Oh dear lord, what have I done?!?

Decided to light a fire under my bum and signed up for NaNoWriMo that’s what. Yikes!

Okay, so I am already two days behind so I have got a lot of catch up to do. What is worse, I had thought on focus on a story that I have been writing off and on for ages, but that really isn't the point of the exercise is it? That one has become albatross-esque, and may actually benefit from me taking a break from it.

Time to concentrate on one of the other ideas I've had bouncing around: whhich should it be? The werewolf PI one, the depressed psychic soldier one or the ‘accidentally get a strange superpower’ one? Seriously, they are each good ones: just trying not to give too much away. Oh, decisions!

UPDATE: Ended up writing about 700 words in each of three stories. Because that makes the most sense (that's sarcasm, people!). Was hoping one would just suddenly jump to foreground and take over... No luck.

I blame the sniffles and coughing.

Going to sleep now, and hoping that my Nyquil-induced dreams will focus on one of the three and by morning my decision will be made.

And start watching the goings-on at The Odd Shots. It is the place to be if you want to follow some great urban fantasy and paranormal romance writers, namely: Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brooks, Nalini Singh, Patrice Michelle, and Jill Myles.

They are having a giveaway as part of the site launch: a copy of Must Love HellHounds. But back off... that puppy's mine! (Kidding... or am I?)

(also posted at Dragonkat.com

Review
The werewolves are coming.

Bran, leader (Marrok) of the North American werewolves has decided that, much like the Fae had done several years before, it was time for werewolves to announce their existence to the world. To ensure that this goes smoothly he arranges for an international conference with the werewolf leaders from around the world to discuss how it should be done and sends his son and pack enforcer, Charles, and Charles' mate, Omega werewolf Anna, as representatives at the summit.

While a conference may not sound all that interesting keep in mind we are talking about lychanthropes here and Briggs weaves an intricate tale of warring supernaturals with enough twists and subplots to keep the reader on the edge of their seats.

Here we are introduced to the leader of the British wolves, who is convinced he is Arthur reincarnated, as well as the mad French leader, the legendary Beast of Gévaudan, Jean Chastel. There is a neophyte Omega werewolf who is the source of conflict between the Italian and German delegates. Also a Fae, whose powers are shaded in secrecy, who will be acting as mediator for the conference. Did I mention that she and Charles has a romantic past? Roll all that together with a gang of vampires using werewolf magic and tactics to try and kidnap Anna and the couple really have their hands full.

In Briggs' deft hands we also get to see how the couple are adjusting to their new mating. Charles with his violent background may not seem to be the best match for the traumatized Anna but with her he can show all the gentleness and caring that he has been forced to keep hidden. Anna experiences continued growth here as she slowly becomes more at ease with her relationship with Charles and gains more confidence in her intuition and ability to reason as well as her darker nature.

With vivid characters, intricate plotlines and beautiful writing this book is sure to please and can be read alone, though you would be better off reading the first book, Cry Wolf.

P.S. Look for the reappearance of Tom and Moira, first introduced in Briggs' short story 'Seeing Eye' in Strange Brew

Rating

Originally posted at www.dragonkat.com



Book blurb
UNREPENTANT UNIMPRESSED AND TOTALLY UNDEAD
Eric's got issues. He has short-term and long-term memory problems; he can't remember who he ate for dinner yesterday, much less how he became a vampire in the first place. His best friend, Roger, is souring on the strip club he and Eric own together. And his girlfriend, Tabitha, keeps pressuring him to turn her so she can join him in undeath. It's almost enough to put a Vlad off his appetite. Almost.

Eric tries to solve one problem, only to create another: he turns Tabitha into a vampire, but finds that once he does, his desire for her fades -- and her younger sister, Rachel, sure is cute. And when he kills a werewolf in self-defense, things really get out of hand. Now a pack of born-again lycanthropes is out for holy retribution, while Tabitha and Rachel have their own agendas -- which may or may not include helping Eric stay in one piece.

All Eric wants to do is run his strip club, drink a little blood, and be left alone. Instead, he must survive car crashes, enchanted bullets, sunlight, sex magic, and werewolves on ice -- not to mention his own nasty temper and forgetfulness.

Because being undead isn't easy, but it sure beats the alternative.

Review
Void City isn’t like other American cities. For one, well it is inhabited by a whole lot of supernatural creatures. One in particular, Eric, is not having a good, well, un-life. He is a vampire who owns a strip club and just woke up in an alley with no memory of how he got there (getting embalmed before you rise from the dead can play havoc with the memory) and had to kill a werewolf in self-defense. And wouldn't you know it; the werewolf was connected. No, not that way: he was connected to a bunch of old-time-religion holy rollers who aren’t too pleased with vamps in general and strip club owning ones in particular.

In situations like this it is good to turn to your friends. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to be very willing to help. His best friend and business partner is acting off and the woman who would have been his wife (if he hadn’t become a vampire) is getting on in years and cranky. Then there is his current girlfriend, Tabitha, who really, really wants him to turn her. When he gives in and does it instead of the happily ever after she’d expected, he loses interest in her, especially after he meets her younger sister.

These days, a vampire owning a strip club is cliché, but Lewis makes Eric a character well worth watching. He may have difficulty remembering things but he is still a young vamp and hasn’t lost his humanity. He runs his business with kindness, taking care of his girls – and donors – with respect and understanding. Sure he is crude, sarcastic and caustic, but he genuinely cares about the people around him and he works hard to try and protect them.

I found the world that Lewis build around Eric fascinating. Not only are the characters rich, the way he describes the vampire hierarchy is complex and original. Excellent work.

Rating

Originally posted at www.dragonkat.com



Review
Vampires in NYC. Heck, vampires controlling NYC. Very gangland.

In Huston's take on popular vampire myths, Manhattan has been divided up by the vampire clans and our hero, Joe Pitt, is a well-connected ‘rogue’ just trying to find his way in the world that really doesn't like rogues.

Joe is also a PI, who is hired by Marilee Horde, a prominent New York socialite, to locate her runaway teenage daughter, Amanda, who may be slumming with homeless goth kids in the East Village. Meanwhile, a "carrier" is on the loose, infecting its victims with a bacterium that turns them into brain-eating zombies and the group of uptown corporate-type vamps, The Coalition, want Pitt to find and destroy the carrier. After all, an influx of zombies does kind of bring unwanted attention to the undead community.

And what a fucked-up world this is! This story will suck you in, turn your stomach, and yet leave you wanting more. I loved the diversity of the type of vampire groups: corporate uptown-ers; 60s radicals, motorcycle gang-ers, tai chi higher being-seeking vamps, gangstah vamps, etc. Huston takes the usual vampire conventions, mixes in social commentary and adds enough violence to keep the most bloodthirtsy horror fan happy.

Rating

Suzanne McLeod wants to know what your favourite zombie fiction, TV or film is. And in return you could win wonderful zombie-esque prizes! Head over to her site or her LiveJournal to learn more!

Fan of the LOTR?

Then you have GOT so see this independently created film, inspired by the series: The Hunt For Gollum. The atmosphere is down pat, though the storyline may be a little shaky (just not sure about why there is a Nazgul present). Acting, fighting and all other stuff is wonderful too!

This may not be for everyone...

It contains two things that may not go over well in the UF/PR community.

First, it is about a same sex relationship. Male/male. So if you think that is ooky, don't read any further.

Second, it is about fan fiction. You know, a story written, by a fan obviously, using characters created by other people for books, movies or in this case a TV show.

Some folks look down on that sort of stuff, but frankly I've found some writers there that blow me away. Sure, they may not have created the actual character, but they stay so true to the character that someone else created you can barely see the difference. And the stories, the situations, the plots, the love scenes... amazing. I once spent almost a whole year reading nothing but fan fiction, discovering some of the best writers I have ever read, (saving lots of money) and never felt any loss because it wasn't an actual book. Why some of those writer don’t have publishing contracts I just don’t know. I guess because most of what they had written - to date - had been fan fiction…

Now I am not saying that they are all good. There is a LOT of dross out there for that rare spot of gold. Believe me; there have been many, many some times the stuff I was reading made me want to scrub my eyes with bleach. Of course I’ve also paid for some novels that made me want to do the same thing.

When it comes to fan fiction, I am not sure how published writers feel about it. Most, I think, ignore it. I’ve seen some writers mention it in their blogs and say that they are okay with it, and then I've seen others be very vociferous in their denunciation of it. Personally, I would think it would help sell more books or attract people to TV shows and movies. I know I have done all of those things (picked up a book, started watching a show or a movie) because of a 'fic. Still, I am not a published author (yet) so I may feel different once that happens.

About the 'vociferous denunciations'; I have seen most because of that one little fact that I mentioned first: they don’t like the whole slash aspect. Now, not all fanfiction is slash, but there is enough of it out there that it could be threatening. Homosexuality is not fully accepted (yet) and it can cause some people - especially the original creators of the character - to balk.

As I have not yet a creator of an original character (that any of you know about yet at least) I can't comment on that. I, again, may feel differently once I finally make it into print. I do know that I have no problem with homosexuality (and before you ask, hetero woman here). I do have a caveat when it comes to sex; it must be between consenting adults (no force, children or animals), but that caveat goes for all sex, regardless of orientation.

Whoa! Way to start getting way off topic... my point is that I read fan fiction. I read both het and slash fan fiction. And once in a while I find a writer who blows me away.

And I am babbling now because I found one. The show they write for is CSI: NY, which is one of my person fave shows. And being someone who has all the DVDs and is an avid watcher, I can tell you that I really think this writer has gotten the 'voices' of the characters spot on.

The aspect that they have added - which is why I am mentioning it here - is that they have added a supernatural element, integrating it seamlessly into the reality that is New York City. In this world, supernaturals exist alongside humans, perhaps not fully peaceably, but they are there and people know about them.

I also think this fic sets itself apart from others I have read because, for the most part it is about one character, and focuses on his back story. Supernatural back story, and also his relationship with the other CSI: NY characters. With characters who may have been alluded to through the show, but not introduced. And even a few characters who have been introduced in the show (or other shows), but at a time long before they went on to television 'fame'.

The author has also done a pretty complete 'world' build for this story. Much like Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris or Laurel Hamilton have done; this writer has created a world where supernaturals are among us, we know about them and have an uneasy co-existence with them. It has depth and it has history.

Frankly, if this story didn't contain characters from a TV show that I love deeply, and it was a straight UF story, I'd still count it as one of the best I've read in while.

Okay, I'll shut up now, but if you do want to risk the read, I highly recommend "We Don't Die" by jetpack-angel. The list of the component chapters (still ongoing) can be found at: http://jetpack-angel.livejournal.com/4166.html.

Yeah, yeah... I've been absent. Real Life SUCKS! Will try to do better.

In the mean time, I hope these make you chuckle.

Some rules on writing good quoted from William Safire's book *Fumblerules*

1. Avoid run-on sentences they are hard to read.
2. No sentence fragments.
3. It behooves us to avoid archaisms.
4. Also, avoid awkward or affected alliteration.
5. Don't use no double negatives.
6. If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times: resist hyperbole.
7. Avoid commas, that are not necessary.
8. Verbs has to agree with their subjects.
9. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
10. Writing carefully, dangling participles should not be used.
11. Kill all exclamation points!!!!
12. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
13. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
14. Take the bull by the hand, and don't mix metaphors.
15. Don't verb nouns.
16. Never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
17. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.

Originally posted at www.dragonkat.com



Review
An older book, but still a good one!

S.M. Stirling is one of the the best writers of alternate history fantasy out there. I also greatly enjoy Andre Norton and Rosemary Edghill’s Carolus Rex series, as is Eric Flint’s Ring of Fire series. I admit to some occasional confusion about what alternate history is versus what urban fantasy is (and don't even get me started on paranormal romance). After all, urban fantasy does re-write history to some extent; making it include vampires, shapeshifters and zombies. I guess my definition is that if it is something that happens in the past (even if just 1998, as in this series case) that makes things spin off in a different tangent, well that is alternate history. If it is vampires, fairies and other supernatural beings doing stuff in modern, mostly-urban settings then it is urban fantasy. Just don’t ask me what happens in situations where in the past, vampires, fairies and other supernatural beings come out and make things spin off in a different tangent… that is just too confusing (though I'll read those books, don't get me wrong. Will just avoid classifying them).

Still, this trilogy is a great example of what a truly gifted writer can do: take the current world, change one thing and create a new world that is as believable as the one we currently live in (is this one real or is it just aliens playing marbles… you decide). Stirling provides us with descriptions of a land gone wild, complete with ruined cities and towns so convincingly crafted we can almost see them. He does dip into the usual writer's foible of having the good guys be just so darn good, but his descriptions of land, man and beast are so authentic you can almost smell the woodsmoke and see all of those kilts flapping.

Despite its title, this is more of a set-up to the war between the Bearkillers/Mackenzies and the Portland Protective Association, than the actual war. It is like watching the chess pieces being moved about the board; setting up for the final moves. Sorry, I don’t play chess so will have to leave that analogy at that.

If you don't have this trilogy (Dies the Fire, The Protector's War and Meeting at Corvallis), I suggest you get them as soon as possible. They are intricately woven tales about how the world could be, and maybe even will be.

Rating

I posted a review for Anton Strout's first book in this series, "Dead to Me" here, giving it 5 Dragons. I mentioned that the next in the series, "Deader Still" was coming out on Feb 24th... well it is out now!

And Bitten by Books is giving you an opportunity to win a copy of the book.

Stop over and follow all their rules for how you can win the book (there are lots of ways to get an entry (or more). And remember... if you win 'cause you say it here you have to share the book with me. J/K (or am I?)

Good luck!

Originally posted at www.dragonkaty.com




Back Blurb
Psychometry - the power to touch an object and divine information about its history-has meant a life of petty crime for Simon Canderous, but now he’s gone over to the good side. At New York’s underfunded and (mostly) secret Department of Extraordinary Affairs, he’s learning about red tape, office politics, and the basics of paranormal investigation. But it’s not the paperwork that has him breathless.

After Simon spills his coffee on (okay, through) the ghost of a beautiful woman - who doesn’t know she’s dead - he and his mentor plan to find her killers. But Simon’s not prepared for the nefarious plot that unfolds before him, involving politically correct cultists, a large wooden fish, a homicidal bookcase, and the forces of Darkness, which kind of have a crush on him.”

Review
What happens when Good and Evil meet at the junction of bureaucracy?

Simon Canderous has spent years using his special gift of psychometry for nefarious purposes, but he is working for Good now, in the form of New York City’s Department of Extraordinary Affairs. Author Anton Strout’s description of life in the bureaucratic hell that is a government agency is spot on – even if the agency’s role is to protect the Good. Mountains of paperwork, fascinating but bizarre characters and the occasional zombie cleanup definitely make Simon’s determination not to fall back into a life of crime interesting.

While still trying hard to learn the job under the tutelage of his mentor Connor, Simon manages to find himself mixed up with a very confused ghost, evil cultists, a wooden fish, and a bunch of FOGies.

Much like the forces of Darkness, I too have a bit of a crush on Simon. Or maybe it is on Anton Strout for creating him. I love this world he has created and I am going to be eagerly waiting for the door to the bookstores to open on February 24th when the second Simon Canderous story, Deader Still, comes out.

Rating

Originally posted on my site: www.dragonkat.com

 

Back of Book
Mason used to be an enforcer, ensuring that suspect magic practitioners stayed in line. But he gave all that up for a quiet life scraping out a living playing guitar, keeping a low profile with Louie, his magical... well, let's call him a dog. Luckily, Louie has a sixth sense for danger, and Mason knows exactly how dead he'd be without him.

It's Halloween in the Castro district of San Francisco, which means that for once Mason doesn't have to worry about the fact that vampires and ghosts are stalking the streets. What he does have to worry about is how his old flame Sarah became the victim of an attempted possession - leaving her an empty shell.

Mason's only clue is the green rune stone found is her hand...

Review
Mason is not having a bad year. He's got no girlfriend, no money, no upcoming gigs; he's even gone back to working as a practitioner just to make ends meet. He's in a major funk, and even partying on Castro Street isn't helping. When he is called on to help find a fellow practitioner who has gone missing, Mason finds himself with a new mystery to solve: what - or who - had left one of his old flame's an empty shell.

Poor Mason. He really doesn't have much luck with his old girlfriends does he? And things don't necessarily get better in New Tricks. Mason is joined in this tale by the some of the same characters found in the first book - including the required Louie - as well as some new ones who prove intriguing, though I admit I did figure out whodunit early.

Still, as in the first book, the plot is very enjoyable. We are given an opportunity to learn more about the possible genesis of ifrits, including a theory which, when acted upon, results in the creation of a horrible and deadly situation. It also begs the other questions: how far should practitioners go to help themselves rather than others, and does the end justify the means?

After reading this book I am even more invested in this series, and eagerly looking forward to more tales about Mason and Louie.

Rating

You may not know, but Australia holds a special place in my heart. My mother and sister moved there years ago and I was there over Christmas meeting my first nephew for the first time. Right now it is deeply saddened by the horrific wildfires that are devestating whole towns, killing people and destroying wildlife.

Especially after seeing stories like this, about this poor koala. I love koalas...



I know times are tough all over, but if you can help out... please do

I'm big on helping the animals:


If you would prefer to help the people who have been hurt by these fires, please donate here:



Thank you!

It's gone. My laptop is dead and there is no way to retrieve ANY of my data.

100% total hard drive failure.

Everything on that computer is gone. My entire novel, all my WIPs, all my emails, my contact lists, everything. 

My entire life.

Originally posted on my site: www.dragonkat.com



Back of Book
First in a new urban fantasy series-with a bite as magical as its bark.

Mason used to be an enforcer, ensuring that suspect magic practitioners stayed in line. But now he scrapes out a living playing guitar. Good thing he has Louie, his magical...well, let's call him a dog. But there are some kinds of evil that even Louie can't sniff out. And when Mason is attacked by a supernatural assailant, he'll have to fall back on the one skill he's mastered in music and magic-improvisation.

Review
I am a cat person. I just want to say that at the outset. I don't hate dogs or anything, just not as fond of them as I am of cats. Having said that, I love Louie.

Louie may look like a miniature Doberman Pinscher but he is actual an ifrit and packs a mystical wallop, and is very helpful in guiding his owner/slave/companion Mason through the supernatural mess he finds himself in.

I also totally 'get' Mason. He is a man who has embraced that which gives him joy: playing jazz guitar, something he does a great deal of skill. He does have his shortcomings though: playing jazz guitar doesn't bring in many bucks, and Mason is also someone who gets bored easily, only able to hack regular gigs for a while. Therefore money is tight, but he accepts that because he wants to live life the way he wants.

Oh and he also has magic. Once again, he uses it in his own way: recognizing that he isn't the strongest user, but he is good at improvising - something he learnt from his music - and able to put that knowledge to good use when he finds himself in a jam. he is also very ethical in his use of magic, though he has a fairly laissez-faire attitutude towards other magic-users.

Mason is happily minding his own business when he is attacked magically. His search to find out why leads him back to a life he'd left behind, a group of enforcers; people who ensured that magic practitioners stayed in line and, of course, the woman he'd once loved. His search for the truth behind the attack, the disappearance of magic practitioners and ifrits and the emergence of strange and mystically powerful jewels all come together in a compelling urban fantasy tale.

One thing I particularly enjoy is the way John Levitt paints a picture of a San Francisco, and its denizens, that is so close to reality. The people who have magic powers don't seem all that different from the people you'd normally bump into: a buttoned-up but openly gay corporate type, a couple of leftover hippies, the driven and ambitious women, back-to-nature sports type, and various street people. People we would all recognize but who, in Levitt's world, have that extra 'umph'. Despite this, Levitt doesn't stereotype any of them. They are archetypes we recognize but ones that don't necessarily do what we would expect of them. Very refreshing.

This is a series that I would highly recommend to fans of the genre. If you like urban fantasy, this is one of the best examples of it.

Rating:

Originally posted on my site: www.dragonkat.com




Back of the Book
You can run from the grave, but you can't hide . . .

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won't let her get away again.

Review
I may never complain about my family again...

This is the second in the Night Huntress series, and once again we meet Cat Crawfield, who is no longer slaying rogue vampires on her own - she is doing it for the government.

Not a lot has changed in the five years has past since she ducked out on her vampire lover and tutor, Bones. Sure she now heads her team in her special FBI division, having several others working with her now, but she is still kicking ass, killing vamps and dealing with her mother and her mother's obsession.

Now, however, there is someone out there trying to assassinate her. Bones to the rescue.

Okay, not the rescue because Frost's Cat is more than capable of saving herself, but it doesn't hurt to have a hunky vampire at your back. Or in your bed.

Following Cat as she juggles old boyfriends, assassination attempts, workplace romance, MAJOR family issues is a very fun ride. There is plenty of action both in and out of the bedroom. Definitely a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with a stake close to hand.

While I would suggest you pick up a copy of this book, I recommend that you start with the first book in the series, Halfway To The Grave. The third installment, At Grave's End was just released (December 30) and once I'm finished reading it myself, I will post a review.

Rating: