A Shades of Gray Review & More Celebrity Vampire Fun

I hate people who post blog after blog of links to their amazing reviews, but at the same time I want to say a big public thank you to Amanda of Wicca Witch 4 Book Blog for taking the time to read and review Shades of Gray. It really means a lot!

So, to give this post a little more bite, I thought I’d share something funny I ran into the other day. You may remember the publicity surrounding the alleged proof of  Nicolas Cage’s vampire-ness? Did you know John Travolta is one, too?

Okay, so you may have seen this already, as it similarly appeared on ebay around the same time as Nicolas’ supposed photo, but I thought it was still fun, anyway!

And as a special bonus link, for all you authors out there, check out Donna Yates post full of tips for your book release!

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A Chance to Win a Copy of Vampire Morsels & Shades of Gray!

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Donna gave 101 Tips ten Rubber Ducks – check her post to see what I mean!

Fellow author DM Yates has been kind enough to post her reviews of Vampire Morsels Short Story Collection and 101 Tips for Traveling with a Vampire on her blog. On top of that, she is offering a prize pack of a copy of Vampire Morsels and Shades of Gray to two lucky commenters delivered straight to your Kindle – no download codes or fuss. To enter, check out her blog and leave a comment – it’s that simple!

While you’re there, be sure to check out her other posts and her debut novel Always which I would  list as one of my favorite reads in 2012!

 

Kariss now on Smashwords!

The eleventh Vampire Morsel, Kariss, is now available as a free read on Smashwords.com.

Short Story. Not a children’s story. The eleventh in a collection about different vampires from the Amaranthine universe. Told in flashbacks between 1784 and 1820, Kariss must come to terms with her owm immortality and her mother’s death. You can also find Kariss in the novel legacy of Ghosts. 

It’s been approval for the extended distribution, so should soon filter through to Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.  

Meanwhile, if you haven;t yet, you can either read the other ten stories free on Smashwords/Barnes & Noble/etc. OR you can purchase all seventeen for $.99 from Amazon, Smashwords, B&N etc.

And leave a review! Ha ha! 

Cut Scene

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Scissors (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am in the rewriting/rereading stage of Heart of the Raven and have added some new scenes. Of course, whenever I do that bits get deleted. Most of the time it’s just a few sentences and I can work the good ones in after a fashion, but I had to cut a chunk  between Micah and Katelina that just won’t fit anymore. However Micah is convinced that since he’s so clever (his words, not mine) that it’s worth sharing. We’ll see if you agree.

Micah spied Katelina suddenly and spun towards her. “Lunch! Where the fuck is that fruity prick?”

“I don’t know.”

He stormed towards her, shaking his fist. “You better not be protecting that son of a bitch after what he did to Loren!”

She was irritated enough and that did it. “Fuck you, Micah. The last time I saw him he was in Thadimus’ office trying to get his money back.”

Micah came to a stop and towered over her. “You knew he was here and didn’t fucking tell me?”

“Sorry, I had other things on my mind!”

“Maybe I should sign up to join the list of people you’re fucking so you’d remember!”

She punched him in the stomach and he flinched backwards in surprise. “I’m not fucking a list of people, you ass! And even if I was, you’d never be on it!”

He recovered with a snicker. “Of course not, Princess, I’ve got better taste.” He turned away and stormed towards the nearest building.

So now I have to ask: was Micah right? Was this cut scene worth the time it took me to post it? Or should it have just stayed in the dustbin?signature for white

And if you’re dying for more Heart of the Raven action, you can read the first unfinalized chapter via Vicki Hudson’s First Look  as well as the first chapters of other WIPS!

Unedited Snippet Eleven from Book Five

The rough draft is *** DONE *** <—(yes the news is so joyous it deserves all the font embellishments)

It is right now with beta 1 & 2 and then I have to do my first read over, then I will have to see if the other beta readers are ready for it.  I am *hoping* to have it out by the end of February, but that may be pushing it depending on their schedules.

In the meantime, please enjoy a random, unedited snippet from Heart of the Raven:

CONTAINS SPOILERS for Ashes of Deceit. If you haven’t read that book yet, then read at your own risk.

Katelina watched as Neil counted silently on his fingers, undoubtedly trying to figure out who the newcomers could be. Her shoulders tensed as she heard them removing their shoes, and then walking down the corridor. There was no way that this could work out well.

Oren apparently had the same thought because, when he appeared in the doorway and locked eyes with Verchiel, his lips drew back in a snarl and his hands became ready fists at his sides.

Jorick motioned him to relax. “Leave it for now.”

Oren walked inside slowly, his sister right behind him. They took their seats, and Torina struggled with her hemline. Micah and Loren were the last through the door, and both only had eyes for Torina’s exposed thighs.

Verchiel gave the vampiress an appreciative wink and then turned to Oren. “Taking a vacation after all the trouble you caused?”

Oren’s eyes narrowed to slits. “I don’t recall causing ‘trouble’.”

Verchiel snorted. “What do you call that little incident at the citadel?”

“It was war!” Oren cried and slammed his emphatic fist into the padded floor.

At his words, Cyprus suddenly stiffened and comprehension dawned on his face. “You’re Jorick’s missing fledgling!”

“Yes he is,” Jorick answered with annoyance. “But that doesn’t matter right now.”

The Executioner rounded on him. “Of course it does! He’s wanted for questioning concerning the attack that he led!”

“The miscreants have already been dealt with!” Jorick snapped. “They executed the self-described leaders of the covens and released the others!”

“But your fledgling was the real leader,” Cyprus insisted. “The vampire they executed in his place-”

“Is dead just the same,” Jorick finished. “Punishment has been given, an example has been made, it’s finished.”

Cyprus drew himself up. “We have our orders.”

Verchiel grinned. “And if you know what’s good for you you’ll disregard them, unless you want Jorick to turn your head into a lamp.”

It’s 2013 and We’re Still Alive

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The Special Editions of which I speak

The 12/21/12 Apocalypse didn’t kill us, nor did it wipe out technology, so to celebrate for the month of January the Amaranthine Special Editions will be priced at just $2.99. With two books in each volume, that makes it just $1.50 a book, not to mention all the yummy extras like character interviews, artwork and more.

Volume I:  Shades of Gray and Legacy of Ghosts, the first two novels in the Amaranthine series weave a bloody tale of death, war, love and most of all vampires. Special features include the “Lost Chapters” from Legacy of Ghosts, the short story “How to Silence a Human”, links to downloadable content and a character gallery featuring original artwork.

Volume II: Ties of Blood and Ashes of Deceit, the third and fourth books in the Amaranthine series, continue the saga of Katelina and her new world of blood, night and vampires. Special features include character interviews, the story of Lilith, links to downloadable content and an Executioner gallery featuring bios and original artwork.

(for an extended description visit the Special Edition Page)

On Amazon:

Volume 1: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009BA0VK4

Volume 2: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009BJAGU0/

On Barnes and Noble*

Volume 1: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1113097905?ean=2940015526110

Volume 2: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1113069477?ean=2940015538038

On Smashwords:

Volume 1:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236178 

Volume 2: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236195

* As of this posting B&N is being persnickety, so to get your special sale price you have to click where it says NOOK Books (2) and then choose the second version like so:

B&N sale price

And here’s hoping 2013 is a great year for everyone! Happy New Year!

Interview with a *Real Life* Vampire

The Vampire Deutsch: Der Vampir

Yes, this is an interview between Top Secret Writers and Sappho Wolf, the founder of VampGeist. Though she doesn’t seem to be the blood drinking  skulk in the alley kind of vampire, it’s still an interesting interview, as are the comments below. I say comments, but miniature war might be better, as there are different “types” of vampires arguing over the contents. Though it’s a couple of years old, I just stumbled across it the other day, and it’s certainly worth a read.

http://www.topsecretwriters.com/2010/11/how-to-become-a-real-vampire-an-interview/

Unedited Snippet Ten from Book Five

Guess who’s coming to dinner… or whatever they want to call it.

Okay, so it’s December and the book is not done. I lost a lot of time to unexpected house hunting and all the research that goes with an out of state move. However, due to some family issues, I think we’ll be putting any move on hold for awhile, so hopefully I can get this sucker finished!

In the meantime, please enjoy a random, unedited snippet from Heart of the Raven:

CONTAINS SPOILERS for Ashes of Deceit. If you haven’t read that book yet, then read at your own risk.

The ride was mostly quiet. Maeko pointed out a few landmarks but, between the darkness and the tinted windows, Katelina couldn’t see them, so she gave up. It was only as the car drew to a stop that the girl made a soft squealing sound and rubbed her hands together. “I hope you enjoy your surprise, Kate-chan!”

Katelina stiffened and suspicion surged through her. “What surprise?”

“You’ll see!” Maeko chirped as the driver climbed out and opened her door with a bow. “Come, please!”

Katelina slid across the seat and out into the night. They were parked in front of a tall apartment building with wide glass double doors. Maeko led Katelina past the uniformed security men and through a shiny tiled lobby to the elevator. Katelina leaned against the wall, nervous hands concealed in her pockets. “You mentioned a surprise?”

The girl winked and placed a finger to her lips. “Just wait, please!”

The elevator opened on a private, paneled lobby. Katelina had seen enough movies to know they were at the penthouse. The shiny floor and bright lights were a change from the vampire dens she’d experienced before, and it wasn’t a change she was sad about.

She followed Maeko to the door and waited as it was unlocked. Her mind raced as she tried to determine what kind of surprise lay in wait for her. What could the  vampiress have that she’d be surprised to see? Was it even a good surprise?

Inside the door was a corridor and a small entry way where a row of slippers and shoes waited. Katelina took in the odd assortment of footwear. There was a pair of motorcycle boots, a set of sparkly emerald heels, a pair of tennis shoes and-

“Are you following us or what?”

Katelina jolted at the familiar voice and found herself face to face with a bald vampire. The goatee and tribal tattoo on his face gave him the air of an ex-con, and the clothes didn’t help; faded jeans and a tank top. It was -

 

Who was it?

 

If You’re Going to Serbia, Take Some Garlic

At least if you’re going to Zarozje, a tiny hamlet in Western Serbia. A local council has warned residents to hang crosses in their rooms and carry garlic to ward of the vampire, Sava Savanovic. According to legend, the vampire lived, and killed, in a small mill, which has recently collapsed. With his den in ruins, the vampire is said to be seeking a new home.

While foreigners are laughing, some of the locals aren’t. Miodrag Vujetic, a local municipal council member, has reportedly said, ”Five people have recently died one after another in our small community, one hanging himself. This is not by accident.” Milka Prokic,a local housewife, had this to say, ”The story of Sava Savanovic is a legend, but strange things did occur in these parts back in the old days.”

Of course, there are always the tourists to consider. Vampires are a popular, pop culture icon at the moment, and the idea that paranormal lovers might flock to the area has crossed the locals’ minds.
As Vujetic has said, ”If Romanians could profit on the Dracula legend with the tourists visiting Transylvania, why can’t we do the same with Sava?”

So, is it a tourist trick, or is the tiny hamlet really besieged by a homeless vampire looking for victims? If your Holiday travel plans involve a stay in this are you might want to take some garlic. Just in case. 

For more info check out: ABC news story

Thanks to Angie Bailey for the story! Check out her blog at http://lariatsandlavender.blogspot.com/ where she has Vampirism Mondays every week!

Unedited Snippet Nine from Book Five

And now some excitement….

Okay, so it’s November and the book is not done. I lost a lot of time to unexpected house hunting and all the research that goes with an out of state move. However, due to some family issues, I think we’ll be putting any move on hold for awhile, so hopefully I can get this sucker finished!

In the meantime, please enjoy a random, unedited snippet from Heart of the Raven:

CONTAINS SPOILERS for Ashes of Deceit. If you haven’t read that book yet, then read at your own risk.

Katelina turned to face a tall, broad shouldered man. His uniform was sharp and creased, and spoke of some official office she didn’t recognize.

He motioned with the gun towards one of the exits. “You will come with me, Miss Mauldin. There is someone who is very anxious to see you.”

His words chilled her and she raised her hands like she’d seen on TV. “Wh-who?”

“You will see.”

He motioned again and she moved, her eyes trained on the weapon. Her only experience with guns had been with Jonick and Oren, when they’d rescued Kale and been shot by the police. She remembered the way they’d had to dig the bullets out .But she wasn’t a vampire.  If this man shot her, she wouldn’t be digging bullets out, rather she’d be bleeding on the floor.

Some of the bystanders whimpered, but mostly they dodged and darted out of the way. Several employees tried to reassure them that everything was fine and begged that they remain calm for the good of all, but Katelina doubted the they were that stupid. When someone pulled a gun things were definitely not fine.

She made her way to the exit where one of the guards quickly opened the door and stepped aside. The man with the gun motioned her inside, and she found herself in a paneled corridor lined in doors and a shiny water cooler. She waited until the door shut behind them and then she grabbed the tank of the water cooler like a weapon and swung.

 

 

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