On Writing

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    Deadly Sting cover art and cover copy revealed …

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    Deadly Sting outer cover Deadly Sting inner cover

    Today, I am pleased to share the cover art for Deadly Sting, the eighth book in my Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

    Once again, the book will have a step-back cover, just like Widow’s Web did. That means that on the Deadly Sting mass market print books, that the red flap (above left) will be the outer cover on top of the interior art that shows Gin (above right). The e-books will just show the interior, Gin art (I’ll post the final e-book cover when it becomes available).

    The cover artist is Tony Mauro, who has also done the other covers in the series. Once again, I think he’s done an excellent job capturing Gin and the story.

    I can also share the book description for Deadly Sting. As always, if you don’t want to be spoiled, you may want to skip reading the description:

    Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

    Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me — Gin Blanco, aka the Spider — it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’ priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

    Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

    Deadly Sting will be released on March 26, 2013. The book is up for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. You can read the first chapter here, although please note that this chapter has spoilers for Widow’s Web, so if you haven’t read that far in the series yet, you may want to avoid reading the chapter.

    Anyway, hope everyone enjoys seeing the cover and the description.

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    Guest blog: Kristen Callihan on First Loves …

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    Kristen CallihanToday, I’m pleased to welcome Kristen Callihan to my blog. She’s the author of the Darkest London historical paranormal romance/urban fantasy series. I met Kristen this year at RWA, and she was nice enough to agree to do a guest blog for me. Take it away, Kristen:

    FIRST LOVES

    We all remember our first love. Especially when it comes to books.

    For me, it was Anne Rice. Since the age of ten, I’d devour any book I could get my hands on. However, my choice of reading material was limited to what was in my house. Thus, I was reading an odd selection of my dad’s Robert Ludlum and mom’s Danielle Steele. But when I was seventeen, while spending the summer at the beach, I came across a dog-eared copy of Interview with the Vampire. And, OMG, it was like a new world had opened up for me.

    FirelightDark and angsty, sensual and rich, the story was at once a fairytale and a nightmare. I loved the idea of immortals who suffered for their supposed gifts. And I loved the fact that their physical strength made them capable of having over-the-top adventures.

    After devouring Anne Rice, I found another love: historical murder mysteries. They captured my fascination because, often, the detective had nothing more to go on than his (or her) wits. Anne Perry, Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, Elizabeth Peters, provided my reading entertainment for years – actually, they still do!

    Is it any wonder that when the time came to write my own books, I incorporated those elements that I found in my first loves?

    The Darkest London series revolves around cursed lords, lonely immortals, and heroines that have incredible powers of their own. Murder and mystery abounds. And lets not forget the sensuality. Because, really, what makes all that angst worth it if not love? And, ahem, great sex.

    Many times, I’ve been asked if I prefer paranormal romance or urban fantasy. And how to answer? I’m always a sucker for romance. I love watching a courtship unfold and seeing to people fall for each other. And I love a good, dark story with strong heroines who know their mind and don’t need a man to save them. I love a good mystery, and not knowing who to trust or where the story will take me. So in truth, I love both. Which is why my stories walk the line between both genres.

    FIRELIGHT AND MOONGLOW GIVEAWAY

    MoonglowSo what about you? Who was your first reading love? What is it about your favorite genres that draw you in and keeps you coming back for more? Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win both Firelight and Moonglow. Two sets of books will be given away. 

    The giveaway is open worldwide and will be open through midnight, EST, Wednesday, Sept. 19. The winners will be announced here on the blog on Friday, Sept. 21.

    You can find Kristen online at her Web site, Facebook, and on Twitter.

    Thanks so much for being here, Kristen.

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    And that’s a wrap (again) …

    The blog tour for Widow’s Web has mostly wrapped up at this point, although I will be doing a few more blogs here and there as my schedule allows. I just want to say thanks again to all the blogs for hosting me and for all that they do to promote books. You guys rock!

    Also, I’m sending out the giveaway books as I get the mailing information from the blogs. So if you are waiting on a book, please be patient.

    Anyway, thanks again to all the blogs and everyone who followed the tour and commented on the posts.