Loading ...The DARKLY LUMINOUS Haunted London Blog Tour! LIVE Here!
Release Day party!
Thanks Bitten By Books for hosting me!
Just like last year’s Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog tour, I’m continuing the tradition with more real ghost stories I use in the Strangely Beautiful series, The Strangely Beautiful saga continues with The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker:
About the Book: “Death-pale Percy Parker was a beacon for Fate. True love had found her, in the tempestuous form of Professor Alexi Rychman. But her mythic destiny was not complete. Foretold by ghosts with which she alone could converse; a war was coming. Victorian London would be overrun by a spectral host. Yet, within mighty Athens Academy, alongside The Guard who shielded mortals from the agents of the Underworld, she counted herself among friends. Wreathed in hallowed fire, they would stand together, no matter what dreams or nightmares—may come.”
About the Haunted London Blog Tour: I’ve had a life-long love for the 19th century, England and ghosts. London is alive with history, thriving not only with the pulsing energy of the living, but the restless energy of the dead. When my hero Professor Alexi Rychman and his Guard of spectral police make their rounds, it is to any number of real, documented, familiar London phantasms. Since the spirits are familiar to The Guard, I don’t get the opportunity to tell the complete ghost story. But these tales are too good not to tell in full, spooky splendor. (Special thanks to London ghost and Ripper expert Richard Jones, http://haunted-london.com whose books and tours are my go-to resource).
Featured ghost of the day:
Margaret Pole’s Execution at the Tower of London
Today brings us to what is widely regarded as England’s most haunted premises: The Tower of London! This definite tourist attraction has been infamous since its construction in 1078 by William the Conqueror. While I used Margaret’s ghost in Book I, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, these spectres are routine to The Guard, so I had to bring poor Margaret back for Darkly Luminous. Her story is as follows:
The Tower hosts many haunts, from King Henry VI (Killed, tradition says, by infamous Richard III) to the poor Edward V and Richard, Duke of York (also dispatched by Richard III) King Henry VIII’s famous victims Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, to our Ghost-Star of the day, Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury. Henry VIII vengeance is famous, and it extended to the 72 year old Countess, punishing her in the place of her son, Cardinal Pole. The Cardinal was away in France, having rejected the King’s claim as head of the Church of England. Henry VIII brought the Countess to the block instead. On May 27th, 1541 she was scheduled for execution. When the time came and she was commanded to drop to her knees by the executioner, she boldly replied: “So should traitors do and I am none.” The executioner proceeded to then chase the poor woman around the scaffold until she was very literally chopped to death. This grim chase scene has been repeated countless times on the anniversary of the horrid spectacle.
Here’s how Margaret makes her appearance this time around. From The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker:
Inside the cozy interior of La Belle et La Bete café, The Guard gathered around a circular table, likely appearing loud and inappropriate to any outsider: fraternizing across class lines, myriad buttons undone, familiarity between unmarried men and women—all with a vicar presiding. But the few other patrons here didn’t seem to notice, likely suspecting the seven of them to be a resident theatre troupe and thus excused. Empty bottles on tables, compliments of the gracious hostess, also might explain the relative obliviousness.
Alexi enjoyed watching Percy take in the scene. He leaned in and murmured richly in her ear. “This is a second home to me, Percy, and while it’s hard to believe I’ve never brought you here, I’ve enjoyed bringing you home far better.”
“Bienvenue, Percy!” Josephine rushed to kiss Percy on both blushing cheeks. “As you see, I keep the wine French, cheap and flowing—a bit like my morals.” She snorted and darted behind the bar to procure Alexi a spot of sherry.
Percy giggled. She had to remind herself that she was now a married adult and no longer a convent girl. Her skin might not have any colour, but the world did, and she enjoyed it.
“What may I offer you?” the Frenchwoman asked, shoving the snifter into Alexi’s hand.
“Well…a glass of red wine?”
Josephine pursed her lips. “Now, I’m no enemy of red wine, but I’m guessing that’s the only drink a convent girl knows.”
“Champagne then,” Percy said.
“Oui!” Josephine clapped and darted off.
Alexi took Percy by the arm and sat her down beside Jane, who was insisting to Michael that Margaret Pole’s incessant execution inside the tower of London was getting ridiculous. “The poor woman’s not only runnin’ round the scaffold, but she’s nearly acrobatic. I went to quiet her last night and she’d floated up the lancet windows, taunting her executioner to follow. It’s been since 1541, and she was seventy-two—shouldn’t she be tired by now? Vicar Carroll, go remind her martyrdom’s no sport.”
“I daresay watching would be sport.” Michael grinned. “If more people saw ghosts, why, cricket would be supplanted in a heartbeat.”
“Nil!” Elijah protested.
Jane waved a hand. “You’re welcome to her. Charge admission.” Everyone chortled at the thought.
Josephine set a bubbling glass of champagne before Percy and took a seat. Alexi launched right into business. “Athens is changing more than we thought,” he stated, swirling his snifter.
“Back there with you then,” Elijah said. “You’re spoiling our fun.”
(End of Excerpt)
–
Leave a comment for the chance win a signed copy of both books in the Strangely Beautiful series, The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is in stores TODAY! The Strangely Beautiful saga will continue again with “A Christmas Carroll”(Strangely Beautiful #2.5) novella in Dorchester’s A Midwinter Fantasy anthology this October! The Darkly Luminous Haunted London Blog Tour continues all week!
Dorchester Publishing has generously agreed to give away 4 copies of Book 1, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and 4 of book 2 The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker – please mention which book you’re entering to win in your comment.
Blessings! - Leanna Renee Hieber
•¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆
Connect with Leanna:
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Blog: www.leannareneebooks.blogspot.com
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CONTEST: Open to US Addresses Only
4 signed copies of The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker
To Enter PLEASE
LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries. Mandatory, if you don’t leave this, none of your entries will count. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest. Contest open to readers WORLDWIDE.
1. Join the Bitten by Books Newsletter at the top right hand side of the site or use this link:
2. Ask some questions, please make sure they aren’t duplicates. Good for 10 entries. (Max 5 good towards entries)
3. Purchase copies of Leanna’s NEW book The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker by using the links below
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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.
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While you are here today, please join us at our weekly book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=23322 and vote in our weekly poll here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=23391 attend the Rachel Caine Event today here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=23395 and RSVP for the M.J. Rose Kindle / Release Party event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=23119 good for 25 entries per each one you do.
Be sure to check out these other fun events for next week: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=4. That’s it!
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The contest ends on 4/28/10 at 11:59 pm Central and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize directly from the authors. 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. PLEASE ALLOW THIRTY DAYS to receive your prize BEFORE EMAILING US.
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.
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(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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I hadn’t heard of this series before but it sounds fun.
Leanna,
Do you have plans to write about ghosts from other time periods or only 19th century?
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already subscribe to BBB newsletter
[Reply]
Hi Leanna - Thanks for being here. This sounds wonderful.
Do you plan to write from other locations, like the States or other European countries? I see the time period question above….I was wondering the same.
I RSVP’d
Already get the newsletter
[Reply]
rsvpd.This book sounds great I cant wait to get my hnds on a copy
[Reply]
Wow, can’t seem to find words to articulate what is going through my head at this. Sadly I have not yet read any of your books. But yes, I’m aware of England’s rich history and the many ghosts it harbors. Blackmore’s Night did a song of Catherine Howard
Luminous Haunted London Blog Tour
RSVP
http://twitter.com/RaonaidLuckwell
Attended Rachel Caine’s release party
Voted in the poll (I use both)
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell?ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/visionarydruid
Google buzzed
http://visionarydruid.blogspot.com/2010/04/darkly-luminous-haunted-london-blog.html
http://buzz.yahoo.com/article/1:9b9f7afc6a521013363c519d59c53fbd:d2abd0e5447e952bed2a3852e60bef18/The-Darkly-Luminous-Blog-Tour-at-Bitten-by-books?usc=1
[Reply]
Hi Leanna! thanks for doing this! I hadn’t heard of these books, but I’m quite excited about it.
Do you plan to stick strictly with ghosts or will other creatures be added/or just accepted as real even if not ever seen?
(I rsvp’d and I follow via RSS email & reader)
[Reply]
Leanna do you plan to plan to write about other supernatural creatures or only ghosts?
I’m a bit biased towards the living on the supernatural side. I have not real desire to write about ghosts, vamps, ghouls, zombies. I prefer the animal creatures - werewolves, dragons, unicorns. Given your love of ghosts, have you thought of writing any stories without them?
I RSVPed for the event.
email: beth@bethcaudill.net
book: I’d like to win the The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker
[Reply]
Has the production begun for the musical production of The Strangely Beautiful Tale Of Miss Percy Parker?
I’d like book 1.
I RSVP’d
Newsletter subscriber
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RSVP’d for M.J. Rose event
About to visit Rachael Caine event
[Reply]
Hello friends, thanks for joining me!
I’m thrilled to continue the Strangely Beautiful series!
Answers to questions:
re: Creatures - In the Strangely Beautiful mythos only ghosts and greek mythological creatures exist, along with the Guard’s special brand of magic. I don’t tend to gravitate towards writing Vamps or Weres or Shifters, they haven’t come up yet in my work, but if they organically do, and it works, and I have a way to use them uniquely, I won’t shy away from it.
I have played with and will continue to use the idea of elementals and demons, however.
re: other ghosts? I love ghost stories of all kinds and will likely use them in many of my projects. I’m working on a Young Adult series set in 19th century New York and it will incorporate ghost stories, my own versions of secret societies, seances, and more paranormal goodies, though likely no ‘beasties’ either at this point - at least they haven’t shown up.
I think I’ll stick to the psychic, spiritual supernatural realm - with some demons for good measure. I’m definately a fan of people who write great paranormal creatures, though.
re: Musical production:
No, we’ve not started work on mounting the show, we’re in pre-production mode where I’ll be story-boarding the basic outline and we’ll fill in music and dialogue as we go, we’ve some target deadlines and we’ll submit the draft show to workshops and theatre festivals, the production would workshop outside of New York in a regional theatre before we try and move it to the Great White Way, but it will be a fun and very educational process for me. I’ve been involved in theatre nearly all my life, but never quite like this!
Thanks for the great questions!
[Reply]
Hello Leanna
While I’ve not read either of your books, I do have both on my wishlist.
Have you ever got to travel in England and visit any of the places mentioned in your books?
I’d like book 1 as I believe series should always be read in order.
Lisa R
I RSVP’d
Newsletter subscriber–alterlisa@yahoo.com is already subscribed to the mailing list of Bitten by Books - The Paranormal Fiction Review Site With Bite!
Voted in the poll
RSVP’d for M.J. Rose event
Visited Rachael Caine event
Attended weekly chat
tweeted about contest-alterlisa
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=23438 The DARKLY LUMINOUS Haunted London Blog Tour! LIVE at BBB!
[Reply]
The tone of the time period flows off every page of your work. What type of research did you do to capture it so fully?
I have the first book (love love love it!!!!) so if I’m lucky enough to win, I would like the second book in the series. : )
Shared the love on Facebook (jackie.uhrmacher) and Twitter (JackieUhrmacher), subscribe to the newsletter, and attended Rachel Caine’s event.
[Reply]
Question: What are you currently reading? And do you have any current project that you’re working on?
- I rsvped for this event.
- BBB newsletter subscriber
- voted in the weekly poll
- will attend rachel caine release party
- RSVPed for the M.J. Rose Kindle / Release Party event
[Reply]
Lisa,
Re: Travel, oh, yes, I was blessed enough to get a scholarship in college and then I’ve returned (and will again this year) because it’s my soul’s home. I love it there so very much and I don’t think that love could have shown through the pages had I not walked along the Thames and breathed the air - while I don’t think it’s required that an author should visit places they write about, it was a vital part of this series for me.
Jackie,
*blush* Thank you that’s a wonderful compliment! The best research I did for capturing the time period was reading books that were written at the time, by then-contemporary authors. My college focus in the Victorian Era helped too.
[Reply]
Van P,
Currently reading The Alienist - it’s amazing and I’m ashamed I hadn’t read it sooner. Current project: Adapting The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker into a musical theatre production per my option agreement, and editing Strangely Beautiful #2.5, a novella featured in A MIDWINTER FANTASY starring two of my Strangely Beautiful characters, Rebecca and Michael, releasing Sept. 28th, and writing Strangely Beautiful #3 - and hoping I sell my YA Historical Paranormal Fantasy - I’m keeping busy
[Reply]
Argh! You’re killing me. I thought I would have time to read these before today. But once again the size of my book lists foils me yet again. And also having to help people move, but I digress. When I heard about this series I was excited because I love books that have a basis in reality. I also love when there is a rich history behind the story lines and characters. It automatically gives some background and feel to the story when you have some realistic aspects to it.
I tried to think of a question that won’t spoil to much for me, but I’m curious if in this book or in any future books, do you plan to have the chracters travel to other countries in Europe or even the United States?
Thanks for being here! I’m only sorry I didn’t have a chance to finish them before today.
-Rae M.
Already subscribe to newsletter
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Buzzed on yahoo http://buzz.yahoo.com/article/1:9b9f7afc6a521013363c519d59c53fbd:d2abd0e5447e952bed2a3852e60bef18/The-Darkly-Luminous-Blog-Tour-at-Bitten-by-books
[Reply]
Hi Rae!
My TBR list foils me every day!
Re: travel - indeed! Book 4 they end up in France and Germany! (Where I’ll be traveling for research in August! *so excited*!)
[Reply]
The snippet got me very excited to read this series! I’d love to be entered for book 1 since I haven’t read it yet. Thanks! What books are you reading right now? Any that you’d recommend? Your books sound so unique, do you often find others who write similar legend-based/historical stories?
I’m already a reader of your BBB newsletter and I RSVP’d for this event. I also spread the word about this event on Google Buzz, Google Bookmark, and myspace.
Thanks.
[Reply]
I heard there will be a production of The Strangely Beautiful Tale Of Miss Percy Parker. How involved will you be in that?
RSVPd
newsletter subscriber
voted in poll
RSVPd for MJ
Participated in Rachel Caine Event
[Reply]
Hey Stephanie!
Always excited to gain new Strangely Beautiful converts. *s*
My favourite fellow Victorian era writers are Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters who write Victorian set Mysteries. Also Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate is totally fabulous! Also very excited about O. M. Grey’s “Avalon Revisited”
Cheers!
[Reply]
Raelena,
The producers very kindly have me very involved due to my background as a professional actress and playwright. They’re having me work on the script of the production, which is very lucky for an author, this is a unique situation.
It will be a good couple of years before it could be fully mounted on Broadway - with many steps between - but we’re off to an exciting start!
Thanks!
[Reply]
Ok gang,
I have to head out for a while - since it’s RELEASE DAY I’m doing a signing back here in Cincinnati, my hometown, at my local Barnes & Noble!
Barnes & Noble has been wonderfully supportive of this series, you’ll be seeing Darkly Luminous on their “New Paperback” towers!
I’ll check back in later tonight when I’m back from the event!
Cheers!
[Reply]
Hi Leanna!
Just stopping by to encourage everyone to join the trip that Strangely Beautiful and Darkly Luminous provide. Her books are great! Halfway through Darkly Luminous, so far 5 stars!!
*Don’t enter me, I have both of Leanna’s great books!*
Dottie
[Reply]
Congrats on the new release.
I hadn’t heard of these before.
They sound like they have a good dose of humor maybe?
Did you have fun at the book signing you did tonight?
I RSVP’d for this event
I get the newsletter
did the weekly chat
voted in the poll(and left a comment)
did the Rachel Caine Event
rsvp’d for the M.J. Rose Kindle/Release Party
[Reply]
Hi Leanna,
How would you label your books beside historal? Would they be considered paranormal romance or urban fantasy?
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading either of these books.
I am aready subscribed to the newsletter
RSVPed of this event
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Shared on Twitter - user name jellybelly82158
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[Reply]
Nice to see you here, Leanna! You know I’m a fan. I wonder how Persephone the rabbit is handling this big day! I wish you the best of luck!
- I rsvped for this event.
- BBB newsletter subscriber
- voted in the weekly poll
- will attend rachel caine release party
- RSVPed for the M.J. Rose Kindle / Release Party event
[Reply]
I’ve not read this series, but it sounds down right magical! And I love the covers, so pretty!
I RSVP’d.
I voted in the poll.
[Reply]
1) I Already Joined The Bitten By Books Newsletter.
2) Hello Leanna If You Were Not A Writer What Would You Be Doing?
4) I Posted This Event On My Facebook Page.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1510150859
I Voted In Our Weekly Poll Here.
I Attend The Rachel Caine Event Today Here.
I R.S.V.P.’D For The M.J. Rose Kindle / Release Party Event Here Comment 21.
[Reply]
1) I Already Joined The Bitten By Books Newsletter.
2) Hey Leanna What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
And
What Inspired You To Write Your Strangely Beautiful Series Or Did You See Something That Inspired You To Write It?
4) I Blogged About This Event.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/2010/04/bitten-by-bookscom_2318.html
I Tweeted About This Event (@skyla11377).
http://twitter.com/skyla11377/status/12973098505
I Posted This Event On My facebook Page.
http://www.facebook.com/skyla11377?ref=profile
I Posted This Event On My Myspace Blog.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=533508520
I Posted This Event On My Myspace Bulletin.
http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfmfuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=82282510&messageID=6658980151
I Shared This Event On Myspace.
http://activities.myspace.com/index.cfmfuseaction=stream&friendId=82282510&f=7
I Voted In Our Weekly Poll Here.
I Attend The Rachel Caine Event Today Here.
I R.S.V.P.’D For The M.J. Rose Kindle / Release Party Event Here Comment 20.
[Reply]
I have not read your books and you a new author to me. I do love reading ghost stories. And the histories of differant places especially if they have ghosts.
Do you listen to any kind of music while you are writing a book?
Newsletter Subscriber
RSVPed for this event
Voted in weekly poll
Attending the Rachel Caine Event
RSVP for the M.J. Rose Kindle / Release Party
Sue B
stevebrandes(at)gmail(dot)com
[Reply]
Hi Leanna
* Did you are your editor pick the name for the books?
*I would love the first one if i was to when
* I blog about your book on my myspace and facebook and here is the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
* I Already Get the Newsletter
*I RSVPed to be here
*I Voted on the weekly Polls
* I Went to the Rachel Caine Event
* I RSVPed for M.J.
* From Stacey S
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
[Reply]
Hi Leanna, I really enjoyed the first book and am looking forward to reading the new one.
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
Did you do a lot of research for the second book?
There are ghost stories all over, what made you pick London for your setting?
Contest stuff:
- RSVP’d
- Entering for: The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker
- already a newsletter subscriber
- posted - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2010/04/double-shot-tuesday-at-bbb.html
- tweet - http://twitter.com/DonnaS1/status/12984899895
- went to the Rachel Caine event
- RSVP’d for MJ Rose event
Thanks!
Donna S
[Reply]
[...] The Haunted London Blog Tour at BBB! [...]
hello Leanna, I must say these books sound great. I love this website because I get to hear about writers I haven’t read yet, and I swear this past month my TBR pile has grown astronomically high. I am going to have to quit my job and become a professional reader. Ahh, to be paid to do my favorite thing… So I have not gotten to read your books yet, but I will def get them soon. Either of these books would be welcome. I saw on the amazon site that The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker was available in audio form. I like to listen to books at work on my mp3 player. I was wondering do you listen to your own or other books on cd? Thanks for your time here. I rsvp’d.
[Reply]
Hi Leanna! (Sorry for the late comment) Congrats on the new release!! Love the titles. I was hoping there would be a book 2!
I am actually in the middle of Percy Parker!
I love it - I love the world you created and how unique it is. I want to live in their world actually. I love the era it takes place in and I adore London. (I’m an die-hard Anglophile - obsessed!) and ghosts! I live in the South - we love a good ghost story. 
I was discussing ghosts with a friend earlier today actually!
I like the ghost story you told in this interview/event - I had never heard that story.
My question for you - if you could trade places with any literary character from history for say, 1 day! or 1 week. (would you rather stay 1 week or 1 day?) - who would it be and would you change anything about their story?
Have you ever seen a ghost?
—
I RSVP’d
This is for book #2 — since I’m reading book #1 right now)
Joined in weekly chat
Voted in weekly poll
Joined the Rachel Caine Event
RSVPed for the M.J. Rose
follow Leanna on Twitter
Already follow the Facebook Group
I already receive the newsletter from BBB
Posted on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reyaluna?ref=profile#!/reyaluna?v=wall&story_fbid=118284971524274&ref=mf
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ailish79/status/12983952365
http://twitter.com/ailish79/status/12983935077
(hope that 1 works!)
Posted link on my little blog where I ramble about books:
http://solvioleta.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/the-haunted-london-blog-tour-at-bbb/
[Reply]
Hi Leanna! *waving*
Great to see you on Bitten By Books!!! I’m so happy for you with all of the momentum you’re building with your series!!!
Do you ever see Miss Parker venturing across the pond to the New World? Just curious…
Congratulations on reaching for your dreams and actually touching them!!! You Rock!!!
Lisa
[Reply]
Dottie - thanks! So good to see you, thanks for your support!
Beth - Re: humour - indeed, my cast of secondary characters are my comic relief, its the only way they can deal with the grim realities of death, ghosts, exorcisms and demons - by teasing one another. It lets the characters, and thereader, breathe.
And yes, I had a GREAT booksigning! All my friends, former co-workers, teachers, etc from Cincinnati area were there. Nothing like a book signing filled with people you love! Was such a blessing, thanks!
Julie - re: labeling. Well, they’re pretty cross genre. Gothic Victorian Paranormal Fantasy Romance about sums it up.
(Other reviewers have tossed in adventure / suspense / YA crossover as well)
Lisa G. - And I appreciate you very, very dearly for your support, it really means a lot to me, thanks for being a part of this journey. As for Persebunny: My wonderful boyfriend back in NYC (while I’m off cavorting on my book tour) gave Persebunny the rabbit a copy of Darkly Luminous of her very own. She is a voracious reader… quite literally tore into it and has been devouring it, page by page…
Chelsea - thanks - the cover gods smiled on me, I adore my covers.
Denise - re: What else would I do if not write? I’d go back to my other love, professional theatre. I worked for 10 years as a professional actress and playwright before focusing more on my books. Fitting then that Strangely Beautiful has been optioned for a musical theatre production! Fun how my beloved worlds are sort of colliding!
Raquel - something you wouldn’t know about me - growing up I had a huge interest in Ornithology (the study of birds)
Inspiration: 19th century Gothic novels and the desire to redefine what is traditionally ‘beautiful’ in a heroine (Miss Percy is supernaturally without colour, entirely, her whole body, hair, eyes and all). Combine my obsession with ghost stories and mythology with my love of the Gothic hero (brooding, aloof, cool) and desire to break him into a man desperately in love and you’ve got the elements of my Strangely Beautiful series.
Sue - re: music while I write - yes, classical music, all the way, especially symphonic music scores from movies (love Phillip Glass soundtracks)
Stacey - re: titles. The first title came from my agent, now our branding is with the long titles so the second went through about 20 iterations before my editor and I agreed on this one. I use the phrase “Darkly Luminous works” to refer to some of the spectral goings on in the first book, so it’s taken directly from my texts.
Donna - thank you! re: Favourite part of being a writer? It’s creating characters that I fall in love with and then in turn hearing readers fall in love with them too, it’s SUCH an honour to have people care about the people you create and become family with. I also just love making up imaginary worlds and fantastical visuals and magical happenings. Re: Why London? Because when I went there it felt so beautifully, richly, spectacularly haunted. London has always haunted me from childhood, like a ghost. Perhaps a past life.
Joani - I’m glad you’re here too!
re: audio books - I find I haven’t really gotten into audio books as a listener, I’m more of a tactile book in hand person though I’m so happy audio versions of my book are available.
Libby L - *grin* it sounds like you and I would get along very well with our same obsessions, my fellow Anglophile! I’m so thrilled you’re enjoying the book, thank you! And what a GREAT question! Re: Who would I trade places with in literature for a week or a day? It’s a tie between wanting to be Lizzie for a week (or forever) so I could have some Mr. Darcy, or wanting to be Harry Potter for a day so I could try and save Severus Snape’s life. (And then I’d want to go back to being a girl and living in Hogwarts forever)
Lisa - my beloved Lisa! Re: taking Miss Percy across the pond - I can’t see it happening in the series as I’ve envisioned it. However I’m shopping around a YA series set in 19th Century NYC that I absolutely love. That YA series would cover a lot of ground between NYC and the Midwest. Hope it sells.
Thanks for being so lovely! I know you’re going to continue being a rockstar (both literally and metaphorically)!
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Hey Leanna, good to see you here too!
I love how you incorporate real ghost stories and ghosts in your series!
I wanted to ask you 2 questions: 1) do you listen to any music while reading or just thinking through the plot?
2) what genres/types of book do you like to read? What are you reading now?
Congratulations on the release of Drakly Luminous!! (have I already told you how much I love these poetic oxymoron titles? they are so unique!)
Stella B.
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Hi, I’ve heard a lot of good things from these readers and authors, so when your first book was mentioned here (author or book chat), I put it on my Amazon Wishlist (and have recently added Avalon Revisited there, too). I love Gothic stories and 19th century London, so you’ve got me there, then throw in the paranormal with ghosts (one of my fave books from childhood is The Ghosts of Departure Point), and it sounds like a good match to me.
If I win, I’d like to start at the beginning, so Book 1 (Strangely Beautiful).
1. Already BBB newsletter subscriber.
2. Have you ever seen any ghosts in London to prove your stories? Do you watch The Tudors?
RSVPd for this, will do book chat later, voted/commented, heading over to Rachel Caine now, RSVPd M.J.
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Hello Leanna,
Congrats on the new release. It looks interesting. Ghosts foretelling the future I believe I read.
Did everything I am suppose to d to earn entries except buy the book and advertise the event.
Robin S
Robbibird3@aol.com
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HI Leanna. Thanks so much for joining us here at BBB. I’m sorry I did not make it over here yesterday, but I was a bit under the weather.
I love the passage you posted.
I am VERY excited to hear about the YA series! And, of course, that there will be more Percy. I really do love the books. I feel as though my reviews don’t quite capture the feel, but I try.
See you at D*C…
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Stella - hello again!
re: music - absolutely, must be wordless while I’m writing, typically very atmospheric classical music.
re: fave genres to read: Historical, fantasy, paranormal (if all together, all the better) though I’m on a Victorian mystery kick. Currently reading The Alienist (should have read long ago - it is amazing).
R.E.B.
I’m so glad you’re considering Avalon Revisited, the author could not be a cooler human being. As for seeing ghosts in London, I have felt them more than I have actually seen them. My body is more sensitive to the presence of spirits than my eyes. My skin and the hairs on the back of my neck, and my nerves, they know. 
And I confess I’ve not much time for TV and so I just haven’t gotten in to the Tudors but I’d like to.
So glad you’ve found me!
Carol -
I always appreciate you and everything you do!! Feel better! You rock and I can’t wait to see you at DragonCon! *hugs*
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Leanna - thanks for answering my questions!
It does sound like we share the same interests - any diehard Anglophile is an instant friend of mine! 
I would definitely love to spend a day with Mr Darcy — & I didn’t even think of Hogwarts & Harry Potter! (Shame!) That would be such an AMAZING world to live in!! I want to go to Hogwarts. I love that series so much. 
Having meals in that dining hall everyday..the talking paintings… Moving staircases. Quidditch! I’ve always said I wanted my own Weasley clan. (I’m a redhead) I would love to have a clock telling me if my loved ones were safe!!
I have to ask! If you see this, have you ever seen Lost in Austen?
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Thanks, Leanna. It will be great to work with you again.
I forgot to say I did RSVP and posted on Facebook.
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Aik Chien
+100 I’m a subscriber of BBB’s newsletter.
+50 I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/13063213860
+50 I plurked:
http://www.plurk.com/AikChien
+50 I facebook’ed:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1467072730&v=wall&story_fbid=109500845758073&ref=mf
+25 I voted in your weekly poll
+25 I attended the Rachel Caine Event
Total: 300
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I have not read this book, what is your favorite character in the book? I’m a member of BBB newsletter, and done all but asking people to join us. I think I RSVPed Lisa D.
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Patricia B.
I RSVP’d.
If I win,I would like Book 2 - THE DARKLY LUMINOUS FIGHT FOR PERSEPHONE PARKER.
I am already signed up for the BBB newsletter.
I RSVP’d for Rachel Caine.
I voted in the poll.
I loved STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL. Have been eagerly been awaiting Book 2. When you wrote STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL, did you have any idea it would be turned into a stage production and a musical?
Best of luck with the release!
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Wow. I am not really into ghost stories but these sound great. I would like to get Strangely Beautiful!
RSVP’ed for Rachel Caine
Voted in the poll
aorihanazari(@)gmail(.)com
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Haven’t read these yet but they sound great!
rsvp’d Rachel Caine contest
voted in poll
signed up for newsletter
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