Author C.E. Murphy Interview and Contest
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of C.E. Murphy’s event is now closed. The winners will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email.
BBB: Why do you think urban fantasy had become SO popular?
C.E.M: Oh, I think too much of the magic and unknown has gone out of
our daily world, and that urban fantasy fills a desire we have to see
that reappear. Also, we all watched too much Dark Shadows and Beauty
and the Beast as teens and it warped us. 
I’m open to other theories, though: hit me with your best shot, readers! Why *is* urban fantasy so hot right now? What brings you to it?
BBB: How does living in a beautiful country like Ireland inspire your writing?
C.E.M: Actually I promised a friend I wouldn’t get all Hiberiancentric when I moved here, so I don’t know that it’s inspired me (or not) any more than living anywhere else has. The Irish folklore and legend I use in my books is from a strong connection to my Irish heritage because my Irish-born grandfather lived with us when I was young. (Could I use “Irish” any more in one sentence than that? Sheesh.)
BBB: Do you work on multiple series at the same time, or do you finish a book in one first before moving on to another?
C.E.M: As a rule, I work on one series at a time, though once in a while, during times of great need, I’ll work on two. It’s less difficult than you’d think. Different brainspaces.
BBB: If you could have been the heroine in any movie, which one would you pick and why?
C.E.M: Maybe Geena Davis in Long Kiss Goodnight. That was fun. Well. Or, y’know. Rogue in the X-films, except with a better script. Poor Anna Paquin got robbed in those movies.
BBB: In the Inheritor’s Cycle, you do an excellent job of making Belinda sympathetic. What challenges did you face in creating such a unique character?
C.E.M: Well, the whole idea with Belinda was making an unlikeable character _intriguing_. I wanted her to be compelling, so I think I put more rigid structures in place while writing her than I usually do with characters. She had a real code, a real ethic, that I think is the only thing that makes her sympathetic in the first book. Things get more complicated in the second…
BBB: Which of your series or books have you received the most mail from readers about?
C.E.M: *laughs* There’s a particular scene in the fifth Walker Papers book, DEMON HUNTS, which has far and away generated more mail and commentary than aaaaaaaaaaanything else I’ve ever written. Aside from that, though, the Walker Papers and the Negotiator Trilogy generate about the same amount.
BBB: Is there another historical period, or alternate version of one, that you would like to set a story in?
C.E.M: The Crusades, maybe. Something centered around Eleanor of Acquitaine, who is just about the most fascinating female in history. Did you know she lived into her nineties, surviving all her husbands
and most of her children, and regaining the political power she’d lost for over two decades?
BBB: Lara is much different than most of your heroines – she isn’t weak, but she definitely isn’t a force to be reckoned with in the beginning. Did you water her down to allow her more room for growth? She’s actually kind of perfect. I loved that she wasn’t automatically a no-holds barred character.
C.E.M: A friend challenged me to write a non-forceful character. Lara’s my answer to that. I don’t think she’s watered down at all, just not in-your-face!
BBB: Do you have any favorite Irish writers, classic or contemporary?
C.E.M: This is one of those questions where I’m inclined to say “Yes!” and just leave it at that. But who doesn’t love Oscar Wilde?
BBB: I know Dafydd has a special relationship with lightning. Is that why he chose to be a Weatherman? Are elves prone to weather forecasting, or am I looking for hidden meaning where there is none?
C.E.M: Wow. You are *totally* looking for hidden meaning.
BBB: Does music inspire you when you are writing? What is your favorite type of music?
C.E.M: I can’t listen to music and write. The music supercedes the writing and I end up either just listening or typing lyrics. But I’m pretty catholic in my music tastes: rock, blues, jazz, a bit of classic, whatever’s on, really. I’m easy.
BBB: What character has been your favorite so far to write?
C.E.M: That’s not a question I’ll answer. Y’all, however, can tell me who *your* favorite character is, ’cause I love to hear who’s won peoples’ hearts.
BBB: If you could have lived during any time period, which would you choose?
C.E.M: Right now, or possibly the future, because last I checked, I was a woman and this is by far the best time to be a woman. Also, modern plumbing. If I had to choose a different era, though, I’m a real sucker for 1920′s fashions, though 40′s fashions look much better
on me.
BBB: Are you a plotser or a panster? or a Planster (a combo of both – lol)
C.E.M: Plotster, these days. I’ve found it’s a lot more efficient. But I don’t detail things out to scene level, just do big scale plots and fill in as I go along.
BBB: Do you have an EReader? If so which one and where to you think the future of ebooks will go?
C.E.M: I don’t, but I’d probably get a Sony because they support the .epub extension, which I believe will be the default type like MP3 is for music.
BBB: Where is your most favorite place to read?
C.E.M: Anywhere I can.
BBB: How long do we have to wait for your next book, and what is it going to be about?
C.E.M: Book six of the Walker Papers, SPIRIT DANCES, is out in April 2011. There are, if I do say so myself, some great moments with Jo and Morrison while Jo deals with the fact that one of the things she insists can’t possibly happen…happens to her. I said cryptically.
BBB: Do you have any upcoming appearances? If so where can our readers find you?
C.E.M: I’ll be at Octocon, the Irish National Convention, in Dublin on October 16th & 17th this year, and at P-Con in March of 2011. Beyond that, nothing specific planned yet, I’m afraid!
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Readers, learn more about C.E. Murphy here:
Read the Bitten by Books reviews of the author’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
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CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE
Prize 1: An Irish care package with some yummy goodies and a copy of Truthseeker.
Prize 2: A copy of Truthseeker.
READ THIS ~ READ THIS ~ READ THIS
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
1. LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME AND YOUR COUNTRY 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. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest.
2. Answer C.E.’s questions and ask her some questions please make sure they aren’t duplicates. Good for 10 + entries per question. (Max 3 good towards entries)
3. Order copies of C.E.’s new book Truthseeker by using the links below.
To purchase a print copy of Truthseeker from Amazon click here.
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To purchase a print copy of Truthseeker from Barnes & Noble click here.
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To purchase an eBook copy of Truthseeker from OmniLit click here.
Good for 150 + 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.
4. Make an actual blog POST on your BLOG and invite your readers to this event and use this is the live link to link back to this event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30702 and this cover of the book. Come back and tell us where you shared. This REALLY Helps the author spread the word about their new book, so give a hand and help them out by talking about it on your blog!!! + 125 entries
5. Twitter this phrase exactly: PzRT: @ce_murphy Interview/Chat/Contest LIVE NOW: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30702 #BBBTruthseeker #books #giveaway
10+ Entries per tweet (max 3)
6. Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event/contest today here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30706 + 25 points
Attend and enter author Lucienne Diver’s 8GB Nano Contest event (until 9/18): http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30613 +25 points
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Attend and comment at the Weekly Book Chat
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30505
Attend and comment at the Weekly Poll
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Attend and comment at Screen Bites
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30474
Off the Fang Column and Contest
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30470
8. Tally Your own points total 1 + Entries
That’s it!
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Pingback: Live at Bitten By Books! at CE Murphy.net
I think Urban Fantasy fills in the gap of the old fashioned fairy tales our great grandparents used to tell hundreds of years ago. Sadly, those old stories aren’t taken as seriously now as they were then.
RT: http://twitter.com/shadowflame1974/status/24776988186
So far 21 points!
Ooh, an excellent answer about why UF is so popular, Sarah!
Hello C.E. Murphy
Thank You for spending time with us today.
My reason UF is so hot right is because as kids we believed magic was possible and real and as adults we want a little bit of the magic back. The other reason similar to yours, were cracked, I remember the Sci-Fi TV shows far more than most cop shows.
What is your favorite Irish legend?
What is your favorite thing to do while stuck on an airplane?
Ruth T. USA
+30 #2
+10 #5 http://twitter.com/zoombievampire/status/24776874564
+50 #6 Maria and Lucienne
+25 #7 Anya+Chat+Poll+Screen+Fang
+1 #8
+25 RSVP
=
141pts
My favorite thing to do on an airplane is read, of course! I usually get through five or so books on a transatlantic flight…
My favorite Irish legend…wow. Hm. Possibly Oisin the poet, which may be why he features in TRUTHSEEKER!
I love that the ladies are kicking ass and handing out names. No more fainting and helplessness!!! The authors are having a field day with all sorts of paranormal beings and I just love it!
My fave character is whatever I’m reading at the time! I have many and that is all I can say about that.
Where did you go to college and what did you major in? Do you have any furbabies? If yes what and how many?
I blogged at http://www.myspace.com/blackstarcat_ok/blog?blD-539217689
I RSVPed for this event
I attended Snyder’s event and Diver
I went to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where I got a degree in English and History and then went and got a job in computers, because clearly there were no jobs in my *field*.
We have one cat named Zilli. He’s a Japanese Bobtail from Janipurr Bobtails, and he’s a stinker.
I can’t add. The total should be 251. Every point helps. Lisa D. USA
Catie, I have really enjoyed reading all of your books! As a fellow Celt and voracious reader, I can honestly say your characters have been adopted as friends. I’ve appreciated your openness to your fans, too! I envy your living in Erin, but wish you only the best of everything. Keep showing up at Bitten By Books, for we truly love your interviews.
I think Urban Fantasy is hot because it provides an escape from reality without the predictability of the HEA endings of paranormal romance.
Do you have any plans to write YA?
rsvp’d
attended Maria’s event
entered Lucienne’s contest
entered Anya’s contest
commented on the weekly chat
commented and voted in the poll
commented on screen bites
commented on off the fang
total = 101
I have a middle grade/YA fantasy that I’ve been not having time to revise for the last, oh, eight years, yeah. I’m hoping to get that done this fall, because I love that book more than anything else I’ve written.
Hiya There! I first wanted to say I really enjoy just sitting down and devouring your books whenever my kids are sleeping!
~I posted on twitter
https://twitter.com/BrittanyKG
~Comments on Dresden book in Book Discussion
~Voted on Poll about YA Paranormal Fiction
When you get stuck what is your Muse? What helps you get back into the groove?
My fav. of your series is the negotiator series and I LOVE Alban and Margrit
*laughs* Um. Exercise is as close to a muse as I have. It sounds really snotty to say so, but muses are for amateurs. Occasionally one does blindside a person and you rush off to write something in a fit of inspiration, but mostly if you’re doing this professionally you don’t wait for inspiration. You sit your butt down and get the job done, just like any other job that pays the rent.
A lot of people really love the Negotiator books. Glad you’ve enjoyed them!
My theory is that one of the reasons UF is hot these days is that we live in a very anxious time, and UF elements (vampires, werewolves, supernatural) have always been a way for us to deal with inchoate fears.
Plus they are sexaaay.
Question: – what’s your secret to writing so well about cities you don’t currently live in? I was floored when I found out you live in Ireland — The Walker Papers had me convinced you are a Seattle resident.
Question: In Demon Hunts we met a couple of characters from Jo’s past in person. In Spirit Dances do we finally meet the most important person from her past?
Blog post here – http://votermom.blogspot.com/2010/09/truthseeker-promo-at-bitten-by-books.html
If my calculations are correct, I have 146 points.
Maria J, USA
Er… make that 156. Dang it, Jim, I’m a reader not a calculator!
Question one: I visit the cities and then abuse my friendships with people who live there, mostly. Really, the internet’s wonderfully helpful for getting details right, especially with Google Maps!
Question two: No.
I think Urban Fantasy is so popular because it resonates with our Celtic roots, lets us enjoy the world of the paranormal with characters with whom we empathise, and is usually placed in a world with which we are familiar.
Catie, I really enjoy your writing style, and I love Joanne Walkingstick’s strengths and weaknesses. She is much more that a butt-kicking lady cop, and I think she is one of the most realistic (can I use that term in connection with UF?) or believable characters in the genre.
Could you explore some of the Celtic myths of Scotland and weave those themes into your Irish mythology? We come from a common origin, you know. Were it not for the Irish, there would be no Celts in Scotland, after all!
Thank you, and please give us more Walker Papers . . . not that your other books are not worthy, for they are!
Tim
*laughs* Pretty much sticking with Ireland, I’m afraid. There are only 9 books in the series, so I have to limit my pool of inspiration!
Hi C.E. – Thanks for being here.
I think Urban Fantasy is doing so well because it’s an escape that “could” be real. Unlike historical romance that has already happened, can actually put yourself into the Urban fantasy.
If you could go anywhere in the world to write where would it be? +10
Viki S. USA I rsvp’d.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Jovial_1/status/24781819739 +10
+20 total
Ah, there’s a bay across from Homer, Alaska, where if I could have a writing retreat, that’s where it’d be…
Sounds like a lovely peaceful spot.
While I already have a copy of Truthseeker (nearing the end and loving it), I couldn’t help but leave a comment. This is a wonderful interview. I enjoyed the questions (and the answers they inspired). Besides, I can always give my copy to a future reader of yours.
My theory on Urban Fantasy is that adult has come to mean heavy sex or heavy content so the adult speculative fiction genres often don’t fill the need for light and fun. In comes Urban Fantasy with its ties to the Romance industry that’s all about light and fun (and women who know what they want), but with a stronger genre flavor. It’s just a theory, and since I read pretty much every type of speculative fiction and romance as well, there are no negative judgments to my thoughts. It’s that there was a hole to fill between paranormal romance and adult SF, a hole which modern Urban Fantasy fills so well.
And may I say teasing is not nice
. I’m deathly curious about which scene in Demon Hunts prompted so much mail, and I have to wait until April????
Cheers,
Margaret F.
No, no, DEMON HUNTS is out! Came out in June. It’s book six that’s out in April.
LOL! To clarify, those were two separate comments. I’m curious about which scene provokes all the comments because I’ve read Demon Hunts already. I’m also looking forward to the next in a series I love
.
Like Margaret F, I’ve been waiting for the Demon Hunts to be available, but everywhere that is selling the book states that it is “out of stock” in the UK…
is the uk publishing date delayed or has it sold out?
I have no idea why people can’t get it in the UK. I should ask my publisher about that, but as a rule, the UK is ordering it from the US, as they’re not published in the UK specifically, so no idea.
hello catie! been looking forward to this – i can’t wait! thank you for all the wonderful fantasies you write!
sorry, i’ll stop gushing now…*ducks head down*
Why *is* urban fantasy so hot right now? i think part of it is that paranormal romance is so hot, and urban fantasy goes hand-in-hand with that, bringing more of a dark edge to it. plus, i’m with you on the warped teens factor!
What brings me to it? i’ve always loved paranormal reading in many genres – romance, horror, mystery, even non-fic – so i’ve been eating it all up! plus there’s so many good authors out there that have so many great stories to tell!
so what was your favorite show growing up?
+25 will Attend Maria V. Snyder
Oh, as a teen it was unquestionably Beauty and the Beast. I still love Ron Perlman, all these years later…
Answer to Questions:
I think Urban Fantasy is hot right now because for many of us, we feel like we are running on a hamster wheel from day to day. Life sometimes seems to be monotonous and boring. There are more rules than anything else in life and it kills most of the excitement or what little magic there is in the world. So people like to imagine what life would be like if it would different. I know I certainly do because the number 1 reason that draws me Urban Fantasy.
Questions for Authors:
1. If you could make your books into a movie, who would you cast to be your characters?
2. If you could be any character in any of your books, who would you choose to be?
3. What do you feel is the most cliched plot line in today
Oh, I’m terrible at casting, but I think the guy who plays Eric in True Blood would make a great Alban.
Wow. Um. If I could be anybody in my books…wow. I have no idea! I’ve never thought about it! Joanne’s got the wifty power set, but she’s got Issues. Margrit’s (sort of) ordinary, but she lives in a great world with the Old Races. Belinda–okay, no, I wouldn’t want to be Belinda, she’s scary.
But I guess the great thing is I get to be all the characters in my books, you know? That’s my job description!
Ah, I’m not sure there’s a such thing as a too-cliched plotline, only a bad job writing it. No new ideas under the sun, as they say. The whole Romeo & Juliet story still works, after all…
Lis R smalltown, USA
+25 RSVPed #19
+10 Why do YOU think readers invest so much time in reading series books? (I adore series books and often will collect 4 or 5 and then binge read a series for days)
+10 Can you really write a book in six weeks?
+10 Have you ever thought about doing a book based in Alaska?
+125 http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/2010/09/author-ce-murphy-interview-and-contest.html
+10 http://twitter.com/alterlisa/status/24785916049
+25 Attend Maria V. Snyder
+10 http://twitter.com/alterlisa/status/24787473877
+1-total==282
+10 http://twitter.com/alterlisa/status/24792591645
+1–total==293
Oh, well, I think books and characters really do become old friends. Humans are terribly social creatures and we become invested in fictional people all the time–I mean, really: how often do you listen to gossip about someone you don’t actually know? They’re pretty much fictional, right? But we’re interested anyway. So I think series’ allow us to really feel like we know a character, just like chat over the water cooler lets us feel like we know a person.
I really can write a book in six weeks. Or I used to be able to, anyway. I’ve slowed down.
I have a mystery series (straight mystery, not paranormal at all) that I want to set in my home town, yeah. It’s on the list of “someday” writing.
Hello Mrs. Murphy,
My question has to do with Coyote and Morrison. Will these two guys ever get into a verbal or fist fight over Jo?
That would be a spoiler!
Why *is* urban fantasy so hot right now? For the pure escapism and strong lead characters. I love the idea that there is another world parallel to our ‘normal’ one.
What brings you to it? I’ve loved the paranormal genre for a very long time, since Dark Shadows used to scare the bejeezus out of me when I was a kid.
Taking it to the streets and alleys makes it even better.
+20
Attend Maria V. Snyder
Well, to be perfectly frank, what brings me to it is that it’s a hot selling genre, so that’s what I’m writing right now. Possibly that’s a more commercial and crass answer than you want, but there you go.
Hi C.E. Murphy
* Have not read your books yet but thay do look entersting.
* I Spread the News on my myspace and facebook and here is the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks +125&+125
* I Attended Maria V.Snyder +25
* I Attended and entered Lucienne Drive +25
* I Entered Anya Bast’s Kindle Giveaway +5
* I Did the Weekly Polls +5
* I Tallyed the Points +1 =311
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
1. I think urban fantasy is so hot right now because we all need something different in our lives to combat the dreary humdrum of life. You can’t get much different than supernatural beings, magic, etc.
2. What brings me to it are the fantastic characters, and the thrill of wondering are there really supernatural beings around and I just haven’t run across any of them yet?
Barbara E., USA
+25 RSVP’d
+20 Answered questions
+25 Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event
+ 5 Attended/commented at the Weekly Poll
+ 1 Total Points
Total = 76
Mette J, Denmark
I want to say that you were one of the first authors I read when I started reading UF and you have indspired me to exsplore the world of UF.
On a normal day, How many hours do you write?
Why were you inspired to write about this theme?
What
I write anywhere from 1-4 hours a day. Or that’s what I did before having a baby. We haven’t quite got it sorted out since then…
About which theme? Truthseeker? The idea was a friend of mine’s and I thought it sounded like fun. Please note: I do not typically write books from other people’s ideas. I have more than enough of my own.
There are so many best things about being a writer I don’t even know where to start, but setting my own schedule is definitely way high up there!
1. United States
2. Why *is* urban fantasy so hot right now? I think urban fantasy is so hot right now because it gives readers a release from their real life and takes them to different places and different kinds of people. It puts them in a world of fairy tales, action, romance and happy endings. Real life isn’t like that. There isn’t always a happy ending What brings you to it?
I love the romance and the actions and happy endings. I love being somewhere else. I love imagining another time and place and being drawn into the story. I love the romance and the action. It is all so magical. You can be anyone you want to be and there is such thing as true love and soul mates.
Please enter me in contest. I would love to read your book. Tore923@aol.com
I love urban fantasy because of the strong, independent heroines, the thrilling adventure, the hint of magic, and of course the dashing/dangerous heroes! I love how urban fantasy seems more real to me than standard paranormal romance (don’t ask me why that is).
I agree, Eleanor of Acquitaine was a remarkable, awesome woman!
Aw, the ’20s are also one of the periods I would LOVE to travel back and experience a bit. That life feeling, the hair updos, dances, the cars, so exciting and classy
+10 points: tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/24791954765
+10 points: tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/24792035824
+10 points: tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/24792137997
+10 points: If your house was on fire and you could only save one DVD/book what film/series or novel would it be?
+10 points: Do you have a name in your mind that you just can
If my house was on fire I would save my baby, my husband, my cat and my computer. The rest of it can be replaced.
Oh, where *wouldn’t* I go. I’d like to see the Pyramids and Uluru and Machu Picchu…
-As a reader I love urban fantasy because of the different types of worlds or twists on the modern world presented in books. I love fantasy stories, so it’s a great mix.
-What brings me to it? I’ve always loved paranormal stories and characters, I just love reading about them.
Do your friends and family influence any of your book characters or writing?
+25 Attend and enter author Lucienne Diver
I very rarely base characters on real people, but my husband hugely influences my writing. He’s an idea machine, so when I get stuck I go to him and say “Help!” and he throws ideas at me until one sticks and I can go on.
I can only guess about urban fantasy, other than how I feel, but I think it has to do with the world we live in today-around the world people are suffering, children are being abused, people are dying and we feel helpless. We pick up an UF book and read about hero and heroines who can actually kick ass and make a diffence– save the world. Who wouldn’t love that?
Besides Ireland, which is so awesome by the way, what other country’s legends and myths fascinate you?
Brenda H., USA
25 RSVP’d
20 Answer and ask a question
25 Attend Maria V. Snyder
Oh, jeez. What myths don’t fascinate me? The more I read the more delighted I am with the breadth and scope of human imagination. There are some African myths I’d love to take a stab at, and Asian culture is just full of the most amazing bizarre stuff…!
I think that medieval life is less and less relevant to people today. And less accessible to the average reader. And the idea that wondrous things might lie just around the corner is always attractive.
So, do you like metaphor or simile better, and why?
And what is your favorite myth?
Inc. Tweeting, I think that’s 41 entries. No time for more now, maybe later.
I think I must like simile more, because I use them more. No particular reason why, I don’t think, though now I kinda feel like I should rise to a metaphorical challenge for the next series!
Geez, you ask hard questions! My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast, but my favorite *myth*? Prometheus, maybe, for defying the gods and bringing fire to man. Defying the gods is always good.
Hi there! I believe that we (as a race) used to be much more magical creatures, yes, a loooong time ago, and we have lost that magical part of us, it’s sort of hard to put into words. We have been told grow up, those things don’t exist, we no longer sit around the fire out in the woods, we can’t even enjoy the stars much, because when we go outside at night, it seems we are never “in the dark” anymore. I believe UF is hot to some people because some of us are searching for that lost bit of magic. Yes, life itself is a great big adventure, but there’s no mystery left. Okay, I’ll stop now, I’m in one of my moods tonight, sorry. Of your books I’ve only read the Negotiator series, but I do have the books from your other series, they are in my tbr pile. I grew to love Margrit, sometimes I wanted to smack her and say jump in and love it, but I did really like how the story unfolded. Are your books available in audio at all? Do you listen to audiobooks at all? I love them, I work outside all day and they help the time pass. thanks for being here, and will def be getting to these books soon.
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
attend snyder’s event
did diver’s event
did bast’s event
did the chat
did the poll
did screen bites
did off the fang
checked out the jewelry and commented
tally my points for a total of 136
I know the Negotiator and Walker books are available in audio. I don’t think the Inheritors’ Cycle is. I listen to audio books occasionally (but not of my own books–it’s too weird), and think they can be really terrific!
Andrea I – USA
Question: I know you now live in Ireland, but did you ever attend Dragon*con when you lived in the US?
1) I know why I like urban fantasy. I read for relaxation and it’s a way to escape from the stress of life.
+20 Question and Answer
+10 Tweeted http://twitter.com/lillieblue613/status/24797425771
+25 RSVP’d
+25 Attend Maria V Snyder’s Event (next)
+25 Attended event and entered Lucienne Diver’s contest
+5 Attended and entered Anya Bast’s contest
+5 Voted and commented in Weekly Poll
+5 Attended and commented at Weekly Book Chat
+5 Attended and commented at Off the Fang column and contest
+5 Checked out the new Vampire Academy Jewelry line and got discount code
+1 Tally points
Total = 131
Nope, I’ve never been to Dragon*Con, but I’m going next summer!
I think urban fantasy is so popular right now because of the vampire and werewolf mania that lately has brought a lot of attention to this genre of books. That and there’s something intrinsically fascinating about a world that is our own but not exactly as we percieve. That’s my reason anyways.. I love the idea that there’s something more than what meets the eye and that my crazy imagination isn’t just playing tricks on me.
I’ve been really interested in Truthseeker since I heard about it. I love that this story is about the Sidhe, what made you want to involve them? What research did you do for Truthseeker? Any sharable inspirations about it?
Thanks so much!
Biki P., USA
Rsvp’d
Attend Maria V. Snyder
Oh, it’s the Irish in me, with the Sidhe. I’ve read lots of legends and stories, and since one of the things about the fair folk is that they’re not supposed to be able to lie, that made an interesting conundrum for characters who had to try to deceive a woman who could tell if she was being lied to…
I don’t usually have thunderbolt moments of inspiration that make good stories for sharing, I’m afraid!
I think Urban Fantasy is hot because it provides an escape from reality. Also I think it gets away from the formula approach that other genres have fallen into.
I am so looking forward to SPIRIT DANCES.
Couldn’t wait to win it so I’ve purchased Truthseeker I plan to read it this weekend. (But I won’t turn it down if I win it. I have lots of friends who read
)
rsvp
Each person I think the allure to Urban Fantasy is different and yet oddly similar. People are more familiar with stories taking place in the now with a twist, by elements being hidden in everyday life but people never really realizing it. That just intrigues people I guess. Hey I’m one of them.
Myself I like the basis that maybe just maybe the world is not as we see it. We think we are the top species but what if really we are not. What if legends we thought are mythical are real?
Oddly enough, I picked up an anthology from the library that you are in. * Sheepish * I snatched it up because it had “Mercedes Lackey” in it. It’s called “Winter Moon”. Probably won’t start it until after the weekend because I want to read the second book in a series I started the other day.
So my question is…. Is it apart of a series? Would it be alright to read without getting too lost?
I am one of the rare people who read every single story in an anthology. Some of the authors I really like I discovered through anthologies. I see them as a taste from the author to gauge if I would like their stories or not.
Plus, the hubby read one of your books. Please don’t ask me which. He made a passing comment when he spotted your name on the anthology.
+10
RSVP
http://visionarydruid.blogspot.com/2010/09/ce-murphy-is-at-bittenbybooks.html
+125
http://twitter.com/RaonaidLuckwell +10
Attending Maria Snyder’s event +25
Attended Lucienne Diver’s event +25
Entered Anya Bast’s event +5
Weekly poll +5
Off the Fang +5
Tallying +1
211
WINTER MOON has “Banshee Cries”, which fits between URBAN SHAMAN and THUNDERBIRD FALLS in the Walker Papers. You can read it first without spoiling anything–the idea behind that story was to ideally draw people into the Walker Papers universe.
Thank you! So I can read it without guilt.
Hi C.E.
I have my copy of Truth Seeker but have not had a chance to read it yet.
do you generally set one large or many small goals?
what do you do to reward yourself when you reach your goals?
do you keep track of random plot bunnies as they pop up or do you let them run free and grow until you need them?
I’m pretty obessive about goal-setting. I tend to have an end-game goal and a zillion little steps on the way to getting there. I’m actually not very good at rewarding myself for the little ones, even though I *say* I’m going to.
My plot bunnies tend to rest quietly at the back of my mind and then leap up unexpectedly with the information I need at a critical moment. Very handy of them.
other contest stuff
I was typing too fast again….correction to #6
attended Maria and Lucienne’s events
I like Jo from the Walker Papers
She’s very funny and just all in all awesome.
Are you planning on writing any other series?
Was it hard getting published?
total 31
Oh god. “Was it hard getting published” is a blog entry all on its own, and tell you what, I’ll write that blog entry for you, but not today. Short answer: yes and no.
I have about forty series/book ideas in my idea file, yeah, and more get added to it all the time. I will never run out of books to write.
Julie S. of USA
I think urban fantasy is so hot because they are like soap operas with magic. We all want to believe in the magic of vampires, shapeshifters, demons and angels. All of this with love and sex thrown in.
Tweet – http://twitter.com/jellybelly82158/status/24811814622 +10
Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event/contest +25
Attended and entered Author Lucienne Diver’s 8GB Nano contest +25
Entered Anya Bast’s Win a KINDLE event +5
Attended and commented on weekly book chat +5
Attended and commented on weekly poll +5
Attended and commented on Screen Bites +5
Attended and commented on Off the Fang Column and contest +5
Tally own points +1
Total = 86
I love UF for the vicarious thrill I get through it–I’d love to be that kicka** in real life, but since I’m not, I live it through the books!
questions:
1) Where do you do most of your writing? (Home, etc.)
2) Which do you focus on more, world-building or characterization?
3) How many hours per day do you generally write? Do you only write 5 days per week, or–?
+30 questions
+25 Attend Maria V. Snyder
I mostly write at home, but when I need to get really focused I’ll go somewhere else for several hours, or even check into a hotel for a few days.
I…don’t know, really. It’s all part of the same package to me, the characterization, the world-building, the…everything. It’s all what makes a book, so I don’t know what I focus on most!
I have trained myself recently (in the last year or so) to only write 5 days a week, because a break is good for everyone. I usually write 1-4 hours a day, or did before I had a baby–things is different now!
Leni K., USA
Are there any topics that you will not touch upon in your stories?
Are there any other fictional characters that you would like to see your characters interact with?
RSVP’ed +25
Asked two C.E. two questions +20
Attended Lucienne Diver event +25
Attended Anya Bast event +5
+1 Tally= 76
Hm. Not so far. I mean, I won’t write horror because I don’t like it, but it’s not a moral stance or anything. I just scare easily.
*laughs* Yeah. I even started a crossover fan fic with Faith Hunter’s character Jane Yellowrock. We might turn that into a real novella someday, and sell it to people.
Aside from that, well, who wouldn’t want their urban fantasy lead to meet up with Harry Dresden, huh?
Thanks for chatting with us. I know you wouldn’t answer who your favorite character to write was, but can you tell us which character was hardest to say goodbye to in your writing?
**
Mare S, USA
RSVP’d ahead +25
questions +10
tweet – http://twitter.com/tommygirl/status/24819065300 +10
Attend Maria V. Snyder
…I would, except every answer I have for that spoils one book or another! There are two characters (in two different series) whose deaths just *killed* me–one of them was so shocking that EVEN THOUGH I HAD WRITTEN THE BOOK every time I got to that scene I gasped. I really, *really* didn’t want to kill that one off.
The other I realized had to die and was all OOOOH NOOOOO over it, but there was no question, once I thought of it, that the person *had* to die. It still makes me sad when I re-read the scene.
Other than killing characters off, though–truth is, I have so many books I want to write, with so many different lead characters, that it’s hard to say “Woe I am sad to be leaving these characters behind” because I’m so excited to go on to new ones. Besides, unless I actually kill somebody, I can always revive a character in a short story if I really miss them.
Aik Chien, Malaysia.
+10 Hi, may I know more about your source of inspiration?
+10 Which actress would you choose to play the role of Lara if your book were to be made into a movie?
+10 Can you name some of your favourite authors?
+10 Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/24823770554
+25 Attend Maria V. Snyder
I get inspiration from everywhere, but in the case of TRUTHSEEKER, I was looking for an idea for a (much shorter than this one turned out to be) book/story and asked a friend, and she said, “How about a woman who always knows if she’s being lied to?” I thought that was a great idea, and ran with it!
Wow. I hadn’t thought about an actress for Lara at all. Maybe Alona Tal, who played Jo on Supernatural. I think she’s got the right aura about her.
Guy Gavriel Kay, Barbara Hambly, L.M. Montgomery, Susan Cooper, C.S. Friedman, lots of others!
Having read The Walker Papers and The Old Races Universe series I am looking forward to your new book Truthseekers. How do you manage to come up with such a variety of characters and stories about them?
As this is also a Kindle event on Bitten by Books will you be releasing your books in e versions for those of us who eventually want to save the trees. If you get to see my facebook you will see your books tagged on my shelves photos and would see that I’m running out of space rapidly.
Lesley Tye
All of my books are available as e-books, I believe!
Variety of characters and the like tends to come like this:
*idea in the shower: a black woman lawyer who runs through Central Park at night*
*add in Beauty and the Beast, where the ‘Beast’ will never become human: gargoyle!*
*realize that obviously if gargoyles exist, so do other ‘old races’*
*run with it*
Hi,
I’d say urban fantasy is so popular, because it brings some magic into our ordinary lives, but unlike the swords-and-dragons fantasy, it takes place in the current world, so it’s much easier to relate to.
My questions:
If there was a movie to be made, whom would you like to see cast as Belinda?
what is the most interesting or the weirdest question that you’ve been asked by a fan?
what is your favorite childhood book?
Thanks!
Dovile P., Lithuania
___
+25 RSVPed for this event
+30 asked the questions
+25 attended Maria V. Snyder’s event
+25 entered Lucienne Diver’s contest
+5 entered Anya Bast’s contest
+20 picked up the discount code and commented on the poll, Off the Fang and Screen Bites
+1 for tallying
___
Total: 131
I have no idea who would make a good Belinda. The thing about her is she’s pretty, but not drop-dead gorgeous, so I’d need somebody kind of ordinary to play her. And that someone would have to be really compelling, because she’s not a likeable character…
The Dark is Rising Sequence are probably my favorite childhood books. They’re the ones I still re-read the most often, anyway.
Trying to think of what the weirdest or most interesting question anybody’s asked me is. My fans aren’t all that weird, really!
Whoops forgot to post country I’m from Sunderland UK. Another question re other authors now being filmed for TV series and films which would be you preference for your series of books and would you pick say tv for one and film for another?
Lesley
I think the Walker Papers would make a better TV series than movies and the Negotiator books would make better movies–they’d need the big budget for the special effects!
Hi, I agree it would be interesting to see how they portrayed gargoyles and if they could put your words into visual that would match the decription. Fingers crossed someone in the know reads these as the repetition occuring now leaves a lot to be desired, and we need more new films and TV series to entertain people, well atleast for those of us who read books like yours.
RSVP’d +25
Attended Maria Snyder’s event +25
Attended Lucienne Diver’s contest +25
Entered Anya Bast’s kindle contest +5
Voted and commented in Poll +5
Tally own points +1
Total= 86 points
Pingback: Book News, Reviews, and Musings 19 September 2010 | Read in a Single Sitting - Book reviews and new books
+25 rsvp cant remember so many great contests, lol
+25Attend Maria V. Snyder
Whew. Almost missed this because of my computer. Firstly I have to say that I have never seen anyone else mention The Long Kiss Goodnight. I love that movie! It gets overlooked a lot.
I think that Urban Fantasy and a lot of the paranormal genre has to do with escapism. It’s about delving into something that is not our lives. And with the escapism there’s also that little feeling of what if this were real. It let’s us involve ourselves in something that we otherwise wouldn’t be involved in. Of course it could also just be too much Dark Shadows and Beauty and the Beast! I know I watched them every week. Those shows were awesome!
What shows if any are you addicted to now?
And I’ve always wondered why did you use initials instead of your first and middle names?
Thanks!
Rae M., USA
RSVP’d for this event +25
Attended Lucienne Diver event +25
Entered Maria V. Snyder Contest +25
Entered Anya Bast Contest +5
Commented on Poll +5
Commented on Screen Bites +5
Checked out Vampire Academy Jewelry +5
Commented on Off the Fang +5
Asked & Answered questions +30
Tally Points +1
Total = 131
Oh, let’s see. Supernatural, Smallville, True Blood, Leverage, Castle–those are the ones we’re watching right now, I think.
*laughs* I used my initials because people call authors by the name that’s on their books, and I don’t particularly like being called by my full name, but I don’t think Catie, which is what I actually use, looks grown-up enough for the cover of a book. So when a friend suggested I use my initials I was like “Hey! Yeah! Good idea!” Only years later did people start asking if it was to disguise my gender, which boggled my little mind. The thought never occurred to me.
1. I rsvped and here I am Pamk from usa +25
2. hum I think that UF has gotten more popular becuase more poeple have started writing it. And us readers that loved paranormal romances have started reading those too cuase they are there. and genre are blending more and more. I see you like going to con where is P-con and do you plan on coming to america any time soon. Would love to come to one of your signings. +30
5. i tweeted about this http://twitter.com/Pamk258/status/24873145323 +10
6. Attend Maria V. Snyder
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I am willing to bribe you for more novels about the Old Races. I think my reviews made that clear, LOL. Reading Truthseeker was refreshing, actually, because it was an Urban Fantasy *I* could star in. No need to be super-muscled or super-bad ass. : ) (Yeah, you probably shouldn’t enter me since I wrote the review for Truthseeker. But if you feel like sending me a care package from Ireland, who am I to tell you no? LOLOL)
Are you still taking orders for the Daisani/Janx novella? I ordered mine as soon as I heard about it, but I figured this would be a good place to pimp it, yes?
Nope, the novellas only have a very short window to buy in! Glad you liked Truthseeker, though. Your review was very nice!
Live in the US.
Q1: you mentioned tastes in music as being ‘Catholic’. As a Catholic myself, I find myself torn when reading books that run contrary to Catholic teachings, but sometimes feel compelled to finish the book… Have you felt restricted in either reading or writing because of your faith or upbringing?
Q2: have you ever read The Cloister And The Hearth?
Q3: how’d you get your start in writing?
Point total: 31
Carrie-Bryant@sbcglobal.net
Actually, ‘catholic’ in this instance means ‘all-encompassing’, which is a non-religious use of the word. I’m not myself Catholic in faith.
I’ve always written. The first time someone told me to keep at it, I was six years old. I was about thirty when I really started taking it seriously as a career, and got published a couple years later.
Ahh. Guess I’ve never seen it used that way! Love learning new things!
I don’t think most people have encountered the word as anything other than a reference to the Catholic church, in fact, but I like trying to use the language as broadly as possible.
Hi Catie!
I’m in the middle of reading TRUTHSEEKER right now, and it is very different from your other books. Still loving it, though
I think urban fantasy is appealing because it is a great venue for strong female characters…and their men. Also, gargoyles, if you’re lucky.
I rsvp’d, went to Maria’s and Lucienne’s events and commented, and asked a question. I think that’s 85 points…
Deborah B USA
Hey Deborah.
Glad you’re enjoying the book–and I’m also glad it’s different, ’cause what would be the point in writing the same thing over and over? 
Wanda B, Canada
+10 – I tweeted the exact phrase: http://twitter.com/lemonslippers/status/24898087525
I think Urban Fantasy is appealing because it kind of makes you think “What if the world really was like that?”. It is a nice break from reality. I also like it because there are a lot of strong women in urban fantasy.
RSVPd
Attend Maria V. Snyder
Hi C.E. Thanks so much for joining us here at BBB.
What draws me to UF is the “what if” factor. I am intrigued by the idea of a whole separate world existing side-by-side with our own, either hidden from view or known. I do agree with you, though, that much of the success of the genre may be due to the fact that we have lost a sense of the mysterious in our lives.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing for relaxation?
I am a big fan of (and your reviewer here) of the Inheritor Cycle. I hope we will see more of that world at some point.
Thanks again for being here.
(USA, I did RSVP)
*snort* In theory I enjoy swimming, reading, walking, and photography for relaxation. In reality, I’m terrible at relaxing.
I’m working on the proposal for the rest of the Inheritors’ Cycle books right now, in fact. Hopefully my publisher will be buying them soon!
#4 + 125 entries blogged…http://fortheluvofsanity.blogspot.com/2010/09/anybody-up-for-some-book-giveaways.html
#5 + 10 entries tweeted…soklad PzRT: @ce_murphy Interview/Chat/Contest LIVE NOW: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30702 #BBBTruthseeker #books #giveaway
#6 = 25 entries…attended ‘Maria V. Snyders event.
#8 1 + 160 entries total.
Stephanie C.
USA
soklad@hotmail.com
Oh wow. Your books sound so juicy!
I read the paranormal genre because its…magical! I love vampires most of all, and I fell in love with elves after I watched Lord of the Rings, and Irish and Scottish folklore stole my heart after I read Karen Marie Moning’s Fever and Highlander series! I just like legends and myths. xD
I was wondering what types of creatures I would encounter in your books? Also, is the setting same in your different series?
Thank you!
Aori H.
aorihanazari(@)gmail(.)com
USA
I voted in the poll
Gargoyles and selkies and djinn, oh my. And dragons and vampires, all of those making up the “Old Races” in the Negotiator trilogy. And you get all sorts of things in the Walker Papers. Lots of old gods and mythical monsters.
Mostly elves in the Truthseeker books. 
The setting is definitely not the same for my different series. They all live in very different worlds.
Thanks for the great interview.
I have read fantasy for most of the last 30 years. Started reading paranormal romance years ago when there suddenly was a lot more of them available. Read my first few Urban Fantasy before I ever heard of a separate name for the genre. They were just paranormal to me, but a little darker/grittier. Have always loved stories about shifters, Fae, and magic users. I find more of the last two in Urban Fantasy than I do in paranormal romance.(10)
I’m in the US
I RSVP’d(25)
#6-did both(50)
did Anya Bast’s event(5)
did the weekly book chat(5)
commented at Screen Bites(5)
did Off The Fang(5)
voted and commented in the poll(5)
tally my own points(1)
Total=111