Thank you Victoria for guest posting for me!
Victoria, based on your bio, I'm thinking you must be insanely busy. A post on how you find time to write amid all of the other things you are involved in would probably be enlightening.
This is the number one question I field not just as an author, but socially and professionally. My schedule sounds crazy even to me. For those who haven't seen the bio, here are some of the high points.
I own 7th House Publishing. Although I'm no longer personally involved in the day to day operations, there are decisions that must be made almost daily. I author and illustrate Seasons of the Witch planners, now in its fourteenth year. I manage Houston's top party band and, although I'm not currently playing, I dedicate some time to keeping up my musical skills: keyboards, guitar, and vocal. I play bridge six to ten times a month because it keeps me sharp. and I write fiction. Oh, wait, I may have forgotten to mention a husband, family and German Shepherd, but they are definitely part of my day.
A few days ago a bass player I know called to ask if I wanted to be the utility player in a Classic Rock band. Of course my first reaction was, "YES!!" Then I remembered that clones are just a wish and not a reality.
So, how do I do it? Surprisingly, the thing that takes the most time is not even on that list. That would be the marketing of my paranormal romances. Since I'm an Indie (sort of), I'm responsible for getting the word out about Black Swan. This interview is part of that.
I wear all the marketing department hats including the one that says "graphics". I do the covers, the ads, the book trailers and the SWAG myself. I design and maintain the website, the blog, and participate in the Goodreads fan group. I recently took on an author's assistant whom I share with a couple of others and that helps enormously, but it doesn't turn twenty-four hours into forty-eight.
My day starts sometime between 2:30am and 6:00 depending on how much is on my mind. I answer emails, post on Facebook, log and analyze my book sales, update the website and blog and take care of any other marketing-type chores such as renewing ads or commenting on reviews. I take the dog for a walk/jog in the woods, take a shower, and have breakfast. Back at the computer, I take care of 7th House business and band business before lunch. (It helps that I work from home.)
On days when I'm in: after lunch I beat down the other fires that have cropped up through the morning and continue to deal with issues from the various enterprises through the day. On days when I have errands, appointments, or play bridge: after lunch I may be away for three or four hours then I come right back to it. When there is time left between that and starting dinner at six, I write.
The only thing different about Saturday and Sunday is that I add musical instruments into the mix plus one social event and one date with spouse.
This is the way things go during my "outline" process. But once my extended outline is complete and ready to start writing in earnest, I start to feel driven and need to take big chunks of time to just write. I don't take personal time even at night. My husband gets dinner. I eat with him and then come back to it. That stage of my writing usually takes three weeks to a month.
Once the manuscript gets turned over to my editor, add a flurry of daily emails to my schedule: This sentence seems clumsy. Are you sure you want to say ____ that way?
That's the story of how it all gets done.
Now, about A Summoner's Tale... If you haven't read Books One and Two, I hope you will do so before you read Book Three. Black Swan is a serial saga meaning that each book is actually a chapter installment in an ongoing story. This particular installment involved characters that were introduced in the first book.
If you read by Kindle, you will find A Summoner's Tale available at Amazon after release. If you another e-reader, you can still get the book in the form of an anthology that will be available in electronic format everywhere. The Order of the Black Swan Collected Tales, Books 1-3. $6.99 for all 330,000 words. This is a dream come true for me because readers will experience the first three books as conceived as one story.
For the past fourteen years, Victoria has illustrated and authored Seasons of the Witch calendars and planners for 7th-House.com.
Though works of fiction are a departure for me, I have had this series simmering on the back burner of her mind for years. In addition to authoring and illustrating Seasons of the Witch, I play rock music and manage one of Houston's premier R&B/Variety/Pop bands.
This series will include some of my actual experience in the paranormal with fictionalized anecdotes from my journals during the years when I was a practicing "metaphysician", but most of the material is fantasy.
Blog / Website / Facebook / Goodreads
Author: Victoria Danann
The Order of the Black Swan Book Three
ISBN: 978-1-933320-67-0 E-Book
ISBN: 978-1-933320-80-9 Paperback
Purchase: Amazon
DESCRIPTION:
A secret society, a witch, a psychic, vampires, modern day knights, heroes, elves, fae, assassins from another dimension, and fairytales come together where emotions intersect. Two souls, joined by a mystical bond, separated by distance, must simultaneously struggle through pain and darkness in an ultimate confrontation with character and an ultimate struggle for life proving that true love waits patiently through lifetimes and finds courage to survive. Even in the strangest places. Even when you're least expecting it. Even when you're far, far from home.
Erotic quotient: Some steamy scenes. No menage. No BDSM.
READING THE SERIES IN ORDER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Author: Victoria Danann
Series: The Order of the Black Swan Book One
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: 7th House
ISBN: 978-1-933320-49-6 E-Book
ISBN: 978-1-933320-77-9 paperback
ASIN: B007V8RAKW
Number of pages: 360
Word Count: 111,268
Book Description:
Thirteen times on Amazon Best Seller List in Fantasy Romance.
A secret society, modern day knights, and vampires come together for a once in a lifetime adventure and a once in a lifetime opportunity proving that true love can find you in the strangest places, even far, far from home.
Minutes ahead of inevitable assassination, Elora Laiken is forcibly transported to an alternate dimension similar, but not identical, to her own.
Of course a girl could suffer worse problems than having gorgeous suitors. Perhaps more importantly, in the midst of an epidemic of vampire related abductions, can she stay alive long enough to choose between an honor debt, true love, or the breathlessness of single-minded passion?
My Familiar Stranger is a full length, stand alone, Paranormal Romance novel that also sets up the foundation for the Black Swan series. It is loved by fans of paranormal romance, fantasy romance, and urban fantasy.
Erotic quotient: A few steamy scenes. No menage. No BDSM
Purchase links: Amazon / Smashwords / B&N / iTunes
Author: Victoria Danann
Series: The Order of the Black Swan Book Two
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Paranormal Adult Fantasy / Urban Fantasy
Publisher: 7th House
ISBN: 978-1-933320-56-4 E-Book
ISBN: 978-1-933320-63-2 paperback
ASIN: B009LXOKQW
Pages: 300 -5×7 book
Purchase: Amazon / Smashwords
Book Description:
Amazon BEST SELLER Fantasy Romance.
READING THE SERIES IN ORDER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
SMART. SEXY. MAGICAL.
From New York to Ireland to Edinburgh to Siena to the Texas Hill Country to Napa Valley, a secret society, a witch, a demon, a psychic, a berserker, an ex-vampire, modern day knights, heroes, werewolves, elves and fae come together where emotions intersect. The story maps a trail from rages to hunts to epiphanies, but, in the end, proves that true love can find you in the strangest places, when you're least expecting it, even when you're far, far from home.
He was left behind when Elora Laiken made her choice. Now he’s had it with love, but a transplanted witch who happens to be the world’s best tracker hopes she can change his mind.
The Witch’s Dream begins with B Team on temporary assignment to Black Swan headquarters in Edinburgh where they are supposed to fill in for stretched-thin resources and assist with a werewolf issue. They’ve been given permission to stop in Ireland for a few days and help celebrate a handfasting at the palace in Derry.
When they reach Edinburgh, the afterglow of an elftale wedding quickly turns all business. A missing person report turns into a demon abduction. A simple werewolf sanction becomes a diplomatic issue requiring the one thing Elora is no longer willing to give - finesse.
Erotic quotient: A few steamy scenes. No menage. No BDSM.
My Thoughts:
This series is one of the best paranormal variety series that I've found since Sookie Stackhouse! You would be hard pressed to find a supernatural being that is not somehow involved in this series. The books just get better and better.
I would advise reading the books in order. Each one picks up where the last left off. The books have an ending, they do not leave you hanging. :D That being said, it is easier to follow the series if you know what has already happened.
Each story was engaging to the point that I tuned everything else out. I jumped from one book to the next to the next until I was done with all three. They were magically delicious and I devoured them.
These books have supernatural creatures, a secret order that takes out the supernatural garbage so to speak, hot hunky men, women who know how to take care of themselves and their men too, wonderful imagery, visits to places all over the globe, lots and lots of action, romance, exciting storylines, and an awesomely charismatic cast of characters.
The interaction between the characters was fun and flirty. I love that although each book features a different character, they are all in it together. In other words, I got a chance to catch up with my favorites in each book in addition to meeting new friends!
This has quickly become one of my favorite series!
This is one series that I don't think it's possible to improve on. As I read each book, I thought there was no way the next book would be as good and I was blown away. I don't know how Victoria Danann keeps it going and going with new ideas and characters without losing the umph that she already has. She truly is a remarkable story teller!
All three books were fantastic. I am looking forward to being dazzled by book four as well.
I urge each of you to read these books if you like paranormal books. You will NOT be disappointed. Right now (February 14th) both books one and two are FREE on Amazon US (See the links above)! Book one, My Familiar Stranger, is also FREE on Smashwords. :D The way I look at it, this gives you the perfect opportunity, to find out for yourselves just how fantastically awesome this series is!
I received a copy of all three books from Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion. I Absolutely, without a doubt, 100% LOVED, LOVED, LOVED all three books!
Which supernatural being is your favorite to read about?
or
What is a creature that you would like to see more of in books?
Leave a comment for a chance to win The Order of the Black Swan (books 1-3)! :-)
I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!
When you get as passionated as that it's hard not to want to start and discover the book too. You love it so much it would be sad not to be affected and you really help by giving the link to smashwords^^ ( thank s, thanks! it's only the first book but that's better than nothing and we can hope to win the complete series so even better, thank!!!)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite are shifters because they have a variety of them and the alpha, animal magnetism is always attractive ( when they are not simple minded, mindless beast like i saw in a series and disappointed me greatly).
What i would like to see more? good question i think i would like to see more aquatic creature ( not mermaids, other) or creatures more exotic ( like some taken from the shinto mythology etc)
This is such an organisation that's admirable, i wouldn't manage a third of it ^^;; and being able to write something that move Brenda so much too, whoah congrats!
please enter me for the giveaway too, thank you a lot
Shifters are my favorites. It may be interesting to see a Siren or a fish out of water though!
Delete^^ in river road ( and the novella chenoire) by suzanne johnson you get mermen ( who shift in a fish^^) an,d were gator^^ and yes that was too funny ( weregator more in the novella)
DeleteI am happy to say I have this series waiting on my Kindle! Reading through all 3 descriptions and seeing Brenda's thoughts, has me moving it up the "read next" list ;) Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteVictoria, I am amazed at how much you do. I am in the process of switching careers and things are very much up in the air. I have a very busy daughter (and a less busy son) that keep me hopping all week long. It seems like just when I sit down to do something I have to get up and drive someone somewhere. Needless to say I always feel like things get left undone and the idea of a schedule feels so far away.
So, my favorite supernatural being, hmmm... I really enjoy reading about all of them, it's more about the story, not the type of characters in it for me. I do have times when I just have to read a vamp story, or a shifter story, or a fae story, or a witch story, or a story with dragons, gargoyles, demons, etc. It's where the mood takes me at the time. Lately I have been in a shifter mood. I really do envy the idea of being able to live in the feet/wings of an animal. To live with a spirit that is such a part of you, but separate, to never feel alone. I always enjoy reading a new perspective on the why and how of the species. I have to say that paranormal heroes do tend to have a bit of the bad boy persona that I like and are always very strong, handsome, and alpha. I do enjoy the concept of a true mate as well and being able to know it immediately upon being around them due to some magical way.
I can read any and often select them based on my mood as well. :-) But we all know that my very favorite are shifters for many of the reasons you have listed Josette.
DeleteI've never read a book by this author before but from your review of this series, it looks like I am going to have to. I enjoy a good paranormal read!
ReplyDeleteAs far as what kind of supernatural being I would like to see more of, well I have read a bunch of shifter, vamp, witch, demons, angels and fae books but I want to read a good warlock or norse god book, one that is not geared toward children. I like reading a book with any type of supernatural being in it but I just haven't read one that wows me and is based on a warlock or Norse god.
Check out Heather Killough-Walden... The Warlock King is part of a spin off series of her Big Bad Wolf (so yeah, you really should read them all). She also has a book called "A Sinister Game" that involves the Norse Gods (which I love as well - I am a huge Viking fan). http://www.amazon.com/Heather-Killough-Walden/e/B005725SO4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360977239&sr=1-2-ent
DeleteIf you like vikings, you can also try Sandra Hill (http://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Hill/e/B000AP8YM6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1360977154&sr=1-1).
Thanks Josette!
DeleteThanks Josette! The Warlock King sounds good!
DeleteThere such a wide variety of paranormal books out there about all sorts of supernatural beings. I like them all however I enjoy books about the Fae or mixed supernatural beings like I've seen in some books.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely download the book from smashboards. Thanks,
lorih824 at yahoo dot com
You're welcome Lori. Enjoy!
DeleteThis sounds soo good! I'll have to add it to my wishlist! I really love reading about any and all. I grew up on fantasy and horror movies and books, so I love pretty much anything and everything. I cant really think of any that I would want more of. There are just so many options out there that I can always find something. :) Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDelete-Amber
goodblinknpark(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Add it to your wishlist but get the free book and try it. :-)
DeleteSounds amazing! I like to read shape shifters and would love to see some exotic ones.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Sounds good!
Delete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteWhat a glowing review! =D I'm not a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse books, but your descriptions remind me a little of Kresley Cole's Immortals after Dark as well. How would you compare this series to that one?
I guess I'd like to read more books about dragons who also take human form. So let me guess? They're in this series, too? ;-)
They are mentioned but not a big part of the series yet.
DeleteThere is not as much steamy stuff in this series as in the IAD series. I mostly used the Sookie series as reference just because there are so many different supes in it. I didn't mean that it was like Sookie because it is not. This is a series all it's own!
Get the free book and try it. You have nothing to lose if you don't like it. :D
^^ i haven't discovered kresley cole yet nor sookie so for me that means nothings^^;;;
DeleteEnbrethiliel for dragon shifters you have the series by deborah cooke "dragonfire" that is quite enjoyable^^
I love shifters, all types, they're my fave paranormals. I would love to see more of different types of shifters other than werewolves, maybe some unique ones like Bird-of-Paradise shifters or ocelots, something random and different.
ReplyDeleteBird-of-Paradise shifters? Sounds interesting! :-D
DeleteI love about all types of shifters they are my fave paranormals. and i would like to see another shifters beside werewolves.
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway :)
sunshine_pinkystar(at)yahoo(dot)com
You're welcome!
DeleteI love shifters, usually they the loyal type, especially werewolves, they are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
sweety(dot)white(at)ymail(dot)com