In the last two days I've received notification that both Blood Rights and Dark Kiss of the Reaper have finaled in some kind of readers/reviewers choice contest. Both nominations make me endlessly happy - who wouldn't like knowing that their stories meant that much to someone?
Both contests allow readers to vote, so if you're feeling clicky, here's where to go:
Blood Rights - Goodreads Choice Awards 2011 - just mouse over the cover of Blood Rights and a Vote button will pop up. Then, you know, click it. I think you have to be a member of Goodreads, but I'm not 100% sure. Anyone know?
Dark Kiss of the Reaper - The Romance Reviews - find the Best PNR - Angels and Demons category, then next to Dark Kiss of the Reaper click Vote Now. Again, not sure if you have to be registered, but I don't think so.
Regardless of how these contests come out, I'm just psyched to have two of my books recognized this way. Sure beats cleaning out cat boxes. Which I probably need to go take care of...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I'm a double finalist! Sort of.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Things I Learned At Comic Con
Last weekend, I went to New York Comic Con, which was also my first con of this type. I did two signings at the Orbit booth and on Saturday, I dressed up as a noble vampire from my series. On Sunday, I was part of an awesome panel with some truly great authors (Patricia Briggs, Alison Goodman, Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, Marjorie M. Liu, Sabrina Benulis and me. You can watch some snippets from that panel here.) It was TONS of fun and a rather educational experience at the same time. Here are a few things I learned that I thought I would share.
1. Costume is a loose term. It could mean body paint and boxer-briefs or a contraption that requires stilts and a minder. It could also mean a headband with ears.
2. If you have issues with large crowds, being unable to move through them and lack of personal space, stay home.
3. Deodorant should be mandatory. It should be whatever is more mandatory than mandatory. And yet, it isn't. I think I now know what a dead body smells like.
4. You will wait in line for everything. Not just to see your favorite artist, author or celeb, but food, bathrooms and transportation.
5. People are really nice, very friendly and for the most part, willing to chat.
6. No matter how much you think you know about popular culture, chances are Comic Con will still make you feel a little dumb.
7. If you're wearing fangs, some men will ask you to bite them.
8. Even if you're not wearing fangs, some men will ask you to bite them.
9. You'll come away worn to the bone tired, but also oddly energized by the general enthusiasm for art, writing and fun.
10. Lastly, bring your own water! $4 for a bottle sucks.
Ultimately, I can't wait to go back. I met some great folks who came to the signings and loved getting to talk to all the readers. What a fun first con!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Getttin' My Geek On
I'm off to NY Comic Con today and I could not be more excited. Not only will I be signing Blood Rights at the Orbit Booth #939 on Saturday (5pm) and Sunday (11am) but I'll be on an awesome panel Sunday:
PANEL: WE’RE NO ANGELS: Leading Ladies of SF/F
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: 1A23
Beware the women of Sci-Fi/Fantasy … and their kick-ass heroines. Kristen Painter joins Patricia Briggs, Alison Goodman, Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, Marjorie M. Liu and Sabrina Benulis.
If you see me on Saturday, you might not recognize me as I'll be in costume as a noble vamp. Yes, I'm cray-cray like that.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Today it begins
Two important things take place today.
1. My dad's birthday - Happy birthday, Dad!
2. Blood Rights releases in the UK and Australia. If you live in either place and see Blood Rights on a shelf somewhere, I'd love a pic!
Other than that, I'll just be writing away as usual, working my fingers down to nubs on book 4, Out For Blood. How about you?
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Free stuff always rocks
If you're interested in reading Blood Rights and want to try to win a copy, there's a contest on Goodreads you can enter here. With 10 copies of Blood Rights up for grabs, your chances are ten times better!
Of course, you can always just pre-order it, too. ;o)
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Hot, hot, hot!
The fabulous Louisa Edwards' latest release is now available! Check it out!
The blurb:
Welcome to the Rising Star Chef competition, where today’s hottest chefs battle it out on national TV for a chance at fame, fortune and culinary supremacy. Every contestant hungers to win, but only one will take the prize...
HE’S GOT THE SIZZLE
When it comes to competitive cooking, Max Lunden is no stranger to winning...though he’s never been great at working with a team. A master chef—and major hunk—he’s traveled the world, picking up new cooking techniques as well as beautiful women. But when the prodigal chef returns home to his family’s Greenwich Village restaurant, he discovers one too many cooks in the kitchen—and she’s every bit as passionate as he is...
SHE’S GOT THE FIRE
Juliet Cavanaugh used to have a crush on Max when she was just a teenager, hanging out at Lunden & Sons Tavern, hoping to catch a glimpse of the owner’s oldest, and hottest, son. Now a chef herself—competing in the biggest culinary contest in the country—Juliet will be cooking side by side with the one man she’s always admired...and desired. But despite their simmering attraction, Juliet is determined to keep her cool—no matter how hot it gets...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A Whale of a Caturday
No, it's not a cat at sea. Today's caturday features a video I took on a recent whale watching trip in Gloucester, Massachusetts while on a family vacation there. We've been whale watching in Hawaii, but I never had a camera with me then. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
A few social media tips
What do fluffy bunny slippers have to do with Facebook and Twitter? Come over to the Fictionistas today and find out!
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Catching Up - Part 1
I feel like I've been away from home for months, but it's only been 9 days. That's like 78 years in cat time according to my boys, who've been demanding massive quantities of attention in an effort to show me what a bad cat mother I am. *ahem*
Actually, after yesterday's airport disaster I wasn't sure I'd even make it home last night, but Hotrod worked his magic and found us another flight before JetBlue even announced our original flight had been canceled. (It pays to be married to a man who's proactive. That is all.)
RWA Nationals is now a blur, but I will say that one of the highlights was getting to spend time with many of the Orbit folks. This only renewed my love for my publisher. Individually, they're all amazing. As a group, I'm surprised they haven't taken over a small country and renamed it Orbitland.
While I dig out from under a towering pile of laundry and head out to restock our fridge, here are a few book-related things worth mentioning:
There's a signed ARC of Blood Rights up for bid in the LA Banks Relief Auction here. Great cause for an amazing author. Check it out!
The cover of Blood Rights has been listed in a Goodreads Best Book Covers of 2011 here. If you like the cover, give it a vote!
Saturday, July 02, 2011
A Very Special Caturday!
Uncle Sam wants you to have a very happy and safe Fourth of July!He'd also like it if you'd accidentally drop a little barbequed chicken on the ground.
Monday, June 27, 2011
I'm in a New York state of mind!
I'm off to the 2011 RWA National Conference this morning! For anyone else who's going to be there, I'm going to be randomly tweeting my location and anyone who's interested will be able to find me and get a Blood Rights excerpt book that contains the first two chapters. You can follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/kristen_painter
Behave while I'm gone! And try to get some writing done, will ya? I'll be doing a little of that while I'm away as well. Carry on!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
My brush with death
Yesterday we finally had some much needed rain. Along with it came some thunder and lightning, but for Florida, that's pretty typical. Once the storm had passed (or I thought it had passed), I decided to head out for my evening walk.
Unlike most nights I walk, there was no one else out - no dogs getting walked, no kids riding bikes, no people out strolling - but hey, it had just stormed, right? I keep going, already deep into thoughts about my story. See, I like to work out the upcoming scenes while I walk. I get a lot of great ideas while I'm out. It's a process that works well for me.
I'm about ten minutes from the house, when all of a sudden, this massive bolt of lightning cracks through the sky so close to me that my scalp goes all tingly. Like I had ants all over me. The thunder that followed it was deafening.
A few seconds later, the rain starts back up.
Stubborn woman that I am, I decide to keep going (I am already 10 mins from the house. Looping around or headed straight back isn't going to make that big a difference.) Another two minutes goes by and a second massive bolt of lightning. The rain is coming down harder now. And I'm starting to rethink the wisdom of this walk.
A third bolt of lightning and I'm contemplating running. Or will that attract the lightning? Should I walk closer to the palms that line the street or farther away from them? Crap.
Suddenly, a black SUV comes barreling down the street toward me and screeches to a stop by the curb. Hotrod had come to my rescue! He saw/heard the first bolt of lightning and thunder and immediately hopped in the car when I didn't come back inside after it happened.
My hero! The moral of this story? When it storms, stay inside and use the treadmill.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
The Power of Small Failures
I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about the power of small failures.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Today's the last day!
The Brenda Novak auction is down to only hours left! That means your chance to snag the awesome stuff up for bid is about to disappear. I've got some a few things in the auction you might be interested in:
A signed ARC of Blood Rights - get the first book in my new gothic urban fantasy series now instead of October 1st when it's released! (100 of these went in about 45 minutes when I signed at BEA. You want this. I promise.) Bid here.
An autographed set of the first three books in the series, Blood Rights, Flesh and Blood and Bad Blood. They'll be signed and shipped to you early fall (as soon as I have my author copies!). Bid here.
Lastly, a one chapter critique of your story by me. If that doesn't scare you, bid here.
This is a great auction that benefits a great cause! Get over there and bid!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Late Caturday
Due to spending the last few days at BEA, Caturday has been called off in favor of napping.Tuesday, May 24, 2011
BEA baby!
I'm headed to BEA tomorrow and I'm pretty excited about it. I've never been, so just the newness of it will probably be a little overwhelming, but I kinda dig that type of thing too, so no worries.
The best part is I'll be signing copies of BLOOD RIGHTS at the Orbit booth on Thursday from 10 am to 11 am, so if you're going, stop by, say hi and grab a copy!
Have you ever been to BEA? I hope to take some pictures and blog about the experience when I get back. (I'll probably tweet about it while I'm there, too.)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
A Very Special Caturday!
Scooter made himself comfortable while he waited for cake.(Today's my birthday.)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I've been interviewed about my latest obsession
Karen Katchur has a blog about writers and fitness and she's interviewed me HERE about my workouts, which just happen to be all about kettlebells lately. Check it out and say hi!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Caturday!
Except in this house, it's removed with a bowl of chicken.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Caturday!
And as you can see here, she also owns the bed and blanket.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Want an ARC of Blood Rights?
Brenda Novak's 2011 Annual Auction for the Cure for Diabetes kicked off yesterday! It's a great cause and there's just tons of awesome stuff up for auction.
I've got a few things up for bid myself:
A signed ARC of Blood Rights - get the first book in my new gothic urban fantasy series now instead of October 1st when it's released! Bid here.
An autographed set of the first three books in the series, Blood Rights, Flesh and Blood and Bad Blood. They'll be shipped to you early fall (as soon as I have my author copies!). Bid here.
A one chapter critique of your work by me! Bid here.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
"You look stunning, babe."
I'm over at Fictionistas today with a few comments on today's Royal Wedding!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Look what's out today!
Roxanne St. Claire's FACE OF DANGER releases today!
*Amazon buy link*
Blurb:
Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill . . . it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core . . . and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.
Have you read the rest of the Guardian Angelinos series?
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Engage your brain and answer this
Here's a little something to get your brain working:
Let's say you have something of great value you need to hide in your house. And let's say that the valuable thing is something small - a few rare gold coins, a small bag of diamonds, a flash drive with secret documents, a clutch of forged papers - you get the idea. Where do you put it? What's the least liking place for someone to look for it? Can you come up with a place that's also easily accessible, should you need to grab your treasure and run?
Go!
Monday, April 18, 2011
What's new with you?
And just like that, it's Monday again. I don't hate Monday like a lot of people - I actually see it as a clean slate. A fresh start to a new week filled with potential. (That feeling usually disappears long before Wednesday, but hey, at least my week starts out well.)
Not much new to report except my Facebook fan page has a brand new look! If you haven't seen it yet, you can check it out here. (Feel free to hit the "like" button while you're there.) What do you think? There's an exclusive excerpt available on that page as well.
Now, what's new with you?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Mini Writing Lesson
I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about Deep POV. Come on and over and throw your two cents in.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Drum roll please...
In case you haven't seen it yet, here is, at long last, the cover for BLOOD RIGHTS:
You can see some sneak peeks of the next two covers here. Didn't the gang at Orbit do an amazing job? I'm beyond thrilled!
Saturday, April 09, 2011
A super cool Caturday!
A writer friend of mine, Marley Gibson, has created this awesome video and entered her kitties in a contest to become the next Purina Cat Chow correspondents. Check it out:
Happy Caturday!
Monday, April 04, 2011
RT here I come!
I'm off to the Romantic Times Convention tomorrow! If you're going, be sure to say hi. You can also catch me on these panels:
Wednesday, April 6th:
BUSINESS: Plotting Your Career
Time: 03:30 pm - 04:30 pm
Thursday, April 7th:
E-BOOK: Wooing the Masses
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
STEAMPUNK: Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys?: Gadgets, Gizmos and Automatons
Time: 02:45 pm - 03:45 pm
I'm also going to be part of Steampunk fashion show on Friday. Lots of fun!
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Friday, April 01, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Are you feeling cold?
Or was that a Shiver Of Fear? (See what I did there?) Roxanne St. Claire's latest romantic suspense hits the shelves today!
Blurb:
The legacy that haunts her . . .
The mystery she must solve . . .
A man who threatens to reveal her secrets . . .
and break her heart.
Burned by a failed marriage, former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game with no emotional strings attached. Taking an assignment for his enterprising Angelino cousins, he heads to Northern Ireland to pry a key piece of evidence from a missing socialite-any way he can. But when the ice queen turns out to be warm, beautiful, and on a secret mission of her own, the job becomes a passionate reminder of what happens when duty and desire mix. The daughter of an infamous fugitive, Devyn Sterling has survived betrayal only to find that her mother has mysteriously disappeared. When her search uncovers secrets, lies, and threats, Devyn and Marc must trust each other when every instinct says they can't . . . and a terrorist wants to make sure they won't live to try.
Get your copy today!
Monday, March 28, 2011
WANT!
I know Petite Lap Giraffes are not real. That does not stop me from wanting one. Or watching their live cam.
Addiction, I has it. Seriously, what's the legal limit for cuteness? Because I think the PLG's have crossed it.
I really need one of these. Really. I'm sure it would not only entertain me, but somehow make me a better writer.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
I'm rooting for you!
For all those of you sitting by your phone today, waiting on the edge of your seat for the call that will tell you you've finaled in either the Golden Heart or the RITA, I'm rooting for you.
I've been there (2 x GH finalist) and I know how you feel! Now, good luck and let the games begin!
You can keep track of the finalists as the notifications come in here.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dark Kiss Of The Reaper
I have a new book out today! Dark Kiss of the Reaper is a dark paranormal romance. Here's the 411:
Blurb:
The Angel of Death has a name: Azrael. He also has a purpose - to soothe the souls of the suffering into the peaceful passage of the afterlife. But in his twilight existence, Azrael himself has never known peace or pleasure...
Until he meets Sara, the first mortal who can somehow see him in his Reaper form. Charming and spirited despite bearing her own burdens, she intoxicates him with the pleasures of life, even taming his brutal dark side with her fearlessness. But Azrael’s new happiness is short-lived when he realizes Sara’s health is fading. The bright flame of her life is about to be blown out.
And he’s to blame.
Where to buy:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Smashwords
I hope y'all like it! Isn't the cover gorgeous? (Mad thanks to Kim Killion for that!) If you check it out, let me know what you think!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Looking for a fun read?
I just finished Kristan Higgins latest, My One and Only. I've been a fan of her work since I started reading her a few years ago - the quirky characters, the ever-present pet, the bumbling ex, the family members in need, the small town that becomes a character itself - I know what I'm getting when I pick up one of her books, but she always manages to reinvent her standards in a new and interesting way.
My One and Only is no exception and probably the freshest of her books that I've read (and I've read them all.) Without fail, she writes a book that will entertain. I could see where this one might even make you cry. (It didn't me, but then I have a heart made of titanium.)
If I were the ratings type, I'd give this a five out of five. If you're looking for a fun contemporary read or have a thing for reunion stories, give this one a try.
Next up: Maria Geraci's The Boyfriend of the Month Club - already started it and loving it!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Coolness!
Some days in your life are just officially cooler than others. Today is one of those days. Why, you ask? (And I'm so glad you did.) Because I discovered something over the weekend.
My gothic urban fantasy series? The one that's coming out from Orbit this fall? It's now officially available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. B&N only has the first book listed, but I'm sure the others will be along shortly.
Here they are, if you want to, you know, pre-order them. *winkwink*
Amazon:
Blood Rights
Flesh And Blood
Bad Blood
Barnes&Noble:
Blood Rights
No, the covers aren't available yet. I really, really wish I could share the first cover with you, but I can't yet. I promise, it's like nothing you've seen before. As soon as I can, I'll show it to you. Until then, trust me when I say it's worth the wait.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Caturday!
Today's caturday will be spent working.And by working, we mean laying around the house, basking in the sun and napping.
It's in our contract.
Friday, March 18, 2011
I'm chicken
I'm over at Fictionistas today, asking for help making a decision. Come give your input!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Win an Ereader!
Camryn Rhys and Rebecca Lynn are running a contest in keeping with all the March Madness going on - it's an author bracket! And guess who has two books in the running? If you said me, you'd be right. You did say me, didn't you?
Check it out here , read the details and get yourself entered! By entered, I mean you've picked Miss Bramble And The Leviathan and The Perfect Dish to win.
AND if either of my books wins the whole shooting match, I'll give a ecopy of BOTH books to the contest winner!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Great Giveaway
We've got an awesome giveaway going on over the Romance Divas blog today - if you love books and flowers, head over HERE and leave a comment to enter yourself in the giveaway. You could win a copy of Faking It by Elisa Lorello AND a dozen roses! Isn't that cool? I love having fresh flowers in the house and I love free books. I'm sure I'm not alone in that. ;o)
Check it out!
Monday, March 14, 2011
You better THINK!
Too many people believe that the internet is a place where you can say whatever you want, regardless of how cruel or untrue it might be. Flame wars break out on a daily basis. Rumors get scooped up and spread like gospel. Individuals are vilified before facts are verified. As an author, we're public figures. Sure, not to the extent of actors or politicians maybe, but we're still out there.
The next time I start to post something that's more than just a daily observation on life or an update on the mad behaviors of my feline staff, I'm going to run the content through this checklist:
T - Truthful
H - Helpful
I - Inspiring
N - Necessary
K - Kind
Can you imagine how much nicer the world in general would be if everyone decided to THINK before they spoke?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Yep, That's My Book
I recently found out that The Perfect Dish was nominated for Best in Paranormal Romance for 2010 at The Romance Reviews which is pretty cool considering this is one of my self-published books.
Here's the thing - I could use some votes now. I hate to ask, but not as much as I'd hate not getting any votes, know what I mean?
So if you're inclined to help me out, go HERE, then scroll down to the Paranormal Romance category and vote for The Perfect Dish. Yes, you have to register which is a pain in the butt, but it's a simple process AND I'd do it for you. And probably have. Just saying.
Go vote. Please?
Also, if you've never read The Perfect Dish, you can get your own copy via the sidelinks there --->
Monday, March 07, 2011
Learning to Bounce
The late cowboy star, Gene Autry, said life isn't about how high you climb, but how well you bounce.
For the business of writing, truer words could not be spoken. A writer's life is often a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. You final in a contest, then get your results back to find the one judge who kept you from winning hated your heroine. You get a call from an editor who asks you to do revisions, only to have them ultimately pass on the work. You sell your first book, but can't get a contract on a second no matter what you propose. Readers love your new series, then your publisher cancels it.
This is the writing life. We rise and fall every day, probably more so now with the uncertainty of the industry and the ever-changing publishing landscape than ever before. Many authors I know are having to re-invent themselves or seek new ways of publishing their work.
They're learning to bounce. Because the writer who falls and doesn't get back up is the writer who will get left behind, who will disappear, whose career will be over.
So no matter where you are in your path, learn to be resilient. Don't let one person's opinion keep you down.
Get out there and bounce.
