Authors Nancy Holder and Debbie ViguiƩ Character Interview
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of the Nancy Holder and Debbie ViguiƩ event is now closed. Winners will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email.
Character Interview with Amanda Cathers and Skye York
The scene: a stone turret in a beautiful castle in France, decorated all in ebony and silver, which are the colors of House Cahors. One of the famed Cahors witches, Amanda, is seated in the center of a pentagram on the ancient stone floor, on a black silk pillow that is embroidered in silver. Sheās on her laptop, although she could just as easily conduct this interview with a scrying stone or a crystal ball. But sheās saving her energy for the battle ahead.
Sheās talking with Skye York, a White Witch from England, who is one of the six hunters of Salamanca, a group dedicated to fighting the vampires who have beaten the human race in a war.
Amanda lives in the Wicked series; and Skye lives in Crusade, the first book in a new series, both by Nancy Holder and Debbie ViguiƩ.
WITCH AMANDA: Skye, it must be so weird to have to fight vampires! We havenāt run into any, although we know they exist.
WITCH SKYE: Blimey, A! They SUCK! (Sorry, a bit of black humour there.)But the fightinās almost as bad among my teammates. How we ever got paired up is beyond me. Weāve got Holgar, a werewolf; Eriko, who received the magickal elixir during our final exam; Jenn, an American who I actually wish was the one in charge; Jamie, this Irish bloke Iām rather keen on; and get this! Antonio, who is a vampire!
WITCH AMANDA: NO WAY! So is Antonio defanged or what?
WITCH SKYE: Heās a GOOD vampire. And omgoddess is he hot! Our master and I have thrown the runes a million times, and each time it comes up the same: Antonioās on our side.
WITCH AMANDA: But isnāt that the losing side? No offense!
WITCH SKYE: None taken. We believe that as long as we can stand up to the Cursed Ones, we have a chance to take back the planet.
WITCH AMANDA: We feel the same way, except weāre fighting the Supreme Coven. Those guys are super evil. But weāre mowing them down, one by one.
WITCH SKYE: In my magickal family, itās very wrong to hurt anyone, even an enemy. So Iām having quite the time of it.
WITCH AMANDA: Well, we kick butt and we have a great time of it. Whoops, everyoneās here for the ritual. After this, weāre going back into battle!
WITCH SKYE: Cor, luv. Be careful. Blessed Be.
WITCH AMANDA: Merrily met, merrily parted, and merrily met again. If I donāt die!
WITCH SKYE: Same here. Cheerio, Mandy!
Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“
Nancy Holder is the NYT Bestselling coauthor of the Wicked saga, the Crusade series, and the forthcoming Wolf Springs Chronicles, all with Debbie ViguiĆ©. She also writes the young adult horror series, Possessions. Sheās written a lot of material for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. She and her daughter own two magickal Corgis, Panda and Tater. Please visit her at www.nancyholder.com.
WICKED SERIES: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wicked-Series/112951947795
CRUSADE SERIES: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CRUSADE-Series/133265646707584
Nancy http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=716696418
Nancy Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Holder/95611228741
Twitter: @nancyholder
Livejournal: http://nancyholder.livejournal.com/
Formspring: http://www.formspring.me/NHolder
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27206.Nancy_Holder
Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“
In addition to writing with Nancy, Debbie ViguiƩ also writes the Psalm 23 Mysteries series and has several retold fairy tales, including Midnight Pearls. She and her husband, Scott, have a cat named Schrƶdinger. Visit Debbie online at www.debbieviguie.com.
http://twitter.com/DebbieViguie
facebook.com/debbieviguie ; http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Wicked-Series/112951947795 ; http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Psalm-23-Mysteries/29785713732
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/CRUSADE-Series/133265646707584
Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“Ā“*ā¢.Āøį¦ā„ į¦Āø.ā¢*Ā“
CONTEST INFO: Open to Readers Worldwide.
Prizes: They are giving away five books, one to each of the five winners. Winners can choose from any book in the Crusade, Wicked, or Possessions series. They will also receive a signed bookplate from Nancy & Debbie and a Crusade wristband.
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 donāt leave this,Ā your entries will NOT count. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest.
2. Ask some questions please make sure they arenāt duplicates. Good for 5 + points per question. (Max 3 good towards points )
3. Order copies of their new book Crusade by using the links below.
To purchase a print copy of Crusade from Amazon click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Crusade from Amazon click here.
To purchase a print copy of Crusade from Barnes & Noble click here.
To purchase a Nook copy of Crusade from Barnes & Noble click here.
Good for 150 + points 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. Do Something to HELP OUT Nancy and Debbie!
Make an actual blog POST on your BLOG and invite your readers to this event. Be sure to use this live link to link back to this event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32161 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 points
5. Twitter this phrase exactly: PzRT: Authors @DebbieViguie @nancyholder Interview/Chat/Contest LIVE: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32161 #BBBCrusade #book #giveaway
10+ Entries per tweet (max 5 DONāT tweet them all at the same time, spread them out throughout the day or they wonāt count)
6. Attend and participate in the Author Speak Out column with Harry Connolly here:
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32126 +25 points
Attend and Participate at Lakisha Spletzerās event today here:Ā + 25 points
RSVP And Attend Jo Ramsey’s event Thursday here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32110 + 25 points
7. Check out the awesome new Vampire Academy Jewelry Line and pick up your DISCOUNT CODE here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30605 buy something http://cadsawan.com/collection-buy.shtml Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Not valid on past purchases. Good forĀ + 100 points
8. Other fun stuff to do while you are here today! +5 Points for each of these you do
Go and enter for FREE books here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32156
Attend and comment at the Off the Fang column
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32093
Attend and comment at the Weekly Book Chat
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32115
Attend and comment at the Weekly Poll
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32121
Attend and comment at the Screen Bites
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32104
9. Tally Your own points total 1 + Point
Thatās it!
Also be SURE to check out our amazing line up of other author events this month here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=4
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 10/19/10 at 11:59 pm Central and the winner will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME AND COUNTRY as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning. PLEASE ALLOW THIRTY DAYS to receive your prize BEFORE EMAILING US.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you donāt want the prize being offered, please donāt enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have FIVE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
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 above. The prizes are shipped directly from the publisher 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.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
Hi, Debbie and I are here! Let’s make some magick!
Yup, here we are!
Hi!
I’m currently reading Crusade right now. And I notice that some of the characters at times use a different language. Like Eriko sometimes reverts to japanese and sometimes other people speak spanish. Do you know some of the language? Or do you use like a translator or dictionary?
- Sandy G, US
Hi, Sandy! Thank you for asking. I am a foreign language fiend and I speak little bits of different languages. In the case of Eriko, I lived in Japan, so I supplied her Japanese. We had help from Stinne Lighthart for the Danish, and Lawrence Schimel in Mardid. He’s a writer and professional translator. I do speak some Spanish (which got pretty hilarious during a recent live chat, which I called one of my Argentinian friends a frozen banana.)
Between us Nancy and I know a smattering of a couple of different languages, but we often enlist the aid of people who speak the languages fluently.
Yo, my reply sounded so ME ME ME. To my knowledge, Debbie has never accidentally called anyone a frozen banana in Spanish.
Maybe not in Spanish…
perhaps in Hawaiian pidgin? ;P
Da kine banana!
Waiting for my copy of da kine book to get here!
Try for wait!
LOL, seriously, I hope it shows up SOON!
Me, too. I need to read something that isn’t a technical manual for a change!
Looking forward to some great reading!
Pingback: The Official Web Site of Author Nancy Holder
Hey there! How did the two of you get together and start writing as a team? Do you live close enough to write in the same room or is it a virtual room?
+10
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I RSVPd +25
Attend and participate in the Author Speak Out column with Harry Connolly here: +25 points
Attend and Participate at Lakisha Spletzer
It’s totally virtual. I live in Florida and she lives in California. We do a lot of talking on the phone and the rest is emailing back and forth. The funny thing is, when we are in the same place like for a conference, we never get any work done because we’re too busy having fun hanging out! LOL.
Hi, Vickie! Debbie and I met at the Maui Writers Retreat and Conference. She came as a student and I was her teacher. Which was fairly hilarious because she just shone as someone who was ready to rock the publishing world. I asked her to write Wicked with me and she graciously consented. We have sold 11 books and one short story together since. (We’re writing #8 right now.) In addition to the 5 books of Wicked, we are writing Crusade, and then The Wolf Springs Chronicles.
We don’t sit in a room together. We email and use the phone. Debs lives in Florida and I live in California. What we DO do together is party! We are both Disney kids and we love to meet up at Disney parks and have a great time. Some of our prize giveaways in the past have been things we’ve bought on Disney trips together.
Disney chicks rule!!! We do love down time at our theme parks! Nancy, btw, is an amazing teacher. She’s currently a teacher for an MFA program and her students are very lucky to have her!
Debbie has also taught, back when she lived on Kauai.
Your books sound like something I want to read. How did you come up with your unique idea of the wars and vamps winning? Where did you both go to colleg? What was your majors?
I have put you on my TBR list.
I RSVPed for this event and RSVP And Attend Jo Ramsey
We really liked the idea of making it like World War II when the Nazis seemed to be winning and the French Resistance was struggling to stay alive and do what they could. The information and misinformation campaigns that were waged were amazing and so many people risked their lives to help others. Also, there were a lot of people who were too afraid to fight back. We thought that’s what it would be like if a superior force (vampires) went to war against humanity.
I went to UC Davis and earned my BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis.
Sorry, I missed this question, Lisa!
I hope you like our books! Debbie’s right–World War II.
I went to UC San Diego and earned my BA in Communications with an emphasis in Mass Communications.
I’m a firm believer in education. I’m a college grad(OSU Oklahoma State University). Do you think you would have been able to write such interesting books without going to college?
Probably not. College taught me how to think, but not what to think.
Hi,
Is it hard to keep so many different books straight?
rsvp’d
commented on Harry’s post
commented on Lakisha’s event
rsvp’d and will attend Jo’s event
entered for the free book
commented on weekly chat, poll, screen bites & offthe fang
total = 121
Usually no, but there are exceptions. For example, I have heroines for two different series named Cindy and Candy and there are days when I write the wrong name down. (I am since trying to steer away from girls’ names that start with “C”. I’m also writing a different vampire series and when I’m tired I have to doublecheck my work to make sure I didn’t use nomenclature specific to crusade in it (Cursed One, converted, etc.)
My biggest blunder is switching “Kiyoko” for “Eriko.” I wrote some books under a house name and created a Japanese character named Kiyoko. I think we originally called Eriko “Kiyoko” but we changed it. Now and then I call her Kiyoko. Of course, I also sometimes call my daughter by our dog’s name, so it doesn’t mean I’m any more mixed up than usual.
We really get immersed in each book as we write it. We watch movies and have extensive playlists that help us set the mood. Once we’re in, we stay in.
Very true…the playlists help a lot.
I do, sometimes, confuse my husband, though. “Wait…which books are you talking about?”
Hi Ladies. If you were in the Crusade universe, what would you be? Hunter? Werewolf? other?
Hi, Calliope! My dream would be to be a file clerk for the Resistance. Actually, I would like to be a werewolf, because I don’t think they get scared when they do battle. Holgar is just all sorts of Berserke. So I think I’d like to be a werewolf.
Hi!! That’s a tough one…although I have to go with werewolf too. How about everyone ese??
Yeah. Werewolf. We’d be a scary pack the lot of us.
I’m lovin’ it!!
We’re the Werewolves of America!
Not the Sisterhood of the Wolf then?
Ooooh! Cool title!!!!
Excellent title. *howl*
What gave you the idea to call the vampires Cursed Ones?
- Sandy G, US
The last time someone asked me a question like this, I made up this totally bogus answer that I honestly thought was true. When you make stuff up for a living, sometimes you really do make stuff up. I know it sounds really, really cool in Spanish and French. So maybe that’s why. I just finished watching a French werewolf movie (Brotherhood of the Wolf) and heard one of the actors says, “les maudits.” Which would be Cursed Ones in French. I went “HAH!” really loudly and scared the people I was watching the movie with.
Deb, do you have a better answer?
Ummm…we called them the Cursed Ones as a throwaway line at the end of Wicked: Resurrection. It sounded cool and mysterious. When we decided to do Crusade, we carried it over. But I am 100% positive that Nancy scared the people she was watching the movie with.
I KNEW Debbie would know. Yes. That was exactly it. Look at the last page of RESURRECTION and viola, ma cher, she is dere.
okay. Just curious because the Cursed Ones sounds a lot cooler/mysterious than just saying the vampires. I also like how they’re also known as the Cursers, and the C.O.’s.
Glad you like it!
Merci, ma belle!
Your books look so good. I already won a copy of CRUSADE but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. Hopefully w/in the next week or so.
Can you tell me a bit about the Wolf Springs Chronicles? +5
Attend and Participate at Lakisha Spletzer
Sorry, meant to hit the reply button, but see below!
Debbie and I do lots of contests. There’s some info on my website and on our fb pages about different things that are coming up or currently happening. One of the contests that I am running includes some Hween stuff I made (crafty!)
We’re very excited about Wolf Springs Chronicles. It’s a werewolf trilogy that we will be doing for Delacorte. The story is very loosely based on King Lear, a play by Shakespeare, about a king who wants to each of his daughters to prove his love for her, and to show if she should inherit his lands. Since we’re dealing with werewolves, we get to use that as a springboard for who should become the next alpha. It’s about pack loyalty. We use three famour werewolf legends–the Beast of Gevauden, the Fenris Wolf, and the Hellhounds of God–and weave them in. Our heroine has a triangle…and she needs to decide…
Who Do You Run With?
What Do You Run From?
Who Do You Run To?
Sorry for typos–speaking of alphas, my two dogs are fighting over some toys I put out and I got distracted!
My typos I can blame on my cat, Schrodinger, who keeps trying to lay on the keyboard. He wants my attention so he keeps biting my fingers and crying when I’m trying to type. Then he starts to hit keys himself…
The Wolf Springs Chronicles sounds awesome!
Thanks! We’re very excited about it.
We’re loving writing it!
Thank you and I hope you enjoy the book.
Wolf Springs Chronicles is a little bit like King Lear with werewolves.
Since I LOVE Shakespeare as well as paranormal this ought to be fantastic!
We hope you like it! Please stay on our radar! We’ll be putting out news BITES. LOL
We’re writing the first book in WSC right now. It’s called Unleashed and it is awesome!!
I haven’t finished Crusade (yet) but I read the last few lines of the book (which is something I don’t usually do). And I was wondering if there is going to be sequel to Crusade?
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I RSVPd +25
tweeted +10 http://twitter.com/#!/sandyg02/status/27853476253
asked questions +15
Go and enter for FREE books: +5
tally total: 55
Sandy G, US
Absolutely. Crusade is book #1 in a trilogy. The next book comes out next September.
That’s awesome! I’m loving Crusade right now so I’m happy to hear there’s going to be more.
And I’m happy that you’re loving it!!
We just finished writing book 2 and it is awesome.
Thank you so much!
Hi Nancy and Debbie,
How many books will be in the Crusade series?
Canada
+25 RSVPed
+5 question
+10 tweeted http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/27858924111
+5 commented on weekly poll
+1 tally
=
46
There will be 3 books in the Crusade series.
Thanks for answering..looking forward to reading them.
Sorry its almost the same question as previous poster.As I was tweeting and such someone else asked.It always happens.lol.
That’s okay! Nancy and I often have overlapping responses. LOL.
Michelle M./USA
Were you inspired by historical accounts of witches for your witches series?
Which authors who write about vampires are your favorites?
Thanks for being here at BBB today!
Glad to be here!
Yes, historical accounts were very inspiring and in the Wicked series we even have a seen that takes place in Salem during the witch trials. Also, the seen where King James is nearly killed while on a boat and witches were blamed was also inspired by history.
You can’t beat Bram Stoker’s Dracula, in my opinion. My other favorite author who writes about vampires would be Nancy. She did fabulous work on her Buffy novels!
We read tons of accounts of witches, witchcraft trials, grimoires, books of spells, etc., etc. We did tons of research and continue to do just as much, as we use magick in Crusade as well as in Wicked. I joined a coven for a while but honestly? The homework was killing me. Probably the coolest thing we did was have a May Day party with a huge maypole in my High Priestess’ back yard. My coven was very pagan and everyone was so upbeat and friendly.
I’m always careful not to mention too many living authors because Debbie and I are friends with lots of them, and I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings by forgetting to mention them. But a vampire author who is often overlooked is Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. Her vampire(s) go through time and she researches each time period very thoroughly. Her main fang man is the Count St. Germain.
We are loving being here at BBB today. I’m drinking tea in a nice big cushy double pappasan chair. It’s like being at the B&B run by BBB.
Lisa R smalltown, USA
+25 RSVPed #1
+5 Nancy, What kind of magic are your two magickal Corgis, Panda and Tater,apt to be up to?
+5 Debbie, is Schr
+10 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/27867016779
+1 total=287
THey can fly on Midsummer’s Eve, when the fairies ride them.
They can make you smile through your tears.
They can disappear when it’s time to get a bath!
I am loyal to Anaheim, but Disney World is ASTONISHING. But since Dland/California Adventure is only 90 minutes away, we go a lot. I love the Pirates and Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain but I just love being there. Sometimes I take my work there and just sit quietly and do my thing. When I go to Los Angeles for meetings or book signings, I often stop at Disneyland/California Adventure to have dinner and go on a walk.
+10 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/27859337222
+1 total=287
Lisa, I think your comment got staked and disintegrated into dust….
Nancy, What kind of magic are your two magickal Corgis, Panda and Tater,apt to be up to?
Debbie, is Schr
Schr
Whoops, I replied to your invisible questions!
Debbie is kookoo. There is NO WAY I will ride California Screamin. Agreed on Paris. The Haunted Mansion is just stylish!
oops- total=298
Jessica S. from the USA
How do you two work together on a novel? You both live in different states and I was just wondering what your writing process was like?
How did you two meet?
What was your road to publication like as a duo author team? Also on a personal levels since you write solo as well?
And I also just have to add the I LOVED the Wicked series! Read it when it first came out and was truly devastated when it ended with Spellbound and on a cliffhanger on top of it. Was elated when I heard that it was picked up again to complete it last year. Totally set me at ease! Also LOVED Crusade!
RSVP +25
Did a blog post +125
http://jessica-agreatread.blogspot.com/2010/10/contest-alert-at-bitten-by-books.html
Commented at Harry Connolly post +10
Commented at Off the Fang +5
Commented at Screen Bites +5
Commented at Book Chat +5
Voted in the poll and commented +5
Add it up +1
Total 196
Hi, Jessica! I’m so glad you have enjoyed both Wicked and Crusade. Yes, there was a looooong hiatus between the first four Wicked novels and Wicked: Resurrection, eh? We’re so glad Simon and Schuster gave us the opportunity to add to the story. We’d love to write more Wicked books!
I started writing some years before I met Debbie at Maui. My first novel was a young adult romance. I have also written romance and horror novels, and I wrote A LOT of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel novels. ALso, Smallville, Hellboy, and Saving Grace. I have received 4 Bram Stoker Awards for my supernatural fiction. Then Debbie and I met and the partner magic happened.
Our process: We work out concept (we’re working on a new one right now!), then start fleshing out the outline, and then we get started. Debbie loves to write first drafts and I love to revise. But we usually break the story up into chapters and someone (usually Debbie) starts with chapter one. THen she hands it to me, I revised it, add chapter two, and send it back to her. We always approach the work as what we have in front of us as the only draft. We never go backwards to see who changed what. We put our egos down and work on what will serve the book the best. We do all our work by email and phone calls. THat’s how we work with our editor, too. We have never met our editor face to face. We’re trying to get her to come to Disney with us, though. PARTY.
What Nancy said! Love that you’re one of the original Wicked fans! It killed us to leave people with that cliffhanger for so long.
My first book was actually my first one with Nancy. Since then I’ve done several books on my own with still more to come! I’ve written three retold fairy tales (Midnight Pearls, Scarlet Moon, and Violet Eyes) for the same publisher as Wicked and Crusade. I’ve also done a lot of books with other publishers as well.
hello nancy and debbie! i loved the character interview – i get such a kick out of those things – and both series sound awesome! looking forward to getting started on them!
are y’all plotsters or pansters? and did you have to change the way you plan/plot stories to mesh with your writing partner?
did y’all have any input on the cover for crusade – it’s gorgeous!
who’s dressing up for halloween, and if so, as what?
+15 asked questions
+25 Attended and participated in the Author Speak Out column
+25 will Attend and Participate at Lakisha Spletzer
I’m more of a pantser (write by the seat of my pants), but writing with a partner really requires you to do more plotting ahead of time. So, though my natural style is to just see where things go, I’ve gotten pretty good at going about it either way. I should say that even when being a pantster, I always know where the book starts and where it ends. It’s the middle that can be a question mark.
We didn’t really have any say on that particular cover, but I totally agree that it’s gorgeous. When you first get a glimpse of your cover and it’s that great, there’s such a thrill!
I already attended one Halloween event as Little Red Riding Hood. As for the big night itself, I haven’t decided yet. I might just go as Aurora (those who have read Crusade will know who that is!)
I’m a plotter when I write novels but more of a pantser when I write short stories. As with Debbie, when I’m writing by the seat of my pants, I do know where the story is going to wind up.
I agree that our cover is beautiful. Our artist is the same artist who did the covers for WICKED 1, WICKED 2, and WICKED: RESURRECTION. His name is Sammy Yuen and he has his own website.
Hi Nancy & Debbie
* I Spread the news on my myspace blog and facebook and here is the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks +125&+125
* I RSVPed to be here today with Nancy & Debbie +25
* I Attended Lakisha Spletzer +25
* I RSVPed for Jo Ramsey +25
* I Did the Weekly Polls +5
* I Tallyed my Points +1=331
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Hi!
Thank you!
Howdy
Well now I have to ask, what exactly were you trying to say in Spanish that it managed to come out as frozen banana?
I too love languages, so will there be any new ones in the Crusade sequel?
Thanks for being here!
Rae M., USA
RSVP’d for this event +25
Commented on Author Speak Out +25
RSVP
What were you trying to say, Nancy?
I can tell you there’s some Russian in the next Crusade book.
I said “Chavela” and apparently I was supposed to say “Chavala.”
Da, Russki! We had help with that from historical romance novelist Laura Navarre, who speaks fluent Russian.
Hi Nancy & Debbie:
Do you have ideas for other series featuring different types of paranormal characters that you’d like to write?
Do you ever visit any other parks besides Disney? For example, Orlando has Universal and SeaWorld parks, and Orange County, CA has Knott’s Berry Farm.
Barbara E., USA
+10 Questions
+25 RSVP’d
+25 Attended/participated in Author Speak Out column with Harry Connolly
+25 RSVP’d for Jo Ramsey
We do have ideas for other types of paranormal characters we want to write. In fact, a series we just came up with will feature some of them. I can’t really say more than that at this time.
For myself, I do love theme parks in general. I’m a big fan of Knott’s Berry Farm, love their old west area!!!! I’ve been to all the theme parks in the San Diego area in California. Recently I’ve gone to Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Hoping to get to the rest soon!
Yes, more paranormals! I wrote a short story for Nocturne BItes about merfolk. I love ‘em. I have also written about these magic-using families called the Gifted for Harlequin.
I love theme parks, too. Although I am a Disney person, I think the Spiderman 4-D ride at Worlds of Adventure is the best ride I’ve ever been on. I went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg fairly recently, and spent Memorial Day weekend with my daughter at Universal up in L.A. I love Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. And I used to work at Sea World here in San Diego.
1. United States
2. What other books have you wrote? Do you write books about vampires fallen angels or wolves? What got you into writing?
Please enter me in contest. I would love to read all 3 of these books. Tore923@aol.com
Crusade is all about vampires and has some werewolves in it. Our next series is Wolf Springs Chronicles which features werewolves. I have written:
Midnight Pearls (mermaids)
Scarlet Moon (werewolf)
Violet Eyes (Princess and the Pea)
Charmed: Pied Piper
The Sweet Seasons series (about a girl’s first job working at a theme park…hilarious) The first book in that series is called The Summer of Cotton Candy.
The Psalm 23 Mysteries series (mystery/thrillers) the first book is The Lord is My Shepherd.
I also have two more series coming out soon, one about vampires, and the other about witches.
I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school when I would write down stories about my Breyer horses and the adventures they had.
I have written:
The Possessions series–about girls who are possessed/ghosts
Possessions available now
The Evil Within available now
The Screaming Season — out on March 22, 2011
Spirited (retelling of Beauty and the Beast, featuring Algonquin “Little People” and a shaman)
The Rose Bride (witchcraft)
LOTS of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel (vampires)
Hellboy (demon)
Smallville (Superman)
Saving Grace (woman with a guardian angel)
The Gifted (Bundled as an e-book by Harlequin)
“Son of the Sea” — merman
lots of zombie and vampire short stories
My daughter LOVES Debbie’s Sweet Seasons novels and has multiple copies of all of them.
I see that I didn’t answer about what got me into writing. Nothing. I just started writing. My first short story was in the second grade (I was
and it was about merfolk. I also wrote 2 horror movies scripts starring the wig I got for Halloween. One was called “The Monster in the Furnace” and one was called “The Monster in the Swimming Pool.”
Nancy’s Possessions series is really good.
When you aren’t writing or visiting theme parks what else do you do in your free time?
My husband and I love to travel. Additionally, when I have the time and opportunity, I enjoy scrapbooking and horseback riding.
I love to read, watch movies, and do stuff with my daughter. We are both Girl Scouts. We play with our two Corgis, Panda and Tater.
what kind of movies would you say are your favorite? Because I remember at the OC Book Festival you said that you watched horror movies.
Sandy G! Hi! Yes, I watch tons of horror movies. I also loved the movies about Jason Bourne. I’m watching lots of versions of King Lear, Silver Bullet (tonight!) and I’m about to watch Kate and Leopold. Big fan of Ever After and Ladyhawke. Lord of the Rings.
I’m a movie fan too. I watch a lot of action/adventure and fantasy. Ladyhawke is one of my favorite films ever.
Hi there. I have to say this series sounds good, I read the first book in the wicked series, but it was a while ago, so I don’t remember too much. I wanted to get the rest, but my TBR pile became mountainous, and hasn’t really come down alot. I must get to them. Are your books available in audio at all? Do you guys listen to audiobooks? I saw listed above how much you love amusement parks, do either of you go to ren faire’s? thanks for being here, and I am adding this one to my wish list!
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
do Spletzer’s event
rsvp’d and will attend Ramsey’s event
entered for free books
did the chat
did the poll
did screen bites
tally my points for a total of 111
All of the Wicked books and Crusade are available on audiobook and also as audio downloads from Audible. I enjoy audiobooks but listen only sporadically. I’ve been to a couple of Ren Faires in California and they’re always fun.
Yes, all of Wicked and Crusade are available are available as CD’s from Brilliance Audio and as downloads from Audible.com.
Go look on my website and you will see links for all the audio formats for WICKED and CRUSADE, http://www.nancyholder.com
‘m a member of the audible.com club and I get download credits and discounts (kind of like netflix.) I listen to audio books all the time in my car. I really loved the audio book of the new STAR TREK movie. Zachary Quinto read it and he did all the parts.
I am in the middle of listening to our CRUSADE audio book. It is read by Nicola Barber. She’s English but she reads very American…except she does ALL the foreign accents in our books. I LOVE the way she does Antonio, Father Juan, Holgar, and Jamie especially!!!!!
You can also find pu
Sorry, I hit send without deleting that last fragment.
Yes to Ren Faires! There’s a great one up in Riverside. My sister used to be a Ren Faire Gypsy. She has tons of beautiful costumes and knows a lot of Elizabethan court dances. I’m a huge QUeen Elizabeth I FREAK.
Hi guys! Thank you for chatting with us! Who are the fictional characters that inspired you growing up? And what characters and/or books made you think, I want to write stuff like that?
**
Mare S, USA
RSVP’d +25
question + 10
tweeted – http://twitter.com/tommygirl/status/27889216387 +10
Attended and participated in the Author Speak Out column with Harry Connolly +25 points
Attended and Participated at Lakisha Spletzer
Hi, Mare! Our pleasure! I loved reading about Nancy Drew and Jo in LIttle Women. I must confess I also read tons of comic books, and even did book reports of “the Classics” based on the comics. Ray Bradbury is probably the first author I can remember being so completely captivated by that I couldn’t stop thinking about his work. It was The Martian Chronicles. I was so blown away. I wrote a radio play in the 9th grade about one of the chapters in The Chronicles.
I was inspired by Robin Hood and Zorro. The writer whose work made me want to become a writer was Zane Grey. He wrote a lot of westerns and his work really moved me.
+5 Do you have a favourite place to write about?
+25 RSVPd and will attend Jo Ramsey’s event
+25 RSVPd and will attend Lakisha Spletzer’s character interview.
+25 RSVPd for this event
+5 commented on Screen Bites
+5 commented on the weekly book chat
+1 tally
91
Huh, I wrote a comment earlier but somehow it didn’t stick. I love writing about places I’ve lived–Europe and Japan. I am dying to go to Spain. I loved, loved France. I lived in Japan for three years.
I like writing about California where I grew up, also Salem, MA which I have visited and loved. New Orleans is another popular one, but sadly I haven’t been able to go there yet.
Questions (for both authors):
1. You both write books in series. Do you have a preference: series, stand-alones, or short stories? What do you find to be easier/stronger in each type of story?
2. I love paranormal mysteries. Which book(s) would be most apt to fit this sub-genre. Yes I’ve not read your books … yet. They sound fun and I’m trying to figure out which ones to try first. I don’t care if they are adult, YA, or children’s books.
3. A question that I ask authors frequently: how much of a say did you have regarding your book covers?
Points:
Questions 3 x 5 = 15
Tally up own points (so hard, ha ha) 1
Total = 16
Amy T
U.S.A.
It takes the same amount of world-building to write a short story as it does a series of novels. In fact, CRUSADE started out as a short story titled “Passing” in an anthology titled The Eternal Kiss. The way we do it–with so much research, playlists, movies, etc.–we have so much invested that I’d like to dwell in the world we’ve made for a long time. So I like series.
Paranormal short stories are incredibly difficult to tell, especially if you’re introducing a new world and new characters. If you’re simply creating a story inside an ongoing, it’s easier. But you still have to assume that not all your readers know about your other world.
Crusade and Wicked both contain mysteries, secrets. In Wicked, there are layers of treachery, and powers behind the throne. In Crusade, there are different factions fighting for supremacy in the vampire world…but closer to home, there is a traitor in the good guys’ camp, and they need to find him/her/them. THere’s also a thrilller aspect to both. In Crusade, there’s a strange organization that may or may not be helping our hunters.
We had little say over our covers, although we do love these covers. I did tell the editor of my ghost series, POSSESSIONS, that the bookstores didn’t like the original cover, and it was changed.
Series hands down. Every time I have trouble writing a book proposal I realize that it’s because it’s for a single book and when I change that in my head to series, everything snaps into place.
Ditto what Nancy said on Wicked and Crusade. I have a non-paranormal mystery/thriller series: The Psalm 23 Mysteries. I do have a paranormal thriller series coming out, but it’s still going to be a while before it hits stores.
Very little say on the covers, although we did request that Resurrection have something related to a cat on the cover and they went with it. That was exciting. Some publishers are more willing to receive input from authors about covers than others.
Michelle S- USA
+25- RSVP’d
10- Question for both Authors- Do you have a favorite series or book you have written and what do you like to read?
+10- Tweet
+25- Attend and Participate at Lakisha Spletzer
continued from comment……
+5- enter for free books
+1- tally own points
=101 total
I really do love to read Debbie’s solo work. It’s a pleasure to work with such a talented writer! I love to read what I write–ya dark fantasy, romantic horror, spooky supernaturally stuff. I loved writing writing for Buffy with all my heart, and I loved my Gifted series for Harlequin.
I love reading Nancy’s solo work as well. I was a fan of hers long before we met. I tend to read thrillers and westerns.
I love all of the books I’ve written, but I must say my absolute favorite was The Fall of Candy Corn, #2 in the Sweet Seasons series. I made myself laugh out loud hysterically while writing that one. Interestingly enough, it’s also my father’s favorite of all my books. I think we have a similar sense of humor…
Rachel Flesher / Raonaid Luckwell, US
RSVP +5
http://twitter.com/RaonaidLuckwell +10
Attended/participated in Author Speaks Out +25
Attended Lakisha Spletzer’s event +25
RSVPED for Jo Ramsey’s event +25
http://visionarydruid.blogspot.com/2010/10/nancy-holder-and-debbie-viguie.html +125
Entered the free book +5
Off the Fang +5
Weekly book chat +5
Weekly poll +5
Screen Bites +5
Tallying +1
241
Great interview, very entertaining. Congrats on the release! I have been wanting to pick up some of your books and just havent had the chance yet. Really need to do it asap now.
What is your least favorite part of being a writer?
What city would you love to set a story in but the right one hasnt come along yet?
Vampires, Shifters, Zombies, Angels – who wins the final ultimate battle?
Thanks!
Contest stuff -
+25 RSVP
Thank you, Donna! My least favorite part of being a writer is that I sort of hold myself in reserve. I have to create big bubbles of time and distance around myself to get my work done. Lawrence Kasdan says, “Being a writer is like having homework every night for the rest of your life.:” Ha! True! But at least it’s in my favorite subject.
I’ve set stories in so many cities…let me think… I would like to set something in Africa. I’ve written a little bit set in Africa for Buffy but I’d love to write a lot of connected stories set in different parts of Africa.
Who wins the final ultimate battle? WRITERS!
LOL
Least favorite part
Sorry – had a CATastrophe. Apparently Schrodinger didn’t want me posting. My least favorite part is writing proposals. I’d love to eventually set a book in Cairo. Angels win…especially if you’ve seen Castiel on Supernatural.
I have many CATastrophe’s when Im at home. Apparantly when home they are supposed to be getting undivided attention as long as I want to be doing something else.
1. What was your first memory that is writing related?
2. Do you remember the book that first made you want to become an author?
3. If you were to write yourself in as a character of a book, what would the premise be?
RSVP
I wrote a short story in the second grade. My teacher, Mrs. Westrom, saved it for me for many years. It was written on that big-lined paper, with the dash-dash-dash blue line in the middle of each “stanza.” In fourth grade we watched a movie about a horse and then had to finish it. I wrote and wrote and wrote. I had such a good time. And both those experiences helped solidify my desire to write. It wasn’t until college that I seriously thought about becoming a writer versus writing now and then.
It was The Martian Chronicles. Then Something Wicked This Way Comes. Thank you, Ray Bradbury!
I would be the queen of the land and my daughter would be the princess. Our two magical Corgis would be our majordomos, and we would rule with fairness, compassion, and justice. And cakes.
I wrote book about the adventures of my Breyer horses. I wrote a poem about one of my unicorn posters. For a class I wrote a short story about my life as a piece of bubble gum (which was apparently when my parents knew I was going to be a writer). All these happened roughly around the same time.
The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Grey turned me truly from just a reader and occasional scribbler to an aspiring writer. I wanted to make people feel the way I felt reading that book.
Given that The Lone Star Ranger had such a huge impact on me I would write myself into a western. I would be a Texas Ranger.
Hello!
Nancy, What was the first time you thought, “I am going to be a writer!”?
David in Palm Springs
Hi, David! Fancy meeting you here! After getting a lot of encouragement by one of my writing profs at UC San Diego, I sat down to write a historical novel. I’ve never sold it, but it was the one I learned on. And I took it very seriously.
Yes, thank God for facebook updates! Glad I found this.
I have another question for both of you: Nancy, you mentioned earlier about writing novels and writing short stories and how they are different. You like to start a short story and let it see where it goes. When you write that way, do ever find yourself reading it after and wonder: “wow, I don’t remember writing that?” It just flowed out.
In sports, it’s called “being in the zone.” In acting it’s called “being in the moment.” And in golf, it is sometimes called “being the ball.”
Actors sometimes look at a scene later and don’t remember what they did.
Is writing like that for you sometimes?
Absolutely! We call it “being in the flow” or “being in the zone.” A lot of times, I don’t remember writing something or how it came out. It just does, thank goodness.
Being in the zone rocks! It’s very similar to acting and being in the moment. Afterwards you’re just sort of dazed and grateful and amazed.
You know the ending ahead of time, but the journey getting there is the pantser part? is that the “Okay story, how are we going to get there?”
It’s actually more like, “Okay, story, let’s ride!”
And then magic fairy dust appears and it all works out. It’s like Shakespeare in Love when the theater owner keeps saying “It’s a mystery”.
Thank you for all the great replies!
Mind if I ask one more?
When reading a series, a reader gets really attached to the characters and really cares what happens to them. When I finish a series I find myself really missing them and get a little depressed. Es[ecially since i know that this may be the last book in the series.
Much the same feeling with television I had when Buffy and Angel ended.
What is that like from a writer’s perspective when you have to say goodbye to characters you have lived with for a long time?
It’s horrible. When Buffy went off the air, I didn’t watch the broadcast. I put a puzzle together with my daughter and watched the clock. It was like someone was dying.
Debbie and I asked to finish the Wicked story for six years before we got to write RESURRECTION. We both want to write more stories in that universe.
I miss Saving Grace in the same way.
So…yes, it’s very, very hard.
Another similar situation is when I’ve written a book and want to write a sequel. Sometimes the editors say no. But I usually keep pushing. I’m kinda pushy.
I imagine that the characters (friends?) talk to you in your sleep and interrupt your daily life as well, letting you know what’s going on in their lives?
I have met a lot of science-fiction and fantasy writers and in talking to them have found that almost all are fans of the genre. From books to TV shows, they speak of the genre with so much enthusiasm and admiration. I think that is unique to this genre as opposed to other forms of fiction.
Why do you think that is?
I think Neil Gaiman once said that all science-fiction and fantasy is fan fiction. I think that is what he meant. How do you feel?
Oops. Actually it was a quote from Michael Chabon. “I came to realize that everything I do is fan fiction. I think everything that we all do, all fiction, is fan fiction in that you are always inspired to write by things that you love.”
I misremembered it as coming from Neil Gaiman.
Well, Chabon and Gaiman are giants in the field. I think it’s a great quote. Maybe that is the root cause of how much we grow to love our characters and their worlds. I’m a huge CASTLE fan!
At the end of a series I usually have a sense of relief because I’m ready to not be with those characters for a while. Then, in about a year, I start to really miss them.
I think western writers also have to be fans of the genre these days, but it is certainly true for sci fi/fantasy writers it seems!
Hi Nancy and Debbie,
my questions for of you:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
If you weren
Favorite part – hearing people’s (positive) reactions to my books. You write in isolation and it’s nice to know that it touches someone or makes them laugh at the end of the day.
If I weren’t a writer I’d be an actress.
Favorite childhood book – Snow Dog by Jim Kjelgaard. I’ve read it more than 200 times. Of course, as a child I was also a big fan of Call of the Wild by Jack London. I read that one a dozen times by the time I was eight.
My favorite part is when I’m in the flow and the words are coming. I feel like I’m somewhere else and it’s just wonderful. It’s also nice to be able to write at home in my jammies. LOL
If I weren’t a writer I probably be a teacher but I would love to be a first assistant director.
Favorite Childhoold book: Black Beauty.
Hi Ladies!!! I’m a bit late to the party, but I still made it.
Since both of you write own your own, as well as with a partner, do you prefer one method to the other? I know this is a cross-over interview…anyway to do some actual world cross-overs, or are they just too different.
Thanks!!!
I forgot to say, I do love me some Buffy!!!
I totally loathe Debbie and wish I could write alone. LOLOLOL. Actually, I love having a coauthor and it’s my preferred means of working. It helps keep me focused and on track. It also gives me someone to share the load with and celebrate the victories, too.
I love me some Buffy, too!!!!
That’s a tough question because there are advantages to both. The great thing about writing with Nancy is we can help each other out when we are stuck and we can get each other to do the scenes we don’t want to do. When you right by yourself there is no safety net but you don’t have to agree with anyone but yourself on plot points so it gives the feeling of more control. Honestly, I enjoy them both. Collaborating is a lot of fun and going solo is very stimulating.
As far as world cross-overs I have one in my solo work. It’s a specific location that appears in both Sweet Seasons and Psalm 23 Mysteries. I’d love to someday have characters cross from one to the other.
Dude, you spelled “write” wrong.
See what I mean? We totally need each other.
Crossovers: here’s an accidental one: I have used the last name “Devereaux” (note the “e” in my Gifted Series solo work and “Deveraux” (no “e”) in WICKED. A fan emailed me to ask me how the two series matched up. They’re not related but that does seem to indicate a connection.
I’ve also written crossovers in the Buffy/Angel worlds, with Jeff Mariotte.
Weird. I replied to this, but it didn’t show up. I have a crossover location that appears in both my Sweet Seasons series and my Psalm 23 Mysteries series. I would love to someday have character crossovers.
Contesty stuff:
RSVP – 25
Questions – 10
Poll – 5
Tweeted – 10 – http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/27989119862
tally = 1
total = 51
Pingback: The Official Web Site of Author Nancy Holder
Our time here is nearly over. I’ve had such a great time! I hope everyone enjoyed chatting and good luck in the contest! Please drop by our fb pages, tweet, check out our websites, sign up for my newsletter, etc. In other words, stay in touch!
Our sincere thanks to Bitten by Books for hosting us. We’ll check in here from time to time to say hi and get the skinny on what we should be reading, too! Thank you so much!
Ditto from me! Thanks everyone!!
Thanks again for taking the time to come by and chat!
+10 tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/statuses/27984040781
Thanks!
Donna S
USA