Loading ...Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Lilith Saintcrow
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 Lilith’s books.
Interview:
Hi Lilith!
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 Lilith’s newest books Flesh Circus and Betrayals
BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
LS: The most challenging is daily discipline. It’s tough to sit down and do it every day, especially since I work at home and my time is largely my own. If I don’t work, it doesn’t get done and we don’t eat; I don’t have a boss hanging over me every step of the way. You have to be very self-directed to make it anywhere in this sort of career.
The most rewarding aspect…there’s so many. There’s creating people and whole worlds, there’s the thrill of seeing something you worked so hard at on a shelf in a store, and there is the fierce satisfaction in doing what I’m made for. Not to mention the joy of having that art to carry me through rough patches. Writing can and does save lives–I know it’s saved mine.
BBB: How many more installments can we expect to see in the Jill Kismet series?
LS: I’m currently working on the next-to-last book, Heaven’s Spite. After that, there’s Angel Town, which is (for the moment) the last Kismet book.
BBB: Do you continue to receive comments regarding your column “Angry Chicks in Leather” and its follow-up post? Could you explain briefly your premise?
LS: Oh, I receive angry comments about everything, not just that column. It’s the price I pay willingly for having opinions and expressing them. I think a lot of people thought I wasn’t giving proper credit to old-school urban fantasy–the magical realists like de Lint and Emma Bull, etc. If I would have started with them, though, people would have been angry with me for daring to taint the “Serious Fiction” with my filthy chicks-in-leather genre. I would have been hit either way. So, I just shrug and go on.
BBB: What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?
LS: I actually wrote a short piece where Japhrimel (from the Valentine series) had to find a birthday present for Danny and got involved with a Mob hit. It was a sort of black comedy of errors that ended up with him in a chicken suit. It was purely for my own amusement, and it still gives me a chuckle when I’m blue. I wrote it when he was misbehaving during To Hell And Back, and he straightened right up after that. Characters, you know. Every once in a while you have to threaten them.
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
LS: I feel kind of bad answering that question, because I don’t. The story does that for me. I see the worlds in my head, down to the trash on the streets, and the lighting is different in every series. I’m a very visual writer, and I see everything so clearly that the world building just sort of solves itself. It just comes out that way.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader
LS: I don’t know enough to answer that. Yes, paper mills pollute; but so do the factories that make e-readers and the plants that make the power for them to run. I’d have to know a lot more before I figured out which was better or worse. I do agree with Sherman Alexie that e-readers are great but they’re not cheap and they do not solve the problem of getting books to people struggling with poverty. The technology has serious drawbacks that its users don’t see because they’re in this niche of having Internet access and laptops and the disposable cash to buy e-readers. This is not common all over the world. It’s still a small slice of the market.
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?
LS: Well, the ability to pirate thousands of copies of an author’s work is troubling. The idea that e-readers will replace books is ridiculous to me, because I’m so much about the tactile feel of the books. Plus, what happens if the power goes out? I can read a book by candlelight. Once the power goes out and the battery goes down, an e-reader is a paperweight.
But you asked about the bottom line for authors. The bottom line is that it’s getting easier and easier to cheat authors out of fair compensation for the work they do. This hurts the reader more than anyone–if we cannot afford to make a living wage writing, the professionals who produce that quality fiction (or nonfiction) readers love to read is going to dry up. I know a lot of people say “look at Cory Doctorow!”, but he’s an anomaly. His experience is not common, and he does not prove that giving away work for free magically creates revenue for authors.
I love writing. There’s nothing else I’d rather do. But I’m midlist and if I get dropped because the publisher can’t afford to bring me out, I’ve got to find something else to do to feed myself and my kids. If the readers decide they don’t want to read me, that’s one thing. But if I get pirated out of existence, if the publisher can’t afford me because thousands of copies of my work get downloaded without royalties–there’s a word for that. It’s called stealing, dress it up however you will. The technology has made it easy, apologists make it sound sexy, and the technology to stop it isn’t getting enough attention. So where am I? I’m hoping to hell it all works out. That’s all I can do. It’s all any author can do at this point.
BBB: Can you tell us about your different series and and the storylines that drive them?
LS: The Watcher and Society series were where I practiced within the confines of the paranormal romance field. It was very good for me to work within such tight conventions and have to deliver such tightly-structured packages. I broke out of that with the Valentine series, which is sort of my love song to samurai movies, occult liberation, action, and a strong female character. (I watched a lot of Kill Bill while writing Danny Valentine.) Then there was Steeflower, my paean to fantasy epic. The Jill Kismet series came from me wanting a UF series where the protagonist wasn’t working against the police force and the powers that be–because if you think about it, that just doesn’t make much sense. If nasty paranormal things existed, of course law enforcement would want their own specialists to deal with it.
The Strange Angels series, the YA, well, I did that because I was asked to. I had no intention of ever doing YA, mostly because I write dark nasty little stories and I never in a million years thought I would be allowed anywhere near YA. But I was asked, and once it was clear the publisher wasn’t going to try to make me do sweetness and light…it worked out really well. The Strange Angels series are the types of books I wanted to read when I was fourteen. Obscenities, gore, moral ambiguity, and all.
BBB: What else do you currently have in the works? When can we expect your next book?
LS: Well, the second in the Strange Angels series, Betrayals
BBB: Your male weres in the Kismet series are very domestic. Why did you decide to create such an interesting characteristic?
LS: I was so, so tired of alpha werewolves and pretty vampires. So the vampires in the Kismet series are “scurf”–just nasty, infected, ugly. And I wanted the Weres to be laid-back and the males are domestic while the females hunt, which happens in lion prides. It just seemed more reasonable. I mean, when you think about it, these creatures have claws and superstrength. They’d kill each other if they didn’t have some cooperative instincts going on.
Besides, doesn’t every woman love a man who cooks and does the dishes and can clean up after himself? If I was in the market, that’s certainly something I’d look for. Maybe it’s my age.
BBB: Which of your series has been the most challenging to write, and which has come most easily?
LS: I think the Kismet series has been the most challenging to write. Each Kismet book takes a lot out of me. Dante Valentine was a very damaged character, but I knew her story was going to end and what was going to happen. Every time I start a Kismet book, I look into a heart of darkness. I think about some very, very dark and ugly things. It takes a toll on me. Kismet is sort of my cry against the inhuman things humans do to each other.
The ones that come most easily are the Watcher books. I like them, and they’re not as brutal. They don’t drain me as much. Maybe part of it is the comfort of working inside very tight romance-genre strictures. It takes discipline, but it’s also like a corset–it holds everything in.
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?
LS: I think the future is incredibly bright. People have a hunger for these stories. Whether it’s escapism or discussions of power and gender/sexual roles, the paranormal/urban fantasy genre allows for a variety of different needs to be met. Really, paranormal fiction hasn’t slowed down since Dracula and Varney. I don’t see it stopping anytime soon.
BBB: Do you have any personal traits that you have written into the characters of your Jill Kismet series?
LS: I get asked that a lot. No, my characters are not me…but Jill Kismet’s stubbornness, her ability to get back up after she’s been knocked down, her refusal to quit–those are things I recognize. That’s very much like me. I have never known when to quit, and I’m glad. If I’d been less bloody minded I probably would never have gotten published. Or survived a number of nasty experiences I’ve had.
BBB: If your Jill Kismet had a theme song what would it be?
LS: Probably the Kills, URA Fever. And ES Posthumus’s Ebla. Not to mention Elvis Presley singing Trouble, which is the song Jill first made her entrance to in Hunter’s Prayer. (Which was the first Kismet book I wrote, not Night Shift.) I do soundtracks for all my books except the Watcher books, and those songs crop up a lot for Jill.
BBB: Do you have any plans for book signings/ readings anytime soon? If so, where can our readers find you?
LS: I’ll be at the Cedar Hill Crossing Powell’s SF/F Authorfest on the 29th of this month, and I’ve decided to attend OryCon next year, 2010. I don’t do a lot of signings or conventions–I’m not asked very often. And I don’t have much spare cash or time to travel a lot, being a single mother. That’s probably why I have the online presence I do–it’s in self-defense, because I can’t leave the house!
Thank you so much for inviting me, Rachel!
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Learn more about Lilith Saintcrow below:
To read reviews of this author’s work go 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 11/19/09 at 11:59 pm Central to do the different things that YOU choose to do.
She will be giving away a $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card. Open to readers worldwide.
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Lilith’s books.
From Amazon:
Buy any of Lilith’s books here
From Barnes & Noble:
Buy copies of any of Lilith’s books here
Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. 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 Lilith a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions/comments = no entries! You can come by through 11/19/09 and ask Lilith 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=13113 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 Lilith by joining her here:
Newsletter:https://app.quicksizzle.com/survey.aspx?sfid=22072
Blood Bank Group: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/group/lilithsaintcrow
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lilithsaintcrow
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lilith-Saintcrow/172118402032
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lilithsaintcrow
5. Enter the Kindle Contest here: http://www.noobie.com/kindle-giveaway?ref=813331493 AND join us at our daily book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=13103. and VOTE in this week’s poll here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=13065 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.
7. Be friends with Bitten by Books here:
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 11/19/09 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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Hello Lilith, What (so far) was your favorite book to write?
I RSVPed and post here: Posted here http://marvelousbookpage.blogspot.com/ and BBB is permanently posted. I’m a Bitten by Books Subscriber ~ Facebooked
5.done
Hi Lilith! I haven’t read any of your books yet, but they look great!
My question for now is….what are you reading right now???
I rsvp’d, already a member or BBB, entered for a kindle, linked on facebook
think that’s it….(new to this, sorry!)
Hi everyone! Thanks for coming by. I’ll be in and out all day answering questions and comments.
Cyd: I think my favorite book to write so far was The Demon’s Librarian. I had so much fun with that book, it wasn’t even legal.
Snuck out of class…shhh….
How many Jill Kismet books will there be? She’s catching up to the Dante books which ended around where Jill’s at now. Number of books wise.
Must say that I really like your new YA series too Lilith! I still have to get the 2nd one, college–what a drag! But yeah, can’t wait to read it. Dru is very fun to read. How did you get the idea for her character, if I may ask. I know this is supposed to be a Jill discussion
Therefore how did you get the idea for Jill’s character as well?
Hi Lilith!
Great interview, and it was very informative too. I haven’t read your books yet, but I am definitely intrigued.
My question for you is.. If you had one day to do anything, be anything, or go anywhere, what would you do?
I am wishing you much continued success, and I will be looking for you on the book shelves. Oh yeah.. I totally agree with you on the e-reader vs paper book debate. E-readers are ok, and I can see why they come in handy but… there is nothing like curling up with a good book in your hand, I cherish my bent pages and peeling spines. I consider them badges of my love for reading.
I RSVP’d this interview
3.I spread the word on FB http://www.facebook.com/tawania
4.Sent friend request on FB
5.Entered the kindle contest and posted on FB
7.Friends with BBB, I get the newsletter, member of The Blood Bank
Hello!
Ok, so Lilith, I tried to friend you on myspace, but it says I need to enter your email address.
I did join your4 fan page on Facebook (Lisa Mason)
am following you on twitter (lasergirl70) and retweeted this link. Also, I posted a link to this interview on my Facebook profile. also, I did RSVP for this.
Soooo, Flesh Circus, huh? very cool name for a book. I am going to go check it out right now! Might even buy it
I RSVPED. I love you story lines! I read your Valentine series and now am on Kismet series and love your darkness. I will start on the Watcher series later. How much time everyday do you put into writing? I get the BBB newsletter, blood bank member, http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Lisa673 joined Lilith’s blood bank group and left her a message, entered the kindle thing.
Lilith, good afternoon today and totally welcome to BBB group.
I finished “Flesh Circus” in one day last week after getting the book in the mail and am so stoked that their is more in the series, cannot wait until the next Jill Kismet installment “Heavens Spite” comes out and will be able to delve deeper into the love/hate relationship between she and Pericles. I also am very happy with the way you kept Jill and Saul going and hope that now worked out she will find some peace of mind next go round…..
I am going to start the first book in the “Strange Angels” series in a few days because was waiting for “Betrayals” to hit the book stands and did not want to read them too far apart, so excited about this one because the character in this new YA series Dru Anderson sounds strong and vulnerable at the same time and a definite change of pace from Valentine and Kismet’s characters….
Okay RSVPed Comment #8 Jackie Burris
I am following Lili on Twitter and the Blood Bank Group, Fan on Facebook and have subscribed to the newsletter.
I am a Follower on Twitter of BBB, Friend on Goodreads, Friend on Facebook and Blood Bank and Member
Posted the link and info on the following:
http://twitter.com/jacabur1
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profiles/blogs/interview-chat-and-contest-8
http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/2009/11/interview-chat-and-contest-with-author_18.html
http://www.facebook.com/jacabur?ref=profile
Jackie B. Central Texas
I RSVPed.
I’m on her newsletter listing, but don’t have a confirmation email or anything. Can look into it, but pretty sure I don’t have anything like that, I have the latest newsletter though and I am a Dark Sider!
Do I need to send in verification for that, like my last newsletter?
Another quick question for Lili: where do you get your ideas for the settings of the Jill Kismet or even Dante Valentine series? They seem futuristic like, but not overly so. I was just wondering how you came up with that.
Hi Lilith! Thanks for being here with us today! Great interview! I always enjoy reading your blog too! I’m still not very familiar with your books, but I’m getting there. What authors most inspire you? What genres do you enjoy most?
-I RSVP’d
3. spread the word on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/mandan513
and on the Blood Bank http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profiles/blogs/lilith-saintcrow-contest
4. signed up for newsletter, and joined group on Blood Bank (Amanda Leigh)
5.done,done, and done
7.receive BBB newsletter, member of Bloodbank (Amanda Leigh), friend of BBB on Good reads (Amanda Leigh)
Hi Lilith,
I loved The Demon’s Librarian. Do you plan to write any more stand alone
books? I’m impatiently waiting for my copy of Betrayals from Amazon.
RSVP’d
Am already friends with Lilith on facebook
Entered the Kindle contest
Am friends with BBB on Goodreads and subscribe to the BBB newsletter
Hi Lilith! What a fun interview. I have the first Dante Valentine book on the top of my pile. I actually get to start reading it tonight! I discovered you in an anthology but for the life of me I can’t remember which one. My daughter picked up your YA book a few weeks ago but I’m not sure if she has cracked it open yet.
My question for you is who (from any of your series) is your favorite secondary character and why? Oh, yeah, I RSVPed too.
3. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1275523910
5 & 7: Done =)
Hi Lilith.
LOVE both the Dante and Kismet books. Question is…at the end of Jill’s story, will she kill Perry? He keeps pushing and pushing and I’m just waiting for her to just take his head off. (Or would that be telling? *G*)
3. Done
4. Done
5. Done
7. Done
Hi Lilith! I am currently reading Dead Man Rising and am so far loving this series. I just bought the first Jill Kismet book and can’t wait to read it!
1)bought book through amazon–emailing you receipt
3) tweeted about interview at http://www.twitter.com/karenshell & posted link on goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/242549-interview-with-lilith-saintcrow-at-bbb-today
4)signed up for her newsletter; joined her blood bank group and am following her on twitter
5)voted for Darroc by Karen Marie Moning and Lucifer by Lilith Saintcrow
7)already member of blood bank; sent friend invite on goodreads and already follow BBB on twitter
Excellent interview, Lilith. I’m looking forward to Flesh Circus. And I really enjoyed “Selene.” Will we ever get the rest of their story?
Oh No - The Last Kismet Book???? Tell me it isn’t so. This is like realizing I have finished the last Dante book. Reading a series, I find that I really want to know what happens next - thus I hate a series to end. The only good news is that you usually follow up with a new series, like Danny followed by Jill. Please keep writing.
RSVP’d
Follow Lilith on Facebook and Deasdline Dames
Entered Kindle Contest
Subscribe BBB blog in email
Follow BBB on Twitter and Facebook
Hello Lillith and welcome to Bittenbybooks. I nearly danced with gleee when I seen you would be gracing BBB. I’ve only read two or three of your Dante Valentine books (got them from the library) and the one you have with Samhain, Steelflower (friend did not like it, and knew I liked you and gave the paperback to me). Gotta say I loved the fantasy-element and the illustrations. Just wished there’d be more.
I’ve yet to read your Watchers or Kismet series.
Japh became my instant favorite…
RSVP
Twittered about the chat-contest (RaonaidLuckwell)
Already follow her on twitter
Joined her newsletter
Became a fan on facebook (Rachel Flesher)
Just posted about the chat-contest on facebook
Sent a friend’s request on myspace (www.myspace.com/visionarydruid)
Just posted about the chat-contest on my myspace’s blog and bullentin
Entered the Kindle Contest
Voted in this week’s poll
Will head over to the daily book chat after this.
BBB is the top link on my blogger link section (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
Just posted about the chat-contest on blogger
Just posted about the chat-contest on livejournal (morriga.livejournal.com)
(2) Ok, it’s been killing me: PLEASE tell me you’ll be doing a second Selene serial soon! I’ve been dying to know what happens next, how things get to where they are in the Dante series given that ending. It’s been pure TORTURE not knowing so PLEASE BY ALL THAT IS HOLY write what happens next!! I’m begging here!
(3) Spread the word with a tweet: http://twitter.com/MuseCalliope
(4) Already signed up to newsletter and following on Twitter and joined the Blood Bank group.
(5) In Canada so can’t enter Noobie contest, voted in pole (not sure why Eric is on there though - so not a villian, bad boy,sure, but not a villian) and I commented at the Daily chat.
(7) Already friends @ Twitter
- Sam B
Hi Lilith, I love your Watcher series in particular. Is that series finished with Mindhealer or are there more to look forward to?
Great interview BBB!
Lilith- what made you want to write? And when is the earlist moment in your life, that you can remember, in which you knew this is what you wanted to do?
i RSVPed!
5. done
7. done- Facebook friend and signed up with the email newsletters
Hi,
I loved all the Dante Valentine books and Redemption Alley is next on the tbr list- really loving Kismet so far too. I was actually just curious where the name Japhrimel came from. Like based on some old demon legend, or just entirely made up?
already friends and member of bbb communities (bloodbank)
Hi there!!!
I was going to ask you how you got into YA - but Rachel beat me to it!!!! LOL!!!
RSVP’d
)
4. Following on Twitter, Facebook fan page, BB, & MySpace (Tried but requires her e-mail addy
5. Done, Done, & Done
7. Following BBB on Twitter, Facebook, BB, Goodreads, MySpace & Facebook fan page
My goodness, I step away for a few moments and the comments explode! I’ll answer some of the more in-depth ones in a bit.
A lot of you ask about the Kismet series. There are 2 more books planned: Heaven’s Spite and Angel Town. I just finished the zero draft of HS this month. After that, well, I’m going to try some other things but I won’t rule out more Kismet in the future. And Perry survives the “end,” albeit not in a way he’d like.
I don’t have time to write the Steelflower sequel just now, though it’s in my head. It involves a return to Redfist’s country.
The Watcher series is at a halt right now with Mindhealer. The second in the Demon’s Librarian series–The Lawyer and the Demon–is in my head, but there are no plans to publish it yet.
There are five books total in the Strange Angels series. I am currently deep in revision in book 3.
I have thoughts of a Selene serial or short story, but no time to get them done in. I know what happens, I just need my schedule to free up a little. I can tell you that Selene returns to Saint City of her own free will, and that she is, shall we say, very surprised to find Nikolai among the living. Their reunion is not initially a happy one.
And now I need some coffee; and then I’ll come back and answer some of the more in-depth questions. Wow. You guys are focused!
Hi Lilith. Your eReader comments really made me think and feel a bit spoiled. LOL. Love your books BTW.
You talked about that dark place that takes a lot out of you. How do you get that inspiration???
I’m now following Lilith on twitter
I’m a member of Blood Bank, BBB twitter follower, facebook, newsletter, goodreads
I have read almost all of your books, and I have to say that my favorite series is actually Strange Angels. Although, I am a bit of a young adult book lover. I exceptionally liked the zombie aspect more in the depth in these books. What is it like for you to know that people around the world read your books. What is it like to know that you have become a household name… You are blessed with a talent.
Hi Lilith!! I haven’t had a chance to read any of your books yet, but I will be in the near future and can’t wait to get started!!!
RSVP’D
BBB fan on facebook
Entered Kindle Giveaway
RSVPed
Hi Lilith,
Oh I did not know that about your books. That is so awesome, good for the were women to be out hunting. Any other myth you would like to change?
Already a fan of Lilith’s on FB.
Lilith! Hi! Are you planning on writing anymore Society books?
I haven’t read any of your books although I do have 3 or 4 on my shelf( if it’s a series I have to have several in a row before starting them)based on recommendations from friends.
How many books do you plan in the YA series?
What do YOU have in your TBR pile?
RVSPd 3, 4, 5, & 7 done
Hi Lilith
Thank you for being with us today.
Which was the hardest book for you to write & why?
Twittered chat here http://twitter.com/samk52/status/5835995143
Following Lilith on Twitter
Am subscribed to BBB newsletter,
following BBB on Twitter (samk52),
am a member of the Blood Bank
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/SharonKnight
Al right, some more in-depth answers!
TMarie: I just finished Stieg Larsson’s Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and I’m currently reading (very slowly) some Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick and Francis Breakspear. I’ve been taking breaks with some Christine Feehan and Anne Stuart lately, too.
Tawania: If I had a day to do anything…I’d probably sleep. Or I’d want to be in Paris. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii and learn to surf too. But damn, sleep sounds good.
Lisa D.: Writing is what I do all day. So there’s eight or ten hours I put into it, whether it’s creating new content, revising, marketing (blogging does count, but I have to time myself and be careful.) It’s a full time job.
Let’s see…I’ve been asked about authors I like. I could list a thousand of them, I’m an omnivorous reader. And I’ve been asked where the worlds of Dante Valentine and Jill Kismet come from. Like Topsy, they just growed. I’ve been building worlds inside my head for a long long time. They are like an extension of the character. I “see” the scenes inside my head and they all have different lighting according to the world they’re in. Often I can tell if a scene is in a particular book in the first few seconds by the lighting alone.
Kayla: I always knew I wanted to be a writer, ever since second grade. I didn’t think I would necessarily make a living at it, but I always knew I wanted to write. It’s become a reflex for me, like breathing. I don’t feel right if I don’t write during the day.
Whew, that’s enough for right now. I’ll be back in a little bit–lunch won’t cook itself!
Hi Lilth:
I have the first two books of your Dante Valentine books. They are on my tbr pile. I bought them a few months ago. I am very behind.
I bought them because they sounded so good and because I read Selene on your website and I became a fan.
My question is; who is Cory Doctorow? What can be done about the pirating of stories on the internet or from E-readers?
I like the feel of a book in my hands. Though for traveling which I’ve been doing for the last few years, on e-reader would be great.
I got home on Saturday and I brought home 15 books, I packed 9. I can not pass a bookstore without going in and I will almost always find something to buy.
Just a quick pop-in for moi. Just thought I would let ya know I have the book on my list o Powell’s purchases to be made. Many hugs to you, Lili! Thank you so much for the books, as I love them. (Jill is wonderful!) Also, thanks for the tip on Joe’s books. Quite awesome.
Jay/Flinx
Wow, this is one of the best interviews I’ve read! SO much information it boggles my mind. One thing that comes to mind though; how did you developed a thick skin? You mentioned how angry people get about your opinions etc. This is going to be a big problem for me, and I really want to deal with it now. I’m a serious wimp. Any advice?
Contest Stuff: I follow Lilith and BBB on twitter. I subscribe to BBB and you are on my blog roll. I RSVP’d.
Hey Lili! I had no idea you had so many other books besides the Valentine and Kismet books. I am simultaneously grumbling that I’ll have to add more to my to read list and cheering that there’s more of your work to read. How long have you been a career author?
Hi Lilith!!! I took a stroll through all of your work before your interview, and wow!!! Do the characters ever get themselves all mixed together? I know you said you keep them straight in your mind, and that is very impressive. I’m curious what started your interest in wanting to write in the paranormal world. Plus, I am adding the Jill & Valentine series to my ‘to read’ list.
I RSVP’d
Hi Lilith,
My question is this - when you started writing Jill’s books did you intentionally make them different from Dante’s or would you call it just a happy coincindence? (The “worlds” I mean) ::please excuse my spelling mistakes::
Well, unfortunately for me I didn’t read Flesh Circus, yet, but I’m hoping to buy it for myself sometime after Christmas. I just know it will be amazing! Lately, I’ve been reading some vampire books, like I bought the last book I can before Xmas (my mom wasn’t pleased) which was Jennifer Rardin’s Bite Marks and that was amazing, and before that I bought Dracula: The Un-dead which is a sequel to Bram Stoker’s work written by a great-grand relative of his, Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt. I didn’t finish that but it seems amazing so far. And then I’m reading Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons while kowtowing to Brown.
(I RSVP’d, I am a friend of BBB on FB, I am subscribed to BBB, also)
I just love that in the Jill Kismet series that there’s a werewolf or shapeshifter (don’t berate me if I chose the wrong one!) because that is such a change from the stupid vampires (only my opinion; don’t kill me!) from “Twilight.” And I also love the way that Jill is so undeniably tough. I want to be an author like this as well, but I’m young and not done yet…with what I have. So..yeah.
Hi Lilith,
Just want to say thanks for visiting us at BBB.
Waving hello,
Since I read Working for the Devil, I’ve been a huge Saintcrow fan. I figure if an author can take the second-most unsympathetic character in the world and make me care about him in such a wonderful way, I’d say that’s the author I want to read! I love your worlds, Lilith. Didn’t realize you were writing YA. What are the titles? I’m a YA reader myself, and I share them with nieces and nephews. LOL
I RSVP’d! Hi Lilith!
Great interview! I have not read your books (YET) - I do own Strange Angels & I’ve wanted to read the Jill Kismet series - along with others!
I will post a list of links/etc later - but I’m on my cell now and it will be easier to post when I’m online later, but I wanted to get a question or two in!
Lilith - if you could transport yourself into any film role - what would it be? Would you change anything? I like asking people what book people would like to “live in” for a day. Is there any particular book you would pick? Anything you would want to change?
What 3 supernatural creatures from film/tv/or literature would you invite to a dinner party?
Welcome and thanks for chatting with us. I love both the Dante Valentine series and your current Jill Kismet series. Good luck with all your future projects!
More great questions! If I can’t answer them all, I’m very sorry. It’s amazing to see you all here!
My characters never get mixed together. I do occasionally think of what it would be like if Jill and Danny had a beer together, but they would demolish any bar I put them in.
Something a lot of people don’t know: the Watcher, Society, and Valentine series (including Selene) are all set in the same world, Saint City. There are more stories in Saint City, which is sort of a grungy version of the Seattle I lived in and loved many years ago. The Watchers (if you look very carefully you can see a Watcher in Prague, in the Tais-toi) are in that world about a decade ago, the Society series is tomorrow, Selene starts out about two and a half hundred years in the future, and Dante is six hundred years or so in the future. It was a world I spent a lot of time in, and pretty much all the heavy lifting of worldbuilding was done in the Watcher era before I extrapolated it for Selene and Danny.
Jill Kismet’s world is ours, today…but with a half-twist away from our timeline at about the time of the Inquisition. So Jill has no relation to Dante, which was great. I seriously would have hurt Dante if I had to spend any more time in her head. She is a broken person, with a lot of damage. The main difference between Dante and Jill is that Danny’s damage defines her, and Jill’s damage doesn’t. Jill’s damage is just as brutal, but her response–to never quit, never give up–is fundamentally different from Dante’s response, which is just to endure.
Moonsanity: The thick skin came over time. You just make up your mind that you’re going to have one, I guess. I spent a lot of time being hurt and upset over people not understanding or having a problem with the things I said. The pain wasn’t worth it. I mean, you can be polite and professional, but allowing other people to dictate how you should feel/be is just not any sort of way to live. Reviews–especially bad reviews–taught me not to take myself so seriously and to shrug off, at least in public, hurtful things.
Jennifer K: If I wrote another Society book, it would be Cath’s story, and Zeke would have to die. I’m not ready to kill him yet. Then, after that, would be Henderson’s story. Which is really intriguing, but right now I don’t have time.
Thanks for this interview, BBB and Lilith. My husband actually turned me on the the Dante Valentine books and I loved them but it was very hard to read… such sadness! I have the Jill Kismet books too, on my shelf to read. My question is this… I loved all of the religious aspects of the Dante series, how much research do you do on your historical aspects of your novels? And of course, will we see Japhrimel again? I loved his character! Thanks and I really admire your work, I have several of your books on my wish list and my birthday is next week so hoping…
And I’ll take another whack at answering more questions now before I put some pumpkin bread in the oven. (I couldn’t resist.)
If I could be in any film/book, I’d probably be in Jane Eyre. I agree with China Mieville that it’s a hugely significant book in the English language, and it’s a comfort read for me. I just love everything about that book. And I really loved Orson Welles as Rochester. That voice!
As for the religious aspect of Dante’s world: they grew naturally out of my interest in different religions. I am fascinated by the occult and by religion, and by the different permutations of each. I love reading history, as well, so that doesn’t ever seem like “work” to me to research it. I’m an information magpie. I love knowing things, or finding connections between things. History was always one of my favorite subjects.
I don’t know what can be done about epiracy. There’s obviously a solution. There is a solution for every problem, and I have hope that it will be found. I just hope it’s found before we lose a lot of great writers.
Hi Lilith. Thank you so much for joining us here!
I love Jill and Saul, and the dark world you have created.
I will be back later with a question.
Lilith, I don’t really have a question, but I do want to say that I love your blog. The combination of writerly thoughts and domestic life is somehow irresistable. Thank you for your huge internet presence; I can’t afford to travel much either. : )
Contest stuff:
RSVP’d
Event ad posted at Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=100000249990075&ref=profile)
Also RSVP’d at Goodreads, so it’s on my update list (http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2332019-tania)
Friends with Lilith at Facebook and follow the Livejournal feed of her blog.
Entered Kindle contest
Voted in Vilest Villains poll
Friends with BBB at:
Facebook (main and fan page)
Goodreads
Permanant link to BBB on my blog sidebar (http://ecogryff.livejournal.com/)
Newsletter subscriber
Lilith, you talk a lot about being disciplined with writing. To develope good habbits how much time a day do you think should be dedicated to writing if you are starting out and already have a full-time job?
Annette
I RSVP’d, posted here: http://annetteallison.blogspot.com/ , and sent a friend request to BBB on facebook. Thanks to everyone involved in putting this together.
P.S. Lilith I’m a long time fan. Thank you for writing such gritty and risky stories.
A PS - Lilith - I really enjoy your posts over at Deadline Dames.
(second attempt…hehe)
Lilith, you talk a lot about being disciplined with writing. To develop good habits how much time a day do you think should be dedicated to writing if you are starting out and already have a full-time job?
I RSVP’d, posted here: http://annetteallison.blogspot.com/ , sent a friend request to BBB on FB, and subscribed to BBB newsletter. Thanks to everyone that put this interview/chat together.
Lilith, I’m a long time fan. Thank you for writing gritty and risky stories.
Japh in a chicken suit….That is priceless.
Thank You for the wonderful interview. I own all of the Valentine and Kismet books and am really looking forward to reading the Strange Angels. And I agree I would love to find a stong yet domestic male. Really need one of those because my only domestic quality is the fact that I live in a house.
What do you do to reward yourself? and when? Do you set small goals or one great big one?
BBL with more questions and to do more contest stuff….
Koren
I RSVP’d
I am so excited to read Betrayals! How many books will be in the Strange Angel series?
4. Friends of Lilith Saintcrow on:
twitter @throuthehaze
facebook- Raelena Pavey
5. voted
7. friend of Bitten by Books:
subscriber
myspace-Raelena Pavey
Facebook Fan page-Rae Pavey
GoodReads-Raelena
twitter @throuthehaze
Facebook friend-Rae Pavey
blogroll
http://throuthehaze-reads.blogspot.com/
forgot to add that I RSVPd
Hi Lilith,
I haven’t read your books yet, but reading the interview & all the comments above has definitely put them in my tbr pile! Thanks.
This is my profile page:
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/SueBrandes
Joined your group on bloodbank & left a comment(Sue Brandes)
Commented on Daily Book Chat
Entered Kindle Giveaway
RSVP
Great interview. You are a new author to me. Looking foward to reading your books. Kudos for being a single mom. It’s not easy sometimes. Cannot think of anything to ask as everyone has had great questions.
Long day. LOL. Forgot to leave this on my post.
Sue B
stevebrandes@gmail.com
I am in the midst of St. City Sinners as we speak. I have enjoyed the series thus far and I’m looking forward the rest of it. At this time I haven’t had a chance to read any of the other books, but they sound like I would enjoy them.
1. RSVP’d
2. friend of bbb on fb,myspace, get the newsletter, etc.
Hi Lilith, Ive read your first 2 books in the Dante series. I LOVED them. I can’t wait to read all the rest from you! Thanks,
-Amber
I RSVP’d
I friended Lilith on all the sites and joined the newsletter,
I’m already friends with BBB
Ive entered the kindle contest already.
I shared here,
http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1463087417
http://twitter.com/VampedChik
Hi Lilith,
If you could trade places with someone, who would it be and why?
Bridget
Shared:
http://www.facebook.com/bridgethopper4?ref=profile#/posted.php?id=1084897775&share_id=215692047781&comments=1#s215692047781
http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/5842971263
blog section - http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie
Digg - bridget3420
Stumble - bridget3420
Joined newsletter
Joined Lilith’s Blood Bank group
Following her on Twitter - bridget3420
Became a Facebook fan - Bridget Hopper
Entered Kindle contest
Commented on Daily book chat
Voted in poll
BBB subscriber
Blood Bank member - bridget3420
Facebook fan - Bridget Hopper
Good Reads friend - Bridget Hopper
Myspace friend - bridgetlaprairie
Facebook friend - Bridget Hopper
Twitter follower - bridget3420
BBB is on my blogroll - http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
BBB is on my blogroll - http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com
RSVP’d
Welcome Lilith! So glad to have you here. I have to say, the very first of the Danny Valentine series was the very first book I downloaded to my Kindle after I first got it. LOL So, you are special to me. *G* Yeah, and I’m a nut. Thanks for the great interview and coming to hang out with us today!
I think that Japhrimel is my favorite demon of all time. Gotta love that attitude of his, huh?
Contest boring stuff:
Added Lilith as friends on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Blood Bank (asphaltcowgrrl/Amy Inholt/Aymee). Am friends with BBB on Goodreads, FB, and Twitter. You’re on my blogroll at http://www.readinsomethingcrazy.blogspot.com and I RSVP’d!
Thanks again to Lilith for coming to visit.
Hello Lilith,
I read Strange Angels and enjoyed it very much! Can’t wait to get my hands on Betrayal!
I RSVPed.
Hi, Lilith,
I’m thrilled to see you hear because I LOVE your books, especially the Jill Kismet series. (I love dark!) I also picked up STRANGE ANGELS (I also enjoy YA fantasy), and I’m looking forward to all the upcoming books.
I RSVP’d.
Hi Lilith,
I’ve not had a chance to read your books, yet, but looking to do it.
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 Lilith on Twitter:dlsmilad
freinded Lilith on FB:Dina Stornello
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
enetered kindle
thank you,
Dina S.
dlsmilad@yhaoo.com
I love the semantic imagery you use…with jewels sparking from skin and silver charms spitting light…I’ve commented on one line to you before via Facebook: “chrome flies buzzing in chlorine-laced bottles”…wow!
Who do you consider to be an influence in that way? I don’t suppose you read James Thurber, do you?
Sorry… Of course, I meant see you HERE. I should proofread… Sigh…
Posted on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1339196135
Good evening! Thanks for the great interview - very nicely done.
I enjoyed Dante’s books and loved the Watcher series. I’m waiting on my copies of The Society series to come in now.
Do you have a special place to write where you feel the most creative, or do you just find yourself sitting behind your desk looking at the computer screen? (That seems to be the most difficult spot for me.) :o)
Cheers!
Thanks for your time to chat here and answer all the questions..enjoyed hearing all about you. I am new to your books but hope that will change in the future. Have a good day. susan L.
Hi Lilith!
Believe I have RSVPed on facebook
Hi Lilith!
Thanks for stopping by! I love the Strange Angels series and can’t wait to read more!
Virginia
(PG, twittered)
2 - RSVP & comments/questions (36 & 49)
3 - facebook - http://www.facebook.com/hcreely?ref=profile
twitter - http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/5847238033
4 - Newsletter, Blood bank, twitter, and facebook
5 - kindle contest
7 - All but myspace
Thank you for stopping by and doing the interview!
While I haven’t read any of your books yet, I’m working my way there.
I do enjoy following you on twitter (when I’m on it) and your posts at the Deadline Dames.
Great interview. So far I have only read the Dante Valentine novels but they were great. I look forward to read more soon.
Do you choose your character names randomly or do they have certain meanings?
Where would you go if you could travel anywhere new and why?
_________________
Contest stuff:
RSVP’d
2. questions above
4. all done
7. all previously done but blog roll
Hi Lilith. I’ve read all your Dante books, and the 3 Jill books that are available in Australia and the two Strange Angel novels.
(I rsvp’d)
I really love your books, and really feel for your characters. There aren’t a lot of books out there with the same type of characters that you create.
My question is- do you always know the sort of damage your characters are going to go through, or is it just a progression with the story?
Hello Lilith, i just started reading the Dante books, i actually got Dead Man Rising 1st then realized i got the 2nd book. so im almost 1/2 way done with Working for the Devil i just love it.
my question is how long does it take you to write a book?
(i rsvp’d)
twitterd the link (victoriasdreams)
and linkd the kindle contest 2 on twitter
Hi Lilith welcome to BBB
Im new to your work so my question is do you ever cast your self in your books if so who would you be and why
and whats your top 10 things you cant live with out not pertained to writing
Lilith
joined your news letter
added you to the blood bank: Beverly Gordon
following you on twitter:http://twitter.com/bainesgoddess
facebook:Beverly Gordon
myspace:http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
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 for the kindle
I attended the chat
I voted on the poll
shared on face book: beverly Gordon
twitter: @bainesgoddess
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
and my blog : http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
I live about an hour south of Portland, so I believe I’ve seen you a few times at Kim Harrison’s Oregon book signings, but I haven’t had the chance to read your books yet. I liked how you “set your characters straight” with black comedy and a chicken suit. I am also very visual, which does flow into the writing. I love real books, too. Yes, REAL pirates are bad, but reading a few free chapters from a legal authors’ site to get a feel for the writing helps me choose. I don’t steal books.
Would you say your books are about the same amount of humor and violence as Laurell K. Hamilton’s or different? I like your ideas on domestic weres. Thank you for writing dark things. I’m sure, when I get a chance to read the Kismet series, I’ll appreciate that the same way I do when Kim Harrison writes Ivy, though it takes a toll on her, too. I like that you do soundtracks for books. My head is always full of music.I wish I could make it to Powell’s for the Authorfest. Have fun! I love Hawaii and eventually want to learn to surf. I am also a researcher. 
4 joined Fanpage on Facebook
5 done Kindle, heading over to book chat and can’t do poll on my cell
7 done FB and newsletter
Hi Lilith!
Your strong female characters are not the only ones out there recently. Do you think there was a void that needed filling?
Thanks!
CShaw
I haven’t read any of your books yet, somehow I haven’t run across any before. After reading about your series, I’m definitely going to be checking them out.
I RSVP’d, follow BBB on Twitter and MySpace and subscribe to the BBB newsletter.
I RSVP’d
The fact I was 1 away even makes me geekout!) *puts on dork hat*
I commented & asked 2 questions. (#41 - SO close to #42! I accidentally ended up with that # the other day.. *Hitchhiker’s Guide nerd moment. OH! and a LOST moment!* It doesn’t take much to amuse me.
ANYWAYS!
I signed up for Lilith’s newsletter.
I joined the Blood Bank Group for Lilith.
I followed her on Twitter (@ailish79)
I friended her on Facebook - the Fan Page.
I voted in this week’s poll
I participated in the daily book chat with Caitlin Kittredge
I am a member of the Blood Bank. (Libby LaRue)
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/LibbyLaRue
I follow BBB on GoodReads (Libby LaRue)
I am a friend on Facebook (Same name)
I follow the Facebook Fan Group.
I follow on Twitter (@ailish79)
I receive the BBB newsletter.
BBB has a permanent link on my little book blog:
solvioleta.wordpress.com
I posted links for this event on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ailish79/status/5837365497
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=1264897826&share_id=184603402281&comments=1#s184603402281
Hi everyone! I just finished feeding everyone dinner and putting the wee ones in bed. So I’m settling down to answer a few more questions.
About discipline in writing: I have found that writing expands to fill the time allotted to it. The problem is allotting that time, which is why I suggest cheap kitchen timers to my writing students. When I was working and going to school full time I wrote in a spiral Mead 5-subject notebook whenever I had a spare moment, lunch break, or while I was laying in bed preparing to sleep. I didn’t consider not writing. 10-15 minutes a day–everyone has that. (Sometimes it’s all you have!) But really, I think a kitchen timer helps immensely.
My most creative place to write is wherever I am. As a result of raising children while writing, I can focus under just about any conditions. For the past ten years I’ve been writing cross-legged in a chair in my living room with my laptop balanced on my knees. I can take my laptop anywhere or write in a notebook and transcribe it later, though I prefer my laptop.
I would not choose to be anyone other than I am. A long time ago I would have given a lot to be someone else, but I’ve spent a lot of time growing into myself and learning to like myself. I’m not finished yet, but I’d not be anywhere or anyone else.
How long does it take me to write a book? It takes me between a month and a year, depending. A Kismet book takes me a year. The Valentine books took me a year apiece, from conception through execution to workable first draft. Some other books took me barely a month–but that month was a killer.
Someone asked about where the darkness in my books comes from. I think the world is full of darkness. I’ve had a couple of traumatic experiences, and they do inform my writing sometimes. The world can be a harsh, cold place. I write about that darkness because to disguise it is a disservice to the light that shines through everyday in ordinary miracles. I also write the darkness to transmute it. The job of art is to transform the world. It is a way for me to process and to stay sane. I create because I must.
Someone else asked if I always know the damage my characters carry or if I uncover it during the story. It’s a combination of both. For example, I knew a lot of Dante’s backstory, but Rigger Hall surprised me. I didn’t know a lot about Jill when I started writing her, but when she told me about her history I wasn’t surprised. They are whole, real people to me, and I don’t know everything about them, though I’m inside their heads all the time.
I’ll check back for more questions before I go to bed. But I wanted to take this chance to thank everyone who came by and read, and to thank BBB for having me. This is wonderful, and I’ve truly enjoyed myself. Thank you all!
I RSVPed for this event.
2. I absolutely loved what you had to say about the e-readers, especially that they do not solve the problem of bringing books to the poor. Those of us that have technology just think of them as commonplace. Although I have technology in my house, I still can’t afford an e-reader. Not that I’d want to! There is nothing like holding a real book in your hands. I spend enough time looking at a screen what with blogging and writing my book…I don’t want to read books that way as well!
3. Facebook share: http://www.facebook.com/#/posted.php?id=1354072304&share_id=180552004729&comments=1#s180552004729
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/5851282932
5. voted in this week’s poll.
7. I follow the BBB feed via Google Reader and BBB is permanently listed in my blogroll.
And I RSVPd for this.
Thank you!
Hi, Lilith,
my question to you- when you start writin a new book, do you usually think of its title at the ery beginning, or after you’ve finished it? Thanks!
7 - already a subscriber to BBB newsletter
And which title of all your books you like the best and think that it is the most perfectly suited to it?
Hi Lilth
2.I just went to your page to check you out and your books look entresting. I’m going to check out you dark Watcher series and see how i like them and if i like them I will check out the rest of them.Keep up the wrighting I wish I had the talent.
3.I Spread the Word on my myspace and facebook and here are the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
5.I Already Enter the Kindle Contest
5.I already Voted in this Weeks Poll
7.I’m already A Freind of Bitten By Books on my myspace and facebook and i get the news letter.
* I RSVPed
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
ok more contest stuff…
2.done
3.done
4.subscribed to newsletter, joined Blood Bank group, fanned on Facebook. tried to friend on Myspace but it wouldn’t let me
5.done, done & done
7.already subscribed,member,friend and fan FB & MS
Spreading the world and actually remembering to post links to it.
http://winters-queen.livejournal.com/187882.html
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=669619122&ref=mf
2. I haven’t read Lili’s books yet but I will
4. Im friends with Lilith on twitter @ cait045
5. Entered the Kindle Contest
Joined the daily book chat
VOTED in this week’s poll
RSVPed
Hi Lilith welcome to BBB!!! I just want to say you are one of my favorite writers! I love your Jill Kismet and Dante Valentine series! I recently just read Strange Angels which was a pretty good book as well:o) Which is your favorite series? Thanks for stopping by to chat with us:o)
Thanks!
Steph M.
I RSVPed:o)
Do you have any more plans for new series after the next planned books in the Kismet and Strange Angels series? (I’m also looking forward to the next books in the Steelflower and Demon’s Librarian series too).
I understand how you feel about getting fair compensation for doing a job that you would like or love to do - I work in research, and get paid out of (mostly federal) grant money. While it’s nowhere near the same situation, it’s extremely hard to stay employed in my field - grant money runs out (usually this only happens every few years), forcing people to change projects or to find a job in another field while you’re waiting for whoever to find more grant money to pay you.
Hi everyone!
About titles: sometimes the book has its title and that’s that. For the Kismet series, each book has had its title at the beginning and I fought for that. Some of the Valentine books had working titles that my editor nixed for various reasons. Unless the title has been with the book from the beginning, I’m usually flexible–within reason.
As for plans after Dru and Kismet, I do have something on the back burner. His name is Jeremy Gallow, and he’s not very nice. It’s my “homicidal fae” book, and I’m really looking forward to getting into it.
Thanks so much to BBB for inviting me! If I didn’t get to your question, I’m very sorry. Thank you all for coming out and commenting. You guys are awesome!
Hi Lilith
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of your books but have added them to my TBR list. They look reaaly good so I hope to get them soon.
Do you have any one thing you like to write about the most, a type of character, etc? Sorry not having read your books I’m not sure what your characters are vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc… whether you put any mystery into your books or just let the writting take you where you want.
I have RSVP’d,
joined your newsletter,
will send you an friend invite from myspace look for /bkwolf-whitaker,
entered the kindle 2 contest
am friends with bitten by books
joined the blood bank
I read you often on the deadline dames. You know, angry comments or not, props to you for speaking your mind. Great interview.
rsvpd
following Lili on twitter
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[...] LiliFirst, the updates: there’s the Bitten By Books interview with me, where I answered a ton of questions. I had a great time. Go check them out! Plus there’s a [...]