THANK YOU Brenda Pandos for designing these AMAZING bookmarks! They're absolutely perfect. Thank you for capturing my vision of them, before I even knew what I wanted. Can't wait to start dishing them out!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Intervamption Bookmarks!
In other exciting news:
THANK YOU Brenda Pandos for designing these AMAZING bookmarks! They're absolutely perfect. Thank you for capturing my vision of them, before I even knew what I wanted. Can't wait to start dishing them out!
THANK YOU Brenda Pandos for designing these AMAZING bookmarks! They're absolutely perfect. Thank you for capturing my vision of them, before I even knew what I wanted. Can't wait to start dishing them out!
Kindlegraph!
Talks of e-books and the e-revolution buzzed around RWA national this year. Everywhere you turned, people were talking about the "future of publishing" and what that meant.
No one had any solid answers.
BUT one very valid concern did grind my brain more than others: What will happen to book signings and author autographed copies of books once the world turns digital?
Kindlegraph has answered the question.
www.Kindlegraph.com allows authors to electronically sign kindle copies of their books! How cool is that?!?
I've already signed up both Dark Tide Rising and InterVamption. I've already had a few requests for both books--even before I signed up. Aww, shucks, you guys. Nothing like making a girl blush.
Now, I guess, the only question is how this process is going to work when readers want the same experience of waiting in line to meet their favorite authors and get that coveted autograph. Will it be the same? No. Probably not. I think Kindlegraph is simply the first phase of many...one part of the transition of the e-revolution...but what a great one it is!
It's also super easy to sign up. All you need is your kindle/amazon email. I'll be checking my Kindlegraph account regularly...hope to see your request there! :grin:
No one had any solid answers.
BUT one very valid concern did grind my brain more than others: What will happen to book signings and author autographed copies of books once the world turns digital?
Kindlegraph has answered the question.
www.Kindlegraph.com allows authors to electronically sign kindle copies of their books! How cool is that?!?
I've already signed up both Dark Tide Rising and InterVamption. I've already had a few requests for both books--even before I signed up. Aww, shucks, you guys. Nothing like making a girl blush.
Now, I guess, the only question is how this process is going to work when readers want the same experience of waiting in line to meet their favorite authors and get that coveted autograph. Will it be the same? No. Probably not. I think Kindlegraph is simply the first phase of many...one part of the transition of the e-revolution...but what a great one it is!
It's also super easy to sign up. All you need is your kindle/amazon email. I'll be checking my Kindlegraph account regularly...hope to see your request there! :grin:
Friday, July 29, 2011
Those Vampires in Crimson Bay are HUNGRY! Recipes today!
I rolled out of bed this morning in a great mood. Other than the nail stuck in my tire that had the sucker all but flat, today's been good.
In light of my odd morning mood--believe me, I am sooo not the morning person around my household--I managed to find two recipes from the Vampires of Crimson Bay's A How-to Cookbook by Miss Canine
Truly Bloody Mary
• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 3 oz tomato juice
• 3 drops Tabasco sauce
• 1 dash lemon juice
• a pinprick of AB blood
Blend all ingredients. Serve with a blood-soaked celery stick. For mundane tastes, omit the pinprick of blood and replace the blood-soaked celery stick with a dry one.
Tomato basil and O+ soup
• 4 cups chopped seeded peeled tomato
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1 cup of your favorite blood type, freshly siphoned
• 1/3 cup fresh basil
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Bring tomato and juice to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Place tomato mixture and basil in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pan; stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Add cream cheese, stirring well with a whisk, and cook over medium heat until thick (about 5 minutes).
For a healthier version, substitute the blood of a dieting mundane or light cream cheese for the ingredients in the classic recipe. And for mundane tastes, simply omit the blood.
Enjoy!
In light of my odd morning mood--believe me, I am sooo not the morning person around my household--I managed to find two recipes from the Vampires of Crimson Bay's A How-to Cookbook by Miss Canine
Truly Bloody Mary
• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 3 oz tomato juice
• 3 drops Tabasco sauce
• 1 dash lemon juice
• a pinprick of AB blood
Blend all ingredients. Serve with a blood-soaked celery stick. For mundane tastes, omit the pinprick of blood and replace the blood-soaked celery stick with a dry one.
Tomato basil and O+ soup
• 4 cups chopped seeded peeled tomato
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1 cup of your favorite blood type, freshly siphoned
• 1/3 cup fresh basil
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Bring tomato and juice to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Place tomato mixture and basil in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pan; stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Add cream cheese, stirring well with a whisk, and cook over medium heat until thick (about 5 minutes).
For a healthier version, substitute the blood of a dieting mundane or light cream cheese for the ingredients in the classic recipe. And for mundane tastes, simply omit the blood.
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Vampires of Crimson Bay Newsletter via Avon Romance
The last few days have been a crazy-happy whirlwind. I think the best way to describe my elation would be to show you what has me grinning until my cheeks hurt.
Bitten by Paranormal Romance Review
The Jeep Diva Review
Kristin at MyBookishWays also rated it 4 of 5 stars, but the review is yet to come.
If you're interested in a reading a Vampires of Crimson Bay newsletter, follow the Avon Romance link below:
"Kristin Miller’s debut Avon Impulse novel, InterVamption, is set in the wild and wonderful world of Crimson Bay, where vampires and shapeshifters (also known as therians) have battled for centuries. Though the vampires of Crimson Bay are rather secretive, Kristin managed to get a copy of their latest newsletter. Enjoy it HERE–and be sure to download your very own copy of InterVamption today."
And hey, if you want to see a Cali girl explode with happiness, why don't ya comment on the Avon blog post? I think I'd officially die a giddy girl. *grin
Bitten by Paranormal Romance Review
The Jeep Diva Review
Kristin at MyBookishWays also rated it 4 of 5 stars, but the review is yet to come.
If you're interested in a reading a Vampires of Crimson Bay newsletter, follow the Avon Romance link below:
"Kristin Miller’s debut Avon Impulse novel, InterVamption, is set in the wild and wonderful world of Crimson Bay, where vampires and shapeshifters (also known as therians) have battled for centuries. Though the vampires of Crimson Bay are rather secretive, Kristin managed to get a copy of their latest newsletter. Enjoy it HERE–and be sure to download your very own copy of InterVamption today."
And hey, if you want to see a Cali girl explode with happiness, why don't ya comment on the Avon blog post? I think I'd officially die a giddy girl. *grin
Monday, July 25, 2011
Have you heard the news? Intervamption releases tomorrow!
Here's the deets:
What:
Intervamption
The blurb:
Congratulations!
Either one or both of your parents has vampire blood. Welcome to the vampire race!
Please keep a few things in mind as you ease into the most difficult phase of your life:
1. Light sensitivity, humming teeth, and stomach pains are completely normal. You’ll also be faster, stronger, and sexy as hell (if you’re lucky).
2. You’ll bloodlust and go crazy if you deny your body’s urge for blood. Why fight it?
3. Do not pierce the skin of a mundane involuntarily. We’re not animals and will not behave as such.
4. Therians, our shapeshifting brethren, cannot be trusted. Their loyalties shift as often as their identities.
And finally,
5. Lighten up—you’re not dead.
Contact Dylan, owner of ReVamp, in Crimson Bay, California, for more information.
When:
E-Version releases July 26th, 2011
Print copies available August 9th, 2011
Where:
Avon Impulse
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
How much:
E-Version $3.99
Print: $7.99
Why?
"Crisp writing, an intriguing world, wicked humor, and scorching romance—I love Kristin Miller’s InterVamption. If you love paranormal romance, this series is ‘the same but different’ in spades! Get ready to be blown away."--Virna DePaul, National bestselling author of Chosen By Blood
**I hope you read the book, I really do. And hey, why don't you stop by and tell me what you think? I'd loooove to hear from you.
What:
Intervamption
The blurb:
Congratulations!
Either one or both of your parents has vampire blood. Welcome to the vampire race!
Please keep a few things in mind as you ease into the most difficult phase of your life:
1. Light sensitivity, humming teeth, and stomach pains are completely normal. You’ll also be faster, stronger, and sexy as hell (if you’re lucky).
2. You’ll bloodlust and go crazy if you deny your body’s urge for blood. Why fight it?
3. Do not pierce the skin of a mundane involuntarily. We’re not animals and will not behave as such.
4. Therians, our shapeshifting brethren, cannot be trusted. Their loyalties shift as often as their identities.
And finally,
5. Lighten up—you’re not dead.
Contact Dylan, owner of ReVamp, in Crimson Bay, California, for more information.
When:
E-Version releases July 26th, 2011
Print copies available August 9th, 2011
Where:
Avon Impulse
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
How much:
E-Version $3.99
Print: $7.99
Why?
"Crisp writing, an intriguing world, wicked humor, and scorching romance—I love Kristin Miller’s InterVamption. If you love paranormal romance, this series is ‘the same but different’ in spades! Get ready to be blown away."--Virna DePaul, National bestselling author of Chosen By Blood
**I hope you read the book, I really do. And hey, why don't you stop by and tell me what you think? I'd loooove to hear from you.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Good News Galore!
INTERVAMPTION COMES OUT IN FIVE DAYS!!!!!!
*ahem*
Now that I got that out of my system, I feel better.
There are days--oh, believe me, I've had 'em--where I feel like nothing is going right. The writing is sluggish, at best. And I just don't know how I'm going to break-in to the industry that is full of so many wonderfully talented authors.
Everyone's so great! And I'm so...well...I'm just me. From the bottom of the mountain, the climb to "measure up" is steeper than hell.
Today was NOT one of those days. Today was a great writing day. A big day.
At nine o'clock this morning, the UPS guy pulled into my driveway. We weren't expecting a delivery. Husband went outside, received the package, came back in and said, "It's from Harper Collins."
He had me at "Harper".
I opened the package, heart in my throat, and found this:
Wanna see InterVamption's sexy backside? I do...
They're mass market size! They're dark and crisp and perhaps the most beautiful thing I've seen--perfect children aside, of course.
As if today couldn't get any better, InterVamption got it's first review! Here is the link from Goodreads, though I don't know if it's going to show if you don't have an account. It received 4/5 stars and I'm THRILLED to death that the reviewer liked it as much as she did.
I was also asked to be a featured author on a blogging event coming up later this month, but I don't have the details yet. The blogger contacted my publicist, who contacted me...gosh that sounds weird...and of course I agreed to do a Q&A, because HELLO, who wouldn't?
To top the cake, the writing FLOWED today. It was one of those everything-is-in-place-and-right-with-the-writing-world-kind-of-days.
I like those.
Night all.
*ahem*
Now that I got that out of my system, I feel better.
There are days--oh, believe me, I've had 'em--where I feel like nothing is going right. The writing is sluggish, at best. And I just don't know how I'm going to break-in to the industry that is full of so many wonderfully talented authors.
Everyone's so great! And I'm so...well...I'm just me. From the bottom of the mountain, the climb to "measure up" is steeper than hell.
Today was NOT one of those days. Today was a great writing day. A big day.
At nine o'clock this morning, the UPS guy pulled into my driveway. We weren't expecting a delivery. Husband went outside, received the package, came back in and said, "It's from Harper Collins."
He had me at "Harper".
I opened the package, heart in my throat, and found this:
Wanna see InterVamption's sexy backside? I do...
They're mass market size! They're dark and crisp and perhaps the most beautiful thing I've seen--perfect children aside, of course.
As if today couldn't get any better, InterVamption got it's first review! Here is the link from Goodreads, though I don't know if it's going to show if you don't have an account. It received 4/5 stars and I'm THRILLED to death that the reviewer liked it as much as she did.
I was also asked to be a featured author on a blogging event coming up later this month, but I don't have the details yet. The blogger contacted my publicist, who contacted me...gosh that sounds weird...and of course I agreed to do a Q&A, because HELLO, who wouldn't?
To top the cake, the writing FLOWED today. It was one of those everything-is-in-place-and-right-with-the-writing-world-kind-of-days.
I like those.
Night all.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Would you rather...
write one book that hits HARRY POTTER/TWILIGHT hard, then drop off the face of the publishing earth,
OR
write book after book, making a long-standing career in the writing industry?
I've heard this question asked a ton. By my non-writing friends. By critique partners. And I think the response could depend on where in the writing industry you stand. If you've already hit it big and can't seem to make another book work as well (anyone read Meyer's The Host?), you may long for a slow and steady career. But, I could imagine someone on the other foot, coveting that #1 NYT or USA Today Bestseller slot.
I'm not sure where I stand. I look at the Twihards and Potterfreaks and think wouldn't it be cool to have a following like that? I could only dream of writing something so profound that it comes to life and overtakes a generation. All Rowling's money aside (and it'd take boatloads to cast that lot aside, I'm sure), I don't know if she'll ever be able to write anything again, for fear it'll inevitably be measured against Harry Potter...and fail.
Could I write one book or a series of books and be done? Could I stuff the storytelling inside me? I don't think so...
It makes me wonder where Rowling hides her scribbling notebooks. And how much they'll be worth when they're uncovered.
What about you? Which would you rather write? One HUGE hit or a series of steady ones? (Not that we have any control over that, of course, but it's fun to ponder.)
OR
write book after book, making a long-standing career in the writing industry?
I've heard this question asked a ton. By my non-writing friends. By critique partners. And I think the response could depend on where in the writing industry you stand. If you've already hit it big and can't seem to make another book work as well (anyone read Meyer's The Host?), you may long for a slow and steady career. But, I could imagine someone on the other foot, coveting that #1 NYT or USA Today Bestseller slot.
I'm not sure where I stand. I look at the Twihards and Potterfreaks and think wouldn't it be cool to have a following like that? I could only dream of writing something so profound that it comes to life and overtakes a generation. All Rowling's money aside (and it'd take boatloads to cast that lot aside, I'm sure), I don't know if she'll ever be able to write anything again, for fear it'll inevitably be measured against Harry Potter...and fail.
Could I write one book or a series of books and be done? Could I stuff the storytelling inside me? I don't think so...
It makes me wonder where Rowling hides her scribbling notebooks. And how much they'll be worth when they're uncovered.
What about you? Which would you rather write? One HUGE hit or a series of steady ones? (Not that we have any control over that, of course, but it's fun to ponder.)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Guest blogging this morning. Follow me--this way!
Just wanted to stop in to let you know I'm guest blogging over at author Lisa Sanchez's blog today talking about What I Learned at the RWA National Conference.
Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win two free e-copies of my romantic suspense novel, Dark Tide Rising!
Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win two free e-copies of my romantic suspense novel, Dark Tide Rising!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
RWA Parties! Parties, galore!
Every night at RWA National was a party.
The first night my friend and I went to the Hard Rock and heckled two bartenders--one, a Billy Idol look-a-like, and the other, a middle-aged Hispanic man who entertained us while we tried to order (poorly) in Spanish.
Another night was the Avon cocktail party at The Boathouse in Central Park.
It was BEAUTIFUL. See?
I sat outside on the patio with a Cosmo in hand, watching a family of turtles bob in the river below. The sun set, slashing red and orange across the sky, making me dizzy in disbelief. (How on earth did a little gal from northern Cali end up here?) I'm beyond blessed to have been invited to such an event. It wasn't long before people gathered around me on the patio--a few agents (Hi Nalini, Christine and Marlene!) and author Elizabeth Jennings. They are just the nicest people on the planet and I'm thrilled I got to experience that night with them. It was magical. (Yes, Elizabeth, I will go to the Italian Women's Festival with you. No, not this year. Maybe next.)
I felt like I'd stepped into a dream world where NYT Bestselling authors were kind and humble and enjoyed gabbing about writing as much as I did. Oh wait...that's EXACTLY how it was.
*That's NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Eloisa James, posing inside a cut-out of her own cover.
*And that's me, casting adoring glances at the lion. I'm a Leo, you know. We lions gotta stick together.
Another night was the Spencerhill Literary Agency cocktail party. It was great meeting the other writers who are represented by my agent. (They're all smart and savvy and sooo nice, fyi)
*Whatcha think of my dress? *grin
No matter how much fun I had when the sun went down each night, I was glad to get back to my room. (I don't do well running on such little sleep.) Here's an invite and my "comfortable" shoes:
The first night my friend and I went to the Hard Rock and heckled two bartenders--one, a Billy Idol look-a-like, and the other, a middle-aged Hispanic man who entertained us while we tried to order (poorly) in Spanish.
Another night was the Avon cocktail party at The Boathouse in Central Park.
It was BEAUTIFUL. See?
I sat outside on the patio with a Cosmo in hand, watching a family of turtles bob in the river below. The sun set, slashing red and orange across the sky, making me dizzy in disbelief. (How on earth did a little gal from northern Cali end up here?) I'm beyond blessed to have been invited to such an event. It wasn't long before people gathered around me on the patio--a few agents (Hi Nalini, Christine and Marlene!) and author Elizabeth Jennings. They are just the nicest people on the planet and I'm thrilled I got to experience that night with them. It was magical. (Yes, Elizabeth, I will go to the Italian Women's Festival with you. No, not this year. Maybe next.)
I felt like I'd stepped into a dream world where NYT Bestselling authors were kind and humble and enjoyed gabbing about writing as much as I did. Oh wait...that's EXACTLY how it was.
*That's NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Eloisa James, posing inside a cut-out of her own cover.
*And that's me, casting adoring glances at the lion. I'm a Leo, you know. We lions gotta stick together.
Another night was the Spencerhill Literary Agency cocktail party. It was great meeting the other writers who are represented by my agent. (They're all smart and savvy and sooo nice, fyi)
*Whatcha think of my dress? *grin
No matter how much fun I had when the sun went down each night, I was glad to get back to my room. (I don't do well running on such little sleep.) Here's an invite and my "comfortable" shoes:
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Photo Diary of My Week at RWA's 2011 National Conference
Registration Goody Bag:
**Wanna know something cool?!? The Conference was partly sponsored by Avon, my publisher. A thumb drive was part of the registration package. On that driver were four sample pieces of work...one was MINE and the other was my fellow SFARWA member and conference roomie, Rachael Herron! How sweet is that?!?
Me, in front of the Harper Collins office:
*I was sooo nervous for the Avon sponsored Digital Day, can you tell? I'm uber-glad Rachael was nice enough to come with me and show me the ropes. The Digital Day was great. I met everyone from the editors, to the marketing team, to the cover artist who designed my FABULOUS cover, to other lovely Avon authors. It couldn't have gone better.
Holding up my t-shirt at the Avon Signing:
**Wasn't that sweet of them to print it up?!? Totally made my morning. Can't wait to be a part of the signing next year!
Avon Author Spotlight:
*Wanna know the coolest thing about the spotlight? Seeing my cover on the bigscreen. Hearing my wonderful editor, Esi, gush about the book. It feels amazing to know that someone loves my work as much as I do. Oh, and hearing the crowd ooh and aah over the cover and blurb wasn't too bad of a feeling, either. *wink
A little hole in the wall Italian restaurant my roomies found on the last day of the conference:
*It was the BEST Italian food...
...but the company made it better:
*That's A.J., Rachael and me. They seriously made the trip the AWESOME experience it was. We got along so well--it's too easy to LOVE them--that every night I laughed till I cried. I'm gonna miss those slumber-party nights...
The LOOT I ended up taking home:
*Forty-eight signed books in all. $374 worth of top-notch reading material for a $25 checked bag fee. Not too bad, eh? My TBR pile is enormous. Can't wait to dig in.
More to come tomorrow...
**Wanna know something cool?!? The Conference was partly sponsored by Avon, my publisher. A thumb drive was part of the registration package. On that driver were four sample pieces of work...one was MINE and the other was my fellow SFARWA member and conference roomie, Rachael Herron! How sweet is that?!?
Me, in front of the Harper Collins office:
*I was sooo nervous for the Avon sponsored Digital Day, can you tell? I'm uber-glad Rachael was nice enough to come with me and show me the ropes. The Digital Day was great. I met everyone from the editors, to the marketing team, to the cover artist who designed my FABULOUS cover, to other lovely Avon authors. It couldn't have gone better.
Holding up my t-shirt at the Avon Signing:
**Wasn't that sweet of them to print it up?!? Totally made my morning. Can't wait to be a part of the signing next year!
Avon Author Spotlight:
*Wanna know the coolest thing about the spotlight? Seeing my cover on the bigscreen. Hearing my wonderful editor, Esi, gush about the book. It feels amazing to know that someone loves my work as much as I do. Oh, and hearing the crowd ooh and aah over the cover and blurb wasn't too bad of a feeling, either. *wink
A little hole in the wall Italian restaurant my roomies found on the last day of the conference:
*It was the BEST Italian food...
...but the company made it better:
*That's A.J., Rachael and me. They seriously made the trip the AWESOME experience it was. We got along so well--it's too easy to LOVE them--that every night I laughed till I cried. I'm gonna miss those slumber-party nights...
The LOOT I ended up taking home:
*Forty-eight signed books in all. $374 worth of top-notch reading material for a $25 checked bag fee. Not too bad, eh? My TBR pile is enormous. Can't wait to dig in.
More to come tomorrow...
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