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She -- me? We? -- has an essay up at the Paranormal Romance Blog, discussing the writing of The Night Serpent and Dreamcatcher.
Checkitout and leave a comment, if you're so inclined....
Checkitout and leave a comment, if you're so inclined....
and teh winnerz iz....
Aug. 19th, 2008 01:15 pmThe rules were: pick a photo. LOLcat-caption it. Make me actually laugh (out loud, preferably). Win.
And the winner is...
Well, actually, we have three winners. One for each photo.
Photo #1: Ruth-without-an-LJ
[not the best LOLcat grammar, perhaps, but it really did make me snort tea)
Photo #2:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
wooddragon
(disHonorable mention totezmiller, who had a similar idea)
Photo #3:egret17
(disHonorable mentions toisabeau and autojim)
Well-captioned, all of you!
Winners, send me your mailing address via e-mail and preferences for inscription -- and do it quick, or wait until September to have them mailed!
The entries have all been unscreened, if you care to browse.
And the winner is...
Well, actually, we have three winners. One for each photo.
Photo #1: Ruth-without-an-LJ
[not the best LOLcat grammar, perhaps, but it really did make me snort tea)
Photo #2:
wooddragon(disHonorable mention to
tezmiller, who had a similar idea)Photo #3:
egret17(disHonorable mentions to
isabeau and autojim)Well-captioned, all of you!
Winners, send me your mailing address via e-mail and preferences for inscription -- and do it quick, or wait until September to have them mailed!
The entries have all been unscreened, if you care to browse.
a mid-summer's Night contest!
Aug. 11th, 2008 09:40 amComing in September: THE NIGHT SERPENT
All her life Lily Malkin has been plagued by nightmares she can never quite remember. Nightmares that haunt her with glimpses of past lives and past betrayals. Lately, the nightmares—and the memories—have gotten worse. A shadowy figure that destroyed her once before is closing in....
The Night Serpent's ritualistic cat killings bring Special Agent Jon T. Patrick to town. But it's Lily — the intriguing "Cat Whisperer" brought in to help solve the case — who makes him want to stay. Their passion is electric…and dangerous. Because Jon isn't the only one watching Lily. And as the Night Serpent begins his final strike, the stakes are raised for a battle to the death - and beyond.
Available from the publisher and wherever books are sold (also available as an e-book!)
Also in September from eHarlequin: Anna Leonard's novelette "Dreamcatcher" (e-format only)
A young woman is struck down by an exhaustion so severe, she cannot care for herself. All she wants is to get back to normal… but the nurse's aid sent to help her isn't what she expected. For one thing, she's a he. A sexy, no-nonsense male… who may not have her best interests in mind.
----------
In honor of "Anna's" debut, I'm running a contest. And, to represent Lily Malkin the Cat Whisperer, it will of course be... a LOLcatcontest!
Choose your Picture. Aim your LOL. Enter by August 19th. Make me LMAOSTC and win a signed copy of THE NIGHT SERPENT before it's available in stores!
(memembers of LAG's immediate family or minions of same not eligible to win)
1.
2.
3.
Good luck, and may the best LOL win!
(all comments will be screened until a winner is chosen)
All her life Lily Malkin has been plagued by nightmares she can never quite remember. Nightmares that haunt her with glimpses of past lives and past betrayals. Lately, the nightmares—and the memories—have gotten worse. A shadowy figure that destroyed her once before is closing in....
The Night Serpent's ritualistic cat killings bring Special Agent Jon T. Patrick to town. But it's Lily — the intriguing "Cat Whisperer" brought in to help solve the case — who makes him want to stay. Their passion is electric…and dangerous. Because Jon isn't the only one watching Lily. And as the Night Serpent begins his final strike, the stakes are raised for a battle to the death - and beyond.
Available from the publisher and wherever books are sold (also available as an e-book!)
Also in September from eHarlequin: Anna Leonard's novelette "Dreamcatcher" (e-format only)
A young woman is struck down by an exhaustion so severe, she cannot care for herself. All she wants is to get back to normal… but the nurse's aid sent to help her isn't what she expected. For one thing, she's a he. A sexy, no-nonsense male… who may not have her best interests in mind.
----------
In honor of "Anna's" debut, I'm running a contest. And, to represent Lily Malkin the Cat Whisperer, it will of course be... a LOLcatcontest!
Choose your Picture. Aim your LOL. Enter by August 19th. Make me LMAOSTC and win a signed copy of THE NIGHT SERPENT before it's available in stores!
(memembers of LAG's immediate family or minions of same not eligible to win)
1.
2. 3.
Good luck, and may the best LOL win!
(all comments will be screened until a winner is chosen)
busy morning roundup
Jul. 16th, 2008 06:37 am1. You know your life is a little busy when you come home to a box from your publisher in front of your door and you stare at it blankly before suddenly thinking "oh, right! Book out in September!" Anna Leonard's first book is in-print, if not quite ready to ship. I'll be showing it off at Necon this weekend...
2. *squee* I've been invited to attend Le fête de la Vouivre when I'm in Burgundy. It sounds muchly cool...
3. And I have an early glimpse at the cover for BLOOD FROM STONE and once again, while I'm not quite sure the artist read the same manuscript I sent them, it's still pretty damn neat.... (hint: see icon)
4. my sff.net mail seems to be bouncing again. If you've tried to send me something there, try again with the same prefix, at gmail.com
5. I have nothing political to say that would not involve me swearing and spluttering and generally losing my cool. I hate everyone connected with D.C. except Dodd, at this point....
oh, andfashionista_35! Do you have my cell number? Ping me!
2. *squee* I've been invited to attend Le fête de la Vouivre when I'm in Burgundy. It sounds muchly cool...
3. And I have an early glimpse at the cover for BLOOD FROM STONE and once again, while I'm not quite sure the artist read the same manuscript I sent them, it's still pretty damn neat.... (hint: see icon)
4. my sff.net mail seems to be bouncing again. If you've tried to send me something there, try again with the same prefix, at gmail.com
5. I have nothing political to say that would not involve me swearing and spluttering and generally losing my cool. I hate everyone connected with D.C. except Dodd, at this point....
oh, and
fashionista_35! Do you have my cell number? Ping me!"He didn't believe in magic, black, white, pink or polka-dot. He did believe in the power of belief, though. Believe something, and you could take power from it. Believe in it strongly enough, and it took power over you." --from THE NIGHT SERPENT
Not bad book, she said thoughtfully. This Anna Leonard, she can write her way out of a wet paper bag, if you give her a sharpened pencil. Bunch of typos, though. Some of them I can't even take credit for. Bad typesetter, no cookie...
Meanwhile, because my brain is otherwise occupied, I have no new feline picspam to share, and it's too pretty a day to talk politics or religion, a meme, lifted frommizkit:
( the 1st letter meme )
Not bad book, she said thoughtfully. This Anna Leonard, she can write her way out of a wet paper bag, if you give her a sharpened pencil. Bunch of typos, though. Some of them I can't even take credit for. Bad typesetter, no cookie...
Meanwhile, because my brain is otherwise occupied, I have no new feline picspam to share, and it's too pretty a day to talk politics or religion, a meme, lifted from
mizkit:( the 1st letter meme )
home again, at least for a bit....
May. 26th, 2008 04:57 pmHome: safe, sound, and sleepy. Amtrak is making serious hay off the current gas price woes, and doing it well -- the trip there and home was smooth, simple, and cost less than the gas it would have taken to drive. And I got work done. Wins all around!
A good convention all around, except for the drunken co-ed lacrosse players in the hallway last night/this morning. I had words with them at midnight when I went into my room, called down to the front desk at 2, and then again at 4am. When I checked out I had a few Words with the manager ("If that had been our group, you would have shut us down. I don't expect Marriott to privilege drunk college students over other paying customers. What's the deal?") The deal was they had no excuse and offered a make-good. I accepted without pushing it further only because the manager admitted bluntly that they screwed up -- and because I was busy cherishing the OMG HURT look on the faces of those players as they were being loaded into the bus at 7am this morning. They were drinking beer, and ended up hung like a hangman's rope. Me, I was drinking single malts, and got up to hit the gym and have a lovely breakfast, sans headache. Experience trumps arrogance!
And now I have to feed/console the felines, sort the mail, and start in on the proofs for THE NIGHT SERPENT that of course came while I was away...
A good convention all around, except for the drunken co-ed lacrosse players in the hallway last night/this morning. I had words with them at midnight when I went into my room, called down to the front desk at 2, and then again at 4am. When I checked out I had a few Words with the manager ("If that had been our group, you would have shut us down. I don't expect Marriott to privilege drunk college students over other paying customers. What's the deal?") The deal was they had no excuse and offered a make-good. I accepted without pushing it further only because the manager admitted bluntly that they screwed up -- and because I was busy cherishing the OMG HURT look on the faces of those players as they were being loaded into the bus at 7am this morning. They were drinking beer, and ended up hung like a hangman's rope. Me, I was drinking single malts, and got up to hit the gym and have a lovely breakfast, sans headache. Experience trumps arrogance!
And now I have to feed/console the felines, sort the mail, and start in on the proofs for THE NIGHT SERPENT that of course came while I was away...
randomly sundry...
May. 1st, 2008 06:41 pm*blinks* Well, little plot twist, where the hell did you come from? And what other surprises do you have up your dainty lace sleeve? Because man, I didn't see that one coming, even as I was typing it. Totally makes sense, now, of course. Explains so much....
So, 2800 new words, but an entire chunk of an older chapter taken out. Plus, I revamped part of another project because I decided my dissatisfaction with how it was going was A Sign. So I may be in negative wordcount for the day, despite having gotten a lot of important work done. This is why wordcounts are sometimes deceptive as a progress indicator.
Oh, and I got the cover for 'Anna's' THE NIGHT SERPENT. Oh lord. It's a lovely cover, but man-o-man is it a Nocturne cover. Anyone want to see it? *grin*
Meanwhile, I'm trying to convince myself that it's not 'cheating' to buy some things pre-made for my book-pub/flat-warming party this weekend. That's the temptation of NYC -- it's so damn easy to place a call and have fabulous things delivered....
(y'all would still love me even if I didn't make everything from scratch, right?)
So, 2800 new words, but an entire chunk of an older chapter taken out. Plus, I revamped part of another project because I decided my dissatisfaction with how it was going was A Sign. So I may be in negative wordcount for the day, despite having gotten a lot of important work done. This is why wordcounts are sometimes deceptive as a progress indicator.
Oh, and I got the cover for 'Anna's' THE NIGHT SERPENT. Oh lord. It's a lovely cover, but man-o-man is it a Nocturne cover. Anyone want to see it? *grin*
Meanwhile, I'm trying to convince myself that it's not 'cheating' to buy some things pre-made for my book-pub/flat-warming party this weekend. That's the temptation of NYC -- it's so damn easy to place a call and have fabulous things delivered....
(y'all would still love me even if I didn't make everything from scratch, right?)
(no subject)
Mar. 14th, 2008 08:33 amyesterday's accomplishments:
2100 new words on Bonnie #1. One faux author bio and "Dear Reader' letter drafted (no, you'll just have to buy the book to find out). Several rounds of e-mail on various things. One venting of political annoyance aimed where it might actually do some good. Two trips up and down the Stairs of Doom (I'd be much happier about my accomplishment if I hadn't gotten lapped by an old woman carrying groceries. Seriously). Dinner at an Ethiopan place I'd never been to (yum) and a glass of wine that was totally new to me.
Today there will be less accomplishment, as I'm off to Lunacon with the Riverdale Caravan this afternoon, the copyedit of THE NIGHT SERPENT in one hand and my notebook for BONNIE #1 in the other. My hope is to come up with a title for the latter this weekend. Hello, Inspiration? I'll be the one in the corner, holding a purple iris. You can't miss me....
If you're at Lunacon, stop by and say hi! [if you see me working on the manuscript, it's still okay to approach. If I want to be antisocial I work where I can't be seen].
2100 new words on Bonnie #1. One faux author bio and "Dear Reader' letter drafted (no, you'll just have to buy the book to find out). Several rounds of e-mail on various things. One venting of political annoyance aimed where it might actually do some good. Two trips up and down the Stairs of Doom (I'd be much happier about my accomplishment if I hadn't gotten lapped by an old woman carrying groceries. Seriously). Dinner at an Ethiopan place I'd never been to (yum) and a glass of wine that was totally new to me.
Today there will be less accomplishment, as I'm off to Lunacon with the Riverdale Caravan this afternoon, the copyedit of THE NIGHT SERPENT in one hand and my notebook for BONNIE #1 in the other. My hope is to come up with a title for the latter this weekend. Hello, Inspiration? I'll be the one in the corner, holding a purple iris. You can't miss me....
If you're at Lunacon, stop by and say hi! [if you see me working on the manuscript, it's still okay to approach. If I want to be antisocial I work where I can't be seen].
Somewhere in the vicinity of my open windows, there are lighty scented flowers (I keep thinking hyacinths) blooming.
Outside my office window, on an otherwise bare branch, a very red robin is chirping.
Mmmmm. Spring.
Meanwhile, the copyedit of THE NIGHT SERPENT has arrived, so I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend in-between panels at Lunacon....
(also,dancinghorse? badgermirlacca? I should have photo proof for you next week that yes, I've finally stopped wishing and started doing again.)
*royalty statements don't actually arrive until June. But never let reality stand in the way of a good turn of phrase!
Outside my office window, on an otherwise bare branch, a very red robin is chirping.
Mmmmm. Spring.
Meanwhile, the copyedit of THE NIGHT SERPENT has arrived, so I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend in-between panels at Lunacon....
(also,
dancinghorse? badgermirlacca? I should have photo proof for you next week that yes, I've finally stopped wishing and started doing again.)*royalty statements don't actually arrive until June. But never let reality stand in the way of a good turn of phrase!
news! news! not news!
Apr. 9th, 2007 01:12 pmLaura Anne's news:
DOWN INTO DARKNESS is in editorial hands. Editor and I have discussed cover ideas. Outline for #6 is next on the agenda.
Also, rumor is that STAYING DEAD and CURSE THE DARK have gone into reprints. If anyone sees one on the shelf, sing out and let me know!
'Anna's' news:
Revisions to THE NIGHT SERPENT are thisclose to being done (tomorrow, probably). The next proposal is on its way into editorial hands. Now, we wait. Wheee. Not.
Freelance: Onward to the copywriting portion of the gig. That, and a trip to the post awful, should round the day out nicely.
Also, Best Exchange of the Day, as heard out the window:
"I think you need to rethink your think."
"You think?"
DOWN INTO DARKNESS is in editorial hands. Editor and I have discussed cover ideas. Outline for #6 is next on the agenda.
Also, rumor is that STAYING DEAD and CURSE THE DARK have gone into reprints. If anyone sees one on the shelf, sing out and let me know!
'Anna's' news:
Revisions to THE NIGHT SERPENT are thisclose to being done (tomorrow, probably). The next proposal is on its way into editorial hands. Now, we wait. Wheee. Not.
Freelance: Onward to the copywriting portion of the gig. That, and a trip to the post awful, should round the day out nicely.
Also, Best Exchange of the Day, as heard out the window:
"I think you need to rethink your think."
"You think?"
(no subject)
Mar. 7th, 2007 06:56 amWoke up around 4 this morning from a dream in which I was accomplishing much in terms of writing a really insightful, action-packed chapter, and thought to myself "I hope I remember this when I wake up." I reassured myself that I was writing it down in my dream, so it would all be there in the morning.
Yeah, even at 4am I didn't buy that either. But I went back to sleep anyway.
I still remember the dream, but not, of course, the really good shit I was actually writing in the dream. My brain hates me sometimes.
Anyone else having weird/annoying/taunting dreams, while Mercury is retrograde?
---------------------
It's 11 degrees outside right now, with light snow. But the wind seems to have taken a break. We are thankful.
---------------------
Things on the March-April hotlist:
finish DOWN INTO DARKNESS
revisions on THE NIGHT SERPENT
freelance editing job 1
freelance editing job 2
freelance copy assignment
write intro for a short story collection
set up book signings and promotion for BURNING BRIDGES
Right. Time to worship (I originally typed 'workshop,' which is an interesting typo) the great Fiend Caf.
Yeah, even at 4am I didn't buy that either. But I went back to sleep anyway.
I still remember the dream, but not, of course, the really good shit I was actually writing in the dream. My brain hates me sometimes.
Anyone else having weird/annoying/taunting dreams, while Mercury is retrograde?
---------------------
It's 11 degrees outside right now, with light snow. But the wind seems to have taken a break. We are thankful.
---------------------
Things on the March-April hotlist:
finish DOWN INTO DARKNESS
revisions on THE NIGHT SERPENT
freelance editing job 1
freelance editing job 2
freelance copy assignment
write intro for a short story collection
set up book signings and promotion for BURNING BRIDGES
Right. Time to worship (I originally typed 'workshop,' which is an interesting typo) the great Fiend Caf.
Spring must be coming. Not only does the rain come down hard enough to keep me from being able to see across the street, last night I had the urge for a glass of white wine (for those playing along at home -- a Lieb 2002 pinot blanc. Their reds are iffy but their whites are generally things of teh pretty).
Although I do somewhat regret it is not a snowstorm, it is, after all, March. Fair enough. Now for some thunder, please?
And I woke to some good news -- although not quite done reading, m'editor has given a happy thumbs-up on THE NIGHT SERPENT.
*is relieved*
Now to finish up this book and get work on "Anna's" next project*....
(the cycle of life ain't got nothing on the cycle of editorial)
And, just for a bit of amusement: "How to Shower Like a Man/Woman" PG-13, not really work-safe, and pretty damn funny...
*and the two freelance projects sitting next to it, and the two e-mail queries about more work, and...
Although I do somewhat regret it is not a snowstorm, it is, after all, March. Fair enough. Now for some thunder, please?
And I woke to some good news -- although not quite done reading, m'editor has given a happy thumbs-up on THE NIGHT SERPENT.
*is relieved*
Now to finish up this book and get work on "Anna's" next project*....
(the cycle of life ain't got nothing on the cycle of editorial)
And, just for a bit of amusement: "How to Shower Like a Man/Woman" PG-13, not really work-safe, and pretty damn funny...
*and the two freelance projects sitting next to it, and the two e-mail queries about more work, and...
best. wordmeter. ever.
Feb. 8th, 2007 12:21 pmDown Into Darkness: A Retrievers Novel
Also, the betas are starting to come back with their initial feedback on THE NIGHT SERPENT. Things like "Overall, you've got me hooked" and " It's a pity I have to work tomorrow, because right now all I want to do is settle in on the couch and keep reading" make me happy, oh yes. Even as I anticipate the coming beatdown, because hey, beatdown is what I asked for.
Busy. Oh god yes, Busy. But that's good, right? Right? *sighs, goes off for another diet coke*
ETA: the legalese freelance project from hell is done, and off to M for her eyes-over. I will get it back with notes at some point, but not for at least ten days. Yay!
ETA2: when I'm the one explaining Excel tricks and how to set up a spreadsheet? The End is Nigh. Seriously. And I need more diet coke. Like, an i.v. of the stuff.
various, shivering along with sundry
Feb. 7th, 2007 06:57 amI've been in New England too long. Last night, just before going to bed, I wrote an entire scene where, I swear to god, the primary means of communication between two males was variations of "Yah." While sitting in perfect porch chair harmony.
And wasn't I supposed to be taking last night off? I'm sure that, after sending THE NIGHT SERPENT off to my betas and CGAG, that was the plan. So how did I end up typing three pages of laconic but emotionally weighted dialogue between man and demon?
------------
Meanwhile here in the spare freezer we call New England, the weatherfolk are keeping a running tab of how many days it's been since we've seen the upside of freezing (32 degrees). So far we're at five (5). They're predicting another ten (10) days before we crack the ice ceiling.
It's 12 degrees this morning. I'd really like some snow to go with this, please? Really.
--------------
However, I did get a warm fuzzy this morning: an email from a former writer of mine, which said in part:
"Like other writers you helped, I thought you were a wonderful editor and remember you fondly. Having looked at your website, I (am) bowled over by all the things you're doing and wish you many more years of success, good coffee, and happiness."
*has fuzzies* Sometimes I wonder if my previous life actually, y'know, accomplished anything. For this one person, at least, it did...
--------------------
Today I am supposed to haul my backside downtown for a lunch date. See above re: temperature. D'y'think I'll lose Yankee Points if I reschedule for Spring?
-------------------
In other, totally unrelated news, the Wal-Mart discrimination case is moving ahead - they lost their bid to have the claims dismissed (Wal Mart is being sued for, among other things, consistently paying female employees less than male employees for the same jobs). Needless to say (but I will anyway) I hope Wal-Mart gets hung out to dry by their unmentionables. And their wallets. *spits*
And wasn't I supposed to be taking last night off? I'm sure that, after sending THE NIGHT SERPENT off to my betas and CGAG, that was the plan. So how did I end up typing three pages of laconic but emotionally weighted dialogue between man and demon?
------------
Meanwhile here in the spare freezer we call New England, the weatherfolk are keeping a running tab of how many days it's been since we've seen the upside of freezing (32 degrees). So far we're at five (5). They're predicting another ten (10) days before we crack the ice ceiling.
It's 12 degrees this morning. I'd really like some snow to go with this, please? Really.
--------------
However, I did get a warm fuzzy this morning: an email from a former writer of mine, which said in part:
"Like other writers you helped, I thought you were a wonderful editor and remember you fondly. Having looked at your website, I (am) bowled over by all the things you're doing and wish you many more years of success, good coffee, and happiness."
*has fuzzies* Sometimes I wonder if my previous life actually, y'know, accomplished anything. For this one person, at least, it did...
--------------------
Today I am supposed to haul my backside downtown for a lunch date. See above re: temperature. D'y'think I'll lose Yankee Points if I reschedule for Spring?
-------------------
In other, totally unrelated news, the Wal-Mart discrimination case is moving ahead - they lost their bid to have the claims dismissed (Wal Mart is being sued for, among other things, consistently paying female employees less than male employees for the same jobs). Needless to say (but I will anyway) I hope Wal-Mart gets hung out to dry by their unmentionables. And their wallets. *spits*
The Editor and the Publisher have spoken unto me, and it's Official:
The Night Serpent by Anna Leonard will be a Nocturne title in (probably) Spring of 2008.
Everyone raise a glass to welcome "Anna" to the multiple personality folder. No, she's not getting her own LJ or web site - you'll have to come here to get the dirt.
For those wondering, "Anna Leonard" is for my dad, Aaron Leonard. It just seemed right. :-)
The Night Serpent by Anna Leonard will be a Nocturne title in (probably) Spring of 2008.
Everyone raise a glass to welcome "Anna" to the multiple personality folder. No, she's not getting her own LJ or web site - you'll have to come here to get the dirt.
For those wondering, "Anna Leonard" is for my dad, Aaron Leonard. It just seemed right. :-)
Last night I finished off the draft of THE NIGHT SERPENT (title approval pending). Of course, it also has about five pages of single-spaced notes attached to the margins about where I have to go back and add/change/delete/enhance/etc the manuscript, to get it from first draft to submission draft. But the story, she is done. Under word count, of course, but I always do that on first draft. No matter what the contracted-for length, I always come in x under. It's almost funny...
I fully expect the contract to hit my mailbox today. Timing is everything. Nope. I win!
ETA: amusing back-and-forth with my editor this morning. Cursing bad. Hot sex good. And I'm alllllll about the subtle. Really. ;-)
ETA2: For them as interested, the soundtrack for this book seems to have been Acoustic Alchemy, specifically "The Very Best of AA." I think "Same Road, Same Reason" was the soundtrack to my dreams last night, too.
ETA3: It must be a draft. I'm cleaning.
ETA: amusing back-and-forth with my editor this morning. Cursing bad. Hot sex good. And I'm alllllll about the subtle. Really. ;-)
ETA2: For them as interested, the soundtrack for this book seems to have been Acoustic Alchemy, specifically "The Very Best of AA." I think "Same Road, Same Reason" was the soundtrack to my dreams last night, too.
ETA3: It must be a draft. I'm cleaning.
