Author Christine Cody Release Party and $150.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of the Christine Cody event is now closed. Winners will be chosen at a later date and notified via email.
Christine Cody is the author of the postapocalyptic supernatural Western series Bloodlands and the urban fantasy Vampire Babylon books (w/a Chris Marie Green) from Ace. Ā Once upon a time, she used to be an eighth-grade teacher until she became a full-time author who has published nearly forty books under all three of her pseudonyms (including Crystal Green).Ā Bloodlands comes out July 26. Ā Blood Rules follows on its heels on August 30, and then In Blood We Trust on September 27.
Name, please.
You can call me Gabriel.
Age?
Letās just keep it simple and say early thirties.
Where do you come from?
A place called the Southblock. Ā Itās the remaining part of Florida that wasnāt eradicated by encroaching waters, and it includes what used to be known as Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Ā You mightāve heard that the block once tried to secede from the Union, and it was the first part of the United States that the government had officially locked down with martial law. Ā Anyway, there was this underground sanctuary there, full of people who fled from the bad guys who took over the urban hubs. Ā After the mosquito epidemic wiped out most of our families and the criminals started getting away with stealing identities, we decided that living free on our own was the only option.
I had good reason for leaving the Southblock sanctuary and coming out to the New Badlands, butā¦
But what?
But even though the people in sanctuaries hate those bad guys who live in the urban hubs above, they sure donāt have much tolerance for monsters, eitherāand Iām one of them. Ā The government said monsters were wiped out, thanks to the Shredders who slayed them, but humans had a hand in hunting monsters, too, and I doubt that their paranoia just up and disappeared so easily. Ā Humans no doubt still think weāre parasites who drink their blood for its water content, seeing as water comes at such a cost everywhere these days.
What kind of monster are you?
Just your basic vampire.
What other kinds of monsters are out there?
Iām really not sure. Ā At the very least, I know that, somewhere, my maker is still alive. Ā I wouldāve turned mortal again by now if sheād been vanquished. Ā I think Iāll be able to detect other vampires if I meet them, though, even if Iām still young for a vamp and I suspect all my powers havenāt been polished up yetāabilities like going into minds and reading them and the like. Ā But I heard that there used to be a lot of different monsters until they were huntedāthings like demons and were-creatures and maybe a hundred other breeds. Ā But theyāre obviously very good at hiding. Ā If theyāre even out there.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Iām aiming for a future with the woman I love. Ā Her name is Abby, and I met her in the sanctuary. Ā She left soon after she found out what I am, but Iām not going to let her go that easily. Ā Iāve discovered some clues to her whereaboutsāit seems she headed out west, toward the New Badlands. Ā I donāt know why sheād go there, with the weather as stifling and the landscape as deadly as they say they are. Ā After all the global changes years agoāthe West Coast getting blown off by terrorists, the ice caps melting, and all thatāthe west became a place to avoid. Ā They say there are mutated animals running around, like the gargoyle-type shades that roam the skies looking for carrion below. Ā Itās no place for anyone.
What did your high school yearbook say about you?
If Iād cared enough about reading a yearbook in the old days, mine wouldāve said something about me being a little wild at heart. Ā And it turns out that being a vampire allowed me some different addictions than Iād imagined were possible.
Favorite movie?
Nothing in particular, though, if the kind of movie youāre talking about were still being made, Iād have a yen for those action pictures they had before carnerotica took over. Ā Films with actual stories to them. Ā People nowadays generally love violence and sex images all spliced into a loop of pure sensation. Ā It keeps them numb and quiet, so I see why the government would sponsor that. Ā Carnerotica keeps everyoneās minds off the bad guys and how our government is filled with them.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
Iād make sure that I could take care of people to the very best of my abilities. Ā Ā My family died because of the mosquito epidemic, but thereāre times I wish Iād known how to save them. Ā And, even though Abby seemed fine with the news of my vampirism, sheās gone now, too. Ā I mean to remedy whatever is ailing her, once I find herā¦.
ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā
Learn more about Christine Cody Below:
Read reviews of the authorās work here.
www.bloodlands.net
http://crystal-green.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/ChristineCody
http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Marie-Green/1051327765
myspace.com/vampirebabylon
ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā ā¢ĀøĀø.ā¢*ĀØ*ā¢ā
CONTEST INFO:
Prize 1:Ā A $100.00 Electronic Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: 2 eachĀ $25.00 Electronic Amazon Gift Cardās
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
This contest lasts for FOUR DAYS Ending at 11:59 pm Central on 7/29/11 at 11:59 pm CDT. Open to readers WORLDWIDE.
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 RSVPād.
1. LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME AND YOUR COUNTRY in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries. Mandatory, if you donāt leave this,Ā your entries will NOT count. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest.
2. Ask the author some questions, please no duplicates. + 1 points (max 2 towards points)
3. Spread the word about this contest and HELP OUT Christine by spreading the word about her new book!
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=44847 + 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 authorās book by using the links below.
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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 $15.00 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 code BBB20OFF for 20% off your order.
Tweet the code ONE time and URL like this for +15 points:
PzRT: Help out Bitten by Books by following @acharmingtime & shopping http://acharmingtime.com + Use code BBB20OFF for 20% off your order.
6.Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep’s Release party today here +5 points: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=44863
RSVP and Attend Caridad PiƱeiro’s Release Party and $50.00 Gift Card contest here +1 point: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=44843
VOTE and comment in this week’s poll (vote on the right hand side of the site first then comment here +1 point: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=44830
Leave a meaningful and thoughtful comment on this week’s edition of Off the Fang! here +1 point: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=44823
7. Tally your own points total +1Ā point
Thatās it!
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Rhianna W. (USA)
Finally! I have been sooo looking forward to this book.
The release date just crept up on me lol.
Anywho, happy release day Chris! My first question has to be what inspired this series? I’ve been looking for something like this for ages!
With the three books in this series releasing back-to-back can we expect the overall series story arc to end with In Blood We Trust or is there the potential for further installments?
With a blend of scifi and western I imagine Bloodlands is going to have wide appeal. Did you face any crazy challenges blending so many genres?
Now just for fun… if Bloodlands (or the series in general) were an ice cream flavor what would it be?
+25 RSVP
+4 Questions
+1 Tweeted Event (http://twitter.com/#!/RhiReading/status/95903123058601985)
+500 Kindle Purchased Bloodlands
+15 Charming Time Tweet (http://twitter.com/#!/RhiReading/status/95903688593375232)
+1 RSVP/Attend CP Event
+1 Poll Vote & Comment
+1 Comment Off the Fang
+1 Tally
Total = 549
Hey, Rhianna, and *thank you* so very much! So glad you’ve been looking forward to this. : )
Great questions.
1) Basically, I was watching a bunch of cowboy movies on TCM. Since my geek mind is always on stuff like monsters or dragons or whatever, I started thinking, “What if Shane was a vampire?” That excited me, because I began to wonder how *all* the common themes and characters (not just the “drifter who’s looking to reclaim his humanity”) might translate into a paranormal story. Throughout the series, I flip everyone from the “put-upon settlers who are being threatened” to the “cruel rancher next door” to the “fallen woman/brothel madam who’s got a thing for the sheriff.” I had an absolute ball.
2) The story arc does end with IN BLOOD WE TRUST, but there is definite potential for more, especially since the Bloodlands world just got bigger and bigger as I went along….
3) From your post to fate’s ears! LOL. Blending the genres just…happened. I’d first thought to write a straight Western with paranormal elements, but that didn’t appeal to me as much as the thought of creating a whole new future for our society. I think many people feel as if we’re doing things to our world that will make society (and the atmosphere) regress rather than go forward, so what if a lot of our worst-case scenarios came true and *did* put us back to a Wild West phase?
4) No doubt about it–Rocky Road. : )
Thanks, Rhianna!
Nice, Rhianna, thank you! When I first started writing, I never thought guys would be into my work, but I get quite a few with the Vampire Babylon books, LOL.
Hi,
What made you choose a Western setting for your story?
Have you ever lived out west?
rsvp’d
attending Jennifer & Candidad’s events
voted in the poll
total = 31
Hi, Sandy, I appreciate your coming here and your questions!
Question 1: LOL–I think I just covered it in answers 1 and 3 for Rhianna. You great minds think alike, don’t you?
2) As a matter of fact, I live in Nevada right now, and I grew up in Southern California. Nevada is far more “Wild West” than CA is though. Nearby, I can still visit deserted boomtowns and ghost towns, and it takes me about 5 minutes to drive to a place that would be right at home in the New Badlands/Bloodlands!
Have a great one!
Hello Christine,
Saw your book on Friday, and brain failed to connect. Dystopian needs to be written on the cover much like zombie.
Can you tell us any interesting fact about the main characters that will not appear in the series?
Do you have any signings appearances in the near future?
Favorite thing to do on a hot day?
Ruth T. USA
+4 #2
+3 #6 rsvp + vote + comment
+1 #7
+25 RSVP
=
33
Hey, there, Ruth, thanks for being here. : )
1) Hmmm–yeah. I know that Mariah, the heroine, used to have a doll collection back in “civilization” before she, her father, and her Intel Dog moved to the New Badlands. (In the books, her father kept a “geek doll collection” that she still squirrels away. She would’ve left her own behind because… Well, civilization wasn’t a happy place for her, and the New Badlands were a new start.) Neat question!
2) I’ll be at the Oceanside, CA, Barnes and Noble next Tuesday night (Aug. 2–I need to confirm the time, but I’ll post it on Twitter and Facebook and my blog!). I might be signing at Mysterious Galaxy, San Diego, at the end of September, but that needs to be firmed up…. I know Mysterious Galaxy does have signed copies of Bloodlands, though, at http://www.mystgalaxy.com!
3) I always hope that a hot day brings a summer thunderstorm with it. If so, I love to sit outside and listen. If not, then I just stay inside reading, since the heat is normally over 100 degrees where I live. Ugh!
Thank you, Ruth!
Linda M, USA
Happy Release Day for Bloodlands! It is so awesome that the next books in the series come out so soon. Makes it very nice for readers who are anxious to get to the next books in the series! Yay!
As a reader and writer who loves “setting”, I am curious how much did you plot about this world before you began writing? I love plotting out where my stories will take place, but it is nothing as involved as plotting out a supernatural western setting world. Just curious how you went about doing this.
Thanks! And Congrats Again,
Linda
Hi, Linda, and thank you! I did a lot of research about survivalists and the possible future of our world before I even wrote the first chapter. As I went along, I kept reading and reading, and if something got switched on in my mind, I’d add it. I have a subscription to The New Yorker magazine, and they have so many articles about subjects I *never* thought I’d be interested in (especially since. Go figure.). They turned on so many ideas for me, from animal mutations to the presence of “lowlords” in the urban hubs (which you’ll be seeing in books 2 and 3). I also read Thomas Friedman, who has much to see about a global future for our society.
Um…I meant “science,” not “since.” Proofreading is good.
What are some of your favorite vampire movies/tv series?
RSVPd 25
Caridad Pi
Minna, hello!
Yay–I get to talk about movies! I can’t say I’ve got a specific TV show to mention, but I love the old NOSFERATU. Doesn’t get creepier than that. And the old Hammer vampire movies with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing; actually, though, my favorite Hammer movie is THE VAMPIRE LOVERS. It’s so atmospheric. (I even have an idea for a Hammer-esque type paranormal series that I plan to write. One day. Some day. ) Also, I grew up watching Elvira’s Movie Macabre, and even though she isn’t technically a vampire (I think!), she was a huge inspiration, because she encouraged my love of the gothic and ghouly. : )
Thanks!
1. Weng-Him C. / USA
2.1. What is your favorite book?
2.2. What factors influence your writing the most?
6. Jennifer Estep
Hi, Weng-Him!
1) Favorite books (I just can’t narrow it down to one, LOL): THE STAND by Stephen King, THE SECRET HISTORY by Donna Tartt, and THE PROMISE OF JENNY JONES by Maggie Osborne.
2) I would say that time is a big factor in my writing. I’d love to find more of it. I do write like a maniac, but somehow, there’s never enough time for me to get everything on the page, LOL. If it were up to me, I’d be writing three different series at the moment, but I can only handle one!
All the best!
Hi Chris –
Can’t wait to jump into this one!!! I preordered for my Kindle…
What was your initial reaction to that yummy cover for Bloodlands?
I did RSVP +25
I also started following A Charming Time
I voted in the poll for covers +1
Also asked a question +1
Thanks for the contest! And congratulations on the new release!!!
Lisa K
USA
Lisa!!! And thank you, as always.
Oh, I was happyhappyhappy when I saw that cover…as well as the next two. They have an edge to them, and with this one, you can *feel* the hot wind and taste the dry air. And he ain’t bad to look at, either. ; )
Very much looking forward to NIGHT WALKER next week….
Thanks Chris!!! I’m beside my self excited! LOL
And you’re right about your cover!!! You really can feel the heat and the wind… And the guy is yummy too!
Lisa
You should be so excited–NIGHT WALKER is your debut book!
Hi Christine,
I love character interviews because they give me a real feel for the book. Thanks.
What made you come up with the mosquito epidemic? And did Abbey leave because of Gabriel being a vampire? +2
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Jovial_1/status/95918254555545600 +1
Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Hey, Viki! Glad you enjoyed the interview.
I read about the possibility of a mosquito epidemic… Unfortunately, this isn’t something I made up. It’s a real worry. Yikes, huh?
Listen to you, trying to get spoilers! Just kidding. Abby’s reason for leaving Gabriel does involve the fact that he’s a vampire….
Stay cool out there!
Victoria M. (USA)
Congrats on your release! In your worldbuilding, was there anything unsuspected (or planned) that really creeped you out in this story? Like personally scratching mosquito bites, constant heat and scavenging for water makes me question if I’d survive. lol Maybe with a hero like Gabriel for inspiration.
25 pts RSVP
1 pt Vote weeks poll
1 pt Post Off the Fang
1 pt Author Question
1 pt Tally points
29 POINTS
Hey, Victoria–LOL about that last comment. A hot guy *always* makes life easier, in my view.
There were quite a few things that started to creep me out about this world. One thing is the creatures who populate the New Badlands/Bloodlands. Mutants started to creep out when the world changed–one of is the “shades,” which are gargoylesque carrion feeders who roam the skies looking for prey on the ground. And when we get to the urban hubs in books 2 and 3, I have to say that I cringe at the thought of humanity ever becoming what you’ll see. I call them “distractoids.” Also, there are other…beings…you’ll meet in the next books… One of them lives in what they call a necropolis. Another is a type of vampire that appalls even *other* vampires, LOL.
Thanks for the great question–have a great one!
Rachel Flesher / Raonaid Luckwell – US
(Wasn’t at the desktop to RSVP, was traveling * pouts *)
http://twitter.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell +1
Will go to Jennifer’s release part after this +5
RSVPed to Caridad Pinero +5
Voted in the poll (of course I voted for Caridad, Cody, and Christina Henry) +1
Left a comment on Off the Fang + 1
Tallying +1
Hi Christine from South Carolina! I’m just visiting for two weeks.
I remember this series being featured on another blog not that long ago. It sort of reminded me of David Gemmel’s Jon Shannow books. “I” never read the books but my husband absolutely LOVED them. I remember mentioning that I think my husband would get into these books.
When I get back home from SC, I’m gonna have to remember telling him your name and let him check it out. We do share books (he’s “slowly” getting into a few romances not all but certain ones)
And yes he should like it because Gabriel is the name of our six year old.
Questions:
What is your ideal vacation? Where?
Have you ever found a race of beings that you just discovered and would love to use someday? (Hehe I would say PLEASE consider drows. I’m on a dark elf campaign. LOL)
Quilty pleasures?
If you could live in any literary world (yours included) which would you choose and what role/character would you play there?
Total – 18
Hello, Raonaid of the awesome name! Thank you so much for recommending these already. : ) I’ve never heard of those books, but it sounds like they’d be my cup of tea.
Funny you should mention the “romance” element. These are being marketed as “paranormal romance” more than anything, and there is a very strong romance in it that greatly affects everything that happens in the stories. But I wrote it as a…I’m not sure what I intended, LOL. I wasn’t really thinking of branding, just going with the creative flow. Recently, Publisher’s Weekly dubbed this series as a “postapocalyptic supernatural Western,” so I’m going with that.
Aw, greetings to your Gabriel!
Questions:
1) My ideal vacation probably wouldn’t be very relaxing–I’m determined to make it to Egypt one day. I’d love to explore and maybe take part in some kind of dig. How amazing would that be? And I’d love to research vampire lore in the Transylvania region.
2) I have never heard of drows, but you have intrigued me! I must check them out because I’m *always* looking. And, yes, I did latch onto quite a few “lesser used” creatures, I think, and they’ll start creeping in as the books go along. One in particular is a “tik-tik” vampire….
3) Guilty pleasures… Always chocolate, in any form, any time, anywhere. My hips hate me, though. Ice cream. Food. Just food. I would love to be a foodie but it seems to be a time commitment I can’t handle.
4) I would never, ever live in the Bloodlands, LOL. Although, by the end of book 3, I would reconsider this question…. And I’m tempted to say Westeros because I have a mad crush on TV Robb Stark (the book one is too young!). But it’s a very bad idea to wish yourself into a brutally violent world just because of a guy, LOL. Seriously, I’d love to fight alongside Indiana Jones on his adventures. We could go on those Egyptian digs together!
Travel safe, Raonaid!
Lol! Everyone comments on the name. Its scots gaelic for my birthday. It’s also my pen name (since I have paranoid hubby and mother)
If my hubby can read Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark and League books, along with L.A. Banks, I think he can handle this. But it does remind me so much of what he told me of the Jon Shannow books, and he was sad that there was only three books to the series. He wished there was more.
tik tik vampire? That sounds neat. Mercedes Lackey’s Diana Tregarde books introduced me to emotion vampires. They devour human emotions. I always thought they are so neat.
And yes, I’m a big fan of drows. I like how they are experts in torture, sadistic and matriachal – where the women are the ones you have to watch out for.
Oooo–yes, I *will* be checking into drows for certain!
*birthname ugh not birthday.
Yay! * Does the chair dance * I have to blame the author R.A. Salvatore for the drow obsession. Friend I on-line rped with spoke of Drizzt. Of course I had to check it out. I read the Dark Elf Trilogy and that was that.
I’ve seen two books with drow. Cheyenne McCray and I can’t think of the other author
Hi Chris…or Christine? Anyhoo, just a couple of questions.
How did you come up with your various pseudonyms (if it’s not too personal to share)?
Do you write different books in different series at the same time, or do you only concentrate on one at a time?
+2
voted for Spell Bound, Black Night, and Another Kind of Dead +1
RSVP’d +25
tallying +1 =29
Bethany!!! (Call me “Chris”–it fits all my names, LOL.)
Not a personal question at all. I started off my career as “Crystal Green,” writing for Harlequin and Silhouette. It sounded more “romancy” than my real name (which is “Chris”–a name I do love because it sounds like the cool horror movie final girl who kicks butt at the end of some 80s scary flicks!). When I wrote my first Ace urban fantasy, we needed to signal that the books weren’t romances, hence the name change to “Chris Marie Green.” Then, since the Bloodlands books were very different from my Vampire Babylon books, we went with “Christine Cody.”
I spend my life very confused.
I concentrate on one book at a time, unless I’ve got line edits or galleys coming in for other stories (Those usually have tight deadlines, so you have to put your work in progress aside and dive into the line edits or galleys.). I eat, sleep, and drink my stories, so it can be jarring to switch!
Thank you for all your support!
I love your character and the world you’ve created!
RSVP’d +25 points
Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Cool, Robin, thank you!
Elaine G-Canada
Congrats on the new release.Sounds really good.
What 3 words would you use to describe Gabriel?
What was your favorite scene to write in this book?
+25 RSVP
+2 questions
+1 tweet http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/95926238245437440
+15 tweeted the code http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/95926713028063232
+5 Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Hey, Elaine! Whoops, I almost missed your post the first time around….
1) 3 words describing Gabriel:
*determined
*yearning
*loyal
2) Ah–my favorite scene to write was something that happens during the last third of the book. The “cruel rancher next door” intends to show the settlers that he’s serious about defending his employees from whatever is killing them in the New Badlands, and he…um…puts on a display to show just how serious it is. It’s bloody and warped and a “yikes” moment for the settlers and it says a lot about the rancher next door….
Enjoy your summer!
Thanks for answering my questions.
tweet #2
http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/96042618634514432
You’re very welcome!
tweet 7/28
http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/96637926095585280
tweet 7/29
http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/96982907083694081
I think your book sounds grand. 1. Did you grow up in the west? 2. Where did you go to college and what was your major? 3. Do you have any pets and what are their names and what are they? I put in 3 questions because everyone was asking you about the west. LOL
I RSVP’d for this event and Pineiro’s event
I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/95919660356206592
I tweeted the code ONE time and URL at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/95921533058433024
I attended and commented in Jennifer Esteps event
I bought books
I voted in poll and commented and I commented in Off the Fang
Lisa D. USA
Total points = 752
Lisa, so sorry I missed yours at first, too! I need my eyes checked.
1) I was born in Milwaukee, WI, but we moved to San Diego when I was about 5. Not quite a SoCal native, but I feel like SD is a part of me. We lived in Kentucky for a few years, which was a wonderful time, but then moved back to California so I could….
2) Go to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. It might not be a surprise to know that I was an English major.
3) No pets, and I wish it were different. Too much traveling to take care of them properly.
Thank you!
Jessica S. from the USA
I would definitely won’t some sort of super ability! Like being a werewolf! Strength, speed, agility…lots of good things there. Although I would have to give up wearing silver jewelry, but sacrifices must be made!
How are you able to keep all your identities straight? As well as your novels? You have a wide variety of them written under different pennames, I was just wondering how you’re able to juggle all those ideas as well as the identities? Is it hard?
+25 RSVP
+2 Questions
+1 Comment on Off the Fang
+1 Comment/Vote on poll
+1 Adding
33 total
Crap! I added wrong, typed too fast or something or I was thinking of something else while adding!!
Correct total 30
Hey, Jessica! Aw, silver. That would be a hardship, but there’s always pearls….
Keeping the novels straight is pretty easy once I get into their distinct worlds. But the business side of having different pen names is *much* tougher. I’ve got different web sites to maintain, and different promo efforts. Pretty hard to stay caught up with everything!
Thanks, Jessica.
RSVPed
tweeted
facebook
voted in poll
tami b
Blackroze/Tami! Great to see you here, too.
LOL yea i was late though or some reason my comp does want to sign in at places and took me a while to even get here . will you be writing any YA or another genre? after these
I Chris – love this post on Gabe. Can’t wait to read the book, here in my hot little hands. Oh, and like the ROCKY ROAD ice cream selection. LOL. I might have chosen something a bit grittier, if there even is a grittier ice cream. Blood Pudding sorbet, maybe?
Great day!
Linda
www. lindathomas-sundstrom .com
Linda!!! That sorbet would *so* appeal to a vamp (but you’d know that, with all your own books!). Thanks a million.
Emma S.from the US
RSVP+25 points
+1how long did it take to write this book?
Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Thank you, Emma, and welcome. This book took about 3 months to write. When I write, I’m entirely focused on the work; I’m lucky enough to be a full-time author, so I can afford to do that.
Best of luck!
Hi Christine
Lol, I read the end first and was shocked, how could your family have perished like that?! Then I got it *headdesk* Gabriel’s family
I wonder, did you have any say in that cool cover of yours?
Blodeuedd A
Finland
Greetings to you, blodeuedd! LOL about the family comment. I think I’d be living in a cave of grief, if that scenario were true.
When it comes to Ace covers, my editor asks me to write a brief description of the characters and any outstanding elements of the stories for marketing and art. I mention possible scenes, too. Then the brilliant art department takes over. This cover was designed by Judith Lagerman, and the art is by Larry Rostant (who also did the great covers for my Vampire Babylon series). They would all appreciation *your* appreciation.
Hope you’re having a great week!
Giada M. (Italy)
Thank you for posting! Bloodlands sounds really good. I need to update my wishlist! >_<
+25 RSVP
+5 Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Giada, welcome and thank you! My wishlist is *huge.* Probably like yours.
+1 Do you have any pets?
+1 Do you like cheesecake?
+25 RSVP
+5 Jennifer Estap
+1 Caridad Pi
Hi, Megan. : ) No pets, unfortunately. I travel quite a bit and it’s hard for me to take care of them. I would *love* to adopt some dogs in the future, when things calm down!
I love cheesecake. There used to be an amazing bakery/bookstore in Henderson, NV, with blueberry cheesecake to die for!
1. Beth M.-USA-RSVP
Beth! Thank you for the Vampire Babylon comment–as far as print goes, the only books in the VB series will be the main 6, plus the FIRST BLOOD novella and the recent THOSE WHO FIGHT MONSTERS short story. However, I’ve been seriously thinking about continuing the series with self e-pubbing (probably in novella form). The more I hear from readers like you that there’s interest, the more determined I am to start it up again!
Thanks for saying the girls were creepy! LOL. Since I absolutely *love* horror movies, my creatures tend to fascinate me rather than give me nightmares. Having said that, though, I wouldn’t want to run into them in real life. Actually, there are a few creatures who unsettle me from Bloodlands….
Rosie N., USA
Hi Chris,
Congrats on the new release. Do you listen to music while you work on your books, and if so, what kind of music would you say would be the soundtrack for Bloodlands?
+25 RSVP
+2 Questions
+1 Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/abbydillon16/status/95976666219823104
+5 Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep’s event
+1 Vote and comment this week’s poll
+1 RSVP and Attend Caridad Pi
Hi, there, Rosie, and thank you. You know, I don’t use music “to write by.” Complete silence is my preferred method! However, I do use brainstorming music (I even have a workshop about this!). Music like THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY works really well for Bloodlands, as does the soundtrack from BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA. Nice question! Oh, and for action scenes, I just love GLADIATOR.
Lisa R smalltown, USA
First of all let me say how awesome it is that we get three of your books in 3 months. Now that’s my idea of starting a new series.
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 #3
+2 Questions
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/95978240505675776
+15 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/95978367274336256
+500 ordered Bloodlands
+100 ordered In Blood We Trust
+100 ordered Blood Rules
+100 ordered Working Stiff email on way to the Prize Goddess
+5 Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Lisa–ooo, neat questions! And I agree about the bam-bam-bam schedule. I feel very lucky that Ace decided to use this release pattern.
1) My headline would read: BLOODLANDS TO BECOME GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S NEXT PIC! Hah! I just think he makes fantastic and emotional horror movies.
2) As a tennis shoe, I am still fairly unscuffed, even after lots of use. I’ve allowed my wearer to travel miles and miles to places that many other tennis shoes have never gone! And I’ve got a quirky little design (fringes, LOL) that make me feel quite saucy.
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96029808340901888
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96041405725679616
total=854
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96364328978104320
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96372977574219777
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96387935640895491
total= 857
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96724134607859712
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96765812001615872
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96774809115049985
total=860
Lisa R smallrown, USA
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96938387663101952
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96985493933260801
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/97071292087414784
total=863
This book is #1 on my wishlist! I want to read it SO bad! I loved the interview, too!
Julie W, USA
+25 RSVP’d
+15 Tweeted code and URL: http://twitter.com/#!/jwitt33/status/95981450486231040
+5 Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Hey, Julie! *Nice*! I like being #1. Thanks so much.
Andra L from the USA.
+1 Name
+25 RSVP
+5 Jennifer Estep’s Release Party
+1 Tally
Total: 32
Best of luck, Andra–thanks for coming!
Very nice interview, Christine and Gabriel! I sure do hope you find her!
Forty books– WOW! That’s amazing! Congratulations on your success! Now, I know it’s not nice to make authors pick their favorite they’ve written, so I won’t. Instead, I was wondering which one of your books you would like to see turned into a movie and who would you like to see cast?
)
Do you have anything you HAVE to have while writing? (besides the usual computer, paper, pin, etc, of course
Nice chatting with you!
I RSVP’d. +25.
Asked 2 questions. +2.
Am going to attend Jennifer Estep
How’s it going, Chelsea?! Gabriel and I thank you.
Truthfully, there are three properties I’d love to see as movies (and I only say this because I think Vampire Babylon would’ve made a better cable TV series than a movie. ):
1. Bloodlands (BTW, there’ll be a blog on the My Book, the Movie site probably within the week. I offered casting suggestions, and it was tons of fun.) This series would be a fine feature trilogy, IMHO.
2. The Huntress, a book I wrote years ago for the now-defunct Bombshell line for Silhouette. It was actually my first urban fantasy but was marketed as a paranormal romance/action-adventure.
3. Baited, which is another Bombshell. It was an “atmospheric thriller,” and could be pitched as Friday the 13th meets Agatha Christie meets Survivor.
I would say that I have to have *quiet* while I’m writing. I’m not good with distractions!
April V, USA
I’d read Crystal Green’s Vampire Babylon series (which was very good) but didn’t know she had so many pseudonyms. Question: Why all the different names since they are all pretty much fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal…?
RSVP’d = 25
Question = 1
Tally = 1
Total = 27
Hey, April! I’m so happy you liked the Vampire Babylon series.
And I’d be curious, too, about all my pen names, LOL. I actually covered this, but there’s so much info here that I’ll post my answer here:
<>
It’s good that you brought up how many paranormals I’ve written as opposed to regular books. When I look at my backlists, I see that I’ve actually written more “regulars” than paranormals, which surprises me, LOL. But I’ve been working with Special Edition for over a decade now (!), and Blaze for almost that long. The Chris Marie Green/Christine Cody books will catch up to those totals one day, though.
Thanks so much, April!
Whoops–my cut and paste didn’t paste, but we can refer to post #11!
Hi Christine! I’m Stacy C from Indiana in the good ole’ USA.
How did you know you were ready to quit your day job as a teacher and write full-time? How did you celebrate after selling the supernatural western series?
4 points
Stacy, greetings to you!
Oh, that was a scary thing to quit my “day job.” But I told myself that, as soon as I sold 3 books in a year, I’d strike while the iron was hot and pursue writing full time. Luckily, things have remained steady ever since! (It was about 8 years ago now. Wow.)
I celebrate every sale by buying a nice bottle of wine, LOL. For this sale, I did have a real nice meal at a restaurant in Disney’s California Adventure, though.
deb b/australia
hi there
this was a really great interview to read. i spotted the excerpt a while back and have had this series on my tbr pile ever since, can’t wait to get into it. i just love the back to back releases too – great for readers, tho i expect it is probably hard on an author to get three books ready to realease so close together.
sadly i missed the start of this chat as it was the middle of the night here but all my questions have already been asked and answered.
thanks for taking the time to enlighten everyone with the background of the book, the bloodlands world and yourself.
congrats on the series and hope you have a no. 1
deb
Deb, thanks for coming and for the really sweet comments! I’m so, so happy to hear you’ve been following Bloodlands and you liked the interview.
You actually do have a question in your message: no one has asked how hard it is to put out back-to-back-to-back releases.
Honestly, this series has been in the pipeline for a long time. Four years! That’s when I turned in the proposal. After it sold, I arranged to take eight months for each book, while doing other projects (for Crystal Green and Chris Marie Green) in between. It wasn’t until after I turned in book one that Ace decided on the bam-bam-bam schedule, so the first Bloodlands was on my editor’s desk awaiting publication for about two years, I think. The second had a wait of about a year and half. The last one was turned in last October. The only challenge for me was doing the line edits and then the galleys bam-bam-bam-bam-bam-bam at the beginning of this year. But it was nice, because it helped me keep the story and continuity fresh in my mind.
I’d do another bam-bam-bam in a heartbeat!
All the best down under.
2) (+02) – Hi!
Q1) Hmm, would your yearbook say that you were a little wild at heart?
Q2) is there a time of day/week/year that is easier to write than another?
4) other stuff –
(+25) RSVPed
(+05) Jennifer Estep
(+01) Caridad Pi
LOL, Lois, too funny. With question #1, yes, my yearbook definitely would’ve mentioned wild at heart. I didn’t get into *too* much trouble…that my parents knew of.
Q#2: Summer is the hardest. I’ve got Comic-Con every July, and there is no getting anything done during that week! There always seem to be “stray” projects that need taking care of during the summer, too, for some reason.
Hi Christine!
Happy Release Day! I just discovered “Bloodlands” today and I am definitely keeping my eye on it. I already enjoy paranormal and vampire stories but a Western one is a new and refreshing take on it. After reading the character interview already I feel the potential for a strong bond with Gabriel. I love character interviews because they place the characters front and center and gives them their chance to shine. When it comes to talking about himself he’s very vague, blase and good at deflecting real answers. When it comes to talking about the woman he loves, Abby he hides nothing and it really shows. Got to adore a man who’s so quick to admit he loves a woman. I’m looking forward to their story.
Are there any quirks that you have passed on to your characters?
What is one thing you would never change about Gabriel?
+25 RSVP
+ 2 Questions
+ 5 Attended Jennifer Estep’s event
+ 1 RSVP Caridad Pineiro’s event
+ 1 Voted on poll
+ 1 Commented on Off the Fang
+ 1 Tally points
36 = TOTAL POINTS
Hi, Na, and thank you!
Oh, those are some very good catches about Gabriel–especially the deflection. And he’s not the only one in the story who does that! Interesting thing, though…at first, Abby isn’t necessarily the woman Gabriel “finds.”
Hmmm…quirks and my characters. I’m plenty quirky, and I’d say that I pass on some of my goofiness to some of my people. In my Vampire Babylon series, I’d probably get along really well with Kiko (a little person vampire slayer and a comics geek). And I have a tendency to deflect as well, so that’s another trait!
One thing I would never change about Gabriel is his tenacity. He does go through quite a few changes during the series, though, as most of the characters do!
Great questions, and thank you!
Updated Total Points:
+500 Amazon purchases
+25 RSVP
+ 2 Questions
+ 5 Attended Jennifer Estep
Hi there! I put this is my wish list at amazon, will def be checking it out. It sounds great! What are your thoughts on audiobooks? Do you listen to them? Would you like to see this series available? Thanks for being here and I look forward to reading this!
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
ordered a book
did estep’s event
rsvp’d for pineiro
voted in poll
tally points=135
Joani, hello, and thank you! I *love* audio books and am constantly listening to them. I download from Audible. It’d be so great for this series to be available in that format–ideally, the books should be read by a male and female, and that could get expensive.
Some of my favorite audios include RUNNING WITH SCISSORS anything by Philipa Gregory (the readers are always wonderful).
1. USA
2. I am a follower and email subscriber. I can’t wait to read this book. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Victoria, I appreciate it! Have a great day.
Hi Christine,
When I lived in Florida I warned them Southblock was gonna happen. I just didn’t have a name for it.
What do you do to reward yourself for a job completed?
Do you have a favorite story world other than your own? and how do you hink your characters would fit in there?
1.Koren C USA
2.asked 3 +2
6.attended Jennifer’s event +5
rsvp’d for Caridad’s event +1
commented on and voted in poll +1
commented on Off the Fang +1
7.tally own points +1
I RSVP’d +25
total 36
Koren, awesome! They just *never listen*!
Oooo, after I complete a job I generally give myself permission to “mess around.” That means I do things that I don’t allow myself to do during my writing “cave time,” like watch a horror movie marathon or go on a long, long hike. Oftentimes, I’ll try to schedule a conference after a project so I can enjoy myself even more, LOL.
As far as favorite stories go, I am a huge STAR WARS fan. I always wanted to be Princess Leia (and I still think I can attain that goal someday. ). My characters would definitely fit in–some as rebels in the original trilogy. Some of the creatures would be right at home in the Cantina Bar, LOL.
Thanks for playing!
Hey! And Happy Release Day or rather Happy Release Night!
Ugh mosquito epidemic, I’d never make it in this world! I swear mosquitos fly miles just to bite me. So unfair.
Before I get distracted by my ever wandering mind. There’s a new station, THIS TV, that shows a lot of old vampire movies and Elvira Movie Macabre. Very cool. And I saw you mentioned Guillermo del Toro. He has this Vampire trilogy of books that he co-wrote with Chuck Hogan. If you’re a del Toro fan, you should give it a go.
I’ve been wondering, does it take a while to come up with the different terminology, like Shredders? Or does it sort of flow out while you’re thinking and writing?
Thanks!
Rae M. USA
RSVP’d +25
Attended Jennifer Estep’s event +5
RSVP for Caridad Pi
Rae, good to see you off the TV board and on here!
Mosquitos. I know them well. One year, I held the record at Girl Scout camp for most bites.
Funny, I am currently reading THE STRAIN! I’m not far into it, though. Have you read all three?
Interesting question about terminology. Shredders was a pretty easy word, because these slayers are named after the type of bullets they used on vampires. In the books, there’ll be a dialect that the city folk use called “Text.” That was just common sense, since today, we’re all shortening our speech as we shorten our written communication. It’s fun to think up names!
See you soon, Rae.
MARY P
AUSTRALIA
The character interview was wonderful!!
Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Mary, thank you! Glad you liked it.
I love the sound of this book. It is so very different.
Joyce G, USA
+25 RSVP
+1 tweet http://twitter.com/#!/jgravino/status/95665590089420802
+1 tweet http://twitter.com/#!/jgravino/status/96040565799526400
+15 tweeted the code http://twitter.com/#!/jgravino/status/96031422195843073
+5 Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Thank you, Joyce!
1. Elaine R, USA
2. Ask the author some questions, please no duplicates. + 1 points (max 2 towards points)
- What exactly is a ‘basic’ vampire?
3. Spread the word about this contest and HELP OUT Christine by spreading the word about her new book! – DONE
Tweet the code ONE time and URL – DONE
6.Attend and comment at Jennifer Estep
Elaine, thank you for your help.
I think what Gabriel means by a “basic vampire” is that he’s nothing fancy (as the vamps were in Vampire Babylon). Some of his “rules” are:
He’s animated in an otherwise undead body (no breathing, no heartbeat, cold to the touch, no soul,
I don’t really have any questions as I’ve not yet gotten this new series, but I plan to!! I was given the Vampire Babylon series awhile back but there are just sooooo many things on my TBR pile right now. Guess I’ll be adding this series to the stack!
Debbie W
USA
Hi, Debbie–I hear you about trying to catch up with all the TBR books. There just isn’t enough time in the year, LOL. Good luck with everything!
Wow, an apocalyptic story and vampires as well, I can’t wait to read Bloodlands.
Barbara E., USA
+25 RSVP’d
+5 Attended/Commented at Jennifer Estep
Barbara, good to hear! Thank you.
Happy release day!
+25 RSVP
I appreciate it, Cheryl! Feels good to finally have these books on the shelves.
Bloodlands sounds like my kinda book, looking forward to reading it.
1. what was the last book that you read?
2. Do you plan your books as you go (outline) or see where it take you?
3. Many authors are branching into the young adult genre, do you see yourself doing the same thing?
Van P. (US)
+25 rsvped for this event
+15 tweeted code: http://twitter.com/#!/vanpham88/status/96081060424716288
+3 asked 3 questions
+1 rsvped for Caridad Pi
Van, hi and thanks!
1) The last book I finished was A CLASH OF KINGS (George R.R. Martin). I’m on a Song of Ice and Fire binge, so I’m currently in the middle of A STORM OF SWORDS. Getting very nervous for some characters….
2) The amount of planning I do before a book depends on whom I’m writing for, really. For my Crystal Green books, I sell on proposal (synopsis and 3 chapters). I have to develop things pretty thoroughly for those. But for my paranormal books, I can sell on less, so I get to be a “pantster” for those, letting things develop as I go along. I use the “sticky” method, in which I post each scene I want on the closet, and I rearrange them according to need.
3) I love to read YA, but I don’t see myself going there anytime soon. But, once upon a time, I did write a book about a wannabe-penciler in her early twenties. It isn’t exactly YA–it falls into that “no man’s land” of post-college–but it’s pretty youthful. I’m actually planning to self e-pub it by the end of the year, although I’m not sure which name I’m going to use yet. It’s called THE SHE CODE, and I’d file it under the new genre that I just made up called “geek-lit.”
Happy Wednesday!
Congrats on the release! Sounds great and I look forward to reading it.
Vampires, Shifters, Zombies, Angels – who wins the final ultimate battle?
If you could witness any historical event past, present or future what would it be and why?
Thanks!
Contest stuff:
+25 RSVPd
+2 questions above
+1 tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/96088346849329152
+15 tweeted code – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/96088480777633792
+5 attending Jennifer’s release part
+1 RSVP for Caridad
+1 voted and commented on poll
+1 total – 51
Donna S
USA
Hi, Donna! Thank you.
1) Angels. No doubt angels. They have a good quarterback on their side.
2) Oooo–this is sick and twisted, but I’ve always wanted a definitive answer about the identity of Jack the Ripper. So I’d want to witness one of the murders he committed. That way I could be prepared to capture him and take him down!
While yes, some might consider that sick and a bit twisted. At the same time, it is one of the great unsolved cases involving well know serial killers. Just think of all the people it would help if he was caught early in his so called career. And what a mystery to solve.
Exactly! See, you understand.
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/96391171294773248
total – 52
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/96436024984616960
total – 53
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/96788814101610496
total – 54
June M.
Kentucky in US
Congrats on the new release. The book sounds great.
RSVP +25
tweet for A Charming time +15
Attend Jennifer Estep’s party +5
Totaling +1
TOTAL 46
Forgot to attach tweet link: http://twitter.com/#!/JuneAnnM/status/96098960283938816
Thank you, June.
Hi Christine
* I RSVPed to be here with Christine +25
* I Spread the news on my Twitter and here is the link http://twitter.com/#!/sasluvbooks/status/96111634816307200 +1
* I Will be Attending next Jennifer Esteps Giveaway +5
* I RSVPed for Caridad Pineiro +1
* I Voted in the Polls +1
* I Tallyed my Points +1=34
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Hey, Stacey! Thank you.
LInda T
Malaysia
#1 +1
#7 + 1
= 2
Linda, welcome–you came a long way, too!
Maria D. – USA
Bloodlands looks really good and I can’t wait to read this.
My questions for Christine:
1. You mentioned that you like Star Wars books and that you always go to Comic Con, so I would like to know if you ever dress up in costume for any of their events and if you do – what’s your favorite costume?
2. When you write your characters, do you use pictures of models/actors/people as an inspiration for their physical descriptions in the books or are they fully fleshed out in your mind when they come to you?
3. What’s next after the Bloodlands series? Are there characters in another world vying for your attention now?
Point Tally
Voted on This Weeks Poll +1
Tweeted the Contest +1
Tweeted A Charming Time code +15
Attend Jennifer Estep Party +5
RSVP&Attend Caridad Pineiro +1
Ordered New Copy of Bloodlands for Nook +500
Added Points +1
Total Points = 524
forgot to add my tweet links
Tweet of Chris Cody Release Party:
http://twitter.com/#!/crazymidwestgal/status/96202312061698049
Tweet of ACharming Time Code and Link:
http://twitter.com/#!/crazymidwestgal/status/96202546800107520
Maria, thank you so much!
1) Actually, I’ve never dressed up.
I’m lazy that way. But if I did I would have to be plain old diplomatic-mission Princess Leia with the hair buns. I know, how boring, but I would feel so empowered!
2) Good question. I only have mental pictures of my characters, so they come to me fleshed out. For Gabriel, I imagined a young Russell Crowe (when *don’t* I imagine him? LOL). I saw the heroine of Bloodlands, Mariah, as a Western version of the French Le Femme Nikita–waifish yet strong at the core.
3) I’m under contract for about 6 more Crystal Green books over this year and the next, but there are projects I’ll be working on in between. I have a paranormal epic fantasy idea under consideration at a house, so I’m waiting to hear about that…. Here’s the pitch: vampires meets LORD OF THE RINGS meets SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND. I cannot *wait* to write that. And I have that Hammer-esque gothic horror story I mentioned in a post above waiting in the wings. Also, I’ve been playing with ideas for digital Vampire Babylon novellas. Oh, and I’m going to be whipping my already-written “geek-lit” book THE SHE CODE into shape for digital publication.
So, yeah. There you go!
All the best!
1. Gef F. (Canada)
2. +2 Are there any westerns that you gravitate towards again and again?
+2 Which genre do you have an aversion to? For me, I have trouble warming up to hard sci-fi.
3. +3 https://twitter.com/#!/WagTheFox/statuses/96239784946708480
6.+5 Attended and commented on Jennifer Estep’s Release Party.
+1 Voted and commented on this week’s poll.
7. +1 Tallied up to 14 points total.
Hi, Rabid Fox! (Cool name. )
I absolutely love TOMBSTONE. It provides all the right emotional beats and is just plain awesome. THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY is pretty great, too, and I just saw THE SEARCHERS, which blew me away.
Yes, I’m with you on the hard sci-fi. The hardest I get with sci-fi is Orson Scott Card, whose SPEAKER FOR THE DEAD made me cry.
Thanks!
Hi,
I’d like to ask:
what is your favorite childhood book?
What is the book you have reread the most?
Thanks!
Dovile P., Lithuania
___
+25 RSVPed for this event
+2 for questions
+5 attending and commenting at Jennifer Estep
Morning, Dovile.
My fave childhood book was a Little Golden Book named LITTLE MOMMY. It’s frighteningly old fashioned, but when I was 2, I was completely charmed by it, LOL. I eventually graduated to the Chronicles of Narnia, then VC Andrews books (explain *that* progression!).
I keep going back to THE SECRET HISTORY, by Donna Tartt. It’s a very atmospheric and intelligent “murder at an Ivy League school book” that explores edgy characters. Very dark stuff.
Have a good one!
I have been waiting for this book! It was the cover art that drew me to it, do you have any say in what gets put on the cover of your books? I hope it does very well for you, thanks for the chance to win!
1+ follower
eyesofblueice(at)gmail(dot)com
Lexi H USA
Hey, Lexi! I just suggest character traits and scenes for the covers, but it’s up to the art and marketing department to do the rest–and they’ve never failed me at Ace.
I’ve been extremely lucky, especially with this cover.
Hi Chris!!! I have several Wows. 3 books coming out in that short of a time – how did you make that happen? Most books come out about a year apart – why the rush to get all 3 out in 3 months.
Second – do you ever get confused as to which name you are using on a certain day? Ever sign the wrong one at a book signing.
I’m not really sure when you have time to sleep with all of that…you do sleep right, or is there another secret out there.
Contest stuff:
+25 RSVP
+2 – questions
+1 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/#!/Heatwave316/status/96405196032315392
+15 – tweeted code – http://twitter.com/#!/Heatwave316/status/96405423334244353
+5 – Jennifer Estep chat
+1 – tally
total = 49
Hey, heatwave! LOL about the Wows. There’s an explanation of the bam-bam-bam scheduling in post #30, but as for the reason Ace decided to release that way, it’s because bam-bam-bam is considered a marketing push. They hope that the series will build as more books come out and readers will become more aware of the backlist books.
Another LOL–I’m not a good sleeper, but I sure try. Actually, my “Crystal Green” and “Chris Marie Green” names have the same signature. I’m just getting started with the “Christine Cody” signature, and so far, I’ve messed up only one time! I do have to think about what I’m signing, though, before I put pen to paper.
Thanks so much!
Teri (US)
This sounds like a great series. I am surprised I have not seen it at my local store. That was a great interview.
From being a teacher to over 40 published books, how does that feel? Were any of your students surprised to learn that you were a writer?
+25 rsvp’d
+1 question
+5 attended Estep even
+1 rsvp Caridad event
+1 I can add
Hello, Teri C! Great to see you here, too.
Maybe your local store is just late in getting Bloodlands on the shelf? I *hope* that’s the reason!
While I was teaching, I was using any and all my time off to write–weekends, nights, especially vacation time. And my students knew about my efforts. I tried not to share a lot about what I was specifically writing, but I let them know what I was going through and what they could be doing if they ever wanted to get published. I was also able to use what *I* was learning as a very newly published writer to create craft lessons for them. I “retired” about a year after first getting published because that’s when I sold those three books in one year. It was a sad/happy time.
All the best, Teri.
Kaya H (US)
I really like the sound of the series. I looked up the books online and it looks awesome. I am not sure how I am missing great series like these at the bookstores. I may have book blindness after seeing so many on the shelves, I feel like I miss some really great books sometimes. Although finding a series later in its releases is great because I do not have to wait for all of the books only the newest releases.
My question is where do you find your most inspirational writing space? Is is at home, a coffee shop, a park, and office?
Thank you so much for coming on and letting me learn about your books.
+25 rsvp
+5 at the Estep Release
+1 rsvp the Caridad Pi
Hey, Kaya–I know how you feel about “blindly” trying to find these new series. Luckily, we have places like BBB to help us out, right?
I’m such a lazy bones–I like to write on my laptop in my bed, LOL. That way, I can validate wearing my PJs on the job. However, I have a desk where I take care of writing-related business. I have no idea why I do it that way. Just a quirk, I guess.
Thank *you*!
Wow, western apocolyptic – sounds really intriguing.
I can’t wait to read the whole series. If I could change anything about myself it’d be how I react to situations – I go from zero to super anxious about the silliest things. I wish I could be more mellow sometimes, but I guess I just wouldn’t be me if that were the case 
+1
+25 rsvp
+5 rsvp Caridad event
+1 attended Jennifer’s event
+1 = 33 points total
Thank you so much, Stephanie!
Oh, I hear you about being super mellow one second and spazzy the next. I think you just described me! LOL. I’m actually pretty zen about most things, but when something presses a button in me, I can get rather ruffled, too.
Here’s to staying zen!
Hi Chris! welcome back to BBB! I love, love, love the book!
Did you like watching any old westerns as a child? If so, which ones?
What do you enjoy doing for relaxation?
(USA, I did RSVP and posted to Facebook)
Carol!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. I wish I were going to Dragon*Con so we could chat about stuff over a drink.
I was totally into BONANZA reruns when I was a kid. BIG VALLEY was lots of fun, too, but I have to say that horror movies were more popular around the Green household than Westerns, LOL.
Relaxing? What does that mean? I joke. At the end of the day, I’m a big TV watcher. I mean it–I watch way too much, but I also “work” when I’m doing it. There’s something about zoning out in front of the tube that gives my brain permission to wander. That’s where I think of a lot of my ideas, and I keep *a lot* of paper by my side to scribble random notes.
See you on the TV boards!
How do you keep track of all your storylines and pseudonyms? Do you ever get confused and mix them up?
Margay R (US)
+25 rsvp’d
+2 for two questions
+1 Tweeted
+100 for making purchase on Barnes and Noble
+1 Total = 129
Hey, Margay,
As of yet, I haven’t had a problem getting mixed up.
When I put on a certain name, it’s like wearing different clothing, and you know how our clothes can affect attitude!
Have a great one!
Hi Christine,
Thanks for visiting us over here at BittenbyBooks. I love the setting for your book, Bloodlands. It sounds like a great read and is going onto my TBR pile!
1. How have people been classifying your book in terms of genre? (Would you say the setting has a futuristic or alternate reality element to it?)
2. What’s the best part about writing in the paranormal/supernatural field?
3. Was Bloodlands the only title for this book during writing and editing towards publication or did you have any others in mind? If so, what were they and why didn’t they stick?
Thanks!
James
RSA
+25 RSVP’d
+2 Q&A
+1 Poll
+1 Tally
Total 29
Tweet Updates:
+15 Tweeted @acharmingtime http://twitter.com/#!/JamesR_InkSkin/status/96501157031198721
+1 Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/JamesR_InkSkin/status/96501875641290752
TOTAL UPDATE 45
Purchase update:
+500 (Any merchandise… I first tried to purchase Bloodlands Kindle edition straight off the bat…but not available to South African shoppers…sigh. I really hate that and it happens way too often.) Receipts emailed to PrizeGoddess.
UPDATED TOTAL 545
Excellent, James, thanks!
1) Yeah, the “branding” has been interesting. Publisher’s Weekly actually mentioned Bloodlands in an article about recent books that defy categories, LOL. There’s a futuristic bent to Bloodlands, but as far as values and characters go, there’s an old-fashioned quality, I think. And the supernatural elements add something entirely different–an otherworldly “oh-oh” factor….
2) I love that supernatural stories allow me to go a little metaphor crazy, LOL. I’ve always been into subtext and themes and symbolism, and I get to play with all of those to my heart’s desire!
3) Neat question–Bloodlands was the *only* title for the first book, and they wanted it for the entire series, too. (Unfortunately, just before publication, I discovered that there’s another “Bloodlands” book out there–non-fiction.) Blood Rules was initially going to be the title for the third book, but my editor, the fabulous Ginjer Buchanan, thought it’d be a better title for the second book, which I was calling “(No) Spill Blood.” (I took that from an Oingo Boingo song, and it had an ambiguous quality about the creatures’ rules and morality that I liked.) I had also suggested In Blood We Trust, and that seemed a perfect fit for the third book.
Thank you, James!
Hi Chris,
i was wondering if this is the only genre that you write in?
+1 for questions
+0 attending and commenting at Jennifer Estep
sorry i forgot to put my info.
Tammy R.-usa
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com
Hi, Tammy. Don’t be too surprised, but I also write “home and hearth” books for Harlequin Special Edition under Crystal Green. I also write “hot romances” for Harlequin Blaze under the same name. Chris Marie Green is my urban fantasy name, and Christine Cody is more paranormal romance-y.
: )
hi i love you answer a basic vampire.
brigitte g usa
what will be your next adventure in writing?
rsvp 25 and attending minnettes mendors release party
1 point for the comment on the ghost picture
1point comment on caridad pinerio release party
1 point on christine codys
total 28
LOL, brigeitte, thanks. Right now, I’m doing lots of blogs for the Bloodlands release, but next I have to get a manuscript in shape for digital self-publication. I’ve mentioned my “geek-lit” project, THE SHE CODE, previously, but I’m targeting October for a release date….
may have to check this out. not many stories start with the male hero and his take of the story. sounds interesting. and thank you for sharing your stories by writing because I LOVE TO READ…
Cathy, I love that *you* love to read!
This Gabriel interview was just a little teaser. It takes place before the story even starts and he heads out to the New Badlands….
Hi, Wendy S here from the USA.
Do you think subgenres within a genre like romance make for more interesting reading as a whole, or are they more likely to get people stuck within a niche of the genre?
Hey, Wendy. I think branding is a two-edged blade any way it comes. Most readers like to know what they’re getting, so branding a book/series as something like “paranormal romance” can be helpful in that respect. But when you want to write something that can’t quite be described so easily (as I did with Bloodlands), there’s a chance that the reader might not be satisfied because they didn’t get the experience they wanted when they started the book.
Hi Christine,
I know your busy on the road. I want to say I’m thrilled to win the Bloodlands books.
Okay here is the first question:
1. When your developing characters for your books, does the name of the characters come first? Or does your characters make themselves known first and than you assign the name to them?
2. How long does it usually take you to get your characters all out, the story line to be ready to publish? I mean I read some authors it takes them almost a year to write a book. Especially if they get a character who wants to give them problems.
+2 for questions to author
+1 for entering Caridad Pi
Teresa, thank you so much for stopping here!
1) This goes both ways. Sometimes I just know the name right off the bat, and the name goes a long way in defining the character. Then again, there are times I come up with a character and I have to really think about the name, LOL. I’m not sure which method works the best though.
2) It depends on what kind of book I’m writing… Paranormal romances and urban fantasy definitely take longer than any other book because I have to make sure I’m not leaving holes in my world or any in mysteries that are driving the plot. These books took about 3 months each.
Thanks so much!
Mary W USA
Welcome, Mary!
Woot, more for my tbr pile! Sounds great.
Julie T, USA
Woot is right!
Thank you.
Brooklyn A, USA
+1 for entering Caridad’s Contest
+1 Author Question
+1 Tweeting
+1 Tallying
What are the most difficult scenes to write? The happy ones, sad ones, violent ones, or steamy ones?
Hey, Ann,
The most difficult scenes to write are the ones in which something sad happens. I say “difficult” in an emotional way, because those scenes actually do flow.
Oops Forgot to tally lol, total =4
Wow! What a contest! It goes well with what looks to be a great book and series. Congrats to you Chris. I must admit that I’ve never read your books, but read your interview on The Book Pushers blog. Doing all those interviews really does work as a marketing tool!
I’m really glad, though, because there’s nothing better than finding a new and different vamp story. This might not say much about my mental health, but I find post-Apocalyptic stories fascinating because we can see how delicately our world is balanced on the razor’s edge between contining to live our lives basically how we always have versus the end of everything we know. I can’t wait to start reading!
Was there anything about how the world is today that influenced you in how you created your new world? Not to be too deprssing, of course.
Here’s my count
25 RSVP
1 question
1 entered Caridad’s contest, but RSVP was closed
1 comment on Jennifer Estep’s page, but contest and RSVP was closed
1 commented and voted in poll
TOTAL: 29
Thanks. That was fun!
Mara B.
marajbrandon AT earthlink DOT net
Mara, so glad to hear that the blog tour has been noticed! It was actually pretty fun, because I got to stretch a few creative muscles while writing things like character interviews, etc.
I *so* agree about the “appeal” of post-apocalyptic stories–you phrased that very well. And, yes, there were a lot of elements in today’s world that influenced my view of the future. I can be a cynic, . I see us becoming more and more distracted by things that don’t matter–so-called scandals with media-created celebrities seem to be more important than the political events we should really be keeping our eyes on. I think we’ll be talking Text (as some characters do in the books) before long, because, when I was teaching, I saw a real change in how the students communicated, shortening their speech (and their essays!) to reflect how they spell in their emails and texts. And I do think that corporations are going to take us over even more.
Bleak, huh? But I also think that we’re a society made up of folks who will fight and overcome.
Oops! Forgot to give my country! USA
Mara B.
marajbrandon AT earthlink DOT net