Loading ...Release Party, Contest and Chat with Author Adrianne Brennan
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of this event is now closed. The winner will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email about their prize.
Romance, Vampires, and the Everyday World
Ever think about how the modern world would react to real life vampires? Would it be like True Blood or more akin to this blog post on how each government agency would answer the question of Vampire-Americans: http://lefarkins.blogspot.com/2010/01/return-of-vampires.html
Part of what goes into good urban fantasy is the ability to mix the fantastical with the so-called ordinary and therefore to make more real what isn’t. To have vampires walking among us and imagine how they’d be were they simply…ordinary. With extraordinary gifts and powers, no less, but still nonetheless recognizable to us as being not that removed.
Much of my book Blood of the Dark Moon surrounds that blending of cultures: vampire and human, immortal and mortal. What happens to a human after she or he is Turned? How do they adjust? What changes and what doesn’t? What myths are just that, myths? What about the experience is magical and what aspects are overrated?
And most importantly…how do they find romance and passion?
What do you think about vampires and the modern day in fiction? What works have you liked and not liked in this regard? What makes the story work for you? Do you think that “normalizing” the fantastic removes too much of the romance and mystique, or does it actually give it a sharper image you can more readily relate to?
Love & Magic,
Adrianne
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Learn more about Adrianne Brennan 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 1/21/10 at 11:59 pm Central to do the different things that YOU choose to do. It is NOT mandatory you make a purchase to enter the contest. There are plenty of free ways to get entries as well.
She is also giving away an AMAZING prize!
A $15.00 Amazon Gift Card!!
The Amazon gift card is open to international readers as long as you can accept a Gift Card from the US Amazon site.
1. Purchase copies of Adrianne’s books from Amazon
Click here
Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above. Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Not valid on past purchases.
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.
2. Leave question for her here good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions for entries)
3. Be friends with Adrianne by joining her here:
Good for 25 entries per place you friend or follow. Be sure to send your confirmation emails to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces).
4. Join us at our daily book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=17810 good for 25 entries.
5. Spread the word about this event! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=17827 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 50 entries per place you post the event link.
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 1/21/10 at 11:59 pm Central and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize 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 FIVE 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 readers in the USA except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author unless otherwise noted.
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(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Thanks so much for spending your time with us.
For me personally, I have to admit, since I have began reading Paranormal and Urban Fantasy, I tend to buy more of this genre than before I started reading them.
The concept of super powers, immortal love, and hot steamy sex, has turned me into a paranormal junkie.
Thanks,
Fallon Hadley
[Reply]
Hi Adrianne, I love your work! I know you love Doctor Who, which is good because the good Doctor has inspired my question! Doctor Who writer, Russel T. Davis has said that he likes reusing character names (Jones, Tyler, Harper, etc), because that helps him to get a grip on the new character he’s working on. Do you think this is a good strategy, or do you prefer starting from scratch? If starting from scratch, why?
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Hi Fallon!
Thanks for making it here today.
I’m a big fan of paranormal and urban fantasy myself.
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Hi Adrianne!!! I’m so glad you could stop by. First, I wanted to say I was really excited when I came across Bllod & Mint Chocolate. It is impossible to find f/f urban fantasy or paranormal romance. Will it be available in print form? As much as an electronics geek as I am, I am old fashioned in that I love my books in paper form.
Second, as for vamps, I love them in society. Its just one more complication in an already complicated world or relationship. What if the person of your dreams couldn’t come out in the sun, so your whole life would exist in the night? Or if you really loved Italian food, and now have to give up garlic.
About 2 years ago, I really started to get into UF, and can’t imagine reading other things. I LOVE IT!!!
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Good question Paxie! I keep character names unique unless I want to create a very deliberate connection between two characters, either by family, reincarnation or what-have-you. I’d hate to have readers get confused as to who’s who.
And Doctor Who is awesome with awesomesauce.
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Hi Heather! Alas, Blood and Mint Chocolates due to its length is only available in ebook. Should my publisher decide to release a few novellas into a single volume and it sells well then it’d have the chance to be put into print.
I personally love the idea of mixing fantasy with realistic elements. It really makes the story stand out, allows you delve more into that world in your mind, and grabs me as a reader on the whole. I loved writing about vampires in modern day NYC for those very reasons. What would change about your life as as vampire? What would stay the same? How would you handle the usual day to day challenges?
I like to think I do for vampires what Spiderman did for superheroes.
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hi adrianne,
i just wanted to tell you that i love your work..and i agree i love vampires in society..thanks so much for being here today..:-)
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HI Adrianne,
What made you decide to start writing? Also, how long does it take you to come up with a story? Do they just pop in your head?
I’ve always wanted to write but I never know where to begin.
Thanks!
Allie
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I don’t know that I personally really believe in vampires or that if they are real that they could really fall in love and be romantic and charming, I read books to get away from every day life so if it isn’t really all that steeped in reality I don’t really mind because books almost always have a happy ending so that’s why I read them, because in real life esp. nowadays happy endings are rare. Anyway, my question is who would you say are your top three favorite authors? And why?
I rsvpd
Cassandra M
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Hi Adrianne,
I don’t think that people would react well to knowing that there really were vampires. I don’t think that most of society would treat vampires any better than they do anyone else who is too different from them.
But I do like reading about vampires in a modern day setting. I find I prefer reading a book set in a real local. What made you pick NYC?
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I enjoy urban fantasy, but I want it to have a happy ending. Good must prevail. LOL I don’t need HEA, although I do prefer it if it’s going to be erotica or romance. I’m just that way. Perhaps it’s because in life good doesn’t always, so in fiction, I want happy. (grin)
Now, if the books is too dark, I’m not going to care for it even if it has a happy ending. I have a vampire novel I’m editing. The story is fantastic. It’s erotic M/M, but also has brutal scenes in it necessary for the story line. It’s a really good book, but as a reader, I would choose this book because of how dark it is.
There’s a new vampire movie out–I don’t remember the name, but that’s very dark. It doesn’t float my boat. I’m more of a “Love at First Bite” kind of gal.
Marci
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I like vampires in society, its very interesting
follow on twitter @throuthehaze
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Forgot to say I participated in the daily chat
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Hi Adrianne,
Just stopping by to say CONGRATS on the release
I’m sure it’s gonna sell billions 
I don’t have a question tho 
ANGI
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Thanks Debra! Glad to be here.
Hi Allie! My journey into writing started with a short fiction assignment for my science class back when I was ten. I wrote a scifi comedy featuring sentient vegetables in outer space, and was hooked into it ever since. I was always an avid reader, so I guess going into writing was just natural for me.
Some stories come to me more naturally than others. Could take overnight based on a dream, or over a few days or weeks. Most of my inspiration is from dreams and daydreams.
[Reply]
Hi Cassandra! Personally I think vampires are fun to read about due to their mystique and longevity. What does it mean to really be an immortal?
My top three favorite authors…that’s tough. I’d have to go with Madeleine L’Engle, Alan Moore, and Neil Gaiman based on their influence over my life and even to some extent my writing.
[Reply]
Sigh
That should be: “I wouldn’t choose this book…”
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I love Spiderman!!! He’s my favorite superhero.
What would I change about my life? First, I would think my career might change a bit. I work as a steel engineer, and vamps as a rule do not like the fire much. Although, I am hoping that i would be old enough to have amassed a fortune, so I can lead a vamp life of leisure. Being a night person would not be an issue. I hate mornings, so vamping out would be a plus for my schedule. 
I hope I can still eat some regular food with my blood, but not having to diet would be great. Not too many overweight vamps in the world…with the exception of that big blobby guy from the first Blade movie. I think relationships would be the most difficult. If date someone human, how do you deal with them aging, and you dont…especially if they don’t want to be a vamp. Lots of questions!!!
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Hey Sandy! I actually found a great blog post which went into each American government body and how they would react to “Vampire-Americans”. It was both entertaining and an eye-opener.
I picked NYC because I grew up near there and so it remains near and dear to my heart as an archetypal urban area.
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i agree you are going are an awesome author..i hope you do well with this book..:-)
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Hey Marci! I’m right with you on happy endings. It’s why I don’t like the Titanic and probably will never see nor read the Time Traveler’s Wife.
I like dark, but there’s a line to be drawn where the dark gets to be too much and gets in the way of a good plot and story.
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Raelena, Angi, and Debra–thanks for stopping by and thank you *SO* much for the support! It means a lot to me. *hugs*
And yes, vamps are awesome!!
[Reply]
Hi Adrianne,
2. I haven’t had a chance to read your book but have added it to my TRB pile!
I was wondering who are your favorite authors?
4. Participated in the daily chat!
I RSVP’d
[Reply]
Heather, I work as a software engineer so I’d have to be able to work from home and at nights.
At least it’s a suitable profession, lol!
The vampires in my book can digest food if they can do the proper magick for it. Their blood is magical and enables them to do all sorts of things that a human couldn’t otherwise do, but compensating for the whole “unlife” thing, as they prefer calling it over “undead”, can be tricky.
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Hi, Adrianne! I really liked the element of the worship of the Greek gods in Blood of the Dark Moon; Apollo is one of my patrons, as well. Will you be doing more books along that line?
RSVPd.
3) Joined at The Dark Moon and the newsletter; was already joined at the other locations.
4) Done.
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Welcome Terri, and thanks!
I hope you enjoy it.
My favorite authors include Madeleine L’Engle, Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Yasmine Galenorn, Charlaine Harris, Phillip K Dick, and LA Banks.
[Reply]
Hi Adrianne,
I really like the idea of vampires in every day life.
Who are your favorite authors?
What genres other than UF do you enjoy?
2. I rsvp’d
3. sent friend request on facebook friend page
joined facebook fan page
tried to add on to mailing list, but I’m not sure if it worked…was having an error message.
4. attended daily book chat
5. spread the word
http://not-really-southernvampchick.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/manda513?ref=name
http://www.shelfari.com/groups/29157/discussions/161992/Competitions-put-em-here-
http://www.goodreads.com/mandan513
[Reply]
Never mind my first question you answered it while I was typing
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Hi Amanda!
Which mailing list? One is announcement only, and the other is discussion. The signup form for the announcement only is here:
http://www.adriannebrennan.com/newsletter.html
Discussion:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/the-dark-moon
I am a huge fan of paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy novels as well as all of their subgenres–and hence tend to write in that vein. No pun intended, of course.
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Jennifer,
You can find more of her books in this series here:
http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=57
All of her books published with us, except for The Oath series, are part of the Blood Moon world. The Oath series is centered around Dionysus.
[Reply]
*waving*
Hi Adrianne!
Wow.. I feel like I’m stalking you all over the net, but BBB is my favorite review site and I definitely couldn’t miss your release chat here.
The book sounds fabulous and I can’t wait to read it. I love Paranormal/ Urban fantasy books. I started reading historical romances at 14, and then one day I picked up a Vampire romance and never looked back. It’s something very sexy, mysterious, and fun about having special powers and living forever.
Did you always want to be a writer?
What’s the first book you ever wrote, and was it Paranormal?
I am wishing you much success on your release, and I can’t wait until I read this book.
I RSVP’d
I spread the word on FB and The Blood Bank
http://www.facebook.com/tawania?ref=profile
http://www.bittenbybooks.ning.com/tawaniaetheridge
I am friends with Adrianne on FB, I get her newsletter, and I belong to her yahoo group.
[Reply]
I love the idea of vampires in the modern world. My faves to read and reread are Lysnay Sands, Christine Warren and Michele Bardsley.
Have you read any of them?
What inspired you to create Blood of the Dark Moon?
I RSVP’d
Did the daily chat
[Reply]
Adrianne, thanks for being here for this interview. I always love to hear more about writing and what inspires authors.
3. friends at Facebook, fan on Facebook, subscribed to newsletter, following on Twitter, also sent friend request on LiveJournal (link for Facebook profile is not correct)
4. done
5. done
[Reply]
Hi Jennifer!
Blood of the Dark Moon is the first book of the series and I am working on book 2.
It’ll definitely have more of that!
Also, most of the books if not all cover a bit of that or deities in general. The Thelemic goddess Babalon makes an appearance in Blood and Mint Chocolates.
Hope this helps.
[Reply]
Hey Tawania!
Glad to see you here.
I’ve wanted to be a writer for more than two-thirds of my life, and very happy to achieve that dream. My first novel was a fantasy novel and one of these days I’ll revamp and submit it somewhere.
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Hello Beth! I haven’t read any of them, but always love to pick up new reads.
Thanks for the tip!
Blood of the Dark Moon is the product of lots of interesting dreams, a vivid imagination, and my crazy muse.
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Thanks for attending Faerydreamer!
Facebook profile is here: http://www.facebook.com/adriannebrennan
And I look forward to chatting with you.
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Yay, this book sounds interesting. You mention a blending of cultures, human and vampire. That intrigues me, hopefully that technique makes the story more believable, more identifiable.
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Id love to know how you come up with your book ideas
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how many books do you have out
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Thanks Marianna! I love that sort of blend; it makes the world come alive for me.
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Hi Adrianne!
Thanks for coming to visit us here at BBB!
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can you tell me where I can get your books they sound good
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Id love a chance to win so I can read more of your books I have a friend who loaned me one it was great
[Reply]
Hey Tena! I have four books out in the Dark Moon series, three in the Oath series, a short story called Dawn of the Seraphs in the Immortal Fire anthology and another short story entitled “My Big Fat Greek Pagan Lesbian Wedding” coming out in the To Love and To Cherish anthology next month, so eight at the moment, soon to be nine.
There are also two more books coming out in the Oath series plus the sequels to Blood of the Dark Moon and Blood and Mint Chocolates.
[Reply]
Hi Cece! Thanks for stopping by.
Shirley, my books are available direct from my publishers’ sites:
http://www.freyasbower.com
http://www.loveyoudivine.com
You can also find them at Fictionwise, ARe, Amazon.com, and BN.com.
Here’s a good all-in-one link to learn more:
http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html
[Reply]
Hello and Congratulations Adrianne, Thank You for spending time with us today. What book has your favorite cover?
RSVPed
shared here: http://beetsbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebooked Ruth Thompson
[Reply]
Thanks Beet! And ooh…that’s a tough question. Personally, I’m rather fond of the new cover I have for my print release for Blood of the Dark Moon. It has the most complex, rich elements. Second favorite would be the Immortal Fire anthology cover–I just love the gem and the art detail!
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i added a picture of your book to my face book but i dont know where to find the link to
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To the link you put up Tena?
I think this works:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=141528&id=554316692&ref=mf
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I RSVPed for this event.
2. In answer to Adrianne’s questions, I can only answer based on Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles and the first two books of the Twilight series…book wise. I have not read the Sookie Stackhouse series yet, but I love True Blood and I think it would be cool if vampires could coexist with humans in this way. In the Twilight books, normalizing the fantastic did not take away the romance, IMO. What could be more romantic then Edward and Bella? (I know some will not agree, but I think they are very romantic) And what could be more fun then Lestat assimilating himself into the human world by becoming a rock star? Only he could pull something like that off…LOL! Thanks for sharing with us Adrianne!
5. tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/8000887243
Facebook share: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=lf#/michellestockardmiller?v=feed&story_fbid=443946075483&ref=nf
[Reply]
I love that title Blood and Mint Chocolate.
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I enjoyed the interview and comments. You are a new author for me. Blood of the Dark Moon is going on my TBB list.
3. All done except for Twitter.
4. Done
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Thanks Anne!
Definitely one of my fav titles yet.
Hello Andrea! Glad you stopped by and that you had a good time. I hope you’ll enjoy my book.
[Reply]
[...] Adrianne Brennan, author of Blood of the Dark Moon, at Bitten by Books [...]
Haven’t read the series, but looks interesting, I’ll have to give it a try.
I joined the book chat for my 25 entries.
[Reply]
Hi Karen! Welcome and thanks for attending.
I hope that you’ll like the books and yes, there’s more to come!
[Reply]
I haven’t had a chance to read this yet but it sounds good.
Fan on Facebook
Joined Yahoo group
Subscribed to newletter
Joined in daily chat
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I think authors have done an amazing job of taking the myth of vampires and making them their own- in whichever centuary they choose to put them in. There have been so many vampire books that I have enjoyed and I’m glad authors continue to write about them!
And I was wondering, the couple on the cover of your book, do they remind you of the actual couple in the book? I love the cover, by the way! Very pretty
2.– Done.
4.– Done.
[Reply]
Forgot to say I RSVP’d!
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How’d you get started writing your novels? What motivated you to write?
[Reply]
Hi Adrianne
Very provocative post!
I’m wondering if the cause of the transformation from human to vampire (something evil, some other paranormal action, a virus, etc) would impact how mortals would react to the immortals. What’s your opinion?
[Reply]
Hi Adrianne! I love your work!
Question: How do you normally deal with writer’s block?
I RSVP’d
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rsvp’s and already friend everywhere. Wishing you much success with the new release!!
[Reply]
oops. subscribed to newsletter, joined FB fan page and posted link on my FB page (Lisa Mason)
[Reply]
Hey Julie!
Thanks for coming by. If you get around to reading them, do let me know what you think. I always love feedback. 
Hi Chelsea! I love new and exciting takes on vampires, fresh looks at old legends. And yes, the couple does rather remind me of them. The woman has that nice combination of innocence and sexiness which is very reminiscent of Amanda.
[Reply]
Scott, I’ve been writing since I was ten. I got roped into it via a science class assignment and wound up writing a short scifi comedy about sentient vegetables traveling in outer space. Been hooked ever since.
I was ten at the time, going on thirty-two now. That gives you a since of how long!
Blood of the Dark Moon’s seeds began when I was about nineteen or so. I wrote a few short stories based on some interesting dreams I was having, but none of them really came into fruition until a firmer concept of the main character solidified in my head. Then I started to write it, and submitted it to Aphrodite’s Apples (R.I.P. AA!) back in ‘07. They closed down in ‘08, and I took it to Freya’s Bower where it has a very happy home.
[Reply]
Welcome Melia! And what an excellent question. Writer’s block for me means I’m too stressed to let loose my creativity, so I take some “me” time out for myself to relax and unwind. I find that exercising helps, and I’ll often come up with story ideas and plot while working out on my elliptical. Listening to music, going for a walk…any of those things, any chance to get out and just relax and let things flow. It’s all about the flow.
[Reply]
Hey Lisa! Glad you could make it here.
*hugs*
[Reply]
First, the other stuff —
3 - did the newsletter, friended at facebook fan page
5 - twitter - @OV_099
FB - http://www.facebook.com/people/Lois-Merritt/100000225278700
LJ - http://ov-099.livejournal.com/
site blog - http://home.comcast.net/~loismerritt1013 and click on Blog/What’s New
2 - well, I really don’t have a question (okay, if I really need one, ah, what’s your favorite color? :)) but I thought I’d answer yours.
I think in the end, like with anything, any genre we all read be it in romance or outside of, to me it depends on the book I’m reading. Some books with a particular character, plot line or whatnot, will work in one novel, written by a particular author, and it doesn’t work in another by another author. Whether it takes out the mystique, I have no idea, but sometimes we can always use something to relate to.
Lois
[Reply]
Heya Adrianne!!! Now I know I have heard about you and your books, especially from my friendf Lillie.
RSVP
Followed her on Twitter
Posted the contest/chat on twitter (RaonaidLuckwell)
Already follow her on facebook and fan on facebook
Already a member of The Dark Moon
Signed up for the newsletter
Joined the book chat
Posted about the contest/chat on myspace’s bulletin and blog (www.myspace.com/visionarydruid)
Posted about the contest/chat on my blogger (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
Posted about the contest/chat on livejournal (morriga.livejournal.com)
[Reply]
Hi Patricia! Yeah, I think so. A virus would be treated as something harmful, and I bet scientists would come up with a vaccine for it or something. But I think it’s really the end result that would make people treat it differently. Do vampires have to kill in order to feed? Are they animalistic in nature or more refined? Does it vary from vampire to vampire? Do they feed consensually or do they take by force?
I’ve toyed with the idea of a scifi story with a type of virus similar to vampirism myself. It’s an interesting idea.
[Reply]
Welcome Raonaid! Glad you could join us.
So your friend’s a corruptive influence on you, huh?
[Reply]
I R.S.V.P.’D.
2) Hey Adrianne What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
3) I Am Following Adrianne On Twitter (@skyla11377).
I Am Friends With Adrianne On Facebook.
I Am A Fan Of Adrianne On Facebook.
I Have Joined Adrianne’s Discussion List.
I Have Subscribed To Adrianne’s Newsletter.
4) I Have Joined Bitten By Books At Your Daily Book Chat Here.
5) I Tweeted About This On Twitter (@skyla11377).
http://twitter.com/skyla11377/status/7994543906
[Reply]
I R.S.V.P.’D
Hello Adrianne I Wanted To Know If You Always Wanted To Be A Writer Or If There Was Something Else You Wanted To Do?
[Reply]
Hey Raquel! Ooh, what a nifty question! One or two things, huh? Okay…I’ll bite.
1) I’m vegan. I neither eat, use, nor consume animal products or anything containing them. I have a pin that says “Tofu: the other white meat”. XD
2) I love arts and crafts. I’ve been into knitting, crocheting, and making my own steampunk jewelry from watch parts and funky metal stuff. I wear a pair of knitted fingerless gloves with black rhinestone buttons on them that I made myself.
[Reply]
Hi Denise! I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was ten. Before that, an astronaut. But watching the space shuttle Challenger explode live on tv scared me as a kid, and unless we developed technology like Star Trek I’d be a bit timid. ^_^
[Reply]
Love this article. I am always ready to hear new things about authors and books. susan L.
[Reply]
How do you keep track of your world building?
I RSVP’d
3. Be friends with Adrianne by joining her here:
I joined the discussion list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/the-dark-moon
I signed up for the newsletter: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/newsletter.html
4. I joined the daily book chat
[Reply]
Thanks Susan! Glad you enjoyed it.
[Reply]
Hey Sue! I take good notes, especially when it gets down to nitpicky details. When working on subsequent stories, I refer to them. It helps quite a bit. I also like to re-read my works, see if there are any interesting threads to pick up on later.
[Reply]
Hi Adrianne,
I hope I found you correctly on FB pg b/c your link didn’t work, but the fan pg did.
rsvpd
posted on FB:Dina Stornello
posted on Goodreads: ” ”
posted on twitter:dlsmilad
friended twitter:dlsmilad
friended on FB:DinaStornello
friended on FB fanpg: ” ”
joined newsletter also’
thanks,
Dina S
dlsmilad@yahoo.com
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Hi Adrianne, Thanks for taking the time to do this. Very interesting post. Thanks for sharing. I am not really sure what would happen so it was interesting to read the link. Thanks for sharing.
Do you do a lot of research for your books? What is your favorite part of writing.
- RSVP
- Tweeted = http://twitter.com/DonnaS1/statuses/8012386933
- Twitter follower
- FB friend requested
- Newsletter subscriber
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Contest stuff:
2 - RSVP & questions 4 & 18
3 Joined Adrianne at: twitter, facebook fan, yahoo discussion, and the newsletter
4 - joined book chat - #3
5 - posted at:
twitter: http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/8012759457
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/hcreely?ref=profile
myspace - http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=510955351
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Hey Dina! The profile page should be http://www.facebook.com/AdrianneBrennan.
Donna, I’m really glad you liked it.
As for the amount, it depends on the story. For most of my works, not a heck of a lot. Mostly visiting places where the story is located, that sort of thing. I expect once I really begin cracking on my Victorian paranormal erotic romance prequel for the Dark Moon series that a lot will be done.
My favorite part about writing is the act of creation, the idea of building worlds and all of the fascinating people in it. It’s the people I find the most interesting; they shape the world and the plot and keep me writing more.
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How hard was it to get picked up by a publishing company/get an agent?
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RSVPed
4.Done
I think authors are doing a really good job at making their books about vampires, shapeshifters, werewolves, etc their own.
I cannot think of a question for you at this hour. LOL.
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Hi Laura! I don’t have an agent, but as far as getting picked up by a publishing company, I sorta stumbled into it. I knew the person who started Aphrodite’s Apples because we wrote Star Wars fanfic together. She found out I wrote original fiction and encouraged me to submit something to her editors. And lo and behold, they gave me a contract.
After they folded, I shopped around and submitted it to Freya’s Bower and I’ve been with them ever since.
My recommendation on publishing companies is to talk to authors and get a feel for the places they love writing for–especially the authors who write in the same genres you do. From there, take a look at the publishing company’s website, learn their submission criteria and their rules, and follow them *to the letter*.
The best advice I can give any aspiring writer is this: write, and keep writing. And never give up. Always strive to improve, accept constructive criticism and seek it wherever you go. I went with Freya’s Bower because from the very first submission they impressed me. I actually learned how to write better just from their initial feedback, and I knew I’d be happy there. I like editors who edit heavily and aren’t afraid to comment on what they like, what they dislike, and their suggestions on what they think will make it into an even better work. Any editor who keeps your voice and encourages you to polish your skills as an author is worth his/her weight in gold.
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Hey Sue! I think that’s an important part of being a writer: world building, and the ability to draw you in to a story.
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Hey Adrienne! great to “see” you again so soon! I luv your vamps but as you have already learned Dawn of The Seraphs is my absolute FAVE of yours as I am a big fan of m/m romance. Will we see more m/m romance without the female menage partner that alotta people prefer? Strictly m/m romance? I was intrigued by the thoughts of vampires in society and how the different divisions/branches of gov’t would “handle” them. Food for thought, eh? Thanks for lettin me know you were here for the day….glad I didnt totally miss ya! :o)
jo
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thanks for the advice… I actually have a screenplay being looked at by someone who has a production company and other contacts. He liked it (even compared it to 500 days of summer which was up for a couple of golden globes) and I am working on editing a novel right now that everyone who I have talked to like the idea behind it.
Finally, I am planning on going to my first Writer’s Conference in August (I can’t wait)
If you have any other advice, please pass it on.
You rock for doing this.
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2. Adrianne, what was your favorite book as a child?
3. Be friends with Adrianne by joining her here:
Twitter: Done @RexRobotReviews
Facebook: Done Rex Reviews
Facebook fan page: Done Rex Reviews
Discussion list: Done Ilovealac
Newsletter: Done
4. Done
5. Done via Twitter http://twitter.com/RexRobotReviews/status/8015527360
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Hi Jo!
Oh yes, you’ll be seeing more m/m from me. I plan on writing a sequel to Dawn of the Seraphs and also a m/m prequel to the Dark Moon series. Menage I see is being a completely different dynamic than one-on-one, totally not the same thing.
And I’m glad you didn’t totally miss me too!
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Hey Laura! First of all, WOW! Congrats and go you!!
You should be proud. In regards to any other advice…gods, good question. I’d have to say 1) work with what stimulates your muse best, 2) learn to balance life with writing early on and 3) keep writing. 
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Hi Julia! It depends on how young. At around age 5, the books I read over and over again were The Little Prince, A Secret Garden, and Eloise. At age 8, the Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L’Engle. At not-yet-thirty-two, I have copies of The Little Prince in both French and English (it inspired me to take French classes later on in life) and I still continue to read and re-read the Wrinkle in Time series.
Much of my life was shaped by The Little Prince, The Neverending Story, and the Wrinkle in Time series growing up–and I daresay a bit of my writing as well.
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I know you are probably logging off, but THANKS — I hope if you don’t mind me contacting you through facebook
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Laura, feel free to contact me anytime.
And you’re more than welcome!
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Believe it or not folks, you have one more hour. The contest is running on Central time, not Eastern.
So post away!!
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Adrianne welcome to BBB
your work totally rocks i have to say that
what do you tell fans who dont dig vamps but would liek to try them about your work?
I love all the covers of ur books
Adrianne
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Bainesgoddess
Facebook: http://facebook.com/Ghostssinner aka Beverly Gordon
Facebook fan page:
Discussion list:mortalsinn@yahoo.com
Newsletter: mortalsinn@yahoo.com
BBB
I rsvped
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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Hi Adrienne,
Better late than never! I found you. Ladies and gents, Adrienne is an awesome author. Don’t let this book pass you by.
Wishing you loads of joy and success in 2010!
ps: I have the book so don’t enter me in the contest, just stopping by to show my support for author exceptionale!
Fondly, Keta
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Hi, Adrianne!
On behalf of Fictionista Workshop, an online group of writers, editors, and readers, thank you so much for taking the time to answer questions. Many of our members are new to the world of writing, so this is especially helpful for them.
So many authors stress the importance of practicing on a regular basis. How do you practice? Do you write your series, or do write others things (a journal, writing exercises, etc.) instead?
What inspired you to write? What was it that specifically made you want to write about vampires?
Your take on vampires is unique and wonderfully detailed. How did you come up with it? How do you keep track of the world you’ve created?
Is it difficult for you to share your work, or have you developed a comfort level with it over time?
Once again, thank you so much for your time. You’ve been so fantastic to your fans, and your responses are a joy to read.
Thank you!
-Simone, a correspondent for Fictionista Workshop
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Hi Keta! Thank you so much. *hugs* Actually the prize is a gift certificate to Amazon.com, so it doesn’t matter if you have the book or not. But I’m glad you stopped by anyhow!
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Hi, Adrianne! I like vampires in any era. It’s harder to hide crimes against humans now. I like a little bit of everthing. So no “chipping” violent vampires like the Initiative on Buffy? Making the setting reasonably believable helps the story work. I like a good story, characters and setting. I like either “normal” or “Gothic”-type vampires, depending on my mood. Sometimes these things are well-combined, like Jean-Claude in LKH’s Anita Blake series. I’ll put Blood Mint Chocolates on my wish list. Where would I find the e-book link? Amazon?
“I’ve got an unlife, you know.”~Spike
Ah, Greek mythology here, too? Nice. I like LKH, Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong, a bit of Anne Rice and a whole lot of True Blood.
Do you sell any steampunk jewelry?
I liked the link. DoD has got it down!Victorian paranormal erotic romance? Sweet!
Thanks for being here today!
4 done
RSVPd for this.
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Hi Simone! Wow, lots of questions! I’ll see what I can tackle:
In regards to practice, you just…write. When I’m not working on original fiction I also write fanfic. The key is to just keep it up, and when you’ve been working on one thing too much, switch off onto something else and come back to it with fresh eyes.
I’ve been writing since I was ten, and it all began with a scifi comedy about sentient vegetables in outer space for a science class assignment.
As for writing about vampires, I guess you could say I followed my muse on that one. Most of my material for my works comes from dreams and the rest is my hyperactive imagination.
Best way to keep track of the small details is to take notes. That way you can stay consistent and not forget a character wears a size 7 shoe, for instance. The rest all comes from a good memory. When everything you’ve developed comes to life for you, the details tend to stick.
It’s often difficult for me to share a *rough* work, one that hasn’t been really nitpicked with a fine tooth comb by me. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my writing and I’m always seeking to improve it. It means a lot to me.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by! I’m really loving these questions. They’re really well thought out, and I’m having a blast answering them. *hugs*
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Hello there R.E.B.!
Blood and Mint Chocolates isn’t up on Kindle, but you can get it straight from freyasbower.com, Fictionwise, ARe, and many other places. The list is here: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/bamc.html I usually recommend getting it from the publisher’s website.
And Spike is, in a word, awesomesauce.
Also, True Blood is one of my fav shows.
I do indeed sell the jewelry! And still making more of it. http://timeladydesigns.etsy.com is where I typically sell it. Need to check to see if the listings have expired, which they probably have by now. Eep.
And yep, Victorian paranormal erotic romance, vampire, and…m/m. Hoo boy.
But it’ll be fuuuun.
Thanks for dropping in!
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Wow, keep finding more comments on here! *waves to Lois* Good answers to the question! As for favorite color…blue. A nice, deep, cobalt blue.
Michelle, hello there! In my world the humans can’t really exist with the vampires without special dispensation from the Order that Jesse and Amanda belong to. Ultimately, the approval comes from its head. This will come into play later (hint, spoilers, ooh!!)
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Hi Adrianne,
my questions to you:
what is the most difficult for you to write: love scenes, actions, something else? Why?
And what is the most weird/funny/stupid question that you’ve ever been asked by a fan? Let us hear it:)
Thanks!
I RSVPed for this
3. joined the Yahoo group and subscribed to the newsletter
4. chatted
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Hi Adrianne,
I have enjoyed reading your answers so far and wanted to know if you have any advice, based on your industry knowledge as an author, the best way for an author to submit their work to agents and get noticed?
Further, based on your knowledge, would you say that it is best for an aspiring novelist to spend short bursts of time developing short stories because agents/publishers invest in careers (to build a portfolio), or would you say it is better for an aspiring novelist to focus on their next big project?
Thank you so much for your answers! I look forward to buying your book.
Tiffany
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Hi Adrianne
2.I Like to read Vampire Books in the Modern day Fiction.I like Christine Feehan & Sherrilyn Kenyon and a Lot of others.I like When thay Fight to Save people from There own Kind.I like some normal stuff for them and some not so normal stuff.
4.Did the Daily Chat
5.I Spread the word on my myspace and facebook and here is the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
* I RSVPed
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
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Good morning Dovile! I’d have to say that the hardest thing for me to write, if I had to pick anything…endings. O holy hell, I hate ending a story. This is why I write series.
As for weirdest question, I’ve been asked quite a number of those. Trying to think of which would qualify as “the weirdest”. I’ll select a few:
“Do you like Evanescence?”
“Are those tattoos real?”
“Is that biography picture really of you?”
But the all-time favorite is this one:
“How can such a gorgeous lady write about vampires? Is this a psychic impression of some past event?”
Some of the personal questions I’m asked can get a bit strange. ^_^
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Hi Tiffany! That’s an excellent question, and one I’ve been wondering myself. I don’t have an agent and I’ve been wondering if it’s worth getting one down the road and if so, how to go about doing it. I know of a few authors who have found agents to work with; they might have a tip or two! I’ll have to ask them and include that on a FAQ on my site or something.
Hey, check it out! A question I don’t know the answer to!
As for length of story…it completely depends on you. I’ve found that the best way to get projects done is to work on more than one at a time and have them be of varying sizes/lengths. I don’t think length matters for your first story, but it helps to eventually get at least one novel length story out there.
Damned good questions! Keep them coming!
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Hey Stacey! I like those authors too, and need to catch up on their series. I’m at least two books behind on Christine Feehan, about 3-4 on Charlaine Harris…having the time to write often means giving up the time to read. I hate that.
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3. Im friends with Adrianne on Twitter @cait045
4. Joined at our daily book chat
I RSVPed
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Thanks for answering my questions in a fun way.
I read the Blood and Mint Chocolates excerpts on your site and saw where it can be ordered from Freyas Bower. Neat. Kalia is even more blunt and to the point than I am sometimes. 
Your incorporation of silver colors and beads in your Etsy jewelry is so unusual, in a good way. I haven’t got all of the kinds of jewelry I make up in my Etsy (wherelittlethingsare) or Artfire (wherethelittlethingsare), but some is up on Artfire.com . Cool. I like writers that have multiple interests, like some of us readers. Heehee, I think my short stories are erotica, but sometimes it might be hard to tell. Looks like Freya’s Bower is a good option, though, if I considered publishing.
I’m going to attempt a Facebook friend request now.
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Hey Caitlin!
How are you?
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I think my second comment got eaten. So here goes…
Liked the excerpts from Blood and Mint Chocolates. I think Kalia is even more blunt and to the point than I am sometimes.
f/f m/m m/f. I read all. My short story erotica might be like some of the stuff at Freya’s Bower. I’d have to really re-read them to follow guidelines. There are plots, just really short ones. 
I make jewelry too (up on artfire as wherethelittlethingsare) and have an Etsy with just a couple things (wherelittlethingsare). I like that writers have different interests like some of us readers. Thanks for spreading the magick, fellow witchy-type chick. 
Friended on Facebook.
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Hello! I just became a fan! How do you find inspiration?
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Hi Adrianne!
Thanks for coming here to chat with us! To answer your question, I do like it that urban fantasy puts the fantastic in a world we can relate to. It makes it easier to connect with the characters and with what happens to them. I’d like to ask you, do you have other favourites in the Greek mythology apart form Apollo?
Thanks!
Valentina R.
- I RSVPed.
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Hi R.E.B.! Oh yes, I love Kalia. She was a LOT of fun to write and she’ll be in Blood and Spice, which is the sequel to Blood and Mint Chocolates. And <3 right backatcha, fellow magick-witchy-chick.
Looking forward to chatting with you on FB!
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Hi Sharon! I get my inspiration mostly from dreams. I can get entire novels from them! But sometimes from bits and pieces from movies, tv, and books which I love. I think about ideas I get from them, what if things went this way or that? What if a character like this did xyz? Dawn of the Seraphs’ two male leads and their dynamic were inspired by my favorite science fiction pairing.
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Hi Vale! Thanks for stopping by.
The best way to answer your question is this: I’m an actual, real-life Greek polytheist. My patron deities are Apollo, Dionysos, and Hermes. Hence I tend to write about pagan characters because it’s in the realm of my experience.
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Hi Adrianne,
I like some mystery and mystique with my vampires stories. However, I do like to read some new twists on the old tale.
What kinds of twists do you have in your vamipire tales? Sorry if this has been asked before.
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+25 RSVP http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=16605#comment-123340
+10 left a question
+50 blogged about this post & giveaway
Thanks and congrats on your book!
cldivineATyahooDOTcom
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sorry forgot to include the link to the blog post, which you can find here
cldivineATyahooDOTcom
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Hiya! Congratulations on the release of your book! Hope you enjoyed your happy day =)
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Thanks Adrianne:)
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