Editor Laura sent me the full mechanical of the Zen cover. It’s a biggie, so I’ll just link to it.
Second quickie–I’m going to be doing another Write Along With Katie as I write the next vamp book. WAWK starts on Wednesday, and everyone who is trying to get some writing done can join in the fun. Details and sign up can be found in the message forum.
This is Bill. Yes, he has all his clothes on. I know, I know, you guys like your DGM with much flesh available for viewing, but sometimes, it’s good for us to see them clothed.
The question is, would Bill be better suited as a dragon, or a vamp? I’m leaning toward dragon, myself, but I’m willing to entertain other suggestions.
Today’s field trip is courtesy of an e-mail that’s being passed around showing the absolutely amazing body painting work of Guido Daniele. I’m just in awe of his abilities to paint hands to resemble various animals.
In addition, I wanted to mention that Brenda Novak’s yearly auction for diabetes research is now in full swing, and there are many fabulous items available. This year, I’m donating all the profits I would have seen from a master class at Writer University, which will be held (I believe) in January 2009. Since Mr. Katie used to have diabetes, I’m a big supporter of Brenda’s auction. Which reminds me I need to go browse some of the offerings again…
Penguin Putnam put an ad in today’s USA Today newspaper. Geek that I am, I saved a copy. My husband says I squealed when I saw it, but I maintain I was dignity personified.
Squee!
[Thumbnail links to a bigger picture]
Thank you all for the lovely supportive comments yesterday in the face of my angsting over Playing With Fire being out early in some stores. I much appreciate all the warm fuzzies, not to mention the kind comments about the book itself. I’m so tickled it’s finally out and I can talk about it, since I love and adore the dragons, and am having more fun with them than I can possibly explain. I’m just thrilled that May is now out there starting to tell her story, and that Gabriel is getting his time in the sun. So to speak.
Today I really, really, really need to get cracking on the next vamp book, which will follow Zen and the Art of Vampires. I’m still waiting to hear from my editor about Zen, however, and that’s causing me to drag my feet a bit. I’d hate to start writing this beast only to find out my editor objected to some thread in the first book. I don’t think she’s likely to, but hey, I’m Irish–we worry a lot. It’s our job, and dammit, we do it well.
Whilst I am off worrying and angsting, and trying to wake my muse up and get her back to work, here’s a hump day question for you all: what’s your current favorite breakfast food?
My good news is going to be rather obvious–it’s release day for Playing With Fire! Hurrah for Gabriel finally having his turn in the limelight.
I just sent out the official release newsletter (which you can find online if you haven’t subscribed to the newsletter, although I have to raise an eyebrow at the very idea of not subscribing), so now the official “waiting to see how it will do on the bestseller lists” angsting can begin. That’s opposed to the unofficial angsting, which is a general state of affairs here at Rancho Doghair.
Given that the book has been out early at some bookstores - causing much rending of clothing, general wailing, and muttered dark threats - I assume that the pre-release sales will significantly lessen the impact it will have on the bestseller lists. And while it’s true that the lists are really only ego fodder (although the marketing folk like good hits, since they use them to get the big book buying accounts excited about subsequent releases), it has made for a frustrating few weeks here while the publisher tried to figure out just why the book was being sold ahead of time.
Regardless of all that, it’s pub day, and that’s always a time of celebration. In recognition of this event, I hereby give you leave to celebrate all day. And share your good news, too - because what’s a celebration without good news?
Erik is a model. He’s a tad too skinny for my taste–I prefer men with a bit of bulk to them, so that should I fling myself upon them, they would be able to survive without toppling over backward–but I can only assume that he will fill out as he gets older.
I’m going to have the refrain “Can I get a napkin, please?” going through my head all day, I just know it. And since I must share my torment, here’s a link to Food Court Musical.
The janitor is definitely my favorite.
Happy Friday everyone! It’s the end of my last week of non-writing, so I’m going to do nothing but play today. Well, and update my website, and deal with some reader mail, and try to update my spreadsheet o’ contract info, and brace myself for edits on Zen and the Art of Vampires, which should be hitting me any minute…ugh. Maybe I’ll just play.
I’ve been trying to update my records with a list of what books are published where (since April saw the publication of the German version of Sex, Lies, and Vampires, and May will bring with it the UK version of Sex and the Single Vampire), and after much investigative work…well, OK, I made my darling agent Michelle get a list from my publishers…I ran to earth a couple of foreign edition covers I hadn’t seen before.
I won’t tell you which is which, although the first one ought to be easy enough to guess.
[This is published in the Czech Republic, BTW]
Russian vamp book
Another Russian vamp book. OK, it’s one that follows the previous cover. That’s all the hint you’re getting from me!
And last but not least, because how could 1980s classic romance cover be least? I mean, seriously! Look at that faaaabulous artwork. *cough*
We’re a week away from official pub date of Playing With Fire, and I’m celebrating that with a book video that Justin, my web designer, whipped up.
Your turn to share with the good news!