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!

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.

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!

Bound To Me: Print Release Day

I'm just sticking my head up from work for a brief bit of self-promotion.  Bound to Me, the final Dark Days story was released as an e-book in April, but my publisher has decided to also release a print version.  If you would rather own a print version, I have included links below where you can order a copy.  I don't believe that it's going to be in the brick-and-mortar stores but I could be wrong.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

The feedback that I have been receiving from readers has been extremely positive.  Valerio has always been a favorite character of mine and it was exciting to give him the chance to spend some quality time with Mira.  If you've enjoyed the series, you don't want to miss out on this final slice of Mira's life.  Take a walk down memory lane with Valerio, Jabari, and Sadira.

And as an added bonus, the book also contains the first two chapters of the first book in my new series.  Angel's Ink, the first book in the Asylum Tales series won't be released until October 16, but you can get a sneak peek now!

Happy reading!

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.

Developments Abound

Tuesday was a busy but great day.  I've discovered during the past few years since getting my first publishing contract that this industry is largely a "hurry up and wait" sector.  You rush to get things all in order and ready to go and then you wait for responses and decisions, which is fine but takes a little adjustment.  At the same time, when things do happen, they happen all at once, leaving you scrambling to catch up.  I'm not always the most patient person, which makes the "wait" part of "hurry up and wait" hard for me.  However, I do love a flurry of activity.  I like busy and hectic and lots of pressure surrounding quick decisions rather than just medium steady activity.

A number of things rolled through my email during the past 48 hours and there's a few things that I can't talk about just yet, but it's coming.

So... here's what I can talk about.

The Dark Days Series

Bound to Me

The final novella for the Dark Days series is due to be released to e-readers in approximately 20 days!  In less than three weeks, you will have a chance to get a very intimate look at Mira's relationship with Valerio.  You'll get one last stroll through the Main Hall in Venice before the Coven.  You'll get to revisit some characters who didn't exactly survive to the end.  I think you're going to like this story.

I try not to read reviews because they tend to make authors a little crazy.  But I couldn't resist.  I found the first review of BOUND TO ME  and I was pleased to see that it was quite good without giving anything away about the story.  The review also reminded me of a little tidbit that I discovered when I was working on the edits and then forgot about.

When you read the novella, not only do you get one last jaunt with Mira and Valerio, but the e-book will also contain an excerpt from my new book, Angel's Ink.  Angel's Ink is the first book in my new series, Asylum Tales, introducing readers to an entirely new world and new group of characters.  I believe the excerpt will be the first two chapters of the book.

So, for $0.99, you get a Mira/Valerio story that is approximately 80 pages long AND you get approximately two chapters of my next book, Angel's Ink, which isn't due out until October 16.  Have you pre-ordered yet?  No?  Here are some links to help.  You don't want to miss this story, due out on April 10.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBookstore

Hurry!  Go pre-order now!

In other randomness regarding the Dark Days series, I stumbled over to Audible (a group that specializes in audiobooks) and discovered that a couple previously unreleased Dark Days novels had been released as audiobooks.  I have to admit that I'm not a fan of audiobooks, but I listened to an excerpt from Pray for Dawn and FELL IN LOVE.  They told me that they were doing the books and that Hillary Huber was doing the narrating for the missing books.  It didn't dawn on me until I pulled up Audible that Pray for Dawn would need a male narrator because the book was told from Danaus's point of view.  Todd McLaren does a stunning reading for Danaus.  Here's a link to Audible if you're interested in taking a listen.  Right now, the only books not in audiobook format are Dayhunter and Burn the Night, but I believe they are still coming.


The Asylum Tales

Where to start?  The new series centered on a tattoo artist and his friends is going to be kicked off later this year with the release of TWO novellas.  The novellas are prequels to the first book, introducing readers to the main characters in the series.  My editor has read the stories, likes them, and has provided feedback.  I launch into edits this week, tweaking a few minor things and the ending of one story.  I'm hoping that the whole process will only take a few days.

I do not know things like titles or even release dates yet, but that information should be coming soon.  As in, as soon as I get my edits handed in we will be able to nail down titles and release dates.  These novellas will be released as e-books only and will probably cost only a dollar or two like my other novellas.  I will provide more information when it comes to me, but rest assured, the wheels are in motion.

Angel's Ink

It feels like things are picking up speed on this book.  What do we have done?  The book has been written, revised, and copy edited.  I will be receiving the First Pass edits today, which are due back to my editor in a couple weeks.  I think this is my last chance to my changes to the book and then it's all locked in.  I've seen the cover (and it is AWESOME) and we've gotten some great quotes from other authors.  The book is still slated for release on October 16 and will be available in trade paperback and e-book.

The newest bit of news I received is that my publisher is planning up an interesting bit of promotion.  I don't think I can make any announcement yet, but I got a sneak peek yesterday and it is so cool!!  I can't wait to show you.

In the meantime, my next couple months will be:
Finish First Pass edits on Angel's Ink
Finish revisions on Novella #1
Finish revisions on Novella #2
Finish writing Book #2 of Asylum Tales
Think of a way to celebrate the release of BOUND TO ME

Less Than a Month Until Valerio

It’s getting closer.

Each day gets us one step closer.

Just over a year ago, fans asked for a peek at Mira’s relationship with Valerio.  I listened.  My publisher listened.  And now, you have less than a month to wait until you can get your hands on Bound to Me, An Original Dark Days Story. 

The story will only be available as an e-book.  If you don’t have an e-reader, I am pretty sure that you can still download it and read it on your computer.  The story is fewer than 100 pages long and costs only $0.99. 

For only $1, you can travel back 200 hundred years and enjoy an adventure with Mira and Valerio through London, Venice, and Spain.  For only $1, you can visit many characters who appear throughout the series, with a surprise guest or two.

For more of my thoughts on Valerio, check out my recent Supernatural Underground blog entry.

If you’d like to pre-order the book, which comes out on April 10, here are some links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBookstore

Cover Reveal: Bound to Me

I can finally reveal the cover for the new novella that will be released on April 10.

Bound to Me

I feel funny saying "finally" since I only saw the cover for the first time a couple weeks ago.  In most cases, I am forced to keep my mouth shut and sit on the cover for several months before it can be revealed.  But novella e-book releases are a lot faster than book releases and that takes some adjustment on my part.

So without further ado.....

Isn't it just lovely?  I am so proud of it.  I know, I didn't actually create it.  I didn't have anything to do with this cover, but I have been blessed by the cover gods.  I can proudly say that I actually thought of the title for this one!  I'm not very good at titles, but my editor liked this one.

This novella is something of a prequel to the Dark Days series.  The story centers on Mira and Valerio and is set roughly 200 years before the events of Nightwalker.  Mira and Valerio are in a unique relationship and are traveling about Europe, finding ways to amuse themselves while completing random errands and tasks for the Coven.  In this novella, Mira and Valerio are tasked with hunting down a creature in Spain that is killing nightwalkers and leaving them for discovery by the humans.  The story not only gives more depth into Mira's past, but also a closer look at the intense relationship she had with Valerio.

If you haven't read the Dark Days series, this is a great way to launch into the series.  You don't need the background to understand the events of the novella.  However, if you have read the series, this novella will provide even more depth to the characters that you've come to love and hate over the past several years.

The story is being sold for only $0.99 and is available for pre-order at:

Barnes and Noble 
iBookstore

It hasn't been posted yet, but it will soon be coming to the other e-book vendors such as Amazon, Google Books, and Kobo.  I will post links when I see it become available.

Book News: One Step Closer to Valerio

It's snowing!
I know! I can't believe it.  Winter has finally reached Cincinnati.  I don't mind this snow.  It's not sticking to the roads and isn't deep.  It's just enough to cover the world in a thin coating of white.

In other news, I think the signing went very well last night.  It was an intimate but enthusiastic crowd.  I shared insight into the new series and read the first chapter of the new book that will be released in October.  Yeah, they were a pretty lucky crowd.  I chatted with several readers and laughed a lot.  It's nice to get out of the house every once in a while.

I also shared some news with them, and I am happy to now spread the news here as well.  First:

I have one last novella coming out for the Dark Days series.  It is titled BOUND TO ME and will be released as an e-book on April 10.  I haven't seen a cover yet but I imagine that it will be coming soon.  I just received the copyedits and will be finishing those up today.  As I have said before, BOUND TO ME is a prequel novella that looks at Mira's relationship with Valerio.  Set roughly two hundred years before NIGHTWALKER, the story shows her time in Europe and brings back several characters from the series.  The story is not up for pre-order yet, but I will keep a look out and will announce it when it is available.

Second, the first book of The Asylum Tales is officially titled ANGEL'S INK and will be released on October 16.  The book is available for pre-order on Amazon now and it is ON SALE.  With this being a trade paperback, I am sure that you will want to jump on the discounted price.  I imagine that the other booksellers will be posting it soon and I will provide links when it becomes available.   I haven't seen a cover yet, but I have a feeling that it should be coming soon.

Finally, if you live in the Cincinnati area and couldn't make it to the book signing, I signed a stack of books at the Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.  If you would like an autographed copy for your collection, be sure to stop by and pick one up.  Actually, that store is close to me and I try to keep signed books at that location at all times.

A Busy Week

It's a quiet day.
Well, quiet other than the bulldozer running next to my house, but you know what I mean.  It's just me and the computer as I push through the book, trying to decide which city to destroy and which person to kill and which to save. My main character Gage and I have been spending a lot of time staring at wall, thinking.  It seems that I've created quite a mess for him and we're both sitting around, thinking WTF?!?!  We'll find our way out of this dark wood, but it may take a little time.

While we're fumbling about, I've got a few reminders:

It is my understanding that today is the last day to pick up the Nightwalker e-book at its reduced price of $0.99.  Spread the word!  Tap your friend!  Tell a total stranger.  The world needs to be reading this book and what better way than to pick it up for less than a dollar.  Here are some links if you're interested:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBooks

Kobo

Google e-books

In addition, there's a prequel novella that was released last week called "The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten."  It originally appeared in the Unbound anthology, but it is now available as a stand-alone e-book for only $0.99.  If you haven't read the anthology yet and need a little more Mira, this is a great way to get your fix!    The novella is a something of a murder mystery set roughly a month before the events of Nightwalker in Mira's home domain of Savannah.  A nightwalker has been murdered and Mira must quickly discover the identity of the killer before her domain descends into chaos.  The story was a lot of fun to write and gives readers a sneak peek at some of the characters that appear in the series in later books.  Her are some links if you're interested:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Kobo
Google e-books

Also, regardless of whether you're just finding the series now or have been a fan from the beginning, you can always stop by The Dark Room discussion board to leave comments and questions.  I haunt the board several times a day and try to respond when I see a comment.  I will be posting information on the board at the end of the week about the new series that will be hitting shelves and e-readers later this year.  The discussion board is also a great place to chat with other fans of the series. 

And finally, don't forget that I'm doing a book signing and discussion at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Thursday, February 9 from 7pm to 9pm.  We'll be talking about the Dark Days series and giving information on the new series as well.  In fact, I will be giving both the title and date of the release for the final Dark Days novella, featuring Mira and Valerio.  I don't currently have any other plans to travel this year, so this may be my only time out and about signing books.  If you're anywhere near the Cincinnati area, please stop by for the fun!

Now, I'm off to write my blog entry for Supernatural Underground, which will appear on the site tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7.  If you're not checking out this blog, it's a great place to keep up with some great urban fantasy/paranormal romance authors.

Novella Release: More Mira

Do you need more Mira?
The Dark Days series has ended.  The last book (Burn the Night) hit the shelves last summer and you're left sitting in the dark, thinking: "How am I supposed to go on?" 

Don't worry, my friend.  I understand.  I can relate.  After the last book was handed into my editor for the last time, I was left wondering, "How do I let go after so many years?"  Mira has been my shadow, my friend, my nightmare, my confidant, my demon, my hero, my joy and my tears.  How do you let go?

You do it slowly.  You loosen those clenched fingers and unwind them from around the book one at a time until you can finally set it down.  And if you're not quite ready to walk completely away from Mira, Danaus, and her world, I suggest that you try a novella or two.  And I've got something to help you.

Hitting e-readers today is a novella that was originally released in the Unbound anthology a few years back.  "The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten" is a prequel novella to the entire series, taking place about a month before Nightwalker.  The story is about Mira attempting to solve a murder that takes place in Savannah, threatening to plunge her domain into chaos.  If she can't get her city back under control, there's an agent of the Coven waiting in the wings, ready to remove her head and heart so he can deliver them to the Elders.

The novella is available for only $0.99 at your usual e-book vendors, so if you need one last visit with Mira and Knox, then grab this one up if you haven't already.

And because I was still struggling to let Mira go after I finished Burn the Night, I wrote one last novella for her.  The question kept coming up about her relationship with Valerio so many centuries ago.  I had always wanted to take a closer look at a bit of Mira's past, but never had the chance.  Until now.

Later this spring, a second novella will be released as an e-book.  It is another prequel that is set a few centuries before Nightwalker and takes a closer look at Mira's relationship with Valerio.  It has  has appearances from other several characters within the series as well.  I think you'll enjoy it.  I'll be posting more details later as they come available.

For now, enjoy one last trip through Savannah with the Fire Starter.

Last Days of Nightwalker Sale

The wading through the muck and mire continues.  I am making progress on the book, but it has started fighting me a bit.  I'll beat it back down and take control again shortly.  I love a book that's got some spunk and spirit to it!

I just remembered that I should remind you that the Nightwalker e-book will be on sale for only a little while longer.  In December, my publisher marked down all e-book editions of Nightwalker to $0.99.  Yep, you can have the first book to the Dark Days series for only $1!  Do you have a friend that needs some vampires in his/her life?  This is a great way to get them hooked on Mira and the gang for a great low price. 

Nightwalker will remain $0.99 until February 6, so hurry up and add it to your e-reader now!

Also, don't forget to pre-order the prequel novella to the Dark Days series, "The Dead, the Damned and the Forgotten".  It is also just $0.99.  Two great stories about vampires, werewolves, and dark creatures of the earth for less than $2.

Things To Come

The "To Do" list is growing to frightening proportions -- both things that need to be done around the house as well as writing-related items.  I've been working steadily recently so I'm not quite sure how things suddenly got so crazy.  I think it just happens that way regardless of my careful planning.

Things coming up:

Novella Release

"The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten" will be released next week on Tuesday, January 31.  It is an e-book novella that is a prequel to the series.  It is a re-release as the novella originally appeared in the Unbound anthology.  If you know someone who hasn't started the Dark Days series yet, this is a great way to get them introduced to the series.  The story runs about 100 pages (at least it does in my Word document) and costs only $0.99.

Order at Amazon
Order at Barnes and Noble
Order at iBooks

Book Signing

The book signing event at the Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Crestview Hills, Kentucky is fast approaching (Thursday, February 9 at 7pm).  I have started practicing signing my name as well as gathering together my magnets.  These may be the last of the magnets I have for the Dark Days series before I turn my attention to promotional items for the new series.  I am also looking over a few things, trying to decide if I will read something from the new series.  In addition, I am planning to announce the date and title of the next novella release at the book signing.  I am hoping to announce the title of the first book in The Asylum Tales series.  We're going to have a lot of fun at the signing so you don't want to miss it.  I'll be answering questions about both the Dark Days series and tells little secrets about The Asylum Tales.

In the meantime, I'm working on...

1. Writing book 2 in The Asylum Tales series
2. Working on compiling a list of people who might be willing to read the first book for blurb purposes
3. Cleaning my office (it's gotten frightening even for me)
4. Working on notes for the website redesign
5. Starting to think about doing my taxes (this is a slow process and the first step is to convince myself to call my tax accountant)


Wish me luck and I hope to see you at the book signing!

Big Things for 2012

After yesterday's 2011 retrospective, I thought I would take the time to look ahead to the great things that are coming for 2012.  I don't have a lot of exact dates to give you just yet, but I'll be posting updates when I get confirmed news.

The Dark Days Series

I know this is going to be a little confusing since yesterday I said that I was finished with Mira and Danaus, but it seems that I have just a little bit more to share.

Prequel #1: Novella
The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten

If you've already picked up the Unbound anthology that was released a few years back, then you've already read this novella.  The story takes place in Savannah about a month before the start of the events in NIGHTWALKER (Book 1).  It focuses on Mira's domain and her investigation into a murder that takes place, putting the spotlight on the nightwalkers in the city.  It's the first time you meet Knox and see Mira's dynamic with many of the people that you will see in later books in the series.  It was my first go at a novella and I am pleased with how it turned out.  I think the ending is a little bit of a surprise and if you read carefully, I give a little hat tip to Kim Harrison, who was also featured in the Unbound anthology.

The novella will be released as an individual e-book on January 31, 2012 and will be on sale for $0.99.  It is available for pre-order now if you are interested in getting your hands on this prequel to the series.

Prequel #2: Novella
Untitled

When I wrote this novella last year, I wasn't quite sure how it was going to be released.  The story was actually in reaction to a lot of requests I got from some readers during a book signing I did in my hometown.  One frequent question was about Mira's relationship with Valerio when they were intimate many years before Mira met Danaus.  To tell the truth, I was a little curious myself as to what happened between them and I started the novella just to satisfy my own interest.

The story takes places a couple centuries before the events in NIGHTWALKER (Book 1), well before Mira goes off on her own to Savannah and claims that as her domain.  Mira and Valerio are running errands and generally acting as enforcement for the Coven.  The nightwalker Elders send Mira and Valerio to investigate and stop a creature that is killing off nightwalkers in Spain.  The story gives a good look into Mira's relationship with Valerio, a closer look at Valerio, as well as her relationship with some other characters that you've met in the series. I was even excited to include a glimpse of one unexpected character that you meet in NIGHTWALKER. (hehe... I'm such a tease!)

It was a lot of fun to write, but a little difficult.  The setting is the 19th century versus the 21st century that I am accustomed to working in.  Also, this is Mira more than two hundred years ago.  She's a little different than what you've gotten used to reading.

If you've read the series, this will offer some nice insight into the characters.  If you've not read the series, I don't think you'll be lost since it is a series prequel.  However, it might be a little confusing if you jump from this prequel to the first book as you will be moving forward two hundred years.

Anyway... I don't have a release date on it yet but I will keep you updated here and on Facebook and Twitter when my publisher releases a date for publication.


Also, don't forget that the series is now concluded with the release of BURN THE NIGHT last June. If you haven't picked up all six books to get Mira's complete story, run to your nearest bookstore or online vendor to pick them up!

The New Series

Now you didn't think that just because I finished up the Dark Days Series that I was finished writing?  Hell No!  You could chop off all my fingers (please don't) and I would still write stories.  It would just be a little slower.

Last year, I pitched a few ideas to my editor for a new series and she was kind enough to buy one of them.  To my elation, HarperCollins has contracted me to write two new novels and two new novellas for a new series that will be kicked off in 2012! (No, it's not too late to do a happy dance.)

And earlier this week, we finally agreed on a series title:

The Asylum Tales

I love it!  Asylum has a wonderful double meaning that resonates in your brain when you hear it. You think of either A.) a place to store crazy people or B.) a place of safety and refuge from danger.    With this series, I think it means a little of both.

We have a title for the first book, but I'm holding off on revealing as it still needs final approval from the Sales/Marketing department.  But keep checking back as I'm sure that it will be approved soon.

But your big question is: what in the world is this new series about?

I'm glad you asked.  What I've been telling people is that the new series is about warlocks and tattoo artists.  (And you've just given me the same confused, puzzled, slightly frightened look I've been getting for months.)  Let me explain.

The series is firmly settled in the urban fantasy genre, set in what I like to call an open world (ie, everyone knows about all the other races and has for a really long time, allowing everyone to live side-by-side in a relative, occasionally strained, harmony.)  Some of the races that you meet in this series include, but are not limited to: humans, elves, trolls, dwarves, pixies, werewolves, vampires, ogres, minotaurs, incubus, faeries, goblins, and many many more that are fighting to get their time on the page.

At the center of this mess is Gage Powell, a tattoo artist who owns a parlor in a sketchy little neighborhood in Low Town called Asylum.  In a world that is naturally filled with magic, it only makes sense that many of the non-magic folk (like humans) could use an edge.  In this world, tattoo artists aren't just tattoo artists.  They are also licensed potion stirrers.  For the right price, they can help you get an edge.  Need courage, love, or luck?  A tattoo artist can stir a potion to be placed in the ink of a tattoo that can help you achieve those things. 

Unfortunately, Gage has a secret that keeps coming back to haunt him despite his attempts to keep his head down and his nose somewhat clean.  Lucky for him, he had a pair of employees that help him out.  The first is Bronx -- a patient troll who manages to keep a level head  and his sense of humor when things get bad.  The second is Trixie -- a elf who is pretending to be a human because she's got her own problems, but she still manages to make time to give Gage a hand when he needs it.

Here are some answers to some burning questions you might have:

1. I don't like tattoos and I'm not interested in the tattooing world.  Will I still like this series?
Yes!  Do you like action, craziness, and stranger creatures?  That is more of what this series is about.  It's about the cool people that inhabit this world, not tattoos.  The tattoos are sort of just a common thread that tie the people and some of the events together.  It is not the core of the story.

2.  Is this a romance?
Err... not really.  There is a romantic subplot for Gage, but it is not the main thrust of the story.  It is an urban fantasy story, not a paranormal romance.  However, the romantic subplot moves faster in the new series than it did in the Dark Days series.

3.  Do I have to read the stories in order?
No! Unlike the Dark Days series, where you needed to read the books in order so you could understand everything that was happening, I am writing this series as more of an episodic adventure.  There are plotlines that run from the first book to the second, but the stories are told in such a way that you don't have to read them in sequential order to understand them.

4.  Are there vampires?
Sort of.  After writing the Dark Days series, which I loved, I needed a break from vampires.  Sort of.  Vampires exist in this world so that means that they can definitely make an appearance, but as of this moment they do not have a starring role.  Also, these vampires are different from the vampires in the Dark Days series.

5.  Will you ever write vampires again?
Definitely.  I love vampires.  They have always been my favorite.  But with the Dark Days series, I managed to say everything I wanted to say about vampires, so I thought it was time to move on.  When I have something new to say about them, I will circle back.

6. Are The Asylum Tales going to be as dark as the Dark Days series?
No.  By the nature of Mira's world and the fact that they were constantly on the edge of everything falling completely apart, the stories seemed to naturally become dark.  It also worked that way because of Mira's personality.  Gage is different.  Yes, he can be dark like Mira, but most of the time he's not.  The world isn't going to end if Gage fails, but a lot of people that he cares about could get seriously hurt if not killed.  The world is strange, weird, funny, and frequently unexpected.  There is danger around every corner, but Gage and his friends know how to handle a lot of it because they live there day in and day out.  The Asylum Tales will still have death, violence, and lots of dangers, but I'm hoping that you're going to spend a little time laughing as well. 

7.  What do you have finished of The Asylum Tales?
The first book has been accepted by my editor and has been moved on to the copy editing stage.  That means the story is set and now I'm tweaking wording and such.  The two novellas have been written and are awaiting approval from my editor.  If approved, they move on to the copy editing stage.  If not approved, I go in and do some revisions.  I am currently writing the rough draft of the second book, which is due to my editor in mid-February.

8.  When will the new series be released?
I don't know.

This is where things get complicated, because things have shifted from the original plans.  The original plan was to release the first book as a mass market paperback (like the Dark Days series) in late June.  You may have even seen the pre-order go up on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, listing the book as ANGEL WINGS.

Well, shortly after that listing went up, my publisher reaccessed the market, as well as my sales record and a few other things.  As a result, HarperCollins is now releasing the first book as a trade paperback.  This is a slightly bigger book than the mass paperback.  It tends to be slightly more expensive, but I'm not sure on any exacts as everything is currently shifting in the market, including price.  Due to the change in format, the release date of the first book has been moved from June to October 2012.  This will give my publisher more time to plan for the release of the trade paperback.

I know, that's a long time between books!  But never fear.  We still have a few things to tide you over to make the waiting more manageable.

Before the release of the first book, the two novellas for The Asylum Tales will be released as e-books.  Prior to revisions, they are both hovering close to 100 pages each, so they are a nice read. The two stories are prequels to the series and detail the events that surround Gage meeting Bronx and Trixie.  Both stories were a lot of fun to write, but I think Bronx's story is my favorite at the moment.  (That silly troll!)  Last I heard, they were going to release both stories in a single e-book, but that might change since that was the plan before the release date was pushed to October.  I'll keep you updated.

What do we know:
1. The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten e-book novella will be released on 1/31/2012
2. There is one more Dark Days prequel novella e-book to be release in 2012. (Date TBD)
3. There are two novella stories for The Asylum Tales series to be release in e-book format in 2012. (Date TBD)
4.  The first book in The Asylum Tales series will be released as a trade paperback in October 2012.

What we don't know:
1. Official release dates for three of the four novellas to be released in 2012.
2. The OFFICIAL titles for any of The Asylum Tales stories.
3. Covers.  (I haven't seen anything yet.  They are still working on them)
4. The winning Powerball numbers for the lottery.

So, my job is to finish the second book and update you on three of the four items that we don't know as I get information from my publisher.  (I'm not telling you the lottery numbers if I manage to mystically see them.)

I think those stories should keep you busy throughout 2012, giving me time to line some stuff up for next year.  (Wow!  Scary thought.  I'm already writing for 2013.)

If you've got any other questions, please feel free to leave them here or on my discussion board.  I will answer them as best as I can.  Thanks!

Holiday Book Deals

The holidays are a time of getting together with family, eating too much food, and finding great deals on e-books!  I am excited to report that Harper Voyager and Avon are running some fantastic deals right now on some awesome e-books, and you don't want to miss out.

Do you have that friend who has yet to start the Dark Days series?  Do they need a copy of Nightwalker, but haven't bought it for their e-reader yet?  Well, the book is now available for only $1.99.  Such a small cost for the start of a great vampire series.
 
Also, don't forget that The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten will be coming out at the end of January and it is only $0.99 for the novella (previously released in the Unbound anthology).  This prequel is a great way to get someone hooked to the series.

Do you need some other fantastic sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy books to read?  I thought you did.  Harper Voyager is offering great books from Kim Harrison, Richard Kadrey, Vicki Pettersson, and more for $1.99 or less.  So hurry over and treat yourself or a friend to some fantastic books!

Wait!  You need a little romance to get through the holidays.  I completely understand.  Avon is hosting a 12 days of Christmas sale and you don't want to miss it!  They are also releasing several e-books for only $1.99.  These books are from authors such as Kerrelyn Sparks, Terri Garey, Johanna Lindsey, Lynsay Sands, and many more.

With your holiday shopping done, the tree is trimmed, and the pantry is filled, why don't you load up on some great books.  You can snuggle up and lose yourself for a few hours (or days) in a world of magic, danger, and love.