Authors After Dark: The Books

I have finally received all of my packages from Authors After Dark this week! The books were obtained via registration, blogger bag, meal goodies, drawings, purchase, and raffle baskets.

Books I got at AAD 2010.
Listed in no particular order...

Dark Warrior Untamed by Alexis Morgan
My Soul to Keep by Sharie Kohler
Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout
Masked by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon
Chased by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon
Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole
Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Piñeiro
Wild Blue Under by Judi Fennel
Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver
The last Mermaid by Shana Abé
A Cinderella Affair by AC Arthur
Demonfire by Kate Douglas
Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams
Hunted by Others by Jess Haines
No Chance by Christy Reece
Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur
Nocturnal by Frank, Douglas, Haines and Willis
Seduce Me in Dreams by Jacquelyn Frank (ARC)
Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank
Hunting Julian by Jacquelyn Frank
Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank
Ecstasy by Jacquelyn Frank
Stealing Kathryn by Jacquelyn Frank
Dane by Elizabeth Amber
Nicholas by Elizabeth Amber
Dominic by Elizabeth Amber
Raine by Elizabeth Amber
Space Escapes by Edding and Fiddler
Entwined by Fate by S.A. Price
Lucas by Eliza Gayle
Death by Dorlana Vann
Winter's Desire by McIntyre, Featherstone and Astor
A Storm of Passion by Terri Brisbin
A Mermaids Ramson by Joey W. Hill
The Beat Within by McCarthy, D'Arc and Lyon
Fantasies by Buchanan, Falconer, Gayle, Hill, March and Wiest
Blood Song by Cat Adams
Sons of Amber by Bianca D'Arc
Crowning a Warrior King by Diana Castilleja
The Last of Fion's Daughters by Brenna Lyons
Bloodshot by Cherie Priest (ARC)
Immortal Danger by Cynthia Eden
I'll be Slaying You by Cynthia Eden
Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden
Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden (ARC)
Everlasting Bad Boys by Laurenston, Eden and Mack
Belong to the Night by Laurenston, Eden and Quinn

Several of these will be given away in contests as well as 4 sampler books! 
Excited? I am! Now I need to go mark these off against my wish list.

Authors After Dark: The Convention

Authors After Dark 2010 was my first convention as a reader and blogger. I had no idea what to expect. I was encouraged by the reader to author ratio and excited to meet some fellow bloggers. I did not expect the intimacy this convention created. Convention attendees got to eat, party, and mingle with authors and industry personal from the first day to the last. All convention goers received swag bags filled with goodies and a couple of books upon registration. As a blogger I also got a special book bag, which included 14 more books! Each meal held more surprises and drawings. Jacquelyn Frank and Stella Price were incredibly entertaining and lively. I was always excited to hear about the next event.

I attended panels on shifters, vampires, magic, series creation, blogging and more. I learned about the publishing industry from both publisher and author point of view. I learned about the important balance of world and character building in books. We were told of many of the authors inspirations, research techniques and writing habits. Authors also shared about their past books and books yet to be released. As a reader, the panels really made me appreciate the work involved with creating the books I have always loved to read.

The event also included vendors including custom design book covers, books, a tattoo artist, and jewelry (Stella makes the cutest horns). This year I bought books for the book signing on Saturday and a custom book cover. No more flowers on my books! I got sparkly skulls *fist pump*. Next year I will be getting some pink horns for my daughter and more books. There was also a raffle for the local no kill shelters which included fantastic gift baskets from some extraordinary authors. I won THREE of them! I believe there was also two eReaders given away and two more to win during the raffle drawings.

The convention was very reasonably priced and ran very well. Meals, panels, parties and goodies were all included with the price. There were special hotel rates for rooming, made even more affordable by sharing a room. I did have to fly with made my price more than local attendees, but it was still well worth it. Next year I would like to drive to avoid the traveling expense and headaches involved with flying. I also bought and received so many books I had to ship some home. Not to mention the agony I had turning away last minute treats because I was out of room.

Whether or not you are local to the convention I would recommend anyone go to it. Everyone I asked at the event was planning on coming back in 2011. The next convention will be held in Philly. I plan on being there and would love to meet!

IMM: In My Mailbox 09/20/10

External Desire by Roxanne Rhoads
Riding the Storm by Sydney Croft
Witch Craft by Caitlin Kittredge

IMM: 09/21/10 to 09/25/10
Sky Keepers by Jessica Andersen
Drawn into Darkness by Annette McCleave
Confessions of a Demon by S.L. Wright
As Lie the Dead by Kelly Meding (AWESOME!!!)

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

I Went Fangirl with Jennifer Armintrout!

I will start by admitting that I had not read many of the authors at AAD 2010. I do, however, have many of their books on my to-be-read pile. One author I had read and by read I mean ALL of her books is Jennifer Armintrout. I was so excited for the chance to meet her at the convention. After all, she created my favorite villain of all time...

Cyrus *gets chills*. His character is one of the most ruthless, dangerous, remorseless, unscrupulous,  selfish, arrogant characters I have ever read. He is a vampire of old with no soul, no conscience and no guilt. He takes pleasure in his evil abandon and creates a powerful world or horrors. And yet as a reader I was drawn to him. Could he possible be redeemed? Could he love or be loved? Did Cyrus *gets chills* even deserve a chance?

Back to Authors After Dark... Friday evening finally I spotted Jennifer and there was an open seat next to her! I slid onto the seat and proceeded to gush! Much of what I said is a blur now. Probably went, SQUEEE, Cyrus, SQUEEE... In any case, some of it must have been understandable because the next morning Jennifer sought me out and let me know she had started thinking about telling Cyrus's story! What a surreal moment!

Seeing Jennifer at the signing (pictured above) was icing on my happy cake. She even signed a book as Cyrus at my request! She is so down to earth and easy going. I was sad to leave on Sunday, not having had the chance to say goodbye, but then she got on the SAME SHUTTLE as me and Jodie. I may have fainted right there if I was not already so tired! The three of us ended up traveling on a train to the airport together. Then, joy of all joys, we all went on an air tran. A wee metal box with an author! Seriously! So Jennifer, thank you... for Cyrus, for not being terrified of a crazed reader and for being a great travel companion (if only briefly). I cannot wait till we meet again!

Have you read the Blood Ties series?
The series consists of four books: The Turning, Possession, Ashes to Ashes, and All Souls Night.

Authors After Dark: Author Friends

Authors After Dark held true to its name and was inudated with, what else, but authors. Some of the most extrodinary women I have ever met. Genres included science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, urban fantasy and erotica. So much love in the air and sexual innuendos abound. I laughed till tears at a couple of the panels and was utterly entertained throughout the entire event.

Denise Jeffries was absolutely hilarious and SQUEEEE I met Jennifer Armintrout (more about that later).  Jacquelyn Frank was animated and dramatic while remaining lighthearted. She reminded me of a fresh breeze. Stella Price greeted me and JoJo with, "Hey, you are my one and two. Stay right here." She was always on the go and did a fabulous job at the convention. Joey Hill and Judi Fennell were there promoting books of mermaids and mermen as well as much more. Leanne Renee Hieber was one of the most fascinating woman I have ever met, I could not take my eyes off of her. No, not in a weird stalking way! She was so charismatic and charming. The definition of a people magnet she was. Jess Haines and Sonya Bateman were there promoting their first books! Have you hugged a new author today!?

And do not let me forget to mention the characters! We were mesmerized by snakes, demons, mermaids, mermen, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, dragons, snakes, cats, lemurs, genies, witches, puma, fae, vampires, angels, shifters of all shapes and so many more! Authors After Dark was a paranormal [feel free to insert your own naughty word here *winks*] love fest!

Here is a list of just some authors I spent time with:

Caridad Pineiro
Cat Adams
Cat Johnson
Denise Jeffries
Diana Castilleja
Eliza Gayle
Jacquelyn Frank
Jennifer Armintrout
Jess Haines
Jessica Lee
Joey W. Hill
JoLynne Valerie
Judi Fennell
Leanna Renee Hieber
Samantha Sommersby
Sonya Bateman
Stella Price
Stephanie Julian

For a more complete list of authors involved with AAD 2010 please see the blog by clicking here! 

I could go on and on but honestly I have run out of adjectives and refuse to repeat them. I want to thank all of the authors as well as give my deepest gratitude to Stella and Jacquelyn. It was a fantastic escape and I look forward to coming again in 2011! Stay tuned for my book list and giveaways soon...

Authors After Dark: Blogger Friends

Can anything top meeting authors?

Perhaps only meeting my networking friends and fellow bloggers at Authors After Dark. I was so excited to meet JoJo from JoJo's Book Corner (she was my roommate and has become a true friend). We both plan on attending in 2011 again. Miss you already JoJo!

I also got to meet the fabulous Monica from Bibliophilic Book Blog and Larrissa from Larissa's Life . Fellow bloggers from Romance in the Backseat, Simply Ali and Joyfully Reviewed were also in attendance.

Both JoJo and I had a surreal moment when a day visitor turned around after a panel and gasped in delight at meeting Intense Whisper and JoJo's Book Corner. She stated that she follows our blogs. Hugs were shared all around. Dear, I cannot find any notes with your name. Comment so we can network, I am sure you know who you are *g*.

I also got to meet, travel and have dinner with Annie Melton from Etopia Press. Annie you are one of the most entertaining and down-to-earth women I have met. We need to keep in touch!

To anyone considering this event in 2011, you need to come! This year there were only 9 bloggers signed up for the full convention and Stella spoiled us rotten. I cannot wait to share my goodies with all of you.

Zoe Who? Episode 8

Zoe is in for a rude awakening when she discovers just how little some readers
respect the work done by writers. http://www.zoewinters.org

Zoe!? What did you do to Princess Leia!?

Intense Update

Yesterday I returned from the Authors After Dark convention. I had a fantastic time and cannot wait to share more details, which will be done in several posts. I will be sharing the authors met, bloggers met, books received, some of the things I learned about publishing and writing as well as general thoughts. I will also be having some contests!

I received so many books I had to ship two boxes back!

I finished the first four books in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress Series. These books are spectacular. Nonstop action and wit. I am in love with Cat and Bones. I have started reading book one to my husband. I look forward to This Side of the Grave which releases February 22nd, 2011.

I am currently reading Dakota Bank's Dark Time: Mortal Path Book 1. After which I will be reading her new book Sacrifice for review. Sacrifice released in August and is now available!

Would you like to read the fabulous first FIFTY pages of Sacrifice right now? Of course you would! Visit the HarperCollins/Eos website, where a great reading experience is waiting for you.

The Wind Warrior Blog Tour Giveaway is still happening. Please go enter! There are some fantastic prizes and I still have very few entries.

Just click here!

IMM: In My Mailbox 09/13/10

Dreamveil by Lynn Viehl
Blacklisted by Gena Showalter
Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy

IMM: 09/14/10 to 09/18/10
Death's Mistress by Karen Chance
Bring on the Night by Jeri Smith-Ready
Dust by Joan Frances Turner (ARC)
Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield
The Spirit Thief by Rachel Aaron (ARC)
Hex Appeal by Linda Wisdom
Over My Dead Body by Michele Bardsley
Armed & Magical by Lisa Shearin

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

IMM: In My Mailbox 09/07/10

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

IMM: 09/08/10 to 09/11/10
Second Skin by Caitlin Kittredge
Destiny of the Wolf by Terry Spear
Sea Witch by Virginia Kantra
Rogue Angel, The Golden Elephant by Alex Archer

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Alpha by Rachel Vincent: Trailer

Rachel Vincent"s Alpha, Shifters Book VI

Zoe Who? Episode 7

Brad talks about the importance of suffering http://www.zoewinters.org

Personally, I love the clanging pots and pans for added danger effect.

Pictures of Love

Every year I take pictures of my children. I am not a professional photographer, but I have a good camera and an eye for composition. I also take about 300 a time, so some are bound to turn out. As the kids are getting older it is getting easier and more fun for the family to do. There are a lot of giggles and crazy antics but the results are fantastic and personal. 

Here are some of my favorites!

Click for larger view.

IMM: In My Mailbox 08/30/10

Inhuman by Danielle Lee
Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz (How did I get this???)
Secrets by Gaines, Hamre, Landon and LeGendre

IMM: 08/31/10 to 09/4/10
Amazon Queen by Lori Devoti
An Unforgettable Lady by J.R. Ward as Jessica Bird
Sacrifice by Dakota Banks (for review)
Blood Lust by Zoe Winters - SQUEEEE!
For His Eyes Only by Avery Beck
Sexy by Design by Avery Beck 

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Book Release: Space Junque

The world is on the brink of ecological cataclysm set off by the Oil Spill of 2010 and exacerbated by the Sea Level Rise of 2070.
When the Defenders of Gaia set off dirty bombs in random cities, Char Meadowlark accepts an invitation to visit the Imperial Space Station until the terror subsides.

Mike Augustine, Char's connection on the station, wants more than friendship, but Char is attracted to Jake Ardri, the pilot who transports her off planet in his shuttle, the Space Junque.

War escalates into world-wide environmental cataclysm, and Char is stranded in orbit on the Space Junque. She and her fellow refugees encounter terrorists, shapeshifters and a demanding goddess in a changing new world order. Char's heart is torn between her dead sister's lover and the shuttle pilot who rescued her, but is love even possible in flagrante apocalypto?

Doesn't that sounds awesome? I have downloaded my copy already :)

Oh, *whispers*, guess who redesigned this cover for LK!?

Space Junque by LK Rigel is now available on Amazon and at Smashwords.

Holding a real book!

Today I got my signed print copy of Blood Lust from Zoe.

I had to Photoshop off the lip prints from kissing it *winks*. 

It is incredible to hold a book with a cover I designed. So surreal.

I imagine authors have a similar feeling holding a printed book which they wrote.

I also have a "cover designed by" blurb on back and Zoe acknowledged me as well!

Today is a good day. Yes it is.

Ready to run!

They are HERE! My official Intense Whisper business cards. Now, you may think that this may not be so exciting, being that I both designed and printed them. BUT IT STILL IS. I never imagined I would be printing business cards for an alter ego. Honestly, it sounds like something someone on their way to a padded room would be doing. But I KNOW all of you get it.

Blogging and networking about books is an experience that amazes and enchants me daily. I have made new friends, had laughs, started designing with authors and fiddled with my own writing skills (or lack there of). I chat with a few people every day and am lost when they are offline. They have become my co-workers.

Now in two weeks I am off to Authors After Dark (AAD). I am beside myself with anticipation. This will be the first time I have left my babies overnight since my son was born 8 years ago. I am very anxious about leaving them. I am also not a fan of flying. But, I know my family will be fine and the flight will give me time to read. I am looking forward to buying souvenirs for the babes without my husband lingering over me and scowling.

In addition to child separation *sobs*, this will be the first thing I ever do just for me. Ok, I will be pimping my business a bit. But more so just networking. The last time I did anything even remotly for myself was in high school during a French field trip to Canada! Oh and buying my wedding ring. THEY GAVE ME CREDIT! 

So give an air-fist-pump for female independence and LOOK I have business cards!!!!

Winners Announcement!

  Thank you to everyone who entered the 200 Follower Celebration Contest!
Special thanks for following my blog, tweeting and posting the contest.
Stay tuned for more contests soon! The winners have been contacted.

Prizes: Two prizes, one international and one USA.
Each winner gets to choose any one book from the Book Depository up to $10.00 in value.
 

Winners:
USA: tetewa
International: Darlyn

Wind Warrior Blog Tour Giveaway

Cynthia Roberts, author of her debut historical romance, Wind Warrior has something pretty darn dynamic for all of Intense Whisper's visitors, friends and subscribers... one of the largest blog tour promotional giveaways ever attempted. Blog tour runs from Sept 1 to Sept 30, 2010.

Breaking into the world of romance fiction is a challenge unto itself but more so, when you’re a newly published author.  Intense Whisper is excited to participate in this venture with Cynthia and introduce Wind Warrior to romance readers.

The bonus… every one has the chance to compete for not one, but five pretty extraordinary prizes which will include:

• Romantic willow picnic basket with deluxe service for two ~ $125.00 value
• Succulent Godiva Chocolate Tier ~ $75.00 value
• Exquisite Pearl & Crystal Necklace ~ $50.00 value
• Amazon Gift Certificate ~ $25 value
• Amazon Gift Certificate ~ $25 value

To view the gifts and read further descriptions visit Cynthia Roberts website at: http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com

Contest Rules Are As Follows

1. Comment on this post
2. Tweet the following text:  Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts A story of longing, wanting & a love so strong it conquers human evil. On sale now at Major Book Retailers
3. Post the same tag on your Facebook and/or Myspace Profile
4. Follow Intense Whisper and each blog you enter the contest on
5. The list of participating blogs are registered on Cynthia’s website and you may enter to win on every one, however, only one family member may do so in a household.
6. Open to ALL not just the US & Canada
7. Each participating blog will randomly choose five entrants to compete for the grand prize pool where the final 5 winners will be randomly selected
8. Winners will be chosen on Sept. 30th and notified via email by Cynthia
9. All finalists must provide their email, name and official delivery address at the time of finalist selection to Intense Whisper
10. All prizes will be shipped no later than Oct. 30th directly from the distributor
11. The steps above will be checked to determine your eligibility

Wind Warrior ~ The Iroquois Series ~ Book One

Leslie Michaels is a visionary, and only those close to her know of her special gift and the visions that come when her mind and body surrender to sleep.  Fate has a way of righting many wrongs, and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically. But not before she is forced to flee into the wilderness to escape a murderous trapper bent on claiming her for his very own.  Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions, until she encounters Winnokin, the handsome Seneca war chief who first came to her in her dreams.  Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector, he teaches her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once again.

Wind Warrior plunges readers into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes while painting an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life in the 1800s.  It is a story of longing, of a wanton need to survive all odds, and a love so strong it conquers human evil. Wind Warrior expresses with cunning words the simple, raw human emotions that hold readers spellbound and captivates their hearts.

On Sale Now at Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Nobel (ISBN# 978-1-61663-162-8)

Read more than a dozen reviews on her website at http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com.