Thursday, November 5, 2009
Readers & A Readers' Guide
 These young women are part of a paranormal book club in Alabama. They emailed to invite me to their meeting and asked if I had any suggestions for discussion topics.
I must confess that before their email it never occurred to me to create a reader guide for WOULD-BE WITCH, but I loved the idea of doing one. A lot of my favorite literary novels have them in the back and I always enjoy looking through the questions and coming up with my answers.
So here's a list of WOULD-BE WITCH discussion questions that I came up with:
WOULD-BE WITCH Reader Guide 1.) Tammy Jo’s closest family members are gone, leaving her with only the acerbic Edie for occasional familial support. How do you think this separation affects 23-year-old Tammy Jo? Have you ever been away from your home and those you know? Did it affect your behavior? 2.) Despite their often tumultuous relationship, Tammy Jo continues to be involved with her ex-husband, Zach Sutton. Is this understandable? 3.) The fictional town of Duvall, Texas plays a large role in the story. Is this a place you would want to live? Discuss the pros and cons of growing up/living in a small town. 4.) Was Tammy Jo’s voice authentically Southern? What do you think it is about the South that makes it a frequent and favorite choice for paranormal authors. (Anne Rice’s New Orleans, LA, Charlaine Harris’s Bon Temps, LA, Kimberly Frost’s Duvall, TX etc.) What Southern settings are your favorites for paranormal novels? Would Birmingham, AL make a good setting for one—why or why not? 5.) Discuss the interactions between Lennox and Bryn Lyons. Given Lennox’s actions and attitudes, do you feel that Tammy should continue to develop a relationship with the Lyons family? 6.) What question would you like to ask the author about the creation of this novel/series?
I will be visiting with the book club tomorrow night (via speaker phone) and can't wait to hear the discussion! Thanks again to these ladies for choosing to read WOULD-BE WITCH and for inviting me to their club.
posted by Kimberly Frost at 9:31 AM
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Many thanks to Karla & the club for inviting me to their October book club. Kim was the most wonderful hostess and her house is a Halloween-lover's dream.
We had dinner, chatted, and discussed BARELY BEWITCHED. I loved hearing their thoughts about the storyline of the series so far. Then I gave them a sneak-peek reading from HALFWAY HEXED, which went well even if I'm not able to get Tammy Jo's accent right. If there are ever audio books, we'll need some East Texas native to do the reading!
     
posted by Kimberly Frost at 10:08 AM
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
One day a few months back, I decided I needed a custom Southern Witch series coffee mug, so I designed this graphic with Tammy Jo quotes. Only when the mug came the script was too small to read. :(
So then I moved on to creating a Team Mercutio graphic. That turned out much better, except that the mug that arrived was chipped. Arg! Luckily Cafe Press replaced it for free. Hurray. I will definitely buy more stuff from them.
Anyway, I'm going to post some pictures of the mugs when I remember to charge my camera battery.
Meanwhile, it's been an awesome week for connecting with readers. A man e-mailed that he wanted autographed copies of my books for his friend who loves them and is a writer. So yesterday I dropped by Murder By the Book to personalize the inscriptions and to slip a note inside. I hope Victoria likes it! Then I got several emails including one from a fourteen-year-old fan and one from an international fan in Turkey. It's so cool to have such a diverse readership.
Then I got home and there was an envelope from Penguin (my publisher.) It was too thin to be contracts or books. I opened it to find a snail mail card from a reader that had been sent to me care of the publisher. So awesome.
I am feeling very authorly this week. Thanks, guys!
posted by Kimberly Frost at 3:55 AM
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
 A beautiful new spot to brainstorm and write? Lately my routine's been disrupted because I've had workmen at my house putting in new French doors and a new floor. I have to say, I'm happy with the result. And maybe my own living room and back patio will become my home away from Starbucks. ;)
Also, it's probably time to have some writers over for brunch, etc.
I haven't entertained in too long!
posted by Kimberly Frost at 12:58 PM
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Barely Bewitched is a National Bestseller.
Thanks you, Readers! You made it happen.
xoxo,
Kimber
posted by Kimberly Frost at 2:44 PM
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
 Edgar Allan Poe is credited with inventing detective stories and creating horror writing. When he died at the age of 40, his next of kin did not announce his death and virtually no one attended his funeral. His tombstone was destroyed and his obituary was apparently written by an enemy who succeeded in damaging Poe's reputation.
But truth and talent will out...eventually. One of the devoted has for decades left three roses and cognac on his grave. And tonight there will be an all-night vigil, followed by a new funeral. With his other admirers, I pay my respects with the reading of one my favorites...
Spirits of the Dead by Edgar Allan Poe
Thy soul shall find itself alone 'Mid dark thoughts of the gray tombstone -- Not one, of all the crowd, to pry Into thine hour of secrecy.
Be silent in that solitude, Which is not loneliness--for then The spirits of the dead who stood In life before thee are again In death around thee--and their will Shall overshadow thee: be still
The night, tho' clear, shall frown-- And the stars shall look not down From their high thrones in the heaven, With light like Hope to mortals given-- But their red orbs, without beam, To thy weariness shall seem As a burning and a fever Which would cling to thee for ever.
Now are thoughts thou shalt not banish, Now are visions ne'er to vanish; From thy spirit shall they pass No more--like dew-drop from the grass.
The breeze--the breath of God--is still-- And the mist upon the hill, Shadowy--shadowy--yet unbroken, Is a symbol and a token-- How it hangs upon the trees, A mystery of mysteries!
posted by Kimberly Frost at 11:38 PM
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Life Lessons from Luna...
 I remember when my brother and I were reading the Harry Potter series, we both loved the adorably odd Luna Lovegood, so I was delighted to find her well cast and a fun focal point of the recent Potter movies.
The thing I love about her in the films is that despite being a little bizarre, she often strikes at the heart of the truth in the dire world of magic, giving Harry the advice he needs when he needs it. She is also wonderfully oblivious to other people's opinions, even the Ministry of Magic's. She marches contentedly to the beat of her own drum, while wearing some crazy "Fashion Don'ts"...which of course makes me like her all the more. :)
posted by Kimberly Frost at 1:54 PM
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Thursday, September 10, 2009
Spotted: Tink in Captivity
 Spotted: One of the minor fae in captivity.
This young faery, who sometimes goes by the name Tinker Bell, was seen trying to get out into the rain. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, she reported: "For the record, faeries do not live in townhouses, bungalows, and especially not skyscrapers in congested cities. True fae, in fact, do not live indoors at all, only underhill, and [she] was just coming inside for some honey and cookies when an annoying human closed a window."
Hmm, sorry about that, and about occasionally misrepresenting the fae in books. It's just that research is tough because our paths don't cross all that often when creatures of the twilight live outdoors and most human authors do not. (The good news is that my backyard looks more wild every day, so I should have some wee folk out there soon to interview for research purposes.)
Hope everyone's doing great this week, and I wonder: Do you have a favorite fae legend?
posted by Kimberly Frost at 10:41 AM
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
"Fairy Muse" by Linda Ravenscroft
I just had tea with my friend Laura, and, knowing that the fae play a big role in BARELY BEWITCHED, she brought me a fantastic gift. It's a book called ENCHANTED by Linda Ravenscroft. For anyone who likes fairy stuff, Ms. Ravenscroft's work is beautiful.
Meanwhile, the Labor Day weekend's kicking off. I've got a book signing this weekend at Katy Budget Books that I'm looking forward to.
What about you guys? Are you traveling? Are you planning to read, and, if so, what?
posted by Kimberly Frost at 3:10 PM
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tomorrow (9/2/09) - 2 Events!
Kimber Live!
In Person - Discussing the Southern Witch series and Signing Books!
6:30 P.M on 9/2/09
2342 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005 (713) 524-8597
AND...
Tomorrow in CyberSpace!
Learn what I think Bryn's theme song might be + other Kimber musings at:
read my interview and...
win prizes like a Bevy of Witches!  (Also giving away Barnes & Noble gift cards and a stack of books!)
posted by Kimberly Frost at 2:59 PM
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Monday, August 31, 2009
Release Day on the Cyber Road
 Today I'm guest-blogging (and giving away a copy of Barely Bewitched) at Fang-tastic Books where my post will be all about my favorite ocelot, Mercutio.
posted by Kimberly Frost at 11:41 PM
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Parapalooza - Winners Day 6 & 7
 The Day 6 winner is Cait045 The Day 7 winner is Shel Congratulations!! And thank you, everyone, so much for being part of Parapalooza. It was great fun seeing you and reading all your wonderful and creative answers this week! Hugs, Kimber
posted by Kimberly Frost at 11:35 PM
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Sunday, August 30, 2009
 Southern Witch series Quote of the Day
"Georgia Sue's voice on the answering machine kept going. I love her dearly, but she's the sort of person who can't see why anyone would say in one sentence what could be said just as well in three." ~ Tammy Jo on her best friend.
* * *
 Kim Lenox writes a historical paranormal series set in Victorian times, and I swear that when you read her books, you'll feel like you're there. In Night Falls Darkly, the first in her Shadow Guard series, the powerful immortal hunters are on the trail of Jack the Ripper, and Kim creates a very interesting explanation for why the Ripper might have disappeared without a trace. As a reader, I really love when an author bends reality to create something original and fresh for me to think about.
I recently asked Kim what her most creative solution to writer's block is, and here's what she had to say:
"My most creative solution for writer's block while writing So Still the Night was to pull out my publisher contracts and emails from readers who had enjoyed Night Falls Darkly. They gave me the mental and emotional boost I needed to get back in the saddle, and give my very best, most enthusiastic effort." ~ Kim Lenox
I thought this was very clever of Kim--to look at the physical reminders of what we as authors promise. We've promised our publishers that we'll turn in a book, and if we've promised our readers an entertaining read. It's always good to remember what we're trying to do as we try to do it. ;)
Although her novels have a darker tone, I feel compelled to point out that Kim has a wonderful sense of humor. When she first got her cover for Night Falls Darkly, she sent it out to our local writing chapter's loop with a note that said something like, "Boy that wind in London is something. It blew the buttons right off Archer's shirt." LOL I just adore Kim and her books, and I bet you will too!
* * *  In this installment of Kerrelyn's Love at Stakes series, a vampire with a temper has to go to anger management classes. (Hee hee hee.)
Vanda the vampire never expects a mortal to be able to handle her, but sexy Phil Jones has a secret. As a shape-shifter, he can hold his own against just about anyone. When these two face off, the sparks fly. If you haven't seen the book trailer for this novel, go to Kerrelyn's home page now and click on the first trailer to watch it. It's great! www.kerrelynsparks.comI also couldn't resist putting in this photo (that I snagged from Kim Lenox's blog) of Kerrelyn in a purple hat at a reader tea/book signing event. I love it. The look is sort of "lovely creative genius meets the Count of Monte Cristo," and like most things, Kerrelyn pulls it off brilliantly.
* * * I think you can tell from the posts I've written this week that I value my friendships with the wonderful writers that I've been fortunate enough to meet so far in my career. It's what inspired the idea for this big contest giveaway, and it's what inspired today's question.
If you'd like to win signed copies of Barely Bewitched, Night Falls Darkly by Kim Lenox, and Forbidden Nights with a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks, please drop by in the comments and answer the following question:
1.) What character from a book or movie would you like to be friends with and why?
posted by Kimberly Frost at 10:15 PM
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Parapalooza - Day 5 Winner
 The Day 5 Winner is throuthehaze. (I have your e-mail from your post, so I'll send you an e-mail to get your snailmail address to send the books.)
Congratulations, Througthehaze!
posted by Kimberly Frost at 10:13 PM
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 Southern Witch series Quote of the Day:
"All I needed was to drive the werewolves off, find Edie, cure Zach, and get a new job. Piece of cake. Well, a five-layer, two-days-in-the-making, and every-pan-in-the-kitchen-dirty Death By Chocolate Cake maybe."
* * *
I know several things about Dakota Cassidy.
First, she looks fabulous in a little black dress. (I met her very, very briefly at a cocktail party in Dallas)
Second, she's very generous. I'm pretty sure she was crazy busy with her own writing when my editor asked her if she'd be willing to read a book by a new author for a possible cover quote.
Third, she's got a great wry, self-deprecating humor that makes you want to have a million margaritas with her.
When I asked if her: "If you were a song from the 80's which would you be?" here's what she said...
"I'd like to say Like a Virgin is the song I'd be from the 80s, but that'd be a total lie. 'Cause I was no virgin. So I've decided on Let It Whip. See, I'm old--all my body parts whip around in one way or the other. :)"
I crack up every time I read that quote, and every time I read one of her books. She's great! Visit Dakota at www.dakotacassidy.com
* * *  Wonderfully talented, Sharie Kohler (who I've had margaritas with!) writes great paranormals under her name and fabulous bestselling historical romances under the pen name Sophie Jordan. Recently, I asked Sharie which is her favorite villain from her books. Here's what she said: "As a favorite villain, I would have to chose Darius from MARKED BY MOONLIGHT ... but then, I've begun to reform that naughty werewolf. He's destined to be the hero of his own book soon. Hmm, how about Jonah from my current release, TO CRAVE A BLOOD MOON? He's a pretty bad half-werewolf dude who actually tries to "off" the hero and heroine of TO CRAVE A BLOOD MOON. But hey, he has his reasons! ;) Actually both Darius and Jonah are reform-worthy. Personally, I believe the best villains are never all bad ... a great villain is always redeemable. You be the judge. Check out my series and let me know if villains Darius and Jonah are heroes in the making." You can visit Sharie at: http://www.shariekohler.net/AND http://www.sophiejordan.net/* * *
If you'd like to win a signed copy of Barely Bewitched, a copy of The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy, and an autographed copy of Marked By Moonlight by Sharie Kohler, please drop by in the comments and answer a one of the following questions:
1.) Who's your favorite shapeshifter?
OR
2.) Who's your favorite fictional villain?
posted by Kimberly Frost at 12:35 AM
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These young women are part of a paranormal book club in Alabama. They emailed to invite me to their meeting and asked if I had any suggestions for discussion topics. 
