Happy 2012!

Wishing you all Health, Happiness and Prosperity for 2012. 

May you leave the worries and disappointments of the past behind, carry the joys of your heart and those you love with you, and may the New Year bring all that is wonderful for you and yours. xxx

Happy Book Birthday - The Bitter Seed of Magic (US)

Hello, my lovelies! Here's hoping you've all had a great Christmas, or great weekend if Christmas isn't your celebration, and that you're all still enjoying the winter holiday. And for those of you already back to work, an extra special hello!) :-D

I'm here to say Happy Book Birthday to ME! *G*

The Bitter Seed of Magic is out today in the US! Yay! 
Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, Chapters.ca, Powell's, Amazon.co.uk


On the surface, Genny's life seems ripple-free right now. Finn, her sexy boss and -- well, Genny's not sure what else she wants him to be -- has stopped pushing for a decision on their relationship. The seductive vampire Malik al-Khan has vanished back into the shadows. And the witches have declared her no longer a threat. But unless Genny can find a way to break the fertility curse afflicting London's fae, she knows this is just the lull before the magical storm.

Then a faeling -- a teenage girl -- is fished out of the River Thames, dead and bound with magic, and Genny is called into investigate. As she digs through the clues, her search takes a sinister and dangerous turn, exposing age-old secrets that might be better left buried. Then another faeling disappears, and Genny finds herself in a race against time to save the faeling and stop the curse from claiming its next victim -- herself!

Read Chapter One here!

And it shares a Book Birthday with these wonderful books by my writerly pals! Plus there's many others! So if you were given any of those handy book vouchers as pressies, then you've got plenty of fabulous new books to choose from! (Including mine! *g*)
HAPPY READING!

A totally AWESOME book by my fab crit partner! A MUST read!

Now that the threat of war has passed, Sabina Kane is ready to focus on the future. Her relationship with Adam Lazarus is getting stronger and she's helping her sister, Maisie, overcome the trauma of her captivity in New Orleans. Even Giguhl is managing to stay out of trouble thanks to the arrival of Pussy Willow and his new roller derby team. But as much as Sabina wants to feel hopeful about the future, part of her doesn't believe that peace is possible.

Her suspicions are confirmed when a string of sadistic murders threatens to stall treaty negotiations between the mages and the vampires. Sabina pitches in to find the killer, but her investigation soon leads her down dark paths that have her questioning everyone she thought she could trust. And the closer she gets to the killer, the more Sabina begins to suspect this is one foe she may not be able to kill.

So looking forward to reading this! I know it's going to be great!

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the covenstead from the earth.

Max finds herself in the Shadow City, a place of mysteries and magic, where she must battle for her freedom or become a slave to creatures of dreadful greed and power. Back in Horngate, Alexander must swallow his anger and pride if he hopes to defeat the Fury, a creature that no one has ever successfully fought before.

In the end, it will be courage, friendship, faith and loyalty that win the day. Or else so one will live to see tomorrow.

Oh, my, sexy selkies! What's not to love? *fins, err, sorry, fans herself!* Giveaway here!

A lonely widow and a handsome artist have a chance for happiness…with the help of a sexy selkie, that is.

After the death of Meredith’s husband many years before, she allowed his legacy to take over her life. A shell of a woman, she finds little joy in her day-to-day tasks. Drawn to her pain, the empathic selkie Dylan knows she’s ready to live and love again, and he knows that he’s just the man for the job.

As Dylan draws Meredith out of her shell, he realizes that to truly free her, he needs to help her accept her budding love for Alexander, an artist who challenges Meredith on every level: intellectually, emotionally and sexually. To achieve a true happy ending, Dylan must help his chosen humans break down their emotional barriers in order to grab the happiness they so deserve.

Warning: This book features a lonely widow, a hot artist waiting in the wings, and the sexy selkie who brings them together…in every possible way.

Last one! *sad face* Can't wait to find out what happens!
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld. . .

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice.

Merry Christmas with Pic Spam!

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate*! 
Wishing you all a wonderful day and hope Santa was good to you!
Slàinte!

And now I shall inflict upon you some vaguely appropriate Pic Spam! *g*
A snowy scene from the garden (taken last year - no snow this year)
We don't have a hen house, but he didn't let it stop him! The local fox stealing a fatball (again taken last year :-))
Our Garden Reindeer!

Hot Secret Santa Pressie from my Writers' Group! Yay! I heart my Writers' Group!
A sweet Xmas gift from awesome author and Peanut Butter enabler - Amanda Carlson - Watch out for her books next year; they're going to be howling great! :-D
*And Happy Holidays to everyone else!

Friday Five and a half!

1. Supernatural Capital Tours are back with their new Troll Trail. Check it out over here at Falcata Times!


2. Lisa Ryans has a giveaway here for The Cold Kiss of Death. Ends Dec 31st (not sure if it's international).



3. Romantic Times Magazine has a great review of The Bitter Seed of Magic. Yay! Thank you! And they even have a picture of the cover! *g*

THE BITTER SEED OF MAGIC
by Suzanne McLeod

Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
  RT Rating

Fertility, a curse and the survival of various fae races are at the heart of what haunts gutsy Sidhe heroine Genny Taylor. McLeod uses her gift for storytelling to deliver a truly terrific read that is certain to keep you perched on the edge of your seat until the very last page.  Reviewed By: Jill M. Smith


Shameless Self-Promo Below:
The Bitter Seed of Magic is out now UK
The Bitter Seed of Magic is out Dec 27 in the US
and Jan 16 in German - Bittersüße Nacht 


 4. Argh! My TBR is out of control!

84 books in my kindle TBR file.
35 in the print TBR.
8 on my laptop.

Given that I've read around 80 books this year, it's going to take me most of next year to catch up. O_O

Saying that . . .
5. Book Tease Time

5 * + Books I've read that I think you're going to want to! *g*

Silver-Tongued Devil (Sabina Kane) Jaye Wells (12/27/11)
Blue-Blooded Vamp (Sabina Kane) Jaye Wells (5/22/12)
Devil's Punch: (Corine Solomon) Ann Aguirre (4/312)
  (Sept 2012)
 Sept 2012)
Shadow's Bloom by Tammy Moore (Date TBC)

5 1/2. Some books I'm itching to read

Deadlocked: (Sookie Stackhouse) Charlaine Harris (5/1/12)
Gunmetal Magic  Ilona Andrews (7/31/12)
Full Blooded (Jessica McClain) Amanda Carlson (9/1/12)

So, what books are you all itching to read in 2012?

Taming Your Plot Bunnies Writers' Workshop

I'm doing a writers' workshop on Taming Your Plot Bunnies at the fabulous

Get Writing 2012 The Annual Conference of Verulam Writers' Circle

The conference will feature an array of influential and creative people* in the UK publishing business, offering talks, workshops, seminars and a lot of networking
Returning for their 4th year are our hugely popular 3 and 5 minute pitches direct to leading agents and editors.
More details here

Taming Your Plot Bunnies workshop details here.

When and where?

11th Feb 2012

Noon - 1pm - Writer's Workshop - Taming Your Plot Bunnies

de Havilland Campus
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield
AL10 9AB
UK


*And me!! :-D

Gollancz Samaritans Auction - including Editorial Reviews!

My fabulous UK publishers Gollancz @  are doing a mighty fine thing. They’re holding an eBay auction to raise money for the Samaritans. @. The auction includes some cool stuff, plenty of books, and opportunities for unpublished writers out there – having thousands of words reviewed and edited by my awesome editor Gillian Redfearn, and other (equally awesome) Gollancz editors. Books, editorial guidance, lunch with publishers, and marketing help – plenty for everyone.

It’s a fantastic cause, and comes at a time of year (and a period where the economy is really starting to suffer), when the Samaritans could probably do with a bit of help. If you don’t fancy bidding, then please do spread word to anyone who might be interested.

*blog post ganked with thanks from fab author Mark Charan Newton as my brain is currently fried by revisions :-)

Book Lovers Inc. Advent Calendar Giveaway!

Hello!

Christmas is getting nearer every day!

*panics and rushes round like a headless turkey*

And the fabulous ladies over at Book Lovers Inc. have a Book'y Advent Calendar going on. Yay! The giveaway behind today's door is The Bitter Seed of Magic (or winner's choice of one of my books :-D). So why not head on over there and join in the holiday fun!!

Giveaway ends Dec 17 and is INT.. where Book Depository ships.

*inserts shameless self-promo*

The Bitter Seed of Magic is out now in the UK and Auz.
The Bitter Seed of Magic releases US on Dec 27; the perfect time to buy it with your Christmas Book Vouchers! *hint hint* :-D
Bittersüße Nacht is out Jan 16 in German.

*Toots Book's own Horn*

Here's what the lovely Caroline* of Book Lovers Inc. said about The Bitter Seed of Magic!

"This book was fantastic. It’s even better than the 2nd book. The story has so many twists and turns, it was a ‘OMG’-fest in my house. (Suzanne you’re still EVIL!) I just didn’t see any of these events coming. Suzanne McLeod created a very fascinating and complex world. I didn’t want the book to end. Fanta-bulous."
Read the full review here!

I HEART Caroline! *g*

Messenger of the Goddess!

Hello, my lovlies, I'm absolutely thrilled to show you the Messenger of the Goddess an awesome piece by the fabulous Psynde of Cemetery Cat Designs, inspired by The Bitter Seed of Magic. Wouldn't it make a fantastic present for Christmas, or even a treat for yourself? And why not check out the rest of Cemetery Cat's wares! Lots of wonderful things to choose from if anyone's looking for ideas :-D


‘Messenger of the Goddess’; bestowed with the power to travel between the planes of existence to better serve the wishes of his mistress. To be granted the raven’s assistance is to receive Her blessing and protection.
 
A sterling silver over brass raven flies across your neck holding an oval faceted rainbow moonstone (with flashes of blue), silver plate chain holds it all together, while another moonstone dangles from the clasp.17"

Surfin´ Bulldogs!

Yay! Dogs having fun! What could be better?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. 
Wishing you a wonderful day!

Thanksgiving wallpaper ganked from here with thanks.

'Brave' - Love this!

New Brave Trailer | Official Disney Pixar 2012 Trailer | HD

For the Fallen


They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Yay! Shiny New Cover!

ZOMG! Looky here at my book's gorgeous new cover! I LOVE it*! 
*strokes new cover*
The Gollancz Cover Gods are A-MA-ZING! Bows down in thanks to the Cover Gods!!! :-D
Cover on its own in all its shiny awesomeness (with a sword! Yep, slight spoiler there *g*) 

All four new covers together in their shiny matching awesomeness
Here's the blurb* for The Shifting Price of Prey from the back cover . . .

ETA: Sorry, now with spoiler'ish bits removed if you haven't read book 3.

Sometimes a bit of magical help might cost more than you bargained for . . .

London is hosting the Carnival Fantastique, and Genny's job has never been busier or more fulfilling. Only not everyone is so happy. The fae are in trouble again and Genny learns the mysterious Emperor may have the solution they need – if Genny can find him.

Genny needs help. She turns to the vampire, Malik al-Khan, only to find he’s wrestling with his own demons. Genny’s own problems are about to multiply too. An old flame arrives with a tragic situation, just as the police request her urgent assistance with a magical kidnap. Is it all unconnected, or can the Emperor help her solve more than the fae’s troubles?


The Backgrounds
The Sweet Scent of Blood - Trafalgar Square, London
The Cold Kiss of Death - Southwark Cathedral, London
The Bitter Seed of Magic - The White Tower, Tower of London
The Shifting Price of Prey - The Regent's Park Mosque, London

*As you can probably tell by the explosion of !!!!!!!!! *g*
*Blurbs on Amazon are currently messed up - am waiting for them to get it sorted.
Note: Sorry for the low quality jpeg, I'm waiting on a large size file, but couldn't resist sharing! Yay!
Note 2: Cover for book 2 is an old file (have managed to mislay the correct jpeg somewhere on my laptop *sigh* Ms Organisation I am not.). The correct cover has Spellcrackers.com, not Spellcrackers Book 2 :-)

International Urban Fantasy Month - Winners!

Thanks to all who entered, there were lots of great Urban Fantasy posts and lots of Urban Fantasy love!
I had a lot of fun reading them all!

Now for the winners of the International Urban Fantasy Month giveaway . . .

*Spooky Drumroll*

Blodeuedd who said...
I love it because honestly it is just so kickass. I love the spunky heroines that know what they want and they do not back down and have to be rescued by the hero (well not all the time at least)

And I love that there is always that hint of romance around the corner, sometimes explored a bit, sometimes growing

Anna who said...
I love Urban Fantasy because it is the first genre I discovered when I decided to read something in another language than my native one.Silly I know but first love does hard :)
And I love its authors because they seriously know how to create tough female heroes who struggle to overcome any obstacles!

Breanne who said...
I love UF because you can get a great story with elements of mystery, action and romance, all rolled together with a magical twist. Great way to spend an afternoon and escape to a new place for a few hours.

Congratulations all! Happy Hallowe'en! And emails are on their way to the winners soon!

*Thanks to Random.org. Pumpkin image from here (with many more cool ones!) with thanks!

Halloween Mash!

Please join me and dozens of your favorite authors at the 2011 Halloween Mash at Writerspace tonight from 8pm ET to 11pm ET. We’re giving away 100s of fantastic prizes -- Kindles, autographed books, gift cards and more. The more who enter, the more Kindles will be awarded! You don't have to be present to win, but you must be registered. To register and for details visit http://www.writerspace.com/halloween/

I'm giving away 3 signed copies of The Bitter Seed of Magic! Yay!

And don't forget to enter the International Urban Fantasy Month giveaway in the blog post below! Lots more books to win! But be quick it ends tonight!

International Urban Fantasy Month - Giveaways!

Hello, fellow urban fantasy fans!

Look what the fabulous Jaye Wells is up to . . .

(and 'cause I'm in the middle of revisions and my brain is fried - I'll let Jaye tell you in her own words - stolen straight from the awesome lady's mouth, err, blog! Oh, and, I'm coming slightly late to the party here - those revisions again :-D)

(Giveaway over at Jaye's, and one here - check below!)

I am hereby declaring October International Urban Fantasy Month!

Yes, yes, we only have two weeks left. But I think we put our evil minds to it, we can really blow this out. Naturally, my first thought was to hold a contest to celebrate. But I didn’t want to do just any contest. I wanted to do something that celebrates the genre but also brings new fans into the fold.

Here’s where you come in. Everyone who writes a love letter to Urban Fantasy on their own blogs (be sure to track back to this one so you’re counted) or here in comments if you don’t have a blog of your own, will be entered for a chance to win an epic prize pack of Urban Fantasy novels (with a couple of paranormal romances thrown in for spice).

So what constitutes an urban fantasy love letter? Talk about your favorite books or characters. Talk about what you love about the genre in general. Write a snarky haiku, romantic sonnet or dirty limerick. Anything goes as long as its about UF and how awesome it is.

Go check out the awesome list of prizes OVER ON JAYE'S BLOG.  Includes a copy of The Sweet Scent of Blood! Yay!

So join in and spread the urban fantasy love. Tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell the world:

Urban fantasy rocks!

Other authors getting into the spirit of Intl. Urban Fantasy Month are:

Sierra Dean's blog

Michelle Rowan's blog

And Me! Right here!

To Enter my Giveaway: Leave a comment on this post about urban fantasy and why you love it or its authors. And don't forget to go enter the other giveaways too!

3 winners can each choose 3 books from the list of books below.
Winners will be chosen by Random.org.
Please leave email (remembering to replace @ with at to forestall spam), twitter, or way to contact you in comment.
Closes October 30, 2011. Winners announced Oct 31st. International where Book Depository deliver.
Full giveaway rules at bottom of post here.

RED-HEADED STEPCHILD by Jaye Wells
THE MAGE IN BLACK by Jaye Wells
GREEN-EYED DEMON by Jaye Wells

TEMPEST RISING by Nicole Peeler
TRACKING THE TEMPEST by Nicole Peeler
TEMPEST’S LEGACY by Nicole Peeler


The Sweet Scent of Blood (Spellcrackers #1) by Suzanne McLeod
The Cold Kiss of Death (Spellcrackers #2) by Suzanne McLeod
The Bitter Seed of Magic (Spellcrackers #3) by Suzanne McLeod 

Mind Games (The Disillusionists Trilogy: Book 1) by Carolyn Crane






Double Cross (The Disillusionists Trilogy: Book 2) by Carolyn Crane

Sins of the Angels (The Grigori Legacy #1) by Linda Poitevin

Kindling the Moon: An Arcadia Bell Novel #1 by Jenn Bennett

Twisting Myths!

I'm talking about myths over at the fab new Gollancz blog - why not go see? :-D

Can you see them?

It's no secret I love Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books, and lookee here! My lovely publisher, Gollancz, have given the UK editions some bloody spiffy new covers!

(I've added the obligatory Eric Northman pic*, to round out the set, of course! *g*)

But can you see what's there? I couldn't, not until it was pointed out to me* :-D


*observationalskillzfail* *sigh*

*Clue! Check out the blood!

Filming at The Rookery!

Want to know a really scary exciting, cool thing that happened to me a couple of weeks ago? 'Course you do! (Hey, stop that heckling at the back there! *g*) Well, I was filmed* for a short piece that's going to be part of the fantastic TV show - The Book Show. Squeeeeee! (and also *faints*) Find them on twitter here: @thebookshow

The show's host, Mariella Frostrup, is interviewing Anne Rice, author of Interview with a Vampire (bet you can guess what they wanted to ask me about - yep, those fanged creatures who are so popular just now *g*). So if you want to see how I did *bites knuckles* (and you're in the UK and can view the Sky TV channel 243 - not sure if it will be available online - for which you're all probably thankful ;p) then tune in at 8pm on Thursday 13th October.

*The actual filming took just over an hour - obviously that's a lot of me on film O_O, which was pretty nerve wracking, though not so bad as it could've been, as I knew that they were only going to use about 2/4 mins of it at most (the best/most pertinent bits *phew*). And for those interested in these things, I did my own make up - not one of my strong suits, and something I don't usually wear too much of, so hopefully I don't look too washed out or overdone *sighs*.

The film crew consisted of the lovely Victoria who asked me questions, the camera man, the lighting man, and the sound man, all who were very friendly and professional. The filming took place in the gorgeous room above (I sat at the side end of the table there, with the bookcases behind me). The room was chosen for its slightly gothic feel, and the curtains drawn/lights off so it looked suitably dark, but the actual camera lights trained on me were bright enough to double for an interrogation! (Not that it felt like that at all :-D!!). Victoria and the cameraman also had a small monitor which they used to check they were getting the shots they wanted, and the mic - perched just above my head - wasn't in frame. It was really so interesting and cool to see how it is all done.

I wasn't the only one being filmed (I didn't see any of the other participants, though, so I don't know who they are :-)), so I'm curious to see who else is on the show.

Hey, and if I really suck, please be kind to me :-)

ETA: Well, I got my 15 seconds of fame :-D. I was quite anxious waiting to see what I was going to sound/look like*  and whilst short (yep, hope no one blinked, otherwise they'd have missed me - which is a whole lot better than ending on the cutting room floor *g*), but I thought I did okay'ish. So, now feeling very relieved, it's wine o'clock! And loved the spooky lights and sounds added!

With thanks to the superawesome Jon Weir, Senior Publicity Manager at Gollancz for getting me the gig - find him on twitter @jon_weir

Book Chat + Giveaway at Book Lovers Inc.

I'm over at the wonderful Book Lovers Inc, talking a bit about characters and books (bet that surprised you, heh? *g*), for their 1000 Follower Celebration!

Plus there are Giveaways!Woot!!

Winner's choice of one of my books (Int.)! 
(Read them already? Then why not enter to win for a friend and spread the Spellcrackers love :-D)
A super-awesome Blowout Giveaway!
And more fabulous giveaways to come! 

Book Lovers INC

All Giveaways will end on Saturday, October 22 and Book Lovers Inc will announce the winners on Sunday, 23rd. Details here.

Dragons, Daleks and Spooky Houses!

Facebook/Twitter peeps will have already seen, but the pic spam is too good not to share again :-D

Where I'm going this weekend . . .


Yay! And here's my schedule! 

Friday
4:00 – 5:00 pm
HAS CROSSOVER OVERTAKEN GENRE? (Fitzherbert Room): Suzanne
McLeod, Gary McMahon, Mike Carey, Steve Mosby, Sarah Pinborough (mod.)


8:00 - 9:00 pm
MASS SIGNING  with tons of other wonderful folk. I'm happy to sign anything (within reason *g*), and especially happy to sign any of my books! *looks hopeful*.


Saturday
Will be there all day and enjoying all the panels - if you're going, check out the programme: there's lots of great ones to choose from. (Oh, and will more than likely be enjoying some quality time in the bar :-D) #needsacloneorthree


Sunday
Will be around in the morning, then sadly will have to leave :-(


So if you're at FantasyCon, do say hello and chat; I promise I won't bite . . . *looks shifty*. And forgive me if I peer curiously at your badge (particularly if we know each other from twitter or somewhere - I'm dreadful about remembering names *sigh* )

Bread Pic Spam!

I've been watching the Great British Bake Off, which is strangely addictive viewing (or maybe that's just me drooling *g*). So duly inspired, I present you with Bread Pic Spam!




It's been a long while since I baked bread (over a decade, or nearly two, poss), but other than it needs more salt, it turned out not too shabby. :-)

Anyone else done any procrastination, err, sorry, bread baking recently?

Giveaways, faeries and Hawt Guy pics!

Two chances to win your choice of one of my books!

I'm interviewed over at Dangerous Romance - not only that, but the lovely Laurie there asked what Malik and Finn look like, so I spent a long while procrastinating had a quick shifty round the internet searching for pics of Hawt Guys who might fit the bill. So there's a couple of pics up with the interview - along with Laurie's own take on Malik (definitely hawt, and one of my fav actors *fans herself*). Plus you could win your choice of one of my books! So what are you waiting for? Go now! You know you want to! *g*


I'm also over at awesome author Shiloh Walker's place with a short piece about a faerie myth I love, and an extract from The Cold Kiss of Death (if you haven't read it yet!) as part of Shiloh's Grimm Giveaway!

There's other Grimm guests stopping by with excerpts, guest blogs, and prizes every day. So why not check them out? 

Commenting each day over at Shiloh's will enter you for that day’s prize (your choice of one of my books, on my day :-D), and all comments left on the Grimm giveaway posts will be entered to win Shiloh's prize…an angel wing pendant by Luxe Deluxe.
And Shiloh's fab new book - Locked in Silence - is due out on Sept 20!


Dying is hard enough… coming back to life is brutal.


Grimm’s Circle, Book 5

Vanya has been hunting and killing demons ever since one of them scarred her face and killed her sister. Correction—since she was forced to kill the demon possessing her sister.

Then some sort of angel offers her a deal she can’t refuse—that if she becomes one of them, she gets to kill even more demons. Tonight, she’s made that choice. The death she smells on the air will be her own—and she welcomes it.

Silence feels a darkness is looming. Change—something he has every reason not to welcome. The deeply hidden memories that robbed him of his past, of his own name, render him unfit to teach anyone the ways of the Grimm. Yet here he is in the dankest sex club in town, waiting to assume his charge—after he stands by and watches her die.

When Vanya awakes, their complicated, dangerous dance begins. And so does something else—a searing need that blisters along their unexpected mental connection. Silence shouldn’t be drawn to his student, but once they touch, he can’t think of a reason to stop. Even though acting out their darkest desires puts them in more danger than they realize.

Warning: This book contains sex-starved demons, lonely angels, demon-angel sandwiches, blood, violence, death and a happy-ever-after.

**

Oh, and just in case you can't get enough of hearing all about me, me, me . . . *g* then don't forget to check out the grilling I got about Spellcrackers vampires from wonderful Jalisa here over at her Semi-Educational Reviews (among other things) blog! 

My Super Power! Not! And Paella!

I am disorganised, no really*, it's the opposite of having a Super Power. I see and buy lovely cards thinking that next time I need a b'day card, I will have one handy! Except for some reason when b'days come round, the only cards I have handy are all Get Well or New Home cards*. So, today, in further proof (if I needed it) of my dreadful disorganisation, I got an email from a dear friend to whom I had sent some books (via Book Depository) as a thank you . . . asking why she'd received the books! Because, of course, I hadn't told her they were on their way. *facepalm*

And on the same subject, Mr Mc and I love paella. (How is that relevant, I hear you cry! But hey, bear with me, I'll get there!) So some years ago (let's say between 12 and 15 as I'm really not sure) after a lovely holiday during which we ate a lot of paella, and drunk a lot of sangria, I bought one of these . . .

Now this pan was an 18 inch diameter beauty of polished steel (hey, I buy big! That's what a freezer is for!) and came wrapped in special paper to protect it from damp and stop it rusting. This pan also spent a lot of time* wrapped in its special paper in cupboards and on top of cupboards and on top of fridges and freezers. It moved house three times. It was carefully looked after during two major renovations*. And yep, I never used it!

Then a couple of weeks ago-- I finished writing my book!! Yay!

Things other than writing happen when I finish books *g*

So we were watching the fabulous Rick Stein rock around somewhere hot and sunny, with lots of lovely seafood and markets full of brightly coloured veggies, and saw him do his cheffy bit on cooking paella! And as we were drooling over the TV, the idea fairy whispered in my ear-- Ah, ha! I thought, I have a paella pan! I too, could make paella!

So all the ingredients (not the saffron; strangely enough, I already had that in the cupboard, unused and only slightly out of date, from the last time I might have had this very same idea . . .) were sourced from the local supermarket, along with a handy recipe on the packet of paella rice, and I set out to make a fabulouso paella . . .

Except . . .

Yep, you've guessed it-- The paella pan was nowhere to be found. Not in the kitchen, the garage, the shed, the loft, nowhere. This pan was not small. It should be here. Neither Mr Mc nor I can remember doing anything other than take care of this pan, and believe me, the 'unused' paella pan has been a subject of many 'discussions' between us (as has the unused fish kettle, which is not missing . . .). But sadly the paella pan has utterly vanished. It is a mystery, due, no doubt, in some form to my dis-organisational abilities, possibly. A mystery I suspect we will never solve. *sad face*

In other news I did cook paella (in a large casserole) and it was scrummy! Next time I'll remember and take pictures :-D

So, have any of you 'lost' something huge, oh say, like an 18 inch diameter paella pan?


*This actually won't come as news to those who know me ;p
*Seriously, I have five New Home cards. People I know don't move that often. I suspect house-hopping rabbits are involved.
*I have mad DIY skillz!
*All its time!

Interview about Vampires* in Spellcrackers!

The fabulous Jalisa has interrogated interviewed me about all sorts from what I think makes a good story, to how I developed the Spellcrackers world’s specific vampire lore.

Why not click on over and see what I had to say? Go on, you know you want to! :-D

She's also done a lovely review of The Sweet Scent of Blood here!

*and other things! :-D

Friday Three!

1. I had a trip up to London yesterday and my editor, the wonderful Ms Redfearn, treated me to a scrumptious afternoon tea of delicious cakes, pastries and tasty finger sandwiches, very appropriately* here! Nomnomnom! And we had a great chat about what The Shifting Price of Prey needs to make it the best book it can be! So I'm plotting those ideas over, and hope to have all the revisions done in the next 3'ish weeks! Yay! Then it's on to #5 The Hidden Rune of Iron, which I'm eager to do, to see where Genny & Co., go next!

(And I can tell you that, yes, my editor did ask me That Question, you know, the one about Genny and who she might end up with . . . and I told her . . . she will have to wait, like everyone esle, till that part of Genny's story is written. *evil author cackles* *g*)

**
Book # 4


2.  Then I spent a fabulous evening at 'A Wake for Isak' a.k.a. a party to celebrate awesome author Tom Lloyd writing The End on the fifth and final book in his Twilight Reign series: The Dusk Watchman. With lots of bubbly, vino, and mojitos* to wet the finished book's pages interesting and great chats about things SFF and Book'ish with Gollancz folk and author pals Chris WoodingJaine Fenn, and Stephen Deas. And was delighted to meet author Simon Morden  and bookseller and blogger Den Patrick, who has a great post on Thoughts on Women in SFF on his blog. 

**

3.  Oh! Books! Lots of fabulous books! Thank you to some lovely book fairies.:-D

Down Home Murder: Toni L.P. Kelner
Tight as a Tick: Toni L. P. Kelner
Wed and Buried: Toni L. P. Kelner
The Sookie Stackhouse Companion: Charlaine Harris
Fire and Thorns: Rae Carson
The Iron Jackal: Chris Wooding
A Long, Long Sleep: Anna Sheehan
The Vampire Shrink: Lynda Hilburn





*which is right opposite the building where Genny lives!
* Why yes, I feel fine today, thank you ;p

Happy Book Birthday to Blood Sacrifice and Aftermath!

Happy Book Birthday to Maria Lima for Blood Sacrifice, # 5 in her fabulous Blood Lines series - and don't forget you can
leave a comment here to win
your choice of one of Maria's Blood Lines books
(Int. ends midnight 30th Aug GMT)

All’s fair in blood and war. . . 

Talk about wedding crashers from hell. Keira Kelly and her sexy vampire king, Adam, are about to tie the proverbial knot—sort of—when an uninvited blood relative shows up to cast a long, dark shadow over the happy occasion. It seems the dreaded forces of the Dark Fae have declared war on Keira’s family!


And Happy Book Birthday to Ann Aguirre for Aftermath*, #5 in the wonderful Sirantha Jax series.

During the war against murderous, flesh-eating aliens, grimspace "jumper" Sirantha Jax decided to go it alone. The cost of her actions: the destruction of modern interstellar travel-and the lives of six hundred Conglomerate soldiers. Now she's on trial fro dereliction of duty, desertion, mass murder, high treason...and her life.

I've been lucky enough to read both these awesome books and if you're a fan like me, you'll love them, and if you're not, then give these fantastic series a try, and I'm sure you'll love them as much as I do :-D

ETA: Via Nicole Peeler - an impressive list of lots of lots of great new releases here at Hanging with Bells blog! 

*Warning: This book made me cry (It takes a lot to do that when I'm reading :-)) - Ann is an *evil character torturing author*- and once you've finished Aftermath, you're going to be desperate to read Endgame! #justsayin' *g*

Where I'm going to be . . .

Saturday 10th September 2011 @ 3pm

 
Along with the fabulous Ben Aaronovitch - Book online
St Swithun’s upper hall: doors open 2.30pm, event starts 3pm.
Urban fantasy novelists Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London, Moon Over Soho) and Suzanne McLeod (Spellcrackers.com) read from and chat about their books, the fantasy / thriller / mystery genres and using London as a backdrop for their characters.

Read more about Ben Aaronovitch and Suzanne McLeod on the festival's website.

Details on how to get there 


So if you're about, then why not come and see us? We won't bite, promise! (but our characters might *g*)

A Long Strange Trip - Maria Lima - Guest Post + Giveaway

I'm thrilled to welcome the lovely Maria Lima to the blog today. Maria writes the fang-tabulous Blood Lines series with Keira Kelly and the gorgeous, sexy vampire Adam Walker. Blood Sacrifice - book 5 and sadly the last :-( - in the series is out on August 30th, and Maria's here to tell us how the series came about. She's also kindly offering a giveaway for one lucky commentator! (Int).

Congratulations on the upcoming release, Maria, and thanks so much for being here! The blog's all yours!

ETA: Winner has now been drawn and is:


Donnas who said...


Congrats on the upcoming release!! Looking forward to what you start on next!


An email's on it way to you, Donnas!


A Long Strange Trip

What a long, strange trip it’s been--to utterly steal the lines from the Grateful Dead. I mean, who knew just a mere seven years ago that I’d be (a) published and (b) wrapping up my first series? Not I--though my mother continues to insist she knew when I was a kid that I’d be a professional writer. Back then, I wanted to be a comic book artist. Go figure.

I love reading, so much so, that I toyed with the idea of becoming a librarian at one point. Then I found out that it required grad school--not necessarily a bad thing, but at that point, I was really, really sick of school and having to go a couple of extra years was just not on the menu. So I majored in journalism, broadcast and film, with an emphasis on TV and film--why? Because it was interesting. Employable, well, not so much. At least not in San Antonio, Texas. I could’ve done some internships at local TV stations or in radio, but honestly, I was pretty rootless and clueless when I finished college. I fell into the grind of corporate work, primarily in human resources. That said, I always found a way to write--whether employee focused newsletters or marketing copy, I needed to soothe that muse that kept hitting me over the head.

It wasn’t until I re-invented myself in late 1999 that I knew I wanted a huge change. I moved from Texas to the DC area to work in tech in mid 2000. I’d been a member of Sisters in Crime for years and already knew a ton of people in the area, mostly writers. They all encouraged me. So I wrote, and wrote, and wrote.

My first short story, “The Butler Didn’t Do It”, was published in 2004, via a Sisters in Crime anthology. It garnered an Agatha Award nomination. My first novel, MATTERS OF THE BLOOD, followed the next year (via a small press, which eventually folded). I came very close to giving up after that--but at the very same convention, I met the person who kickstarted my writing career: John Betancourt, owner of Wildside Press. Wildside republished Matters, then went on to publish the 2nd book, BLOOD BARGAIN. Then, thanks to John, who entered into a co-publishing agreement with Pocket Books, both those books were republished by Pocket, immediately followed by the third book, then the final two.

A total whirlwind? Yeah. Absolutely. Kind of like my protagonist’s life, actually. Keira’s just sitting around and hanging out when things begin to happen to change her life--for the better. I’ve loved every minute of it. Now that the final Blood Lines book is coming out, what’s next?

I’m working on the audiobooks for the series (I’m doing the reading). The audiobooks will be issued via Audible.com thanks to Wildside Press. I’m also working on some other writing projects. The show goes on as do I.

What do you readers want to see?

###

Yay! Thanks for the great post, Maria. I ♥♥♥ the Blood Lines series, and I'm lucky enough to be reading Blood Sacrifice now as my 'treat book' for reaching The End on my own! Blood Sacrifice is a wonderful book, the best in the series I think, so all the Blood Lines fans have got a fab treat in store too!

Giveaway

For a chance to win a copy of one of Maria's books (winner's choice) please leave a comment for Maria: Either what book you'd like to see Maria do next, or your favourite character in the Blood Lines series, or leave Maria your congratulations!

Please leave a way to contact you (email in comment: Please remember to replace @ with [at] to forestall spam - or your twitter name - no way to contact you - no entry).

Giveaway is international and closes end of day (GMT time) August 30th 2011.

Full General Terms and Rules at the bottom of this post here.

x/posted to LJ. Comment here or there. One entry per person.

Blood Sacrifice
The Blood Lines series - Book 5 - August 30, 2011

All’s fair in blood and war. . . .

Talk about wedding crashers from hell. Keira Kelly and her sexy vampire king Adam are about to tie the proverbial knot—sort of—when an uninvited blood relative shows up to cast a long dark shadow over the happy occasion. Adam’s brother Gideon comes bearing the one-size-fits-all gift of bad news: an ancient, convoluted Challenge thrown down upon the entire Kelly clan. It seems the dreaded forces of the fae have declared war on Keira’s family, and at stake is the land that is rightfully theirs.

But while the Kellys gather their troops in a historic San Antonio hotel to strategize, there’s mayhem back in Rio Seco. The old cemetery is vandalized, fires break out everywhere, and—worst of all—the Kelly clan matriarch and leader, Keira’s great-great-grandmother Minerva, goes missing. Should Keira risk breaking the Challenge rules by returning to her beloved home, or should she continue the waiting game that seems the only other option? With everything she loves, maybe even her life, on the line, she has only one chance to get the answer right.

Buy from:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Book Depository 
Or any good bookstore :-).
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