Winter is a wonderful time to catch up on reading. This is because bad weather regularly strands us at home. Even when it doesn’t, the roads are icy, all the shopping centers are mobbed, and sometimes the only way to get to the car is by shovel.
There is a lot at home to avoid, too: all those gifts waiting to be wrapped, goodies that have to be baked, and the holiday songs that must be rehearsed before the next party. From year to year I forget what I’m supposed to sing for the last six verses of The Twelve Days of Christmas. I’m serious; by the time I reach five golden rings, I start making it up as I go along (it’s ten ladies whining, right?)
There’s also nothing to watch on television but holiday specials, reruns, or those beloved classic films that some channels insist on playing in marathon fashion. I don’t know about you, but 24 hours of nothing but A Christmas Story seems to lose its charm by the third consecutive showing.
Even when we do have to go out, we must first dress appropriately, which means layering on the thermal underwear, warm clothes, heavy coats, scarves, hats, gloves . . . all of which make us look like we should be hovering over a parade float instead of getting the mail or walking the dogs. I’m not too proud to admit that now and then during the coldest days I’ve gotten in the car and cranked up the heat so I can drive down to the mailbox. We have a really long driveway. I’ve never measured it, but in winter it feels like ten miles one way.
Reading, on the other hand, is something I can do curled up in my favorite armchair with a quilt and a mug of hot chocolate. It’s a cozy, relaxing way to spend a couple of hours, the dogs love cuddle up with me and my book, and it doesn’t require a frost scraper, multiple applications of Chapstick, or trying to remember the correct order of things my true love gave to me (maybe it’s ten writers writing. Or if it isn’t, it should be.)
So if we’re all agreed that the best thing to do during the long, cold winters is to read, I will mention that my latest novel, Nightbred, is being released on December 4th. Nightbred tells the story of Chris Lang, a young woman who has been working nonstop for the past three years in order to attain the rank of tresora, the most trusted of the Kyn’s human allies. Becoming a tresora is the only way that Chris can spend her life with Jamys Durand, the Kyn warrior she secretly loves.
Jamys Durand has also endured some horrible ordeals, but nothing has made him despair as much as falling in love with Chris. Even if they could find a way to be together, he has nothing to offer her but his heart. That’s why Jamys comes to the stronghold where Chris works, in search of a lost and very dangerous ancient treasure rumored to be hidden nearby. Jamys will stop at nothing to find it and use it to provide a future for him and his lady.
Chris and Jamys are soon working together to track down the lost treasure, and in time they discover their feelings for each other run much deeper and wilder than either of them had ever imagined. What they don’t know is that another immortal is on the hunt, too; one who has a terrifying power over humans and other Kyn. For this hidden enemy once owned the priceless treasure and will do whatever it takes to steal it — and Chris — from Jamys.
Nightbred is the second book in my Lords of the Darkyn trilogy, and while I’m probably biased, I think it will make a wonderful read for the holidays. It offers a terrific cast of characters, plenty of romance and adventure, and a few things you might not expect (like pirates.) Add Nightbred to your pile of winter reads, and prepare to be whisked away to a tropical paradise of beautiful beaches, dangerous loves, gorgeous deserted islands and absolutely no frost, ice or snow storms whatsoever.
[Ed. Lynn is giving away a gift tote crammed full of goodies – signed paperback copies of Nightborn and Nightbred, a limited edition beaded Bookloop, an unsigned trade paperback copy of Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (one of her favorite authors to read during long cold winter nights), a Corelle bamboo mug, packets of hot cocoa mix in five different, luscious flavors and a box of Walker’s shortbread. The tote is one Lynn made herself; she’s been experimenting with holographic thread and she quilted the entire piece with it. There’s a hand-dyed silk ribbon with some abalone shell accents, and the effect of the fabric and the thread makes it look a bit like the ribbon is floating on water. So be sure to leave a meaningful comment or question for Lynn to perhaps have this terrific prize sent your way!]
This is a stupendous prize package!
As I am from the semi-frozen north (near Detroit) the cocoa, quilt and book triad is a tried and true method of survival. Lynn’s books are some of the best I’ve read (I review for an online site, so this is from someone who reads tons of books each year, both professionally and for pleasure.) I heartily recommend anyone who enjoys Urban Fantasy give them a whirl.
I love the feelings of the holidays, the anticipation of my kids opening their presents on Christmas morning! I hate the commercialism that has taken over Thanksgiving and will soon overwhelm Halloween. I can’t wait to curl up with the new Kyn book!
By December 4th my holiday shopping should be done and the parcels should be in the mail. My reward will be curling up with Nightbred, a cup of hot chocolate and my fuzzy pajamas.
Winter is also the perfect time to create gifts for others! I love that Lynn is always making things to give away and share with her readers-as if her writing wasn’t enough. Once the madness of the holidays passes, I’ll be curling up to reward myself with some time for creating and for appreciating the craft of others.
Lynn is such a talented person. I’ve been following her blog for years now and I’m constantly amazed at how many artistic things she does. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for her new book in December. 🙂
I always catch the 24 hr marathon of A Christmas Story. I watch Elf when it comes on, too. I try to do all my shopping online, but sometimes I brave the crowds for the great deals.
I have read Lynn’s blog and seen some of the wonderful creative gifts/items she has made. She has inspired me for the last couple of years to try to make at least one thing for each family member at Christmas. Last year, I gave handmade journals, and my family loved them! I loved the fact that what I gave them was unique and couldn’t be bought at any store. Besides, I learned a lot about bookbinding and actually picked up a new hobby.
Right now,I am working on a mosaic bird bath for my sister for Christmas. So, thank you, Ms. Viehl, for the inspiration.
I am so looking forward to newest Lords of Darkyn novel on December 4.
Diana, thanks for very generous recommendation. You also have my admiration for your survival skills — I’ve actually been to Detroit during the winter, and while that was way back in the 80’s my fingers and toes still go numb when I remember those icy temps. 🙂
I love Christmas morning too, Leslee — I think I’m always more excited than the kids. This year we decided to start a new tradition, though. Since my kids have outgrown toys and have enough gadgets to last them an eternity, we all agreed to buy one small gift for each other with a max spending limit of $10.00. The rest of the money we normally spend on each other we’re instead donating to help folks in need. This year it will go to a fund to benefit the residents of Rockaway, NY, my Dad’s hometown, to help them recover from Hurricane Sandy.
Darlene, I bet you have cats all over your fuzzy pajamas. Little magical cats. 😉
I just love your books. Just finished Nightborn the other day. Can’t wait for this next one. Last year we didn’t get alot of snow but they are saying this year will be different. So that means I will be staying in and doing alot of reading.
Thanks for the kind words, Anne. I love to quilt, and it’s always fun to share the results with my readers. Plus my guy says if I make one more thing for our house he’s going to open it up as a mini quilt museum and charge admission. 🙂
All the artistic projects keep me out of trouble, Jessica. I think if I didn’t have something to quilt daily I’d probably drive my family nuts (this because I already aphabetize the canned goods and the spices. But really, is it my fault it’s easier to find things if they’re in A to Z order? Ha.)
You’re braver than me, Jane; I can only watch A Christmas Story once per year. I do love Elf, though — Will Ferrel makes me laugh so hard I usually end up in tears.
Kathy, I’m delighted to take the blame for infecting you with the creative bug, and handmade journals are wonderful. The pleasure of giving a one-of-a-kind gift to someone always makes the extra effort worthwhile to me. One thing I did this year for a friend was write a journal for her (originally she gave me the blank journal as a gift.) I carried it around with me everywhere for a week and wrote about my days, added photos of neat things I saw and little bits of projects I was working on, etc. It’s like writing a really long letter but it gives you time to think about what you want to say. Anyway, it was a lot of fun, and I know she was surprised when the journal came back all filled up. She probably thinks I’m crazy, but in the good way.
Robin, thanks for investing in Nightborn — I hope you enjoy Nightbred just as much. We were supposed to have some warmer weather here today (at least that’s what they forecast) but I’ve been bundled up since morning. I have the feeling this winter is going to have us all reading a lot more.
omg, omg! *trying to settle down* Jamys!
Private Demon was the first book I picked up. I was like 20ish. I jumped into the series and became an avid fan since then. I always wanted to know more about Jamys though. *squeal!*
I found the short story with him, but it only fueled my daydreams more. >.>
What a beautiful and unique giveaway. Lynn is a talented and creative artist, whether it is writing her novels or making quilts, tote bags and many and varied gorgeous items. To be able to sit down and read during the winter gives me great pleasure. A cup of tea and a novel is the ultimate relaxation.
Fabulous giveaway 😀 I’m all done with my holiday shopping and it’s not even Thanksgiving (high fives for me!) … all in avid anticipation of reading books, books and MORE books! Haha I live to read GREAT books written by talented and creative Authors … Lynn Viehl is at the top of my MUST READ authors (devouring every vowel and consonant as soon as her books are released). Yummy! Better than chocolate … better than cheesecake … even better than espresso!
I admire Lynn’s abilities. The books are compelling and special, but her forte is her generosity in giving away her beautifully hand crafted and one of a kind amazing specialties. Winter is the best time to immerse myself within the pages of books with chai nearby.
Great giveaway! I haven’t even started on my shopping yet. I think I will give a lot of Amazon cards this year. I know that is what my sister’s want because of getting books. Yes reading is my favorite thing to do in the winter. I am so not ready for the holidays but I guess I have better get started. I have a dinner to cook on Dec 1 for sisters birthday and I never seem to get any shopping done until after that.
What genre do you read most of the time?
I do enjoy sitting on the couch with a blanket and a good book in the winter and Nightbred sounds like a perfect story for those days. Chris sounds like an amazing heroine, changing her life so she can be with her hero.
Reading allows me to escape and that is necessary for my health. Nightbred is wonderful to get lost in and forget about life and problems. Winter and the holidays is always about family and preparing delectable meals, but peace and reading is what I crave. Lynn is a great weaver of stories.
what an awesome prize!! I LOVE your books, and I’m anxiously awaitng the Dec 4th release. I’ve moved away from the ice and snow, but I still need my winter books!
A hot drink and a good book on a cold winter night are a perfect combination.
Dear Lynn,
I love that you are continuing the Darkyn series, but do you plan to do any more published work in the Stardoc series?
Thanks.
(PS, please put me in the draw for the tote!)
My bookshelf already has a space for the rest of this series….but don’t let it end! I have shared your books with so many friends, not only during the winter. The summer reads still have sand falling out of the pages and pressed flowers and dried leaves mark the other season’s borrows. Congratulations, Lynn, on this next adventure.
Amber, I always wanted to write Jamys as a protagonist in a novel-length story (he was one of my favorite characters from the original series), so I was delighted when my editor approved him as the male lead for Nightbred. I think — and hope! — you’ll be pleased with the results.
Ellie, thanks for the lovely compliments. I’m a tea lover, too, so I often brew up a pot to warm me along with my winter reads.
Olympia, congrats on getting your shopping finished so early! Now we all want to know how you managed it — or talk you into being our personal shopper for a week. 🙂
Pearl, you’re a writer’s dream whisperer. Thank you.
Quilt lady, I know I speak for almost everyone when I say bookseller gift cards are wonderful, welcome presents during the holidays — you’re not only giving the gift of books, but the chance to choose the ones that are at the top of our I-want list.
As to which genre I read most of the time, I’d say romance of any variety (paranormal is probably my favorite sub-category.)
Maureen, I think Chris is one of the more unusual protagonists I’ve written in some time. In developing her as a character I’ve watched her grow up from a mouthy teenager to a deep and rather mysterious young woman. I don’t often have the opportunity to allow a character to age like (series rarely last so long) that so it’s been fun and very interesting.
Diane, I think reading does contribute in many ways to our peace of mind and our well-being, which I know from my own experiences can have a positive effect on health, too. Books actively engage our imagination, so our minds get a work out while we’re enjoying the story.
Michelle, we want to come and stay at your house for December. Maybe January, too. Is that okay? Ha. I hope you enjoy Nightbred and your ice- and snow-free winter.
Joyce, if we all go to Michelle’s for the holidays you’re in charge of the hot chocolate. Bring marshmallows. 🙂
Melissa, I have no plans to write any more StarDoc novels. I’m always open to the possibility of revisiting SF again, but after 12 years and too many uncertainties I felt it was time to wrap up StarDoc, and I’m glad I did. I never wanted to leave the readers hanging again as I did after book 5. I appreciate so much all the support I received from my readers for the series, and I’ll never forget how you all kept me going for years after everyone else had given up on the books.
Now, that’s the bad news. The good news is that I’m actually writing a Sci-fantasy novel online for NaNoWriMo this month, and posting new pages each day along with my edits so other writers can see how my process works. Once I finish the book I’ll be putting it in my library of free reads, but if you want to follow along as I write it you can find links to the novel on my weblog.
Margaret, thank you. Your description of the books made me smile (and tear up a bit.)
I am going to say goodnight as it’s getting late, but I will be stopping in tomorrow to visit again — thank you all for the wonderful comments, and good luck with the giveaway!
Like others I’ve been following Lynn’s blog for a couple of years now and have fallen in serious want for several of her handmade totes. There was a beautiful deep purple one that shimmered. I didn’t win it though – deep sigh! I’ve got Nightbred pre-ordered but being in the UK I have to wait until February for it. I can wait because I know it’ll be well worth it and in the meantime I can re-read the others. Another thing I’m grateful to Lynn for is the number of new authors recommendations on her blog, particularly Sarah Addison Allen and Sofie Kelly.
Thank you for this lovely post! Pleasure reading is something that is not really on my agenda at the moment due to grad school, but I am very much looking forward to spending as many winter break days and evenings curled up with a good book. Ten readers reading, perhaps? 🙂
Do you find that your hero or heroine has a bad or good day based on what type of day or week you are having?
Hi Lynn. Great post. I am huge fan of your books. I can’t wait to read NightBred. 🙂 Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
I moved from Wyoming to Arizona 13 years ago, and I stil am not used to having the warm weather and no snow during the winter season. It is nice, but I miss sitting by fire in the morning and reading a book. Ahh, we had it so good when we were kids, I used to read 3-4 books a day if I could get away with it. I have been waiting to buy a lot of my authors I like, so I am excited for this Christmas, I have a lot of books saved up!
I have always had a soft spot for Jamys due his mother’s actions. The novel Incarnatio (i think) also ages him a little bit. Will Jema & thierry Durand be making an appearance?
Lucien & Sam? I will re-read it before I read Nightbred.
I LOVE your stuff.
But i am begging you, please write a book on John Keller. I am on my knees, please revisit the Kellers as they are really the centerpiece of this world for me (along with Richard T).
Ms. Viehl, that is a great idea when they are older. I started doing something similar with my kids in that I have them clean out their toys and the ones that are in good shape with all the pieces, we donate to a local place that gets them to the kids. We also do new toys as well. I was lucky enough to get a bookmark that Ms. Viehl made in a giveway with an ARC a few years ago. I treasure it and at one point thought I had lost it. I was devastated! But luckily it turned up. 🙂
Love to cozy up in the cold with a good book (like one of Lynn’s). That’s a neat tote, I always like seeing your various artistic projects, colors and patterns that appeal to me. My mother and two aunts do a variety of hand crafts and painting, and have so many unique gifts from them from over the years.
I completely agree that the best way to pass time during winter (or any other season), is curled up with a good book, a blanket, and either hot chocolate or a cold drink 🙂 As long as I have a good book, I am a happy camper.
Congrats on the upcoming release!
Fran, thanks for the kind words. I am always sewing away at something, so keep trying — I have more giveaways coming up for Nightbred n the weeks ahead, and at least one will feature another of my handmade quilted totes.
Diane, that’s it! I’m singing ten readers reading this year. No one in this house will dare correct me. 🙂