The Super Sekrit Project REVEALED!

I've been teasing you all for a couple of months now by occasionally mentioning the Super Sekrit Project I've been working on--but I swear, it wasn't my fault.

The thing about publishing is that you don't want to announce any project, no matter how certain it seems, until you have a contract. And the contract for this project was unusually complicated because there were two people involved.

That got your attention, didn't it? Okay--here is your first hint. This is other person who is working on the Super Sekrit Project with me: Elisabeth Alba

Go ahead, take a look. I'll wait. Do you have a guess what the project might be?

Here's another hint: this project is for Llewellyn, but it is completely different from anything I have ever done before.

NOW do you have a guess?

*bounce* *bounce* *bounce*

Okay, I'll tell you!

I'm doing a TAROT DECK.
I know! How cool is that? (Can you tell I'm a little excited?) I hadn't really planned to do anything else with Llewellyn, beyond the book I have coming out in March [Everyday Witchcraft, a follow-up to The Goddess is in the Details, which just went back for an 6th printing, by the way.]. I'm mostly focusing on the fiction for now. But when I got offered the chance to do a tarot deck, the project was just too fun and cool to say no to. And then they found Elisabeth to do the art, and I was even happier I'd said yes, because I really love her work.

We don't know what it is going to be called, although we are using "Retro Tarot" as a working title, because the style is loosely based on the art for the front cover of The Witch's Broom. You remember that, right?

We'll probably end up calling it something like "Everyday Witch Tarot" or "Practical Witch Tarot," because as usual, I'll be taking a simple, practical, and easily accessible approach. It is my job to come up with the theme, and the descriptions for all 78 cards (we are using the basic Rider-Waite tarot as a base to work from, since most people are familiar with those cards). And then write a 300 page book to go with the cards, which Elisabeth creates based on my descriptions. She's amazing, so I think this deck is going to be really something.

Here's a little note from Elisabeth (who is going to do a blog post of her own about the project--as soon as she's done GETTING MARRIED): 

I'm very excited to be working with Deborah on this tarot project over the next year and a half. Her writing and my art are meshing fantastically so far, and I can't wait to see what other cards await my pen and paintbrush! This will be a fun collaboration, and I'm very pleased and honored to be working on it with Deborah and everyone at Llewellyn.

(And yes, she did say "year and a half." That's how long it takes to create a tarot deck, mostly because of the insane amount of artwork involved. So this won't be out until sometime in 2016. Darn it.)

Here's a little sample of what we're working on:
The Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles

And here's what it will say about the card in the book:

Caption: “Prosperity and abundance come in many forms.”

Underneath caption: You have everything you need and most of what you want. Life is full of gifts, if you open your heart and spirit to them.

Detailed explanation of card:

Prosperity is as a much a state of mind as it is the state of your bank account. There is abundance all around you, and people who will help you achieve your goals. If you are rooted in the earth and tuned into the glory of the world around you, it is that much more likely that you too will blossom and grow. Be the Queen of your own domain, but rule with love and an open heart.

Things to consider – Do you appreciate the riches in your life, whatever form they take? Are you open to new opportunities? Are you fully present in your own life? How can you make the most of the possibilities available to you now, and how can you prepare for any new possibilities that lie ahead? Embrace your own power without fear. Be open to help from others who are willing to work for your benefit. Remember that prosperity doesn’t have to mean money.

 

The 4 of Swords

The 4 of Swords

Caption: “To Sleep, Perchance to Dream”

Underneath caption: Are you resting, or retreating?

Detailed explanation of card:

We all need to pull back from the world from time to time; take a break, catch our breath, and regroup. The trick is to know the difference between the lack of movement that is positive and beneficial, and the lack of movement that means we are stuck, in a state of suspended animation.

Things to consider: Depending on where this card falls in a reading, it may be a suggestion that you need to rest and refresh your spirit, giving yourself the time and space to renew body, mind, and spirit. Alternately, it may indicate that you are stuck in a rut, spinning your wheels when you should be taking action. Are you tired and overwhelmed? Or are you running away from making the tough choices or taking decisive action that you know is needed. Is there someone in your life who is holding you back, or whose lack of action has a negative effect on your current circumstances? This card indicates that they are stuck, and probably not going to change. Do you need a rest or a wake-up call?

As you can see, we are using lots of traditional imagery, like black hats, and brooms, and black cats. I'm having a blast working on this project, and I'm so glad I can finally share it with all of you! What do you think?

Fall Equinox Spell for Balance

The fall or autumnal equinox, known as Mabon on the Pagan Wheel of the Year, starts today, Monday the 22nd at 10:29 EDT. Many calendars show it tomorrow, the 23rd, in part because of the difference in time zones Why fall begins Monday. (In fact, my Llewellyn calendar says it is today, my cute cat calendar says tomorrow.) It doesn't really matter when you celebrate, though. Blue Moon Circle got together yesterday.

Cider in the chalice, ginger cookies & homemade bread & fresh tomatoes--it must be Mabon!

What does matter is that once again, we are shifting gears; moving from the long bright days of summer to the more measured pace of autumn. Things aren't necessarily obviously slower yet, as we still have to finish the harvest (whether actual or metaphorical), but we can tell the things are winding down.

On the equinox, the darkness and light are equal, so this makes the day the perfect time to do some magickal work for balance. Who couldn't use more of that in their lives?

Here is a spell for balance from my book, EVERYDAY WITCH A TO Z SPELLBOOK (Llewellyn, 2010).

Optional Extras: Four items to represent Earth, Air, Fire and Water (for instance, a rock, a feather, a small candle and a bowl of water), one black candle and one white candle

Note: Since this is a spell for balance, make sure your altar is set up in a balanced way. Start by visualizing the imbalances in your life or a particular situation (too much work or stress, not enough love) and picture them being balanced out by whatever you are lacking. If you are too overwhelmed to even figure out what you need, just feel yourself opening up to whatever the gods send in response to your prayer. Then light the dark and light candles.

Earth and Air, Water and Fire

Grant to me my heart’s desire

Balance now my troubled life

Wash away confusion’s strife

Even out the high and low

Gently soothe the ebb and flow

Dark and light in balance be

From extremes please set me free

Calm, serene and peaceful I

With ease and grace my days will fly

As above and so below

Balance to my life bestow

Some Good News

We're still working on the contract for the Super Sekrit Project, but we're getting closer, so hopefully I can announce something soon...

In the meanwhile, I have a few other bits of good news.

I found out from my agent (who found out from my editor) that Wickedly Dangerous hit Barnes and Nobles romance mass market bestseller list for the last two weeks in a row, topping out at #5 last week! Can I get a WOOT!?

Circle, Coven & Grove is still doing really well (it was at #59 in Kindle Wicca and Witchcraft last time I checked). Big thanks to everyone who bought either one! (And especially to those who put up nice reviews.)

And because I am Just That Nice (yes, I really am) I decided to put up a copy of Wickedly Dangerous for a Goodreads Giveaway. I wasn't sure if people would still be interested in such a thing, but since I got 112 entries today and I haven't even announced it yet, I guess they are :-)

It is open to USA and Canada residents, so if you haven't already bought the book (WHAT???), go ahead and enter!

 
 

    Goodreads Book Giveaway
 

   

       
   

   

     

          Wickedly Dangerous
     

     

          by Deborah Blake
     

     

         
            Giveaway ends October 18, 2014.
         

         
            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         

     

   

   

      Enter to win

Jewelry, Jewelry, Jewelry

Sometimes it is hard to remember that I have a life outside publishing...but now that Wickedly Dangerous is out in the world and managing more-or-less on its own, I am taking a brief break from writing to catch up with my OTHER side job, jewelry making.

Here's a glimpse at what I've been doing, in case you're curious...

Ryolite, also known as Rainforest Jasper

Poppy Jasper--perfect colors for fall

more Poppy Jasper

Snowflake Obsidian stars--an unusual stone I can't often get, but I love it!

Blue Onyx with neat ceramic beads

Sodalite -- like Lapis, but without the gold flecks (good for healing and peace)

What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Today I'm going to be working with carnelian, which is one of mine...

The Herb Harvest: Basil Uses, Magical and Mundane

We are in the midst of harvest season now. The Fall Equinox (also known as Mabon, and the 2nd of 3 harvest festivals on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year) is either the 22nd or the 23rd, depending on which calendar you look at. Either way, in most parts of the country, the harvest is in full swing, and most gardens are beginning to slow down as the nights grow cooler and the days grow shorter.

One of my favorite things to harvest at this time of year are herbs, so I've going to do a short series on a few of the ones I use the most. I tend to grow herbs that have multiple purposes: culinary, medicinal, and/or magical. Many herbs fall under this category, and they often have lovely flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects. They're usually easy to grow, and you can harvest smaller pieces all through the growing season simply by snipping off the amount you need.

One of my basil patches in the garden.

 Basil is one of the herbs that tastes immensely better fresh than it does dried, and although it can be grown in a pot on a windowsill, I've always found it does much better outside. It's very sensitive to frost, so once it gets cold, you need to do something with whatever basil you have left in the garden. For me, that means PESTO!

Pesto is a simple sauce made from a few ingredients. There is no cooking required--just put them all together in a food processor or a blender and whir them together until you get the consistency you like. If you don't have a machine, you can do it by hand, but this involves a lot of chopping...

Pesto freezes extremely well, so you can grow or buy fresh basil, and put up a big batch at the end of the season. When you pull a container out in the middle of winter, it is like having a little bit of summer on your plate.

Basil's magical properties are love, protection, and prosperity, which means that it pairs well with the other ingredients in pesto. The traditional recipe calls for pine nuts, which are actually the seeds from inside a pine cone. (prosperity, love, strength) and they impart a nice creamy taste that helps to cut the strong flavor of the basil. But pine nuts are expensive and can be hard to find, so you can either mix them with or substitute walnuts (protection, intellect). Along with these you will use olive oil (sacred in many cultures, and used for health, peace, and spirit), garlic (protection and health), grated Parmesan cheese, and salt. (I also use a tablespoon or so of lemon juice, although I've never seen a recipe that calls for it. It's my secret ingredient, so shhhh...)

All the other ingredients for pesto. Just add fresh basil.

Various recipes will call for different proportions of these ingredients, but I never measure. I just start off with a lot of basil and a little bit of everything else, then tweak it as desired. If you are working a little love, protection, or prosperity magick with your cooking, remember to focus on bringing out these qualities as you blend and stir.

The finished product, ready to toss with pasta, put on top of little red potatoes, or, anything else your little heart desires.

Monday Musings, Guest Posts, What's Next

Well, THAT was a short weekend. In fact, it was a short summer. I can't believe it is September. (You know, except for the copious ragweed...that's kind of hard to ignore.) Kids are back to school, here in Oneonta, the students have returned to our two colleges and the tourists are gone, which completely changes the feel of the town.

And, of course, WICKEDLY DANGEROUS is finally out in the world. I've done insane amounts of promo and guest blogs and contests, but that's winding down. You can check out my last two (coff) special appearances today, at
HARLEQUIN JUNKIE where there is a fun interview with me, and she is giving away TWO books
and
THE QWILLERY where I am asked some interesting questions, and have been included as part of their 2014 Debut Author Challenge where participants have to read at least 12 debut books, and get a chance at winning a $100 gift card--doesn't that sound like fun!

This Thursday night, you'll be able to hear the dulcet tones of my voice (coff coff) on AFTER HOURS AM radio podcast (available via computer if you follow this link). I'll be on from 9:30-11pm EST, chatting with host Joe Sturgis about the new novel, the nonfiction books, and witchcraft in general. The show includes a call-in, so you can even call and say hi, and ask me a question if you want. [studio phone number is 612 326 6874]

People have been asking if the book is doing well. To be honest, I don't know. The only clue the author gets is Amazon's ranking numbers, and they change every couple of minute, and nobody really knows what they mean. For a while, my Circle, Coven, & Grove eBook rerelease was in the top of the Kindle witchcraft books (it even made it to #1 for a few weeks!). But that's a much smaller pool, and it was easier to be a big fish in it. [I kind of miss being a big fish in a small pond...apparently you guys need to go back to buying this book. I'm just saying.]

So I just don't know. Most of the reviews have been pretty good, and I am REALLY REALLY REALLY grateful to those who have read the book (or the prequel novella WICKEDLY MAGICAL ) and taken the trouble to post reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, and/or B&N. It is a huge help to an author--to me--when you do that.

As for sales, it is just to early to say if the book is "successful" or not. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed, and getting back to work on Everything Else. Things have kind of piled up in the last few weeks, believe it or not :-)

I'm hoping that I'll be able to announce the exciting Sekrit Project soon, but other than that, things are going back to whatever "normal" (coff coff coff) means around here. Expect the regular meanderings about witchcraft, gardens, cats, writing, and all that jazz for a while. Yes, it is okay to breathe a big sigh of relief.

Thank you all SO much for all of the support and encouragement you've given me during pre-book release and book release time. I have the best friends, followers, fans, and readers in the whole damn world. And if you don't believe me, I've got a dragon-dog who is eager to change your mind.

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*