Rachel Vincent

The chicken or the egg? (Regarding novels...)

2008-08-19T14:42:52Z

This week’s discussion topic at Fangs, Fur, and Fey is an especially good one. I’ve commented on it briefly there, but thought I’d do so more thoroughly here. Because I like the question.

From a watcher at F, F, &F: What sparks your novels? Which element comes first: the title, the character, the idea, the world, the central conflict, a specific scene, or something else? Is it different for each work, or do you consistently begin with one? Do you wait until that element is in place before writing?

For me, the first book in a series (I've started 4 so far, 2 of which have sold) always begins with a character, who often springs mostly fully formed from my mind. The first main character (from a series never even submitted to my agent) and Faythe were less fully formed than the next two (including Kaylee the bean sidhe from my YA series and Main Character 3, from a series not yet sold), probably because they were early in my learning process. They did most of their developing through various drafts of their first adventures, whereas Kaylee and MC3 developed a lot in my head before they ever hit the screen. Though Kaylee continues to develop in each volume of her story.

But for me, subsequent books in each series usually start with a plot idea, because the characters and world are already established. And that idea invariably comes from the world and characters I’ve created, as conflicts are established and become better understood. For instance, in Pride we’ll see (in part) Faythe’s trial. This plot (and the complex political fallout) could not have happened if I hadn’t established the rules for her world in Stray and Rogue.

Make sense?As for titles, so far, my publisher has used all of the ones I’ve come up with, but again, choosing them is different for the first book in a series. With first books, the title usually comes about half-way through the rough draft, and it may not be my original working title.

But after that, I've established a title theme, and the titles often come several books ahead. Though they might change as the plot begins to develop in my head. Or on the screen.
I had no title at all for Stray until it was in its third draft, but once I’d established the pattern (one-word with multiple meanings within the story) the next titles in the series came relatively easily.

My Soul to Take was originally called Soul Song. But then I did a search on my chosen title and discovered a book by Marjorie Liu with the same title. Our subject matter is completely different, and hers is an adult book while mine is a YA. But I chose another title anyway, to avoid confusion, since both books are paranormal. And I actually like the new title even better for my book (it’s creepier), as does my publisher, who plans to let me use the pattern.

After My Soul to Take comes My Soul to Save, then either MY SOUL TO KEEP or MY SOUL TO STEAL, depending on which way the plot takes me.

Make sense?

So, what about my fellow writers? Which comes first, the title, plot, or character? Or a pivotal scene? And how do you come up with your titles?

Readers, does this surprise you, or is it pretty much how you pictured the process?

This past weekend...

2008-08-18T14:28:10Z

Thanks for all the well-wishes, everyone. I'm feeling much better. My throat is still scratchy, but my fever is gone. However, thanks to the stupid strep throat, I had to miss a much-anticipated girls' night out this weekend, and didn't get much work done. Instead, I spent most of my weekend in Tudor England. Which was appalling, and depressing, but most of all, fascinating. ;-)

(And yes, I know it's fiction. I'm pretty familiar with fiction. ;-) )

And to complicate matters, I chipped a wisdom tooth on popcorn this weekend (Don't ask. I have no idea why my luck is running as it is at the moment.) and have decided to have it pulled (along with the remaining one), rather than repaired.

Also, I'm doing some emergency baby sitting today, so my work will no doubt be done in spurts. Still, I'm looking forward to digging into it!

Strep throat

2008-08-15T21:51:21Z

That's right, I have strep throat, and a possible sinus infection. I'm supposed to be getting some rest and lots of fluids.

Ha! This doc obviously isn't very familiar with my life. ;-)

So, I'm all set with my laptop, antibiotics, Motrin, and a pint of New York Super Fudge Chunk.

I should feel better soon, right?

Still sick.

2008-08-15T18:16:55Z

Wow. I almost forgot to blog today. Can't remember the last time that happened. Which will probably tell you how I'm feeling.

Not good. I'm seeing a doctor (not my regular physician) this afternoon. I think I either have a sinus infection or strep throat. My throat feels like strep, but the rest of me feels like it's a sinus infection. And maybe an ear infection.

Sigh.

But I still have to work. ;-)

Speaking of which, thanks for all the shared opinions about yesterday's YA question. I really enjoyed the various opinions, and was surprised at how varied they were, between responses on my Blogger blog and my LJ.

I worked on one last polish of MSTS all day yesterday, guided by my agent's awesome questions and comments, and some last minute brainstorming with Rinda, then finally turned it in at about eight o'clock last night. Thank goodness my editor takes email submissions.

Now I'm back at work on the revisions for Prey, my most massive revision yet. But I'm very excited about the new direction I'm taking the story in, and actually really looking forward to the work.

If I can just shake this stupid illness...

A question for YA readers and writers

2008-08-14T15:10:56Z

When I fired up Ye Olde Laptop this morning, guess what was waiting in my inbox? Comments from Agent Awesome on MSTS! So now I have a few tweaks to make before I turn it in, either tonight or tomorrow.

Which leads me to a question. Those of you who read or write YA (and if there are any teenagers hanging out here, please speak up), I've gathered that dark subject matter and prose are okay for YA (and really, I've never written anything "light"), but how do you feel about bleak endings? Would you be disappointed with a less-than-uplifting ending in a YA? The feeling that things aren't going very well right now, but they might be soon? Or not...?

Inquiring minds want to know. As do feverish minds... ;-)

[ETA: I'm not talking about the romance with this question. I'm talking about a general, skeptical view of the world as a dangerous place, where good endings just aren't very common. Does that make sense?]

(I feel like the above should really be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but since no one's read MSTS yet, I'm forced to speak in generalities.)

Also, my interview with Jocelynn Drake just went up on Fangs, Fur, & Fey so click on over and leave Jocelynn a comment, question, or congratulations. "Congrats for what?" you might ask...

Go read the interview and find out! ;-)

P.S. Yes, I'm still sick, but I'm feeling well enough to work when the Motrin kicks in... ;-)

I'm sick.

2008-08-13T15:18:35Z

This is just a quick post to let everyone know I haven't dropped off the face of the planet. I'm just sick. Low-grade fever, ear ache, sore throat, bone aches, etc...

But, on the up-side, I've turned in the AAs for Pride, which means that it is officially done. Yea!

Rinda sent me the last critiques for MY SOUL TO SAVE this morning, and she seems to like it. She says it's even better than MY SOUL TO TAKE. Which is good, because I hope to improve with each book, and so far, MSTS is my favorite out of the nine books I've written. ;-)

Also, yesterday I ran several errands, including mailing off book prizes and requested book marks, and I also sent in my voter registration form.

I hope to be back tomorrow, and feeling better.

Over the weekend...

2008-08-11T14:52:36Z

Wow, what a weekend. I went to Bunco on Friday night, had family over all day Saturday, and caught up on some errands, watched the Olympics, and did some work on the AAs for Pride on Sunday.

But the best part of the weekend, other than the US men's incredible win-from-behind in the 4 x 100m relay, was #1 playing Rock Band with my dad and my brother in law. That's right, my dad played Rock Band. It was awesome. ;-)

I have pictures, but #1 is camera shy and won't let me post them. ;-)

Oh, and for those of you who have asked me what Bunco is, it's a dice game which requires no skill and has no real point. Twelve people gather around three card tables and play in pairs, sitting opposite their partners. You roll three dice, hoping to come up with the number corresponding to the round you're on (1-6). We play three rounds of six. Then, at the end, there are prizes. We start with dinner, then play Bunco, then eat dessert and hand out prizes. It's a great excuse to get together with a room full of friends once a month, and each month someone different hosts.

We have a great group, mostly populated by people I've known for six years or so now.

Now, back to business...

Both Tetewa and Carol have claimed their copies of The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, I'm running a little behind on mailing stuff out, but I'm hoping to hit the post office and mail a bunch of stuff tomorrow! So if I owe you something, please let me know when it arrives...

Now, for today, I must finish my AAs of Pride. Must, must must...

Winners!

2008-08-08T15:11:30Z

First, let me take a moment to congratulate Jocelynn Drake. Her first novel debuted on both the USA and NYT extended lists (at numbers 117 and 32 respectively)! It just doesn’t get much better than that, and I could not be happier for her. ;-)

So, if you haven’t picked up Nightwalker, you’re just about the only one out there who hasn’t, so run out and pick up your copy!

And now, for this week’s giveaway…

The winners are:

Tetewa and Carol, who said, “I’d love a copy of the vampire book. That Cappuccino looks amazing…”

So, Tetewa and Carol, email me (rachelATrachelvincentDOTcom) with your full names and addresses, and I’ll put your books in the mail.

To everyone else, thanks for entering! And The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance should be available just about anywhere now, and if you can’t find it in a brick-and-mortar store, it can always be found online.

Today, in addition to working on the AAs for Pride, I have several real life errands to run. Then it’s Bunco night! So, just for fun, here’s a picture of me with three of my Bunco friends, on a much-needed girls’ night out.

What's everyone else doing this weekend?

Done! Aaaand back at work...

2008-08-07T16:00:51Z

I finished rewriting MY SOUL TO SAVE yesterday and sent the last chapters to Rinda. Now I just have to wait to see what she thinks, and I'll admit I'm nervous. I'm always nervous when I send new stuff out, whether to my CP, my agent, or my editor. And I'm especially nervous this time, because my CP's daughter is my teenage beta reader. My target audience.

I really love this book, but Rinda's response will tell me whether I've hit the mark, or gone clear past the target. And, as usual, since the book is done, there's that tiny, whiny voice deep inside me which insists that my perspective is skewed. That I'm the only one who will like the book.

This is the point in every novel at which I'm convinced the book sucks. After I've written it. I've heard that most writers suffer this certainty at some point during the rough draft, but for me, it's always afterward, when the time comes to let someone else read it.

I guess the next few days will tell...

Up for today are A(uthor) A(lterations) for Pride--my very last chance to change anything in the manuscript. After this, it goes to print. So you'd think Pride must be pretty close to being released, huh? But you'd be wrong. ;-)

Five and a half months and counting. Though, other than being printed and promoted, I honestly couldn't tell you what happens to a book after the AAs (most publishers call them galleys). But I can tell you that once I turn these in, my part in the process is done. My first contract is complete.

It's an odd feeling. And I think the completion of my first contract means I'm no longer a newbie author. I kind of mourn the loss of that status, though, because I really haven't been in this business very long, and I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing half the time.

Experienced authors, does that feeling ever go away?

Oh, and don't forget today's your last day to enter this week's giveaway (two copies of The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance).

Crazy busy

2008-08-06T14:54:18Z

MY SOUL TO SAVE is due on August 15.

The Good:

I'm rewriting the last chapter today
I have more than a week left
I get to turn it in via email, so I can hit "send" at the very last moment

The Bad:

After I rewrite that last chapter, I still have to go over Rinda's critique (Bless her over-extended heart for keeping up with me!)
After I adjust based on the critique, I still have to send the manuscript to my beloved agent.
Author Alterations (aka: galleys) of Pride are due three days before I turn in MSTS, and I haven't even started them yet.
I'm really struggling with a series title for my YAs. I've submitted several so far, but none of them properly captures the feel of the books. Series titles are hard.

The Good and the Bad:

my weekend is completely packed with Bunco, a visit from a branch of my extended family, and real-life errands
Number 1 and I have decided to take a mini-vacation. Just a long weekend. But I have no idea when to fit that in

So, what's everyone else up to? Other than entering this week's giveaway, of course... ;-)

I promised pictures (and a giveaway)...

2008-08-05T15:27:32Z

Unfortunately, I didn't get as many pictures of myself as I would have liked, because it's terribly hard to take a good picture of one's self. But I did get many pictures of my fellow authors. And if anyone else turns out to have a good shot of me, I'll probably steal it... ;-)

So, here they are:

This is Terri Clark at the Literacy Signing, where they had both her anthology and some early-printed copies of her debut novel, Sleepless, which doesn't come out until September. And I got a copy! Next to her is Tera Lynn Childs, whom I met in April at RT, and on Terri's other side was Rosemary Clement Moore. All three YA authors together! I was so jealous! ;-)
This is Jocelynn Drake holding up her poster of Nightwalker, her debut novel. It was her first big signing, and she could not stop smiling!

This is Brooke Taylor, my RWA chaptermate. Her debut, Undone, didn't make it to the signing, and I know she was disappointed, but she had some really amazing post cards to hand out.
This is my agency mate, Jenna Black, signing two of her books and handing out some really amazing goodies!

This is my agent Miriam Kriss and me at the Harlequin party on Friday night. I'm not much of a partier, and you can't really tell it from this picture, but I'm actually wearing a dress! What you probably can tell from this picture is that I was completely exhausted by this point, after two straight weeks of conferences. But I had fun, and no one serves dessert like Harlequin. They had mini creme brulee, served in fancy spoons!

This is Teri Brown (author of Read My Lips) and me, in the room she shared with Brooke. Teri and I have been blog buddies since I first started my blog. She was one of my very first online friends, and we snagged our agents about a week apart, so I really feel like we started on this journey to publication together. It was great to finally meet her in person!

This one's just for fun. This is P.C. Cast's cappuccino, served during dessert at the wonderful Italian restaurant where our editor (She and I are both edited by Mary Theresa Hussey.) took us and P.C.'s daughter Kristin. The cappuccino was so pretty I wouldn't let her stir it until I'd taken a picture. ;-)

Okay, that's it for the pictures, unless I stumble on some that I didn't take. Now for the giveaway...

I have two copies of The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, to which I contributed a fun, weird little story about an alternate universe in which everyone is a vampire. My copies have the US cover, and they're only signed by me. Because though I took them to SF, I totally forgot to track down the other authors and make them sign for me.

If you'd like a copy, leave me a comment in the corresponding Blogger post before 11:59 pm (central) on Thursday, August 7. I'll draw two winners at random and announce the names on Friday.

Catching up...

2008-08-04T15:51:59Z

First, I didn’t have time to end last week’s giveaway and announce the winner, so…

The winner is: Beth, who wrote, “I would love to meet any author there. I find it fascinating to meet anyone who writes since I love reading!”

Beth, email me (rachelATrachelvincentDOTcom) with your full name and address, and your choice from the list of available books, and I’ll put your book in the mail.

Now, about RWA…

In a word, RWA National was exhausting. It’s a great networking conference, and I met (or re-met) lots of executives from my publisher, and got to hang out with several writers I hadn’t met in person before, or hadn’t seen in a year or more. Like Jenna Peterson, Kate Smith, Teri Brown, Terri Clark. And people I’ve seen several times this year (but never get tired of), like my roomie Jocelynn Drake, Melissa Marr, and Jenna Black. And my amazing agent, Miriam Kriss.

I also got to spend a little time with my editor, met lots of readers, and signed tons of books, mostly at my publisher’s individual signing.

But possibly the best part of RWA was on Saturday morning, when my publisher officially announced the upcoming launch of its new YA line, to be launched (most likely) in September 2009, with books by me and by Gena Showalter. Unfortunately, I missed the announcement. Seriously. I scoured the conference program several days in a row for my publisher’s spotlight (a panel where they tell what they’re looking for, and what they have coming up) and never found it. And I had no idea that’s when they planned to announce the new line. But I’m so incredibly excited!

Unfortunately, my return trip wasn’t anywhere near as much fun as the conference was.

My flight from SF to Denver was delayed by two hours, which sent at least a hundred passengers into a panic, because most of us would miss our connection. So we all tramped across the terminal (past at least 30 gates) to customer service, where I waited in line for more than an hour.

And while I stood in line, I ate an entire 10 inch margarita pizza. Seriously. It was four in the afternoon and I’d eaten nothing since breakfast. I was starving.

Anyway… I’d almost made it to the actual, winding, roped-off section of the line when an announcement came from the mysterious speakers somewhere overhead. “Last boarding call for United flight [whatever] to Denver. Everyone in line panicked. Again. We ran past those 30 gates again, wheeled suitcases trailing behind us, bumping into trashcans and passengers alike, only to discover when we made it to our gate that the announcement had been made in error. Our plane was not, in fact, taking off. And we’d all lost our places in line at customer service.

To make the story short(er), we all marched back across the terminal once again, in even fouler moods now, only to stand in line for another half-hour. Which was pointless. The lady at CS told me that if I did actually miss my connection (which she didn’t think likely), I’d have to stay the night in Denver and fly to OKC the following morning.

These were not welcome words. Even less welcome were the words she used to explain to me that they would not hold my connecting flight for me (or the other two passengers in line with me) because the flight had been overbooked, and if other passengers checked in before we did, since we all held tickets, there would be no seat for me anyway.

The plane from SF landed two minutes before the plane to OKC took off. I did not make it. And I was not happy.

United put me up at the Denver Marriott, but there were out of emergency toiletry bags. Fortunately, the Marriott gave us toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant. But they were out of contact cases and solution, so I had to walk across a dark parking lot, alone and in a strange city to buy them from the Hilton.

And I had neither a brush nor a change of clothes. But I did have my laptop. So I worked.

[If you’re familiar with my ongoing series of kitchen disasters, this next bit will come as no surprise…]

Then, when I finally made it home and had started to relax, a long, nerve-shattering crash rang out from the kitchen. Number 1 and I raced from the den and were greeted with this sight:

The top shelf in one of our kitchen cabinets had collapsed, spilling glasses all over the countertop, stove, and floor. Including several cobalt wine glasses #1 inherited from his grandmother, and at least one souvenir glass he brought back for me from a trip eight years ago. So now I have to go shopping for new glasses.

Tomorrow I hope to post more details and pictures from my trip, and to open a giveaway for two copies of the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, which is now out! So stay tuned…!

The other San Francisco (and my de-magnetic personality)

2008-07-31T17:56:46Z

So, yesterday, by some strange coincidence, Jocelynn's plane and mine landed within ten minutes of each other, and she called me from the plane, right after it landed. I was at baggage claim, so I said I'd wait for her, and we could share a cab.

Jocelynn: Where are you?
Rachel: I'm at claim six.
Jocelynn: I'm at claim sixteen.
Rachel: I didn't even know there were that many claims.

So we started walking toward each other--and never found each other.

After several minutes, I called her back...

Rachel: I'm standing right next to the carousel for claim thirteen.
Jocelynn: I can see thirteen from where I'm standing.
Rachel: I'm on the opposite side of the carousel from the huge line of people waiting for their luggage.
Jocelynn: Rachel, there's no one here.

As near as I can tell, we were standing in almost the exact same spot in the airport, and couldn't see each other. So, of course, the natural conclusion is that we were in the same spot, in different realities. Or at different times. Like the Langoliers. I swear.

So we both caught separate cabs and wound up in the hotel at almost the exact same time. Somehow, our realities realigned themselves. Weird, huh? ;-)

Also...

last night after the signing, my key wouldn't work, and I found myself locked out of our hotel room. Jocelynn was doing a radio interview with several other Harper authors, so I was on my own.

At first, I thought maybe I'd mis-remembered our room number. So I called the front desk from the hall, to admit what an idiot I was, and ask what room I was staying in.

I had it right. But my key wouldn't work. Now, if you've heard the stories of my first trip to New York, this won't surprise you. Because I somehow de-magnetized my key. Again.

The hotel sent security up, and I sat on the floor in the hall, waiting for him. Because I had no where else to go. He arrived and checked my ID, then let me into my room. And said he'd send someone up with a new key.

It never arrived, and I was starving, so I had dinner with Joce, Melissa Marr, and Jenna Black. And finally, before I went up to my hotel room, I asked the night clerk for a new room key.

Here's hoping it still works today...

San Francisco

2008-07-31T17:55:36Z

I'm here! After more than four hours in the lobby, during which we waited for our room to be cleaned, Jocelynn and I were finally given keys. So, we're in our room! Yea! And it's not bad.

But while we were in the lobby, we ran into everyone. In the whole world. I swear. While we were waiting on our room, we saw Teri Brown, Brooke Taylor, Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe, Jenna Black (we had lunch with her) Jorden Dane, Jocelynn's agent, and my editor. And others. The lobby is one huge mass of writers. Everywhere. Climbing up the walls. I feel kind of sorry for anyone staying here at the Marriott who isn't associated with the RWA National convention.

Because we've taken over San Francisco.

Tonight is the Literacy Autographing (and Jocelynn's very first signing), and I'm both excited and nervous. (What if no one comes? What if everyone who wants to buy Rogue already has, and I sit there all night with a huge pile of books?) And crossing my fingers that they actually have Stray. But not counting on it. ;-)

Tomorrow I get to sleep in!

P.S. Rinda would have loved the hotel. If she were still with us... ;-)

Happy Release, Jocelynn!

2008-07-30T03:26:09Z

That's right, Nightwalker is out!

Go buy your copy. And if you're going to be in San Francisco tomorrow, come get it signed at the 2008 "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing (Wednesday, July 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.) at the San Francisco Marriott. Because both Jocelynn and I will be there, at the RWA National Convention, and the autographing is open to the public.

My flight leaves early tomorrow, and this time I packed batteries for my camera, so I hope to have lots of pictures to post when I get back. I'll be catching up with friends, meeting with both my agent and editor, and signing books at the Literacy Autographing on Wednesday and at the Harlequin signing on Friday, from 3:00 to 4:30.

But for now, I'm off for bed. I have to get up in six hours...

Conestoga tidbits

2008-07-29T15:35:28Z

[If you haven't checked out this week's signed book giveaway, scroll down for details. Oh, and when I bought copies of the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance in Tulsa, I forgot I'd also ordered a copy. So I now have two to give away next week...]

Okay, I have tons of actual work to do today, in addition to shopping and packing for San Francisco, but first, here’s a list of some Conestoga tidbits, which I haven’t already mentioned.

My agent took me and Devon Monk (a fellow client) to see The Dark Knight on IMAX. It was awesome!
Devon Monk has a toilet monkey (Don’t ask. Actually, I just have a hearing problem…)
Sarah Brennan and I have agreed to share a nemesis. Because the thought of a nemesis is appealing, theoretically, but I have a feeling I would wimp out if I had to take one on my own. But the good news is that, if we find a nemesis, we’ve both agreed to take on superpowers. Neither the superpowers nor the nemesis have been chosen yet. Because I can’t think of anyone I don’t like, and I can’t decide on a single superpower. I want them all…!!!
I need a lucky dress. Because Sarah has a very effective one.
My CP couldn’t make it to Tulsa, so I spoke about her non-stop. As if she were dead, rather than simply absent. “Rinda would have loved this…” and “Rinda would have ordered the Parmesan-crusted chicken. If she were still with us…” Because that’s how much I missed her.
Gena Showalter hurt her back and had to leave the convention after only one panel. I felt so bad for her, and it felt weird to gather around cheese dip without her. Fortunately, PC Cast gave us regular Gena-updates.
Apparently PC’s initials do not stand for Politically Correct.
Melissa Marr’s gorgeous curls are both brown and blond, and Caitlin Kittridge’s bangs are pink. I feel a little dull in comparison.
Someone was wearing a long, fluffy fox tail attached to her rear belt loop, and I've now decided I need black cat tails to hand out at conventions. Raise your hand if you're willing to wear one for me? ;-)
Because I am evidently soft-spoken (though certain members of my family will disagree) I was instructed to speak up (repeatedly, and with a hand-held sign) and to sit directly in front of the microphone on every panel. Jeaniene Frost was not. ;-)
Jen Barnes knows exactly how to use the plural of "ya'll!" As well she should. We're both OK natives. ;-)
Mark Henry can always be counted on to enter the room at the tail end of the panel and ask the most embarrassing question of the hour. It’s a gift, really.

Okay, that's it for now. I leave early, early in the morning for San Francisco, and I hope to blog on Wednesday night. Or Thursday morning.

P.S. I just found a funny typo in MY SOUL TO SAVE. "Addy accepted the cat Tod handed her."

It's supposed to be "can," not "cat." But that's kind of appropriate for me, don't you think? ;-)

rkvincent @ 2008-07-28T11:03:00

2008-07-28T16:09:13Z

Conestoga was awesome! Like last year, it was very well organized, and the conference staff was amazing. And I've never seen so many urban fantasy authors gathered in one place. It was like being in a room full of friends I hardly ever see, and I spent the entire convention with this huge, goofy smile on my face. So if you saw me grinning like a fool, that was the I-can't-believe-I'm-really-here smile. ;-)

I was on several panels, most of which will be posted on FFF over the next few months, to facilitate discussion. I even got roped into sitting on the Conestoga programming track's YA panel when one of the scheduled panelists couldn't make it. I just came to listen, and wound up talking. I'm not sure how much help I was on the topic (after all, my YAs won't be out until next year), but it was fun!

One of my favorite panels to sit in on was the Vamps and Shifters panel, with PC Cast, Jeanne Stein, and Dakota Cassidy. PC and Dakota are hilarous, and Jeanne is just one of the sweetest people ever. I need to have a shirt printed, reading: I survived two panels with Dakota Cassidy. Because she's awesome. So funny, and friendly, and smart. Even if she claims otherwise.

I also loved the FFF track YA panel (Melissa Marr, Sarah Brennen, Jen Barnes, Rachel Caine, and both PC and Kristin Cast), even though I had to leave in the middle of it. These ladies are hilarious! And very informative.

I signed lots of books (much to my own surprise) and someone even brought me a copy of the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance to sign! So of course, after that, #1 and I had to track down a couple of copies before we left town. I'm taking one with me to RWA this week, to see if anyone else will be there to sign it. Then I'll give it away here next week.

I met so many wonderful people (both readers and authors) this weekend, and I'm still feeling overwhelmed. Unfortunately, my camera battery died on the first photo I tried to take, but I plan on snatching other people's pictures as soon as they're posted.

Among the awesome people I met for the first time were Sarah Brennan and Jen Barlow (love them both! So funny and smart...), Marc Del Franco (one of the best moderators there, and so incredibly nice!) Devon Monk (we have the same agent, and she was just as cool in person as she is on line!), and Illona Andrews (fantastic Russian accent! I could have listened to her all day...). Oh, and Dean Lorey! And Jaye Wells, who's first book comes out next year. And I'm sure I'm forgetting people... ;-(

I also got to spend time with existing friends Melissa Marr, Jeaniene Frost, and Patrice Michelle, all of whom I could have spoken to for hours.

I swear, there will be more info later. Panel recaps and pictures. But for now, this week's signed book giveaway!

The books:

~~Happy Hour of the Damned~~ by Mark Henry
Shadows on the Soul by Jenna Black
Ashes to Ashes by Jennifer Armintrout
Dark Lies by Vivi Anna
Scions: Insurrection by Patrice Michelle
~~Dancing with Werewolves~~ by Carole Nelson Douglas (not signed)

The details:

To enter, leave a comment in the corresponding Blogger post, telling me, if you'd been able to go to Conestoga, who you'd most want to meet. (Or who you did meet, if you were there...)
One entry per person, please
You must sign your entry if you don't have a Blogger account. But do NOT leave your email address in the comment. That's a great way to get spammed.
You qualify if you're not related to me, or to one of the above authors, even if you've already won something from me or from one of them.
Entries must be received before 11:59 pm (central) on Thursday, July 31, 2008. The winner will be announced the following day.

The winner is...

2008-07-25T18:14:29Z

... Rose W.!

Rose, email me (rachelATrachelvincentDOTcom) with your full name and address, and your choice from the prize list, and I'll put your book in the mail. On Monday. Because I'm actually at Conestoga right now.

Yesterday evening, Jeaniene Frost, Jeanne Stein, Ilona Andrews, Patrice Michelle and I got together to go through all the promo items all the FFF members sent. And let me tell you, those FFF bags are going to be stuffed with good stuff!

Then, late last night, I picked up my lovely agent from the airport.

This afternoon I have a panel to speak on, then some social events. I hope to have pictures soon. Sorry this is so short. I'm exhausted. ;-)

More later...

Ta da!

2008-07-24T03:55:23Z

I just received cover flats, and will probably give a couple of those away next week. And I have to say that in person, they look amazing! So vibrant, and very eye-catching!

Cover sneak peek!

2008-07-23T14:14:19Z

If you subscribe to my newsletter, check your email, and if you belong to my proboard discussion group, check in today in the Pride thread, because yesterday I got permission to post the cover for Pride!

I'll post it here and on my website tomorrow, for those who don't get the newsletter or belong to the discussion group. But for now, it's a sneek peek, as promised!

Also, if you haven't entered this week's signed book giveaway, click here for details!

I leave tomorrow for Conestoga, but I plan to blog from Tulsa on Friday, and hopefully Monday I'll have a recap and pictures...

Conestoga schedule

2008-07-22T14:36:11Z

Just a note here: if you want to enter this week's giveaway but aren't sure how many urban fantasy books you've read this year, never fear!

An estimate is fine. Or, if you haven't read any urban fantasy (or aren't sure if you have) just tell me approximately how many books you've read this year. I wasn't looking for an exact count, nor was I trying to make anyone look bad for not having read much this year. I was just trying to think of something interesting to share in the comments. ;-)

In fact, I've read far fewer books this year than most of the people who've entered so far have. So don't be shy or intimidated. Authors love people who read, no matter how many books they've read. Period. ;-)

Oh, also, my RWA chapter-mate Brooke Taylor is running the most awesome contest to celebrate her debut release. You must go check out the prize. Awesome, I tell you...!

Now, as promised, here's my schedule at Conestoga.

Note: these are not the only places I'll be this weekend. These are just the places I'm sure to be. I'll also be wandering around looking at all the animals the Safari people are showing off, eating, listening in on lots of panels, sitting and doing nothing, and talking to anyone who'll talk back. Seriously. And maybe some who won't. Though that would be embarrassing.

Save me from embarrassment. Come talk to me. ;-)

Conestoga -- Tulsa, OK (July 25-27, 2008)

Friday - 4:00 PM - Paranormal Romance: Rachel Caine, Chey McCray, Patrice Michelle, Rachel Vincent, Jeaniene Frost, Gena Showalter

Saturday - 2:00 PM - Worldbuilding: Jen Barnes, Rachel Caine, Mark Del Franco, Carrie Jones

Sunday - 2:00 PM - Creatures: Vamps & Shifters: Kristin Cast, PC Cast, Patrice Michelle, Jeanne Stein, Rachel Vincent

And maybe one more panel, but I'm not sure yet.

I'll also be signing copies of both Stray and Rogue (hopefully) on Sunday from 11:00-12:00. Or any time you happen to catch me out and about. (Except in the restroom. Really. ;-)) You may bring your own copies, or purchase them from the awesome on-site bookseller.

So...any readers going to Conestoga?

Conferences; Giveaway

2008-07-21T14:43:21Z

The next couple of weeks are going to be really crazy for me, mostly because I have two conferences to attend, and two books to rewrite.

This week is Conestoga, in Tulsa. (I’ll be posting my schedule here tomorrow, but it should go up on my website today.) I’m really excited about this one, because the powers-that-be there have offered Fangs, Fur, & Fey our own programming track. I’ll be appearing on three FFF panels, and one Conestoga panel (I think), and the FFF panels are going to be recorded and later shown online for those who couldn’t make it to the conference.

Which means I’ll be panicking shortly before each panel, because I’m not incredibly comfortable appearing on camera. That whole thing about the camera adding 10 pounds. And taking away IQ points. I swear that happens. ;-)

But I am looking forward to seeing many of my FFF friends again, and meeting even more for the first time. And taking lots of pictures.

Then next week I’ll be in San Francisco for RWA National. More about that next week...

During all of this, I have to do two more drafts of MY SOUL TO SAVE. I’m starting the first one today, and will do the second one as the chapters come back from Rinda, and her teenage daughter, who has kindly offered to give me a teenager’s perspective on my second YA.

I also have to do a large—okay, massive—revision on Prey. This one will be a lot of work, but after talking to my editor, we’ve decided that certain elements of the stand-alone plot arc aren’t working, though the book fits very well into the series arc. I’ve come up with a fix for the stand-alone plot arc and my editor just approved it literally minutes ago. And I’m very excited about it! Which is good. In my experience, things I’m not excited about are very difficult to write, while things I am excited about seem to practically write themselves.

I have a month to turn in the polished version of MY SOUL TO SAVE, then another month to rewrite Prey.

I’m gonna miss sleep.

But let’s not forget what you’ve all checked in for: this week's summer drawing! The winner get to pick one title from the following list of books, all but one of which are signed. (By the authors. Not by me. ;-))

The books:

~~Happy Hour of the Damned~~ by Mark Henry
Shadows on the Soul by Jenna Black
Ashes to Ashes, by Jennifer Armintrout
Dark Lies, by Vivi Anna
Scions: Insurrection, by Patrice Michelle
Dancing with Werewolves, by Carole Nelson Douglas (not signed)

The details:

To enter, leave a comment in the comment section of the corresponding Blogger post, telling me how many urban fantasy books you've read this year. That's right, start counting!
One entry per person, please
You must sign your entry if you don't have a Blogger account. But do NOT leave your email address in the comment. That's a great way to get spammed.
You qualify if you're not related to me, or to one of the above authors, even if you've already won something from me or from one of them.
Entries must be received before 11:59 pm (central) on Thursday, July 24, 2008. The winner will be announced the following day.

Nightwalker winner!

2008-07-18T14:56:14Z

The winner is Stephanie Brent, who said:

I'm a huge fan of shifters and were creatures. Ever since I read animorphs as a kid.

Stephanie, email me (rachelATrachelvincentDOTcom) with your name and address, and I'll pass them along to Jocelynn.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest, and if you didn't win, the good news is that you can preorder, and possibly get your copy of Nightwalker earlier than others!

Also, make sure to check back next week, when we’ll continue with the summer signed book giveaway.

I’m taking today and this weekend off, and plan to dig into either the revisions for Prey or the rewrite of MY SOUL TO SAVE on Monday. Then, Thursday through Sunday I’ll be at Conestoga, in Tulsa, schedule and details to come.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Interview with Jocelynn Drake

2008-07-17T14:25:05Z

In case anyone didn’t see

my super-excited, I-finished-it post, I finished the rough draft of MY SOUL TO SAVE yesterday. Up for today are the copy edit questions my editor sent for Pride.

And last night, revisions for Prey came in. Yes, my editor works late. And yes, the revisions are… many. But I expected that. Prey was very difficult to write, and I’m really looking forward to digging back into it with such strong guidance. That’s the best part about having an editor. She gives me confidence that by the time the book comes out, it will shine. ;-)

I'm taking the weekend off, and will start the revisions on Monday.

Now, I have something special here today! I interviewed my friend Jocelynn Drake, just for you guys, so you can get to know her before her debut novel, Nightwalker, hits the shelf at the end of this month. And if you haven’t entered to win her very last ARC, click here for details…!

Rachel: Jocelynn, how did you decide to write about vampires? Was it a conscious decision, or are you just drawn to them?

Jocelynn: I’ve always loved vampires. There are so many wonderfully dark directions you can take them in both physically and psychologically. For me, it wasn’t so much about making a conscious decision to write about vampires, but waiting until I was sure that I had something different to say in an already crowded genre.

Rachel: Is your family excited about your upcoming debut? Do they support your career? Have they been following the process?

Jocelynn: My family has been very supportive of my writing career and is absolutely ecstatic about the upcoming release. They have closely followed the process of getting the book to the shelves and are anxiously awaiting their chance to read the second book in the series now that I have it nearly completed. What’s more, my brother has been the driving force behind designing and updating my website. I don’t think I would have stayed sane through the whole process if my family weren’t right behind me.

Rachel: What’s been your favorite part of the path toward publication? Any “squee!” moments so far?

Jocelynn: Definite “squee” moments include when I saw my cover for the first time and when I received my ARCs. There’s something about holding a bound copy of your work for the first time that makes it all seem real at long last. However, the ultimate moment and my favorite was when I got the call that I got a contract offer from the editor I had been hoping for. I had been at work at the time. My knees turned to jelly and I started crying. It had been a long road to finally getting that offer and I will never forget that wonderful moment.

Rachel: Tell us about your day job? What is your average day like? Is it true you’ve been on TV? ;-)

Jocelynn: I am a stock market analyst and editor for an investment research firm. My average day includes researching various stocks and sectors, writing articles, editing other articles that are posted to the website, handling media interviews, and shooting videos. I have been on TV a few times in the past and I average at least 2 radio interviews each month.

Rachel: What’s your writing schedule like?

Jocelynn: Because of my day job, my writing schedule during the week is limited to 2-3 hours each night after I get home from work. This also includes catching up on emails, requests from my publisher, and blogging. Over the weekend, I average a total of about 8-16 hours. This is mostly editing and working on the next book.

Rachel: What do you do to relax? When you hit a creative brick wall?

Jocelynn: Relax? It’s been a long time since I got to do something like that. Sleep. Sleep is a really nice thing. I am also an avid video game player. I love the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games. I am also addicted to the Final Fantasy and the Kingdom Hearts series.

Rachel: Let’s talk about your fabulous hair! Are you a natural redhead? And those curls? They’re real too?

Jocelynn: Thanks! Yes, I am a natural redhead and all the curls are real. I get the color and the curl from my father and his side of the family.

Rachel: And the most important question of all… What’s the best way to have chocolate? ;-)

Jocelynn: Is there a best way to have chocolate? I’ll take chocolate in any form at any time. I love hot chocolate, cold chocolate, bricks of chocolate, and little morsels of chocolate. One of my favorites and greatest weaknesses would be chocolate mixed with peanut butter. Mmmmm… heaven.

Thanks, Jocelynn!

Don't forget to check back in tomorrow to see if you won the ARC of Nightwalker!

Done!

2008-07-16T20:25:58Z

That's right! I just typed "The End" on the last page of MY SOUL TO SAVE!

71,969 / 70,000
(102.8%)

The numbers:

71,969 words
21 chapters
255 pages
This is the ninth book I've written. (Three are unsold)
This is the eighth book I have contracted. (Three are unwritten.)
It took exactly one month to write. (I started it on June 16th.)

Of course, this is just the rough draft. I'm happy with it for this stage in the process, but I need to do at least two more drafts in the next month, before I turn it in on August 15. But I think I can do it.

Wish me luck. But for now, celebrate with me!