a new release is coming out. I submitted PROMISES when FADE came out, MALEVOLENT when PROMISES came out, and I'd like to submit BLOOD when MALEVOLENT comes out.) The final (?) book in the Sarah Vargas Series. The Blood Moon Corporation is coming for Sarah, and even she doesn't think she can make it out alive.

1.5) Xmas story for charity anthology. Theme: Just another Paranormal Christmas. Problem: I've never written a Christmas story before. I hope to have this one be about Damian from the Sarah Vargas Series.

2) OF WOLF AND MAN. I had just gotten through the hard scene when my computer crashed and I lost a good chunk of it. I have 25k written and printed out right now and I think if I go back through and polish it up I may get the inspiration to finish it. Plan to start polishing during July. Tells the story of Juliet and Jensen; Juliet discovers Jensen's dangerous secret and now a Clan of rouge werewolves wants her dead. It's my first attempt at YA.

2.5) ACROSS TIME. A novella about Amythist Dyier finding love again. Her short stories came out in quick bursts so I hope her novella does the same.

3) Untitled Technopath Story. Originally a short story, I realize that I have more to say. Samantha lives in a post apocalyptic world where a human created microbe can infect technology, making it alive. It needs the earth's resources to survive, and the humans are just scum standing in their way. Samantha is one of only a handful of technopaths, a person that can control technology, that can defeat them.

4) GREY MAGIC. T.D. Drake novel. T.D. has been assigned by the Covenant to find the Grey Magic, a witch with the ability to use both light and dark magic without being morally affected. For some reason unknown to her, Dez (my blue haired vampire) tags along and adventures ensue.

All of these characters are yelling at me, and I wish I had the time to write about them now but I'm having to settle with outlining. I hope when I get around to writing them that they are still trying to claw their way out of my skull like they are doing now.

FADE TO BLACK at the library!

I think I posted this a while ago... The Berkeley County Library System carries FADE TO BLACK! It's one thing to see it in their catalog. It's another to go there and actually see it!













It's tiny, but it's there!

Getting Stuck

Every so often I start to get worried about getting stuck. It usually happens when writer's block sets in, which is what's happening right now. BLOOD MOON is at a fight scene that I just can't write. Something is wrong with it, and I don't know what. But I'm getting off topic. I'm not talking about getting stuck like writer's block stuck. I mean in the publishing industry.

It should be no surprise what my final goal is; to walk into a book store and find my title on their shelves, and not because I snuck it in there myself or called ahead to order it. I'd also like to be on the New York Times Bestseller list. I think these goals are the same for every writer (correct me if I'm wrong).

I get worried, at times, that I'm going to get stuck in what I'm doing. I'm pretty sure I've blogged about this before, but I don't feel like looking it up. It's really getting to me lately. I was worried about that when I was just having short stories published (what if that's all I'm ever able to do?) and I worry about that now with my novellas (can't I ever write something over 30k?). I hope to keep growing as a writer, especially since over the last four years I have gone from two flash stories published to 3 books and over 50 short stories and poems published. I have a plan in my head about how the next couple of years will turn out (finish BLOOD MOON and get that published and start working on my paranormal romance novel. Maybe get a novella published by Nocturne Bites).

I know how to get to my final goal - I need to sit down and write - but with so much of my time sucked up my promoting the three books I have out there now I'm drained by the end of the day when I sit down to write. I've joked around with my husband, saying that I need to hire someone to do the promo for me, but I'm starting to think that's not a bad idea. Imagine what I could do with the extra time! Or maybe I need to start picking and choosing what to update. Using Ping to update my Twitter and Facebook has helped, but if I want to use graphics I can't use Ping to update my blog...not like I do that much anyways. Yahoo Groups just kill me, but I've gotten to the point that I post the same stuff every promo day, even going as far as having it saved in MSWord. Sign in, copy, paste, sign out.

I've just read through what I've written, and I realize that I'm whining. I'd delete this, but isn't that what blogs are for?

New review for FADE TO BLACK!

Wow that was quick! I sent Happily Ever After Reviews a request just the other day, and was surprised by this fantastic review in my inbox today.

"Ms. Kuehl was more than able to deliver with this short paranormal romance. From the first word, I was hooked and the end left me begging for more." Read More

It even received 4/5 teacups!

Acceptance for "Dalamar's Quest"

This has been a long time coming! "Dalamar's Quest" has been accepted for publication by Bewildering Stories. This is Amythist Dyier's debut story. The sequels, "The Hunt" (Ethereal Tales) and "The Final Goodbye" (Ruins Metropolis), have already been published. Amythist is one of my favorite short story characters, and I hope to have the chance to write about her in a longer work one day. So why did it take so long to get Amy's debut story out there?

Here's a little truth about the publishing world; just because it's been accepted, doesn't mean it will make it to print. "Dalamar's Quest" was slated for publication in Feb 2009, but the magazine that accepted it ran into some problems. First, they changed ownership. When that happens, things can either go really good like they have over at Eternal Press, or really bad like what happened there. They got behind on their publishing schedule, and finally they threw in the towel and closed down. I could see this coming from a mile away and crossed my fingers that they could published "Dalamar's Quest" before closing their doors. They couldn't, and all the rights reverted back to me. I started submitting "Dalamar's Quest" again this year.

I'm happy to say that this story has been accepted and you will be able to view online for free. I love Amythist, and I'm happy you get the chance to meet her. Right now I don't know the publication date, but as soon as I have it I'll let you know.

Second Edits and Release Date

I got my second edits for MALEVOLENT DEAD yesterday, and am happy to say that I made the changes, send it back to my editor, and it's now on its way to proofs. I also have to say that editing MD was the quickest editing EVER. I must be getting a hang of this writing things, LoL.

When I got my second edits I got my release date. MALEVOLENT DEAD will be released on...*drum roll*... September 7th!

So mark your calendars and get ready for the second installment in the Sarah Vargas Series. I promise you are in for a wild ride!

Malevolent Dead

Opened my inbox and what do I find? First edits! Fixed quite a bit and made MALEVOLENT DEAD flow better. Already made my changes and sent it back to my editor. I am a quick little worker bee. :o)

And being the quick little bee that I am, I've already made my book trailer for MALEVOLENT. I'm just waiting on my final cover art and the publication date. I hope to get the date soon. The cover art takes a little longer. Usually I don't find out until the month before its release what the final art looks like.

Edits make me so excited. While I hate doing them, it's one step closer to getting published!

Ugh! Editing

I'm complaining...I mean talking about editing today at The Book Boost. I also have an excerpt from Promises to Keep on there as well.

http://thebookboost.blogspot.com/2010/06/editor-for-day-with-guest-blogger.html

My Space

I think a writer's space speaks volumes about the author behind the words. I always love to see what other authors spaces look like. What posters do they have? Is it neat or messy? What research material can I see? Is it near a window or in a dark corner? Is there a stereo near by? Is it cramped or spacious?

My writing space is wedged into corner of my bedroom. You see, we live in a two bedroom apartment. Originally, when we signed the lease, the second bedroom was supposed to become my study. Less than a month after we signed it we discovered I was preggers. Goodbye study, hello nursery. I made what I was left with work and now I have a writing area that makes me happy. No, there's not a lot of space but as you can see, it works!

It's cramped but near a window. At least I can see outside! I have a poster of Belle, my favorite Disney princess on the wall behind my monitor and a figurine of Spike from Buffy on my desk. I have a three shelf bookcase that's cram-packed with research material and WIP and beside that a milk crate that I use as a mini filing system. Right now I have to use my CD walkman to listen to music until my husband can get the CD drive of the computer to work (I got a CD jammed in it...go figure!). I'm not a huge fan of sticky notes (unless I'd editing) so there aren't a ton of notes on the wall behind the desk. A few pictures (Iris Falls Church and Haven!), a reminder of what ink cartrige I need for my printer, and reminders that I can writer (for those times I get frustrated and convince myself I can't).

As I'm writing this, it's a mess. Paper everywhere, book signing supplies scattered all willy-nilly, and things that desperatly need to be filed away. Once I clean it, because it really does need to be cleaned (I can't find anything!), I'm going to add a picture to this post.

Like I said earlier, I think a author's writing space says a lot about them. Maybe you can learn a little more about me.

Interview and Acceptance

I'm due to have an interview go live today at Wordshaping, but as of fifteen minutes ago it's not up. I'm sure it will be later in the day.

I also got an acceptance from FLASHSHOT today! "The Escape," which was first published by the now dead Pen Pricks back in 2008, is going to be published again on June 17th!


EDIT @ 12:25AM (5/24/10) - The interview is now live! Why I write kick ass fantasy heroines!

Website Updates

I've been updating my website lately. Just small things, nothing major.

You'll see that I added my new review for PROMISES TO KEEP up on the review page as well as on P2K's page. I've rearranged The Books section. I've updated my bibliography.

On the main page, you will see that I've added a Works in Progress (WIP) and Submitted section. This way, you can track what I am working on or submitting...assuming you'd want to. I'm always fascinated with authory stuff like that on other author's sites. My favorites are Kim Harrison's drama box and Amelia Atwater-Rhodes website. You can get a look into the mind of the author. Maybe get some ideas on how to improve your own writing process.

Don't forget I'm at Wordshaping on May 23rd! Come on by and don't forget to leave a comment!

Monster

My haiku "Monster" is now up at Aphelion Webzine. It's been a long while since I've had a short story or a poem published. Feels good!


http://www.aphelion-webzine.com/poetry/2010/05/Monster.html

I Feel Like a Real Author

My first book signing. *sigh* I was so nervous, and for no reason. It was GREAT! I had a blast. So many people came into Here Be Books, and I sold 19 copies of my books. 19! One of the sites I visited when looking up book signing tips said I was lucky if I sold 7. But 19! Wow. Here Be Books has copies of each of my books available at their store. I was left with a ton of bookmarks, but that is partially my fault. Last night I decided that I needed more than 80 bookmarks...so I stayed up until midnight printing 200 more. Yep, you saw the right; 200. When I get nervous, I go a little overboard with things. But at least it's not a waste. I can use those anywhere!

Here are some pics from the signing;

Guest blog list

I'm cleaning up the side bar on this blog and, just like with the interviews, I decided it would be easier to actually use the label feature so my guest blogs will be easier to find.


Here's a list of the guest blogs I have done thus far:

5/12/10 - Kayden's World of Paranormal (character interview)
4/3/10 - Fang-tastic Books
3/18/10 - You Gotta Read
3/11/10 - Romance Junkies
3/10/10 - The Pen and Muse
3/6/10 - Dawn's Reading Nook
3/3/10 - Romance Roundtable
2/24/10 - Backseat Nightmares
2/21/10 - Dishin It Out
2/16/10 - Backseat Nightmares
11/3/09 - Kayden's World of Paranormal
10/21/09 - EP Author's Blog