Della has been one busy vampire lately. While I’ve been feverishly working to finish Reborn, Della keeps going off in different directions. Now, she is in a race against time to save someone—and time is running out.  So, this wasn’t a good time to sit her down to answer a few more of your questions, but I needed a little break. My mind was working overtime and I thought a nice chat with Della might help.

CC: Della, can you give me a few minutes?

Della: She gives me a dirty look. You know I can’t really stop right now. I have to help someone.

CC: I know, but remember, if I’m not writing, the danger isn’t getting any worse.

Della: She thinks for a moment, then nods. I guess you’re right. And I could use a breather. I’m so tired of fighting. Hey, maybe you could go on a vacation or something and give everyone a break?

CC: Not going to happen. I promised my publisher, remember? Plus, I have readers waiting for Reborn. Would you want me to let them down?

Della: No, I guess not.

CC: Take a seat. This will only take a few minutes.

Della sits down on my sofa and crossed her legs, her foot continually bouncing. That girl can’t sit still!

CC: I have just a couple of more questions from your readers.

Della: Come on! I’ve answered enough questions. If that’s what you want, just get back to writing and let me get on with my mission.

CC: Now don’t be like that. All I’m asking for is a few minutes of your time. Do this for me and maybe I’ll do something nice for you.

Della: She looks at me suspiciously. Like what?

CC: Oh, I don’t know. Maybe—you’ll get kissed again. I smile.

Della: She snorts. That’s only going to happen if I want it to happen.

CC: Don’t be so sure.

Della: What’s that supposed to mean?

CC: Never mind. Let’s get on with this. Rachael wants to know: If you could be any paranormal, what would you choose? (Keep in mind all the powers you would give up or gain.) And I know that’s a hard question given what happens in Reborn, but give it a shot, okay?

Della: She stops bouncing her foot and crosses her arms over her chest. Yeah, and you know how scared I am about all of that. Anyway, if someone had asked me that a few months ago, I’d have probably said that I’d rather not be any kind of paranormal, but everything has changed now. I’m glad I’m a vampire. I mean, without my powers, I’d never have been able to protect my friends. Without all of my powers. She gives me a meaningful look before she continues. But vampires are the coolest paranormal, except maybe a chameleon because they have so many more powers.

CC: Okay, let’s not give anything away here. I clear my throat. Katrina said that everyone has that one person they can tell their deepest darkest secrets to. The person who knows the true Della under that thick, tough skin of yours, the one person you can truly open up to. She wants to know who that is for you? Is it Kylie or someone else?

Della: Thick, tough skin? I like that. She sits up a little straighter, and starts bouncing her foot again. I have to say, I’m not one to spill my guts all the time. Like Miranda. She blabs about everything.  What good is that? It doesn’t change anything.

CC: But sometimes it feels good to confide in someone. Ask for advice.

Della: I suppose, and when I do need advice, which isn’t often, I usually go to Kylie. She knows me pretty well, and I know she’s got my back. But Holiday’s pretty cool, too. She nods her head in thought. She’s a good listener.

CC:  What about Steve?

Della: I don’t want to talk about him right now.

CC: I know it’s hard. So, I’ll let that one go for now. Thanks for answering these questions. But I think that’s enough for today.

Della doesn’t move.

CC: Is there something else?

Della: It’s going to turn out okay, right? In Reborn?

CC: I’m trying my best. I don’t like people to get hurt, but sometime it can’t be helped.

Della: Don’t let it happen this time. Please. Her eyes fill with tears.

CC: Well, nothing is going to happen—good or bad—if I don’t get back to work. So, let’ see I what I can do. I point toward the door.

Della: She rises and gives me a long look. Make it right.

There’s no mistake that’s a warning. But life isn’t always fair. But maybe things will turn out okay. I have to believe it, anyway.

Where I’ll Be and When!!!

The Houston BookRave is one of the biggest book signings in the U.S. is in Houston, Texas this Saturday, November 2, 2013  I’ll be there with over 50 Young Adult, New Adult and Adult authors. Best of all, it’s free and open to the public!  Get your free ticket at the Houston Bookrave website!

November 9, 2013, I’ll be at the Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station, Texas from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. I’m teaching a class called “Polish Me Pretty,” an editing workshop for teens and adults. There will be a book signing and you can bring a copies of my books from home or purchase them there.

I hope everyone applied to be on my new street team by emailing the answers from my October 11^th  blog to me. I’ll be contacting the new members soon. One of my questions was whether or not you had a Facebook page. Why? I love Facebook! If you liked me on Facebook, you know that I post links to this blog, talk about my life, and post my signings on my Facebook pages. But I also enjoy keeping in touch with family and friends through FB. Do you? What do you like to post on your Facebook page?

Anyway, not long ago, I got pretty excited when my Shadow Falls Series Facebook page surpassed 9,000 likes. Jumping up and down excited. Then a friend of mine pointed out that 10,000 likes would be even cooler. So I’m going to ask you to like my Shadow Falls Facebook page if you haven’t already. And also ask your friends to like it, too. I’d love to reach 10,000 likes.

Huge Book Event!!!

Did you know one of the biggest book signings in the U.S. is in Houston, Texas on Saturday, November 2, 2013?  I’m talking about the Houston Bookrave!  I’m going to be there with over 50 Young Adult, New Adult and Adult authors. We’ll be signing our books, and there will even be author parties.  Best of all, it’s free and open to the public!   So, if you are planning on attending, pop on over to the Houston Bookrave website and get your free ticket. We want to get an idea of how many will attend so we will have enough books for everyone. Don’t miss this event!

Winners!!

Last week’s winners of Mary Beth Bass’ new YA book, everything you know, are Amber Conrad and Paula Millhouse. Congratulations! Please email your ebook format preference: Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble NOOK, to cc@cchunterbooks.com.

As promised, I have a special treat for you today. YA author Mary Beth Bass answered a few of my questions about her exciting new book everything you know, which will be released this Thursday, October 18.  In eveything you know, images of a dark forest, a screaming woman and blood haunt Emma Mathews from the moment she meets Joe Castlellaw, and everything she thought she knew about life, her family, and herself is about to change forever.

1. How long have you been writing?

I started writing in 1995. I published my first book in 2005. Looking at that 10 year gap kind of shocks and slightly terrifies me now, but then I take a step back and remember that that’s what not giving up looks like. But, whew. No wonder so many writers need chocolate!

2. What made you want to write YA?

I wish I could say it was part of a grand, well-thought-out plan, but Emma, the heroine of everything you know just came to me, upset and confused, and looking to tell me her story. I was sitting at my desk in the sunny living room of our house and she just showed up. I hadn’t read much YA at that point (Twilight hadn’t been published yet, I know, a long time ago). I was teaching acting and stage adaptation at a performing arts high school, so maybe I was especially aware of how simultaneously amazing and painful it is to be a teenager. Not that any of us really forget what that felt like. I know I haven’t.

3. Your book everything you know comes out this week. Can you tell me a bit about Emma, the main character?

Emma is the second oldest in a family of five kids. At the beginning of the story she’s unsure about her place in the world and who she’s supposed to be. Her older brother Turner is incredibly smart, accomplished and perfect (or so it seems to her); her sister Maude is beautiful; her sister Elizabeth is super popular; and her little brother Sandy is adorable. Emma’s long-time best friend Izzy lost interest in her and found a new best friend. When Emma meets and falls for Joe, everything she thought she knew about her family and herself falls away. Her parents have been lying about who and what they are, and where they really come from. And inside the experience of the awesomeness of kissing and the beautiful terrors of falling in love, Emma has to find the strength to fight against an evil she didn’t even know existed, and to make difficult choices and then act on those decisions.

4. I saw on your Website that you are having a book trailer contest. What a great idea! How did it come about?

Thanks for asking!  I’m always interested in and awed by people who can do things I can’t do. I don’t know how to create something visually beautiful or compelling. And because I started in the performing arts I also love interdependent creative endeavors. I thought hosting a contest for people to create a trailer for my book, everything you know, would be a fun way to promote my book and give other creative people a chance to promote themselves, too. And I love books and book trailers!

Here’s the link for anyone interested in entering: www.everythingyouknowtrailers.com.

5. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hmm, I know I’m not the only writer who struggles with this question and how to answer it. What to put in, what to leave out… Anyway, here goes. I’m a vegetarian, happily married to my first (and only!) boyfriend, we have three awesome kids. (<3). I’ve lived in 9 states, including North Dakota, where we had to drive to Canada to get spaghetti in a restaurant, and the Bronx, New York where they had the best, swoon-worthy carrot cake I have ever tasted from a store hardly bigger than a walk-in refrigerator. I started out as an actress and went to a conservatory where I learned the language of the fan and how to take snuff, and where I met most of the people I love most in the world, and later I went to a university where I majored in experimental theatre and minored in peace (I’ll let those job security guarantee choices sink in). I love music (especially loud music in the car in the summer with the windows open) and John Keats’ poetry beyond every non-living thing. I love fall and winter and I try as hard as I can to hike every day.

I’m thrilled to be publishing everything you know with Boroughs Publishing Group.

And, thanks so much to the fabulous C. C Hunter for the opportunity to guest blog here!

 everything you know

NO ONE KNOWS EVERYTHING FOREVER

Emma Mathews never believed she was like everyone else, but neither did she think herself crazy. Meeting Joe Castlellaw, Henry Dearborn High’s newest student, was like waking on a cold rock in a strange place, the world bathed in liquid moonlight. Everything is different now…and fraught. Visions of a dark forest, a screaming woman and blood haunt Emma’s dreams, and not only at night. But Joe’s lonely beauty makes her float on air, and she would follow him anywhere: out of high school and through the great tree, to a world of poetry and political savagery, of magic and murder, to a life that is entirely theirs and yet unlike anything they have ever known.

Giveaway!!! 

This week I’m giving away two ecopies of Mary Beth’s book  everything you know to two people who leave comments. Note: these will be ebooks only. (Sorry, but this giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Also, if you are reading this on Goodreads, you must leave your comment on my Website blog for a chance to win.)

I remember when I was young, about twice a year, I would have a spend-the-night party. Three or four friends would come over and we’d either blow up an air mattress or sometimes we’d even camp out in my dad’s garage on sleep bags.  We’d stay up late giggling and talking.  Sort of like Kylie, Miranda and Della do.  We’d talk about boys, about life, about our dreams.  And we’d talk about our problems.  Those get-togethers  were essential in dealing with teen-life issues. As a grown up, I don’t really have spend-the-night parties anymore, but I have something almost as good.  Conferences.  Writer’s conferences.  This last weekend, I went to North West Houston’s Romance Writers of America annual conference.  I roomed with Alison Atwater, a friend who flew in from Arizona.  And Alison and I were escorted to the conference by Susan Muller, another writer and dear friend.  (See the picture.)  We hung out with several other friends and even went to a late night chocolate and wine party.  So I got to visit and just have fun with lots of friends.  I didn’t go to bed until almost midnight on both nights.  We chatted and giggled and heck, we might have even talked about boys.  It was fun and cathartic.  You see, those get-togethers are essential in dealing with adult-life issues, too.  We never outgrow the importance of have our girlfriends. As Della, Kylie and Miranda know, girlfriends are important. In Reborn, they still sit at the kitchen table, drink diet sodas and share the joys and struggles of their lives. I hope you guys always make time for some girl time.  I hope you have friends with which you can laugh, commiserate, plot, and share the ups and downs of life. Do you have a special girlfriend?  Someone who gets you?  Tell me a bit about your girlfriends. Tell me what makes her special to you.

The Street Team for new spin off series, Shadow Falls: After Dark is now taking applicants.   Some of you may wonder what a street team is?  Well, a street team member is someone who is an avid fan of my books.  I want fans for my street team who have read and loved the first Shadow Falls series.  Fans who are willing to help me get the word out about my books.

How does a street team member do that?  First, is by word of mouth.  I know, personally, I am much more likely to buy a book by a new author if someone I know tells me they’ve read the book and liked it.  So a street team member talks up the books.  If your local library doesn’t carry the series, you ask them to get it.  If you find your bookstore is out of my books, ask them to order more.   If you belong to a book club, suggest they read one of my books.  Second, is promoting my books through blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and all the social media outlets.  Also a street team member keeps up with the new happenings by reading my blog and then retweeting or reposting any of my social media posts.   If I’m holding a contest, send it out there to your social media group.  Oh, and I love it when street team members stop in for my local book signings and events.

What does a street team member get for being my loyal helper?  Well, they get an advanced copy of my book Reborn, to read and help get a buzz going.  They get free swag.  In the past I’ve done everything from free t-shirts to pads, pens, tote bags and such.  This time I’ve got some really neat things to mail out.

The bad thing is that I have to limit the number of people on my street team.  I only have space for 100 street team members.  And the old street team members who have done wonderful jobs are getting special consideration.  So the space is limited.  And because my publishing company is involved, other than two or three International members, I have to limit it to U.S. residents.  So, if you live overseas (outside the U.S.), make sure you tell me in your email. Believe me when I say I wish I had space for everyone who applies.  But this is also defined by my publisher and a lot of the final decisions are being overseen by them.  But, hopefully to sweeten the deal, I am going to hold contests and give away fifteen gift prizes of Shadow Falls promo items, some t-shirts, bookmarks, pens, pads, and other really neat stuff, to those who apply but don’t get in.  So what you need to do to apply?

Answer the questions below and email them to cc@cchunterbooks.com by October 22, 2013. DO NOT ANSWER THEM IN THE COMMENT SECTION OF THIS BLOG.

1. How many Shadow Falls books have you read?
2. How have you promoted my books?
3. Do you have a Facebook page? If so, how many followers do you have?
4. Do you have a blog? If so, what is the address and how many followers do you have?
5. Do you have a Twitter account? If so, how many followers do you have?
6. What was the name of Kylie’s mortal boyfriend who broke up with her in Born at Midnight?
7. What was the name of the vampire in charge of Campmate Hour in Awake at Dawn that Kylie has to ask for a favor?
8. In Taken at Dusk, what did Red do because he wanted to impress Kylie?
9. In Whispers at Moonrise, someone tells Kylie, “A shame that you are not one of us.” Who?
10.  What is your favorite scene from Chosen at Nightfall?

Don’t worry if you don’t get all the questions about my books right. The object is to find out if you have actually read them. And again, email your answers to cc@cchunterbooks.com, don’t answer them in the comment section of this blog. You’ll give all the answers away!

Good luck!