An Interview with Amanda Carlson + Giveaway

Today Amanda Carlson visits my blog for an interview. Amanda Carlson is the author of the Jessica McClain series, a really cool Urban Fantasy series about a female werewolf.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Amanda.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. I’m married with three kids and one bunny. I started writing when I was twelve and never really stopped. I love writing urban fantasy. Building a world out of nothing is such an awesome experience.

How many books will there be in the Jessica McClain series?

That’s an unknown at the moment...but stay tuned! (I promise there will be more, shhh.)

Have you ever been tempted to use people who’d been rude to you in real life as victims in your books? Or have there been other people you used as characters in your books?

No, all my characters are completely fictional. But my writing comes out of my experiences, so maybe my subconcious is at work? Who knows. I did have a woman talk one time and her voice was exactly how I pictured the character Marcy in my head. That was fun!

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Yes. I’ve got some “sekrit” projects in the works. But they can’t be let out of the bag just yet…but stay tuned.

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Usually driving my kids around to various sports and activities. My favorite downtime away from the office is going to dinner and a movie with my husband. I look forward to that on the weekends the most.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

My parents brought over flowers and wine and my husband brought home dinner and a wonderful gift. We all celebrated in to the night. It was great.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Seeing my books in print. That is the very best!

And what do you like the least about being a published author?

The deadlines can be crushing at times. You have one book deadline, and then you get edits on top of that and sometimes more, each with their own deadline. It’s difficult to always juggle it, but it’s so very worth it in the end. I can’t complain too much.

What authors have been an influence for you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Lately I’ve been too busy to do much reading, but the last book I read was off genre. I read a great Georgette Heyer biography by Jennifer Kloester. I love Georgette and it was so interesting to see what shaped her world. JK Rowling is the ultimate storyteller in my opinion. I never get tired of revisiting the world of Harry Potter.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

I can never say never, right?! Especially after having a wereweasel show up in book two.

Thanks for dropping by, I'm looking forward to the next Jessica McClain book.

Thanks so much for hosting me! I had tons of fun stopping by. COLD BLOODED releases October 8th, 2013. Hope you enjoy the series.



About Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3):

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...


preorder here:


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Giveaway:

Amanda kindly offered a copy of Hot Blooded, book 2 in the Jessica McClain series, to one reader of my blog.

The winner is Blodeuedd

A winner will be picked at random on October 5th.
Open everywhere bookdepository ships to, to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

The Outcast Prince - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Outcast Prince (Court of Annwyn #1)
by Shona Husk

What is it about:
Caspian Mort can feel the history in anything he touches, a gift he inherited from his father, the Crown Prince of Annwyn. Devastated over his ex-wife's infidelity, Caspian has withdrawn from human contact except when working as an antiques dealer.

While assessing the contents of the historic Callaway House he encounters the beautiful Lydia Callaway and senses that her home is haunted by a banished fairy. But what does the dangerous exile want? Unbeknownst to Lydia, she's the owner of the last remaining portal to Annwyn—a mirror hidden somewhere in the house. To keep Lydia safe, Caspian will have to divulge the secrets of his heritage, and risk losing his heart again.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
It seems Husk's books are either a hit or miss for me.

Of the three books in her Shadowlands series I adored two of them, while one left me feeling underwhelmed.

Sadly enough The Outcast Prince fell flat for me as well.

It's not that it's a bad book. Far from it, it has a very nice romance, it is well written and has interesting characters. It's just that it didn't have enough paranormal aspects for my tastes. I wanted more fairy, more magic, more... other.

I know that this is more to blame to my personal taste than that it's a flaw in the book, but I was disappointed by it. At the same time characters are introduced in this book that have me hoping the next book in this series might be a winner again.

So even though I won't be rereading this one, I most probably will give the next book in this series a chance, because when Husk's books do meet my (unreasonable) demands, they do it well.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice paranormal romance

An Interview with Nancy Holzner + Giveaway

Today Nancy Holzner is my guest. She's the author of the really cool Deadtown series of which book 5, Hellhound, wil release next month.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Nancy.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I'm the author of the Deadtown urban fantasy series, which features Vicky Vaughn, a Boston shapeshifter who kills other people's personal demons for a living (while wrestling with bigger, badder demons of her own). I write both fiction and nonfiction, and I before I became a writer I was an academic, teaching English with a specialty in medieval literature. I grew up in western Massachusetts but now live in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

How many books will there be in the Deadtown series?

There will be six books. Hellhound, coming out in October, is book #5, and I'm working on the final book in the series now. It's going to end things with a bang, I can tell you that! But even though #6 will be the final book in the series, I may do some smaller projects set in Deadtown's world. I'd like to write a prequel about the zombie plague, for example, and some stories that focus on secondary characters, such as Tina, Mab, and Juliet. Maria, too.

Any chance Tina will get her own book?

See above. :) She's so much fun to write, I doubt she'll stay out of my head for very long, even after the series is officially "done." She's pushy that way.

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

Not really. Certain character traits may come from people I know, but I see each character as a unique individual. For example, Tina gets some of her tendencies from high school students I've taught, but her personality is all her own. I've named a character or two after friends, but only with their permission. Even in that case, only the name and perhaps one trait comes from the real-life person. From that starting point, the character develops entirely on his or her own.


Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Earlier this year I started laying some groundwork for a dark historical fantasy, developing some characters and wallowing in research. (As a "recovering academic," I'm a research junkie!) I've also done some work on a neogothic ghost story with a more romantic flavor than what I usually write. Right now, my focus is on making Deadtown 6 the best story that I can. After that, though, I do look forward to exploring some new settings and characters beyond Deadtown's world. I love writing urban fantasy, but I'd like to try some other genres, too, such as dark fantasy/horror and paranormal romance.

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

For the past several months, the answer is in a hospital, unfortunately. My husband has faced some serious health challenges this year and of course I've been there to support him. In less stressful times, though, my favorite places to be when I'm not working are walking through my neighborhood and going to Friday happy hour with writer friends at a local wine bar.

What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

My husband took me out to dinner at our favorite restaurant. We did that twice, in fact—when I got the offer for the first two books and then again when Deadtown came out. Champagne flowed!

What is the best thing about being a published author?

There's a lot I enjoy about being published, including the thrill of seeing my books in stores, being on panels at conventions, and getting paid to do work I love. But without question the best thing is hearing from readers who enjoy my books. It's such a thrill to know that my characters and stories have entertained or touched someone.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

I've always been a voracious reader, and I feel like I learn something from every book I read. I think there's a rhythm to good prose that you absorb through reading. So in a sense I'm constantly being influenced by everything I read. Lately I've been seeking out horror and dark fantasy by women writers, and two of my favorite authors have been Sarah Langan (Audrey's Door, The Keeper) and Caitlin R. Kiernan (The Red Tree, The Drowning Girl). Their books are wonderfully creepy, and psychological as much as supernatural. Great reads!

Thanks for dropping by. I'll keep an eye out for news about Tina's book ;)


About Hellhound:

They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its borders—but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human…

Boston’s zombies have suddenly become inexplicably violent—horror movie-style—resulting in a catastrophic all-out battle against humans. More troubling to Vicky is that she’s had dreams and visions of herself fighting alongside the demons. At least, she hopes they’re just visions—otherwise, that puts her on the front lines of the wrong side of the war.

Vicky’s not surprised to discover that Pryce, her demi-demon cousin and loathed adversary, is behind the outbreak of the zombie plague, having formed an unholy pact with the Old Ones. Now, as the violence escalates and alliances shift, Vicky knows she’s the only one who can stop the plague. Unless the pack of hellhounds on her trail finds her first.


preorder here:


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Giveaway:

Nancy has kindly offered a really awesome prize to one commenter of my blog:
A Boston Gift Bag, containing a Boston tote bag, a signed Deadtown book (winner's choice) and some more goodies.

The winner is Angie.
First winner didn't respond, so I had to draw a new winner: Aurian!


A winner will be picked at random on October 3rd 2013.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Storm Force - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Storm Force (Omega Force #1)
by Susannah Sandlin

What is it about:
As leader of the elite counter-terrorism team Omega Force, former army ranger Jack “Kell” Kellison is always focused on getting the job done. So when a Houston high-rise is bombed and the governor killed or missing, Kell’s mission is clear: infiltrate the group suspected of the bombing and neutralize the threat by any means necessary. But once Kell meets beautiful chief suspect Mori Chastaine, he realizes there’s more to this case than meets the eye. And more to Mori than any man—any human man—could imagine.

Mori Chastaine is running out of options. Suspected for a crime she didn’t commit, forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, she sees no escape—until Kell walks through her door. A lifetime hiding her true nature warns her Kell might not be who he seems. But he could be the only one able to help save more innocent humans from becoming pawns in an ancient paranormal power play. If Mori reveals her secret, will Kell join her fight? Or will she become his next target?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I loved all three books in Sandlin's Penton Legacy series, so when I heard that Sandlin had a new story coming out that was a spin-off from that series I had to read it.

I had to wait a bit for it though, because it first released as a Kindle Serial. Because I do not have a Kindle and I'm not willing to read on my notebook, that meant I had to wait for it to become available elsewhere.

And it was worth the wait!

This book is just as delicious and filled with suspenseful action as the Penton books.

I loved Kell and the rest of the Omega Force. They're still getting used to each other, which made the dynamics interesting to read. I was also very intrigued by Mori and the life she leads.

The romantic storyline between Kell and Mori was very intense. The problems they encounter are heartbreaking at times and had me cheering both of them on. The balance between romance and action is very well done and kept me reading to find out what was happening next.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and I hope Sandlin will continue both this series and the Penton series, because I want much, much more.

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed Paranormal Romance

A Guest Post about Zombies by Marcella Burnard + Giveaway

Today Marcella Burnard drops by with an awesome guest post about my favorite topic: zombies! Be sure to click on the link to the free e-only anthology that contains a short story by Marcella.

And as an added bonus: Answer Marcella's question in the comments and I'll pick a winner on October 1st, who will win either Enemy Within or Enemy Games (Winner's choice, open everywhere bookdepository ships to, to anyone who's legally allowed to enter)

The winner is Mel


Surviving the Shambling Hordes

Despite to all evidence to the contrary, I’m here by invitation. I swear I didn’t threaten, cajole or otherwise spindle or mutilate Sullivan to get that invitation, either. For proof, when I asked what I should write about, Sullivan mentioned favoring posts about pigs and/or zombies.

As I am not any kind of expert on porcine-kind, I can’t say much more than I’ve noted the obvious superior mental capacity of a few book-blogging representatives of the species. Also, if it’s true that pigs are experts at finding truffles (and I’m not talking chocolate here) they’re automatically my friends.

I think I can do better with zombies. Or at least, I hope, with surviving zombies.

Perhaps you know I live on a sailboat in Seattle, Washington. Here’s a photo.


What on earth makes relatively normal people leave a house and solid ground in order to cram all of their worldly possessions into three hundred square feet of living space? Without sinking said living space? For me, it was the adventure, the fact that I love the ocean.

For my husband? It’s because the boat is an excellent zombie outbreak survival platform. No. Really. He admits it in public. Which isn’t to say that he doesn’t *like* the boat, too, just that his justification for living a sort of alternative lifestyle isn’t entirely ‘cause I want to’. When I was trying to talk him into living aboard the boat, it is possible I trotted out the ‘just think what a great zombie survival plan a boat could be!’ Was he just humoring me or did he really buy it?

If you’re reading the McPig blog, chances are excellent that you already know the zombie apocalypse preparation drill (here’s the CDC’s prep guide just in case. )

· Food

· Water

· Supply of meds

· And of course, your zombie repelling weapon of choice



Slate recently published an awesome addendum list – it’s an article detailing what zombie movies don’t do. The article also has a few thought provoking notions regarding quarantine procedures and for zombie-powered devices. One or more of those ideas, altered to suit my story-telling purposes may show up in future novels. Even if they aren’t about zombies. Per se.

I can also admit that on board the boat, we’re implementing a few of the more practical suggestions regarding food and water.

Because the boat is home, our supplies are automatically in place. The boat holds two weeks’ worth of water. We always carry extra food (emergency rations in geek-speak, iron rations if you’re a Dungeons and Dragons nerd.) Assuming that whatever plague has reduced the bulk of humanity to walking corpses DOESN’T infect the sea life, we’d have a near endless supply of seafood available to our fishing hooks. The cats perk up every time we say that aloud. I think they’re secretly looking forward to the zombie apocalypse.

In an emergency, we could cast off within minutes and be out in the middle of some seriously deep water inside of an hour. Here’s hoping zombies don’t float. Knowing what I do about how the human body decomposes, though, I suspect that they do. I haven’t had the heart to point this out to my smug, geeky husband. He always seems so horrified by the fact that I know stuff like how long it takes for bacteria chowing on human flesh to produce enough gas to float the submerged corpse. It’s not my fault that one of our fellow liveaboards is a local medical examiner. She delights in trading gross medical/dead body information for homemade guacamole and corn chips. I get to meet the coolest people.

The single biggest problem with having an excellent zombie apocalypse survival plan? You actually have to be there when the plague hits. You’ve seen the movies and read the books. You and I both know that never happens. Life goes to hell in a hand basket when you’re as physically far away from everything you need as is humanly possible. This is bad news for me. The hard truth is that if I had to run for my life from a pack of brain gnawing zombies, it’d be all over. I can’t run. Not just that I’m bad at it, which I am. I’m gimped in one leg. If I run, the bone in that leg will break. I’d be zombie chow. Course, the other option is that I’d be patient zero and therefore the one to come knocking on YOUR door asking to borrow a cup of your brains.

What about you?

What would you do to survive the zombies? Also, in the interest of padding my ‘To Be Read’ pile, what fiction book or books would absolutely HAVE to have with you while running for your life from the shambling horde?

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Marcella writes science fiction romance (ENEMY WITHIN, ENEMY GAMES, ENEMY MINE all available now) for Berkley Sensation and urban fantasy for Berkley Intermix. Her first UF, NIGHTMARE INK, is due in April of 2014. She has a sword and sorcery short in THUNDER ON THE BATTLEFIELD called Emissary, and a short futuristic romance, Nobody’s Present, in the free e-only anthology TALES FROM THE SFR BRIGADE.

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About Enemy Within (Enemy #1):

An intergalactic cold war-and some heated passion- from an inventive new voice in futuristic romance.

After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn't built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari's past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.



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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Persephone - Book Review

Persephone (Daughters of Zeus #1)
by Kaitlin Bevis
ebook

What is it about:
There are worse things than death, worse people too

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

What did I think of it:
You might know by now I love a good retelling of myths and fairytales, so when I was offered a review copy of Persephone I jumped at the chance.

And this is a very nice read.

I was a bit thrown at the start of the story. Some situations and characters were introduced that I expected to be important for the rest of the story, but then Persephone is attacked by Boreas, rescued by Hades and wisked away to the Underworld and a whole new set of characters was introduced.

Once I got over my confusion though I got into the story and started to enjoy it. I really liked Hades and Charon and some of the other characters Persephone gets introduced to in the Underworld. The way Bevis sets up the Underworld and the powers of the Gods felt believable and I enjoyed exploring the Underworld together with Persephone.

There was some suspense and action, but overall this story was sweet and focused on Persephone finding her place in the Underworld and discovering her hidden powers. All in all this is an enjoyable story. I might give the second book in this series a try to see what happens next for Persephone.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice YA retelling of the Persephone myth.


Buy it from Amazon

An Interview with Dana Cameron + Giveaway

Dana Cameron is the author of Seven Kinds of Hell (Fangborn #1), a cool and action-packed Urban Fantasy read. She also wrote the Emma Fielding Mystery series. Today she drops by on my blog for an interview in which I ask her about her books, pigs and more.


Photo by James Goodwin

Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Dana.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

Sure! I live in Massachusetts and spent the first twenty years of my professional life as a archaeologist. My first six novels were mysteries featuring an amateur sleuth, who like me, was an academic arcaheologist who worked on colonial sites in New England and abroad. I've also written historical, noir, thriller, traditional mystery, and urban fantasy in short stories. It was in a short story, “The Night Things Changed,” in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (ed. Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner) that I first wrote about the Fangborn. I've been nominated for the Edgar Award, and have won multiple Anthony, Agatha, and Macavity Awards. I'm married and have two Benevolent Feline Overlords, who are named Kaylee and Zoe.

How many books will there be in the Fangborn series?

There will be at least three novels. There will also be a number of short stories (in addition to the five already available; some are standalone (from my publisher, 47North), and some are part of collections with other authors. The next one story from 47North is called “The Serpent's Tale” and will be out in fall 2013.

You also have a series with another archaeologist: Emma Fielding. I tried hunting the books down on bookdepository.com, but could only find a few of them. Any chance they’ll be re-released? Or can they be found in ebook form somewhere?

Thank you! Yes, the books are on sale as e-books on Amazon.com, BN.com, and other sites, and I'm hoping to see them re-released in print form soon.

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Right now, it's nearly all Fangborn, all the time! However, I do have a thriller short story, “Dialing In,” that will appear soon in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, and I'm working on another Anna Hoyt “colonial noir” story.


Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

I like going for long walks to clear my head, and I enjoy museums and traveling. We just returned from Japan, which was wonderful! I've been wanting to go since high school, and the food, the gardens, the people, the museums, the cities all surpassed my wildest hopes!

What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

I had a big party! These days, I still celebrate, either by going out some place special or getting together with friends—any excuse to have champagne!

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Getting to meet other authors whose work I've loved, knowing a reader has enjoyed my book, and and especially being given the chance try lots of different types of writing!

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

For story-telling and characterization, my three main influences are Shakespeare, Edith Wharton, and Dorothy Sayers. I often read non-fiction when I'm working, but because I was on vacation I just finished DEAD EVER AFTER by Charlaine Harris and loved it (though I'll miss Sookie). I also read and enjoyed PROFESSOR MORIARTY: THE HOUND OF THE D'URBERVILLES by Kim Newman, and I'm looking forward to INVITATION TO DIE by Helen Smith.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

There are some pigs in my forthcoming short story (“The God's Games”) in a featured, but not pivotal, role. Zombies...not so far, but I never say never. Zombie pigs, however, might be more difficult. :-)

Thanks so much for these great questions!

Thanks for dropping by!
I hope to meet you next month at WFC 2013 in Brighton :-)



About Seven Kinds Of Hell:

When archaeologist Zoe Miller's cousin is abducted by a vicious Russian kidnapper, she must come to grips with a haunting secret. Unknown to even her closest friends, Zoe is not entirely human. She's a werewolf and a daughter of the "Fangborn," a hidden race of werewolves, vampires, and oracles.

Zoe's attempt to rescue her cousin leads her on a quest for artifacts—including Pandora's Box, an object of world-ending power. With the fate of humanity in the balance, Zoe will be forced to renew family ties and pit her own supernatural abilities against a dark and nefarious fo.

At once captivation, deftly worded, and character-rich Seven Kinds of Hell expands vampire legend and werewolf noir in both intensity and charismatic bite.



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Giveaway

Dana kindly offered a copy of Seven Kinds Of Hell to one reader of my blog.

The winner is Kim!

A winner will be picked at random on September 29th.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

------------------

Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.