Release Party, Chat and Contest With Author Naomi Clark
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of this event is now over. The winners will be contacted via email at a later date.
Silver Kiss by Naomi Clark
Ayla Hammond has come home.
After years as a lone wolf in a self-imposed exile she’s rejoining the
pack and trying to mend fences with her parents.
She’s convinced them to accept her girlfriend, but can a lone wolf
change her ways?
As if homecoming wasn’t hard enough, Ayla also can’t help getting
involved in a missing person case.
With pressure to solve the case mounting from the pack alphas, Ayla
is starting to question where her loyalties lie – and if a return to the
pack she left behind is really what she wants.
Read Chapter One Here: http://www.queeredfiction.com/silverkiss.htm
My novel, Silver Kiss, all started with a short story that was published in the werewolf anthology, QUEER WOLF. Based on that, I was approached by the publisher about writing a novel featuring the characters of that short story, WOLF STRAP. It’s a big jump from a short story to a novel. In a novel, you suddenly have a whole world to build and populate, whereas in a short story, a glimpse of that world is enough. In building a world where werewolves and humans are living side-by-side, there are plenty of extra considerations too. The biggest one being – how exactly do werewolves and humans live alongside each other?
In writing Silver Kiss, I had a chance to indulge one of my passions – werewolf lore and mythology – and bring it into the modern world. But fitting pack rules and full moon transformations into human society isn’t so simple. Let’s face it, most of us probably wouldn’t be that thrilled to have a werewolf next door. So as well as writing about werewolf festivals like Lupercali, I’ve created anti-werewolf factions like Alpha Humans. As well as giving my wolves regular jobs in bars and tattoo parlours, I’ve given them a pack structure that often clashes with the human world these urban wolves are seeking to be a part of.
I wanted to explore the ways werewolves might make themselves socially acceptable – like using their superior senses in police work. At the same time, I wanted to keep my wolves true to their dual nature, even when it causes problems for them. Ayla, the protagonist of Silver Kiss, feels this particularly keenly when her position in the pack risks alienating her from her human girlfriend. Of course, I also wanted a kick ass urban fantasy…so there’s plenty of that too!
In Silver Kiss my aim was to craft an intriguing and believable society, with plenty of scope for further exploration. In the novel I created this society, but now it’s your turn. I throw it open to you guys – what problems or benefits do you see in werewolves being out in the open? Would you be happy with a werewolf next door?
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Learn more about Naomi Clark below:
To read reviews of this author’s work go here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527470796&ref=nf
Twitter: http://twitter.com/naomi_jay
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CONTEST:
She is giving away several AMAZING prizes to contest entrants!
Prize 1: Name a Character (werewolf or human; good or evil) in the sequel to SILVER KISS (terms and conditions apply); an exclusive limited hardcover edition of WOLF STRAP (a short story set in the URBAN WOLF world) signed by author; a tarot reading by the author.
Prize 2: 1 Print Anthology Bundle consisting of 3 anthologies chosen from the QueeredFiction anthology backlist catalogue; and a tarot reading by the author.
Prize 3: 5 eBook Bundles consisting of three different anthology titles released by QueeredFiction published 2009/2010
Open to readers worldwide!
To Enter for a chance to win one of these AWESOME prizes, PLEASE…
1. LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries. Mandatory, if you don’t leave this, none of your entries will count.
2. Answer at least one of the questions she left above and and ask one of your own please make sure your question isn’t a duplicate. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions for entries)
3. Purchase copies of Naomi’s NEW book Silver Kiss (not mandatory)
From either of these two places:
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Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above. Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Not valid on past purchases.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
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While you are here today, please join us at today’s book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=20048, RSVP for Tuesday’s event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19252 VOTE in the parnormal poll of the week here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=20034 and check out these other fun events for next week here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=4 ! 
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3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers in the USA except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author unless otherwise noted.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
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8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
A big warm BBB welcome to author Naomi Clark who is chatting with us live from the UK today. Well, it is night time there!
Thank you so much for being with us today!
Twit This results in a redirect loop
Tweeted it anyway, though: http://twitter.com/eldestmuse/status/9486972390
But!
Hi, Naomi. Cally B here. I’ve been following your livejournal blog for ages now (eldestmuse), from before you got accepted to Queered Fiction, so it seems a little artificial to stop by here and chat with you, but hey, I’m game!
As to your question about werewolves, I think the important question is what kind of werewolves. Obviously if we’re talking traditional (or, in my case, the ones from the new movie) Wolfman werewolves, with the uncontrollable rages and killing sprees while shifted, it’s hard to see much in the way of benefits. If we’re talking just shape shifting, like the leading man Mercedes Lackey’s “The Fire Rose” or the bad guys in Jim Butcher’s “Fool Moon” (before the rage demon got ahold of them) it’s easy to see the benefits–a wolf’s capacities and a human mind would make for, for instance, much better testimony in drug cases if coke-sniffing dogs could then turn into humans and take the stand. Kelley Armstrong’s werewolves are a sort of amalgation of these–two forms, one persona, but the persona never seemed to be pure human.
I think the more common werewolf type–and probably what you were thinking when you asked the question–is the kind of werewolf that has a dual nature. There’s the “man” and then there’s the “beast.” This is the kind of wolf that I believe you, Laurel K Hamilton, and Carrie Vaughn tend toward. I once read a really interesting article about how werewolf fiction’s evolution has a lot to do with the evolving nature of society’s understanding of nature. The new werewolves are much more romanticised, with the “beast” side having a sort of noble savage aspect, as opposed to the ravening monster you see from cultures where woods are scary instead of the subject of nostalgia.
I wouldn’t have a problem with a werewolf next door neighbor at all–in a lot of ways, animals are a lot more trustworthy than people, and the animal aspect could potentially serve to keep said neighbor honest and decent. Besides, s/he’d probably fit right in with my current deer-hunting, bonfire-having, neighbors, across the street from the farm and surrounded by woods and baseball fields.
My question is: How well do you think the queer fiction stories translate into the more mainstream urban fantasy market? i.e. I’m not GLBT and I’m not burningly interested in the issues presented by and dealt with by the subculture, but I do like good books, how do you think I’d like Queered Fiction’s offerings?
Hi Naomi!!! So glad you could be here. I am definitely picking up Silver Kiss today. I would be a bit nervous with a were living next door. I would need to know more. We have 2 wonderful pups, and I wouldn’t want to put them in any danger or us either. My question would be what kind of control do they have in wolf form? Although, i think were neighbors would be great for helping out with moving furniture and appliances.
There are very few urban fantasy books with gay female heroines, why do you think we don’t see more of them? I know I am always on the look-out, but m/m relationships seem to be dominate.
Thanks!!!
Hi Naomi!
Siler Kiss seems veryyy interesting! I can’t wait to read it!
About your questions:
1)what problems or benefits do you see in werewolves being out in the open?
Benefits: they don’t have to keep their true identities secret, so there’s no stress about it anymore.
And people can get to know that werewolves are people and not monsters (less ignorance can prevent disasters).
Werewolves can participate in politics and promote their own race.
Problems: there’s no privacy anymore, and maybe there’s something that werewolves want to keep hidden. There can be humans who feel threatened by their presence and create anti-werewolf factions (like Alpha Humans). Humans can create laws to ostracize werewolves.
2)Would you be happy with a werewolf next door?
It depends on which werewolf I have as neighbour!
And now I have 3 questions for you. Where do you get inspiration for your stories? Do you keep a dream journal? Your favourite book?
Thank you very much!^O^
Giada M
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I don’t think a werewolf next door would be worse than some of the neighbors with wild kids we’ve had in the neighborhood.
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@Giada — I’m interested that you think “participate in politics and promote their own race” is a benefit. Having to deal with explicit racial distinctions seems more like a drawback, as does being stuck politiking for power separately instead of just assimilating the advantages and disadvantages of their ethnicity. Suddenly being “werewolf” instead of “Caucasian” or “African American” or “Native American” seems like it would cause more problems than it would solve. As it stands, there are few explicit drawbacks to being a werewolf that I can see; the need to keep secret certainly isn’t wonderful (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell…) and the ability to be honest with one’s community is a benefit, certainly, but having to politik to be treated like a human being? -shudder-
Thus, question 2: Naomi, do you ever think of how paranormal creatures and their frequent secrecy or fight for basic rights in fiction as a metaphor for GLBT issues? Having written my senior project in college on the issue, I’m always curious as to how authors themselves view the broader literary metaphors.
I’d like to know who were some of the authors that influenced you.
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I think healthwise having creatures we didn’t know exist out in the open could really give humankind a boost in terms of longevity and cures for illnesses. If there are a certain few or many that wouldn’t mind being tested (maybe even students for college credit), I’d love to know if there is anyway we could cure AIDS or cancer by testing blood samples. Problems will always be caused by ignorance. I see werewolves and those that are ok with them would still have a fight ahead of them but we all have to face and overcome battles.
I personally would be fine with having a were as a neighbor especially if they didn’t mind me asking questions about their lifestyle. I can respect privacy but I hope they can respect curiosity. If not a neighbor then maybe someone else. I thaankfully like my current neighbors so if they don’t change personality then it makes no difference what they are.
My question is what characteristics do you share with your Ayla or did you create yourself in a different character (physically or otherwise)?
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Naomi I just finished reading Silver Kiss, it was great, you need to mention there is a prequel! I bet it’s just as good, I just ordered it on Amazon.
So my question is this, Will there be other paranormals in your books? I read that Ayla was ticked there wasn’t any vampires, but will there be some other ones like leopard shifters or silkies?
Also I was ticked that the Alpha Humans were also homophobes, I hope werewolves and gays unite to take them down!
I’m Carol C, and I did RSVP.
Naomi, Thank you for having this contest.
What part of the book is most difficult for you? Beginning, middle or end? Is it different each time?
Thanks,
Hello Naomi, Thank You for joining us today.
I wouldn’t mind if werewolves lived next door. Weres in general have an easier go of living with humans than most other paranatural creatures, they spend most of there time as human.
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rest of 4 done.
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Thanks for coming here an answering our questions.
I see the major problem with werewolves being out in the open is the human fear factor. Like we humans always do when ignorant of “new” people is kill them off.
How do you plan out your story? Do you just have it flow through you all at once or does it come to you a bit at a time?
Hi,
what problems or benefits do you see in werewolves being out in the open?
I think the obvious problem of werewolves being out in the open is the fear & discrimination they would have to deal with. Considering what a mess humans have made & continue to make over differences in gender, race, sexuality etc. i’m sure there would be major fall out. The option to be honest with people & share all of themselves could be a very good thing but then again they could face a lot of pain, rejection & problems. Anyone who wanted to keep it secret would find it harder to do so once people knew it was true & had access to accurate information. A potential benefit is that in circumstances where the abilities/advantages that being a werewolf could be of help they are more likely to be able to utilise that if they don’t have to hide that they exist.
Would you be happy with a werewolf next door?
If it all turned out to be true to decide I would need to know more about werewolves as all I know is from fiction books & each author has created different truths/rules within their world. I should imagine it would also depend upon the werewolf or werewolves in question same as it does with people. Some people are great to live next door to, others indifferent & a few nightmares. I doubt I’d be comfortable living next door to a wererat though as i’m phobic about rats.
Will there be another book featuring these characters?
How do you research werewolves?
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Hi everyone! And thanks for having me here, Rachel
Okay, lots of questions! I’m going to try and answer them all, so bear with me…
Hey Cally! Nice to “see” you over here. As far as queer fiction translating into mainstream urban fantasy, well, I hope anyone who loves urban fantasy will love my books, regardless of their sexual orientation! I don’t think SILVER KISS is an “issue” book, I think it’s a classic urban fantasy story which happens to have gay characters (or maybe a good gay story that happens to be urban fantasy? I’m not sure!)
Hi, Heather! (And hi to the pups too). To answer your question – I’ve been told that f/f doesn’t always sell well, but I’d hope the market is growing, especially with ebooks making it easier to find niches. Maybe that ties into Cally’s question about queer fiction meeting the mainstream? I know from talking to other writers of gay fiction, there is sometimes a bit of a backlash of the “if you’re not gay, don’t write about it,” type, which is a shame. Hopefully if enough people ask for lesbian heroines though, more writers will write them!
Giada, hi: I’ve always been a huge fan of mythology (especially Greek and Norse) and folklore, and I think that’s definitely been an inspiration in my werewolf stories. I kept a dream journal for several years, particularly when I was studying Creative Writing at university (it was a course requirement!) but I fell out of the habit after graduating. It was lots of fun to do, though. My favourite book… eek, that’s so hard! Just one? I think I’d have to pick Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman if pushed; it’s definitely the book I’ve re-read the most.
Hi, Leni. Growing up I read a lot of fantasy – Tamora Pierce and Maggie Furey were big early influences. Then in my late teens I discovered Laurell K Hamilton, who definitely moved me towards writing urban fantasy. I also love Angela Carter’s fairy tales, and I’ve read to ruins my copy of Norse Gods and Legends.
Hi Yesenia. Honestly, I’m not sure there’s much of me in any of the characters in SILVER KISS! Ayla is definitely a lot more impulsive than I am, although I suppose we’re both very stubborn. I try not to consciously draw on my own characteristics when I’m writing – it’s more fun and more of a challenge to write about someone very different from me.
Hey, Jessie! Glad you liked SILVER KISS
And yes, there will be other paranormal species (or at least one more) introduced in future Urban Wolf books. I don’t want to give anything away yet, but I’ve chosen a species that I haven’t seen used much, and has plenty of scope for invention and exploration. And yeah, Alpha Humans are going to get their comeuppance eventually!
Hi Carol. I think it’s usually the end – I generally end up rewriting my endings to make them clearer and a bit longer. Usually by that stage in the writing process I just want to finish, so I tend to rush the first draft a bit! Not a good habit…
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for being here.
Your book sounds great. I love werewolf stories. I would have no problem living next door to one. I think that it would be like any other person next door. Well amybe they would be a little wild once a month but heck who doesn’t have that happen. Plus I also like I would feel very safe with them next door. I don’t think any one would bother me.
How did you start to write about werewolfs? Do you have a love for them? or do you write about anything?
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HeidiS.
Oh Cally, to answer your second question – yes, absolutely! The “undercover” paranormals, as I think of them, are a perfect metaphor for GBLT issues. The secrecy, the sense of leading a double life, and the fight for acceptance and equality are explored equally well by both paranormal and GBLT literature and media. Look at the True Blood TV series – there are obvious parallels there between gay rights issues and the vampires’ desire to live openly.
Hi Naomi, thanks for being here with us today! This book sounds great! I was just talking the other day about how easy it is to find M/M stories now, and that I was trying to find some F/F ones to try out, but they are so much harder to find, especially in Urban Fantasy for some reason. I’m glad I have one to read now.
As for werewolves coming out to the public, it would be good and bad. One they wouldn’t have to hide as much and could start educating the public, but there will always be those people that hate those different from them.
I don’t know if I’d want a werewolf living next door. I guess it would depend on what the werewolf was like, and how they were in the wolf form and how easily they lost control. Becoming a snack because my neighbor lost his/her temper does not sound like a good plan.
What are your favorite paranormal beings?
Random question, what’s your favorite color?
Thanks!
Ooh, next round of answers, lol.
Hi, Viki. I’m very much a panster – I generally know the ending and have a few key points in mind, but other than that, I don’t plan ahead. I’ve found I lose interest in writing the story if I plot out it too much.
Hi, Rebecca. Yeah, I’d feel a bit weird about wererats… Werecockroaches would be my absolute nightmare though! I’m contracted for two more Urban Wolf novels after SILVER KISS, but hope to be able to write more after that. I’ve definitely got ideas for a few more! And my research comes from all over the place – I have shelves full of books on shapeshifters, werewolves, the occult, mythology, etc. And the internet is always a good resource! The Werewolf Book by Brad Steiger has been invaluable – best present I ever got!
Hi Heidi. I have a definite passion for werewolves, probably starting when I was a child and fascinated by actual wolves. As mentioned, I also read a lot of Norse myths growing up, which are full of wolves of all types. I do write about other paranormals, from vampires to angels to ghosts, but werewolves generally creep in there sooner or later!
Contest stuff:
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Hi again!!! Just wondering, is Silver Kiss just an eBook or can you get it in print too? What can I say, I’m a tech geek, but i still love my books on paper.
I wouldn’t mind having a werewolf as a neighbor as long as they were a good guy type. Any kind of shifter would be welcome to live next to me as long as they behaved themselves.
I rsvp’d for this event.
The link to purchase at My Book Store and More(where I have an account)doesn’t work. It appears the book isn’t there yet.
I did the daily chat.
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I rsvp’d for Tues.
Hi Naomi.
I loved Wolf Strap; it was my favourite story in the Queer Wolf collection. I’m very happy to see that life for Ayla and Shannon doesn’t end there and I’m looking forward to reading your novel!
I think I’d be fine with a werewolf living next door, but preferably a devout vegetarian…
Hi Miss Clark, I think your neww to me when it comes to authors, but I’m intrigued now. Not just because your story is about werewolves because I’ve always liked werewolves but because you have a lesbian heroin. I think that’s interesting because paranormal or urban fantasies that use a lesbian character don’t see very popular. That’s kind of sad because I’m pretty open when it comes that kind of stuff.
Anyway all my babbling aside, my question is this. when it comes to werewolves which do you prefer? The old fashion kind that can never be human again after there first transformation? Or the kind that can take both human and wolf form but can still retain control of there basic instincts?
I gotta be honest when I say that I really wouln’t mind having a werewolf for a neighbor, sure I’d be a little nervous at first because I’m only human in that sense but once I got to know them I’d be perfedtly fine with it.
I RSVPed for this event.
Heather – yep, SILVER KISS will be print and ebook. I’ve struggled to explain ebooks to my parents, so I’m glad they’ll be able to get a print copy, lol.
Hi Amanda. I guess, after werewolves, my favourite paranormals are angels and demons – I love the variety of myths around them, and I love what different authors have done with them.
And my favourite colour is purple, although I have a somewhat undeserved reputation for only ever wearing black and grey…
Hello there.
Well benefits of having a werewolf as neighbor — Less cats around!
Problems with werewolf — less cats around! 
Question: At what age did you start writing? Who is your fav author? Last book read?
Sorry thats three.
Hi, Quinn, and thank you very much! I hope you enjoy Ayla’s continued adventures
Hi Gabrielle. I like a bit of everything when it comes to werewolves, and I try to do something different with them each time I write them. There are so many different takes on the legend, it’s easy to find something new every time. But I guess I do prefer werewolves who can retain their basic humanity, because I like the dynamic between being both a human and an animal, and the conflict that can create.
Hi Chris. Where do werecats fit into your pro/con theory? Lol. Hmm, I started writing at a very young age… maybe nine or ten, I think? I wrote very short stories about ponies. *ahem* My favourite author… a toss-up between Caitlin Kittredge and Stacia Kane at the moment, but it’s always prone to change! And the last book I read was Jennifer Armintrout’s Queene of Light. (Actually, she’s an awesome author too. Can I have three favourites?)
I have been thinking about the werewolve next door question all day. I don’t think it would bother me. I mean think about this. I live in the south. And I have had neighbors that would make weres look pleasant on a double blue moon. I am of a firm belief of if you aren’t hurting me and mine and rampaging on others it’s all good. Who am I to judge if you get furry once in awhile. Heck I get furrier in the winter. LOL TMI I know.
Great topic!
I’m not sure I’d even know if I had a werewolf next door… I’ve lived in my house for three years and only spoken to the neighbours twice! They could be up to anything for all I know.
Hi Naomi,
Tara B. from LJ. (craving_vintage).
I’m so glad that you are here.
Since I love urban fantasy/paranormal romance, I do try to imagine what life would be like if all of a sudden there were paranormal beings around us. And I admit, I catch my breath thinking if there was one living next door – especially weres. I’d like to think I’d be open-minded about it, but still terrified at the same time. lol
Do you have any favorite Were movies?
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I think it makes sense that werewolves wouldn’t easily mesh with our real world – due to their inherent violence of having the “beast within” – so I don’t think I’d want one living next door. But I think that tension could create great stories.
Well If One Lived Next Door To Me And Was On Ths Side Of Good I Think It Would Make The Neighborhood Safer.
Hello Naomi Have You Always Wanted To Be A Writer Or Was Their Something Else You Wanted To Do?
Naomi right! I am the same way. I have lived in places for years without knowing the neighbors. Unless the power goes out on the block. LOL Or the flea population goes on the rise.
Say, do your weres suffer from fleas? or does their inherent magic keep those pests at bay? A clean werewolf is a happy werewolf. LOL
The Only Problem I Would See To Good Werewolves Being Out In The Open Is People’s Misconceptions Of Them. They Will Be Scape Goat For All Bad Things That Could/Would Happen.
The Benefits Would Be Getting To Know Them. How They Live And Deal With Being Different.
If They Are Good Sure I Would Be Happy To Have Them Living Next Door. I Don’t Hold Anything Against Anyone. Everyone Is Different And I Love Getting To Know All Kinds Of Different People.
Hey Naomi What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn
I always grew up in an open environment so liveing next door to a werewolf would not bother me. I think it would be no different then haveing paranormal senses. WHat author or character in a book encouraged you to start writing. I did 1, 2 and all of 4. Great book.
Hi Naomi! Nice to “meet” you here at BBB. I just requested you as a freind on Fb and posted a link to this event on my profile )Lisa Mason)
I aslo am now following on Twitter as lasergirl70.
Now for your questions: I think problems of werewolves being out in the open would create some panic as some humans would always have fear from what they have read or seen on tv in movies. Benefits? hhm. THat is one I will have to think about. People would definitely need to be educated, but of course there will always be prejudices. I wouldn’t see any problem to one living next door as long as he/she didn’t want to eat me every full moon,lol. There would eb a bonus as having someone with super strength would help with any things I need done around the house and I would probably feel quite safe. Probably more than I do having a sargent of the police dept across the street right now.
As a girl, I was actually afraid of werewolves.Probably because the
werewolves depicted in moves back then were pretty darn scary. I remember a movie called “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf” it was a tv movie about
a boy who’s father was bitten and turned. It gave mw nightmares!! But I was young. Now those werewolves just sem silly. walking upright with tor pants and shirts.I much prefer my wolves to look like ,well, wolves.lol
Now, My question to you: What scared you as a young girl?
I would be soooo totally on board with having some HOT & Sexy male werewolf next door! Oooh The eye candy alone would be worth it! Lol, but seriously. Why not? I think it would be cool to know a magical creature. Of course, this is assuming they wouldn’t view me as their next meal!
So Naomi, you mentioned that mythology is one of your passions. Is there one particular myth/story that played a significant role it the development of your story?
Great interview! Thanks for sharing!
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Have a great day every one!
Kate (aka YzhaBell’s BookShelf)
mleger0546(@)rogers(.)com
Hi Naomi,
I have yet to read any of your books, buts I think they will be added to my TBR pile. They sound interesting.
My questions are, did you find it harder to write about a female/female relationship, and does it have an effect on the her standing in the pack?
Thanks
Jo-Anne M
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for being here and sharing with us today.
I really love shape shifter stories, and the werewolf one’a re my favorite. Your book sounds fascinating, and I am very anxious to read it.
I ouldn’t mind living next door to a werewolf, as long as they can control their dual nature, and be a benefit to society. It also wouldn’t bother me if they lived in secrecy, I’m a firm believer in the “do you” policy. So, as long as htey weren’t running around maiming and killing innocent beings I wouldn’t have a problem at all.
How many books are you planning for this series, or is it a stand alone book?
I am wishing you much success on your release, and I look forward to reading your books.
I RSVP’d
I spread the word on FB & twitter
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what problems or benefits do you see in werewolves being out in the open? Would you be happy with a werewolf next door?
They might “infiltrate” and start deciding to turn people, or they could just be cute and charming slightly dangerous (unless really ticked) strippers.
There would be a lot of “racism” going on from those Alpha Humans and a lot less time spent on fixing human problems other than the werewolf issue. Probably a lot of segregation because of ‘disease’ would happen.
If the werewolf next door were Jason from the Anita Blake series, no problem, but if we’re talking the Big Bad Wolf, not so much.
I like that your girl werewolf has a girlfriend. Though I’m straight, I like reading all variants, hetero or slash. I think it’s more about the relationship than the gender. And there are a lot of people who seem to be able to write one or the other, though they may not “swing that way”, which is cool.
So I’m guessing you “write that way” (even though you might not be lesbian) if people bug you about “you shouldn’t if you aren’t”?
(I read some hetero and slash Buffy fanfic from http://www.nautibitz.com , and the writer, Nauti has a wife, so I know that it can be done well whether you are of the persuasion or not. So there. You can tell them that.)
I also read LKH and watch True Blood, which definitely has those “racist” issues that would apply to werewolves as well.
Sounds fun!
RSVPd for this
Did book chat, RSVPd, voted, checked events
RSVP”D
Hi Naomi
Who is your favorite paranormal author?
Thanks for stopping by
Hi Naomi
I reallly think I’d be cool with a were living next door as long as s/he respected me and my boundaries, the “golden rule” thing, u know. I think weres being out in the open would be a benefit in that it’s always easier to live truthfully, and without having to hide. But putting yourself out there is also aways a risk of rejection too, so that’s the downside.
If you could be a werewolf, would u be one?
RSVP’d
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I RSVPed for this
Werewolves next door? They wouldn’t bother me as long as they left my
Chihuahuas alone.
Joined daily chat
RSVPed for Tuesday’s event
Voted in paranormal poll
Thanks! I’m really interested now to see what other kind of paranormals will be in future stories. I’m guessing it’s not going to be the ‘obvious’ ones. I can’t wait to read Ayla’s expression since she thought werewolves were the only ones!
I’m also really interested in who you read in your spare time (though I’m sure you don’t have much of it!).
Where can I buy it in print?
The problems or benefits of having werewolves being out in the open… Some of the problems I could see is if anything went wrong, then the masses would need a scapegoat to blame such problems on, and who would be right on the top of the list: werewolves.
Would I be happy with a werewolf next door? Mm, depends on the werewolf.. and it may be less crime in the area. Who’d wanna steal from a werewolf
RSVPed for Mark Henry!
Defintely voted on the poll (Nucking Futs Nix! and V’lane!)
Even joined today’s book chat
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Contest stuff:
I did RSVP.
2 – comments/questions: 3 & 20
3 – I want to get the print version of the book, so it looks like I’ll be buying it in March.
4 – posted at:
facebook – http://www.facebook.com/BittenbyBooks?ref=nf#!/hcreely?ref=profile
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Also I voted & RSVP for tomorrow.
1. Cassandra M.
2. What problems or benefits do you see in werewolves being out in the open? A: They wouldn’t be in the open for long the government would capture and dissect them, and prolly have mass panicking.
Would you be happy with a werewolf next door? A: um no be worried they would eat my daughter so I’d have to buy silver bullets and a gun, and since I am not too fond of guns I’d be doubly unhappy
4. twitter.com/bluestarc218
myspace.com/bluestarc218
facebook.com/bluestarc218
5. I rsvp’d for this event
I throw it open to you guys
Hi again everyone! Wow, I go to sleep for a few hours and everyone else comes along! Going to try and catch up and answer everyone’s questions whilst at the same time looking like I’m hard at work at my day job… Cunning!
Hi Tara, nice to see you! My favourite werewolf films are (in no particular order) Ginger Snaps, An American Werewolf in London, and The Company of Wolves. I’m dying to go and see the Wolfman remake though – looks incredible!
Rachel, I never thought about fleas! I might have to address it in the next book, maybe have a few werewolves with flea collars as fashion accessories
Hey Raquel. I guess something most people don’t know about me is that I used to read Tarot cards at university to make money. Always a good way to earn yourself a drink in the student union! And the inspiration for SILVER KISS came from two places, I think. One was to follow-up on WOLF STRAP in what I hope is a logical and entertaining way. The second bit of inspiration was a mash-up of my long-standing obsession with werewolf lore and an interest in addiction. I’m fascinated by the role drugs play in all aspects of society, and the chance to mix that up with werewolves seemed too good to miss!
Hi Denise. I think I toyed with the idea of being a vet when I was about six, but no, being a writer was always my dream. Full-time writer is the next step, hopefully!
Hi, Heather R. Hmm, I think I started my first novel after reading Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce when I was about 13. I loved the main character in that – a girl who could talk to animals. It took me from scribbling down little scraps of writing to really sitting down every day and working on a long piece.
Right, must dash for a bit, but will be back later to answer everyone else’s questions! Thanks, all
Hello again, Naomi. Just catching up on the questions and responses here. It sounds like Silver Kiss happens after the events in Wolf Strap…I’m curious: Are you going to write anything about how Ayla and Shannon met? When planning out Wolf Strap and Silver Kiss, did you have any thoughts on how that happened…or is that still something nebulous? Thanks.
Hi again, Quinn. Yes, SILVER KISS takes place a few months after WOLF STRAP, although hopefully you can read it without having read WOLF STRAP first. There will be a bit of backstory about Ayla and Shannon getting together in the next book – I admit I hadn’t given it very much thought until I started writing SILVER KISS though!
Hi Lisa M, thanks for the facebook add – I added you back
As a kid (and as an adult, to be honest!) I was terrified of cockroaches. I’ve no idea why, but they still freak me out. I can’t even see them TV without having to leave the room.
Hi Kate. I don’t think any single legend or myth influenced SILVER KISS, it was a combination of elements. I wanted to keep some traditional ones in there, like the significance of the full moon, but also modernise some too, like werewolves’ vulnerability to silver and certain herbs. So it’s a mash-up! As for writing f/f, I’m not sure if I found it harder or not… I think romance is romance, regardless of gender, but I’ll admit I did worry writing the sex scenes!
Hi Tawania, hope you enjoy the book! SILVER KISS is the first of a series – I’m contracted for two more novels, but hope to write more after that.
Oops – back later, have real-life work to do, sadly…
Hi Jo-Anne. Ayla’s relationship definitely affects her role in the pack – she originally left town for eight years because her parents couldn’t accept her sexuality. In SILVER KISS, you can see that attitudes have relaxed, but I think her parents would still rather she’d settled down and had babies with a nice boy-wolf.
That’s great! Thanks.
Oh and I only answered one part of your question. To the first half of it that relates to the problems with werewolves out in society: I think the biggest problem with finding werewolves living among us would be the general fear and paranoia. How would people cope? How would you know if your boss, your neighbour, your child/sibling’s new date was a werewolf? I could just see the demands for a registry of werewolves and public access to that data…so you could know if there was indeed a werewolf living next door to you.
Hey Shirley. My favourite author… It’s hard to pick just one, but it’s definitely a toss-up between Stacia Kane and Caitlin Kittredge. I love Kittredge’s Black London books.
Hi Bella. I think I would be a werewolf, as long as I could shift back and forth at will. It’s be horrible to be stuck as a werewolf forever – I’d miss my human comforts too much.
Hi again, Jessie
Spare-time wise, I’ve just started Faith Hunter’s Skinwalker, and I’m also reading a book called Zombie CSU for research. I have a tbr pile about 50 books high though!
Heather C – I think places like Amazon and The Book Depository will be stocking the print version. There’ll be more info here soon – http://www.queeredfiction.com/silverkiss_buy.htm
Hi Ruby. I love the idea of werecats! I’ve left the possibility there for future books, so maybe Ayla will meet a werecat somewhere down the line, but I’m not sure yet.
Hi Naomi,
in answer to your questions-I think werewolves being in the open would only cause problems and conflicts, as normal humans would probably be scared of them, and would probably want to shut all werewolves away and try to find a cure that would turn them back to normal humans. Some people might even try to kill them. And no, I wouldn’t like to have a werewolf neighbor, I’d be scared of them.
Now I’d like to ask you,
which mythological being do you think is most similar to you, and why?
And, if you had a chance to keep a mythological creature as a pet, what would you choose?
Thanks!
Dovile P.
I RSVPed for this event
Hi Dovile. Hmm, good questions. I think I’m probably most like a mermaid, because I’m a bit shy, love the ocean and pirates, and I have been known to talk to fish (well, my pet fish, anyway. Don’t know if that counts?)
And I’d totally have a dragon as a pet! Who wouldn’t want a dragon as a pet?
I would love to live by a werewolf, but I would rather be one. I see no problems with werewolves and the daily situations that would face them. I am probably being naive but I guess it helps that I live with my pack of 5 dogs. I’m alpha so my law is the only law. My question is: how many hours do you try to write each day? I have done all the quests but twittering. Thankyou for the interview and I will be looking forward to reading your book. Lisa D.
Hi Lisa, hope you enjoy the book! To answer your question, I have to fit my writing around my day job, so I try to do an hour at least every evening, and more at the weekends. If I’m editing, I’ll generally take my laptop to work with me and do that during my lunch breaks. I used to get up extra-early in the morning and write then, but I’ve become too lazy for that now, lol.
Hi Naomi!
I wouldn’t mind having a werewolf next door, lol, the more the merrier as long as there’s no squabbling, quite territorial.
What drew you to the paranormal genre, there’s so many aspects to it, what makes it better than just romance for you as a writer?
Thanks!
Dottie
Hi Dottie. I think part of what drew me to paranormal was indeed that there are so many aspects – you have so much scope for creating new worlds and the freedom to put whatever crazy stuff you want in there! I started out reading and writing high fantasy too, which definitely contributed as I was into dragons and wizards and magic from a pretty early age. And then I discovered Laurell K Hamilton and Mercedes Lackey and was just hooked by the idea of all these monsters and magical beings in our world.