Erin Kellison Release Party & $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest
First of all, a big thank you to Bitten by Books for hosting my release party for my e-novella, Shadow Touch. Today I’m giving away a $100 gift card to either Amazon or B&N (winner’s choice), signed copies of Shadow Bound, Shadow Fall, AND an ARC of my upcoming release, Shadowman (out Sept 6). And to an additional five winners, I’ll give signed copies of Shadow Bound and Shadow Fall. Yeah!
Shadow Touch (Kensington Zebra) is a stand-alone story set in my Shadow series world. Its heroine is Ellie Russo, who has a big problem—her shadow. It ought to be attached to her; instead it has a life of its own. And her dark mirror image is a wild thing, acting only on instinct, passion, and whims.
Ellie journeys to the Segue Institute, a paranormal research center, to ask for help. Her shadow is getting stronger, even dangerous. Something needs to be done, and soon. Maybe it’s already too late.
Dr. Cameron Kalamos has devoted himself to the study of Shadow, but nothing could prepare him for the mischief and mayhem of a soul split in two. He admires brave and enduring Ellie, just as he fights his attraction to her primal shadow.
Who will give in first: the man struggling to unite two halves of one fascinating female; the shadow fighting for freedom to experience the thrill of every emotion; or the woman who is about to discover her own deepest desires?
So here are my questions for you:
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? How do you feel
that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?
Shadow Touch is available online June 1 (that’s today!):
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Learn more about Erin Kellison here:
Read reviews of the author’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
http://twitter.com/ekellison
http://www.facebook.com/erin.kellison
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CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 6/2/11. Open to readers WORLDWIDE.
Prize 1: $100 electronic Amazon Gift Card, Shadow Bound, Shadow Fall by Erin Kellison and arc of Shadowman to one lucky winner,
Prize 2: 5 copies of Shadow Bound
Prize 3: 5 copies Shadow Fall by Erin Kellison
CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 6/4/11. Open to readers WORLDWIDE.
Prize: Reader’s choice either a $100.00 electronic Amazon Gift Card or iTunes Gift Card
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
This contest lasts for FOUR DAYS Ending at 11:59 pm Central on 6/4/11 at 11:59 pm CDT
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. Answer the authors questions and ask some, please no duplicates. + 1 points (max 4)
3. Spread the word about this contest and HELP OUT Erin!
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=42976 + 1 Points (max 3 times a day please not all at the same time) include @bittenbybooks in your tweet.
4. Order NEW copies of the author’s book Shadow Touch in any format by using the links below. Note international users the Amazon links should take you to your country’s amazon site for the following. UK, Germany, France, and Canada.
From Amazon click Here ONLY $1.19!!
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).
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.
5. Spend $25.00 or more at http://acharmingtime.com a portion of the proceeds goes to help keep Bitten by Books running. Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 200 points per receipt/purchase. Use this code: BBBFREESHIPPING for FREE shipping on your order every time!
6. RSVP for Vicki Pettersson’s event tomorrow here + 1 point: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=42938
Attend and comment at Jennifer Turners $100 Gift Card Giveaway today + 1 point: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=43002
go enter for free books here + 1 point:Â http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=42953
7. Tally your own points total +1Â point
That’s it!
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
Winner(s) 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 don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t 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 THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to us at the contact email we provide. Failure to contact us 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 almost ALWAYS shipped directly from the publisher/author unless otherwise noted.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations not Bitten by Books.
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
I don’t really have a favorite hero or heroine but I think that when a charcter struggles with a dark side it makes them more believable.
rsvp’d
rsvp’d for Vicki’s event
attended Jennifer’s event
entered for the free book
total = 30
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for stopping by!
Yes, I think so too. Sometimes my heroes/heroines are almost borderline bad guys, but they do try.
Erin
Hello Erin,
Right now, I’m reading Newsflesh #2 Shaun is struggling with staying this side of sane.
I think a character struggling with their darkside adds to the character and makes them seem more real.
Could you tell us about your awesome trading cards and how to get a set?
What is your favorite ’80s tv character?
Ruth T USA
+4 #2
+500 #4
+3 #6
+1 #7
508 total
Hi Ruth T,
to anyone who requests them. Just email me your addy at ekellison@gmail.com. Piece of cake. 80s TV character–I think I’m going with Vincent from Beauty and the Beast. 
Thanks for giving Shadow Touch a try!
I have heard amazing things about the Newsflesh series. I really must read it soon. I’ve got RTCs of all of my heroes and heroines. I’m happy to send a set (of
Best,
Erin
I would say that I like Gin in Estepts book. She has some black sides and I love them.
I think that without her dark side she would be very boring, and not much fun.
What black side do you have?
Where did you go to college?
I twittered at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/75984635556925440
I RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Lisa D!
I got my BA from the University of Maryland (degree in English) and MA from Arizona State University (anthropology). Fun stuff.
Ooooo Good series!! What black side do I have? Probably all of them. I just channel my evil into my characters and leave the real world alone.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Erin
Psst
Glad to be back, Jackie!
That’s what I like too–the fact that a character can tip either way, light or dark. Gives the struggle so much more power!
Thanks for having me!
Erin
I’m not sure I’ve got a favorite Hero/Heroine as I’ve read and watched a pretty broad spectrum of Books/TV/Movies… It’s hard for me to really pin down just one, it may also be due to the fact that i’m drawn more towards the bad guys
Who’s your favorite hero/heroine? and who’s your favorite bad guy/villain? Luv Ya Erin, you’re awesome as always 
Holly C.G. USA
#2 – 3 points
#3 – 1 point
#4 – 500 points
#6 – 3 points
#7 – 1 point
Total – 508 points
Hi Shrouded Heart!
Yay, so happy to see you here! Favorites of mine? So hard because I love so many. Right next to me I have the first book in the Game of Thrones series, which I am reading and watching now. Love Tyrion Lannister–have no idea if he is good or bad yet. I suspect he doesn’t know if he is good or bad. LOL.
And thanks for checking out Shadow Touch!
Erin
Hehe Told you I’d try and make it by
Now i’m going to have to check out the Games of Thrones series as you’re the 3rd person to mention that haha 
P.S Sent you an email about those trading cards… You know i’ve got to have those
One more thing…
I just got my first request for my Shadow series trading cards (set of 8). Yay! I mentioned in a reply to a comment above that I am happy to send them to anyone who wants them. Just email me your addy at ekellison@gmail.com, and I’ll put them in the mail! That means something for everyone!
Hi Erin! Interesting question. I have some favorite heroines, and they all struggle with something, just not necessarily a dark side. Those that come to mind that qualify are Vicki Pettersson’s Joanna Archer (being of both the light and the dark) and Stacia Kane’s Chess Putnam (who struggles with her drug addiction.) And I feel like unless a character is whiningly annoying about their issues, that these add to the dimensions of them, not detract.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Have you ever started forming a character, then realized you had modeled them after someone you know?
+4
RSVP’d +25
RSVP’d for Pettersson +1
RSVP’d and attended Turner +1
tallying +1 =32
Hi Bethany C,
Thanks for stopping by. Some great characters/books there. When I’m not writing, I like to read, watch TV (revisiting Firefly now), watch movies (this summer is going to be awesome). I’m trying to take up photography, but so far don’t have many pictures to show for it. LOL. As for starting a character that resembles someone I know… nope. BUT I have named characters after friends and family and realized later that I had better change it before it’s too late. Was very hard tho, because the names got stuck in my brain. Lesson learned.
Thanks for coming!
Erin
Hi Erin! Im going to have to say Rhage from BDB series.He struggles to stay calm in whatever situation arises and if he doesnt he takes the chance of hurting the people he cares about when his beast emerges. When a character has a dark side it makes it beleivable and makes you think
Angel M.
USA
RSVP’d shared on FB free book tally’d=33
Hi Angel Martin!
I totally agree with you that the dark side makes you think about the character. And Ward’s series has some delicious dark heroes.
Thanks for stopping by!
Erin
Hi Erin,
Wow, I’m drawing a blank on the dark side of my heroines. Maybe Riley Jenson since she is killing now. How did the idea of a split soul come to you? +2
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Jovial_1/status/76001949304111104 +1
RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Viki S!
The idea of a split soul came to me while writing the first book. My series is the Shadow series, where Shadow (capital S)is magic, but I kept wondering about a person’s shadow (lower case s). The idea needled me until I did something about it. Great question.
Thanks for coming!
Erin
Hi Erin,
Congrats on the new book/novella
I wonder, is it harder to write a novella or a full length book?
Hm, struggle, well I do love Zsadist from BDB and how he struggles. And it makes the story so much better
Blodeuedd A
Finland
+1
=2
Hi Blodeuedd!
Thanks! I think it’s harder to write a novel, not just because of the length, but because the plot is more complex. For a novella, the characters need to be just as rich, but length does not permit multiple subplots.
And yeah, BDB seems to be a fave for characters with a dark side.
Best,
Erin
Rhianna W.
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own?
I think I have to agree with Jackie regarding Joanna Archer. She’s kind of the hinge for both a dark side and a light side… she could swing either way and that keeps the reader on their toes big time.
How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?
Sometimes it annoys me… I get mad at characters when they do something I wouldn’t want them to do even if it makes good story. lol For Joanna it mostly adds to the story.
While I love a good guy with a dark side I also love a villain with hidden good. Do you have a favorite villain with a heart?
Somehow I haven’t heard of your books until today and this whole shadow running around on its own idea is great. What inspired it?
+4 Questions
+1 Tweeted (@RhiReading)
+1 RSVP Vicki Pettersson
+1 Jennifer Turner Event
+1 Meg Cabot Giveaway
+1 Tally
Total = 9
Hi Rhianna!
A favorite villain… tough question. I love villains, esp if they are more than simple evil for no other reason than being evil. I mentioned earlier that I am reading A Game of Thrones (and watching the series). There are so many bad guys that are fantastic. Jamie Lannister, for example. And I got the idea for the split shadow because I was working a lot with the idea of Shadow as magic, as it is in most of my series.I started wondering about shadows in general, and Ellie was born.
Thanks for stopping by!
Erin
1. Renee N.
Hi Renee,
I posted a message to you earlier, but the comment monster ate it! A favorite character with a dark side? I’ve already mentioned a couple from A Game of Thrones, so I will go with Patricia Briggs this time… Charles is very interesting to me. And a fave in my stories… my favorites are always what I’m working on right now. I’ve got a villain, Peter Grey, that I am having a lot of fun with. He’ll probably be out sometime Fall 2012.
I hope you and your aunt enjoy Shadow Touch!!
Erin
Ooh ,can’t choose a favorite. Too hard! But one of the first one that popped into my head was Eden Riley from Michelle Rowen’s series. She’s constantly tempted to do things that she feels are for the best but end up tainting her soul in the process. So it’s interesting to see where it will go. Especially since we’re seeing the story happen from the very beginning.
I’m curious, do you write in a continuous format from beginning to end? Or do you skip around the story depending on what you feel during that particular day of writing?
Thanks and congrats on the release! (And an extra yay for Firefly!)
Rae M. USA
RSVP’d +25
RSVP for Vicki Pettersson +1
Attend and Comment for Jennifer Turner +1
Enter to win free books +1
Answer and Ask question +2
Purchased book +500
Tally Points +1
Total = 531
Hi Rae!
Rowen’s series in my TBR pile. With your recommendation, I can’t wait!
I write straight through, no hopping around. If I do hop, I always have to rewrite, so there is no point. In fact, I will write and rewrite a scene until I feel like it’s close before moving on. It’s obsessive, but at least I don’t have very many revisions on the second pass. And double yay for Firefly!
Thanks for buying Shadow Touch! I hope you like.
Erin
Jessica S. from the USA
My fave super hero with a dark side is Batman and The Punisher. They can be dark but for the right reasons it seems. I don’t think it detracts from the story line either. I think it enhances it!
Questions for Erin:
What kinds of faery tales did you read for your inspiration for the series? I looove faery tales and it’s probably why I am so into these books! Just wondering which particular ones, if any, gave you some inspiration?
What was your road to publication like? I’m querying for an agent right now myself and am racking up the rejections. Did you jazz up your query letter a few times? Any advice?
What kinds of books do you read in your free time?
+25 RSVP’d
+500 buying Shadow Touch–sent email
+4 Questions
+1 RSVP for Vicki Pettersson event
+1 entered for FREE Books
+1 tally
532 total
Hi Jessica!
Lots of questions… let’s see if I can do them justice. I’ve always read a lot of fairy tales/folklore/myths, so using them just came naturally. Underpinning Shadow Bound is a bit of Sleeping Beauty. Shadow Fall relates the story of the ballet Giselle. And Shadowman is a very very dark take on Beauty and the Beast.
Road to publication… I entered a lot of contests and had some requests from editors/agents that way. I sent them the full when I had it complete and got an offer. This series didn’t really have a formal query letter. (Funny, two of my CPs also got offers from editors before getting an agent, so I think it’s more common than people think.) BUT talking queries, you should check out my agent’s blog. She has several posts on queries and even has a query Wednesday where she talks about one per week in detail. It’s a great resource. http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/
Books I read in free time–Mostly genre fiction. I just finished the first book of the A Game of Thrones series. Got sucked in by the HBO series.
And thank you so much for buying Shadow Touch! I hope you enjoy it!
Best,
Erin
Rachel Flesher / Raonaid Luckwell – US
http://twitter.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell +1
RSVP for Vicki Pettersson 1
Gonna head to Jennifer Turner’s event after this 1
Tallying 1
Not sure why this question popped into my head: Either what is the cruelist thing you’ve ever done to a character or what is the cruelist thing you WANTED to do to a character but held back?
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?
For some reason Daemon from Anne Bishop’s Blood/Black Jewel books comes to mind. The struggles within gives the readers the feeling and impression of being real. That makes them believable. Everyone seems to struggle with their inner indentity. Why not put that in a book? The struggle can work against them or for them as to fulfilling the plot.
When authors focus too much on the struggle, where it has no key element with the story or plot, then it detacts from the story. The right balance helps the story.
Total = 6
Hi Raonaid!
Thanks for stopping by! The cruelest thing I have ever done to a character is torture and death. I have never held back if the story required some cruel stuff to happen, though once I bawled all the way to pick up my kid from preschool after writing a a cruel scene.
I’ll let the answers above stand for some favorite heroes and heroines with a dark side, and instead go into how it adds/detracts from the story–it gives depth, because when the stakes are high, the decisions need to be difficult. I think it is more human for a character to have to wrestle with what course of action to take. All my characters face this because a good vs evil is more interesting to me when the the characters realize that they are capable of both good an horror way beyond their expectations. I agree though, there has to be a balance between this internal element and the other plot movers of a story.
Best,
Erin
Forgot to mention that I RSVPed so 25 + 6 = 31
+ 2 I RSVPd for this event
+ 1 What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? I can’t rmrmber a name right now.
+1 How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole? It detracts if it gets too much of the book’s focus. It adds if it’s just part of the character and we see how s/he deal with it.
+ 1 RSVPd for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Cheryl,
I agree that the dark side of a character might skew the focus of a story. Balance is important.
Thanks for stopping by!
Erin
1. USA
2. What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole? My favorite hero is Edward. He constantly struggles with his dark side around Bella throughout the series but only after thinking he lost her he is able to control his thirst for her blood. I think it makes that person stronger and better. Everyone has a dark side they struggle with everyday. And if you can overcome it, it makes you a better person as is in the case with Edward from Twilight. His love for Bella made him stronger and better.
This is the first time I heard of Shadows in paranormal books. I find your books so very interesting and really good and I want to read them. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Hi Victoria!
Edward and Bella! Yes, I agree that Edward (and his family) were trying for something better and stronger by resisting human blood. Vampires heroes or heroines are great examples of characters with a deep, dark side.
And I hope you get to chance to try out my Shadow series. This novella is great taste.
Best,
Erin
I think my favorite is Ivy from Kim Harrison’s Hollows series. She is always fighting against her nature as a vamp since she hates that she is capable of hurting people & can’t control her hunger. I think it adds to the character. We all have internal struggles. It might not be so dark as to actually hurt people – but those struggles are there for all of us. It makes relating to the character easier.
Great & original idea for a story. How did you come up with it?
Hi heatwave16,
Thanks! I came up the the split soul idea when I was working on my other Shadow series books. Shadow is magic in my world, but I got to wondering about the shadow of a person. The more I thought about, the more a story idea emerged. This is just installment one. I can’t wait to see what happens with Ellie.
Thanks for commenting!
Erin
Contest stuff:
Heather C USA
+25 – RSVP
+2 – Q&A
+1 – tweeted = http://twitter.com/#!/Heatwave316/status/76116420466982912v
+1 – RSVP for Vicki
+1 – Attended Jennifer’s event
+1 – entered for free books
+1 – tally
total = 32
I don’t really have any favorites, although I tend to like the bad boys (or just think they are bad boys) turned good for their girl types.. They seem to have a depth in their struggle against themselves that the all the “trusty” goody-goody types don’t..
Crystal B.
USA
Hi Crystal!
Goody-goody heroes aren’t my faves either… unless they get broken during the course of the book and then consider a dark path.
Best,
Erin
Cynthia G USA I rsvp’d!
Question for Erin! What is you favorite childhood book and what author do you look up too? I guess that’s 2 questions lol!!
Hi Cynthia!
A favorite childhood book–Lord of the Rings. The trilogy was assigned to me in 8th grade. I had a very cool teacher. Author I look up to? There are so many. But I love Stephen King’s On Writing, so I will go with him.
Thanks for stopping by!
Erin
My fav dark character is Eric from the sookie stackhouse series. He is sexy, mysterious, and will stop at nothing.
Eric is awesome!
RSVP +25
Answer the authors questions and ask some +3
RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
Lisa R smalltown, USA
If you were stranded on an island with only three of your favorite books what would they be?
Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
If you were to make the newspaper front page, what would the headline read?
You are reincarnated as a tennis shoe, describe yourself.
+25 RSVPed#33
+4 Questions
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76060320560447489
+1 RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Lisa,
Great questions! Three island keepers–Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Rings, Jane Eyre.
All my characters, even the villains, have little bits of me in them. I think it’s unavoidable.
Newspaper headline? Local Writer Goes Insane
Tennis Shoe? Whatever is the latest and greatest running shoe.
That was fun!
Erin
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76080234818052096
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76097062558629889
total=34
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76432230574080000
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76372863522840576
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76353590263943168
total=37
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76642936611287041
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76835069016289280
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/76844533383565312
total= 40
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/77126039758831616
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/77211312140189698
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/77192318494588928
total=43
In the US
I’d have to say my favorite would be Buffy because while she doesn’t have a dark side, she is attracted to guy’s with a dark side and I guess we all go for bad boys at some point in our lives. I always have crushes on the bad boy athletes. Ever have a celeb bad boy crush?
RSVP’d
Attened jennifer’s event and RSVP’d to that
Hi Krysten,
A celeb bad boy crush? I’ve never been asked that. I do dig Christian Bale, though he has an anger management problem.
Now you’ve got me thinking…
Erin
Hey Erin,
I am looking forward to reading your books. I find that i love the scarred, detached warriors the best. they have so much more to over come and to see them blossom throughout the story, most of the time with the help of the goodness of their HEA. That is why i read them the most!
So do you have any signings or conventions you are attending? What are your summer plans?
Christy M
USA
RSVP=25
Vicki=1
jennifer=1
free book=1
?’=3
tally=1
total=32
Hi Christy M,
I like the scarred and detached ones too. Kresley Cole has a vampire that starts out that way, I think. Loved that book.
This summer I will be heading to RWA, Authors After Dark, and RomCon. It’s going to be so much fun! Are you attending any conferences? The rest of the summer I will be finishing up book four. Even more fun.
Best,
Erin
Maria D.- USA
My favorite heroine that struggles with a dark side is Anita Blake from the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. I feel that her struggles to remain as human as she can is fantastic for the story- as a person grows in power or wealth there will always be some kind of struggle and it wouldn’t be realistic if the characters in a story battling dark elements didn’t have problems with the darkness too!
My Questions:
1. Are you a plotter or a panster?
2. Do you listen to music as you write or do you need silence? If you listen to music is there a particular style that inspires your Shadow series?
3. If you could go anywhere on vacation- what would be the ideal place for you?
4. Is there a special drink or snack that you have to have while you write?
Points Tally:
+25 RSVP’d
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/crazymidwestgal/status/76085685437726720
+1 Attended Jennifer Turner’s Party
+1 RSVP’d for Vicki Pettersson’s Party
+4 Answered and Asked Questions
Point Talley= 32
Hi Maria!
Great questions! Here goes:
1. I am a combo plotter/pantser. To much plotting, I lose the spark. Not enough, I lose direction
2. I write in silence! LOL
3. My ideal vacation is a beach house right on the beach.
4. I often drink Vitamin water. For snacks, I like anything munchy–popcorn is a fave.
Thanks for stopping by!
Erin
Wow. The concept’s really interesting.
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? How do you feel
that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?
Hmmm…dark side? Certain vampires come to mind. For example, in “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust,” a vampire count falls in love with a human woman but he struggles with his vampiric nature which wants to drink her blood, but he won’t touch her without her permission. The Dhampir D also struggles with his vampiric nature–he doesn’t want to drink blood and has to avoid the sun as much as he can, which is hindering considering that he hunts vampires and other baddies.
I think the struggles within them add to their characters; their resistance show their inner strength of will. I think battling your nature is the hardest thing to do.
What kind of creatures will play a role in your books?
Thank you!
Aori H.
USA
Hi Aori!
The creatures in my Shadow world include fae–elemental beings from a between world of fantasy and nightmare, angels, wraiths, ghosts.
My world takes a good look at the boundary between life and death, which actually resonates with the dark pathos so common to vampire stories as well. Consider giving mine a try!
Best,
Erin
Savannah S. USA
+25 RSVP
2. how did you start writing?
do you procrastinate?
what is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
if you couldnt be a writer what would you be? +4
6. RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Savannah,
I started writing when I was in grade school. I think I’ve always just wanted to tell stories.
Yeah, I procrastinate, but not as much as I’d like. Deadlines are great for getting you going.
Weirdest thing eaten? I’m pretty picky. No weirdness here.
If I couldn’t be a writer, I’d probably be a professor. I was on that track until I gave writing an honest try.
Thanks for the great questions!
Erin
1) I’m also going with Chess Putnam. It’s a very human struggle too, which makes it all the more aching and real.
2) Without Chess’s addiction issues, the story would be totally different! I think we all have our dark sides, some darker than others. What we do with that dark side, how we harness it, honor it, and allow it to exist (or not) is what makes us–and fictional characters–more human and accessible.
Julie T, USA
-RSVPed +25
-answered questions +2
-RSVP for Vicki Pettersson + 1 point
-Attend and comment at Jennifer Turner + 1 point
-go enter for free books + 1
-tally your own points total +1
total = 31
Hi Julie–
Well said. I couldn’t agree with you more.I especially like the idea of honoring our dark side. Very cool.
Thanks for commenting!
Erin
1) My favorite heroes/heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own are Cat and Bones from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series and Keri Arthur’s Riley Jensen.
2) I think that aspect adds to all of them as characters because it makes them more relatable – they have a dark side, but they try not to give in to it, no matter how hard it may be.
Barbara E., USA
+2 Questions
+25 RSVP’d
+1 RSVP’d for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Barbara,
Great characters! Sometimes it’s also interesting when they do give in.
Best,
Erin
Leni K., USA
I do like it when some characters have dark sides. It show more of the character and lets the reader get more of an insight into what’s going on inside and why they are acting in such ways. It can also play a role in letting us see what the other characters in the story are about.
RSVP’ed +25
Answered question +1
RSVP’ed for Vicki Petersson event +1
Attended Jennifer Turners event +1
Tally +1= 29
Hi Leni!
I think so too. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Best,
Erin
1. Elaine R, USA
2. Answer the authors questions and ask some, please no duplicates. + 1 points (max 4)
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? – I don’t have a particular heroine, as it differs from book to book, but at this moment, I would go with Elena from Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series.
How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole? – I think it makes them, for lack of a better word, human. I don’t like perfect characters, I like them flawed, struggling with the gray; seeing the other side of the coin.
3. Spread the word about this contest and HELP OUT Erin! – DONE
6. RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Elaine,
I love Nalini Singh! Great series.
Thanks for entering!
Erin
Renee L, USA
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?
I can’t pick a favorite, but I do love a story line with an enter struggle going on, it makes you really get to know the character and I love guessing how they are going to react. Being wrong is just as exciting as being right because you don’t know what to expect. That keeps me up till wee hours because I just can’t seem to put the book down, my mantra is just one more chapter. 2 Pts
Vicky – 1 pt
Ordered Shadow Touch 500 pts ( have been waiting for a new book, read all your others in about 2 days)
Jennifer – 1 pt
Freebooks – 1 pt
RSVP’d – 25
Tally – 531
Hi Renee!
My mantra is One More Chapter, too. Had to laugh at that. Problem is, I usually do one more chapter after that, and one more after that…
Thanks so much for checking out Shadow Touch. I hope you enjoy it!
Best,
Erin
I think a lot of my favorite heros/heroines have a dark side, but I don’t think they all “struggle” with it. It’s more like it’s just a part of the story and because it’s fiction you allow the character to just be dark. i can’t think of any favorites who are trying not to be dark…. but maybe i’m just drawing a blank right now.
RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Stephanie,
I like the idea that some dark characters don’t “struggle” with their dark side. Make me think of story ideas. Hmmmm…..
Thanks for stopping by today.
Erin
Hi Erin
* My Favorite Character hero is Archeron by Sherrilyn Kenyon he is always facing his dark side.+1
* I Think that it adds to the Character and makes him or her fill more human we all face are dark parts to are selves sometime in life.+1
* I RSVPed to be here with Erin +25
* I Tweeted about this giveaway at @sasluvbooks +1
* I Clicked the link and Got Shadow Touch sent to my Kindle +500
* I RSVPed for Vicki Petterson +1
* I Attended Jennifer Turners Giveaway +1
* I Tallyed my Points +1=531
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Stacey,
I guess we all do face dark parts to ourselves. I get to have fun exploring them in fiction sometimes, too.
Thanks for buying Shadow Touch!
Erin
MARY P
AUSTRALIA
I couldn’t think of an example off the top of my head – muzzy head today. We all carry a dark side within (however benign or malignant), so characters that exhibit this are not afraid to show what we hide from the world.
RSVP +25
Tally +1
TOTAL: 26
Hi Mary,
How very cool to think of a dark side as either benign or malignant. What a great perspective. I’ll be thinking about that some more.
Thanks for the great comment!
Erin
Congratulations on your new relase, Erin! This sounds like a fantastic series!
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own?– Hmmm…. Well, there’s Angel from Buffy (maybe even Spike, too. He wanted to be seen as good by Buffy.), Damon from The Vampire Diaries…. Yes, I am a vampire nut. I can’t help myself
How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?– Conflict is needed in any story, so I see that it can only add
Questions:
(Because I’m a vampire nut) Eric or Bill? Angel or Spike?
Did you have to do a lot of research for your books, or did you kind of create your own history and myths?
If you had to describe your series in 7 words, which would they be?
Finally…. WHat movie are you most looking forward to this Summer?
I RSVP’d. +25.
Asked 4 questions. +4.
I RSVP’d for Vicki Pettersson
1. A character that comes to mind that struggles with their dark side is Chess Putman from Stacia Kane’s downside series.This adds a lot to the character’s personality and is a pretty important aspect.
I RSVP
Thank You BBB for this amazing interview!!!
Hi Erin!!!!
I am soooooo excited for this series to continue… not to mention that I am totally psyched out for Shadowman!! I have been waiting for his story since the first book! SQUEEE!!!! I think I am just a touch excited… well maybe more than a little…. Thank you for bringing such a brand new tale to life.
Now on to your ?’s:
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own?
- I think I have always liked the struggle between heroes more than heroines with a dark side, be that of a predatory vampire, lycanthrope, or just plain ol’ human man’s struggle with a dark event in their past- say Batman, Bruce Wayne’s trauma in watching his parents murder- and in that way having the heroine help their hero overcome whatever tragedy or hunger that the hero has. Of course, I am not indisposed for vice versa or a sharing of tragedies.
How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?
I think having a dark side to overcome, or conquer, most assuredly adds to the story and does not detract. It’s a bit like knowing that evil can exist in almost anyone and having it manifest itself into a character, only builds that character with more depth, for having to deal with whatever problems it could ensue in their life, and the lives of others, that the character comes into contact with.{ex. Angel from Buffy… ahhh some good memories there
} Being able to associate and empathize with the character is one of the most powerful weapons an author has to suck readers in!!
So my ?’s to you:
1) Had no idea about Shadow Touch (been obsessing over Shadowman!- what a wonderful delight!), Do you have a definite idea of where your stories are going? and with whom? Do you already have an ending ready in your head?
Thanks so much for stopping by!!! I am so glad to be able to chat with you!! I can not wait until Shadowman comes out…but so excited to have Shadow Touch to tide me over… I simply can’t wait!!! YIPPEE!!!!!
Helen G. USA
Rsvp’d +25 pts.
Answered and asked ?’s +4 pts.
Attended Jennifer’s release +1pt.
Rsvp’d for Vicki’s +1pt.
Entered for free books +1pt.
Tally your own points +1pt.
Tally: 25+4+1+1+1+1= 33 points total
Hi Erin. It’s so nice to have you here with us today =D
Questions:
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own?
Personally, I love a lot of J.R Wards hero’s, especially her Brotherhood. They all stuggles with their pasts. I also think Gena Showalters Lords from the Lords of the Underworld are fantastic even though they each struggle and deal with a demon inside them.
There’s something go great about a real tortured hero!
How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole?
I think it often gives the story real depth. It creates a whole new level to the characters, especially when you get to watch them grow and come to terms with what they are over the course of the book/series.
My questions to you?
~How does it feel knowing your work is out there for people to read and judge? Is it daunting?
~Who has been the biggest inspiration to you throughout your life?
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/RachyBee/status/76180092237266944
+25 RSVP
+4 Questions
+1 Tweet
+1 Attended and commented at Jennifer Turners $100 Gift Card Giveaway
+1 Tally up own points
=32 enteries
Hi there! Late to the party tonight. The book sounds great, I ordered it from amazon. Some of my fav characters have already been listed above, and I think that it adds to a story when a character has a dark side they’re struggling with. Every one has some darker side to themselves. It’s all about how we deal with it. Will your books be available in audio?
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
bought the book
rsvp’d for pettersson
attend turner’s event
entered for free books
tally points=531
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? Bill from True Blood / Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series
How do you feel that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole? It adds to the character and story by making him three dimensional.
6. RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
I really like heroes and heroines who have some inner demons they have to struggle to overcome. I think that really adds depth to their character.
Questions: When you plot for a series, do you plot out the whole series, or book by book? Are you influenced by what the fans say when plotting out the next book (i.e., do you integrate some of their wishes/expectations into the plot)? What do you think about the whole self-publishing trend that’s exploding now? Would you/have you self-publish(ed)?
Margay R, USA
+25 rsvp’d
+4 questions
+500 Order NEW copies of the author
Hi Erin,
Thanks for joining us at BittenbyBooks.
My favourite hero struggling with his dark side would have to be–at the moment since hey these things vary from time to time as its a big bookstore out there–
Harry Dresden, always tempted by the power he could embrace, always holding himself back. It definitely adds depth to his character and influences his choices.
It is part of what makes me grab the next volume in the series…or wait anxiously for the latest release.
Questions
Titles–I love em, they’re the first thing I notice about a book. Was Shadow Touch your first and only title for your novel?
What is the best comment you’ve ever had from a reader about any of your books?
What made you think about misbehaving shadows? (Did the idea come to you completely non Peter Pan related?)
Thanks again,
James R
RSA
+1 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/JamesR_InkSkin/status/76206820603068416
+4 Questions
+25 RSVP
Hi Erin,
I have been waiting for you to be here again. I have a question that has been stuck in my brain since March. I really enjoyed you panel at The Tucson Festival of Books. Can’t wait for next year.
During your panel I noticed your hands while you were speaking. Do you sign?
I already have Gini’s answer to this now for yours….What kind of cookies shall I make for 2012 Festival?
Did you enjoy the granola bar?
Do you have a favorite story world other than your own?
asked 4 +4
participated in Jennifer’s event +1
entered to win free books +1
tally +1
total 7
Koren C USA
Hi Erin,
one of my favorite heroes is Angel from the TV series by the same title, a constant struggle between his human and vampire sides is one of the reasons that I like about him. It’s easy to fight evil if you’re good, but it’s much more difficult when the evil you’re fighting is not so much different from yourself, and your dark side constantly urges you to join it.
I’d like ask:
What is your favorite paranormal movie/TV series?
What is your favorite childhood book?
If you could have one supernatural power, what would you want and why?
Thanks!
Dovile P., Lithuania
___
+25 RSVPed for this event
+4 for questions
+1 for attending Jennifer Turner’s event
+1 tallying
Total: 31
What are your favorite heroes or heroines that struggle with a dark side of their own? Kate Daniels and Gin Blanco are two heroines who had such tormented pasts (and in the event of Gin present), that their living every day is quite a struggle (not necessarily only physically).
How do you feel
that aspect adds/detracts from them as a character or from the story as a whole? I think this aspect adds a lot to their character and justifying why they are the way they are: not trusting, careful, cynic and dosillisuoned.
Erin, if you could have any literary character make a cameo apperance in your novels, who would you like to invite over, and who/what would be this character? (best friend, love interest, villain, etc)
If you flew off today for a week at a beach resort, which books would you take with yourself on the trip?
Which author would cause you to be awestruck and all shy were you to meet them in person?
+1 initial entry
+3 tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/Stella_ExLibris/status/76669035760197632
http://twitter.com/#!/Stella_ExLibris/status/76670302603579392
http://twitter.com/#!/Stella_ExLibris/status/76670924723732481
+1 RSVPd for Vicki Pettersson
Hi Erin,
I do love a character that has darker side, especially if the little beastie is the hero. Any of the heroes of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, with Vishous being my favorite. R. Schone’s Michael and Gabriel are very dark. Gotta love those guys. Looking forward to reading Shadow Touch. Congrats on the new release.
+25 RSVP’d
+1 Question
+1 RSVP’d Vicki’s Event
+1 Jennifer’s Event
+500 Purchased Shadow Touch
+1 Totaled
= 529
My favorite heroine / hero tends to be what I am reading at the time. Today I am reading Kim Harrison and Rachel Morgan is top of the list. I love that she is flawed and tries to be “good” while having doubts if she is actually “good” or “evil.” She has strength of character and loyalty to her friends – very important attributes. The thing that bugs me the most is she keeps letting folks call her a w@@@@ and being hurt by the choices in the ones she loves.
Question – as a writer I am pretty sure you are also a reader, Do you have a favorite hero / heroine in a series that when reading you find yourself emotionally invested in?
Thank you for participating in this incredibly generous giveaway opportunity.
+1 Denise Z
Hi Erin
+1 I like when it adds to the story but not to distract them
+1RSVP for Vicki Pettersson
+1Attend and comment at Jennifer Turner
+1 go enter for free books
+1 Tally
=====================================================
5 pts
Dina S
dlsmilad@yahoo.com
USA