Details for Asylum Tales: The Demon Stories

I am editing and editing and editing... and I'm nearly done. I've turned in the revised copies of DEMON'S FURY and DEMON'S VOW to my editor this weekend. I am now steadily chugging through my changes to INNER DEMON.

The change in format for the Gage books has created a lot of questions and I'm going to try to answer them as clearly as possible.  Let's go:

1. Are there going to be more Gage books?

The stories released in October 2014 will be the last Asylum Tales books from Gage's point of view -- at least as I see it now.  All the Gage stories are (in chronological order):
The Asylum Interviews: Bronx
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie
Angel's Ink
Dead Man's Deal
Of Monster and Men (in the Blood by Moonlight anthology)
Demon's Fury
Demon's Vow
Inner Demon

2. Are the Demon stories 3 different stories?

No. The Demons stories are part of a serial. In other words, it is one final book that has been broken up into three parts.  If you'd like to read more about the rise of serial stories, click here for a great article from Literary Escapism. When combined, the Demon stories will be roughly the same length as Angel's Ink or Dead Man's Deal.

3. Are the Demon stories only available as an ebook?

No. I just received the news that after all three parts have been released, you will be able to buy the Demon stories in one combined print book. It will be similar to what my publisher did for Bound to Me. It is my understanding that the book will be available in brick-and-mortar stores as well as online.

4. Why are you releasing the last book as a serial?

My publisher has seen the growing success of serials among the different genres and they decided to try it with my book to see if it would attract more readers.  A large number of authors have tried serials and I am excited to see if readers enjoy the different format.  For more serial stories, click here.

5. When are the stories being released?

The ebooks for :
Demon's Fury is out October 14
Demon's Vow is out October 21
Inner Demon is out October 28.
I don't have the release date for the print version yet, but I believe it is typically released about a month after the ebook versions come out. I will update you on the release date as soon as I know.

6. When are you going to release a cover?

As soon as I see one! I am hoping to get a peek at the cover within the next month.

7. If you're done writing Asylum Tales, what are you working on next?

I've got a few projects that I'm close to finishing, but not sold yet. After I complete the edits on Inner Demon, I am turning my attention to finishing my website redesign and then finishing two projects that need about 25,000 words combined.  After that, all my attention goes to working on a new urban fantasy series. I've got some ideas and I've started making some worldbuilding notes.  I can't wait to get some words on the page!

Got any more questions for me? I'd be happy to answer them.  Happy reading.

Book Titles for Asylum Tales Serial

It's time to find out all the book titles for the Asylum Tales serial that is released in October!  I will also be announcing the winner of my last contest and kicking off a final contest to celebrate.

So, the winner of the signed Dead Man's Deal giveaway is: BN100, who said that he/she would like a butterfly tattoo if he/she was to get a tattoo. BN100, I will send you an email later today.

Now, on to the final title of the three-part serial that will be the final book of the Asylum Tales series.

The titles are:

Demon's Fury
Demon's Vow 
and
Inner Demon

As I've said before, I think the demon theme works with the Angel and Dead Man from the first two books.  You'd think I'd planned this or something. (he he he!)

I'm excited for readers to get their hands on the story in October but I'm sad to say goodbye to dear Gage and the rest of the gang.  I've had a lot of fun writing the series and exploring his world.  As for the last book, it will be filled with action, adventure, surprises, laughs and heartache.  But then, you've come to expect that from my books, right?

Let's see what I can say about the final books without giving too much away:

Following the events of Dead Man's Deal, Gage is working with Gideon to track down a dangerous serial killer as he works his way closer and closer to Low Town. At the same time, Gage has been drawn into a TAPSS investigation after a tattoo artist is murdered in Low Town.

By the end of the book, Gage answers the question of how far will you go to protect the ones you love...

Interested?

In the meantime, let's have a contest to get you ready for the release!  The contest is open to international and domestic readers.  To enter, tell me your favorite romantic couple in literature.  The contest closes on Thursday, June 5.  The winner will have a choice of prizes.

Prize A: A signed copy of Angel's Ink, a signed copy of Dead Man's Deal, and a signed copy of the Blood by Moonlight anthology.

Prize B: Ebook copies of Angel's Ink, Dead Man's Deal, the Asylum Interviews: Bronx, the Asylum Interviews: Trixie, and Blood by Moonlight. (The ebook copies will come from either Amazon for Kindle or Barnes & Noble for Nook -- unless you can provide me with an alternative that allows me to gift. Also, if an international winner picks this and I am unable to provide electronic copies due to international complications, then the winner will automatically receive Prize A)

New Book = New Contest Part 2

I am back today to announce not only the winner of the signed copy of Angel's Ink, but also the second title of the final book for the Asylum Tales and to kick off the next contest.

First, the winner!  Of the 23 contest entries for the signed Angel's Ink, the name drawn is Dawn Wigand. Dawn, please email me your mailing address to JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom and I will drop your book in the mail as soon as possible.

And onto the next title.  As I announced last week, the final book of the Asylum Tales is going to be released in three parts as ebooks.  There are currently no plans to release it as a print book.  If that changes, I will update you!

The first part is called DEMON'S FURY and will be released on October 14.

The second part is called....

DEMON'S VOW

And it will be released on October 21.

I have heard that the artist is hard at work on the covers.  I can't wait to see them!

In the meantime, I am kicking off the next contest. I am giving away a signed copy of Dead Man's Deal. The contest is open to domestic and international readers. I just need you to leave me a comment with your name stating what design you would like for a tattoo (even if you are never ever going to get a tattoo).  The contest ends on Thursday, May 29. I will announce the winner and the final title on May 30.

New Book = New Contest Part 1

New Book Alert! New Book Alert!

I've swapped emails with my editor who has talked to the marketing department.  I am happy to announce that the final book(s) for the Asylum Tales has titles.  I know this sounds strange, so let me explain.

I have written one final Gage book for the Asylum Tales.  When I sold it to my publisher, they decided that they would like to release it as a serial e-book.  In other words, the entire book will be released in 3 parts.  But you won't have to wait weeks or months for each part.  Nope! The first part is going to be released on October 14. The second part will be released on October 21. And the final part will be released on October 28.  

Get ready to go on an amazing, heart-breaking, exciting journey with Gage, Bronx, and Trixie!

So what's the titles?   Mwhahahaha!

To celebrate this new serial style, I'm releasing a title a week and pairing it with a book giveaway!

The title of the first part of the serial is:

DEMON'S FURY

I thought it was a nice fit with Angels and Dead Men.

And the first contest?

I am giving away a signed copy of Angel's Ink, the first book in the Asylum Tales series.  The contest is open to all readers (international and domestic).  Just leave a comment telling me what your favorite supernatural creature is.  The contest closes on Thursday, May 22.  On Friday, May 23, I will announce the winner and tell you the second title in the serial.

Looking Back on 2013

2013 turned out to be an interesting year, though maybe not as productive as I would have liked.  Rachel Vincent posted a quick recap of 2013 by the numbers and that got me thinking.  What did my 2013 look like?

Books written: 2.XXX (I've got several started this year but haven't finished yet)
Novellas written: 1
Books revised/edited: 1.5
Novellas revised/edited: 1
Proposals written: 0
Books sold: 1-ish (Close to finalizing sale of Book 3 of AT)
Books released: 1 (Dead Man's Deal)

Let's take it piece by piece.

I wrote and completely finished two novels in 2013 -- the third book in the Asylum Tales series and a historical romance novel.  At the same time, I started and worked on at least three other books in 2013, but wasn't able to finish them.  Of those other books, I ended up writing a large chunk of a potential Dark Days spin-off book, the part of the first book in a new vampire series, a new historical romance novel, and many other random odds and ends.  But I can't complain about finishing two books when I am also working at a full-time dayjob.

In the winter of 2013, I also finished one historical romance novella that goes with the historical romance novel.

I completely revised/edited the historical romance novel and I am about halfway done revising the third book for Asylum Tales.  My goal is to complete the revision in January so I can hand it in to my editor.

I completely revised/edited the historical romance novella.

I didn't complete any proposals in 2013 and this is the number that has me a little troubled.  During the first third of the year, my agent decided to leave the publishing industry.  We had been together for approximately six years and it was heartbreaking to lose her, but I can understand when someone needs to take their life in a new direction.  This unexpected development caused me to stumble in 2013, as I stopped to re-evaluate my own desires and goals for my writing career.  Did I want to continue to publish books? If so, what did I want to write?  Did I want to keep writing urban fantasy?  Was it time a good time to switch genres?  Much of spring and summer was spent playing with different ideas while having no clear direction in mind.  By fall, I discovered that I wanted to stick with urban fantasy, but I needed to split my year with another genre to give my brain a break from vampires and warlocks.

I am close to finalizing the sale of Book 3 of Asylum Tales.  It will be Gage's last book and will be released as an e-book only.

And I had one book, DEAD MAN'S DEAL, released in May.  It is the second book in the Asylum Tales series.  I did self-pub a novella and novel under a different name just for fun.  I might even tell you that name if you're interested.  The novel will be on sale on Saturday on Amazon.  Wouhttp://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4812573658651401984#editor/target=post;postID=4097646880058543844ld you like to know my other identity? 

Mix in adjusting to a new job and a new home, I can't say that 2013 was a bad year.  It may not have been uber-productive, but after several years in publishing I think it was time to pause and take stock.

And just a reminder: ANGEL'S INK is still on sale for a few more days at $1.99.  If you haven't started the Asylum Tales series yet, now is a great time to pick up the first novel.  (Kindle Version,  Nook Version, Kobo Version, iBookStore Version)

In other great deals, I saw that Richard Kadrey's DEAD SET is only $1.99 as an Amazon Daily Deal.  Also, SF Signal lists 237 Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Kindle eBooks on sale for $3.99 or less.  Now that is how you start off the new year right!  Happy Reading!

The I-Finished-Another-Book Contest

I would like to celebrate the fact that I have finished the rough draft of Gage’s final book.  I’m not too broken up over it because I still have a few months of work ahead of me.  I’m not saying good-bye to the tattoo artist just yet. 

 

I would also like to celebrate the fact that I have completed what I believe is my 12^th book.  Can you believe it?  12 books.  That’s a whole lot of freaking words.

 

Of course, if you’ve read my books, you’re suddenly thinking that I no longer know how to count.  Let’s go through it:

 

Dark Days:

Nightwalker

Dayhunter

Dawnbreaker

Pray for Dawn

Wait for Dusk

Burn the Night

 

Asylum Tales:

Angel’s Ink

Dead Man’s Deal

Untitled Book 3

 

Unpublished:

Fantasy novel #1

Historical Romance #1

Historical Romance #2

 

And then you can throw in all the novellas I’ve completed:

The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten

Bound to Me

Asylum Interviews: Bronx

Asylum Interviews: Trixie

Of Monsters and Men

Secret Historical Romance Novella

 

I’ve got to say that it’s not a bad list!  And I’ve still got lots of stories ahead of me.

 

So to celebrate the completion of another book, I will give away one of my published stories to 3 winners.  If it is available in print, I will sign it and ship it to you.  If it only available as an e-book, I will send you a Kindle or Nook copy.  The only catch is that the book has to have been released in some form (you can’t have the unpublished stories).

 

Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Halloween candy.  I will pick the winners on Thursday, October 31.

Working with Gage

The third book of the Asylum Tales is steadily coming together.  Last week, I crossed the 100,000 word mark. It's always a moment where you stop and just stare in wonder at it.  Wow.  I've written over 100,000 words... again!  In fact, I've done that 12 times.  Each of the six books in the Dark Days series and the three books in the Asylum Tales, plus three others that the world has never seen.  It's kind of insane to think that I've written so much on just two topics.  Heck, I've written over a million words on the Dark Days and Asylum Tales series combined if you include the novellas.  Wow.

But I'm totally getting off the subject here.

Progress is rolling forward with Gage.  I'm down to the last two chapters and I think the rough draft is doing to come in at about 110,000 words, which isn't bad for a rough draft.  The key is that this is an extremely rough draft.  I've got notes for a chapter where the opening gets completely re-written so you get to see a particular character.  I've got even more notes on things I need to go back and tweak.  In fact, I think this book has the most editing notes that I've ever taken. 

While this book isn't as complex as the previous two in term of plot, this book is significantly more tricky when it comes to the emotional turmoil.  There are some very important things that I'm trying to make happen and I didn't actually figure out the best way to do that until the last half of the book. So rather than go back and revise, stopping all forward progress, I've made notes for things to adjust when I go through a second time.

With all the notes, I think this book will be just as long as Angel's Ink and Dead Man's Deal.  Maybe even a little longer.  I have also decided that this will be Gage's last book.  I don't know if there will be other books set in the Asylum Tales world, but Gage will not be telling anymore stories.  But don't worry, I've got plenty of other projects that I have been working on for you.

Dark Days & Asylum Tales on Sale

I received some awesome news from my publisher and I am so excited to pass it along!

For the month of April, all the Dark Days series e-books and the e-novellas for the Asylum Tales are on sale!  Each story will be priced at $0.99 for the Kindle, Nook, and Kobo.

What exactly is included in this deal?

For the Dark Days series, that's: 

Prequel e-novellas
Bound to Me
The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten

e-books
Nightwallker
Dayhunter
Dawnbreaker
Pray for Dawn
Wait for Dusk
Burn the Night




For the Asylum Tales, that's:


Prequel e-novellas
The Asylum Interviews: Bronx
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie 

e-anthology
Blood by Moonlight (which includes the short story "Of Men and Monsters" from the Asylum Tales)

In all, that's 11 individual stories over the Dark Days series and Asylum Tales.  At a rate of $0.99 each, that's going to cost you only $10.89 (not including tax).  

Think of how much reading that is!  Hours and hours of reading for less than $11!

If you've tried the Dark Days series, but haven't picked up the Asylum Tales yet, this is great way to start.  For $3, you can get the three novellas that introduce you to Gage, Trixie, and Bronx in the city of Low Town.


If you've tried the Asylum Tales and are interested in giving my vampires a try, this is the perfect time to meet the Fire Starter Mira and the vampire hunter Danaus.  There are a total of 8 individual stories for the Dark Days series (6 novels and 2 novellas), which will cost you only $8 for the e-books this month.

What are the series about?

The Dark Days series follows nightwalker Mira as she is forced to team up with a centuries-old nightwalker hunter, Danaus, as they fight to stop the return of an evil race that is determined to destroy both nightwalkers and humans.  Nicknamed the Fire Starter, Mira has a few unique gifts inherited from her father, which she's going to need as she struggles to figure out who she can trust in a race to save mankind.

The Asylum Tales is told by recovering-warlock-turned-tattoo-artist Gage Powell.  In his world, all the magical creatures are out in the open and in need of some magical assistance if they are to survive the brutal oppression of the warlocks and witches from the Ivory Towers.  Stirring a magic potion into a person's tattoo can give them love, luck, or even revenge.  Stop in Asylum Tattoo Parlor and meet Gage, Bronx (a troll) and Trixie (an elf).  They've got some strange stories to tell.


If you're interested in picking up nearly all my e-books at bargain prices, I've got some links that will help speed you along.

Jocelynn Drake's Kindle Page on Amazon

Jocelynn Drake's Nook Page on Barnes & Noble

Jocelynn Drake's Page on Kobo

 Happy Reading!

Cover Reveal: Dead Man's Deal

I can't think of a better way to finish out the week than by officially revealing the cover of my next book, Dead Man's Deal.  Released on May 7, Dead Man's Deal continues with Gage's story of fighting the Ivory Towers and trying to manage a normal relationship with an elf, while tattooing the populace of Low Town. 

Would you like to see the cover?

BAM!

Isn't that all kinds of awesome?!?! I really do love my covers.

Also, here's the cover copy for the book:


In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart's desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price. . . .

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he'd rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren't about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can't outrun the past forever. The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions.


Too bad if innocent humans and monsters—entire cities—get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him . . .

The book is available for pre-order and is even discounted at Amazon and Barnes & Noble right now.

Have a great weekend!

Visit Low Town & Meet Gage

We have just one more day until the first story for the Asylum Tales series is released.  To celebrate the release this week, I am going on a mini-blog tour. 

Several months ago, I took a trip to Low Town so that I could walk down the street and understand Gage's world a little better.  It was an interesting experience to say the least.  I think I learned as much about myself as I did about Gage and his companions.  To celebrate the release of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx (which comes out tomorrow), I conducted five different interviews.  Please visit Literary Escapism today to read my interview with Gage.

Wait!  I need to throw in a little incentive?  How about this?  Go to the interview and read about Gage.  Then email me at JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom and tell me what type of creature Gage's ex-girlfriend is.  At midnight, I will pick two winners.  I will announce the winners on the blog tomorrow.

(Regarding the contest: the story is only available as a e-book on Kindle or Nook.  I will need your email and your choice of whether you want it as a Kindle or a Nook book.  The winner will be chosen randomly from those who send me the correct answer.) 

Check out the interview, learn more about my new series, and you could potentially win a new novella, which includes the first few chapters of my next novel, Angel's Ink.

Countdown to Bronx

The door is about to open on Low Town and the Asylum Tales.  In just a few short days, you will have the chance to read the first short story that introduces you to Gage, Bronx, and the rest of the crazy world that my poor little brain has cooked up.  You'll be able to read about Gage's first meeting with Bronx as well as learn how Gage helps his friend Parker with a small problem regarding his love life that could end up costing him his life.

Want to know more about Bronx and read about some other great books, check out Which Hero is on Your List?

Have you pre-ordered your copy of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx?  The story is approximately 100 pages long and costs only $1.99.  What's more, the e-book includes the first few chapters of the first book in the Asylum Tales series, Angel's Ink.

For less than $2, you can enjoy a few hours of entertainment and get a sneak preview of my next book Angel's Ink.

This story is cheaper than the cost of a gallon of gas.
This story is cheaper than a pack of cigarettes.
This story is cheaper than a cup of specialty coffee.
This story is cheaper than a Big Mac.
This story is cheaper than the latest Batman: The Dark Knight comic.

You know, I think you're worth $2 of fun!

Interested in pre-ordering the story?  Great!  Here are some links that will help

Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
iBookstore


Also, be sure to stop back next week for my blog tour to celebrate the release of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx.  I'll be hopping through five different blogs, sharing my interviews with several people from Low Town.  You don't want to miss out on that kind of crazy.

Website Relaunch

We have been busy!  With the upcoming release of a new series, I decided that it was time to redesign the website.  I didn't do the designing because I don't have a talent for it.  However, I did provide the content, because I'm pretty good at the whole writing thing. 

Would you like to read deleted scenes, short stories, and extra details for the Dark Days series?

Would you like to read new behind-the-scenes details for the Asylum Tales?

Would you like a complete list of all the places where you can find me?

Check out my newly redesigned site!  www.JocelynnDrake.com

If you've contacted me about helping to promote the Asylum Tales, I will getting back to you today as I try to organize a blog tour for The Asylum Interviews: Trixie release in September. I'm also hoping to get some writing done. (Fingers crossed)

Also, just 15 more days until The Asylum Interviews: Bronx is released!  Fifteen more days until you get to step into Low Town!  I think you're going to love it! I can't wait! (I'm using too many exclamation points!!  Help!!)

Okay, I'm better now.  We've got two more weeks.

Knowing When It’s Time to Let Go

One of the hardest things for a writer is knowing when it’s time to let a story go.  You’ve just spent the past several days or even weeks working on a story, churning out a flow of words as you craft your tale.  But something isn’t working.  The words are forced and awkward.  You’re not excited about the story.  In fact, you dread sitting down to the computer every day.  These are usually indications that it’s not working and it’s time to start with a fresh page.

Now, don’t confuse a hard story to write with one that needs to be let go.  Hard stories are the best to write, as they challenge you, force you to stretch your skills.  Despite being hard, the words hitting the page still feel good and you’re still excited to sit down at the computer even though you spent most of your time glaring at the screen.

I’ve actually been hit with a story recently that needs to be pitched in the wastebasket.  This rarely happens to me and I am still in a bit of shock that this story isn’t going to work.  I’ve recently been working on a Halloween-themed short story for Gage and the gang from The Asylum Tales.   I decided it was going to be about a Halloween party that goes disastrously wrong.  

In four days, I’ve written just over 3,000 words and it’s been like pulling teeth the entire time.  At first, I thought it was because I was feeling restrained by the small word count that I was aiming for.  Then, I thought it was because I didn’t have the story outlined.  I outlined the last of the story yesterday and the discomfort didn’t fade like I had hoped.  Last night, as I was lying in bed, I thought that I should throw out the story and start over.  At that exact moment, an enormous weight lifted off my chest and I knew it was the right decision.

It may be the right decision, but that doesn’t make it an easy decision.  Looking at the outline, I have to admit that the story is still interesting to me, but I’m not excited about it.  And if I’m not excited about it, you’re not going to be excited when you read it.  The writer’s emotions do bleed through the words to the reader.

So, the white board is being wiped clean today and I’m opening a fresh document to start a brand new story.  The short story is supposed to be between 10,000 – 15,000 words – very short for me.  I can get it written in 2-4 days, so I have plenty of time before my deadline to play around.  It’s a little sad that my first attempt isn’t going to work out, but I’m saving what I’ve written and all my notes.  You never know.  Something might occur to me down the road and I’ll finally figure out how to make the original story work, but I’m not waiting around for that spark of inspiration or intuition.  I’ve got work to do.

Ready for the Weekend

The week is done and I'm ready for a little fun this weekend.  I have been a busy little bee this week.  I've lined up my blog tour to celebrate the upcoming release of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx.  I have guest blog posts that will be going up from July 2 - 7 and I may give away a few copies of the novella during that time.

The blog tour consists of five separate interviews with some of the people from the Asylum Tales series.  While I've written interviews before, they've always been from the point of view of a nameless reporter.  This time, I'm actually the one doing the interviewing and it was a very strange experience.  It wasn't just walking through Low Town for the first time and being face to face with an troll.  It was actually seeing these characters for the first time through my eyes rather than Gage's.  (I know this is starting to sound a little crazy, but just stay with me for a moment.)  Part of it is that Gage has grown up with many of these things, so he doesn't feel the same wonder I do about the everyday things in his life.  The other part is that Gage is a hetero guy and I don't think he really appreciates a handsome man.  When I was in Low Town for the interviews, I met both Parker and Gideon.

What I learned?  I am not comfortable alone with an incubus who has a wicked sense of humor.  And yes, Parker really is a sexy as you would expect him to be.  On the other hand, Gideon is much scarier in person and he's freaking sexy as hell, as long as you can get over the scary factor -- something Gage neglected to mention.

I am plotting out a new short story today and then I am hoping to take a break this weekend.  I'm reading a book, playing a video game, and hanging with my family.  That is it!  I'll be back to writing next week.  If you're in the U.S., I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend filled with cook outs, water balloon fights, and a few fireworks.  If you're not in the U.S., I hope you do these things too.

Cover Reveal

I've just gotten the green light from my editor to flash my awesome new covers around.  I'm practically bouncing in my seat, which certainly doesn't make it easy to try to type this.  I love, love, love my covers.  I have a total of three new covers, but I'm only going to show two today.  I'm still waiting for a final version of one, but I think two new covers in one day is plenty.  We need to pace ourselves.

So, first we have the cover for the first novella that will be released on July 3.  The Asylum Interviews: Bronx.

Can I just say 'yum'?  I mean, seriously. Yum.  I don't get sexy guy covers too often, and I certainly wasn't expecting them with my new series, but damn.  This is awesome.  And it perfectly fits since the Bronx story is about a sexy incubus who gets a tattoo with results in chaos.

Here's my description of the story.


In Low Town, where humans walk and work side-by-side with elves, vampires, ogres, and all manner of creature, it's understandable that people occasionally need a little help in their lives.  Whether is love, work, or ... other, tattoo artists are there to try to help turn the odds into your favor.  When Gage's friend Parker needs help with his love life, tattoo artists Gage and Bronx are only too happy to help.  But the incubus ends up getting more than he bargained for with his new tattoo, and his friends are forced to scramble to fix the mess they've created before someone gets hurt.

If you're a guy and aren't comfortable with the cover, just remember: it's an e-book.  No one will see what you're reading.  And trust me, you're going to love this story.

If you're interested in pre-ordering The Asylum Interviews: Bronx, here's a link to Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

And here's the second cover that I'm sure you're dying to see.  It has been floating around the internet for the past couple of weeks, but I usually can't post the cover until about two months before.  But since my publisher has released it, I get to post it now!

Angel's Ink will be released on October 16.

Here's the book description:

Looking for a tattoo -- and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of love, or even a hex on an ex?  Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town.  Using his unique potions -- a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks -- to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire.  But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has a price.

No one knows that better than Gage.  Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Towers where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him his right to practice magic.  If he disobeys, his punishment -- execution -- will be swift.
 
Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead -- or the secrets of his own past.  But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage just might make it through this enchanted world alive.

I can't wait for this book to be released.  Here's what other authors have been saying!

“Gritty, authentic and face-paced! This urban fantasy series rocks!”

— J.R. Ward “A lot of fun, with a whole new take on the dark urban fantasy. Bright and breezy, with fascinating characters, and a background with hidden depths. Drake puts the ink in incredible.”

— Simon R. Green 

“Angel’s Ink is an other-earthly blend of magic and technology in the best tradition of urban fantasy that refused to let me go. The continuing Asylum Tales promise to be intriguing and wildly inventive.”

— Kim Harrison 

Are you excited?  I'm excited!  Interested in pre-ordering a copy?  Click here!
More news to come.
 So, what do you think of the covers? 

Oodles of News

The week is half over and I haven't been as productive as I would have liked, but hey! I just finished a book.  The brain needs a little down time before I start being insanely productive again.  I've been writing, but it's been mostly playing that could turn into something later.  We'll see.

I did, however, clean off my white board of all my Book 2 notes on Tuesday and I've slowly started making notes on what I would like to do next (in the hopes that my publisher is interested in a "next").  I've got several balls sort of sitting on the table next to me.  I am waiting for a couple of green lights before I start trying to juggle anything.  I hate to find myself juggling only to be forced to put it down later or risk dropping it altogether.

In the meantime, I do have a couple small announcements.  A few months ago, I participated in an 30-minute interview with the lovely Vicki Pettersson (of the Zodiac and Celestial Blues series) and the talented Kim Harrison (of the Hollows series).  We talked about ending our old series, starting a new series, and general urban fantasy goodness.  If you would like to listen to this awesome interview we did for XM Sirius Book Channel, please click this link.

 Elsewhere, I am happy to report that my new novellas are now available for pre-order.  Whoo-hoo!  Yes, we are one step closer to diving deep into the world of the Asylum Tales.  Since it's a crazy place, I thought it best to ease you in slowly and introduce you to some of the main characters.  The first novella being released is The Asylum Interviews: Bronx.

The Asylum Interviews: Bronx

The novella takes place about four years before the events of the first novel, Angel's Ink and is the story of how my main character Gage met and hired his first employee, Bronx.  With Gage involved, it will come as no surprise that it was a strange meeting as the troll Bronx quickly gets sucked into Gage's insane life when he was only trying to help the poor guy.

In Low Town, where humans walk and work side-by-side with elves, vampires, ogres, and all manner of creature, it's understandable that people occasionally need a little help in their lives.  Whether is love, work, or ... other, tattoo artists are there to try to help turn the odds into your favor.  When Gage's friend Parker needs help with his love life, tattoo artists Gage and Bronx are only too happy to help.  But the incubus ends up getting more than he bargained for with his new tattoo, and his friends are forced to scramble to fix the mess they've created before  someone gets hurt.

If you're interested in stepping into Low Town and Gage's world, I have the links listed for pre-order for your Nook and Kindle.

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

To my knowledge, the story will also contain a preview of Angel's Ink in case you haven't read the opening yet from Bound To Me.  I don't know yet if they are going to do a print-on-demand version.  As more links become available, I will post them here. Bronx will be released on July 3 -- less than 48 days!

The second novella, The Asylum Interviews: Trixie, will be out on September 4 and I will giving out more details when we get closer to the release!

Finishing The Book

The windows have been thrown open to let the breeze cut through the quiet house today.  The dog is lying behind me and I've got a cat curled in my lap.  It's a pretty good day.  I've got Apocalyptica playing on the computer and the washing machine is humming in the background.  My email inbox is empty (for the time being) and my manuscript is waiting.  It's time to get back to the editing. 

I'm down to the last 100 pages and I'm hoping to get the bulk of it done today so I can drop it in the mail to my editor ... AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. Which is kind of funny, because this has been the book of the moving deadlines.  Originally, the book was due in mid-February, then all the deadlines for the other book and novellas got shifted so the deadline for Book 2 got moved, at my request, to mid-April.  And then there was more shuffling, resulting in another move to mid-May.  But it's done now and I am VERY happy with the finished product.

Is it perfect?
Oh, heavens no!  There's no way to get perfect on the first attempt.  Or the second.  But you keep going in, making changes and tweaking things until it all lines up. I think the plot is solid, but I think the problems may lie in some motivations and descriptions.  I'm reaching the point where I need another pair of eyes on the book and a break so I can look at it fresh.  Right now, I'm too close to the book.  I can no longer see the big picture. The fact that I can read the last line of Chapter 17 and still think that not only is this AWESOME but HEARTBREAKING means that I'm too close.

This hasn't just been the Book of the Moving Deadlines.  It is also:
The Book with No Title
The Book that Refuses to Plot
The Book with No Sex ... Oh, wait, never mind, I found it.
The Book with Too Many Plots/Subplots
The Book that Won't @#$^&%# End
But this might also prove to be my favorite book, but then I say that for every book that I finish.

I can't wait for you to meet Gage.  Though, the poor guy is starting to have some doubts himself.  His life seems to be getting crazier the longer he knows me (I can't imagine why).  So, after we finish Book 2, we're going to take it easy for a month.  We're going to plan out some promotional things, complete some interviews (if he's still willing to talk to me), and maybe I'll be able to talk him into working on another book.

I've already got some great things in the works! And don't worry.  I've got some new stuff coming out soon.  In fact, we've got less than two months to go until the next story is released.  THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: BRONX is slated for release on July 3. Hold on, it's gonna be a wild ride.

Stick A Fork In Me

As I stated in my previous blog entry, I tend to lose my mind just a bit as I rush toward the end of a book.  I get caught up in the book's momentum and it becomes a struggle to walk away until I finally can't.  I give in.  I let the book wash over me, consume me until there is nothing left of me.  I stay that way until I type those last two magical words: THE END.

I typed those two words on Sunday.  I started typing at roughly 10 am.  I had two chapters ahead of me.  I knew where I was going, I knew how to get there, but I was still on the lookout for surprises.  The second to last chapter was slow going.  It felt like I was tiptoeing through a mine field blindfolded with a broken leg and a walker while being followed by a marching band.  In short, boom was gonna happen.  I was trying to get my character through it without getting trapped.  I thought we were in good shape, but the bad guys ended up with a surprise I hadn't expected that left me shaking my head and biting my lip as the chapter ended.

By this point, it was nearly six in the evening and I still had a chapter to go.  This was the sum up where I tied the last threads neatly together.  After Gage and I had suffered through the last chapter, I decided to push through because it was supposed to be a lighter chapter.  It started good.  We got one last visit from a new character who made me smile, but by the fourth page, I stopped myself.  I was stunned to find that my heart was pounding, my throat was tight, and I was blinking rapidly.  It dawned on me.  Oh my god, I was fighting not to cry! (But I won't tell you if they were happy or sad tears. Mwahahahaha!)

I pushed forward and at 9:05 pm, I typed the last two words and let out a shout that stopped the walkers passing by my open office window.  I was done.

In one day, I wrote more than 10,350 words that resulted in two new chapters.  For the rough draft, the book currently sits at 110,459 words and 347 pages.  But it has no title.

When I walked out of the office, I was laughing with my arms wrapped around myself.  I laughed because I was afraid I was going to start crying.  I don't know about other authors, but when I finish a book, my brain feels numb and sluggish.  I'm emotionally drained from pouring everything I've got into those final chapters.  After such a long day, it's hard to get my mind to sync back with reality.  Everything feels just a little surreal and disconnected.

So, the plan?  Monday, I am unplugged.  Smoke is still trickling out my ears and I keep smelling burned toast.  My brain needs a rest.  I may briefly appear on Twitter or Facebook, but otherwise I am curled up with a book or video game until Tuesday.  On Tuesday, I start revisions for the second Asylum Tales novella.  That should take 2-3 days at most and then I clean up the rough draft of the new book for the next week.

I am tired, but oh so very happy.

Bound To Me Release Day + Giveaway

Skip around the house, hugging your e-reader to your chest!
It's new book day!  Yeah for Tuesday!  Yeah for New Book Day!
And at long last, you can now download and read the final Dark Days story, Bound to Me.

If you pre-ordered a copy of Bound to Me, then it should be waiting for you this morning when you turn on your e-reader.  If you haven't pre-ordered, jump on now and get that book!  Read about Mira's adventure with the mischievous and sexy Valerio.  Also get an early sneak peek at the first two chapters of my new book, Angel's Ink, coming to bookstores and e-readers in October.

If you're still unsure if you want to get the last story, then here is my list of the top 10 reasons to download the book.

Here is a quick description of the book:

Mira, the heroine of Jocelynn Drake's New York Times bestselling Dark Days series, has been a nightwalker for centuries, traveling the globe as an enforcer for a secretive, powerful organization. In Bound to Me, for the first time, we travel back into Mira's distant past to see the great love affair that shaped her.

Are you excited yet?

How about if I give away a few copies of Bound to Me?  (Sorry, I'm not giving away a Kindle or Nook as well.  Just the e-book.)  Leave me a comment here, stating whether you'd like a copy for your Kindle, Nook, or from Kobo. (I'd offer for iPad but I don't know how to give it as a gift from the iBookstore)  Also, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me if you're new to the series or if you've read the series. 

Hurry and enter now!  So you don't have to wait too long to win a copy, I will choose 5 winners throughout the day.  The first will be announced at 1:30 PM Eastern time.  Others will be announced at 3PM, 5PM, 7PM, and 9 PM Eastern time.  Check back throughout the day to see if you won! Tell your friends!  Tell someone who needs to read the Dark Days series.  This is a great way to start!

Paper or Plastic... I mean Digital?

I am down to the last few pages of edits and I'm still loving the book.  At this stage, I usually read the manuscript so many times that I can no longer see the story amidst all the words.  It's all about weighing whether this word works here and does my main character seem like too much of an asshole in this scene.  At this point, I've usually forgotten what I liked about the story in the first place.  Not this time.  Angel's Ink is all new and the story seems fresh every time I read it.  I find myself looking forward to certain chapters just so I can see a favorite character again.  I can't wait for you to read this one!

In the meantime, we have a new story to tide us over until the next book has hit the shelves.  Yes, Bound to Me is hitting e-readers next Tuesday!  It's just over seven days away.  I know because I have finally created a countdown clock.  I feel like I should be throwing a huge party because this is the last Mira story I'm ever going to write.  But then I thought Burn the Night was going to be the last Mira story I was ever going to write and the nightwalker proved me wrong!  I guess that's what you get when you work with the undead.  They just won't rest.

I made a surprising discovery with Bound to Me not long ago and I'm still waiting on some details, but I am going to at least make you aware of it.  When the release of the novella was first discussed, we were only going to be releasing it as a e-book and I was quite content with that.  There are a lot of people who use e-readers and you can also download the story to read it on your computer if you don't have an e-reader. 

However, there are some who still prefer books (and I can totally understand that since I love the paper copies as well).  Well, we've got a way to make the paperback readers happy as well.  Bound to Me will be released as a paperback as well!  Yes, because of it's length, my publisher is doing a print-on-demand version of the story.  I am not yet sure if it will actually appear in stores, but you can order it online.  Amazon has it available for pre-order.  It looks like Barnes and Noble will have it as well, but you can't currently pre-order it.  You can only pre-order the e-book at Barnes and Noble.

E-book Details:
Released on April 10
On sale for $0.99
Approximately 100 pages long (this, of course, depends on the size of your font)
On sale at:
Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble Nook
iBookstore iPad/Pod/iPhone

Paperback Details:
Released on May 1
On sale for $2.99
Approximately 128 pages
On sale at:
Amazon
(Barnes and Noble coming soon)

Yes, I know that date is slightly later for the paperback version.  I am sorry about that, but it's only a small wait and then you have a new Mira story.

Yes, I also know that the paperback version is $2 more expensive, but the paperback version also costs more to produce that the e-book version.

But for less than the price of a gallon of gas, you can get not only the untold story of Mira's love affair with one of the world's sexiest vampire, Valerio, but you also get the first two chapters of my new series.  Do you really want to miss out on that coolness?  Complete your collection of Mira stories.  Find out how she acquired Valerio's ring.

And when it's all over, pop by Asylum and meet Gage.  He can give you some nice ink at a fair price.