Showing posts with label wolfsbane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wolfsbane. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

What's the Word


One of the big perks of being an author is spending time with other authors. Of course, we're scattered across the country so sometimes our conversations are through email, Skype, or Twitter. Three fantastic writers: Nathan Bransford, J. Scott Savage, and James Dashner had the brilliant idea to put those conversations online. I was recently a guest on their Wordplay Podcast and you can have a listen yourself.

If you leave a comment on the podcast web site you could win a copy of Nightshade and Wolfsbane!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Wants vs. Needs

Since WOLFSBANE's release I've had an uptick of emails from fans and I've noticed the rise of a certain type of email: those messages telling me how the series has to end. When I was responding to one of these messages I thought it might be best to post my response on this blog because I think this topic is one that many writers struggle with and I wanted to be sure all of you understand where my head and heart are at when I'm writing - and particularly when I'm writing the ending of a series.

Here's my reply to a reader hailing from Team Ren (but it applies to Team Shay, too):

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. You're absolutely right - I do receive mountains of emails, but I try as much as possible to answer all of them :)

I truly appreciate your enthusiasm and kind words about my books. I can't fully answer your request or question because I won't ever reveal plot points about the novels. I don't blame you at all for loving Ren - I love him too. I love all my characters like they are family. When good things happen to them I'm joyful and I cry when they're hurting (literally, I cry when I write painful scenes in my books).

Calla might end up with Ren, or Shay, or she might end up on her own. Though I know the love story is prominent in the Nightshade series the overarching plot is a much bigger story that involves all the characters. Each character has her/his own choices to make and her/his own paths follow, and how they act will determine where they end up with relation to one another. What I'm trying to convey is that the story is what determines relationships. I am so grateful for readers like you who are passionate about the books - but it's important to know that I receive just as many emails telling me Calla must end up with Shay as I do from people who prefer Ren. As a Ren supporter I'm sure that's hard for you to believe, but I swear it's absolutely true. I've been astonished at the passion from fans of both boys - it's deeply moving. I'm sympathetic to both sides because I've adored both boys from the first day they introduced themselves to me on the page.

But even if I received emails only in support of one character or another, it wouldn't change the story. It wouldn't alter what happens to Calla, her pack, the Keepers, and the Searchers - because the story is what drives my writing and I have to be true to that. If I wrote characters or plot to try to please everyone that would be akin to lying to someone just to try to keep them happy. I can't write like that, just as I couldn't live like that.

Please know that my writing the story for its own sake doesn't mean I don't care about readers' feelings. I care so much about your feelings. Every time I receive an email (and I receive lots!!!) asking for Calla to choose Shay or Ren I get torn up inside because I really would like everyone to be happy. But this is a complicated story with joys and sorrows, and it will bring joys and sorrows to readers and characters.

As I said in the opening. Calla might choose Ren, she might choose Shay. She might choose to lead her pack on her own as an alpha. She might not make it to the end of the story. After all, she is in the middle of a brutal, centuries-long war, and warriors fall. So very much is on the line in Bloodrose. Everything is on the line.

What I can promise is that the story I've written is the story that spoke to me. Not the story I wanted to tell, but the story I needed to tell. It is written honestly and from the depths of my soul. I couldn't have written it any other way and I hope you can understand why that remains true, and always will.

Sincerely,

Andrea

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

While I'm Away

I'm on rare vacation w/ the hubby and whilst I'm away here's some fun news!:

NIGHTSHADE is in the running for YALSA (that's the YA division of the American Library Association) Teens' Top Ten for 2011. I'd be ever so grateful if you'd stop by their site to cast a vote for NIGHTSHADE!!

WOLFSBANE is in this week's print edition of Entertainment Weekly, has spent two weeks on the NYT bestseller list, and it's #7 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list! Woo hoo!

Wishing you a wonderful week and here's a wolfish pic I took while gallivanting around Portland last evening.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

State of the ARC

This week has been amazing. Thank you so much to all the amazing people who've come to my signings and to those of you who I haven't been able to see in person but having been flooding my inbox, Facebook, and twitter with wonderful messages. Your support of Nightshade means more to me than I could ever express!

Now that Wolfsbane is out I'm already getting questions about Bloodrose.

If you've finished Wolfsbane you can read Chapter 1 of Bloodrose here. (Spoilers! Don't read it before Wolfsbane)

Bloodrose is the final book of the trilogy and will be published in February 21, 2012.

In the life of a book, it's common for publishers to release Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) or galleys prior to the book's publication in order to give reviewers a sense of what's coming. In the case of Bloodrose we seriously considered not creating ARCs because the final book of the Nightshade series is so loaded with spoilers we wanted to be sure none of them were leaked before February 21.

After much thought it was decided that a limited number of ARCs would be created because booksellers need to know what's in the book before they order it and hand sell it to their customers.

What this all boils down to is that there will be some ARCs out in the world, but not many. We've asked anyone who receives an advanced copy to keep its contents secret. It's so important that the story isn't spoiled. So if you see a tweet or a review (that won't actually give you much information about the book) it's because we've asked everyone to keep this story quiet. It also means that I don't have ARCs to distribute and I won't be giving any away in the lead up to Bloodrose's publication date. I hope when you read Bloodrose in February you'll think it was worth the wait :)

Friday, July 29, 2011

There, and Back Again


Tonight's the night. After a fabulous release day party in San Diego I'm so excited to party with my hometown friends in St. Paul!

If you're in Minnesota I'd love to see you tonight at the Red Balloon Bookshop on Grand Avenue. The party starts at 7 p.m.

Happy Friday!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Under the Cut

I will be posting an epic Comic Con recap but today is Wolfsbane Eve. That's right Wolfsbane is officially in stores tomorrow!

As promised I'm posting a deleted scene from Nightshade to celebrate the occasion. This scene takes place as the Calla's and her pack are on their way to see Nev play at the Burnout.

“Aren’t you overdressed?” I turned around and looked Bryn up and down after I slid into the passenger seat of Mason’s Land Rover.

She smoothed her suede skirt and shook her bronze ringlets. “Just because we’re hanging out at this hole in the ground doesn’t mean I have to lower my standards.”

She winked at me. “Besides Ansel likes it.”

My brother was pretending not to notice the low cut of Bryn’s silk top, and failing miserably.

“Right.” I looked at Mason. “Don’t you think as the alpha I deserve more respect from my beta. She’s openly seducing my little brother.”

“I’m not getting involved,” Mason said and put the car into gear.

I turned back to Bryn. “I’m just glad my mother didn’t see you. I spent half an hour explaining why I couldn’t wear a skirt tonight.”

“Not everyone thinks tattered shirts and jeans are the height of fashion,” Bryn replied.

“They aren’t tattered, they’re vintage,” I said.

“Whatever makes you feel good about it, honey,” she said. “I’m right, Mason. Aren’t I?”

He glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “Don’t ask me. I take the fifth. Why is everyone trying to get me in trouble tonight?”

“I’m not,” Ansel piped without looking up.

“And that’s why you’re my best friend,” Mason grinned at him.

“Where’s Fey?” I’d expected to find her in the car with Bryn.

Mason’s jaw tightened. “I offered to pick her up, but she got a ride with Dax.”

“They’ve been spending a lot of time together,” Bryn leaned forward and rested her chin on the back of Mason’s seat. “We haven’t seen her outside school in a while.”

I frowned and glanced at Mason. “Too much time?”

“That’s none of my business,” he said quietly. “I’d just like us all to be happy.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Ansel still hadn’t managed to tear his gaze from Bryn’s chest.

“An, could you try to look somewhere else when the rest of us are around?” I said.

He flushed to the ears. “Sorry.”

“Don’t feel bad,” Bryn put her arms around him. “She’ll be just as smitten as soon as Ren smiles at her tonight.”

“Shut up, Bryn,” I snapped.

“My, my. I struck a nerve.” She winked at Ansel.

Mason grinned. “How are things with Ren?”

“This topic is off limits,” I said.

“Says who?” Ansel laughed.

“Says me.”

“I don’t think so, Calla,” Mason said, in a tone that was too serious to be real. “Your happiness with Ren affects the well-being of the pack. That means all details pertain to us. We’re on a need to know basis, and we need to know. Ren’s an alpha, and we’ve all heard the rumors about his talents in certain arenas. But tell me…are you satisfied?”

“Mason!” My cheeks burned and I turned to face the passenger window.

Bryn and Ansel were hysterical.

“This is mutiny,” I muttered.

“No sweetie,” Mason patted my leg. “It’s just life.”

He turned the Land Rover up the gravel drive. The imposing vehicle looked out of place next to the motorcycles and muscle cars that lined up outside the bar.

Bryn sighed and unbuckled her seatbelt. “I don’t know why we had to come here. I’d much rather be at Eden.”

“Nev doesn’t play at Eden,” Mason said. “Besides, it’s good to be well-rounded.”

“Trust me, this is better than Eden.” I shivered at the thought of returning to Efron’s club.

Ansel slid his arms around Bryn’s waist and pulled her from the car. “You’ll have a good time and you know it.”

She pushed her lip out until he kissed her, and then she beamed.


Hope you enjoyed the scene!!! Thanks so much for sharing Calla's journey with me. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Got Ren?

One week and one day 'til Wolfsbane!

Beginning tomorrow the Wolfsbane blog tour kicks off. You can see the schedule here. And today there's a special treat for Team Ren over on Down the Rabbit Hole.

The wait is almost over!!! Here's a song from the Wolfsbane playlist - full soundtrack will be posted after the release date.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Winners! News!

Thanks to everyone who sent pictures of Nightshade in paperback! Getting your comments, tweets, and Facebook posts made me so happy!

Here are the two randomly selected winners:

Amy

Dani_Nguyen

Email your address to andreacremerwrites@gmail.com to claim your prize :)

And because I just received a fabulous box of FINISHED Wolfsbane, instead of a pre-order you'll get a shiny, signed hardcover in the mail! Woo hoo!

In fifteen days Wolfsbane hits stores. I can't wait!! I am dying for you to know what's happening to Calla and her pack. I'm also really excited for you to meet a new cast of characters who play pivotal roles in the series.

Leading up to Wolfsbane's release and continuing through its first week in stores I'm thrilled to announce that Mundie Moms is hosting the official Wolfsbane blog tour. From July 19 to August 9 you can find interviews with me and with characters from the book. At each stop you can enter for a chance to win Nightshade and Wolfsbane!

One more quick squee-filled announcement - the official 2011 San Diego Comic Con schedule has been released! I'm on two panels - one on Magic and Monsters at 3 - 4 p.m. on Thursday and the second is What's Hot in YA from 10 - 11 a.m. on Sunday. If you'll be at Comic Con I hope I'll see you at one or both panels.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Triple Threat

On July 26 - one month from today - Wolfsbane will be on sale! I can't wait to share Calla's next set of adventures with you.

I have some big news related to Wolfsbane's release date.

I'm having a party! And not just one, but two parties!!!!

July 26 is not only Wolfsbane's release date, it is also the release day of the fabulous Kiersten White's Supernaturally. Since Kiersten and I are friendly-like and we've decided Calla and Evie would get along smashingly, we're throwing a big party in San Diego. And guess what?? The amazing Stephanie Perkins - author of Anna and the French Kiss and the upcoming Lola and the Boy Next Door - will be signing with us too! Given how zany and unpredictable the three of us are, it is sure to be a riotous, laugh-filled evening. Or the universe may implode. Either way, exciting times to be had!

That's right SoCal! I'm coming to YOU!

Our signing will be held at the Barnes and Noble in Oceanside, CA at 6:00 p.m. on July 26.

I'll be in San Diego on July 26 - by I'm not forgetting about my Minnesota peeps!

On Friday, July 29 at 6 p.m. the Minnesota launch of Wolfsbane will be celebrated at
The Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul.

I'm so excited that we're in the final countdown to Wolfsbane. Hope I'll see you soon!!!

Monday, June 13, 2011

A Hunt!

The paperback of NIGHTSHADE hits stores today! I'm so excited!!


And excitement merits a contest and it has two prizes: the first - a pre-order of WOLFSBANE, which is now only a little over a month away (hooray!) and the second - a prize for everyone: a deleted scene from NIGHTSHADE.

How do you win?

For a chance to win a pre-order of WOLFSBANE tweet, email, or post in the comments a link to a picture of you with the NIGHTSHADE paperback in the wild. If at least 50 people hunt down the NIGHTSHADE paperback then I will post a deleted scene from NIGHTSHADE on the blog. And everybody wins!

To keep things clear: I'll choose one random winner from the blog comments and one from Twitter. If you post a picture in both places you'll have two chances to win :)

The contest runs from the paperback release date - June 14 until June 26 (the one month to WOLFSBANE mark!)

Good luck with the hunt - can't wait to see your pictures!!!

Friday, May 27, 2011

WOLFSBANE Preview!

In two months WOLFSBANE will be in bookstores! Yippee!

Leading up to the release date, Penguin has a special treat - a video with teasers from the book. Check it out:



I can't wait for July 26 when Calla's story continues!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

More Shinies

Penguin has just launched the updated Nightshade series web site!

Want to know what types of weapons are in the Searcher armory?

Interested in my favorite books and films about wolves?

Need a Shadow Days/Shay fix?

Check out all the goodies and keep check for more stuff to be added soon!

Thanks, Penguin!!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

International Makeover

First of all HAPPY STAR WARS DAY and May the Fourth be with you :)

Exciting news from across the pond - my UK publishers Atom Books have just announced their cover redesign for Nightshade and Wolfsbane. Check out the lovely shininess!

I also was delighted to receive my first copy of the US paperback, which will be in stores on June 14.

It is sooooo pretty! The wolf seems to jump off the cover - so Calla! This summer is going to be so much fun and very, very busy :) I can't wait!

Wishing you all a great week.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

May! Winner!

May has arrived! I hope your day is full of flowers, dancing, and joy. After all the amazing comments and Buffy love I think I'll be watching Buffy episodes all day.

And now - winner of the WOLFSBANE ARC:

I was a bit tricky because for quote 5: "Bored now." I was specifically looking for Vampire/Evil/Doppelganger/Alternate/Dark Willow rather than just Willow. But fourteen of you saw into my nefarious brain! Good job!

The winner is: Rayshelle!

Congrats!!

And since season 6 of another favorite show, Doctor Who, has just begun let's celebrate with the best of both worlds:



Thanks to everyone who entered and keep watching for more contests before WOLFSBANE hits stores on July 26!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Beltane and Buffy


April 30 is my favorite of the eight sabbats. Beltane/May Eve is a harbinger of summer honored with fabulous festivals replete with fires and dancing. The world of Nightshade is steeped in the tradition and history of witchcraft and Wolfsbane draws readers deeper into that world. To celebrate this holiday I'm holding a contest and the winner will receive a Wolfsbane ARC!

Since my last blog post touted the greatness of Buffy I want to have a Beltane Buffy quiz. May is the fifth month of the year, so here are five of my favorite quotes from Buffy. Correctly identify the Buffy character delivered each of the five quotes and you'll be in the running to win the ARC.
1) "What's the matter Watcher? Life flash before your eyes? Cup o' tea, cup o' tea, almost got shagged, cup o' tea?"

2) "Forgiveness makes us human, blah, blah, blah."

3) "Rain of toads. One minute its 'oh no, pop quiz' and now it's rain of toads."

4) "That's beautiful...or taken literally incredibly gross."

5) "Bored now."

Good luck! Entries taken until 12 a.m. May 1.

Please leave your answers in the comments section. This contest is open to international entries!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Teen Book Con!

Thanks to everyone for the enthusiasm for my 3000 follower Twitter contest. I announced the winner: @simplebookworm earlier this afternoon.

More contests will appear in the lead up to WOLFSBANE.

I'm posting this blog from Houston where tomorrow I'll appear at Teen Book Con. Check out the schedule!

And they made this great video:



Meeting readers is one of the best part of being an author and I can't wait for our panel.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Road Tunes

In a couple of hours I'm heading north to Ashland, WI, my hometown. I'm doing a school visit at my old high school tomorrow morning - which is both trippy and delightful.

With a four-hour drive ahead of me I decided to splurge on some new music. Listening to music while drive is a sure-fire way to get my brain synapses firing in a writerly way. Listening to new music in particular seems to really enliven my creative side.

While I purchase a lot of music on iTunes I still buy cds. I love the jacket art and liner notes that lets me know more about the musicians' process behind this finished product. Here's what I'll be listening to on the rides to and from the Northwoods.

The Mountain Goats - All Eternals Deck

Though I already know the Mountain Goats to be incredibly talented, I was won over to purchase this album because I fell in love with the title tracks. The first track on this album: Damn These Vampires. Other fabulous titles for tracks: Prowl Great Cain, Outer Scorpion Squadron

Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

I haven't listened to much Lykke Li but keep reading such great things about her that I decided to give this cd a whirl. Plus Scandinavian musicians tend toward awesome - Abba, anyone?

Jonsi - Go

Thank you to David Levithan for bringing Jonsi into my life. I loved Sigur Ros, I might love Jonsi a little bit more.

Yeasayer - Odd Blood

I already listen to Madder Red and O.N.E. incessantly, today I broke down and bought the whole album. Plus the typeface on the jacket is designed to look like Norse Runes. Love.

Radiohead - The King of Limbs

It's Radiohead. Need I say more?

I'll be curious to see which tracks are particularly inspiring. Songs often spin out scenes for me and that's how they end up on my book playlists and soundtracks. I'll keep you posted with the tunes that make the cut.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

SPECIAL: Covers

Friends, countrymen, lend me your ears! You spoke. Penguin is listening. My wonderful editor, Jill Santopolo, has been kind enough to stop by and share a few words:

Hey, everyone. Editor Jill here. Andrea was nice enough to let me jump onto her blog to thank you all for your enthusiasm and feedback on the Wolfsbane jacket design. You’ve given us a lot to think about, and we’ll be having many Wolfsbane--related meetings here at Penguin headquarters in the coming weeks. Oh! And I have three Wolfsbane ARCs to give away today. Anyone who comments on this post with their favorite line from Nightshade will be entered to win. (Andrea assures me that she has a magical number generator that picks the winners fairly and squarely.)

More info to come! And yay Jill!! ARCs!! Leave a comment to be entered :) And please choose a favorite line that's SPOILER FREE.

Since this contest is tied into discussions about the new US cover designs it isn't open internationally (there will be future international giveaways).

All new cover info and updates will be posted here and on Twitter (@andreacremer)


Thanks you guys for your passion and commitment to the Nightshade series. Calla and the whole pack thank you.

UPDATE: Thank you for all the wonderful comments!! I'll take entries through Thursday and announce the winners Friday morning.

Another update: Due to the amazing response, Editor Jill is now giving away FIVE Wolfsbane ARCs! Huzzah!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Shiny and New!!

I have some VERY exciting news today!! First of all I'm thrilled to tell you that NIGHTSHADE is now an international best seller!!! (Thank you, France!)

Coming on the heels of that announcement I'm psyched to share yet more fabulous news:

NIGHTSHADE will be available in paperback this June AND features a new cover!

Penguin decided to try out a fresh take on NIGHTSHADE for the paperback release and I absolutely love it. I also loved the original cover, but I think the new cover truly embodies the novel and depicts Calla so perfectly. When I was first mulling over NIGHTSHADE I came across a poem by Margaret Atwood (one of my favorite authors)* and was struck by its first stanza:

Not you I fear, but that other

She who can walk through flesh

Queen of the two dimensions


These lines reflected the essence of Calla and were the inspiration for this new cover. I love it!

The response to the new NIGHTSHADE cover as it was previewed was so positive that Penguin has decided to makeover the series with this new theme. Squee!!! Thus I'm also able to share....

NEW WOLFSBANE COVER!!

I am enthralled by how powerful Calla is in this image and the way she resembles a wolf silhouetted by the moon is exquisite. Calla would love this cover (as would Ren and Shay *cough*).

Thanks to all the talent at Penguin for giving my books such wonderful covers!!! I can't wait to see them on the books!!

The poem is in this collection by Margaret Atwood.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Other People's Music


I've posted many a time about how essential music is to my writing process. Each of my novels has a playlist as I'm drafting and when copyedits are done the book gets a soundtrack. You can see the Nightshade playlist and soundtrack and the Wolfsbane playlist on my web site.

Discovering new music is one of my favorite things. I find a lot of songs through the incredible Minnesota Public Radio station The Current, which I'd recommend to everyone. You can stream it online no matter where you live. For ambient, mood music I often turn to Digitalis on Soma FM, which I'll sometimes stream as I'm writing.

But even better than finding music on your own can be the joy of learning about the songs and bands that other people love. David Levithan, author and editor extraordinaire, conducts a yearly music poll wherein his friends send in their favorite albums and songs of the year. David compiles the list and then gifts us all with an amazing compilation of music recommendations from some very music savvy peeps.

If you're looking for new music I'd check out these recommendations.

And here's a 2010 single on my list: Yeasayer's O.N.E. I love this song and am now obsessed with the video - it's like if a dystopian world decided the 1980s should be revived. It also kind of makes me think that this might be a club where the capital citizens of Panem might be found slumming it. (Sorry I can't embed the video here, but I'd highly recommend watching it. It's a hoot and a half!)

Enjoy!