I’ll be leaving the LJ community by the end of February. I have a shiny new blog to go with a shiny new website, all courtesy of Dawn at Austin Design Works. I apologize for any inconvenience, especially if you’re following this blog via some sort of reader, but I’ll be posting over there from now on. I’ll still check messages here through the end of next month, but do stop by and let me know what you think of my new digs!

Some people can't keep their mouths shut!

{G}

Actually, that’s not true. I’m simply grumpy because they beat me to it. 

Jeaniene and Melissa have been extremely patient as we all wait for the go-ahead to announce that we all get to be a part of an exciting new adult urban fantasy anthology to be released in May ’09, one that will also include:

Jocelynn Drake (remember me braggin’ on her?)

and

headlined by none other than ... KIM HARRISON! (My lurve for her is great!)

 
Can I also say that I can't wait to:
1) read a pre-Cat, Bones-only story (Look, I called dibs, all right?) and
2) read Melissa Marr's first adult urban fantasy!

{happy sigh} Two fantasies of my own, come true.

Anyway, Melissa touches on this a bit in her post, but I think a resounding ‘Here, here!’ is called for re. HarperCollins as well. We’re all Harper authors, we have all benefited from being in a house that supports and builds their authors, and three of us are authors who share the acquiring editor. This alone would make her a natural for Rachel (Melissa and Jeaniene’s agent) to pitch to, but the fact that her authors believe her to be the best at what she does - and spout that opinion far and wide - doesn’t hurt.

So thank you, Melissa, for thinking big, and thinking of me while you did it.

Thanks, J, for egging her on. {G}

Thanks Kim and Joce for saying yes.

Thanks to Harper/Eos for doing the same on their side.

And thanks, Diana Gill. You are the best.

(Edited for font size and typos. Dammit.) 

This blog entry is dedicated to commentcat who cleverly coupled flattery with a guilt-trip to bring me back from self-imposed cyber-exile.

I haven’t forgotten my readers, I promise. In fact, I’m doing this for you. The truth is, I have no sense of balance. I’m working on it, but mostly you’ll find me diving head first into whatever project may be my current obsession, whether it be my latest WIP, a reader bulletin board, or planning my kid’s next birthday party. I do it to excess, and at the expense of all else. I apologize for the radio silence, and I’ll see what I can do to better that in ’08 … though I make no resolutions. {wry g}

So anyhoo, what have I been up to, then?

I finished a short story for an anthology that will appear this summer – more on that as it gets closer, and as I receive permission to do so.

I just received cover flats for THE TOUCH OF TWILIGHT, out in June of this year. That was two days ago and today the proof pages found their way onto my doorstep, so this thing is quickly becoming real. I can’t wait!

I’m also working on book4, and I’m sinking fast. This is why I can barely keep my head up, and also why I hardly try. I’m immersed, enjoying it, and don’t really want to do anything else. (See – I told you I was doing it for my readers!)

I’m also reading. I know there are many writers who can’t read while writing, but that would mean I never get to read. Sometimes it seems I’m a slow moving tortoise in a world of hares. I plod along doing my work everyday, and putting one foot in front of another is a lot less exciting than breathtaking sprints to the finish line (I know this, which is why I don’t blog everyday. How boring it would be to read, “Hit my word count goal again today. Yay.”).

As to what I’m reading. Well, that’s exciting.

First, Jocelynn Drake’s NIGHTWALKER, out next year. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this book and this author the closer it gets to its pub date, but it excited the hell out of me. Uber-dark, with a fantastic twist on vampires, I still don’t even know if I was officially asked to blurb this book. I just offered. It’s that good.

Also, for those of you who didn’t already know, I started out writing historicals. Basically, what that means, is I failed at it. But Joanna Bourne – known on the writer’s forum I’ve frequented for the past decade as Jo Bourne – has not. She has written a historical romance that blows anything I’ve read recently away. If you want to see romance, romantic tension, characterization, historical accuracy, and just damned good storytelling done right, then pick up THE SPYMASTER’S LADY. Stunning.

I also have the ARC of a manuscript I’m probably not supposed to possess, so I’m not going to name it (How’s that for an annoying taunt?) but it’s written by someone I consider a master storyteller, and I’m absolutely savoring it, soaking it in, and trying to figure out if I’ll ever be able to write that well. This, folks, is why I became a writer (and why I stubbornly refuse to give up reading).

I’ve also been hanging out here.

Don’t hate!

I was on my way to Trader Joe’s one day to pick up some basic staples, and emerged from this store forty-five minutes later with four pieces of cheesecake and a book by Theresa Schwegel (Great read: OFFICER DOWN). Folks, this is why I can’t be trusted to provide for my family. My kid needed milk and fruit and I came home with cheesecake and noir! (My husband – clearly used to me – just shook his head, rolled his eyes, and dug in. Oh, and sent me back to the store. Shit, that used up good reading time!)

But my, oh, my, isn’t this the most fabulous idea? I may start writing crime fiction just so I can find a place on their shelves…

So, CommentCat, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I really will try to update more often. I know it’s important, and I’m happy you gently nudged me. I also know that’s what authors are supposed to do, but you know. I was, like, writing. {G}

Vic

So here's the link to the "interview" I did on Tuesday. Thanks to Suze for finding it. (Warning: A bit lengthy. Also a bit giggly.) My favorite part is where he does, indeed, ask what my story is about (I'd clearly blocked that part out) and I shrugged and said, "What's to tell?" {snort}

Well, I'll never be accused of the hard sell, will I?

Thanks to all the readers who came out to the signing last night, especially those who drove in from Arizona in inclement weather. For the record I'd like it known that Lynsay and I stayed the longest at the Peppermill, outlasting all of yous.

Also for the record: Lynsay Sands rocks.

Pictures forthcoming!

Best,
Vicki

So I did an interview yesterday in preparation for tomorrow's signing with Lynsay Sands at the Clark County Library, which is going to air on my local NPR in about an hour. I'd visited with this guy, Dave Burns, when THE SCENT OF SHADOWS was first released, we have a nice rapport, and I daresay I'm a bit a novelty when it comes to his scheduled guests. For instance, last time I followed Hillary Clinton's campaign advisor. I also fielded a load of questions about writing (Who knew there were so many aspiring writers in Vegas?) which was not the case this time. This time we taped it, and it's a much shorter segment. However, I was flattered to be asked on because NPR listeners are people who read, and most of those local listeners also make a point to catch State of Nevada.

Here's the problem. I can only keep the professional author hat on for about a minute or so. Well, that minute is long up (heralded by my calling him "dude" in my last interview) and Dave happens to be a great guy in addition to a really awesome interviewer. So I relaxed. 

{cue disaster music}

Okay, so on the up side? I think I got the NPR guy to giggle. 

On the down side? I forgot to talk about HOLIDAYS ARE HELL.

And it's not like he didn't ask. It's just the way he asked. 

"So, Vicki, your story is called The Harvest, and it starts the day before Thanksgiving, right?"

"Yeah. It does."

{insert what I now know is a poignant 'tell-us-more' pause}

Fast forward a couple minutes.

"So The Harvest begins the day before Thanksgiving..."

"Still does, Dave."

(Why couldn't he just say, "Vicki, what's The Harvest about?")

Again, later.

"So, your story begins the day before Thanksgiving..."

"Yeah, Dave. Yanno, it hasn't changed."

{sigh}

It wasn't until I was driving home thinking how much fun I had, and what a great guy he is, that I realized, Shit. I forgot to talk about the *&^%$ story.

So I'll post a link to the interview later today when it's up, but in my defense (and as you'll hear if you get the chance) he was filling in the story details, asking about different characters and such, and we kept going off on tangents -- which anyone who knows me can tell you: It's What. I. Do. 

So I think he should share responsibility for me forgetting why the hell I was there. My mind is already wrapped up in my fourth book - it's what I was doing before I went down to see him, and it's what I did once I left - and, frankly, he not only augmented digression, he encouraged it. 

I can see that next time I'm going to have to take control, Mr. NPR.

Vicki, out.

I’m lethargic today after a big signing day yesterday with HarperCollins at the Hudson Vendor Show here in Vegas. A big thanks to Hudson for making me feel welcome again this year. Hudson Books was my first-ever signing last year (and I saw Judy again, the first person I ever signed a book for last year as well) and they hold a special place in my heart. The Hudson photographer is supposed to send me photos, so I’ll post them if and when that happens. The luncheon speaker this year was Chris Gardner of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS fame, and he is most definitely The Real Deal. An awesome man with an awesome story, a sense of humor to match, and very simply one of those people who inspire you to be better than you already are. So I’m tired, but contentedly settled, and ready to get back to work.

This Thursday is the signing with Lynsay Sands at the Clark County Library. Last year I frightened poor Kim Harrison to death with tall tales of party buses with stripper poles, one of which I said had her name on it. Lynsay is proving not to scare quite so easily. It’s a problem. Any suggestions on how I can whip her into a frenzy, Vegas-style? {evil grin}

Meanwhile, here’s an original illustration created for Las Vegas Weekly about the signing, created by one Ming Doyle (which is just a cool name anyway). Isn’t it marvelous? I mean, a freakin’ Rudolf bat! So, of course I had to go check out some more about this artist, and though she’s new to me, I think I’m half in love already. Check out her entry for the Wonder Woman Wardrobe War. The garters, the arm bands, the hair thong. I mean, this chick had me at hello! I’d hand my Joanna Archer over to her in a nanosecond.

Mind, I’m a sucker for people with talents I’ll never possess, but if I could draw I’d want to be able to do it like this. Feminine yet edgy, attitude with both humor and restraint. It’s what I go for in my writing, so I respond to the qualities when I see them in another medium. (I met a chef last week with some of the same attributes. Art is art, right?)

Anyway, here's Ming's LJ info since I know some of my readers love graphic novels and manga and here’s her website. You might want to keep an eye on her. I’m going to follow her around the web like a puppy.

Okay, so off to work.  Have a wonderful Sunday!

One day only, over at the RomanceNovelTV.com message boards. Chat with Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and moi. Direct link is here, and Kim Castillo always puts on great events (there are even video interviews with Harrison and Liu), so stop by and check us out.

Happy Wednesday! 

So I'm guest blogging over at the famous Midnight Hour blog, one day only ... and today's that day. (I know, I don't even blog at my own blog! Call me a sucker for playing in other people's sandboxes.) So stop by, see what I have to say, wag your chin a bit. 
Oh, and give a shout-out to the fabulous Stephanie Rowe for really knowing how to make a girl feel welcome.

Vicki

Oh, the Gods have been kind this week.

New York Times reports:

HOLIDAYS ARE HELL, number 21 and

HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE, number 23.

Go, antho sisters!

Go Jeaniene!!

I don't know whether you'll consider this a trick or a treat, but a fun podcast I did with my editor, Diana Gill, has been posted on the Eos blog. We chatted about the new HOLIDAYS ARE HELL anthology over tea, and they've posted it just in time for Halloween. 

And Happy Halloween to you all!

Isn't that a cool title? There's an equally cool cover, which a most insane stepback (No, YOU step back, Ms. Frost!) and I'd be remiss if I didn't take time to mention here that it comes out tomorrow. So if you enjoy edgy paranormal romance, or books with bite, HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE is for you.

Of course, I should be pimping my own anthology, HOLIDAYS ARE HELL, also out tomorrow -- but I figure the bigwigs like Kim Harrison and Marjorie Liu and Lynsay Sands have that covered. I'm the newest author of the four so my sympathies are clearly with Jeaniene Frost. Give a newbie author a shot...stalk your local bookstores, and read this book!

In other news, I'm still house-less (but getting closer) and with limited internet, but I'm hoping to be settled by next week. Then I can stalk the paranormal/UF board at BN.com with my antho sister all November. Oh, and there is that little issue of a fourth book to write...

I've been busy over at the BN.com boards and haven't posted for awhile, so here's the latest happs in Casa Pettersson:

Edits continue, but the good news is that I'm on track to finish them before the end of the month. I actually have two weeks longer than that, so I'm continually impressing myself with how much I can get accomplished when I put my mind to it. Feels good!

I'm giving away a free ARC of the HOLIDAYS ARE HELL anthology over on BN.com both this week and next. Stop by if you want to throw your name in the hat for a chance to win it. 

Finally, despite the fast and furious rewrites - or possibly because of them - I've been able to string of few nights together with a glass of wine and a copy of Richelle Mead's second book in her succubus series, SUCCUBUS ON TOP. It's not out until January '08, but I'm giving you the heads-up now: Put this on your Christmas list. Beg, borrow or steal it when it comes out. But read it, because Richelle Mead has a voice that doesn't stop. I didn't think I could like a soul-sucking succubus protagonist, but I adored Georgina. And if you haven't read it yet, pick up SUCCUBUS BLUES. Mead's is a great world to get lost in, and as I've told her, "You've ruined me for any other succubi!" {grin}

Back to edits.

I'm giving away a signed cover flat of the upcoming HOLIDAYS ARE HELL anthology over on the B&N board. I'm having so much fun talking with readers over there, and have realized this is really the first time I've opened my study door to talk in-depth with others about my series, characters, and story. In my drive to find out 'What happens next?' and an almost maniacal need to not be influenced by outside opinions, I'd almost forgotten that reader feedback was the part I was most looking forward to, pre-pubbed. 

Le Duh.

So there will be more totally unsanctioned giveaways via the B&N boards all this month because I'm happy ... and I'm subversive that way.

Consider this a personal invitation to join me over at bn.com. I'm a featured book club author for the month of August (beginning Monday the sixth).

Got any burning questions for me regarding the world of the Zodiac or Joanna?
Want to chat about reading?
Want to kibitz about writing; how I do it, how you do it, how others do it?

This is the time and place.

I'm not an enthusiastic blogger, so I don't do that regularly. I also generally stay out of cyber-discussions re. the Zodiac because I'd hate for my answers to limit questions or creativity or the life of the stories in the reader's mind. And I've found there to be so many different answers to the 'how to write' questions that I know my fluid (and often messy) style isn't necessarily going to work for everyone (plus I'd most often rather be writing than talking about it).

That said, I'm opening up about all that and more in this month's book club, so now's the time to grab me. For those who do participate, I'll also be giving away an ARC of the new HOLIDAYS ARE HELLanthology later this month, not due out until October 30. It features Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and moi. How cool is that?

After that I'm back in my cave, so catch me while you can!

All best,
Vicki