Supernatural Sightings and Signings

It's going to be a busy, busy day so I'm going to try to keep today's post short by pointing you in various directions -- isn't that nice of me?

First, I've got a blog posting over at Supernatural Underground today talking about the importance of setting in a novel. If that's not incentive enough to check it out, I'm also giving away signed copies of Unbound and Nightwalker to one lucky winner. Hurry! The contest ends at midnight!

In other news, I'm going to be in Maryland in July for a signing. Turn the Page bookstore is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Saturday, July 10. I will be signing books along with Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Mary Blayney, Lorretta Chase, Donna Kauffman, Diane Whiteside, Austin Gisriel, and Katrina Shelley. The signing is running from 12 -2 pm. There Are Rules!

They will start to pass out tickets by 10 am on the day of the signing for your place in line. Only 1 ticket per person and be present. (you cannot get tickets for others) We stop giving out tickets at the advertised ending time.

Please do not block the entrances of our neighboring businesses when lining up for your tickets.

CHANGE IN SIGNING POLICY:
While we understand readers' enthusiasm to get cherished copies of an author's older books signed, we regret it's no longer possible to allow people to bring books from home.

Also, as a reminder/update:

Are you going to be in the Orlando, Florida area at the end of July? Come see me at the Romance Writers of America signing at the Walt Disney World Resort Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

I will be signing books on Wednesday, July 28 from 530 - 730 pm at the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing.

I will also be signing books on Friday, July 30 from 945 - 1115pm at the Avon Book Signing.

Also, I am still attending the San Diego ComicCon at the end of July. No events have been confirmed yet, but if you can find me, I'll sign. :)

All right, now it's time to get started on the revisions for Book 6!

Florida Romantic Times Convention Schedule

Time is ticking down faster than I had planned. I have the last 2 chapters of Book 4 that need to be edited tonight so I can ship the book off to my editor on Friday. I haven't even begun to think about packing for my Florida trip, which I leave for on Saturday. So, it should go without saying that I'm running a little behind.

However, before I leave, I want to give you a quick rundown of my schedule if you happen to attending the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention from April 22 through April 26.

On Thursday, April 23, I will be on a panel from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

URBAN FANTASY: I’LL LOVE YOU ... FOREVER: WRITING A SERIES IN URBAN FANTASY

THURSDAY: What happens when there’s no happy ending to wrap up the book? Urban fantasy authors discuss the nuts and bolts of writing a series: how to build a world, plan a story arc and keep the romance alive book after book.
Captain: Richelle Mead
Panelists: Mario Acevedo, Ilona Andrews, Jocelynn Drake, Jeaniene Frost, Mark Henry, Jaye Wells

I will be on the radio program: Authors on Air: Parnormal Party at 2 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. with Jeaniene Frost, Terry Garey, Pamela Palmer, Jamie Rush & Kerrelyn Sparks

Here is a link for more information so you can call in and ask questions!

From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., I will be appearing at Avon's Dusk to Dawn Mixer:
The sun has disappeared on the horizon and the shades of the night envelope the earth. Avon and its authors invite you to celebrate the dark passion of twilight with food, fun, and drink. Expect the unexpected as you never know what magic may appear in the cool, early hours of the evening. Please stop by. There is a dark rumor that there may be some free books.

On Saturday, April 25, I will be at the Giant Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. signing my books. My publisher is trying very hard to have copies of Dayhunter available. Keep your fingers crossed!

Giant Book Fair: Where can you meet your favorite authors, get your pic taken with them or a cover model, or get a sneak preview to what's coming out in the wonderful world of women's fiction? At the one and only RT Booklovers Convention Book Fair! Over 300 authors will autograph books, posters and bookmarks, and you can bring your favorite "keeper" books to have your fav author sign them!!

Finally, I will be occasionally wandering aimlessly around the conference, so feel free to stop me for a picture, a signing, or some quick chitchat. I'm always looking for someone to help me look less lost and lonely.

New York Comic Con -- DAY 2

I'm running low on energy again, but I think I've got enough left in me to try to get a little work done tonight. Actually, I'm going to try to get some prep work done for tomorrow's panel.

Today was completely overwhelming. Now, keep in mind that I've never been to a Comic Con before so I was unprepared for the overwhelming size and the sheer number of people that were at this thing. I managed to snap a couple pictures of some of the costumes that I saw. I will try to grab a few more tomorrow, but I probably won't be posting them until Monday. I fly out of New York directly after my signing tomorrow, which runs until 5 p.m., I believe. I still have to check my schedule again and make some notes.

I'm sorry to report that I missed out on meeting Bruce Timm, one of the character designers for Batman, and Seth Green, who is in town promoting Robot Chicken. I'm a little bummed, but I can't complain since I got the chance to meet some very wonderful people in the publishing world.

But overall, Comic Con has been a blast and I'm now considering checking out the one in San Diego, which I hear is a complete madhouse.

As for dinner (I know you were waiting to hear about more food), my lovely agent took me out to Blue Ribbon on Sullivan Street in SoHo. Very cool part of town and dinner was awesome. I got to have oysters for the first time, and they were very nice. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very cozy. I definitely recommend the place. It is always great to have the chance to talk with my agent about new book ideas, how she thinks my career is going, looking forward to upcoming releases, and all the usual good stuff.

New York Comic Con -- DAY 1

All right, I'm so tired I can barely see straight and I haven't even made it to the convention yet. Yes, I'm that sad and pathetic. Today, I had a quick meeting with my fabulous editor and a video interview with Kim Harrison -- which was fun. I think the video went well. As soon as it is released, I promise to produce links.

From there it was relaxing with mini-cupcakes from a place called Crumbs. They were the yummiest, most amazing little cupcakes I have had ever had. All different kinds of flavors and neat decorations. I think I'm going to be tracking this place down on my next trip.

Then, I grabbed dinner with the stunning and effervescent Vicki Pettersson at a place called Fatty Crab on Hudson Street. Write this one down, people. The food was absolutely to die for. I believe the fare was Malaysian and it was simply amazing. I suggest the Steamed Buns, and the Watermelon Pickle and Crisp Pork. We also had a soup, but I cannot remember what it was called. Just go. Hurry. Go now. The different tastes and the way they mixed was awesome. I know, I usually don't go so over the moon about food, but this was really great.

To Mark, with the lovely Irish accent, and the other wonderful servers at the Fatty Crab, thanks for the amazing, attentive service, and we hope you stop down to visit at Comic Con.

Through the Trees

I can see the houses in the subdivision behind my house. Up until about a week ago, those houses had been obscured by a wall of yellow and brown leaves. I noticed for the first time this morning that the leaves were completely gone and I could now stare through the bare limbs to see my somewhat distant neighbors. I don’t mean to be anti-social, but I have to admit that I preferred the leaves whether they be green, yellow, or brown.

I know it’s still more than a month away, but it’s winter in Cincinnati. Now, don’t get me wrong. Our winters aren’t that bad. We’re not plagued with constant sub-zero temperatures and mountains of snow. Winters here generally comprise of gray skies, cold weather, and overwhelming dreariness that kind of leaves a weight upon the soul.

Is it any wonder that I fully intend to begin work on book 4 this afternoon? I know I’m supposed to be taking a break. I tried last night. I tried to pick out a movie to watch, but nothing sounded good. I tried playing a video game, but after an hour, I was bored. I’m afraid to pick up a book to read, knowing that I’m going to be working on my own Book 3 edits soon. In the end, the only way I know how to keep the winter blues away is a combination of Mira and Danaus.

Just some quick updates and reminders:

On Sunday, November 23, I will be giving a reading at Northern Kentucky University along with four other authors at 2 p.m. I will not be reading from the Dark Days series. I’ve decided to give my nightwalkers a break and I’m bringing another short story that I wrote a couple years ago that I am still fond of.

I will also be attending the RomanticTimes Conference in Wednesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 26. I will be on a panel on Thursday, at 2:30 p.m. (I think) discussing what it takes to write a series. I will have more details the closer we get to the actual date.

RWA Conference: Part 2

I should have known better than to think that I would be able to blog from the conference. That was just crazy talk. After the first signing, I ran off to a radio show with Jeannie Frost, Melissa Marr, Kathryn Smith, Terry Garey, and Kerrelyn Sparks. It was a lot of fun and as soon as I get a link to the podcast, I’ll post it on the site. Below is a picture of me at the signing. Jenna Black, a good friend and fellow author, also popped by to chuckle at my anxiety and silliness.

After that first night, the rest of the conference was kind of a blur. I attended parties, signings, presentations, panels, and spent some quality time with fellow authors at various restaurants and bars.

For me, the conference scene has changed substantially since I became a published author. I’m attending far less craft presentations and more information-specific panels such as “how to dispose of a dead body” and “sociopath vs. psychopath: what are the key differences”. For me, these workshops can condense down a couple nights worth of research into an hour or two. With me attending fewer panels, I’m now spending more time networking with authors, publishers, and my agent.

But it wasn’t all work. I managed to sneak out of the hotel with my agent and we got down to Fisherman’s Wharf. I didn’t get out to The Rock, but I did get to see Alcatraz from a distance. It was still very cool. I got to see the trolleys and just wandered around the city for a while. Even purchased a cool new pair of boots. A girl can never have enough.

I’m back now and I’m ready to head back into Book 3. I’ve got a nice chunk of it done and I’ve honestly started to miss Mira and Danaus.

RWA Conference

The hotel is a madhouse, with voices bouncing off the marble floor and floating up to the ultra-high ceiling in the lobby. People are chatting and laughing in small group scattered around any open area as old friends catch up. But then, every conference is a madhouse and I don't know why I'm surprised by it. I guess it comes from being locked behind a computer constantly that I sometimes forget what it's like to be around so many people at once.

However, today I've sought refuge in the quiet of my hotel room to try to get some work done on the plot of Book 3. It's slowly coming along as I rearrange scenes in an effort to get everyone where I need them to be. I'll be headed to a website launch party and a cocktail party later today. In the meantime, it's all work and no play for Jocelynn.

Last night was my first signing and considering that my book was out for only 24 hours, I think it went really well. Several people were drawn in just by the cover. Come on, you've got to admit it. It's a kick-ass cover. I have another small signing scheduled for Friday, I think. Yeah, I'm not exactly organized today.

In other goodness, here are a couple pictures of my books on shelves in a couple bookstores. I popped into my local Border, who gave me very nice placement, and Waldenbooks, who also gave me very nice placement on their wall. I wasn't able to find my books in Barnes & Noble, but I'm planning to hit the stores again when I get back into town. I think their shipment might have been delayed by a day.

Finally, in case you missed it, The Book Smugglers posted my Q&A interview on Wednesday. Here is a link so you can read it.

Conference Craziness

I have finally booked my second and final conference for 2008, causing my bank account to give a small and sad little whimper.

I will be attending the Romantic Times BookLovers Conference in Pittsburgh, PA from April 16 through the 20th. I won't have a book to sign yet, but I'll be rubbing elbows, enjoying some informative workshops, and I'll be able to hang out with some good friends. In truth, seeing writing friends is the big draw for me. I love exchanging emails with them, but sometimes lounging by bar swapping bawdy stories is just a great way to spend an evening.

Then I will be traveling to San Francisco, CA for the Romance Writers of America conference from July 30 through August 2. At this one, I am hoping that my book will be officially out and that I will get to sign a few copes. I am hoping to catch up with another set of writers who I missed at RT and my lovely agent.

So, if you happen to be at either and see a red head with a lost expression on her face, it's probably me. Please stop by and say hi. I'd be happy to grab a seat with you and swap a bawdy story or two.

And in case you're wondering, No, I don't technically write romance. However, romance readers have also proven to be avid urban fantasy readers. Figuring out my niche for readers has been a little tricky. I write urban fantasy without a doubt, but it runs very dark, darker than a lot of stuff that is already out there, I think. There are also romantic elements, but then how can you write a book about people's lives without involving emotions like love, lust, and hate?

Tackling Titles

There is something about creating titles that leaves me pounding my head against my desktop. I will happily craft characters with mangled minds, paint scenes of slow, ghastly deaths, and even churn out the occasional sex scene that would probably make my mother blush (she doesn't currently get to read those scenes), but I absolutely dread trying to create titles for books. My fall back is to just name the book after one of the key characters. It allows me to save the file on my computer and move on with the more important part -- writing the story.

Well, my editor has warned me that we need to rename my book and we need to do it soon if we are going to hit our expected publication date of August 2008. I knew I would have to rename the book; her words came as no surprise. Yet, the knowledge didn't save me from the twisting dread in my stomach. How do you sum up some crucial theme or emotion or plot point of the book in just a couple words? And at the same time, be witty, evocative, and engaging? Have I set my sights too high? Possibly.

In the meantime, I've shipped off 75 title suggestions to my editor and I have a feeling I'll also be begging my wonderful, patient agent for a few thoughts as well. This process might take a couple rounds....

In other news, I will be attending my first Romance Writer's Association conference next week. I'm a little nervous because I'm not sure what to expect. However, it will give me a chance to see some close friends and we plan to celebrate my new book contract. I will also have a chance to see my agent again -- who also needs to celebrate the book contract. But this will also be the first conference I have attended where I don't have to worry about pitching my book to an editor or an agent. It's Sold! It will also probably be the last conference I attend where I will not be promoting my published book. It'll be a strange limbo, but I plan to enjoy every moment of it.

And to those writers out there who are struggling to break into this business, the best advice I can give you is to never give up. Don't let the rejection letters get you down. Keep writing. It's a hard road and it will wear you down, but don't stop writing. The day will come where you'll get that wonderful phone call from an agent who thinks you are absolutely brilliant, making all that pain, doubt, and waiting worthwhile.