A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 12:00 pm Central. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.

PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Yasmine’s books.

Interview with the D’Artigo Sisters & Iris

Meet the D’Artigo Sisters–three half human, half-Fae, wild and sexy members of the OIA—the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. Camille, a witch, Delilah, a werecat, and Menolly, an acrobat extraordinaire turned vampire, were sent Earthside to keep them out of trouble by their superiors, who consider the girls nothing but a bunch of bumbling half-breeds. But the girls soon found themselves smack in the middle of Demon-Central when Shadow Wing, the leader of the Subterranean Realms, decided to attempt a coup on both Earth and Otherworld.

From their home in a seedy suburb of Seattle, the sisters have been using every ounce of their erratic powers to thwart the havoc unfolding. Together with Camille’s lust-crazed and not-quite-human husbands, an FBH (full-blood-human) detective named Chase Johnson who has a penchant for spicy beef tacos and wild women, Iris the house sprite, and Maggie—their baby calico gargoyle—they must use all of their collective talents to prevent the demons from taking over as the three sisters attempt to save two worlds, one monster at a time.

And today, Justine Greene gets to interview Camille, Delilah and Menolly, and their friend Iris.

JG: Afternoon, ladies. Thanks for letting me come by, today. As you guys know, Yasmine’s latest book, Bone Magic, is hitting shelves and e-readers in January. I really appreciate your willingness to help us out with our month long pre-release celebration, and this interview for Bitten by Books.

I thought it might be interesting to hit on some of the odd ball questions, today, since Camille *nods thanks to Camille* was kind enough to talk to me a bit about herself, and some of what might be coming down the pike. By the way, Camille, we’ll be publishing your exclusive interview later this week, on Friday the 17th. I was also hoping you guys might spill some secrets or funny stories about Yasmine, if we have time.

To get the ball rolling…Ladies, it seemed to me, as I’ve gotten to know you all, that your relationships, while rooted in bonds of blood, go far deeper. How would the three of you describe your friendships as siblings?

Camille: We’re truly best friends. Without Menolly and Delilah, I don’t know what I’d do. I’m trying to play “Mom” less and just be one of the gang, for the first time in my life. It’s hard, but I think I’m starting to relax a little. I had to worry about them when we were growing up, and it made it hard to have as much fun with them as I could.

Menolly: I’ve always been the odd duck out, but that’s fading now. We’re in this together—our bonds are strong and I have to say, that’s one thing the Demonkin menace has brought about: We have a sense of unity that we never quite achieved before we came Earthside.

Delilah: Camille said it: We’re best buddies. Camille and I have fun shopping and eating out, Menolly and I watch TV and play games together. Camille and Menolly hang out and do other things. We each have our niche with the others and yet, we’re all tight. There’s really very little jealousy anymore, and when things arise, we talk about it. We still fight, and argue and slam doors, but it’s never “for real.”

JG: Iris, I have a question that I would love you to answer, but…it might seem a little impertinent. I know I’ve seen more than one fan refer to you as the D’Artigos housekeeper. *speaking quickly* I know you’re not the housekeeper, but I was wondering if, in your own words, you’d tell folks a little about your role in the household and what brought you Earthside.

Iris: Well, I grew up in Finland, moved to the Northlands when I was fairly young—and you’ll find out more about my past in Bone Magic—and then…I had to return to Finland. I left what would have been my original calling and faded out of sight, becoming a house sprite for the Kuusi family. I stayed with them for generations—hundreds of years, guarding what was once a huge, noble family and taking care of their children. I don’t know how many generations I watched live and die. Eventually, that particular line of Kuusi’s died out, and I decided to venture out and see the world. I traveled around Europe for awhile, and then some years back moved to Canada, where I stayed with friends—a different variant of Sprite—and then moved down to Seattle a few years ago. I was following my intuition, letting it lead me where I needed to go. When I got down here, the portals had just opened and I met the Sisters when they first came through and asked Camille if I could work in her bookshop.

As to my role in the household, I’m far from just a ‘housekeeper’ and I’m not really like their den mother, though at times they do stress me out. I do take care of the house, but everyone helps or I teach them what it means to be lazy in a household under my care. I watch over Maggie, I provide what insight I can, and I help out when needed in battle. I suppose I’m like their personal assistant.

JG: Okay, one for the girls: do any of you have any favorite memories from your time since moving Earthside? Something we might not have heard about, already?

Menolly: I particularly enjoy Delilah’s exploits when she’s in tabby form. I love to watch Kitten get herself into trouble and boy is she good at it. She got herself treed not long ago when Speedo and she had a rousing game of chase-me-chase-you and she raced up a fir and got stuck. I had to get her down and let me tell you, her claws were sharp! She dug into me like a starving vamp. And meeting Nerissa is a highlight, and even though I swore I’d never sire a child, watching Erin learn her new life has been exciting.

Camille: There are so many, mixed into the danger. Meeting Smoky and Morio, reuniting with Trillian, getting married when I never thought I would. ~soft smile~ And Henry…dear Henry…

Delilah: Actually, coming into my own has been my most joyful discovery. Growing up and learning to stand on my own two feet. Contrary to what people think, ignorance is not bliss, and neither is naïvity.

JG: This leads me to another thought…the other end of the spectrum. Do any of you have any regrets? What would you do, if you could, to fix it?

Camille: not fully realizing Shadow Wing’s potential destructive force…not planning ahead for collateral damage. But overall, I try not to regret.

Delilah: What she said—all the regrets in the world won’t change the way things are so we do what we can do to fix the present.

Menolly: Ditto.

JG: Menolly, now that you’ve had a few months to experiment with the new blood Morio developed, do you have a favorite flavor? Any that just went very, very wrong?

Menolly: The best flavor has to be strawberry. I love strawberries. And pizza—tastes like a rich soup (but you need to heat that one). The worst? Let’s just say that our experiment with blueberry pie was about as blueberry and pie as I am alive.

JG: Okay, I want to hear from all of you except Camille…what do you think about Trillian’s return to the fold? I’m not so concerned about Trillian with Morio, but Smoky is another matter. Very “2 men enter, 1 man leaves” vibe before Trillian disappeared. *grins at Camille*

Menolly: I never liked him that much, though I give him props for helping out Camille when they first met, but he’s proved himself to me. I doubt I’ll ever truly relax around him, but if he and Smoky rumble it up, I’ll take both of them (all right, Trillian, I don’t think even I could take on the dragon) around back and beat some sense into them.

Delilah: Ugh…I like both of them but we’re talking walking testosterone factory when you get the two of them together. I just hope Trillian makes it home safe—regardless of whatever fallout happens.

Iris: These two underestimate the good that Trillian can do. He’s arrogant, yes, but that’s simply his lineage…but he backs it up with action and if he’s your friend, he will lay down his life for you. I think both Smoky and Trillian will listen to me if I have to call them out on behavior.

JG: Camille, I know we’ve all anticipated your visit to OW to reunite with Trillian. Anything you’re hoping for as a result of this trip?

Camille: Of course I’m hoping things work out and he agrees to enter my marriage to Smoky and Morio. But more so, I’m hoping he’s come out of the war unscathed, that he’s not wounded, that he can leave the war and be happy away from the fighting.

JG: Men….we can’t talk to the four of you, and not talk about your men..and women. *nods to Menolly* What do your romantic partners do for you that make your days brighter? Well, besides, the, umm, obvious stuff. *grin*

Menolly: Nerissa sends me little cards and notes all the time. She calls just to say she was thinking about me. And sometimes, when I’m feeling particularly tense, she invites me out to the Puma Pride Compound and she’ll run as a werepuma while I chase along beside her under the moon. We run till I have to get home before sunup.

Delilah: Chase and I are still having a rocky patch and I don’t know if or when it will smooth out. But he buys me catnip mice and toys he’ll know I like. And once in awhile if I fall asleep in tabby form, I’ll wake up with a ribbon in my fur. ~grins~ But times like that…they’re fun but they don’t make up for a lack of communication and bluntly, we’re not talking a lot anymore. At least not on a deeper level.

Iris: Bruce has asked me to marry him and I can’t say yes. Not yet. You’ll find out why in Bone Magic, so don’t ask me why right now, please. But he’ll bring me chocolates and roses, and he bought me the most beautiful ivory sheer nightgown that shows off my golden hair—I feel like a princess in that gown. He also sends me notes off and on throughout the day. Bruce is very adept at texting and we actually build up quite a bill that way. ~laughs~

JG: Soooo….what about Yasmine? What’s it like to work with her? I mean, I can answer this question, too *grin* but my working relationship with Yasmine is a bit different than how you guys relate. Does she do anything that drives you up the wall? Or is guaranteed to make you smile?

Camille: Well, aside from being body slammed and dumped in mud and tormented by demons and bone golems, she can be pretty fun to work with. I mean, I have no complaints in the bedroom department except that I miss Trillian!

Menolly: (To Camille) Yeah, you get lucky, don’t you? (turns to Justine) I like the challenges she presents although sometimes I wish she’d let me go totally wild and release my inner predator. But overall, I enjoy the action and romance that’s coming my way.

Delilah: I guess I’m angsty girl. But she keeps saying, “Just wait—there’s something very special in store for you and you’ll love it, I promise!” So I’m holding her to that. I’m not sure what it is, but I have a feeling I know…. ~soft smile~

JG: I know your holidays are different than those we celebrate ES, but you have some close similarities to several of our traditions. If you were going to see our Santa, what would you be asking for from him for Christmas? And please don’t say, “world peace, or whirled peas…” *grin*

Camille: That Trillian returns home safe and sound, and that we defeat Shadow Wing without any more losses. And by the way, I’ve met Santa, I’ll have you know. He’s kind of scary.

Delilah: What do I want? I want to find my purpose—I want to truly understand what it means to bear the Autumn Lord’s mark, and I want…I want true love. Real love. Love that doesn’t tread on eggshells.

Menolly: To feel the sun again on my face…but that’s a pipe dream so I’ll go with…Nerissa—safe and strong, a warm fire, and a long, leisurely afternoon of hot sex and fun chatter.

JG: Will you be taking Maggie to see Santa?

Menolly: I don’t think that’s a good idea. We keep Maggie pretty quiet. Don’t know why but it seems the thing to do. But she’ll have a blast this Yule, trust me. We’re buying toys galore for her!

JG: I know we’re running out of time, for today, so I just have one more question. Without spoiling anything, is there anything you would like to share with my readers about Bone Magic?

Camille: The theme of the book is transformation. And so much happens that I can’t even possibly start talking about all of our adventures here. But you’ll see a great deal more of Otherworld, and you’ll meet the King of the Dahns Unicorns, and of course—I’m going to bring Trillian home. You’ll get to meet Smoky’s father (and don’t jump for joy just yet…not all dragons are like Smoky). Morio and I have plenty of adventures with that little pipsqueak Rodney, who I’d like to give a good swift kick to. And our friends—much happens to change our friends’ lives too. By the end of the book, I will tell you my own life will never be the same again. And you’ll find out how I get my second tattoo.

JG: Thanks, again, ladies. As always, my time with you is too short but utterly delightful! I hope you all have a blessed holiday season.

Camille, Delilah, Menolly, & Iris: From our household to yours, a blessed Yule and lovely holiday season to you all!

JG: And now, readers, it’s your turn. Do you have any questions (non-spoilerish) for the D’Artigo sisters? Now’s your chance to ask them!

Bio:

New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy for Berkley: both the bestselling Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon Series for Berkley and the upcoming Indigo Court urban fantasy series. In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books. Her books have hit the New York Times and USA Today extended bestseller lists numerous times.

Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 28 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Bellevue WA with her husband Samwise and their cats.

Yasmine can be reached via her website at www.galenorn.com, via MySpace: www.myspace.com/yasminegalenorn and Twitter: www.twitter.com/yasminegalenorn.

Book Releases:

Bone Magic comes out on 1.5.2010 (Book 7 in the Otherworld Series)

Inked (anthology) comes out on 1.5.2010 (includes a Camille-Trillian prequel novella)

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Learn more about Yasmine Galenorn here:

Read 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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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.

She is giving away two great prizes!
1 $50 Amazon online gift certificate
1 $25 Amazon online gift certificate

The contest WILL be open to readers worldwide as long as the winner can accept the gift certificates from the US Amazon site.

Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 12/15/09 at 11:59 pm Central to do the different things that YOU choose to do.

1. The easiest way to enter is by PRE-ORDERING copies of Yasmine’s upcoming book. Good for 300 points per book you purchase.

From Amazon:

To buy Bone Magic click here

From Barnes & Noble:

To buy Bone Magic click here

OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.

It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.

2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Yasmine a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions/comments = no entries! You can come by through 12/15/09 and ask Yasmine your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)

3. Spread the word about this event! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=14480 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.

RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

The contest ends on 12/15/09 at 11:59 pm Central and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.

1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.

2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.

3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.

4. Contest is open to USA readers except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.

5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.

6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.

7. Contest is void where prohibited.

8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry

(4 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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The third book in the D’Artigo sisters series is a fast paced fury of paranormal action that takes the reader on a emotional ride full of pure adrenaline and self discovery.

The half-human/half-fae (with a little twist) sisters have trouble dropped at their doorstep once again. This time, bloodied and mangled bodies are being found all over Seattle but are not staying put once they make it to the morgue. The condition of the bodies and the quick turnings that they are experiencing leads Menolly to believe it is the workings of the monster who sired her after leaving his mark on her body and soul.

When one of Camille’s best friends, Erin, is taken by the newly turned vampires, the sisters know that it is personal and know who is involved. Now, they must look to find a way to stop Dredge before he succeeds at this new torture for Menolly. The recent news that other nemeses’ are possibly involved and aiding Dredge in this new torture puts even more necessity in finding a way to rid Seattle of this beast at any cost. Menolly must learn to accept what she is and her physical and emotional scars in order to defeat Dredge and sever the bond she has with the evil vampire. The search for the answers needed leads them to put their faith in Roz, an incubus, and trust he is on their side in the battle. Even though his story rings true, they are not sure of who sent him to them, friend or foe. Menolly, Camille and Camille’s boyfriend Morio journey back to the Otherworld in search of another powerful man named Jareth who may possibly lead them in their quest for the knowledge of how to defeat the powerful sire. The severing itself is not painful, but the reliving of her torture at the hands of the beast pushes Menolly beyond her vampire strengths abilities.

Back Earthside, the sisters rejoin with Delilah and the others to find Erin, or her body, and stop Dredge and his cohorts in their master plan to take over the Seattle Supes. The girls are stunned by who they find is backing him and need to come together as one power force to defeat the monster. The repercussions of her actions may not be immediately known, but the weight lifted from her shoulders allows Menolly the ability to look at life through new eyes and the possibilities of having a relationship that is not tainted with the evil of her sire.

This series has me hooked, and there is no doubt I will continue to read and search out new titles from this amazing author. Darkling was an enchanting and entertaining pleasure to read and spend time with the sexy, sassy and resourceful women of the D’Artigo family. The quick-witted humor and the brilliant writing skill of Ms. Galenorn have provided a pleasurable escape, and I am very pleased to have purchased this book and the rest of this series to date.

Book Stats:

To purchase a print copy of Darkling from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Darkling from Barnes & Noble click here.
To purchase an eBook copy of Darkling from Barnes & Noble click here.

Books in the Sisters of the Moon series in the order they should be read:
Witchling
Changeling
Darkling
Dragon Wytch
Night Huntress
Demon Mistress
Bone Magic

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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This book was an amazing escape that was sexy, funny and thrilling throughout. Yasmine has a new fan.

The D’Artigo sisters are halfbreeds who now live Earthside after the upheaval in the Otherworld as members of the OIA - Otherworld Intelligence Agency. The sisters all share the same parents but the three are nothing alike, although they are all half fae they have distinct traits of their own. Camille is a very sexual witch who has two lovers - for now; Menolly is a vampire thanks to the attack from a clan of vampires in the Otherworld; and Delilah is a shifter – actually, she is a cat shifter, a tabby cat that is.

The trio is getting along with blending in with the humans, and after dealing with a Degath Squad and demon they named Bad Ass Luke, they are hoping to have a quiet Midwinter holiday.

Delilah is quite content with her life as it is right now. She has an income as a private investigator and her human lover Chase is proving to be just what she needed. When Zachary Lyonnesse shows up at her PI business door with a case, her inner kitten is drawn to the puma shifter, and his problem is ringing too many bells to be ignored. She is torn between her human side and her fae side while dealing with the case. Her human side is happy with the monogamous relationship she shares with Chase, but her cat side wants to find out what might happen with the cat shifter.

Zach wants the little kitten, too, but the problems on the Ranier Puma Pride compound are escalating, and they need to find out who or what is killing off his pride before he can think of making advances on the pretty kitty. The group join forces with friends from the past and bands together to find the answers. When Delilah makes a deal with an Elemental Lord, she may have found the strength she needs to combat the evil invading the compound but may also have delivered herself as an offering to the Lord in payment.

Their investigations lead them to a nest of unnatural weres that have joined forces with demonkind and others from the Otherworld. The group must use everything in their power to defeat the evil and save the Earthside, and with war breaking out in the Otherworld, it is up to the group to find a way to succeed without outside help. While dealing with the battle, Delilah must also make decisions affecting her personal life as two very different men - maybe three - want to be a part of it.

This book was the first I have read from Ms. Galenorn but it will not be the last. Her heroines are courageous, flirtatious, intelligent and humorous and the men are hot, steadfast and sexy. All the characters are very smart, the dialogue is witty and the reader is captured from the start in a fun and exciting adventure. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.

Book Stats:

To purchase a print copy of Changeling from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Changeling from Barnes & Noble click here.
To purchase an eBook copy of Changeling from Barnes & Noble click here.

Books in the Sisters of the Moon series in the order they should be read:
Witchling
Changeling
Darkling
Dragon Wytch
Night Huntress
Demon Mistress
Bone Magic

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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The D’Artigo sisters work for the OIA, the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. It is their job to keep tabs on the Otherworld inhabitants currently residing on earth. Camille is a witch, Delilah is a shapeshifter and Menolly is a vampire. When a couple of demons come through the portal looking for an item that will assist Shadow Wing, the ruler of the Subterranian Realm, in taking over both the Earth and the Otherworld, the D’Artigo sisters are assigned to stop them. However, since their mother was human, the D’Artigo sisters powers are just a little bit unpredictable at the best of times. Will they be able to succeed in the mission entrusted to them, or will Shadow Wing succeed in wiping out both humankind and the members of the Otherworld?

I give this book 4 tombstones. It was a fun read. Although they are sisters, the D’Artigo’s each have different characteristics which make them interesting. I do hope as the series progresses that we find out why each sister was born with a different ability. Camille is the focus of Witchling. I found her to be a neat character since she was never sure what was going to happen with her magic. The unpredictablity of her powers made the book entertaining. I had heard a lot about this series before I picked up the first book, so I was looking forward to reading it. Yasmine Galenorn has created a series with an interesting premise. I enjoyed Witchling so much that I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Changeling.

Book Excerpt: “We’re the D’Artigo Sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we’re savvy–and sexy–operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she’s stressed. Menolly’s a vampire who’s still trying to get the hang of being undead. And me? I’m Camille–a wicked-good witch. Except my magic is as unpredictable as the weather, which my enemies are about to find out the hard way…

Camille:

“At the Wayfarer Inn, a portal to Otherworld and the local hangout for humans and beasties alike, our fellow operative Jocko’s been murdered. Every clue points to Shadow Wing, the soul-munching, bad-ass leader of the Subterranean Realms. He’s made it clear that he aims to raze humankind to the ground, turning both Earth and Otherworld into his private playground. Our assignment: keep Shadow Wing and his minions from creeping into Earth via the Wayfarer. The demons figure they’re in like Flynn. After all, with only my ‘bumbling’ sisters and me standing in the way, how can they miss? But we’ve got a secret for them: faulty wiring or not, nobody kicks ass like the D’Artigo girls.”

Book Stats:

To purchase a print copy of Witchling from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Witchling from Barnes & Noble click here.
To purchase an eBook copy of Witchling from Barnes & Noble click here.

Books in the Sisters of the Moon series in the order they should be read:
Witchling
Changeling
Darkling
Dragon Wytch
Night Huntress
Demon Mistress
Bone Magic

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 10:30 am CDT. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.

PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Yasmine’s books.

Interview:

Hi Yasmine!

Welcome back to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!

I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Yasmine’s newest book Demon Mistress.

BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?

YG: The most challenging: at this point in my career, balancing the promotion, the administrative work, and the actual writing.  It’s a real tightrope and I work far, far more than 40 hours a week on it.  I probably put in 60-80 hours a week, especially when pre-release month collides with deadline month on another book AND then you get tossed revisions during that same period (just in the last couple weeks of a period like this).

The most rewarding:  seeing the worlds I create come to life and readers loving them.  There’s not much better than having people say “I devour your books—I love them!”  and know that you’ve given them a playground in which to escape for awhile.  Creating a world I’d personally love to live in and that I look forward to exploring with my writing.

Oh, being able to earn a living at what I love has to come in a close second, though. ~smiles~

BBB: Which of the sisters do you tend to like writing about more? I know this is kind of like asking who your favorite child is, but humor me.

YG: Actually, this question isn’t that hard. As much as I love all of them, Camille is definitely my favorite. I just connect with her easier and I love the more sensual aspects of her books.  There’s more of me in Camille than the others in many ways.  But Menolly and I share similar opinions on the nature of justice, and Delilah—well, I’m an ailurophile.  Love kitties!

BBB: What made you decide to have one of Delilah’s forms be a tabby cat?

YG: She just came wired that way. LOL, as I say below, my subconscious works on its own and then spits out info to me!

BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?

YG: I keep what I call my “research notebook from hell” which has everything in it—it’s basically a series bible.  I keep one for each series, and after each book is approved by my editor, I go through and update all the information in it.  You can find out more about it in my forums, in this post.  I actually give workshops on this subject!

BBB: Is it confusing to try to keep track of three different sisters that are three different types of paranormal creatures?

YG: No, I’m extremely organized and type A—to an almost scary point.  I’m terribly focused and driven with my work.

BBB: How did you choose the order of who which sister you would write about?

YG: I originally planned the series to be all from Camille’s point of view, so wrote Witchling from her POV.  But then, my editor at the time said, “So the next one’s from Delilah’s point of view, right?”  And I went, “Say what?”

Apparently my publisher had thought that’s what I intended and they liked the idea, so all of a sudden, I was writing the series from a round-robin viewpoint.  I didn’t know if I could do it, but my editor reassured me that I could and so I gave it a shot and bingo…it worked!

BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle or Sony Digital Reader to the environment?

YG: Considering the energy it takes to make them, and the fact that they are not a renewable resource, not so much. Give me an old fashioned book any day. I’ll probably get a Kindle but not for regular reading—more for keeping a few research books at easy reach until I can buy a bigger house with more bookcases.

BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?

YG: Pirating is far easier, which pisses me off.  And nobody can try to feed me the load of bull that pirating leads to new readers—the ones who do pirate books aren’t likely to go out and buy them.  They’ll just keep ripping off the authors.

Frankly, while a number of my books are in e-format, the vast, vast majority of my readers buy print copies.  So right now, I don’t see much impact.  I imagine in the future there will be more focus on e-books of all kinds as people adapt, but I’m not seeing that much distribution now.  I know I hate reading on the screen and so I will continue to buy print because I just like it better.

BBB: Who or what inspires you to write?

YG: I’ve been making up stories since I was three—I knew all along that I’d end up as a writer, that’s been my goal since I first discovered books (which was around 3 years old when I started learning to read).  The drive to write is just there…many things inspire ideas, but the will to write—the drive—seems to be hardwired into my being.

BBB: Can you tell us what your next release (s) will be? And do you have stand alone or anthology titles forthcoming?

YG: Demon Mistress just hit the shelves this week, so that’s available as in NOW, folks.  After this, on November 3, 2009 Never After—an anthology—will be out in which I have an Otherworld novella called The Shadow of Mist.

On January 5, 2010, I have two releases:  Bone Magic (the 7th OW book: back to Camille), and Inked, an anthology in which I have another OW novella called Etched in Silver.  After that, the next book will be the first in my new urban fantasy series—Night Myst.  (To squash potential rumors: the Indigo Court Series will not be a replacement for the Otherworld Series, I’m still writing about the sisters for a long time to come if things go right).

BBB: What inspired you to write about the Fae?

YG: To me, the world of Fae is seductive and glittering, dark and wild and frightening and feral.  I find it alluring. The Fae don’t play by human rules.  And I’m pledged as a priestess to a goddess of Fae, at least in her own way in her own spiritual pantheon.  I just find the whole concept mesmerizing.

BBB: Why did you choose a witch, a cat-shifter, and a vampire? Is there any deeper symbolism to them. Part of me looks at it like the trinity. Maiden, Mother, Crone. Or I could just be hallucinating again. lol

YG: They chose their own aspects and natures—apparently my subconscious works on its own a whole lot before tapping me on the shoulder because the D’Artigo sisters just showed up one night, fully-formed, insisting I write about them.   Now when you’re talking about the idea/concept of three sisters—that, in my mind, goes back to the Triple Goddess aspect of mythology, or the Fates or Norns, so yes, there is that connection.

BBB: Outside of writing, what is the most interesting job that you have ever had?

YG: Most were dreadfully boring or bad…I suppose it would have to be when I was transcribing interviews for the Secretary of State’s Office (the Archives) of Washington State.  The job wasn’t too bad…my boss—on the other hand—left much to be desired.  Other than that, I have a pretty bleakly boring job history.  I was a professional tarot reader for a number of years, but that was exhausting energy-wise and I don’t consider it to be a ‘regular’ job.  I led a more interesting life after I quit the State and moved into a converted school bus on the backend of five acres and slept with a hatchet by my side.  I lived in the bus for well about 7-8 months before I moved in with a friend and met and married his roommate ~grins~  The bus days were before I ever got my first contract, but I knew I didn’t want to go back to a 9-5 office job, and I knew that it was time to get my career in writing kicked off.  It took five years of hard work, but I managed.

BBB: If your series had a theme song, what would it be?

YG: Believe, by The Bravery.  ~grins~ It just seems to sum up their life and world.  For the new series—the Indigo Court series—Half Light, by Low and tomandandy (from the Mothman Prophecies) fits.

BBB: If you could pick one of your characters to have dinner with, who would it be and why?

YG: Oh good gods, that’s a hard one.  Dinner?  Just dinner?  Nothing else?  No hot time in the sheets?  ~laughs~ If it’s just dinner, I think maybe Iris –the tales she could tell.  Or, perhaps, Aeval, the Queen of Night.  I’ve got a thing for the dark Fae.  Now if we’re talking spending a week with…(yeah, my mind does wander  ~wicked grin~)…I’d happily spend it with Smoky, Morio, and Trillian.

BBB: Can you tell us what your latest Ink has been and when you developed your passion for tattoos?

YG: The last ink I had done was in 2004 and it’s Great Mother Bear and two of her cubs, on my left forearm.  You can see my tattoos (though some pics aren’t that great), on my still-to-be-finished personal Foxglove Glade site.  My passion for tattoos started to develop around 1990.  I’d never really thought about them much before but one day, I knew I had to have my totems tattooed on me.  Took me till 1998 until I could afford to start having them done, but they are addictive and I love them and am heavily inked.  I’m not into tattoos that don’t have *some* meaning to the bearer, but hey, that’s just me.

BBB: If you could shapeshift, what animal would you be? And why?

YG: Black panther—my totem.  I’d also love to be able to transform into an owl and be able to fly, or a dolphin and explore the depths of the ocean.

BBB: What is your favorite book of all time?

YG: Watership Down, by Richard Adams.  Second favorite: Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier.  Third: LOTR by Tolkien, and after that: anything written by Ray Bradbury who’s my favorite author of all time.

BBB: Where is the most beautiful place you have visited in the world?

YG: There are two places, I think, that come to mind and both are very different but incredibly beautiful.  One is the Olympic Peninsula, here in Washington State—one of the only temperate rainforests in the lower USA.  The trees tower, huge and looming, and they’re ancient and brilliant and remind me of the Ents out of Middle Earth.  The other is on the edge of the ocean, on the Big Island of Hawai’i , where the molten lava pours into the sea.  In that barren wasteland of newly created rock, Pele is creating new land, the youngest land in the world.  I love the stark beauty of it there and the vivid contrast between the brilliance of the foliage on the island and the mile after mile of  hardened lava.

BBB: And last, but certainly not least…..Starbuck’s or Folgers?

YG: No contest. ~grins~ I’m a Starbucks fiend.  I grind my own beans at home, and that’s where we go when we go out for coffee.  Triple shot iced lattes—soy if I go out, rice milk when I stay home (because Starbucks doesn’t have rice milk), are my poison of choice.

Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy for Berkley: both the bestselling Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon Series for Berkley and the upcoming Indigo Court urban fantasy series.  In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books.  Her books have hit the New York Times and USA Today extended bestseller lists numerous times.

Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 28 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos.  She lives in Bellevue WA with her husband Samwise and their cats.

She is also the co-founder of the Witchy Chicks blog (http://witchychicks.blogspot.com).

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Learn more about Yasmine Galenorn here:

Read 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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CONTEST: Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. Yasmine will be giving away a $50.00 and a $25.00 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. The contest portion of the event will run until 11:59 pm PDT 6/10/09 and is open to readers in the US! PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. Also please state WHICH CONTEST you are entering when you send your verification emails.

1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Yasmine’s books from Amazon here:

Books in the Sisters of the Moon series in the order they should be read:
Witchling
Changeling
Darkling
Dragon Wytch
Night Huntress
Demon Mistress

Never After

OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase during the contest. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH copy you purchase.

It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.

2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Yasmine a question. It can be ANY question you like. No questions = no entries! You can come by through TOMORROW 6/5/09 and ask your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)

3. SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter here on the top right hand side of the site. Be sure you VERIFY your subscription, an email is sent with the verification link. Unverified subscribers will not be entered and will be deleted from the mailing list. If you are already a subscriber, just let us know and you will get entries too. Good for 20 entries.

4. Spread the word, the more places you post the event, the more entries you get. Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8027 at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 50 entries per place you post the event link.

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.

5. Be friends with Yasmine by joining her here:

Newsletter: http://www.galenorn.com/ scroll to the VERY BOTTOM of the page for the sign up box

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/yasminegalenorn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1138491733

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59929467915#/group.php?gid=17596072116

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yasminegalenorn

Fan Club: http://www.moonstalkers.com/

Then send us all the confirmations you receive verifying subscription and friendship to: bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 20 entries per place you friend her.

6. 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=8027. Good for 10 entries each day you tweet it. Max 1 tweet per day counts for entries.

7. Add Yasmine’s blog and website to your blog roll or links page:http://yasmine-galenorn.blogspot.com/ and http://www.galenorn.com Good for 10 entries for each place you post the link.

IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:

The contest ends on 6/10/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners 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.

1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.

2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.

3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.

4. Contest is open to readers worldwide. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.

5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.

6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.

7. Contest is void where prohibited.

8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry

(5 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Readers of Galenorn’s books may have become accustomed to her kick ass, teeth-gritting action right out of the gate….Demon Mistress starts with a fight, too; a fight with dust bunnies. Yes, Menolly D’Artigo, vampiric acrobat and bar manager, OIA agent and 1/3 of one of the most powerful trio of feminine power in contemporary fiction, battles dust bunnies with Iris. This unexpected entry back into Galenorn’s world is a perfect way to walk into the wyrd side with the D’Artigo women, because nothing about this book is expected or ordinary.

As long-time readers know, each book in this series focuses primarily on one of the three sisters, in order: Camille, the oldest and witchiest; Delilah, the shape-changing middle sister; and Menolly, the vampiric youngest of the trio, who is the focus of Demon Mistress. In Darkling, book 3 in the series, and Menolly’s last feature story, we learn about the dark details that make up her history, and we see her overcome that history. It is a dark tale that is necessary in the unfolding world of the D’Artigos.  Demon Mistress is a lighter slice of action and romance for Menolly. Do not, however, think this means the story lacks for import or sheer force. Indeed, I would be forced to say that with Demon Mistress, Galenorn comes into her own as a writer. This book pulls no punches; it’s a boot to the head one moment and a full-mouthed kiss on the lips the next that leaves you begging for more.

Menolly and Iris unearth a diary while cleaning at the Wayfarer. This leads them down a long, dark alley full of demon spawn and ghouls with a yen for flesh. The bad guys in this book, like so many other aspects of the story, are not what you expect. This may be one of the keys to this story’s success; so much happens on the surface of the story that you don’t realize how much thinking you’re doing below the depths. You might not expect to run into one of Hemingway’s icebergs in a novel of romantic urban fantasy, but Galenorn negotiates the ice flows like an expert. She tells a rollicking good tale that also makes you think; I cannot give a book higher praise.

In addition to expounding on Menolly’s story, we see Delilah and Camille’s relationships with their significant others advance. Other advances Earth side and in Y’Elestrial bring readers a sense of cycles completing, while paving the way for the next trio of stories. The D’Artigo books are clearly a series, but it is a series made up of trilogies, and Demon Mistress gives readers a satisfying end to this mini-trilogy. Too often series books simply leave you waiting, which is a little unsatisfying. Ms. Galenorn has done her job, however; Demon Mistress leaves you looking toward Bone Magic, book 7 in the series, with bated breath without cheating you of a solid story in its own right.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425228649
• ISBN-13: 978-0425228647

To purchase a print copy of Demon Mistress click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Demon Mistress click here.

Books in the Sisters of the Moon series in the order they should be read:
Witchling
Changeling
Darkling
Dragon Wytch
Night Huntress
Demon Mistress

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

(7 votes, average: 4.86 out of 5)

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The fifth installment of Yasmine Galenorn’s Sisters of the Moon/Otherworld series, Night Huntress, comes out of the gate with power and punch, and doesn’t let up the pace. Fans of this deliciously wicked series will enjoy the newest developments in the sisters’ lives, while new readers can jump on for a wild ride.

As in the past, each book centers primarily on one of the three D’Artigo sisters, although no one is left out of the action. In Night Huntress, we learn more about Delilah, the middle sister. She’s a werecat with deep connections to the Autumn Lord. She’s also a vibrant, delightful woman who has very real, human problem with love and relationships. Ms. Galenorn manages to balance the story skillfully between live wire action, pointed moments of humor, human weakness and humane strength.

In this installment, the demon Karvanak has made a bold, potentially critical move that threatens the future of both worlds and loved ones. Choices must be made and lines of loyalty are drawn in the ever changing sands on the bridge between the worlds. Delilah must draw on all her skills, cunning and humanity to try to save the night for both the Fae and the human world.

The paranormal aspects of the characters actually highlight all that is wonderful and human in each of them, and in turn, may let the reader see something of themselves in these characters. That is one of the great, sly gifts of this series; you get wicked, sexy, strong women; virile, alpha male types; roller coaster action; and underneath it all, some basic revelations about what it is to be human in a sometime is inhumane world.

Hold on to your catnip; it’s going to be a thrilling ride when Delilah goes hunting!

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425225461
• ISBN-13: 978-0425225462

To purchase a print copy of Night Huntress click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Night Huntress click here.

Books in the Sisters of the Moon series in the order they should be read:
Witchling
Changeling
Darkling
Dragon Wytch
Night Huntress
Demon Mistress

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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All great stories must have great heroes and heroines. With Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld Series, this is no exception. In her books, you enter a world of wonder, danger, whimsy, suspense, sensuality and action. Her stories depend on the strength and individuality of her central characters. Dragon Wytch, the fourth book in the series, continues this tradition of character strength and development through challenge, adversity and sharing.

We go back to Camille D’Artigo for the fourth tale. Camille is an empowered, sexy vixen of a witch. She wears her sensuality and her power like one of her velvet corsets: wrapped tightly, but unavoidable and unmistakable when you meet her.

Camille faces down several truly nasty individuals in this fourth installment in the series. She also must hold to her end of a deal she struck with Smoky in a prior book. And when a dragon calls in his debt, you don’t dare try to renegotiate or walk away. As the saying goes, “do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.” Or in this case, do not try to turn away an affair with a dragon.

Sparks fly literally and figuratively for Camille in Dragon Wytch. We are also given a glimpse into Camille’s early days, when she first dedicated herself to the Moon Mother. I must say that the scenes presenting this bit of history are some of the strongest in the book. I felt Camille’s joy and desire to face the challenges ahead as I was reading the passages. This is the mark of great character creation.

While this book is driven by Camille, do not fear that we leave behind the other sisters. We still learn bits and pieces about Delilah and Menolly. Iris’ presence in the stories continues to grow, too. One of the best parts of this book, though, has to be the opportunity to get to know the other two men in Camille’s triad, Morio and Smoky. We learn a lot about Smoky, and that’s a chocolate coated, cayenne pepper laced treat. I will refrain from saying anything else, though, as I do not want to spoil the fun and games. Just know that Camille’s relationships with all of her men progress in new and interesting ways, and it’s well worth the ride.

Dragon Wytch starts off with a bang and a bit of pixie dust. Things do not slow down for the women (I say women because Ms. Galenorn’s ladies are not mere girls; they are strong, independent women in every sense). The pace keeps picking up, and complications abound.

The first complication walks into Camille’s store on four hooves in the form of a Unicorn Prince. The group is put in the position where they must accept not one, but multiple herculean tasks, to save not only Otherworld, but the human world as well. They encounter demon lords, trolls, and some truly unique powers that are making a play for power and a resurgence of the old ways. And just to make things interesting, the third Spirit Seal surfaces.

While you do not have to read the first three books in the series to enjoy Dragon Wytch, I think the experience is deeper for you, as a reader, if you have read the initial trilogy. The history of these characters, and the unmistakable bond between the sisters gives color and depth to this latest story. We are very lucky, too, as readers; Ms. Galenorn has several stories on deck for us in the Otherworld.

At times, I felt a little impatient reading this book, although not for any fault of Ms. Galenorn. In fact, she should probably be applauded or lauded for this situation. I was so eager to see what was going to happen to these characters and their world that I kept feeling that “are we there yet?” feeling small kids get when they know they’re on a trip to someplace fun, but they haven’t reached their destination, yet. This book is a great ride, and the destination is well worth the wait. That said, I can’t wait for Delilah’s next adventure in Night Huntress.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042522239X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425222393

To purchase a print copy of Dragon Wytch click here.

Books in the Sisters of the Moon series in the order they should be read:
Witchling
Changeling
Darkling
Dragon Wytch
Night Huntress
Demon Mistress

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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