Armed & Magical book release party photos

Naturally, you knew which piece of cake I wanted -- Raine's head. ; )

A great time was had by all at the Armed & Magical Book Release Party last night at the Durham, NC, Barnes & Noble. Angela Born (the B&N event coordinator) went above and beyond the call of duty with the cake, decorations, and amazing organizational skills.

COOL NEWS YOU ALL WILL LOVE -- The Barnes & Noble where I had my party has offered to send autographed copies of any of my books to my fans in the U.S. (including Alaska & Hawaii), for only the cost of the book, plus tax. Shipping will be free! Angela Born and I are working out the details now, and I'll post it all tomorrow. We'll also work out something for my international fans, as well. And not only will you get an autographed copy, but since my day job isn't far from this particular B&N, I'd be delighted to pop over and personalize books for you -- your name, if you're giving it as a birthday present, whatever. Anything to make you all happy! : )

Lisa

Armed & Magical release day!

Armed & Magical is finally here!

It's in bookstores everywhere, and it's also been released today in eBook format. I know it's over at Fictionwise, and I suspect it's now available at all other eBook sites, too. So whether you prefer "tree ware" or electronic, A&M is out there for everyone. Happy reading!!

I can't wait to hear what you all think! And since it's officially out there now, feel free to post reviews on Amazon and/or Barnes & Noble. Lots of reviews would be beyond wonderful! If a book has a lot of reviews (the more positive, the better, of course), it's seen as being really popular, so even more people will buy it, and then that delightful sales snowball effect happens. And when my books sell, my publisher gets in the mood to buy more of my manuscripts. It's a beautiful thing. : )

My book release party is tonight at 7:00 at the Barnes & Noble at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham, NC. Cake, balloons, giveaways, prizes, and about 120 copies of A&M (and some of MLTF as well). It's a buyer's market tonight -- books for everyone! I've got lots of folks taking pictures, so I hope to be posting some tomorrow. Also I'll be reading the first part of Chapter 2 (pages 14-19) for those of you who can't make it. There's four, shall we say "colorful words" in that section. And I know there'll be people from my church there, so they're gonna get to hear me cuss. Oh well, it's all in the name of art. ; )

Have a wonderful day, everyone! Thank you so much for all of your support! Words can't say how much I appreciate it -- and how much I value each and every one of you!

Big hugs all around!
Lisa

Tomorrow's the Big Day

Well, tomorrow's the day we've all been waiting for -- Armed & Magical hits the bookstores! You all are in for an incredibly fun read. ; )

I have a big favor to ask -- For those of you who will be going tomorrow or in the next week or two to buy your copy of A&M, could you buy your copy at Barnes & Noble? If Armed & Magical makes one of their bestseller lists, it could earn me the right to put "National Bestselling Author" above my name on my book covers. I want that REALLY bad. It's one of my big "publishing dreams," and I would greatly appreciate you all helping me to make that dream a reality. : )

Update on The Trouble With Demons: I finished Chapter 30 yesterday. Mega yea! But rather than going directly into the final chapter, I'm going to start at Chapter 1 and read through the entire book, making any final tweaks, but most importantly taking notes of events and plot threads that need to be resolved in the final chapter -- and which plot threads need to be left hanging just a little. That way, I can get Chapter 31 right the first time.

I can't wait for my Book Release Party tomorrow night at the Barnes & Noble at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham, NC. The fun starts at 7:00 p.m., and if you can make it, come and join me for cake. ; ) And for those of you who are too far away, there will be lots of photos, so you can live the party vicariously. ; )

It's Monday, but tomorrow is A&M release day -- so that makes it fabu!
Lisa

Saturday Fun Pic & signed MLTF winner

G'morning, everyone. I've been awake since 4 a.m. (danged book brain), and I probably should have gotten up then, but there's always the hope that I could get back to sleep (obviously didn't happen). The dogs and kitties have been fed and pottied, and I've got a big cup of coffee, so it's all good. ; )

The pics above are proof that I have "Day Job Shangra-la" -- I work in the best agency with the most awesome co-workers. Before I left for the RT Convention last week, they presented me with that simply humongous balloon (that is STILL inflated here in my office at home), and the blue cards dangling from the streamers are everyone's business cards. They all wrote congratulations and well wishes on the backs of their business cards, then Judy (our Super Office Manager) tied them all to the balloon streamers. I also love orchids, so they gave me a gorgeous purple beauty to add to my collection. I took pics of my day-job office this past week (showing my orchids) and I'll post those soon.

No writing for me today, unless by some miracle I actually have time with all that I have to do. I essentially finished Chapter 30 late last night (at least I got to the end of it). I'll do the final tweaking on it tomorrow before I move on to the final chapter. Since my computer died and I lost five days of writing time, my editor Anne Sowards (the sweetest most fabulous editor in the world), gave me a two-week extension on my deadline! Mega woot!! I plan on turning in The Trouble With Demons before then, but I have a little breathing room, which considering what I have coming up this week, I'll need all the extra air I can suck in. As you all know, Armed & Magical's release date is this coming Tuesday. Things are going to get a little crazy for me (in a very good way), and I'll definitely be distracted to say the least.

So today is "Take care of life's errands" day. Those things that have to be done, but aren't exactly compatible with trying to finish writing one novel and getting another one out. In the next half hour, Derek & I have to drop off my Jeep at our mechanic's for an inspection and oil change, then it's off to do all the shopping (five places to go). Then I sit down with my ledger and pay the bills, and balance the bank statement. Jeez, I hate doing the bank statement, but unless I potentially want checks going "boingie", it's always good to know that the bank and I agree on how much we have. Then I need to decide what passage I'm going to read from Armed & Magical at my book release party on Tuesday and actually rehearse it. I think there's going to be dialogue involved, so wish me luck on that. ; ) I just want to "clear the decks" so to speak, so that all I have to think about next week is writing.

But one of the most important things I have to do today is to mail out the books, goodies, etc. that some of you are expecting. I will be taking care of that today, and Derek will be mailing them all on Monday.

Speaking of books and goodies -- this week's winner of a signed/personalized copy of MLTF is . . . .(drum roll). . .Tez Miller. Congrats, Tez! Just send me your mailing address and I'll get your goodies packed and ready to go today.

Well, the coffee's gone and I've got to get going (after I can get Derek out of bed).

Talk to you later!

Lisa

Armed & Magical updates

It's crunch time on The Trouble With Demons. I'm almost finished with Chapter 30, but not quite. Hopefully today. Then I'll be on the last chapter. Yea! This girl needs a break. ; )

Tomorrow, I'll announce the winner for this week's signed and personalized copy of Magic Lost, Trouble Found. I'll also have the Saturday Fun Pic. It shows that I have the greatest day job and coworkers in the world. ; )

Next Tuesday, April 29 is the big day -- Armed & Magical hits the shelves! I cannot wait for you all to read this book -- I just know you're gonna love it! For those of you in the Raleigh/Durham, NC, area, the Barnes & Noble at The Streets at Southpoint, in Durham, will be throwing me a book release party on Tuesday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. There will be prizes, giveaways, cake, balloons, a reading, lots of signings, and a ton of fun! So if you're in the area, please drop by, have some cake, and I'll sign a copy of Armed & Magical for you. ; ) For those of you not in the area, don't worry -- I'll be posting lots of photos. Who knows, I might even look good in some of them. ; )

It's Friday, folks -- Woot!
Lisa

Armed & Magical cyber-launch book party today

The following invitation is from Kimber An, the best Cyber-Launch Book Party hostess ever! I'll be over at Enduring Romance in Kimber An's party room today -- pop over and join in the fun and madness!

You are all cordially invited to the Cyber-Launch Book Party of Lisa Shearin's second novel, Armed & Magical, all day, one day ONLY, April 24^th, Thursday at the Enduring Romance blog. Be there, but watch your step. Lisa's goblins may look like Chippendale Dancers, but they still have fangs! Lisa holds the record for number of comments at a Cyber-Launch. Let's see if she betters herself!

The party starts at 6 a.m. Alaska Time and runs all day until 7 p.m. Alaska Time. Pop in whenever you have the chance.

Kimber An

Enduring Romance

Cyber Launch Book Party all day tomorrow

In less than a week, Armed & Magical will be on bookstore shelves. Believe me, I'm even more excited than ya'll are. ; ) If you haven't pre-ordered, run out to Barnes & Noble (or your favorite local bookseller) on Tuesday, April 29 and snag yourself a copy. And if you've pre-ordered a copy for yourself, pop out and buy one for a book-loving friend. ; )

Kimberley and friends over at Enduring Romance are graciously throwing yours truly a Cyber-Launch Book Party for Armed & Magical that'll start tomorrow morning, Thursday, April 24th at the bird-chirping hour of 6:00 a.m. Alaska time (that's where Kimberley lives) and run through 7 p.m. tomorrow night. Join us for the fun, festivities, and general mayhem.

So what do you wear to a Cyber-Launch Book Party?

Little black dress and heels, or jammies and pink, fuzzy bunny slippers? (FYI -- I lean more towards the fuzzy bunny end of the spectrum). Though after last year's party for Magic Lost, Trouble Found, wearing something you don't mind getting tribble fur on would be a good choice. ; )

There will be signed copies of Armed & Magical and Magic Lost, Trouble Found to be won as well as other book goodies -- and as always, there'll be plenty of fun to be had.

Hope ya'll can join us!

Gone to find party clothes,
Lisa

RT Convention -- The Saturday Book Fair

Since my computer died at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention (actually the case fell off the bed while I was packing to go -- dang it), I wrote my blog posts in longhand. Here is the one for Saturday -- the big day. The Book Fair. The pic above is me at my table, ready and eager to sell. ; )

Saturday, 8:30 AM -- Armed & Magical is in the building! WOOT! My case of Magic Lost , Trouble Found is supposed to arrive between 8-noon via Fed Ex. I gave the hotel staff at the front desk the heads up last night and just stopped by again this morning. Great staff at the Pittsburgh Hilton! Kevin the Super Concierge fixed us up with a great breakfast with plenty of fruit to take with us to the booksigning. And he gave me a big coffee cup full of mixed nuts so I'd have plenty of protein to snack on. Kevin, you are the best! The authors have to be in the ballroom at 10:15 and can't leave (unless we get someone to watch our table) until the Book Fair is over. Needless to say, you don't wanna drink too much coffee. ; ) My case of MLTF arrived around 9:15. Valerie Cortes, my publicist is a force of nature for pulling this off! Val, you're amazing!

I've got my camera in my briefcase (with pens, postcards, bookmarks, fruit, nuts, cereal bars, peanut butter crackers, water and ginger ale). I felt like I was packing for an Everest expedition. When all was said and done, I'd just sipped some water and snacked on the nuts. I was way too busy selling books. ; ) The book fair runs from 11-2. At 2:00, they close the doors and don't let anyone else in. So I've heard we might not get out until 4:00. Danged straight I'm hauling in food.

The Book Fair was the most fun! Meeting rabid fans, making new fans, selling 41 out of my 48 books -- I was a book-selling machine on fire! And for you aspiring authors, let me tell you that the reality is just as good as what you daydream about. There is absolutely nothing as thrilling as having fans come up to your table, squeeing, saying how excited they are to meet you, and wanting to take your picture. It just doesn't get any better. : )

At 2:00 the lights in the ballroom -- all of the lights even the emergency lights -- went out. We were using cellphones, camera flashes, and glow balls and sticks that Linnea had been handing out during the convention. Linnea's giveaways were lighting the ballroom, it was so cool. Fortunately, the lights came back on after about ten minutes.

I made so many incredibly valuable contacts -- there just isn't any substitution for meeting industry people face-to-face.

Oh, and I saw Adrian Paul as he was arriving at the hotel (very nice). But the most fun was passing Fabio in the hall on the 18th floor (the floor where my room was). I think he was staying in the suite at the end of the hall. I spotted him as soon as he turned the corner -- believe me, there's no mistaking seeing that walking toward you. Now my type is dark hair; I've never been much for blonds. But DANG! I told myself I was NOT going to walk past Fabio and not even speak. I said "hi"; he said "hi". The man makes some serious eye contact when he talks to you (NICE blue eyes), and that "hi" was danged sultry. That is one more fine-looking man. And he was taller than I thought he'd be -- he's around 6' 4".

That night, Linnea, Stacey Klemstein, Robin Owens and I went to the Mr. Romance 2008 pageant, then hit the hotel bar, then around 10:00 went to Palomino (fabulous restaurant) for appetizers and more drinks. Linnea hired a car to take us to the airport on the next morning, and I'm home now.

Thanks to my computer dying, I'm five days behind on my writing. My deadline is next Thurs. Yikes! So if you all will forgive me, my posts are going to be quickies until then. I have some pics from the conference to post, and some others as well. So keep coming back, there will be something every day, but just nothing "educational" until I get The Trouble With Demons turned in. And the last MLTF contest is this Saturday. So if you want to be entered in the contest, send me an email with "MLTF contest" in the subject line before Saturday AM EST.

I didn't proof this, so excuse any typos. ; )
Lisa

Fun Armed & Magical Q&A

I know I said I'd tell you all about the Book Fair in today's blog, but the truth is, I just woke up from sleeping half of the day. I knew I'd probably crash & burn from only getting a couple hours of sleep a night while at the convention. Man, am I glad I took today off from my day job -- I never would have made it. ; ) I promise to tell you all tomorrow about selling Armed & Magical at the fair, talking to Fabio in the hall of the hotel, seeing Adrian Paul, and the power failure. They should have t-shirts made for next year's Romantic Times Booklovers Convention that say: "Where were you when the lights went out?" ; )

In the meantime, my publisher did a cool Q&A with me for their webpage about Armed & Magical and it was posted today. Enjoy that while I try to get some more work done on Chapter 30 (my deadline is next Thursday). Yikes!

A very tired author person,
Lisa

Friday Day 3 -- Romantic Times Booklovers convention

Yeah, I know it's Sunday, but I just got home to a real live computer (I'm using Derek's). I wrote out the blog for each day in long hand, so I could post when I got home (I just got home from the airport).

Here's Friday, Day 3 of the RT Con -- It's amazing all of the people you can meet at RT! Aside from making incredible new friends, (and buying spectacular jewlery), publishing deals are literally being made in the halls and bars. This place is one big, networking, shangra-la, smooze fest. Authors are getting agents, the pre-published are geting interested publishing houses, and are needing an agent pronto. And everyone is helping everyone else out -- if a friend is on the verge of an offer and needs an agent, established authors are on the phone to their agents to get those steps started toward representation. I've never seen so many cell phones and texting in my life. ; )

Tonight we're throwing a surprise baby shower for Isabo Kelly (fabulous, and very pregnant sci-fi author). There was cake and champagne (the mom-to-be drank water). After that we all went out to dinner at Six Penn, a spectacular restaurant a few blocks from the hotel that Kevin the Super Concierge set up for us. It was some of the best food I'd ever had. Once again, Kevin rocks! Saturday is the big Book Fair. My publicist Valerie Cortes is a force of nature! ; ) Since MLTF had sold out and had to go back for its second printing (yea!) there weren't any until this week. Val is overnighting them to the hotel (she's been busting her butt to make this happen) so that I can do a buy-one-get-one free deal with Armed & Magical.

450 authors, 3,000 fans. It's gonna be insane! I can't wait. ; )

Tomorrow (Monday) I'll post the blog I wrote (in long hand) for Saturday. You DO NOT want to miss this. A hint -- kick-ass book sales, Fabio, Adrian Paul, and a power failure. I will say no more. (Aren't I mean?) Come back tomorrow. ; )

I have to do laundry now,
Lisa

Computer death & winner of this week's contest

Having a wonderful time here at the RT Con! Will tell you all about when I get back. My computer is REALLY about to die this time. It's not the power cord; it's the computer. When I get back on Sunday, I'll be taking it in for emergency surgery.

Amy Lomas is the winner of this week's copy of MLTF! Congrats, Amy! I drew the winner today, because I probably won't be on tomorrow. In fact I may only have a few moments.

Talk to you all later!
Lisa

Day 2 -- Romantic Times Booklovers Convention

What is it about conventions and laptop death? (Linnea Sinclair had a brand-new Vaio bite the big one at a conference.) My power cord refuses to acknowledge the existence of electricity. So once again, I'm typing fast in case it dies.

I was up at 4:00 this morning (which is perfectly normal since I'm so close to my deadline). Knowing that I was not going back to sleep I got up, made tea, and got some really good quality writing done on Chapter 30. Yea, me!

Once again I had breakfast in the author hospitality suite (Kevin and Tony take such good care of us!) I met a simply lovely British lady who works with a gaming company. We were discussing the viability of my books for games. (I think they'd be excellent). Our SciFi panel went wonderfully this morning, and it was fantastic go get to meet some of my fans in person. ; ) After the panel, some authors including Linnea, Stacy, and myself went to lunch). Linnea has a seminar this afternoon on how not to piss off an editor. I'm gonna go and heckle Linnea from the back row. ; ) (Just kidding.)

In a few minutes the RT stores and goody bag shops open -- so I'm off to get myself some swag. ; )

I have got to take some pics. I'll take my camera with me when I go downstairs and I'll start snapping stuff, I promise.

I'll pop back on tonight (battery permitting), and tell you about the rest of my day.

Lisa

Day 2, Part 2 -- 9:28 p.m. -- Just got back from checking out the costumes at the Under the Sea Fairy Ball down in the ballroom. Fairies (regular & goth), mermaids, pirates, King Neptune (excellent costume and long blond hair). Linnea and Stacy went to the bar, and I came back to the room. I'm pooped. The three of us had a magnificent dinner at the Palomino, a simply splendid restaurant a block away from the hotel that can be reached by pedestrial tunnel under the streets. This afternoon after our panel, I met Maria Snyder (she won the Compton Crook Award two years ago), and the Grande Dame of Romance, Roberta Gellis sat across from me at Linnea's afternoon seminar on "Pissing Off Editors: Or How Not to Get Published." Before Linnea got started, I had the chance to talk to Ms. Gellis -- she is absolutely delightful, and of course, I adored her British accent. ; )

Got a bag of free books (I think my suitcase expands). And I treated myself to some magnificent jewelry (bracelet and earings), and Linnea said I simply must get the pendant to complete the set. Needless to say, this will be my birthday present. Derek would have wanted me to get them. Really. ; ) They're silver and Labordorite -- blue/green stones that are the color of Mychael's eyes. So of course I had to have them.

Tomorrow I hunt down my copies of MLTF that my publicist is sending for the Saturday Book Fair, and I have a meeting with Jill Smith, the reviewer for Romantic Times Book Review who reviewed A&M and gave it their top ranking of 4 1/2 stars.

Again, my computer plug/battery isn't working, so hopefully I'll be back with another blog tomorrow. I'm gonna have to replace that when I get home.

I'm going to get some writing done (long hand, I'm afraid). I'm only using my laptop for blogging and checking email.

Night-night,
Lisa

Day 1 -- Romantic Times Booklovers Convention

WHEW! What a day! I'm here in Pittsburgh at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. And man, am I exhausted -- but in a good way.

While I was standing in line at the Hilton (the convention hotel) wondering how the heck I was going to locate Linnea Sinclair in the sea of humanity, I looked up and there was Stacy Klemstein and next to her was Linnea. Big hugs all around. For those of you who don't know, Linnea is my author/mentor mom. She is beyond amazing. And through her I'd met Stacy -- but until today I hadn't met either of them in person. Then about half an hour later, I run into Anya Bast at the elevators (she wrote an awesome blurb that is on the back cover of Armed & Magical). I'm a huge fan of her books, too. BTW -- I got my first two copies of A&M yesterday. It looks great!! And within the hour I was standing in the conference registration line, and Jill Smith walks by. She's the reviewer for Romantic Times Booklovers magazine who reviewed A&M in the May issue (4 1/2 stars!!). A couple of weeks ago, we'd set up a meeting for Friday here at the convention. Just too many coincidences -- of the really good kind.

I helped out with Linnea's Intergalactic Bar & Grille party this afternoon. We started settting up at 2:30, and the party ran from 3:30 to 5:00. After that, Stacy and I went and got a bite to eat and on the way back ran into Marianne Mancusi (another of Kristin Nelson's clients). And of the hundreds of rooms in the Hilton, Stacy and I have rooms next to each other.

Oh crap. My battery isn't working. While packing, I dropped my computer bag, and it looks like I might have damaged my battery. If so this may be my only blog. Dang it. I'll type fast.

I'm having a wonderful time; I was interviewed by some local media (complete with camera crew), I met an Australian bookseller and signed bookplates for her to use in her store, and I ran into a NY bookseller up in the author hospitality suite a few minutes ago, who has MLTF in her room and is going to start reading it tonight. I promised to sign it for her. ; )

I'd better stop here and check my computer. If I don't blog tomorrow you know what happened. Dead battery. Let's hope I can fix it. To save precious battery time, I'm not proofing this blog, so excuse any typos.

Lisa

Day 1 -- Part 2: Okay, I 'm back. It's a 9:15 pm and for some glorious reason, my laptop battery is back among the living. Some more things that happened today. . .

Our SciFi/Fantasy panel is tomorrow morning from 10:30-12:00. Since the hotel is under renovation, there have been a lot of problems. The phone in my room doesn't work. I've reported it, but nothing's been done yet. Thank God for my cell. To make it up to convention goers, the hotel is providing some vouchers for discounts in their restaurants -- but we authors have a hospitality suite on the 21st floor, free food and drinks from 6:30 am-11:00 pm. I'm going there in the morning for breakfast. Stacy said that it's become a favorite breakfast place for the cover models. Bagels and biceps -- yummy! ; )

I've fixed myself a cup of chamomile tea, and am staying in for the evening. I need to rest up for tomorrow. There's a big party going on in the ballroom downstairs, but I need sleep more than cover models and a Golden Age of Hollywood theme party. ; ) The view outside my window is gorgeous (I'll have to get a pic). Skyscrapers lit at night with an almost full moon, and there are lights illuminating the riverfront as well. I'm on the 18th floor, so I have a really nice view. I'm going to have some tea, sign some more postcards for tomorrow, and get some sleep.

Nighty-night,
Lisa

As I announced yesterday, Magic Lost, Trouble Found is one of five finalists for the Compton Crook Award for the best debut SciFi/Fantasy novel of the year. Scroll down to yesterday's blog to see my fellow nominees. Wow. I feel like I'm swimming in the big pool now. ; )

And to add to the coolness, the award announcement also appeared this morning on SCI FI Wire, the news service of the SciFi Channel. And to kick the cool factor up a notch further, in the next few weeks, there'll be a profile piece on SCI FI Wire about me and Magic Lost, Trouble Found. I'll let you all know when that'll appear.

I'm really trying to finish The Trouble With Demons. Really. I have a chapter and a half to go, and I could get it done except for the rest of my writing life getting in the way. Yeah, I'm livin' the dream, but the dream gets a bit hectic sometimes. ; ) The next three weeks are going to be a whirlwind. Tomorrow morning I fly to Pittsburgh for the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. I'll be speaking on a panel, finally getting to meet some authors that I only know via email (Jeez, I cannot wait to meet Linnea Sinclair tomorrow! I can guarantee that there will be squealing involved.), I'll be meeting with a book reviewer, signing the first copies of Armed & Magical at the Giant Book Fair on Saturday, meeting my fans, and chasing down Adrian Paul for an autograph for my Highlander-crazy sister. (No, Terie. I will not corner the man in the elevator.)

Since I have to leave for the airport tomorrow morning around 8 AM, I won't be blogging at my normal time. My plan is to blog every day during the convention, I just can't promise at what time during the day (or night) that will be. And on Saturday, I will announce this week's winner of the copy of MLTF. Could somebody post or email me to remind me to do that? LOL. When you're at a convention, you can lose track of the days really quick. I fly back home Sunday morning, and am taking the day off from my day job on Monday to write and recuperate.

Your tired, but happy author,
Lisa

Magic Lost, Trouble Found nominated for the Compton Crook Award!

This is the HUGE news that I've been dying to tell you all -- Magic Lost, Trouble Found is one of five finalists for the Compton Crook Award for the debut science fiction/fantasy author judged to have written the best novel for the previous year. The award is voted on by members of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society and will be awarded at their annual convention (Balticon) on Memorial Day weekend. Needless to say, I'm thrilled and honored to be included in such great company. Check out the other nominees -- Wow!

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie (published by Pyr)

The Outback Stars by Sandra McDonald (Tor)

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (DAW)

Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin (Ace)

One Jump Ahead by Mark L. Van Name (Baen)

Here's the announcement on the Locus magazine site, SFScope and Science Fiction Awards Watch.

Now this is what I call a great Monday morning!
Lisa

BTW -- Tomorrow I'll be blogging on how a writer gets through the last few chapters of a book, and beginning on Wed. through Saturday, I'll be blogging live from the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Pittsburgh -- 450 authors, 3,000 fans, a bevy of male romance cover models, and from what I hear, all the mayhem you can handle. ; ) It's my first time attending, and it should be a blast. ; )

The winner of the copy of MLTF!

The winner of this week's signed copy of MLTF is Lisa Nevin -- congratulations, Lisa! If you'll email me your mailing address, I'll get your signed book (and book goodies) in the mail to you ASAP.

I still have two copies of MLTF to give away over the next two Saturdays. So if your name isn't in the hat, send me an email to lisa@lisashearin.com with "MLTF contest" in the subject line.

Monday thru Wed. of next week, I'll be blogging as per usual. But Thursday through Saturday, I'll be blogging from the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Pittsburgh. It's my first time at this kind of convention, and RT Con. first-timers are called "virgins." LOL! 450 authors, 3,000 fans, and whole bevy of male romance cover models (including Fabio and Adrian Paul from Highlander). I finally get to meet Linnea Sinclair, Stacy Klemstein, and Anya Bast, who I have only met via email. This promises to be a blast! ; )

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

When your characters toss your plot out the window

I know I said I wasn't going to blog until tomorrow, but I've come up for air on Chapter 30 of The Trouble With Demons, and decided to post. Plus, I missed you all. ; )

If you want to be in the contest for tomorrow's drawing of a signed & personalized copy of Magic Lost, Trouble Found, email me today at lisa@lisashearin.com and put "MLTF contest" in the subject line. I'll be drawing the second winner tomorrow, with two more winners to come on the next two Saturdays. It's my way of counting down the days until Armed & Magical comes out.

Only 18 more days until Armed & Magical is on the shelves -- I simply cannot wait for you all to read it!

As I near the end of writing Raine's third adventure (The Trouble With Demons), once again I'm grateful that I had a complete plot syopsis to work with. Well, almost complete. There's all that critical stuff I've found that happens "between the lines" of my synopsis. But the synopsis I had was priceless for keeping me on track -- and keeping me sane. Most writers plot out their books to some degree. Some go with a loose sketch, others know exactly what happens from A to Z. I'm glad I'm not the former, I envy the later -- I fall somewhere in the middle.

But sometimes you have to toss it all out the window -- or at least occasionally go with the flow.

Say you're happily writing along, everything going according to plan. Character A is behaving perfectly. Then Character B -- or even a character you've never met before -- suddenly enters the scene. Everything changes. Dang it! So much for reaching the daily page count, right?

Wrong. It's become my experience that this is a very good thing. It means that your story is taking on even more of a life of its own. It means that your muse is in residence, and she's just vetoed your plan, staged an intervention, whatever you want to call it, to keep you from doing something stupid that you'll regret later.

Whenever this happens to me, I've learned to run, don't walk, after the interfering Character B. That character knows what they're doing and why they're there even if you don't. The key here is to go with the flow. Some of my most fun characters have come into existence by crashing my plot party. In a book, party crashers are always welcome. For me, they're either being pulled into a dark alley, or pushed out of a bar. I've learned to pay attention to these people. They're worth watching -- and listening to.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the book contest drawing.

And I'll be leaving for the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention next Wed. and will be there through Sunday. I will be blogging live from the convention. And if I can't post photos then, I will be posting them when I get back.

It's Friday, people! WOOT!
Lisa

Website updates!

Due to my impending deadline, I didn't think you all would mind if I devoted this week to working on the last two chapters of The Trouble With Demons (Raine Benares #3, for my new blog readers). But I'll be back on Saturday to announce the winner of this week's signed and personalized copy of Magic Lost, Trouble Found. I have three more copies to give away, so if you'd like to enter, just send me an email (lisa@lisashearin.com) and put "MLTF contest" in the subject line. In the meantime, enjoy cruising around my new and improved website. And for a ton of fun, pop over and join my Yahoo Group fan club -- Raine's Rangers. It's getting downright crazy over there. ; )

The look is the same, but the content is new and improved. Webmaster Todd did a great job this weekend finishing my website updates!

On the Books page are new reviews for Armed & Magical. As the reviews come in, I'll add them.

There's a new page called Fun Stuff to Read. I've included links to what you all have told me were your favorite blog posts. There's also interviews, articles, my characters answer your questions (and I want to do the character Q&A again once Armed & Magical comes out), and the ever-popular outtakes from Magic Lost, Trouble Found. Once I get The Trouble With Demons finished, I want to go through my drafts of Armed & Magical and see if I can find some scenes and chapters that I had to cut, and post those for you to read.

I've updated the News page, so go and check that out.

And you might have noticed the new links here on my Blog page: Author Sites, Favorite Blogs, and Writer Sites. The last three links under "Writer Sites" are a motherlode of information for you "pre-published" writers out there.

I'll also be posting more pics on the Photos page, but since I'm on deadline for The Trouble With Demons, those will have to wait until I turn the manuscript in.

For those of you who haven't joined, I have a Yahoo Group fan club called Raine's Rangers (see the link at the top of the page). We're having an absolute blast over there. Join in the fun! ; )

And my designer is working on the items for our Cafepress store that we're hoping to have up and running by April 29 (aka Armed & Magical in-bookstores day).

Lisa

Saturday Fun Pic -- Map of Raine's world

Here it is -- the map of Raine's world. I've made modifications in my head since then, but this is the most recent rendering of The Map. It was probably done about 12 years ago. Dang, has it been that long?? It was drawn by me and an artist coworker. I drew it, and then Sherry added embellishments, like making larger mountain ranges and forests stand out from smaller ones. (Click on the photo for a larger view.) She drew the sword in the lower left corner, and the sea monsters -- swords and sea monsters are beyond my artistic skills. ; )

The winner of this week's signed and personalized copy of Magic Lost, Trouble Found, with Armed & Magical book goodies is (drum roll) Beth Shriver (aka "scifibookcat"). Congratulations, Beth! I'll get everything in the mail to you ASAP. For the next three Saturdays, I'll be drawing three more winners. And if you've already entered, you don't need to enter again. Your name's in the hat for the next three drawings.

Update on The Trouble With Demons: I really want to finish Chapter 29 today, and it absolutely must be finished by tomorrow. That'll leave me with two more chapters to go. My deadline to my publisher is May 1. For regular chapters, I try to write two chapters a week. But the last few chapters take longer (usually a week). A lot of action takes place in those final chapters and they simply take longer to write.

Armed & Magical ad in Realms of Fantasy magazine -- My ad for Armed & Magical is on page 26 of the May issue of Realms of Fantasy magazine on newsstands and in mailboxes now.

Coming up next week: writing discipline, writers' block, and the KISS principle of writing. And hopefully I'll be able to tell you all that humongously great news that I've been dying to announce, but can't until "the powers that be" tell me that I can.

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

What do I think of first -- character or plot?

I get this question a lot. Heck, all writers get this question a lot. And all of us have different answers, or a different twist on the same answer. It's the writer's version of the chicken-and-the-egg question: "Which comes first: character or plot?

For me, it's a little of both. But most of the time, the characters come first, story second. For me characters drive the story, so it's only natural that they would come to me first. For me personally, the characters are the most important part of any book, whether I'm the writer or the reader.

My progression of "idea getting" goes like this: A character comes to me, I get snippets of snarky dialogue from said character, other characters arrive, then scenes start forming in my head with my cast of characters, then those scenes and dialog snippets start to form themselves into a story. Volia.

I cut my fantasy-writing teeth in the 80s on David Eddings, Raymond Feist and Terry Brooks -- all authors of very character-driven books. What kept bringing me back to their series, and kept me waiting in not-very-patient anticipation for their next books were the characters. These were people I identified with, genuinely liked and most importantly -- I cared what happened to them. If I'm reading a book and after the first couple of chapters I either don't like the main character, or really couldn't care less what happened to them, chances are pretty high that book is going back on the shelf and I'm going to be disappointed. Give me "real" characters and a compelling plot, and I'm your fan for life.

Which author keeps me tapping my foot impatiently for their next book?

Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files. Simply the best -- period. And according to my editor at Ace, Anne Sowards (who is also Jim's editor), he has a wonderful sense of humor and is an all-round great guy. I'm looking forward to meeting him one of these days. ; )

Coming up tomorrow on the Saturday Fun Pic, I'll be posting a photo of something that a lot of you have been asking for -- a map of Raine's world. It's framed, drawn on parchment, and is very cool.

And don't forget about the MLTF Contest -- I'll be drawing a name tomorrow for our first winner. Some of you have read your copies of Magic Lost, Trouble Found so many times that it's starting to get a little worn. I thought I'd give you all a chance to replace it with a brand new, signed and personalized copy. Over the next four weeks I'll be giving away copies of MLTF and other book goodies. Just send me an email at lisa@lisashearin.com with "MLTF contest" in the subject line and you'll be entered to win. There will be a total of four winners, with the names drawn on the next four Saturdays. You only have to enter once to be eligible for each week's drawing.

Happy Friday, folks!
Lisa

Updates and upcoming events

I'm on Chapter 29 of The Trouble With Demons. I thought I'd be done at 30 chapters. Well, there might be 31; I've just got too much action to fit into two chapters. ; )

And for this week's Saturday Fun Pic, I'll be posting a photo of something that a lot of you have been asking for -- a map of Raine's world. It's framed, drawn on parchment, and is very cool.

I'll be at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention from April 16-20. On the morning of the 16th, I'll probably blog from home before catching my flight to Pittsburgh. But for the next 3-4 days, I'll be blogging live from the convention. It's my first convention of this kind (450 authors and 3,000+ fans) and I think it's gonna be a blast! And yes, I confirmed with my publicist yesterday, I will be debuting Armed & Magical at the convention's Book Fair on Saturday morning, April 19. The book fair is open to convention attendees and the public. So if you're in Pittsburgh on April 19, you can be one of the few to get your hands on Armed & Magical two weeks before everyone else. ; )

And don't forget about the MLTF Contest -- I'll be drawing a name this Saturday morning for our first winner. Since some of you have read your copies of Magic Lost, Trouble Found multiple times, I thought I'd give you all a chance to replace it with a brand new, signed and personalized copy. Over the next four weeks I'll be giving away copies of MLTF and other book goodies. Just send me an email at lisa@lisashearin.com with "MLTF contest" in the subject line and you'll be entered to win. There will be a total of four winners, with the names drawn on the next four Saturdays. You only have to enter once to be eligible for each week's drawing.

Take care, everyone!
Lisa

An oldie, but a goodie -- Book-Brain Syndrome

Since I have a little under two chapters to go on The Trouble With Demons (Raine Benares, Book 3), I'm exhibiting the symptoms of Book-Brain Syndrome again. As just one example, in our kitchen, the pantry and coat closet are next to each other. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to put bread in the closet and my coat in the pantry. . .or almost fed cat food to the dogs or dog food to the cats. . .or worst of all, walk into the bathroom and can't remember what I came in there to do (now that's just pathetic).

Last year around this time when I was finishing Armed & Magical, Derek (my husband for those of you who are new here) did a guest blog on his observations of me while in the grips of Book-Brain Syndrome. It's an oldie, goldie repeat. Here it is. . .

The Classic Symptons of Book-Brain Syndrome -- or "We're Sorry All Circuits Are Busy. . ."

Hi. It's me again. Bet you were expecting Lisa. I'm Derek -- Arm Candy, Husband and Business Manager. You may have seen me on such posts as "You and me and Note Pad makes three" and "Guest blog, Take 1."

During the time that Lisa was writing Book 2 (aka Armed & Magical), she became hyper-focused on the book. What are the symptoms of being hyper-focused? Well, I knew it was real bad when I was sitting in the our old house waiting for her to come home from her "other job." Our old house was built in the late 30s/early 40s and didn't have a garage, so we had to park in the driveway. Unlike now, where our new house has a two-car garage. . . and we still have to park in the driveway. That's another story, though. I had been home for about a half hour or so, when I heard her open the door.

"Derek?" she tenatively called out.

"Hey!"

"Oh!. . . I thought you had left the door unlocked when you left this morning. Where's the Tahoe? I didn't see it."

"Uuhmm. . . it's parked where it always is. Right next to where you park."

"You're kidding?!" she said with disbelief.

"No, I'm not kidding. . . You mean you drove up the driveway, parked your Jeep, got out, walked around the Jeep to the passenger side (right between the Jeep and the Tahoe), got your purse out, and didn't see the Tahoe?"

"Well, apparently." Was all she could say for herself.

So, how do you tell if your author has Book-Brain? Other symptoms may include (but are not limited to):

• Putting an open can of dog food in the pantry rather than in the fridge.
• Putting the empty dog dish in the fridge.
• Burning dinner because he/she was too busy jotting notes on "The Note Pad" (see previous post: "You and me and Note Pad makes three").
• Putting an opened gallon jug of milk in the cabinet (and the box of cereal in the fridge).
• Washing a bright red shirt with white unmentionables. . . ok, this hasn't actually happened. . . yet.

Yes, these and many more. So you may be asking, "Derek, is there a cure or even a treatment?" No. But we have a team of scientists and doctors working around the clock to try and discover a cure. Won't you help? Give generously to the BBSF (Book-Brain Syndrome Foundation).

"Uh. . .Lisa, dear, that goes in the refrigerator."

Derek Shearin

Husband

Arm Candy

Buisness Manager

Cranking up the book promo machine

It's April 1st -- only 28 more days until Armed & Magical is sitting on bookstore shelves at Barnes & Noble, Borders, or your favorite indie bookseller. Just sitting there waiting for the stampede of eager readers to snatch them off of the shelves and devour them in a single sitting. Hey, a girl can hope. ; )

So what am I doing to encourage said stampede?

1. Book Launch Party at Barnes & Noble -- This is gonna be a blast (and yes, I will post photos). The B&N at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham, NC, is throwing me a bash April 29 at 7:00 p.m. I'll be signing books, reading, there will be cake (with my book cover on it), balloons, prizes, giveaways, and tons of fun!

2. Bookstore stock signings: I'll go into local bookstores and sign the copies of A&M that they have on the shelves. It's a great way to get to know some fabulous people -- my local booksellers.

3. Cyber Launch Book Party -- This will be on April 24 (Kimber An, correct me if I'm wrong) over at Enduring Romance (the link is to the right). Kimber An throws world-famous cyber launches!

4. Advertising in Realms of Fantasy magazine -- I have an ad in the June issue (on newsstands now) on page 26, and will have one in the next issue as well.

5. Local press coverage -- My publicist is sending a press kit with a copy of A&M to my local media folks.

6. The Internet -- I love this place! What did authors do before blogs, forums, websites, chats, etc.? I get to talk to fans from all over the world, which is just too cool! Word of mouth from fans online is hands down the best way to spread the word.

7. I'll be at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Pittsburgh April 16-20. My mentor/"author mom" Linnea Sinclair (I don't know what I'd do without her) has graciously asked me to be on her SciFi/Fantasy panel. Thank you, Linnea! So if any of you are planning to be there, please look me up; I'd love to meet you!

8. Cafepress store will be up by April 29 -- My designer is working on the designs now. We'll have t-shirts, tote bags, messenger bags, mugs, bumper stickers, sweatshirts, hats, and more.

9. Updating website with more fun stuff -- I'm finishing The Trouble With Demons while putting together the updates for Webmaster Todd. Those will be up before April 29.

10. Raine's Rangers -- My official Yahoo Group online fan club. We're getting new members every day and are having a blast!

11. Postcards and bookmarks. I never leave home without them. I actually had time to go to the mall the other night. Actually I had to go for stuff for the convention. I gave my pitch and postcards to every sales person I dealt with. ; )

12. Contests! -- I love giving away books and goodies just as much as you all like winning them.

I'm sure there's more, but I haven't had enough coffee yet to remember them. April's gonna be a busy month for me. ; )

Lisa

And don't forget about the MLTF Contest -- Since some of you have read your copies of Magic Lost, Trouble Found multiple times, I thought I'd give you all a chance to replace it with a brand new, signed and personalized copy. Over the next four weeks I'll be giving away copies of MLTF and other book goodies. Just send me an email at lisa@lisashearin.com with "MLTF contest" in the subject line and you'll be entered to win. There will be a total of four winners, with the names drawn on the next four Saturdays. You only have to enter once to be eligible for each week's drawing.