D.B. Reynolds.com

BITE FIGHTS IS ON (and other stuff, too.)

Posted by dbreynolds on May 14, 2012

BITES FIGHTS is ON! And DUNCAN won its first bracket!! That is sooo cool! And it’s all thanks to you, my wonderful readers. Unfortunately, now DUNCAN’s up against Lynsay Sands. That’s some STEEP competition, although Sands only got four votes more than DUNCAN in the first round, so there’s DEFINITELY hope! Either way, I’m thrilled to have gotten this far! HERE’S THE LINK to the voting site. You click your choices on the listing that runs across the page, and then they show up in the bracket below.
.
More exciting news for anyone waiting for LUCAS … I’m halfway through my first draft revisions, which puts me on target for an on-time delivery, which means … well, I’ll wait until I’m sure, but the date looks good. And I’m spending my little bit of free time searching image libraries again. There’s got to be a Lucas out there somewhere.
.
On the entertainment front, I STILL haven’t managed to see The Avengers! I’m really hoping for this week, but the week just got more complicated, so we’ll see. For the small screen, Once Upon A Time aired its season finale last night — MINOR SPOILAGE — the black curse has been replaced by the purple curse? And exactly how is that different? I hope the next season isn’t simply going to be a replay of this season, but with a purple haze. GRIMM was really good, on the other hand. Very creepy at the beginning, although I wish they hadn’t given away the identity of the monster so quickly. It took away most, if not all, of the creep factor. Their season finale is this week, and it looks like Nick is going to have to share his deep, dark secret. Finally!! GAME OF THRONES … lots of dirt, snow and ice. And where the f#ck are the dire wolves? Where’s Jon Snow’s Ghost?? SPOILER: The burned bodies aren’t the Stark children. But does that mean that weasely Theon killed two innocents to make himself look good? Only two more eps there, so don’t look for any answers before next season. On the other hand … TRUE BLOOD starts up on June 10, although the trailer doesn’t resemble any of the books I’ve read. As long as it has Eric and Alcide, I can make do … me and my fast forwarding remote control.
.
On the even smaller screen … that would be my Kindle (heh,heh) … I’ve been catching up with Lynn Viehl, C.J.Box, and a new one for me, Richard Castle. Also, John Sandford has a new Prey book out this Tuesday (can you say “Pre-order with 1-click?) which makes me very happy.
.
A question for my readers … if one were to write a new Vignette early this summer, who might you prefer to see featured? I’m not promising anything, but I am taking suggestions!
.
Finally, don’t forget to drop in on Brenda Novak’s Annual Auction. There really is some tremendous stuff being offered, for readers and writers, both. And it’s all for charity.
.
LUCAS awaits, so I’m off to spend some quality time listening to his lovely Irish lilt. Hope everyone’s Mother’s Day was happy, and I’ll see you next week.
.
DBR

Categories: Charitable Causes, DUNCAN, LUCAS, Uncategorized Comments (12)

A BOOK ISN’T REALLY FINISHED UNTIL …

Posted by dbreynolds on May 7, 2012

Until … the revisions are done. Alas, ’tis true. So I’m in revision mode and will be for a while yet. Still, it’s nice to go back to the beginning and see that it really does all make sense! LOL
.
Staying on the subject of good books (heh, heh) I’ve updated my book recs again, both here and on GoodReads, adding the latest Sookie Stackhouse, among others. Sookie will be leaving fictionland soon, but having read two of Harris’s other series, I’m sure she has something equally wonderful in store for us. And there’s always TRUE BLOOD, which will be returning soon (June 10th) with the in-the-flesh versions of Eric and Alcide … ‘nuf said.
.
More good books talk, I’m still hunting for a replacement for my beloved Mitch Rapp (by Vince Flynn), still in withdrawal. I’ve tried a couple of others, haven’t given up completely, but haven’t found the new drug yet, either. Thankfully, John Sandford has a new Prey book out soon, so that will fill in the blanks a bit. And speaking of new and future books, I was a pre-ordering fiend this last week! I went a little crazy with the Kindle 1-click button, preordering into October. But some of my favorite authors have books coming out, and I couldn’t resist. I L.O.V.E. checking my Kindle and finding my new book is HERE already! Such a great feeling.
.
In televisionland, I’ve run out of episodes of Criminal Minds to distract me while I exercise–I’m all caught up on that series. In looking for a replacement, someone suggested The Killing, which I’ve tried, and it’s great! Except now I read that we won’t find out who killed Rosie until the END OF SEASON 2! WTF! That pisses me off, because Season 2 is running now and just started on April 12! Grrrrrrr. So I’m still looking for a series that’s like six or seven seasons old to occupy me and my elliptical for awhile. I don’t particularly like CSI type shows, I do like police procedurals, but don’t really like the whole Law and Order, SVU and all that. I guess I like Criminal Minds, because even though it’s the same investigators, they move around to different cities and solve unique crimes. Oh, well. Maybe I’ll try Being Human, since I’m all caught up on The Fringe. Or, hey! Maybe I should exercise less! ::sigh:: That’s not gonna happen.
.
More televisionland with GRIMM getting better with every episode (now that the season’s almost over!) By the way, how come Nick doesn’t know his Captain is a whatever-he-is, but the Captain knows Nick is a Grimm?? Does Nick only recognize the monsters if they get nervous and do a face-shift in front of him? That’s not very useful. Moving on … ONCE UPON A TIME … hmmm. I still don’t really see how they can drag that one out for another season, but clearly they’re going to try. GAME OF THRONES had some more 13-year-old boy stuff, but some good stuff, too. Loved the scene with Joffrey freaking out about the cowpie, and rushing to safety, while only Tyrion thought to worry about Sansa. A very tense scene with poor Sansa, too. And I can’t figure out if The Hound (whom Joffrey calls “Dog”) is really loyal to Joffrey, or just the throne. He clearly hates it when Joff calls him “Dog.” And thank God someone (Tyrion, of course) finally slapped that little asshole! Once again, Jon Snow is stuck in the frozen wastes with no dire wolf! What’s up with Ghost?? And where was Bran’s wolf (usually so attentive) when that weasel Theon Greyjoy strode in like a drunken rooster? What a loser he is. Good series. Only wish HBO had longer seasons!
.
Before I go, I want everyone to click over to BRENDA NOVAK’S AUCTION FOR THE CURE OF DIABETES. This is a terrific annual event, and if you scroll through the offered items/services, you’ll be amazed. All sorts of wonderful things from your favorite authors, to beautiful jewelry, and fabulous vacations. Some really incredible stuff. I bid every year and I’ve won a few auctions too!
.
Oh yum. As I write this, I have GLADIATOR with RUSSELL CROWE on the screen (no sound, too distracting.) He is so effing good in that, you don’t even need sound. What a beautiful man. ::swoon::
.
::cough:: Okay, I’m back. But only long enough to say good-bye for now. I have to get some more revisions done, gotta get LUCAS on his way.
.
See you all back here next Sunday. Have a great week, and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all of my U.S. and Canadian readers. I’m saying it early since by the time I write my post next week, the day will be over for everyone except … well, me, since I stay up all night long.
.
xoxo
DBR

Categories: Charitable Causes, Holiday Greetings, LUCAS, Recommended Books, Uncategorized Comments (12)

LUCAS!

Posted by dbreynolds on April 30, 2012

Yep. I have completed the first draft of LUCAS! Squeeee! Time to begin my revisions, but those won’t take long. My first drafts aren’t very firsty. (heh, heh) And I confirmed with my publisher that LUCAS will be out in the Fall, with the very first Cyn/Raphael e-novella maybe even showing up in late Summer. Yay!
.
But back to LUCAS, baby! And a tiny taste of my darling vampire. This little bit is from the very first time Lucas and Kathryn meet.
.
She shifted her gaze deliberately to the photographs on the wall next to the fireplace, then stood and walked over to examine them more closely.
“These are beautiful,” she said, moving from one to the next. “Ireland, isn’t it?”
“Eire we call her,” Lucas murmured directly into her ear.
Kathryn’s heart slammed against her ribs. He’d somehow come out from behind his desk and walked over to stand right behind her without her being aware of it. He stood now, looking over her shoulder. He was so close she could smell the spicy scent of his skin, could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. She had to fight the urge to reach for her gun as she turned her head and found herself looking directly into his strange golden eyes.
He smiled, a bare upward tilt of his lips. He knew he’d startled her, and he took pleasure in it. Kathryn wanted to step away, wanted to ball up her fist and slug his beautiful, smug face. But she couldn’t do it. She could only stare and try to breathe.
.
If she doesn’t want him, I’ll take him! Alas, Kathryn sees the error of her ways … eventually.
.
Hmm, okay, what else happened this week? Well, for one, my good friend and writing partner Steve McHugh released his first book at last! He’s been teasing us for a while, but CRIMES AGAINST MAGIC is now available at Amazon! This is a fantastic Fantasy/Adventure story that blends mythology with the modern world. I recommend it highly!
.
The television report … Grimm is getting better, while Once Upon A Time has nearly lost me. Pinocchio? Bleah. And Regina trying to seduce David? I was embarassed for her! Game of Thrones? You know, I read those books. Granted, it was a long time ago, because that’s when they were released, and I didn’t read the latest one, because I didn’t feel like going back and re-reading the ones I’d read 5 or 6 years ago, BUT … I don’t remember some of this stuff happening. Geoffrey and his birthday present? The rats eating out the prisoners? I’m beginning to suspect Saturday Night Live was telling the truth about the show’s 13-year-old script advisor.
.
Okay, back to work for me. I need to finish my revisions so I can pass LUCAS onto my writing partners, get their revisions done, then off to my publisher, who’ll give me more revisions. ::sigh:: And then I have to find the perfect cover image for LUCAS!
.
I know I’m forgetting something, but I’ll get to it next week. OMG it will be May!! Must. Word. Harder.
.
See you next Sunday!
DBR

Categories: Books on Sale - Where?, LUCAS, Recommended Books, Uncategorized Comments (6)

I REALLY HAVE TO CLEAN OUT MY CLOSET!

Posted by dbreynolds on April 23, 2012

Actually, what I meant to say was that I really need to clean out my underwear drawer, but then I thought about that going out into Internetland, and decided … maybe not. And, okay, so it’s really my entire closet that needs to be cleaned out. I bought a new blouse the other day, the kind that goes to the cleaners to be laundered so it looks all nice and starchy/pressed. I brought it home from the cleaners and realized there was no place to hang it in my closet where it wouldn’t immediately get wrinkled!! That’s a baaaad sign. So, I hung it in my husband’s closet instead. But the underwear drawer is becoming desperate. I swear I’m only using the top 25% of that thing, the rest just sits there clogging up the space! As soon as I finish LUCAS, that sucker is getting cleaned out and I’m giving/tossing that other 75%!
.
Ahem … but on to matters other than my top drawer. Just to let you know that CHARMAINE has claimed her prize in the NAME THAT WOMAN CONTEST, so the contest is officially over. For everyone but Charmaine, that is! She still has a role to play in the as yet unnamed Book 7.
.
Book 7?!? Wow. Amazing. I can’t believe we’ve come that far already. Just today I was thinking about Book, um, 9 (I had to count ahead for a minute.) I mentioned last week that I was searching for an ethnic background for Book 7, and got lots of good suggestions from my readers. In particular, JAN, suggestion Cajun, which brings me to Book 9, and the perfect place for a Cajun vampire lord. So, he won’t show up in Book 7, but he’ll be there for Book 9! Sounds like a good excuse for me to take a vacation in New Orleans!! Yeah!
.
I’ve added three books to my What I’m Reading Now page, also on Goodreads. Some of my favorite authors pubbed new books recently, and now that I’ve caught up with Mitch Rapp stories, I’m moving on (sniff) to some of those. By the way, I received e-mails from readers with suggestions to help me cope with Mitch Rapp withdrawal, and I’m following up on several of them. PAM M. suggested Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books. My darling husband reads all of those, and has several on his bookshelves (heh, heh.) I’ll just mosey on down the hall and borrow some. Same for BARBARA K. who recommended Jonathan Kellerman. The DH reads those, too! How convenient! I’m sure he’ll never miss them (especially since I stay up much later than he does, and he has HUNDREDS, THOUSANDS of books, so if I borrow a few, he’ll never notice.) And he doesn’t read this blog!
.
Ah, but speaking of Goodreads, I now have a FAN CLUB over there! A huge thank you to the lovely MISTIK who set it all up and generously serves as Moderator. HERE’S THE LINK if you’d like to drop in.
.
And remember a couple weeks ago, when all of my WOOOONDERFUL readers went over to PARANORMAL BITES and voted to include DUNCAN in their Bites Fights competition? Well, the FIGHTS have begun. First, there’s a truly fantastic bunch of prizes being offered!CHECK IT OUT HERE! Including some books from yours truly. But to win the prizes, you have to enter. It’s sort of confusing, but it appears the voting and bracket predictions are together, which means first round voting for DUNCAN ended April 19?!? That was weird. It appears, however, that you can still predict brackets HERE. I’ll keep checking and let you know what happened with DUNCAN. The prizes are still great, though, so enter soon and enter often! LOL
.
And I think that’s it for this week. I’m literally down to the last few words of LUCAS, still trying to come up with a name for Book 7, but I’ll get there. Still working late, late, late. And by the way, the coyotes are going NUTS out there tonight. I suspect someone’s going to be short a pet tomorrow morning. Or it could be … rabbits. We have lots of those around, too. Yes, that’s probably it. It’s a rabbit. Uh huh.
.
All right, back to sweet LUCAS. See you all next week, same time, same place.
.
xoxo
DBR

Categories: Contests, DUNCAN, LUCAS, Uncategorized Comments (4)

THE WINNER IS ….

Posted by dbreynolds on April 16, 2012

As promised (actually a week earlier than promised) WE HAVE A WINNER in the Name That Woman Contest.
.
CHARMAINE! Come on down! That’s right, our winner is Charmaine of Cara*@jun*(dot)com. Obviously, I’ve edited/redacted Charmaine’s email address for her protection, but I’m sure she’ll recognize herself!
.
I’ve also sent Charmaine an email directly notifying her of her winning status. Charmaine now has until 12:00 a.m. (midnight) PST on April 29, 2012, to contact me (dbreynoldswriter@live.com) and confirm her acceptance of the wonderful prize package, which includes the right to name a character in the forthcoming, and as yet unnamed, Book Seven of Vampires in America, as well as a signed print copy of that book!
.
In other exciting news, I finished and filed my taxes. Bleah!
.
I have also, sadly, finished reading all of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp books! Oh no! I’m currently experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which are alleviated only by the knowledge that there’s a new John Sandford Prey book out next month, and a new Nora Roberts stand-alone out this week. Plus I’m trying a couple of new (to me) authors as a substitute for my beloved Mitch Rapp. ::sigh:: Also, I’ve already started Lara Adrian’s newest Breed book Darker After Midnight, and downloaded Karen Marie Moning’s next two Highlander books. Her Highlander series isn’t as good for me as her Fever books, but still very good. At least, none of the female leads are as irritating as MacKayla. Not yet anyway.
.
Speaking of great forthcoming books, my writing partner Steve McHugh has posted CHAPTER 1 of his forthcoming Crimes Against Magic, which will release on April 30th. He posted the Prologue last week, so this is another chance to get a glimpse into this wonderful fantasy/adventure story. CHECK IT OUT!
.
On the TV front, I watched tonight’s Game of Thrones ep, and found it rather uneventful. I don’t really care about the wimpy Theon Greyjoy (the guy whose father has the ships), although I do wonder if those people ever bathe or brush their hair! LOL The M/M scene between Renly Baratheon and his lover (also his wife’s brother, btw) was distinctly un-hot. Surprisingly so for an HBO series. Remember Eric and Talbot? Even that was hotter and Eric was faking it! Hopefully next week will be more eventful.
.
You’ll be happy to know that LUCAS is very nearly finished. I’m already contemplating the next book. I know its location, I know its general plot, I even have a good idea of the new vampire lord’s character, but … I need a name for him. Which means I need an ethnic background. Book 8 will be Mexico, which means a Latino vampire lord, but what about Book 7? Any ideas, readers?
.
Okay, that’s it for me this week. Short and sweet, because I’m in the middle of a big battle with Lucas and Kathryn (not between them, they’re on the same side for this one.) Gotta get back to the bloodshed!
.
Have a wonderful week. (And U.S. readers, try to forget all the money you just turned over to Uncle Sam.) I’ll see you all back here next Sunday night, same time, same place.
.
xoxo
DBR

Categories: Contests, LUCAS, Recommended Books, Uncategorized

THE CONTEST IS CLOSED … AND OTHER STUFF!

Posted by dbreynolds on April 9, 2012

Yep, the NAME THAT WOMAN contest is officially over. I received hella entries and they’ve all been numbered. I’ll rev up the random number generator this week to pick the winner and announce it on this blog next Sunday.
.
For the record, the correct answer was DEB JENKINS. Most of the entries got it right, some few had it wrong, which makes them ineligible. Sorry about that.
.
It’s April, which means … ugh … taxes. At least in the U.S. I was talking (emailing) a friend in England last week and discovered they don’t have to file tax returns like we do. No kidding? You mean there’s an income tax system that makes more sense than the twisted, tortuous, ridiculously complicated system we have? Huh. Who’d have thought it? (huge eye roll – I need some better smilies for this blog.)
.
Of course, I might just be bitter, having spent hours and hours this week putting together paperwork and entering data, instead of finishing the story of my darling LUCAS. I haven’t neglected him completely, however, his story is very nearly completed. I can see the end from here! LOL
.
And speaking of ends, there seems to be NO end to my current trio of obsessions, i.e., past seasons of CRIMINAL MINDS on DVD (at least I exercise while I’m watching those,) Adam Levine/Maroon 5 singing Stereo Hearts with Travie McCoy on SNL, and Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp thriller/suspense novels. By the way, the link I posted last week for the Adam Levine video was pulled by NBC the next day. Do you think I was responsible for that? Yikes! LOL
.
In other news, the RT Booklovers Convention begins this week in Chicago, and many of my favorite writers and friends will be there. Not me. So sad. It’s a truly fun convention, but I just couldn’t do Chicago this year. ::sigh:: I’ll definitely be participating in the future, though. RT Con is really designed with the reader in mind. If you ever have the opportunity, I recommend it highly. I will be at RWA’s National Conference in July, though! Although, that’s definitely geared for writers/editors/agents, rather than readers. But more on that much later.
.
Not all is dreary and taxes here on the homefront, however, Game of Thrones had its season opener last week, and I watched Ep 2 earlier tonight. Major cliffhanger ending … unless you’ve read the books, of course. (heh, heh) This series is so well done! And Once Upon A Time is back with reruns! Ugh. Grimm has a new twist. SPOILER: Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Nick and Juliet part ways, but I doubt that’s where they’re going with it.
.
And finally, last but MOST DEFINITELY not least, my writing partner Steve McHugh is about to publish his very first novel, CRIMES AGAINST MAGIC. It’s a terrific story of fantasy, mystery and adventure. Lots of action and excellent writing. And you can read the Prologue for FREE this week on STEVE’s BLOG. You should definitely CHECK IT OUT!
.
Hmm, okay, that’s it for me this week. I’ve got to get back to LUCAS before he forgets who really loves him. (That would be ME!)
.
See you all next week with the contest winner, and more random thoughts! Oh, and Happy Passover and/or Happy Easter! Hope it was wonderful.
.
DBR

Categories: Contests, Conventions and Conferences, Just checking in with misc. stuff, LUCAS, Uncategorized

MARCH MADNESS IS OVER!

Posted by dbreynolds on April 2, 2012

And, no, I’m not talking about college basketball! My writing partners, the talented Steve J. McHugh and Michelle Muto, joined me during the month of March for a mini-marathon of writing. We each have our own deadlines to meet and decided to impose some discipline on ourselves by setting goals for the month. And I’m happy to say we all did great! For all of you, that means Lucas’s story is almost told, though I’m still learning more about him. Interesting vampire guy. And gorgeous, too. I’ve already begun perusing cover images in my spare time — wait, I have spare time? How come no one told me? LOL
.
Having completed my own version of madness, however, I took some time out to watch the GAME OF THRONES second season premiere tonight. What a great show! I’d forgotten what a terrific job the producers had done in bringing this show to television. It’s such a complex story, although maybe it helps that I’ve read the books. But, even so, I think it’s riveting. They don’t flinch from any of the really difficult scenes either, not even the … I won’t say it here … scenes in this week’s ep when that useless product of incest who thinks he’s king (Geoffrey) decided to eliminate his competition. I can hardly wait for next week!
.
And as long as we’re discussing tv shows, I was one of those who initially preferred Grimm over Once Upon a Time. But Grimm has become sort of repetitive. I still watch, but … I have to say now that I prefer Once Upon a Time, even though Prince Charming/David has turned out to be a total weasel. I don’t know how they’re going to manage to resurrect his character, unless he’s been inhabited by an evil genie or something. He’s pretty much a lost cause and since he’s supposed to be the hero … But I also wanted to say that the casting director did a tremendous job in casting Bailee Madison as the young Snow White. I actually had to look it up and make sure she wasn’t related to Ginnifer Goodwin (big Snow), they look that much alike.
.
But back to Vampires … mine, to be specific … the Name That Woman Contest is in full swing. I’ve already received lots of entries, but there’s still time to get yours in. Remember entries must be received by Midnight PST on April 8, 2012, and the winner will be announced on April 23, 2012 in my regular blog post.
.
To recap the rules …
.
1. Email your entry to me at DBReynoldsWriter@live.com, and be SURE to type NAME THAT WOMAN CONTEST on your subject line.
.
2. Include the answer (hopefully the correct one) to the question below, as well as your NAME and an EMAIL address where you can be contacted if you win. THIS IS IMPORTANT!! I need a contact name and email addy.
.
3. All correct entries will be included in a random drawing to determine the winner.
.
4. All entries MUST BE RECEIVED BY 12:00 am PST (Midnight) on APRIL 8, 2012. The winner will be announced in my regular weekly blog on April 23, 2012.
.
5. The decision of the judge (ME) is final.
.
6. The PRIZE! (can’t forget that) is … the winner gets to name a character in the as-yet-unnamed Vampires in America, Book Seven (i.e., the book after LUCAS.) You can use your own name or one you make up. The author (i.e., me) reserves the right to change the name for any reason. If it is necessary to change the name, the author will consult the winner, but the author has complete discretion and her judgement is final. The author will also have complete discretion in deciding WHICH character will bear the selected name. Winner will be mentioned in the Acknowledgments section of Book Seven and will receive an autographed print copy of Book Seven.
.
7. And finally … THE QUESTION: In SOPHIA, Raphael’s Seattle Security Chief is sleeping (aka having sex) with a human woman. What’s her first AND last name?
.
Almost time for me to go back to LUCAS. He and Kathryn have some dangerous times ahead, but not to worry, they can handle it.
.
Did I forget anything? I sure hope not. But I’m a bit sleep-deprived, so … feel free to remind me.
.
See you back here next week, and don’t forget to get your Contest entry in before then!
.
DBR

Categories: Contests, LUCAS, Uncategorized

YOU DID IT!! AND A NEW CONTEST, TOO!!

Posted by dbreynolds on March 26, 2012

Let’s start with the “You Did It!” part, because I HAVE THE BEST READERS IN THE WORLD! Last week, I mentioned Paranormal Bites and their new Best Of list for 2011, which they were calling Bites Fights. And I noted how they’d somehow (???) overlooked both SOPHIA and DUNCAN in the Vampire category. Well, YOU DID IT! PARANORMAL BITES announced their final Bites Fights line-up, and DUNCAN was one of only two books that made the list because of reader write-in votes, and the ONLY book in the Vampire category!
.
So, thank you, thank you, thank you! You all are the BEST! Of course, the competition, as always, in this category is impossible. J.R.Ward, Lara Adrian, Jeaniene Frost, Laura K. Hamilton … But I’m thrilled just to have made the list! And it’s all because of YOU.
.
By the way, if you read down on the Paranormal Bites web site, you’ll see they have the latest trailer for Snow White and the Huntsman. I’m not a big fan of the Kristen Stewart school of (cough) acting, but any movie with Chris Hemsworth is worth seeing! Plus, the story and special effects look great.
.
One more excellent bit of news this week, THE ROMANCE REVIEWS published their review of DUNCAN, naming the book A TOP PICK.
.
Cleverly constructed, fast-paced and full of the sizzle and heat that you’ve come to expect, this story adds a new dimension to the world of the Vampires in America series and exceeded all my expectations.
.
Moving on to LUCAS, things are definitely heating up in South Dakota! I’m afraid Lucas and Kathryn are a somewhat combustible combination. Oh, dear. And speaking of combustible, you know how you get a song in your head and can’t let go of it? Well, my song this week is Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes featuring Maroon 5′s Adam Levine. It’s the Adam Levine part I can’t quite get out of my head. (heh, heh) I personally prefer the Maroon 5 SNL You Tube version, because Levine gets more face time. And speaking of, er, face time, for those of you not familiar with Adam Levine (are there such people?) he did a photo shoot for the UK edition of Cosmopolitan Magazine (how come we don’t get that edition? ) in which he posed nude to raise awareness about testicular cancer. The only thing between Adam and the rest of us are his girlfriend’s hands, and I want you to notice, she had to use BOTH hands, too! LOL YOU CAN CHECK IT OUT HERE.
.
Okay, no more voyeurism. Not this week anyway. On to the CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT!! There are different kinds of contests, some to promo a new book, some to introduce new readers to the books, and then there are the ones designed to thank my loyal readers. “But, DB,” you say, “how can you be sure only READERS can win?” Ha! Because in order to enter, I ask a question whose answer is one that only someone who has read the books will know. AND … I’ve made it pretty much non-searchable, too. (Hey! I have an e-reader … actually 3 of them … so I know how easy it can be to search a book.) So, first, the rules:
.
1. Email your entry to me at DBReynoldsWriter@live.com, and be SURE to type NAME THAT WOMAN CONTEST on your subject line.
.
2. Include the answer (hopefully the correct one) to the question below, as well as your NAME and an EMAIL address where you can be contacted if you win. THIS IS IMPORTANT!! I need a contact name and email addy.
.
3. All correct entries will be included in a random drawing to determine the winner.
.
4. All entries MUST BE RECEIVED BY 12:00 am PST (Midnight) on APRIL 8, 2012. The winner will be announced in my regular weekly blog on April 23, 2012.
.
5. The decision of the judge (ME) is final.
.
6. The PRIZE! (can’t forget that) is … the winner gets to name a character in the as-yet-unnamed Vampires in America, Book Seven (i.e., the book after LUCAS.) You can use your own name or one you make up. The author (i.e., me) reserves the right to change the name for any reason. If it is necessary to change the name, the author will consult the winner, but the author has complete discretion and her judgement is final. The author will also have complete discretion in deciding WHICH character will bear the selected name. Winner will be mentioned in the Acknowledgments section of Book Seven and will receive an autographed print copy of Book Seven.
.
7. And finally … THE QUESTION: In SOPHIA, Raphael’s Seattle Security Chief is sleeping (aka having sex) with a human woman. What’s her first AND last name?
.
8. Good luck! And thanks in advance for playing!
.
Okay, that’s it for this week. Gotta get back to LUCAS again. Did I mention things are heating up?
.
xoxo
DBR

new contest

Categories: Awards, Contests, DUNCAN, Facts, Videos and Amusing Links, Reviews, Uncategorized

STILL SPENDING MY NIGHTS WITH LUCAS …

Posted by dbreynolds on March 19, 2012

Tough job, huh? Spending my nights with a gorgeous vamp? Black hair, golden eyes … unfortunately, he’s just been seduced by an FBI agent. Or maybe she was the one seduced, hard to tell for sure.
.
Some good stuff going on this week. For one thing, SOPHIA was nominated by The Romance Reviews as Best Book of 2011 in their Paranormal Romance Category. It’s a crowded field, and it’s difficult to compete with wonderful writers like Lara Adrian, Nalini Singh and J. R. Ward. But I’m delighted to be nominated in such illustrious company, and if you’d like to vote, you can go HERE and page down (way down) to the Paranormal Romance category.
.
And speaking of nominations, Paranormal Bites is hosting their first ever Best Of list which they’re calling the Bites Fights. They have a Vamps category, too, but they’ve somehow left SOPHIA and DUNCAN both off their list! Weird. Anyway, you can write in a nomination, and the top eight vote getters will be nominated. If you go HERE, you can write in either SOPHIA or DUNCAN, or hell, both! Only if you want to, of course.
.
On more practical matters, I received several emails at my gmail address from readers who said the live.com address wasn’t working. Hotmail (which is the mothership of live.com) is a very quirky program. You would think after all of this time that Microsoft could figure out something as simple as email. After all, AOL does it, so how difficult can it be? Anyway, if you can’t reach me at the live.com addy, my gmail address is dbreynoldswriter@gmail.com and I love my gmail wallpaper!
.
Update on the i-Pad … it arrived right on schedule and it’s so pretty! I’ve been practicing my Kindlegraph sig (when I’m not looking for cool new apps) and expect to be caught up by the end of the week.
.
I posted a couple of new books on my What I’m Reading page, including Patricia Briggs’ new Alpha/Omega book, Fair Game. I’m a big fan of the Mercy Thompson series, but I have to say I like the Alpha/Omega spin-off even better. Right now, I’m reading another book in Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series, and after that it’s Doubletake, which is the latest in Rob Thurman’s wonderful Cal Leandros series. Love those books!
.
Rest assured, however, that I’m spending way more time writing these days than I am reading! Things are heating up in more ways than one on the written page.
.
One final note, I hit 600 friends on Facebook today. That’s not a lot for some writers, but it’s terrific for me, so I feel like a contest! Those of you who have been with me from the beginning will remember the Great Muffin Contest, and last year it was Duncan’s Last Name. What will it be this year? Don’t know yet, but it will be in the form of a question, and only my readers will know the answer!

Okay, it’s back to South Dakota and places east for me. I’ll be back next week with the question, the prize, and all the other details!
.
xoxo
DBR

Categories: Awards, Contests, DUNCAN, Recommended Books, SOPHIA, Uncategorized

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WRITING?

Posted by dbreynolds on March 12, 2012

This is a question I’m frequently asked. To which my darling husband would say, “Ha! She’s always writing. I wish that were true, because the books would roll out a lot faster! My heroine in this regard is Nora Roberts who really must write all the time, because that woman produces more books in a year than anyone I know!! And I read every one of them, too. La Nora’s books, I mean, not every book written by anyone in a year.
.
My answer to the question of what I do in my spare time is considerably more varied than my husband’s. I do A LOT of reading, and in all different genres. My first love was Science Fiction, especially military Science Fiction, and Fantasy. Some of the best writers out there are writing in those two genres. And, of course, I read tons of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, and some contemporary romance, too. Witness Nora Roberts and her alter ego J. D. Robb (although the latter is slightly futuristic.)
.
I also read mysteries and thrillers, which leads to my current reading obsession — Vince Flynn and his wonderful Mitch Rapp series! That’s his latest book Kill Shot, although chronologically it’s the second book in the Mitch Rapp story. You can find the entire list in chronological order, HERE. It’s fortunate in a way that I found the series late, because I get to read the early story in order. Apparently, Flynn started with the older, more experienced Mitch, then went back and filled in the back story. I actually picked the series up with TRANSFER OF POWER, and I’ve been devouring the entire back list every since! Mitch Rapp is a CIA black ops guy with a strong sense of right and wrong, and no tolerance for the bad guys. Flynn’s writing puts you right in the moment with Mitch as he wrestles not just with the logistics of getting the job done, but the sticky politicians and bureaucrats who want to get in his way. Mitch is not a diplomat. But he is a honorable man doing a dirty job. These stories could easily have been two dimensional, but Vince Flynn doesn’t flinch from the political and diplomatic realities, either. Mitch is a very human character, with strengths and weaknesses, just like the rest of us. He just happens to have a lot more in the strength category. If you love thrillers, especially international thrillers with plenty of special ops stuff thrown in, you’ll love Vince Flynn.
.
I did warn you I was obsessed, right?
.
What else do I do, besides read and write? I exercise regularly (b.o.r.i.n.g.) And I go to movies, which is kind of a natural since I worked in the business for years. I’m really, really looking forward to The Avengers!!! Yay! I went and saw Safe House (Denzel Washington and the delectable Ryan Reynolds) with my darling husband this week. I’ve wanted to see this movie ever since it came out, but … not even RR’s abs could bail this one out. ::sigh:: It was not good. So disappointed. But The Avengers! Squeeeee!
.
Also, this week in my copious spare time (not) I ordered my new i-Pad 3. OMG. I totally fell for it. The clincher was the supposed HD quality image. I wear glasses all the effing time and anything that helps me see better is a selling point. So, I went for it. I’m a sucker, I know. But it should arrive FriiiiDaaaaay! LOL
.
The i-Pad arrival means I’ll finally be able to catch up with my Kindlegraph requests, by the way. So that’s a good thing, right?
.
I did receive one more review of The Vampire Vignettes this week. Cynthia (Artemis) from Bitten by Paranormal Romance gave the Vignettes Anthology a Scorcher Award and said …
.
Yes, they are short stories. Yes, you will find them more enjoyable if you have read the series. Yes, the ebook cost is 99¢. But come on, this ninety-nine cents is a pittance for something that will bring you incalculable gratification. Did I mention you should keep your significant other close at hand?
.
And, on the writing front (because my darling husband is correct, I AM spending A LOT of time writing these days) LUCAS is speeding along very, very nicely. Lots of vampire butt being kicked in this one, enough to please my most bloodthirsty reader, while plenty of the other stuff (i.e., romance and sex) for everyone else.
.
Okay, did I mention I’m doing A LOT of writing? Because I have to get back to it. Lucas is poised in the door of a helicopter and he’s not too happy with me that I’m making him wait!! (hee, hee)
.
See you all next week. Same place, same time. And Happy St. Patrick’s Day from me and my Irish lad, Lucas.
.
DBR

Categories: Holiday Greetings, LUCAS, Reviews, Uncategorized, Vampire Vignettes

Subscribe Today

GoodReads Fan Club

Writers I Love

Websites for Readers

Websites for Writers

Categories

Archives