Author Nancy Holzner Guest Blog and $75 Amazon GC Contest LIVE Here!
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of Nancy Holzner’s event is now closed. The winner will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email.
Got Demons? Take This Quiz to Find Out
Victory Vaughn, the main character of my Deadtown series, is a shapeshifter who kills other people’s personal demons for a living. Before Vicky can exterminate a client’s demons, she needs to know what kind of demon infestation she’s dealing with. So she gives potential clients a questionnaire, similar to the one below, to help them identify the type of personal demon that’s troubling them. To find out if Vicky’s services could help you, take the quiz.
1. At night, when you turn out the light and you’re ready to sleep, what typically happens?
(a) I toss and turn, thoughts of something I’ve done (or haven’t done) gnawing at me.
(b) I stare into the darkness, trying not to fall asleep because I’m afraid of what my dreams might hold.
(c) I worry that my computer, car, phone, or some other damn piece of technology is going to let me down. Again.
(d) Hideous bird-women burst through the wall and tear out my guts. Or that’s what it feels like, anyway. In the morning, everything looks normal.
(e) What’s the big deal? I close my eyes and fall into a deep, peaceful sleep.
2. Which of the following best describes your biggest fear?
(a) I’ll never be able to set things right—and it’s all my fault.
(b) My second biggest fear (monsters, evil clowns, spiders, my in-laws, my boss) will chase and torment me all night through my dreams.
(c) Some piece of equipment I depend on will fail me at a crucial time: my computer will get a virus or suffer a fatal crash, my car will break down on a busy highway, the autostart on my coffeemaker will leave me coffeeless in the morning, etc.
(d) My enemies will triumph.
(e) Um . . . there’s not really all that much I’m afraid of.
3. Assuming you can afford one, which of the following professionals would you hire to solve your problems?
(a) A hypnotherapist to help me relax.
(b) A psychotherapist to help me deal with my fears.
(c) A repairman (or -woman).
(d) A hit man (or woman).
(e) I don’t know. Maybe an interior decorator? I’ve been thinking of redoing the family room.
4. People who know you would most likely describe you as:
(a) A worrier. You take on too much blame when things go wrong.
(b) Timid. Although you could accomplish a lot, your fears hold you back.
(c) A Luddite. It’s not that you hate technology; it’s just that machines always seem to self-destruct in your presence.
(d) Controversial. You may have lots of friends, but you make enemies just as easily.
(e) Nice, normal, and completely sane.
5. Your favorite way to unwind is:
(a) Reading or watching a movie. I need to lose myself and forget my worries in order to relax.
(b) Playing video games where I can shoot the things that come after me.
(c) Going for a long walk—without my cell phone.
(d) Getting on the Internet and leaving super-snarky comments on other people’s sites. It’s fun being a troll.
(e) I never get all that stressed out, but I do enjoy relaxing: I’ll take a scented bath or sip a glass of wine, for example.
Results
Mostly (a) answers: You’re probably dealing with an Eidolon, a guilt demon. In the demon plane, an Eidolon looks like a giant maggot; in the human plane, it can take on many forms, although it may or may not materialize during an attack. Eidolons gnaw at their victims’ guts, sorting through negative emotions to root out and magnify feelings of guilt. Then the Eidolon feasts on those feelings—the more intense, the more delicious. An Eidolon extermination can be tricky, because the demon entwines itself so thoroughly with the victim’s emotions. Vicky has to tease it out gently, and then strike quickly before it burrows in even deeper.
Mostly (b) answers: Your dreamscape appears to be infested with Drudes. These dream demons, which feed on fear, are a major cause of nightmares. A Drude takes the shape of whatever you fear most and gorges on the fear that results. To fight Drudes, Vicky uses a dream portal to enter the victim’s dreamscape and an InDetect to determine which dream figures are legit and which are Drudes. Most clients love seeing Vicky blast away their fears as they dream.
Mostly (c) answers: Looks like you’ve got a Glitch on your hands. Glitches are anti-technology demons that have battled humans since the Bronze Age. When humans invented bronze, which is lethal to demons, Glitches declared war, doing whatever they could to slow down other technological advances. Modern Glitches can be in either of two forms: their physical form and pure energy. In its energetic form, a Glitch enters a machine and feeds off its energy, causing the machine to malfunction. To exterminate a Glitch, Vicky has to draw it out of the infested machine and fight it in its physical form.
Mostly (d) answers: Watch out for Harpies! Harpies are revenge demons, so people who have a lot of enemies are most likely to have a problem with this kind of demon. Harpies have vulture bodies, snakes for hair, and a beak for a mouth. They smell like rotting garbage and screech worse than banshees. People pay unscrupulous sorcerers a hefty fee to conjure Harpies and send them against their enemies. Night after night, Harpies burst into the bedroom and feed on the victim’s guts. After a night of agony, the Harpies—and the injuries—disappear with the dawn. Vicky kills Harpies by opening her senses to the demon plane and ambushing them there when they attack.
Mostly (e) answers: You’re not currently bothered by any personal demons. You’re psychologically balanced and you haven’t annoyed any enemies lately. (As for the technology, you’ve been lucky there.) Keep living a clean life: get plenty of exercise, eat right, be ethical, be good to your friends and loved ones—and you just might keep the demons at bay. You’ve got no need to hire Vicky, but you might enjoy hanging out with her at Creature Comforts, a monster bar in Boston’s New Combat Zone.
There are currently two books in Nancy Holzner’s Deadtown series. You can read the first chapter of Deadtown here, and the first chapter of Hellforged here.
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Learn more about Nancy Holzner below:
To read reviews of this author’s work go here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
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CONTEST INFO: Open to Readers WORLDWIDE. The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 1/7.
PRIZES: 1 – $75.00 Electronic Amazon gift card
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
These are the ways you can enter to gain points towards winning the prize offered here today. The only one that is mandatory is #1. The rest are optional. The more you do, the more points you gain, the better your odds at winning the prize. Prizes are chosen using the random.org number generator. Making a purchase is NOT mandatory, it is only one way to gain additional points. There are free ways to get points. Remember to add in your RSVP points if you RSVP’d.
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, your entries will NOT count. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest.
2. Tell us what YOUR DEMON is and ask some questions please make sure they aren’t duplicates. Good for 5 + points per question. (Max 4 good towards 20 points)
3. Order copies of her newly released book Hellforged by using the links below.
From Amazon click here.
From Barnes & Noble click here.
Good for 500 + 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. RSVP for the Linda Robertson event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34705 +15 points
5. Check out the awesome True Blood Jewelry Line here: when you buy something using this link 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 for + 200 points
6. Tally Your own points total 1 + Point
That’s it!
Also be SURE to check out our amazing line up of other author events this month here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=4
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Hello Nancy,
Looking forward to reading Hellforce, right after I finish reading Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning.
Most of the time not bothered by personal demons but since I have been reading Karen Marie Moning Fever series it is a d. Harpies or the death by sex fae.
What is your most anticipated read of 2011?
Ruth T. USA
+10 #2
+15 #4
+1 #6
+25 RSVP
=
51
Hi Ruth,
I’m a big Ilona Andrews fan, so probably Magic Slays is the book I’m looking forward to most in the coming year.
Btw, Dreamfever is at the top of my TBR pile!
Elaine G-Canada
I have a tie-Eidolon, a guilt demon and Drudes.Wonder what that means..lol
Question-
for someone who hasn’t read this series, how would you describe it in one sentence?
+10 answered and asked question
+25 RSVPed
+1 tally
=36
Hi Elaine,
LOL I’m not great at that kind of exercise but I’ll give it a try. How about this: In Deadtown, the paranormal-only section of Boston, shapeshifter Vicky Vaughn exterminates other people’s personal demons for a living while protecting the city from far worse creatures.
I’m looking foward to reading Hellforged.
I’m pretty evenly split between a and e answers.
How do you come up with ideas for the different types of demons?
rsvp’d
rsvp’d for Linda’s event
total = 61
Hi Sandy,
Good question! I guess I think of the different kinds of things that cause trouble in my life (both internal and external) and then turn those into demons. You, know, the things that bedevil us.
Well, I must throw my name in the hat for this prize. Enjoyed Deadtown and looking forward to Hellforged.
1. Gef F. (Canada)
2. I took the quiz and wound up tied between guilt demon and no worries at all–go figure.
Q1: Who or what is your favorite new character in Hellforged?
Q2: Likely asked several times elsewhere, but who would you cast as Victory in a film adaptation?
Q3: Do you think there is a missing ingredient, or under-utilized ingredient, in urban fantasy right now?
6. 17 points total.
Hi Gef,
Q1. I really liked exploring Aunt Mab’s character in Hellforged, but she’s not really a new character, so I guess I’d say Vicky’s demi-demon “cousin” Pryce, who causes Vicky a lot of trouble.
Q2. I always have trouble with this question, I guess because Vicky looks a certain way to me that doesn’t quite line up with any actress I know. When I saw Emma Watson’s new short haircut, I thought she’d look something like Vicky if she were a few years older.
Q3. That’s a tough one! One of the things I love about urban fantasy is that there’s such breadth of imaginative scope, from the mythologies and creatures authors use to the storylines. Nothing immediately jumps to mind as a missing ingredient. (If it did, I’d be writing about it LOL)
Hi Nancy! thank you for chatting with us! I really loved your quiz for figuring out which demons you’re dealing with – though I’d probably be most suspicious of someone with all (e) answers! I seem to be suffering from the evil Glitch!
Where did you come up with the idea for these books?
Do you still have time for reading and if so, any favorites?
**
Mare S, USA
RSVP’d + 25
questions +15
RSVP’d for Linda’s Event +15
tally points + 1
Total = 56
Hi Mare,
Lately I’ve suspected that our house is infested with a Glitch right now, too. O.o
The initial idea for Deadtown came from a post I read online where someone was saying that they hated the phrase “so-and-so wrestles with his own personal demons,” wondering who else would wrestle with your personal demons besides you. I thought it’d be kinda cool if someone could exterminate those demons for you, and Vicky was born.
I couldn’t get by without reading! I’ve got tons of favorites and a TBR stack as tall as I am.
Some of my favorite urban fantasy authors are Ilona Andrews, Devon Monk, Nicole Peeler, Kelley Armstrong (I’m going to be on a couple of panels with her at the Arisia convention in Boston next weekend!). New series I’ve discovered recently include Kalayna Price’s Alex Craft series and Christina Henry’s Maddie Black series.
LOL:) I A-C-E-D the test!
My deciding answer was an A, so I guess I got an Eidolon cramping my style 
I wish I could order from the blog, but I’ve all ready got my copy of Hellforged on the way. I can’t wait to dig in. I was hoping it would be here today. I loved Deadtown, though, and I’ve been yammering to everyone who will stop to listen how great Nancy Holzner is–both her books and herself!
Best of luck to everyone with the contest! This series is awesome and I hope Vicki will be back for many more books
Warmly,
Jenny:)
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll like Hellforged as much as Deadtown! (And I hope you get rid of that Eidolon soon…)
Hi Nancy:
I got all E’s. I kind of got rid of all my personal demons a while ago – so I’m demon at the moment. However, I would love to hang out at Creature Comforts.
Q – Who would you totally love to meet and why? It could be an author, actor, etc
I’m putting you on my TBR list. I love a strong female lead, and Vicky sounds just perfect.
25 rsvp
10 question/demon quiz
15 rsvp for linda
1 tally
51 points – LaMonica V – USA
Hi Vixhen,
Sounds like you’ve done exactly what Vicky is always telling her clients to do–banished your personal demons yourself. That’s the only way the demon extermination “sticks.” But of course people would rather take the easy route and pay someone to do it for them…
To answer your question, I think I’d like to meet film directors Joel and Ethan Coen. They make such amazing movies.
Hi Nancy!
I got mostly A’s on the quiz, which means an Eidolon is what’s troubling me XP.
-Do you have any upcoming book signing or conventions that you’re attending? Maybe like RT this year?!
- How did you come up with the title Deadtown, hellforged and Bloodstone (i think you said that was the third title) for your novels?
Van P., U.S
+25 rsvped for this event
+10 asked two questions
+15 rsvped for Linda Robertson’s event
+1 Total = 51
Hi Van,
I’ll be at Arisia in Boston next weekend, and I’m doing a reading/signing at Flights of Fantasy bookstore in Albany, NY on 1/18. I’m also planning to attend Authors After Dark in Philadelphia in August. (Can you tell I’m on the East Coast?) I’d love to go to RT but next year will probably be the earliest I can make it.
When I was writing Deadtown, its original title was “Zombie Town,” but my editor pointed out that the title made it sound like zombies are more central than they are in that book. After *a lot* of brainstorming and back-and-forth between me and my editor, we chose Deadtown. For the next two titles, I wanted to choose something that would have the same feel. “Hellforged” is the name of a dagger that Vicky learns to use in the second book, and “Bloodstone” refers to a talisman in book 3. I like the way each title is a compound word of two syllables with a strong accent on each.
Katie W – USA
My demon is an Eidolon. It totally fits.
Q. When you decided to write about zombies, were you influenced by existing lore and materials or did you decide to just do what you wanted?
Thanks!
Katie
1. +5
3. +500 for purchasing copy of Hellforged
6. +1
Total +506
Hi Katie,
Mostly I decided to do what I wanted.
Although I will say that my favorite “zombie” novel is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and I always liked it that Frankenstein’s monster was intelligent. Because my zombies are characters, not plot devices, the idea of intelligent zombies appealed to me.
Hi Nancy,
I had all “e” so I guess I’m not bothered by demons. +5
How did you choose Eidolon for the guilt demons name? +5
RSVP for the Linda Robertson event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34705 +15
RSVP’d +25
Talley +1
Total = 51 pts
Viki S. USA
Hi Viki,
Eidolon is a Greek term for a phantom of someone living or dead. I knew I wanted to have a demon based on guilt, so a phantom of someone who’s been wronged seemed like a good choice to haunt someone who’s feeling a lot of guilt. From there, I let my own imagination take over.
Kate H from USA!
Either a guilt demon or a Harpy I guess lol
Hi Kate,
I think originality comes from having strong characters and detailed world-building and then just letting the story unfold. It amazes me how much room there is to play within the urban fantasy field–so many different approaches to the idea of the paranormal.
About love interests: My series is more straight-up urban fantasy than paranormal romance, but I do think some romance is important, just because it’s part of life. People want to connect with a partner, and someone who’s busy fighting demons and saving the world is no exception.
I write best with a mug of something hot on hand: Coffee in the morning, green tea in the afternoon, and decaf in the evening. If I don’t have it, I still reach for it.
Yikes, I’m likely to burn up in that fire because we’ve got so many books it’ll take me forever to sort through them. (I’m a good candidate for an ebook reader, I guess, although I haven’t bought one yet.) This is an especially tough question because I used to be an English professor. Let’s see:
The Riverside Chaucer
The Mabinogion
Le Morte d’Arthur
Wuthering Heights
Pride and Prejudice
Darn, I was just getting warmed up. LOL
My result was e-b-a-c-a
What or who are your favorite paranormal characters in tv or movies?
Minna P Finland
+10 answered and asked question
+25 RSVPed
+15 rsvped for Linda Robertson
Hi Minna,
I really, really like ghosts. Zombies can be fun, too. (I prefer my zombies with a bit of humor, as in Shaun of the Dead.)
I got a split between a’s and b’s- maybe I have a double demon problem!
Do you ever get ‘writer’s block’? If so, do you have any tricks/rituals to get your creative ideas flowing again?
Do you have any ideas for another series floating around in your head (or already starting to conceptualize) or are you only concentrating on this one right now?
How many books do you plan to do or would like to do in this series, or is it open ended at this point?
+20
RSVP’d +25
RSVP’d for Robertson +15
tallying +1 =61
Hi Bethany,
When I feel stuck when writing, I find it’s often because I’m trying to force the story rather than letting it unfold naturally. When that happens, I find I need to quit “playing God” and get down on the ground with my characters. When I see things from their level, rather than trying to take a bird’s-eye view and push things down this or that path, the story usually starts moving again. (I hope that makes some sense!)
I have a couple of ideas for other books that I’d like to develop this year. One is for a dark historical fantasy that’s a standalone. The other is for a paranormal series set in the Catskill Mountains involving ghosts, magic, and based on Dutch and Native American legends.
Right now, I’ve committed to writing four books in the Deadtown series. I’d like to see a total of seven, which I think is a good length for a series.
Those both sound good!
Hi Nancy
* 1.(a),2.(b),3.(b),4.(b),5.(a)My Demon is Drudes with a Side of Eidolon +5
* I RSVPed to be Here to Day with Nancy +25
* I RSVPed for Linda Robertson +15
* I Talledy my Points +1=46
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for stopping by!
1. At night, when you turn out the light and you
Hi Vickie,
Mostly e’s are good! Thanks for stopping by and taking the quiz.
1. USA
2. My personal demon. I would have to say that it bothers me to think I don’t make anyone happy in my life. No one truly understands me and I just can’t let go the idea of being able to have children while everyone else is having them. I think it so unfair that insurance doesn’t cover all treatments with the fertility doctor.
What suggestions do you have for someone who would like to write a book. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read your book. Tore923@aol.com
Hi Victoria,
Start by developing your characters and the central conflict they face. Who’s your main character? What does he or she want? What’s preventing the character from getting it? Knowing your characters and what they want are essential for getting started.
Carol L.
USA
I RSVP’d yesterday for this event=25
I RSVP’d for Linda Robertson =15
I got equal B’s and E’s ?
1. Nancy, is there a particular genre you’d like to write in other then what you do write ? =5
2. Do you listen to any particular music when you write or do you prefer quiet ? =5
3. How many books will be in this series ? =5 +1-total =56
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com
USA
Hi Carol,
1. I’d like to write historical fiction. I used to be an English professor, and I really enjoy literature from other eras. I also wrote a contemporary mystery, which was fun.
2. I prefer quiet. If I’m writing in a noisy coffee shop, though, I listen to something instrumental. Anything with words distracts me.
3. Right now, I’m committed to writing four. But I’d like to aim for seven total in the series.
It was a tie between no demons, and drudes..so perhaps a tiny drude then?
Hihi, I love quizzes, fun!
Hi Nancy,
So which book would you have love to written? But sadly someone else beat you to it.
10+1
=11
blodeuedd a
Finland
Hi blodeuedd,
Wow, that’s a really hard question! There are so many books I’ve enjoyed reading, but a big part of my enjoyment was that they were surprising to me and I never could have written them myself.
But that’s not answering your question. The book that comes to mind is Wuthering Heights. It’s a book that astonishes me every time I read it.
Btw, given your name I bet you’d enjoy the Welsh mythological background of my Deadtown series.
Maria S.
Hi Maria,
I do sometimes get odd reactions when I mention that I’m writing a book with demons.
But one of the things I enjoy about urban fantasy is that there’s so much room for all kinds of approaches. If you’re writing about demons, for example, you can write them sexy or you can write them hideous and frightening. Writing about mythological and paranormal creatures is limited only by the author’s imagination.
The book that I’ll tear into as soon as I get my hands on it is Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews.
Eating or sleeping, mostly.
I also enjoy taking long walks (keeps me sane) and listening to opera.
1. mandatory, cmsutt@gmail.com
2.
DEMON
My demon is the Eidolon guilt demon, which actually sort of reminded me of the White Court vampires in the Dresdenverse, but only because I have that series on the brain — been re-reading them to have something to talk about with my boyfriend.
QUESTION #1 — How would you describe the focus of your blog? Mostly writing-related? Do you talk about other special interests? Is it mostly promotional?
QUESTION #2 — Was DEADTOWN the first book you ever wrote, or are there other efforts hidden away?
QUESTION #3 — What is your stance on responding to reviews?
QUESTION #4 — What is your favorite book in this genre?
3 — My library has HELLFORGED, so I didn’t buy the book, but I did put in a hold request at the library
6 — 20 points + 1 for doing this == 21.
Hi Christina,
1. I try to do a number of different things on the blog. There’s a good amount of writing-related content and also about what I’m thinking or what’s going on in my life. I do some promotion, too, like the countdown contests to my books’ release dates or letting people know where I’ll be on my blog tour. I’d like to do more book recommendations.
2. I published a mystery called Peace, Love, and Murder with a small press before I published Deadtown.
3. Reviewers have a right to their opinion, and it’s not really up to the author to respond to that opinion. I think the most an author should say about a review is “Thank you for taking the time to read and review my book.”
4. I don’t know if I have a single favorite book. Series I enjoy include Ilona Andrews’s Kate Daniels series, Rachel Caine’s Weather Warden series (sad to see it end), Devon Monk’s Allie Beckstrom series, Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series…
Yay libraries! I hope you’ll enjoy Hellforged.
Added your blog feed to my google reader
And I hadn’t known the Weather Warden series ended! I stopped reading somewhere near the middle, heh. I hope I enjoy it too!
Yes, Total Eclipse is the last one in that series, although Outcast Season takes place in the same universe.
Thanks for following my blog!
+25 RSVPd for this event.
+15 RSVP’ for Linda Robertson’s event
+1 tally
41
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for stopping by!
“Your dreamscape appears to be infested with Drudes. These dream demons, which feed on fear, are a major cause of nightmares. A Drude takes the shape of whatever you fear most and gorges on the fear that results. To fight Drudes, Vicky uses a dream portal to enter the victim
Hi Donna,
That’s the best part, watching those nightmare figures get blasted into oblivion.
My least favorite part of being a writer is probably the promotion. I enjoy interacting with people on a blog tour, like I’m doing here, but I’m basically an introvert who’s not all that comfortable saying, “Look at me! Buy my book!” Plus it takes time away from the actual writing.
Angels. They’ve got some awfully powerful backup.
I would have liked to have been there when the Berlin wall came down. What a feeling of euphoria there must have been.
I got mostly A answers so my demon is an Eidolon, a guilt demon.
If you could collaborate with any living author who would it be?
+10 questions/answers
+25 RSVPd
+15 RSVPd for the Linda Robertson
+1 add up
TOTAL: 51
Raelena P.
US
Hi Raelena,
I have collaborated with my husband on some nonfiction books, but those don’t count. Actually, I think I’d be a pretty lousy collaborator. I make a lot of changes in the second draft, and I think that would make me really frustrating to work with.
Lisa R smalltown, USA
My demon is the messy office demon, as soon as I get things organized he zips through scattering papers and books. My answers were all over the place, so duh disorganized demon sounds about right.
I read you started your career as a medievalist, what does that entitle?
I also read where you blogged “zombies are not the new vampires (and never will be)”. Who or what do you think the “new vampire” is?
Any plans for any YA books?
How many books do you plan in this series?
+20 questions
+25 RSVDed #5
+15 RSVP for the Linda Robertson event #27
+1 total – 61
blogged about your contest here and also tweeted about it- good luck on this series
http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/23162583833907200
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/2011/01/author-nancy-holzner-guest-blog-and-75.html
Hi Lisa,
Love the messy office demon! I think I’ve got one of those, too.
I was an English professor who specialized in medieval literature. So I taught courses on subjects like Chaucer, the legends of King Arthur, Old English lit, etc. I also did research in that field. The coolest part of being a medievalist was going to the British Library and handling 700- or 800-year-old manuscripts!
I think sexy demons/fallen angels have been gaining on vampires lately. But I also think that vampires will always have a strong appeal.
I do have an idea for a YA series, but there are some other projects I plan to work on first. There’s a dark historical fantasy that’s a standalone that I’m dying to write.
I’ve committed to writing four books in this series but hope to extend it for a total of seven.
You
Hi Donna,
Right now, I prefer physical books. I’ve read some books on my smart phone and on my husband’s Kindle. I used to teach corporate training seminars, and if I were traveling as frequently now as I did then, I’d love an ereader. But for the actual reading experience, I still like holding a “real” book.
Hi Nancy,
It is Harpies or nothing for me. I really enjoyed Deadtown and have been not so paciently(sp?) waiting for Hellforged. YAY! the time has come.
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?
Hi Koren,
I’m glad you liked Deadtown!
I think the only way to reach a large goal is to set many small ones. Otherwise, the large goal can feel too daunting. So I set the small ones, while keeping an eye on the big goal they’ll lead to.
For the small goals, I pretty much just pat myself on the back. For the large ones, I might take my husband out for dinner. Plus I always like to keep a bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge, just in case.
Plot bunnies–I love that image. LOL My plot bunnies pretty much run around beyond my control, scampering through the fields on my subconscious, until I can grab them and put them to work.
Rachel Flesher/Raonaid Luckwell – US
RSVP
My Demon – Eidolon +5
RSVPed for Linda Robertson
Hi Raonaid,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the quiz!
other contest stuff…
1.Koren C USA
2.answered 1 asked 3 +20
4.rsvp’d for Linda +15
6.tally own points +1
I RSVP’d +25
total 51
hi Nancy,
thanks for shring your demons.
+5 I’m 2 demons, Eidolon and have personal demons
+25 rsvpd
+15 RSVPd for the Linda Robertson
1 add pts
—————————————-
46 pts
thank yuou,
Dina S
dlsmilad@yahoo.com
USA
Hi Dina,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the quiz!
Let’s see, my demon is Drude. But apparently as soon as I get rid of the Drude, I unfortunately have a Eidolon lined up to take its place! That so fits with how things work with me.
When you go to signings or Cons do you get nervous or are you more excited?
And just curious, have you ever turned into a fangirl over meeting someone?
Thanks!
Rae M., USA
RSVP’d +25
RSVP’d for Linda RObertson +15
Asked and Answered Questions + 15
Tally Points +1
Total = 56
Hi Rae,
A little of both. I like talking about books and writing, so I really enjoy being on panels. And it’s always fun to meet people who enjoyed my books. But it’s always a little nerve-wracking being up at the front of the room instead of in the audience.
I went totally fangirl over meeting the Ilona Andrews team at Armadillo Con last August. They were both so nice! I was on a couple of panels with them, and Ilona wrote the nicest comment in a book I asked her to sign. I even put a picture of it on my blog: http://nancyholzner.wordpress.com/2010/09/17/my-fangirl-moment/
Hi there! The books sound great. My answers were mostly e with some a’s thrown in. So I guess I’m bothered by a Eidolon once in a while. I was wondering if your books are available in audio or will be? Do you listen to audiobooks at all? What do you like better, dogs or cats, and do you have any?
I just bought both the books for my kindle, can’t wait to start them!!
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
rsvp’d for Robertson event
I bought both her books I’m not sure if I get 500 a piece or 500 for 1 and 100 for the other
tally points=1061 (if I get 500 per book) 661 if not
Hi Joani,
We’re working on getting the books released as audiobooks, but I don’t have any definite information on that yet. I used to listen to audiobooks when I commuted to work, but now I work at home, so I don’t listen much anymore.
Although I don’t have any pets right now, I’m a dog person. We had the greatest border collie when my daughter was young. I love going for walks and playing with a dog. And I love the affection dogs can show. Just thinking about it is making me want to get a puppy…
Thanks so much for buying my books!
April V. USA
Mostly E’s which means I’m just as boring and dull as I thought!
Q. I’m fascinating by your Catskill Mts fantasy you mention – being of Dutch descent, I think I would definitely be interested in that. What made you think of the Dutch as a possible trove of legends/mythology/nifty things that go bump in the night?
RSVP’d +25
Q + 5
RSVP’d for Linda Robertson +15
Tally +1
Total 46
Thank you and have a terrific night!
Hi April,
Not being troubled by demons is a good thing!
I love the Catskills and think they’d make an awesome setting for a contemporary fantasy. And the Dutch and Native American legends aren’t just part of the culture there; they’re really part of the *landscape* of that part of the world.
1. Elaine R, USA
2. Crazily I got Eidolon. Uh, what guilt?
- If Vicky filled out the form, what demon would she get?
4. RSVP for the Linda Robertson event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34705 – DONE
6. Tally Your own points total = 26
Hi Elaine,
Great question! Vicky’s pretty good at holding her own personal demons at bay, but she’s got a bigger problem. She’s marked by the Hellion that killed her father. Hellions are demons of pure destruction. This one makes her subject to uncontrollable rages and also invades her dreams. She’d trade it for a dozen Eidolons any day.
My demon is an Eidolon – a guilt demon.
Questions: Will your zombies be more prominent or less prominent in future books, or the same? Are there more demons in your stories besides the ones mentioned in the quiz?
Barbara E., USA
+25 RSVP’d
+15 Question answered
+15 RSVP’d for the Linda Robertson event
+ 1 Tally points
Total =
Hi Barbara,
I think the zombies will continue to be featured about as much in future stories as they have been in the first two books.
The demons in the quiz are personal demons. The books also have Hellions (which are much bigger and nastier than personal demons), demi-demons (half-human, half-demon, and all bad), and a spirit of destructive hunger called the Morfran. And more to come in later books, as well.
Julie D = USA
+1 My demon is the Glitch – how apt!
+5 So Nancy, how do YOU deal with a Glitch? Are you calm or ballistic?
+5 Do you have any muses (pets, people, etc.) that inspire your writing?
+5 What kind of movies or tv shows do you enjoy, if any?
+5 Do you carry notebooks pens & around with you in case inspiration hits?
+25 RSVP
+15 RSVP Linda Robertson
+1 Tally
62 total
Hi Julie,
Calm or ballistic–it really depends on the kind of day I’m having. Although I have to admit that going ballistic on technology (no matter how saitsfying it might be) has never yet solved the problem.
My husband is my muse. He discusses plot problems with me and answers a lot of questions that start with, “So, if you were a zombie…”
My favorite movie from the past year was probably Inception. Vicky goes inside people’s dreams, too, and it was interesting to me how they did it in that film.
I don’t, but I should. Usually I can remember inspirational moments, but sometimes they do slip my mind. I try to remember that I can record voice memos on my phone.
2) (+20) – Hi, and Happy Holidays!
Q1) Well, I can never be simple, but I’m a tie between B and E (with a hint of A thrown in). LOL So I have a demon and nope, I don’t. Oh well.
Q2) And it didn’t look like anyone asked it, so trying anyway – where do you fall in?
Q3) Do you have a favorite season of the year?
Q4) And… oh, I know, dog or cat (or other) person? Inspired because my cat’s sleeping over here next to me. LOL
4) other stuff –
(+25) RSVPed for this one
(+15) Linda Robertson
6) total should be = 1 + above = 61
Lois M., USA
Hi Lois,
I think I’m being bedeviled by a Glitch lately, although I have my Eidolon and Drude moments, as well. But I spend too much time on computers to escape the notice of Glitches.
Fall is my favorite season. We get gorgeous foliage where I live, and I love the switch from summer heat to crisp, cool air.
I’m a dog person, but I do like cats, too.
1. Weng-Him C. / USA
2. I have no demons.
When you get writer’s block, what helps you get over it?
Besides writing, what are some of your favorite things to do?
As a reader, what do you think of your books?
How long can you write at once before you have to take a break?
6. 21 points
Hi Weng-Him,
When I feel stuck in my writing, it’s important to keep going. It often helps to switch to a different scene and then go back to the one that was giving me trouble.
I read a lot, and I like to watch movies. I’m a big opera fan.
I also live in a part of New York state that has a lot of small wineries, and I like to go visit those.
I try to write the kind of books I enjoy reading, so I’m a fan.
I find three hours is a good length for a single writing session. After a break, I can usually write for another three hours after that.
Hi Nancy!!! It was hard for me to figure out what demon I was. I had every letter, but d, and wind-up with 2a(s). So, Eidolon it is. I’m more a worrier, than guilty, but that gnawing feeling fits with both. I do have that glass half-empty attitude going on, so something to help that would be a plus.
I have to say that I love the idea of slaying personal demons. Great & original.
Which demon bothers you the most?
Contest….
+25 RSVPed
+10 – quiz & question
+15 – RSVP for Linda
+1 – total
total = 51
Hi heatwave16,
I’d say that (right now, anyway) my own personal demons are split between Glitches and Drudes. I don’t have a lot of nightmares, per se, but I do let my fears get to me sometimes.
Christine H USA
I have Eidolon, a guilt demon , Not one I want for sure but he’s been following me my whole life lol
1. Who is your favorite author and favorite book? and is your writing style similar to theirs?
2. When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?
3. What genre of books do you like to read? Do you limit yourself to the genre that you write yourself?
+20 questions
+25 RSVP’d
+15 RSVP for the Linda Robertson event
+1 Tally
61 -Total Thank you!
Hi Christine,
My favorite author and book change from time to time. Recently I reread Wuthering Heights, though, and it blew me away. So that’s my favorite at the moment.
I do think about the meanings of character names. I use baby name websites all the time to check on meanings. But sound is important, too. If a name sounds right for my idea of a character, sound trumps meaning.
I love reading urban fantasy, and that’s usually what I pick up. But I don’t limit myself to that genre. I used to be an English professor, so I love to read widely. I’m a big fan of 19th-century novels, for example. And I was a medievalist, so I still love literature from that period, as well.
I’m looking forward to reading your books! I ordered them today.
1. Done and RSVP’d +25 points
2. According to your questionnaire, I have a Glitch. I have several other demons, however, so my questions for you are about my current demons:
Q1. What would you call the demon that makes you misplace things and not be able to find them until you don’t need them any more only to see them right in front of your eyes?
Q2. What do you call the demon that makes you forget important things?
Q3. What do you call the demon that makes you not want to do housework but makes you want to read all day long?
I have more demons but I’ll stop here. + 20 points
3. Ordered a copy Hellforged by using Amazon. + 500 points
Ordered a copy of Deadtown. + 100 points
4. RSVP’d for the Linda Robertson event
6. Tallied my own points total + 1 Point
Total 646 points
Hi Beth,
I LOVE the demons you’ve come up with. Let me see what I’d call them.
Q1. I know that demon! It’s the same one that puts my glasses on the top of my head when I’m looking for them. Sounds like something an Imp would do.
Q2. I might call that demon a Lethean, after the river Lethe (the one whose waters caused people to forget).
Q3. That’s not a demon. That’s having one’s priorities straight. LOL
Thanks for buying my books!
Thanks for naming my current demons. It’s fun to blame my missteps and failings on demons since I don’t have to take responsibility upon myself! Looking forward to reading your books!
Teri C(US)
I better watch out the harpies are circling!
This book looks great! Thank you for coming on for this interview. The quiz was fun, that was a new addition on an interview that was fun and interactive, thanx.
Here are my questions:
1. The name of the book was very intriguing! Did you come up with it?
2. Did you have a say in the cover, it is an awesome cover by the way. Poster sized would be awesome.
3.What is your favorite of choice to unwind: coffee, tea or chocolate?
+25 rsvp’d
+15 questions
+15 rsvp Linda’s event
+1 I can add
=56
Hi Teri,
Glad you enjoyed the quiz. It was fun to write, too.
1. Hellforged is the name of a dagger that Vicky must learn to use to fight a special kind of demon. It was created by a Hellion–that is, it was forged in Hell. The name just kind of popped up as I was writing. (I like it when that happens.)
2. I’m glad you like the cover! Don Sipley, who did the cover art for both books, is awesome. My editor asks me for my input before the cover conference. By the time I see the actual cover, it’s pretty close to final. If you’d like a sense of how the cover would look poster-sized, check out this post on my blog: http://nancyholzner.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/promo-ideas-and-where-ill-be-this-week/
3. I’m mostly a coffee drinker. But I do like to have a piece of dark chocolate with a cup of coffee. Heaven!
Kaya H (US)
I am plagued by a guilt demon, I am sure there is something I need to clean out of the fridge or I bet it ate my other sock I lost in the dryer I told myself I should have folded those clothes!
OK, that was a great interview! I loved it it makes me want this book.
Thank you for coming on sharing with us all.
My question is like a few of the other but hopefully a bit different.
1. For the title of books I see that sometimes publishers pick them, or their titles change along the writing process, so I am wondering what was in your mind the name of this book, and if it changed ,what were some of the previous thoughts on the title?
+25 rsvp Linda
+5 Q’s
+1 I add
=31
Hi Kaya,
I’m glad you enjoyed my guest post and I hope you’ll check out my books. And I know exactly how that “should have done” mindset goes!
The titles for my books so far have been a back-and-forth between me and my publisher. Deadtown was originally called Zombie Town, but my editor thought that over-emphasized the zombies, who are really secondary characters in the book. After quite a bit of brainstorning, another editor there suggested “Deadtown,” and then I figured out how to make it work with the story.
For Hellforged, my working title was Creature Comforts, the name of a monster bar in my series. But even though I started out with that title, I knew I wasn’t going to use it–the story strayed too far from that location. So again there was some back-and-forth with my publisher. We picked Hellforged because it’s the name of a dagger that’s important to the story and because it fits nicely with “Deadtown”–has a similar feel.
Book 3 was easiesr. I suggested Bloodstone and my editor said, “Sounds good.”
1. I rsvped and her I am +25
2. Mine was between d and e. Leaning toward e. Noe demons.
If you were a fruit what would it be and why? If you could have dinner with any three folks living, dead, real, or imaginary who would they be and why? Coke, Pepsi, or other and if other what lol.+ 20
4. rsvp to Linda Robertson’s event +15
6. Tally your points +1
61 total
Hi Pam,
I have to admit I’ve never really given much thought to what kind of fruit I’d be. Maybe a kumquat, because it’s sweet and sour at the same time. I can be that way, too.
That’s a hard question. I’d say composer Giuseppe Verdi, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. And then I’d just sit back and listen (and take notes), because they were all geniuses.
Diet Coke for me!
My quiz was a combination of a & e, so either Eidolon only bugs me sometimes or is on the verge of showing up! I really enjoyed the first book in the series as well as the Peace Love and Murder book.
Elizabeth H., USA
I RSVPd +25
RSVP for the Linda Roberstons event +15
Tally own points +1
Total= 41
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed Deadtown. And thanks for reading Peace, Love, and Murder, as well!
Sabrina N – USA
I ended up with the Eidolon halfway and sane and normal the other half.
+25 rsvp’d
+500 ordered an e-copy of Hellforged from BN.com
+15 rsvp for Linda Robertson event
+1 tally
541 total
Hi Sabrina,
Thanks for buying Hellforged! I hope you’ll like it.
Hmm…probably Eidolon.
+25 rsvped for this event
+15 rsvped for Linda Robertson
Hi Julie,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the quiz!
Eidolon, a guilt demon and I’m not even catholic.
1. Where did you go to college?
2. What was your major?
3. Where did you grow up?
4. Your books sound good. What would you say in one sentance to get me to read your books?
I RSVPed for this event and Linda Robertson event
Lisa D. USA
Total points = 62
Hi Lisa,
1. I did my bachelor’s degree at Northeastern University in Boston and my masters and PhD degrees at Brown University in Providence, RI.
2. I majored in English all the way through.
3. I grew up in western Masschusetts, in a small town called Lenox. Later, I went back and taught at the same high school I’d attended. That was kinda fun and kinda weird, because some of my old teachers were still there.
4. For another interview, I had to do a Twitter-style summary of my series (under 140 characters). Here’s what I came up with: In Boston
Hi Nancy, great quiz, I am being plagued by Eidolon, a guilt demon. UGG
Elie N, USA
Oh, so you are walking down the street and are approached by a man in a long trench coat. He whips it open and you see…vials. One for everything you could wish for…health, wealth, love, ect. What vial do you choose?
+15 rsvpd
+1 tally
=21 entries for me.
Hi Elie,
Interesting question! I’ve got love (wonderful husband), and I’ve got generally great health (now that I’ve beaten the stomach bug that knocked me out for two days), so I’m going to go for wealth. I’m at a point where I’d love the financial freedom to be able to write fiction full time. And maybe take that vacation I’ve had to skip for the last three years. But I’m only saying wealth because the other two, which are more important to me, are already in good shape!
Eidolon
My questions : 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? 4. What is your writing mantra in 15 words or less?
+20 questions
+25 RSVP
Hi Lesley,
1. I remember being frustrated in kindergarten because I wanted to write a book of sounds, and my teacher thought I meant “A cow says moo, a cat says meow,” etc. What I wanted to write was “A is for apple, B is for banana.” An early interest in phonics, I guess!
2. I don’t think there was one particular book that made me want to become an author. When I was young, I read so much that it seemed natural to pick up a pencil and try writing something myself.
3. That’s a tough question. I’d have to think of some ways to make my life more exciting. A year in the life of a PowerBall jackpot winner sounds good…
4. Just do it–the muse only visits those who do the work.
I got mostly A answers. Once I saw the “worrier” part I was not surprised
Krysten H. U.S.A.
Hi Krysten,
You know, the number of people who responded to the “worry” part of Eidolons has made me rethink how that demon works. Which is cool, because there’s an Eidolon in the book I’m working on now.
+25 for RSVP
1. Jessica B. USA
2. My demon is an Eidolon, a guilt demon. What is your demon? How did you come up with the quiz, the answers and the demons? + 15
4. +15 points
6. + 1 Point
total of 56 points
Hi Jessica,
Lately I seem to be plagued by Glitches, but I’ve had my run-ins with Eidolons and Drudes, as well. I had some crazy dreams last night, in fact, that could qualify as a Drude infestation.
The demons in the quiz are all part of Vicky’s world in the first two books of my series, the personal demons that she fights for clients. So I started from the world of my series and developed the quiz from there. The second book also has a brief mention of Imps; I should’ve included those, as well.
Hi Nancy,
I got Harpies! I think it’s cuz I’m in a gritty mood this week and so I answered mostly Ds lol
Bella F., US
+15 RSVP’d Linda Robertson event
+1 Tally
total = 16
+25 oh yeah i rsvp’d too woops
total = 41
Hi Bella,
Yup, a gritty mood is a good way to attract Harpies!
Beth B.
USA
Eidolon
Rsvped for this event
26 points
Hi Beth,
Don’t you have 31 points? You gave your answer to the quiz, which was worth 5, in addition to the RSVP and the tally. Just want to make sure you get the chances due to you.
I’m in the Usa. Definitely an ‘a’ person. I worry about things that don’t even have anything to do with me. lol Your latest book sounds really intriguing. Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks, Cheri! I hope you’ll check it out.
Hi Nancy,
I must be either a person with a lot of demons or none- I got different letters for all questions, but two Es:)
I’d like to ask what is your favorite childhood book?
If you could have one magical object, what would you want and why?
If you weren’t a writer what would you do?
What book are you currently reading?
Thanks!
Dovile P., Lithuania
___
+25 RSVPed for this event
+20 answered the test & asked questions
+15 RSVPed for Linda Robertson
+1 tallying
___
Total: 61
Hi Dovile,
If you got more e’s than anything else, you’re good.
As a child, I was addicted to the Nancy Drew series. (I loved it that we shared a first name.) I read other mystery series for kids, too, but Nancy Drew was my favorite. I read them all multiple times.
I’m thinking either a time machine or a teleportation device. I could put either one to good use. Of course, when I’m on deadline, a wand I could wave to finish the book would also come in handy.
Besides writing, I’ve worked as a teacher and an editor. I enjoyed both of those jobs and could easily go back to either one. For the past several years, I’ve written nonfiction books for my “day job,” but I’m switching back to freelance editing to free up more time to write fiction. I like it because I can do it at home.
Right now, I’m getting caught up with reading Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. I’m reading Broken and enjoying the Jack the Ripper twist.
Erwan S – Singapore.
Just stopping by to say hi. Great place to get addicted to these interesting tales.
Hi Erwan,
Thanks for stopping by!
My demon is Eidolon, a guilt demon. Lovely, huh?
What was your favorite movie last year?
Of all time?
What movie are you most looking forward to this year?
What book are you most looking forward to this year?
total = 21
Nicole Z, USA
Hi Nicole,
My favorite movies last year was probably Inception, although I didn’t get out to the movies as often as I’d have liked. But I enjoyed the way that movie imagined how people’s dreamscapes work.
One of my very favorite movies is an oldie from the ’90s: Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King. As a medievalist, I loved the way Gilliam brought the idea of a quest for the Holy Grail into the 20th century. It was contemporary but with a beating medieval heart.
Other favorites of mine include Blade Runner, The Matrix (the first one, not the second two), Lord of the Rings, Iron Man…
Cowboys & Aliens sounds like it could be a lot of fun. I was going to say Joss Whedon’s The Avengers, but I guess that won’t be out until 2012.
I can’t wait to read Ilona Andrews’s next Kate Daniels book, Magic Slays.
Oy–I got A’s across the board…guess I have guilt demons i didn’t know about!
Here’s my question: how did you get the idea for your zombie character? I normally don’t like to read about zombies, but she’s actually fun.
And I’ve read both books in this series, and I love them! I strongly recommend them to anyone who wan’t sure if they’d like them!
Deborah B, USA
Hi Deborah,
I’ve realized after reading people’s results here that Eidolons cause worry at least as much as they cause guilt. Good to know for my series.
It’s funny, but Tina was less an idea than an invasion.
She stormed onstage about halfway through the first draft of Deadtown (I had to go back later and rewrite the opening scene), and it honestly felt like she was this fully formed character, waiting impatiently somewhere in my subconscious and ready to take over.
I’m really happy you’ve enjoyed the series so far. Thanks for recommending my books to others!
Erin F. USA
No demons for me
mostly “e”s
I remember coming across Deadtown at a Border’s shortly after it came out and since I’m a cover whore, I went “ooooh” and picked it up
Sooo glad that I did. haunted Borders for Hellforged on publishing date and it was wonderful!!! Also visit your blog and enjoy your fabulous posts 
1) If were to get a puppy, what breed? (as a fellow dog lover, and mother to 3 four legged children, I always like to ask
2) What is your favorite aspect of the Deadtown world?
3) What is your least favorite aspect of the Deadtown world?
4) What type of zombie movies you like the best? Dawn of the Dead style or Resident Evil style? (I like R. E. but I’m tired of all the die hards telling me how much it’s not true to the books — it’s a separate story/media… deal w/ it!!!
ok… 5 +20 +1 = 26 points total
Hi Erin,
Thanks so much for your nice comment! I was having a frustrating day, and your words turned it around for me.
1. I love border collies, but I live in town now and don’t have much of a yard, so I’d have to get a dog that would be content with frequent walks and a weekly occasional trip to an off-leash park. I have to say I’m partial to mutts, as well. What kinds of dogs do you have?
2. I love the action scenes that show Vicky at work. I enjoy the imaginative aspect of thinking up different ways that personal demons can trouble people and then figuring out how Vicky could counter those.
3. If I lived in Deadtown’s world, I’d be joining groups of human who support paranormal rights. Although the conflict created by government suppression of paranormals is good for tension within the novels, sometimes it’s actually kinda painful to write about.
4. I like zombie movies with a bit of humor, like Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead. If you like Resident Evil, ignore the diehards!
My answers ranged between a majority of A and E, so I guess I have a bit of Eidolon possession.
+20:
1) When the cover to your books are designed, are you asked for any contribution, suggestions?
2) How do you come up with names for your characters? Do you first start with a name and the character and the details appear after, or you have a full blown detailed, anonymous character for whom you have to find the perfect name?
3) If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you? Or if you wouldn’t like to live, just explore, what parts of the world would you like to discover?
4) If you could have an author create a character in their books based on you, whose book would you like to star in?
+25 RSVPd
+15 RSVPd for Linda Robertson event
+1 Stella B.
Hungary
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
+1 total: 62 entries
Hi Stella,
1. I do get asked for input before my editor goes to the cover conference, but I never know how much effect my comments will have. For example, for Deadtown my editor and I discussed our ideas of what Vicky looks like, but then the artist depicted her from the back. (I love that cover, though!)
2. I imagine the character first, and then find a name that fits. Sometimes that happens quickly, other times it takes a while. A character might have an “almost right” name for a few scenes before the right name finally clicks. (Yay for search and replace!)
3. I lived in London for several years and would love to go back to the U.K. It’s a dream of mine to write in a cottage on the Welsh coast.
4. That’s a good question! Urban fantasy is too dangerous, that’s for sure.
Maybe Jane Austen, because I’ve always been fascinated by the social milieu of her works. Or else a contemporary chick lit author who’d let me wear great shoes and designer clothes and have a fabulous career and end up with an even more fabulous boyfriend. 
Hi Nancy! I LOVED Hellforged!
I had both a and e answers — perhaps the guilt demon only gets me half of the time.
Nancy, what kinds of things do you like to do to relax?
And how long do I have to wait for the next book?!
(USA, I did RSVP)
Patricia B. USA
An Eidilon (Guilt Demon). Actually I was evenly divided between the Guilt Demon and no demon problem at all.
1. How many books do you plan for this series, or is it an open ended plan and you’ll see where it takes you? +5
I RSVP’d for Linda Robertson’s event. +15
Total my points +1
Total points – 21
Forgot to add +5 for answering question about demon quiz.
Total points – 26
Hi Patricia,
If your answers were evenly divided you can choose no demons if you prefer.
Right now, I’m committed to writing four books for the series and thinking I’d like to continue it for a total of seven. But really it’s open-ended. If people like the books and I can keep the story going without bogging things down, I’d love to keep writing books in this world.
Hi Carol,
So happy to hear you enjoyed Hellforged!
I don’t get in as much relaxation time as I should. But here are my favorite things to do to relax, when I allow myself the time: read, take long walks, have a glass of wine (preferably in front of a fireplace in winter or somewhere outside near water in summer), listen to opera, go out to lunch with a friend. Boy, writing out that list made me think I need to aspire to more relaxing!
Bloodstone is scheduled for release in October. So it’s not *quite* as long a wait.
Oops, that was supposed to be in reply to Carol M.
Hi Nancy
The series has been highly recommended to me and I know I will be getting it soon.
Eidolon is my demon.
Huh, imagine that….. LOL
What is your fave food to feed your muse?
Where is your favorite time of the day to write?
Do you go to Starbucks, Panini Bread or another establishment or just stay at home?
If you could go anywhere in the world as “research” where would you go?
20+ Questions
15+ RSVP to Linda’s event
1+ Tally
=41
Hi Shell,
My muse lives on coffee–the real stuff in the morning and decaf later in the day.
I like to write first thing in the morning when possible. There’s something about a just-woken-up frame of mind that lets the words flow. My second-favorite time is in the evening, going late into the night if the writing’s going well.
I do a lot of writing in the cafe of our local Barnes & Noble. Because my husband and I both work at home, we like to get out most evenings. I take along my laptop and plunge back into my fiction.
Wales. It’s a beautiful country, and I’d love to get to know it better. I’d love to do a writing retreat in a cottage on the Welsh coast.
Btw, please tell your friend who recommended my series that I said thank you!
Thanks, everyone! It’s been a lot of fun. And thanks to Rachel for setting things up for my guest post and giveaway. I always enjoying stopping by Bitten by Books!
I have no demons, yeah!
I think I just have a case of the To Distracted By Books To Sleep 
Questions: What is YOUR demon? And….hmmmm….what book are you most looking forward to this year?
I RSVP’d. +25
I asked 2 questions. +10
I RSVP’d for the Linda Robertson event. +15
Going to tally my own points. +1
= 51
Chelsea B. USA.