Welcome to Biting-Edge, a blog shared by authors and vampire experts, Mario Acevedo and Jeanne Stein. We’ll cover urban fantasy, vampires, pop culture, and all things Joss Whedon. Unlike other fantasy blogs, we don’t insist on body cavity searches (unless you ask politely). Snarkiness is most welcome...though we won't promise not to bite back!
Sunday, February 03, 2013
When the stars shine
Mario here:
What I'm reading: L.A. Requiem by Robert Crais.
The blog is busting with good news.
This Wednesday, critique buddy, Aaron Michael Ritchey, will present a workshop, Hook Me! Making Your First Sentence, First Paragraph, First Page, First Chapter Irresistible! with the Zenith Writers, Southglenn Public Library, Centennial, CO.
And this weekend, you'll find the Biting-Edge corporate staff (Jeanne and myself)--along with backup, Warren Hammond--in Colorado Springs for GalaxyFest 2013. The fun and shenanigans take place in the Antlers Hilton.
We writers dream of hitting the big time: repeatedly making the major bestseller lists, author tours that include international travel, legions of adoring fans, the requisite movie deal. And it does happen. I'm fortunate to know one such lucky person. (Let me define that luck as mountains of talent, brains, and hard work.) I'm talking about Richelle Mead. Years ago, her publisher sent a manuscript of Succubus Blues for a blurb. I put my critique goggles on and prepared myself to slog through the story. But things worked out differently and by the end of the first page I was hooked. What a story. What a writer. A few months later, Richelle was passing through Denver on a road trip/impromptu book tour. Jeanne and I set up a signing for Richelle at the Denver Book Mall and maybe four people showed up. I took Richelle to the downtown Barnes & Noble to sign stock, and it was a bit humiliating to learn they didn't have her book on the shelves. Fast forward a few short years. Richelle continues with the Georgina Kincaid Succubus series, also writes the Dark Swan series, and the Age of X, and hit gold with her YA Vampire Academy series, which consistently pegs the number one bestseller spot on the New York Times and USA Today. In no small turn of irony, Barnes & Noble now offers stacks of her books. But what I most admire about Richelle is that she's the only author who has had books banned she hasn't even written yet! Take that Kurt Vonnegut and Margaret Atwood! And now, the Vampire Academy movie inches closer to reality. Mark Waters will direct, and Zoey Deutch (left) and Lucy Fry will star as Rose and Lisa. Quit slacking, Richelle.
What I'm reading: L.A. Requiem by Robert Crais.
The blog is busting with good news.
This Wednesday, critique buddy, Aaron Michael Ritchey, will present a workshop, Hook Me! Making Your First Sentence, First Paragraph, First Page, First Chapter Irresistible! with the Zenith Writers, Southglenn Public Library, Centennial, CO. And this weekend, you'll find the Biting-Edge corporate staff (Jeanne and myself)--along with backup, Warren Hammond--in Colorado Springs for GalaxyFest 2013. The fun and shenanigans take place in the Antlers Hilton.
We writers dream of hitting the big time: repeatedly making the major bestseller lists, author tours that include international travel, legions of adoring fans, the requisite movie deal. And it does happen. I'm fortunate to know one such lucky person. (Let me define that luck as mountains of talent, brains, and hard work.) I'm talking about Richelle Mead. Years ago, her publisher sent a manuscript of Succubus Blues for a blurb. I put my critique goggles on and prepared myself to slog through the story. But things worked out differently and by the end of the first page I was hooked. What a story. What a writer. A few months later, Richelle was passing through Denver on a road trip/impromptu book tour. Jeanne and I set up a signing for Richelle at the Denver Book Mall and maybe four people showed up. I took Richelle to the downtown Barnes & Noble to sign stock, and it was a bit humiliating to learn they didn't have her book on the shelves. Fast forward a few short years. Richelle continues with the Georgina Kincaid Succubus series, also writes the Dark Swan series, and the Age of X, and hit gold with her YA Vampire Academy series, which consistently pegs the number one bestseller spot on the New York Times and USA Today. In no small turn of irony, Barnes & Noble now offers stacks of her books. But what I most admire about Richelle is that she's the only author who has had books banned she hasn't even written yet! Take that Kurt Vonnegut and Margaret Atwood! And now, the Vampire Academy movie inches closer to reality. Mark Waters will direct, and Zoey Deutch (left) and Lucy Fry will star as Rose and Lisa. Quit slacking, Richelle.Labels: Aaron Michael Ritchey, discount tires, GalaxyFest, Mark Waters, Richelle Mead, Robert Crais
¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 8:51 PM 3 comments
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
RT Con Wrap Up
I discovered to my delight that one of my panels was taped and we were given permission to share so here is: “Kick-Ass Character” Panel with Charlaine Harris, Christina Henry, Chloe Neill, Jeaniene Frost and me. Moderated by Richelle Mead.
For those who may want to share these videos with your friends, on your websites and blogs; please make sure you credit Eric & Sookie Lovers with a link back to this post, and most especially to LPCoder for recording the videos. The three panelists in the first two videos (available at this link, too and of particular interest to Charlaine, Nalini Singh and Jeaniene Frost fans) have given LPCoder permission to share the videos online, and in turn, she has given us permission to exclusively share them with you.Thank you in advance.
The panel I'm on (here) runs one hour. I think it's worth it.
This was one of the best conferences I've ever attended. Not only because the workshops varied from e-pubing with Joe Konrath to genre panels to reader panels, but because of the opportunities to schmooze with the likes of Charlaine Harris and J R Ward and Jeaniene Frost.
Charlaine and I are friends that go back to the 80's. It's always a joy to be able to spend time with her. As is always the case, her fan club The Charlatans put on a great pizza party! The one on one time she, Paula and I got to enjoy is always worth the trip.
Add to that the excitement of meeting Anne Rice for the first time (I had her sign my first edition Interview With The Vampire) and sharing a few words with Sue Grafton (we met first when A is For Alibi was just released at a signing in San Diego) and I was in fan girl heaven.
Then there's the bar and panel time spent with Jaye Wells, Nicole Peeler, Liliana Hart, Richelle Mead, all not only great pals but great writers, as well. Jill Smith, reviewer at RT Magazine, who takes time from her busy schedule each year to join me for a dinner and solve-the-troubles-of-the-world chat. And Heather Osborn, the gracious and very generous editor at Samhain, who is always ready to party!!
There's never enough time at these things to see and chat with everyone. But YA author Suzanne Lazear and I did manage to do dinner one night. She was resplendent in her gorgeous steam punk outfits.
Crit partner YA author Aaron Ritchey attended also. We had a problem with communication, I had his old cell number so we never did connect until the very last day. But each time I saw him he had women surrounding him so I know he didn't really care! Looking the way he does, it wasn't surprising.
Of course, the very best is meeting readers at a con like this. I'll never get over the thrill of being asked to sign a book or reader or tee shirt or bag. It makes all the anxiety of today's publishing world a little easier to take. I appreciate every one of you.
Which is a good segue into a program I'll be attending Sunday, April 22. Englewood Library's Meet the Faces Behind the Books. Fifty local authors representing fiction, nonfiction and young adult all under one roof. Stop by between 1 - 3 PM
Address:
1000 Englewood Parkway First Floor •
Englewood Civic Center Englewood, CO 80110
303-762-2560
See you next week!
For those who may want to share these videos with your friends, on your websites and blogs; please make sure you credit Eric & Sookie Lovers with a link back to this post, and most especially to LPCoder for recording the videos. The three panelists in the first two videos (available at this link, too and of particular interest to Charlaine, Nalini Singh and Jeaniene Frost fans) have given LPCoder permission to share the videos online, and in turn, she has given us permission to exclusively share them with you.Thank you in advance.
The panel I'm on (here) runs one hour. I think it's worth it.
This was one of the best conferences I've ever attended. Not only because the workshops varied from e-pubing with Joe Konrath to genre panels to reader panels, but because of the opportunities to schmooze with the likes of Charlaine Harris and J R Ward and Jeaniene Frost.
Charlaine and I are friends that go back to the 80's. It's always a joy to be able to spend time with her. As is always the case, her fan club The Charlatans put on a great pizza party! The one on one time she, Paula and I got to enjoy is always worth the trip.
Add to that the excitement of meeting Anne Rice for the first time (I had her sign my first edition Interview With The Vampire) and sharing a few words with Sue Grafton (we met first when A is For Alibi was just released at a signing in San Diego) and I was in fan girl heaven.Then there's the bar and panel time spent with Jaye Wells, Nicole Peeler, Liliana Hart, Richelle Mead, all not only great pals but great writers, as well. Jill Smith, reviewer at RT Magazine, who takes time from her busy schedule each year to join me for a dinner and solve-the-troubles-of-the-world chat. And Heather Osborn, the gracious and very generous editor at Samhain, who is always ready to party!!
There's never enough time at these things to see and chat with everyone. But YA author Suzanne Lazear and I did manage to do dinner one night. She was resplendent in her gorgeous steam punk outfits.
Crit partner YA author Aaron Ritchey attended also. We had a problem with communication, I had his old cell number so we never did connect until the very last day. But each time I saw him he had women surrounding him so I know he didn't really care! Looking the way he does, it wasn't surprising.
Of course, the very best is meeting readers at a con like this. I'll never get over the thrill of being asked to sign a book or reader or tee shirt or bag. It makes all the anxiety of today's publishing world a little easier to take. I appreciate every one of you.
Which is a good segue into a program I'll be attending Sunday, April 22. Englewood Library's Meet the Faces Behind the Books. Fifty local authors representing fiction, nonfiction and young adult all under one roof. Stop by between 1 - 3 PM
Address:
1000 Englewood Parkway First Floor •
Englewood Civic Center Englewood, CO 80110
303-762-2560
See you next week!
Labels: Anne Rice, Charlaine Harris, Chloe Neill, Christina Henry, Heather Osborn, Jaye Wells, Jeaniene Frost, Jill Smith, Liliana Hart, Nicole Peeler, Richelle Mead, Sue Grafton, Suzanne Lazear
¶ posted by Jeanne Stein @ 7:50 AM 2 comments
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Vitajex made me go sproing!
Mario here:
My spy sent this photo of Jeanne sandwiched between Richelle Mead and Nicole Peeler at RT2011. Jeanne tries to look sober though you should notice the open bottle in front of her. Busted!
Here in Denver, Beth Groundwater dazzled the crowd at her Broadway Book Mall signing.
The evening progressed to an art show at Vain Salon, uptown home to the hippest hairstylists in the city. Jamie modeled make-up and hair while handling out Jello shots (there's always room for Jello!)
I love the details behind great stories. Director Elia Kazan and screenwriter Bud Schulberg became pariahs in Hollywood for testifying to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) where they admitted to having been Communists and giving up names. Kazan and Schulberg had joined the Communist Party because they saw communism as a force for progressive social change, a theme in their movies. The two became disillusioned when they recognized communism as a legitimate threat to the United States and that many of their writer friends in the Soviet Union had disappeared (i.e., murdered by Stalin). Kazan's earlier work such as Gentleman's Agreement (a 1947 movie exposing bigotry and anti-Semitism) were straightfoward stories about clear-cut moral choices. His experience before HUAC changed his outlook on life, and his story-telling turned noirish with deeply ambiguous moral dilemmas.
Kazan and Schulberg followed their Marlon Brando classic On The Waterfront (1954) with A Face In the Crowd (1957), an amazingly prescient satire of how media and marketing shape our politics. For many of us used to seeing Andy Griffith as the honest, folksy hero in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, you'll be astonished by his screen debut as Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, the kinetic scheming bum who brays his way to fame and fortune. The man burns with the raunchy, incandescent energy of a punk rocker strung out on speed. Urban myth has us believe that 1950s America was all Harriet Nelson, but the infamous Vitajex commercial holds its own with anything you'll ever see on cable. Gratuitous camel-toe and pills that restore your manly ardor.
Compare the details with Mad Men. The two-faced executives. The decorative, over-coiffed women. The quaint hand-lettered show cards instead of PowerPoint. The skirt chasing that would make any modern HR staffer cringe at inevitable sexual-harassment lawsuits.
We see Lonesome Rhodes revel in his power, cynical and creepy as a mad scientist.
What is the background behind your favorite stories?
My spy sent this photo of Jeanne sandwiched between Richelle Mead and Nicole Peeler at RT2011. Jeanne tries to look sober though you should notice the open bottle in front of her. Busted!
Here in Denver, Beth Groundwater dazzled the crowd at her Broadway Book Mall signing.
The evening progressed to an art show at Vain Salon, uptown home to the hippest hairstylists in the city. Jamie modeled make-up and hair while handling out Jello shots (there's always room for Jello!)
I love the details behind great stories. Director Elia Kazan and screenwriter Bud Schulberg became pariahs in Hollywood for testifying to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) where they admitted to having been Communists and giving up names. Kazan and Schulberg had joined the Communist Party because they saw communism as a force for progressive social change, a theme in their movies. The two became disillusioned when they recognized communism as a legitimate threat to the United States and that many of their writer friends in the Soviet Union had disappeared (i.e., murdered by Stalin). Kazan's earlier work such as Gentleman's Agreement (a 1947 movie exposing bigotry and anti-Semitism) were straightfoward stories about clear-cut moral choices. His experience before HUAC changed his outlook on life, and his story-telling turned noirish with deeply ambiguous moral dilemmas.Kazan and Schulberg followed their Marlon Brando classic On The Waterfront (1954) with A Face In the Crowd (1957), an amazingly prescient satire of how media and marketing shape our politics. For many of us used to seeing Andy Griffith as the honest, folksy hero in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, you'll be astonished by his screen debut as Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, the kinetic scheming bum who brays his way to fame and fortune. The man burns with the raunchy, incandescent energy of a punk rocker strung out on speed. Urban myth has us believe that 1950s America was all Harriet Nelson, but the infamous Vitajex commercial holds its own with anything you'll ever see on cable. Gratuitous camel-toe and pills that restore your manly ardor.
Compare the details with Mad Men. The two-faced executives. The decorative, over-coiffed women. The quaint hand-lettered show cards instead of PowerPoint. The skirt chasing that would make any modern HR staffer cringe at inevitable sexual-harassment lawsuits.
We see Lonesome Rhodes revel in his power, cynical and creepy as a mad scientist.
What is the background behind your favorite stories?
Labels: Andy Griffith, Elia Kazan, Jeanne Stein, Nicole Peeler, Richelle Mead, Vitajex
¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 2:07 PM 3 comments
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Books THEY don't want you to read
Mario here:
Mario here:
Banned Book Week is over and the buzz, in case you didn't hear it, was that fellow Leaguer Richelle Mead is probably the first American author to have a book banned before it was ever written. I'd always imagined the author of a
banned book as a Ted Kaczynski type, some bearded misanthrope writing manifestos, or a Marquis de Sade penning anti-church
pornographic screeds.
So imagine our shock when our own sweet Richelle not only had her current Vampire Academy books banned, but all future books in the series as well. Not even Henry Miller or Kurt Vonnegut managed such a feat. Those schoolmarms in Stephenville are such fraidy cats. Very un-Texan behavior. Yes, redheads are so subversive.
Check out our pals Bitten by Books for a triple-header featuring authors Sam Stone, Eden Bradley, and our own Biting-Edge ex-pat, Marta Acosta.
Another Leaguer Nicole Peeler has the pimpage machine in full blast. Check out Cherie Priest's wonderful new addition to her steampunk series, Dreadnought.
Labels: banned books, Marquis de Sade, Richelle Mead
¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 7:29 PM 3 comments
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Women! An award, a machete, and a Frog Prince. Plus Paul Newman.
Mario here:
Mario here:
We Celebrate!
Fellow Leaguer Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy was chosen as the Best Teen Series at the Canadian Teen Read Awards in Toronto. Go Richelle.
Your help is needed. Another Leaguer, Carolyn Crane, has embarked on a "manly" challenge. Five pull-ups. Who-hah! Drop by her blog The Thrillionth Page and post your support as she charts her success on the Blue Bar of Progess.
Learn her secrets for making coconut soup, which involves a machete. Crane is obviously a woman who likes to express herself physically. Don't forget to put her next book, Double Cross (due Sept 28) on your shopping list. Read a review on The Literate Kitty.
Our intrepid Jeanne Stein with our Mystery Writer peeps (Becky Martinez, Beth Groundwater, and Mike Befeler) at the Mountain & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Trade Show. As expected, the show was a great opportunity to meet regional booksellers and renew contacts. But in a sign of the times in the book biz, the big publishers displayed about half the wares they've usually brought before and were a lot less forthcoming with freebies.
Everybody lusts for something, and if you lust for one of us scribes (and you should), here are 15 Reasons to Date A Writer on Datingish.com. Number 5, I'm all over that one.
But we ink-stained wretches know that while the outside world sees our life at the keyboard as one of unfettered imaginative bliss, reality (as it so rudely does) smacks us daily on the head with petty distractions and necessary chores. LA Times Television Critic Mary McNamara shares her tribulations as a working mom as she struggles with the manuscript in her essay A Working Mother's Guide to Writing A Novel.
The Denver Public Library runs the Fresh City Life program and I'll be teaching a workshop for them, Be Creepy ! How to Write Scary Stories that really Scare. October 5 and 19, 6-7:30 PM at the Fresh City Lounge.
Dancing pal and fellow writing wretch, Elle Lothlorien, has gone the self-published ebook route with a wonderful humorous romance, The Frog Prince. Get your copy HERE.
It's been two years since the passing of one of my heroes, Paul Newman. Anybody have a favorite movie? Mine was Cool Hand Luke. Here's to show that in his prime, Newman was a choice piece of eye candy. Go for it, girls.
Another cultural icon, this one skewered for your pleasure.
See you again this Thursday.
Labels: Dating, Paul Newman, Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy
¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 10:34 AM 0 comments
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Who got lucky? I got lucky.
Mario here:
Lots of book news to cover.
But first, can a Sunday morning get any better than zombies at the coffee shop? These undead beauties from the Denver Roller Dolls were on their way to a publicity shoot and obliged me a photo before they tried to eat my brains.
We'll start with Ernest Hogan, the most unknown Chicano author. Hogan was "discovered" by acclaimed science-fiction author Ben Bova and started out with his cultural mosaic futuristic novel that mishmashes border Spanish with Nahautl in Cortez on Jupiter. Follow his tribulations in literary obscurity on La Bloga, interviews Part 1 and Part 2.
Who got lucky?
I got lucky...
this weekend when I met Deborah Coonts, author of Wanna Get Lucky, her debut novel. Coonts is getting scorching hot reviews about the Las Vegas adventures of Lucky O'Toole, the snarky head of customer relations of the Babylon hotel. Somebody falls to death from a helicopter into the pirate's lagoon at Treasure Island, kick-starting the action that shoves Lucky into characters from a swingers convention, an Adult Film Industry award's banquet, and a brothel, of which her mother is the madame. Naturally. And her best friend is a female impersonator, who decides that (s)he wants to be more than chums with Lucky. A host of handsome studs put Lucky's libido in overdrive and her judgement in reverse. Lucky doesn't feel too lucky but you will reading this story.
Beth Groundwater (left) and Deborah Coonts at the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Mystery Writers of America summer pot luck.
Groundwater was nominated for an Agatha Award for her debut novel, A Real Basket Case, followed that with: To Hell in a Handbasket; a sci-fi novella, The Epsilon Eridani Alternative; and is set to release the first of her Rocky Mountain Adventures series, Deadly Currents, in March 2011. She proves that luck is often disguised as hard work.
The luck continued at breakfast with NYT bestselling Richelle Mead and her hubby Jay, in Denver on family business. Here she is with our own Jeanne Stein, still astounded by my amazing parking skills.
Terry Odell shares the luck, and the love, in her newest romance Nowhere to Hide.
Now over at the Chiseled in Rock blog, Dave Jackson and Betsy Dornbusch, dish on another way to get lucky in this crazy publishing biz.
Labels: Ben Bova, Beth Groundwater, Deborah Coonts, Richelle Mead
¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 5:08 PM 5 comments
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Countdown to Publication
As it gets closer to the publication date of Chosen, I'll be posting more links to interviews and contests with the aim of promoting the new release. It's not my favorite thing to do, but necessary if I hope to sell books. And believe me, in this business, that's what it's all about. But this week, it's really something fun. Bitten By Books has a poll up where you get to choose your two favorite UF covers of 2010. Chosen was nominated! So take a minute, go here and vote--hopefully one of those votes will go to Chosen. Since I'm not above bribery, here's the deal. If you vote (and I'm trusting you here that you'll vote the right way) and spread the word on your own blogs and Facebook pages, tell me and I'll choose from those who participated in a random drawing for a prize!!! Poll and contest end on Sunday at midnight.
A friend sent this-- Nathan Fillion at ComicCon reading a sex scene from "Castle's" book. I think you'll enjoy this.
My publisher is celebrating seventy-five years in the business. If you'd like to learn more about the evolution of the Penguin, Shelf Awareness did a nice issue here .
Have I already mentioned Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy is going graphic? Here’s the cover for the first:
And a nice mention in Shelf Awareness: Richelle Mead, author of the Vampire Academy series, announced that in summer 2011, she will launch graphic novel adaptations of the books--published by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. The novels will be illustrated in full color by Emma Vieceli and adapted by Leigh Dragoon, with Mead overseeing all aspects of the graphic novel editions. The original series will conclude on December 7, 2011, with the sixth and final installment, Last Sacrifice.
For aspiring writers, there'a a new spot to go if you have publishing questions. Six Questions For.. gives you a chance to ask editors, publishers, agents, educators and writers anything-- at least according to the press. Try it here
Writer's Digest puts out a newsletter, too, that always has good stuff. No need to subscribe to the magazine to get in on the newsletter. Email : writersdigest-newsletter@fwpubs.com
This went out over Facebook and was picked up faster than a rabbit gets...well, you know.
Anne Rice, the “Interview with a Vampire” author, who wrote a book about her spirituality titled "Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession" in 2008, said Wednesday that she refuses to be “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat.”
Rice wrote, “For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a Christian ... It's simply impossible for me to ‘belong’ to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else.”
Rice then added another post explaining her decision on Thursday:
“My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me," Rice wrote. "But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been or might become.”
I think I agree with her. What about you?
And because I cannot resist anything Spike, one of our colleagues, Brad is running a hottest vampire series . He also says, "We need funny contributing writers. If anyone's interested, shoot me at bradmouth@gmail.com "
I don't know, anyone who can caption a picture of Spike with "I need carbs and protein" is a pretty funny guy all by himself. Spike is perfect, Brad, perfect. Do you hear me????
Suzanne's debut novel, Innocent Darkness, a Steampunk dark fairytale for teens, will be available from Flux in spring/summer of 2012.
I hope I don't have to wait THAT long to read it, Suzi-- hint hint.
As it gets closer to the publication date of Chosen, I'll be posting more links to interviews and contests with the aim of promoting the new release. It's not my favorite thing to do, but necessary if I hope to sell books. And believe me, in this business, that's what it's all about. But this week, it's really something fun. Bitten By Books has a poll up where you get to choose your two favorite UF covers of 2010. Chosen was nominated! So take a minute, go here and vote--hopefully one of those votes will go to Chosen. Since I'm not above bribery, here's the deal. If you vote (and I'm trusting you here that you'll vote the right way) and spread the word on your own blogs and Facebook pages, tell me and I'll choose from those who participated in a random drawing for a prize!!! Poll and contest end on Sunday at midnight.
# # #
A friend sent this-- Nathan Fillion at ComicCon reading a sex scene from "Castle's" book. I think you'll enjoy this.
# # #
My publisher is celebrating seventy-five years in the business. If you'd like to learn more about the evolution of the Penguin, Shelf Awareness did a nice issue here .
# # #
Have I already mentioned Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy is going graphic? Here’s the cover for the first:
And a nice mention in Shelf Awareness: Richelle Mead, author of the Vampire Academy series, announced that in summer 2011, she will launch graphic novel adaptations of the books--published by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. The novels will be illustrated in full color by Emma Vieceli and adapted by Leigh Dragoon, with Mead overseeing all aspects of the graphic novel editions. The original series will conclude on December 7, 2011, with the sixth and final installment, Last Sacrifice.
# # #
For aspiring writers, there'a a new spot to go if you have publishing questions. Six Questions For.. gives you a chance to ask editors, publishers, agents, educators and writers anything-- at least according to the press. Try it here
Writer's Digest puts out a newsletter, too, that always has good stuff. No need to subscribe to the magazine to get in on the newsletter. Email : writersdigest-newsletter@fwpubs.com
# # #
This went out over Facebook and was picked up faster than a rabbit gets...well, you know.
Anne Rice, the “Interview with a Vampire” author, who wrote a book about her spirituality titled "Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession" in 2008, said Wednesday that she refuses to be “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat.”
Rice wrote, “For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a Christian ... It's simply impossible for me to ‘belong’ to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else.”
Rice then added another post explaining her decision on Thursday:
“My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me," Rice wrote. "But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been or might become.”
I think I agree with her. What about you?
# # #
And because I cannot resist anything Spike, one of our colleagues, Brad is running a hottest vampire series . He also says, "We need funny contributing writers. If anyone's interested, shoot me at bradmouth@gmail.com "
I don't know, anyone who can caption a picture of Spike with "I need carbs and protein" is a pretty funny guy all by himself. Spike is perfect, Brad, perfect. Do you hear me????
# # #
More dear reader news. Here's Suzanne at RWA National with her comments on the picture:
I am convinced that fellow Lolita Leanna Renee Hieber is my long lost sister–and not because people get us mixed up. She was nominated for not one, but two Prism awards. There were a few jokes since she wore all black and I wore all cream. Does that mean one of us is the good sister and one of us the bad sister?
Check out all her comments and pics here :
I am convinced that fellow Lolita Leanna Renee Hieber is my long lost sister–and not because people get us mixed up. She was nominated for not one, but two Prism awards. There were a few jokes since she wore all black and I wore all cream. Does that mean one of us is the good sister and one of us the bad sister?
Check out all her comments and pics here :
Suzanne's debut novel, Innocent Darkness, a Steampunk dark fairytale for teens, will be available from Flux in spring/summer of 2012.
I hope I don't have to wait THAT long to read it, Suzi-- hint hint.
Labels: Bitten by Books, Bradmouth, Richelle Mead, Suzanne Lazear
¶ posted by Jeanne Stein @ 4:08 PM 4 comments
Thursday, July 15, 2010
It's All About ME....
Well, not really. But the first part for sure so you can skip on down if you'd like. I won't mind...much.
Okay, first-- Book Chick City is doing a series called "Where Stories Are Made" and I'm the featured author this week! Hop on over for a peek at my inner sanctum. It was a fun piece to work on. In fact, you might want to bookmark this site because it's always full of fun things.
Second, July is Sci Fi/ Fantasy month over at Tor. One of my stories, The Ghost of Leadville, can be read for free here . Thanks to editor Heather Osborn for inviting me. Heather and I had some fun at RomCon this past weekend. I believe Mario will post pics on Monday.
Third, I heard from my editor that Chosen will have the largest initial print run of all my books so far...that's good news and bad news...Now the nail biting starts. I have to SELL all those books!!! Thanks to everyone who has preordered. That has a lot to do with how many books they decide to print and I appreciate your support.
And last but not least, next week is ComicCon in San Diego. I haven't had a chance to look over the entire program, but this panel jumped right out at me:
Thursday 3:30-4:30 Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries— A discussion with geek gods J. J. Abrams (Star Trek) and Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) on the future of pop culture. EW presents an in-depth conversation with these two creative geniuses about how technology, gaming, and global culture are reshaping how we tell and consume stories on television, film and the web. Plus: Is the superhero movie waning, or is it on the cusp of reinvention? And what do they think the pop culture universe will look like a decade from now? Moderated by Jeff "Doc" Jensen. Hall H
Can you say WOW!!
And speaking of wow, here's my panel:
Saturday 12:00-1:00* Fang Girls and Fang Boys: The Popularity of Vampire Lit *
Authors of vampire fiction for young adults and adults discuss the appeal of their worlds and characters. Authors include: GOC *Charlaine Harris* (The Sookie Stackhouse Series), *Heather Brewer* (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod), *Rachel Caine* (The Morganville Vampires series), *Christopher Farnsworth* (*Blood Oath: The President’s Vampire*), *Chris Marie Green* (The Vampire Babylon series), *Richelle Mead* (The Vampire Academy series), and *Jeanne C. Stein*(The Anna Strong series). Moderator: *Brian Truitt*, Associate Editor | *USA** Weekend Magazine/USA Today* Room 7AB
What a line-up. I can hardly wait. If you'd like to peruse the entire schedule, go here .
I am going to miss my pal Kris Bochum this year, though. She and I had fun star gazing.
Okay--enough about me. How about some screen news?
These tidbits are from Shelf Awareness and Variety:
Television: All Signs of Death
Alan Ball (Six Feet Under, True Blood) will direct the pilot episode of All Signs of Death, which has been greenlighted by HBO. The project is based on Charlie Huston's novel The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death. Variety reported that Ball will also serve as executive producer and Huston is writing the screenplay for the pilot, with production set to begin during August in Los Angeles. No cast has been named thus far.
Movies: Vampire Academy
Don Murphy (Transformers) will team with Michael Preger (Village of the Damned) to produce a film version of Richelle Mead's six-part Vampire Academy series for young adult readers, Variety reported. "The joy of these books is that in the wake of Twilight they offer a chance to create a movie franchise that guys will want to see as well as girls," Murphy said. "Michael and I plan on positioning the films as something both sexes will enjoy together, expanding the genre of sexy young vampires to a whole new audience. We are beginning discussions with studios immediately."
This is great news for pal Richelle Mead because the series was optioned once before by Fox TV and went nowhere. This time it sounds like it's a go. You can catch up with all of Richelle's news here .
And just for fun, a "Which one is right for you?" galley highlighting popular vampires. Guess who my choice is?
I know, I know, he's getting married. But I guess I'll forgive him that one little transgression...
Okay, first-- Book Chick City is doing a series called "Where Stories Are Made" and I'm the featured author this week! Hop on over for a peek at my inner sanctum. It was a fun piece to work on. In fact, you might want to bookmark this site because it's always full of fun things.
Second, July is Sci Fi/ Fantasy month over at Tor. One of my stories, The Ghost of Leadville, can be read for free here . Thanks to editor Heather Osborn for inviting me. Heather and I had some fun at RomCon this past weekend. I believe Mario will post pics on Monday.
Third, I heard from my editor that Chosen will have the largest initial print run of all my books so far...that's good news and bad news...Now the nail biting starts. I have to SELL all those books!!! Thanks to everyone who has preordered. That has a lot to do with how many books they decide to print and I appreciate your support.
And last but not least, next week is ComicCon in San Diego. I haven't had a chance to look over the entire program, but this panel jumped right out at me:
Thursday 3:30-4:30 Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries— A discussion with geek gods J. J. Abrams (Star Trek) and Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) on the future of pop culture. EW presents an in-depth conversation with these two creative geniuses about how technology, gaming, and global culture are reshaping how we tell and consume stories on television, film and the web. Plus: Is the superhero movie waning, or is it on the cusp of reinvention? And what do they think the pop culture universe will look like a decade from now? Moderated by Jeff "Doc" Jensen. Hall H
Can you say WOW!!
And speaking of wow, here's my panel:
Saturday 12:00-1:00* Fang Girls and Fang Boys: The Popularity of Vampire Lit *
Authors of vampire fiction for young adults and adults discuss the appeal of their worlds and characters. Authors include: GOC *Charlaine Harris* (The Sookie Stackhouse Series), *Heather Brewer* (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod), *Rachel Caine* (The Morganville Vampires series), *Christopher Farnsworth* (*Blood Oath: The President’s Vampire*), *Chris Marie Green* (The Vampire Babylon series), *Richelle Mead* (The Vampire Academy series), and *Jeanne C. Stein*(The Anna Strong series). Moderator: *Brian Truitt*, Associate Editor | *USA** Weekend Magazine/USA Today* Room 7AB
What a line-up. I can hardly wait. If you'd like to peruse the entire schedule, go here .
I am going to miss my pal Kris Bochum this year, though. She and I had fun star gazing.
Okay--enough about me. How about some screen news?
These tidbits are from Shelf Awareness and Variety:
Television: All Signs of Death
Alan Ball (Six Feet Under, True Blood) will direct the pilot episode of All Signs of Death, which has been greenlighted by HBO. The project is based on Charlie Huston's novel The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death. Variety reported that Ball will also serve as executive producer and Huston is writing the screenplay for the pilot, with production set to begin during August in Los Angeles. No cast has been named thus far.
Movies: Vampire Academy
Don Murphy (Transformers) will team with Michael Preger (Village of the Damned) to produce a film version of Richelle Mead's six-part Vampire Academy series for young adult readers, Variety reported. "The joy of these books is that in the wake of Twilight they offer a chance to create a movie franchise that guys will want to see as well as girls," Murphy said. "Michael and I plan on positioning the films as something both sexes will enjoy together, expanding the genre of sexy young vampires to a whole new audience. We are beginning discussions with studios immediately."
This is great news for pal Richelle Mead because the series was optioned once before by Fox TV and went nowhere. This time it sounds like it's a go. You can catch up with all of Richelle's news here .
And just for fun, a "Which one is right for you?" galley highlighting popular vampires. Guess who my choice is?
I know, I know, he's getting married. But I guess I'll forgive him that one little transgression...
Labels: Anna Strong, Book Chick City, ComicCon, Richelle Mead, Tor
¶ posted by Jeanne Stein @ 6:12 AM 6 comments
