Loading ...Daily Book Chat and Contest - Hell on Earth series by Jackie Kessler
PLEASE NOTE: This contest is over. Please join us at today’s book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=13103
Hello Readers!
First thing is first, the Bag O’ Swag winner from yesterday’s chat is RJS! RJS please email me at racoo.smith at gmail.com (no spaces) with your name and address so we can send your prizes out. 
Welcome to our Tuesday Book Chat. So, let’s talk about books!
Today’s book discussion will be about the Hell on Earth Series
Read reviews of this series here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Jackie Kessler
Today’s questions:
1.) This series, though using a humorous presentation, deals with some deeper philosophical issues. Do you enjoy this approach?
2.) How do you like Jezebel as a main character (as she is in the first two books and the novella)?
3.) Aside from Jezebel, who are some of your favorite characters from the series?
Note: If you are going to post major spoiler, be sure to post this first in your comment. Do this
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That way others can avoid them if they want. This is called Spoiler vision.
Contest: One lucky winner will win a bag of author swag, open to readers worldwide. All you need to do to enter is.
1. Comment and chat here today AND leave at least one comment or question on the book title we are discussing. Even if you haven’t read it. You could ask what makes the characters so compelling to others, or have them convince you to buy the book. LOL Just because you haven’t read it doesn’t mean you can’t chat with us. 
2. Attend and comment at the Interview with author Diane Laurance at noon today at BBB.
3. Enter the Win a Kindle 2 contest here: http://www.noobie.com/kindle-giveaway?ref=813331493
4. RSVP, Attend and Comment at the Interview, Chat and Contest with author Lilith Saintcrow here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12659
5. Invite a bunch of your friends to come and chat with us today! Here’s the direct link so they won’t get lost.
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=13075
6. VOTE in this week’s paranormal poll and leave a comment here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=13065
Books in the Hell on Earth series in the order they should be read:
Hell’s Belles
The Road to Hell
Hotter Than Hell
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Thanks, Rachel! I wanted to pop by to say that there will be a Hell novella, “Hell’s Angel,” that will be part of ARe’s February 2010 anthology, 28 DAYS OF HEART, in which all proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. In that paranormal romance, Angel is horribly lonely…until she meets someone who shows her that she doesn’t need Heaven to feel bliss. (Any guesses?)
And a short story, “Hell Bound,” will appear in the THOSE WHO FIGHT MONSTERS anthology, due to be published by Edge Science Fiction in late 2010. That’s a Jezzie story, which takes place before HELL’S BELLES.
Lastly…yes, HELL TO PAY, the fourth Hell book, is written. I can’t share any more information than that at this time. But I promise, it’s coming.
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[...] over to Bitten By Books, which is featuring a discussion of the Hell on Earth [...]
Hi Jackie! (waving)
Thanks so much for the great update!
Keep checking back, because as the day goes on, folks will have questions…
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Jackie - I’m not going to guess because I already have done that! I will not spill the beans re Angel’s love.
Yay that Hell to Pay is written. I shall be patient.
Favorite other character - Daun. I have other of course, but Daun is in a league of his own.
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Hee. Thanks, Qwill. I will say that in “Hell’s Angel,” there’s foreshadowing to something in HELL TO PAY…and there’s also a strong hint that all is not as it seems.
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Mornin’
I haven’t read any of your books Jackie. I am new to this site and am loving all the different books I get to hear about. Sure makes buying at the bookstore easier!!!
SO, I will take that cue from the site hostess and ask if anyone cares to convince me that the Hell on Earth series should be my next reads… I do love series!!!
Thanks! T-Marie S.
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Hi Jackie,
I really hate to say this, but I haven’t read your books. The sad thing is I have seen them all over, after reading the reviews up here I am very upset with my self for not picking them up. I am definitely adding you to my TBR pile and wishlist. I love this site, Rachel and the rest of the gang do a very good job of letting us know about new and established authors. I can’t wait to start your series, and I will definitely be checking back to see the comments left about this series.
2. RSVP’d and will attend interview and chat with Diane Laurance
3. Entered Kindle Contest and Posted on FB
4. RSVP’d Lilith Saintcrow interview and will attend
5. Spread the word on FB
6. Voted in poll
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The first book was written in a very different, but highly awesome manner. The story doesn’t flow in chronological order–it cycles around events in Hell, on Earth, and in Jez’s life. I LOVED it! You were given just enough information at each point to drive you crazy.
The second book made me cry. Seriously. Like a little girl. I wanted to punt Lilith into the Lake of Fire, but she kind of scares me.
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Hi Jackie!! I’ sorry, but I haven’t read this series yet - it’s on my November reading list & I already own Hell’s Belles.
I have been meaning to read it - I’ve heard great things! I am definitely bumping it up on my TBR list after reading what has been said here.
I love these daily book chats!
My question to those that have read it - if it was a movie — who would you cast as the characters? Absolutely anyone.
2. Will attend.
3. Plan to participate
4. RSVP & plan to attend
5. posting links throughout the day
6. Voted in the poll!
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Hi Jackie! And Hello everyone! Ok, as seems to be my usual answer, I haven’t read this series…but I want to! It’s on my incredibly long and growing TBR list. I’m still waiting to hear peoples answers to the questions posted above, those are the ones I really want answered!
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This is a new author to me. The series sounds wonderful. Lookinf forward to reading your books.
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hello….. Still recovering from my rrot canal, but wanted to pop over and say hi. I have not read Jackie’s series, yet. So many new authors I am discovering. However, I have heard of her books and have been meaning to read them for a while now.
I have done all of the other above mentioned.
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i havent had the pleasure to read this yet but i love the concept of usen humor to deal with those sort of situation since i havent read it id like to know what would you say to me to get me to read it besides how awesome i already know she is
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Jackie U. - Lillith sort of scares me too.
Her story is in the anthology LILITH UNBOUND anthology (yeah, I spelled her name differently for the antho, to be consistent with the other stories) from Popcorn Press. 
Libby L. - I love the idea of Christina Ricci as Jezebel. Did you see her in BLACK SNAKE MOAN? Okay, I didn’t, either, but other than being blonde, she looked **perfect** for the role. As for Daun, well, I’m partial to Matt Damon.
For Paul, the actor who plays Hoyt on True Blood is almost exactly how I pictured him. As for Meg…hmm. Don’t know!
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whoops I think I pushed submit by accident!!! 1-7 done!!!chatted, attended, entered, rsvp’d, facebooked, voted!!! WHOOOHOOO!!!
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Hey Jackie!
I haven’t picked up this book but it looks pretty interesting. Personally, while I do enjoy humourous books, I also enjoy when there is something deeper being explored too, so that is a big plus for me. Especially when those aspects are presented in an interesting way! So I am really looking forward to stopping by the bookstore to check this out.
And I have done all of 2-7
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Jackie - I didn’t see Christina in that movie, but I want to! I like her. & Matt Damon — interesting!! I love hearing how people picture the characters in their heads — especially the author!
Thanks for answering my question! 
I appreciate it & can’t wait to read this series!
& Hoyt from True Blood - interesting! That reminds me of whatMrs. Foetenberry went through at the end of season 2. (remember how she just wanted to play Wii?) lol.
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Another author/series I’ve been eyeballing for quite a while now.
Entered to win a Kindle 2
Definitely RSVPed to Lilith Saintcrow’s chat/interview
Voted in this week’s paranormal poll
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Hi Jackie,
1. How long have you been writing?
How many books do you think will be in this series?
2. Attended
3. Entered
4. Rsvp’d
5. Posted on Myspace : myspace.com/tonis_place36
Posted on Facebook http://profile.to/tonispringsteed
6. Voted
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Hoyt was a surprise to me. I was imagining someone with a more hard-edged face, like Thomas Kretschmann from Wanted. : )
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The fact that Lucifer was still working for the Big Guy was one of my favorite parts of the first book. Delving into the idea of hell being used to tempt us, to make us better, is extremely deep for a novel about a sex demon, and it was handled wonderfully.
And Meg–ACK! She came second in my Scariest B*tch vote for the series, second only to good ‘ole Lil. The things she survived and was made to do…::shudders::
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Great cover Jackie!!
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1. Ok guys, I havent read this book yet, nor have I heard of it before now. So can you guys tell me what is so wonderful about the book that it made today’s post?
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I’m hoping someone can tell me about the book too, Kayla! I haven’t heard of it either, but it certainly looks good! I don’t know about you, but I always seem to judge a book by it’s cover!
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I’m the same exact way May! I’m a total cover judger!! I think people get annoyed with me doing it, but it’s a habit, and I’ve found some of the best books that way!
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Toni S. - I’ve been writing since I was 18 (in 1989), but I didn’t get serious about wanting to be a published author until about 2003. I’ve had short stories published since early 2005, and HELL’S BELLES was written in and sold in 2005.
There are four full novels in the series: HELL’S BELLES, THE ROAD TO HELL, HOTTER THAN HELL, and HELL TO PAY (forthcoming). There are also three novellas: “A Hell of a Time” (ETERNAL LOVER anthology), “Hell Is Where the Heart Is” (A RED HOT VALENTINE’S DAY), and “Hell’s Angel” (28 DAYS OF HEART, forthcoming), as well as two short stories: “When Hell Comes Calling” (LILITH UNBOUND) and “Hell Bound” (THOSE WHO FIGHT MONSTERS, forthcoming)
That being said, there may be other things cooking in the Hell universe. Maybe. But more on that at another time.
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I’ve found wonderful books being a “cover judger”! Ha ha ha
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Keep in mind, cover folks, that usually authors have no say in their covers. So if it’s a fabulous cover, we happened to get blessed by the cover gods.
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May- that’s great!
Jackie- awesome, I caught you while you’re here! How many books have you written (and finished) between your “writing years” and “serious writing years”?
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Kayla J. - Heh. You know what it means to be a writer! From 1988 until the start of 2005, I was focused on **one** novel. I called it my Great American Novel, or the GAN. (It was a contemporary fantasy — really an urban fanasy, but one that takes place in an alternate reality, one with magic, etc.) And I kept writing, and rewriting, and reimagining it. All in all, I must written that thing 20 times, start to finish. (I still have one of the early versions. The plot doesn’t start until page 212. And the story ends on a cliffhanger on page 226.)
In 2003, I decided to get serious about writing. So for the entire year, I revised the GAN yet again. And in February 2004, I started learning about agents and how to write a query letter. And also starting in February 2004, I learned about the joys of rejection. The GAN scored triple digit rejection letters before I put it aside in January 2005 to start writing a mainstream chick-lit novel. I finished that in May 2005, and for three months I queried. I scored 40 rejection letters, and then I decided it was time to try something else.
This time, it was about a succubus who ran away from Hell, hid on Earth as an exotic dancer, and learned the hard way about true love. Sex, strippers, demons…what’s not to like? HELL’S BELLES scored me 5 offers of representation. A week after I signed with an agent, he sold the book in a three-book pre-emptive deal.
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Haven’t been able to get into this series yet. I do mean to, honest. Been following Jackie on Deadline Dames, and am adding her to my to be read list.
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If you haven’t read HELL’S BELLES yet, you can read the first chapter right now on my website. First (chapter) is free!
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Hello! I have this book on my to-be-read list. From where did the inspiration of this book and it’s characters come from?
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Lady_Graeye - I knew I wanted to write about a demon, a demon who was the heroine, not the bad guy (er, gal). So that meant she had to be a succubus. (This was before I started reading up on demonology and other fun Not Taught In Most Schools things.) Originally, she was going to get outsourced and decide to quit Hell and just try out the mortal thing on Earth, but about 13,000 words into that draft, I realized it would be a lot more fun if Jezebel **ran** away from Hell instead of walked away from Hell. And that meant she needed a reason to run away. And that led to the Announcement. **rubs hands gleefully**
Jezzie just popped out of my head, like a demonic Athena. If I were a demon, and she were Jewish, we’d probably be the same person. (But I’d never strip on stage. She’s got a better body than me.)
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1.I Have Not Read This Boo.What Can you tell me to make me want to buy this Book.
2.Doing Tonight
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5.Will Try
6.Did
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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RSVPd 2,3,4,6 done
Jackie, what books are in your TBR pile?
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Stacey Smith - If you buy HELL’S BELLES, I’ll be your best friend.
Lisa Richards - Oh my, what’s NOT in my TBR pile? I just finished Shannon K. Butcher’s FINDING THE LOST, and I’m reading Jim C Hines’s THE MERMAID’S MADNESS and Rachel Caine’s FADE OUT. Next is Nicole Peeler’s TEMPEST RISING and then Kelly Meding’s THREE DAYS TO DEAD. And then it’s Jim Butcher’s PRINCEPS’ FURY, to be following by FIRST LORD’S FURY. And then it’s Jasper Fforde’s THE EYRE AFFAIR. And then…
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WOW!! this book sounds really really goood. I need to go get it just for the cover. Well you know this one is added to my list but i don’t think I will but it on my xmas list because I want this book now. No, I have not read it yet but the first chapter made me a believer.
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Heidi S
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Thanks, Heidi! (And now I have “I’m A Believer” going through my head. **dashes off to put on SHREK**)
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Love this series. It was great fun to read including the short stories. Waiting anxiously for the next. Talk about keeping your personal and professional lives separate - you sure had your hands full with Jez.
Also want to thank Rachel for chatting with some of my favorite authors this week (Jackie Kessler and Richelle Mead).
Linda
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Linda B - Thanks! So glad you like the series. (In terms of keeping personal/professional lives separate: I’m finishing a Cat and Muse script right now. It gets a little schizophrenic at times.)
And ditto the thanks, Rachel!
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1. haven’t read nor seen the book in my local bookstore [given that i live in asia soooo maybe some titles aren't shipped here? idk] is it any good?
2. will attend
4. RSVPed
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Hi Jackie –I haven’t read the Hell series yet, but I loved your book BLACK AND WHITE. So I guess I’d better check these out, too.
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1. The books are nearing the top of my TBR pile. Looking forward to reading them!
2. Forgot to sign on today. ;-(
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Hi Jackie, I own the first 2 of your books. I haven’t gotten a chance to read them yet but my mom did and said that they were awesome! I can’t wait to read them.
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Thanks!
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Got my best friend to buy Hell’s Belles today!! My evil plot is working!
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Ruby E - Boy, I hope they’re good.
Deborah - Cool! I knew there was a reason I liked you so much.
Lulu - Thanks!
Jackie U - Huzzah for evil plots!
To everyone who’s going to be reading the Hell series: THANK YOU! (My kids and their college fund thank you too.)
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Hi! I haven’t read this series yet. Philosophical issues are mentioned above. I’d like to know more about it, but without spiolers. What issues are meant there?
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Cool, a Q&A, too.
I haven’t read these, but I like Christina Ricci (she was good in Black Snake Moan), so it sounds like the characters are my type.
I like humor or sarcasm when dealing with issues. You have to have a sense of humor to problem-solve.
Thanks for answering questions here today!
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Dovile P. - Larger questions of Good versus Evil — what is Evil’s place in the scheme of things, where is God in all of this…you know, those sort of lighthearted questions.
There’s also the looming question of what free will means.
R.E.B. - Thanks! This has been a lot of fun.
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