Loading ...Jeri Smith-Ready Guest Blog and iPod Shuffle Giveaway
Bitten by Books is excited to welcome author Jeri Smith-Ready today as our featured Guest Blogger! She will be talking with you today and answering questions. Check out the contest at the end of this post! You could win the amazing prizes she is offering up!
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Not ANOTHER vampire book!”
How many of you get that reaction when you mention what you’re currently reading or writing? The statement is often accompanied by one or more of the following:
1) eye roll
2) gagging noise
3) mimed self-staking
Implied in the lament is an imagined sameness of “all these books.” People assume that after X number of novels (x = 3,587? Or 3,588???) about vampires, the ideas have run out and there’s nothing new under the sun—er, moon.
That would make sense, if ideas were jellybeans. Once you eat all the jellybeans in the jar, they’re gone. Jellybeans can’t make more jellybeans, nor can they influence the nature of the jellybeans that come along after them. (Unless you put the black/purple ones next to the yellow/white ones and leave the jar in the sun. Once oozing occurs, all bets are off.)
Fictional vampires continue to surprise and delight audiences because they continue to evolve. New authors and screenwriters re-imagine this classic monster to reflect the mores and spirit (the Zeitgeist, for those who need fancy words) of the current society.
They also build on those who have come before. Today’s vampires are influenced by Anne Rice and Joss Whedon at least as much as they are by Bram Stoker. Tomorrow’s vampires will be influenced by Stephenie Meyer and Charlaine Harris.
And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that. There’s no perfect, sacred recipe for creating a vampire.
But there are a few essential ingredients. Flour, eggs, milk. No wait, that’s cake. (Hmm, I seem to be running with food metaphors here. Perhaps like grocery shopping, blogging should not be done on an empty stomach.) I think as long as we anchor our vampires with a few classic traits—at least two of the following: blood-drinking, longevity, and avoiding sunlight—the rest is ours to play with.
And play we must, to defend against the charge of sameness. It’s not that hard to do. Each author is an individual, with his or her own perspective. One author might be fascinated with issues of repressed sexuality (Stoker and Rice would probably both fall into this category), while others want to shed light on the struggles of minorities. Our creations will reflect our interests, philosophies, passions, and obsessions. They’ll have to be different, because we are different.
What makes my vampires unique? Among other things, the vamps of Bad to the Bone
Ciara, the human heroine, has a vampire boyfriend named Shane, who turned only about twelve years ago. Her personal quest is to keep him planted in the present so that he never “fades” and loses his humanity.
I created these vampires because I believe that when we stop learning and being open to new things, that’s a form of death. The ability to define and change ourselves—to deny a destiny others have determined for us—is what makes us human.
Do I believe that because I’m American? Because I studied existentialism? Because my dad grew up poor and told me I could be anything I wanted if I worked hard enough? Or am I just a stubborn little brat who hates being told what to do?
Maybe it doesn’t matter. What matters is that if authors stay true to their inner visions and deepest selves, we can’t help but create something new under the sun.
Sorry—I mean, moon.
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Readers, learn more about Jeri Smith-Ready here:
Read the Bitten by Books reviews of the author’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. Jeri will be giving away a BRAND NEW Apple iPod shuffle 4 GB (3rd Generation)
The contest portion of the event runs for 1 week ending on 4/8/09 at 11:59 pm PDT! Come by any time. The contest IS open to readers worldwide.
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.
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Wicked Game
Yep, it is true, if you purchase a copy of Wicked Game
2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is leave a comment or question. Feel free to start a discussion or ask as many questions as you like. No talking = no entries! You can come by everyday through 4/8/09 and comment for more entries. Good for 10 entries.
3. Purchase copies of Jeri’s awesome books USING THE LINKS BELOW today THROUGH 4/8/09 from AMAZON. Then send us a copy of the receipt VIA email (sorry no faxes or snail mail) for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for THIRTY additional entries. You get THIRTY entries for each book you purchase. You can buy print, Kindle or audio downloads of her books and they count as well. Not valid on past purchases. Please use these links below to buy her most recent books.
WVMP Radio Series
Bad to the Bone
Wicked Game
Aspect of Crow Trilogy
Eyes Of Crow
Voice Of Crow
The Reawakened
Stand Alone:
Requiem for the Devil
Or buy ANYTHING from Amazon today THROUGH 4/8/09 by using the Amazon search box on the right hand side of our site. We will know if you used the box to search and buy, so please be sure to use it or your entries won’t count. Send me a copy of the receipt VIA email (sorry no faxes or snail mail) for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 20 entries per item purchased.
4. Read the Bitten by Books reviews of Jeri’s books here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Jeri%20Smith-Ready
Then leave a meaningful comment IN THE REVIEW post that shows you read the review, not just a post that says “sounds good” or “nice review”, a couple of sentences would be great! Simply share your thoughts, ideas or opinions and show the author some love. Good for 5 entries per review you comment on.
5. Post the link to Jeri’s reviews on Bitten by books along with your thoughts on YOUR blog/website. You MUST come back here and post the links to where you posted the review links at. Good for 15 entries per place you post it.
6. SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. This is for new subscribers only. 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. Good for 10 entries.
7. Spread the word, the more places you post the event, the more entries you get. Post the link to the event / contest today (http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=5561) 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. Good for 10 entries per place you post the link to this event.
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.
8. Add us as your friend on
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59929467915
Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/bitten_by_books
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks
Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks be SURE to tweet us after you follow so we can count your entry! @BittenbyBooks
Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you! Good for 10 entries per place you friend us.
9. Be friends with Jeri by joining her here:
Newsletter: Join the newsletter on Jeri’s site http://www.jerismithready.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jsmithready
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jerismithready
Good for 10 entries each place you friend her on. Please send the confirmation emails to racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for each of these places as proof of friendship and to get your entries.
10. Twitter and ask your friends to re-tweet the URL for this event be SURE to include us in your tweet @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=5561. Good for 10 entries each day you tweet it.
11. Add Jeri’s blog and websites to your blog roll or links page: http://www.jerismithready.com/
http://www.jerismithready.com/blog/
Good for 10 entries for each place you post each link.
12. 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! Good for 10 entries.
13. Email ALL of your friends and invite them to come by this week! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get FOUR entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!
14. Join the The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! here: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/ then come back here and tell us your user name. Be sure to post something about yourself on your blog there. Good for 10 entries
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contest ends on 4/8/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winner will be contacted the following week. 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.
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES:
1. If you aren’t interested in receiving the prize, offered please do not enter the contest.
2. You have THREE days from the day the I 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. We have the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers worldwide. The prize is 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
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Hi everyone! Looking forward to chatting with you about books, vampires, or any other little thing that strikes your fancy. I’ll be around all day (except a brief bit to walk the dog
and will also check in periodically tomorrow and the rest of the week.
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okay the self staking comment had me laughing!!! for your world of vampires does any special rules apply? have you made up your own rules or follow rules others have set up for vampires?
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Hi Jeri!
Welcome back to BBB!
I know I am looking forward to reading BTTB!
I loved your blog on vampires. My brother is forever sending me blogs by people who think that women believe this is reality and not fantasy. And that women base their man choices on the unreality of vampires. *eye roll* Personally, I read them for fun. But it is great to read what everyone else has written. I’ve rarely found two books to be the same.
so thank you for stopping by!
(rach-twittered, mark and dakota’s groups. Also will FB tonite)
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Okay, I’ve seen your series around, but gosh, I didn’t realize there was actually some interesting philosophical thinking behind it! I’m sold. I almost never enter contests unless I’m sure I’ll want to read and discuss the book, but I’m in. I love this whole idea. It’s also interesting because they say that people are sometimes frozen at an age when they experienced trauma or started abusing chemicals. So it’s interesting that what makes your vamps less human also gives them something in common with humanity.
Okay, I’ve posted both your links permanently on my sidebar, retweeted the tweet, and followed you, Jeri. I was already following you, Bitten. I’m going to buy the first book through the link, too! I’m a wild woman this morning!!
http://thethrillionthpage.blogspot.com/
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Hi Jeri, Bad to the Bone sounds like an incredible story!! I like the idea that the vampires are stuck in a certain time… it is a little twist on some of the other vampire books I have read…. I am going to order this book!
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Well, I think I’d better start with Wicked Game. Also I live in Maryland, too!!!
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I enjoy evry
Bodies diffent ideas about vampires it keeps the interesting not to mention keeps them mysterios.
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Jeri,
Thanks for being here. I just got a note from your publisher. They said you can’t write any more books on vampires….
APRIL FOOL’S!!
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Hi Jeri! Loved the blog and brat is not a word I would ever use to describe you. So my question is, do you have any plans to introduce a new vamp in upcoming books that focuses on modern music? Is it just me or does it seem like the music that is popular today is not as distinctive as that of eras past? There really is not a 2000s sound; seems like anything goes.
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Good Afternoon Jeri,
You had me hooked on Vamps stuck in time. I am looking forward to read your books.
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Hi Jeri! I am so looking forward to reading “Bad to the Bone”—”Wicked Game” was just awesome! This isn’t really a vampire related question, but I’m just fascinated by your “heroine,” Ciara. She has such an interesting view of conventional morality. As someone without a devious bone in her body, I’m wonder how you research a (former) con artist like Ciara—are there bios of former grifters out there you consulted? (Or maybe you’re just naturally shifty yourself, lol!)
Anyway, thanks for the great interview!
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Okay, wait, I’m going to buy it from B&N and send the reciept. Amazon issues.
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Helloooo, Jeri! Thanks for being with us today
I just want to say that Wicked Game is one of the best vampire books i’ve read in a LONG TIME, and im so looking forward to “Bad To the Bone” !
got some questions : first off, how did you come up with the idea for Wicked Game in the first place? Second, i love your variations on the vampire mythos, especially on what happens to a vampire once they are staked… what brought that about? and lastly, what are you currently listening to thats rocking your world?
(rachel, twittered, facebooked (status/linked), jeri and bbb on my blog roll, and will be posting link on blog later today!)
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Tina: I do a combination. For instance, my vamps are created like Rice’s or Whedon’s–the vamp drains a human to death, then feeds them with his or her own blood–because I think that’s incredibly cool and intimate. And I’ve kept the sunlight/crosses/holy water aspects, because I’m fascinated with issues of good and evil (and how they’re not always what they seem).
But then I added the thing about being stuck in time, and many of my vampires are obsessive-compulsive. That trait actually came from an Eastern European legend about vampires–they used to say in Poland that to keep vamps away from your door, you should scatter rice grains on your walkway, and the vampire would stop to count them. (I don’t know if that’s where Jim Henson got his idea for the Count from Sesame Street, but wouldn’t that be cool?)
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Hi Jeri! Nice to see(read?) you here. As for the “sameness” of vampire stories, well, that applies to every genre, doesn’t it? People have been eye-rolling about romance stories for AGES. Probably since the first cave-woman chiseled a short story on the library-cave wall. And yet, we keep buying the books and reading them, so there must be something there to like! Personally I am always impressed when an author can continue to write story after story and still engage me. And the ratio of authors that do and authors that don’t is at about 99% on the “do” side, IMO. Love your work!
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I like your idea of vampires - caught in their perpetual cycle of sameness. What a fascinating concept that is!
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Oh, man, my comment got eaten!!
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I’m just discovering Bitten By Books and I have to say, so far I’m loving the content!
Jeri, I enjoyed your blog post thoroughly. It is ridiculous how many times you hear that a genre is “ashed”. There’s nothing new coming from it and it needs to be tapped into the ashtray and forgotten.
I don’t know where the quote came from but it stuck in my head. “There’s no such thing as an original story just original versions of what has already been written.” That isn’t the quote verbatim but it’s close enough. I’ve freaked out before having found a story that “sounds to much like mine”. Then I’ve seen others worry about the same thing. When I read the book I saw the huge differences from writing style to character quirks and that really does make all the difference.
Sure, there are some vamp books out there that are unimpressive. It’s as if they snuck in on the hoopla train when everyone was starved for the undead. All that a saturated market means for vampire books is that only the strong will survive.
I like a little bit of Darwinism in my literary choices.
Thanks again for your blog, I’ll definitely be checking out your works.
All my best,
Allure Van Sanz
**disclaimer on all typos due to circumstances well within my control but outside of my ambition.
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Well, there are a lot of vamp books out there as you said. I am glad that you are trying for something new, and I like the idea of them being frozen in time
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Virginia: Yes, it’s amazing to see how many different variations authors and filmmakers can come up with. Vampires have so many interesting aspects, we can focus on different ones depending on what we want to say or what we’re fascinated with.
Carol O: Oh yay–hope you enjoy it! And go Maryland!
Tracy: Great point. So when we start reading a new book on vampires, we never know what we’re going to find.
Rachel: Hahaha! Thanks for having me on the blog. I hope I can keep up with all the comments!
Lori: I do actually have plans in Book 3 for a seventh DJ, to cover this decade. That DJ may or may not be a vampire, though. But you’re right, the music of this decade is very eclectic–it’s hard to say which genre really defines it.
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LOL Let me clarify that, I meant their personal one, not a sameness in vampire stories. *Beating brain here* I mean the stuck in time part. Sheesh! *Going out in the thunderstorm to see if a flash of lightning will wake up my brain.*
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Hi Jeri:
I love your vamp radio station which is online. I must admit that I listen to the 80s and 90s most. Apparently, it is not just vamps who get stuck in a time period.
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I get the “Eye roll” and “HUGE SIGH” from the hubs whenever I’m writing or reading
Just added you on goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1450536)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=637222711
I tweaked!
Sending the confirmation from subscripting to her newsletter
I know I told Lillie about it
I didn’t know you had a facebook group
Just put a bullentin up on myspace (www.myspace.com/visionarydruid)
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This sounds like a great premise for a book, a heroine interested in keeping her vampire boyfriend grounded. I really like that. I have to start reading these books.
I have one question for Jeri:
What’s your writing space look like?
p.s. the crack about running out of food analogies was great…I love this woman already!
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Beet: Cool! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the drawing.
Kimberly B: Good question. I did a lot of research on con artists, including reading books both from their viewpoint and that of those who try to arrest them. I’m a terrible liar and could never pull it off myself, but my research has made me a very suspicious and careful person. ;-p
Reading those books helped me get great insights into the minds of con artists–they are, on many levels, sociopathic, with little concept of right and wrong. Ciara struggles against this, especially as she forms relationships with people she cares about. She prides herself on being independent with no attachments (partly because her own family was so untrustworthy), but she gets drawn into this new weird family at WVMP.
Carolyn: Thank you–I’m happy no matter which bookstore you use.
Sorry it ate your comment.
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I found WG after having drifted away from vampire stories, but after finding Ciara and crew, I’m excited by the possibilities again. How fun to hear Book 3 is already percolating.
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Jennzah: I got the germ of the idea from a song (”Bad Company”), and then my mind sort of took off from there. I knew it would have a main character with a shady past, and then I guess because I was listening to a classic rock station I started thinking about people who were stuck in time, and half an hour later I had the basic idea for vampire DJs and a new human employee who had some issues of her own.
As for the staking, I have no idea where that came from. I think it just hit me as I was writing the scene where a vamp gets staked. It is disturbing, huh?
Currently my favorite new bands are Dead Confederate, the Black Angels, and the Raveonettes (especially the last one–fell in love at first listen and loooove to crank them up). Last week discovered a band called Elbow (they’ve been around several years) and last night a band called Great Lake Swimmers. Yay for the internet! Also recently I’ve been listening to Flogging Molly, AFI, and My Chemical Romance as I write my YA novel.
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Did you say “another vampire book”? OMG! There can never been too many vampire books. I want more, always more. I can’t wait to read some of Jeri’s books. I have never had the priviledge to read any of your books yet.
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Zita: Thank you! I love your comment about chiseling on the library-cave wall. I agree–there are certain classic stories (falling in love, for instance) that can be told again and again and still stay fresh.
Teresa: Thanks! I hope it’s original–I haven’t read every vampire book out there, but I do my best.
Allure: You’re absolutely right (and I love your note at the end about the typos,lol).
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I so get tired of eye rolls when I tell people about my current book (reading wise) - I love Vampire’s and quite frankly finding it annoying when people comment. Contemporary books don’t get slack - do people get tired of real people!
So I liked your post!!!
Jeri - What era would you like to be stuck in? I myself wouldn’t want any of them I am such a techie it would drive me crazy.
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following Jeri on twitter - marniebelle
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Posted on my blog!! Wicked Game is awesome!!
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Linda: Thanks! I find it’s not too hard to be original, because I’m kind of odd.
Teresa: I knew what you meant, lol!
Flip: Oh cool, you found the radio station page. Glad you enjoyed it!
Serena: My writing space these days looks suspiciously like an unmade bed. Although lately I seem to be gravitating to the couch–maybe it’s a seasonal thing. You know how cats get hooked on sleeping in one spot for several weeks and then suddenly switch for no apparent reason? That’s me with writing places.
Jessa: Yep, Book 3 (working title BRING ON THE NIGHT but that will probably change) already has a finished rough draft. Will be handing that in mid-July, I think. Right now I’m focusing on my YA novel which is due June 1. Yikes!
Tami: Yay, another voracious vampire reader! We like those.
Hope you enjoy my vamps if you get a chance to meet them.
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Marnie: Great question. I think I’m with you–I love our modern technologies. But I love the fashions of the forties. Especially the hats that men would wear. So I’d go back to the forties just to look at the men in hats. Shallow, I know.
And thanks for following me on Twitter!
Christine: Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed Wicked Game.
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I love how authors can take one thing and make endless new ways to talk about them, like the vampire thing. I love vampires, and it never ceases to amaze me that not one vampire story is ever alike. It’s never the same old stuff
Rachel,
I’m already subscribed to the newsletter; I’ve posted the link here: http://nightdweller20.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/win-some-more-at-bbb/ and here: http://nightdweller20.livejournal.com/10608.html ; I’m already friends with you on Facebook and Myspace; I added both of Jeri’s links to my blogrolls at both above blogs; BBB is on my blogrolls at both above blogs; and I’m already a member at The Blood Bank
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oh i love all things vampire , this is great a chance to talk to others who love the genre as much as me look forward to reading all the comments
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i am a blood bank member username stacey dempsey
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i subscribe to your newsletter
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i joined your face book page really cool
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love jeri books. i am a street teamer!
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[...] TO THE BONE, the second book in the series with possibly the coolest cover evah — go over to Bitten By Books (one of my favorite paranormal review and interview sites) and see if you can win something. [...]
I love the idea of vampires being stuck in the time of their death. Reading books by authors such as Rice and Harris have elements of these, of course, with characters who retain some of their old habits and beliefs. Yet, they all seem to manage fairly well and blend in. The fact is that the choice is theirs. They don’t have to be old fashioned if they don’t want to. All they have to do is put on a polo shirt, buy a Benz, and be fabulous. It’s good to see a new vampire “struggle” out there.
8.) Friends on Facebook and Twitter.
10.) Tweet: http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/1433476056
14.) Member of The Blood Bank!
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I guess, I get tired of some things in books, mainly when the authors go WAY overboard with sex/romance elements. BUT we read a lot of books here at BBB that have that theme.
I don’t care what the mythos is as long as the content is GOOD, exciting, mysterious and intriguing and humorous. You know something I can dig my teeth into.
I guess I am not a mythos purest at heart. I consider fiction to be just that. And as such you can make your story any way that you want. If you can write it in a way that suspends disbelief then go for it (I am talking the royal you, not the Jeri you lol)
Very interesting concept all around. It has got me thinking.
Thanks Jeri and everybody who is coming by today!
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I really enjoyed Wicked Game and can’t wait to read Bad to the Bone. If it’s anything like the first book I’ll be downloading music after reading it.
I’m already following BBB on at the following
Good Reads
Facebook
Facebook Group
Myspace
Twitter
posted about it on twitter Carmen_R
I’m already following Jerri on twitter and myspace.
blood bank name is Carmen_R
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Hey Jeri, I am a really big fan of your books. I really loved your Aspect of the Crow. Happy blogging with you today.
I posted this contest on my myspace blog at:
http://www.myspace.com/ice_83
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First things first, since I’m a slacker and I haven’t read Wicked Game yet–do any of your vampires like Siouxsie Sioux? She strikes me as the type of artist who would attract a vampiric following, especially if the vampires in question were DJs.
When people contact you and say, “That’s not how real vampires act!” how to keep from being a smartass?
5. Posting on Blogger (avidafemmina.blogspot.com) and LiveJournal (coffeeisgod.livejournal.com)
12. BBB is on my permalinks and blogroll
Member of the Blood Bank and will post the reviews and contest on Facebook tonight. Work finally blocked my acess. *shakes head* Such a sad, sad day.
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Ashley: Wow, thanks for spreading the news of the contest far and wide! I’m glad there are still a lot of readers who want more vampires of all types.
Stacey: Me, too. There’s always a great discussion going on here at BBB.
Blackroze: Woo-hoo, go Street Team! In case anyone wonders what she’s talking about, I have a group of fans who help put out the word about the books by blogging, posting the covers, handing out bookmarks to bookstores/libraries/friends, whatever they feel like doing. All the cool kids are doing it!
You can learn more about it on my blog post from Monday:
http://www.jerismithready.com/blog/2009/03/hit-street-again.html
Valorie: Good point! Yeah, my vamps really have to struggle, and the more immersed they are in a world they don’t quite understand, the crazier they get. So they usually live in groups, sometimes quite isolated from humans. The WVMP vamps are healthier than most, due to their jobs–the music keeps them in touch with their “Life Times” and reading news and weather reports keeps them in touch with the here and now.
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I agree, I think as long as each author stays true to the rules of his or her universe, there are lots of different ways you can go with vampires. Like you said, the basics of blood drinking, longevity, and sun avoidance are the same. But it does bother me if an author doesn’t obey her own rules too - I like consistency.
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I’m really intrigued by your vampires stuck in time. I also believe as you do that you have to keep open mind and keep learning or you become stagnant and can’t grow.
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wow! I am so excited to discover yet another new paranormal author! Hi Jeri, nice to “meet you” I have started to follow you on Twitter and requested you as a myspace friend. I can’t wait to check out your books-they look really exciting. Thanks for sharing this interview with us readers. Lisa
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oh, and I posted the interview link on my FB page,too
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Rachel: I agree more than disagree with your mythos statement. I’d much rather see the status quo challenged and new things emerge than just read the same assumptions again and again. It really irks me when people complain about vampires not being monsters anymore, as if it’s a sacrilege to make them sympathetic. I’m like, “Dude, you realize they don’t exist, right?” ;-p
Carmen: Thanks! The playlists for Bad to the Bone are already up on my site at:
http://www.jerismithready.com/books/wicked-game/music.htm
Scroll down past Wicked Game for Bad to the Bone’s music.
Heather: Thanks for posting! I’m glad you enjoyed the Crow books.
Jackie: Yes! The female vampire (from the 80s) is a total Siouxsie Sioux lookalike. There’s even a S&TB song on the playlist {”Melt!”), played during her show.
So far no one’s told me “That’s not how real vampires act!” I’m waiting for it, though. Hey, that would make a great plotline for one of the books.
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Amy: Oh yeah, it’s very important to obey our own rules. Many of us keep notebooks to keep track of all that world-building stuff.
Lisa W.: Thanks! I think it also keeps us young to learn new things.
Lisa M.: Thanks for friending and following me. It’s great to “meet” you, too.
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Hi Jeri ,
I loved this month’s newsletter, BTW.
I read Wicked Game a few months ago (in fact, it saved me while I had the flu) and loved your original take on vamps. Of course, I have a vamp novel started, too…
Looking forward to the new one!
No questions, really, just wanted to say hi and nice interview
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Hello Jeri,
Thanks for the post today. I’m just now starting to read vampire books so I haven’t gotten burnt out on them as of yet. Loved your story about Shane. Have a great day.
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Hi Jeri - *waving*
Good to see you here on my favorite review site!!!
I find it beyond annoying when someone says “Another Vampire Book” like they’re all the same. It makes me want to look at what they’re reading and say “Another Serial Killer Suspense novel”? How many thousands of mysteries are out there with a serial killer for a bad guy? Zillions!
Ugh!
Anyway, Wicked Game was SUCH a fabulous read! I loved the characters and the twists to the vampire mythos!
I’m anxiously awaiting BTTB. I just preordered my copy from Amazon…
My question… When you’re not writing, which authors do you love to read?
Lisa
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You are definitely on my to-read list!! Hee hee - I do get a lot of teasing on my blog about all the vampire books when I post my book reviewettes.
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Hi Jeri,
I think you’ve made a good case for vamp novels being unique — but how do you approach someone who avoids UF because they just can’t get into vampires or werewolves? I have friends who are big high fantasy readers, but when it comes to vampires, they just don’t enjoy the mythos, no matter how it’s portrayed. Blood suckers? So not sexy. Or so these folks say.
Is it possible to make vamps attractive to the anti-vamp crowd without making them lose their mythos?
(As always BBB is on my blog roll at http://alanajoli.livejournal.com.)
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Hey Jeri…… Nice to see you here and talking about the next release and the rerelease of WVMP’s DJ’s. I love this series and the Voice of Crow series and can’t wait until my copy arrives.!!!
Seriously if anyone wants to read a hip and timely version of the vampire genre BUY THIS BOOK!!!
As for the entries
Already on all the groups for BBB
Friends with both BBB and Jeri on Twitter and facebook already.
Subscribed to Jeri’s newsletter already as well
Link is posted
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/home.php?filter=app_2309869772
and have tweeted the link too!!!
TTYL!!!!
Shell the hockeyvampiress
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I am just starting to get into vampire books and these books sound wonderful! The time thing really puts a twist on things.
I am bittenbybooks friend on both myspace and facebook.
I am a member of bittenbybooks on ning under Irelyn
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Deborah: Glad you enjoyed the newsletter. Those are fun to write. I always seem to get my goofy on while penning them.
Roberta: Thanks! Shane is pretty special to me, probably because we’re the same age. Also, we both have a thing about alphabetical order for CDs (and books, of course).
Lisa: Let’s see, some of my favorites are PC Cast, Neil Gaiman, Christopher Moore, Rachel Vincent, Adrian Phoenix, Rachel Caine. And a million others. I like to read widely rather than deeply (always looking for something new), but these are ones where I try to read at least most of their books.
Chris: A reviewette? Is that like a female review? ;-p
Alana: It’s hard to convert someone who is determined to be anti-vampire, no matter what they normally read. I think I’ve reached some mainstream readers who enjoy music and stories about con artists, and also some chick lit readers with the fun tone. To reach high-fantasy fans, I would probably emphasize the mythological and world-building elements.
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Shell: Hello and thank you so much for all your support! Great to see you here.
Tamara: Ooh, new blood! *wicked grin* Hope you enjoy all this vampire genre has to offer.
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Sounds like you found your own twist on Vamps to make them interesting! I have only recently been reading vampire books so they are still new to me!
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I’ll have to check your vamps out! The vamps in the Darkworld (the world all of my books are set in) are unique as well. In fact, one of them complains about people calling them the “undead”.
LOL I love it when vamps are different.
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what is your favorite genre to read?
what is your favorite genre to write?
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One thing I think is kind of funny and strange is the newer theme of vampires not drinking real blood but synthetics. LOL Denying their “true” nature and urges for the real deal. I wonder if that is a purposeful play to make them less evil in the eyes of some readers.
I feel a conspiracy theory coming on. I just got a flash of an editor saying we need to get more non vampire readers on board, please make your characters drink synthetic to make it more palpable to the general reading audience.
Do you think there is any grain of truth to my theory?
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Hi Jeri, I love vampire romance, or anything paranormal romance for that matter, and wasn’t aware you’d taken the jump to vampire’s. Excellent. So many wonderful authors, it’s hard to keep up. I look forward to trying Wicked Game.
I’ve just joined your newsletter,
and also just joined both your facebook Bitten group,
and facebook friend sites.
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Rachel - Maybe you’re right. I keep hearing rumbles that the genre is overdone and no longer fresh. It could be that too… authors trying to inject new life in a dying genre. The Acerbian vampires of the Darkworld drink real blood. They have bloodmates to whom they are tied once bonded… meaning they cannot drink another’s blood, only that of their bonded mate. They are sun sensitive but since they aren’t the undead they don’t turn into a fireball in the sun. They are immortal so they don’t grow old and die, but they can be killed. Just my take on them anyway.
I detail it on my Tales of the Darkworld website.
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Hi Jeri!
You’ve already heard me rave about Wicked Game. As far as I ‘m concerned it was something new, or at least one of the only vamp books to utilize some of the lesser known mythos. I’m so excited about Bad to the Bone.
Also, I wanted to thank you for all the shorts you’ve given us focusing on the vamps’ stories.
Do you have any plans to bring other paranormal creatures to the mix? Are there werewolves, fairies, and such in Ciara’s world?
Secondly, how’s Fang working out for you?
I already follow Jeri and BBB on Twitter.
I’m already Facebook and MySpace friends with BBB and Jeri.
I follow Jeri on LiveJournal.
Both BBB and Jeri are on my blogroll.
I re-tweeted and posted the link to the interview on MySpace and Facebook.
I’m already a member of The Blood Bank and subscribe to Jeri’s newsletter.
Dang, I’m busy ;D
Thanks for the great interview!
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Sounds neat - *eyes the ever growing TBR pile* will have to see about checking it out…..
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Hi Jerri!!
I have WICKED GAME on my keeper shelf here! So looking forward to BAD TO THE BONE! I love the uniqueness of all your books! I started reading LUNA books with yours and I was just so fascinated with how different it was from anything I read. The whole world you developed on Crow Spirit just had me absorbed and I just left now to be right there with Rhia’s life. I hope to get the 3rd book, THE REAWAKENING soon! You have that creativeness in all you’ve written and I love that! Loved this post!
Caffey
PS Don’t put me in for the IPOD since I can’t hear but would love to be in the other part of the contests.
I have Bitten By Books on my blog and myspace at:
http://www.caffeys-reads.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/auntcaffey
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MarthaE: We love newbies to the genre! I think that’s how it keeps growing and evolving. New readers, new authors, and so on…
Lex: Hi! Always great to meet another vampire creator–I mean, author. Your books sound cool.
Lexee: My favorite genre to write is urban fantasy. I’ve been writing it since before it was popular–I’ve always loved combining the real world with fantastical elements.
Oddly enough, my favorite genre to read these days is probably contemporary romance, especially the humorous ones. I love Victoria Dahl, Beth Ciotta, and Jennifer Crusie. I love any book that will make me laugh.
Rachel: That’s a fascinating theory. I think you’re probably right. I think it’s a great idea to help fictional vampires fit into society, like in Charlaine Harris’s books. She does a great job of exploring vamps as a minority population.
Mine must drink human blood, and while they can survive on bank blood, it’s nutritionally deficient (like eating ramen noodles). So they’re forced to form symbiotic (and often addictive) relationships with volunteer donors. Which of course creates lots of fun complications.
Kathy: Thanks for joining the newsletter! I just sent out the most recent issue, so when you confirm your membership, check out the archives on the mailing list site.
Theresa: Ooh, good question (it was, do I have any plans to put other paranormal creatures in the series?).
I almost put a fae creature (a half-pookha) into Bad to the Bone. It was in the first draft, but I was never really happy about stretching the world to include such a different creature from vampires. I just couldn’t, within the rules I’d set up, justify how both mythologies could exist. Plus, once you start adding more than one, it becomes a little monster-of-the-week-ish. Which works fine for other series, but it wouldn’t for mine.
So absolutely no werewolves or fae. There is, however, one other creature that my world leaves room for. I’ll let you guess which one.
I love Fang!! (for those of you who don’t follow me on twitter, Fang is my new laptop, who replaced the verrrrrry sloooooow Tardy. Fang’s keyboard is kind of rough on my hands–the action is rather hard as opposed to soft–so I plan to use Tardy for writing fiction and Fang for internet stuff or any time I need a bunch of apps open at once.
Strogan: I know all about the TBR pile. Mine is 180 books, and I still buy new ones every month. I tend to read the newest ones first, which is probably a bad thing. Oh well.
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Caffey: Hey, it’s great to see you here! It’s always nice to see names I recognize from way back in 2006.
Glad you’re enjoying the vampire series, too.
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Just wanted to stop by and say I loved the interview, and yeah I get the line and an eye roll from everyone in my family when they ask what I’m reading. I did get a good chuckle out of the food references, but now I’m hungry for cake. lol
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Jenn: Glad you liked the interview. Mmm…cake.
OK, I’m off to bed now. I’ll check in tomorrow morning and say hi. Good night, all!
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I blogged here:
- http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jeri-smithready-is-at-bitten
- http://nicholandria.blogspot.com/
- http://nicholandria.wordpress.com/
- http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=480624584
joined her newsletter
Added Jeri to twitter
added Jeri to myspace
twittered
BBB is on perm blog roll on google and wordpress http://nicholandria.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/jeri-smith-ready/#respond
added Jeri’s link to my roll on wordpress above link
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EWWWWWWWWWW JERI! That whole oozing jelly bean bit totally squicked me out.
Do you find it hard to go from your amazing fantasy mindset to your equally amazing urban fantasy mindset?
I think you are an amazingly talented writer!
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What a great post, Jeri. You really nailed the answer as to why vampires have yet to really get old and why vampire stories are still so prevalent. In your post, you listed a few authors of vampire stories. With that in mind, who do you think has influenced you the most in the creation of your vampires?
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I’m following you and Jeri now on Twitter as zhyegoatt (I’ll send the conformation email for adding Jeri whenever I get it). Bitten by Books is still on my blogroll at http://otherwherereviews.blogspot.com
Hi Jeri! I read Wicked Game when it first came out and was highly intrigued not only by the vamp radio station idea, but also the grifters angle. I mentioned the book over at Anobii (book catalog site like LibraryThing, Shelfari, etc.) and people wanted to know more so I gave them a mini review and they decided they all had to go out and get it. Your book got a lot of good feedback from them and who knows how many more people they recommended it to after that? Anyway, we all loved your book and can’t wait to read Bad to the Bone!
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Jeri,
I can’t wait to read the new book. I enjoyed the last one and can’t wait to meet the Vampire Dog!
Thanks!
Katie
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What a great contest! Count me in!
garlandofroses@gmail.com
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Jeri: Thanks for the great answer…
In accordance with that question, do you have an ideal writing space in mind? Like if you could have your writing space be anything, what would it look like?
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Did you always want to write vampire books or are there other things you’d like to write about?
Was there a particular book you read growing up that made you decide that you wanted to be an author, too?
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Hi, Jeri!! I loved reading Wicked Game, can’t wait to read Bad to the Bone! *g*
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Btw, I let my bestie borrow my copy of Wicked Game and she LOVED it so much she kept it!! LOL Grrrr. I wanna try to get BttB for her birthday buttt it’s this month and it doesn’t come out til May! So I’m trying to think of something else, any ideas?!
I suck at buying birthday gifts.
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Greetings, Jeri! I have WICKED GAME. All you vamps should read it!
Jeri, would you please give me some recommendations for books to read if I want to write paranormal or horror? Or some writing advice? Thanks.
I see you listed bands you like. Have you met any of them? I was in a band years ago and I met a lot of famous people. I seriously think Dave Navarro is a vampire!
Btw, I dated Bram and he’s a lousy kisser.
Nice to “see” you, Jeri. You are already my friend in MySpace. Now I will invite some of my fledglings over to post.
P.S. I dislike jellybeans.
D :-)=
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Nicole: Thanks for spreading the word far and wide!
Arwen: Awww, you’re so sweet! I don’t know about amazing, but I did have a hard time switching from epic to urban and back again. I used to try to take a couple of days in between to make the mental transition.
I don’t write epic fantasy anymore–both my adult and YA books are urban fantasy. That transition is much easier–I can actually work on both series in the same day, which is nice.
Karin: Vampirewise, probably a combination of Anne Rice and the Buffyverse. And when I read Christopher Moore and MaryJanice Davidson, I realized vampires didn’t have to be so deadly serious and melodramatic all the time, so that opened my mind to the possibility.
But mostly my vampires come from my own imagination and inspired by the music that they (and I love).
Katie: Oh you’ll love Dexter! He looks fierce but he’s a sweetheart. Except when he’s not.
Catherine: Thanks for entering, and good luck!
Serena: I don’t know about a space–I’m not a very external person (I have zero decorating sense, though I love the home design programs on TV), so surroundings don’t matter much to me.
But I would LOVE to have a giant ergonomically correct chair that was somehow also very fluffy and comfy. It would magically conform to my spine even if I sat cross-legged or with my feet curled under me. It would have a shelf for coffee and snacks, and little hooks to keep the laptop/earbud/mouse wires from getting tangled, and room for my cat to snuggle up without getting in the way of the keyboard.
So put that chair anyway, and I’m good.
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Krysten: I never really set out to write a vampire book. (I’ve also written about demons, and about animal spirit magic.) But when I had the idea for people who were stuck in time, vampires seemed the logical choice, since only they die and go on living.
I actually didn’t have any ambitions to be a writer until after college. I really admired Margaret Atwood, and I think The Robber Bride was what spurred me to try to write. Of course, I tried to write just like her, which was a disaster, because that’s so not my voice. Once I found my own voice, I was off to the races and never wanted to stop.
Wendy: Argh, I hate when friends keep books!
But I’m glad she loved Wicked Game. If you want you could pre-order Bad to the Bone for her–I could send you a bookmark and bookplate for it, autographed to her, and you could wrap that up. If you decide to do that, just send me an e-mail at jeri@jerismithready.com.
Draculissa: I don’t like jellybeans either. For me, non-chocolate candy is like, what’s the point? Wasted calories.
Anyway, one of the best books on writing EVER is Stephen King’s ON WRITING. I think it’s great for any writer at any stage in any genre. The only advice I can give is to keep writing, keep reading, keep submitting. It sounds overly simple, but it’s the truth.
I’ve never met any bands, but once in high school I met Robert Fripp from King Crimson. I didn’t really know who he was at the time. My boyfriend was taking a guitar workshop from him (I know!), and he introduced me. Later I was like, OMG, he’s worked with David Bowie, and my boyfriend gave me a look like I was an idiot. Because Robert Fripp is just Robert Fripp, and amazing enough on his own. But I was clueless.
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P.S.: Fripp was *formerly* of King Crimson when I met him. This was not in the 70s.
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I have always loved to read about vampires but sometimes it seems that they are getting too far from the original vampires. Most of them have lost their mystery. What do you think about that?
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I’m never quite sure how to post a link from my Facebook account, but I posted it in my profile; here goes: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=521959186&ref=profile
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OMG Jeri, that is a great idea!!! I’m definitely going to add it to my list of possible gifts, right under my first newborn or an ipod, lol.
And I also have to find a great card for her too! Because the one she got me for my birthday was just too awesome and funny.
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To me, one of the most fascinatings aspects of the UF/paranormal genre is how unique each author’s rendering can be. Though not limited to them, this is particularly true of vampires. I am continually amazed by the variety.
Jeri, I am very much looking forward to Bad to the Bone, as I really enjoyed Wicked Game.
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WOW I am an otter in your animal spirit quiz. Nice website. I agree with you on the non chocolate snacks wasted calories! I love vampire books it sounds like I would like your books.
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Hi Jeri - I am a librarian and I just wanted to say how much I loved Wicked Game and that I greatly enjoy talking my library patrons into reading it. I know I have hooked at least 6 people on the book. I can not wait to read the new one and hand it to as many people at the library as I can.
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Hi Jeri,
I am always open to new vampire books. For some reason, I never get sick of them. Anyway, I’d love to read your books:)
Posted link
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1084897775&ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
Friended Bitten By Books on GoodReads
Joined Jeri’s newsletter
Following Jeri on Twitter - bridget3420
Friended Jeri on Myspace
Added Jeri’s blog to my blogroll - bridget3420.blogspot.com
Bitten By Books is already on blogroll
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Thanks for talking to BBB fans, Jeri, and sharing your POV. I love the jellybean analogy. Love the WVMP Radio series too. Have yet to try the Crow trilogy. That would be a great way to spend a VISA gift card!
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Hey Jeri!
How many more books do you anticipate for the WVMP series?
And can you tell us some more about your YA series?
Thanks again for being here, this has been an awesome guest blog topic!
OH and Draculissa, Dave Navarro SHOULD be a vampire, we were JUST talking about that in the Blood Bank Chat the other night. LOL
DUDE IS SERIOUSLY HOT. Now that is vamp I can get my fangs in. he he he
Jeri, can you please make Mick Jagger a vamp in one of your books? lol that would be awesome. he he too funny.
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Draculissa sent me.
First I wanted to say that I loved Eyes Of Crow and Voice Of Crow!
I love to ask authors how they reacted when they sold their first manuscript. What did you do?
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Jeri: That’s exactly the type of answer I was looking for…not so much that decorator answer…though I also love those decorating home improvement shows, though I have no design sense either.
Thanks for answering my questions and good luck with your books…they sound wonderful.
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Hello Jeri,
I agree with you about chocolate. lol! Thanks for the advice and wheeeeeee! I have that book by King. I just haven’t read it yet. I should have that tattooed on my forehead…’I haven’t read it yet’. lol!
Rachel, have I told you the story of my encounters with Dave. Keep in mind this was the 80’s. *snicker*
Hmmm…Hello, Carol. Thank you for dropping by though you didn’t have much of a choice. One look in my stunningly, beautiful, red eyes and you’re mine! Hee.
D :-)=
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Debby: I think the immortality aspect gives them an inherent mystery. If you add in the death and resurrection factor (though not all do), there’s even more to explore.
Elaine: Thanks for spreading the word!
Wendy: Good luck with the gift and finding the perfect card.
Carol: Thanks! So glad you enjoyed Wicked Game.
Chris: Ooh, an otter! A loving nurturer like my mom.
I keep getting distracted by e-mail as I answer these (attention span VERY short before I’ve had a full cup of coffee), so I’m going to hit Send and finish the rest in another comment.
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Kimberly: You’re my hero!! Librarians and booksellers are an author’s best friend. I’m really looking forward to the ALA conference this summer. I’m doing a YA authors “Speed Dating” breakfast–sounds like fun!
Bridget: Thank you so much for spreading the word! Hope you enjoy the books if you get a chance to pick them up.
Shirley: Hee-hee, I agree–books are a great way to spend money.
Glad you enjoyed Wicked Game.
Rachel: Right now I’m thinking the WVMP series will be five books. The reasons why, I can’t tell you until after Book 3 comes out. *evil grin* It’s possible there could be spinoffs, but I’d like to end the series before it wears out its welcome, both for me and the readers.
My YA series, tentatively titled GENERATION GHOST, is about a girl who’s trying to find out why she and everyone younger than her can see ghosts. A mysterious event called the Shift occurred at the moment of her birth, and ever since then, ghosts are visible (but only to the younger folks). She’d love to get rid of them, because they’re annoying and sometimes scary (and almost always upsetting). But things get complicated when her boyfriend dies and becomes one.
I am super excited about this series. We’ve already sold the German and Brazilian rights, so other people seem to be excited, too.
Mick Jagger, yeah. I’ll get right on that.
Carol M: Glad you enjoyed the first two Crow books! You know the third one is out now, right, The Reawakened?
As for how I reacted when I made my first sale, this was back in 2000 when I got an offer to publish my first urban fantasy, REQUIEM FOR THE DEVIL, as an ebook (still available on Amazon, etc. as a paperback and in all electronic formats). Because e-books were really new, I wasn’t sure how to react. It definitely wasn’t the typical screaming, dancing, champagne-opening celebratory reaction. I’m glad I decided to do it, though, because the woman who would later become my editor at Luna LOVED Requiem and wanted to bring me aboard because of it. And THAT was definitely a screaming, dancing, champagne-opening occasion.
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Hi
Another Librarian - I am from Ohio and buy fiction and teen books. I read the library copy of Wicked Games and liked it so much, I bought myself a copy!
I just found this site and joined the newsletter for the site and Jeri’s newsletter
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Hi Draculissa,
I was wondering why I felt so light headed. You’ve got me hypnotized! lol Of course, I have enjoyed visiting here.
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Jeri, I’m so glad you got to have your screaming, dancing, champagne-opening occasion! I enjoy reading print books and would never have read yours if they had only been in the ebook format. I’m too old to make the change! lol
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Jeri
I have to say that I loved your use of music in Wicked Game. I love books and tv shows that use music well, and you nailed that in your book. Hope to see many more books by you in the future.
I joined the blood bank under my real name Kimberly Schneider
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Kim: Yay, another librarian! Thanks for checking out Wicked Game (no pun intended)–glad you enjoyed it.
Carol: Me, too, although all my books, even the e-book, is available in print. I wouldn’t have agreed to it otherwise, because i’m the same way. However, I was sitting on the train today next to a woman with a Kindle. It looked pretty cool!
Kimberly: Thanks! I love music so much, and I feel lucky to be able to write about it in a way that it’s truly intrinsic to the story. My YA novels will have music, too, to a lesser degree. One of the main characters is the lead singer in an Irish-flavored punk rock band.
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I read your review and it sounds like she get in to some crazy stuff vanpire dj’swhat next have not read your books but i love paranormal and the crazyer the better.
I posted you on my blog a few difrent ways so go here
myspace.com/sasluvbooks
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My dear, Carol. Come closer…closer please…a ha! There…now you can’t say you’re too old for anything. You will live forever! Btw, there’s room in my home for your new coffin. Bring books. You’ll want to read when I’m not teaching you how to feed.
D (the rhyming vampiresssssss) :-)=
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That sounds good to me, Draculissa. I’m going to have to live forever just to read all the books I want to read! lol
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Thanks for the great post. I read and loved Wicked Game and cant wait for Bad to the Bone to come out. And I have heard so many great things about the Aspects of the Crow series that it is on my wishlist.
______________________________
6. Previously done
8. Facebook - Previously done both groups
Goodreads - Just Added
MySpace - Previously done
Twitter - Previously done
9. Done - emails sent
14. Previously done
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Yessssssss, Carol. I have lots of books to read as well. We can swap during the day while we rest in our coffins. How’s the transformation going?
D :-)=
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I’m almost there, Draculissa. I stayed up late reading and slept in this morning! lol
Jeri, you are going to have to write a lot of books! Draculissa and I are going to be doing a lot of reading! What do you plan on writing next? Have you ever thought of writing suspense?
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I was sent by Draculissa!
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Stacey: Thanks for spreading the word! Yeah, these are pretty different vampires in some ways.
Donna S: Glad you enjoyed Wicked Game! Hope you like the other books, too.
Carol M: No, I never really considered writing suspense. I know it’s popular now, but it’s not really my thing. However, Bad to the Bone is pretty heavy on the suspense and mystery elements.
As for what’s next, I have at least two more books in this vampires series to write, coming out in 2010 and 2011, and two young adult urban fantasies, also coming out in 2010 and 2011. Between the two series, I’m really really busy, which is a good thing!
Eljay: Hi! Thanks for stopping by!
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Thank you, Eljay! And how’s your transformation going?
Excellent, Carol! Things seem to be moving along nicely. Have your fangs descended yet?
Jeri, I told you I’d invite friends. We’re all huge fans and wish you much success.
Draculissa K.
Meljprincess@aol.com
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Draculissa, my fangs have not descended yet. I’m a little worried about that. I don’t want to scare my grandchildren!!
Jeri, I’m sure I’ll like Bad to the Bone then. I alway enjoy a book with mystery. I like to figure things out as I’m reading and I like surprise endings.
Carol M
mittens0831 AT aol.com
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Carol: Then you will definitely like Bad to the Bone. It’s very twisty! I had to make up a special list for myself documenting scene by scene which clues were dropped when, to make sure I didn’t leave any loose ends.
Draculissa: Thanks! I love your friends.
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Oh my gosh - what a contest - and all those comments I’m going to have to catch up on!
As for vampire series etc - as much as I might roll my eyes, I’m a sucker for a great story/hero with fangs.
(And apparently cheesy puns too!)
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:::bowing::: You’re welcome, Jeri. My friends are very special!
Btw, I’d like to read your CROW series. Note to self: Fly to Carol’s and nick them.
Don’t worry about the fangs, Carol. You’ll soon be able to control when they appear.
Happy Hunting, all!
D :-)=
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Hey Jeri,
Have you always been a big fan of music? I notice that you mention Joss Wheedon in your post and wonder if you’re a big fan of Buffy/Angel or Buffy/Spike?
Thanks for another great contest opportunity!
–K.Nelson
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I linked Jeri’s website and blog and Bitten By Books website to the my website:
http://www.kerrinelson.com/7.html
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Didn’t even know about the awesome Blood Bank! Created a blog and posted my first entry!
Username: Kerri Nelson
Thanks Bitten by Books! I’ll be baaacck!
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Wicked sounds great. It should be a really good read.
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Draculissa, I’m glad to hear that about the fangs. The older kids might understand and even love the idea of their grandma having them! It’s the little ones I was worried about!
Jeri,I’ve really enjoyed chatting with you and reading all the answers to our questions. Thank you for spending time here at BBB!
Carol M
mittens0831 AT aol.com
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i got widgets all over my myspace, and blog and bulletin:)))
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