WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- February 8th, 2012

Only 25 more days until our big 5th Anniversary Party here at Beyond Her Book.  The virtual party will take place March 5-10th covering all genres.  We’ll travel the world giving great prizes donated by authors and publishers including Kindle Fires, e-readers, books, gift cards and gift baskets.  Something for everyone.  If you want to donate something, please email bvey@publishersweekly.com .  In the meantime, check out some books that may be given away during the bash.

 

Sophie

Sophie

Exposed by Kimberly Marcus

Read by Sophie, 16

To everyone else, she’s Liz, and Kate is her best friend, but to Liz, she’s Photogirl, and Kate’s not just her best friend, but her forever-best friend; always has been, always will be.  But after one fight and a sour Saturday Night Slumber, Liz feels awful and Kate is avoiding her like the plague.  Her old photos are sad reminders of what they used to be, and her new photos show Liz just what she is without her other half—completely lost.  But if the terrible rumors that are spreading around Liz and Kate’s high school and hometown of Shoreview are true, Liz can’t blame Kate for not being able to look at her and spend time with Liz and her family the way she used to without recalling what is likely the most horrific and devastating memory Kate will ever have.

Written in a clever and fluent free-verse, Exposed is one story that bares the souls of two very relatable and real teenage girls.  A story like few others, Kimberly Marcus has put in fewer than 300 pages a work of art as brilliant and beautiful as the art her intricate and lovable characters create.  I found this eye-opening and impossibly enticing; set a couple hours aside for this book—you’ll need it.

.

 

Paula

Paula

The Mermaid Garden by Santa Montefiore

Read by Paula

The Tuscan Mermaid Garden is one of wondrous splendor and undeniable allure to the young Floriana, whose own life is bereft of joy or beauty. It is in this wondrous paradise that her star-crossed romance with the well-to-do, handsome Dante flourishes. Several decades later, an equally tragic Marina struggles to save the existence she has built on top of buried secrets. As she explores her options for holding on to her beloved Devonshire hotel and home, she comes face to face with a past she had given up on ever revisiting.

Two stories separated by time and distance come together in this exquisite romance set in Italy and England, both conjured in lush imagery and exquisite detail. I was delighted by the fairy-tale elements of the story, and found all of the main characters realistic and, ultimately likable. This is several love stories and a mystery in one!

.

joysann

joysann

The Departed by Shiloh Walker

Read by joysann

Desiree “Dez” Lincoln, who can actually communicate with ghosts, is forced to resign and go private when her paranormal unit leader, FBI Special Agent Taylor Jones, decided, for his own secret peace of mind, to transfer her to a “safer” unit. But their paths cross again when Dez is called to Taylor’s midwestern home town by a restless spirit to prevent a murder. But that dangerous investigation gets them tied up together with the heartache and loss in Taylor’s own family history.

An intriguing story from start to finish, Shiloh wraps a rocky romance with its ups and downs in a soft blanket of melancholia that is the hope of an afterlife and communication with lost loved ones. Despite the heartache all around them, the story is not a sad one, and the hope of a happily-as-long-as-they-live ending makes it romantic and gratifying. And who can say about a happily-forever-after?

.

Dina

Dina

Devil’s Kiss by Zoe Archer

Read by Dina

Hellraisers are a group of five friends.  In 1762, Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney (Whit) loves to gamble, not for money, but for the excitement and risk.  Zora Grey is a Roman girl in a gypsy camp.  Her smoldering voice has captivated  Whit’s attention.  Zora is unsure about her attraction to Whit and the Hellraisers wicked curse.

The first book in this series was delightful.  The chemistry between the two main characters was powerful.  I’m looking forward to reading many more books about the Hellraisers.

.

 

joysann

joysann

Chicks Kick Butt edited by Rachel Caine and Kerrie L. Hughes

Read by joysann

Thirteen popular Urban Fantasy/Paranormal authors contributed to this short story anthology, giving readers a total smorgasbord of girl-power goodness that can’t be put down. Along with Rachel Caine, CKB includes stories by L.A. Banks, Rachel Vincent, Karen Chance, Lilith Saintcrow, Cheyenne McCray, Jenna Black, Susan Krinard, Jeanne Stein, Elizabeth Vaughan, Carole Nelson Douglas, P.N. Elrod, and Nancy Holder.

I’ve previously read and enjoyed stories by everyone of these terrific authors, and I’m addicted to the series books that most of them have going. I find myself digging out the books I have for a refresher, or marking my calendar with release dates of their next books that I await with anticipation. With this collection, Kerrie Hughes and Rachel Caine bat a thousand as every single story included makes it the best multi-author anthology I’ve read in quite awhile.

 

Come to Barbara Vey’s first Reader Appreciation Luncheon with 38 top authors!  Details here.  

.

Bottom Line:  Just a head’s up…tomorrow is Read a Book in the Bathtub Day and I plan to turn into a prune.

Rainbow Romance Writers Question RWA on Discrimination

Barbara Vey -- February 6th, 2012

Let me start by stating that I don’t belong to RWA (Romance Writers of America) or RWI (Romance Writers Ink) or RRW (Rainbow Romance Writers), but I’ve been trying to follow the storm brewing on the internet about same-sex romances being unaccepted in the More Than Magic (MTM) writing conference offered by the RWI chapter of RWA.

 

In the rules of the MTM contest, it is stated “  Note: MTM will no longer accept same-sex entries in any category.”  No reason in given in the rules.  I have contacted RWI, and here is the information I have received:

On behalf of RWI, a small local chapter of RWA:
After much consideration, RWI regretfully announces the MTM Published Author Contest has been cancelled. All monies received from entrants will be returned as soon as possible. We have heard and understood the issues raised, and will take those concerns into consideration should the chapter elect to hold contests in the future. Please note: our contest coordinator, Jackie, is a chapter member who graciously volunteered to collect entries and sort by category. It is unfortunate that she has become the object of personal ridicule and abuse. We recognize the decision to disallow same-sex entries is highly charged. We also opted not to accept YA entries. We do not condone discrimination against individuals of any sort.

 

RRW president Heidi Cullinan wrote a passionate blog called “RWA Shouldn’t Be in the Business of Discrimination.”  In it she states, “Several members have emailed [RWI] to ask why the change; one member got a reply. She was told it was a hard decision, but some members of the chapter felt “uncomfortable” with same-sex entries.” You can read the entire blog here.

 

KT Grant published, in her blog, a response from Erin Frye of RWA to Isobel Carr regarding RWA’s stance on individual chapter contests.  “Chapter licensing agreements do not dictate the rules for chapter contests, and the idea that RWA can or should police contests run by its 145 chapters is fraught with complications. Following the suggestion logically, how far should RWA go with regulating chapter contests? Should RWA require chapters to only allow entries that would qualify for the RITA competition? If so, that would rule out contests that are open to books that are self published and/or books published by many small presses. Viewing the situation from another perspective, if the Rainbow chapter wished to hold a contest for the best LGBT books, should RWA say that’s not allowed? Personally, I don’t think so. Each chapter is separately incorporated and governed by volunteer leaders who are expected to make decisions in the best interests of the organization they serve. Each chapter is therefore allowed to offer programs and services that reflect the special interests and sensibilities of its members.”  You can read the entire blog here.

 

I see several different issues here.  Do individual chapters have the right to choose what they want to allow into their contests?  Is it discrimination if they don’t?  What if they can’t find readers to judge the contest?  Is it their responsibility to find judges if not readily available?

 

I looked at the RWI website and they appear to be a small group in Tulsa, OK.  I also checked out the RRW website and noticed that they didn’t have a contest available on their site.  Should RRW be required to have one?  And if they did would they accept all types of romance?

 

Is it up to RWA to police all the contest that are run in all the chapters?

 

I sure don’t claim to have any of the answers.  I know this is a hot button topic.  Even though I have read same sex books and we have blurbed about them on the blog, it’s not a topic I normally read.  But then there are other genres I don’t necessarily read because they aren’t my cup of tea.  These are personal choices of mine, but others may be fine with them and that’s okay.  That’s why there are so many choices out there.

 

Now that you have heard all sides, is this an issue that got bigger than it would have if things weren’t so instantaneous on the internet?  Would cooler minds have prevailed if everyone had a chance to have their say?  Do you still believe this was a blatant act of discrimination?  Or was it just a small chapter working within their means?

 

Bottom Line:  No easy answers here today.

 

Monday Giveaways

From Mia Marlow:  Two chances to win an advance reading copy of Mia Marlowe’s TOUCH OF A ROGUE (one of Publishers Weekly’s Top Ten Romances for Spring 2012!). Leave a comment for Mia at http://www.bravaauthors.com/blog on Monday Feb. 6th and at http://jauntyquills.com/ on Thursday Feb. 9th. Good luck!

 

 

 

 

Saturday Matinée

Barbara Vey -- February 4th, 2012

Diabolical by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Collateral Damage by J.L. Saint

The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell

If you have a book video you’d like considered, please send it to me at bvey@publishersweekly.com with Book Video in the subject line.

WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- February 3rd, 2012

Yes, I’m still in Florida enjoying the warm life, but I’ll be going home to real winter on Sunday.  Rats!  At least I have the Silken Sands Conference to look forward to in March in Pensacola, Florida.  Also in March is the 5th Anniversary Bash for Beyond Her Book and time is running out if you want to participate.  Last year we had over 22,600 comments and we’re going to try to break that record this year.  Email me at bvey@publishersweekly.com if you’d like to participate.  Now, here’s the WW Ladies reads of the week.

/

Joan

Vampire in Atlantis by Alyssa Day

Read by Joan

While not a Warrior whose job is to protect the human race, Daniel is a friend of the Warriors and works to have vampires look at humans as other than food. Daniel is tired and ready to walk into the sunlight when he finds himself in Atlantis facing the love he thought lost to him all these eleven thousand years. Serai is one of six maidens that had been encased in glass by an Atlantean high priest, to be awakened when it was their time to wed. However, the Emperor, the magical stone that has kept the maidens safe, is acting erratically as a sorceress tries to obtain it from where it was hidden before Atlantis sank below the sea. Serai and Daniel must find the stone in order to keep Serai and remaining encased maidens from dying, and the Warriors are trying to find Serai after she disappears from Atlantis.

This is the ninth book in a series regarding the handsome Warriors of Poseidon. Though I have not read the other books, I was able to easily follow this fascinating story. I intend to read the previous eight books, and am looking forward to the next book coming out, Heart of Atlantis.

 

joysann

joysann

Angels of Darkness by Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook, Sharon Shinn

Read by joysann

The fascination with angels creates an opportunity for authors to share what they imagine angels might be, and four favorite authors find worlds of romance for them to inhabit.

Angel’s Wolf by Nalini Singh – though nearly broken in a brutal abduction, recovering Guild vampire Noel begins to recover his self-respect when he is sent to Louisiana to the court of the beautiful angel Nimra who rules there, to find her attempted murderer.

Alphas: Origins by Ilona Andrews tells a riveting tale about a young widowed mother slipping into an unknown world where unusual powerful beings battle to protect humanity, and her vital part in that war.

Nocturne by Sharon Shinn returns to Samaria where a young woman, though in hiding from them herself, finds and helps a crippled angel languishing in the attic of a mansion.

Ascension by Meljean Brook – While the Guardian Marc Revoire continues his tasks protecting humans from demons, Radha joins him in an investigation to, if for no other reason, see if she can brighten up the guardian’s somber world.

These stories read well as stand-alones, and are utterly captivating. Three introduced me to romantic fantasy series that I’m now intent on starting from their beginnings and getting lost in their worlds.

/

Michelle

Michelle

Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers

Read by Michelle

Dylan McCafferty receives a note from a woman he’s never met, Olivia frost, that his property in New England needs some TLC.  Dylan’s life is in California and doesn’t know he owns this property.  His father died two years before and never told him about this purchase.  Dylan decides to investigate more about this mysterious property.  Meanwhile Olivia Frost is busily transforming her historic property into a getaway retreat.  As the two lives converge they find, love, jewels and a woman’s past an intriguing aphrodisiac.

A well written novel in which Carla Neggers transformers her characters with each turn of the page.  I found her descriptions of life in Knight’s Bridge so intriguing that I would love to find myself somewhere so idyllic.

.

Heidi

Heidi

Justice in June by Barbara Levenson

.
Read by Heidi

Criminal defense attorney Mary Magruder Katz has her hands full in Miami. She has two of the toughest cases of her career, her family who is worried she is spreading herself too thin and isn’t taking care of herself, and her hot boyfriend Carlos. Mary is risking her own safety while trying to free Luis Corona, who is a suspected terrorist AND trying to keep Judge Liz Maxwell from going to jail for letting drug cases slide through the system. Mary will fight to the end for her clients, but someone is trying to stop them before they even go to trial. Now, Mary’s boyfriend is in hot water too. June will be a true challenge for Mary, all the way to the end.

One of my favorite things about suspenseful novels is when there is a little humor mixed in on the side. I imagined Mary rushing around in the heat of June in Miami, and juggling all her responsibilities, but knowing she just wanted to lay in bed with her hot boyfriend. Then add in a little mystery solving, and you have a fun book to keep you warm.

.

Stacey

Stacey

Immortal Champion by Lisa Hendrix

Read by Stacey

.
A member of a Viking band cursed by a villainous sorceress,Gunnar is quite aware that the noblewoman he rescues from a fire cannot be the one for him. But fate has other plans. Will she be the one to break his curse?

.
I loved seeing this story though Gunnar’s head. But I also adored Eleanor,her strength and the fact that Lisa Hendrixlet her intellectual brilliance shine through. Because the hero is an immortal,the action is allowed to take place over an extended period of time,but the way that the story is written,I found myself glued to every single page. I cannot WAIT for Torvald’s tale.

.

joysann

joysann

The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

Listened to by joysann

Lord John Grey investigates the allegations of corruption by a senior officer, and a vital clue is written in Gaelic. He turns to the only Gaelic speaker he can trust – his Scottish rebellion prisoner, Jamie Fraser. Jamie accompanies Lord John to Ireland where the dangerous investigation leads, creating an opportunity for the two men to begin the friendship that will last decades.

Being an enthusiast for the Outlander series and its characters, I’ve enjoyed the Lord John stories a great deal. Since the relationship between these two men is vital, it’s a pleasure to witness the pieces of their interactions that build that all important trust and loyalty. I always listen to Diana Gabaldon’s books, with their wonderful narrators, and this book gave me no less pleasure than any of the others I so enjoy.

.

Bottom Line:  Today is Bubble Gum Day started in 2006 by children’s book author Ruth Spiro.  I want Double Bubble.

Spacecoast Authors of Romance

Barbara Vey -- February 1st, 2012
Spacecoast Board at Dinner

Lara Santiago, Kristen Painter, Pat Dengate, Roxanne St. Claire, Leigh Duncan, Sandy Moffet, Maria Geraci at Dinner

You have no idea how thrilled I was to be asked to do a workshop for the Spacecoast Romance Writers in Orlando…in January.  I’m from Wisconsin for crying out loud and this is a dream come true.  Blue skies, brilliant sunshine, 80 degree weather.  I left cold, gray Wisconsin to land in cool, gray Orlando.  I didn’t care.  I left my 50 pound winter coat at home and felt free.  The sun would come out soon.

 

What I discovered was that I didn’t need the sun.  This tremendous group of writers radiate the warmth I was seeking.  The board took me out to dinner and we spent hours laughing and talking books, business, family and fun.  Turned out the waitress was a huge romance fan (I had to ask her what she read, after all).  Taking a page from my books on being prepared, author Leigh Duncan had two of her books handy to sign.  The waitress was ecstatic promising to share with her sisters and daughter while she ran off to brag to her fellow workers about her good fortune.

 

Before

Before

After

After

 

 

.

Just as a side note, I did get a pedicure with Kristen Painter.  The woman taking care of me said in broken English, “Wax eyebrows.”  I said no because you can’t even see my eyebrows, they are so light.  But she said, “Too bushy!”  Now I did state on my birthday blog that this would be the year I try new things, so I had my eyebrows waxed for the first and last times.  After she was done she had nerve enough to say, “Now we do hair on lip.”  I told her I liked my hairy lip.  Can you tell any difference?  Eyebrows were never a big thing with me.

 

Spacecoast Officers

Spacecoast Officers

Saturday’s workshop was amazing.  The large group meets in a library (so appropriate) and starts off with good news of new sales, new status (PRO and PAN), new agents and new members.  The support system is delightful to watch as everyone rallies to help each other through tough times while cheering on the successes.  I have found this a constant in the RWA chapters I have visited.

 

When it got to be my turn to speak, I was so energized by the group that the time just flew by.  We tackled the tough questions surrounding social media, dispelling the fears, making Facebook and Twitter a safe and fun place for authors and their readers to connect.  Staying positive was the mantra of the day and several promised to jump into the deep end and give them a try.  I’m happy to report that I’ve seen many members communicating on Facebook and Twitter since.

Spacecoast Chapter

Spacecoast Chapter

 

My best advice is to be yourself and do what you’re comfortable doing.  If you are unsure or nervous in anyway, it will show and for all that is holy, do not just keep repeating, “BUY MY BOOK!”  You will alienate more than you can imagine.

 

After a lovely lunch, I’m happy to say that I won’t be returning to the frozen tundra for another week.  I’m now in Ft. Myers, Florida, just soaking up the rays.

 

Bottom Line:  Really authors, carry one (or more) of your books.  You never know when you’ll meet a potential reader.

 

Giveaways

 

From Kristen Painter:  My “advice for writers” post is live and I’m giving away a copy of Blood Rights. The giveaway runs through the end of the week.

 

 

SCBWI’s Who’s Who of Children’s Book Writing

Barbara Vey -- January 30th, 2012
Chris Crutcher and Mary Buckham

Chris Crutcher and Mary Buckham

Here today as cub reporters are NYT best seller Dianna Love of the Belador urban fantasy series and award winning Romantic Suspense author Mary Buckham.  Mary and Dianna originally teamed up to produce Break Into Fiction™, the book that has helped thousands of writers around the world.  Now they’re entering the young adult market, which is why they were at the Hyatt next to Grand Central Station in New York City to attend the 2012 International SCBWI Conference. 

,

Steven Mooser and Dianna Love

Stephen Mooser and Dianna Love

 

 

SCBWI stands for Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Key figures in the children’s book writing industry gathered this weekend to share insights on one of the largest divisions in publishing – children’s books, from picture books to middle grade literature to the massive young adult novel industry.  The conference sold out weeks ago, boasting 1,148 attendees from 19 countries.

 

 

.

 

Lin Oliver and Stephen Mooser founded this Los Angeles based organization in 1971.  Stephen and Lin set the tone for the conference with their fun chiding and warm welcome then got down to business quickly with an opening panel that reads like the who’s who in children’s publishing – Jean Feiwel, Senior VP and publishing director of MacMillan, Barbara Marcus, Strategic Innovating Advisor with Penguin, Nancy Paulsen, President & Publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin) and agent Rubin Pfeffer with the East West Literary Agency.  They all have extensive experience in the industry and represent a gold list of children’s book authors.   The general consensus of this panel was that children’s publishing is robust and looking up.

 

Justin Jones and Dennis Jolley

Justin Jones and Dennis Jolley

Author Chris Crutcher stepped up on the stage next to talk about how you have to write the story in the correct language for the reader to believe the words. He wasn’t talking about a native tongue, but how words are what has made him the most banned author in the country, even as those same words touch teens in a way that watered down text never will.  As someone who has counseled children and families about abuse and neglect for 25 years, it’s immediately obvious that he knows what he’s talking about.  He explained how you can take a painful subject to its emotional peak if you balance it with humor, and Chris is one funny guy.  He shared a true story about a five-year-old patient that broke your heart one minute, had you laughing in the next, then ended with message of hope.  No wonder his books resonate with kids and adults, too.

 

Panels and keynote addresses were given to the entire conference in the ballroom all weekend. Additionally, attendees could choose three of fourteen outstanding one-hour workshops.  Each of the fourteen programs was presented three times on Saturday so you didn’t have to choose between two favorites in the same time slot.  This was not a conference for learning how to craft a query letter or synopsis that you can learn on your own.  This was a conference for professionals wanting information on a specific area of the publishing industry, which meant every minute was packed with information you can’t get anywhere else.

 

Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

SURPRISE!  Lin Oliver took the stage again before we were released from the ballroom to head for our Saturday workshops.  She had teased us earlier that a special “surprise” guest was stopping by.  Not a soul moved from their seat as Lin introduced her co-writer on a new middle-school series – Henry Winkler. The room went wild as he strolled up to the stage, beaming a big grin that we all know and love so well.  Henry told us how he came to write with Lin.  Many remember him as the amazing Fonzi from Happy Days and even later as a producer, but that doesn’t tell you about the genuine and gracious man who is now a children’s book writer.   More than a celebrity author, Henry Winkler has a deep appreciation for what it takes to be a writer and a great affection for his collaborative partner, Lin Oliver, on their Hank Zipzer series.

 

The sessions that followed were presented by the top in the publishing field.  Executive editor, Cheryl Klein of Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic) spoke on revising for the children’s market. Agent Sara Davies of Greenhouse Literary Agency addressed writing for the children’s thriller market. Executive Art Director Martha Rago of Harper Collins explaining how to make your picture book stand out. Agent Ken Wright of Writer’s House shared insights on publishing nonfiction children’s literature.  Executive editor Tara Weikum of Harper Collins walked everyone through the extensive world of young adult publishing.  The distinguished list of speakers didn’t stop there.  Details of this conference are still available at www.SCBWI.org.

 

Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare

After lunch NYT best seller Cassandra Clare of the Mortal Instruments series gave a ballroom packed presentation on the “love triangle” and what works – or does not  – in young adult fiction.

 

Saturday wrapped up with cocktail party with wonderful food stations where attendees could mingle and meet up with others from their regional chapters.  When you join the national organization, you’re automatically registered with your regional chapter.  Justin Jones and Dennis Jolley are two English teachers from Georgia and pre-published authors of children fiction, attending the conference for the first time.   Christopher Cheng hails from Australia and is on the board for SCBWI, which shows you just how international this organization is.

 

Sunday was just as busy with an award ceremony.  The Tomie dePaola Award is given to the illustrator who shows the most promise and the recipient is chose by Tomie himself.  This year’s winner is Yvette Piette HerreraMike Curato won the prestigious Portfolio Showcase competition.  

 

We had more great panels on Sunday then wrapped up with a book signing where attendees could spend extra time some of the stars in this business.   This is one of the most inspirational and informative conferences in the publishing business.  They manage to put on an event that is warm and welcoming with a high level of professionalism.  Definitely worth every penny to attend.

 

Bottom Line:  “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” ~ Emilie Buchwald

 

 

 

 

Julie Anne Long & Laura Lee Guhrke Stop By

Barbara Vey -- January 27th, 2012
Oak Creek Library Director Jill, Laura Lee Gurhke, Julie Anne Long

Oak Creek Library Director Jill, Laura Lee Gurhke, Julie Anne Long

In the past couple of weeks, several authors have passed through Milwaukee on their book tours.  This week I had the pleasure of lunching with historical writers Julie Anne Long and Laura Lee Guhrke.

 

BV:  You started young with your writing.

JAL:  The moment I could write I began writing stories.

BV:  Laura, when did the writing bug hit you?

LLG:  My mother says I wrote my first book at age 4.  I don’t remember this.

BV: Why Romance?

JAL:  Because I love putting a hero and heroine through their paces and leading them to a happy ending.  I love taking an emotional journey with them.  I get to like a new love story with every book.

LLG:  Happy endings are the best!

BV:  How has the e-book revolution affected you and your books?

LLG:  Tremendous!  Where to start?  Places like Goodreads now does what brick and mortar stores used to do.  By word of mouth I’ve seen a huge growth, especially last year.

JAL:  Work of mouth moves the books more quickly.  It converts interest into sales immediately.  Before readers had to go to the store who may or may not carry the book.  Passionate readers who Tweet also help.

BV:  Have you received any feedback from readers regarding e-books vs paper books?

JAL:  I think a lot of avid romance readers are embracing 3-book vs paper, even steadfast traditionalists because of the instant gratification factor.  I know many readers buy books they love in both digital and paper formats.

LLG:  I find mrmore and more readers going e-book, but paper has a strong, very loyal folling.  I’d say 60% paper, 40% e-book is how mine breaks down.  It also depends on if the reader wants the ability to trade books – that might keep paper fans sticking with paper books so they can trade them  And paper books don’t have the problem of having the same reader.  With paper, you can just loan the book by handing it over, but if you like instant gratification, there’s nothing better than e-books.

BV:  What’s up next?

JAL:  The next book in my Pennyroyal Green Series, A Notorious Countess Confesses will be out in November.

LLG:  I”m starting a new Edwardian series (thing Downton Abbey).  Since I’m still in the beginning stages, so I can’t tell you much, but the heroine has a secret that when revealed will rock the hero’s whole world.

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottom Line:  “Free books are the best calling card.”  ~  Laura Lee Guhrke

 

 

Save the Date

Barbara Vey -- January 23rd, 2012

March 5-10th I will be celebrating my 5 year anniversary writing my Beyond Her Book blog.  The time has just flown by, but the week long “virtual” anniversary bash will certainly remind us all of the community we’ve built here.

 

Last year we gave away 21 e-readers and hundreds of prizes.   This year looks to be bigger and better than ever.  Already we have 2 Kindle Fires and 3 Kindles and Nooks offered along with Amazon gift cards and lots and lots of books. Definitely a readers dream come true.

 

Here’s a link to last year’s event if you missed it:

Monday: Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror,Urban Fantasy

Tuesday:  Thriller/Suspense/Mystery/Adventure

Wednesday:  Publishers, Editors, Bloggers

Thursday:  Inspirational, YA, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction

Friday:  Contemporary, Historical,Erotica, E-books, Audio 

Saturday:  Romance Blowout!

 

If you’d like to be a contributor, send me an email (bhbbash5@gmail.com) and I’ll send you a form to fill out.  If you just want to come to the party, consider this your invite.  Everyone is welcome!  We’re looking to beat the 22,600 comments we received last year.  Readers Rock!

 

Bottom Line:  Everyone is a winner when they belong to a community.

 

 

Matt Hilton Brings Joe Hunter to the US

Barbara Vey -- January 20th, 2012
Matt Hilton

Matt Hilton

Author Matt Hilton visited Milwaukee this week all the way from the UK.  Being a BBC fan, listening to historicals on audio and wanting to visit Scotland (on my bucket list), I was thrilled to just listen to him talk.  Yes, I’m a goner when it comes to accents (and no we don’t have accents in Wisconsin).  But Matt Hilton proved he was more than a pretty voice.

BV:  Matt, did you come to the US just for the book tour of  Crash and Burn?

MH:  Yes.

BV:  What has been your favorite part of the tour?

MH: Meeting old friends and new readers.

BV:  And your least favorite part?

MH:  The flights.  I’m a nervous flyer and it was 8 hours in the plane.

BV:  Is your family with you?

MH:  My wife is with me, but my son, Jordan had to stay home and work at the bookstore.

BV:  You’re a former police office, so did you model your main character, Joe Hunter, on yourself?

MH:  How I wished to be, but I’m too nice.  Although, we do share some traits such as martial arts.

BV: The cover quote compares Joe Hunter to Jack Reacher, how do you feel about that?

MH:  I’m pleased as punch.  I didn’t set out to write a Jack Reacher.  I was reinventing the 1970s, more like Robert Crais.

BV:  Who would win in a fight…Joe Hunter or Jack Reacher?

Max Martini as Joe Hunter?

Max Martini as Joe Hunter?

MH:  Joe Hunter, although I’d rather Joe just asked him to sit down for a cigarette and coffee.

BV:  Where is Joe Hunter more popular…here or in the UK?

MH:  Right now in the UK because I’m on book 7 in the series.  There have only been 3 books published here.

BV:  Have the books become harder to write?

MH:  Easier because I feel I know what the readers want.

BV:  Are the UK and US versions different?

MH:  Yes, for the US the books were Americanized to make the voice more mid-Atlantic I  added a prolog.

BV:  What made you become a writer?

MH:  I was a boxer, did martial arts and worked as a police officer.  I had a family to support and bills to pay.  My daughter, who was 17, was my first reader loved my book and encouraged me to keep writing.  When she passed away 5 years ago, I reassessed my life concentrated on the writing.

Here’s the Drive By Video I did with Matt at the Comet Cafe.

,

Bottom Line:  I’ve invited Matt back to the US for my Reader’s Appreciation Luncheon next year…keep your fingers crossed.

 

 

 

 

Where in the World is Barbara Vey?

Barbara Vey -- January 19th, 2012

It’s the time of year I love, conference season.  Sure, I love summer, but there’s just something thrilling and adventurous about traveling to conferences around the country.  In addition, I’ll also be doing workshops for writers groups.  These intimate gatherings really let me meet the authors up close and personal.

Then there’s my very first Reader’s Appreciate Luncheon here in the Milwaukee area where I’ll host 38 authors and 250 readers.  The big surprise is that I’ve been invited to The Morning Blend, to talk about it on their TV show in February.  My television debut.

I almost forgot to remind everyone about the big 5th Anniversary Bash on the blog March 5-10th.  You won’t want to miss it this year.

Here’s where I’ll be in 2012:

January 28th
Spacecoast Authors of Romance
Orlando, FL (Workshop)

March 5-10
5th Anniversary Bash
Beyond Her Book Blog
Everyone is invited!

March 16-18
Silken Sands Writer’s Conference
Pensacola, FL

April 10th
Barbara Vey Reader’s Appreciations Luncheon
Oak  Creek, WI

April 11-15
RT Convention
Chicago, IL

April 27-28
Spring Fling Writers’ Conference
Chicago, IL

June 4-7
Book Expo America
New York, NY

June 15-16

SE Wisconsin Festival of Books

Waukesha, WI

June 22-24
RomCon
Denver, CO

July 12-15
Comic Con
San Diego, CA

July 25-28
Romance Writers of America
Anahiem, CA

September 20-23
American Fiction Christian Writers
Dallas, TX

November

Murder and Mayhem in Muskego

Muskego, WI

Also, Joysann will be reporting from Lori Foster’s Reader/Author Get-Together and Ellora’s Cave RomantiCon.

 

Remember, if you attend an event I can’t make, let me know that you’d like to be a Cub Reporter and blog it for Beyond Her Book. Just email me at bvey@publishersweekly.com

 

Now it’s your turn to let us know what conferences you’ll be attending this year.  I know there’s quite a few that are on my wish list.

Bottom Line:  Is there a conference in Hawaii I haven’t heard about?