Category: General

Create Something Magical. And Jell-O Shots.

By Elisabeth General March 13, 2013 0 comments

I’m headed up to the Liberty States Create Something Magical Con this weekend! Tons of fabulous authors, and there will be a book signing open to the public on Saturday 3/16 from 4:30 to 6 at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel. Come join us!

Jell-O & Cream

I have a hilarious joke, wanna hear? OF COURSE YOU DO. Okay, so a pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel in his pants… Nowaitaminutehere… ahem… 

Do over: So I turned in Chronicle of Yavn book 3, Hunter by Night, to my editor. I am super thrilled and relieved to the gills (and psst! I’ve gotten a sneak peek at the cover art. It’s GORGEOUS!). The joke part? Oh, well see I told everyone “I’ll be much less busy in March!” AHAAHAHahahahahahaha! Not getting the joke? See everything I’ve been putting off for the past month while I feverishly tried to finish and rework and oh, hey, that plot point doesn’t work at all… All that stuff kinda has landed in a massive pile on my head, plus there’s anxiety, because I’m dead certain I am forgetting something. Thanks to the anxiousness, plus daylight savings time and kids that won’t sleep, plus the beeping “low battery” smoke detector that woke me at four AM thank you, I haven’t slept in days. I’m sort of stumbling around like a moron, in that dizzy haze one gets after too many Jell-o shots. Sure, you can still walk to the bathroom with dignity, but you shouldn’t drive or do heavy math…not that I’d know.

Dear Universe, it’s me. Elisabeth. Can I please have my shit together? 

No worries. Next week will be better! Elle Magazine promised.

OH! Also!

Leave a comment at Books Make Me Happy Reviews for a chance to win a free book or a pack of swag! Contest ends 3/16
 

The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels

By Elisabeth GeneralGiveaways March 3, 2013 3 comments

Love this. Shared by Barbara Vey this week on her blog, I thought it was worth spreading the proverbial love. As an author who writes romance, I get aaall sorts of responses when I share what I do for a living. The range swings from interest, to raised eyebrows, to open distaste. This video, in which Maya Rodale talks about why romance novels have gotten such a bad–and undeserved–rap, was eye-opening even for someone like me who champions the romance genre.

Speaking of Barbara Vey, this week is her 6th anniversary bash, and there will be a TON of prizes given away! I think my author buddy Mary Calmes and I may have thrown a little something into the mix. We’re so sleep deprived I can’t say we recall for sure, but I think so. Anyway, the bash goes on March 4-9, so be sure to stop by and get your party on! There’s gonna be tons of awesomeness to win!

Favorite Firsts, Hunter by Night, and a GIVEAWAY!

By Elisabeth GeneralGiveaways February 26, 2013 0 comments

For everyone who has asked about Lee’s book, the manuscript for Hunter by Night is due to my editor on… OHFUCKMERUNNING Friday! Cross your fingers and toes, people! My critique buddies tell me it’s the strongest thing I’ve written, and I sincerely hope you all agree. I love, love Lee and Alexia. Something about those two really work with my Muse’s mojo. 🙂 (Gotta tell you though, I’ve already fleshed out the plot for book 4, and that hero has my muse purring like a kitten. It’s a tough contest) The release date for Hunter by Night  is scheduled for January 2014. I know, seems like a looong way. There’s lots to be done between then and now. Like sexy cover art. While you’ve got those fingers and toes crossed, let’s say a prayer for some uber sexy cover art!

Meanwhile… I am SO flattered to announce that the Guilty Indulgence Romance Review site has chosen King of Darkness as this month’s book club read! To celebrate I shared a post about some of my favorite firsts, stop by and leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Prince of Power! (contest ends 3.1)

I have never been asked to sign boobs

By Elisabeth General February 17, 2013 0 comments

I don’t read other very blogs often. Oh, there are many FABULOUS blogs, and that is the problem. You sit down with a cup of coffee and make with the clicky-clicky, next thing you know you’re still in your bathrobe and your kids were supposed to be at school an hour ago.

Oops.

But I check in once in awhile with Jeaniene Frost among others, because she’s a cornucopia of humor and wisdom. I admire the time and effort she puts into her blog given how busy she must be. I’m actually mega-thrilled that I will be speaking on a genre panel with her at RT in May (Blood Light, on humor in vampire fiction). I look forward to soaking up her wisdom. And humor.

Speaking of humor from Jeanine Frost (dig that segue, baby), I came across the following on her blog recently that I just had to share, because I can relate to the bit about weirdly supportive parents (the bit about Firefly not as much, because with two small children I never get to watch “big person” TV. Oh, and nobody has asked ME to sign boobs either, I guess I can relate to that. T-shirts, yes. Boobs, no.).

My mother, who has never read my books, once bought three copies of King of Darkness on Amazon because the page said there were only three left in stock and she thought it would be cool for me to “sell out” on Amazon. I don’t think it works that way, but God bless her. It’s nice that she was being supportive.

At least she hasn’t asked, like my father in law, why I still don’t have a job. 😉

And every once in awhile I get a text message from a friend. A picture from whatever Barnes and Noble they happen to be in “Hey look, it’s Prince of Power! Right next to Terry Spear!” Also sweet.

Truthfully, this story of Jeaniene’s reminded me how wonderful supportive parents can be. The alternative is so unpretty. I took a ton of online writing workshops when I started and one of those focused on the concept of balancing life/family/writing and I read many stories from authors whose parents and spouses did not support their chosen trade. Parents who did things like throw away their writing journals. Spouses who refused to assist with any child care help. I used to tutor underprivileged children and was always saddened by the sight of a clearly talented child with nobody encouraging them. Young or old, dreams are so vital.

With two young kids to care for full time, I could not do what I do without the support of my family and friends. I had friends who baby sat while I was getting King of Darkness ready to submit for the first time, and my mom drives all the way from West Virginia to help out with the kids when I go to cons, like she will when I go to RT. My husband takes the kids evenings and weekends when I’m on deadline. It really does take a village. I am so, so lucky and blessed. And grateful.

So all of you who have supported the writers in your life, big hugs. Thanks for helping us to do what we love.

And thank you to Jeaniene Frost for being so talented and funny.