Little Book of Cat Magic Review and Giveaway

As most of you know, THE LITTLE BOOK OF CAT MAGIC came out from Llewellyn (and me!) last October. Because there were some issues with the way the cover came back from the printer, there were problems with people getting the copies they'd preordered or getting the book when it first came out, and because of that, the book--which has a special place in my heart for obvious reasons (it was the last book that featured Magic the Cat)--hasn't gotten either the sales or the reviews or the recognition we would normally have expected.

This makes me kinda sad.

On the other hand, my Llewellyn publicist just forwarded me this fabulous review, by Anna Jedrziewski, which is going to be in the May/June issue of Retailing Insights.

The Little Book of Cat Magic: Spells, Charms & Tales

Deborah Blake

$15.99  P, 978-0-7387-5323-2

Llewellyn Publications, llewellyn.com

Many people interested in the occult sciences have cats. (Blake points out that no one ever really owns a cat.) Those who prefer dogs might not get this book. Those who already have an established admiration for felines should be bowled over by Blake’s humor and knowledge of cat history and trivia. (Evidence of cats living among people dates back 100,000 years. Egypt is where cats “first rose to power in their attempt to take over the world”. The prophet Muhammed loved cats. In early Japan, only the nobility could afford cats. The first association between cats and witches comes from Greek mythology. In the 1200’s, the Catholic Church officially declared cats evil and in league with the devil, resulting in a global massacre. It was Queen Victoria who rose in their defense, restoring them to their former glory.) Moving on to more serious considerations, this book records cat myths, folklore and tales, and cat deities. It includes volumes of serious information about connecting with and caring for felines. Of course, Blake delivers on the magic component with an indepth chapter on cats as familiars and another chapter on cat divination. There are even cat crafts and recipes. The book contains lots of quotes about cats. I’ll leave you with this one:

Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods.

Cats have never forgotten this. —Terry Pratchett

Isn't that great?! Of course, a professional review is a wonderful thing, but folks who go to places like Amazon and Goodreads like to read reviews by fellow readers like you. So I'd really love it if you read the book (and liked it), if you could take a minute to leave a review saying so. You have no idea  how much this helps. And there are only 13 reviews on Amazon. Sniffle.
You can leave a review using these links for Amazon or Goodreads or B & N (It doesn't have to be long or complicated.)

Of course, if you haven't read the book yet, you can't write a review. So you could go out and buy a copy (you know I'd love that) or you could, I don't know, enter this contest to win a signed copy, along with a cute stuffed black cat and a black cat bookmark.

Either way, I appreciate you giving this book some love. I'm sure that wherever she is, Magic the Cat does too.

All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Yes, you can take credit for things you've already done, like following me on Twitter or signing up for my newsletter. No, there is no purchase necessary, and you don't have to review the book to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contests, Links, Reviews and More

Wow--what a week.
Thank you all for all the kind words about Wickedly Dangerous, and for cheering me on during Book Release Week and for sharing the word about the book. Y'all rock AND roll.

I have been all over the Interwebs promoting the book, and there have been guest blogs, interviews, reviews, and contests. Here are a few of the highlights, in case you  missed them:

There is a guest post and a HUGE contest at Bitten by Books that runs until midnight on Friday night (EST). I'm giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!

And of course my contest ON MY BLOG HERE where I'm giving away a Super Prize Pack to one lucky winner (and where you can view my first-ever Vlog video and laugh at me). That contest also ends at midnight on Friday, so if you haven't entered yet, Go! Go! Go!

Nice reviews at Literary Escapism, at Ami's Hoard, at Heroes and Heartbreakers, at ISmellSheep (where they are giving away a copy of the book), an interview and book giveaway at Urban Fantasy Investigations, Talk Supe's Review and 5 Fun Facts about Baba Yaga, and interview and signed book giveaway at Lucienne Diver's Blog and others that I've lost track of...

Starting Friday morning (although I have to go in to work for a while) there will be a guest blog and contest at Fang-tastic Books, and I'll be popping in to answer comments all day, and probably on and off during the weekend. (I'm not exactly sure how long the contest lasts, so you might want to get there on Friday if you can.) I'm giving away a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, a signed book, and a bunch of swag!

And if you live anywhere near Oneonta, NY I'll be doing a booksigning at THE GREEN TOAD BOOKSTORE, my local Indy bookstore, from 1-3. (There is also a huge street-wide event called The Grand and Glorious Garage Sale going on at the same time, with live music, lots of garage sale type booths, and a farmer's market.) I hope you'll come see me!

Thanks again for all your support, and don't forget to send me your pictures of the book in the wild (or, you know, at your house) and to put up a review if you read the book. *blows you all kisses*

A Fabulous Review from RT Book Reviews!

Official reviews are starting to come in for Wickedly Dangerous

This is always a tense time for an author, and because this is my debut novel, I am even a bit twitchier than usual. What if no one loves my baby? Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case. One of the more important sources for reviews in the romance industry, RT Book Reviews, gave me an absolutely glowing four star review (since they only go up to 4 1/2 stars, I'm pretty darned happy with that!)

Check it out~

Book Review

 

http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/wickedly-dangerous WICKEDLY DANGEROUS by Deborah Blake Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance Sensuality: MILD RT Rating Looking for a fresh take on paranormal romance? Your search is over! Blake, who has previously self-published paranormal tales, makes her traditional publishing debut with a terrific spin on the Russian legend of the wicked witch Baba Yaga. In Blake’s universe, Baba Yaga is not an individual but rather a job title for a very chosen few who are selected to help guard the balance of nature and the borders between worlds. Wickedly Dangerous is innovative and fun, introducing some lesser known mythological characters and giving them a 21st century makeover. This reviewer is eager to see what else this talented newcomer has to offer! While on the surface she appears to be an herbalist and researcher, Barbara Yager’s true calling is that of the magical Baba Yaga. Older than she appears, Barbara travels the country in an enchanted Airstream along with her companion, dragon-turned-dog Chudo-Yudo, who guards the Water of Life and Death. At the moment, Barbara has been summoned to Clearwater County in upstate New York by the family of a young girl who has gone missing. Sheriff Liam McClellan is hunting for three missing kids, so he is suspicious of Barbara’s sudden arrival. To save these children, Barbara and Liam must work together, but is this sexy sheriff prepared to learn of the existence of magic and magical creatures? (BERKLEY SENSATION, Sep., 352 pp., $7.99) Reviewed By: Jill M. Smith Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION

People are Talking About Me (and Feline Friday)

People have been talking about me this week. Well, at least, they've been talking about my books, and that's a good thing!

Author Jim C. Hines had a great review of WICKEDLY DANGEROUS on his blog HERE (Spoiler: He liked it!)

Author Lisa Shearin was kind enough to spread the word at her blog HERE

(These are both amazing authors--two of my favorite writers AND people. If you're not reading them yet, you should definitely check them out.)

Rebecca Elson talked about The Witches Broom on her blog, The Magical Buffet

You should go check these things out and say hi--tell 'em Deborah sent you :-)

Maybe the most exciting of all was a review in one of the major romance publications, RT Book Reviews. They gave WICKEDLY DANGEROUS four stars (they only go up to 4 1/2, so 4 is great) and a really glowing review. (I'm not sure if you can read the review if you don't have a subscription, but here is the link in case you can.) RT BOOK REVIEWS

My wonderful publisher, Berkley, is giving away twenty copies of WICKEDLY DANGEROUS on GOODREADS -- go see if you can snag a copy!

It is hard to believe that the novella will be out on August 5th! That's next week! *faints* Wickedly Magical

And the lovely folks at Berkley sent me the first print copy of WICKEDLY DANGEROUS, hot off the presses. Magic the Cat was very impressed. Isn't it bee-oo-tiful?

Your Feline Friday picture

She doesn't look like she wants to give that one up, but pretty soon I should get my box of author copies, and then I suspect we'll be having some giveaways... In fact, I will probably do something next Tuesday, to celebrate the release of the novella, so stay tuned. (If you're not signed up for the newsletter, you might want to be...just saying.) I know I'm going to do an ARC giveaway on my Facebook Author Page (they don't let you do giveaways on your personal page, silly people), so if you want in on that, you should go like me.

 As you might expect, the next month or so is going to be a lot of "OMG THE BOOKS" around here, but I'll try to keep it interesting. Next up is a blog post on the origins of the Baba Yaga (the original stories, not my updated take on  it). I hope to have exciting news to announce soon about the Super Sekrit Project too.

Nothing but good times ahead! So are you as excited as Magic is about the book?

Fabulous Review of Wickedly Dangerous

*doing the happy author dance*

Author Jim C. Hines read an advanced reader copy of WICKEDLY DANGEROUS and reviewed it on his blog HERE (spoiler alert: he LIKED IT!).

I'm thrilled that Jim liked the book, not just because I love his writing and really respect him as an author, but because his Princess novels -- fabulous, original, kick-ass updates of some classic fairy tale characters -- are part of what inspired me to write the Baba Yaga series in the first place.

Go read Jim's review, then come back here and happy dance with me.

Guest Review: Diva talks about The Star Prophecy

I am a big fan of writers supporting other writers (I can't even begin to list the folks who have been supportive of my work over the years). I also love to spread the word about a good book. Today I've got a chance to do both, with this guest book review by my pal Diva, about my other pal Ainsley Brook's debut novel.

This one looks like it would appeal to many of the folks who read this blog, so I appreciate both of them allowing me to share this here!  (Don't you love this cover?!) What do you think...are you intrigued?

The Star Prophecy: A Diva Review

THE STAR PROPHECY: Book One of The Daughters of Prophecy

By Ainsley Brooks

The first full-length novel by promising romance author Ainsley Brooks is a strong entry into the epic fantasy sub genre. Brooks' heroine, a reclusive prophetess with magical powers, is an earthier Joan of Arc, herself worthy to be a mother goddess like the one worshipped by the denizens of Talehndor (the kingdom she seeks to save). Aerdrin has a vision of vast trees, a fiery destruction made more hellish by the panicked voices beseeching her for help. Though fearful of the rampant persecution magic wielders like herself face, she ventures from the sanctuary to rescue (!) Throne Prince Alkaidin Thane and his country from disaster.

The real triumph of this book (apart from the romance itself which is both soulful and steamy) lies in the strength of the main character. She is no tough-talking warrior, nor is she a shrinking violet. Though she is delicate and feminine, at every turn Aerdrin proves herself flinty and more than capable of taking care of herself…this is not a romance heroine who needs a rescue. She is, in fact, the savior of the story. Her hero is perhaps even more compelling than she. After spending his youth in exile, Kaid has reclaimed his rightful throne and is willing to marry a laughably horrible woman to secure a valuable alliance. His single-minded focus on restoring order and prosperity to his kingdom nearly gets him killed and he is reluctant to listen to Aerdrin's baneful prophecy regarding his kingdom. She gains his trust and learns the dark secret that he has kept hidden from even his nearest advisors. As he comes to rely on Aerdrin's wisdom and skill, Kaid comes to the painful realization that, while his nasty betrothed may be the perfect match for his throne, his true heart belongs to Aerdrin. 

The fate of the kingdom and indeed of the prince himself rely solely on Aerdrin. Without her, it is easy to believe that Kaid could never have faced the truth about himself and he, as well as his people, would have been lost entirely. Aerdrin is no larger-than-life heroine, though. She is all too human, feeling at times inadequate or fearful and reproaching herself for her growing feelings toward Kaid. As a reader, I felt so strongly that they belonged together that it was painful to see them torn asunder again and again by circumstance. At one point, I truly lost all hope of a happily-ever-after and complained aloud to an empty house that it was UNFAIR for Kaid and Aerdrin to be apart. This is that sort of novel, the kind that draws you in and makes the characters real to the reader. It has all the desire, yearning and sweeping romance in wartime that any Gone with the Wind fan would desire with the escapism and magic of the very best epic fantasies. 

This is that rare book that will appeal to fantasy fans as well as romance lovers looking to be swept away.

http://ainsleybrooks.com

http://www.amazon.com/The-Star-Prophecy-Book-Daughters-ebook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-star-prophecy-ainsley-brooks/1117701140?ean=2940148940593

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-star-prophecy

DARKBEAST: A Recommended Read

My friend Mindy Klasky just released her first middle-grade fantasy book under the name of Morgan Keyes. I was fortunate enough to read it in manuscript form, and it was one of the best books I've read in ages. (Don't let the "middle-grade" tag fool you; it is wonderful for younger readers, but also entertaining enough for folks like you and me. And if you're like my friend Lisa DiDio, who likes to read the same book her kids are reading, so they can discuss it, this is a perfect choice.)

Here is a copy of the review I put up on Amazon and B&N:

I grew up reading classic fantasy stories by such authors as Anne McCaffery, Andre Norton, Lloyd Alexander, and of course, Tolkien. I loved books that had strong female protagonists I could identify with, intriguing new worlds for me to get lost in, and an adventure I wanted to follow until the end (or beyond).

Author Morgan Keyes gives us all of those in her debut novel, Darkbeast. Keara is a believable, feisty, and courageous heroine, whose dedication to her companion Caw makes me root for her even when she makes mistakes. The world-building is fabulous, and reminds me of the classics of my youth, when authors created new lands I wanted to return to over and over.

This book is called a "Middle Grade" novel, and in fact I would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a good read for the younger set (it's a fast and easy read, perfect for the kid who doesn't "like" to read). But as an adult, I also found it satisfying and fun; I think it would suit anyone from 10 to 100.

If you like fantasy, you won't want to miss Darkbeast! (And if you have a favorite animal companion of your own, I'm sure they'd agree.)

Mindy/Morgan just found out today that B&N has chosen not to carry the book in its brick and mortar stores, although it will be available online and by special order. And, of course, it is on Amazon. For an author, this is a tough break, since that means that people can't just stumble across the book in a store--they have to know it exists and go looking for it. (Gives B&N a stern look.) So I'm trying to help by spreading the word. And I'd appreciate it if you would too, if you know of people you think might be interested.

 Mindy is going to guest blog here on September 21st (yay!). I'd love it if you'd run out and buy the book, then come back here (and to B&N or Amazon or Goodreads) and say how much you loved it :-)
DARKBEAST by Morgan Keyes

Some Happy Thoughts

Here are a few things that made me happy in the last couple of days:

A reader posted a lovely review of Witch Ever Way You Can over on Amazon.uk  [Here's the GREAT REVIEW if you're curious.] It completely made my morning. And reminded me that I don't really promote this book enough. Have you read it? If so, what did you think? And did you spread the word?

Yesterday afternoon, my editor at Llewellyn, the amazing Elysia Gallo, sent me the cover proof for the upcoming mini eBook, A Witch's Dozen. This is the one that is coming out as a companion to the new Everyday Witch Book of Rituals, due out in October. [Holy crap--October is soon!] The cover for the eBook was so cool, I can't wait to show it to you. I think you're going to love it as much as I did!

Clearly I need to start thinking about promotion for the new book. Anyone have any suggestions? (That don't involve travel or large expenditures of money...)

Speaking of promotions, for the first time I am doing a Goodreads giveaway for a new release. I wasn't sure if there would be any real interest in a witchcraft book, so I was really happy when I went to check on the contest yesterday and discovered that 321 people had already entered! *insert happy author dance here* If you want to win a free copy of the ritual book, be sure to enter. The contest runs until October 1st.

In general, I'm also happy that the sun is shining, it isn't 90 degrees out anymore and I am slowly clearing my desk of all the nonfiction obligations (articles, guest blogs, and such) so that I can back to work on the super sekrit novel project.

What's making you happy today?

Two Men I Love: Recommended Reading

A quick reminder: the next online witchcraft class, "Witchcraft on a Shoestring," starts next Monday, August 27th. Registration closes on the 26th at 6 PM EST, and the class is starting to fill up. I hope to see a few of you there Witchcraft/Writing Workshop blog

I have a stack of books I want to put up in a Recommended Reading post (long overdue), but I just finished reading two that particularly knocked my socks off, so I thought I'd put them up in one post right away, since they just came out.

I realized some time ago that I seem to read a lot more women authors than men. I've never counted, but I'm guessing it is at least 65/35...maybe more. I'm not sure why this is, really. I do have some male authors I have been reading for years, like the late Dick Francis (British mysteries) and the fabulous Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files). And then there are the two men I am currently madly in love with [don't tell their wives!]--

Alex Bledsoe and Jim C. Hines

If you are a regular reader here, you have probably seen me mention Alex before. I even put up a picture of Magic the Cat hogging the new book when it first arrived that blog post. He is an incredibly imaginative and original writer, with a number of different series out, but my favorite has always been his Eddie LeCrosse books. Eddie is a sword jockey--like a cross between a 50's private detective and a sword and sorcery hero. His adventures started with The Sword-Edged Blonde and continue with his 4th Eddie book, Wake of the Bloody Angel. There are pirates (including a mostly-retired pirate queen who is one of the best female protagonists I've seen in years), monsters, and mystery...as well as Eddie's unconventional and enduring love story. This was undeniably the best of them all: gripping, funny, and smart. You're going to want to read this book.

Jim C. Hines is another one with a couple of different series. I adored his Princess series, with kick-ass heroines based on fairy tale princesses like Snow White (but not like any Disney princess you've ever seen, I promise you!). He just started a new "Magic Ex Libris" series, beginning with LIBRIOMANCER in which the hero is a magic user and a librarian. Oh, man--you had me at librarian! This book sucked me in from the first page and didn't let go until I finally put it down at 2 in the morning. (*shakes fist at Jim*) This is another one that featured a female side-protagonist who was completely original, likeable, and fascinating. Hines creates an entire world of magical use involving books; it is unlike anything I've ever read before and will appeal to the reader-geek in everyone. I can't wait for the next book in this series, and to find out what happens with the...er...unconventional love affair that was revealed at the end of this one. I'd give this book six stars, if I could. 

So here are two more books I can recommend highly. What are you reading now that you recommend?

Recommended Reading: DARKLANDS by Nancy Holzner

They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its border—but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human…

Boston’s demons have been disappearing, and Vicky’s clients are canceling left and right. While fewer demons might seem like a good thing, Vicky suspects foul play. A missing Celtic cauldron from Harvard’s Peabody museum leads her to an unwelcome conclusion: Pryce, her demi-demon cousin and bitter enemy, is trying to regain his full powers.

But Pryce isn’t alone. He’s conjured another, darker villain from Vicky’s past. To stop them from destroying everything she loves, she’ll have to face her own worst fear—in the realm of the dead itself.

I have been reading Nancy Holzner's "Deadtown" series since the first one came out a few years ago. The novels (Deadtown, Hellforged, Bloodstone, and now Darklands) have grown better and better with each release--the characters more compelling, the action more exciting, the romantic subplot more, well, romantic. Vicky is a believable and likable protagonist, despite her flaws, and Kane, the werewolf lawyer she in involved with, literally walks through Hell to be with her.

Holzner not only provides nonstop action from page one, she also accomplishes a feat that most writers find nearly impossible: summing up the important information from previous books so well, you can pick up book four and read it without having read any of the previous novels. (Although I highly recommend them all, and once you get hooked on this series, I promise you will want to follow Vicky's journey from the very beginning.)

She also accomplished the impossible in creating an unusual and sympathetic zombie character--something I (not a zombie fan, usually) would have bet against. This author is one not to miss. Highly recommended. 5 Stars!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937007707/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img 

Recommended Reading: The Garden of Happy Endings

Recommended Reading—The Garden of Happy Endings

Periodically I like to choose from among the best books I’ve read recently and share them with my readers. I’m a big advocate of spreading the word about great writers and great writing. The last couple of months, I have been truly amazed—almost everything I read was so great, most of the books made it to this list. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll talk about my favorites in more detail than usual—because they deserve it. I hope you’ll check some of them out.

One of the books that really stood out was THE GARDEN OF HAPPY ENDINGS by Barbara O’Neal. I discovered Barbara through another author I love, Jennifer Crusie, and immediately ran through everything she’d had published under that name. [She also writes romance under her own name, Barbara Samuel.] I suppose these books would be classified as “Women’s Fiction,” but frankly, I think they are in a genre all their own.

The book blurb says: “In Barbara O’Neal’s novel of hope and renewal, two very different sisters discover that life is like a garden: tend to it daily, nourish it with patience and optimism, then watch the beauty unfold.”

The beauty is interspersed with darkness, and the hope with tragedy. This is not an easy book to read, although the writing itself is lyrical and flows smoothly. Reverend Elsa Montgomery struggles with a crisis of faith after a terrible incident, and her sister Tamsin’s world is shattered when she discovers that her husband is a criminal. But there is also gardening, and community, and faith, and friendship, and love.

This book is a treasure: a feast for mind and heart and soul. Harsh, vibrant, gentle, loving…its spirit will resonate in my bones long after the words have faded from memory. It may be a novel, but it is not a work of fiction. Just the opposite, for it contains the essence of all that is real and true about life. Including, of course, a difficult, believable, and ultimately satisfying tale of love.

If you read one book this summer, make it this one.

The book on Amazon 

Barbara's Website 

Coming up soon, my favorite paranormal romance, YA paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy and short story anthology!

Also coming up is my next online workshop at the class loop http://witchywritingwithdeborahblake.blogspot.com/ -- registration is open now!

 

 For those who are writing a witch character (whether protagonist or antagonist) and want to get it right. See what's already been done, learn the basics of a modern witchcraft practice, and get hints from someone who has written six nonfiction and four fiction books about witches, magic, and spellcraft.

This is a class that I have given a number of times before, usually over the course of about three weeks. We're going to see if we can cram it into FIVE DAYS. Are you up to the challenge? I hope you'll join me!

10th 5 Star Review--with a Twist!

I saw yesterday that I was up to ten reviews for my paranormal romance ebook over on Amazon--all of them 5 Stars, which is very gratifying indeed!

(If you're one of the folks who left a review, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. With ebooks, this is even more important!)

I was reading the 10th review, which was very cute and very funny, when I discovered a surprise twist towards the end. It kind of tickled me, so I thought I'd post it here.

5.0 out of 5 stars Entrapment!, February 7, 2012

By

Harvey L. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Witch Ever Way You Can (Kindle Edition)

Entrapment! That's what it was. I get this innocent-looking e-mail, shamelessly promoting Deborah Blake's new novel, "Witch Ever Way You Can", and an invisible force causes me to click on a link that takes me to the Amazon website. I am invited to "look inside", but why should I? I rarely read novels and I never would read or watch anything dealing with the paranormal. I wasn't even slightly interested in checking into Harry Potter. But I'm slightly curious about this book, for reasons that I will explain later. So I click and get drawn into this hilarious opening scene of a midnight call from the world's 4th (or 5th) richest man to this sex-starved and skeptical witch (living with five cats) who tries to flip him off. Okay, so it's reasonably interesting. Let's see where this is going.

She decides to shove her cynicism aside and go to NYC to see him. But what will she wear. Like an old jock like me would give a damn? But here comes this vividly colorful scene of a gaggle of coven-mates rummaging through her closet in search of the right outfit. I can't wait for the motion picture. I hope Deborah held on to the movie rights. Now, drawn into the 3rd chapter, we have a titillating dinner scene (with her Hollywood idol, no less) that seriously challenges "When Harry Met Sally." But just when it gets interesting - she starts to stroke his leg with her shoeless foot - Whoops! Please deposit $2.99 for the rest of the story. Is this legal? It's not fair!

I'm hopelessly hooked. I'll sacrifice a bottle of the finest Two-buck Chuck to see where this goes. I call down to the wife "Hold all my calls and cancel my appointments. I'll be tied up for a while."

Now, in the way of full disclosure, I will shamelessly admit that the wonderfully talented and weird author is my eldest daughter. But still, you can't make this up. I don't read novels and I haven't the slightest interest in the paranormal. But I can't put this book down. And neither will you.

Tee hee. Now that's what I call a review. (Thank the GODS this isn't one of my books that has actual sex in it!) If you want to see the others, or check out the book, you can follow this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/dp/B006HWZPGO

Maladaptive Inertia

For those of you who missed it when I put this essay up as a guest blog on Alex Bledsoe's site, here is my take on "Maladaptive Inertia." (What is that? Well, you'll have to read the post to find out, won't you?)

And when you're done here, be sure to scoot over to Judy Long's Novel Truth's blog--she's put up a review of my paranormal romance, Witch Ever Way You Can! [Thanks, Judy...]
http://www.noveltruths.blogspot.com/2012/02/debbie-does-dallas-oops-i-mean-fiction.html

MALADAPTIVE INERTIA

You’ve probably heard of “inertia.” It is actually a physics term that refers to the fact that a body at rest tends to stay at rest. You probably haven’t heard of “maladaptive inertia,” however. That’s because I made it up. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. In fact, I’m guessing you’ve suffered from it once or twice, without even knowing it. Allow me to ‘splain.

I came up with the term maladaptive inertia years ago to describe the condition when it is just easier to keep doing more-or-less nothing (play one more game of solitaire on the computer, watch just one more show on TV) than it is to make yourself get moving on the things you actually NEED to do. So you waste lots of time and energy that you don’t have, and end up with that same old to-do list staring you in the face. Hence the “maladaptive.” This is not a time spent resting and rejuvenating, it serves no useful purpose, you know you’re doing it and that it isn’t good…and yet…there you are. Still sitting on your arse. Maladaptive inertia.

Admittedly, it makes for a good excuse. “Sorry I didn’t write that blog post for you, I had maladaptive inertia.” “I can’t take out the garbage, honey, I have maladaptive inertia.” Feel free to borrow it. [As long as you give me credit for coming up with it. I’m going to write a book about it. You know—as soon as I get over my maladaptive inertia.]

For writers, maladaptive inertia can be particularly tough. I had to put aside the novel I’d started in November, to deal with the December rush at my day job (I run an artists’ cooperative, so the holiday season is crazy time). Once the rush was over, I intended to jump right back into working on the writing. But I had…you guessed it. The truth is; it is a whole lot easier to KEEP writing than it is to START writing. Or to start up again.

So how do you get over maladaptive inertia, and get back to your writing (or taking out the garbage, or whatever it is you are supposed to be doing that is useful, rewarding, and necessary)? Here are a couple of the things that work best for me:

Keep plugging away at it. Don’t say, “Well, I’ve tried for three days to get back to my writing (or whatever). It hasn’t worked, so I give up.” Keep kicking yourself until you JUST DO IT.

Have your friends help you. When I am trying to get back into exercising, a friend and I often call each other up and say, “Okay—I just did 20 minutes. Tag, you’re it.” There is nothing like a friend to kick your butt into gear when you can’t do it on your own.

Set rules and rewards. For instance, when I am trying to get back into the writing zone, I’ll tell myself – no Twitter until you’ve written SOMETHING. Or, you don’t get a glass of wine until you’ve done at least three pages. (I find that one particularly motivating. But you can substitute chocolate, or whatever you like, such as watching your favorite TV show.)

Mostly, I find that it works to just get started on the writing, no matter what it takes. Because once you’ve started something, it is easier to keep working on it. Remember that other rule of physics: A body in motion is likely to stay in motion.

So put down the remote, walk away from the internet, or do whatever it is you have to do to break your pattern of maladaptive inertia. You can do it! I just wrote five pages. Tag—you’re it.

How to Make an Author Happy (And a contest)

How do you make an author happy? Well, you can buy their books of course..

But posting a great review? Really makes an author's heart sing...

Look, here's another 5 Star review of WITCH EVER WAY YOU CAN
http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/dp/B006HWZPGO

Yay! *does happy dance*

If you read the book and liked it, I'd love it if you could leave a review at Amazon and/or Goodreads. The first five people to post reviews (and come back here and tell me about it) will all get their names thrown in a cauldron...and one of them will win something COOL. (Yes, that's a one in five chance of winning. Not bad, eh? Must be the Christmas spirit getting into me...)

Of course, it would also make me pretty happy if you buy a copy for yourself or a friend. But I know a lot of you are waiting on the Nook version...which has now been delayed by my pal Robin's computer getting a virus. Considering we both have colds, that adds up to three viruses too many!

Hope you're all staying healthy and warm. And as always, thanks for all your support! It really does make this author very, very happy.

Book Updates and My Review of MAKING WAVES at ChicklitRWA

Hi all--

I have to say, I have been BLOWN AWAY by the great response to the epub of my book, WITCH EVER WAY YOU CAN. *big smoochies all around*

For those who asked, the Nook version will be coming out soon--my poor webmistress/book midwife Robin came down with a cold, so it is taking a bit longer than we'd planned. I'll let you know when we get it up on B&N and another spot we're looking at. Also, for the folks who said they didn't have ereaders (ironically, neither do I!), if you go to Amazon's Kindle site, you can download free apps to read Kindle books on your computer, tablet, or even your phone. (And maybe you'll get a Kindle or a Nook for Christmas...) Don't forget that you can give ebooks as gifts, too... (hint, hint, hint).

I haven't forgotten I said I was going to do a giveaway, either. I plan to take all the names of those who said they bought the book or spread the word (both here and on FB) and put them in a hat. Just haven't gotten to it yet...maybe later today.

In the meanwhile, I popped over to the Chicklit Writers of America blog and posted a review of one of the top 10 favorite books I read this year, Tawna Fenske's debut novel, MAKING WAVES. If you want to run over and see what I had to say (and maybe leave a comment so I don't look like a friendless loser...) that would be really nice!

http://chicklitwriters.com/2011/12/07/review-making-waves-by-tawna-fenske/

More news to come soon...

A Rave Review: The Hum and The Shiver by Alex Bledsoe (book give-away)

I have a lot of friends who are writers; you've seen me talk about them and their books here often. Many of these folks are on my lists of favorites to read and recommend; amongst them there are a few I consider EXCEPTIONAL--to the point where I await their newest books with an almost painful anticipation, then heave a sigh when I'm done reading and have to settle in to wait for the next.

Alex Bledsoe is one of these.

I just finished reading his new book, THE HUM AND THE SHIVER, and man, does it ever make you do both! The book's official release date is tomorrow, September 27th, and I was fortunate enough to get an advanced reader's copy from Alex's agent, the lovely Marlene Stringer. (Thanks, Marlene! I owe you one.) I'm going to tell you why you want to run out tomorrow and get a copy of this book.

But first, let me tell you about Alex. Alex and I first stumbled across each other when we were both finalists in the contest that led to our inclusion in the Llewellyn/BBI Media joint project, THE PAGAN ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT FICTION. We bonded over the shared torture of waiting to find out if either of us won (I came in third...the only time I've ever beaten Alex at anything, and at that, I think he was robbed) and then later over shared interests and beliefs. We've never met in person, because he lives in Wisconson and I live in upstate New York, but we keep in touch and applaud each other's successes.

I fell in love with Alex's writing with the publication of his first book, THE SWORD EDGED BLONDE. Who wouldn't love a guy who could create a world that is a cross between traditional sword and sorcery and a hard-edged detective novel...and pull it off beautifully. Genius, I tell you. The Library Journal called it "A well-crafted gem of a tale," which sums it up pretty well, I think. And the two books that followed it in the series just got better. (Number four is coming soon.)

Now there is THE HUM AND THE SHIVER. Here's the blurb from the back of the book:

No one knows where the Tufa came from, or how they ended up in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, yet when the first Europeans arrived, they were already there. Dark-haired, enigmatic, and suspicious of outsiders, the Tufa live quiet lives in the hills and valleys of Cloud County. While their origins may be lost to history, there are clues in their music—hints of their true nature buried in the songs they have passed down for generations.

Private Bronwyn Hyatt returns from Iraq wounded in body and in spirit, only to face the very things that drove her away in the first place: her family, her obligations to the Tufa, and her dangerous ex-boyfriend. But more trouble lurks in the mountains and hollows of her childhood home. Cryptic omens warn of impending tragedy, and a restless “haint” lurks nearby, waiting to reveal Bronwyn’s darkest secrets. Worst will need to summon the strength to take her place among the true Tufa and once again fly on the night winds. . . .

The Tufa are a fascinating people with secrets hidden underneath their secrets, and Bronwyn is an imperfect and tortured protagonist who nonetheless captures your heart. Bledsoe's writing is as sharp, evocative, and forceful as any author I have ever read; he draws you so deeply into the East Tennessee world of the Tufa, you are shocked to put down the book and find yourself on the couch at home. You live and breath and sing with the Tufa, and ache and cry and wonder with every character in this entralling book. There is magic hidden on the gravel roads of Cloud Country; the kind of magic that could only come from the creative mind of the amazing Alex Bledsoe.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. And I can't wait to hear what you all think of this book. So here's what I'm going to do. I happen to have an extra copy of his second book in the Eddie La Crosse series, BURN ME DEADLY (The Sword Edge Blond's follow up). In hardcover, no less. I'm going to give that book away to the first person who buys a copy of THE HUM AND THE SHIVER, reads it, and posts a review on either Amazon, Goodreads, or both. (Of course, you have to come back here and tell me you did it.)

And of course, I want all of you to check out this amazing book and tell me what you think. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Here are links to Amazon, so you can check out the book, and to Alex's website, so you can check out the guy himself. Be sure and tell him I sent you :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Hum-Shiver-Alex-Bledsoe/dp/0765327449
http://alexbledsoe.com/

Review: Red Hood's Revenge by Jim C. Hines

I loved the new Jim C. Hines book, and you can find out why at Debuts & Reviews
http://www.tianevitt.com/weblog/

What I'm Reading: 3 great books and a magazine

I just finished one great book and a terrific magazine, and am in the midst of two other fabulous books (one fiction, the other nonfiction). They're all so good, I wanted to share!

Just finished: Jim C. Hines' Red Hood's Revenge. The 3rd installment in his fairy tale series, the first 2 were also incredible. If you like fantasy, fairy tales retold in completely new ways, and just plan terrific writing, you will want to read these books. http://tinyurl.com/34hfdlt

Also read from cover to cover, the new issue (#21) of Witches & Pagans Magazine. Yes, my new column is in there, and that's nice, but there are also a ton of other interesting articles and two great interviews with Ellen Dugan and Starhawk. If you are a Pagan, you MUST read this issue.
http://tinyurl.com/39lydnx

Currently reading (started last night and already on page 122, which will give you some idea of how fast and fun this book is): Mindy Klasky's To Wish or Not to Wish. This book is the third and final installment of her genie series, but it can easily be read on its own (although the first 2 books were equally wonderful and I highly recommend them). If you like genies, live theater, fun heroines, realistic characters, and humor with your romance, you can't do any better than to read this book--or anything that Mindy has written, for that matter! She is easily one of my favorite authors, and I love her writing! Run out and get this book today!
http://tinyurl.com/3yudekl

The final book is a nonfiction book I'm reading as research for the current work in progress. But I'm finding the information fascinating enough that I am happy to be doing it. The book is Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch by Lora O'Brien, and it is exactly what it sounds like. I'm getting lots of great (and presumably authentic!) info, and the book is well-written and put together in a way that makes it easy to use.
http://tinyurl.com/345guwc

I highly recommend all of these books, and hope one of them catches your fancy. What you reading now, and what do you think of it? Is it something you would recommend to others?

Interview and Review

I had a rough night last night, but this morning made up for it in spades. When I went online, I found a great review of my newest book that I wasn't expecting, and there is an interview with me up at The Wiccan/Pagan Times. Go check 'em out, and if you'd like to come back here and comment (and leave comments there, so I don't look pitiful and friendless), I'd really appreciate it!

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday (or whatever day it is where you are).

Deborah
(you may have to copy and paste the links, since I can't seem to make the insert links command work)

http://www.twpt.com/everydaywitchblakespotlight.htm

http://themagicalbuffet.com/blog1/2010/07/11/the-deborah-blake-bias-a-book-review/

Review--Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom series

Check out my review of Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom series over on DEBUTS & REVIEWS. Here's a hint: I LOVE it!

http://www.tianevitt.com/2010/06/series-review-devon-monks-allie-beckstrom-series/