Thursday, June 28, 2012

CASTLE FUNDRAISER NEWS - WHAT IS IN THOSE BASKETS???????

Thought y'all would like to see the listing so far of the authors and books we will have in our AUTHOR GIVEAWAY BASKET, PART OF OUR CASTLE/KIDS NEED TO READ FUNDRAISER!

Carrie Vaughn - Kitty Steals the Show - ARC; Kitty's Greatest Hits - Hardcover-SIGNED
PJ Haarsma - SOFTWIRE - hc - SIGNED
Meg Cabot - Underworld ARC - DONATED BY ASHLYN CHASE
Kari Lee Townsend - Corpse in the Crystal Ball - SIGNED
Vicki Lewis-Thompson - Chick with a Charm, Blonde with a Wand - SIGNED
Geoff Rodkey - Chronicles of Egg, Vol. 1, HC - SIGNED
MaryJanice Davidson - Yours, Mine and Ours - ARC - SIGNED.  Undead and Undermined - HC - SIGNED


Also in our Castle Basket we have:
Castle DVD - Season 3
Autographed Photo - Nathan Fillion - comes with cert of authenticity
Autographed Script from CASTLE - pilot episode
Richard Castle Books:  Heat Rises, Deadly Storm
$25 Gift Certificate to your choice of one of six popular retailers

The Human is digging out her camera and we hope to be able to have pictures soon!

In the meantime, our Q&A and giveaway with the lovely and talented Tate Hallaway is still going on till midnight July 1!  Remember - if you can't post your comment here, send the HUMAN a message on Facebook!

ROCCO
Incredible Bloggng Cat

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

ROCCO welcomes....Tate Hallaway!

MEOW! Today my guest is the lovely and talented Tate Hallaway!




Tate Hallaway leads a double-life.  By day, she’s a mild-mannered, award winning science fiction author, Lyda Morehouse.  At night, she dons a skin-tight cat suit and prowls the night as Tate Hallaway, best selling romance author.  Tate’s books include the adult paranormal Garnet Lacey series, the YA Vampire Princess of St. Paul series, and a new adult series that begins with Precinct 13 (forthcoming in August 2012).


R:  Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became interested in writing.

T: I became interested in writing because, at some point, it became socially awkward for me to ask people to play pretend with me.
Writing became a way of playing with myself, as it were.


R:  What inspired your “Vampire Princess” series?

T: I was really interested in trying my hand at young adult.  It's a fun new catagory and my editor and I brainstormed the idea of a half-witch/half-vampire high schooler and things went from there!

R: Tell us about your latest release

T: My latest release is Precinct 13.  It’s a return to adult novels, which is fun in a way, because I got to write a very sexy love interest for my heroine.  I’ve been describing Precinct 13 as CSI meets X-Files or as a paranormal police procedural, though neither does the novel justice.  There’s zombies and fairies and… dragons and it’s a whole lot of fun.

R: Are you a fan of vampire shows?  If so what is your favorite tv show? Movie?

T: I’m kind of old school, I’m afraid.  Probably my favorite vampire show is still “Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.”  I was a big fan of “Lost Boys”
when that movie came out, but I’m afraid both those answers date me.

R: You’re an amateur astrologer. How did you get into that?

T: When I was in college I met a woman who was an astrologer.  I thought it was all very silly, but was interested enough to let her read my chart for me.  The things she said blew my mind.  It was scary accurate.  In that moment, I was hooked and I started learning from her.  I’m still learning, but I finally got to do one of those scary accurate readings for a friend of mine just the other day.

R:  Do you have an “how I got my agent” story you’d like to share?
How did you feel when you got the call your first novel had sold?

T: How I got my first agent is such a convoluted story, I don’t think it translates well.  However, I remember well how it felt when I found out my first novel had sold.  I actually told my agent I didn’t believe him.  We’d been through a couple of close calls at two previous publishers, so I’d had my hopes raised only to be crushed.
So, when he said that Penguin had made an offer, I believe I called bull.  I only started to believe him when he started talking about money.  Then, I screamed.  Which was awkward because I was at work… in a very quiet archive.

R: What gave you the idea for your first novel, Tall Dark and Dead?

T: Tall, Dark & Dead isn’t actually my first novel.  I wrote four science fiction books under my real name, Lyda Morehouse.  I got the idea for Tall, Dark & Dead from a conversation I had with my then editor, John Morgan.  We were talking about guilty pleasures and I admitting to being a huge vampire fan.  He basically challenged me to come up with a fun vampire book proposal, and Garnet Lacey was born.

R: What’s a must have for you when you are writing? What aids the creative process?

T: I like to have a notebook handy when I’m stuck somewhere, like waiting for my son to get out of school or something.  I find I have a real preference for quad ruled notebooks and a smooth writing pen.
However, I never psych myself out by “needing” anything to write.  I will write anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances.  In a box, with a fox, as Dr. Seuss might say.  I gave up on perfect conditions when my son Mason was an infant.  I had a deadline I needed to keep and a baby that kept odd hours.  If there was an opportunity to write, I took it.  Damn any Muse.  I didn’t wait for her to show up; I didn’t have the luxury.

R: You’ve contributed to anthologies. Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?

T: I would ADORE more opportunities to write for anthologies, but I don’t get asked, alas.  I have to admit that I think my natural form is the long form, the novel, and that I find writing short stories challenging.  But, I love a challenge.

R: If you had access to a time machine, which historical moment would you travel to and why?

T: The burning of the Library and Alexandria.  I would try to save some books.

R:  If a movie were to be made of one of your books, which one would you want it to be and who would you pick for the lead roles?

T: Truthfully, I think my science fiction novels would make great Anime.
As for my romances, it would be fun to see Tall, Dark & Dead as a movie, though I think the Vampire Princess series would make a better TV show.

I’m not very good with the actor game, however.  I’m too old and I don’t watch enough movies or TV.  However, the guy who played Thor, Chris Helmsworth?  I want him.  In anything.

R: What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to know about you?

T: I have a yellow belt in a Korean mixed martial arts called Kuk Sool Wan and I love yelling and hitting.

R: What is the craziest thing you've ever done?

T: Listen, I was a theatre geek in high school.  You can’t ask me this question. I believe I’m allowed to take the Fifth.

And now, a little thing Big Rock calls, “Just for Fun”
R:  Your Favorite –
Movie  Until Avengers comes out, I’m going to say THOR or maybe the new re-boot of STAR TREK.
TV Show Bleach (an Anime).
Novel Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffery.
Actor Chris Helmsworth.
Drink  Coffee, specifically a “Vienna” (honey latte with cinnamon.) Mountain or Seashore?  Mountain.
Night or Day?   Early morning.
Vampire or Vixen? Vampire.
Cat or Dog? Cat! (R: EXCELLENT answer, meow!)
Martini or Manhattan? Neither, as I’m a cheap date and would pass out from one sip of either.

R: What do you hope readers will most take away from your writing?

T: Humor.  The most important thing to me is to make my readers smile.

R:  Out of all the characters you’ve created, do you have a favorite and why?

T:I do, but none of you have met him yet.  My favorite character is Valentine Zmajov, who is the love interest in PRECINCT 13 with an AWESOME secret.

R: what advice can you offer writers just starting on their journey?

T:Never give up.  The very best advice I can give you is that talent is
not nearly as important as persistence.   The writer who will succeed
is the one who can get back up after she’s been knocked to her knees.


Meow, and thank you for a great interview, Tate!  Folks, here's all the places you can find out about tate and her books: 
wyrdsmiths.blogspot.com
tatehallaway.blogspot.com
lyda222.livejournal.com
@tatehallaway


Now for our giveaway:  Tate has two galleys of PRECINCT 13 she's willing to give away to two lucky readers! Just leave a comment with your email addy in the comments section.  winner will be chosen at random midnight, July 1st, announced on July 2!


For extra entries you can:
Follow moi on twitter: RoccoBlogger
Follow Tate on Facebook
Follow the Human or myself on Facebook
Tweet or FB (or both!) about this contest - gets 3 extra entries!

July promises to be extra, extra hot here at the blog!
Coming up:
In July:
Juliet Blackwell
Rachel Vincent
Carrie Vaughn

And lets not forget our big CASTLE fundraiser for Kids Need to REad! OUr fanfic interview with RICHARD CASTLE KICKS THAT OFF JULY 16!  I'LL POST A LIST OF EACH AUCTION ITEM NEXT  MONDAY!

ROCCO
Incredible Blogging Cat!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Another Happy Monday! BROWNCOAT Z CON AND WHEDONFEST ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Ach, if only this heat would let up a bit!  So hot in my permanent fur coat, heh heh. fortunately the HUMAN leaves us plenty of cold water!

Can you believe it's almost July! The BIG month is finally here, and I mean really big:

July 3: Juliet Blackwell
July 9: Rachel Vincent
July 16: Fanfic with RICHARD CASTLE, KICKOFF OF KIDS NEED TO READ FUNDRAISER!
July 24: Carrie Vaughn!

The listing of authors who submitted autographed books for ourKNTR fundraiser is a fine one - I'll be posing that later on.

Now, onto two important announcements:

WHEDONFEST 2012 IS HERE! Yes, for all you Joss Whedon fanatics, here's the link to find out about and make your reservations for Whedonfest: whedonites united

Too bad, the Human's work schedule does not permit us attending! Maybe someday....

And now for my second announcement:
As you all know, I still want my Browncoat....and to that end, the HUMAN ordered me a copy of Browncoat Redemption for my birthday last year.

Well, that film was such a success they're doing it again! The film is called Z*Con. Z*Con is about 14 year old Matt Moore, and his three friends who attend a local comic convention to get interviews for their podcast, but end up stuck in the middle of a Zombie Outbreak at the con. One convention, four teens, thousands of zombies... What could go wrong?

Their Kickstarter campaign site is here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bigdamnfilms/z-con-a-feature-length-film Once again, 100% of the Net Proceeds from this film will go to charity. Two of the three organizations have already been selected: Kids Need to Read and the Red Cross. The third charity will be selected by YOU! You have the opportunity to nominate your favorite charity as well as voting on the one you feel is most deserving.

Hey, help them spead the word!  One of the charities is my own personal favorite, KIDS NEED TO READ!  For more information about Z*Con itself, please visit the official website at: http://zconmovie.com/ or their FACEBOOK page:  http://facebook.com/ZConMovie  OR TWITTER: http://twitter.com/zconmovie
Many good choices!


Tomorrow - author Tate Halloway sits in my hotseat! Plus a giveaway! DO  NOT  MISS!

I think I  may have mentinoed this before, but it bears repeating:  I know blogger can be damn unfriendly with answering the post comments - there have been times when it does not let me answer!  So, if you want to enter a giveaway and simply cannot get on, do leave the HUMAN, Toni Lo Tempio,  a message on Facebook.  Your comments will get answered even if they do not appear on the blog. We don't want anyone to miss a chance at winning!  And to that end...

the winner of our Geoff Rodkey giveaway, chosen by random.org: Tonette! Tonette, pls contact the Human w/your mailing address by the end of the week.

See you tomorrow!


ROCCO
INCREDIBLE BLOGGING CAT

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

In the Hotseat...GEOFF RODKEY!



MEOW!
Today my guest is author/screenwriter Geoff Rodkey. Geoff’s career spans over 20 years, and his movies include RV (my personal favourite) and Daddy Day Care among others. Geoff recently made his first foray into the world of book writing with the first of an exciting trilogy for middle grade, THE CHRONICLES OF EGG (Think Harry Potter with pirates).  trust me, adults will love it too!  (and so will cats!) 

 I’m thrilled to have him on the blog today!

So now…here’s Geoff!

R:  Meow, hello Geoff and welcome!
G:   Thanks, Rocco.

R:  First interview by a cat?
G:  Definitely.

R: Ahem, OkayTell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer?

G: I live in New York City, and although my first book only came out last month, I’ve been writing professionally for almost twenty years. I’ve mostly worked in film and TV, although early on, I wrote for a lot of different media – magazines, online sites, other people’s books, some speechwriting, a video game…basically, anything I could find that would help me avoid getting a real job.

The biggest factor in my wanting to be a writer was probably working on my high school newspaper in Freeport, Illinois. I wrote humor pieces, and when other kids liked them, they occasionally told me so. That praise was addictive—it was sort of the live-human equivalent of the “like” button on Facebook—and I’ve been chasing it one way or another ever since.

R: You are also a screenwriter – how does writing a novel differ from that medium, and which do you prefer?

G: Writing a screenplay is like drawing the blueprint for a house that, more often than not, won’t get built. And if it does get built, not only will other architects probably get hired to redraw your blueprint, but dozens of other people will contribute to the building of the house, and none of them will ask you for your opinion about the choices they make.

If you write a novel, you put up the whole thing—you’re in charge of everything from installing the plumbing to picking out the furniture. In the end, for better or worse, it’s your house.

I’ve found building the house by myself is a lot more satisfying. It might be ugly, and the roof might leak, but at least it’s mine.

R: What, or who, if anything, inspired “The Chronicles of Egg”?

G: I don’t know. It just sort of happened. I was on Cape Cod with my family, and there may have been something about the proximity to the ocean that made a character pop into my head who was a pirate—and he was so unlucky that all the other pirates thought he was cursed, and they wouldn’t let him on their ships, so the only job he could get was as a waiter in a pirate-themed restaurant.

That seemed funny, and it got me to thinking about what kind of world he might live in…and I thought about that world for a couple of years, by which point the original pirate had disappeared, the world had gotten a lot less jokey, and there was a 13-year-old kid in it who finds himself running for his life. And that was the book.

R: Why pirates?

G: Creatively, I don’t know—again, I had an idea for a character who was a pirate, and I just kind of followed it where it led.

Although from a mercenary standpoint, after I realized that the idea lent itself more to a kids’ book than a movie, the fact that it was a pirate-infested world made a certain amount of commercial sense. In the universe of kid books, wizards, vampires, dragons, demigods, and aliens had all been done, so what was left? Pirates.

R: IF TCOE were made into a film, would you want it live action or animated? And if live action, who would you want for the lead roles?

G: I think I’d rather see a live-action movie, because that’s how the characters appear in my head. But a while back, a company that does stop-motion animation showed some interest in the film rights, and that could be a very interesting way to render the world of the book.

I have no idea who should play the characters. The three primary ones are thirteen, so I figure if a movie ever exists, whoever might get those parts is about eight years old right now.

R: Would you write the screenplay for “Egg”, or would you want someone else to do it?

G: I’m kind of torn. If you’d asked me a year ago, right after the manuscript sold, I would have said I definitely wanted to do it. But after a year of working only on books (I just finished a draft of the second book in the series), I’ve realized I’m a lot happier in the book than the film world.

And at the moment, nobody’s bought the film rights, so it’s kind of an academic question—there may never be a screenplay, which would be fine with me.

R: What are you working on at the moment / next? Do you have any screenplays in the works, or any more YA books?

G: The Chronicles of Egg is a trilogy, and I’m still in the middle of that—my first draft of book 2 needs a lot of work, and book 3 is just an outline right now.

Once the trilogy is finished, I’m hoping to either write a new trilogy set in a completely different era, or extend the Chronicles of Egg to three more books, with the same characters in a different setting.  

R: You’ve written some of my favourite movies, including Robin Williams’ RV. Do you have a favourite?

G: I’m actually not that thrilled with any of them. That may sound ungrateful or petulant—but again, the thing about screenplays is that they go through many, many hands on their way to becoming a movie. When you’re writing a script, you’ve got a movie playing in your head. And even in the best case, what winds up on screen isn’t going to be that movie—especially if the script has been rewritten by other people, which was true for all the films I’ve had my name on. And it can be hard to reconcile the movie that was in your head with the real thing. It’s not even a matter of better or worse—it’s just different.

I do have favorite screenplays (I’ve written about 25, of which four have been made), but none of my favorites ever became movies. They’re just blueprints for houses that were never built.

R: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

G: I’m a plotter. I try not to be too much of one, because I do think if you plot things out too carefully, you don’t give your subconscious enough space to create really interesting things. But my background is in screenwriting, in which 90% of the work is plotting and structure, so it’s hard to shake that habit. And I’ve been writing a trilogy, which I think almost demands that you think ahead so you know where you’re going over the course of multiple books.

R: What is a “must have” for you that aids the creative process?

G: A laptop and a flat surface. That’s about it. I spent most of my screenwriting career working in coffee shops (I have three boys, so trying to write in my apartment was like working inside a pinball machine), so I’m not too precious about my work space.

R: Is there anything in particular that inspires you.

G: Artists who work steadily over time, and keep trying to produce good work regardless of the commercial outcome. There’s a band I used to listen to in college called Drivin’ n’ Cryin’—I own like half a dozen of their albums, but in twenty years, I’d never seen them live until last year. They played a show at the Mercury Lounge in New York City for maybe a hundred paying customers, and it was phenomenal. The fact that those guys were still showing up and burning the place down even though the financial returns had dwindled to the point where they were manning their own T-shirt booth after the show was a real inspiration to me.

R: What do you do when you’re not writing? Any hobbies or party tricks? :)

G: I have three school-age kids, so when I’m not writing or sleeping, I’m usually either hauling somebody off to a soccer game or pestering them to do their homework. I do try to get out and see live music now and then, and I like to go to various NYC museums, especially the Met. But I’m not sure either of those things qualifies as a hobby.

R: Where can we find out more about you and your work?

G: I did a long interview last year with a journalist named Jeff Pearlman that goes into more detail about my career. You can check it out here: http://www.jeffpearlman.com/the-quaz-qa-geoff-rodkey/ .

I also have a Wikipedia page that somebody created. I’m not sure who. The information on it is mostly accurate, although it’s a little outdated. I’d update it myself, but the Wikipedia editing conventions are a little daunting, and I haven’t gotten my act together to master them.

R: What one thing would your readers be surprised to know about you?

G: For people who are only familiar with my movies, the surprise might be that I’m capable of writing complete sentences.

R: Do you have any advice for other writers just starting out?

G: Writing is rewriting, and the first draft of anything usually stinks.

R: do you have an “how I got my agent” story you’d like to share? How did you feel when Josh told you he’d sold your book.

G: I probably had it easier than most people when it came to finding an agent, not only because I’d had some success as a screenwriter, but because I’d been living in New York City for 15 years—both of which put me within a degree or two of separation from a lot of literary agents. I was introduced to Josh through a mutual friend who’s a film producer, and Josh not only read the manuscript faster than most of the other agents, but was among the most enthusiastic. He also felt like the best fit creatively—his notes were all very sound, and I incorporated them into the draft that he submitted.

The strongest emotion I felt when he sold the book was probably relief. My film career hadn’t been going too well for several years, and until I wrote the book, I’d been considering getting out of writing entirely. In that respect, selling the trilogy was like a stay of execution. More positively, though, writing books has also given me a new lease on life—I feel more creatively energized now than I did for all but the first few years of my screenwriting career.


Just for Fun:

Your favorite:
Movie
The Princess Bride
Author
It’s impossible to pick just one. Tolstoy? J.K. Rowling? Charles Mann? P.G. Wodehouse?  
Book
The Great Gatsby
Tv show
The Simpsons
Pirate or Peasant
Pirate
Robin Leach or Robin Williams?
Robin Williams
Sunrise or Sunset:
Sunrise
Cat or Dog (Careful, now!)
I am, to my great chagrin, allergic to both. So…fish? (R: OH NO! but ROCCO understands…if you weren’t allergic, I’m sure you’d love ME!)

Thank you for a great interview, Geoff!
Folks:  If you haven’t done so already, go out and get this book!  Here are links to purchase, and also to learn more about Geoff and his work:

AmazonLink:

B&N Link:

Website Link: Geoff Rodkey - Chronicles of Egg

Geoff has generously offered to give away a SIGNED copy of THE CHRONICLES OF EGG  to one lucky winner! To enter, just leave a comment in this blog with your email address.  The winner will be chosen at random from random.org. For extra entries you can:

Follow moi on twitter at @RoccoBlogger
Friend me on Facebook
Friend the Human on FB
Friend Geoff's Author Page on Facebook: Geoff's FB Author Page HERE
Tweet or FB or Blog about this contest (gets you 3 extra entries - be sure to mention in your comment!)

Get crackin!

Next week:
We welcome the lovely and talented Tate Hallaway! and In July: our KNTR/CASTLE fundraiser! PLus more talented authors...of course!


ROCCO
INCREDIBLE BLOGGING CAT

Monday, June 18, 2012

HAPPY MONDAY!

Meow, and a Happy Monday to everyone!

Gearing up for  my big CASTLE fanfic interview, as well as our CASTLE fundraiser - and all the interviews coming up!  Rachel Vincent, Carrie Vaughn, Tate Halloway, and Michelle Rowen - it's shaping up to be a busy summer! My paws will be sore!

TOMORROW...I am honored to have on the blog Geoff Rodkey, the author of the fabulous YA book, THE CHRONICLES OF EGG!  Looking forward to that!

the winnler of our Kari Lee Townsend giveaway is: lavendersbluegreen! Congrats and watch for an email from the HUMAN on claiming your prize!


Until tomorrow...


ROCCO
INCREDIBLE BLOGGING CAT

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

My Magical Mystery Interview...with KARI LEE TOWNSEND!


Today my guest is Kari Lee Townsend, author of “The Fortune Teller” mystery series.

Kari lives in Central NY with a very understanding husband, three busy boys, and an oh-so-dramatic daughter, who keep her grounded!  They provide loads of material for her books :-) She has a Masters in English Education, and has been  both a winner and finalist in several online writing contests, including the Amazon Breakout Novel Contest, as well as being a freelance editor. She is  also a member of several writing organizations and love attending writing conferences. These days you will find her at home, doing what makes me happier than anything I've ever tried ... writing books!


And now, in my hotseat....Kari Lee!

R: Hello, and welcome, Kari Lee
K:  Thank you, Rocco.

R: Tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer? –
K: Well, let’s see. I am a mom of four (3 boys and 1 darling diva), been married for 23 years, and live in upstate New York. I have a background in English education, but I only went into English because I loved to read and write. I’ve always written in some form or another, but when I had my first child and decided to stay home with him, I finally attempted my first novel and have never looked back.

R: You are also a freelance editor-- which do you prefer, editing or writing?
K: I do love the editing process. With my background, I can’t seem to get away from it ;-) However, I truly love to write. There is just something so magical about finding the perfect words to tell the story in your head. I can’t imagine ever “not” writing. I mean, how do you shut off your brain long enough to retire?

R: What or who, if anything, inspired your “fortune teller” series. Are you a believer? Which is your favorite method: Tarot, crystal ball, tea leaves, or palm reading?
K:  I wanted to write a paranormal mystery series, but I wanted to do something different. Yes, my heroine Sunny Meadows is a real psychic, but the thing that makes these stories different is that she uses fortune-telling tools to help her tap into her abilities. I once went to a tea leaf reader and was hooked. I don’t have a favorite. I really love discovering more about all the different tools. I think my favorite changes with each book J

R: You have also written several other books—tell us a bit about those. –
K: I have a teen superhero series about a girl who is obsessed with technology, but after a freak accident, she becomes fused to her cell phone and suddenly has all of its powers. Not long after, she finds out she’s not alone. Digital Diva: Talk to the Hand and Rise of the phenoteens are out now, with Let Freedom Ring coming soon. I also write humorous romances under the name Kari Lee Harmon. Destiny Wears Spurs and Project Produce are out now, with Sleeping in the Middle coming soon.

R: If any of your books were made into films, who would you have as the leading actor/s?
K:  Funny you should ask. (R:  Hah, maybe I’m psychic – although the HUMAN would say psycho) A Hollywood director has already adapted my Digital Diva series into a screenplay and is currently shopping it to Disney and the Family Channel, so cross your fingers. I always thought Miranda Cosgrove of iCarly would make a perfect Samantha Granger.

R: What are you working on at the moment?
K:  I just finished book three of the Fortune Teller Mysteries, Trouble in the Tarot, and am just beginning to plot book four, Peril in the Palm. I am also almost finished with book three of Digital Diva: Let Freedom Ring. And I have a paranormal romance brewing in my brain. Good think I love what I do J

R: Are you a plotter or pantser? –
K: Well, I used to be a total pantser when I wrote my romances, but when I started writing action adventure teen stories, I had to start plotting more. And then when I moved on to cozy mysteries, I found plotting a necessity. I still like being surprised and can’t plot out an entire book first, so I tend to plot a bit, then write a bit, then plot a bit, then write a bit until the book is done. That way I end up with the best of both worlds.\

R: What is a “must have” for you that aids the creative process?
K: When I first started writing, my kids were little so I always wrote during naptime. Now that they are all in school, I still tend to write during “naptime.” That means coffee in the morning while doing promo stuff, then a diet pepsi or coke during creative writing stuff, and then relaxing with a glass of wine at night. I can do almost anything with other distractions, but with writing something new I need total silence and my diet soda. That’s why when summer rolls around and the kids are out of school, I don’t get much done. I tend to write in the early morning when everyone is still asleep. It works, but I don’t like it nearly as much.

R: Is there anything in particular that inspires you?
K: I’m always inspired. When I read a great book, I want to be like that author. When I hear about a touching true story or see a moving movie, I want to write a story like that. When I hear something funny, my fingers actually itch to get to the keyboard. I just love to write. And I am always looking to top what I’ve previously done. One of the most inspiring things is when I get home from a conference. Spending time with people who are just like me and who truly “get” it leaves me on such a high, I can’t wait to get home and back at it.

R: What do you do when you’re not writing?
K:  I love to travel, take pictures and go on wine tours…but the reality of being a mom of 4 children who are all involved in everything under the sun means that I mostly play taxi, do laundry, cook, clean, help with homework and then collapse. As crazy as it is though, I love my life. I know I will miss it when they are gone.

R: Where can we find out more about you and your work?
K: Mainly my website. www.karileetownsend.com I am also on Facebook and twitter  as Karileetownsend and my Facebook author page is karileetownsendAUTHOR. I’m on goodreads and pinterest as well, and you can always find me on my group blogs www.mysteriesandmargaritasblogspot.com  and www.killercharacters.com

R: What one thing would your readers be surprised to know about you?
K: While I am deathly afraid of rodents of any kind, I am the adventure junkie in my house. I am the dare devil. The more wild and scary, the more I love it. Yet I hate scary movies J I’m talking bunji-jumping, sky-diving kind of scary.

R: Do you have any advice for other writers just starting out?
K:  Never give up. It took me 14 years to sell a book. Also, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know what you might like or be good at unless you give it a shot. And never ever sit back and wait. Always jump on your next project.

R: Do you have a “how I got my agent” story? How did you feel when your agent told you your book was sold to Berkley? - 
K: My poor agent, Christine Witthohn of Book Cents Literary Agency, is awesome. She’s the hardest working woman I know. I met her when I won the single title romance category for Destiny Wears Spurs at the New Jersey Put Your Heart in a Book conference years ago. We started talking, and a group of people followed us. She got stuck talking to them all because she thought they were my peeps. I met up with her again later at karaoke, and she’s never let me forget it. And trust me, after 14 years, I screamed and cried and was in shock. And it never changes J

And now, just for fun:
Your Favorite Movie: Any romantic comedy!
Your Favorite Author: Janet Evanovich
Your Favorite Book: Stephanie Plum Series
Your Favorite TV show: Castle
Tarot or Tea Leaves: Tea Leaves because it’s the first thing I ever had read J
Sorcerer or Warlock: Sorcerer because it sounds cooler
Detective or Demon: Hunky Detective any day!
Sunrise or sunset: Sunset
Cat or dog: Both but I am partial to Morty  (Good Girl! Meow!)

Thank you for a wonderful interview, Kari!  Folks, here’s where you can pick up the latest Fortune Teller Mystery, and also KariLee’s website:

Website Link: www.karileetownsend.com


And now…KariLee will be giving away a copy of CORPSE IN THE CRYSTAL BALL to one lucky reader! 

Teaser from back cover: Psychic Sunshine Meadows makes a dark discovery in the woods…
After clearing her name as the prime suspect in a murder, Sunny Meadows hopes she can finally enjoy some serenity in the idyllic town of Divinity in upstate New York. She’d also like a second chance with Detective Mitch Stone. But when Mitch’s gorgeous ex-girlfriend Isabel Gonzales shows up, Sunny’s not sure she can compete. Then Isabel mysteriously disappears. When the police turn to Sunny for help, her visions lead to the discovery of Isabel’s corpse in the woods. Before she died, Isabel scrawled a message in the dirt implicating Mitch in her murder. Now Sunny must help the man she’s falling in love with as she sets out to find the real killer. But this time Sunny’s clairvoyant abilities might not save her—as what she doesn’t see can hurt her…


To enter,  Just leave a comment in the comments section with your email address – contest closes Midnight, June 17, winner announced June 18. Chosen at random using random.org, of course!

To get extra entries you can:
Friend moi, ROCCO, on Facebook
Friend the HUMAN on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter @RoccoBlogger
Tweet or FB about this interview/giveaway (gets you 3 extra entries)

Be sure you mention all you’ve done in your comment so you get credit! Now…get tweeting!

Next week…Geoff Rodkey, author of THE CHRONICLES OF EGG! Week after…Tate Hallaway!

Coming in July…Juliet Blackwell, Rachel Vincent, Carrie Vaughn…and our CASTLE FUNDRAISER! Stay tuned to the blog for details!

MEOW!


ROCCO
INCREDIBLE BLOGGING CAT

Monday, June 11, 2012

ROCCO's JUNE PET(s) OF THE MONTH...QUEEN BETSY GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Meow!
This month I have not one, not two, but THREE charming felines to share the Pet of the Month spotlight...they belong to MaryJanice Davidson's lovely assistant, Tracy! (OR I SHOULD SAY...SHE BELONGS TO THEM, HEH HEH)



From top to bottom:  Tikka, Indie, and Tabea! Have you ever seen three more gorgeous felines? (Aside from moi, of course!)

The winner of our Queen Betsy giveaway (chosen at random using random.org, of course!) and a brand spanking new copy of UNDEAD AND UNSTABLE IS: Kelley!
Watch for an email from the Human shortly!

Tomorrow: Kari Lee Townsend! Q&A and Giveaway of Corpse in the Crystal Ball!
Next week: Geoff Rodkey!


JULY: CASTLE FUNDRAISER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep readin'! Meow!


ROCCO
INCREDIBLE BLOGGING CAT

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

FIRST CHARACTER INTERVIEW: ROCCO AND VAMPIRE QUEEN BETSY TAYLOR (COURTESY OF MARYJANICE DAVIDSON)



MEOW!  Today, June 5th kicks off a new feature: character interviews!  And who better to be  our first  super special guest than that Undead Denizen of the Dark, that luscious Vampire Queen herself, Betsy Taylor! Betsy agreed to stop by and be interviewed by moi in conjunction with the release of her latest adventure today - UNDEAD AND UNSTABLE!
And now…all hail the Queen!
R: Hello, Betsy!
B:  Rocco?  You’ve got 4 legs – and a tail!
R:   Very observant.
B:  They told me you were a Johnny Depp look alike.
R: I believe what the Human said was, I’m a real cool cat.
B:  So she meant that literally, eh?
R:  Ahem. So, tell us…What was your very, very, first thought upon realizing that you were, in fact, undead?
B:  Uh...I don’t know if anybody’s mentioned this, but you’re a cat.  Nobody mentioned it to me, anyway.  I’m finding that kind of surreal.  Nothing against you personally, but I’m not a cat person.  Not even when I had one.  But to answer your weird question, cat, my first thought was:  “What the...?  Oh, BOGUS!”
R:         What advice would you give a newbie vampire?
B:         Run away.  Run far, far away.  Do not stop until the sun incinerates you and you look like the burnt marshmallow in a S’more.  It’ll be much less irritating in the long run, believe me.
R:         Out of all the abilities that came with your new “undead” status, which do you find most useful? Least useful?
B:         Huh.  Nobody’s ever actually asked me that before.  Not bad, cat.  I’d say being eternally hot is pretty great.  That’s my super power: permanent hotness.  As for least useful, do you have three days, cat?  Because just about everything else about being undead both sucks AND blows.  The minute blonde highlights and red lowlights go out of style, I’m screwed. 
R:         You could have had any man you wanted as consort.
B:         I could?  Who says?  It’s possible you’ve got the wrong vampire.
R:         Nope, don’t think so.  Now, what was it about Sinclair that let you know the two of  you were “made for each other”?
B:         Well, he has this endearing habit of putting himself in mortal danger to help me.  He’s been burned to a crisp for me.  A crisp!  He’s killed to save me, and I know he’d also die to save me.  That kind of thing, it grows on you after a while.  No matter how big a strutting asshat the man can be.
R:         Describe your relationship with your sister Laura in one word.
B:         Complicated.  But I bet that applies to a lot of sisters, even if they aren’t Ant-spawn.
R:         Describe your relationship with the ANT in one word.
B:         Over.
R:         Can you tell us what’s ahead for you?  What do you foresee as your greatest challenge in the next year?
B:         Well, I accidentally fixed it so the greatest shoe designer of the 20th and 21st centuries doesn’t exist anymore.  I have to find a way to fix the timeline to right a terrible wrong (again) or a way to properly mourn and honor his genius.  Don’t ask me his name, because you won’t know it since the timeline changed.  Also, you’re a cat.  Oh, and my friend Jessica’s pregnant and I should probably start dealing with that.  There’s a chance she might like that baby more than me!  I’m not sure I could handle that.  This is so typical of her, to end up pregnant in a changed timeline without a thought for how it would complicate my life.
R: You seem fixated on the fact I’m a cat.  It has nothing to do with my superb interview skills.
B:  Uh-huh.
R:  Moving along…What perk of being “undead” do you like best?
B:  We’ve been over this, cat.  What, is somebody waving one of those sticks with a feather on it to distract you?
R:         If you could meet any famous vampire from fiction, who would it be and why?
B:         None of them.  Vampires are lame.  I suspected that even before I became one.  After I became one, I had no doubt.
R:         How did becoming a vampire affect your fashion sense? Would you say it heightened or lessened it and why?
B:         Hey, watch it with the offensive questions, cat!  Nothing would ever affect my fashion sense.  Certainly dying wouldn’t.  And since I don’t need as much sleep anymore, that’s more time to research current trends (color blocking) and decide if they’re nifty (pastels are everywhere and, ironically given that they’re pastels, white hot) or lame (orange is the new black? The hell?).
R:         What would you change about Sinclair, if you could?
B:         You haven’t allocated enough time in this interview for me to cover that one, cat.  But it’s not personal.  There’s not a reporter (four-legged or otherwise) on the planet who could.
R:         What would Sinclair change about you?
B:         Bwaaaaah-hah-hah!  That’s an awesome question.  I’m vain, but not that vain...my husband would change all sorts of things about me if he could. I’m sure Sink Lair’s got a list and, like a hot Santa, he’s checked it twice.  Possibly thrice.
R:         What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done, post-vampire?
B:         Well, there was the serial killer I caught.  Well.  I had help.  And my sister killed him.  I just sort of wrung my hands in the corner and cried along with the victim until it was all over.  That’s courageous and cool, right?  And the time travel thing.  That was crazy.  Especially if “crazy” is another way of saying “awful and weird”.  Maybe...becoming a big sister/mom for my half-bro, BabyJon?  Although I didn’t really do that.  It happened to me.  Uh...jeez, I’ve gotten up to all sorts of nuttiness since coming back from the dead...I’m gonna have to give this more thought...
R:         What do you have to say about MaryJanice writing your story? Do you feel she’s portrayed you accurately? Would you change anything?
B:         What the hell are you talking about, cat?  What’s a MaryJanice?  God, what a lame name.  MaryJANICE?  She can’t separate those like a normal person?  What, MaryAnne was too conventional?  And a capital J?  How too, too cute.  By which I mean lame.
R:         What do you want to say to the legions of fans out there waiting patiently  to read about you in Undead and Unstable?
B:         I’ve been eyebrow-deep in a real shitstorm for the last several months, but after recent events I think it’s all gonna work out okay.
            I have to believe it, is the thing.
            Later, cat.
R:  And later to you too, Queen!
Many thanks to Queen Betsy for visiting me and allowing me to interview her today (and to MaryJanice, she of the Lame Name, for letting her!).  The Queen has gotten MaryJanice to agree that one lucky reader can win a copy of UNDEAD AND UNSTABLE!  Here’s how!

Leave a comment below with your email address.  For extra entries, you can:
Friend moi, ROCCO, on Facebook (if you haven’t already!)
Friend the HUMAN on FB
Friend MaryJanice on FB
Follow moi on Twitter @RoccoBlogger
Follow MJ on Twitter
Tweet or FB about this interview and giveaway!

Be sure to list all you’ve done in the post so we can give you the extra entries. Tweeting or FB’ing about this interview and giveaway gets you 3 – count ‘em 3 – extra entries!

Contest open to US residents only. Closes midnight, June 10th, winner announced on June 11! Winners chosen at random using random.org.

What are you waiting for??????????????????????Get goin!


 
Still to come:  Interviews with Geoff Rodkey, KariLee Townsend, Tate Halloway, Carrie Vaughn and…in JULY…our next character interview…RICHARD CASTLE. Plus our big KNTR fundraiser on Ebay!  You could win either a prize basket of CASTLE goodies or a basket of autographed books from some of your favorite authors, including Carrie Vaughn and MJ Davidson! Keep watching this blog for more details!

Ma-Row!


ROCCO
INCREDIBLE BLOGGING CAT