We Have a Spooktacular Duck Soup Winner!
November 3, 2007
WE HAVE A WINNER from our Duck Soup Recipe Contest (name drawn randomly)!!
PAM P (Ghost Pretzels)
And here's the quack worthy prize pack that will be coming your way courtesy of those quazy quackers at Berkley: Down and Dirty by Sandra Hill / Dark Hunger (Manga style) by Christine Feehan / A Lady Betrayed by Nicole Byrd / Eternal Love by Maggie Shayne (2in1: Eternity and Infinity) / Fairyville by Emma Holly
And, just because Berkley is so good to the Duckies, we drew another name:
Wendy (Creepy Witches Fingers)
And here's quack worthy Berkley prize pack #2: Dark Possession by Christine Feehan / Return to Me by Julia Templeton / Atlantis Awakening by Alyssa Day / Trouble in Paradise by Jill Shalvis / Elemental Magic by Sharon Shinn, Rebecca York, Carol Berg, Jean Johnson
Congrats and please email your name and mailing address to tgtbtu @ goodbadandunread . com (remove spaces) by noon CST on Friday, November 09, 2007. And it would be just duckie if you could put "Duck Soup Contest" in the subject line.
Hey Syb, that was fun! Can I have another contest and give more stuff away?! *evil grin*
Tags: 2007, Contest Winner, SpooktacularSpooktacular: EXCLUSIVE Excerpt of The Beast Within by Lisa Renee Jones
October 31, 2007
The wonderful Lisa Renee Jones shares an EXCLUSIVE (and unedited) excerpt with TGTBTU's readers. Her new Silhouette Nocturne novel, The Beast Within, releases tomorrow, 1 Nov 07.
Here's a link to some recommended pre-reading. It will help you understand what is going on in this excerpt.
So without further ado...
End of Chapter Seven and all of Chapter Eight...
Karen paced the bedroom floor, her stomach fluttering with a combination of worry and just plain sickness. She hadn't slept. Hadn't eaten. Hadn't stopped worrying since she'd gotten that telegram from Eva saying Mike was dead.
A rush of nausea came over her and Karen paused, pressing her palm to her forehead. God. She didn't have time to feel sick but her body wasn't cooperating. It wanted rest. If only she'd slept on the plane instead of worrying and working on her article.
Why wouldn't they let her see Eva?
She shouldn't have come here. She didn't even know if this healer treating Eva was a real doctor. She had to get her sister to another hospital. Besides, something wasn't right here. What exactly had she walked into? How could the man from the airport be here?
They were acting like they couldn't trust her and her sister. She'd seen all those big, burly men. It seemed like she should be the scared one, not them. So what was going on? Why treat them like this? Clearly, her sister was injured. It wasn't like she was lying.
And what harm could two women, without weapons - which they had searched her for when they locked her in the room - do to a bunch of macho men like these guys?
Her mind went back to the leader. To the man from the airport. Karen couldn't quite get her mind around his presence. Of course, her body had grasped the concept quite easily. Even tired, he'd drawn a sizzling reaction. A reaction she felt guilty as heck for. The man had her locked in a room, captive for all practical purposes, forbidding her from seeing her sister, and Karen had managed to get all lusty over him. How sick was that?
Read more
Spooktacular: The Beast Within by Lisa Renee Jones **NEW Release**
October 31, 2007
The Beast Within is Lisa Renee Jones introduction into her new Silhouette Nocturne series, The Knights of White . It will be followed in March 2008 with Beast of Desire and Beast of Darkness in July 08.
Known only as 'Jag', he leads the Knights of White against the soulless Darkland Beasts who took his wife and his life. Jag is immortal, destined to live with the vengeance he feels in his heart. And the dreams that haunt his soul. Sensual dreams of a woman. Dreams that threaten to unleash the beast within...
Karen Gibson is an innocent mortal, unwittingly thrown into this millenia-old battle, and, unwillingly, under Jag's protection. She and Jag are about to discover that they have met before - in the dreams they share.
Neither trusts the other. Neither can survive alone. The secret of those erotic dreams may be all that saves them - if Jag can only accept it. At risk is Karen's life. And Jag's immortal soul...
Knights of White: These demon hunters fight for all that is good...
Lisa Renee was telling me Nocture is going to get somewhat hotter. At least with some of their authors, they have signed on a few old EC authors. You can read a bit of it on her site. And then stick around... will have have an exclusive taste for your later today.
Spooktacular: Jennifer Estep wants all your candy
October 30, 2007
What do I want to dress up as for Halloween this year?
Easy. Whatever gets me the most candy. 
Everybody knows that's the real point of Halloween. The reason we dress up like butterflies and ghosts and superheroes. Sure, it's fun and make us feel all girly-girl feminine or kick-ass strong, depending on whether you're a fairy princess or Wonder Woman. But we also expect to be rewarded for it at the end of the night --with candy.
Like the song goes, I want candy. And lots of it.
At RWA this year, someone compared my Bigtime superhero series to "book candy." I think that's a pretty cool description for them -- and romance books in general. In honor of Halloween and all that sweet, sweet candy coming my way, I'd thought I'd share what I'll be picking out of my plastic orange pumpkin to read with some popular romance genres.
For the paranormals on my shelf, there really is only one choice -- dark chocolate. All those dark, dangerous men deserve an equally dark, luscious treat to go with them. Don't you think?
Historicals, you say? I'd have to go with something a bit more upscale and refined, like English toffee with chopped walnuts. Or perhaps some chewy caramels with just a hint of vanilla in them.
Romantic comedies deserve to be enjoyed with something just as light and fun as they are. M&Ms come to mind.
When reading a contemporaries, I usually grab a classic Hershey bar. Milk or dark chocolate, you decide.
A sweet or inspirational romance? I'm going for the candy apple, which is all sweet and sugary on the outside. And inside, there's fruit. Real fruit, so it's good for you, too. Right? Right.
As for my books, well, I'd suggest a Dum Dum lollipop. Sweet, simple sugar. Nothing too complicated, not too much angst. Just a sugar rush when you finish it.
Of course, I haven't even discussed half the Halloween candy out there, like Snickers and Three Musketeers and Tootsie Rolls. So many books, so much candy, so little time...
What about you? What kind of book candy will you curl up with this Halloween? What do you hope to get in your pumpkin? Inquiring minds want to know... Comment here and get a chance to win a Karma Girl and a Hot Mama t-shirt.
Yours in nougat,
Jennifer Estep
Spooktacular: Devon dates a zombie! / NOW with contest!
October 30, 2007
Zombie of My Dreams? Not Likely.
by Devon
I've got monsters on the brain. Not surprising, given the season and all. Things that go bump in the night are everywhere, from my local Target to all the Halloween books and shows my kids have been overdosing on The Nightmare Before Christmas (back-to-back three times Saturday afternoon), to the elaborate lawn displays put out by some of my neighbors.
As I watch yet another Scooby Doo movie, I can't help but compare the depictions of all things creepy and monstrous to the characters to be found in my favorite subgenre, the paranormal romance. How do authors take creatures meant to inspire fear and horror, and make them into heroes and heroines, objects of desire and romance?
The reasons for the appeal of the paranormal romance are numerous, in my opinion, and require multiple posts for me to explain all my theories. So I'll spare you. But, how to make undead bloodsuckers and hairy wolfmen romantically appealling?
Putting it simplistically, it's a matter of taking out the ugly, and leaving in the power and strength. Let's look at perennial favorites the vampire and the werewolf. We don't want a romance vamp to look like Count Orlok or even Bela Lugosi. Nor do we want our werewolves to look like that guy. He must be human enough not to squick a reader out. It's the power and strength that we are drawn to, the heightened senses, the abilities no regular man has.
But along with the physical ugly, the ugliness of their powers must be downplayed. The vampire doesn't drink blood for fun, but to survive (and it is often a source of angst). The shapeshifter turns into a wolf because it is what he is, he must. Not to terrorize necking teenagers or whatever. But what about the other creatures?
With the popularity of paranormal romance, we have seen a diversification. Witness the rise of the demon (a romanticization of the embodiment of evil). The shapeshifter romance has been branching out. There's a number of big cats (especially lions), and quite a few dragons. Birds of prey. You've got a few selkies (half-man/half-seals from Celtic folklore). I think I've seen a dolphin story.
But this ties back into the ugly thing. These animals are predatory, beautiful, strong, almost elegant. There may be more wereanimals coming our way, but I bet we're not getting a were-rat, a were-vulture or a were-cow hero anytime soon. Only cool animals need apply. What else? Fairies and elves? Notoriously good looking. Witches and sorcerers don't count, neither do humans with extrasensory powers. I know there's some gargoyle books out there, and I read one with a Yeti, though I doubt Yeti romances will catch on any time soon.
So what "monsters" will never be attractive subjects for romance? Zombies get my vote, as do mummies. Undead is one thing. Dead and shuffling around, possibly drooling, is another. You never see a zombie with a personality. Also Leprechauns. Too short and I can't get past the association with Lucky Charms and a bad movie franchise.
What underrepresented supernatural creature would you like to see get a chance at true love? And alternately, what creepy crawly do you never want to see get his own sex scene? Devon will pick a comment to win a Zombie pack of three Berkley Books.
PS: If anyone knows of a decent zombie or leprechaun romance, pass it on. I always try to keep an open mind. For more ramblings on romance, particularly of the paranormal kind, visit my blog Is that a Stake in Your Pocket? And Happy Halloween!
Spooktacular: Duck Soup Contest
October 30, 2007
Share some fun and yummy Spooktacular recipes and you could win a prize to be quacked (prize packs from a publisher - but we're not sure which yet)!
And n-o-o-o-o, it has to be more than "Melt caramels. Dip apples. Eat." You can share as many recipes as you want, but only one entry per person. Since the only fair way to judge them would be to make and eat them all, I'll do a random drawing from all eligible recipes shared in the comments for this post. If you've already tried any of the recipes entered, feel free to give it your lip-smackin' endorsement!
Here's a couple of easy ones:
Fall Fruit Tray & Fruit Dip (this is so pathetically easy and good)
1-container CoolWhip Extra Creamy (size optional)
Lemon zest to taste
Fold together, adjust for taste
- Garnish with extra lemon zest.
- Slice fruit to dip. Apples and pears - the more flavorful and colorful the better (for example, Granny Smiths and Royal Galas) - grapes, strawberries, etc. Note: To prevent the sliced fruit from turning brown, toss it in cold water with Fruit Fresh. Drain well.
- Arrange (with peel colors showing) on a bed of colorful leafy greens (purple leaf kale looks particularly nice).
I found this recipe the other day and can't wait to try it. Have any of you already tried it? Whatcha think?
PUMPKIN SEED BRITTLE, From the Black Cat Cafe & Bakery, Sharon Springs, NY
1/4 cup butter, room temperature (plus a little extra to grease the pan)
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
2/3 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, shelled, washed, dried and toasted (can find shelled in grocery stores)
- Line a 9X13 inch pan with foil or parchment and grease with extra butter.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in sugar and corn syrup, and bring to a boil.
- Stir constantly(or edges will burn) 5-8 minutes until mixture reaches 280-degrees F on a candy thermometer.
- Stir in pumpkin seeds.
- Pour mixture quickly into prepared pan, if necessary spread with back of a greased spoon.
- Let cool completely until hardened. Break into pieces as desired.
Okay, your turn! Lay some Spooktacular nummies of the season on me for a chance to win a prize. It can be recipe ideas for kids, family parties, hanging out with friends, or whatever. C'mon... make me hungry!
Spooktacular: Kathryn Smith’s Ghost!
October 30, 2007
Okay, so these are true stories. Honest. I'm from a long line of Englishmen and Irishmen. I believe in ghosties and things that can't be seen. Otherwise, life would be no fun.
---
When I was very young we had a neighbor who had a serious drinking problem. One night my sister woke up and saw flames coming from his house. Turns out that he had been drinking, turned on the gas stove, lit a cigarette, and then fell asleep on the couch in his dining room. (Clarification -- I grew up in rural Nova Scotia where it was common to have a sofa, or 'chesterfield' in or around the kitchen. Don't ask me why.)
Anyway, this old fella used to look in our windows and come to visit when he was alive and I guess he saw no reason for that to discontinue just because he was dead. To this day I refuse to sit in front of a certain window in my old house at night because I'm convinced he's looking in.
One night, shortly after the fire, my mother and I were alone in the living room watching TV. The kitchen door was locked and when I heard the knob rattle I went to see who was there. Only no one was there. And we hadn't heard anyone come into the porch -- or leave.
Around the same time my mother saw a shadow pass across our kitchen. The shadow was the same shape as our deceased neighbor, and she swears it was definitely a man. She said the dead man's name and two glasses on opposite ends of the sink flew together and smashed. My mother told her guest "that's enough, now" and he went away. Ghostly Wail
---
Years earlier, when I was about three years old, I was chasing my grandmother's fat tom cat (ironically named 'Tiny') through her house. I chased him to the bottom of the main stairs, beside what was originally the front parlor. This house was of the Victorian era and my grandparents bought it in the '70's when they moved back to Nova Scotia from Toronto -- so it had a history long before they arrived.
When Tiny and I reached the foot of the stairs, he looked up -- and every lick of fur on his back stood straight up on end. I looked up the stairs and saw two women in long dresses coming toward me. I still remember what they looked like.
It would be another twenty years before I saw them again -- in an old photo my mother showed me. It was taken around the early part of the 2oth century in front of what was to become my grandmother's house. The photo was black and white but I knew which woman was which and the hair color of each -- even though I'd never met them. My mother was able to confirm it, because my grandmother had identified the women to her. Both of them died before I was born.
---
One more about my grandmother's house. When I was in my teens, my grandmother (long since widowed) decided to go away for a week. My mother and I were asked to check in on the house. Since it was only 1/4 of a mile away, I'd often walk down to water plants and make sure everything was okay.
One day while I was standing in her sun porch, at the foot of the stairs that led to what we called 'The Kitchen Chamber' (a large room above the kitchen, oddly enough), I felt a 'presence' on the stairs behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck bristled and the flesh there tingled. I remember my palms went moist and my heart was in my throat. I just knew that if I turned around there would be someone there watching me, and I was terrified of who it might be.
Obviously, whoever it was didn't think I should be there without my grandmother home. So, I said aloud, "Nan's away. I'm just here to water the plants. It's all right." I'm not sure how long I stood there, too scared to turn around, but eventually the feeling passed and I braved a glance over my shoulder. Nothing.
Nevertheless I didn't waste anymore time there than I had to. I practically ran all the way home, my legs shaking. When I told my mother what had happened she just nodded and said, "My brother said he saw an old woman in there one night, but mom accused him of being drunk." See, the funny part is that my grandmother never had experienced anything strange in that house. If she did, she never said anything. It was only those of us who didn't 'belong' that ever saw or heard anything.
My grandmother died a couple of years ago and her house sold. Shortly after he bought it, the man put it up for sale again. Most people believe it was because of financial difficulties, but there are others who claim he saw a ghost. Joke or not, I wouldn't be surprised if he had, although I can't imagine any spirits in that house, a place that holds such wonderful memories (like Nan's sugar cookies) could ever be malevolent.
Now, who wants to tell me a ghost story? One of your ghost stories will be picked to win a signed copy of my first two books in the Brotherhood series: Be Mine Tonight and Night of the Huntress.
Happy Hallowe'en!
Kathryn Smith
Ghost Mistress
UPDATED: Join us tomorrow, November 1st, 2007 for Kathryn's Guest Author Day. YAYAAY! We are planning way ahead these days ;). And yes that will be fixed by this weekend. Honest!
Tags: 2007, Kathryn Smith, SpooktacularSpooktacular: Meljean Brook & Poe scares us witless for FREE - and a contest!
October 29, 2007
Get your scares on without spending a dime... or leaving your chair.
Here are links to many public domain horror stories available online, and you can read them at your computer, or download them to a mobile device. For
.
Project Gutenberg is a library of 17,000 free ebooks whose copyrights have expired. There's a searchable database of .txt and html files, and no signup or login required. You aren't going to find any contemporary horror novels (don't expect to find a Stephen King, for example) but many of the classics are there.
Here's a sampling of my favorites...
The Raven and THE WORKS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE, Volume 2, which includes The Black Cat, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Masque of the Red Death, The Cask of Amontillado, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Tell-Tale Heart, among others.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley
DRACULA by Bram Stoker
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
FAMOUS MODERN GHOST STORIES by various authors (including A. Blackwood, E. A. Poe, A. Bierce, G. de Maupassant)
The Wendigo and FOUR WEIRD TALES by Algernon Blackwood
The Vampyre by John Polidori
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
And another huge archive of classic horror stories here (including H.P. Lovecraft, who I couldn't find at Gutenberg).
Check out my next post (at 4pm CDT) for information on horror movies you can see on your computer for free. That's right. FREE.
Comment to either post and you'll get a chance to win a signed copy from my backlist.
Signed,
Meljean Brook
Your Horror Dealer
Spooktacular: E.C. Sheedy starts something scary… You get to finish it!
October 29, 2007
Sybil said I can play at Halloween, and I thought, what I'd really like would be good scary Halloween story. But I'm too lazy to write more than the beginning, so I decided to do my bit, and see if any of you talented writer/readers could chip in a few words. Go wherever you want, be silly, be scary, be whatever you want, just help out little Mary Sue . . . please.
So I'll start the story, and your comments will take it to the next place. Each comment progressively changes the story. By Wednesday afternoon, we should have something pretty entertaining to read.
Here goes:
It was a dark and stormy night and Mary Sue was heading into it. It was Halloween! She'd get candy if it killed her . . .
She'd been in this rotten orphanage for five years, ever since she was six, with not so much as a Snickers bar. Heck, even talking about Halloween was against the stupid rules. The way Mary Sue saw it, it was now or never.
She even had a costume.
Okay, it was the sheet from her bed, and it wasn't very ghostly, a stupid pink color... so last week!... and covered in green alligators, but no one could see her. That's what mattered. No way she wanted anyone yakking about her being on the street after dark. It was eight o'clock now, and she planned to be back by nine with no one the wiser. All she had to do was get out of here without Black Bonnie, the headmistress, gettin' in her face. Mary Sue shuddered when she remembered what the Black B had done to Mitzi when she'd forgotten to put the stupid cap on the toothpaste... Jeez! But she wasn't going to think about that, and she wasn't going to get caught either.
She took her pillow from its slip and tossed it over her skinny shoulder. She could almost taste the candy hoard now...
**But how in heck was she going to get out of the house?**
