Author Erin Kellison Release Party and Kindle Fire Contest – Closed
PLEASE NOTE: This contest is closed and the winners have been chosen and notified.
Thank you to Bitten By Books for having me here to celebrate the release of Fire Kissed, book one in my new Shadow Kissed series. BBB has hosted my release party for every book, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In keeping with the FIRE theme, I’m giving away a Kindle Fire today (or for international readers, the $200 value in the form of a gift card). AND I’m also giving away five copies of Fire Kissed as well.
Let’s talk heroes. In Fire Kissed, Jack Bastian is an angel who hires firemage Kaye Brand to do a dangerous job. He is her handler and her body guard on a mission from Hell. He is stoic, loyal, dedicated, and all about the job. And deep down inside, he’s tormented by the unending stretch of time and the seeming futility of his work. He a man on the edge of darkness… and he falls… hard… into fire.
My heroes have always been dark, and Jack, though an angel, is no exception. My task with each book, and particularly him, is to make sure that the hero’s essential character traits are challenged, yet ultimately help him overcome incredible odds. In the end (no big spoiler), Jack is… still stoic, loyal, and dedicated… though perhaps each trait has been reassigned to someone else or someone else’s cause (psst… Kaye’s) that he didn’t expect. And that edge of darkness? Well, maybe he learns to revel a little.
BTW, excerpts and cool stuff are over at my website: www.erinkellison.com
Note for Bitten by Books readers.
We are trying something new for our contests to see if it works out better for you and for us! I am sure many of you have seen the rafflecopter widget on other blogs. If you have any trouble PLEASE email me at rachel@bittenbybooks.com do not post in the comments because I probably won’t see it. The only mandatory action is the first one which of course is your Name and Country as usual. All others are optional. Also, you can post as many comments and questions as you like, but there are 3 that are worth points if you want them. You can by pass using the widget at all, if you don’t want to enter the contest. The ONLY way to enter this contest is by using the Rafflecopter widget. It will add up all your points and save all of your data for me. So, the good news is you don’t have to count points or keep track anymore! YAY! Feel free to let me know what you think of this new method! And a BIG thanks to Erin Kellison for letting us try it out on her. LOL Enjoy! Oh! This contest runs for TWO weeks, end ends on 7/25. So you can come back daily and do these things (as far as I know) and get more points!
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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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Welcome Back Erin! It is so good to have you here again.
I bet you are really excited about your new release Fire Kissed!
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for having me! Always great to party at BBB. Was just playing on A Charming Time.
Hey Erin!
Awesome, we are working on several new lines right now. Some awesome new paranormal themed necklaces are in the works. he he I think you all will love them. I have a ton of stuff I need to get up on the site and a TON more that needs to be made. Keep your eyes out! and thanks for checking out the site.
HUGs
OOooooo- Anything FIRE related? Hint Hint
Real or fictional, who is your hero?
Hi Lou Ann,
Ah, my hero is my husband, who goes way beyond the call of duty for me and the kids.
Cam from my Shadow Touch series is slightly based on him.
I look forward to this series..good luck on your sales and may you make it to number 1.
Hi Connie!
Thank you and thank you for stopping by too.
Hi Erin, nice to back you here today.
Hi Dina–
It’s always nice to be here.
I’m not a big fan of rafflecopter, as I’ve seen entries over 5000 to 300000, for me it’;s not worth it, but I love BBB and want it to be easy for all, so I’ll have to see how it goes also. thanks for trying something new tho and hope it helps you!
thanks Dina!
I could see how actually seeing what people’s combined total of points were would be daunting. But don’t give up!!
Rachel,
So glad you are using Rafflecopter. You will be amazed at how much it simplifies your contests. You will probably go around hitting yourself in the head once it is over saying why? why, didn’t someone tell me how great Rafflecopter is?
And glad you have started having these release parties again. I always saved my new books to buy through you during the contests so welcome back BBB!
Thanks Lisa!
I am already hitting myself over the head. Good prediction. LOL
I am going to be using it next week at the Donald Allen Kirch Release Party on Monday and the Molly Harper one on the 30th too!
I learn fast once I have the tools!
Woot Woohhhh woot!
Hi Dina,
I’m relatively new to rafflecopter myself. The number of entries kind of makes me laugh! Thanks for giving it a try.
its scary when you see the very high #s can lead ppl away and it has for me, but I love BBB, so will try anything here, lol
The big numbers may look scary but when we were getting 500 points for buying the authors book and 100 on any other purchases the number were even higher. We just didn’t see them. I often had 1000 points or more as did others and Rafflecopter is so much easier all the way through for both picking winners, contacting them, and for us submitting info. I promise you’ll love it.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Hi Betty!
I have a million favorite authors… lately I’ve read Justin Cronin, Stephen King, Kate Douglas, and I’m digging into Rebecca Zanetti and Laurie London now.
My TBR is huge, but that is the way I like it. 
will wait to buy Fire Kissed as they are also prizes
Central time 12:00PM was almost an hour ago now. Where is our lovely author?
Hi Lou Ann!
I’m here, I’m here!!! Had to get the kids squared away. Summer drives us all crazy.
Erin, most of your male characters are so easy to fall in love with… do you fashion them after someone you know???
Hi Carole!
The only hero that is partially based on someone is Cam. The early Cam (Shadow Touch) is a lot like my husband. As the series goes on though, of course he’s going his own way. My other heroes are all their own.
I was wondering how you choose the names for your books?
Hi Heather–
Names are my nemesis! When I start writing, I often choose a random name, thinking I’ll go back and pick a special one. Then the character goes and becomes that name and later nothing feels right. I’ve learned the hard way to choose carefully. For example, I can’t name an evil character after a good friend. Might be funny in the moment, but hard later on.
Has happened more than once.
I find that really interesting because I have Loved all the names of your Characters (except for Custo, because I’m not sure I am pronouncing it correctly. lol).
That’s interesting. I look up meanings of names. I pick a first letter that I’d like a name to start with, think about their character and find a meaning with a corresponding name. Some of my names are very exotic but I find people love them and have their own pronunciation of each of them. Good luck and Happy Reading!
Do you research the origins of the names and meanings before you make the final choice for naming your characters?
Yes, I do ultimately research the names and select carefully. For example, Kaye Brand is a fire name. The villain, Ferrol Grey, has a name that means iron, which is where he gets his power. Incidental characters sometimes get the first name that pops into my head.
How do you keep the flow of your story so good. I have trouble even with a short story, as far as he said, he spoke, he muttered. that kind of thing.
I think you are referring to what I call “tags.” I only tag with a “said” or “muttered” when I need to make sure that the reader knows who is speaking. More often, I try to go with choreography to give the scene movement. For example…
Erin sat forward in her chair and put her hands to the keyboard. “This is the best idea ever!”
What do you do when you hit writer’s block? I am trying to work with my book I’m writing and I’ve hit a deadly block! I don’t know how to get around it. What are some things you do?
Hi Jessica,
When I get writer’s block it’s because I don’t know what is supposed to happen next. I usually step away from the keyboard and talk it out either with my husband or a critique partner. Then I make myself sit back down and work past the point knowing I can (and probably will) go back and change it later.
What inspires you to write the novels you do? I feel like they have that fairy tale quality to them. It is what has drawn me to them so much. So I was just wondering if something like that inspired you? Or if it was a myth or legend?
I love myths and legends and fairy tales. When I was in school, that’s what I studied. They still influence me today. It’s what I’ve always been drawn to. Whatever fairy tale is in my head acts as a touchstone for what I am writing. So they are both inspirational and grounding, if that makes sense.
Hi from Finland!
Hi Minna from Finland!!! Thanks for stopping by!
What was your path to publication like? I’m an aspiring author and have already felt the burn of so many rejections! Even no responses which I have marked as rejections.
I need to know that there’s hope!
Congrats on getting your stuff out there! That’s the biggest hurdle. The next hurdle is to keep at it. Frankly, rejections suck. And many places that you submit to won’t respond. Often that means no (check their website), but it could also mean that you need to resubmit (again, check their site). And stick to it. Becoming published is a marathon without an end. Those that get published and stay published have endurance. Good luck!
Hi Erin – I am looking forward to this read. I’ve been spotting it around for a week or so and it looks so good.
Who would be your dream author if you were to co-write a book with some one?
My dream co-author? Wow that is a hard one. Ummm…. I’m going to go with fantasy author Bujold. LOVE how she writes and would love to learn from her.
Hi Erin! Congrats on your new release!
So, you talked about the hero and I’m already eager to meet him, but what about the heroine? What is she like?
My heroine is named Kaye Brand and she is my favorite to date. She is a firemage with a tough history. But the thing I like about her so much is that there is nothing whatsoever that is bland or nicey-nice. She’s dynamic, passionate, and full of courage. If I were going into a fight, she’s who I’d want next to me.
Rachel – Speaking on my behalf but I have to say I like this new way. I imagine it is easier all way around. On you and on us. Goes quicker too without us adding up our points.. and uhh I don’t have to use a calculator to check if I added up right.
Kellison I have your books in my TBR pile.
Thanks Rao!
It was a lot easier, and makes it way less work for me now that I have it set up. Picking a winner will be super easy and it is beneficial for the authors! I can’t believe I didn’t find and use this sooner.
Doesn’t it help you buy choosing the winner for you? Better than accumulating all the points and using random.org
The other way I haven’t been all that lucky but I am addicted to BBB and it’s been good to me so I keep coming back
Hope you enjoy!
Fire Kissed sounds really interesting. I am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks, Suzanne!
Hello Erin,
I am very anxious to start reading Fire Kissed. Good Luck on your sales and keep writing these incredible books as I will be anxiously waiting for them to come out for me to read. Thank you for bringing such amazing characters to life!
Thanks Gloria! I’m thrilled that you’ve enjoyed my books. Thank you so much for your support here.
Are you writing the next book or are you giving yourself a little break until the kids go back to school?
I’m always working on something. Right now it’s Mage Kissed, book #2 in the SK series.
I Was Wondering If You Created A Hero Or Heroin Based On Someone You Know Personally.
Only really Cam, from the Shadow Touch series (he’s based on my husband). Otherwise, I do keep scheming (though have yet to follow thru) to put someone I don’t like in a book and kill them off.
Where DO We RSVP I Dont See That On Here Any Where LOL.
April, there is another link on the main BBB website.
So I know that some of your books are based on specific stories like Beauty and the Beast and Giselle. Would you list what book is based on what story? It’s not always easy to tell
Sure Liza–actually that would be a great piece for my website!
Shadow Bound – Dark take on Sleeping Beauty
Shadow Fall – The ballet Giselle
Shadowman – Beauty and the Beast
Shadow Touch novella series – The separation of shadow you see in Peter Pan
Fire Kissed – The Little Match Girl w bit of mythological being of the phoenix.
Awesome! Thank you! I guess it is fairly easy to tell, I was just over thinking it there for a bit. Lol!
Hi Erin!
Firstly I have to say how much I love this series! This is probably one of the most unique storylines. It’s so different and you are awesome for thinking it up. So thanks and I can’t wait to read this next one!
As for the questions…
What are the essential qualities of a hero?
Huh, I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about the actual qualities for one. The heroes of a story just always stand out.There are so many different variations of a hero. But I think the one that needs to be consistent is they need to have some sort of strength of will to them. Because I know if I were in half of these situations, if I didn’t have the strength to actually to do it. I would have hopped a plane as far away as possible! I rather like not being cannon fodder!
Can a hero, and an angel at that, be dark and still good?
-Well, I think so. In fact it makes the story even better to watch the hero struggle through all the dark things in their life to change. Or at the very change their way of thinking.
Do those same traits apply to the heroine?
In my head the same traits should apply, but that doesn’t always happen in stories. A lot of the times when the personality roles are reversed, the heroine is seen as worse off than the male counterpart. And their seems to be less patience for the male lead when the female heroine is the dark one. Granted it’s not always like that in books, but it does happen a lot.
As for a question for you, are there any of the female characters who were more like you that another?
As for the new rafflecopter. I say whatever makes life easier. Frankly I’m good with it. And I know this will most likely make things easier for you. At least I hope all goes well. (I’ll cross my fingers for you)
Even though it was up there I still had the urge to write out all my points at the bottom! Old habits and all that.
At least I won’t have to pretend I can count anymore! Although I will say my ability to add things to the number 25 is now a very finely honed skill thank you very much. I don’t know where I’m going to use that skill in the future, but I’ll be ready when the time comes!
Thanks for your great answers. As for female characters… none are really like me, though they have aspects that I relate to. I had recently finished my masters when I was writing Talia, who’d just gotten her phd. Annabella is a ballerina, and a long time ago I danced with a regional ballet company and was even in the corps of Giselle. But the one I associate most with myself is Marcie, the chef at Segue. To me she’s a kind of meta character, in the middle of everything, watching, but not involved.
I instantly loved Marcie!
Awwww! That makes me so happy! She’s not in there for long, but I’m glad she sparkled a little.
What kind of research did you do for your book?
What was the most intersting thing you learned while do your research?
I spend a lot of time online doing research. A lot. I’ve picked out the clothes that my heroine wears, researched the cars (actually my husband does that and says, Use this car), find art that is evocative. I try to immerse myself. Most interesting thing this time around? The sculptures at the Hirshhorn. I’d been there before when I lived in the DC area, but learning about the different works was very cool.
I’m looking forward to purchasing your book line and start reading. Do you have a huge personal experience that you draw from in your stories other than your wonderful hubby?
Personal experience… hmmm… the closest one was Shadow Fall, the ballet Giselle. I was in the corps when I was like sixteen and was so mesmerized by the story and the in-between place of the haunted forest. I actually went back and learned the choreography again so that I could be accurate in the book.
I look forward to reading this book . I like bad angels.
Hope you enjoy it, Elizabeth! I like my angels bad, too!
Hi Erin!
What are some of the writer’s tools that you rely on most frequently, such as software programs, pen & paper charts, etc?
Hi Roni–great question. I have a whiteboard that gets heavy traffic. I storyboard with post-its. I keep an excel file tracking scenes and POV, so that I don’t mess up. My husband has a timeline around somewhere and he makes a map and blueprint of important buildings. My best resource however has always been the four-arc blueprint in How to Write Killer Fiction.
Roni L., PA USA
Erin,
If you could live as a character in any fairy tale, which fairy tale would you choose and who would you be?
Hello Erin! My two questions are:
1. What started you in this genre and what age were you when you knew this was the genre you liked?
2.What advice to Indie writers like me, can you give on getting their books published?
I have always loved the fantasy and romance genres. Actually… anything where I get to build or mess with a world. I started writing my first book in 6th grade. It was a dark contemporary fantasy.
Advice for an indie writer… I have just recently dipped a toe into that pool and am loving it. I’m on a couple of loops dedicated to indie publishing and the very generous authors that are a part of them post information on a variety of topics that really help keep me updated. Also, if I have a question, I know where to go to ask it. Feel free to email me at ekellison@gmail.com and I’ll send you links.
Hi Erin!
The world-building for your books sound terrific. I was wondering is it easier to create a world or a character?
I love creating both worlds and characters. Neither is really easier tho. The most rewarding for me are the characters because they get to inhabit the world. And they push the boundaries of the world (which pushes me, too).
Is there a place you would like to travel to but haven’t yet, which was inspired by a book?
I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland–have even occasionally searched online for deals–but Moning’s Fever series sparked the interest all over again.
From some of your favorite heroes ever, what are some qualities that drew you to them?
Speaking of heroes, here are my answers to your questions
I really like a hero who has strong convictions. He’s loyal, strong and capable. He’s willing to admit he’s wrong and learn from mistakes. A hero doesn’t have to be perfect since his flaws can make him very interesting.
A hero or fallen angel can definitely be good. They’ll likely be more human to me and easier for me to connect with them. Sometimes you have to be a little bad to realize what good means.
Traits that make a good hero also applies to a heroine. I want her to be strong and capable and not necessarily perfect. She can be flawed which makes her interesting.
Congrats on your release. I wish you much success!
Hi Na! By far the most important trait to me is honor–that he has it, knows when he is compromising it, trying to regain it. That and he’s loyal, truthful, and has courage. Great answers btw!
Hello Erin,
I keep checking the Festival of Books website hoping to see your name. It isn’t there yet but hope springs eternal.
Are there any specific authors you would like to participate in a panel with?
What are the essential qualities of a hero?
They must be a quick and flexible thinker.
Can a hero, and an angel at that, be dark and still good?
Of course, anyone can.
Do those same traits apply to the heroine?
Yes they do. Hero or Heroine the only difference is a bit of dangle.
I was wondering what drew you to write fantasy.
I am looking forward to reading your new release!
Do you have a favorite con or book fair/festival that you participated in as an author?
as a fan?
Thank u BBB for such an amazing feature, I absolutely love Erin and her Shadow series!!! It just so happens that I am apart of Erin’s Street Team so I get to communicate with her on a daily basis so I don’t have any questions that haven’t already been answered. I also was honored to receive a ARC of Fire Kissed cause Erin is so awesome!!!!
Name in Rafflecopter thing is Christina Cessna, I think that is usually my only issue with the rafflecopter thing cause sometimes people forget to leave a comment section in an entry block and I have no place to add my other name lol.
ok my 3 comments/questions:
1- Do you have trouble choosing the covers?
2- Do you ever go to the shoots for some of the covers?
3- I have not had to read any of your work yet, but I own some. It’s just they are on my list to read but I am doing reviews for some authors and I am working on them first but I am very interested in reading yours (why I have them close by my bed).
Thanks again
Love the bad angel idea! I always pick up books like this. Sounds great!!
What is your favorite childhood book/series?
Have you ever written fan fiction? For what fandom?
Could you tell us more about how the cover of Fire Kissed was created?
__
@BBB – I love it that you’ve swtiched to Rafflecopter, it’s so much easier to enter now!
What was the first thing you wrote?
I just picked up the kindle edition and I am looking forward to this new series!
What are the best and worst pieces of advice you were given when you were first trying to get published?
Where did you go to college?
Lisa D. USA
I did RSVP
Do you use alot or hardly any of the word pharses that you grew up with? Like
“She dove into the ceral like cows on corn.”
Lisa D. USA
What would you like in your obit? Hopefully it is in just about 100 years from now!!
Lisa D. USA
Where do you see yourself in 40 years?
Lisa D. USA
How would you get me to read Fire Kissed?
Lisa D. USA
Congrats on your release. I wish you much success!
Erin, Glad I came by. Though I missed out because I didn’t make it yesterday. Your book sounds wonderful. Congrats on the release and good luck with your writing journey.
Cher
Lisa R rural town USA
First of all Why did you wait so long before using Rafflecopter? It is sooo much easier.
Hey Erin,
Though I haven’t started this series yet, I do have all the books in it. Once summer is over and I have a life again (granddaughter goes back to school)I have them in my TBR pile to have a marathon reading feast. Every review I’ve seen makes me want to start them but with my daughter getting married this summer and my granddaughter attached at my hip, I’ve had little ME time.
Planner or pantzer?
DO you follow a “formula” when you write? DO you outline your ideas, write in a specific order
If you could be any Disney charactor, who would it be?
Do you have any unusual or special talents excluding your storytelling abilities?
You woke up this morning and realized you had been reincarnated as a pair of shoes.
Describe yourself.
Deep question’s.But I think I got threw them.
What’s been the weirdest moment in your writing career?
I stopped by when you were live but had stuff happen so I never had a chance to comment when you all were live. Darn. Anyways, BBB thanks for hosting and Erin thanks for stopping by; I adore your books!
Who is your favorite author? Thanks so much for the opportunity cant wait to ready your book
This sounds like a great book. I love books where the heroes are angels even those with a dark edge to them. That just makes the heroes more interesting I think.
Where did you get your inspiration to write this book?
Hi Erin!
Here’s a cool question I saw on Facebook: If you woke up tomorrow as a baby and realize that your whole life was a dream, would you be angry or happy for the do-over?
~Roni L.
The widget used here is very cool. Good thing you are using it, cause I imagine the points are adding up.
Hi Erin, congrats on your new release and Im so happy for you. Cant wait to read it
What 3 authors (alive or dead) would you love to meet or have met?
What book is your guilty pleasure and what TV program or movie?
If you couldnt be a writer what would you want to do?
I don’t love this system and it does not love me or I’m to dumb to understand it. The last is probably true. To old to learn new things I guess.
Congrats on the new release! Looking forward to it.
And loving the Rafflecopter use now too.
Hi Erin, greetings from Ireland
I love the covers of all your books!
Any plans for a new series?
What is one book everyone should read?
oops
Lisa R Foothills of NC
Lisa R Foothills of NC
What five characters from other authors would you invite to a dinner party?
Lisa R Foothills of NC
What five characters from other authors would you NOT want to be trapped in an elevator with?
I love the new rafflecopter! So easy to keep track of what I have/haven’t done yet. Thanks for another great contest and for always adding to my new author list!
Thanks for the chance!!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Would you consider doing a YA novel?
Whats the one book you have had on your shelves and not read yet?
is the buy anything from amazon link going to be added daily like on Dons link?
I had bought another item that day an wanted to see if I could get credit?
thanks
When reading, Ebook or paper?
If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
Best new author you have read recently?
Rach sent you an email I bought dvd thru link but rafflecopter not showing extra credits
Amazon.com order number: 002-3217424-5121806
If You Could Spend 24hrs As One Of Your Favorite Super Heroes, Who Would You Be?
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
If we looked under your bed, what would we find?
What book is on your nightstand?
Each person has their own most productive time of the day. What is yours? Personally Im a night person.
What is your ideal book setting, they just hasnt had the right story come along yet?
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ugh fogrot to use your amazon link and pd for extending prime, not sure if that would have counted tho, off to buy some more for ocntest
Congrats on the release!!! Welcome back to BBB!!!
Heather C – USA
he, he Rachel, he, he
In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
If you could be on a reality show, one that’s on now or a new one, what would it be, and why?
Who is your favorite sidekick in a book?
Just stopping by to day Hi!
The more I read about Fire Kissed the more I want to read it.
Whats the funniest thing you have ever been asked about writing?
When writing how do you get yourself started?
Lisa D. USA
Have you ever seen a ghost?’
Lisa D. USA
Which one of all your series would you like to see as show on tv?
Lisa D. USA
Daily comment. Thanks again for the chance
Daily comment:
Hope to win!!!
Interesting seeing a rafflecopter here. I miss reading all the comments and questions like before though. But I know it is a LOT easier.
Erin I love the sound of your dark angel, can’t wait to check him out!
Back to say hi!
Best quote?
What is the most adventurous thing you have done for a book?
Your book sounds interesting. I’ll have to get my hands on it when I can.
Where did you go to college?
Have you ever used a situation from real life as a scene in one of your books, even loosely?
In an alternate universe where you are NOT an author, what do you do?
Hi! Miss me?
What do you do when you need to take a break from writing?
What is the hardest time of the year to get any work done?
Oh darn, I forgot to say I had RSVP’d when I was here when you’all were live. Hope it is not too late…
I am not sure if Erin is still answering but… what kind of music do you listen to when working? Or do you prefer silence?
What
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
What is your guilty pleasure?
Hi! Hope everyone had a great weekend.
What do you think is the best movie ever based on a book?
What author would you go all fangirl over if you met?
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Happy Monday!
What was your reaction when you first found out you were going to be published?
Who would you cast as the leads in a movie based on your book?
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Hidden talent?
Text or Talk?
Its almost over.
Thanks again for the chance!!
I really do like the Rafflecopter method. I hope its used again.
Hi awesome give away