The Asylum Tales

It has been a wild this year, with multiple stories hitting e-readers and on the shelves.  I'm hearing from lots of readers that they heard about some releases, but not everything.  Let me take this time to get you caught up on everything that is out there for you to read about Gage, Bronx, Trixie, and the strange happenings at the Asylum Tattoo Parlor.

If you're interested in reading everything (and in order), the best place to start are the prequel novellas.  The are only available as e-books.  But the nice thing is that they are only $1.99 per story.  For less than 4 bucks, you get close to 200 pages of stories.  These two stories happen years before the events of ANGEL'S INK, providing you with basic background on Bronx, Trixie, Gage, and the city of Low Town. 

The first prequel novella is THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: BRONX.  The reason it is called an interview is due to the fact that it tells the story of how Gage "interviewed" and came to hire Bronx at the tattoo parlor.

The second prequel novella is THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: TRIXIE.  The story tells how Gage met Trixie and with her help, saved Gage's ex-girlfriend Jo.

Now, if you finish the prequel novellas and are left thinking: "Gee, those were great, but I would still really like some more information before I did into a full length novel of this series."  I've got some help for you.  Gage and I have worked on several interviews and essays that provide great background information to the world of Low Town.

If you would like to learn about how the warlocks and witches came to dominate the world that Gage live in, please read his essay called "The Subjugation of the Races". (PDF)

If you would like a tour of Low Town, please read Gage's article called "Low Town Tour Guide". (PDF)

If you would like to read a story about Gage's life before being taken to the Towers, please read his story called "School Days." (PDF)

If you'd like to read my interview of the main characters of the two prequel novellas, please read my article called "Seeking Asylum." (PDF)

If you'd like to read about the time Gage met the Headless Horseman, please click this link.

Now you should be thinking that you're ready to read ANGEL'S INK.  (Of course, you don't have to read all of the above to understand the adventures of Gage and his pals in Low Town, but some people just like as many stories as they can get.)  ANGEL'S INK is the first full-length novel in the series.  It is available as both a trade paperback as well as an e-book.  What's more, the audio book will be available on November 13.

Here's a quick book description:
Buyer beware . . .

Looking for a tattoo—and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using 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 its price.

No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practice magic. And 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 might just make it through this enchanted world alive.

 After you read this book, you may be interested in my interview with Sofie, a character that makes an important appearance in the first novel.  To read the interview, please click here.

And finally, I have one last story for the Asylum Tales series that is currently available.  Gage's Halloween short story appears in the anthology BLOOD BY MOONLIGHT, which came out last week.  The anthology is currently available as an e-book, but it looks like Amazon will also be offering print copies on November 13. 

Here's a quick book description:

Just in time for the scariest season of all, three popular paranormal authors come together to tell original tales of romance where Anything can happen under a Halloween moon . . .

Tempers flare and passions rise in Jocelynn Drake's Of Monsters and Men as the local werewolf pack clashes with the Winter Court's Wild Hunt . . .

In Terri Garey's The Ghoul Next Door, a witch and a warlock battle it out for possession of a haunted house, but the ghost may have her own agenda . . .

And, in Trick or Treathen by Caris Roane, a master vampire struggles to stay away from the mortal woman who enflames his very soul.

If you've read all of that ... well, you'll just have to wait until 2013 for my next Asylum Tales novel when DEAD MAN'S DEAL hits shelves.

Happy reading!

Home Sweet Home

My husband and I have been living in the Madison, Wisconsin area for one week now and we are comfortably settling in.  It certainly helps that the weather has been nice, with the heat easing off at long last.  The weekends have been spent exploring the area, locating those all important stores for grocery shopping and video game purchases.  I am hoping that next weekend will include a visit to the zoo as well as to a park or two while the weather is still somewhat warm.  The leaves haven't started changing yet, but I am expecting to see some new colors within the next couple of weeks.

On our first weekend, we located a great bakery that is close to downtown Madison and the zoo.  As we were leaving, we caught a glimpse of the bay for Lake Monona.  A quick half-block walk left us sitting on a park bench, eating doughnuts, and watching the ducks in the morning sun.  While I know a harsh winter is heading my way in a matter of months, Madison is turning out to be a great place to live. Everything is extremely close and relatively easy to find, the people are nice, and the area is simply lovely.

My new job has been cool so far.  Of course, I'm going to be in training for about six months, so I'm not expecting the real stress to kick in until the bulk of my training has been completed.  The people I work with are nice and the campus is gorgeous and huge.  The entire campus is filled with the most amazing pieces of art.  I've been trying to snap pictures here and there to show family.  Walking around the campus and finding new pieces has been a favorite part of my day.

But hearing me talk about my adjustment to northern living isn't why you have stopped by my blog.  You want to know about my other job -- the writing books job.  Yeah, I think it's time I talked about that too.

So, what has come out in 2012 for the new Asylum Tales series?

The Asylum Interviews: Bronx -- an e-novella that was released in July that introduces readers to Gage and Bronx, tattoo artists in the Asylum Tattoo Parlor.  Available everywhere that e-books are sold and on sale for only $1.99.  The e-book also contains an early sneak peek of Angel's Ink.

The Asylum Interviews: Trixie -- an e-novella that was released on September 3 that introduces reader to Gage and Trixie, tattoo artists in the Asylum Tattoo Parlor.  Available everywhere that e-books are sold and on sale for only $1.99.  The e-book also contains an early sneak peek of Angel's Ink.

So, what's coming out for the rest of 2012?

Angel's Ink -- the first full-length novel for the Asylum Tales is going to be available as an e-book and a trade paperback book on October 16.  The first novel follows Gage as he tries to escape his past while trying to fix a tattoo gone wrong for a dying girl.

Blood by Moonlight -- Anthology.  Do you like spooky Halloween stories?  I am part of this anthology that will be released as an e-book on October 23.  With stories from myself, Terri Garey, and Caris Roane, the e-book is now available for pre-order and is on sale for only $1.99.  My story is called Of Monster and Men, and features Gage, Trixie, and my favorite shifter Jack as they try to protect the local werewolf pack from the Winter Court.

What else is there to look forward to for 2012?  Well ... there's going to be more of me.  Me and Gage.

Throughout September and October, there will be more interviews, guest blogs, short short stories from Gage, live chats, and contests.  I may even leave the house a few times to sign some books and answer your questions in person.  Interested?  Then, you need to stay tuned to my blog and Twitter for updates on what is going to be happening so you can get in on the fun.  Within the next few weeks, my schedule should be firming up and I will provide a complete list of chances to win books, get books autographed, read interviews, and ask me questions both in person and online.

It is my understanding that Facebook is changing how posts are being listed in a person's news feed. As such, there's a good chance you might miss an announcement unless you're visiting my Facebook page every day. To avoid that happening, you should visit my blog.  If you don't want to visit every day, you can always follow me via Google or email.  Those entry boxes are in the right column of my blog.  Don't worry about me spamming you. As I'm sure you know, I usually only blog a couple times a week.

If you don't want to follow via those options, that is fine. I will still be updating information on Facebook and Twitter. I just want to make sure you don't miss out on the fun!

Meet Trixie & Enter a Giveaway

I AM BACK!
Yes, I am officially living in Madison, Wisconsin now, leaving my Cincinnati digs behind.  Sure, I still have to get a new driver's license and update tons of random stuff, but I am now considering myself a Sconnie. :)

The important thing is that the internet has been turned on and I can keep up with my peeps again. Just in time since my newest novella just hit e-readers yesterday! Whoo-hoo!  With The Asylum Interviews: Bronx, you were able to meet the troll Bronx and learn how he came to be hired by Gage.  Now in The Asylum Interviews: Trixie, you get to meet the elf Trixie and learn how she came to work for Gage at Asylum.

If you're not sold on the idea of investing $2 in a new novella, let me direct you toward a couple of recent reviews:

Red Hot Books
All Things Urban Fantasy

Oh... I'm sorry. I misunderstood. You want to win yourself a free copy! Then you should go to these blogs here:

Red Hot Books
Literal Addiction

Wait... you want to learn more about the Asylum Tales and my writing process.  Well, I can help with that as well. You should read my interviews at:

Elyse Salpeter
Red Hot Books

There.  You've got plenty to read now and plenty of contests to enter.  Don't worry.  There are more interviews, contests, and stories coming over the next couple of months.  Stay tuned.

Dark Days Drove Me to Asylum

The packing and planning and general chaos continue in the Drake household.  I'm actually looking forward to the release because I think it will mean things getting quieter around here.  But... probably not. 

Just to keep you updated, I have a new guest blog post up over at A Book Obsession, where I talk about making the shift from the Dark Days series to the Asylum Tales.  It's filled with cool insider information.  And even if you don't care for my general rambling about Mira, Danaus, and Gage, you should at least scroll down so you can enter the giveaway that ends in a few days.  I am giving away a copy of my new novella: either The Asylum Interviews: Bronx or The Asylum Interviews: Trixie. 

Also, we have just one week left until the second novella, Trixie's story is released! Whoo-hoo! This will be your second taste of Low Town and Gage's strange life.  Don't miss out!

Sick of Boxes

The packing, boxing, calling, emailing, and cleaning continues as we attempt to move.  Things are not going as smoothly as one might hope and my sanity is starting to get more frayed than normal.  As a result of a potentially short fuse, I am keeping away from the internet as much as possible.  I really don't need to have one of those train-wreck blow-ups that entertains the masses but ruins my career.

To help keep calm and carry on, I read books.  Detaching from reality for a few hours a day helps to maintain my hold on sanity.  In the past two days, I've read two books.  The first was "Dead and Gone" by Charlaine Harris, which I think is book 10 in her Sookie Stackhouse series.  Pretty good stuff, but I'm sad to see that I've only got two more before I have to wait for the last one to come out.  The second one was "Hunger Untamed" by Pamela Palmer from her Feral Warriors series (book 5, I think).  One word: YUM! Great book, but I've only got one more to read until I have to wait for the next one in her series to hit shelves.  That's fine, though.  I'm currently bouncing through several series, trying to get caught up while I'm in between books.  The next book I've got lined up is a historical romance by Lynsay Sands.


In the meantime, I'm seeing more reviews trickle in for The Asylum Interview: Bronx and I've even seen a couple for The Asylum Interviews: Trixie.  We are getting close to the release of the first novel, Angel's Ink, and I can't wait!  I can't wait for you to meet Gage and the gang.  I can't wait for you to walk through Low Town and experience the craziness of his life.

If you're haven't read it yet, here's a little love for BRONX over at My Parahangover.  And here's some early love for TRIXIE at Fall Into Books and at A Book Obsession.  Also, if you haven't entered the contest over at All Things Urban Fantasy, you have roughly a week left until it's over.  Don't miss out on a chance to win the BRONX e-book.

The countdown continues.  We have only 11 more days until the release of The Asylum Interviews: Trixie.  You don't want to miss out on meeting this fiery woman who knows how to keep up with our favorite tattoo artists.  Pre-order it now!

As a quick aside, one of my favorite quotes from The Asylum Interviews: Trixie has popped up on Goodreads and I have to pass it along.

“Fan-fucking-tastic. Not only were Jo and Trixie in danger from this master vampire, but Trixie's belief in my prickishness was fading fast.

Priorities. I need to focus on getting Jo free of Chester permanently while protecting Trixie from any backlash from the master vampire. I could always prove to her later that I was a dick.” 

Sorry about the language, but Gage has a mouth on him.  On the plus side, he's amusing when he rants to himself.  Pre-order Trixie now!

Free Reads for The Asylum Tales

I'm back up in Madison, Wisconsin doing a little apartment hunting today, but I'm taking a quick break to give you some great links that you need to check out.  As I am sure you know, I have a new series that is kicking off this year summer.  It's a new world and completely new characters from my previous series. 

I can understand if you have some reservations about dipping a toe into a new series, so let me help you with some free reads. 

This brief article will introduce you to my main storyteller Gage and his town.

Do you need something sweet? Need to grab a drink? Want to know a great place to get some fresh ink? Gage can help you. All the places listed in Gage's tour appear in either The Asylum Interviews: Bronx, The Asylum Interviews: Trixie, or Angel's Ink. The quick tour is a great way to get a glimpse at some of the strange places that the series will visit. To read the tour, go to All Things Urban Fantasy.

And then, not too long ago I conducted a series of interviews with the main chracters of the series:
Meet Gage at Literary Escapism
Meet Parker at All Things Urban Fantasy
Meet Bronx at Tynga's Reviews
Meet Trixie at A Great Read.
Meet  the warlock Gideon over at Larissa's Bookish Life.

Finally, I revisited Trixie to celebrate her upcoming novella, The Asylum Interviews: Trixie.  She gives even more background information into the The Asylum Tales world.  To read this newest interview, click here.

If these free reads have you convinced to give my new series a try, The Asylum Interviews: Bronx is available as an e-book for $1.99 now.  The Asylum Interviews: Trixie will be available on September 4 as an e-book.   And the first novel, Angel's Ink, will be available on October 16.

The "I'm Not Moving This" Contest

My house is a disaster area. Ugh!  I hate the moving process.  It has been several years since my last move, but all those have been relatively small moves across town.  This is states away.  With animals.  And a husband.  To help with the process, we're planning a moving sale.  This means that I'm dismantling the house to search for things to get rid of before I start packing things up. 

To help with the reducing of items that I have to haul up north, I am running a contest giving away several signed books over at Supernatural Underground today!  Stop by the blog and leave me a comment.  You might win one of the 10 books that I am giving away. 

And stay tuned!  There are more contests to come as we get closer to the release date for the next novella, The Asylum Interviews: Trixie.  Trixie comes out on September 4.

Want a chance to win my newest novella, The Asylum Interviews: Bronx?  Stop by the Deadly Destinations party to read Gage's tour of Low Town.  He's got interesting comments on some of the hot spots in the city. The contest runs to the end of the month.  Also, Deadly Destinations will be running until the end of August, offering up a ton of different books that you can win.  Click here to see the entire schedule. 

And finally, something for fun.  If you've been watching the Olympics, I think you'll like this video.  If you like Simon's Cat, I think you'll like this as well.



Have a great day!

Some Quiet Time

Just a heads up: SSSHHHHHHH!
No, I'm just kidding.  After last week's all-promo extravaganza, I think I'm going to take it easy on all the social media chatter this week. 

In case you missed it, the first story for my new series The Asylum Tales hit e-readers last Tuesday.  If you haven't read picked it up yet, go purchase The Asylum Interviews: Bronx for your e-reader.  It's only $1.99.  If you like warlocks, tattoos, trolls, incubi, bar fights, Vestal Virgins, minotaurs, sex, love, and/or rock-and-roll, then you should check out this story.  If you don't like any of those things listed above, then I really can't help you and I'm not sure why you're following me in the first place.

If you did give my novella a try, a big THANK YOU goes out to you! Thanks for trying my new series!  It's definitely different from my first series and it's only going to get crazier from that novella forward.

As for this week, Monday was the husband's birthday.  We celebrated with chocolate cake, pizza, games with my family, and his favorite TV program.  It was a quiet night, but a very good one spent with the people we love.

For the rest of the week, I'm keeping my head down.  I'm working on the revisions to the second book in the Asylum Tales series.  The plot is solid and the character development is good.  I just need to slow down some of the pacing and increase some of the stakes -- increase the danger, increase the pain.  (Poor Gage).

At the same time, it looks like all the cool kids have flown out to San Diego for Comic Con and it's KILLING me to be stuck at home.  As a result, I won't be online much this week.  Every time I see an awesome update for Comic Con, it's like I've been kicked in the gut.

I'm hiding in my office for the rest of the week.  Try not to trash the place while I'm away and if someone calls the cops, you guys are so on your own!  

Great Deals on Great Reads

The summer sun is scorching the earth and driving the world indoors to air conditioning.  Trapped indoor, we are presented with a great chance to get some reading done.  If you're looking for something new to read, but don't have a lot of money to spend on e-books, let me point you in the direction of some great deals that can be found.

First, I've got to direct you toward a few of my own stories.  Right now, I've got FOUR stories you can download for $2 or less.

The Dark Days series:

Bound to Me -- prequel novella to the Dark Days series ($0.99) -- Kindle or Nook

The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten -- prequel novella to the Dark Days series ($0.99) Kindle or Nook

Nightwalker -- first full-length of the Dark Days series ($0.99) -- Limited time pricing for Kindle

The Asylum Tales series:

The Asylum Interviews: Bronx -- prequel novella to the Asylum Tales series ($1.99) -- Kindle or Nook


Here are a few other great authors that I think you should give a try at an inexpensive price:

Dani Worth

Do you like your romance with a little extra spice?  These out-of-the-ordinary stories are hot and tender, with excellent storytelling.  Check them out!

Kithra --Book 1 in her Kithra series -- Approx. $3 -- Kindle or Nook

Replicant -- Book 2 in her Kirtha series -- Approx. $3 -- Kindle or Nook

After the Crux -- NEW RELEASE -- $2.66 -- Kindle

Vicki Pettersson

Urban Fantasy meets superheroes, check out Vicki's Zodiac series!  Her first novel in the series, The Scent of Shadows, is currently available on the Kindle for only $0.99.  If you haven't started this series yet, this is a great way to jump in.

Jeaniene Frost

Need some sexy vampires in your life?  Then you should definitely be reading Jeaniene Frost!  She's got a handful of wonderful short stories available at an inexpensive price.  This is a great way to get a taste of her world.

Happily Never After -- $1.99 for Kindle or Nook

Reckoning -- $1.99 for Kindle or Nook

Devil to Pay -- $1.99 for Kindle or Nook

That's 11 stories for you to try this weekend for just a few bucks a piece!  Great deals on some awesome escapes from the burning summer heat.  Have a great weekend and happy reading!

Interviewing a Warlock

Happy Friday!  You've survived the week and I think you deserve something good to read.  I've got a few suggestions for you.

First, today is the last stop on my mini-blog tour where I introduce you to the major characters within my new series The Asylum Tales.

Meet Gage at Literary Escapism
Meet Parker at All Things Urban Fantasy
Meet Bronx at Tynga's Reviews
Meet Trixie at A Great Read. 

And finally...

Today, you can see my brief interview with the warlock Gideon over at Larissa's Bookish Life.

I am running one last contest for this blog tour.  I have given out a total of 8 free copies of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx and I'm going to give out 2 more today.

First, go to Larissa's Bookish Life and read Gideon's interview.  Second, email me at JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom and tell me how long Gideon has been a guardian warlock.  Also, tell me if you want a Kindle or Nook version of the story if you win the contest. 

The contest ends at midnight Eastern time.  The two winners will be chosen randomly from those who give me the correct answer. 

Have a great day!

Hanging With Trixie

The celebration of the release of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx continues today.  On Tuesday, the first story for my new series, The Asylum Tales, launched, introducing you to Gage and Bronx.  I've been doing a mini-blog tour the past few days and we continue today with another character interview.  Would you like to meet the characters of Low Town?

Meet Gage at Literary Escapism
Meet Parker at All Things Urban Fantasy
Meet Bronx at Tynga's Reviews

And today is your chance to meet Trixie over at A Great Read.  This is a brief intro to Trixie, as she will be enjoying a much better introduction when her story, The Asylum Interviews: Trixie, comes out on September 4. 

For this celebration, I've been giving away free copies of the novella, but you've got to do a little work for me.  Here's the task:  Go to A Great Read and check out the interview of Trixie.  Then email me at JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom and tell me how long Trixie has been tattooing.  Also, tell me whether you want the e-book as a Kindle or a Nook should you win the contest.

The contest ends at midnight Eastern time.  I will draw two winners randomly from those who submit the right answer.

Don't forget that there's still one more day to enter the Literal Addiction drawing for The Asylum Interviews: Bronx. Don't worry.  You don't have to do any work for this one.

In addition, I discovered that Nightwalker is available for only $0.99 on the Kindle.  Do you need a copy of Nightwalker for your Kindle?  Do you know a friend who needs to start reading the Dark Days series?  For only a dollar, you can start reading a great urban fantasy series!

Tattoos & Fireworks

To all the Americans out there, I'd like to send out a big Happy Independence Day!  Despite the horrible heat, I hope you're enjoying a little time off, some grilled food, a watermelon, and fireworks (assuming the sparks won't set your dried out yard on fire).

To all the readers and bloggers out there who took at chance on my new novella, I'd like to send out a giant THANK YOU!  The Asylum Interviews: Bronx was released yesterday and the different social media were buzzing with excitement.  I hope everyone is enjoying this new world and characters that I've cooked up.  Gage is a crazy character that is just so good at finding trouble.  And Bronx... he's good at trying to keep Gage out of trouble ... most of the time.

If you haven't tried the novella yet, WHY NOT?!?  The novella runs around 80 pages long and the e-book includes the first few chapters of my next full-length novel, ANGEL'S INK.  What's more, it's only $1.99!  It's an inexpensive way to try out a new series and a relaxing way to spend your Fourth of July.  Also, you don't need an e-reader to read the story.  Amazon offers an app that you can download on your computer so you can read the story on your computer.

If you don't want to purchase it, you can try to win it.  Literal Addiction is giving away 2 copies of the novella.

Also, I'm going to give away 2 copies today!   But you have to work for it.  First, you need to go over to Tynga's Reviews and read today's interview with Bronx.  Then email me at JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom and tell me the name of the tattoo parlor where Bronx did his apprenticeship.  Also, tell me whether you want a Kindle or Nook version.  If you've already entered my contests earlier this week and haven't won, keep trying!  I haven't had a lot of entries so your chances of winning are pretty good.

The contest ends at midnight Eastern time and the winner will be chosen randomly from all the people who answered the question correctly.

To read the parts of the interview that have already been posted, go to
Literary Escapism
All Things Urban Fantasy

On Thursday, I'll be talking to Trixie at A Great Read.

Have a great day!

Happy Book Release Day!

It's out!  It's finally out!
Yes, you can now take a stroll through Low Town with Gage and his strange companions as the first prequel novella has been released for The Asylum Tales.  So, if you haven't pre-ordered yet, rush off to your preferred vendor and purchase a copy of The Asylum Interviews: Bronx for your e-reader.  It's only $1.99 and it's a great way to get a break from the heat.

The short story runs around 80 pages and the e-book includes the first few chapters of my upcoming novel, Angel's Ink. The story tells of how Gage met his friend and coworker Bronx as well as the the trouble the two got into while trying to help Gage's friend Parker, who happens to be an incubus.

Do you like crazy misadventure?
Do you like sexy incubi?
Do you like trolls?

This story has them, as well as tattoos, karaoke, and Vestal Virgins.  Yes, welcome to Low Town.  It's a strange place, but I think you're going to like it here.

In addition, the second stage of my blog tour continues today over at All Things Urban Fantasy.  In today's interview, you get to meet Parker, the incubus.  I have to admit this was one of my most uncomfortable interviews ever.  Partially because I hadn't planned on speaking to Parker and partially because Parker has the same wicked sense of humor as Gage.  So stop over and check it out.

Also, if you missed yesterday's interview, stop my Literary Escapism to read about Gage.

As for yesterday's contest, the two winners have been contacted.  I will run another contest today similar to yesterday's.  Go to All Things Urban Fantasy and read the interview.  Then email me at JocelynnDOTdrakeATgmailDOTcom, and tell me the name of Parker's former love interest.

The contest ends at midnight Eastern time.  I will pick two winners from the group.  Just be sure to tell me the email address you want me to use and whether you want a Kindle or Nook edition.  Give it a try.  I didn't get a lot of contest entries yesterday so you could have a good chance at winning.

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.

Bronx Is Coming

One more week!  It's just one more week until you get your first peek into the Asylum Tales.  Just one more week until The Asylum Interviews: Bronx is finally released.  I can't wait!


I am excited to report that a few people have been lucky to get a sneak preview of the novella and the reviews have been rather good.  If you would like to hear what others are thinking without any spoilers, check out Literary Escapism's thoughts.

I also caught this review over at Fantasy Bytes.  While it's not overly glowing, I am rather fond of it because the book seems to have captured the attention of someone who might not usually read my work.

Do you like warlocks?
Do you like tattoo artists?
Do you like incubi?
Do you like trolls?
Do you like crazy situations?
Check out my newest story for the Asylum Tales! 

Cover Reveal: Trixie

I received this new cover a couple weeks ago and I have been waiting for the release of my new website in order to reveal it.  Well, the website has been re-launched and it's now time to show off my new cover.  As you know, I have a new series (The Asylum Tales) launching this summer.  It kicks off with the release of the novella The Asylum Interviews: Bronx on July 3.  A sort of companion novella is being released on September 4 called The Asylum Interviews: Trixie on September 4.  for the curious, here is the cover:

Isn't she positively lovely?  I do so love my covers. Happiness really is a new book cover some days.  What I love even more is that the covers for Bronx and Trixie match!  See!


At this point, you're thinking: Damn it, Jocelynn, just tell us what it's about!

Here is HarperCollins description:
The second of two prequel stories to Jocelynn Drake's Angel's Ink—the first novel in her new Asylum Tales series about a magical tattoo artist, Gage, and his friends: Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx.

Here is a little more from me:
Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master vampire.  While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.

When I sold the series to my publisher, they asked for two novels as well as two novellas that could be released before the first book in the series.  With that in mind, I thought it best to describe how Gage (my main character) met his two friends and co-workers Bronx and Trixie.  Let's just say it was an adventure.

Oh, and we have only 14 more days until The Asylum Interviews: Bronx is released!  Happy Dance.

Want to Help Promote Asylum?

When I handed in my draft of the second book to the Asylum Tales, I was ahead of the game.  My schedule was clear for the next several months with the exception of pulling together some promotion for the release of the novellas and the novel later this year. 

Now, less than a month later, I look around and find that somehow I'm managed to get behind.  I really don't know how it happened.  Well, maybe I do.  I started agreeing to things, expecting to take care of them quickly only to not have that happen.  Also, website redesign kind of exploded all over me, sucking up more than two full days I had been planning to use for writing. (But I think we're launching it this weekend! YAY!)

The result?  It's time to haul ass, put in some long hours, and get this stuff done.

First, the promo.  I have started pulling together some appearances to promote the new series that launches this summer, but I am looking to expand my reach at bit more.  Are you interested in having me appear on your blog to talk about the new Asylum Tales series?  I would be willing to provide either a guest blog or answer interview questions.  At the moment, I am booked July 2-7, August 3, and October 16. The rest of my schedule is open.

Here is what is coming out:

THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: BRONX
The first of two prequel novellas that introduce readers to the new world of Low Town in the Asylum Tales. It's not easy being a tattoo artist and a warlock, especially when you're in hiding. Or when a botched ink job has amplified an incubus's existing sex appeal into one that could wreck the whole town. And your only help is a troll.  The story will be released as an e-book on July 3.

THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: TRIXIE
The second of two prequel novellas that introduce readers to the new world of Low Town in the Asylum Tales.  Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master vampire.  While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.  The story will be released as an e-book on September 4.

ANGEL'S INK
The first book in the Asylum Tales

 

BUYER BEWARE...

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.

The story will be released as a trade paperback and e-book on October 16.

A new Halloween-themed Anthology
I recently agreed to be a part of a new Halloween anthology featuring two other authors.  We don't have title for the anthology yet or a final release date.  My story will be set within the Asylum Tales world.  I am still writing this one and hope to have it done by the end of the week.  The anthology will be released as an e-book in October.

Also, don't forget that both BOUND TO ME and  THE DEAD, THE DAMNED, AND THE FORGOTTEN were released earlier this year -- the last Dark Days series stories to be released.


Holy crap!  I've been busy.
So, do you have any burning questions for me or my new characters?  Want to chat one last time about Mira?  Learn what it was like to start a new series?  If you want to help me spread the word for the new series or even the Dark Days series, please email me at Jocelynn DOT drake AT gmail DOT com .

Once I get the last short story I'm working on finished, I will be contacting several more bloggers to line up promotion to support TRIXIE.  I can't wait for you to meet the gang at Asylum.  They are an interesting group that have some mad skills when it comes to finding trouble.

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.