Wolfy Chicks: The Blog with BITE

Spirited Anthology by Leap Books

2011-10-15T05:46:00.000-06:00

TAKING A WICKED LEAP FOR LITERACY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Leap Books digs the importance of literacy – and they’ve unearthed 13 haunting tales to help spread the word. After all, there’s no rest for the wicked.

More than a dozen young adult paranormal fiction authors are contributing to Spirited, a collection of steampunk, cyberpunk and downright spooky stories guaranteed to get your heart racing. Proceeds from the anthology will be donated to National 826, a literacy-based charity.

“Leap Books tends to lean towards the eccentric and snarky, so when we found an organization that’s a little off-the-wall and dovetails with our goals – reading and writing – we couldn’t resist,” says Spirited editor, Kat O’Shea. “One of our goals is to get teens excited about books. What better way to do that than to offer stories by some of their favorite authors?”

The anthology features supernatural tales by bestselling writers such as Maria V. Snyder, Candace Havens, Shannon Delany, Linda Joy Singleton, Heather Kenealy and more.

“I was amazed at how many well-known authors were willing to carve time out of their hectic schedules to benefit charity,” says O’Shea.

For bestselling author and leading entertainment journalist Candace Havens, Charmed & Dangerous (Berkley), the chance to be a part of Spirited was a no-brainer. Trying her hand at a ghost story was something she’s wanted to do for a long time, and as the emcee for several literacy charity events, she hears amazing stories of literacy inspiration all the time.

“When my first novel came out, one of the nurses at my doctor’s office bought my book for her daughter,” she says. “The daughter was in her 20s and had never read a book all the way through. She read mine and told her mom she wanted more. She didn’t know books could be so fun. A story like that will get you through those tough writing times.”

As a school library technician, Judith Graves, Under My Skin (Leap Books), has seen the power of literacy awareness, promotion and support at work, and believes any organization that offers this is worthy of heralding.

“When I heard that the Spirited anthology had a paranormal theme and that proceeds would go to a literacy-based charity, I was ready to claw my way onto the roster,” she says. “Luckily, my story made the cut and no editors were harmed in the making of this anthology.”

That’s not to say there aren’t a few deaths involved. Albeit fictional. With the e-book launch slated for October 31, 2011, Spirited is the perfect read for young thrill-seekers. While many of the featured authors will be hauntingly familiar to fans of the paranormal, readers will be invited to discover new authors venturing into the genre.

New York Times Bestselling author Maria V. Snyder, Poison Study (Mira), says the opportunity to write for Spirited offered a creative challenge. “The subject or theme of an anthology is usually not within my comfort zone of fantasy and science fiction, and I always have fun playing in someone else’s sandbox.”

Leap Books is also thinking outside of the coffin with this release. In addition to a macabre and eclectic collection of stories, Spirited will feature some unique graphics, including AR (augmented reality) in a cyberpunk/dystopian story by award-winning author Shannon Delaney, 13 to Life (St. Martin’s Griffin).

“Readers will be able to hold the story icons under a webcam to see some cool 3-D effects,” says O’Shea.

Spirited manifests October 31, 2011, in e-book format, followed by a print edition of the anthology unleashed in March 2012. Copies can be summoned by pre-order via the Leap Books website at HYPERLINK "http://www.leapbooks.com" www.leapbooks.com.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE SPIRITED AUTHORS PLEASE CONTACT:

Dawn Ius or Judith Graves Cathleen Cartwright

Bridge Social Media Leap Books

HYPERLINK "mailto:bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com" bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com cathleencartwright@leapbks.com

Ph: 780.938.2034 Ph: 717.497.0632

HYPERLINK "http://www.bridgesocialmedia.blogspot.com" www.bridgesocialmedia.blogspot.com www.leapbks.com

HYPERLINK "http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com" www.bridgesocialmedia.com www.leapbks.blogspot.com

BACKGROUNDER

Founded in 2009, Leap Books is a shiny new publisher specializing in teen and tween fiction.

Proceeds from the sale of Spirited will benefit 826 National, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting students, ages 6-18, to improve their writing skills. The 826 mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.826national.org/"www.826national.org.

Spirited is not the only charity project Leap Books is doing. All of their authors have causes they care about, so Leap Books supports them in reaching out to others. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and they’re donating 20% of the sales from For the Love of Strangers by Jacqueline Horsfall to the Domestic Violence Awareness project. Horsfall’s book is about sixteen-year-old Darya, who helps her adoptive mother run a shelter for abused women. Leap Books is also donating free copies of For the Love of Strangers to shelters along with a frameable copy of “Libby’s Lament,” a poem from the point of view of a young abused mother, and a booklist for teens on domestic/relationship abuse. The poem and booklist are also available to any teens who would like them. Just send an email to HYPERLINK "mailto:info@leapbks.com" info@leapbks.com.

Leap Books is also offering a free copy of Stakeout by Bonnie J. Doerr to any environmental organizations who are working to save sea turtles. In Doerr’s eco-mystery Stakeout, teens endanger their lives to capture the poacher of sea turtle eggs.

October Thrills

2011-10-03T06:47:00.003-06:00

Kitty and I are thrilled to be participating in the second annual Crossroads Blog Tour, which brings 15 YA paranormal authors together in one freak-a-thon of Halloween-inspired goodness. Don't miss out on chances to win SWAG, signed ARCs, learn more about NY Times Best-selling and debut paranormal authors, as well as freaking CHAT with them....LIVE!

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And on FACEBOOK.

It's gonna be to DIE for!

If that's not enough to get us SCREAMING...both Kitty and I have stories published in Leap Books' anthology, SPIRITED: 13 Haunting Tales along with some big names in YA fiction - Maria V. Snyder, Candace Havens, Shannon Delany, Linda Joy Singleton, Jill Williamson, Dawn Dalton and more!

SPIRITED has its heart on its sleeve - Leap Books is donating proceeds of their sales to 826 National, a literacy-based charity.

There's a contest going on all month - follow SPIRITED on Twitter: @Spirited13 for details.

Talk about one hell of an October. Here's the SPIRITED trailer:

Scene and Sequel

2011-09-14T10:47:00.003-06:00

Writing By The Seat of My Pants...

When I first heard the words scene and sequel…I cringed. Because I didn’t write that way. I didn’t plot. I just sat down at the computer and typed. That was many years ago. Ahem…I have binders full of unfinished manuscripts.

I’m Kitty and I’m a Pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. Yep, I said it. I confessed. Now what? Is there a twelve step program to join? Support groups? Do I get a shinny pin? Nope. Darn!

The good news is Pantsers can plot and still keep their edge. Really?

I’ve learned what background information I needed to have ahead of time. I will never sit down and write out a forty page outline or twelve pages of notes on each character. It’s not me. And I’m not knocking those that do. I admire them, truly.

So here’s one take on plotting from a die-hard Pantser. (As I am a Pantser, any major amount of planning causes adverse affects. I promise to keep this short. And yes, I’m sort of winging it.)

Back to those two words SCENE and SEQUEL. (See in bold type they seem ominous don’t they? Wahhhaaaaa. They’re not once you have the tools to slay the beast.)

Let’s start with SCENE:

What’s a scene? What should it contain? (Okay, tiny beads of sweat are forming at my forehead as I write this. Must continue… gripping mouse harder. BREATHE. EXHALE, INHALE)

The best book I ever found that described scenes was written by the late Jack M. Bickhman. He wrote, “What is a scene? It’s a segment of the story action, written moment-by-moment, without summary, presented onstage in the story “now.” It is not something that goes on inside the character’s head; it is physical. It could be put on the theatre stage and acted out.” SCENE AND STRUCTURE, ISBN 0-89879-906-6, Chapter 4, page 26.

Wow that’s pretty easy, right? Clear. Scenes are action. They are not summary. They happen in the story now. There are three things all scenes should have and this dare I say, this is where the plotting comes in. Big Gulp.

GOAL,CONFLICT, DISASTER (OMG! I’m so want to head for the hills right about now. Someone hold my hand. Spoiler alert! Big scary words ahead.)

First big scary word…Goal.

All characters must have a goal. Something they want. Ray Bradbury wrote, “First find out what your hero wants; then just follow him.” The goal is why the story is. Your hero wants something.

Second big scary word…Conflict.

This is actually my favorite. Conflict drives your story. Conflict makes it interesting. Without conflict your story would be about as exciting as a grocery list. Conflict can be from the hero himself, from nature, or from another character…the villain. Everyone boo and hiss. The more conflict you have the more interesting. But, conflict needs to have a purpose. It needs to drive the story forward. Random acts of conflict is just that, random.

The third big scary word…Disaster.

Dunt dunt dunt dunt….shark! Disaster is the failure of the character meeting his goal. It’s what makes us turn the page and read the next chapter with the next scene.

Okay so that’s pretty easy right? Just think of each scene as cause and effect. Cover the five W’s… who, what, when, why, and where. Have your dialogue crisp, natural and have a point. And the scene should have a reason. Yep. That about covers it. Not really. But it’s a start. And remember I’m a Pantser. Too much information will make my head explode. I try to keep all of this organized in my thoughts. Mostly though, I think of the major three, Goal, Conflict, Disaster.

Okay cringe, big scary word, again… Sequel.

I thought a sequel was something after the first Lord of the Rings movie, the second movie, part two. In a way, I was right. A sequel follows a scene. WARNING. Doctrine alert! This is where people differ on opinion. I’m going to share what works for me. Remember I’m a Pantser, the less planning, the better. I believe— please hold the tomatoes until after— that you don’t have to have scene/sequel, scene /sequel.

Sequels as their nature slow the story down. They are the reflection. They are not in the story now. They must have Reaction, Dilemma, and Decision. This is the part where you get into the character’s head. This is where you see how they work. This is also the spot for flashbacks. Flashbacks, in my opinion should only be used to tell an important key element that you couldn’t tell any other way.

Stepping off soap box now…

Back to Sequel.

Following the last scene or scenes you wrote, there should be a sequel. The hero needs to have some time to process what has happened to him. This is his reaction. I think many writers forget to have hero reactions and that’s what their stories are missing… the connection with the characters. This is where we, as the reader, get to know the hero. The hero now has a dilemma. He has faced some conflict in the previous scenes. It caused—ohhh there’s that word again—a disaster and now the hero as an effect has to make a decision. That will lead him onto the next goal. Whoa! Not too hard is it?

I don’t write scene/sequel. It’s too patterned for me. I might have scene/scene/sequel or scene/scene/scene/sequel or sequel/sequel/scene, one in the hero’s POV, one in the heroine’s POV or even villain’s POV. Basically, find what works for you and your story.

Just remember, the sequel is the aftermath of the scene. It’s the reaction, with emotion and thought, the decision making area and the bridge to the next scene.

In the spirit of a Pantser, on my wall above my computer, I have two Post-it notes. One reads: Scene Structure: Goal, Conflict, Disaster. The other reads: Sequel Structure: Reaction, Dilemma, Decision. That’s it. I look up as I writing and ask myself those questions. Then, I let my fingers fly.

Welcome, Heather McCorkle!

2011-08-16T09:08:00.004-06:00

When Judith and I started Wolfy Chicks nearly three years ago we were new at everything. Being published authors blogging the works. One of the most joyous things about this journey has been our followers and supporters. Awhile back we had the pleasure of featuring Shannon Delany, who was one of our first Wolfy Chick Followers. She is now a sensational YA author with her 13 to Life werewolf series. We have yet another opportunity to share another talented author that has been very supportive of our journey. Heather McCorkle debut novel just came out this month. Please give her a Wolfy Chicks howl and welcome her!

What projects are you working on / have published?
My debut novel, a young adult urban fantasy titled The Secret of Spruce Knoll, just released this August (it feels totally surreal to say that :). I'm currently working on editing the sequel which is due out next spring.

What's your "road to publication" story?
It has been a rocky road for me, as with many people in this changing industry. I've had two agents and two different manuscripts that failed in the editorial submission rounds. This last one felt it was all about timing and the tumultuous state of the market though. We parted ways because he was downsizing like so many others lately. I never stopped writing and improving though, and I started submitting to editors of publishing houses myself. A few interested houses later I finally found my path to success.

Why YA?
I took my adult fantasy novel to a writer's retreat where I met YA authors Aprilynne Pike and Sarah Rees Brennan. They showed me that YA wasn't what I thought it was. It was fun, quirky, daring, and very cutting edge. I realized it was what I was meant to write.

Best writing advice you've heard?Keep writing even when you've landed an agent and you're manuscript is on editor submission. That advice is why I'm published today.

What inspires you?
Life! LOL, I know that's a bit vague. I'm an active outdoor person and my surroundings are very inspiring to me. So are people, animals, movies, great books, art.

Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?
Definitely! I've been writing novel length work since I was twelve. My writing is better but still carries a lot of the same tone and atmosphere it had when I was a teen writer. I think that helps make it something they can relate to.

Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.
I don't have an office yet, but I hope to soon! In the meantime my work space is the kitchen table, the end next to the bookshelf with all my necessities on it. ;)

Who is your favorite character in your work? Why?
Oh no, you're making me choose favorites! Well alright, but only if you don't tell the others. That is so hard, I love them all so much. I would have to say Aiden though since he had such a challenging childhood it made him very interesting and deep to write. I love characters that push me and he definitely did that.

Thank you for having me over, it's always a pleasure!

Fur Flies in Europe

2011-07-13T12:18:00.002-06:00

I've joined my husband (a high school social studies teacher), 22 grade 10-12 students, 1 parent and 4 teacher supervisors for a Commemorating Canada tour of France/Belgium/Germany. We've visited key WWI and WWII sites in which Canadian soldiers played a prominent role. While I enjoyed the military history aspects of the tour, my focus had been scouring each country for folklore references, the supernatural, or the fantastical.

Take Belgium for instance. When we first arrived in Ypres, my heart was captured by the amazing medieval / gothic architecture. As I began to take photos I noticed sculptures of cats crawling up buildings, cat shaped chocolates in shop windows, as well as cat sculptures guarding store windows. I asked our lovely tour guide, Christine, why all the cats?

Of course, there was a supernatural element to her explanation that I quickly recorded for future investigation and this is what I discovered. The town and surrounding Flanders area is home to many WWI memorials and also hosts a rather unusual festival every three years. The next one will be held on May 13, 2012.

The Cat Festival has been celebrated for over 40 years. Townspeople dress in cat costumes and there’s a parade with medieval and modern representations of cats (Garfield is the highlight) and even throw toy cats from the church. Witches are also featured, a mock burning is held in the town square. The festival pays tribute to the burning times of the 18th century and the legend that cats were seen as witches familiars and thus tossed from the church’s bell tower.

From these macabre origins, today the people of Ypres embrace all that is feline.

I found this blog post which has a bevy of photos from one of the festivals: http://www.catcollectors.com/ieper.html

Europe or bust

2011-06-22T20:17:00.006-06:00

My husband is a high school social studies teacher and his love of military history knows no bounds - it's been a dream of his to go to major WWI and WWII sites in which Canadian soldiers fought and died.

A dream of mine has been to go to Europe - because, hello, it's EUROPE. ;) Plus, I've always been fascinated with the story of the Beast of Gevaudan, the legend behind the film, Brotherhood of the Wolf. In the 1700s, the French countryside was terrorized by man-eating wolves. Not familiar with the lore? Go here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beast_of_Gévaudan

In a week (that's right, a mere 7 days from now) both of us will get to dive headlong into our dreams. My husband has organized a class tour - Commemorating Canada: WWI and WWII Sites. We're travelling to France, Belgium and Germany on a tour with grades 10-12 students, as well as a few parents, and teachers as supervisors.

Not only will we be exposed to the architecture, arts, cafes, folklore, Belgium chocolates! - we'll be getting one hell of an education / appreciation for the men who fell... so we could prevail. The trip is a blend of a beast that may not exist, and the beast we call war. I'll be blogging about our experiences on my website (www.judithgraves.com), as well as here at Wolfy Chicks - whenever wifi is accessible.

Until next week, hopefully from our first stop, Paris.

Adieu.

When good characters go bad

2011-06-15T11:10:00.000-06:00

I didn’t have HBO last year so I missed my one of my guilty pleasures, TRUEBLOOD.
I was excited to see it out on DVD and quickly snatched it up. I finished watching the last episode yesterday. I’m torn. I absolutely adore the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris. I enjoyed the first two seasons and I liked the third but, I felt it deviated a bit farther from the original books.
The third season was well written and chocked full of the witty retorts, blood and vampy drama. It focused more on Eric the hunky Viking whom I absolutely adore. So I haven’t been able to put my finger on what was missing for me. Perhaps it’s because I devour her books and the plot thread moved into darker waters for one of my favorite character, Sam Merlotte.
Spoiler Alert*** if you don’t want to know skip this part***
I didn’t really like the fact that Sam who has always been a hero was shown doing some very un-hero-like things like robbery and gulp… even murder.
End of spoiler***
This brings me to my own work. I’ve made some changes to a character who was the hero in FREAKSVILLE. He will be showing more anti-hero qualities in book two, FURRY & FREAKED. I am trusting my gut, that I’ve built up enough motivations and reasons for this change that the readers will follow me through his character arc.
I suppose what bothers me so much about TRUEBLLOD’s Sam, was the way it just seemed to happen overnight, with no hint it was heading that way. Perhaps, if they built it up more slowly? Or perhaps it’s my admiration for Sam that has me feeling betrayed. I’m not giving up on the series though, I’m eagerly awaiting season four. Maybe Sam will redeem himself. I hope so.
The thought for the day is can readers adapt and forgive plot changes? I supposed I will find out this fall.
Kitty

80s Horror Flicks

2011-06-09T18:59:00.004-06:00

A few months ago I got on a classic 80s horror flick kick and purchased as many DVDs or iTunes movie downloads as I could find. Creapshow, The Craft...and I downloaded one of my favs, Fright Night onto my ipod and watched the film in a few chunks while walking (that's a whole other kind of chunky...lol...). Nothing like a few scream queen films to keep your pace up on the treadmill from hell.

I'm still on the lookout for the House films - anyone remember those?

Anyway, I recently discovered (thanks to The Steampunk Scholar) they're doing a remake of Fright Night. Looks a bit darker, but hopefully it will have the humour / camp that I loved. With Colin Farrell as the vampire, Jerry, and David Tennant (Doctor Who) as the TV slayer Peter Vincent, we're sure to be mildly entertained at the very least.

Check out the trailer:

I've done something crazy!

2011-05-31T09:00:00.003-06:00

Okay so I’ve done something really crazy. I moved to Indiana. That’s not the crazy part, maybe to some people it is. (I do say this last week had some pretty freaky high winds and tornados…it had me wondering if I made the right decision. I think I have.)
Nope, I just bought a historic building (1840’s) that needs a little work. Er, okay a bit of an understatement. It needs A LOT of work. It’s basically four walls and a roof. It needs HVAC, electric, drywall, plumbing…floors in some parts. Yep, floors.
I am truly crazy.
I can see the building true potential, its beauty in the ruins. I used to do this for a living before I was published I was an interior designer. (Kasey’s mom in Freaksville is an Interior Designer, but that’s where the similarity stops. I’m not anal, really.)
But here’s where it gets even zanier.
I plan to open an Independent Bookstore and coffeehouse. A real brick and mortar store! There's alot of contruction that needs to be done, so I think it will be open in the Fall of 2011 or at least that's my plans.
Little happy dance.
I have an architect.
I have a plan.
I’m just crossing my fingers and toes and this point. I’m scared to death. But in life if we don’t take chances, we truly aren’t living at all. I took a leap, the first step on this journey. And it was hard, scary and a lot of fun.
But, if you want to share this crazy journey of mine you can follow my blog,
discoversomethingwondefrul.blogspot.com
I plan on posting construction updates and other tidbits along the way.

I’m still writing. I just turned in a heavy batch of edits on Furry & Freaked. It’s so different from Freaksville. I love it! I am excited about Kasey’s arc and how much she has grown. I can’t wait until I can share it with all of you. It’s a bit darker than Freaksville. I didn’t use as much humor as I did in Freaksville.

Kitty

ScriptFrenzy and Writing Binges

2011-04-30T10:01:00.006-06:00

Well, what a productive month April has been....and I've still got a few days to produce Second Skin. I feel like the little writer who thought she could....I think I can...I think I can - No, I KNOW I can. With the aide of chocolate, of course.

Anyway, one of my focuses for April was co-writing a script for ScriptFrenzy. The challenge is put on by the creators of NANO. You have to complete a 100 page script in 30 days, 100 pages being the standard length of a feature film.

While we didn't make the 100 pages, and we ended up writing a completely different script than the one we had intended to start on (simply tabled for the moment, we'll get to it asap) - my writing partner, fellow Alberta based author, Dawn Ius and I did produce a complete script for television - usually about 60 pages - ours was 70. So I consider us winners despite not meeting the ScriptFrenzy official page count.

We had a blast writing the script. We plotted and outlined the whole thing on Google Docs and then Dawn crashed at my place for three glorious days of binge writing. We wrote from 5:30 am to 10:00pm. Many pots of coffee and chocolate Easter eggs later - we had ourselves a brand spanking new baby script.

Someday, I hope you'll hear it roar. :)

If you've been thinking of branching into scripts - I highly recommend giving ScriptFrenzy a try next year. The forums and cameos from screenwriters provided wonderful advice / tips and tricks on plotting scripts, formatting them, etc.

I'd also recommend investing in Blake Snyder's Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need and related titles. Invaluable. His website rocks as well: http://www.blakesnyder.com/

Introducing Bettina Restrepo...

2011-04-04T13:01:00.005-06:00

I know we at Wolfy Chicks tend to lend on the side of paranormal...but every now and then, something that has nothing do to with the supernatural, but is still extremely well, supernatural comes along. We have the great pleasure to introduce to you YA author, Bettina Restrepo. She part of the Class of 2k11 with her debut novel Illegal.
(Check out her page here: www.classof2k11.com)

Hi, Bettina Thanks for joining us!

1. What projects are you working on/have published?

My next novel is called Telenovela. A telenovela is a Latin flavored soap opera. Usually it’s over dramatic, a bit sexy, and lasts about 180 episodes. This YA novel follows Mercedes, a Colombian foreign exchange student, as she come to Texas. The novel has a an actual telenovela script set within the novel.

2. What's your road to publication story?

9 years with my butt-in-chair writing. A ton of rejections. Endless writing conferences and about a bazillion drafts.

3. Why YA?

My voice always turns back to myself at 15. I think I tortured myself a lot during those years.

4. Best writing advice you've heard?

Don’t publish fast. Publish well. – Cynthia Leitch Smith told me this over Chinese food in 2003.

5. What inspires you?

Life and people. A crack in the sidewalk, a funny expression, a mournful glance, stirring gray clouds.

6. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes, what has/hasn't changed?

No, but I told a lot of lies – which is great practice for writing. An effective liar should be a writer – if that doesn’t work out, the liar can become a lawyer or a contractor. 

7. Describe your office/workspace/writer's cave.

I like order. I have labeled files. I prefer to scan in what I think I’ll keep, and I throw away a lot. But, I write everywhere – while driving, while standing in line, while watching TV.

8. Who is your favorite character in your work and why?

Nora. Because she has been with me the longest and I’ve watched her change the most. Originally, when ILLEGAL was a picture book about a girl who lost a library book and was afraid she would be kicked out of school. She was 9 when I started and fourteen when I ended. I was afraid if I didn’t get published soon, Nora would end up in menopause.

Here's a blurb about Bettina's debut novel...

Harper Collins- Katherine Tegen Books, March 11, 2011

ISBN: 9780061953422

Nora is on a desperate journey far from home. When her father leaves their beloved Mexico in search of work, Nora fights to make sense of her loss while waiting for her father’s return and a better day. When the letters and the money from her father stop coming, Nora decides she and her mother must look for him in Texas. After a harrowing experience crossing the border, the two are all alone in a strange place called Houston. Now, Nora figures out how to survive while still aching for small comforts: friends, a new school and a quinceaña to mark her fifteenth birthday.

We are all immigrants.

Bettina Restrepo’s powerful and deeply hopeful debut novel captures the challenges of one girl’s unique yet universal immigrant experience.

For more information on Illegal and to get to know Bettina please check out her website.
www.bettinarestrepo.com

Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us.

kidlit4japan: Authors and illustrators Unite for Japan

2011-03-27T08:27:00.002-06:00

Greg Fishbone, the founder of the Class of 2k program (of which I was a member of Class of 2k10), an author collective specifically to promote debut YA and MG authors, has once again banded authors together. This time in fundraising efforts to aid victims of the 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami.

kidlit4japan consists of children’s authors and illustrators auctioning up copies of their books, critiques, Skype visits, etc…”For three weeks, beginning on March 21st, Kidlit4Japan will feature a children’s and YA literature auction to benefit the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. A Daily Auction Preview will appear each weekday morning at 8AM EDT. New items will appear at least hourly from 9AM to 4PM. Items include signed books, advance reader copies, artwork, critiquing services, book-related swag, author visits, or the chance to name a character in an upcoming book.

Items are listed on the website as they come up for bid. There’s a form in the right column where you can subscribe to the website to receive updates by email. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed for “posts & items” or “comments & bids” if you use a feed reader. Twitter users can follow @kidlit4japan account and use the #kidlit4japan hashtag. Facebook users can follow Greg R. Fishbone.”

Featured Author: Kiki Hamilton

2011-03-01T17:00:00.003-07:00

Hard to believe that this time last year I was wigging out, going crazy-nutso with preparations for the Under My Skin online and live launch parties. Wow. Talk about a lifetime ago. I was (and continue to be) so thankful to my fellow Class of 2k10 authors and my 2k mentor from the Class of 2k9, the talented, Joy Preble. Joy is the author of Dreaming Anastasia and Haunted (Sourcebooks Fire). If you enjoy folklore, Russian history and romance - be sure to scoop up these bewitching reads. Joy not only mentored me, but Kitty as well, and still proves to be a source of inspiration for both of us.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce my Class of 2k11 mentee, Kiki Hamilton, author of The Faerie Ring, (Teen/Macmillan) to be released October 1st! I can't wait to get my greedy paws on this title and will be giving away a few copies during launch festivities for Second Skin (also in October). So...let's get to know her, shall we?

Kiki kindly answered my questions below:

1. How has your experience with 2k11 and The Elevensies helped with all the demands of promoting a debut novel?

Both groups have been a wonderful support network and resource for the millions of questions that come up along the way to publication. It’s nice to have someone (or many someones!) going through the same process as you are, and it’s especially nice to be able to share the path with someone who understands. It takes so long to get published (usually 18-24 months from the time you sell your book) that your family and friends sort of get a glazed over look after a while. They couldn’t possibly know or care about the many day-to-day details of being an author.

2. You're also a founding member of the blog, The Enchanted Inkpot - can you tell us about it?

The Enchanted Inkpot was started two years ago from a conversation over on the blueboards at VerlaKay.com about the need for a site that was dedicated strictly to fantasy novels. A group of us banded together and worked very hard to get the site up and going and it continues to grow. There are fantasy related posts twice a week on a wide variety of topics and then news relating to the members on Saturdays. It’s a fun site! Check it out at this link: The Enchanted Inkpot.

3. What's the premise of The Faerie Ring?

London, December 1871

Orphaned and picking pockets in London’s Charing Cross station to support not only herself, but her ‘family’ of orphans, sixteen year-old Tiki steals the Queen’s ring and thinks she’s solved their problems. That is, until Rieker, a pickpocket from the North End, suspects her in the theft and tells her that the ring is really a reservoir that holds a truce between the British and Faerie courts.

When he warns her that the fey will do anything - including murder - to recover the ring, Tiki is unsure whether to believe him or not. To complicate matters, Rieker seems to know something about the unusual birthmark on Tiki’s wrist. But when Tiki and her family are threatened the game changes and it becomes a deadly race to see who can locate the ring first.

OMG, Kiki - seriously.....I needs a copy!

4. How many books will there be in the series?

At this time, I’ve only sold the first book. My editor is going to look at the second book soon (keep your fingers crossed!) but I have written the next two books: THE TORN WING and THE TARA STONE. Right now there is at least one more book in the series, maybe more. Time will tell….. ;-)

5. Have you done any research in London? And why did you choose 1871 as the year to begin the tale? (oops, that's two questions in one...lol...)

When I wrote the book, I had never been to London and didn’t really know a lot about the City. I ended up doing A LOT of research into Victorian London and worked very hard to keep the novel historically accurate. It is set in 1871 because two of my characters, Queen Victoria’s youngest sons, Leo and Arthur, are 18 and 21, that year.

Two months after I sold THE FAERIE RING I went to London and walked in the footsteps of my characters from Charing Cross to St. James Park to Buckingham Palace etc.– totally surreal!! I felt like I’d come home – I LOVE that city!

Kitty would likely agree with you. I haven't been across the pond...yet. Yes, I'm jealous.

6. What's the deal with the variant spellings of fairy vs faerie?

I don’t really know the answer to that one.

Hmm....will have to investigate and post my findings at a later date. ;)

7. Your main character, Tiki, is both an orphan and a pickpocket - how inspired were you by Dickens', Oliver Twist?

Well, I can’t say that Oliver Twist inspired me that much as I’ve never read the book. I saw the movie, Oliver! back in the 70’s but not since then. (Though I do give a nod to the book, Oliver Twist, in my book in a kind of a fun way.)

8. What are you working on now? Any appearances coming up?

Aha! Two questions in one again! Tricky…. I have also written a YA contemporary novel entitled PULSE that my editor is going to read this spring and I’m working on a steampunk novel.

I will be at the SCBWI-Washington conference in Redmond in April and in New York for Book Expo America and some group signings with the Class of 2k11 at the end of May. Not sure if I’m signing ARCs there yet or not. And I’ll be at NCTE in Chicago in November. That’s all I know for sure right now.

9. Trailer or excerpt for us to drool over?

I’m working on a trailer now and I have put up a website all about THE FAERIE RING and future books in the series – you can visit at: THE FAERIE RING.com

Here is an excerpt:

___

Mesmerized by its beauty, Tiki reached for the ring. It was a burnished band of rich gold, capped by an intensely red stone the color of blood that almost seemed to beckon to her.
Tiki stared into the ruby red depths, turning the stone this way and that to catch the light. Something flickered and her heart caught in her throat as she peered closer. Deep within the heart of the stone it looked like flames burned as though lit by a fire.

___

Judith, these questions were fun to answer! Thanks so much for having me!!

Thanks for hanging with the Wolfy Chicks, Kiki. I wish you a smooth launch with lots of excitement (just the good kind, of course). Also, I'm keen to read your steampunk WIP. Break a leg!

WordsWorth: Teen Writing Camp

2011-02-16T04:54:00.003-07:00

This February I had a blast as one of the instructors at a teen writing camp in the foothills of Bragg Creek, Alberta. With the mountains in the distance and creativity blanketing the air - it was a weekend to DIE for. Not only was I wowed by the talent and dedication of the WordsWorth supervisors and fellow instructor, poet/professor at the University of Calgary, Owen Percy....the kids were freaking amazing. Funny, shy, exhuberant, quirky, and oh soooooooo keen on the craft of writing.

I wish every kid with a hankering for writing could attend such a camp and that every YA or children's author could have this kind of opportunity. It really was mindblowing. If ever there was a perfect example of why never to write down to kids - it's a camp like this. The quality of the work they produced in 30 minute blocks of writing, their use of lanugage....just....wow. From the snowsculptures to the open mic night. I loved every second.

Below this first video you'll find a little vlog I created with my new Flip Ultra (love it, BTW), documenting Winter WordsWorth, however, feast your eyes on this wonderful promo created by filmmaker, Cynthia Robertson, on behalf of the Young Alberta Book Society (who ran the camp):

WordsWorth: Paranormal Under a Woolen Moon from cynthia robinson on Vimeo.

And now here's my widdle vlog. The still photos were taken by WordsWorth Director, Lisa Murphy Lamb:

Good news to share about Freaksville

2011-02-08T23:15:00.001-07:00

Sharing this from my Publisher's blog...

Monday, February 7, 2011
Success for Freaksville
Leap Books is proud to announce that author Kitty Keswick's young adult novel Freaksville has been named by P & E as a 2010 Top Ten Novel for YAs. Teens enjoy the humor and the light paranormal mystery. Here's what one teen reader had to say on Bearamy's Book Club, where Keswick's book was spotlighted for January, "Kitty Keswick is a great writer over all!!"

In addition to kudos for her books, Kitty was chosen as the featured author for the Children's Book Council's January/February column in the American Library Association's publication, Knowledge Quest, a magazine for school librarians. Kitty's article, "D is for Dragons," tells the poignant story of the struggles she overcame to become a novelist.

What's next for this award-winning author? She's hard at work on book two in the Freaksville series. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Furry and Freaked. See the great cover design below. Looks fabulous, doesn't it?

If you haven't read Freaksville, check out the story of four teens trapped in a haunted theater on the night of the full moon. Battling hungry werewolves and angry ghosts, sixteen-year-old Kasey and her friends uncover buried secrets to solve a decades-old mystery.

Whereas Freaksville is told with a lighter touch, readers who prefer their paranormals a bit darker will gravitate to Furry and Freaked, where Kasey's in for some hair-raising challenges.

Both books feature art by the award-winning Canadian graphic artist, Val Cox.

Help save Wolves!!!! Deadline Jan 31st 11:59

2011-01-31T10:34:00.004-07:00

Hiya all,

I just found out that Full Moon Farm, a wolf and wolf dog sanctuary is in the running for the Pepsi Refresh Project. Full Moon Farms has been a guest on Wolfy Chicks and that's as far as our affiliations goes. They are nice people caring for animals, 'nuff said. They have the opportunity to receive a $25,000 grant which is desperately needed for vet bills, food and care for the wolves living in the sanctuary. All it takes is a simple vote. The deadline is Jan 31 at 11:59. Please follow this link and vote, it's simple and doesn't cost a dime and you will help save these beautiful animals. Please twitter, blog,FB, etc and pass this information along. Thank you, Kitty

http://www.refresheverything.com/wolfdogsanctuaryfullmoonfarm
http://fullmoonfarm.org

Carrie Harris...Someone's been a very bad zombie.

2011-01-26T17:55:00.007-07:00

Someone's been a very bad zombie... With such an funny tagline, I have to confess, I'm dying to read this book. BAD TASTE IN BOYS. Carrie Harris stepped up as the Class of 2k11 President, and Judith and I can tell you, that job is a ton of work, but totally worth every hour spent. I've enjoyed my time with the Class of 2k10 and being a mentor for the Class of 2k11 has it's perks...meeting creative and talented debut authors. Carrie's novel Bad Taste in Boys comes out from Delacorte, in July 12, 2011. She took a moment to escape the zombies and chat with the Wolfy Chicks.

1. What projects are you working on/have published?Well, my first book is called BAD TASTE IN BOYS, and it comes out in July 2011. It’s about a science geek who learns that her high school football team has been dosed with steroids…or maybe not. Whatever’s in those vials is turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless, flesh-eating zombies. Which is bad. But if she doesn’t find a way to cure them, it’ll be even worse.
Dum dum DUM.
I’ve also just sold two more books, which means that I’m constantly bouncing around and going, “EEEEEEEEE!” all the time. My second book is a sequel called BAD HAIR DAY, and it’s about werewolves and nanotechnology and shaved bears in lab coats and blueberry flavored astronauts and bath mats made out of human hair.
Which all goes to prove one simple point—I am an ideal candidate for psychotherapy.

Kitty: Wowza...bath mats and made out of human hair and blueberries...that musta been one crazy night.
2. What's your road to publication story?
Well, the road to publication was very long for me. Like *cough* fifteen years. *cough* This was mostly because I had no idea what I wanted to write. I dabbled in poetry, screenplays, stage plays, short stories, and depressing adult books before finally finding my way to YA, which is where I belong! When The Email finally came, I ran around the house screaming and then left a voice mail for my husband that said: “OhmygodcallmecallmeCALLMERIGHTNOW!” And then I put Thriller on and did the dance, because that’s obviously the best way to celebrate selling a zombie book.
About an hour later, I realized I should probably email my agent back. I went to my computer and found another email from her asking if the shock had killed me and did she need to call an ambulance.

Kitty: OMG! I loved that you brought the Thriller. I just walked around with a goofy toothy grin when I sold, I was still in shock.
3. Why YA?
I spent a long time trying to be a “serious” writer, because I thought that would get me respect. Which is ridiculous, because first of all, I’m not a serious person. I’ll devour a good drama, sure, but most of the time you can find me reading books that are chock full of paranormal beasties or laugh-out-loud moments. And really, what’s more worthy of respect than writing books that get teens interested in reading, even if they are full of sparkly vampires or glow-in-the-dark merpires or whatever?

4. Best writing advice you've heard?
I actually met Gwendolyn Brooks once, and after I got done quaking in my boots and actually got up the nerve to approach her, I said, “I think I might want to be a writer.” And she said, “Be what you are,” which made me gape a lot and nod like I knew what she meant even though I had no freaking clue. But after spending years trying to write like other people I admired, I think I’ve figured it out. Now I embrace the fact that I’m a monster-obsessed smart aleck. It’s what I am. I’m tired of trying to be what I’m not, and I’m happy with what I am, even if it means that I have to publicly admit my obsession with Frankenthulhu.

5. What inspires you?

I like surrounding myself with interesting people. That way when I start spouting off about zombies and werewolves and things, they don’t look at me funny or try to have me committed. This is why I’m married to a ninja doctor. My son idolizes Billy Idol. My daughters are the only four year olds I know who are well versed in the best ways to kill a zombie. My friends are the kinds of people who think Bacon Parties are completely normal, and when my in laws go on trips, they don’t bring me t-shirts. They bring me monster bracelets.
So whenever I’m feeling a little down or struggling for good ideas, there’s always something fun and strange and marvelous going on around me. Which is quite plainly AWESOME.

6. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes, what has/hasn't changed?
I did. I actually got hooked on writing in my freshman English class. I turned in my first creative writing assignment, and I got an F. I was not an F kind of girl. In fact, that F felt like the freaking scarlet letter! So I worked my butt off on the next assignment and ended up with an A+. Mrs. Elrick read it in front of the class, and I was officially hooked!
Not much has changed, really. I’m still just as hooked as I was then. But instead of hiding my writing in the little space between my writing desk and the wall, I put it out there for people to read.

7. Describe your office/workspace/writer's cave.
I have an office, but I never use it. Instead, I sit on the sofa in front of my picture window. That way I can look out on the street and watch for stray zombies. I believe in personal safety.
Today, the sofa is covered in Kleenex. I’ve got a cold. You don’t want to see a picture of that. Trust me on this one.

8. Who is your favorite character in your work and why?
I have a massive crush on Kate’s little brother Jonah. Don’t get me wrong; the love interest in my book is smart, handsome, witty, and loyal to a fault. He’s pretty much a dream guy, but maybe that’s why I’m so impressed with Jonah. We expect heroics from someone like Aaron. We don’t expect them from a scrawny geek boy whose Adam’s apple has a larger circumference than his waist. To me, that’s bravery. Jonah’s the guy who can’t possibly win, not against a posse of undead defensive linemen. He’s smart; he knows this. But he’s not about to leave his sister to face them alone, no matter what the cost.
So even though it goes against my love of seriously hot guys, I’m totally TEAM JONAH.

Thanks so much for having me!!!!

Carrie has a really cool blog check it out here.
http://carrieharrisbooks.blogspot.com

Thanks Carrie had a blast.

Let's Talk Movies

2011-01-20T05:15:00.009-07:00

I'm a huge horror film buff - an obsession my main character, Eryn McCain, shares (she didn't have much choice...lol...). But I'm particular about my scares. I'm not a gore fiend and don't watch many hillbilly-dudes-gone-freaky-looking-for-brides/grooms or Saw-esque flicks.

Not that I'm squeamish. Not at all.

I just can't stomach the gruesome, twisted monsters known as my fellowman. I much prefer to be scared senseless by creatures whose existence is debatable - vamps, ghosts, demons, werewolves - rather than by the very real possibility of a serial killer living next door. (Not that I think my neighbours are serial killers...lol...)

Therefore, I enjoy more horror films that contain elements of suspense, paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi - you get the idea. These can be hit or miss. Take "Season of the Witch" for example. The film stars Nicholas Cage (who I've adored since Valley Girl), is set in medieval l times and has "witch" in the title - I was so looking forward to this film. While it did have some interesting twists and witchy action, it could have been so much more. The feminist in me was also concerned that the film took a tragic period in history - with truly horrific treatment of women (in the majority) - and made it look justified.

Another film I'll be going to is "Red Riding Hood". Kitty actually informed me about this one - emailing the trailer. A bookstore visit later, I had a copy of the book based on the film and written by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright. The movie is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, director of Twilight, and I guess after she was involved with that franchise and saw the power a loyal readership - she decided to take a shot at marketing in a similar vein. So, we have Red Riding Hood, the book, coming out before Red Riding Hood, the movie - and there's even going to be a final chapter made available on the book's website after the release of the film.

Wow - now there's a package deal. I should be jaded about the whole thing, however, I did enjoy the book. I might even end up liking it better than the movie. Go figure. The cover is wonderful. I love the image of Red with a hatchet - I could even see it worked into a graphic novel.

I'll leave you with the trailer for another film I'm keen to see...PRIEST.

New Year, New Dreams, New Directions

2011-01-12T12:38:00.001-07:00

New year, new directions. I’ve be looking back on the last year as a debut novelist and all the challenges, road blocks and rewards… and gearing myself up for another year of much of the same. When I stopped myself and thought, I should dream bigger and try to out do what I did last year. Not just in my professional life but, my personal life as well. I found this quote by W.B. Yates about dreams.

“I have spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.”
W.B. Yeats

It got me thinking, which I admit is a tad bit dangerous. We often let other’s actions direct our dreams. In truth, we should move forward and not let the negative hold us back. I know it’s easier said than done, I, for one, struggle with this myself. But seeing another quote by Henry David Thoreau, breathed new life into my personal mission. To be the very best I can be, to stretch myself and discover something new daily.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
Henry David Thoreau
I needed a little pep talk this year and I thought I’d pay it forward and spread the pep. So for 2011 set some goals go ahead and dream and do your very best to make them happen. Feel like sharing? What are your dreams and goals?

Nifty news!

2011-01-12T12:14:00.001-07:00

Judith's series and Second Skin is mentioned in the School Library Journal. Check out the link below.

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/888727-312/what_are_they_reading_for.html.csp

New Year, New Titles, Updated Header

2011-01-05T19:31:00.006-07:00

Well, that was fun. I just updated our Wolfy Chicks blog header to reflect the two new titles we have coming out in 2011. Kitty has the sequel to Freaksville, aptly titled, FURRY & FREAKED - LOVE the cover! While I have the sequel to Under My Skin, (again) aptly titled, SECOND SKIN. Our books don't have release dates yet, but I'm sure we'll be sharing the details shortly.

As we say farewell to our debut year, and our moment in the Class of 2k10 spotlight, we're thrilled to welcome the Class of 2k11 members to the publishing world. We had a blast working together as co-presidents for 2k10 - although I admit there were moments of blind panic in the begining...lol...

Please take a few minutes and check out the wonderful Class of 2k11 website, participate in their contests, book cover mashups, etc. Here's the 2k11 trailer, created by the fab Madison at M2 Productions - who also worked her magic on trailers for both us Wolfy Chicks.

We're hoping to get to know the 2k11 authors better over the next year and will feature as many as possible right here on the Wolfy Chicks. That's right, we'll get some insider info on 18 of the newest voices in young adult and middle grade fiction. Whoopa! 2011? Bring it on!

Seasons greetings from the Wolfy Chicks!

2010-12-24T14:52:00.002-07:00

Seasons greetings from the Wolfy Chicks! May your holiday be warm and joyful!

Afraid of the dark?

2010-12-13T11:34:00.002-07:00

Afraid of the dark?
I will admit that I’m not one to sit in a room without lights…my imagination is too vivid. I will fill in the images in those dark corners that my eyes cannot see.
Not too long ago, I was watching the History Channel and they had a program called Afraid of the Dark. It was a fascinating romp through our history as humans and our fear of the dark.
One segment that impressed me was in the Dark Ages in England.
Think about living in a world with a basic lack of technology and where crime and disease ran amuck. People lived in fear, it was a daily event. The segment had a man walking home through the moors. The only light he had to guide him was starlight. It chilled me. He had to conquer human thieves,the landscape, animals, and perhaps even paranormal predators stalking the night looking for their next meal. It’s a wonder our race survived. What was interesting was this segment talked out how we as humans explained away the dark, we told stories. Our kin created creatures that lurked in the black abyss, witches, werewolves, vampires were common beliefs…maybe even more so than now.
Part of my ancestral linage can be traced back to English roots. I find it interesting that I am following in my ancestor’s footsteps. I write about things that lurk in the dark corners…I explore my fear and other’s using fictional creatures. The werewolf has been around the block a few times. I’m certainly not the first to use the beast in fiction.
Freaksville was a lighter romp through the paranormal and I find that in book two Furry & Freaked, I am drawn into darker surroundings. I haven’t turned off the lights…yet. But, I wonder how much of this fear of the dark is in my genes and therefore I cannot help but, write about that, that I fear most.
I’m working on a scene in the next book where Kasey is alone in the dark. I wanted to play up the fact that she is surrounded by a vast nothingness, play on our fears of the night. Normally, I like writting the SETTING (where they are what type of room, etc) and don't like having what we writers call a scene in white space. Where there is no details on where the scene is happening. However, instead of white space, I have black space and I think this might be one exception to the rule.
Here’s a wee snippet, it’s still a work in progress…
****
Crossroads
The vision sucker punched me. There was no other way to describe it, one minute I was in school and the next I wasn’t. Where I was wasn’t clear. Fog rolled along the ground snaking in swirls, my breath puffed out before me. A faint blue glow that didn’t emanate from anywhere, but everywhere, was my only light source. I turned in four directions and saw a vast nothingness; a blue black abyss enveloped me.
“Kasey.” My name was whispered on the wind. I turned trying to find the direction it had come from, but it circled around me.
“Kasey.” The sing song voice continued, luring -- a lullaby, promising something, yet the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stood in warning as the dark stalked up my spine and grabbed a hold of my soul.
Breathless I said, “Okay, you’ve got my attention.” I stumbled slightly.
“Kasey…come closer.” The voice became more of a hiss. At that I should have ran, but I didn’t. I was done running. I wanted the reins back on my life.
I closed my eyes and tried to tap into my Valkyrie side yet, the darkness had it in a stronghold. I dropped to my knees, coughing. The blue-black fog encompassed me.
“Surrender.” The voice commanded. I nodded holding on to my last breath, it escaped me in a loud gasp of air.

Second Skin Booktrailer

2010-12-05T12:25:00.002-07:00

So thrilled to announce the trailer for Second Skin, sequel to Under My Skin, is now available for viewing. Madison at M2 Productions is a media marvel. She's been doing trailers for authors since she the age of 17 and is now in film school. Go figure. If you're an author looking for someone to whip up a stellar trailer for your work, look no further.

Here's the blurb:

With FIENDS Like Eryn…

Eryn struggles to resist the beast clawing at her soul as darkness settles over her like a second skin. She’s made a deal, and she can’t let a dead man down. Not unless she wants her friends and family to relocate – six feet under.

When Eryn and her crew each face their own demons, loyalties are tested and temptations abound. Can she share a future with the brooding, noble, human Alec – the hunter after her heart? Or will she succumb to her enemy’s son, Wade, a seductive predator as bloodthirsty as she is?

What happens when you’re both the beauty and the beast?

And the trailer:

The best gift an author could get!

2010-11-09T20:35:00.005-07:00

I was awe struck when I received this in the mail today. 15 years old Trisha,from Montana, made me a Goth barbie in honor of the ghostly goth character Ruby in Freaksville! Ruby has a minor role in book one, but she won my heart and others too it seems and will have a larger role in Furry & Freaked. I'm totally without words on how touched I was. I had to share, Trisha you brought tears...thank you.

NaNo!!! Retreating to our author caves...see you in December

2010-11-02T14:33:00.004-06:00

It's November and to some it means fall leaves and family gatherings, but to many folks in the writing community, it’s a month of heavy writing. This is the first year I’m participating in National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNo and I have to say I need a month of just writing. I’m chaining myself to my computer to bang out as many words as I can... I have three novels that I need to get done, yeppers your ears don’t have wax, I have three novels. EEK! One is a project I’m writing with fellow Wolfy Chick, Judith Graves.
So we are both crawling into our author caves and won’t be coming out until December. Fret not, we will be back with awesome books for everyone, so hopefully you’ll forgive us. But better yet, why don’t you take this month to write your very own novel? I challenge you to 50K; come on you can do it.

Read, Write, Read… it’s easy as pie.
See you in December.
Kitty Keswick

Prize Packs and The Crescent WINNERS!

2010-11-01T05:25:00.002-06:00

Here are the names of our lucky winners! (Selected through random number generator.) Please email me at judithgraves at ymail dot com with your mailing address and your goodies will be scent ASAP.

Crossroads SWAG pack 1 - HEATHER (Burried in Books)

Crossroads SWAG pack 2 - MOONSANITY

Signed copy of The Crescent by Jordan Deen - LLEHN

NOTE: if I don't receive your mailing address by this FRIDAY, then I'll select another name.

Thanks soooooo much for hanging with us during the Crossroads tour. I enjoyed meeting some of you at our live chat last night - thanks for sharing Halloween with us. We're at The Page Turners blog again tonight for our last live chat (http://www.pageturnersblog.com/p/ptb-chat-home.html)

Crossroads Giveaway: The Crescent

2010-10-31T06:13:00.004-06:00

Hey guys - when you comment on any of our Crossroads posts you're entered to win one of 2 swag packages - but not only that.....comment on THIS post (BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT EST) and be entered to win a signed copy of The Crescent by Jordan Deen!

Don't you LOVE that cover?

Here's the blurb:

Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused. Lacey's fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she's ever know.

______

Don't forget to collect all the research question answers and email them to judithgraves at ymail dot com by MIDNIGHT tonight (EST) to be entered for the GRAND prize. Full details are on the main Crossroads page.

Thanks so much for joining us on this tour!

The Crossroads Tour: Day 16 Shannon Delany

2010-10-31T06:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Shannon Delany. The Wolfy Chicks have been thrilled to work with Shannon during our time with the Class of 2k10. We a blast hanging with her in NYC during our Class tour and Book Expo America. The lady is a whirlwind of writing, is amazing at connecting with readers and she's a fierce organizer. Plus, she writes about werewolves....how could we not love her? Get your mitts on her books ASAP!

1. As a fellow Wolfy Chick, what drew you to writing about werewolves?

Werewolves represent change, transformation and the struggle we experience embracing and balancing the duality of our wild and tame natures. It seemed the perfect character vehicle when dealing with adolescent characters who, even as simple humans, go through similar identity crises. Plus, they’re fluffy. Who doesn’t like fluffy? (says the girl with outrageous allergy issues)

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

Write every day. Seriously. (This one’s followed up by “Do as I say, not as I do” because I should follow that advice and I definitely feel better when I do.)

3. How do you balance writing with your “real” life – hobby farmer, mother, wife, etc?

Balance? *fumbles for dictionary* Ohhh. That’s what that word means. I knew I’d heard it before—probably one of those things my husband shouts in passing as he heads to the hay field.

It’s an ongoing challenge that changes based on deadlines and book release dates set by (fabulous) non-farmers. On the farm some things are standard: fall is the harvest and time to prep for winter storms and spring planting; winter is the quiet but dangerous time when everyone needs something from food to water to slip-resistant shoes or tires; winter’s also when the ewes come in close to lambing—February being their time of choice. And yet... February is also the release date for Secrets and Shadows (and a time of poor travel ability around here). So we (as a family) try to shuffle things a bit.

Would I love to do a multi-city tour to launch Secrets and Shadows? YES. Will nature (and my husband’s teaching job and son’s school) allow it? *shakes Magic 8 Ball* Future looks cloudy—and icy. So we hope for the best, prepare for the worst and depend on the law of averages to keep us sane. But seriously, balance around here is all about learning to juggle and working as a team. It’s stressful. But I wouldn’t trade a bit of it.

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

Yes. I even had a couple critique partners who encouraged me. I blame them for telling me my stuff was good and giving me the courage to submit my first story. That led to my first publication (during my 8th grade year) and the crazy belief writing can be a worthwhile profession if you’re brave (or stubborn) and have a thick skin (or delightfully unrealistic view of life).

What’s changed? I no longer include volcanoes or unicorns in my stories now. Well. Not as frequently. And generally my sentence structure is longer and more complex. Generally. Oh! And currently I write fewer girls carrying swords and bows (but who knows what the future holds, right?).

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

Currently I’m writing at my dining room table. Shhh! I know, I know. My husband doesn’t like the idea either, but I did it to break out of my brief writing rut. I needed a change of scenery from my normal spot at the little captain’s desk in the living room (the sheep can look up from the yard—where they’re currently acting as lawn mowers—and spot me, leading to lots of noisy salutations).

Thanks so much for hanging with us, Shannon. What a fangtastic end to the Crossroads Tour!

The Crossroads Tour: Day 14 Tonya Hurley

2010-10-29T04:58:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Tonya Hurley. Kitty and I had the pleasure of meeting Tonya in NYC during the Teen Author Carnival. Talk about a generous, funny lady - and she's got mean music trivia knowledge too. ;)

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

I have the ghostgirl series which is out now. I will be announcing some news soon, so stay tuned!

2. What inspires you?

Music. Film. Art. Life.

3. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?
No, I didn’t. I would do my school assignments, but that’s about it. I loved making up stories though. I’m known as “the exaggerator” in my family.

4. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

I have a huge print of Warhol’s electric chair over my desk. Platinum and gold record plaques. Lots of special edition artist stuff. Some signed stuff from Tim Burton and I have a signed Edward Scissorhands still signed by Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. Some armatures that I’ve made. LOTS of rare ghostgirl stuff from around the world – which I love! Fanart everywhere. A row of Jack Skellington heads that were gifted to me from the animator. My dog Esther Pearl. Film festival passes. A girl in a jar. And, I had the cemetery set from the ghostgirl trailer encased in glass and made into a table.

That's awesome, Tonya - speaking of the trailer....let's watch Lovesick and get swept away:

The Crossroads Tour: Day 13 Lucienne Diver

2010-10-28T05:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Lucienne Diver. Lucienne is a marvel - both an author and a literary agent. We don't know how she fits it all in, but we love her stamina!

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

Early on in my career I used the pseudonym Kit Daniels, under which I have a romantic comedy and a few short stories published, but I found that I’m really not cut out to lead a double life . I chose the pseudonym because I didn’t want to play on my publishing connections in any way (or have anyone judge me as an agent based on my writing, which I was still terribly insecure about). Then I got myself an agent—for many reasons, not the least of which because said insecurity would have made me a terrible negotiator on my own behalf—who convinced me to come out of the authorial closet. It’s so much easier to promote a book, sign stock, et. al. as myself.

As Lucienne Diver, I’ve written the Vamped series published by Flux Books (think Clueless meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer), which consists of Vamped and Revamped with at least two more volumes to come. I also have short stories out in the Strip-Mauled and Fangs for the Mammaries anthologies edited by Esther Friesner for Baen Books.

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

“Never Give up, Never Surrender.” This is Alan Rickman’s mantra in Galaxy Quest, but he could be talking to anyone who’s ever had a dream. No goal has ever been accomplished by giving up. Some writers have an easier path than others, a shorter learning curve, but no writer lives without rejection, whether from editors, reviewers or readers. It’s a fact of life, but learn from the well-intentioned comments, let the others roll of your back and carry on.

3. What inspires you?

“Apples, bridges, very small rocks, churches….” Oh, okay, I might have borrowed this from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. And anyway, it’s about witches and other things that supposedly floats on water, not vamps, which can’t even cross the stuff if there’s any kind of current.

I never know what’s going to inspire me, actually, only that inspiration never strikes when there’s a handy-dandy notebook nearby. I’ve had ideas come to me during a walk, in the shower, kayaking and in the very middle of a school talk when I was offering a spontaneous example of plotting and pacing. I guess my trick is simply to interact with the world and open myself up to new experiences.

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

Oh yes, I wrote my first “novel” in the fifth grade in response to a creative writing assignment. It was supposed to be a short story, but ended up over 110 pages. I’m sure that if I read it now, I’d find it full of said-bookisms, too many adjectives and all those beginner mistakes, but from that moment on I was hooked.

What’s changed? I have more discipline now about sitting down to write every day. I’ve gotten all the clichés out of my system (I hope!). I’m less self-conscious about my writing, which is wonderful, because I’ve learned to get out of my own way, turn off my inner English-major and just let the words flow onto the pages. As a result, my writing is much more natural and fluid.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

I freehand everything, so the good news is that my writer’s cave is portable. Generally I write in my bedroom, which we remodelled earlier this year, and which I just love. I’ve written in McDonald’s while my son played in the ball pit, sitting in my Adirondack swing, out by the pool, on trains, planes and in automobiles…you name it. When the story catches hold of me, I can tune out the world.

The Crossroads Tour: Day 12 Amy Brecount White

2010-10-27T05:47:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Amy Brecount White.

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

I just finished up a contemporary novel called String Theories. It’s about a girl who gets in over her head, the physics of relationships, a stream, and getting even. Not sure what I’m going to work on next, any ideas?! J

My first novel, Forget-Her-Nots, puts a new spin on the idea of garden magic. My main character, Laurel, discovers that she has inherited the gift of flowers. Now what to do with it?

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

“Write the novel that ONLY you can write.” – Toni Morrison.

3. Fav song with some kind of flower in the lyrics?

Nothing But Flowers (by David Byrne of the Talking Heads):

Nicely ironic, as many of his songs are. Wouldn’t it be great if it was nothing but flowers?!

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

Not really. I just read like crazy. I still read a ton. I can’t go to sleep at night if I don’t read first.

5. Being October and Halloween-ish, are there specific flowers with darker or more ominous meanings?

Definitely. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. J Basil is for “hatred,” which messes up my main character, Laurel, because it also makes her feel powerful. Dragonwart is for “horror.” (Here’s a picture:
http://www.plantcare.com/encyclopedia/dragon-wort-1746.aspx.) A red rose and a white rose together mean “war.” (The Houses of York and Lancaster in England’s War of the Roses.) A rhododendron is for “danger.” Plants to beware of!!

White bellflowers and orange crocuses for hosting me, Judith and Kitty!

Thanks for hanging with us Amy!

The Crossroads Tour: Day 11 Angie Frazier

2010-10-26T04:46:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Angie Frazier.

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

Everlasting is my debut YA novel, and the sequel (the title and cover is being revealed soon!) is releasing in June 2011. It’s a historical adventure that has bits of fantasy, romance, and mystery. Oh, and it’s set in 1855 Australia, which was a lot of fun to write and research! My next book, a middle grade mystery called The Midnight Tunnel: A Suzanna Snow Mystery is releasing March 1, 2011!

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

“Don’t be a writer. Be writing.” I’m not sure who said it, but boy, is it good advice. Just Write.

3. What inspires you?

The littlest things inspire me: a picture, a news story, a folk tale or a superstition, wacky dreams, historical events or places…I get my story ideas from all over the place.

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

I wrote all through my teen years, though I did take a break during college. I’d say the biggest changes have come through learning the craft and knowing how to structure a novel. How to make it satisfying for people other than just myself.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

I am not fortunate enough to have my own workspace yet (I’d take a small closet at this point!) so I’m stuck out in the open. The dining room is my “office” and the couch is my “creative spot”—that could explain why I often nap after writing a particularly difficult scene!

The Crossroads Tour: Day 10 Rosemary Clement-Moore

2010-10-25T06:42:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author,
Rosemary Clement-Moore. Rosemary is special to the Wolfy Chicks as she is one of the original members of the Class of 2k7 (of which we are now a part of the Class of 2k10), and she was kind enough to do a book quote for Under My Skin. Rosemary is one busy author, touring around and presenting at many conferences, as well as producing numerous young adult novels.

1. What do you struggle with the most when writing a first draft?

Second guessing myself. There are all these little forks in the road. Should I tell this chapter this way or that way? Should this happen now or later? Sometimes I have a hard time trusting my own judgement and try it several different ways before settling on something. Not very efficient at all!

2. Fav line from any of your novels?

Oooo, too hard to pick. But here is a completely arbitrary line from Prom Dates From Hell:
The blackness in the mirror twisted and contorted in fury, and then turned in on itself and disappeared, leaving the word “Soon” superimposed on my pallid reflection.

3. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

Oh, yes. I wrote stories while I should have been doing other things. I think the biggest thing that’s changed is that now when I start a book, I (usually) finish it!

4. Was it difficult to switch from the Maggie Quinn series full of zinger/sarcastic attitude and witty observances to the more thoughtful, flowing prose of The Splendor Falls?

The voice of each novel came very naturally from the narrating character, so once I got a handle on the different character--and Sylvie is SO very different than Maggie--the switch wasn’t particularly difficult. They’re both challenging in their own way, because Maggie has to stay zippy, but the attitude can’t get in the way of telling the story. And in The Splendor Falls, I’ve got this character who’s much more thinky… but I also have to keep things moving.

My next book, Texas Gothic, which comes out next June, is sort of a blend of the two voices. I’m hoping it strikes a good balance between the depth of one and the zip of the other. Lots of humor, and lots of snappy dialog.

The Crossroads Tour: Day 9 Stacey Kade

2010-10-24T05:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Stacey Kade.

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

The Ghost and The Goth came out in June 2010 from Hyperion. The sequel, Queen of the Dead will be out in June 2011, and I’m working on the third book now.

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

Write a crappy first draft. You can always clean it up later. Trying for perfection is paralyzing. All of that comes from Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, one of my favorite books about writing.

3. What inspires you?

Good writing and good stories, no matter where they are found. I’m a huge fan of television and movies as well as books, and when I read/hear amazing writing, it just moves me to get back to my computer as soon as possible! :)

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

Oh, yes, I wrote stories as early as grade school…well, I should say, I started stories. I didn’t know how to finish, which was discouraging. These days I finish them! :-) It is funny, though, to see that even my earliest story attempts incorporated paranormal and mystery elements.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

Lots of natural light, a little messy with paper and tea mugs, filled with items that have special meaning to me, and a HUGE poster of Roswell above my computer. Jason Behr is *very* inspiring. ;-)

The Crossroads Tour: Day 8 Jackie Morse Kessler

2010-10-23T07:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Jackie Morse Kessler.

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

Right now, I’m working on LOSS, the third book in the Riders’ Quartet. HUNGER is the first; RAGE, which is coming out in April 2011, is the second. I have a number of urban fantasy/PNR books and short stories under my “Jackie Kessler” name.

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

From author Martha O’Connor: “Write like no one’s watching.” If you write with blinders on, you’re doomed. Don’t self-censor; write the story that wants to be written, not the one you think will be allowed to be published.

3. What inspires you?

Reading phenomenal books – especially from my favorite authors. Neil Gaiman is my god of writing, hands down.

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

I did, but only fanfic about various comic book superheroes along with the occasional creative writing assignment for school. I didn’t start writing short stories seriously until after college. For one thing, my writing has gotten much better. Significantly better. I speak with authority; I found an early draft of my first-ever novel (thankfully, unpublished). Wow, was that BAD. Seriously bad. Painfully bad. The-plot-not-starting-until-page-212 sort of bad.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

That would be my home office. Let’s see…on the far right, I have my Morpheus/Arabian Nights statuette, my Hunter Rose/Grendel statuette, my Cylon, and my Kurt-Cobain-As-Death paperweight. I have my main computer laptop off to the right, my main monitor in the middle, my day-job laptop tucked off to the left (it’s the weekend right now, so that computer is off). I have a desk lamp next to my monitor, my iPad charging, my pile of papers and books and whatnot, my framed pictures of my Loving Husband and my Precious Little Tax Deductions, my cups filled with pens, a toy koala bear and a knitted Good Luck Plot Bunny, my headphones…and a cup of coffee. And more often than not, a cranky Officekitty on my lap.

The Crossroads Tour: Day 7 Jeri Smith-Ready

2010-10-22T05:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Jeri Smith-Ready. Jeri is one cool lady and we know this for a FACT as we hung out with her in NYC during Book Expo America in May for the Class of 2k10 book tour. She's a prolific author, with more on her plate than we can fathom....and she's a wonderful person, willing to share info and support her fellow authors. 2k10 wouldn't be the same without her!

1. Road to publication story?

Mine is very convoluted. Short version: My first book was bought as an e-book as a result of a contest. A woman read it who later became an editor at Luna Books, Harlequin’s fantasy imprint. She asked me to submit a proposal, and while my first proposal didn’t sell, my second one (for the ASPECT OF CROW trilogy) did sell. With an offer in hand, I had my pick of agents. Eventually my agent sold my vampire series and then my YA series.

As far as timelines, I wrote for five years before selling that first book, then it was another five years before I sold my second. But ever since then I’ve had one or two books out every year. I feel very lucky—and grateful to readers who have let me keep doing what I love!

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

The moment you submit one novel, get to work on something else. This is wise for two reasons: 1. You’ll be less emotionally attached to the submitted book, so if it sells you’ll be better able to edit it, and if it doesn’t, you’ll be less sad. 2. If the editor loves your writing but doesn’t want that particular book for whatever reason, and they ask, “What else do you have?” you’ll have an answer.

3. You write both adult and young adult fiction. What is different in how you approach writing YA?

Honestly, nothing. Each book gets a unique approach based on the demands of the story and the characters. And when I say “a unique approach,” I mean I fumble around trying to write the book the same way I’ve written other books until eventually the book completely balks and says, “No, this time around you need to write scenes out of order,” or “I need to be written super fast and heavily revised later.” Every book is a different kind of struggle. That’s part of the fun!

4. Other projects in the works?

In November, I’ll have a short story in a YA vampire anthology called ETERNAL: MORE LOVE STORIES WITH BITE. Then SHADE’s sequel SHIFT comes out in May. My fourth vampire book for adults, LET IT BLEED, comes out in August. In the fall, Logan Keeley from SHADE and SHIFT gets to tell his story in an anthology called ENTHRALLED, which is a collection of stories by the authors on this year’s Smart Chicks Kick It Tour.

After I finish LET IT BLEED, I’ll be starting the third SHADE book, part of which will take place at Newgrange in Ireland (and maybe, just maybe a bit in Scotland as well). And then the fifth and final book in the vampire series. I’ve also started brainstorming a brand-new idea for a big stand-alone YA.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

My laptop lets me be a nomad. I’ll sit in one spot for weeks or even months until one day it just doesn’t work for me anymore. I’ve spent the summer in the family room in the basement at the end of the couch. It’s very cavelike, which I find helps me concentrate. As winter comes I’ll move back upstairs to the dining room, living room, or even--*gasp*--my office.

The Crossroads Tour: Day 6 Karen Kincy

2010-10-21T04:38:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Karen Kincy. We LOVE the cover of her debut novel, Other:

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

My first novel, Other, debuted on July 1st of this year, and the sequel, Bloodborn, should be out in Fall 2011. Finally, the third in the series, Foxfire, comes out in 2012. Super-short teasers for each: shapeshifter girl hunts killer after paranormals like her—werewolf hunter gets bitten and becomes what he hated—fox-spirit guy returns to Japan to unravel mystery. Tada!

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

As soon as you write for publication and not purely for pleasure, it becomes a business. This may seem obvious, but for me I really had to rethink whether my ideas were marketable (did somebody already write this? Is it too weird?), whether I was doing a good job marketing my books (website, bookmarks, signings, etc.), and what my plans for the future of my career were (what next?). Sure, you can still have fun writing, but you have other obligations as well—and they can be really entertaining, too. What author doesn’t like meeting fans at a book signing?

3. What inspires you?

A divine lightning bolt from the heavens! Actually, no. I don’t believe in that kind of inspiration. I do believe in thorough research, having fun tossing around ideas, testing lots of premises, and not being afraid to make messes.

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

Yes, I’ve been writing forever, and finished my first novel at eighteen. A big part of me writing novels back then was figuring out how to write as I was going along. I stumbled over flimsy characters, clunky dialogue, and plotless stories on the way to decent novels that people other than myself would enjoy reading.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

My writer’s cave moves with me, a bubble of space centered around my trusty netbook. I type in bed, on the couch, at a picnic table… this very interview question is being answered on a kitchen counter! When I’m not at my netbook, I’m sitting at my desktop computer, which is a little more mundane, usually with Pooka—my pooka toy that I hand-sewed—glaring at me when I procrastinate yet again.

The Crossroads Tour: Day 5 Amanda Ashby

2010-10-20T04:36:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Amanda Ashby. I've had some great chats with Amanda via a cool author group on Yahoo, TeenLitAuthors - it's a great sharing resource and if you're a YA author, do a think on joining. ;) Amanda may live down under, but we share a lot of things in common - we both work in libraries, we write YA - and we love a good zombie tale....

1. What's your road to publication story?

I spent about six years trying to write romance novels and while I had a few near misses, but it wasn’t until my dad’s funeral when I had a very surreal conversation with him (despite the fact he was dead!). It was the inspiration for You Had Me at Halo and I started writing it three weeks later. I wrote the book very quickly and after years of getting rejected, I suddenly had two agents wanting to represent me. I signed with Jenny Bent and she sold my book two weeks later. After trying to get published for so long it was a very surreal experience!!!!!

2. Fav zombie movie?

Shaun of the Dead

3. What inspires you? Do you see dead people? ;)

My inspiration is reading other books and watching television (I do love movies as well but at heart I’m a TV and book girl!). Every time I see a great story it makes me want to work harder at my own craft so that I can find the best ways to tell the stories that are in my head!

4. Do you have a playlist for Zombie? And hey - what would zombie music sound like?

I did have a playlist for Zombie but it was on my other computer that died a death so now I’m going to have try and remember a few of them (and since I wrote the book three years ago, it’s not going to be a pretty sight)

How to be Dead by Snow Patrol
Zombie by The Cranberries
What in the World by David Bowie
You Win Again by The BeeGees
I Want You to Want Me by Cheap Trick

5. Describe a typical writing day in AmandaLand.

Monday to Friday I wake up and get my kids ready for school. I normally manage to check my emails at the same time (though I never have enough time to reply to everything, which is why I’m always chronically behind!!!!). Then I drive my kids to school and come home. I will normally do a bit of Internet stuff for half an hour and then get to work. Often I re-read what I did the day before and tweak that (or scrap it, depending on my mood). I will then write until about quarter to two and then go for a walk before I get the kids from school. The afternoon is then taken up with them and I don’t manage to get back to the computer until about eight at night. Sometimes I will keep writing (depending how the day went) or else I will do other writing associated things like blog posts etc.

Then on the weekends I work at the library so the only writing I get to do is at night time!

Whew - Amanda is on busy writer! You won't want to miss Zombie Queen of Newbury High, which is the story of what happens when a teenage girl tries to do a love spell, but instead she accidentally turns her entire senior year into zombies and then has to find a cure before she becomes next on their new flesh-only diet.

Or her next upcomming releases: Fairy Bad Day is about a girl who suddenly starts to see invisible fairies. Invisible killer fairies. She also has a mid grade series coming out about a girl who gets turned into a djinn the day before she starts sixth grade. Check out her website: http://amandaashby.com/

The Crossroads Tour: Day 4 Joy Preble

2010-10-19T04:35:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Joy Preble. Joy is a joy. Seriously. She's been our mentor through the Class of 2k10, as she was a member of the Class of 2k9....I think she's the only author who ended up with TWO mentees. But, that's just like Joy, willing to help out fellow authors and not scared of a bit of work. She comes by it honestly, this writer is also a high school English teacher (just think of the marking on top of her own writing!). Wowza. We're hoping to someday meet in person and ply her with buckets of java and chocolate.

1. What have you enjoyed the most about being a part of the Class of 2k9?

I would never be as far as I am in this crazy wonderful profession if not for my fellow 2k9 classmates. Together we learned the ropes – how to promote, how to handle the ups and downs of the publishing world, how to say sane while transitioning to being a much more public person. Every single one of us dealt with hardships along the way – illness, changes of agents and editors, second book journeys that were different than planned. I loved being able to have people I trusted, who were going through the same things as I was. Mostly I loved getting to call 21 new people my true friends. My world has broadened and expanded and I am very much the better for having the 2k9ers in my life. When we see each other at events it’s like seeing my very best of friends. That is a rare and wonderful thing indeed.

2. Best marketing advice for a new author?

Do what works for you. But do it. I don’t care how shy you are or how busy. If you don’t market yourself, chances are, no one will find your wonderful book. Let us know you’re out there! But don’t be obnoxious about it; don’t forget the social in social networking.

3. How to you balance writing with your career as a teacher?

Well, the real answer is that I don’t. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but it’s wickedly difficult some days. The thing you don’t know about writing until you’re published is that once book one is out there, you’re writing other books while simultaneously promoting the heck out of the first book. So add 175 students (my load last school year) into the mix and it’s crazy chaos. Mostly, I try to use my time as wisely as I can. (often – shhh, don’t tell my principal – there was a fair amount of emailing done during my conference periods. Most of last year I was in CST, my agent in PST and my editor in EST. So it was kind of nuts) I watch a lot less tv and honestly, last year I socialized a lot less; there simply wasn’t time. But this year, I’ve got a much lower student load…

4. Can you give us a sneak peek at Haunted?

I’d love to! Here’s a blurb: Anne Michaelson’s world turned upside down last year when handsome, blue-eyed and temporarily immortal Russian Ethan Kozninsky showed up. Now six months later, Anne still has powers she doesn’t fully understand. She’s still dreaming about Baba Yaga’s forest. And she’s definitely still got feelings for Ethan, even though she’s got a new boyfriend—the very normal and very sweet lifeguard Ben Logan. But things are about to get even more complicated. There’s a wicked Russian folklore mermaid stalking Anne. With her heart torn between Ben and Ethan, Anne’s search for the rusalka’s identity reveals deep and startling secrets -- including the true source of Anne’s powers. As the romance heats up, so does the danger. Will Anne’s powers be enough to help the rusalka get what she wants? Or will the longings of her own heart get in the way?

5. One of the things we loved about Dreaming Anastasia, was the formal language / tone of Anastasia’s letters. List five words you wished were used more today:

persnickety, lambasted, flummoxed, cruller, aplomb. And chum. As in I adore my bosom chums except when they are persnickety and don’t share their crullers. Then I have to lambaste them and tell them to act with more aplomb. Sometimes I am totally flummoxed by human behaviour. (and do you know that you’re Canadian spell check is on and I can only type honour not honor and favourite not favorite? This has been the most fascinating part of this process!

Thanks so much, Joy - can't wait to read Haunted! Find out more about Joy at her website: http://www.joypreble.com/

The Crossroads Tour: Day 3 Linda Joy Singleton

2010-10-18T04:32:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Linda Joy Singleton. Don't forget to swing by The Crossroads main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/ to discover today's question for your grand prize hunt!

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

After I finish rewriting a middle-grade, I plan to write another YA. If my publisher wants another spinoff from THE SEER like the Goth Girl Mystery starring Thorn which comes out in 2011, then I’ll write about Thorn again. I’m hope this happens as I don’t feel finished with her yet. If that doesn’t happen, Plan B is to work on a futuristic YA about an unusual society. I’ve written 4 pages and have lots of notes. I always have to work on something. Ideas are easy, it’s staying published that has always been a challenge. Fortunately I love challenges.

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

Basic stuff really. Read, write, never give up. If you do those 3 things, you’ll be ahead of the game. And I don’t mean just read a few books – I mean read hundreds of books in your genre plus others and really analyze and study what works and what doesn’t. Write daily, even if it feels like crap. Then rewrite and rewrite until the words sing with strong voice and story. And don’t get discouraged (for long anyway) by rejections, life dramas, comparing yourself to other authors, bad reviews or anything that knocks down your confidence. So my fave advice is: You only fail if you fail to try. So never ever fail to try.

3. What inspires you?

I have to inspire myself by visualizing successes and knowing that I’m not special or entitled to success – I have to work hard to create the lucky breaks. So when luck calls, I’ll be ready with polished manuscripts.

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

I wrote constantly as a teen. That was before computers, so I scribbled my stories in notebooks while I was in class. I was always writing. I mostly wrote dialogue and action, bored by descriptive details. So as an adult, I had to really study descriptions to learn. I consider myself self-taught; learning to write by constant reading. I wrote for fun, too, which I now realize was practice (like a pianists practices for years before doing a concert). Everyone has different methods and time frames – some writers sell right away. But for me it was those years writing as a teen that gave me a solid foundation of practice so that when I pursued a writing career, I already had a sense of plotting, dialogue, rhythm of words and characterization. Still I keep going to conferences and reading a lot, always studying to keep my dialogue and characters current. I especially love reading YA novels – so many great ones being published now.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

My office is on the second floor and has six windows looking out on oak trees and golden rolling hills. We have horses so sometimes I see them from the window. Or the neighbor’s peacocks strut onto our place, too, and it’s fun to take walks and find peacock feathers. I love living in the country, even though it means being alone a lot. But I always have animals nearby, like my dog Lacey is curled up near me and usually my part-Siamese Snowy is near, too.

In my office I have 3 large bookshelves. One has middle-grade paperbacks as part of my kid series collection; another has favourite books plus 2 shelves of books to read; the third has foreign edition Harry Potter and a shelf of all my published books (plus other editions like French, Italian, etc.), with 3 shelves of autographed books from authors I’ve met – some real treasures there!

The Crossroads Tour: Day 2 Kitty Keswick

2010-10-17T06:25:00.000-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're supposed to feature Kitty, but since we're bloggers on the tour, as well as authors, we thought we'd just promo the tour in general. Although....you won't want to miss the second book in the Freaksville series, Furry & Freaked. Kitty just revealed the cover a few days ago. Here it is:

There are 15 other authors being interviewed today and don't forget the all important task of helping Wade get that research completed (he sooo wants to impress Eryn). Of course, you're under his thrall...it's not so much "helping" as doing his bidding.

Check out the tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/ for today's question.

Collect all the correct answers and email me, judithgraves at ymail dot com, by Midnight on October 31st to be entered in the grand prize. Which includes:

- signed copy of Under My Skin by Judith Graves
- copy of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
- copy of Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
- gothic stickers
- funky Halloween decorations
- a DVD featuring Classic Horror Films
- a $10 gift certificate for Leap Books
- a Leap Books T-shirt

I should also mention that we'll be doing a few SWAG giveaways right here on Wolfy Chicks. Just comment on any of our "Crossroads" posts and you'll automatically be entered. The Crossroads authors have been MORE than generous. Here's a sample of what might be up for grabs:

The Crossroads Tour: Day 1 Jordan Deen

2010-10-16T05:29:00.003-06:00

Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Jordan Deen. And though we will be featuring 15 other authors over the next 15 days, the ONLY signed copy we will be giving away is of THE CRESCENT. Watch for the giveaway on October 31st and comment on our last Crossroads post to enter!

Remember, every day of the tour a new "question" will be posted on the tour's main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/ and you'll have to read through all the blogs to find the correct answer. Send all your answers by midnight on Oct 31st to judithgraves at ymail dot com to be entered for the grand prize (details are on the tour page).

Alrighty, here's JORDAN DEEN!

1. What projects are you working on / have published?

Hi Judith and Kitty! It’s great being back with the both of you. I’m thrilled to participate with you guys.

‘The Crescent’, my debut novel, came out January 2010. The sequel, ‘Half Moon’ comes out 1/13/11. I have another novel, ‘Benches’ that is currently on submission to several agents for representation. So, fingers crossed for that!

2. Best writing advice you've heard?

Best advice, hands down is don’t take it personally. (When thinking of reviews).

3. What inspires you?

Waking up inspires me. Each day comes with so many possibilities. Just watching the sun rise and set is enough to get my blood flowing and my fingers going. Of course, a good cup of coffee doesn’t hurt either.

4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?

Yes, I did. And honestly, they sucked. I was very one sided as a teen-writer and had no idea how to develop voice and characters. It was more like¸ “Then Sara sat down, she pulled out a pencil, she tapped it on the desk, she stared at the clock.” I’ve come a long way since then. I’m thankful to have some of the best crit partners—most of which I’ve met in the past two years. That is the best advice I can give- find people you trust and give your work (and your heart) over to them and let them tell you everything they feel without letting it hurt your feelings. It’s an extremely emotional and personal experience. It’s amazing and terrifying all at the same time.

5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.

It really only takes one word: MESSY. Right now, my house is in utter disarray and there is no end in sight for it. I don’t want to sound bad, but I don’t even have furniture in there right now, so my writing space is anywhere I can find an uncluttered spot with a clear view of the mountains around my house. That is all I ask for… but I rarely get!

Thanks Jordan, have fun on the tour, oh fellow Wolfy Chick. ;)

Here's the blurb for The Crescent:

Becoming a werewolf is not an option for seventeen-year-old Lacey Quinn, but death can be a strong motivator. Lacey is so focused on her future that everyday life has passed her by. Counting down the days to her eighteenth birthday, Lacey is almost home free. But when she falls for the mysterious Alex Morris, she lands in the middle of an ancient war between two enemy wolf packs. Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused. Lacey's fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she's ever know.

Meet us at The CROSSROADS

2010-10-15T06:01:00.003-06:00

In light of The Crossroads tour kicking off tomorrow, I thought I'd remind everyone of the rules.

HOW THE TOUR WORKS:

Each day of The Crossroads Tour, a new research question will be revealed here on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page (http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/), and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the 16 different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all 16 answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween.

Here's the cool backstory:

Eryn and her crew of hunters, Matt, Brit and of course, the oh-so-brooding, Alec, are hunting down a creature that’s been making a nuisance of itself in Redgrave. Rumour has it, the creature can only be destroyed on midnight of October 31st. That’s right, Halloween, and only at a crossroads.

Wade, Redgrave High’s resident hottie (and a vampire after Eryn’s heart), is searching for possible leads. Wade’s not one for research, but that’s all the crew will let him do. Let’s just say there are some trust issues at hand.

He lurks under a streetlight, cloaked in late afternoon shadows. He’s a bit miffed. If he can’t suck the info out of an unwilling victim, there’s not much of a thrill in it for him. Still, gathering intel might impress Eryn and perhaps lead to another dark alley clincher. He resigns himself to playing the good guy, just this once.

Uh oh. He’s spotted you on the sidewalk outside the library. It’s too late to grab the holy water you’ve got stashed in your backpack (you’re not a total spaz, this is Redgrave, after all). He stalks toward you, his eyes trained on yours. Your heart does a few desperate Karate-Kid kicks in your chest, but you’re unable to flee. You stare into his grey-eyed darkness. You slip under his spell. In seconds you’re his.

How lovely.

He’s close now. You smell an icy mint in the air. You close your eyes in submission, waiting for the press of his fangs on your neck. But instead of indulging in an after school snack, Wade compels you to do his dirty work for him. As the sun fades, you spend hours searching through historic documents, the folklore section, and even crank out the microfiche. Consider yourself an honorary Giles…

The Crossroads Tour: Press Release

2010-10-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

This Halloween meet 16 YA Paranormal Authors at THE CROSSROADS!From October 16-31st, bloggers and authors will meet at a virtual crossroads, sharing their love of the paranormal and things that go bump in the night with readers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 12, 2010 – Canada, United States, Worldwide:
What’s dark, delicious and READ all over? Young adult paranormal fiction, my FIENDS, and what better way to celebrate debut and established authors in the genre than a blog tour frenzy? Over sixteen days this October (October 16-31) bloggers and authors will meet at a virtual crossroads, sharing their love of the paranormal and things that go bump in the night with readers.

Judith Graves, an Alberta based YA author, (Under My Skin. Leap Books, 2010) has organized the event, the first multi-author blog tours of its kind. She’s wrangled in New York Times bestselling authors (Tonya Hurley. Ghostgirl series. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) and newbies alike for the sixteen day promotional GOREfest. Participating bloggers will giveaway generous amounts of SWAG donated by the authors, as well as signed copies of Crossroad author titles.

Paranormal authors deal with the fantastical and the yearnings of their readers. “It’s a once a year opportunity to be anything and anyone you want to be. Anyone can be a princess, a superhero or a villain- all in one night.” Says Jordan Deen (The Crescent. Black Rose Writing, 2010). Joy Preble (Haunted. Sourcebooks Fire, 2011) agrees, “Halloween is a time for unloosening – of spirits and self.” Why not indulge in the spirit of reading? “[Halloween] is a time where the veil between the real and the unreal, the living and the dead, thins until you think you see strange shadows following you under the pumpkin-orange moon…” adds Karen Kincy (Other. Flux, 2010)

Besides the usual deal with the devil lore, crossroads symbolize so much more, as Angie Frazier (Everlasting. Scholastic Press, 2010) shares, “Literally or figuratively, a crossroads is place where a single decision will change everything. For me, a crossroads symbolizes choice and loss, and sometimes even bravery—when you choose one path, countless others are left behind, unexplored.” Amy Brecount White (Forget-Her-Nots. Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2010) expands, “A crossroads symbolizes new possibilities. We can’t see what’s going to happen in either direction, but a choice is unavoidable. We are our choices, which is both exciting and scary.”

This Halloween, choose to explore new stories, new voices. “It’s the only holiday that encompasses imagination to the fullest. A night to be whom ever you want to be, try someone’s shoes on for size…experience magic.” Encourages, Kitty Keswick (Freaksville. Leap Books, 2010).

How the tour works:

From October 16-31st, readers, under the thrall of Wade Gervais, a dark-side vampire from Judith Graves’ Under My Skin, hunt for answers to a new paranormal trivia question each day. The answers are hidden within a different blog post daily, encouraging readers to visit each blog, each day of the tour. Bloggers will be giving away a bevy of tricks and treats donated by Crossroads Tour authors. At the end of the tour, on October 31st compiled answers are sent to Graves and a grand prize winner is randomly selected from those with correct and complete entries. There will also be two live chats on October 31st and November 1st, bringing readers, authors and bloggers together for a final celebration on Halloween and the Day of the Dead.
For the full list of participating authors, bloggers and giveaways, check out The Crossroads event page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/

-30-

To book an interview contact:Rachel Sentes/PublicistRachel@gal-fridaypublicity.com/604-366-7846

# # #
gal-friday is a publicist, and freelance writer She works with authors, agents, publishers, businesses and cool arts causes. She is partnered with Brian Wood- a non-fiction literary agent in Vancouver to maximize publicity exposure
— end —

Cover for Furry & Freaked

2010-10-08T06:47:00.001-06:00

Ta da! I just received my cover from my publisher. (That squeal you heard was me.) I have to say a huge thank you to Leap’s Art Department, amazing! Furry & Freaked is the sequel to Freaksville and in many ways a totally different book. Kasey is growing and so are her powers. She’s alone, without her major support system (at first…don’t panic) and is truly going through her blue period. I really love the blueness of this cover. (Blueness, is that a word? hum, okay if not, I just coined it.) The cover still has the swirl element from the first cover, which I love.

Share your thoughts whatcha think?

So here’s the working blurb. I got permission to post it. I’m doing final edits so a few things might be tweaked.

Sixteen-year-old Kasey Maxwell left Freaksville behind when her family moved from California to rural Pennsylvania. But she didn’t leave her troubles. Being the new chew toy…err, new girl stinks. Her Valkyrie side is growing, and the spirits become more haunting. When her visions turn bloody, Kasey must rely on new support systems--paranormal ones.
Someone at Kasey’s new high school wants to sink their claws into her. A formidable evil rises as the stars align, igniting an ancient feud. Kasey is torn between two loves and two natures--one that heeds the cool whispers of the dead and the other, a fierce predator lurking beneath, lying in wait. She must use all her allies and even her foes to save those she loves--before the moon bleeds.
This isn’t Freaksville: things are about to get a little hairy.

Halloween and the big debate, what to wear

2010-10-04T19:39:00.000-06:00

About ten years ago I was in a bit of a pinch; I needed a Halloween costume and quick! Like in one hour the day of trick or treating. EEK! See, I moved from the West Coast to the East and the township I moved to didn't celebrate Halloween on Halloween, October 31st. It's a strange thing and something I didn't expect (hence the lack of costume) I thought everyone celebrated it on October 31st. I was wrong.

You know what they say about assuming.

In a panic, I ran out to the local CVS and bought the only thing they had left, a witches hat and cauldron. I went through my closet and tossed on a black shirt and a long black skirt. Wasn't too hard, majority of my wardrobe is black. It goes with everything, right?

So for the next ten Halloweens celebrated on Halloween faux night, I donned my witch’s hat and divvied up candy out of my caldron. It had become a tradition with my neighbors…the older ones even thought I WAS a witch and seemed to stop complaining when I left my leaves unraked. (On my block most of the folks seemed to rush out outside and rake as soon as the first leaf touched the grass. I’m not of that sort, I’m more for let Mother Nature blow them around a bit first and maybe if I have time , I’ll rake.)

So as Halloween approaches this year, I naturally thought about pulling out my old faithful costume. Problem is I’m visiting family and didn’t bring it with me.
This time, I had time to shop and I must say, I’m really loving my new hat. I’m breaking tradition a bit and went for green and black. (They celebrate Halloween on Halloween in the West, I had fair warning and have been to ton of shops in search of the perfect hat.)

Those of you that have read Freaksville, might have picked up on the fact that I hate spiders. I’m beyond an Arachnophobic, I’m the Queen, yes those little black things on the veil are spiders. Something that makes my skin crawl, but maybe conquering my fear is a good thing.

I also snatched up some fabu eyelashes and black lipstick. I'm still working on the clothes, but I also saw some amazing black feather wings that I might snag and mix things up a bit. Every Halloween for the last ten years I've been a witch, It's a tradition I intend on keeping. I'm just adding a bit of theater to it this year and having fun doing it.

So what is everyone dressing up as this year? Share your costumes!

Downtown isn't a place for zombies...

2010-10-01T11:32:00.000-06:00

Downtown isn't a place for zombies...well, at least not in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Last year, I found out a little too late to participate in the first annual Zombie Walk. Yeppers, you read correctly, zombies. (OMG! How fun!) The slobbering, staggering, brain loving fiends that have invaded American pop-culture stumbled along the streets of PA's capital city last year. Dragging legs and out stretched hands the walk started on City Island and meandered around downtown. Fun, eh?. This year the city of Harrisburg nipped the brain loving undead walk, stating a event fee would have to be paid.

So what's a zombie girl to do?

The event is being moved to the Harrisburg Mall, which I think is a cool venue, since so many of the modern movies have zombie plaguing the glistening shopping havens.

So this Halloween maybe you can start a zombie revolutions in your home town, too.

For an article with a smidge more details.....
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/09/harrisburgs_zombie_walk_will_m.html

Photo taken by SEAN SIMMERS, The Patriot-News, 2009
Amanda Shafer (yellow) and Matt Caylor of Harrisburg walk over the Walnut Street Bridge during Harrisburg's first Zombie Walk last year.

You can retweet the story by following the link above.

The Crossroads Tour: Day 15 Judith Graves

2010-09-27T20:00:00.002-06:00

The second last day of The Crossroads tour and we're supposed to feature me, Judith - but instead we're just going to say - wow - this tour has been one HELL of a good time. From the research / scavenger hunt to learning all kinds of cool details about these amazing young adult paranormal authors (and bloggers!) - it's been day, after day of pre-Halloween goodness.

I hope you'll join us over at The Page Turners blog for 2 evenings of live chats with Crossroads authors. Here's the schedule:

October 31st 8 pm central time

Jordan Deen - The Crescent
Judith Graves - Under My Skin
Linda Joy Singleton - Magician's Muse
Karen Kincy - Other
Stacey Kade - The Ghost and the Goth
Amy Brecount White - Forget-Her-Nots
Joy Preble - Haunted

November 1st 8 pm central time

Angie Fraizer - Everlasting
Tonya Hurley - Ghost Girl: Lovesick
Lucienne Diver - Revamped
Jackie Kessler - Hunger
Jeri Smith-Ready - Shade
Kitty Keswick - Freaksville
Shannon Delany - 13 to Life

You can sign up for email reminders using the following widgets:

and here's the one for the 1st

SWEET Giveaway Contest: The Great YA Bake Sale

2010-09-06T07:30:00.000-06:00

YA author of Claire de Lune, Christine Johnson, has organized one SWEET giveaway. I just HAD to participate - my sweet tooth wouldn't let me do otherwise. Here's Christine's message with all the deets:

It’s here, it’s here - The Great YA Bake Sale of 2010!

It all started when I realized that YA authors seem to have one big thing in common - an obsession with sweets and baking.

That gave me an idea. I started calling (well - okay, emailing) around and ended up with more than a dozen kind, sugar-loving authors on board to bring you one amazing contest.

Here’s the deal:

To enter, simply leave a thoughtful comment on an author’s Bake Sale blog post, or tweet about the contest with the hashtag #YABakeSale10. Voila! You’re entered.

When you enter, you become eligible to win any one of the Personal Prize Packs (i.e. a comment on Saundra Mitchell’s blog may net you the Cyn Balog prize pack. You’re entering the whole contest, not just that particular author’s part of it.) You also become eligible to win the humongonormous Grand Prize Basket.

What’s in the Grand Prize Basket?

Each author has hand-written two copies of a favorite sweet-treat recipe. One copy has gone into a beautiful recipe book that is part of the Grand Prize Basket. In addition to the (hand-written! Did I mention that?) recipe collection, the Grand Prize winner will receive:

A signed copy of Cyn Balog’s SLEEPLESS
Bookmarks for KAT, INCORRIGIBLE by Stephanie Burgis
Signed bookmarks for THE CRESCENT and HALF MOON, pencils, and a crescent moon and crystal-studded star necklace from Jordan Deen
A (signed?) copy of THE BODY FINDER, a THE BODY FINDER tote bag, sticker and bookmarks from Kimberley Derting
An EVERLASTING-themed notebook, bookmark and pin from Angela Frazier
A signed copy of CLAIRE DE LUNE, signed stickers and a silver, moon-themed bookmark from Christine Johnson
A signed copy of SHADOWED SUMMER, matching chocolate candies, Twilight-themed heart candies, bookmarks and THE VESPERTINE dance card from Saundra Mitchell
A signed copy of THE PACE, by Shelena Shorts, along with bookmarks and THE PACE pencils
A signed hard-cover of SHADE and a Keeley Brothers pin from Jeri-Smith Ready
A signed copy of PERSONAL DEMONS, a PERSONAL DEMONS tank top, temporary tattoos, and bookmarks from Lisa Desrochers
. . . AND MORE!!! All for ONE LUCKY WINNER!

But that’s not all!

Each author has one other handwritten recipe that will be part of each author’s own Personal Prize Pack.

The prize packs include:

Cyn Balog - Signed copy of SLEEPLESS and a handwritten recipe for Coconut Bread.
Stephanie Burgis - UK paperback copy of A MOST IMPROPER MAGICK and a hand written recipe for Apple Muffins
Kay Cassidy - Hand-written recipe and giveaways
Megan Crewe - Hand-written recipe and giveaways
Shannon Delaney - Hand-written recipe and giveaways
Jordan Deen - Basket with Pampered Chef baking gear and a recipe for Orange Pineapple Cake
Kimberley Derting - Signed copy of The Body Finder, stickers, a totebag, bookmarks and a recipe for Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lisa Desrochers - A copy of PERSONAL DEMONS and a recipe for Sunday Coffee Cupcakes
Angie Frazier - A signed hard-cover copy of EVERLASTING, bookmark, and a recipe for Butter Rum Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream Frosting
Judith Graves - Copy of UNDER MY SKIN, a character card, and a recipe for Dead Lady Fingers
Christine Johnson - A signed hard-cover copy of CLAIRE DE LUNE, stickers, a silver moon-themed bookmark and a recipe for Chocolate-Chip Butterscotch Blondies
Saundra Mitchell - Recipe and giveaways
Jennifer Murgia - ANGEL STAR swag, Octogram earrings, and a hand-written recipe
Shelena Shorts - Signed copy of THE BROKEN LAKE and bookmarks and a hand-written recipe
Jeri Smith-Ready - SHADE UK paperback edition and a recipe for Scottish Oat Scones

Fine print: The contest entries must be posted by midnight eastern time on September 20th. This contest is open to the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Questions? Leave them in the comments or email me - christine(at)christinejohnsonbooks.com

Cover for Second Skin!

2010-07-29T12:58:00.001-06:00

(Note: crossposting this from my website: www.judithgraves.com)

I'm pleased to share the cover for SECOND SKIN, the next instalment in the Skinned series. I love the bloody drama of it all. ;) And if you look closely, you'll notice a guy's face in one of the blood splatters. There is a girl splatter on the back cover as well - which you'll see when you buy the book, right? (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) I've also included the current blurb which might change a bit before printing. Whatcha thinks?

With FIENDS Like Eryn…

Eryn struggles to resist the beast clawing at her soul as darkness settles over her like a second skin. She’s made a deal, and she can’t let a dead man down. Not unless she wants her friends and family to relocate – six feet under.

When Eryn and her crew each face their own demons, loyalties are tested and temptations abound. Can she share a future with the brooding, noble, human Alec – the hunter after her heart? Or will she succumb to her enemy’s son, Wade, a seductive predator as bloodthirsty as she is?

What happens when you're both the beauty and the beast?

A Book and A Chat: Kitty Keswick

2010-07-20T11:53:00.000-06:00

Listen to the witty Barry (aka Storyheart) and Kitty as they chat about the power of a British accent, writing, frogs, dreams, Freaksville and Kitty's next book, Furry and Freaked.

Listen to internet radio with A Book and a Chat on Blog Talk Radio

Class of 2k10, Janet Fox, talks about wolves and Faithful

2010-07-06T05:05:00.000-06:00

It's been over a year since Judith and I joined the Class of 2k10. I couldn't ask for a better group of debut authors to share this journey. In May, I had the chance to meet Janet Fox author of Faithful face to face. She's warm and friendly and an incredible writer. Her debut novel, Faithful is set in Yellowstone.

Although though Janet, doesn't write about the paranormal, she shares a common love, wolves. Through out this month, we will be chatting with our fellow debut authors from the Class of 2k10, without further delay, let me introduce Janet Fox.

I like to think of myself as a wolfy chick…or at least a wolf-loving chick.

Our family has a cabin up in the mountains of Montana, which is where I am as I write this. We’ve been coming here for many years, and on one of our earliest trips, before my hubby and I were married, we saw a wolf way up in the backcountry. It was a thrill to see the lone hunter slip through the pines, disappearing like smoke.

Then in 1996, wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/wolves.htm We took a number of trips into the Park with our young son, eager to see the wolves, but they were always at a distance and even binoculars were not enough – most visitors had to use spotting scopes. We watched the movies of pups at play and saw pictures of the adults – big, beautiful animals. But we never had a true close sighting.

Then, four years ago, the wolves had become so completely integrated into the Greater Yellowstone that we had two packs set up dens in our own valley. We saw and heard them all the time, in ones or twos or bunches, their yellow-green eyes watching us. I saw the pack at play early one morning, listening to them “talking” as they ran across the hillside. We heard them howl at night. We came upon wolf kills. Some folks started packing guns.

The wolves started harassing the horses; they killed a couple of cows. Local ranchers received permission to kill the wolves if they predated stock. A few were shot – the alpha male from one pack, the alpha female from the other. One pack got mange. The other pack disbursed. The wolves are still here, but we don’t see them much any more.

This is as it should be. Some people have a primal fear of wolves. Wolves and people don’t mix well: wolves kill dogs, seeing them as competition, and they will take sheep or cows if they can’t find deer and elk. The old western ethos is that wolves are vermin.

I set my novel Faithful in Yellowstone in 1904 – the wolves in the Yellowstone region had been hunted to near extinction, so my character Maggie didn’t encounter them. I tried to make a quiet statement about our treatment of wildlife through Tom, Maggie’s naturalist friend.

I like knowing that the wolves are out there, but I’m happy they’ve chosen to lay low and avoid humans. They belong in the ecosystem, but not in our back yards. Wolves are smart and secretive. They’ve been around a long time. They provide balance.

I like to think we can live in the company of wolves.

Here’s more on wolf recovery efforts in Yellowstone: www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/wolves.htm

1K a day anyone?

2010-07-02T11:07:00.000-06:00

So a thousand a day would be pretty darn awesome, eh? Not dollars in this case, words. We have a lot of aspiring writers that follow us...we were once in those same shoes. Our friends over at YA Edge are sponsoring a 1K a day challenge for the month of July. Prizes and praise and a kick in the pants if you need it! It's different from Nano, it doesn't have to be a new WIP. You can work on something that has been buried under your bed hanging with the dust bunnies. Or in my case edits and book three. So stop by yaedge.blogspot.com and take part in the writing challenge...or not, those books don't write themselves, don't I wish. I need to invent something where you plug it into your brain and the story is spewed out on paper, edits and all. If you're not a writer stop by anyway and cheer people on.

Werewolf June: Karen Kincy

2010-06-26T10:10:00.000-06:00

Feathers unfurl from my skin. My plummet curves into a swoop, and I tuck my talons beneath my body. From girl to great horned owl in about a second. Pretty good, huh?

Gwen Williams is like any other modern teenager with one exception: she's a shapeshifter. Never having known her Pooka-spirit father, Gwen must struggle with the wild, wonderful magic inside of her alone—and in secret. While society may tolerate vampires, centaurs, and "Others" like Gwen, there are plenty of folks in Klikamuks, Washington, who don't care for her kind.

Now there's a new werewolf pack in town, and Others are getting killed, including Gwen's dryad friend. The police are doing zilch. In the midst of terrible loss and danger, Gwen meets a cute Japanese fox spirit who's refreshingly comfortable with his Otherness. Can Gwen find the courage to embrace her true self and find the killer—before she becomes the next victim?

I'm guessing this will be a read like no OTHER. I can't wait to get my copy! Karen Kincy kindly answered my Werewolf June, brain-picking questions:

1. What is the most challenging thing about writing shifters/werewolves?

Imagining their animal natures, both mentally and physically. I love writing transformation scenes after researching the different bone structures of say, wolves vs. humans, and how they might melt into each other during a transformation. My pooka protagonist, Gwen, often shapeshifts into an owl, so I read up on the take off and landing mechanics of owls to inspire my descriptions.

Great research, Karen! Owls are fascinating raptors...so "wise", but deadly. ;)

2. Would you ever consider getting fangs or a special tat to show some wolfy love?

Not fangs, though a tattoo might be cool… probably not a werewolf, but a pooka. That would be a wild black horse rampant, with fiery golden eyes. Wonder if anybody else has a pooka tattoo? Must resist urge to Google that!

A pooka tattoo...very cool. Perhaps you could get a designer to create some temporary ones for you (and your fans!). Then we could all share the pooka love.

3. What's the most gothic / paranormal thing you own?

Hmmm. Does a copy of my book count? Okay, okay, I don’t know that I’m a very gothic/paranormal person. I own this spiderwebby black cardigan. But that’s probably more granny gothic than anything. Also, I found a creepy gnome-with-a-squirrel figurine outside of a dumpster in downtown Olympia, WA. I’ll admit it. I fail paranormally.

Granny gothic....HA! There's a new fashion trend for the masses - perhaps originally started by the Big Bad Wolf. Karen, you don't fail paranormally, I suspect you keep your inner goth....inner...and only let her out to play when writing. ;)

Thanks for joining us this week, Karen. Follow Karen on Twitter and check out her spiffy website. We LOVED Werewolf June and can't wait to shift with you again next year. We hope to actually meet our pack of loyal shifter authors someday. But for now we have to content ourselves with following them online.

You too can follow the Werewolf June pack:

Follow Karen on Twitter and check out her spiffy website.

Jordan Deen is very active on Twitter, her blog and other social media sites. Her "werewolf dating tips" tweets are hilarious. But you have to follow her to read them! (www.twitter.com/Jordan_Deen)

Check out Shannon Delaney's blog for exciting info on her book launch plans.

Sarwat Chadda and his role-playing pics shouldn't be missed! Check out his blog.

Kitty Keswick can be found on Twitter and her awesome website.

And me, can't forget my own fine self, Judith Graves.

Werewolf June, meet YA author Karen Kincy

2010-06-25T10:06:00.000-06:00

We've had a fun month chatting with authors of the furry and fanged. We're rounding up Werewolf June with YA author, Karen Kincy and her novel Other. The heroine, Gwen Williams is a shapeshifter, she has a run in with a few werewolves and that leads us to our talk with Karen about werewolves and pack... something the Wolfy Chicks love to chat about.

1. How are your werewolves different or similar to traditional werewolf lore?

My werewolves reflect traditional lore in that the full moon urges them to transform into wolves; however, they can transform whenever they want, as long as they have enough control. Newly bitten werewolves, known as bloodborn, don’t really have that option. More about that in Bloodborn, the sequel to Other. Deviating from standard werewolf myth, my werewolves have cute, fuzzy, piddling creatures known as werepuppies. But don’t let one bite you—they’re still contagious.

Kitty: Werepuppies, ahhh, I want one! A fuzzy, bundle of joy that will eat my neighbors if I tell it to! I love it! I wish I thought of it, way to go Karen.

2. Do write about a pack?

Yes.

In Other, a pack of werewolves moves into the protagonist Gwen’s backyard—much to her displeasure. As far as she knows, werewolves only travel in packs to better slaughter livestock, terrorize townspeople, and end up on the nightly news. She hears the pack howling together at night, a song that both scares and tantalizes her…

3.What's your view on Alphas and Betas? Pack structure? Or lone wolf?

My werewolves stick closely to a real wolf pack structure, with a mated Alpha pair watching over the rest of the pack as a sort of extended family. However, most of these werewolves aren’t blood relatives, but outlaws who bonded together to save their skins in the face of prejudice, police, and people intent on hunting them down. Being a lone wolf means risking your life. It isn’t safe to travel alone.

Thanks Karen for chatting with us. Tomorrow we'll have more Karen and shapeshifter werewolf chat. For now, to get your Other fix check out these links.

Now, for proper links...

Website: http://www.karenkincy.com/
Blog: http://karenkincy.livejournal.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/karenkincy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/OTHER-by-Karen-Kincy/213594873360?ref=ts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6404356-other

For buying Other:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Other-Novel-Karen-Kincy/dp/0738719196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276102443&sr=8-1
Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Other/Karen-Kincy/e/9780738719191/?itm=1&USRI=karen+kincy
IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738719191

Werewolf June final author, Karen Kincy

2010-06-24T11:36:00.000-06:00

Our final author is Karen Kincy and her novel, Other. Karen will be howling with us for a few days so stay tuned. To start the salivating here's a blurb from her book.

Feathers unfurl from my skin. My plummet curves into a swoop, and I tuck my talons beneath my body. From girl to great horned owl in about a second. Pretty good, huh?

Gwen Williams is like any other modern teenager with one exception: she's a shapeshifter. Never having known her Pooka-spirit father, Gwen must struggle with the wild, wonderful magic inside of her alone—and in secret. While society may tolerate vampires, centaurs, and "Others" like Gwen, there are plenty of folks in Klikamuks, Washington, who don't care for her kind.

Now there's a new werewolf pack in town, and Others are getting killed, including Gwen's dryad friend. The police are doing zilch. In the midst of terrible loss and danger, Gwen meets a cute Japanese fox spirit who's refreshingly comfortable with his Otherness. Can Gwen find the courage to embrace her true self and find the killer—before she becomes the next victim?

Werewolf June: Jordan Deen

2010-06-22T05:51:00.000-06:00

We're back with Jordan Deen, member of the Werewolf June brat pack, and young adult author of a wolfy series you're going to want to sink your teeth into. I know I do. This time I get ask Jordan a few brain-picking questions. Here goes:

1. What is the most challenging thing about writing shifters/werewolves?

The biggest problem I had writing 'The Crescent' was making believable fight scenes. In the sequel (just finished and off to the publisher) 'Half Moon' there is more action and fighting amongst the werewolves. I tried to identify with my animal instincts and imagine how I would fight in the situations my characters are in. It's difficult waging a werewolf war, and I wanted to capture the pain and agony of the main characters properly!

Did you watch any "nature" shows or do any other research for those fight scenes? (Oops, that's another question - hopefully Jordan will answer it in the comments...lol...) I found Discovery very helpful for just this reason. (Which is a big deal. Normally I switch channels as soon as those nature shows go dark side.)

2. Would you ever consider getting fangs or a special tat to show some wolfy love?

I actually just got a tattoo (at the end of May) of a Fairy reading a book and sitting on a Crescent moon. This tattoo is in honor of Brandon, Alex and Lacey- the wolfy main characters in my novels.
Awesome! I love me a wolfy-related tat. :)

3. What's the most gothic / paranormal thing you own?

I went through a period in high school when everything I had was gothic: clothes, jewelry, notebooks, poetry... you *name* it and I had it in black. I had a friend that ran with "vampires" and she inspired that very traumatic part of my life (kidding)... My mother was glad when the black eyeliner, eye shadow and hair dye went into a box never to be seen or heard from again! When I started 'The Crescent' I channeled that inner gothic side, but the sequel, 'Half Moon' reaches further into the darkened world of werewolves. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there is so much more despair in the sequel. Lacey's world will be tilted even further as she learns more information on her heritage.

Sounds like you brought real life experience to the table (well, sans eating raw meat, etc) which will make your characters ring true. Can't wait to dig into these books!

Can't get enough? Jordan has kindly provided us with the Half Moon synopsis:

Half Moon continues the story of all your favorites! We find Lacey, six months after the end of 'The Crescent', faced with the decision she's made. Continue to freefall into the world of Werewolves as Lacey learns her heritage, her legacy, and a few things she's never imagined in a million years.

Love it! Thanks for hanging with us, Jordan.

____

Jordan is very active on Twitter, her blog and other social media sites. Her "werewolf dating tips" tweets are hilarious. But you have to follow her to read them! (www.twitter.com/Jordan_Deen)

Werewolf June continues with Jordan Deen

2010-06-21T11:04:00.000-06:00

Up next is author Jordan Deen and her novel The Crescent which is available now and the second book in the series, Half Moon releasing 1/14/2011, part of her werewolf trilogy.

Becoming a werewolf is not an option for seventeen-year-old Lacey Quinn, but death can be a strong motivator.

Here's a little breakdown of the Synopsis of The Crescent:

Lacey is so focused on her future that everyday life has passed her by. Counting down the days to her eighteenth birthday, Lacey is almost home free. But when she falls for the mysterious Alex Morris, she lands in the middle of an ancient war between two enemy wolf packs. Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused.

Lacey's fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she's ever known.

Sounds really good, huh?

I had a chance to sit down and chat werewolves, packs and warring families with Jordan Deen and I'm sharing!

1.How are your werewolves different or similar to traditional werewolf lore? The Wolf Packs (Amana's and Mares) in The Crescent are heavily based in the real world. The difference is they have to find their bonded mate before they turn 18. If they don't meet their perfect other half, they will never transform and bring honor to their family. In The Crescent, you get a small glimpse of the werewolf hierarchy, however, in the sequel, Half Moon (due out January 2011, BRP), the reader will get so much deeper into the werewolf world and rules of bonding and mating. I'm so excited to share it!

Kitty: Sounds fascinating. I like how you tied their transformation to having a bonded mate. That’s different! I alsohave a little werewolf warring going on between the Johnstones and the Maxwell’s two ancient Lycan families.

2. Do write about pack? Great question! In 'The Crescent' I didn't dive too far into the packs mentality really other than their focus on Lacey Quinn and her destiny. 'Half Moon' will really get into how the pack works, how they transform, how they fight and how they love.

3.What's your view on Alphas and Betas? Pack structure? Or lone wolf? I'm very traditional when it comes to the idea of pack structure. I like there being an Alpha and a Beta. I like there being clear direction and organization of efforts. The reader will see that in 'Half Moon' and even further through the series to Full Moon-- the final book in the series. Lone wolves are so utterly attractive, like the James Dean of the dark world, however, you won't see one in 'The Crescent' trilogy. I've had so much fun writing these novels, I may just write another werewolf series with a Lone Wolf- who knows!

Kitty: I agree with you on the lone wolf very, er, yummy... great analogy tying it to a James Dean.

Well Jordan thanks for chatting with me, I can't wait to see what questions Judith has for you! For more Jordan Deen track her down at these dens...

www.JordanDeen.com
Twitter: @Jordan_Deen
Facebook- Jordan_Deen
Myspace: www.myspace.com/Jordan_Deen
Goodreads: Jordan_Deen
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Jordan-Deen/dp/0982582366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275528084&sr=8-1
BN: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Crescent/Jordan-Deen/e/9780982582367/?itm=1&USRI=jordan+deen

Program to HOWL About: Prezi

2010-06-19T07:33:00.001-06:00

During this fine day in WerewolfJune, I freely admit to all the werejunkies out there - I'm a geek and that I have many geek ways. I'm especially keen on creating graphics / tweaking my website, vlogging, etc.

I've been looking for ways to add some geeky BITE to my author presentations. Sure, there's Keynote or PowerPoint, but still, the majority of my talks coming up in October (as I tour with the Young Alberta Book Society's Lit Fest, TALEBLAZERS) will be geared to teens. They're visual. They want you to get to the point. They appreciate the unexpected.

Enter Prezi - a free online presentation tool worth a howl, or two. Prezi acts like a slideshow on roids...zooped up with Flash-based animation. Your show is interactive - you can zoom in on text / images to see the fine details, or pan out to get the big picture.

Planning your show is a blast - you'll feel quite artsy-fartsy and zen as you spin, stretch, place and sketch. There are limits to Prezi. As far as I can tell (I've only been playing around for a day or so) you can't add background audio or embed videos, you can't manipulate the templates (eg. no changing fonts or colours). Perhaps these options exist with the Pro (paid to use) version. I donno.

I'd also like to see if you can export your Prezi's and import them into other programs, like iMovie or Adobe Elements to work them into a larger presentation. Anyway - here's my first Prezi, which I intend to use at the beginning of my author talks as a general intro. I'd love to see what YOU come up with!

Werewolf month continues with Shannon Delany

2010-06-16T16:44:00.000-06:00

I didn't get to see Trueblood,like Judith. I'm currently without HBO. (I'm trying to remedy that quickly, otherwise I'd be in Trueblood withdrawl, wait, too late, already there.) I did however, get my werwolf fix by renting The Wolfman. It recently went to DVD. I do like how the movie stayed true to the tradional werewolf lore, bitten, full moon, set free by one who loves you...yadda, yadda, yadda, however I do enjoy a good werewolf twist. That leads me to a conversation I had with Shannon Delany the debut author of the 13 to Life series (St. Martin's Press), which launches with 13 to Life in bookstores nationwide June 22.

1. How are your werewolves different or similar to traditional werewolf lore?

Some Differences:
1.) One of the big differences my werewolves have (considering traditional western lore) refers directly to the series' title (and is something readers will start to figure out pretty early if they're noticing the clues I set down). But enough about that. ;-)
2.) My weres aren't linked as firmly to the moon as some traditional tales.
3.) Mine aren't the evil maneaters that people once feared plain old wolves were.
4.) The werewolfism is passed genetically (at the point we meet them in 13 to Life) and even then it's still not completely understood.
5.) They are subject to forced transformation, but it's a rare thing.

Kitty: That’s pretty interest, Shannon. I too deviate from traditional Lore. I have Lycans that are born with the ability to shift into wolves at puberty. But only the males can shift, the women have the gift of sight…well until Kasey. She’s a hybrid so all bet are off.

Some Similarities between My Gang and Werewolves and Wolves in General:
1.) They do get furry when they wolf out.
2.) They do have different concerns and interests (generally) when in their wolfskin than when in their human form. This is especially true during their first few changes.
3.) They hunt.
4.) They are protective of what they want/need/love.
5.) They are fiercely loyal.

Kitty: I love the whole fiercely loyal bit; it makes for good conflict, too.

2. Do write about pack?

More in book two than in book one. Something dramatic happens (as it should ;-) at the end of 13 to Life that shakes up the pack in a big way and there's some scrambling. But, the scrambling Jessie witnesses in book two isn't much more than some very human families do under tremendous stress. My wolves just express themselves a bit differently than (most) people.

Kitty: Ohhhhh I love the big bad. And tormenting, oops, I mean, giving your characters conflicts to help them grow is essential. ( and fun too…) Since your novel is a series like mine, I agree it’s very important to up the tension in each book. Book two (if a trilogy, IMOP) is where things get interesting. It’s the middle, the peak of the conflict. The characters have had a chance to get to know their powers, they have grown and now facing more important issues. The pack is just hinted about in Freaksville, as Kasey doesn’t know who she really is until Furry and Freaked, claws come out and she meets the pack front on. But my pack is a little bit different from the traditional wolf pack, too. Hum, I wonder if Jessie (13 to life), Eryn (Judith’s UMS) and Kasey (Freaksville) met would they get along?

3.What's your view on Alphas and Betas? Pack structure? Or lone wolf?

Anybody who has attended middle school and high school will recognize our more brutal "animal" nature in the peer pressure and hazing done by teens as they struggle for a comfortable place within their school's social structure. For our species, attending school can give a great understanding of pack structure. Alphas and Betas (and the other ranks) exist regardless of having canine heritage. Without giving spoilers, I can say my Alphas and Betas are a more fluid thing in the 13 to Life series, more subversive in a way--but readers will have to wait until Secrets and Shadows (book 2) releases in February 2011 to really know what I mean by that.

Kitty: I really love your analogy of high school being like a wolf pack, sometimes we can feel as if we were thrown to the wolves…peer pressure, massive reports, trying to figure out your future in four short years. It can be a bit trying. I too think there is more than just the terms alpha and beta and how we can understand and react to wolves and er, werewolves.

Thanks, Shannon for taking some time to howl at the moon with us. It was a great pleasure trekking through Central Park with you this May. I can’t wait to read your debut 13 to Life. Hum, I wonder if Jessie (13 to life), Eryn (Judith’s UMS) and Kasey (Freaksville) met would they get along? Kasey’s a bit naive in Freaksville but that all changes pretty quick. Would make an interest short story for sure.

Werewolf June: Shannon Delany

2010-06-15T05:45:00.000-06:00

After watching the season 3 opener for True Blood, I was frustrated by the teaser scene with the werewolves at the very end. Just NOT enough of them! Can't wait to see how Bill gets out of that hair-raising situation. In the meantime, BEWARE - there be werewolves afoot. That's right, because it's Werewolf June - which rhymes with MOON and that could be force to rhyme with Shannooon Delany. :) (Okay, lame segue, but I tried.)

Kitty and I had the fortune (hey, that rhymes with...ner'mind) to meet Shannon during the Class of 2k10 NYC tour and Book Expo America in May. To say Shannon is a powerhouse, a connector of people and resources, a creator of were tales - is to say too little. The woman is just plain awesome.

You'll see what I mean when you read her responses to my questions below:

1. What is the most challenging thing about writing shifters/werewolves?

I think the most challenging thing writing shifters or werewolves is the most challenging thing when writing anything and that's to get the magic that's in our heads down on paper and make the voice ring true to the character. I'm obsessive about reading my books out loud as a result. If it doesn't read well and seem to reflect that character accurately, it's tossed.

Super advice. I probably don't do this enough - dialogue I read aloud for flow, but the rest not so much. I've added yet another stickie note of writerly tips to the ones framing my laptop screen. ;)

2. Would you ever consider getting fangs or a special tat to show some wolfy love?

Pietr and his family sport what they claim is a tattoo. It's a saber on the left shoulder blade (based very much in old legend). That I could probably handle, but I shy away from tattoos after hearing the tale of the unicorn which became a giraffe with a lump on its head thanks to the inevitable evil that gravity works on the human form. ;-)

lol....too funny - I agree to a point - that's why my tat is on a relatively "stable" patch of skin age wise - on my calf. I also went with an artsy fartsy, swirly thing, that can morph all it wants and still look acceptable. Maybe it will morph into a wolf by the time I'm 80. That'd be cool. Pietr's tat sounds awesome and now I get the imagery on your cover. Nice. (Can't wait to get my copy of 13 to Life!)

3. What's the most gothic / paranormal thing you own?

Umm--I used to do Renaissance Faires dressed as a pirate, a gypsy and eventual just a matronly wench (being a mom will change more than your attitude)... Is there something I own that isn't of a gothic or paranormal nature? ;-) I'd have to say my swords (handcrafted springsteel). I learned rapier and dagger as a teen (heyyy--everyone needs a hobby!).

Now that sounds like time well spent! My mother-in-law (a fabulous seamstress), created a beautiful medieval gown for me (very Lord of the Rings). So far I've only worn it on "dress up" day at school. But a Renaissance Fair....and dagger training? Shannon - you're so damn cool.

Check out Shannon's blog for information on her "Start your day with serial blog tour" - at each blog stop you'll get a sampling from 13 to Life. Not to be missed, my friends!

Shannon Delany

2010-06-14T07:39:00.000-06:00

When Judith and I started this blog Wolfy Chicks, we had an idea to chat about werewolves and other paranormal beasties and basically share the YA author’s journey to publication. Some of you have been there from the beginning of that bumpy road, you saw us sell to a publisher only to have that house close on us and rejoiced in having our titles purchased by a new and in my opinion better house! Yeah, Leap! We shared a lot in our little pack haven’t we?
But one HUGE thrill is to have one of the original Wolfy Chick followers sell her very own novel! Shannon Delany has been following us from the beginning and it is with great pleasure that I can introduce her to you. Shannon has an incredible road to publication story, one that well you only see in movies. She sold her werewolf tale 13 to Life via a textnovel contest. Yeppers, a text novel. That novel has gone through some changes and in just a few weeks you will be able to hold it in your hot little hands…get in line, I’m running for my copy, too.

Over the next few days we will be chatting with our fellow Wolfy Chick. She shares our passion for all things wolfy and is also a member of the Class of 2k10! We had the rare pleasure of meeting and hanging with Shannon while in NYC.

About the Shannon
Shannon Delany has written stories since she was a child. She began writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill during a family vacation. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize in the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world through Textnovel.com.

Shannon was thrilled when St. Martin’s Press offered her a contract for a series about her 13 to Life characters. She expanded on the cell phone novel version, adding the subplots and characters she didn’t have time to during the contest. As paranormal as werewolves seem, the grief Shannon used to build Jess’s character is something she personally experienced with the loss of her own mother. Focusing on Jess and Pietr’s story of loss, love and dramatic and dangerous changes, Shannon came to better grips with her own struggle. The resulting novel has earned her blurbs from authors she respects most.

The first novel in Shannon’s YA paranormal series, 13 to Life, will debut in June 22, 2010.Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock, Shannon lives and writes in Upstate New York and enjoys traveling to talk to people about most anything.Shannon@ShannonDelany.com

Sarwat Chadda

2010-06-10T19:40:00.000-06:00

Judith and I are continuing our chat with the very talented author Sarwat Chadda. It always fascinates me how people can take a similar topic (werewolves) and twist it, bend it, reshaping it into something totally new. I’m really enjoying chatting with fellow writers of werewolves, wolves and shape shifters. I just added four new authors to my TBR pile. Who needs food right? It’s Top Ramen for me for the next couple of weeks.

So without further interruption the chatting with Sarwat continues....

1. How are your werewolves different or similar to traditional werewolf lore?
I'm sticking pretty closely to the werewolf conventions. So getting bitten by a werewolf will infect you, they're vulnerable to silver (though not exclusively so) and very bloodthirsty. the last point may need emphasising. I wanted my werewolves to represent the rage, savagery and freedom of being a beast. My wolves are predators. They hunt, they eat human flesh and don't have any guilt trips about that. But they are loyal, family orientated and protective towards their kin and pack. One scene in Dark Goddess has a woman playing with her small son. The next moment, as a werewolf, she's breaking into a farmhouse to eat the family within. I love old school werewolves, bloodthirsty monsters without compassion or any human traits. Why mess with a classic?

2. Do write about pack?
Dark Goddess centres around the ancient Russian witch, Baba Yaga. She's a very powerful female goddess figure from prehistory, well before she became a fairy tale witch and I wanted her to regain her old glory, her old power. When researching the area I discovered stories that the original Amazons came from around the Black Sea, around southern Russia. The Russians called these warrior women Polenitsy. So it was a small step to take these Polenitsy and make them a tribe of female werewolves, priestesses serving Baba Yaga.
It's a theme I've developed from Devil's Kiss, the prequel. That's to take an ancient myth and give it a modern twist. In Devil's Kiss it centred around the idea of unleashing the Angel of Death on the modern world. In Dark Goddess it's about an witch sworn to protect the natural world from the corruption of humankind, and the lenghts she'll go to achieve her ambition. As we would cull any species that became overpopulous, so Baba Yaga intends to cull mankind. Her werewolves are her agents in achieving this.

3.What's your view on Alphas and Betas? Pack structure? Or lone wolf?
What's better than one werewolf? A huge pack of them! I almost built the book around the idea of my heroine, Billi SanGreal, being hunted through the snowbound forests of Russia with an entire pack of werewolves snapping at her heels. I've kept the pack rivalry, with the alpha female being threatened by the beta, who is also her granddaughter. Both worship Baba Yaga, but the alpha has her priorities focused on the pack, the goddess second. The beta has a fanatic's faith in her goddess, the pack be damned.

Ohhh I can really picture that scene with Billi being hunted, cold air coming out in ragged puffs as she struggles to run in the snow. I love snowy chase scenes. I have one in Furry. Luckily, I don't have to deal with snow anymore! I can't wait to sink my claws into Dark Goddess! I argee with Judith, I like the pic of sarwat dressed as a knight! Check out his website www.sarwatchadda.com

I asked Sarwat if we could post the picture of him dressed as a Templar Knight. We thought it was very cool.

Werewolf June: Sarwat Chadda

2010-06-10T06:05:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Werewolf June and our first feature from our pack of were/shifter authors, Sarwat Chadda. While Sarwat provided us with a very slick pic, I'm kind of partial to the ones of him dressed as a Knight Templar, or sharing a moment with Buffy - wanna see for yourself? Get thee to his website.

An engineer turned author, Sarwat debuted with Devil's Kiss and is now promoting the second book in the series, Dark Goddess. Having just discovered his brilliance myself, I'm off to order copies of both.

During Werewolf June Kitty and I will both be asking our packmembers questions - that's twice the info and double the were/shifting fun. Alright already, here's my interview with Sarwat:

Dark Goddess
ISBN-13: 978-0141325880 (UK)

Back cover blurb:

BILLI SANGREAL is a Knight Templar and has thrown herself utterly into their brutal regime, shutting herself off from everyone and everything. But when Billi saves a young girl from a savage werewolf attack, she discovers the attack was no random event.

This is no ordinary girl. Vasalisa is an avatar with an uncontrollable force within – and it’s not just the werewolves who want her. The Dark Goddess wants to sacrifice Vasalisa and use her powers to unleash unimaginable catastrophes and devastation.

Can Billi protect Vasalisa from the ancient goddess – and at the same time stop her from destroying the world?

And now for a few brainpicking questions:

1. What is the most challenging thing about writing shifters/werewolves?

Getting something new out of the genre. Establishing what you want to say about werewolves, what do they mean, in your story. The term Beast Within is what I've focused on, and how all of us have it. The werewolf though has thrown off all the shackles of humanity so is pure rage, pure passion, pure carnage.

2. Would you ever consider getting fangs or a special tat to show some wolfy love?

Some sort of cool abstract werewolf design would be good. Trouble his my body is so hairy finding a spare patch of skin to put it on would be a problem. Perhaps my hairiness is my werewolf homage?

3. What's the most gothic / paranormal thing you own?

A large Sisters of Mercy collection. I went through a major goth phase back in the 1990's, back when I read Anne Rice and nothing else. Never went for the look, just couldn't get pale enough, I'm afraid.
___

Thanks for hanging with us Sarwat! Can't wait to dig into your books. Want more from our pack member? Check out his blog.

Werewolf Month Line-up...meet the pack.

2010-06-08T11:02:00.001-06:00

Howls to everyone. Here's the line-up for Werewolf month. Our Pack is full of writers of the furry and fanged. No vamps here, well not as the leads anyway. So join the pack this month as we sink our claws into some wolfy tales. (Sorry I couldn't help the puns...must punish my computer.)

Sarwat Chadda, his novel Devil's Kiss. www.sarwatchadda.com

Judith Graves, her novel Under My Skin. www.judithgraves.com

Karen Kincy, her novel Other. www.karenkincy.com

Shannon Delany, her novel 13 to Life. www.shannondelany.com

Jordan Deen, her novel Crescent. www.jordandeen.com

Kitty Keswick, her novel Freaksville. www.kittykeswick.com

Silver Bullets...

2010-06-05T12:00:00.001-06:00

Silver bullets and werewolf lore are like peanut butter anf jelly, they just go together, right?
Digging through "werewolf historical information" I came accross a tale of a wolf-like creature, the Beast of Gévaudan, that terriozed a small town nestled in the Margeride Mountains in south-central France from 1764 to 1767. From the accounts, it was a wolf with manlike quilties. One of the first reported tales with use of silver being used to kill a werewolf.There's been a few books and films that used the Beast of Gévaudan, one of my favorite being, Brotherhood of the Wolf directed by Christophe Gans.

How did a metal known for it's pure and mythical properties slay the beast? Some may argue that it's impossible for silver be to used in bullets because it is a soft metal and would not survive the firing and traveling through a gun's barrel. It may be truth, but in my werewolf world, I've learned anything is possible.
Who says that the bullet needs to be delivered intact in order to slay the werewolf? Perhaps because silver is a soft metal it comes apart when fired and in turn acts like buckshot spraying many tiny peices into the beast? A small peice of silver would be harder to dig out and in turn do more damage...in theory. I'm no gunsmith or silversmith for that matter, I write fiction and sometimes that fiction crosses into to reality, sometimes it blurs the line. And sometimes, just maybe it could be plausible?

I haven't met a werewolf I needed to slay...yet. So my theory for now goes untested.

I did come along this nifty company that indeed does make silver bullets...they note on their website that they do not have gun powder in them, so they won't fire.

http://www.bulletforge.com

Werewolf June: Windigo

2010-06-05T05:05:00.000-06:00

Ah – Werewolf June. How lovely to hang with you. We’re a few wolfy authors celebrating werewolves/shifters for an entire month! Tres fun. I’d like to feature a creature that has a small but important role in my book, Under My Skin (UMS). The beast in question is…..windigo.

Windigo derive from First Nations lore, they are shapeshifters and were once human – hunters who get lost in the woods during winter storms and resort to cannibalism to survive. Legend has it that the moment they feed on human flesh, they will forever crave it – never to be satisfied – no matter how much they consume. As they track and feed on wayward travellers, they grow in size and strength. They exist only in cool climates and have hearts of ice.

I first discovered windigo (wendigo, wihtigo – there are numerous spellings) in a curious little black book published in Saskatchewan by Western Producer Prairie Books, Windigo: An Anthology of Fact and Fantastic Fiction, edited by John Robert Colombo. In my first draft of UMS, I even had my crew of teen paranormal hunters quote from the book, and wrote to Colombo for permission – he’s one cool author with lots more “lore” collections out there. However, the scene ended up on the cutting room floor – perhaps I’ll work it back into Second Skin. ;) I've included a pic of Willow, my yellow lab, guarding the book.

As with werewolves, windigo can be killed with silver to the heart. Here’s a nifty excerpt explaining why the windigo are so feared:

“Like the vampire, it feasts on flesh and blood. Like the werewolf, it shape-changes at will. Like the Medusa, it may scare its victim to death. Or, striking more terror than horror in the heart of its beholder, it may allow its intended victim to escape with his life…yet that person will be transformed by the encounter…”

Pretty nasty, eh? I told you!

In the modern world, windigo have a medical explanation, Windigo Psychosis, similar to those diagnosed as having lycanthropy. A gruesome and tragic local connection, in Edmonton last July one man attacked, beheaded and gutted another on a Greyhound bus. There was no provocation. The victim was sleeping at the time of the attack. Check out this article where ethno-historian, Nathan Carlson, compares the incident to the windigo legend.

I did a quick search on Yahoo and ironically found this resort in Quebec: Le Windigo: Resort Village. Here's their slogan: Windigo Village, The perfect anti-stress formula - without compromise. Umm...anti-stress, eh? Hmmm...I'm thinking a stay might be in my future (there's GOT to be a reason they chose "windigo" for a name) and perhaps a new beastly tale will be born. Love the tunage they've got playing - very zen and yet...haunting...

I’ll finish with Ogden Nash’s poem, Windigo:

The Wendigo
The Wendigo!
Its eyes are ice and indigo!

Its blood is rank and yellowish!

Its voice is hoarse and bellowish!

Its tentacles are slithery,

And scummy,

Slimy,

Leathery!

Its lips are hungry blubbery,

And smacky,

Sucky,

Rubbery!

The Wendigo!

I saw it just a friend ago!

Last night it lurked in Canada;

Tonight, on your veranda!

As you are lolling hammockwise

It contemplates you stomachwise.

You loll,

It contemplates,

It lollops.

The rest is merely gulps and gollops.

June is werewolf month...

2010-06-01T18:43:00.000-06:00

The month of June is werewolf and shifter month. Bet you didn't know that, eh? We are kicking off the month in celebration of all things furry and fanged. Several authors of werewolves and shifters have joined the pack; Shannon Delany, Sarwat Chadda, Karen Kincy,Jordan Deen and Leah Cypess, they share our passion for werewolves and shifters. Each week we will be hosting an author for a couple of days. So stay tuned for more info and give-a-ways.

To kick off the week I thought it would be fun to discuss a little bit of werewolf lore...

Silver and the Werewolf

Silver, ah, it's been around since ancient times. The symbol of the moon was used to represent silver. Our ancestors wore it as jewelry or ate with it as silverware, and used it as currency. (In most cases we still do.) This soft lustrous metal is used in mirrors, film, and electrical conductors. During World War I, before the advent of modern antibiotics, silver’s toxic effects on bacteria, fungi and viruses were used to prevent infection.
Hum, infection you say?
In the modern lore of werewolves or lycanthropy, silver is one of the only items that can harm a werewolf. One common modern belief is that the werewolf transmits its curse or disease by biting or scratching its victim. Then at the next full moon, oh there’s that neat reference to silver again, the victim in turns becomes one of the furry and fanged.
Could it be that silver’s germicidal effects kills the “germ” that causes lycanthropy? Eating away the infected agent? Is that where the silver bullet comes in?
Leaving you food for thought...next chat we’ll talk about the myth of silver bullets and other ways to become and kill a werewolf.Fun stuff,huh?

BEA...visions of Spike and enmass book signings

2010-05-25T21:19:00.000-06:00

Subway, more than a sandwich, eh?

Sorry to my Canadian travel buddies I had to toss that “eh?” bit in. We rode the subway today, and I have to confess it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I did have flashes of Spike fighting that seventies slayer chick, in the subway, where he commandeers his trademark leather trench coat. Alas, no Spike.

We traveled to Central Park with a group of the Class of 2K10 authors including Alexandra Diaz, Shari Maurer, Irene Latham, Shannon Delany (and brother Morgan), Janet Fox, Bonnie Doerr, Denise Jaden, Brynn (Judith’s sister, and our awesome documentarian!) Judith Graves, and me, Kitty Keswick; where we posed for a photo op in front of the John Lennon “Imagine” mosaic.

In the pre-summer heat, we trekked through the park admiring the myriad of dogs and people whilst dodging bicyclists who seemed to have gotten a memo that we were worth some sort of points if run over.

After a fun day at BEA, in the park, and riding the subway, we hurried back to the hotel to doll up before our group signing at Books of Wonder (18 W 18th Street, New York, NY—awesome cupcakes and old fashioned soda too!) with Alexandra Diaz, Shari Maurer, Irene Latham, Shannon Delany, Janet Fox, Bonnie Doerr, Denise Jaden, Jame Richards, Jeri Smith-Ready, Leah Cypress, Swati Avasthi, Rhonda Hayter, Jennifer R. Hubbard, Judith Graves, and me, Kitty Keswick. Books of Wonder graciously hosted the class signing.

We had a blast meeting bloggers and fans and chatting with the owner. Thanks, Pete!

Here's the footage of today:

Teen Author Carnival and other trapeze acts...

2010-05-24T23:49:00.000-06:00

What a day today! Judith was a panelist as part of the Teen Author Carnival in NYC (created by teen bloggers, you guys rock!) …talk about having a circus of nerves performing a trapeze act in your stomach! Yet, Judith handled it like a pro, slinging wit and fielding questions without a single bead of sweat rolling.

I (Kitty) got to sit on the other side and play fangirl. Even as a published author, I was more than giddy and I do admit a few girlish squeals escaped my lips….one topper on my super coolness scale was meeting Tonya Hurley of Ghost Girl fame. (Insert major screams here.) Her books are amazingly cool.

Both Judith and I got autographed copies of Ghost Girl. (I own the hardcover, which sits on a special altar on my bookcase, but was thrilled to have the paperback.) Tonya is witty and cool and it was humbling to have her break in my new silver pen , purchased to use at my signings. Maybe her luck will rub off? A girl can dream right?

The Teen Author Carnival couldn’t have had a better setting, massive ebony gothic arched doors welcomed us accompanied by a stone spiral staircase, visions of hauntings rattled my imagination as I listened to Marie, the teen librarian, share the history of the building…a women’s prison in its previous incarnation. The energy level was infectious, alive, buzzing with an enthusiasm that made me proud to be a witness to it. Teens reading and loving it!

To follow the carnival half of the Class of 2K10 met for dinner. This was the first time that a majority of us had met face to face. They are an incredible group of women and I am honored that I am able to serve them as Co-president, I share this with Judith. We laughed, we drank, and we cheered just as if we were old friends I get a thrill walking into bookstores and spotting my fellow authors on the shelves. We found a few of their books at the Borders at Madison Square Garden.

As with most of this week a huge thank you goes out to Brynn, Judith’s sister, for being our documentarian, for without her we would not have such amazing footage to share with you:

Wolfy Chicks in NYC: Day TWO

2010-05-23T19:46:00.000-06:00

On our second day in NYC the Wolfy Chicks wandered the Chelsea area which features shops selling silver jewelry, little wee Buddhas, a used guitar store barely wide enough for a rock-n-roll pinwheel, great restaurants/pubs and movie theatres.

After browsing the shops we ate some grub at Jake's Saloon (note: the chicken fingers exceeded my standards – I’m a bit of a CF freak).

Hotel Chelsea is apparently the resident muse of authors and creative folks. They even have plaques to celebrate.

Kitty, rabid Robin Hood fan that she is, dragged us to see the show at the Clearview Theatre. Wonderful prequel to the RH tale, Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett have great chemistry. The setting is beautiful, yet gritty.

My sister and I enjoyed a personal connection to the film. Canadian band, Great Big Sea singer, Alan Doyle, acts in the film as Allan A’Dayle (right down to his name, this guy was meant for this role). Years ago my sister won a back stage pass for me and her to meet the members of Great Big Sea and we fairly talked Allan’s ear off. ;)

So cool to see a home boy doing us proud in a big US production (he even shot a few arrows and looked like he knew what he was doing!)

Here’s footage of our excursions today:

Wolfy Chicks in NYC: Day ONE

2010-05-22T22:39:00.000-06:00

Heya!

Kitty and I (along with my sister, Brynn) have arrived safely in New York City!

We spent our first day playing tourist – gawking at the tall buildings and taking photos and video like mad women (especially Brynn who is doing a wonderful job of documenting our adventures).

Here are a few highlights of NYC Tour DAY 1:

The architecture and media eye candy that is NYC.

The amazingly talented (and funny) street performers!

Eating at Chevy’s. Fabu food if you love all things hot and spicy! We lucked out and met, Rufus the Balloon Guy. Rufus (oddly enough) is an author working on a scifi/paranormal of his own. When we asked him to make us a balloon werewolf, he stepped up gladly. Thanks to him, we now have “Wolfy” our Wolfy Chicks mascot. He’s a typical teen werewolf, complete with no shirt, jeans and a toothy grin.

You'll see more of Wolfy around NYC (until he pops, that is...)

Check out some footage of our day:

We encourage other paranormal authors and all wolfy fans attending BEA to drop by Chevy’s and ask Rufus for their own “Wolfy”. ;)

Judith as Fangirl! Teen Author Carnival ROCKS

2010-05-19T05:56:00.000-06:00

So I received more details on my panel at Teen Author Carnival (TAC). I'm going to make a fool of myself, I'm sure....because....just look at this list of authors I'll be hanging with - how is fangirl Judith to contain herself ?*twitch*:

Teen Author Carnival: May 24 - 5-8pm
Jefferson Market Branch Library
425 Avenue of the Americas [at 10th St.],
New York, NY 10011-8454

The Mystery / Fantasy Panel
Location (aptly so): The Red Room

Participating authors: Jeri Smith-Ready (Shade - fellow Class of 2k10 member!), Judith Graves (Under My Skin - that'd be me), Linda Gerber (Death by Late), Melissa Kantor (The Amanda Project), Eliot Schrefer (The Deadly Sister), Michelle Zink (Prophecy of the Sisters), Tonya Hurley (OMG loved Ghost Girl!), Michael Northrop (Gentlemen), Violet Haberdasher (Knightley Academy), Maryrose Wood (Children of Ashton Place)

All those fabulous authors - and that's only one of THREE panels! 30 authors in total. The mind boggles.

After my easy breezy chat with Barry on Blog Talk Radio's, Book and a Chat - it's awesome to see two male YA authors on this panel. (You'll get why I mention this if you listen to the show.) Perhaps Eliot and Michael will be future guests on Barry's show (if they haven't been on already).

TAC is going to be a smorgasborg of candy, YA authors, bloggers, publishers and readers. Why "candy" you ask? Well, authors were encouraged to bring some carny fair along to share. I purchased some "Canadian/Commonwealth" treats - Winegums and maple sugar candies, plus Coffee Crisp bars as someone told me they don't get them in the US. I think people will get a kick out of seeing our two official languages on all our packaging (French/English).

Thanks again to TAC for inviting me! Event organizers are young adult book bloggers: Devyn Burton, in association with Mitali Dave & Korianne Wey. (See what cool things kids can do?!)

Skype Author Visit Vlog

2010-05-17T21:57:00.000-06:00

A writer friend of mine, Joan Marie Galat, invited me to make an ass of myself for the benefit of other authors. You know I can't resist hamming it up. I wish I had thought to make the "me" screen bigger so you could see my face - and perhaps seeing the crowd at the session would have been a bonus, but you get the idea.

Joan and the guild members were a blast to virtually "hang" with. I hope to meet them in person if I can get to Edmonton for a session or two.

Anyway, here's a vlog of my Skype author visit, demonstrating what NOT to do during a Skype visit:

Vlogging Our New York Tour

2010-05-17T06:22:00.000-06:00

Well, kids, only four more sleeps until I jump on the plane bound for NYC! Wowza, this has been almost a year in the making and I can’t believe it’s finally this close, this real. I’ve packed and repacked. Even loaded up stuff I still need to survive – hello – you can’t pack your CHI a week before your trip…duh….

Kitty and I will be rooming together and taking NYC by storm. We’ve been critique partners for over two years, but this will the first time we meet in person. I can’t wait to hang out with her and talk without my Skype connection going wonky. ;)

Since my hubbie has to work, my sister – and wonderful champion in all that I do – has agreed to join us on this adventure. Thanks, Brynn!! She’s our honorary Wolfy Chick and has agreed to help us document our BEA/NYC experiences by manning the video camera.

At the end of each day, we’ll compile our video / still pictures and create vlogs of the amazing, odd or fantastical moments. You’ll get an insider view of what it’s like for newbie authors as we do our Class of 2k10 events - book signings / panel discussions.

Look for our first vlog on Saturday, May 22nd!

What are you doing Tuesday May 25th??

2010-05-13T12:46:00.000-06:00

Did you hear a squeal? That was me! Books of Wonder is hosting 13 authors from the Class of 2K10 and I just saw that they posted the info on their website.

Books of Wonder located at
18 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011(212) 989-3270

http://www.booksofwonder.com/events052510.asp

From their website:"Books of Wonder is New York City's oldest and largest independent children's bookstore, as well as the city's leading specialist in children's literature both new and old. Whether you're looking for the newest books just published, classics from your own childhood, or old, rare, and out-of-print editions, Books of Wonder is your source for the very finest in children's books."

The really cool blurb they wrote up about the Class of 2k10!
Books of Wonder is thrilled to welcome 2010’s class of debut authors in a HUGE event featuring 15 talents on Tuesday, May 25th, from 6-8pm! SWATI AVASHTI will shock us with Split about a troubled 16-year-old with a disturbing past; LEAH CYPRESS will fixate our attention on an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell in the ever-spooky Mistwood; SHANNON DELANY will freak us out with a monstrous adventure in 13 to Life: A Warewolf’s Tale; ALEXANDRA DIAZ will excite us with Of All the Stupid Things, a tale that follows a high school drama involving promiscuity, gossip, and abandonment; BONNIE J. DOERR will sail us off to the Florida Keys for a love story wrapped up in a mystery in Island Sting; JANET FOX will enchant us with Faithful, a tale of star-crossed lovers with Yellowstone National Park as their romantic backdrop; JUDITH GRAVES will take us for a roller-coaster ride complete with magic, beasts, and all sorts of paranormal activity in Under My Skin; RHONDA HAYTER will regale us with The Witchie Worries of Abbie Adams about a young witch trying to keep her unusual abilities a secret; JENNIFER R. HUBBARD will alarm us with The Secret Year about a puzzling relationship that leads to an unexplained death; KITTY KESWICK will bring in Freaksville, a high school mystery involving two lovers with freakish talents; IRENE LATHAM will inspire us with Leaving Gee’s Bend about 10-year-old Ludelphia, a visually impaired sharecropper trying desperately to help her sick mother before it’s too late; SHARI MAURER will show us that lost love can in fact be rekindled in Change of Heart; ERICA PERL will introduce us to a fashion-minded but friendless 15-year-old who works in a vintage boutique in Vintage Veronica; JAME RICHARDS will regale us with Three Rivers Rising, a tale about sixteen-year-old Celstia trying to find the right guy in the screwy world of society; and JERI SMITH-READY will spook us with Aura, a girl who can speak to ghosts, not excluding her dead boyfriend in Shade. Beginning at 6pm, these 15 talents will introduce their titles, take questions from the audience and then sign copies of their exciting new titles. Ages 10 and up. 6-8pm.

http://www.booksofwonder.com/events052510.asp

Daybreakers

2010-05-13T10:21:00.000-06:00

I know we're Wolfy Chicks, but I had to share...

Daybreakers came out on DVD yesterday. I wanted to see this movie in the theaters but missed it and was happy to snag it at the video store.Being a writer that loves the paranormal ,it's a rare threat to find a horror flick that is well written and plotted. I was excited about this movie and it didn't disappoint.

It’s not your typical vampy horror flick. It’s stylish; almost film noir, which has a 1940’s flair mixed with cool ultra modernism. Set in the near future, 2019, where a plague turns almost every living being into a vampire. They strive to live normal lives, work, school, family and adapt life to their disability…sunlight. Until a food storage (human blood) threatens to turn the civilized into beastly blood hungry creatures.

I love the film’s tagline “In 2019, The Most Precious Natural Resource... Is Us.” There’s a scene in the movie where masses of humans are hooked up to these high tech machines, being farmed for their natural resource…blood. It’s a very powerful image.

This movie was the brain child of Australian writer/director sibling duo Michael & Peter Spierig. They came out of nowhere with only one film under their belt, Undead and managed to snatch the interest of Lionsgate.

The film boasts an all star casts of extremely talented actors (not the norm for horror flicks, but this isn’t your typical vampire tale.) Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Sam Neil, lend their talents making this a well acted and plot engrossed film.
Oh yeah, there’s plenty of action, fangs and blood it is a vampire tale after all.

The set design and special effects are stunning and the creatures eerie.
If you’re hungry for a horror flick mixed with a little social commentary, a strong plot and acting that will have you craving for more, check out Daybreakers. One of my favorite features of this DVD was the behind the scenes special feature. They document the many years it took to create this movie including cast interviews, special effects breakdown and how the Spierig brothers got their baby to the silver screen.

Kitty Keswick

I'm flying on a jet plane....

2010-05-11T14:40:00.000-06:00

In ten days, I will be boarding an airplane (by myself...eeek!) and flying to NYC. I've been to NYC, a couple of times, once to see ground zero (very humbling and sad) once to see Phantom of the Opera, very cool and once to shop, equally cool. That's when I lived only a few hours away. I drove and then took the ferry with friends and family. Now I'm heading to NYC from the West Coast. I'm really excited about the trip. I'm doing my first book signing ever. (deep breaths) Plus I get to finally get meet a lot of the truly talent authors of 2k10, that have been a part of my life for the last year and a half.

This year has been a year of growth and change for me...some good and some bad. But I'm learning that we have to do things that we're afraid to do if we want to grow further. I AM SCARED SHITLESS OF FLYING. My father was a pilot and he died while flying.
I have flown since but not usually by myself. I did a very short hour and half flight and was okay. This flight is long and with a ton of changes, but even though I'm afraid, I'm doing it. Because the reward is worth it.

I guess what I wanted to truly say to everyone is take chances in life. You might be afraid to do it but close your eyes take a deep breath and leap. So what are some things you are afraid of? Maybe this will be your year to take charge too.

Kitty

Wolf Sanctuaries

2010-05-05T14:24:00.001-06:00

I’m a huge fan of wolves. I think they are beautiful and misunderstood creatures. In my on- going research, I’ve found a few wolf sanctuaries along the way. Last year, I had the opportunity to chat with Nancy at Full Moon Farm in NC about her wolves.
This summer I hope to visit a few sanctuaries located in Northern California.
There are many quality wolf sanctuaries across the US. Many have wolf sponsorship programs (where you can help a wolf in need) or even allow tours of their facilities. Below are just a few… Most do not receive federal grants and survive solely on the generosity of fellow wolfy chicks…or wolfy guys.

http://www.howlingacres.org
Sadly they will be going out of business, but need help with funds to place the wolves in new sanctuaries. (Wolves can’t go to private homes.)

http://www.wolfmountain.com
You can sponsor a wolf at their sanctuary for as little as $10.00 a month. You can also set up private tours. They are located in Lucerne Valley Ca.
Their wolves were used in the creation of Twilight and New Moon.

http://www.wolfsancpa.com
They are located in Pennsylvania. You can contact them for private tours, the fees vary. They are very nice.

Gearing up for BEA and NYC!

2010-04-29T05:38:00.000-06:00

The Wolfy Chicks are keen to descend on NYC in a few weeks. Book Expo America, several branches of the New York Public Library, The Voracious Reader and Books of Wonder - bookstores extraordinaire, Teen Author Carnival - we can barely contain ourselves. ;)

We're touring NYC with fellow members of the Class of 2k10. It will be beyond surreal to meet these talented authors in person after communicating via emails/Skype and blog posts over the last six months. I've been trying to convince them all we need to go karaoke in NYC - but we've yet to find a relatively mellow venue. If you know of a spot where 30-40 somethings will feel comfortable, let us know!

Many thanks to The Voracious Reader for an AMAZING window display and poster:

+++

The New York Public Library also has a few kickass posters out there to promote our visits:

+++

What can we say? We already LOVE New York!

UMS Launch Party!

2010-04-26T20:09:00.000-06:00

Well, my friends, the big night has come and gone. Life is starting to resume it's regularly scheduled programming. The dogs still need to go on walks and the laundry has to be folded. But holy hot damn the UMS Launch Party on Saturday was a freaking BLAST!

I was thrilled with the turn out of family, friends, and keen supporters of the arts in Cold Lake. Beantrees Coffee House was packed, the java flowed, tunes rocked (thanks Shenanigans!) and prizes were given away.

Did I mention the cool UMS "book" cake?! Nummy.

Many thanks to the following peeps who made the launch so special:

Ryan - fabu MC
Shenanigans - awesome new band of merry ladies
Dean from Kool 101.3 FM - coolest DJ around
Sobeys - cool cake makers
Fragrant Treasures - awesome gothic rose arrangements
Beantrees - the host venue
Leap Books - for making UMS possible
Lots-A-Books - our local indie bookstore on hand to sell copies of UMS
Jo-Ann - for the decorations and help setting up
Carol - video and still camera tech extraordinaire
Dave - still photos to DIE for

And finally HUGE thanks to my husband, Shawn, for putting up with one stressed out diva author/wife this week!

Here's a vlog of the night - 2 hours cut into an 8 minute melange of the launch party happenings.

UMS Vintage Tee Winner

2010-04-22T05:33:00.000-06:00

Congrats to KATE who has won a UMS vintage tee!

Kate - don't forget to send me your address.

Thanks to everyone who played!

Tee Shirt Mayhem Contest

2010-04-18T16:47:00.000-06:00

Congrats to the lucky winners of the Leap Books tees! Ain't they cool? Just when you thought the t-shirt mayhem was over...

There's another t-shirt giveaway, - well, two actually - but one is just for the kind souls who come out to the Under My Skin Launch Party in my home town on April 24th.

I only had 12 of these babies made (super limited edition, super collector item!) and I just have one size up for grabs on the Wolfy Chicks blog: a ladies large. They fit like you've come home, they're snarky, sexy - kinda like UMS, but in a vintage tee. ;)

Here's a close up for ya. Click on the image to make it all large and stuff:

So....comment and ANSWER THE QUESTION, doesn't have to be an essay - but you have to answer to be entered (one way to work a bit of research in while I'm promoting UMS):

What's YOUR favourite paranormal creature, and why?

Contest open until Wednesday at midnight EST. Good luck and watch for my vlogs of the launch party! NOTE: doesn't have to be a vamp vs. weres thing and you can name more than one creature if they're your favs. I have two fav colours - green and rusty red (go figure) - so it's all good.

T-shirts Winners!

2010-04-15T13:13:00.000-06:00

Drum roll please........

Blackroze
Jenifer
Kate (from CONN)

Check your emails ladies, I'll need to know were to send them.
Thanks to everyone who played!

Kitty

Contest is closed

2010-04-15T00:47:00.000-06:00

The Leap T-shirt contest is now closed. I will announce the winners on Thursday. Thanks to everyone for hanging out.

Kitty

Contest ends soon

2010-04-14T22:29:00.001-06:00

HURRY! Contest ends tonight at midnight PST! Get your comment in to win!

CONTEST! Win a Leap T-shirt

2010-04-12T18:05:00.000-06:00

Hiya, to celebrate the launch of my novel FREAKSVILLE, my publisher Leap Books sent me some cool swag. I get to share it! I have T-shirts with the Leap Girl logo. The shirts are in a natural cotton so you can decorate them to your liking. I used some funky iron decals on a few to jazz 'em up. So I'll give away a shirt to the three lucky bloggers, all you have to do is comment on this post. I'll close the contest on Wednesday. I have the following sizes Medium, Large, Extra Large, Small, and Extra Small. Please include your size and email when you enter....Oh and to up the surprise you won't know if you're getting one customized by me or not. I did a few random ones for kicks.

Special thanks to Sherika age 14 and Aaliayah age 13 for being my last minute models... For their efforts they each got a free Leap Shirt.

UMS Setting the Stage

2010-04-05T10:52:00.000-06:00

I'm thrilled that my hometown has rallied behind me with this crazy book launch for UMS. My local bookstore, Lots-A-Books, will be selling UMS at the official "live" launch on April 24th at the bestest coffee house ever, Beantrees.

All-girl band, Shenanigans, featuring two former members of my old band, Rustic Charm, has agreed to rock the house that night! I'm looking forward to singing a tune with them before doing a reading from UMS.

The only buzz killer - the production delay with UMS. Sigh. It didn't make the March 27th launch and a glitch with the cover is still being worked out. Hopefully we'll have books shipped in time for the April 24th party!

In the meantime, I spent a fun morning with artist, Lauri Ansell, as we wiped down the stage walls at Beantrees to prep them for a new UMS background based on the images created by Val Cox for UMS. Being the vlog nut that I am, I filmed the drive over, us cleaning the walls and then Lauri kindly took photos documenting the backdrop's progress. Neato!

Here's the vlog - the tune playing is "Bare Bones", from a jam session recording with another previous band, Dark Eyed Junco. It's not a clean recording, but the lyrics kinda suit the video. ;)

NYC Tour Itinerary: Start Spreading The News!

2010-04-03T12:47:00.000-06:00

So, the itty bitty details on the Class of 2k10 and (Leap Books authors) NYC tour might change, but here are the planned appearences so far. We're also solidifying a blogger lunch and once it comes down the pipe, I'll share the info. Can't wait!

Monday, May 24:

Teen Author Carnival
Jefferson Market Branch Library
425 Avenue of the Americas and 10th Street
Not a ton of info available about this blogger organized event - yet, but updates will be posted soon.

Tuesday, May 25:

Class of 2k10
Photo shoot in Central Park!

Book Expo America
Jacob K. Javits Center
Look for Class of 2k10 titles at the New Title Showcase pavilion. Also, we'll be hanging out at our publisher booths, autographing areas and attending the "Day of Education" conference.

Books of Wonder
6-8pm
13 members of the Class of 2k10 (Judith and Kitty included!) will introduce their books and be available for questions/signings - and swag giveaways!

Wednesday, May 26:

Book Expo America
Jacob K. Javits Center
Look for Class of 2k10 titles at the New Title Showcase pavilion. Judith and Kitty will be participating in the "Speed Dating with Children's Authors" event at 10:30am

New York Public Library
Mulberry Street Branch Library
10 Jersey St, NY - Soho)
10:00am
Class of 2k10 Middle Grade and Contemporary authors will participate in a panel discussion, meet with readers and answer any questions you have!

The Voracious Reader Bookstore
1997 Palmer Avenue
4pm
Class of 2k10 authors (Judith and Kitty included) will do short readings, answer questions, and sign your books! Plus swag giveaways!

Thursday, May 27:

Book Expo America
Jacob K. Javits Center
Look for Class of 2k10 titles at the New Title Showcase pavilion. Also, we'll be hanging out at our publisher booths, autographing areas and various "author stages".

New York Public Library
St. Agnes Branch Library
444 Amsterdam Ave, NY-Upper West Side
4:00pm
Class of 2k10 Young Adult and Paranormal authors(Judith and Kitty included!) will participate in a panel discussion, meet with readers and answer any questions you have!

Let's announce some winners!

2010-03-27T16:01:00.001-06:00

Winner of UMS Character Cards: "Courtneyreads"!

Winner of UMS Bookmark and Rustic Charm CD: "Corrine"!

Winner of UMS choker: "I Read Banned Books"!

Email me your addys so I can mail them out: judithgraves at ymail dot com

Game Time: Paranormal Trivia

2010-03-27T15:16:00.000-06:00

No party is complete without a bit of trivia fun. Nothing too mentally taxing here - but try not to "Google". I dare you. ;)

This giveaway will get you a UMS gothic choker. Post your answers in a comment....ready? Go!

1. What animal is the symbol of the city of Rome?

2. What is the French word for “werewolf”?

3. Windigo are shapeshifters from First Nations mythology (menioned in UMS!). Their hearts are made of what substance?

4. Canadian actor, Michael J. Fox, starred in what “fur-ish” film?

5. How many words can you list that rhyme with “magic”?

Game Time: Finish that lyric line!

2010-03-27T11:13:00.000-06:00

Alright, after the decorations, comes the tunage. Now our par-tay is really rocking! For this swag giveaway - the prize is a UMS bookmark AND a copy of my last band's CD, Rustic Charm: One For The Road. You can sample the songs on iTunes. Or check out our little homespun video (Willow's the star!):

To enter, post your guesses in a comment. All you gots ta do is finish the line of song lyrics!

Theme: “paranormal”. You get a bonus entry if you add song title or band name. NOTE: these are songs from the 70’s – 80’s. Yeah, I know, but they’re so damn good!

1. “Don’t go around tonight, well, it’s bound to take your life. There’s a bad….”

2. “Raven hair and ruby lips. Sparks fly from her ….”

3. “She never said nothin’, there was nothing she wrote. She left with the man…..”

4. "I always feel like somebody’s watching me and I got no….”

5. “Abra-abra-cadabra, I want to reach out ….”

6. And one tune from 2009: “A domesticated girl, that’s all you ask of me. Darling it is no joke, this is …..”

The Art of Under My Skin

2010-03-27T09:16:00.000-06:00

One of the first things we focus on when planning our theme parties - decorations! We've spent hours transforming our living rooms/kitchens into: a gypsy caravan (complete with palm reading gypsy in a wicked cool wig - you had to be there), a witch's coven (spell books/potions/candles), a vamp crypt (with coffin).

What better way to start the UMS Launch Party off than an interview with illustrator extraordinaire, Val Cox, creator of the characters and embellishments, "the decorations" you'll find in the pages of UMS (and Freaksville by Kitty Kewsick!).

Comment on this post to win a set of UMS character cards designed by Val! Winner will be announced at 9pm EST today.

1. Your work has a definite supernatural/paranormal flare. What drew you to this style?

Since I was little I always drew very powerful looking, beautiful women. I have a love of the magical; fortune telling, tarot cards, etc., so was the natural path my style followed.

2. How did you get into reading Tarot and what inspired you to start creating your own deck?

It seemed fascinating to me that out of 78 cards, each with their own individual meaning, you could randomly pick the message that's right for you to hear in that moment. The images are colourful and provocative and there are so many decks, so many interpretations. The mysticism surrounding the cards compelled me to learn how to read them over a decade ago - and I'm still learning about them today.

3. What was your process to create characters for Under My Skin?

A lot of communication with the author and a lot of artistic freedom to play and create made the process a real joy.

4. So what kind of music does an artsy fartsy girl like you listen to? What's playing in your iPod right now?

Well, I'm all over the place - right now it's a mix of Beastie Boys, Cat Power and The Police.

5. Eryn is a strong character, gusty and bold. How did you capture her spirit in your illustrations?

It's a process that's hard to explain - the characters seemed to reveal themselves to me! Eryn was a real pleasure to bring to life - she's such a smolderer :)

6. While Freaksville and UMS are both YA paranormals featuring werewolves, they are set in very different worlds and the illustrations have different tones. Was it difficult to keep the worlds from blending in your illos?

Working closely with each of the authors gave me a really clear sense of the differences in the worlds. Reading the books themselves brought the special magic of each set of characters and landscapes to life for me as well.

7. Peanut butter. Crunchy? Or smooth?

I have discovered roasted crunchy almond butter this year and I must tell you, there is no going back!

8. What are some of the other cool projects you've been working on?

Most recently I created 3 illustrated designs for wireless speakers and headphones manufactured by an amazing new company called Freq Industries. Check them out: www.freqindustries.com

9. Any advice for teen artists?

Keep working at it and don't be discouraged - there has never been a better time to make a creative living! Know that there will be a niche for your style, so keep honing it and don't be shy about sharing the passion you have for what you create.

For more info on Val - http://www.valcox.ca/ and follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/valcoxgraphics

UMS Online Launch Party!

2010-03-27T08:08:00.000-06:00

Sweet Jesus - the day has finally come! UMS's official birthday. Whoopa! If you've been following the Wolfy Chicks blog, you'll know I'm a freak for theme parties. I have a few very cool friends who pull out all the stops, costumes, decorations, name-that-tune and other games. I'm hoping to bring a bit of that madness to the blog today.

Help me celebrate by checking in on Wolfy Chicks and http://www.twitter.com/judithgraves throughout the day for SWAG giveaways, an informal chat, a folklore quiz, an interview with UMS illustrator, Val Cox, and a few excerpts from UMS.

UMS SWAG Twitter Giveaway

2010-03-26T18:55:00.000-06:00

If you're on Twitter - like tonight. I'm having a swag giveaway contest. Right now. Until 9pm EST.

DM me on Twitter or retweet the contest to enter.

www.twitter.com/judithgraves

Then check the Wolfy Chicks blog tomorrow for a giveaway, chat, interview - book launch party kind of day. ;)

Where I'ze At: Part 2

2010-03-19T12:59:00.000-06:00

Time for another shout out to all the fantastic bloggers who've welcomed me to their worlds. Here goes:

Thanks to Precious at Fragments of Life who has a ton of enthusiasm for new fiction. I so love that about her. She was the first to reveal a hot little excerpt from UMS.

Nadine-Stella at Starry Night is one fun blogger. Loved her comments throughout the post - made re-reading my answers quite entertaining. ;) Eleni at La Femme Readers is a bookaholic and proud of it. She's also going to be in NYC for BEA. Might see her there! (It's only that teeny town called New York, right?!)

Erica at The Book Cellar and I had a little chat about paranormal beasties and my love of Phantom of the Opera. You gots a favourite musical? Share! Ali at Young Adult Literature Review loves to share the spotlight with authors and has been a great Twitter buddy. (I have far too much fun hanging out with my tweeps.)

Heather McCorkle is a YA author and her blog is full of writerly tips - and a WOW for UMS. She's hoping to feature a new debut author each month. Nice! Many thanks to Lauren at Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf for letting me blather on about the Class of 2k10, a typical writing day, and the joy of first drafts.

I hope you'll follow these coolio bloggers and befriend them. Friends are good. And speaking of gooooodddd-Lord-they've-arrived....here are a few pics of the UMS tees. Whoopa! I'll be giving away one of these bad babies at the UMS Launch Party right here on the Wolfy Chicks blog on March 27th! And also at my "real live" party in the seriously teeny town of Cold Lake, Alberta on April 24th if you're around. Beantrees Coffee House at 6pm. Live tunes by all-girl band Shenanigans!