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.

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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?

 

Internet Blackout Day

Barbara Vey -- January 18th, 2012

Since today is Internet Blackout Day, I’ll join Wikipedia, Google, Reddit, WordPress, TwitPic, Cheezburger, BoingBoing, and Mozilla, source of the Firefox web browser in going dark against SOPA/PIPA.

 

I just wanted to announce the winner (as promised) of Sherrill Bodine’s new book from Monday’s blog…Marilyn Baron.  Marilyn, please email me at bvey@publishersweekly.com with your snail mail address.  Congratulations.

 

Bottom Line:

Sherrill Bodine Talks Elizabeth Taylor

Barbara Vey -- January 16th, 2012
Sherrill, Tiffany and Molly

Sherrill, Tiffany and Molly

I caught up with author Sherrill Bodine while she was in town appearing on The Morning Blend, a local talk show featuring Molly Fay  and Tiffany Ogle.  Sherrill is here promoting her new book, All I Want is You.

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BV:  What was your favorite part about being on television?

SB:  I love the energy.  Molly and Tiffany did their homework and knew all about me and my love for travel.

BV:  You recently had a book launch party in Chicago, that I sadly had to miss.

SB:  It was at the iconic Drake Hotel.  There was champagne, an orchestra and people danced.  It was co-sponsored by Michigan One Magazine.

BV:  I hear your latest book is about jewelry.  How did that come about?

SB:  A friend at Lulu’s at the Belle Kay (vintage store) introduced me to vintage costume and couture jewelry.  I’m now a student and avid collector, so the heroine is one too.  She finds old pieces and recreates them into new pieces to give them new life.

BV:  How would you describe All I Want is You?

SB:  It’s a contemporary romance with a dash of mystery and suspense.

BV:  What tagline would you give this book?

SB:  How far would you go to prove someone you love is innocent of a crime?

BV:  What’s up next for you?

SB:  A comic book called, Whispers From the Void.  I also am writing a memoir and a sexy, sassy contemporary with Chicago as the backdrop.

BV:  Thanks for stopping by and having hazelnut coffee with me.

SB:  Love talking to you…it’s been too long.

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Sherrill Bodine is offering a signed copy of her book to one lucky commenter.  The winner will be posted Wednesday.

 

Bottom Line:  Liz and Dick…talk about a romantic couple.

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Monday Giveaways

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From Romance University: Monday, January 16 - New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros puts your opening scene to the test. If you can answer “yes!” to Teresa’s three questions, you might have the next best seller. One lucky commenter will win a copy of Teresa’s new release THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS. Comment on the blog.

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From Mia Marlowe Mia Marlowe hosts mystery author Lois Winston at  on her blog Jan 16th. Leave a comment for a chance to win Lois’ DEATH BY KILLER MOP DOLL!

The blog tour for SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER by Mia Marlowe and Connie Mason offers 2 chances to win a copy of the book on every stop! Join Mia at the following blogs:
Jan 17th The Royal Reviews
Jan 19th Love, Romance, Passion
Jan 20th Seductive Musings

Saturday Matinée

Barbara Vey -- January 14th, 2012

Hot Rain by Kat Martin

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

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.

Bookstore Comes Alive

Barbara Vey -- January 13th, 2012

The most mesmerizing, adorable video has popped up on YouTube for all of us book lovers.  The idea of books coming to life after the bookstore closes is right up there with Toy Story.  It’s addicting and I’m sure you won’t be able to watch it just once.

 

According to the explanation:

“After organizing our bookshelf almost a year ago, my wife and I (Sean Ohlenkamp) decided to take it to the next level. We spent many sleepless nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto.”

 

We all thank you for your diligence.  And a special thanks to all my Facebook buds who posted this for me to discover.

 

 

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Bottom Line:  “Look! It’s moving. It’s alive. It’s alive… It’s alive, it’s moving, it’s alive, it’s alive, it’s alive, it’s alive, IT’S ALIVE!” ~ Dr. Henry Frankenstein

WW Ladies Book Club

Barbara Vey -- January 11th, 2012

It’s been a lovely winter, more like spring actually.  But tomorrow they are predicting snow storms and the perfect excuse to cuddle up with your tbr pile, a throw and a hot drink (preferably with whipped cream).  Time to get some serious reading done and the WW Ladies are here with their reads of the week.

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joysann

joysann

Harvest Hunting by Yasmine Galenorn

Listened to by joysann

Some werewolves have gone missing, including the pregnant sister of one of their friends, so Delilah puts her skills as a private detective to work to find the woman before it is too late. She uncovers a cruelly evil, deadly magic worked by sorcerers to be used in the upcoming demon war. It is no surprise to learn that she, her sisters, and family and friends are all targeted by the agent of the demon general.

The D’Artigo sisters’ lives are complicated, but very magical and intriguing. Each book in the Otherworld series is narrated by one of the three half-human, half-fey women, bringing different perspectives and personal revelations to the ongoing story, keeping it fresh and interesting. Harvest Hunting kept me enthralled for many hours of pleasurable listening. There are a couple of newer books in the series out, so I have some serious catching up to do, and I’m looking forward to it.

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Heidi

Heidi

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Addison Fox

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Read by Heidi

Sloan McKinley wants to escape New York and her stifling, overbearing mother that only wants her married to be more popular in their “circles”. Sloan’s best friend Grier, is in Indigo, Alaska after the death of her estranged father, and needs Sloan’s support. Sloan finds herself in the tiny town, that is preparing for the Great Bachelor Competition. That is the last thing she wants. But Walker Montgomery, town lawyer and confirmed bachelor, is turning her head and possibly her heart.

Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!! The first of the Alaskan Nights Series has everything a long, cold winter night could ask for: Adventure, Self-discovery, Love, Friendship, and of course a small town full of RUGGED HOT MEN!! Imagine yourself curled up under a comfy blanket and reading this cozy love story and you will be completely satisfied. I am really looking forward to the next installment of this series!!

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joysann

joysann

The Wild Ways by Tanya Huff

Read by joysann

An indication of her Wild Power, Charlotte “Charlie” Gale has a different kind of magic than the rest of her family, one that allows her to slip through time and space with music and a walk in the Wood. While playing with a Celtic band in Nova Scotia, she sides with the environmentalists against the building of an oil platform that would endanger a seal colony and the selkies that live among them. Wiith her teen-aged cousin Jack, with draconian magic in his own right, she sets about finding a sealskin thief who is using the fae to further the industrialist’s goals.

Tanya Huff introduced the fascinating Gale family in The Enchantment Emporium, and their convoluted relationships, unusual family dynamics and their magic are marvels of imagination. This second book is an exciting continuation, and the likable characters make me want to know more about them, and where they are going. There is much mystery in the Gale family history, and in their magic, and I hope this unfailingly entertaining author is planning to give us more.

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Michelle

Michelle

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

Read by Michelle

David is a young boy whose mother has died of cancer.  While he and his father are learning to move on, his father brings a new woman home and they then have a child together.  David retreats into a world of fantasy by pouring through his beloved books.  His affinity is for myths and fairy tales.  In their new home David is surrounded by a mystery of a lost great uncle, the whisperings of the characters in his books and the haunting notion that his mother is trapped and needs his help.  David finds himself lost in an unknown world, faced by fears and not knowing who to trust.  His goal is to find the king who may be the only one able to send him back home.

This was an enchanting tale of adventure, imagination and faith.  Mr. Connolly takes the reader on a fast paced journey to the underworld of unimaginable beasts.  The only way out is to let go and face your fears.
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Loretta

Loretta

Wicked Lies by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush

Read by Loretta

Laura Adderly has just received her final divorce papers, but to her dismay has also discovered that she is pregnant.  To add to her problems she has begun receiving searing messages in her brain from her brother, Justice Turnbull.  He is incarcerated at a Security Psychiatric Hospital, and is able to communicate with her mentally.  This crazed killer has escaped from his cell  and is vowing to destroy her and her unborn child.

Lisa Jackson and her sister, Nancy Bush are co-authors of Wicked Lies – an out of this world novel -  you might say!  The suspense had my heart pounding and my breath coming in gasps as I devoured page after page os this astounding story.  Although it is only 529 pages long, I thought it was not long enough.  A thriller throughout!

 

The winner of Marjorie M. Liu’s 2 signed new releases from Monday’s blog is Denise McGee.  Denise please email me your address.  bvey@publishersweekly.com  I’ll pass it on to Marjorie and congratulations!

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Bottom Line:  I’m off to Wautoma to visit a pal and my hardest decision is what audio book to listen to in the car…decisions, decisions.

 

 

A Peek into Marjorie M. Liu’s Library

Barbara Vey -- January 9th, 2012
Spacious living room

Spacious living room

I was fortunate enough to spend some time last week with New York Times best selling author Marjorie M. Liu. Marjorie lives on 45 acres in Indiana and just built a new home that she designed herself. I did a Drive By Video of Marjorie in her spacious library (very jealous).

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Beautiful orchids adorn the kitchen counter

Beautiful orchids adorn the kitchen counter

 

The house is large, bright and airy. A perfect setting for a writer and Marjorie is the consummate writer. She currently has two books out, Into the Flames, book 11 in the Dirk and Steel series and The Mortal Bone, book 4 in the Maxine Kiss series. In addition, Marjorie has written many comic books including X-23 and Black Widow — and she’s the new writer for Astonishing X-Men.

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BV: Marjorie, how is it having two books out at the same time?

MML: It’s very surreal, especially as Within the Flames (Dirk & Steele) and The Mortal Bone (Hunter Kiss) are from two very different series.

BV: Is it even possible to favor one series over the other?

MML: Not really, no.

BV: You’ve also written stand alone books.

MML: I feel as though most of my Dirk & Steele novels are standalone, but as far as full-length books that are unattached to any series whatsoever? I haven’t written many. Short stories and novellas, on the other hand, are another matter entirely.

BV: But there is another side of you that every serious comic book person knows about you.

MML: Yes! I’ve been writing monthly comic books for Marvel over the last few years. I started out with NYX: No Way Home, then transitioned into Dark Wolverine, Black Widow, X-23…and now, Astonishing X-Men!

BV: It’s quite an honor to be one of the few women in the field of comic books. Does it add extra pressure to you?

MML: The only pressure I feel is to tell a good story.

BV: I also hear that you have a special book coming out this summer that is somewhat unusual.

MML: Ha! Yes, it’s called WhipStitch, and it’s about a young woman who discovers that her nice, very proper Great Aunt was a famous dominatrix during World War Two. Also, all of her nursing home friends are former dommes, as well! There’s a mystery, a light paranormal element, and some thrills and chills.

BV: It definitely sounds like something that I’d want to read. I like quirky, mysterious books. Thanks for letting me visit with you and the wonderful tour of your home.

MML: It was my pleasure, Barbara. I hope you visit again soon!

 

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Marjorie has graciously offered to give away signed copies of Within the Flame and The Mortal Bone to one lucky commenter.  Marjorie will pick the winner to be posted in Wednesday’s blog.

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Bottom Line: I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

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Monday Giveaways

From Jill Stone:  Get Lost in a Story has a lucky Friday the 13th giveaway! A copy of Linda Wisdom’s latest release: A Demon Does It Better.

 

From Susan Carlisle:  Giving away a basket of goodies and a copy of my book Heart Surgeon, Hero…Husband? this week to celebrate its release. The winner will be picked from those who stop by and comment on my blog.