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An interview, a review, and a prize photo
 As promised, here is a pic of some of the prizes in the "Raine Needs Reviews" contest. (scroll down to yesterday's blog for all of the details). To those of you who have already posted reviews of The Trouble with Demons on Amazon or Barnes & Noble -- thank you! Don't forget to email me so you can be entered in the contest. I'm working hard on Bewitched & Betrayed -- only four chapters to go and they're going slowly. But for me, final chapters always do. Being on deadline and having a book launch, makes for a hectic (but exciting) week. Signed books update -- I'm going over to the Cary Barnes & Noble this morning to sign/personalize the books for those of you who ordered and that the staff there have managed to contact for their credit card info. They're still trying to contact a few others. The books I sign this morning will be going in the mail immediately. Lisa
Raine needs Amazon reviews! You need prizes!
A lot of you have already read The Trouble with Demons and loved it. I can't tell you how much fun it is to read all of your emails telling me what you loved and why. I need for you all to do me a big favor (and I'm gonna make it worth your while) -- if you loved The Trouble with Demons, tell the world about it with a review on Amazon. One of the first things people will do when they hear about my books (or any book for that matter) is to go to Amazon and check the reviews. And for many people, the number of reviews reflects the popularity of the books. Unfortunate, but true. If there aren't a lot of reviews there, it can give the impression that the book must not be any good. Big name authors with established series have lots of reviews. I'm not a big name author, and my series is just getting established, so I need your help. I know it's time-consuming to compose and post a review, so I'm going to make it worth your while. We're gonna have a contest. Over the next 2-3 weeks, when you post a review to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble, send me an email to let me know that it's up there. That email will enter you in a drawing in two weeks (let's say Saturday, May 9th) to win one of two prize packs. (I'll post pictures of the prizes here tomorrow.) The first name drawn (Derek will be doing the drawing from a hat, bowl, or something) will win a t-shirt with the cover for The Trouble with Demons (I can sign it if you'd like), a key chain with the cover for TTWD on one side and I'll sign it on the other, a collection of fridge magnets of all of my covers, as well as signed postcards and bookmarks. If you've already posted a review (THANK YOU!), send me an email and I'll enter you in the contest. For those of you who want to post a review, but haven't either gotten or finished reading the book yet, there will be a second prize drawing on Saturday May 16th. And if you don't win in the first drawing on May 9, you're automatically entered in the drawing on May 16. Just don't forget to email me to let me know that you've posted a review so I can enter you in the contest. The more books people buy, the more popular the series becomes, the more manuscripts my publisher will buy -- and the Raine, Mychael, and Tam stories will continue. It's a beautiful thing. And as an added bonus, I might just even make a certain best seller list. ; ) Thank you for all the support and encouragement you all have given me! Lisa P.S.: After an incredibly busy day, my agent Kristin Nelson posted my guest blog on her blog Pub Rants. Pop over and say hi.
The DEMON horde has arrived!
It's finally here -- the release day for The Trouble with Demons! It should be in bookstores, mailboxes, eBook readers, and Kindles everywhere beginning today! Believe me, the wait has been just as hard on me as it has on you. Today is insane, crazy busy, so either tomorrow or Thursday, I'll be announcing the next contest. There will be two prize packs available for the winning. You're gonna love 'em. I'll post a photo of the prizes along with the contest announcement. Thea over at The Book Smugglers is reviewing The Trouble with Demons today. Pop over and visit and read Thea's wonderful review. It'll tide you over until you can get to the bookstore (or your mail box) when you get off work. ; ) And later today, I'll be guest blogging over on my agent Kristin Nelson's blog Pub Rants. Pop over and say hi. Thank you all for being so incredibly supportive -- as I said on the Acknowledgments page of TTWD: "To simply the best fans any author could ever hope for. Your emails, blog posts, cards, and endless enthusiasm keep me going. These books are for you."Big group hug! Lisa Big P.S.: If you didn't read my blog from yesterday's, scroll down. It tells how you can help me possibly, hopefully make the New York Times bestseller list by buying your copies of TTWD this week. Thank you so much for all that you do!
Tomorrow's the BIG DAY
Well, tomorrow's the day we've all been waiting for -- The Trouble with Demons hits the bookstores, your eBook readers, and the Kindles! You all are in for an incredibly fun read. I can't wait to hear what you all think! I have a big favor to ask. Last year you all made me a National Bestselling Author, and for that I simply cannot thank you enough. With The Trouble with Demons, I think I might actually have a chance at reaching my (or any author's) ultimate dream, the holy grail of publishing -- a place on The New York Times Bestseller List. You all can help me get there. Buy your copy of The Trouble with Demons this week, or if you can't get to the bookstore this week, try to make it next week. Big sales numbers during the first week or two is a big part of what it takes to win a place of the NYT list. And if you already have a copy ordered for yourself . . . prepare for a shameless book plug. ; ) With graduations and Mother's Day coming up (not to mention birthdays and beach trips), if that special someone might like a fantasy adventure with hot goblins and elves, consider buying them a copy of TTWD. (Okay, shameless plug over.) I think I'm even more excited than you are for you to read this book -- and to hear what you think. Email me or respond to a blog post and let me know how you liked it. You know how much I enjoy hearing from all of you. Lisa UPDATE ON SIGNED BOOKS: I just spoke with Linda at the Cary, NC, Barnes & Noble -- they STILL have not received their shipment of The Trouble with Demons. Linda expects it today. Dang, but it's almost funny. The author's home store is one of the last to get the books. When they get the books, I'll go and sign & personalize for all of you who have ordered. My apologies for the delay.
Contest today and more reviews
Smokin' hot Saturday Snippet -- Raine & Tam
Coming up over the next three days -- SUNDAY: I'll be guest blogging over on Romance Bandits. It'll be a combination of an interview, the hot Raine & Tam scene that's posted below, and a contest with a big prize pack. Plus, I'll be popping in to chat. Come and join us! MONDAY: I'll be asking a favor of all of you. It will REALLY help me out in a goal I'm trying to achieve with The Trouble with Demons, and best of all, it's something you all will be doing anyway. : ) TUESDAY: The official TTWD launch day -- I'll be announcing a contest with prizes I know you'll love. Stay tuned. Now as promised for your reading enjoyment . . . I heard the creak of leather as Tam came to stand directly behind me, the heat of his body warming me. Warm and nice. Except it wasn't nice; it was dangerous. Don't forget dangerous, Raine. Tam was dangerous to anyone who crossed his path, but mostly to me, especially now. And I was dangerous to everyone, period. Tam's strong hands settled on my shoulders and gently pulled me back against him. I knew it was a bad idea, but I leaned into him anyway, my head resting on his chest. Just a minute or two wouldn't do any harm. A little comforting never hurt anyone, and right now, I could use some. Our reflections looked back at us out of the glass. I watched Tam's hands slide from my shoulders to my arms. His hands were deliciously warm. My numerous brushes with death today had left me shivering--and not just from cold. "I'm sorry," he whispered. Those two words said everything, but told me nothing. Tam could be sorry for any number of things: the bond that linked us, using me to cram that demon into a bottle, me being accused of practicing black magic, or even the crap heap my life had become thanks to the Saghred. But it didn't tell me what I could do about any of them. The only thing I wanted more than to run was to do something, anything to find a way out of all of this. Tam wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer, his head bowed, hair falling in a silken curtain around us. The side of his face softly brushed against mine, like a cat--a big, dangerous cat. A shiver ran through me. This was about to go beyond comforting. My heart sped up, and not just from Tam's touch and his scent of fire-heated spices, of cinnamon and cloves. Getting within arms' reach of Tam had always been risky; the kind of risk where your clothes somehow ended up on the floor. Now risk had turned to danger. Thanks to our bond, we were as intimate as two people could be and still keep their clothes on. The Saghred had forged our bond. The rock never did anything without a reason--and no wards held it now. I swallowed hard. "Tam, no." "Raine, I would never hurt you." Tam's voice was a husky whisper against my ear. It was the whisper of a man torn between what he wanted and the knowledge that what he wanted could ultimately destroy him. Tam wanted me. Tam's black magic wanted the Saghred. Deep down, he knew it. He knew it and he didn't care--or he couldn't stop himself. In one swift, smooth move, Tam turned me to face him. I didn't fight him; I needed to see his eyes, to see if Tam was the only one home in there. I looked up into twin pools in a midnight forest. Not the solid black orbs that they'd been under the embassy, no black magic glittering there, just desire. A woman could drown in those pools. I could drown in those pools. But if did, I'd drag Tam under with me. It might not be tonight, but it would happen. The Saghred would see to it. "No, Tam," I said quietly. "I'm the one who would hurt you." His heart pounded beneath my hands as he pulled me tight against him, his body hard against mine, his breath warm against the tip of my ear. I expected his lips next, followed by a nibble of fang. Neither happened. We stood there, not moving, not speaking, not safe. Definitely not safe. And we both knew it. Tam pulled back just enough to gaze down at me. "It won't happen yet." His denial was murmured on the barest breath. He bent his head, his lips poised above mine. "Not yet." I didn't stop him, and I should have. Tam's kiss was a brush of featherlight silk, tentative, cautious; but his breathing had taken on a ragged edge--for me and for the power that had slowed to a soft pulse inside of me, anticipating, waiting. The touch of his lips quickened that pulse, and my breath along with it. Suddenly I was returning his kiss, my mouth pressing insistently against his, my tongue touching the smooth sharpness of his fangs. Tam shivered at the contact, and his breath came in a quick hiss as his long fingers gripped my hair, holding my head still as he kissed me hard and deep, devouring. His other hand left my waist to explore other places. I heard a soft groan; I think it was me. A slim slice of my consciousness knew it was more than me, more than Tam. Stop this, Raine. Stop it now. I couldn't. My hands took on a life of their own, sliding from Tam's chest to his throat. I lingered there, my fingers resting against the vulnerable pulse point, feeling it quicken and throb at my touch. Tam's arms tightened around me, and suddenly my feet weren't touching the floor. This was more than sensation, more than Tam and me. Magic curled in a sensuous swirl of heat through my belly and lower, along my skin and through my mind, and I saw Tam and I pressed together as if I were standing outside my body, a witness to passion that I had no control over. Tam's magic answered mine, his power responding, transforming those swirls into living vines, touching, entangling. Binding. Heat flared in the center of my chest, awake and eager, and I came back to myself, passion turned to panic. I wasn't across the room; I was clenched tightly in Tam's arms. Our lips parted and we froze, pressed together, breathing fast, our hearts beating faster. Inside of me, the Saghred's burn went from an exultant blaze to a triumphant smolder. The rock had just given Tam a sample of the ultimate fix and a taste of me along with it. For a recovering addict, it could be damnation. Tam might be willing to risk it; I wasn't going to risk Tam or myself. I got my hands between us and pushed hard against his chest. "Tam, let me go." I was panting, so was he. A shudder ran through his body and his hold on me loosened just enough that my feet touched the floor. I was ready to fight him if I had to, but Tam released me. "I'm sorry," he managed between breaths. I pulled air into my lungs, trying to clear my head, and took two steps back. I'd have retreated further, but my back was against the glass wall. Tam made no move to come after me. I exhaled and tried for some more air. "My fault. Shouldn't have . . . let you get that close." Tam's lips were parted, breathing softly. "I should have had more control." His dark eyes were still drowning pools, reflecting fear at what had happened, but desire at what we'd done. I looked away. I couldn't drown if I didn't go swimming again. "Though control would be easier to come by if you didn't feel so good." There was still fear in Tam's eyes, but his sly grin was sex itself. "And if you hadn't tried to stick your tongue down my throat." "I didn't try to--" Then memory collided with sensation. Oh yes, I did. Damn. "Maybe next time we should just stand across the room and talk dirty to each other," he suggested. "There can't be a next time." Tam didn't answer. He might be a scoundrel, but he didn't make promises he couldn't keep.
Hot snippet, contests, and TV clip from RT Convention
The next couple of days are going to be packed with activity. Meaning, I'm gonna be one seriously busy author. I've taken today as a vacation day from my day job to get more writing done on Bewitched & Betrayed, and get some other The Trouble with Demons promo stuff done before Tuesday, when you can finally get your hands on it. ; ) SATURDAY -- I was going to wait until Sunday for my hot TTWD snippet to be posted on my guest blog on Romance Bandits, but I can't resist posting it first here for you all tomorrow. It's a hot scene featuring Raine & Tam. Serious sizzle. You don't want to miss this one. SUNDAY -- I'll be guest blogging over on Romance Bandits. It'll be a combination of an interview, the hot Raine & Tam scene, and a contest with a big prize pack. Plus, I'll be popping in to chat. Come and join us! MONDAY -- I'll be asking a favor of all of you. It will REALLY help me out in a goal I'm trying to achieve with The Trouble with Demons, and best of all, it's something you all will be doing anyway. : ) TUESDAY -- The official TTWD launch day -- I'll be announcing a contest with prizes I know you'll love. Stay tuned. FOR TODAY'S VIEWING ENJOYMENT -- My "author sister" Stacey Klemstein posted on Twitter last night about a local Orlando TV station doing a story on the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. Included in the story is a brief clip of the Fantasy/SciFi panel that I would have been on if I'd been able to go, but you can see Linnea Sinclair and Stacey. That's it for now, have yourself a great Friday! Lisa
Review of The Trouble with Demons over at Fantasy Debut
Tia over at Fantasy Debut posted a great -- and very insightful -- review of The Trouble with Demons this morning. It gives some tantalizing clues without any spoilers. I think you'll all enjoy it. In less than a week, TTWD is on bookstore shelves -- or in your mailboxes if you pre-ordered.This week's Steamy Saturday Snippet will be on Sunday. I'll be guest blogging over on Romance Bandits that day. It'll be a combination of an interview and one of the hottest scenes from TTWD. There will be a big prize pack, and I'll be popping in to chat. Come and join us!And on Tuesday -- the official TTWD launch day -- I'll be announcing a contest with prizes I think you all will love. Stay tuned. Lisa
We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog for . . .
I'm crazy busy this week. It's always this way the week before a book release. Plus, I'm on deadline for BEWITCHED & BETRAYED. So today's blog features . . . Excessive Puppy Cuteness.  This is Lucy our Jack Russell Terrorist using all of her brown-eyed persuasiveness to convince Derek that he wants nothing more than to throw her toy. (That's the black thing in front of her.) For the uninitiated, it's called a Kong (no, it's not a really big accident on the carpet). Kongs come in red and black. The black ones are for "power chewers" like military and police dogs -- or Jack Russell Terrorists named Lucy. And if you didn't see my blog yesterday, my local Barnes & Noble is making it possible for me to offer signed & personalized copies of my books. If you're interested, scroll down for all the details on how to order. Writing like a mad woman, Lisa
Signed copies of my books are NOW AVAILABLE!
The Trouble with Demons will be released one week from today -- the wait is almost over! And the Barnes & Noble in Cary, NC, has most graciously offered to make signed and personalized copies of any and all of my books available to you. Ordering couldn't be easier: 1. Email Linda Maloof at CRM2647@bn.com. She's the fabulous Community Relations Manager in the Cary, NC, store. 2. Put "LISA SHEARIN BOOKS" in the subject line of your email. 3. Tell Linda which of my books you want to order. 4. Tell her how many you want. 5. Include in your email who you would like the book personalized to. And feel free to include any special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. 6. Include a phone number where Linda or one of her staff can contact you for your credit card information. That's it! I'll drop by the Cary B&N and sign books as orders come in. And of course, I'll include signed bookmarks in every book. I'm looking forward to signing your books! : ) Lisa
Bake, cook and ponder
 After finishing Chapter 21 of Bewitched & Betrayed yesterday, I made a gargantuan pot of spaghetti sauce (a double batch to freeze some for the coming weeks of having one book come out while being on deadline for the next one). After Derek & I got the spaghetti going, I baked some banana nut bread (since I had three bananas left from last week's lunches). Hmmm, how is it I always seem to have three left over -- just the amount the recipe calls for. ; ) While the bread was baking and the sauce was simmering, so was my writing brain. I was also writing this blog (see photo above). Yes, that's Andy the Greyhound helping. And yes, I have short hair now. I call it my "summer puppy cut." ; ) I'm in my Sunday afternoon schlepping-around-the-house clothes, so click on the photo to make it bigger at your own risk. The last chapters of my books tend to get complicated (as you all know), and I've finally admitted to myself that complicated needs some time to simmer to be at its best. Speed bake isn't the way to go. So on these last chapters, I'm giving myself permission to take a small breather between chapters (an evening off) to let what I've just written simmer and tell me what happens next. And sometimes when my writing brain is on simmer, the rest of me takes a nap--and my husband sneaks up on me with the camera. Andy and Lucy are always happy to help me nap. 
Steamy Saturday Snippet -- Raine & Mychael
As promised, here's a snippet of a scene between Raine & Mychael from The Trouble with Demons, which will be on bookstore shelves one week from Tuesday. "The demon said that if I came to him, he'd let Piaras and Talon live." Mychael went dangerously still. "He wanted you?" I waited a few heartbeats before answering, a little taken aback by his intensity. "He didn't tell me what he had in mind, and I didn't ask. From the look on his face, he was going to enjoy it and I knew I wouldn't." The air around Mychael flared with power. It was magic, definitely lethal, and its target was that purple demon. Then in a blink of an eye the aura was gone, clamped down tight by the sheer force of Mychael's will, only to be replaced by something more primitive, more male. "Are you all right?" he demanded. "Shaken up, but he didn't lay a claw on me." The power still flowing from him swept over my skin, and I forced back a shiver of pure sensation. Mychael realized what he was doing and resisted touching me, even though not touching me seemed to take as much effort as not going after that demon. "Raine, I want you to come back to the citadel with me. You're not safe on Phaelan's ship." I'd stayed in the citadel since arriving on Mid a few weeks ago, but the past few days I'd been on the Fortune. The accommodations Mychael had provided for me had been luxurious, but with guards posted outside my door, a gilded cage was still a cage. My family doesn't do cages very well. "Mychael, I'm not safe anywhere, and you know it. Vegard never leaves my side, but if it makes you feel better, post a couple more Guardians, though with literally all hell about to break loose, I doubt if you can spare them. I may not be any safer on the Fortune, but I'm happier. If I can't be safe, I'll take happy." Mychael sat back and raked his hand through his hair. I knew I'd been one exasperation right after another since the day we'd met. "I won't allow myself to be locked up," I told him. "I would never lock you up. You know that." "If I went back, you wouldn't let me leave, so what's the difference?" "You'd be alive." "Possibly." "No, definitely." Mychael said it as if he dared Death to defy him. "Mychael, I can't let you--" "Can't let me what? Protect you? Save you? Keep the next demon from carrying you off? Dammit, Raine, I won't stand by and--" He took my hand and the shock of his magic raced up my arm. My breath exploded in a hiss, not of pain, but of every nerve ending suddenly and sharply aware. The air was crisp and alive and filled with scents magnified a hundredfold: the wood of the chair and table, the metallic tang of Mychael's armor and weapons, and his unmistakably masculine scent. My magic surged forward to meet his, matching him, giving as good as I got. Our magics coiled and twisted, weaving us together, and I was keenly aware of his every pulse, every muscle, the surging of blood through his veins. And he was just as aware of me--all of me. I was transfixed as his eyes darkened from sun-kissed tropical seas to ocean depths. As his power filled me, I saw what he'd done to the demons that had ambushed him and four of his men. When my magic rose to meet his, Mychael felt what I had done to that demon. And he knew that Tam and I had done it together. That thought broke whatever hold our powers had on us. I pulled my hand away, dragging air forcibly into my lungs. "What the hell was that?" Mychael's eyes were like twin sapphires. "Magic most potent." His deep voice was rich and vibrant; it was his spellsinger's voice. He wasn't doing it on purpose; it was simply remnants from the power that still roiled within him. I was about to say "no shit" to his assessment, but the memory of what Tam and I had done froze the words on my lips. It was my magic that had focused Tam's power, and my magic that had just surged into Mychael. The Saghred hadn't had a thing to do with either one. I felt my hands start to shake and I let them. At least they knew what to do next. "What did you do?" In response, Mychael tentatively reached out to touch me, but stopped when the air between us crackled with static. The sensation ran up my spine like a warm hand in a velvet glove. Damn, but that felt good. Too good. I held the breath I'd just taken and flattened myself against the back of my chair. "Stop," I managed. "No touching." Mychael slowly pulled his hand back. We had touched more than each other's hands before, but absolutely nothing like this had ever happened. In that exact instant, Mychael had the same thought; I felt the echo from it flicker inside my mind. My own thoughts skittered in panicked circles. "I can hear you thinking." Mychael sat unmoving. "It's fading, but I can sense your thoughts, too." Damn. "I agree," he said. I hadn't said it out loud. Double damn. "Anything like this ever happen to you before?" I asked him. "Never." Mychael's eyes were on mine; they were slowly returning to their normal color. "Was this similar to what happened with you and Tam?" I hesitated before answering. "Yes . . . and no. Yes, my magic felt the same as when Tam and I bottled that demon." I paused. "But Tam didn't feel anything like you." "I'm not Tam." Mychael's voice was deeper, huskier. I swallowed. "I noticed."
Sales of fantasy up in recession, and more
As a fantasy author, I just love news like this. In Monday's Publishers Weekly was an article entitled: "Good Worlds and Bad: Pure escapism and dystopian visions appeal to consumers unhappy with the here and now." Fantasy and science fiction is selling strong in the recession. I've always said if I want bad news I'll just turn on the TV or check CNN.com; I sure as heck don't want it in my books. It seems that a lot of people agree. Great news for the genre and the publishing industry! Yesterday, I read a blog post from author Christopher Gortner over at Red Room. He wrote about what I'll be going through in the next few weeks: A writer's empty nest.Once one book has come out and I've turned the next one in (all within a few weeks of each other), I get the jitters something fierce. Either that or I'll be walking through the house and just stop and stand there. You'd think I'd be able to relax. Nope. Writers' Empty Nest Syndrome strikes again. ; ) Coming up tomorrow: A steamy snippet from The Trouble with Demons featuring Raine & Mychael. Trust me, you don't want to miss this.Happy Friday! Lisa
Interview with Aleta Rafton, my cover artist
I just loved this!
You've may have already seen Susan Boyle's audition for Britain's Got Talent, but if you haven't, this is a treat. This lady is simply awesome. Update on Bewitched & Betrayed: I have been busting my buns on this book, and will continue to do so for the next few weeks until it's done. The first 20 chapters are finished, polished, and ready to go. I still need to write Chapters 21-25. This is the edge-of-the-seat section, and usually writes slower than the rest of the book. By the time I'm done, I'll be ready to go to bed for two days. (And I actually know some authors who do exactly that.) By the time you type those last words, you're absolutely exhausted. Happy, but exhausted. : ) The Trouble with Demons "Saturday Snippet" preview: This Saturday, April 19 will feature a steamy scene with Raine & Mychael. And the next Saturday Snippet will actually be a Sunday Snippet (April 26). I'll be guest blogging on Romance Bandits that day. There will be prizes and a hot scene with Raine & Tam to whet your appetites for the book which will hit bookstore shelves two days later. Trust me, you don't want to miss these snippets. Now I'm back to work, Lisa
New book signing and contests and cool news
In case any of you will be in the Cary, NC, area (next to Raleigh) or live in the area, I have a book signing scheduled. Fantasy & SciFi panel discussion/book signing Tuesday, June 23, 2009 7:00 pm Barnes & Noble 760 SE Maynard Rd. Cary, NC 27511 Join myself, James Maxey, Mark Van Name, and David Drake at the Barnes & Noble in Cary for what's becoming an annual event for us. We all have new books coming out in the next two months, and Dave Drake has a backlist that stretches from here to the moon and back (the man has like a gazillon books out there). We had a blast last time talking about our books, answering questions from the audience, and signing pretty much anything anyone put in front of us. ; ) If you're in the area on that day, come out and join the fun! However, if you can't make the signing. . . SIGNED COPIES OF MY BOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE! The Barnes & Noble in Cary has agreed to offer signed copies of any and all of my books for sale. The price would be the cost of the book(s) plus shipping. We're working out the ordering details now, but as soon as I know, I'll post it here and on my NEWS page. And the 3rd Annual BookSpot Central Book Tournament has come to an end, and Armed & Magical was the winner of the 2009 Dealer's Choice Award! Thank you so much to all of you who hung in there over the past few weeks of voting to help my little book win the trophy! As soon as I get it, I'll post a pic. But wait, there's more! Over at The Epic Rat, Cecilia has posted a wonderful review of The Trouble with Demons -- AND is offering a prize pack of all three books, plus book goodies! Pop over to The Epic Rat for her review and the rules for entering to win the prizes. The contest ends April 28 (the release day for TTWD). Great review, Cecilia -- thank you! Whew! That's it for now. Lisa
Another writing dream comes true
Most of us who are writers subscribe to them -- The Writer magazine and Writer's Digest. Since I began writing I've either subscribed to or bought both over the years, but The Writer turned into my favorite. For me, the articles were more indepth and gave me information that I didn't already know from reading countless books for writers. Since I've become published, I've noticed that The Writer gives more meaty information to writers at my point in their careers -- published, but always wanting to learn something new. The Writer magazine has been in print since 1887 -- a venerable publication. I'd always dreamed of being asked to write a column for them. Two weeks ago, I got my wish. : ) Sarah Lange, the associate editor, emailed me, said that she liked my blog, and offered me my own bimonthly column in The Writer magazine's front-of-the-book section, Take Note. She said she wanted my columns to focus on fiction writing (either craft or business issues), and to be similar in style to my blog, i.e., conversational and fun. After I stopped squeeing, I answered her email and said that I'd be honored and thrilled. My first column will appear in their August issue which will be on newsstands beginning July 7. If you're a subscriber, you'll get your issue a little earlier. Your excited author and columnist, Lisa BOOK REVIEWS: On the book review front: I'll be posting links to reviews of my books over the next few weeks, especially as The Trouble with Demons will hit bookstores two weeks from tomorrow. Yea! Laurie from the three review blogs: The Toasted Scimitar, Take It To the Stars, and Spacefreighters' Lounge posted an awesome review of The Trouble with Demons on all three sites. Here's the link to the one posted on The Toasted Scimitar. Enjoy! Don't worry, there's no spoilers, just a lot of fun. Jo over at Ink and Paper posted a great review Armed & Magical. Enjoy!
Snippet from The Trouble with Demons -- Ronan Cayle
Vegard passed his hand over a crystal set into the wall next to the door. The crystal flashed once, and after a minute or so, Ronan answered the door. If you were a magic user, you'd heard of Maestro Ronan Cayle. The spellsinging master. The legend who only taught future legends. The maestro who turned out the finest spellsingers the Isle of Mid and the Conclave had to offer. The snappiest dresser I had ever seen. His robes were a riot of silk and color. Red, orange, amber, gold--every color that flame could be at one point or another in its capricious existence--Ronan managed to wear them all at once and wear them well. It was nothing short of a stunning fashion achievement. I was about to say as much when Ronan quickly held up a hand to stop me and put a warning finger to his lips. I shut up and froze, and so did Vegard. I cautiously looked over his shoulder. Ronan's music room was filled with a profusion of cushions and rugs and furniture carved from exotic woods all topped with more cushions, all in sumptuous, brightly colored and gilded fabrics. A Nebian pasha's throne room would have looked drab in comparison. Piaras and Talon were there along with another pair of large and highly watchful Guardians. Everyone was standing perfectly still, and the Guardians weren't watching Piaras. They had their eyes on something else entirely and had glowing weapons in their hands. I looked where they were looking. Hellfire and damnation. A knee-high, naked, yellow, potbellied demon was sprawled like a Nebian pasha on a pile of silk cushions. His eyes were closed, and his fleshy lips stretched in what looked like a contented smile on his flat and ugly face. I'd squished his big brother yesterday. I sucked in my breath and went for my daggers. Ronan held up both hands. He wanted me to stay put; I wanted to move. If I was going to be a demon target, I was going to be a moving target. An armored goblin dark mage slipped silently between the Guardians; he had an ornate and open bottle in his hands. One hand held the bottle; the other had the stopper. Tam and I had done the same thing in the Quad yesterday. I stayed put and let the mage do his work. The little yellow demon snorted, rolled over, and started to snore. After a hissing incantation from the goblin dark mage, the demon was doing his snoring from inside a sealed bottle. We all started breathing again. "I used an ancient Caesolian love song with a lullaby twist to put him out," Ronan said with satisfaction. "He seemed to like it." "Looked like a bored stupor to me," Talon muttered. Ronan's amber eyes fixed him with a look. "What was that?" "Nothing, sir." "Are you both okay?" I asked Piaras and Talon. "Sure," Piaras said. "It was just a little one." Talon shrugged and grinned. "A little ugly never hurt anyone." I looked at Vegard, he looked at me, and we decided not to enlighten either one of them. "Don't demons wear clothes?" Piaras asked, clearly grossed out. "No demons wear clothes," I told him. Talon looked at the bottle and made a face. "Some demons should."
Guess what's in the box?
When I got home from work on Wednesday, this was waiting on my front porch, and inside the box was. . . . . . . my author copies of The Trouble with Demons. (happy dance) And, inside the book was . . . . . . a perfectly aligned map of Raine's world. Kudos to the printer; everything lines up perfectly! (Not easy to do with something that detailed.) You can click on any of the photos to make them bigger.
And also inside the book, I thanked all of you -- you ARE the best fans any author could ever hope for!  And for more cool news: Magic Lost, Trouble Found has gone back to press for its FOURTH print run! And next month, Armed & Magical will go back to press for its THIRD printing. Thank you all for helping to make my books successful! : ) Tomorrow I'll post a snippet from The Trouble with Demons featuring Ronan Cayle, Piaras and Talon (and of course, Raine). And one of my author dreams has now come true. : ) I'll tell you about it on Monday's blog. Have a wonderful holiday weekend! Lisa
Other Tam contest entries
Here are some of the other entries for "Tam." Sorry, I could only upload the pics that were JPGs. Thank you for all the delicious entries. And since you all seemed to have so much fun with this, I'll be doing contests with other characters soon. Tomorrow I'll have some cool news (with photos), and on Saturday I'll post another snippet from The Trouble with Demons.Lisa  
Tam contest winner of The Trouble with Demons ARC
   The Tam contest winner for The Trouble with Demons ARC is . . . Suzana! She chose Alessandro Etrusco, a rather luscious Italian actor as her choice for Tam. (You can click on the last photo to make it bigger.) You all sent in some delectable entries, and my choice wasn't an easy one. Suzana, send me your mailing address and I'll send you a signed ARC of TTWD. For more photos, go to Alessandro's site and click on Gallery. Gallery 2 is especially nice. Believe me, ladies, it's worth the visit. ; ) I think Raine would remember being slammed against a mainmast by this one. Warning: there is music on the site. So unless you want your co-workers to know that you're surfing and looking at a hot Italian man, use your headphones or there's a button in the lower right corner of the page to turn the music off. Tomorrow, I'll post some of the other entries. Friday, I have some cool news. And Saturday, I'll post another snippet from The Trouble with Demons. For Jim Butcher fans (like myself) Turn Coat is on bookstore shelves! WOOOOO! Since I was working hard on Bewitched & Betrayed last night, Derek went to Barnes & Noble for me and got my copy. At lunchtime today, I get to start reading. Ahhh, the bliss. : ) Lisa
Developing your characters' personalities
I got an email from Jeff last week asking how I develop my characters' personalities and create dialogue. Since a lot of you are writers, I thought I'd answer his question in a blog. Jeff said that he's good at writing scenarios, but not so much at dialog and motivation. I think this happens to a lot of us when we're starting with a fresh idea with new characters. It's the question of which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Or in our case: which comes first, the plot or the characters? For me, the characters come first -- at least my main character comes first. And she arrives in my head complete with the beginnings of her personality; the nuances and fine details will come as the story develops and the character grows. But before I start writing, I do a LOT of toying with my brand new idea, exploring the possibilities, expanding the scope, deepening the complexity. And as that happens, more characters come into being as the story idea takes shape. The story will determine their motivation, inspire their dialogue, and fuel their actions. Some of these characters will share your protagonist's goals and values -- these will be her friends and allies. Some will be at odds with your her goals and values -- these will become your villains. The way to write authentic sounding dialogue is to immerse yourself in that opening scene, become a part of it and your character. Get inside your main character's head. Start asking them questions. Put them in hot water from the very first sentence. Then you'll soon find out what really motivates them because they'll tell you. CONTEST UPDATESThanks to all of you, Armed & Magical has won its way to the championship (and final) round of the BookSpot Central March Madness Book Tournament! A&M is going up against Kitty and the Silver Bullet. Most of the regular visitors to BookSpot Central are hearing about my books for the first time through this contest. Needless to say, this is great publicity for my work. Here is the link for voting. Note: This is the FINAL round, so this is the LAST time you'll have to vote. Some of you have voted in every round -- you guys are awesome (and tireless). ; ) The deadline for voting is next Monday, April 13 at 8 pm EST. If Armed & Magical wins, my little book gets a very cool trophy -- and some great exposure. Don't forget, today at 6 pm EST is the deadline for you to submit your "Tam" entries to be entered to win an ARC for The Trouble with Demons. I'll award the ARC on my blog tomorrow. Send your entries to me at lisa @ lisashearin.com. I'll respond to let you know I got your entry. On Thursday, I'll post some of the other entries. On Saturday, I'll post another snippet from The Trouble with Demons -- which will be on bookstore shelves three weeks from today! WOOOOOO!Lisa
Contest deadline and Monday miscellaneous
There's a brand new fantasy book review blog in the UK called Ink & Paper run by Jo Stapley. She recently did a review of Magic Lost, Trouble Found. She's new to the review blogosphere and I've really enjoyed reading her reviews. Let's all make Jo feel welcome! Don't forget, tomorrow (April 7 at 6 pm EST) is the deadline for you to submit your entries to be entered to win an ARC for The Trouble with Demons. Who do YOU think looks most like Tam? This isn't about trying to second-guess me; this is YOUR opinion. I also need a photo of your choices. So far, I've gotten a lot of great entries. I'll award the ARC on my Wednesday blog and post some of the other entries on my Thursday blog. Send your entries to me at lisa @ lisashearin.com. I'll respond to let you know I got your entry. Coming up tomorrow, a great question from Jeff: How or where do you develop characters' personality and create dialog?And coming up soon, another great reader question: When an agent or editor suggests changes to a manuscript, what do you do if you disagree with their changes? Are you allowed to disagree with something they want you to change? And what about critique partners or friends reading your manuscript and suggesting changes? And to Yunaleska, I have a question. You'd requested three signed bookplates, but I can't find your mailing address. Please email me with that and I'll get those in the mail to you ASAP. Have yourselves a great Monday (or at least try)! The pollen is coming down like snow here in central North Carolina. My sinuses are having a collective fit. Hopefully it'll rain in another few hours. Your pollen-covered author, Lisa
Snippet from The Trouble with Demons -- Raine & Sora Niabi
Starke Hall, which housed the Conclave College's demonology department, wasn't chaos, but it was close. The students were either grim-faced and determined or wide-eyed and excited. The former were probably graduate students or upperclassmen who knew what was happening; the later were merely young and clueless. Those grad students knew that during the next few hours or days, they were going to get a nasty taste of what working in the real world was like. The young ones would be told to hide. The sight of me, Vegard, four massive Guardians, and four leather-clad goblin dark mages in the corridor didn't help the situation. If anything, grim turned grimmer, some of the wide-eyed ones added open mouths to their expressions, and several students decided they needed to be somewhere else. But most of them were looking at me. From the looks I was getting, they knew who I was and what I had done at watcher headquarters. The crowded corridor suddenly got a lot less crowded. Professor, and now demonology department chairman, Sora Niabi was standing at the far end. I was armed for ogre. She was armed for everything else. The professor had a couple of bladed and blunt weapons that I could see, but it was the talismans I sensed on her that would ensure the instant regret of anyone or anything who had the poor judgment to mess with her. If what I sensed was any indication, anything they started, she could finish. Permanently. Talon saw the professor. "Damn." He sounded disappointed. "Damn what?" I asked. "We have to go to class and you and the prof are off to kick demonic ass." "You want to kick demonic ass?" "Anything's better than Demons for Dummies." "What?" "Demonology 101," Piaras clarified. "It's an introductory course. It gives the non-demonology major some practical experience. It's a general college course, so everyone has to take it." Talon snorted. "After what we did yesterday, you'd think we'd get bumped up a level or two." "Master Nathrach, do you know the name, type, and classification of the demon that by some miracle you actually managed to hold on to for two minutes?" It was Sora Niabi, her arms were crossed, and her expression severe. "No, ma'am," Talon said. "But we--" "It was a Volghul, Master Nathrach. I would advise that you look it up in your textbook. And while you're at it, you may want to pay special attention to a Volghul's preferences in terms of captives/food, and precisely how they play with, and eventually prepare and consume that which they have caught." She leaned forward and lowered her voice. "You meet every last one of its preferences, and no doubt it would have enjoyed you immensely. So before you mistake the miracle that enabled you to survive your encounter as skill, and think that it qualifies you to move up to a more advanced course, you should think again." Talon swallowed with an audible gulp. "Thinking's good." "It's very good. In fact, we highly encourage it here. Now you and Master Rivalin are dismissed."
Josh Groban -- The Perfect Piaras
I'd mentioned in yesterday's blog comments that my ideal Piaras would be Josh Groban. Here's a photo. He's got the looks, and Lord knows, the kid has the pipes. If any of you have never treated yourself to a Josh Groban CD -- and a voice like molten chocolate -- go buy one now.  Tomorrow I'll post a snippet from The Trouble with Demons featuring Raine and Sora Niabi, the Chairman of the Conclave College Demonology Department. This lady kicks butt. Don't forget, the second ARC of The Trouble with Demons will be awarded to the best Tam entry. The deadline is next Tuesday, April 7 at 6 pm EST. The ARC will be awarded on my Wednesday, April 8 blog. Send your entries to me at lisa @ lisashearin.com. I'll respond to let you know I got your entry. Scroll down to my Monday, March 30 blog for more contest details. Happy Friday, everyone! Lisa
Some of the other Mychael entries
Here are some of the other entries for "Mychael." Sorry, I could only upload the pics that were JPGs. BTW -- I prepped this last night, and since I had to put a big dint in Chapter 21 of Bewitched & Betrayed, I didn't have time to look up the names of all these beauties. Sorry again. But I know you all will have fun just admiring the view. Thank you for all the delicious entries. ; ) Lisa I'll post another short snippet from The Trouble with Demons this Saturday. I'll feature Raine and the Chairman of the Conclave College Demonology Department, Sora Niabi. Coming up next week, a great question from Jeff: How or where do you develop characters' personality and create dialog?
Winner of ARC for The Trouble with Demons
The winner of the ARC for The Trouble with Demons is . . . Cecilia! She chose Patrick Dempsey as her choice for Mychael. I'd never considered Patrick, but I have to admit that he works very nicely (just give him auburn hair and pointed ears). It wasn't an easy choice, believe me. You all sent in lots of luscious pics. Cecilia, send me your mailing address and I'll send you a signed ARC of TTWD.   Don't forget, the second ARC will be awarded to the best Tam entry. The deadline is next Tuesday, April 7 at 6 pm EST. The ARC will be awarded on my Wednesday, April 8 blog. Send your entries to me at lisa @ lisashearin.com. I'll respond to let you know I got your entry. Also, TTWD is featured among the new releases on Romance Bandits. This is a great site; go and check it out. I'll be guest blogging over there on Sunday, April 26 -- two days before TTWD's release date. AND since it'll be so close to the release date, I'm going to post a sizzling scene to whet your collective appetites. I'm not going to say who Raine is with, you'll just have to pop over and see. Cruel, aren't I? ; ) Lisa
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