I have made a private blog where I will post chapters of my young adult gothic, The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove. My agent and I would like feedback as we prepare to send it out to publishers. If you would like to read chapters, please email me and I'll add you to the permissions list.
I'll be reducing my blogging here until I get my next book done. However, I'd feel awful without giving you any diversion from your jobs.
Are you missing out on the snarky while waiting for my next Casa Dracula novel? Molly Harper's first novel in a funny series, Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs, has just been released. You can read a review here: "...there are so many funny lines and scenes that I dog eared my copy just to go back and re-read them. This was a fun book all around and right now it’s my choice for my favorite humorous romance for this year." (All About Romance)
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OMG, I loved "Supernatural" last night and not just for the Kurt Vonnegut references, but also the Fabio book covers and the prophet named Chuck, another of their musical references.
Have a fantastic weekend! Here's a Gratuitous Video of the Day to start you off on the right track.
My current contests (see links in right sidebar) are for a copy of Caridad Pineiro's new novel, Fury Calls, and my Ultimate Hawt Vampire List contest will be giving away prizes that include five copies of Larissa Ione's Passion Unleashed. Read Kimberly Swan's review of Passion Unleashed. "Meanwhile his brothers run the demon hospital they’ve put everything into building, so when a dark past catches up with them it’s Wraith who’s targeted." (Darque Reviews)
There are very simple solutions to the problem of the actor aging while the character does not. 1) Tasteful plastic surgery (which has worked so well for Burt Reynolds.) 2) Write a plot justification for the aging. Some demon, some potion, some spell. No biggie. 3) Make clones of James Marsters, which can also be used as prizes in promotional contests.
Number 3 is my favorite. I've been trying to clone my dead dog in my garage for a few months now. I haven't been successful thusfar, but I found some new cloning directions on the internet and I'm still trying.
GRATUITIOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY
I'm still looking for videos of obscure vampires that were nominated in the Ultimate Hawt Vampires Contest. Terri W. suggested Julian Sand who starred in "Tale of a Vampire." It's a gory little video, so be warned, but he is awfully pretty.
Terri also suggested Harker, played by Bruce Payne in "The Howling VI," which answers many of the questions left open by "The Howling V," but finding a decent video of him has been impossible. So I'm posting a GVD featuring the hawt guys of "Buffy" from BlondieBearsGal.
Here's a video for Buffy and Spike (the non-cloned version).
"Andy Hallett, who starred as Lorne ("the Host") on the TV series Angel, died of heart failure last night at age 33, according to his longtime agent and friend Pat Brady. The actor passed away at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after a five-year battle with heart disease, with his father Dave Hallett by his side." (E! Online) Here's another story on Andy Hallett's career:
"Described by his father as 'a very gregarious, happy young man,' Hallett became a fan favourite on the show as Lorne, the red-horned, green-skinned, lounge lizard-inspired owner of a demon karaoke bar." (CBC News)
I liked his cheerful, snarky character on "Angel," and thought some of the funniest shows were built around him.
Here's a video tribute to him by Laerrry that shows the exuberance and joie de vivre of the character that seemed to come right from the actor. You can't fake a smile like that. Thank you for spreading joy, Andy, and rest in peace.
5 copies of Larissa Ione's Passion Unleashed, courtesy of Hachette Books Michelle Hauf's The Devil to Pay Natasha Rhodes' The Last Angel One of my Casa Dracula Novels
I know! I've got more contests coming up in the next few weeks.
I'm providing videos on some of the more obscure of the vampires nominated for the list so that we can all assess hawtness levels. There will be disagreement, bitterness, and unfounded accusations. Feelings will be hurt and egos will be injured. However, if we can somehow come to agreement on some of these nominees, then the acrimony will be worth it. I know you all feel the same way. Now let's hold hands and sing "Kumbaya."
Donnas suggested Richard Roxburghas Count Vladislav in "Van Helsing." My opinion: he totally rocks the ponytail.
Carmen R. nominated Julian Luna, who was played by the late Mark Frankel in "Kindred," a vampy soap opera. Thanks, Carmen, for bringing him to our attention, and he absolutely belongs on the list.
Marnie Collette's obscure nomination is Dominic Purcell from "Blade: Trinity." I would like to say, oh, my, how have I missed this?
The Cullens of "Twilight" were mentioned by a few people, so here's a video to them. Britney Spears' songs are surprisingly good for vampire videos.
The It's All About Me Part of Our Blog:Read a very nice new review of my first novel, Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, at the Examiner: "Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is an entertaining, upbeat, sassy novel driven forth by one very individualistic heroine." I hope you will all buy my books because they're a lot funnier and more entertaining than my blog because they were written after I had my morning coffee, not before.
Read a description of Passion Unleashed: "Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter-and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she's been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin."
So the prizes are: Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione; The Last Angel by Natasha Rhodes; Michele Hauf's The Devil to Pay; and one of my Casa Dracula novels. Pretty dang sweet!
To find out more about the the contest and enter, click on the link in the right sidebar.
Updates: I'm busy on my rewrite ofNancy's Theory of Style(gotta convince my editor to let me use that title), to be published next year, so I can't be all bloggy. However...
Everyone questioned how Whedon would keep interest in a series where the characters' memories are wiped clean every week. Here's how: because he's Joss frickin Whedon. He throws a spanner into the works and the machinery screams to a stop and more interesting developments take place. There were plot holes you could drive a semi through, but that's okay because it worked.
"Ashes to Ashes"is the time-travel sequel to the terrific series, "Life on Mars." The English version, not the just-canceled American one with the ancient, leprechaunian Harvey Keiteldoing his whole auditioning-for-Scorcese schtick. It's just sad, Harvey, so please stop and play age-appropriate roles. Maybe someone's casting another "Lord of the Rings" movie and needs an evil grandfather elf.
"Alex Drake suddenly finds herself in 1981 interacting with familiar characters, not just from her own life-time, but also from the detailed reports logged by none other than Sam Tyler, which Alex has previously spent months pouring over. Alex is ripped from her current world of sexual equality and respect in 2008 and finds herself opposite an arrogant fellow DCI in a Two Tone, New Romantic Eighties London with a soundtrack of Adam Ant, Roxy Music and The Human League ringing in her ears. "
Watch it for Philip Glenisteras charismatic, brash, brawling Gene Hunt and for Keeley Hawes as sexy, clever Alex Drake. Blue eye-shadow and a white leather jacket never looked so good.
It is the best time-travel, detective-in-a-coma, drama with personal psychological themes and a few scary things, and people drinking too much red wine and saying suggestive things series EVER!
As devoted Vampire Wire readers know, theUltimate Vampire List Contest-ish Thing has been extended until Saturday night. Some nominees are beloved and familiar, such as Angel and Spike. But others are less well-known, so I've looked up videos so we can learn more.
Shel suggested Geraint Wyn Davies of "Forever Knight." I have no idea what to make of this video. I'm bewildered and somehow amused, yet disturbed. I don't know if I should be worried about myself or the person who made this video.
Karen W. nominated Quentin Collins, as played by David Selby in the original "Dark Shadows." The muttonchops are terrifying and the music is horrendous, but I can see how the pirate shirt would affect an impressionable girl.
Catherine Karp has a thing for Louis Jordan as Count Dracula in the 1977 version, which is generally thought to be the version closest to Bram Stoker's novel.
Misty went for a newcomer, Alexander Skarsgard as Eric Northman in "True Blood." My best friend in high school had this exact same hairstyle. She was tall, pale, and blonde, too.
In summary, your suggestions have given me a fear of ginourmous muttonchops, cloying pop ballads, and vampires who look like high school girls. I hope you're happy. I'll send you my therapist's bills.
"A thrilling combo of lust, longing, and Latino intrigue!" Fresh Fiction
"...a vampire world that is more believable than most of the others on the market. An absolutely fantastic read!" Huntress Reviews
I'm delighted to have Caridad Pineiro, the author of The Callingvampire series, as my guest this week. She's also contributed to bestselling anthologies, such as Moon Fever and Holiday with a Vampire. I interviewed Caridad almost two years ago to find out how she manages her busy career as an attorney and write so prolifically. Since then, we met when she came to San Francisco last year and, you know, it's really fab when someone you've met online is just as smart and warm as you'd hoped.
Caridad will be giving away a copy of her latest release, Fury Calls, to one lucky winner, as well as a Sins of the Flesh t-shirt. Caridad and I, like most authors, stress out about titles. So, to enter the contest, just tell us your favorite vampire or urban fantasy book title -- it can be a real book, or a title you'd like to see. The contest runs through Saturday night, and Caridad will pick the winner.
She'll also be dropping by through the week to answer any questions or comments.
MARTA: Congratulations on the release of both a novella, Honor Calls, and novel, Fury Calls. Tell us a little about you’re The Calling series and these two books.
CARIDAD: I started The Calling series back in 2004 with Darkness Calls. I had been writing contemporary romances and wanted to try something darker and with more suspense. Since I had always loved paranormal things, in particular vampires, I decided I was going to try my hand at writing a paranormal romance. Plus, since I liked suspense novels and had experienced a very positive reaction to the FBI heroine in my first novel, I decided to combine the two.
We’re now up to book #10 in The Calling (if you count the three novellas!). Although The Calling is a series, each book stands alone although those who are following the series will like seeing old characters return in cameo roles.
In Honor Calls, my February Nocturne Bite, I’ve brought back a character who may be familiar to some readers – FBI Assistant Director in Charge Jesus Hernandez. Since Darkness Calls, he’s been in the periphery of the stories, advising Diana and her partner during their assignments. Always calm and reserved and functioning by the letter of the law. Honorably discharging his duties until the day he runs into Michaela, a vampire slayer who’s now challenging what Jesus knows to be the right thing to do. What will win out -- honor or Michaela’s need for vengeance against the vampires who killed her mother and forever changed Michaela’s existence? I’m looking forward to writing a full story around these characters in the future.
Fury Calls (Silhouette Nocturne) is definitely one of my favorites in The Calling series. It features Blake Richards, a hesitant hero if ever there was one, who finds the strength to reveal his true self and redeem himself in the eyes of not only the vampire underworld, but the young woman who he turned four years earlier. The heroine, Meghan Thomas, is a young coed who lost her life thanks to Blake’s actions but has found the strength to build a new one as a vampire. Her anger at Blake is hopelessly entangled with her attraction for him and the love which is slowly growing as Blake proves himself time and time again.
MARTA: Vampire myths came along the Silk Route from China to Europe. Do you explore those myths at all with your Kiang-shi, the Chinese vampire in Fury Calls?
CARIDAD: I loved exploring the different mythologies of the Kiang-shi. It was fascinating to learn about the differences between Chinese and European vampires and also, about how the impact of European vampire mythology changed the nature of the Kiang-shi myths in modern times.
MARTA: The Calling is a paranormal suspense series, but you also write suspense, romantic suspense, romances, women’s fiction… Can you talk a little about genre?
CARIDAD: I do write in a number of genres since I find it refreshing to try my hand at the different requirements of each genre. I find that writing and reading in other genres helps keep my writing fresh. I primarily write cross genre books since The Calling is paranormal romantic suspense and my November release from Grand Central Publishing, Sins of the Flesh, is also paranormal romantic suspense. I think those two genres are my favorites and it’s an added bonus when I can combine the two in one story.
MARTA: How does Sins of the Flesh differ from The Calling series?
CARIDAD: I was a science major in college and was always fascinated by genetics and immunology – two of my favorite classes. I decided to use some of that learning and create a series around a group of patients who had been the subject of illegal genetic experimentation. Sins of the Flesh is the first book in this exciting new series. Sins is the story of Mick Carrera, a mercenary hired to find and bring in a ruthless killer–no matter what. But when his target turns out to be Caterina Shaw, a celebrated cellist suffering from a terminal illness, the lines between innocent and guilty blur. Instead of a violent criminal Mick finds an injured woman who, having undergone what she believed to be experimental gene therapy treatments, possesses some unusual powers…. Mick soon realizes that Caterina was just a pawn in a terrible game–one that will claim more victims unless they can clear her name and capture the true criminal.
MARTA: Why vampires? What do they represent for you?
CARIDAD: I think many people are fascinated with the idea of being immortal and certainly vampires touch on that fascination. There’s also something very sensual about the exchange of life’s blood that people also find intriguing. I wanted to explore those two facets of vampires, but in addition, make people think about what it’s like to live forever and lose everything around you that is dear and familiar – especially your loved ones.
I also wanted to explore the backgrounds of each of the vampires to discover how it was that they were turned – Was it voluntary? Did they make a sacrifice to become vamps? Each of the vampires in the world of The Calling have become vampires in different ways – some by choice, others via violence. I love exploring those backgrounds and how they have changed the person in their undead life.
MARTA: I really like the role that location plays in your writing. How does your work as a professional in New York influence your characters and stories?
CARIDAD: I had no doubt that when I wrote the first book in The Calling that the stories would be set in Manhattan. The city’s very nature, its size and population, create a natural anonymity allows for people who are different – namely vampires – to live on the edge without discovery. In addition, there are so many different areas to New York City that it would allow me to give people a flavor of all those different places, so the stories have moved from Tribeca and the Lower East Side to Spanish Harlem and the upscale sixties. Each one has its own vibe, allowing me to show the different facets of New York City.
But I will be moving The Calling to Miami for one story – Ardor Calls – which will be out in 2010. Why Miami? I wanted to show Diana Reyes’s roots since she has been the foundation of the series since the first book and also because the heroine in Ardor Calls – Stacia – is an outrageous and intriguing vampire elder and deserved a different and unique locale for her story.
MARTA: Would you care to theorize on the popularity of paranormal and urban fantasy fiction, shows, and movies? What if anything does it say about us as a society?
CARIDAD: I think that the current trends in these movies and shows reflects a number of changing facets of our society. For starters, the women in these novels have a tendency to be more empowered and that is very satisfying to both men and women. Gone are the days of wilting heroines. Men and women want heroines who can stand up for themselves and these two genres provide that.
In addition, these two genres are also pushing the envelope sexually in a variety of ways which also appeals to quite a number of people. Finally, these two genres are creating new worlds and challenging our concept of our existing world and I think that novelty and challenge interests many readers who are looking for something new to read.
MARTA: My brother and I traded books of ghost stories when we were kids. What is the earliest paranormal story you remember liking?
CARIDAD: LOL! I remember watching Saturday afternoon horror movies with my mom and sis, but I have to say my earliest favorites were the superheroes – Superman and Batman. I love comics and still do! I think part of the appeal of Sins of the Flesh for me is that Caterina and the other gene therapy patients have certain aspects of super heroes by virtue of the powers they come to possess by virtue of the illegal experimentation done to them.
MARTA: How can readers keep up with all your books and activities?
CARIDAD: I love to hear from readers and they can find me on my website or The Calling.
To enter the contest for a Sins of the Flesh t-shirt and copy of Fury Calls, leave a comment telling us your favorite book title or a title you'd like to see on a book.
GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY
This week GVDs will feature nominees of for the Ultimate Hawtest Vampire List Contest-ish thing, which has been extended through this week. Henry Fitzroy as played by Kyle Schmid on "Blood Ties" was named by more than one reader. Here's a new video from Moonsault89.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm the author of the Casa Dracula books. Casa DraculaBook 4will be published October 2010. I'm happy to hear from readers; email me at marta AT martaacosta DOT com.
Authors and publishers are welcome to email me for interviews, contests, and nonsense. I am particularly interested in nonsense.
TELEVISION & THE INTERNETS
Some sad news first. Theresa Meyers, author of Salvation of the Damned, thought Vampire Wire readers would want to know that Andy Hallett of "Angel," just passed away:
"A thrilling combo of lust, longing, and Latino intrigue!" Fresh Fiction
In Honor Calls, my February Nocturne Bite, I’ve brought back a character who may be familiar to some readers – FBI Assistant Director in Charge Jesus Hernandez. Since Darkness Calls, he’s been in the periphery of the stories, advising Diana and her partner during their assignments. Always calm and reserved and functioning by the letter of the law. Honorably discharging his duties until the day he runs into Michaela, a vampire slayer who’s now challenging what Jesus knows to be the right thing to do. What will win out -- honor or Michaela’s need for vengeance against the vampires who killed her mother and forever changed Michaela’s existence? I’m looking forward to writing a full story around these characters in the future.
is definitely one of my favorites in The Calling series. It features Blake Richards, a hesitant hero if ever there was one, who finds the strength to reveal his true self and redeem himself in the eyes of not only the vampire underworld, but the young woman who he turned four years earlier. The heroine, Meghan Thomas, is a young coed who lost her life thanks to Blake’s actions but has found the strength to build a new one as a vampire. Her anger at Blake is hopelessly entangled with her attraction for him and the love which is slowly growing as Blake proves himself time and time again.
CARIDAD: I was a science major in college and was always fascinated by genetics and immunology – two of my favorite classes. I decided to use some of that learning and create a series around a group of patients who had been the subject of illegal genetic experimentation. Sins of the Flesh is the first book in this exciting new series. Sins is the story of Mick Carrera, a mercenary hired to find and bring in a ruthless killer–no matter what. But when his target turns out to be Caterina Shaw, a celebrated cellist suffering from a terminal illness, the lines between innocent and guilty blur. Instead of a violent criminal Mick finds an injured woman who, having undergone what she believed to be experimental gene therapy treatments, possesses some unusual powers…. Mick soon realizes that Caterina was just a pawn in a terrible game–one that will claim more victims unless they can clear her name and capture the true criminal.
CARIDAD: I had no doubt that when I wrote the first book in The Calling that the stories would be set in Manhattan. The city’s very nature, its size and population, create a natural anonymity allows for people who are different – namely vampires – to live on the edge without discovery. In addition, there are so many different areas to New York City that it would allow me to give people a flavor of all those different places, so the stories have moved from Tribeca and the Lower East Side to Spanish Harlem and the upscale sixties. Each one has its own vibe, allowing me to show the different facets of New York City.
