Friday Frivolity & Excerpts from New Books!

AUTHORS & BOOKS

Enter my Ginourmous Contest. Five winners will receive a set of eight books each, courtesy of Hatchett Books, to celebrate African-American History Month. Octavia Butler's thrilling vampire novel, Fledging, is included in the prizes!

Enter my other contests: You still have time to enter the contest for Catherine Karp's spooky historical, Voices Airy. I'm also running a Ginourmous Valentine's Day Book Giveaway on my Chick Lit & Chick Flicks blog.

Here's a review of Octavia Butler's Fledgling. "Welcome to the creepy story of Shori Matthews, a 53-year-old vampire who looks like a 10-year-old black girl. Suffering from amnesia, she makes a desperate narrator as we follow her on a dangerous journey of self-discovery and survival. She must somehow divine everything about herself from the clues provided by her strange body, the ashes of those burned homes and -- almost immediately -- a group of men trying to kill her." (Washington Post)

Read an excerpt from Blood Magic by Jennifer Lyon, available on Feb. 24. "His eyes were a vacant and cruel green. She broke into a cold sweat. A voice in her head screamed, Run! Darcy shivered once, then turned and ran. The heels of her black pumps caught in the thick grass. She stopped, turned, and saw that the man was still standing there watching her, a nasty smirk on his full lips." (Random House)

Read an excerpt from Liz Maverick's story in Crimson City. "She looked up again, as she’d been compelled to do over and over for the last twenty minutes, gazing at the top of the doors. Carved into the wide portion of the top piece of doorframe was the Latin translation of the same English engraved into a brass plaque by the doors down on street level where the dogs and more likely, the humans passed by: Come not here if you do not belong. The phrase seemed to mock her." (Liz Maverick)

Read an excerpt from Gena Showalter's upcoming novel, The Vampire's Bride. "That Delilah was now inches from him, practically in his face, her sea-kissed scent tormenting his nose, electrified him. He’d decided to end her, just for the fun of it. Could he, though? he wondered now as his gaze locked with hers. " (Gena Showalter)

Read Kimberly Swan's review of Terri Garey's next Nikki Styx novel, You're the One That I Haunt. "This is the third novel in the Nicki Styx series, and for Nicki living with the dead is about to take a drastic turn. Ms. Garey takes readers on a new ghostly adventure, adding a surprising twist to the storyline." (Darque Reviews)

Read an excerpt and watch the video of Terri Garey's soon-to-be-released novel, You're The One That I Haunt. " 'I think she would’ve chosen otherwise if she’d been thinking clearly,' I said recklessly. 'I think you cheated her.' I waited for some fire and brimstone. 'I think you cheated her out of her soul because she was confused and disoriented when she died.'" (Terri Garey)

Read a summary of Kim Harrison's upcoming White Witch, Black Curse. "Rachel Morgan, kick-ass witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound than Rachel ever imagined, and now she won't rest until his death is solved . . . and avenged. Whatever the cost. " (Random House)

Read an excerpt from Kim Harrison's next book, White Witch, Black Curse. "The bloody handprint was gone, wiped from Kisten's window, but not from my memory, and it ticked me off that someone had cleaned it, as if they were trying to steal what little recollection I retained about the night he'd died."


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

A new Clive Owen movie, "The International," is coming out. I think it's about him running around a lot in a suit, which seems like a damn good story to me. My favorite line is, "You are accusing the world's largest bank of conspiracy and murder." As my character Milagro would say, ha ha and ha. If only the friggin banks had had such low aspirations as conspiracy and a couple of murders. Here's the trailer.



Here's a tribute to Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) of "Torchwood." Yeah, I know it's not running now and no one here sees it, but I remain hopeful. I mean, after all, aliens, alien technology, brave girls, and a hawt omnisexual guy in a long coat.

Ginourmous Contests for Books from Hatchett!

"I was attracted to science fiction because it was so wide open. I was able to do anything and there were no walls to hem you in and there was no human condition that you were stopped from examining." Octavia Butler, 1947-2006


Hatchett Books, which is always tres generous with the freebies for contests, is providing prizes for two ginormous book contests. You can enter my Valentine's Day Contest on my new Chick Lit & Chick Books blog.

The second is in honor of African-American History Month, and I'm hosting it here. There will be FIVE WINNERS and each will get a complete set of the books listed below.

I was really excited to see that Octavia Butler's terrific vampire novel, Fledgling, is one of the prizes. Butler, who died in 2006, was a remarkable writer of speculative fiction. When I bought Fledging, I couldn't stop reading it, even on a long car ride, but the story was worth the headache. I felt haunted by her chilling and heartbreaking time-travel book Kindred.

TO ENTER: Send an email to me at marta AT martaacosta DOT com with Vampire Wire Contest in the subject line.

If you'd like to double your chances of winning, sign up for my newsletter on my website. If you're already signed up (and you know how rarely I send out newsletters!) just mention that in the email. The contest runs through the February 16, and winners will be selected at random.

It's an eclectic set of prizes with everything from Butler's vampire novel, to a suspense-thriller (The Shack), to historical fiction (Stand the Storm), to romance (The Bishop's Daughter).

Fledgling By Octavia Butler

Red River By Lalita Tademy

The Shack By William Young

The American Journey of Barack Obama By The Editors of Life Magazine

Stand the Storm By Breena Clarke

Keep the Faith: A Memoir By Faith Evans

Say You're One of Them By Uwem Akpan

The Bishop's Daughter By Tiffany Warren

Keri Arthur, Karen Chance, and Contests!

AUTHORS & BOOKS

I will announce a ginourmous contest tomorrow with lots and lots of giveaways from Hatchett Books, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Read my interview with Catherine Karp, Suburban Vampire blogger, about her spooky historical novel, Voices Airy, and enter the contest for her book.

Enter a contest for Keri Arthur's next Riley Jensen Guardian book, Deadly Desire. The book cover on top is the American cover, and I like it much more than the murky cover being used in the UK (right).

Here's a description: "The last thing Riley needs in the middle of the moon heat is to be investigating a case...let alone two. But with zombies on a rampage, and vamps showing up dead, Riley is finding it hard to get some much-needed alone time with her sexy vampire lover, Quinn. Worse, a freelance investigator has shown up—an imperious werewolf whom Riley doesn’t much like, but still can’t get off her mind...or her case."

Interview with Colleen Gleason about her upcoming Gardella Vampire Chronicles novel, As Shadows Fade, and a link to an excerpt. "The series has always been about a woman faced with the desire to do and be 'everything'–wife, woman, vampire hunter, Society lady, etc.– and her challenges when confronted with having to make choices and decisions about her priorities." (All About Romance)

Don't miss out on the contest at Novel Reads, which includes prizes like a copy of Jeaniene Frost's At Graves End and Jenna Maclaine's Wages of Sin.

In a squabble of the titans, Stephen King throws a barb at Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series. "The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can't write worth a darn." (MTV News)

Read two chapters from Karen Chance's upcoming novel, Curse the Dawn. "Stalking a time traveler is hard work, even if you are one. Especially when said traveler totally has you made. “Can we talk?” I screamed as I dodged behind a column to avoid a spray of bullets."

Watch the trailer for Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance, to be released April 7, 2009.





TELEVISION & THE INTERNETS

Very funny supernatural series "Reaper" is coming back after a break. "Supernatural drama 'Reaper' will begin its second season on March 3, a couple of weeks sooner than originally announced." (Reuters)

Fans of "Supernatural" stand up for Dean Winchester (played by Jensen Ackles) and his dirty, flirty ways. "Many of you offered impassioned and lengthy defenses about why Dean isn't really a sex addict, just a normal guy.


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

When in doubt, go to the reliable. Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, David Bowie with his worst hair ever, and more!



Here's something for Hugh Jackman fans. He looks like he's a seriously fun guy.

Arcane Society; Robert Pattinson; and Dollhouse

AUTHORS & BOOKS

Read my interview with Catherine Karp, Suburban Vampire blogger, about her spooky historical novel, Voices Airy, and enter the contest for her book.

Amanda Quick, aka Jayne Ann Krentz, has a new Arcane Society book, Perfect Poison, coming out in April. The U.S. cover is on top and the UK cover is to the left. Quite different approaches, but I like the one on top better.

Here's the Publishers Weekly review:

"Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) delivers her reliable blend of sex and suspense in her latest Arcane Society novel. In Victorian London, spinster botanist and psychic Lucinda Bromley meets her match in Caleb Jones, a member of the Arcane Society and descendant of an alchemist family that makes him 'the stuff of myth and legend.' Together, this paranormal pair of snoops sets out to track down a thief who made off with a dangerous plant implicated in the death of a wealthy lord, but wind up uncovering a sinister secret order."

Enter Amanda Quick's contest for With This Ring. "The freethinking authoress of 'horrid novels,' Beatrice is searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite, a mythic treasure she suspects played a role in her uncle's death."

Purely Vampiric has a very nice review of my first novel, Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. "Marta Acosta does a fabulous job with pacing and sequencing. The action, mystery, and humor all blend together into a book that I found thoroughly entertaining and engaging." (Purely Vampiric)

Review of Nalini Singh's Angel's Blood. "here are enough vampires in Angels’ Blood to satisfy even the most demanding vampire fan – some of them sexy, all of them dangerous – and yet they are completely out classed in both the sexy and dangerous monster stakes by the angels." (Love Vampires)

Amy's Book Nook has some mini-reviews up, including one for Sharon Ashwood's Ravenous. "Holly uses her small-m magic talents to bust ghosts to pay for her college tuition. But she gets more than she bargained for when she tries to stop a haunted house from eating the frat boys within."


MOVIES & DVDS

Interview with Dakota Fanning about her possible role in upcoming "Twilight" sequel. "It would be really cool to be a part of Twilight if it works out. I'm a big fan. I saw the first movie but I haven't read all of the books yet, I'm working on it. I would be a vampire, which could really prove that I can be sweet, little Dakota Fanning and then I can be something different on the screen. (Cleveland.com)

Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) may have Dakota Fanning and Lucy Hale as co-stars in "New Moon," the "Twilight" sequel. "Lucy Hale, 19, has also been rumored to be up for a role. She appeared in two episodes of the Disney show 'Wizards of Waverly Place' as Miranda Hampson, Justin Russo's girlfriend...She stars in The CW's new TV show 'Privileged' and portrays one of the Baker twins, co-starring with Ashley Newbrough and Joanna Garcia." (The Improper)

Review of "Moonlight: The Complete Series" starring Alex O'Loughlin, now on DVD. "The relatively young Mick (Alex O’Loughlin, late of The Shield) keeps an eye out for crimes that have hints of the vampiric. As a blood-sucker who eats almost exclusively from the blood bank, only occasionally feeding on exceptionally bad guys, Mick has taken it upon himself to protect southern California from vampires who can’t keep it in their pants..." (Digitally Obsessed)


TELEVISION & THE INTERNETS

Interview with Joss Whedon about his upcoming series "Dollhouse," starring Eliza Dushku. "If the audience loves it and I feel like I could have done better, I'm going to be OK. If the audience hates it and I feel that I put every ounce into that I could, then I'm going to be OK." SyFy Portal)

Interview with Eliza Dushku (Faith in "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer") about her new role in Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse." "It’s all about being in different scenarios and all these different skins and all these different personalities, but figuring out who my authentic self is and who I am and what memories we have versus the memories that are imprinted on us every day in our lives." (Los Angeles Times)


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

Here's a spanking new "Dr. Who" video tribute to Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, whom I adore. Video by n39smm has a fab version of "Wild One."

Interview & Contest with Catherine Karp, Suburban Vampire Extraoirdinaire

"Eerie and eminently readable...Karp deftly investigates the fine line that exists between insanity, criminality, and plain, old-fashioned evil."

Juliet Waldron, author

"...a wonderful mix of serious issues pertaining to the lives of those during World War One and the influenza as well as comical issues of love and the paranormal...it reinforces the need for hope (no matter how fantastical and bizarre) during the tough times."

Tamy Brady, Book Pleasures

I'm a fan of con stories, from Laura Albert's dazzling literary hoax in the guise of JT Leroy to fictional stories, like David Mamet's marvelous play, "The Shawl," about a fake psychic, to the intricately plotted Argentinian film "Nine Queens." So of course I'm fascinated by the topic of Catherine Karp's historical novel, Voices Airy, set in Victorian times, when psychics were all the rage.

Catherine is also the author of Gilded, also set in the Victorian era, and has the very popular Suburban Vampire blog. She's venturing away from historicals to a contemporary vampire novel with satirical elements, The Vampire's Wife.

I'm very happy to have my e-pal here to answer questions about her writing and her latest novel.

Catherine's giving away a copy of Voices Airy. Just leave a comment saying whether or not you believe in psychics, or anything about psychics. The contest runs through Saturday night, and I'll let Catherine select the winner.

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MARTA: I love both psychic and con artists themes. Tell us a little about your novel, Voices Airy, and how you approached the “is she a fake or not” question.

CATHERINE: Voices Airy is the tale of shy, seventeen-year-old Lucy Crumb, who moves in with her Spiritualist medium sister, Rosaline, after the death of their father in 1918. Rosaline's character is a conglomeration of actual late-19th-century/early-20th-century mediums. Most of those women used sex appeal to lure séance customers; many were accused of fraud, although they denied any trickery to their dying day. Voices Airy is purposely never told from Rosaline's viewpoint to help with the mystery surrounding her abilities.

MARTA: Your novel is set in 1918. What was going on then that influenced popular beliefs?

CATHERINE: Séances became a huge phenomenon in the mid-1800s, and then they resurged in popularity during the WWI years. In 1918 America, people were losing loved ones to battles overseas, and the deadly Spanish Influenza pandemic was claiming an overwhelming number of lives at home. People desperately craved finding a link to the beyond to keep in touch with their loved ones. Hence, the con artists came out.

MARTA: What sort of research did you do for this historical ghost story?

CATHERINE: I first stumbled upon the idea for Voices Airy after reading a Smithsonian magazine article called "The Man Who Believed in Fairies" by Tom Huntington. It described Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's wholehearted belief in séances, as well as his public debates on the issue with famed escape artist Harry Houdini. That led me to the book A Magician among the Spirits by Harry Houdini, as well as other Spiritualism texts that offered intriguing insights into the history of séances.

MARTA: Were you influenced by any other writers or ghost stories?

CATHERINE: At the time I was reading quite a bit of historical fiction, although not necessarily ones that included ghost stories. Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace really taught me how to create a historical page turner that could appeal to modern readers. T.C. Boyle's historicals The Road to Wellville and Riven Rock influenced my fascination with bringing out the quirky side of history.

MARTA: Mary Roach wrote the non-fiction Spook about ghosts and the huge numbers of people who claim to have seen ghosts or believe in them. Why do you think we are so fascinated by the concept of a soul trapped on earth? What do you believe?

CATHERINE: I think we love ghosts because we don't want to completely let the dead go. Ghosts are said to make sounds, move objects, and materialize in front of the human eye--tangible signs that death isn't necessarily final. I tend to believe in ghosts myself and have been known to go on quite a few ghost tours throughout the U.S.

MARTA: You’ve also completed Vampire Wife. Why vampires? Did your professors at U.C. Irvine know you had a passion for the paranormal?

CATHERINE: I never imagined myself writing a vampire novel until I was tired one day when I was pregnant with my son and read a Victorian vampire short story. I had already toyed with the idea of writing a suburban satire about my native Southern California, and the vampire story I read suddenly allowed me to figure out how to write my tale. I spent my U.C. Irvine days studying literature and drama more than writing, and the only thing my playwriting teacher noticed was my passion for Woody Allen-style situations--which I use even in my paranormal tales. I love using comedy and awkwardness to get through dark and uncomfortable situations.

MARTA: What are a few of your favorite novels and who are your favorite writers?

CATHERINE:: Some of my all-time favorites are The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh (a witty satire about Los Angeles and the Hollywood funeral industry), To Kill a Mockingbird, and Wuthering Heights. Some favorite authors are Joanne Harris, T.C. Boyle, Elizabeth McCracken, and, more recently, Portland writer Marc Acito. The best ghost story I've read recently is Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesey.

MARTA: How do you balance the whole mother/writer/blogger life?

CATHERINE:: My poor kids have learned that the computer is like a third sibling. I squeeze in writing during quiet times, bedtimes, and school times (although my youngest is only in preschool five hours a week). My husband is home during the summer quite a bit because he's a teacher, so that's when I do my most intense writing.

MARTA: You’re also involved with Coachlight Press. What’s it like to be a small publisher when six huge publishers dominate the industry?

CATHERINE:: It's a huge challenge. My Coachlight partner, Kim Murphy, has done a much better job selling books because she goes out to events most weekends. I turned the company completely over to her after I had my second child because I just couldn't give of myself as much as she could. That being said, I did get invited to speak at history museums, bookstores, tea rooms, etc., back when I promoted myself more…even if my books weren't from a big-name publisher. If you have the stamina, time, and determination, you can slowly get your books sold. Most of our books have also won awards. Not too shabby for an indie company.

MARTA: What’s next for you and where can readers find out more about you and your books?

CATHERINE:: My agent is currently trying to sell The Vampire's Wife, and I have a second vampire novel I'm now revising based on her suggestions. Hopefully, one or both of those books will find a nice, warm home soon.

Thanks so much for the interview, Marta! I'm thrilled to be a part of your Vampire Wire chats.

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You can find out more about Catherine at her website and her Suburban Vampire blog.

Read an excerpt from Voices Airy:

"There are a few rules I must mention," continued Rosaline as Mr. Beveridge related jokes from a downtown burlesque show. "First of all, the spirits despise light. We'll be sitting in complete darkness, and even if you're frightened, do not leap up and open the door. Even the smallest rays could either terrify or damage our visitors."

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Remember to leave a comment (anything you want or just say whether or not you believe in psychics) if you'd like to enter the contest for Catherine's spooky historical novel!