Lilith Saintcrow » Events

More Release Madness!

Lili — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:55:35 +0000

Drawing closer and closer to the Jealousy release! I’m excited and nervous all at the same time.

Thanks to everyone who came by the Bitten By Books event yesterday! It was incredible fun. Also, over at the official Strange Angels website, there’s a chance to win all three books in the series! There’s all sorts of speculation going on over at the fan forum–guys, go easy on the spoilers, OK? Thanks.

And now I have another announcement to make. Longtime readers may recall that I volunteer for a local indie bookstore. Cover to Cover Books has graciously agreed to support Strange Angels (and me!) by offering signed/personalized copies as soon as Jealousy releases! That’s right. Contact Cover to Cover, they’ll tell you how much for the book and shipping (shipping’s pretty reasonable, considering, and they can send it almost anywhere), and once you’ve paid I’ll sign/personalize your very own copy of Jealousy! (Hint: they do carry plenty of my other books, too, and I can sign those as well.) You get to support an indie bookstore AND get signed copies! How cool is that?

And now I am going to take my release jitters and try to put them in the traces so they can pull a new story along. All that nervous energy has to be good for something, right? Right?

You’d think doing this over 20 times would make it easier. *snort*

Over and out.

Zero Draft, Jealousy Giveaway, And Snapback

Lili — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:56:50 +0000

How can I have a cold when it’s a hundred degrees outside? I ask you, how? Maybe it’s the mosquitoes. Several people have mentioned how the little buggers seem to be particularly bad this year. I believe the term used was “MUTANT ZOMBIE MOSQUITOES FROM HELL, Jesus!” And I heartily agree. I’m welted up all over.

Anyway, I have great news and some links.

I’ve officially finished the zero draft for Strange Angels 5. This is the end of the series, and I cried like a baby last night when I wrote the last few chapters. My laundry pile is threatening to eat the living room and I just spent a couple hours weeding through email correspondence that I literally haven’t had time to touch for the past week. The race to finish the book meant dumping 4-5K out every day for the past four days–not that I’m under serious time constraints, because the first draft isn’t due for a couple months at least, but the story had taken me over and it wanted out.

It’s called a zero draft because it needs work before it turns into a reasonable first draft that I can send to my editor without cringing. Of course, I’ll cringe anyway. That’s just how it works–the instant I hit the “send” button, I am assailed by the “what if they don’t LIKE it?” tsunami. But before I can do that work and regard the zero draft as just raw material, I have to set it aside. I’m thinking this book needs to be completely out of my head for at least a month before I will have enough emotional distance from it to go back and see some of the flaws enough to correct them.

Now I’m firmly in the snapback phase, which is what happens to me after I’ve focused all this emotional, mental, and physical energy on finishing a book. I’m pretty much exhausted on all three levels, but the engine in my head is still whirring and pulling. It hasn’t calmed down yet; I’m still feeling the reverberations. So I’ll need a day or so to let the force bleed off and return my brain to normal. (Yeah, I know. Or as close to normal as my brain ever gets.)

The other news? Guess what arrived the other day. Go on, guess.

Some shiny new copies of the third Strange Angels book, Jealousy, due for release on July 29! Which means tomorrow there will be a giveaway for two signed copies on my Deadline Dames Friday writing post. Plus, I’ll be sending out a newsletter soon (I haven’t sent one out in months–sorry, Dark Siders! It’s been a bit crazy here.) And, because my faithful Dark Siders are so awesome, I’ll be running a giveaway for signed copies through the newsletter as well. Exciting, no?

Now for the links:

* Mario Vargas Llosa on why literature isn’t dead yet.

*Chapman/Chapman on failing harder.

* And in honor of Jealousy coming out, Graves appears on a list of hot boys over at Suzanne Young’s excellent blog. There’s also a Facebook release e-party gearing up.

That’s all I’ve got, dear Readers. My brain is mush. See you tomorrow.

And Really Bad Eggs…

Lili — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:19:22 +0000

First off, some really cool news: I can now announce the official Strange Angels website! I think it looks ultra-ducky-cool. The peeps at Penguin are very excited about this, and I am too. Soon there will be quizzes and other super-fun stuff, so stay tuned. You can also hang out on my forum (NOT at Penguin, on my own personal site, there, disclaimer done) and share theories about Jealousy with other fans, as well as hang out and have fun chatting about other series.

We have no word about who’s won the Dame Smackdown yet. The last we heard, Dame Devon and I were tied. Which may mean, if we’ve finished on a tie, that BOTH of us have to post excerpts. *evil laugh* But we’ll see. I’m on tenterhooks.

Otherwise, this morning has been very quiet. It’s one of those mornings that smells like baking bread; I felt like I could run forever on the treadmill. Just point me at the horizon and let me go, let me breathe and run and stretch. It’s nice to feel that way, even if I know it’s just the endorphins talking. I’ll take it. I spent a long time trapped in a very tiny box. Now that I’m out, well, I like the idea of going as far as I can, under a wide-open sky.

Which makes me feel like Jack Sparrow. “Bring me that horizon…”

Oh yeah. I’ve got my ship, my compass that points to my heart’s desire, a song to sing, the wind in my hair and a cutlass at my side.

Bring it.

Dame Smackdown!

Lili — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:29:40 +0000

Remember how I said there was some smack talk going on at the Powell’s event between Dame Devon and me?

Well, that smack talk has borne fruit. We are in the middle of a Dame Smackdown! Honor, lunch, and an excerpt are all on the line.

Here’s the deal. There are 15 signed copies of Flesh Circus, the latest Jill Kismet book. There are 15 signed copies of Magic on the Storm, the latest Allie Beckstrom. Devon and I have challenged each other: whoever has the most books sold by midnight next Sunday–June 6th–OR whoever’s signed copies sell out first, is the winner.

The winner will post an excerpt of an upcoming book on the loser’s blog. (I may be persuaded to post an excerpt of Jealousy.) The loser buys the winner lunch. Plus, there’s bragging rights involved. (I ADORE bragging rights.)

So now, dear Readers, it’s up to you. Our honor is at stake. If you’ve ever wanted a signed copy of a Kismet or Beckstrom book, now is a great chance! (Powell’s ships worldwide, too. I’m just sayin’.) If you decide to buy, make sure you use the links above, they’ll take you right to the signed editions in question.

Let the battle begin!

The Triple-Team Powell’s Pwnage

Lili — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:57:50 +0000

Well, that was the busiest week I’ve had in a while. And it’s only Thursday.

The Powell’s event was spectacular! If you were there and took pictures, please consider posting them on my Facebook fan page. I’d love to see them! There are some pics here, and Ilona Andrews blogged about the event. (There is Stealth Video of Ilona, it’s fabulous. She and Gordon are SO. CUTE. You just don’t even know.) Dame Devon Monk and I always get along like a house on fire, and I got to meet her kidlings and her husband.

I also got nominated for moderator duty, so I strapped on my katana and moderated my little heart out. I don’t think the power went to my head at all. Bwahahahaha. Oh, sorry. Did that evil laugh escape me?

Thanks to everyone who came–especial thanks to:

* Dina James, who brought evil cupcakes and a care package for me. Dina is truly evil. Not just kind of evil, like me. *grin*
* Flinx and his lovely wife-you guys are awesome.
* The ever-wonderful Marne, who told me how beautiful I am. *primps hair*
* Reader Shelly H, who made me cry in a good way. Still swingin’ for you, kid.
* My writing partner, who was front-row supportive like a Wonderbra.
* Teacher Diane–I finally got to apologize for swearing in front of her class. Sorry, Diane!
* The Martian Mooncrab, who brought me swag and also brought me a ton of research material. You’re a rock star, kid.

Thanks are also due to Saint Peter H. and Miles, the wonderful event organizers who made everything go smoothly; and to Powell’s as a whole. And thank you, very much, to everyone who came out into the rain and the cold to see us. It was wonderful to see so many fans, and the audience was very kind. There were many good questions–like how a writer deals with juggling several different projects (answer: pure panic) and what we do when characters won’t behave (answer: kill them. Ha. I’m not joking. Much.) And a shout-out to the very young Duncan, aspiring writer–no, I wasn’t offended, I was actually happy to hear the feedback, and I think you did fine.

Now, there was some Smack-Talking after the event between Dame Devon and me. Seems she and I might be running a contest with the leftover signed books from the event. We’re still working out the details, but I want to prepare you all: she fights mean, and honor (plus lunch) is on the line. So stretch out and get ready for a Dame BookFight! Details to follow.

I returned home that night exhausted but very happy. Events are draining, but they’re also a kick–there’s nothing like seeing the fans face to face and talking about these cool things we both enjoy.

I also went rock climbing this morning, and made it to the ledge. The ledge has been my goal for some weeks now, and it was incredible to finally make it. Between that and the public speaking I’ve been doing lately, I rather feel I’ve been fighting dragons. I’m looking forward to resting a bit.

Over and out!

Tonight At Powell’s

Lili — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:05:55 +0000

I love my writing partner, because she sends me little links, like this one to a zebra-striped cake. Which I can dial up for birthdays next year.

I’m gearing up for tonight, when I’ll be at Cedar Hills Crossing Powell’s, at 7PM sharp, with fellow Dame Devon Monk and Ilona and Gordon Andrews. I’ve decided I’m going to read from Heaven’s Spite, the upcoming Jill Kismet book. I can only answer some questions about Jealousy, so please understand if I say “I can’t answer that.”

I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces out in Beaverton. Be prepared to, um, see a bit less of me, guys. I look a little different now.

Today is largely going to be spent writing–the fifth Dru book has reached 30K and taken a left-turn into the dark place where the story starts wiggling like a live thing of its own accord. This is pretty much where the magic begins happening, and one of my favorite times in a book’s creation. It’s going to be hard to pull myself away tonight.

See you at Powell’s!

ETA: Yes, there will be at least 5 Dru books. I’m hard at work on #5 right now.

From One Terror To The Next

Lili — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:23:46 +0000

Yesterday was the Ooligan Press event, I had a great time. Public speaking terrifies me like almost nothing else; I’m always soaked with sweat and trembling after any sort of appearance, especially one where I have to speak for more than five minutes. I have a much better time with panels or readings, since there’s some give-and-take. Anyway, the event was awesome; the Ooligan Press people were so nice, helpful, and supportive. Thanks, guys! You rock.

I did have an exotic moment of sheer terror when I realized Chuck Palahniuk–who is a very nice guy–was sitting in the front row writing stuff down while I spoke. I think he was working on a story, but my brain threatened to freeze. Fortunately I had my notes, so I just made a joke about bodily noises and kept going.

Yeah, I’m like that.

I also got to meet the incredible Virginia Euwer Wolff, who was an absolute delight. The questions from the audience were good, too–everything from “do you think of your target audience while you write?” to “I have kids and I need to write. What do I do?” I’m told there will be a podcast-type thing where you can listen to all the talks; as soon as that goes live I’ll link to it here. I am also told there were photos taken. (Eep!) All in all, that has to be one of the most pleasant events I’ve ever attended, and I hope they invite me back.

Driving home was a bit of a letdown–two hours in traffic no matter which bridge I chose, so I ended up getting Indian food as a reward. Can’t complain–and I was endlessly grateful to have a decent car now. It made the stop and go traffic (mostly stop) bearable because I wasn’t worrying about my vehicle exploding. (Thanks, Subaru Shawn!)

Tomorrow I’ll be at Cedar Hills Crossing Powell’s, at 7PM sharp, with fellow Dame Devon Monk and Ilona and Gordon Andrews. I think there will be readings, and I have no fricking idea what to read, so I’ll pick a bit from Heaven’s Spite and a bit from Jealousy and make the audience decide. For I am evil.

Today will be spent running errands and tossing a chunk of about two thousand words from the Dru book in process; I think I want to take it in a different direction than I initially proposed. This happens far more often than I like to admit. Sometimes you just have to go a little way down the path to determine it isn’t the path you want to follow. In writing, you can always turn around and go back. It’s a shame life isn’t more like that.

Over and out!

My Excitement, It Is…Not So Exciting

Lili — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:56:57 +0000

Today is an overcoming-dragons type of day.

I hate driving in Portland. It’s really not Portland’s fault, even though I swear to God the streets change, especially at night. No, most of my stress comes from the fact that I rarely have access to a reliable car, so on top of the navigational stress (which I handle with the GPS that came with my cell phone, thank you God) there’s also the will-my-vehicle-blow-up-on-me stress.

Today, however, I had a reliable car (thanks to Subaru Shawn, who rocks) and the GPS, and plenty of time. So I made it out to the Cedar Hills Crossing Powell’s–remember, I’m going to be there on May 25th, signing with Ilona Andrews and Devon Monk–and, to put whipped cream and a cherry on the whole day, I navigated successfully to Deek & Bryan’s Next Adventure for climbing gear.

It was worth trying to find parking around Grand Avenue in the middle of the day, because the staff are so helpful and nice. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone having a bad experience there. Once I found the climbing section and actually opened my mouth to ask questions (sports supply stores always make me feel lazy and underachieving and shy) I got the help of a very nice young man who took me patiently through buying my first pair of climbing shoes and my very first harness. (My one moment of caviling? “No flowers on the harness, please. Just…no flowers. I’m not a flower type of girl. Unless it’s a flesh-eating monster flower…oh my God, did I just say that out loud?”) I didn’t catch the young man’s name, but his mother must be very proud of him.

Now I’m home and I’ve bolted lunch and I have to get dear, sweet, stubborn Dru in more trouble. I feel refreshed and renewed, instead of wrung-out and panicked. Which is a big change. A reliable vehicle does indeed make all the difference. I know, it sounds boring and pedestrian. But little by little I’m doing things I’ve never done before, and my life is getting so much better. The process of breaking out of the chrysalis proceeds apace, and it’s nice out here. It’s like all the work of the past year, and especially all the very intense work of the last six months, has suddenly started to pay off. Where before it was just a slog, now I’m seeing actual results.

I like that. I’ll keep it.

And now for chaos, panic, and vampire attacks. Catch you later, gator.

News, Events, And Links

Lili — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:23:52 +0000

Good morning, all. First, the news.

* There may be a 6-10K-word story dealing with Selene and Nikolai’s reunion in Saint City in the works. I’ll have details when everything firms up, but for right now, I thought I’d let you guys know.

* Events! I will be at the Ooligan Press Write To Publish event on May 23, 2010, at 2pm. I will also be signing in conjunction with Devon Monk and Ilona Andrews at the Cedar Hills Crossing Powell’s on May 25, and by my lonesome in the same location on August 19 to celebrate the release of Jealousy. Details of the Powell’s signings will be forthcoming; they’re usually around 7pm.

* Release news: Heaven’s Spite, the next Jill Kismet novel, is due for release in November 2010. I just confirmed this with my editor yesterday (or was it the day before?) Anyway, now I know, so now you know.

And, linkspam:

* Post-Healthcare Fatigue Syndrome. Don’t worry, the Republicans are still tirelessly working to make sure only the rich have healthcare. Oh, and stirring up their nutwing base to terrify the rest of us. It’s unsurprising, even if it is enough to make one sick enough to need that public option.

* A great Tor.com article on my very favorite fairy tale. Seriously. I collect versions of Beauty and the Beast. I even wrote my own take on it, as yet unpublished.

* Tim Burton might direct Maleficent’s story. OH PLEASE OH PLEASE. Maleficent is my very favorite villain in any Disney movie. The horns! The shapeshifting! The elegant black cape! The sneer! Oh, please, let this come to pass.

* If you’re not reading the Comics Curmudgeon, you’re missing out. I check in with Josh daily to see what the hell he’s come up with now. Comics snark is pure LOVE.

I think that’s about all. I’m on the last push to complete Dru 4, have a detail-round of revisions due for Kismet 5, and there’s a short story in there somewhere needing to be written. I bought a hat to cover up the fact that my hair is at an awkward length. I’ve stocked up on coffee, because the way things are going, it’s going to become one of my major food groups through the month of April.

Fasten your seatbelts, kiddos, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

Got Zombies, Be Back In A Bit…

Lili — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:18:22 +0000

Just a flyby post, since the last few days have been crazy. Next week will be better.

Tonight at 6:30PM (Pacific) I’ll be doing #askawriter on Twitter or about 20 minutes/half an hour. Come by and ask questions about writing/publishing. I will NOT answer questions such as “will you read my manuscript?” or “can you help me with my homework?” Other than that, fair game.

It’s a beautiful blue-sky day and I’ve some zombies to kill. Catch you later.