Loading ...Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Diana Pharaoh Francis
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 12:00 pm Central. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.
PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Diana’s books.
Interview:
Hi Diana!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Diana’s newest book Bitter Night.
BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
DPF: The challenging part varies on the book and how it comes together. For instance, The Hollow Crown (which comes out in June), I couldn’t plan the plot. I had the characters and opening scene, but I had no idea where it was going for almost the entire book. I was terribly uncomfortable with this because while I don’t require a clear plot up front, I do like to know where I’m going and a few high points in between. I was worried the entire time that I would never get to a satisfying ending.
On the other hand, the most challenging thing about Bitter Night was making the characters come alive on the page. For the first draft, Max wasn’t as sympathetic as I wanted, and Alexander was rather passive. So I had to go back through and redevelop the characters and stitch back together all the threads so that it flowed smoothly.
What I like best is that crystal moment when I sink into the story and the words come pouring out and the story and I’m no longer me in my office, but I’m in the world of the story experiencing it.
BBB: Your plotting is exquisite and your characterization beyond intriguing. Which gives you more satisfaction as a writer, creating those marvelous characters or putting them through their paces?
DPF: You are so wonderful to say so! Thank you! I don’t think for me that the characters come alive until I’m putting them through their paces. I don’t get to know them until I have seen how they will react in a situation and how they will react to each other. So it’s the writing of the action and seeing the fall out that really is where the bliss is.
BBB: What made you decide to investigate a society in its last days of greatness?
DPF: I love Robin McKinley’s Sunshine and one of the questions that I always wanted the answer to, was how did this world come about? How did the world as we know it now turn into the world of Sunshine? She mentions the Voodoo wars, but that’s all we know. The question kept poking at me and then I saw the news about the Lusi mud volcano in Jacarta and all the other natural disasters (and unnatural) that seemed to be hitting one after another. I began to wonder what if they weren’t coincidence, but intentional? Who would cause them to happen and why and how? Then Giselle and Max arrived on my page and the rest was history. So now I plan to write the end of life as we know it and show how it comes about.
BBB: Do you consider your series paranormal romance or urban fantasy? and do you think it is important to distinguish between the two?
DPF: Mine is probably more urban fantasy than paranormal romance, in that the fantastical elements are stronger. But I also think that romance is fundamental to human relationships and I want that element there as a strong thread. I don’t know that it’s important to me to distinguish the two—I write the story as it comes out, but I know for publishers and marketers and bookstores, they have to figure out how to sell the book, and I respect that that division is important. But at the same time, I go to the store and find Nalini Singh in romance and she could just easily be in fantasy, and I see Ann Aguirre in the sf/fantasy section, but she could just as easily be romance. The division is largely artificial, if you ask me.
BBB: What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?
DPF: Does killing of the point of view character off in the middle of the book count? I tend to follow through on the ridiculous though. In violent, horrifying ways, usually.
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
DPF: I used to use a hyperlinked word document where I created a table of contents and because that’s how I started with Crosspointe, I’m still using it. But for Bitter Night, I started using a wiki and that works out nicely because I can also hyperlink. Now I’m musing both a pc and a mac to write on, I have to figure out a wiki program that crosses platforms.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader
DPF: You know, I’m a fan of paper books, personally. But I hate the way that books are stripped and thrown away, so the electronic readers are much greener for that. But I’m such a clod that personally, until the price comes way down, I wouldn’t own one without the constant unbridled fear that I would break it in two seconds flat. Plus I love books with the shiny covers and the smell of ink and paper.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
DPF: I think the market for ebooks is growing. Right now I don’t think they mean much financially, but I think the ratio of royalites that come from ebooks is growing and before too long, they will have a real impact on the bottom line.
BBB: Can you tell us about the Horngate Witches series and the general storylines that drives it?
DPF: As I mentioned before, it’s the end of the world. The guardians of the world have decided that humanity has encroached to far on the world of magic and soon magic will evaporate from the world. So they are waging war on humanity—not to destroy it, but to prune it back severely. Witches will be their generals, and all the creatures of magic from folklore and mythology are being called out of hiding to fight.
Max is a Shadowblade—a supernatural warrior of the night—who has been created and enslaved by the witch Giselle. Max hates Giselle and wants only to exact revenge on her, but then her friends are endangered and she has to decide if revenge is more important than helping Giselle.
I’m working on the sequel to Bitter Night now. Its working title is Crimson Wind and it’s about Max coming into contact with a family she hasn’t seen in thirty years and who all think she was murdered. All of this as the magical attacks against humanity increase.
BBB: What else do you currently have in the works? When can we expect your next Horngate Witches book?
DPF: The next Horngate book should come out this time next year, and The Hollow Crown, next in my Crosspointe series, will be out in June. I’d love the chance to do some stories set in the Horngate world. Hopefully I’ll get to do that.
BBB: If one only one of your stories could be made into movie or tv show, which one would you love to see come to life and who would your dream cast be?
DPF: Bitter Night for certain. As for a cast, that’s hard, but let’s see if I can come reasonably close to what I envision for these characters. For Max—Katee Sackoff. For Alexander—Kyle Schmid. Giselle—Abbie Cornish. Selange—Morena Baccarin. Tyler—Josh Holloway. Niko—Dominic Zamprogna. Lise—Ellen Page. Xaphan: Alexander Skaarsgard. Tutresiel: Philip Winchester (with dark hair).
Some of these don’t quite get there, but the older actors that sometimes seem a better fit, are too old. I wonder if anyone reading this has better ideas?
BBB: Where do you see the paranormal/urban fantasy genre headed? Can you see it slowing down in the near future, or do you think that the immediate future is pretty bright for it?
DPF: I think the future is bright. There are so many possibilities in the genre that I can’t imagine it’s going to slow down at all.
BBB: Do you have any personal traits that you have written into the characters of your books?
DPF: A fear of heights, a desire to be able to eat all I want without gaining any weight, a fetish for handsome men—well, can you blame me?
BBB: Where did you get the idea for the Shadowblades and Sunspears?
DPF: Believe it or not, that started as an idea when I was writing The Cipher–the idea of daytime and nightime warriors. I wanted them to be super powerful, but I also wanted them to be created by witches, so that each of them is somewhat unique, depending on the particular needs and imaginations of each witch. I wanted them to remain human in appearance, but not human on the inside. That way, they are driven by both human and inhuman needs and desires.
BBB: Will all the books in the Horngate Witches series be about Max?
DPF: I’d like to focus on some of the other stories, particularly the angels, and also Giselle. But Max is so much fun to write, that I don’t imagine I’ll take the focus from her for a little while.
BBB: If Max had a theme song what would it be?
DPF: Judas Priest: You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ or Guns N Roses Rocket Queen.
BBB: Do you have any plans for book signings/ readings anytime soon? If so, where can our readers find you?
DPF: I am working on setting a signing up in the Sacramento, California area around Christmas, but right now the only one scheduled is for Butte, Montana on November 14th. I’m hoping to make it to Romantic Times also.
Thanks for having me today. And if you have questions, ask away. I’ll be around to answer all day.
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Learn more about Diana Pharaoh Francis below:
Read Reviews of her work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 11/4/09 at 11:59 pm PDT to do the different things that YOU choose to do.
She will be giving away three great prizes. Open to readers worldwide!
Prize 1: $75.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 3: $35.00 Amazon Gift Card
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Diana’s books.
From Amazon:
Diana Pharaoh Francis’ Books On Amazon
From Barnes & Noble:
Diana Pharaoh Francis’ Books On Barnes & Noble
Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon search box or this link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Diana a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions/comments = no entries! You can come by through 11/4/09 and ask Diana your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)
3. Spread the word! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12548 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
4. Be friends with Diana by joining her here:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458778923
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Pharaoh-Francis-Fantasy-Writer/163098893459
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dianapfrancis
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/difrancis
5. VOTE in the poll for the week here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12508 AND enter the Halloween Hangover Contest here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12501. Good for 50 entries per action.
6. Make a purchase in our Bloody Cafe store here: http://www.cafepress.com/bittenbybooks. We are all volunteers so your continuing support is deeply appreciated. Email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies. Good for 100 entries.
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SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter by clicking here or use the box on the top right hand side of the site. Be sure you VERIFY your subscription, an email is sent with the verification link. Unverified subscribers will not be entered and will be deleted from the mailing list. If you are already a subscriber, just let us know and you will get entries too.
Join The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! Here: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/ then come back here and tell us your user name and leave the link to your page.
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Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry! Email us a copies of ALL of your verification emails to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 150 entries each place you add us.
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 11/4/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize bag directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to USA readers except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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*waves frantically* HI DI!!!
I’ve already started reading Bitter Night for the second time. I love this book. *evil grin*
So do you have any world catastrophes cooked up for the second installment, oh Queen of Anarchy?
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Of course. I’m going after the Central Vally of California and it WON’T be an earthquake. It’s something far more interesting *cue evil laugh*
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That’s what I love about you. You have perfected the art of Character Torture and the Big Tease. You should teach - oh, wait…
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*snort* Characters know what they are getting into when they come onto my page . . .
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Hi Diana,
I just discovered your new book this month when I started to see the cover around the net. Looks very nice.
Since this is the end of the world, are you planning in some big fight scenes or wars? just wondering how hard they are to write
I rsvped
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Hi Diana…. welcome to BBB…..
My question is what food do you enjoy when you are crunching a deadline?
What authors are must reads for you.?
Added you on twitter
RSVP’d
BBB follower/friend everything but Myspace
Going to check out your books…. you are new to me but as everyone knows new to me does not take long to become fan fave…. LOL
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How is it that I have never read one of your books before?! Ok, I am off to Amazon to add you to my wish list since my birthday is just around the corner! And, I did RSVP for this chat! thanks for offering prizes and I am most excited to have a new author to read without having to wait constantly for the next installment!
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2. I have not read this series but it sounds very exciting! How many books do you plan on having in this series?
RSVP’d
4. friends with Diana here:
Facebook: Rae Pavey
Facebook Fan Page: Rae Pavey
Twitter: @throuthehaze
Myspace: Raelena Pavey
5. Voted AND entered the Halloween Hangover Contest
7. friends with Bitten by Books here:
subscriber
Facebook Fan Page:Rae Pavey
Good Reads: Raelena
Myspace: Raelena Pavey
Facebook: Rae Pavey
Twitter: @throuthehaze
blogroll:
http://throuthehaze-reads.blogspot.com/
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Linda Ak: yeah, there’s some fight scenes. They can be difficult, but I have a secret weapon. Fighter Guy. He’s a former professional jouster and also is a font of knowledge on all sorts of fighting techniques and weaponry. Plus I like to shoot guns too. So I can get some help getting the scenes right.
And yeah, there will be some war things, but magical and using magical creatures of myth and folklore, so I’m bound by what they are. But writing the fights is huge fun and not that difficult. Which may say something about me . . .
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Hey! another great contest and interview!
already had RSVP’s
added as a freind on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lasergirl70 (Lisa Mason)
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lasergirl70 (Lisa Mason)
became a Fb fan (lisa Mason)
following on Twitter (lasergirl70)
RT both BBB post and Diana’s on my Twitter
posted link on my FB profiel (Lisa Mason- ww.facebook.com/lasergirl70)
all others done
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You ought to make your characters sign a waiver before you put them in a story, Di.
Just sayin’…
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Shell: Chocolate seems to be at the top of the list. And salty foods and protein. Today it was roasted cashews I wanted. Go figure. Unfortunately most things I want are not good for me, so I have to be careful. Popcorn becomes quite the standby.
Must reads: Patty Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, Catie Murphy, Rob Thurman, Devon Monk . . . so many more. I don’t think I can list them all!
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Bitter Night sounds great.
What 3 words would you say best describes your main character in Bitter Night?
RSVPed
5.done
7.subscribe to BBB newsletter
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Sharla! I hope you like the books!
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mtlawson: feh. if they are wimpy enough to need a waiver, then I’ll just torture them on principle.
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Elaine G: great question. Bitter tops the list. REckless. And Soft-hearted (inside a prickly exterior)
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HI!
Have you ever thought of writing a different genre?
3. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Mom2Moms
4. Following on Facebook, Fan page of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace
5. Done & Done
7. Following BBB on Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, Fan Page of Facebook, Goodreads, BB, newsletter
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Oh and I RSVP’d
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What do you consider the least fun/hardest part of writing?
For contest purposes:
RSVP’d.
Befriended Diana at Facebook, Facebook fan page, MySpace; was already a friend on Twitter.
Friends of BBB at all venues.
Voted in the poll of the week.
Took part in the Halloween Hangover contest.
Tweeted the contest: http://twitter.com/BrigidsBlest/status/5397905456
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Hello Diana,
I curious to know what you are currently reading?
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Hi Diana! I haven’t read anything of yours yet, but I plan to as soon as I can. Bitter Night sounds wonderful. I was wondering what authors most inspire you? and what people in your life have been the most supportive of your writing?
RSVP’d
5.voted and entered
7.Subscribe to BBB newsletter, friends w/ BBB on Goodreads and a member of the blood bank as Amanda Leigh
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Michele H: Bitter Night is technically different for me, insomuch as my earlier books were more epic style, though the Crosspointe books have an urban/Victorian feel for me. But going beyond that–I’ve thought about maybe doing a Young Adult book (as the idea popped into my head) and some more overtly romantic stuff. Maybe one day. I’m not that good at the suspense of mysteries, so I don’t know if I could manage that.
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Jennifer L: The least fun lately has been not getting the beginning right and having to go back and restart THREE times. But I think I finally have it in hand and can make forward progress. It’s that feeling that everything is garbage and why am I writing such dreck? Which is pretty typical of most writers, but it is very annoying.
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Cyd J: I’m currently reading a manuscript that my editor sent me. If I like it (which I do) I’ll blurb it. On the published front, next on the TBR pile is Soulless.
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“the Central Valley of California and it WON’T be an earthquake.” Living here in California one thinks Earthquake, Fire, or Mudslides - whole hills collapsing. At least these are what first come to mind. I hope you plan something really different. I haven’t read you books yet, but they sound interesting and I plan to do so.
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Hi Diana. Thanks for joining us here today.
Bitter Night is at the top of my non-review tbr pile (since another reviewer nabbed it first), and I am looking forward to getting to it, hopefully over the holidays.
Do you ever attend fan conventions?
(I did RSVP)
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Amanda L: Inspiration comes from so many writers. I read things and think, wow, I want to be able to write like that. Most books have some gem like that in there and I try to learn from them. When I get bogged down and need to feel creative, I go to Annie Dillard’s the WRiting Life and feel like she’s commiserating with me, or I go to favorite books and reread.
Most supportive–my husband and kidlets. And my close friends who also beta read and cheer me on and tell me I don’t stink on ice when I’m feeling like the words I’m writing are gibberish.
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Hello oh fellow purveyor of doom and crap,
I am sure everyone wonders: how you find time to actually juggle writing, teaching, motherhood and Mr. T?
Oh, and freakin awesome friends…
All my FB friends have received your fb fan page link and its on my lj as well.
http://chkeyes.livejournal.com/1454.html
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?
I also sent you out to my Goddard MFA Program listserve but its an email thing so no link…
CK
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Lingeorge: Oh, yes. It will be different. I used to live in the valley and it will be no natural disaster. Not at all. *rubs hands together and giggles maniacally*
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I’ve never read your series either, but I am going to be buying this book sometime this week. I was wandering what other books you write and what are they about?
~*~*~
-I RSVPed
-VOTED; comment #74
-Entered Halloween Hangover contest; comment #65
-On my blogroll(bottom of page) at:
http://0bs3ssiv3r3ad3r.blogspot.com/
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Carol M: Living where I do (the wilds of Montana) and with two small kids (5 and 9), it’s hard to get out to cons, but I do love them and I try to get to them as much as I can.
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Hi Diana!!! The new book sounds great. I was wondering what first got you interested in writing UF/para romance, and what was the hardest part of writing your first book? Thanks!!!
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I RSVP’d too for contest purposes.
How much editing do you do on screen and how much on hard copy?
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Emma F: The Path trilogy is about Reisil who is a healer. She’s invited to become a messenger of the gods and turns them down. But then the daughter of the ambassador of a neighboring country is kidnapped, which will lead to a reigniting of the war, so she decides she has no choice. She’s soul-bonded to a goshawk, but the goshawk is a bit angry about the refusal and so things don’t go very well for awhile between them. The three books follow her journey as she learns how to use magic and has to stop the world from turning inside out.
The Crosspointe books are set on an island in a very strange, chaotic sea full of magic. Only Pilots from Crosspointe can navigate the sea and thus the island has total economic control over the sea. But they are not politically stable and outside forces are coming to attack. EAch book stands alone with different characters who have their own problems to overcome, with the overarching backdrop of growing political unrest and intrigue.
To read the first chapters of all the books, go to my website and click on the different series names in the menu bar. http://www.dianapfrancis.com
I hope you enjoy!
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Folks, Christy is one of those supportive friends and beta readers I mentioned. Don’t worry, I’ll smack her around later for her insolence
I juggle. I run and try to be disciplined and plan and I hope the world doesn’t crash in around my ears. Mostly I put my fingers in my ears and sing La la la la and pretend I’m in control
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Hello Diana! Welcome to Bittenbybooks! I’ve read one of your books, “PATH OF FATE”. Everytime I visited the book store, the three books in that series, kept going “Yoohoo”. So eventually I wrote down your name, the title of the books, and headed to the library.
With new to me authors, I either search for the books used or get them from the library to try them out (before I moved out-of-state so now I gotta get a local library card). Really enjoyed it, and can not wait to finish the series and try out your other works!
RSVP
Just friended her on facebook (rachel flesher)
Became a fan on her facebook
Posted about the chat-contest on facebook
Friended her on myspace (www.myspace.com/visionarydruid)
Posted about the chat-contest on myspace’s bullentin and blog
Already following her on twitter (and livejournal)
Twittered about the chat-contest (raonaidluckwell)
Voted in the poll
Entered the Hangover Contest
BBB is the top link on my blogger link section (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
Posted about the chat-contest on blogger
Posted about it on my livejournal (morriga.livejournal.com)
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Christy, Christy, Christy… it’s crap and doom. There is a specific order. Heehee…
YAY Romantic Times! I am going to work so hard to get there.
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Hi Diana!
Thanks for sharing with us!
I haven’t read any of your books, but Bitter Night sounds great!
I love angry heroines…not that that reflects MY anger or anything…
On that sort of note, why did you create an angry/bitter heroine? Did you try to make an atypical heroine, or did she create herself?
4. Friend requested Diana on Facebook.
5. I voted and participated in the contest.
7. I subscribe, I’m friends with BBB on Facebook, and I’m on the Blood Bank at:
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Jillian.
Thank you!
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Heather C: I’ve actually loved UF for a long time. REally, if you think about it, there are elements of UF in a lot of books like Andre Norton, Madeleine L’engle, CS Lewis and so on. I wrote a short story that was published awhile ago called “All Things Being Not Quite Equal,” which is about an ugly vampire (It’s on my website if you want to read it. It’s fun). So I’ve been liking it a long time. I felt natural to write it.
AS for the toughest part of this book . . . I think it was cutting a character I really liked, but it turned out that I didn’t use him at all. So he’ll be making a return in the future I think, because he is too fun to waste.
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Ooooo!!! The Path Trilogy sounds very interesting, I will definitely check out that series too.
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Raonaid! Libraries are the jewels of the universe, aren’t they? So glad you liked what you read and thanks for sticking with me!
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Oh! one more quetion, is The Path Trilogy romance too?
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Sunshine is one of my favorites, as well. : ) Con will always hold a place in my heart.
Who do you see as Oz? Kyle Schmid was close to my image of Alexander (though I think he’s a little pale) so now I’m curious about the Sunspear.
3. Spread the word in the Blood Bank on the events page, Facebook (jackie.uhrmacher), and Twitter (JackieUhrmacher)
4. Following her on Twitter
5. Voted and participated
7. Friends with BBB on Myspace (Coffee Is God), Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to the newsletter, member of the Blood Bank, have them on my permanent blog roll.
RSVPd!
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Jillian S. You know,I didn’t set out to do angry, but Max certainly arrived that way. I obviously like strong women characters, and most are not angry, per se, but neither are they wimpy. Lucy, in The Cipher, was a lot of fun and reminds me of Max in one way. At one point she realizes that she is going to die and there’s no time to waste on being polite. She starts to answer a rather obnoxious question with careful tact and she stops short and thinks, what’s the point? So then she starts responding with brutal honesty to everybody and it’s so fun and liberating for her. Max is like that. She just says what’s in her head, and what’s in her head is kind of angry.
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Emma F: There’s romance yes. I think people are generally happy in their loves at the end.
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Jackie U: honestly? Oz was totally modeled on Brendan Frasier. Didn’t I say that? *facepalm*
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Jackie U: For Alexander, I imagined a young Cliff Simon, but of course I can’t actually cast him, so Kyle Schmid seemed to capture the gravitas necessary and still be gorgeous. But see what I mean about Cliff Simon: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1041/604227211_f24ed475cc_o.jpg
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Hi Diana,
If you could trade places with someone, who would it be and why?
Bridget
Shared:
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5. Voted & entered
BBB email subscriber
Blood Bank member - bridget3420
Facebook fan - Bridget Hopper
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BBB is on my blogroll - http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
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RSVP’d
Twitter follower - bridget3420
[Reply]
Hi Diana
I haven’t read any of your books, sorry I’m new to this group, but want to get Bitter Night as soon as I can find it. It sounds great.
What made you have her best friend betray her? Will all of your books revolve around disasters? Do you think any of your books will ever be made into movies?
I’m sure that is what is going to make this book so great to read. I live to read books that keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s how I like my movies too. If they don’t then I have trouble finishing them. What a bummer.
4. I will have to become a friend tonight as my job is blocking myspace and facebook.
5. done
7. joined both but not sure I’ve finished the requirement so I will tonight.
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I’m always intersted in new (to me) authors, and I will be looking fo your books, as they sound great.
I voted, subscribe to BBB.
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Ok, this is just my list of entries:
Options:
1. Bought 2 copies of the book. One for me & one for my sister. Sadly, it was release day and I threw it away not realizing I’d need it for here! Oh well.
2. I’ve definitely made more than 2 comments.
3. I advertised on Twitter & Facebook.
4. Friended & Fanned on Facebook, following on Twitter & LiveJournal.
5. Voted!
6. I am poor but I like the messanger bags.
7. A friend & fan of BBB on Facebook & following on Twitter.
*phew* And I’m spent.
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Belinda Wolf-Whitaker: Why did her best friend betray her . . . I did that because it seemed the kind of betrayal that would really hurt for years (as it does) because as time goes on and she can’t escape, the wound only festers worse. Plus Giselle (her former friend) really does like her. She didn’t see it as betrayal and so the relationship is a lot more complicated than it might seem.
The books don’t so much revolve around disasters, as the disasters are going on while the characters are trying to solve their problems. In the second book, Max has something she has to do and the disaster is going to make it really hard, if not impossible.
I can only hope that a movie house might come knocking. That would be so very cool. Crossing my fingers.
[Reply]
Hi Nancy! I hope you enjoy!
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Hi Diana,
How did you become interested in writing paranormal fiction?
Thanks,
Kim
RSVP’d
Voted in the poll
entered the contest
subscribed to newsletter
fan on facebook
[Reply]
Hi Kim! I’ve actually loved UF for a long time. Really, if you think about it, there are elements of UF in a lot of books like Andre Norton, Madeleine L’engle, CS Lewis and so on–books I ate up when I was a kid. I wrote a short story that was published awhile ago called “All Things Being Not Quite Equal,” which is about an ugly vampire (It’s on my website if you want to read it. It’s fun). So I’ve been liking it a long time. I felt natural to write it.
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How difficult is it to change your mind set from Epic Fantasy to Urban Fantasy as you juggle two books at once?
And Bitter Night has a more epic flavor to it compared most UF I’ve read. Were you going for that feeling? Or was that simply a result of the styles you’ve written before?
<3 Missy of Mayhem
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Missy: I try not to juggle two books at once. Not because moving between Epic and UF is hard for me, but because moving between two different stories is hard. I like to stay mentally immersed in one at a time. Which isn’t always possible, because right now (as you know) I have to revise The HOllow Crown as I’m drafting Crimson Wind. It’s making me want to snatch myself bald.
I wanted that epic flavor. I wanted those qualities of the end of the world, of larger than life heroes and villains battling for huge stakes.
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I’ve been following Diana Pharaoh Francis since I stumbled upon her book (lucky enough to get an ARC) a few months ago. I follow her on Twitter, her blog, and Facebook–because, simply, I was that impressed with Bitter Night. I can’t wait for the next installment.
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a) Why “Max” ? (Even though I have a cousine Maxine, I keep blinking at
“Max” as female (currently reading the book. Purchased but have no idea where the receipt is)
b) (Nasty vicious question….) Do you like the cover (I like the covers for the Crosspointe books lot. The cover for this one… I can’t understand the appeal of cut-the-head-off type covers… they elicit a visceral repulsion in me.)
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I haven’t read Bitter Night yet, but after having read this interview, I’m going out to get it. How fascinating it sounds!
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I forgot to add, I RSVP’d.
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Sounds like a good book!
RSVPed
did poll
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2. Your books sound intriguing. Hey I’m in Montana. Butte might be a little far depending on the weather but I’ll put the signing on my calendar. My question is: Who is your favorite sub-character is your novels and why?
5 & 7: Done
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Hi P.A. Max renames herself after she’s turned into a Shadowblade. She chooses the name Max because of Mad Max, who was betrayed and went through a horrible life change and was very angry. The movie came out about the same time as her transformation. I wanted a really strong resonance and Ripley (from Aliens) and Sarah (from Terminator) didn’t work for various reasons, not the least of which was the timing of the movies where the women really become kick-ass.
AS for the covers, yeah, I do like it. I would rather have a whole head, but my understanding by the editorial folks is that thinking is that readers can better imagine the character if part of the head is missing. I’d rather have a head really, but I do like the fire and stuff. Course she wears an outfit like this one once in the whole book and hates it the entire time, but that’s another story . . .
I love the Crosspointe Covers too. Waiting eagerly to see what they do for The HOllow Crown.
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P.A. Lieberman - I too have issues with the ‘headless heroine’ but from what I’ve heard rambled about on the internets is that the book companies are giving the reader leeway to create their own image of the character. I say screw it and give me something that the artist cooked up with the writer so it’s actually what they envisioned.
I think the Crosspointe series has gotten the best covers of all of Di’s book. The Path series is lovely too. And I believe Di was one of the first writers they experimented with a white background instead of black. I think it makes for a lovely canvas.
Di - What do you think of your covers? Which one is your favorite?
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Thanks Patsy! I hope you enjoy!
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Mindy S. Oh, I have so many favorite sub characters! But I think the one that really grabs me is one by the name of Soka in the second and third Path books. He’s such a snark and he made me giggle most of the time I was writing him.
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Minday S: where in MT?
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Missy: Favorite Cover is probably The Black Ship. I just love the darkness and the ship. But then I have a thing for ships.
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*sings* Love Shack! hehe
RSVPed
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Beth: now that will be stuck in my head awhile. But better than the song Crystal Jordan stuck me with this a.m., do thanks!
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Hi, which of your characters are your favorite?
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2. Great interview and I love the cover! Congrats on your new release!
5. done
7. Newlettter subscriber
I also RSVP’d.
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Also do you have a favorite author that you like to read?
RSVP’d
2. done
3. on twitter, facebook and myspace in my status messages
4. Be friends with Diana by joining her here:
Facebook: sent request (Cassandra Warner-Myers)
Facebook Fan Page: fanned (Cassandra Warner-Myers)
Twitter: following (bluestarc218)
Myspace: sent request (tinkerbellmn84)
5. done both
7. Friends on all
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Cassandra M: That’s like asking me to pick my favorite chocolate, you know that? Of main main characters in all my books, I think Lucy in The Cipher, Max in Bitter Night, and Thorn in The Black Ship.
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Cassandra M: I have so many! It really depends on my mood.
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RSVP’ing and I am also a newsletter subscriber, a friend on Twitter, Myspace and goodreads!
*The love shack is lil ole place where we can get together-her….* (that’s the way I hear it in my head…which it is now stuck in also, lol)
I have to say, Diana, this look like a great premise and not one I’ve sen anything very similar to. I am going to have to hunt them down, lol!
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Lili B: yep, that’s what I’m hearing too. And I hope you like them when you get them!
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The Turning by Jennifer Armintrout
I read this a few months ago and I’m really torn over it. I typically
enjoy “dark” stories with imperfect characters, so I really thought
that I would love this book. There were some aspects of it that I
loved and some that were just OK, I guess overall I’d give it 3.5
stars.
Although, there is a romantic interest and plenty of sex in this book, it is not a paranormal romance novel by any means. I would classify it as Horror or Urban Fantasy.
I really enjoy complex characters that aren’t predictable or “normal”
and IMO, Cyrus fits that bill and for me is a brilliant character, and
one of the best things about this book. I thought Ziggy was a very
interesting character as well. Here’s where my issues start, Nathan
was the typical emo/drama/brooding vamp, and I could barely relate to
or empathize with Carrie. And those are the two main characters, sigh.
Overall I think Jennifer is a very good writer but I’m not sure if this
series is for me. I don’t know if I can get past the main characters
and a few issues I have with the storyline. I’ll post spoilers at the
end if you really want to know more.
BTW, I did end up buying book 2, but I didn’t get past the first few
chapters.
****Spoilers Below****
*I didn’t like the Vampire Organization/Movement and that part of the
plotline just annoyed me. Self-preservation is universal among living
organisms, so I don’t quite believe that any species would want to kill
itself off. Book 2 started right out with the movement again and I
don’t want to read about it.
*Nathan is the romantic lead and he’s forgettable, there is nothing
about him that makes him unique or interesting. He’s the typical “TEH
HERO” type.
*Cyrus (the villain) is complex, evil, cruel, demented and the most
interesting character in the book. He’s Carrie’s sire and because of
the “Blood Tie” she is totally into him and there are graphic sex
scenes that aren’t at all romantic.
Kim
[Reply]
EEK, wrong place sorry can you delete that please
thanks!
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Are you happy with the responses from the Bitten By Books site?
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Hi Diane!!
Thanks for being here with us today. I have not read your books yet, but I do have Bitter Nights in my TBR pile. I hope to get to it soon. My question is(and please forgive me if u already answered it)What inspired you to write Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance? I am wishing you much continued success.
3.I spread the word on FB http://www.facebook.com/tawania
4.I sent friend/fan request on FB
5.Voted
7.Friends with BBB, get the newsletter, member of The Blood Bank
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Stacy S: you mean all the wonderful questions and all the spread of the word? Most definitely.
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Di,
I know I asked others but…
Some may want to know the following…
What can we as readers do to help authors spread the word about a particular book?
What can we as authors do to spread the word about our/others books?
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*cough*I say make t-shirts.*cough*
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Christy: readers can buy books new. That’s the only way we make royalties. But more than that, tell people about the books you like. Turn them face out on the shelves. Ask for them at bookstores if they aren’t on the shelves. talk them up on blogs, on social sites, and everywhere else you can think of. Keep talking about them. Review them on Amazon and B&N too. That’s useful for a variety of reasons.
As for what authors can do–pretty much the same thing. Talk about books we like, and write reviews and talk about them widely and loudly.
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Missy: *smirk*
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I placed Bitter Night on hold to pick up tonight at our Nano write-in at the B&N Cafe. I like the idea and it is Urban Fantasy. My question is in regards to your other series. Really it is more of a question of how difficult was it for you to switch from Epic Fantasy to Urban Fantasy and what compelled you to make that change? Was it purely due to that was the story that came out or was it a conscious choice on your part?
Contest entries from Joe A. were e-mailed as per instructions…
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Hi Diana! Welcome to BBB. I am dying to read your books!
3. Done
4. Joined Diana on both facebook pages ( Lisa Glidewell)
5. Voted
7. Receive BBB newsletter, joined Facebook Fan page and new facebook, goodreads and sent an email! (Lady_Graeye or Lisa Glidewell)
[Reply]
Hi Diana
You said Max named herself in Bitter Night after Mad Max because it came out about that time as a movie. How long has Bitter Night been out? I though it was just released and Mad Max has been out for years. Did I miss something or did it take a while for you to write this book? How long does it usually take for you to write one of your books? I understand each book is different but on an average how long?
[Reply]
Zombie Joe~ Yay for the nano write! I’m working that too, this year. Good luck!
Because I love both epic and UF and read a lot of both, I find it easy to write both. Bitter Night draws on both kinds of fantasy though and I think melds elements of the epic to the UF. Bitter Night just sort of came to me and it was a story I needed to write. But I don’t intend to give either genre now that I’m writing both. I like them too much.
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Lisa G: Thanks! I hope you like them.
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*cough* yes, t-shirts sound wonderful. But what can we put on them? *pinky to chin *
So to all readers–TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN EVERY WAY YOU KNOW HOW TO!
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Belinda: Max is turned into a Shadowblade around 1980. She’s thirty years enslaved when the book happens. The book itself only came out a week ago.
I tend to take 6 months to a year to write a book, depending. Bitter Night took close to a year.
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Oh Christy… I like you and your evil ways. I think we must become friends, else we will both miss out on too many fun hijinks.
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Hi Diana. Welcome. I want to congratulate you and wish you good look in your writing career.
I RSVPed, subscriber to BBB, and did the poll.
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All the good questions have been asked, but how about this one: When you first started writing did the dialog for each character come naturally or did you have to work at it?
Thanks for your comments about the Kindle. I thought I was the only one too cheap to spend money on something I’d drop and break a week into it:) I love new books smell. *snicker*
Contest stuff:
I’m a BBB subscriber and it’s on my blog roll.
I RSVP’d
I’m following Diana on Twitter
I voted in the poll and entered the hangover contest.
[Reply]
Thanks Kristina!
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Moonsanity: My nickname is clodzilla and I come by it honestly.
Some of the dialog comes very quickly and easily, but usually I have to go in and tinker and prod and poke. i want fast, smart dialog with a lot of snappiness–like old Cary Grant movies and The West Wing.
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Hi,
I can’t think of a question that hasn’t been asked at this point, but I did want to say that I really loved the Path trilogy. I rarely save fiction books, but I saved all of these, so my daughter can read them one day. She’s 2 weeks old, so that may be a while…it also makes it hard for me to get to Bitter Night, which I am super excited about. Keep up the great writing!
-already a member of BBB mailing list and Blood Bank
-friended on Facebook
-joined Facebook fan page
-entered the Halloween Hangover contest
-voted in Poll of the Week
thanks!
[Reply]
What are some of your favorite books that you read this year?
I RSVP’d
I subscribe to BBB
I am friends with BBB through Goodreads
Meliam723@gmail.com
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Congratulations on your daughter’s birth, Bethany! That’s wonderful. I bet you’re tired. I’m so glad to be on your keeper shelf and to be kept for your daughter. That’s a real compliment.
I hope you get enough rest to get to Bitter Night one of these days.
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Hi Melia! Read this year–I’m betting I’m forgetting a whole lot that I loved . . . The Edge and Magic Strikes, by Ilona Andrews, Graceling, by Kristen Cashore, Karen Marie Moning’s books, The Thirteenth Child by Patricia Wrede, Pretender’s Crown by CE Murphy–and I have dozens that I’m desperate to read that are on my TBR mountain.
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Hi, Diana! I hope to read Bitter Night one of these days, it sounds very good!
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I RSVP’ed! Friends with Diana on Twitter; voted on poll; friends with BBB.
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Wendy C: I hope you get to read it, too! Thanks for commenting.
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Ooh…Brendan Frasier…okay, I think I’m switching teams now. Max must be with Oz. No one can deny Encino Man!
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No, leave Max with Alexander. I will take Oz.
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What was your favorite book from childhood?
I RSVPed
5. I voted
7. Goodreads (amy turci)
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Do you have or want a kindle? do u think it affects reading experiences?
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Who is your fav secondary character of all time?
I RSVPed
2. I shared on Twitter http://twitter.com/alicia0605
5. I voted on the poll
7. I’m friends with BBB on Facebook (alicia hall), Myspace (alicia0605), twitter (alicia0605) and goodreads (alicia hall)
[Reply]
Great book!! Looks really interesting!! I’ll have to go buy that right away
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Hello, thanks for being here today. I enjoy reading the interviews because they give me lots of ideas for my own writing.
I did everything requested.
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what was your fav. book when you were growing up?
i rsvp’d
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Hi, I rsvped. I just picked up your book at walmart the other day. It looks really good can’t wait to dive in.
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2. When do you feel most inspired to write?
3. Shared on twitter: http://twitter.com/blissunknown/status/5402662872
4.
Friended on Facebook (Rachel Ohmann)
Friended on Facebook fan page (Rachel Ohmann)
Friended on Twitter (blissunknown)
5.
Voted
Entered the Hangover contest
7.
Subscribed
Joined Blood Bank (Rachel Ohmann)
Friended on Facebook (Rachel Ohmann)
Friended on Facebook fan page (Rachel Ohmann)
Followed and tweeted (blissunknown) http://twitter.com/blissunknown/status/5403038408
RSVP’d yesterday too
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I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I am always looking for new author’s to read and from the sounds of it I have found another one to put on my list of have to reads.
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Hey Diana,
Great to meet you. Do you have a dream collaborator that you would someday like to work with?
*Linked on facebook - Anna Shah Hoque
*Already subscribed to BBB newsletter
*Friend with BBB on facebook - Anna Shah Hoque
*Friends with BBB on Good Reads - Anna Shah Hoque
*Fan of BBB on facebook - Anna Shah Hoque
*Permanent link on blog sidebar - http://s7anna.blogspot.com/
Happy Reading!!!
Anna
[Reply]
2. Hi Diana,
I have not read your books yet. the sound wonderful. I normally read a lot of vampire and shapeshifter books however I am getting your series to start. I need a change and witches is what I need. Are any of your characters created from someone you have in your life? Thank you
3. links in my facebook.com/heidishafer, myspace.com/heidi330, twitter/heidishafer, goodreads.heidishafer , sensual treats
4.sent request for friends w/ Diana, both facebooks, myspace and twitter
5. voted
7.friends w/ BBB facebook,myspace,twitter, goodreads,sensual treats
Heidi S.
[Reply]
[...] Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Diana Pharaoh Francis Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Diana Pharaoh Francis [...]
Hey Girl! No question, but a comment. Y’all, I read this book in manuscript form and fell totally in love with it! I pushed it on facebook and my yahoo group already this week, and I can’t recommend it enough. It is sooooo totally grand! Run, don’t walk, to buy it! And get a couple for pals for Christmas while you are at it! (laughing. Who says I can’t push a book?)
[Reply]
You mentioned reworking characters–how do you go about that when you find the character isn’t working? Any techniques you could share?
Sent friend request on Facebook
Became a fan on Facebook
Already follow Bitten by Books on mySpace, Facebook and Twitter
[Reply]
#2 did you base any of the characters on people you know in real life?
#3 used the link on
-Twitter: http://twitter.com/rb109972/status/5403071468
-Bloged : http://freesuffgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/11/today-they-are-having-book-interview.html
-myspace: http://www.myspace.com/503888161
-FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=100000451644463&ref=nf
#4 Became friend on
-Facebook
-Facebook Fan Page
-Twitter
-Myspace
#7
-SUBSCRIBED to the Bitten by Books newsletter
-i joind the blood bank, http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/DanielBates
-Facebook Fan Page
-Did the goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2906634
-Did the myspace one
-Did facebook friend
-twitter
Thanks! It sounds like a great book
[Reply]
Amy T: If we go way back, it was the Monster At the End of This book. A little less far back and it was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
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Taylor Z: I think it would be fun to have one, but I would probably break it. I would probably be afraid to use it because of that. It changes the reading experience a lot, I should think. If only because you can carry a lot more books in a lighter way, so for planes and travel, it would be awesome, until you ran out of batteries :D.
[Reply]
Diana,
Happy Tuesday,
What sets your book apart from the others in this genre?
Thanks,
RSVP’d
Joined Diana’s fan facebook page
Voted in poll of the week
Entered Halloween Hangover contest
Friends with BBB here facebook/MYSPACe /vamplubber
[Reply]
How have I missed these books? Series sounds great so Bitter Night goes on my list for Santa and I have to start being good. Thanks for being at BBB, Diana!
(RSVP’d)
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I have to thank BBB for introducing me to your books. I’m looking forward to checking them out, end of the world tales are awesome.
I RSVP’d, follow Diana and BBB on Twitter, voted and entered the Halloween Hangover Contest, subscribe to BBB Newsletter, friends with BBB on MySpace.
Tweeted interview at: http://twitter.com/BarbaraElness
[Reply]
Hi, I love your book covers. I am dying to start reading them. I RSVP,I became a friend,I am a bbb subscriber. I love these contests.
Debby Creager
creagers@windstream.net
[Reply]
I haven’t really heard authors stating that they go back and redo things because something about characterization doesn’t work quite right the first time through. Editing, yes, but usually that’s attributed to reviewers or editors wanting changes. How often do you find you want to go back and change something because it doesn’t work *right*?
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Hi!! I RSVP’d. I really enjoyed reading the interview!
I have never read your books before - but I am definitely add them to my TBR list. 
I love that BBB introduces me to new books & authors! I can’t wait to start reading Bitter Night!
I an late with my question, sorry!
I like asking people questions like this: if you happened to be transported by magic into ANY novel/world by another author - which book would you “live” in? & question 2 is if you could write yourself into one of your own book — which would it be?
I’ll post a list of my Twitter links, etc when I’m online - I’m on a
mobile right now.
[Reply]
Alicia H: Favorite secondary character of all time. Hmmm. That’s a really hard one. There are so many possibilitie and I have never thought about that at all. I’m going to have to think about that one. I’ll post on it later.
[Reply]
Stephanie A and Faerydreamer: Thanks for coming by!
[Reply]
Diana, I loved the actor list you came up with! I’m a huge Morena Baccarin fan and think she’d be fab in that type of movie. I’m guessing you saw her in Stargate SG-1, yes? She was amazing! I think it was the last or second to last season… and she was great on Firefly as well.
My question to you: how much does interest in sci/fi movies and television shows influence your writing choices? I’m always curious about how the media influences us all, even when we’re being creative…
Thanks for coming by!
Now for the contest stuff: I posted info about this event on my blog (http://elisajankowski.blogspot.com), which autofeeds into my FB notes (www.facebook.com/elisa.llewellyn.jankowski). I’m already friends with BBB on FB, am a member of the blood bank as elisabethb, and I receive the newsletter. I just participated in the Halloween Hangover contest and I voted on this week’s poll yesterday (or was it the day before?). I will friend request Diana on FB today!
[Reply]
I just read your short story “All Things Being Not Quite Equal” and loved it. I so loved Ester. Have you thought of doing a full length novel about her and Lucien? I would buy it! This short story has had me race to my Amazon wishlist and put “Bitter Night” on the top.
4, 5, & 7 done.
[Reply]
Hi I RSVP’d! Sorry I couldn’t make it earlier
I just wanted to say the books sound great and I’ve added Bitter Night to my TBR list!!
Thanks!
Contest #’s 2,4,5,6,7 Done!
[Reply]
D. Bates: If we go way back, it was the Monster At the End of This book. A little less far back and it was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
[Reply]
Hi Diana,
Figures I sick today…just want to say hi and thank you for now. I am going back to bed. Hopefully I will feel better later and can come back to ask questions…
K
[Reply]
Renee W: Thanks!
[Reply]
Rachel O: I am so busy that I can’t wait for inspiration, so I just write. But I like to write in the mornings mostly. I used to prefer late at night, but now that I have kidlets and a job where I have to awake during the day, that’s tough.
[Reply]
Yay Mary Beth! I hope you like them.
[Reply]
Anna S: There’s a few writers I’d love to collaborate with. Most of them are on my favorite authors list, like Ilona Andrews and Patty Briggs and Carol Berg and Ann Aguirre . . . Again, could go on.
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Heidi S: Most of my characters have traits of people I know or have met. Occasionally someone will really annoy me and I’ll put them in the book in minor ways to make fun of them. But shhhhhh, don’t tell anyone. And usually no one I like in the least.
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Faith! You are awesome!
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Krysten H: I tend to layer them up. Adding in physical mannerisms, habits or quirks, make them feel more strongly about something important to them. It’s like sculpting where I hope the bare bones of the character are sound and then go through and flesh them out more.
With Max, she was a little too harsh the first write through and I had to go back in and show her internal struggle and her softer/emotional side. Alexander was fairly passive and I had to make him more alpha.
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D Bates: Most of my characters have traits of people I know or have met. Occasionally someone will really annoy me and I’ll put them in the book in minor ways to make fun of them. But shhhhhh, don’t tell anyone. And usually no one I like in the least.
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Deanna H.: It’s not got a lot of the hallmarks of current UF, like vampires or shapeshifters, for instance, nor is it a mystery or an investigation of any kind. I’d put it in the camp of Devon Monk or Ann Aguirre’s Blue Diablo. I think it’s a little more epic in scope than a lot of books–end of world stuff–and it plays with some different mythologies.
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Shirley H: Thanks! I hope you enjoy.
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Barbara and Debby: Thanks for coming by and I hope you enjoy the books!
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darchole: All the time. By the time I get to the end of the book, I’ve usually come to know my characters so much better that I want to go through and firm things up about them or tweak or change. I rarely don’t want to. The same with plots. I always go through and do a lot of changes and revisions before it goes off to my agent and editor.
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Diana, I’d love to know how you balance your high fantasy and urban fantasy in your brain. Crosspointe is such a detailed high fantasy setting — I imagine the same is true for your UF. Could you talk a little bit about how you move between the two worlds as a writer?
Also, which world would you rather visit in the flesh?
I’ve joined Diana here: Facebook, Facebook Fan Page, Twitter, and Myspace.
5. VOTED and commented. Halloween Hangover Contest entered.
7. I’m a BBB subscriber, a Blood Bank member, a facebook fan, a myspace friend, a Facebook friend, a Twitter follower, and a blog roller at http://alanajoli.livejournal.com.
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Libby: I hope you enjoy!
You know, a lot of magical worlds are not great places to be, especially if you aren’t someone with money or magic, and sometimes even if you are. So for instance, I don’t think I want to go to another fantasy world if I can’t have magic or power. Not at all. But if i could have power or sword skills or something like that, I think I’d like to visit . . . I want to pick more than one! But I would say Tolkein’s world of Middle Earth. But only if the bad guys are all gone. Or maybe Valdemar. Or . . . Boy, so many options.
As for my worlds, the same cavea applies. I’d like to go to Crosspointe if I could be a Pilot or a Majicar. Otherwise, Bitter Night, but I’d want to be a witch or a Sunspear or Shadowblade.
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elizabethb: Firefly first, then Stargate. Or at least, the order of being noticed. i watch a lot of SF movies and shows, but I don’t know that they influence me that much, except possibly in terms of the dialog because a lot of them have really wonderful fast and smart dialog and i want to reproduce that.
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Hi Lisa! I have thought about it, and even went so far as to write a proposal, but didn’t get much interest because there were already so many vampire stories out there. I think if I went and rethought it and redeveloped it, I might have luck, but that could be awhile. But I do love Esther and Lucien. I’ve always wanted to write more about them.
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Yay Valorie! Thanks for coming by.
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Koren–oh, yuck. Feel better and thanks for crawling out of bed to say hi.
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Alana: Because the worlds of each are so different, and yet so vivid to me, I don’t have trouble moving between them. If was writing two UFs or two Epics at the same time, that might be another story. I do keep notes on each world and characters, which helps, but it’s quite a different mindset because I can’t be anachronistic or modern in epic, and I can use a whole different kind of voice and perception in UF.
As for which world, well, as I said above, I’d really only want to go places if I could have some money or magic. But I would love to visit Crosspointe. Especially if I had money.
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Thank you for doing the interview today! I would totally watch something with Kyle Schmid and Alexander Skaarsgard in it. Dreamy.
What made you want to write multiple series? What kind of paranormal character do you like best to write?
RSVPd. Did 4 (sent friend request on Facebook), 5 (did both) and 7 (Facebook and Newsletter).
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I RSVP’d.
2. I’ve never read any of your books but I’ve added your Bitter Night to my list of books to be read. Thank you for visiting with us today.
5. Done & Done
7. Done
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Hi Diana, I am a fan or urban fantasy and paranormal stories and loved hearing about your series, I think you’ve made a new fan.
voted in poll
voted in Hangover Contest
subscriber to BBB newsletter
member of BB community under Cathy M
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Hi R.E.B. I would watch that too. Let’s lobby for it!
I wanted to be writing more in a year, but I knew that I couldn’t manage two of the same type of thing without botching it up in my head, so I followed my other love into UF and Bitter Night was born. I like a paranormal character who is very powerful, and still can’t just walk away with the prize. In Bitter Night, Max is powerful, but so are her enemies and it comes down to wits and determination.
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Linda T: I hope you like them! And thanks for visiting today.
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yay Cathy M! I hope so!
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Do you have a music soundtrack in mind for your books? I like to have music in the background when I read, so I’m curious.
RSVP’d
Voted in weekly poll
BBB subscriber
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Hey, Diana- great interview! Thank you for stopping by to answer our questions =)
*Be friends with Diana by joining her here:
-Twitter Following: I’m RexReadingRobot
-Myspace Request Sent: I’m /dominicandjulia
*VOTED in Poll of the Week
*Commented at the Halloween Hangover!
*Be friends with Bitten by Books here:
-SUBSCRIBED
-Joined The Blood Bank: I’m /JuliaS
-Good Reads Friends: I’m RRRobot
-Myspace Friend: I’m /dominicandjulia
-Twitter Follower: I’m RexReadingRobot
-BBB is on my blog list & I have some entries w/links to BBB at rexrobotreviews.blogspot.com
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Rachel: I listen to a pretty lengthy sound track when I write. Some of it is dark and moody, some is angry/energetic sounding, and some is mellow. A lot depends on the mood I want. I know that for this book, i listened to a lot of rock like Guns and Roses, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica and so on. But I also listened to the Phantom of the Opera and Battlestar Galactica and some other soundtracks. I’m kind of eclectic, but when I really get focused, i stop hearing the music at all.
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I’m thoroughly enjoying myself, Julie S.! Glad you came by.
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Contest stuff -
2 - RSVP & question 32
3 - twitter - http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/5408403166
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbittenbybooks.com%2F%3Fp%3D12548&t=Interview%2C%20Chat%20and%20Contest%20with%20Author%20Diana%20Pharaoh%20Francis#/posted.php?id=798764554&success
4- facebook, facebook friend, and twitter
5 = both completed
7 - all but myspace
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I rsvped and here I am
2. how many books do you foresee in this series.
3. http://bookcrazyscrapbookmama.blogspot.com/2009/11/contest-with-author-diana-pharaoh.html I posted here
4. done
5. done and done
7. I am on friends list everywhere lol and your permantly on my blog roll
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great interview! Bitter Night sounds great. Do you have an prework rituals?
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Diana great interview.. Congrads.. Can not wait to read Bitter Night!
RSVPed
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I RSVPed but I was wondering where do you get your ideas from?
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Have you found it difficult since you entered into the writing world to attract new readers in this genre of writing?
Also, when you began writing what was it that pushed you in this direction of story telling?
Thanks for doing an interview with BBB and keep writing!
-Justin
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Do you get nightmares whenever you conceptualize ideas for your book?
tweeted: http://twitter.com/rubyreads/status/5409637411
became a friend with diana on twitter
voted on the paranormal polls & joined the halloween contest
friend of BBB on twitter [i'm @rubyreads] and ning:
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Ruby
Your blog is also permanently in my blogroll. at the left side of my page at:
http://rubylovesadventure.blogspot.com
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do you get nightmares when you conceptualize ideas for your book?
posted on twitter:
http://twitter.com/rubyreads/status/5409637411
made diana as a friend on twitter as well [i'm @rubyreads]
BBB follower on twitter: @rubyreads
friend on ning:
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Ruby
voted & commented on the weekly poll
joined the halloween contest
your blog is on my blogroll forever, on the left side of the page:
http://rubylovesadventure.blogspot.com
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PamK: I honestly don’t know how many. It really depends on if the stories are good, but I would like to stay in the world and look at other people’s stories. Characters I’ve already introduced and others. But right now I have no clue.
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Hi, Have you ever considered writing anything in the YA genre?
Also, what would your readers be shocked to learn about you?
rsvpd
following dianapfrancis on twitter
voted
hangover contest-check
already subscribe to BBB newsletter
friends w/ BBB @
facebook fans
goodreads
facebook
myspace
twitter tweeted you http://twitter.com/EllzReadz/status/5409836442
BBB is always on my blog roll http://ellzreadz.blogspot.com/
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Jennifer: Prework rituals–mostly just checking all my electronic stuff like email, twitter, and so on. I sometimes read over the stuff I’ve written the day before and glance over any notes I had, but then I try to jump in. I try to write every day no matter what because that helps my mind stay in the flow and so it’s easier to pick up the next day.
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Thanks Ida!
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Ember J: Everywhere. Writers are magpies. We collect and store away every shiny bit of dialog, image, place, thing–whatever we notice and pay attention to. They spin around in what Virginia Woolf called the Primordial Ooze of our minds, and eventually ideas and characters grow up and come into being.
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Justin: finding new readers is always hard. A lot depends on readers spreading the word and telling friends. It also depends on bookstores carrying the books of course and having interesting covers and lovely places like this that review and showcase writers. But the key thing is to write a good book that people want to talk about. So I hope you like Bitter Night and want to share that like with other people.
You know, I tried writing stories without magic, but they were flat and boring. I just didn’t love the stories. Then i followed my love–the things that I read constantly, and that’s how I ended up writing fantasy, both epic and UF.
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I RSVP’d
posted on myspace http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.friendmoods&friendId=376963371&filter=1
wont let me post it on facebook for some reason-says it is abusive to some users
Friends with BBB on facebook, myspace, twitter, goodreads, subscriber, ning member under wolfmoon
sent friend requests to Diana-question how do I forward friend confirmations from facebook if I don’t get them?
voted in poll
Ok my comment is I love the cover she looks kick ass!
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Ruby E: The only time I ever got nightmares myself (though I think I occasionally give them to my husband) was when I wrote a story for Furry Fantastic, “In Between the Dark and the Light.” In that one, life was a little close to the story and I kept having to go check my kids. And then I had nightmares. So I was a little bit freaked out.
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ElleN: I have thought about writing YA, but I need the story to reach out and grab me. I have one that is stewing, but it isn’t ready and I can feel that. One of these days.
Something readers would be shocked to know about me . . . My cousin Albert was the first man electrocuted in the California electric chair.
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Thanks Tamara! And I confirmed, so you’re good.
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Hey Di!
Thought I’d stop by and say hello (no contest entry though). Has anyone mentioned that in that picture you look like Sigourney Weaver?
Just sayin’.
Have a Bitter Night!!! Muahahaaahaaaaa!
Mark
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Hi Diana welcome to BBB
Im ne wto your work but from what i checked out sounds awesome i was wondering whats the top ten things youd like to accomplish next year and if you could sell your work to me in one sentence what would your one sentence be
added you to fqace book : Beverly Gordon
fanned you on face book : wrote on ur wall
following you on twitter : http://twitter.com/bainesgoddess
BBB
I rsvped
im already friends with you on
Facebook Fan Page: Beverly Gordon
Good Reads: Beverly Gordon
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
Facebook: Beverly Gordon
Twitter:http://twitter.com/bainesgoddess
im on the blood bank : Beverly Gordon
i receive the news letter
i entered the Halloween Hangover Contest
I voted for this weeks poll
shared on face book: beverly Gordon
twitter: @bainesgoddess
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
and my blog : http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
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bloodbank is Belinda Kaye Wolf-Whitaker
Facebook is /bwhitake (bwhitake@jccc.edu)
myspace is /bkwolf-whitaker (bkwolf-whitaker@myspace.com)
goodereads is /bkwhitaker (bkwhitaker@yahoo.com)
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Have you ever written (or thought about writing) something then thought. . no, I can’t go that far!?!
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Hi Diana
*I wish I could go to your singing in Sac I live three hours away in reading But I never get to sac very often and I don’t drive so there is know way for me to get there .but your lucky not to be in Northern Ca in the summer it gets hot here.
*I have Spread the word on my mysapce and facebook and here are the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
*I Voted on the Pools
*I entered the Hanover Contest
*I’m already a Friend on myspace and facebook and I get the newsletter
*and I RSVPed
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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Mark–if only! I adore her. Specially in Aliens.
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Cynthia: not so much. Mostly I just decide my editor will rein me in if it’s too much. But why not put it out there?
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Stacey: Bummer. But trust me, I know. I grew up in Lincoln. In fact, part of Crimson Wind will be in Weed. Heh. Hot summer nights. Wish you could make it down too, but so far I’ve not got it set up, so may be a moot point in the end. Hope not though.
Thanks for checking in!
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From one Diana to another, hello! There are so many different paranormal beings out there. I love witches, good or bad, and shape-shifters. What is your favorite? You know, Edward, Jacob, or other? LOL! Congratulations on your new release. I’m looking foward to reading Bitter Night.
P.S. I’m glad you chose Alexander Skaarsgard as part of your dream cast for Bitter Night…Vampire Eric…sigh.
For the contest:
I RSVP’d.
Posted the chat/contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bookofsecrets
Posted the chat/contest on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bookofsecrets
Sent Diana a friend request on Facebook (I’m Diana Owen-Emerson).
Joined her fan page on Facebook.
Following Diana on Twitter (I’m bookofsecrets).
Voted in this week’s poll.
Entered the Halloween Hangover Contest.
Thanks,
Diana
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Do you ever get so engrossed in your writing that it becomes so real that it is hard to seperate truth from fiction?
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I love Kate Daniels from Ilona Andrews, and Mercy, from Patty Briggs. But there are many many more. So hard to pick favorites.
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Carolyn: not a lot. But I think that’s because real life slams into me mercilessly. I kind of think it would be a little cool to be that immersed, though people might point and laugh a little more than they already do
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Sigourney Weaver?
There’ll be no living with her now but…
Well, we know who can play her in the movie!
So Di, I don’t think anyone asked how you do do your research for your books….
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Christy: Very badly.
no, really. I dig and look for the broad contexts, especially of things I don’t know anything about, then start chewing into the details until I feel I have enough understanding to write about it. Sometimes I don’t have to know that much, sometiems I have be something of an expert. I usually start on the net, then find books and experts who I can interview and have read my stuff.
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Hi! What books have you read that inspired you in creating your stories and/or characters? Can’t wait to read your books, they sound awesome.
Posted link on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tiahb
Rest is done!
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Hi Tiah! Charles Dickens’ Bleak House definitely inspired parts of Crosspointe. And whenever I write in Crosspointe, I start reading books like Jane Austen so that I can capture a sort of Victorian tone to the language and words.
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Hi Diana, Congrats on the new release… Thanks for coming and sharing with us, it’s a great interview. Your books sound fantastic, and I’ll being bumping some other authors down the I want list..lol .. can’t all be at the top.
Question… who/what is your favorite non-human character from any media form..any time.
Thanks again for being here and for offering us all a chance at some great prizes.. [would buy so many books]
all under user ID iokijo [Jo Ann J.]
2] RSVP’d comment/question done
3] tweeted/retweeted event http://twitter.com/iokijo/status/5322268441
4] following on twitter/ joined FB fanpage
5] done & done
7] already subscribe to BBB/member Blood Bank/follow on twitter/FB friend/FB fan page
[Reply]
lokijo: I have risen to the top (or close) to the pile! I win!
Favorite non-human character is… you know, I’m not sure. I really liked Henry Fitzroy of Blood Ties, but I know there are a lot of characters that I loved in books and movies and TV that I liked and just can’t remember right now.
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Great interview. I havent had a chance to read any of your other books but Bitter Night went on my wishlist as soon as I read about it. It sounds great.
I know you metioned Sunshine, and its cool because thats one of the questions I kept asking as I read it too. But what other books have influenced you in your writing? And what made you choose witches as your main character?
And if I missed it and something similar was asked, one more - vampires or werewolves? Who will win the final battle?
Thanks for taking the time for this!
_________________________
Contest stuff:
RSVP’d
2. questions above
3. posted here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2009/11/bbb-contest-and-interview-with-diana.html
4. FB - email coming, FB Fan Page - joined but no email, twitter - following (@donnas1) also no email, MySpace - email coming
5. Voted in the poll and Entered the contest
7. All but blog roll previously done and emailed
[Reply]
Bitter Night sounds intriguing. How long do you think it will be before the sequel will be released? You said the working title for the sequel is Crimson Wind. Are working titles usually changed or kept as the title of the book?
I RSVP’d.
Voted in poll and the Halloween Hangover Contest .
Already subscribed to BBB newsletter and MySpace.
annalisa mck.
[Reply]
Hi Donna~
A lot of books influence my writing. Dickens’ Bleak House had a lot of influence on my Crosspointe books. It’s hard to pick out particular books, in so much at my subconscious probably pulls more than anything else.
I like the idea of witches, but vicious, willful, ambitious and mercurial witches. I like that there’s a lot of mythology about them, but nothing that I have to stick to. i have a lot of room to play.
Vampires or Werewolves? Neither. My Shadowblades and Sunspears will take down them all!
[Reply]
Hi Annalisa~
Crimson Wind will probably be out this time next year. Most of my titles have stayed from start to finish, but my editor may not like Crimson Wind, and I’m not sure a better title won’t occur to me. Right now Crimson Wind feels right, but I never say never.
[Reply]
Hi Diana
Thank you for being with us today.
Which was the hardest book for you to write & why?
RP, C&C RSVP # 12
Twittered chat here http://twitter.com/samk52/status/5406239671
RSVP #56 for Jennifer Lyon
(not sure how to email you the verification for following some one on Twitter)
Voted November Book Release
Halloween Hangover Comment # 51
Am subscribed to BBB newsletter,
following BBB on Twitter (samk52),
am a member of the Blood Bank http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/SharonKnight
[Reply]
I RSVPed for this event.
2. It’s so comforting to hear that a published author such as yourself have the same problems that us aspiring authors experience when writing. Like not knowing where the plot is going, etc. Thank you for talking about it. It really makes me (and others, I’m sure) feel that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel!
3. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/5414404051
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/posted.php?id=1354072304&share_id=180026772568&comments=1#s180026772568
5. done
7. I follow BBB feed through Google Reader and BBB is in my blogroll http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/
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So many comments, I hope this hasn’t been asked yet: Would you like to have a cameo in a movie based on your books?
5. Done all
7. Subscribed
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I heard about Bitter Night a while ago but forgot to put it on my wishlist. So, thanks for the reminder. lol The “before the end of the world” setting is something which should be interesting to read about.
RSVP+5.Done
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Hi Diana!
How did you come up with the names for your characters in your series?
J. van Es
moonie442001@yahoo.com
http://www.twitter.com/delilahforever
http://www.myspace.com/moonie007
[Reply]
How did you come up with the titles of your books?
J. van Es
Voted in poll of the week. point 5.
moonie442001@yahoo.com
http://www.twitter.com/delilahforever
[Reply]
The book sounds great! I can’t wait to read it.
RSVP’d, #5 done, fan on facebook, BBB- Subscribe, friend & fan on FB, friend on MS, perm link on blog http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com
Ursula D.
[Reply]
Hi Diana,
You’re a new author for me, is there any times that you sneak away to jot down lines when you’re in the middle of something important?
rsvpd
posted on FB:Dina Stornello
posted on Twitter:dlsmilad
friends w/BBB on FB, FB fan grp, Goodreads:Dina Stornello
follow BBB Twitter:dlsmilad
following Diana Twitter:dlsmilad
friended Diana on BOTH FB and FB fan grp:Dina Stornello
friended Diana on MYspace:dlsmilad
get BBB newsletter
member of Bloodbank:Dina S http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/DinaS
BBB perm fav on blog:http://dinasthoughtblog.blogspot.com/
posted on myspace blog AND bulletin:dlsmilad
voted
thank you,
Dina S.
dlsmilad@yhaoo.com
[Reply]
Hello Diana,
What kind of paranormal creatures are you looking forward to writing about next?
I RSVPed.
5. Done both.
[Reply]
Yikes, I totally forgot to say I RSVP’d!
Voted in poll of the week. Point #5.
J. van Es
moonie442001@yahoo.com
http://www.twitter.com/delilahforever
Friended on Facebook and joined Fanpage on Facebook.
[Reply]
Thanks for inviting me. As usual, your interviews are great!
[Reply]
I RSVPed I am already friends with you on myspace and I have sent a friend request on facebook. I just started reading Bitter Nights and finally had to put it down last night because I couldn’t focus any more!! When do you think the sequel will be released? Oh I voted and all of that. Lisa D.
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Hi Diana, Great interview. Is there a genre you’d like to experiment in (or cross-write with another?) that you haven’t tried?
I RSVPd, sent an FB friend request and became an FB fan.
Best of luck with your series!
Cate
[Reply]
Hi! I RSVP’d. I haven’t read any of your books and am new to this site as of 4 days ago, but this is awesome! (although i don’t think my boss would think so…)
hmmm…a question…Are you reading a book right now & if so, what is it? Also, what is your favorite book written by another author? Are you a coffee or tea girl? beer or wine? salty or sweet?
How’s that? I will have to pick up one of your books this weekend. I have two I just picked up last night..geesh I think this site is going to hurt my wallet…:) Thank you for your time! T
[Reply]
[...] Diana Pharaoh Francis, author of Bitter Night, by Bitten by Books [...]
Diana,
I’m glad I saw the interview and learned about your books. I think the Horngate witches would be most interesting to me.
1. RSVPed
4. Sent Facebook and Myspace friend requests. Became a Facebook fan
5. Poll done and Halloween contest done.
7. Previously done.
[Reply]
Hi Diana,
I haven’t had a chance to read your books yet but they sound interesting.
Friends with BBB on goodreads and subscribe to BBB newsletter
[Reply]
Hi Diana,
Do you have a theme song for the books when you’re writing them? I read the title and I kept trying to think of a theme song that would best fit it, but I’ve only come up with a beat in my head and I still can’t seem to pinpoint where it’s from, lol.
I voted for the contest and poll and I’m already friends with BBB
Thanks!
[Reply]
Hello! I have your Bitter Night on my shelf, it arrived only today, so I have not read it yet, and because of that I do not have good questions. But I want to ask if you think humor is a gift or something we have to get through practice? And it is the first book of the series right?
Thank you.
I RSVPed
Aori H.
[Reply]
Sharon K: The hardest was Path of Honor. It was the first time I was writing a middle book and then I had some life issues at the time. I had a very difficult pregnancy and had to turn the book in late, and I had to juggle a lot.
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Michelle: I have to remind myself of that frequently.
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Dovile: you know, I think it would be huge fun, but I think I’d rather dangle about the set and fan girl all over the actors.
[Reply]
Paula H. Thanks for coming by and I’m glad to remind you to add it to your Wish list. I hope you enjoy!
[Reply]
Hi Jan: in the Path series, the names are meaningful, in so much I drew the words from two different foreign languages: Latvian and Estonian. I changed some of the spellings on some and made up a few, but for instance Kaval means yellow, and Reisil means on a journey.
In the other books, I generally came to the names as sounding the way I wanted, having resonances that I wanted, and so forth. Selange names all her Spears and Blades after Powerful rulers or gods. Hence Alexander and Thor.
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Jan: Titles: I go for titles that capture the feel of the novel or an element of it. For the Path books, Reisil was on a journey to learning about herself and each path was a different one. For the Crosspointe books, Each one is a strong element in the book, and also reflect the changing political intrigue. For Bitter NIght, it reflects the fact that Max can only come out at night, and that she is very angry and bitter. And that she has a bitter choice to make.
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Hi Medieval Girl! I hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by.
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Dina S: yes, definitely. And often I don’t sneak away. I carry notebooks so that I can take notes whenever I think of them. I sometimes have to pull over on the road when I get an idea driving and forget to carry a recorder.
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Lesley: I had to cut a Kelpie out of the book and I really want to bring it back. And then too, some forest fairies from Russia I think.
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Hi Ester! Thanks!
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Lisa: I’m expecting this same time next year.
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Cate: I might like to try some stronger romance. If I thought I could do it well.
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Tmarie: Don’t get in trouble with your boss! I am reading Elizabeth Moon’s Once a Hero. And then, I don’t really have a favorit