Sunday, October 31, 2010

BBA November: A Month in Tribute to Jennifer Rardin

It’s time for Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick’s & BBA’s Tribute to Jennifer Rardin to begin! I hope you all enjoy and that as many of you participate as possible. We want to not only remember her, but celebrate her wonderful Jaz Parks series.

Throughout the month of November, both here and at Strange Candy Reviews, there will be book reviews, guest posts, giveaways & more!

 

Schedule:

November 1st - 7th

Cole v. Vayl - who would you choose?

 

November 8th - 14th

Jaz

  • Guest posts by Dakota Cassidy & Carolyn Crane
  • Fan art contest

 

November 15th - 21st

Jennifer

  • Guest post by Jennifer's agent Laurie
  • Guest post by Steph from Papercut Reviews

 

November 22nd - 28th

Miscellaneous

  • Guest post by Nicole Peeler on the gadgets in the series
  • Fellow blogger guest posts & giveaways:
  • Which actors would you like to play the characters in the Jaz Parks series?

 

*If you are interested in participating, please feel free to contact me or Jo-Anne.

Happy Halloween!! All Countdown to Halloween Giveaways Ending at Midnight!

halloweenicon

Happy Halloween! Happy All Hallows Eve! Happy Samhain! Happy whatever you may celebrate this time of year! I hope you are having a wonderful time whatever you are doing.

Personally, obviously lol, I celebrate Halloween. It’s always been one of my favorite times of year, if not my favorite. (I really enjoy Christmas time as well, because of all the time w/ family.)

This year I’ve been entertaining my self all month long with as many horror movies as I can possibly fit in every day. Though, most scary movies just make me laugh. I do jump easily, but I’m thoroughly entertained by bad horror movies. If you follow me on twitter you might have caught some of my horror movie tweets. Lol.

So what crazy mischief am I getting into tonight? None. LOL. I’m staying home all day & night. Watching football and scary movies and stuffing myself full of candy. If you do talk to me today, I might be on a sugar high, so I apologize before hand. ;)

It’ll be interesting to see if any trick-or-treators show up. Last year was the first time in 3 years any did. I guess I’ll find out soon!

It’s been such a fun month for me! I hope you enjoyed it too!

Thank you to all the authors, bloggers and everyone else that contributed to this month & made everything possible!

 

So once again, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Don’t forget to enter all the giveaways that end tonight at midnight CST!

Grand Prize Pack Giveaway (US only)

Surprise Pack Giveaway (International)

Ghost Stories & bookmarks Giveaway (International)

Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan Giveaway (International)

My Giveaway over at Paper Cut Reviews (International)

In My Mailbox (26)

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In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren & inspired by Pop Culture Junkie

Happy Halloween!!! Or All Hallows Eve or Samhain, or whatever it is you may celebrate!! I hope you have a good one!! :)

For Review:

In My Mailbox,IMM

From Kate Kaynak (These are 2nd copies so you’ll be seeing a giveaway for them, thanks to the author!)

  • Minder by Kate Kaynak (signed)
  • Adversary by Kate Kaynak (signed)

Bought By Me:

In My Mailbox,IMM

From Rustic Goth

  • Dark Steampunk Goth Girl Signed Art Print (win this HERE, ends 10/31 US only)
  • bookmark made from Midnight in the Garden
  • I Will Be Your Light Signed Art Print

In My Mailbox,IMM

From Allison Cassatta

  • Immortal by Allison Cassatta (signed)

In My Mailbox,IMM

From Borders

In My Mailbox,IMM

From Hobby Lobby

  • More jewelry & craft supplies! :)

What did you get this week?

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Shop on Saturday (30) Halloween Edition Vol. 5

Here are my last Halloween-ish finds from Etsy. Though really, half the stuff I usually feature would count anyway. ;)

Shop on Saturday,SoS,Etsy,Halloween,Route4glass

Need a fall decoration? Check out this Hand Blown Art Glass Large Pumpkin by Route 4 Glassblowing Studio.

Shop on Saturday,SoS,Etsy,Halloween,DeweyDecimalCrafts

Dewey Decimal Crafts has this cute Crocheted Skulls and Lace Necklace.

Shop on Saturday,SoS,Etsy,Halloween,battyazac

I need this! Too bad I can’t afford it, but check out this Blood Countess Renaissance Lady Bathory Inspired Gown by Azrael’s Accomplice and AZAC Designs.

Shop on Saturday,SoS,Etsy,Halloween,MaidOfClay

Isn’t this Custom Vampire Bite Mug? It’s made by Maid of Clay Ceramics.

Shop on Saturday,SoS,Etsy,Halloween,Route4glass

Forget to get all your decorations for your party? Print them! This Printable Happy Halloween Decor is by Anna and Blue Paperie.

 

So there ya go! The last Halloween Edition of Shop on Saturday.

Oh, don’t forget, my blog readers can earn a discount on these two items through midnight CST October 31st:

Black Cat Charm Earrings & Skull and Crossbones Earrings

If you want them, just mention ‘NRSFeatureFriday’ in the comments and get $2.00 off. Refund through paypal.

Friday, October 29, 2010

NRSVampChick’s Countdown to Halloween Grand Prize Pack Giveaway Final Haul!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Halloween fun so far! There’s still a little bit to go, so don’t disappear, but I wanted to make sure everyone has entered for the Grand Prize Pack! It is US only sorry. The Surprise Pack is International though, and you enter for that by being in the Top 10 Commenters, at midnight October 31 CST, which you can see on the left sidebar. No I’m not telling you what’s in that. That wouldn’t be a surprise. Well, I will tell you that you get a Halloween card made by me lol. ;)

So the Grand Prize Pack consists of:

giveaway,halloween,contest

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giveaway,halloween,contest

The Books:

  • WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE: Vampire Hunters and Other Kick-Ass Enemies of Evil by Jonathan Maberry and Janice Gable Bashman (not pictured)
  • ebook of choice by Scott Nicholson (see what ebooks are available HERE)
  • Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (very slightly used)
  • Circus of the Damned by Laurell K. Hamilton (very slightly used)
  • Firespell by Chloe Neill (very slightly used)

The DVD:

  • 28 Days Later

The Art:

  •  signed Dark Steampunk Goth Girl by Rustic Goth (Charlene Murray Zatloukal)

The Swag:

  • signed Laura Stamps postcard
  • Mind Games/Double Cross by Carolyn Crane bookmark
  • They Call Me Death by Missy Jane bookmark
  • A Rush of Wings/In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix bookmark
  • 2 The Chosen Historian by Randi Ertz bookmarks
  • From the Shadows by E.J. Stevens postcard
  • Scentsy pen & product catalog (sorry it’s from May lol)
  • Black Velvet Seductions magnet
  • Cross Your Heart by Michele Bardsley postcard
  • The Rowan Gant Investigations Miranda Trilogy by M.R. Sellars chapter sampler
  • Death’s Mistress by Karen Chance bookmark
  • Deadline Dames matchbook nailfile
  • The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting sticker
  • The Abraxis series by Cinsearae Santiago bookmark
  • Jenna Black pin

Miscellaneous:

  • Halloween: black bats temporary tattoo
  • Halloween: skull & crossbones body jewels
  • Strange “Cowboys need not apply” sticker (courtesy of Carolyn Crane lol)
  • Halloween mini notebook
  • A Halloween card made by me! :)

Thank you to all the authors & bloggers that helped supply everything! Some of this is from my personal stash as well.

This is NOT where you enter. Comments here will not count as an entry into the Grand Prize Pack Giveaway. Go to the original post and fill out the form there. Thanks!

Remember to enter all other Countdown to Halloween giveaways that are still going on. They all end at midnight CST October 31st.

 

Is all this not enough for you? Make sure you are on twitter noon-ish on Halloween CST, and that you follow me or at least that you do that day, lol. I’ll be giving away goodies. Books, swag, & more! :)

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!!

Feature a Design Friday (9)

This might be the last Feature a Design Friday. I’ll be starting up my jewelry blog soon, so there really isn’t much point in doing this feature. You all seem to agree so far for the most point in my survey. If things tip the other way I could always bring it back I guess, but why show a design of mine every week here when you can go to the other blog! :)

Anyways, for my last Feature a Design Friday I’ll be showing off my mom’s designs actually. I’m curious if you all would like me to add them to my shop. She makes bookmarks out of cardstock. She also has a few gift tags like the holiday ones in the second picture on the right.

Feature a Design,NRSVampChick,bookmarks

Feature a Design,NRSVampChick,bookmarks

So, there are my mom’s creations! Would you like some of them added to my Etsy shop?

Since this is not only my last one of these posts, but it’s so close to Halloween, I thought I’d offer a treat in my NRSVampChick Designs shop. The two Halloween earrings below that were featured a few weeks ago are a special price for my lovely blog readers.

Black Cat Charm Earrings & Skull and Crossbones Earrings

If you want them, just mention ‘NRSFeatureFriday’ in the comments and get $2.00 off. Refund through paypal. Much <3!

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Scott Nicholson Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour: VLog

 Scott Nicholson,Kindle Giveaway,Blog Tour

 Today I’m happy to have Scott Nicholson with us! You’ve probably seen him around some of your other favorite blogs, but just in case you haven’t, he’s here with us today. Check out his VLog below & find out how to enter into his amazing giveaway going on with his blog tour!

If you can’t see the video, you can view it HERE.

 

Find Scott Nicholson around the web:

Website I Blog I Twitter I Facebook I

 

Scott Nicholson is author of 12 novels, including the paranormal thrillers The Red Church, Speed Dating with the Dead , Ashes, and October Girls . He’s also written four comic series, six screenplays, and more than 60 short stories. His web site is www.hauntedcomputer.com.

To enter to win the Kindle DX, just leave a comment with contact email. Scott will return in seven days and collect the names and assign numbers. At the end of the tour, one number will be randomly selected by the staff of the Watauga County (NC) Public Library.

You can also enter to win a Kindle 3 by subscribing to the tour newsletter at scottsinnercircle-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. A Pandora’s Box of e-books will be randomly given away through Scott’s Twitter (follow “hauntedcomputer”). No purchase necessary and the contest is international.

Make sure you go to the other tour stops for more chances to enter!

Hurry now, and enter to win my Countdown to Halloween Grand prize pack & you can win one of his books as well! Ends 10/31.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Survey & a Giveaway!

This is not part of my Countdown to Halloween, this is about the blog in general. So I have a few things that I am curious about. It would be super wonderful of you all to help me out. Pretty please! :)

I’m starting up a separate blog for my jewelry. It will make things easier as I get more into it, and keep this one from getting so cluttered.

The only thing is now I have to decide what to keep on this blog, and what to move to the new one. I don’t want to change much on here, but now is the time to give you all the chance to speak up before some major changes go down.

So, if you would please fill out the form below I would greatly appreciate it! Everyone who fills it out will be entered to win their choice of pre-order paperback book from The Book Depository from:

Giveaway is international wherever The Book Depository delivers. Must be 13 & up. Ends November 15, 2010, 11:59 PM CST. If you don’t fill out the form you won’t be entered. Comments DON’T count as entries.

CLICK HERE if the form doesn’t show up for you.

Janice Gable Bashman: Interview

I want to thank Janice Gable Bashman for joining us today & answering a few of my questions! Read through to the end and find out how to win your own copy of WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE: Vampire Hunters and Other Kick-Ass Enemies of Evil!

Jonathan Maberry,Janice Gable Bashman

Amanda: Thanks so much for being here today with us! Can you tell us about yourself?

Janice: I enjoy writing mostly anything—fiction or non-fiction, which is why my publishing credentials are so varied. I have published articles, interviews, short stories, book reviews, and now a book, WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE. I worked in television and film production during and after college on major league sporting events, commercials, and motion pictures. I also have a masters degree in clinical psychology and worked in that field for some time. These days I write full-time and I love it.

Amanda: When did you start writing?

Janice: About four years ago, I decided I wanted to write and see if I could get published. I began by querying local publications and sold a bunch of articles. Since then I’ve sold many articles to both local and national markets, and I haven’t looked back for one minute.

Amanda: Who have been your greatest inspirations?

Janice: Although I am indebted to a friend and mentor for believing in my writing abilities and guiding me toward the success I have achieved in a few short years, my greatest inspiration doesn’t come from one specific person. I am inspired every day by real-life ordinary people, people who I consider the heroes of this world: teachers, firefighters, those in the military and in law enforcement, and so many others who strive to make our world a better place.

Amanda: What are your favorite books/book genres?

Janice: I’m a huge thriller fan, but I also enjoy reading most everything—short stories, mysteries, horror, paranormal, etc. I always have a huge and varied pile of books waiting to be read and am open to suggestions in any genre. Bottom line: I love a great book.

Amanda: Can you tell us a bit about WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE: Vampire Hunters and Other Kick-Ass Enemies of Evil?

Janice: WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE deals with the struggle of good vs evil in film, comics, pop culture, world myth, literature, and the real world. Everything from vampire slayers to paranormal investigators to FBI serial-killer profilers. It includes interviews with folks like Stan Lee, Mike Mignola, Jason Aaron, Fred Van Lente, Peter Straub, Charlaine Harris and many more.

My co-author, New York Times bestselling and multiple Bram Stoker award winner Jonathan Maberry, states, “Our book starts with good vs evil as a concept and then we chase it through philosophy, religion, politics, literature, art, film, comics, pop-culture and the real world. It’s such a complex topic, one that’s fundamental to all of our human experience, from evolution to the formation of tribes and society. We take a look at it historically, mythologically, in terms of storytelling from cave paintings to literature, we track it through pop culture and into our modern real world.

Don Maitz,Janice Gable BashmanThe book has a real sense of humor, too. We have fun with the topic as well as bringing a lot of information to the reader.

Plus the book is illustrated with forty black and white pieces and eight killer color plates. Artists like Chad Savage, Jacob Parmentier, Don Maitz, Francis Tsai, David Leri, Scott Grimando, Jason Beam, Alan F. Beck, Billy Tackett and more.”

Amanda: Where did you get the idea for it?

Janice: This book is the fifth in a series that Jonathan was writing for Citadel Press. He co-wrote two of the previous books with Bram Stoker Award-winner David F. Kramer who wasn’t available for this project. When Jonathan asked me to come on board, I jumped at the opportunity.

Amanda: What was your most surprising thing to learn while researching and interviewing for this book?

Janice: I really enjoyed talking with the many people we interviewed to get their take on the subjects. It’s so interesting to hear what they had to say about the struggle between good and evil. It doesn’t seem to matter if the fight occurs in fiction, on film, in comics, or in real life—it’s definitely a hard fight, and one in which both the good and bad guys are determined to win. These monsters are really evil—they’re demons and vampires, werewolves and nasty ghosts, villains and serial killers; and it takes a strong hero to kick evil’s butt. I also learned the many ways to kill a vampire, how to fight various mythic monsters, and what FBI profilers do in addition to profiling serial killers.

Amanda: After learning about all the different creatures and mythologies, what is your favorite paranormal being?

Jonathan Maberry,Janice Gable BashmanJanice: Hmm...that’s a tough one, but I’d have to go with vampires. They come in all shapes, sizes, and genders, and there are so many different varieties found in cultures throughout the world. We cover a ton of them in WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE, and it’s fascinating to see how they differ among cultures and in mythology.

Amanda: What are you working on now?

Janice: I’m finishing up a proposal for my next non-fiction book; it’s still under wraps so I can’t share the details at this time. I can say that dozens of key players are already on board for the project and it’s sure to be a fun one. I continue to write for various publications, and I’ll also be shopping a young adult novel shortly.

Amanda: Do you have a favorite Halloween/horror book, story, movie, or a haunted place that you've been?

Janice: First off, I must admit I’m a chicken when it comes to being scared in real life, so you won’t find me in a haunted place by choice, although I did promise a paranormal investigator/radio show host that I’d join him on investigation some time in the future. Books, stories and movies are a different beast. I love a good scare in a book or a movie.

Some good Halloween reads are: THE HALLOWEEN TREE (Ray Bradbury), OCTOBER DREAMS (edited by Richard Chizmar with stories by Ray Bradbury, Peter Straub, Dean Koontz, Ramsey Campbell, etc.), THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (Shirley Jackson), and Jonathan Maberry’s Pine Deep series (GHOST ROAD BLUES, DEAD MAN’S SONG, BAD MOON RISING) where evil comes calling in the “spookiest town in America” during the Halloween season.

Amanda: Do you do anything special for Halloween?

Janice: I love to dress up and go trick-or-treating, but, sadly, those days are long gone for me. Now, I’m the one handing out the candy. I do enjoy seeing all of the costumes the kids cook up each year; it’s amazing how creative they are.

Amanda: Thanks so much for joining us today and for being a part of the Countdown to Halloween!

Janice Gable Bashman is co-author (with Jonathan Maberry) of WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE: Vampire Hunters and Other Kick-Ass Enemies of Evil. She has written for THE BIG THRILL, NOVEL & SHORT STORY WRITER'S MARKET, THE WRITER, WILD RIVER REVIEW, and many others. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Horror Writers Association. Visit Janice’s website at www.janicegablebashman.com.

 

Find Janice Gable Bashman around the web:

Website I Twitter I Facebook I LinkedIn I Goodreads

 

Janice has donated a copy of WANTED UNDEAD OF ALIVE to the Grand Prize Pack! So make sure you go ENTER HERE! US only.

Read my review HERE (will be posted shortly).

See all other Countdown to Halloween Events HERE.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Win on Wednesday: Contests Around the Blogosphere (40)

Win on Wednesday

Started by Abigail @ All Things Urban Fantasy

Quick note: To all of you that leave such nice comments when you leave your contest info, I really do appreciate it. I also thank you for the comments that you leave during the week here. It means a lot. <3 ya!!

I have no luck making this post. Halfway through, my google reader died. So as usual, I’ll be updating this in the next day or two so let me know if you need to add something. I know I’m missing a LOT of contests going on still. If you see anything that needs to be fixed, feel free to let me know. Please check back in the next day or two for updates! If you want your contest added, please add it to the form at the bottom. Thanks!

Feel free to email, tweet (DM or @-reply) or fill out the form at the bottom whenever you have a contest if you want to make sure it gets added to next week’s list!

Be aware that what’s listed here is not necessarily accurate or as detailed as the page will be, it’s just a guide so read the rules before you enter the contests. :)

Check out some of the Halloween happenings listed HERE.

  1. NEW Reading with Tequila- The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman. Enter by October 27, 2010. (US only)
  2. A Good Addiction- Jump Start the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Enter by October 27, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  3. Dark Faerie Tales- audiobook of Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel. Enter by October 27, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  4. Fiction Kingdom- $45 CSN Stores GC. Enter by October 27, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  5. Library Girl Reads- choice from: The Good Neighbors Book One Kin by Holly Black, The Language of Secrets by Dianne Dixon, Shoulder Bags and Shootings by Dorothy Howell, Mind Games by Carolyn Crane, Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch, The Lumby Lines by Gail Fraser, Lumby on the Air by Gail Fraser, Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker by Emma Hox, The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb, One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, By Accident by Susan Kelly, truly, madly by Heather Webber, and Cheap Cabernet by Cathie Beck. Enter by October 27, 2010. (US only)
  6. I Heart Monster- I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Enter by October 27, 2010. (International)
  7. Bites- Vampires: The Occult Truth by Konstantinos. Enter by October 28, 2010. (US only)
  8. Dark Faerie Tales- Venom by Jennifer Estep. Enter by October 28, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  9. Dark Faerie Tales- $20 Amazon GC. Enter by October 29, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  10. NEW Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers- ARC of INFINITE DAYS by Rebecca Maizel, hardback copy of CRUSADE by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie, and bookmarks from the Evin Driscol series: The Chosen Historian by Randi Ertz. Contest ends October 30, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  11. Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers- Vladimir Tod T-shirt, copy of VAMPYRE BLOOD:  EIGHT PINTS OF TROUBLE by George Earl Parker, and a bookmark from the Evin Driscole series: The Chosen Historian by Randi Ertz. Contest ends October 30, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  12. Book Lovers Inc- Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler. Enter by October 30, 2010. (International wherever the Book Depository ships)
  13. story on a page- 3 copies of Just Call Me...Rita by JD Rosy. Enter by October 30, 2010. (International)
  14. Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers- Vladimir Tod T-shirt, Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block (ARC), and a bookmark from the Evin Driscole series: The Chosen Historian by Randi Ertz. Contest ends October 30, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  15. Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers- Prize Pack #1: Vladimir Tod T-shirt, How to Catch and Keep a Vampire by Diana Laurence, and a bookmark from the Evin Driscole series: The Chosen Historian by Randi Ertz. Prize Pack #2- a book of your choice up to $10 from Book Depository. Enter by October 30, 2010. (US/Canada- prize pack 1, International- prize pack 2)
  16. Mundie Moms- Torment by Lauren Kate. Enter by October 30, 2010. (International)
  17. NEW Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick- 2 ebooks of Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  18. NEW Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick- Chicago Ghosts by Rachel Bland & zombie bookmarks and any Book Depository book under $10 about ghosts. Contests end October 31, 2010. (International)
  19. NEW Paper Cut Reviews- book of choice from the Book Depository up to $10 in value. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International wherever Book Depository ships)
  20. NEW Reading with Tequila- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US only)
  21. NEW Reading Between the Wines Book Club- Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole plus goodies. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US only)
  22. NEW Vamps, Weres and Cassay OH My!- 1 paperback copy of Hollowland by Amanda Hocking. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US only)
  23. Bibliognome- signed copies of Sucks To Be Me and Still Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley. Enter by October 31, 2010. (International)
  24. Spooky Pooky Creations- Handmade Halloween plushie. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US only)
  25. At Home With Books- $100 CSNstores.com GC. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  26. Book Rat- signed Breathers & Fated by S.G. Browne. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US only)
  27. Book Rat- Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. Enter by October 31, 2010. (International)
  28. Book Rat- signed Manifest by Artist Arthur and swag. Enter by October 31, 2010. (International)
  29. Blog With Bite- signed copy of Beyond the Threshold of Death by Erika Knudsen. Enter by October 31, 2010. (International?)
  30. Blog With Bite- 2 ebooks of Out of Time by Monique Martin. Enter by October 31, 2010. (International)
  31. All Things Urban Fantasy- 7 copies of Black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix & a signed set of The Maker’s Song series. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US- Black Dust Mambo, International- The Maker’s Song series)
  32. Book Chick City- 5 copies of Alpha by Rachel Vincent. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  33. Book Chick City- Strange Angels, Betrayals, and Jealousy by Lili St. Crow. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (UK residents)
  34. Book Chick City- 5 copies of Scarlett Dedd by Cathy Brett. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US/UK residents)
  35. Book Chick City- Spooks series by Joseph Delaney. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (UK residents)
  36. Book Chick City- Emma and the Vampires by Wayne Josephson. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  37. Dark Faerie Tales- 3 sets of Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel, and Marked by Passion by Kate Perry. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  38. RhiReading- 2nd Blogiversary Giveaway of a $25 Amazon GC! Enter by October 31, 2010. (US only)
  39. Book Chick City- 2 copies of The Radleys by Matt Haig. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (UK-1 copy, International-1 copy)
  40. Book Chick City- 2 copies  of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  41. Rex Robot Reviews- 3 sets of Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel, and Marked by Passion by Kate Perry. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  42. Book of Secrets- 3 sets of Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel, and Marked by Passion by Kate Perry. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  43. From the Shadows- choose from Clockwork Angel Prize Pack, Werewolves & Vampires Prize Pack, and Zombies & Vampires Prize Pack. Also, She Smells the Dead by E.J. Stevens. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US-prize packs, International-book via Book Depository)
  44. From the Shadows- choose from She Smells the Dead Prize Pack, Supernatural Sleuths & Paranormal Mysteries Prize Pack, Victorian & Georgian Mysteries Prize Pack, Young Adult Prize Pack, 18+ Prize Pack, Paranormal Swag Pack #1, and Paranormal Swag Pack #2. Also, choice of paranormal new release via Book Depository & parnormal ebooks. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US-prize packs, International- choice of BD book & ebooks)
  45. Magic Faerie's Paranormal Review- ebooks of Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble & To Kill a Warlock by HP Mallory. Enter by October 31, 2010. (International)
  46. Fire and Ice- the Sweep series by Cate Tiernan. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US residents)
  47. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer- Children’s, Young Adult, or Adult Prize Pack. Enter by October 31, 2010. (US only)
  48. Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick- Surprise Pack Giveaway to the top commenters. Read details and comment by October 31, 2010. (International)
  49. Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick- Countdown to Halloween Grand Prize Giveaway, new prizes added throughout month! Enter by October 31, 2010. (US only, International- if someone in US will accept for you)
  50. vvb32 reads- Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper Case Closed by Patricia Cornwell. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  51. vvb32 reads- 2 copies of Thinks and Things by Crystal Johnson. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  52. vvb32 reads- ARC of Selling Hope by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  53. vvb32 reads- Strange Men In Pinstripe Suits and other curious things by Cate Gardener. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  54. vvb32 reads- The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US only)
  55. Love To Read For Fun- 3 sets of Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel, and Marked by Passion by Kate Perry. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  56. Luxury Reading- 3 sets of Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel, and Marked by Passion by Kate Perry. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  57. Book Chick City- 5 copies of Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth. Enter by October 31, 2010. (UK residents)
  58. Alaine- Queen of Happy Endings- Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts, Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead, Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick, or Water Bound by Christine Feehan. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (International)
  59. Book Faery- One Grand Prize winner will receive The House of Dead Maids, a gorgeous Brontë sisters pocket mirror, and the HarperTeen edition of Wuthering Heights! Two lucky runners-up will receive the two books. Contest ends October 31, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)
  60. NEW Luxury Reading- 3 copies of Dewey by Vicki Myron. Enter by November 1, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  61. From the TBR Pile- ARC of Nightshade, ARC of The Replacement and Freefall. Enter by November 1, 2010. (International)
  62. LA FEMME READERS- pre-order of Tyger, Tyger by Kersten Hamilton. Enter by November 1, 2010. (International)
  63. about happy books- 2 winners will get a book of their choice up to 10 Euro. Enter by November 1, 2010. (International)
  64. Book Chick City- 5 copies of Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. Contest ends November 1, 2010. (UK/Europe only)
  65. NEW YA Book Shelf- 2 paperback copies of The Night Wanderer by Drew Hayden Taylor. Enter by November 2, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  66. NEW Fang-tastic Books- Grave Witch by Kalayna Price. Contest ends November 3, 2010. (US only)
  67. NEW SciFiGuy- signed ARC of The Sworn by Gail Z. Martin & 2 bonus packs of The Blood King, Dark Haven, and Dark Lady’s Chosen. Enter by November 3, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  68. A Book Obsession..- Choice of 16 Urban Fantasy books. Enter by November 3, 2010. (International)
  69. NEW See Scoot Read- 1 Autographed paperback of Take Me There by Carolee Dean (gently used) & one Take Me There themed book tote! Enter by November 5, 2010. (International)
  70. NEW Paranormal Haven- ARC of Devoured by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (Continental US/Canada residents)
  71. NEW Paranormal Haven- 5 copies of Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  72. NEW Paranormal Haven- Jeweled by Anya Bast. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  73. NEW Paranormal Haven- an ARC of Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  74. NEW Paranormal Haven- signed copy of Black Dust Mambo & signed copy of any Maker’s Song book by Adrian Phoenix. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  75. NEW Paranormal Haven- signed copy of His Darkest Hunger or His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  76. NEW Paranormal Haven- choice of “Welcome to the Void” t-shirt or a signed copy of ReVamped by JF Lewis. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (US only)
  77. NEW Paranormal Haven- pdf copy of Ravenous by Abigail Barnette. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  78. NEW Paranormal Haven- signed ARC of Ghost Town by Rachel Caine. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (US residents)
  79. NEW Paranormal Haven- 3 copies of Up In Smoke by Katie MacAlister. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  80. NEW Paranormal Haven- In the Woods & Chased by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  81. NEW Paranormal Haven- Marked or Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  82. NEW Paranormal Haven- signed Accidentally Demonic & My Way to Hell by Dakota Cassidy. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  83. NEW Paranormal Haven- Venom by Jennifer Estep. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  84. NEW Paranormal Haven- signed copy of choice of Vampires in America book by D.B. Reynolds. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  85. NEW Paranormal Haven- 5 ebooks: My Love Eternal by Liz Strange, A Halloween to Remember by Roxanne Rhoads, Eternal Desire by Roxanne Rhoads, Hallowed Eve by Suza Kates, and Just Another Paranormal Halloween Anthology from Mojocastle Press. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  86. NEW Paranormal Haven- Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  87. NEW Paranormal Haven- ebook of Crux by Moira Rogers & swag. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  88. NEW Paranormal Haven- signed copy of book of choice from The World’s of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter & bookmarks. Contest ends November 5, 2010. (International)
  89. Paranormal Haven- When Pleasure Rules by J.K. Beck & swag (some signed). Enter by November 5, 2010. (US only)
  90. Paranormal Haven- 3 copies of Angel Slayer by Michele Hauf. Enter by November 5, 2010. (International)
  91. Paranormal Haven- 2 signed copies of Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost. Enter by November 5, 2010. (International)
  92. Paranormal Haven- 2 winners choose from an awesome list of books for Halloween at the Havens kick-off giveaway! Enter by November 5, 2010. (International)
  93. All Things Urban Fantasy- Slayed by Amanda Marrone. Contest ends November 6, 2010. (US only)
  94. All Things Urban Fantasy- signed copy of Mind Games or Double Cross by Carolyn Crane. Contest ends November 6, 2010. (US- signed, International-unsigned)
  95. All Things Urban Fantasy- Venom by Jennifer Estep. Contest ends November 6, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  96. All Things Urban Fantasy- Black Wings by Christina Henry. Contest ends November 6, 2010. (US only)
  97. Dark Faerie Tales- Siren Song by Cat Adams. Contest ends November 6, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  98. Dark Faerie Tales- Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst. Contest ends November 6, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  99. Dark Faerie Tales- Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund. Contest ends November 6, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  100. Fire and Ice- signed bookmarks by Rachael Renee Anderson. Enter by November 6, 2010. (International)
  101. LA FEMME READERS- ARC of Vesper: A Deviants Novel by Jeff Sampson. Enter by November 7, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  102. Dark Faerie Tales- Virals by Kathy Reichs. Enter by November 7, 2010. (International)
  103. Dark Faerie Tales- Blood Born by Linda Howard and Linda Jones. Enter by November 7, 2010. (International)
  104. Dark Faerie Tales- Monster Slayers by Lukas Ritter. Enter by November 7, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  105. Fire and Ice- vintage compact by 2007Musarra. Enter by November 7, 2010. (International)
  106. The Bibliophilic Book Blog- having a bloggiversary giveaway with 5 winners w/ prizes of an e-reader, book packs, and swag! Contest ends November 7, 2010. (International)
  107. Fire and Ice- Sands of Time Necklace by Sol E Mar designs. Enter by November 8, 2010. (International)
  108. *NEW Wag the Fox- The Gentling Box by Lisa Mannetti via Shadowfall Publications. Enter by November 10, 2010. (International)
  109. NEW Luxury Reading- 5 2011 Book Lovers Calendars. Enter by November 10, 2010. (US residents)
  110. NEW Luxury Reading- Clinton St. Baking Company Cook Book. Enter by November 10, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  111. NEW Luxury Reading- National Adapt-a-Dog Month book package from Hachette. Enter by November 10, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  112. NEW YA Book Shelf- 3 winners will each receive a copy of both Ghost Ride by Marina Cohen and Lure by Deborah Kerbel. Enter by November 10, 2010. (US/Canada only)
  113. Fire and Ice- signed copy of The Scorch Trials by James Dashner. Enter by November 12, 2010. (US residents)
  114. NEW Books Turn Brains- signed copy of Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Contest ends November 14, 2010. (US only)
  115. story on a page- two $5 Amazon.com/.ca GC, 1 book up to USD$9 from book depository, & custom layout by ninefly. Enter by November 14, 2010. (International)
  116. NEW Luxury Reading- Stories: All-New Tales edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio. Enter by November 15, 2010. (US residents)
  117. NEW Luxury Reading- Virgin and the Crab by Robert Parry. Enter by November 15, 2010. (US/Canada/European Union residents)
  118. NEW Luxury Reading- The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant. Enter by November 15, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
  119. Daisy Chain Book Reviews- choice of book from 2011 debut authors. Enter by November 22, 2010. (International where the Book Depository ships)
  120. The Bookologist- Prize Pack One: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton, Unearthly by Cynthia Hand & Delirium by Lauren Oliver. Prize Pack Two: Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting, Afterlife by Claudia Gray & Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston. Contest ends December 1, 2010. (US-1 winner, International-1 winner)
  121. *NEW My Love Affair With Books- 7 choices: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Leonardo's Swans by Karen Essex, Speak Softly, She Can Hear by Pam Lewis, The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen, Sunshine by Robin McKinley, My sister's keeper-Jodi Picoult, and The Lake of Dead Languages. Enter by December 14, 2010. (International)
  122. *NEW Avery's Book (and Other Fun Stuff) Nook- $15 gift certificate for amazon. Depending on how many people follow on the blog determines how many prizes will be given. Contest ends December 24, 2010. (US/Canada/UK only)

Weekly Contests:

~Fang-tastic Books has giveaways weekly, with winners announced on Wednesdays.

~Bitten by Books has new contests daily, ranging from interviews to daily book chats.

Heads Up:

Are you also posting a weekly contest listing? Email me and I’ll add your link here!

Like I said, feel free to email me anytime at notreallysouthernvampchick(at)gmail(dot)com with any contests you want me to put in my next Win on Wednesday post, or fill out my pretty new form below! Also, if I missed a contest of yours, leave a link in the comments if you want to get the word out about it. Or if I got something wrong in the list, please let me know. :)

Pre-Release Book Tour: The Darkness by Crystal Connor

book tour,The Darkness,Crystal Conner

Today we get to be one of the stops for Crystal Connor’s The Darkness Pre-Release Virtual Book Tour thanks to Books And…! Crystal has answered a few questions for us, I give my opinion on the first five chapters of the Darkness, and you can read the book synopsis, her author bio, and the tour schedule and see the book trailer! So read on everybody.

Mini Interview

Amanda: When did you start writing?

Crystal: Telling spooky little stories is something I've always done, but I don't think I started writing them until about Jr. High School.

Amanda: Where did your inspiration for The Darkness come from?

Crystal: It was a dream. I woke up and started writing (I keep a notebook and a pen on my nightstand) and after about 10 or 12 pages I thought I was done. But an editor and award winning author took one look at it & told me that The Darkness was not a short story and told me I was just being lazy. I didn't know it at the time but he was right and The Darkness morphed into my 1st full length novel.

Amanda: What authors do you enjoy reading?

Crystal: Stephen King is a staple in my literary diet, and so is Dean Kontz. Another author that is doing really good at monopolizing my reading time is Scott Sigler but I have recently discovered Jonathan Moon's "Mr. Moon's Nightmares", Robert R. Best's "All Kinds of Things Kill", Phill Rossi's "Crescent Moon" and anything I can get my hands on from Jenna M. Pittman.

Amanda: Who is your favorite literary character or the one you have most identified with?

Crystal: My favorite literary character is Shori Matthews, the protaganist of Octavia E. Bulter's "Fledgling" 

Amanda: What do you like doing for Halloween?

Crystal: What I usually do is turn off all the lights and go into the back room and sleep. If I try to watch a movie the little kids see the light flickering from the TV and someone knocks on the door every 15 min or right at the best part of the movie.

I won't be giving out candy this year, I'm working Seattle's 2010 ZomBcon this weekend and on Friday night I'll be hanging out at the Wayward Coffee Shop in Seattle to listen to horror reading performed by Michael Montoure and Jenna M. Pitman.

Amanda: Thank you so much Crystal for taking the time to answer my questions!

Mini Review of Chapters 1-5

I was sucked into The Darkness right off the bat. The opening lines are now some of my favorites! (I’ll give you that quote when I review the book lol) I’m a complete science nerd, so I must say I love all the genetics and science research aspects to this that come in on Artemisia’s side. Then you get the magic side of it all with Inanna. Add in the creepy stalker and horror effects and I’m one happy girl and can not wait to read the rest!!

The Darkness,Crystal Conner,book cover

Synopsis

An urban fantasy/science fiction book, The Darkness is told in an urban setting. Artemisia, a scientist who also practices alchemy, is wealthy beyond imagination. As an alchemist Artemisia has created and controls an empire of jewelry firms and factories that monopolizes the industry globally. As a scientist Artemisia is one of the founding members of The Skyward Group, a privately funded, secret science research facility in which experiments erase the boundaries of where man ends and God begins. Artemisia has everything: money, fame, knowledge and power. That is, she has everything except a child.

Inanna, a powerful and dangerous witch, is wealthy beyond imagination. At a very young age Inanna frightened the others in her village and, in the middle of the night, they tried to kill her and her mother. Inanna’s life was spared, but her mother perished. In her grief and rage Inanna killed the people of her village and resolved herself to studying all things occult, vowing never to be hurt again. As a witch, Inanna has everything: money, fame, knowledge and power. That is, everything except a child.

The child, at three months old, saw the world only through the bars of his locked cage. He has nothing; he doesn’t have a mommy, he doesn’t have a daddy and he doesn’t have a name. The scientists working for The Alpha Omega Foundation do not talk to the child; they only study him because the child is dangerous. The child could make things happen just by thinking them into existence—even if it meant making them dead.

When Artemisia is made aware of the experiment being conducted by her archenemy, she sets into motion a chain of events that will change her life and that of the child, forever. The Skyward Group sends a team to retrieve the child. Under The Skywards Group’s guardianship, the child is finally given a name, Adam, and Artemisia finally has a child. For the next three and a half years, Adam flourishes under the experiments of The Skyward Group—until he mysteriously vanishes from the secure facility, causing Artemisia to be plunged into an abyss of turmoil and grief.

One night while Inanna was driving through a wooded area, four-year-old Adam stumbles onto the road and she almost runs him over. Surprised to see a child in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere, Inanna leaps from her car to see if Adam is okay. Because Adam is scared and confused, he tries to kill her. This is his third murder attempt, but unlike his first two victims, Inanna does not die. From that night forward, Adam lives with Inanna as her son, and Inanna finally has a child.

Artemisia believes that Adam had been kidnapped and killed. Fourteen years later, when Artemisia finds out otherwise, it might be too late to salvage the relationship with the child she considered her son. Adam is furious with Artemisia and struggles with feelings of abandonment and rejection, feeling like she just didn’t want him anymore.

Adam begins to stalk Artemisia, killing people she closely interacts with because he doesn’t know that Inanna cast spells of protection and cloaking to ensure he would not be found. Inanna tries to comfort Adam, but he refuses to be pacified because he wants to make Artemisia pay.

When Adam’s fury-driven decision ends in death, Artemisia feels relief, and Inanna promises vengeance.

Author Bio

Washington state native and author Crystal Y. Connor, now living in Seattle, has been writing short stories specializing in the urban fantasy/science fiction/horror genres and poetry since before junior high school. Connor’s short story The Ruins earned a runner-up placement in Seattle’s Crypticon 2010 writing contest. Her short story The Monster will be featured in the anthology Strange Tales Of Horror published by NorGus Press.

Connor belongs to both the Black Science Fiction Society and The Seattle Women’s Writing Groups and is an active member of The Critters Workshop. Connor’s current projects, Artificial Light, the sequel to The Darkness, and … And They All Lived Happily Ever After, is an anthology that will be released in 2011.

For more information about Connor and updates on current projects, please visit: http://wordsmithcrystalconnor.blogspot.com

Book Trailer

Pre-Buzz Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Monday, October 25th

Notorious Spinks Talks

Dren's B-Spot

Tuesday, October 26th

Sol Searching Radio

Loves 2 Read For Fun

Wednesday, October 27th

Not Really Southern Vamp Chick

Paper Cut Reviews

Thursday, October 28th

Character Corner Radio

Love Magazine Radio

Friday, October 29th

Ins and Outs

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