Mental Health Day

Still a bit dazed and confused. Last Friday, my publisher dropped the copy-edits for Stryker on my head– had them mailed to the convention. Since the book is about to come out, we had no wiggle room and they were due back yesterday morning first thing (which means they had to be mailed out on Tuesday). Normally, that wouldn't be a problem, but since I was at DragonCon....

We have another reason Sherri was a little scarce this past weekend. In fact, I had to stay at the hotel until Wednesday morning to get it all done. I ended up with only 2 hours of sleep before I drove home. Thank God, Tina stayed behind with me or I wouldn't have been able to make it– now we just have to teach her to drive a stick so that she can drive and I can nap :D

I got home yesterday about three in the afternoon– just in time to see my young 'uns and to threaten their lives should they touch the guitar my brother gave me at his concert on Saturday night. We're going to mount it to the wall in my office :D

I wanted to sleep, but had too much work to catch up on– besides I knew if I went to bed too early, it would completely throw my schedule off. So I worked until dinner, then worked a bit more. At 7:30 headed up stairs to beat my kids (in Soul Caliber LOL). I've now been banned from my fave character Siegfried because they don't stand a chance :( The baby makes me play girl characters because I'm a girl – double :(

After I made them better people by teaching them how to properly lose to a girl (don't worry, they beat my pants off at Halo where I learn humility), I came downstairs and checked in with Derek from DragonCon. I love Derek!!

We're brainstorming and making notes for next year. One of the key things being how to allow me into the booth to spend time with you guys without the hotel security and Fire Marshall taking our heads off. We're going to figure something out, I promise. Not to mention, I want to make sure you guys aren't missing panels and other things while waiting on me. There's too much fun to be had and I don't want to be an aggravation for you guys– I LOVE Y'ALL.

Another thing we're working on is a Dark-Hunter game for the kids and adults to play at the Con– more details when we have some. As my friend Sheri said, this year was a learning experience and we're having some growing pains. We will get the kinks worked out though and have a lot more fun next year – my editor has been banned from ever sending me work during DC again– Love you Monique. I really felt like Ash with his cell phone. This is my one weekend, man, don't ruin it :D I must be among my own kind and have at least one afternoon of fun!!!

Okay, whining aside. We are also working on having a real float for next year's parade. Now THAT will be cool if we can get it all put together. Just wait until you see our plans!!

After speaking to Derek, I realized that I could actually sleep so I headed to bed. I was so tired I crashed instantly. Now for those who don't know, I HATE daylight. That big yellow ball offends me and since I have construction workers in my family, I actually tried to get them to brick up my bedroom windows. They refused since it's against building codes (evil family).

Since I have to have windows, they are covered with two blackout shades, a blackout curtain liner and heavy, heavy drapes. I have a double door leading into the room so there really is NO daylight in it and when everything is closed, it is a pitch black cave. I like it like that.

7 AM this morning as I am sleeping in my peaceful darkness, the light comes bursting on. Hubby and I twitch and cry out like Nosferatu at dawn. "It burns us, it burns us, ahhhh!!!"

Little voice comes out of the blinding light, "Sorry." (Question: why does he need to do this? Does he think that after he went to sleep hubby and I moved the bed to a new location in the room? We've been in this house for 5 years and not once have I moved furniture in the middle of the night. I find my bed every night in the darkness. Why can't Boo? I don't understand, but back to the story). The lights go off and I hear the pitter patter of baby feet running until a 35 pound bomb hits me in the stomach.

"Mama? Mama? Mama?"

"What Boo?"

Little hands grip my face to that I can faintly see it's outline in the light left by the door being open. "This is important. I need a mental health day."

I blink. "Do what?"

"I'm serious, Mom. I have to have one."

"You just took one to go to DragonCon."

"Uh-huh and I need another one cause I have this toy that I got and I'm not finished putting it together. Plus I have to find my Sonic hat." He goes on and on until I hear a very low, deep response from hubby.

"I need a mental health day which is why you're going to school. Now get in the shower."

Boo pouts. "Mom?!" he wails.

"Dad has spoken. Off you go." So I get a Boo hug and rush him away, thinking I need one too LOL.

Now Boo is off to school and I'm missing my little buddy and my big ones too. Boo's birthday is two weeks away so we have to do some prep on that. And I have a LOT of work to catch up on.

Which means I should get to it. We'll have DHOTM out on Monday and the next newsletter which will be filled with news.

I also can't leave without saying THANK YOU to everyone. Acheron is spending it's 4th week on the New York Times print list (this week at 11). Thank you guys so much. I'm checking on the website progress today so hopefully we'll have it up and running by the end of the month.

And I know some of you hate it, but for now, the DragonCon pix are on MySpace http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=135494181&albumId=1885832 We'll migrate them to the new site once they're finished with the server end.

Until then, BIG hugs!

2:04 PM - 19 Comments - 50 Kudos - Add Comment

DragonCon

O-M-G!! Can someone expire from having too much fun? I think the answer may very well be yes LOL. As everyone knows while I enjoy the places I go and the events I attend, there are two in particular that I look forward to every year. K-Con (my convention) and DragonCon.

DragonCon for me is like coming home and since it's in Atlanta where I was raised, I mean that in more than one way (I attended my senior prom here in the Marriott where it's held every year). I can still remember the first time I heard of this strange event. I was at the University of Georgia and a friend came into the room all excited about an SF event he'd just learned about. It was 1987 and it blew me away. Little did I know then how big that baby would grow.

Barring poverty and babies, I've attended DC every year I could since then. My buddy who first told me of it ended up writing a few books for White Wolf and becoming one of the storytellers for the Atlanta Interactive Theatre which is the longest running vampire based LARP in the southeast.

We know what I ended up doing :) And I honestly can't explain the feeling of home I have the minute I walk into the lobby of the Marriott. I've been coming so long that even the hotel staff knows me. Tina's eyes widened when we arrived and Ali from valet met us with a grin on his face. "Nice to see you again, Sherri." She was like, "you really do live here." Yes, I do and I love them all dearly.

Honestly, I choke up the moment I see my friends that I've made over the years. One of my childhood friends, Sheri is a staple here and it's the one event of the year where we know we'll be able to spend a few minutes together. I didn't get to see Derek as much this year, but hey Derek your panels rocked as they always do. You are the MAN! And of course Evyl Ed who really does know everyone in the world.

This year I got to have lunch with Kevin J. Anderson and his lovely wife Rebecca Moesta. I just wish we'd had more time. But he had to run to a panel and I had to run meet up with Mark and Lisa who run the dealers' rooms– I LOVE you guys!!

I know there was a little problem with the signing – there only being one and it being before the Dark-Hunter panel. Mike and his staff were unbelievably helpful in helping us to find an additional time after the hotel staff forbade us from signing in the booth (Fire Marshall laws). I hate that I couldn't hang in the booth as in past years. But since it was right by a fire exit, they were afraid of the crowd blocking it and given the fact there were several hundred of you lined up for it, I hope you can forgive us. And I'm very sorry the Fire Marshall forced DC to change its room policies so that they had to limit how many could come into the panel too.

Tina and Sheri spent a lot of time talking to our DC folks. Next year we will split the signings into two a day and away from panels so that I'll be able to get to all of you and so that no one will have to spend four or more hours waiting as some of you did this year. We'll have tickets in advance and will make sure you guys know where I am and when (we're even printing up a Sherri sked for all of you). We'll have a bigger room for the panel and again will make sure all of us are informed about what's up.

The parade was AWESOME!! Tina and Retta counted over 100 of you who turned out to march for Dark-Hunter (we gave away all 75 ribbons withing two hours and DC parade was kind enough to allow us to have more– we gave out 135 of them total). BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU!!! And we have some really kewl ideas for what we're going to do next year. I hope you guys liked the donuts and juice that Dianna was so kind to bring to us—ooo and the incredible Ash we had on the motorcycle was none other than the infamous Karl.

Now I know some of you were wondering about Sonic the Hedgehog in our parade car LOL. Sonic was none other than my precious Boo who wanted to be in the parade too. Since he was too little to march with the Sega characters, I insisted he ride in the car alongside my cousin Allison who was the young Simi there. Hubby and my eldest son rode with him while Steve as Savitar drove it and we had one fan riding shotgun. I marched behind them with Ash and Apollymi. Laura helped hold the center of the banner up while Scott and Ed carried it. We tossed fangs, candy, etc to the crowd and had a wonderful time. And if you wondered why we had a Link in the very back, that was Roo LOL. I didn't want him on his own either. One of the cutest things was our collection of little folks. We had a baby Apostolos, a baby Katra, toddler Simi and one infant Were-Hunter complete with fur and ears LOL. Thank you guys so much! We'll have pix once I get them from Bek-Bek.   

Carl





A special thanks to all the people who traveled from the UK to be here. It was so great meeting all of you. I could take you guys home just for the accents alone LOL. Oh and since so many asked. The reason my wardrobe was tame this year was twofold. One the sprained ankle kept me from wearing my stilt heels which many of my costumes require. Then my hubby decided to do me a favor. He washed my tour clothes and rearranged my closet to "help me out." Well... I couldn't find a lot of things and since I had less than 48 hours from the tour to pack and come to DC, I didn't have time to search for them. And hubby forgot to put my shirts back into my suitcase after he washed them– I had all my bottoms, but only two shirts when I got to Atlanta (I actually had to buy a couple of t-shirts in the dealer's room for a change of clothes). Not to mention I was more worried about bringing gifts for the fans than looking cool, but next year I will be back in all my fun costumed glory– and I will finally be able to wear my Mrs. Lovett outfit :) among others.

Okay there's a lot more to talk about, but I have to get my pages done tonight and up early tomorrow too. So you guys take care and my love to DragonCon for being as awesome as ever. My admiration and appreciation to my staff (Sheri, her mom, Tina, Judy, Loretta, Erin, Ed, Carl, Kim and Kimmy) and to all the volunteers who lent a helping hand when we needed them. You guys are the absolute best.

Hugs to all!!      

4:04 AM - 21 Comments - 44 Kudos - Add Comment

Dragon Con info

We're in high gear for DragonCon (this weekend in Atlanta dragoncon. org). Our booth will be in the Imperial Ballroom 1001-1002 (Marriott). Ash and Simi will be there off and on all weekend and I will make drive-bys :) There will be tons of giveaways and lots of merchandise. Also if you dress as a DH or wearing DH merchandise, stop by the booth and get a free surprise (while supplies last). We'll also be giving away the free con edition of Seize the Night again too (again while supplies last).


PARADE INFO: We will be meeting in our usual spot outside the Marriott lobby by the spaceship fountain at 9:00 AM sharp (I'll be out there a little early)_and then we'll walk over to the park as a group. Scott and Ed have already volunteered to carry the banner (thank you guys) and we'll have the signs and bags again for participants. And yes, there is a special gift for everyone who marches. We'll also have a couple of Were-Hunters on their bikes this year-- all are welcome and to answer one of the popular questions, historical Hunters are more than welcome to the group.


It should be a lot of fun. If you haven't registered for the parade, you will need a parade ribbon. You can get one either from us at the booth on Friday or after you pick up your badge, you can register at the table in Hyatt right outside the registration area. We'll also have a few ribbons with us on Saturday. And don't forget to bring your DragonCon badge Saturday. YOUR DRAGONCON BADGE MUST BE VISIBLE IN ORDER FOR YOU TO MARCH. We will also have a couple of small fries who want to march with us this year too, including two pint-sized Simis. Last I checked Carl was planning to go as Nick, complete with tacky Hawaiian shirt– that alone should be worth seeing LOL.


Now for my Dragon Con schedule:

Title: Night Bites
Description: Join some of the most influential authors of vampire fiction and learn the many ways the undead continue to enthrall readers.

Time: Fri 07:00 pm Location: Regency VI - VII

Title: Dragon*AutoGraph
Time: Sat 02:30 pm Location: M301 - M304

This is the only signing we know of for Sherri so if you're bringing books, make sure you don't miss it. We want to make sure everyone who has books gets them signed!

Title: Sherrilyn Kenyon: Year of Acheron...and Beyond
Description: An hour with best-selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, author of the "Dark-Hunter" series.

Time: Sat 04:00 pm Location: Hanover C - E (Length: 1 Hour)

Title: Writing Bestselling Fiction
Description: All right, you want to see your name on the New York Times Bestselling List, right? Here are the writers who can help you get there...provided, of course, you have written a good book.

Time: Sat 08:30 pm Location: Manila / Singapore / Hong Kong (Length: 1 Hour)

Title: Wait Until Dark
Description: The sun dips below the horizon...what creeps out of the darkness towards the tantalizing flesh of the human population?
Time: Sun 02:30 pm Location: Manila / Singapore / Hong Kong (Length: 1 Hour)

My only other appearance will be at the Warchild concert on Saturday night, Aug 30 at 9:00 PM at the Vinyl @ Center Stage which is three minutes (in a car) from DragonCon. Since this isn't part of the DragonCon circuit you'll have to purchase tickets from the club to attend.
Here's the info:

Tickets are available in advance at TicketAlternative
TicketAlternative For only $18.
00, SEATING IS LIMITED !
Web: www. ticketalternative.
com
Phone: (877)725-8849

We will also have Warchild CD's and the Ash DVD for sale in the booth and Warchild will be driving the Mustang in the parade again this year too. So come out and see Sherri's little brother live and in action. Since Sherri is on a panel, she'll come in around 10.


Hope to see some of you there!

BIG hugs!

9:16 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Aug/Sept newsletter

Hi guys,
        
        I can't believe August is over. And I can't thank all of you enough for         making Acheron an instant 1 bestseller. THANK YOU! And to everyone who         came out to the signings, you guys rock! My husband and Tina were so         funny about the boxes of gifts that came in while I was gone. We had to         add new shelves in my office to hold them all. I want all of you to know         that I deeply treasure every smile and every face. One of my fondest         memories was a shadow box that was given to me by Redeemer and Akasha         who met on the bbs and who are now married (they were at the BN store         last year and were planning the wedding then). They're the third couple         I know about that this has happened to. The wedding picture they gave me         in Minneapolis now hangs beside the one of Rachel and David who gave me         theirs last year (their photo is of Rachel's garter that rested right         above her DH tattoo– David's is on his chest). I wish them all the best.         Many, many hugs to all of you!
        
        Now we're in high gear for DragonCon. Our booth will be in the         Imperial Ballroom 1001-1002 (Marriott). Ash and Simi will be there         off and on all weekend and I will make drive-bys :) There will be tons         of giveaways and lots of merchandise. Also if you dress as a DH or wear         DH merchandise, stop by the booth and get a free surprise. We'll also be         giving away the free con edition of Seize the Night again too.
        
        PARADE INFO: We will be meeting in our usual spot outside the         Marriott lobby by the spaceship fountain at 9:00 AM sharp (I'll         be out there a little early)_and then we'll walk over to the park as a         group. Scott and Ed have already volunteered to carry the banner (thank         you guys) and we'll have the signs and bags again for participants. And         yes, there is a special gift for everyone who marches. We'll also have a         couple of Were-Hunters on their bikes this year-- all costumes are         welcome (even Squires and historical Hunters of all kinds). It should be         a lot of fun. If you haven't registered for the parade, you will need a         parade ribbon. You can get one either from us at the booth on Friday or         after you pick up your badge, you can register at the table in Hyatt         right outside the registration area. We'll also have a few ribbons with         us on Saturday. And don't forget to bring your DragonCon badge Saturday.        YOUR DRAGONCON BADGE MUST BE VISIBLE IN ORDER FOR YOU TO MARCH.         We will also have a couple of small fries who want to march with us this         year too, including two pint-sized Simis. Last I checked Carl was         planning to go as Nick, complete with tacky Hawaiian shirt– that alone         should be worth seeing LOL.

        
        Come join the fun and show your DH spirit!!

Now for my Dragon Con schedule:
        
        Title: Night Bites
        Description: Join some of the most influential authors of vampire         fiction and learn the many ways the undead continue to enthrall readers.
        Time: Fri 07:00 pm Location: Regency VI - VII
        
        Title: Dragon*AutoGraph
        Time: Sat 02:30 pm Location: M301 - M304
        This is the only signing we know of for Sherri so if you're bringing         books, make sure you don't miss it. We want to make sure everyone who         has books gets them signed!
        
        Title: Sherrilyn Kenyon: Year of Acheron...and Beyond
        Description: An hour with best-selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, author         of the "Dark-Hunter" series.
        Time: Sat 04:00 pm Location: Hanover C - E (Length: 1 Hour)
        
        Title: Writing Bestselling Fiction
        Description: All right, you want to see your name on the New York Times         Bestselling List, right? Here are the writers who can help you get         there...provided, of course, you have written a good book.
        Time: Sat 08:30 pm Location: Manila / Singapore / Hong Kong         (Length: 1 Hour)
        
        Title: Wait Until Dark
        Description: The sun dips below the horizon...what creeps out of the         darkness towards the tantalizing flesh of the human population?
        Time: Sun 02:30 pm Location: Manila / Singapore / Hong Kong         (Length: 1 Hour)
        
        My only other appearance will be at the Warchild concert on Saturday         night, Aug 30 at 9:00 PM at the Vinyl @ Center Stage which is three         minutes (in a car) from DragonCon. Since this isn't part of the         DragonCon circuit you'll have to purchase tickets from the club to         attend. Here's the info:
        
        Tickets are available in advance at TicketAlternative
        TicketAlternative For only $18.00, SEATING IS LIMITED !
        Web: www. ticketalternative. com
        Phone: (877)725-8849

        We will also have Warchild CD's and the Ash DVD for sale in the booth         and Warchild will be driving the Mustang in the parade again this year         too. So come out and see Sherri's little brother live and in action.         Since Sherri is on a panel, she'll come in around 10. (By the way, I'm         not schizo I'm copying and pasting some things that Carl wrote).         

Oh and the Daily Dragon has done a special         interview with me that will appear in their first edition. Make sure to         snag a copy on your arrival. If you can't grab one there, you can also         read it on their website         http://dailydragon.dragoncon.org/ on Thursday.
        
        Then I'll be home until the Dallas Reader's Luncheon and K-Con in         October. Whoop, whoop!
        
        And since some of you couldn't come out for the tour, I compiled a list         of most popular questions to answer for all of you:
        
        1) Will Simi ever get to bbq Artie?
        Maybe.... maybe not
        
        2) Will Acheron be in future books?
        He is a LARGE part of One Silent Night as is Nick. This is the book         where a whole bunch of stuff changes. Alliances shift and the major         characters undergo a major metamorphoses. This is a lynchpin book that         you don't want to miss. There's also one of the two major surprises         about Ash that wasn't in Acheron in here too.
        
        3) Will Fury have a book?
        Yes. His is out Christmas in the anthology Dead After Dark
        
        4) Is Fang & Aimee still on?
        Yes, that is next summer's hardback and again it's a major lynchpin. You         guys will want to read Dream Warrior to prepare for it since that book         sets up a lot of the coming conflict. It's also the first book to         feature a Dolophoni hero.
        
        5) When will the Dark-Hunter Manga be out?
        Next spring. We have previews up for it at the MySpace page                http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=135494181         yes it is in the traditional Japanese format that will read from back to         front. But don't worry if you're not used to reading it this way. There         will be instructions in the book to explain how to follow it. There are         also wallpapers there for you too and at the         YearofAcheron.com site.        

        
        6) When is the next LOA book out?
        September 2009 and then March 2010. I didn't get a chance to finish it         before I went on tour and since I refuse to ever rush a book, it had to         be moved out of it's April 09 slot. I'm very sorry, but I'd rather you         guys get a quality product than something I was rushing to complete.         I've worked hard my whole life and my word to all my fans is that no         book will ever be released unless it's the best I can make it. You guys         deserve only my best and my best is all I will EVER give you. But the         next book is to DIE for. The hero is a corrupt Hel Hound (not a         misspelling) who is out to serve up Morgen's head on a platter, but         first he must steal one of Arthur's sacred objects from a powerful         merlin who refuses to let anyone near it. We have the covers for your         viewing pleasure...

        
        UK Vesion
                
        US Version

        7) When is the LOA graphic novel out?
        This September 10th. And if you're missing LOA comics, you can order         them through the         MightyBarnacle.com website where you can also purchase other         merchandise and books. In the meantime, here's a quick sneak peek of the         next edition of LOA: Knight of Darkness.

        8) Do I have my schedule for DragonCon?
        Yes, you can read it above.
        
        9) Will Simi have a HEA?
        Yes and her significant other will be introduced in One Silent Night         (You guys will have to figure out who that is). There are several new         characters who are entering the playing field. It's going to be a bumpy         ride, so fasten those seatbelts.
        
        10) Will there be anymore BAD Agency books?
        Definitely. Whispered Lies will be coming out June 09 (the paperback for         Phantom is out in May). Joe and Tee's story was too long for an         anthology so it will be out at a later date. The June book is about         Carlos Delgado and there are appearances in it by many of the series         faves.
        
        If you want to see pics from the tour, they're on MySpace for the time         being                 http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=135494181         We'll be migrating that over to the new site once it's finished and then         everyone will have access to the pix. But since the whole site is being         converted to PHP, I don't want to add anymore files to the server until         Carl and the gang is finished with it.
        
        Speaking of Carl and the gang, I thought I'd introduce our newest team         member. Tina "Fabulous" Trevaskis. Some of you who are writers will         recognize her name as she was a Borders store manager for several years         and worked up in their corporate office alongside Sue Grimshaw. She's         joining our team and will be present at DragonCon too (some of you may         have met her in San Francisco and San Diego). She's going to be in         charge of our events planning and the business end of things so that I         can focus more on writing. Kim is still my personal assistant and is the         primary one in charge of emails and my schedule (and my brain most         days). Erin and Otto are still working the fan club. Carl and Erin are         in charge of the store. And our industrious and illustrious con team is         still together: Sheri (road manager), Erin, Loretta, Tina, Kim, Ed,         Kimmy and me :) And of course Barbara who is our reporter on scene. The         bbs are still in the hands of Alex, Carl, Aimee, Brynna, Otto, Judy and         if I forgot someone remember it's early and my brain isn't in gear--Kim         hasn't released it back into my custody yet. But it doesn't mean I don't         love you all dearly and I'd be lost without you. Thank you guys so much         for all you do to keep everything running so smoothly for the fans.
        
        I know there's lots more, but I have to finish packing for DragonCon and         hug my kids before the rush out to school. Oh there is one last thing.         For those who've noticed, there hasn't been a new DHOTM due to my         extensive travel (I was away from home for almost 7 weeks). Give me time         to catch my breath and we will resume natural activity on Oct 1 (you'll         have more than one profile). Sorry for the delay.
        
        You guys take care and hopefully I'll see you soon.
        
        Hugs!

8:14 AM - 19 Comments - 36 Kudos - Add Comment

Home again home again jiggidity jig

When was the last post? I can't remember now. I'm still on tour time which means I have no idea what day it is or where I am...

Wait, I'm in comfy clothes and ugly green chair... that means... can it be? Am I dreaming?!

No, I hear the sound of little baby feet slapping on the floor as Boo runs to the pantry to rustle like a rat for a snack and there's a cat in my lap and a dog eyeing her spot... I'M HOME!!!!!!!

I'm home, I'm home I'm home :D Not that I didn't enjoy every one of you, but there is something to be said about my ugly green chair that's big enough for me and Boo (and sometimes Roo and Bug when they sandwich themselves in).

The tour wrap up, we had a huge turnout out at the rest of the stores like we'd had before at earlier stops. THANK YOU FANS!! The flight in from Toronto to Orlando was extremely hairy as the plane bounced unbelievably through the storm. There were a lot of kids on the flight who were crying and screaming. Dianna was trying to work next to me, but we were bouncing to the point I got a bit airsick and couldn't do much more than lay my head to my pillow and try not to be ill.

Honestly, we thought only a handful of people would be there. After all, there was a tropical storm. We arrived early to the signing so that I could do an interview and Dianna went to scope out the area. She came back and gave me a dry stare. "There's over 300 here."

I laughed. "Yeah, right."

I was wrong. She wasn't kidding and we were both stunned. Penny actually drove down from West Georgia to be there. There were a couple of carloads from Jacksonville, Miami and tons from Tampa and a couple from Valdosta, GA. Jen came down from Iowa (her third time seeing me on the tour) and Pan rode in with Penny and their babies. Y'all all rock!!

Ash was a little late, but he was wonderful and extremely tall LOL. We were supposed to have a Q&A, but since the store had it set up so that only a handful of people could be in front of the stage and because the weather was still bad and we had peeps with a long drive ahead of them through the lingering storm, the store decided that we should just start signing which we did. Dianna ended up with a massive headache through it. I felt so bad for her, but she was a trooper. Judy jumped in to lend a hand (yaaah Judy-- her 4th time on the tour). We were drenched going in and coming back which left me with one nasty cold.

But the plane out the next day was only a little late and though bumpy, I made it home. My babies and hubby were there at the airport to greet me on my arrival. Boo came running and I dropped my suitcase to scoop him up, then I cried like a baby which embarrassed my older two to no end. I told them that one day they'd understand the fact that their mother NEVER cries in public. Not at funerals, not at bleeding and broken bones. NEVER. The fact that I cried at seeing them says a lot about how much I've missed my angels.

We got home to a cake and flowers to welcome me back and Boo made spaghetti with my hubby. Afterward, Roo challenged me to a round of Soul Caliber which I'd never played before. He was hysterical. Round one he took it easy on me because he said and I quote, "I thought you were going to suck at this." But as I told him, fighting games are my forte. When it comes to kicking butt, no one beats me... except him twice, but I won the rest :) and those he only won because I stepped off the ledge.

I wasn't quite so valiant with Boo. He kept winning, but only because I know the value behind the concept of let the Wookie win. Roo was a little bent that I wasn't killing baby bro, but I told him my wrist needed to rest so that I could defeat him later LOL.

I also learned that Ash is 2 and 3 this week on the lists-- THANK YOU FANS. You guys are the best. To everyone who made time to visit me during the tour, to all the ones who brought presents, dressed up and proudly flashed DH tattoos, THANK YOU. I really appreciate the fact that you guys waited anywhere from 4-10 hours for the signings (longer at the launch which we did in the heat– I think there were fans there 15 hours total. My staff and I put in a 22 hour day there). You guys never cease to amaze me or to put a smile on my face.

Carl uploaded the last of the tour photos on MySpace http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhotos&albumID=1846276&MyToken=f68cd016-fb9e-4bf6-a311-0e6c3cd4aa4b
Once the new site is up, we'll have them on our server. Right now we're trying not to update anymore than we have to until we get the new site finished (it's less to integrate).

And with that being said, we made a list of the most asked tour questions which I thought I'd answer here for all of you:

1) Will Simi ever get to bbq Artie?
Maybe.... maybe not

2) Will Acheron be in future books?
He is a LARGE part of One Silent Night as is Nick. This is the book where a whole bunch of stuff changes. Alliances shift and the major characters undergo a major metamorphoses. This is a lynchpin book that you don't want to miss. There's also one of the two major surprises about Ash that wasn't in Acheron in here too.

3) Will Fury have a book?
Yes. His is out Christmas in the anthology Dead After Dark

4) Is Fang & Aimee still on?
Yes, that is next summer's hardback and again it's a major lynchpin. You guys will want to read Dream Warrior to prepare for it since that book sets up a lot of the coming conflict.

5) When will the Dark-Hunter Manga be out?
Next spring. We have previews up for it at the MySpace page http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhotos&albumID=1846587&MyToken=f68cd016-fb9e-4bf6-a311-0e6c3cd4aa4band yes it is in the traditional Japanese format that will read from back to front.

6) When is the next LOA book out?
September 2009 and then March 2010. I didn't get a chance to finish it before I went on tour and since I refuse to ever rush a book, it had to be moved. I'm very sorry, but I'd rather you guys get a quality product than something I was rushing to complete. I've worked hard my whole life and my word to all my fans is that no book will ever be released unless it's the best I can make it. You guys deserve only my best and my best is all I will EVER give you.

7) When is the LOA graphic novel out?
This September. And if you're missing LOA comics, you can order them through the MightyBarnacle.com website

8) Do I have my schedule for DragonCon?
Yes, you can read it here http://bbs.dailyinquisitor.com/showthread.php?t=22516. One quick note is they've only scheduled me for one signing and I'm not sure if they'll let me do them in the booth. So please make sure those of you wanting autographs come at the appointed time. I don't want anyone to go home without an autograph :)

For those needing parade info, please visit http://bbs.dailyinquisitor.com/showthread.php?t=22516 We will again be meeting as a group at the Marriott to walk over together to the park. It's 9 AM at the Marriott fountain. Don't forget to pick up your parade ribbons from our booth in the Imperial Ballroom starting at 1PM on Friday. Try to stop by for the ribbon, but if you don't get a chance, don't fret. We will have them with us at the Marriott and you can get yours before we walk to the park.

9) Will Simi have a HEA?
Yes and her significant other will be introduced in One Silent Night (You guys will have to figure out who that is).
                    
10) Will there be anymore BAD Agency books?
Definitely. Whispered lies will be coming out June 09 (the paperback for Phantom is out in May). Joe and Tee's story was too long for an anthology so it will be out at a later date. The June book is about Carlos Delgado and there are appearances in it by many of the series faves.

9:38 AM - 44 Comments - 76 Kudos - Add Comment

Typical Tour Day

6:15 AM phone rings with wake-up call. Jump in bed and freak at the harsh sound. Take a second to remember where I am– what hotel and what city since we're spending less than 20 hours any where. Roll over and curse the sight– went to bed at 3:30 (signing ran to 2:45) then had to sign stock and take staff photos before driving back to hotel.

Groan in pain, slept in weird position and my legs cramped the whole two hours I napped due to dehydration. Have also found new torture. Leg cramps combined with sprained ankle. If you straighten leg to not cramp, it pulls the ankle until tears of pain form. If you accommodate ankle, leg cramps so badly tears of pain form. Must use this on a character some day.

Dianna groans too as she answers ringing phone to make it stop yelling at us. She goes to the bathroom while I pull out schedule and gather bath items.

7:00 AM run around trying to get pub materials back into the suitcase and make everything fit before we herc our 8 bags down to the lobby (hotel has no bellman and we had to practically mug a family of four to get the one luggage cart we have).

7:30 outside of hotel in the muggy heat waiting for the shuttle to get us to the airport.

8:10 arrive at the airport and have to herc baggage to the curbside checkout only to learn that those are TSA agents not airline people and we have to take the luggage inside. There's no porter to be found and no cart dispenser. Sigh heavily and leave Dianna with the bags while I do a frantic cart search.

Find cart with defective wheel. It's the last one in the dispenser so I have to take it back to Dianna who arches one eyebrow at our luck. We wrangle the bags onto the cart. Dianna and I then have to try and get the little booger inside. It lists to port badly causing us to run over one man's poor toes and we narrowly miss toddler who is running away from parental custody. I swear I heard her cry "Freedom!" until her mother snatched her out of harm's way.

Wrestle the cart sucker through the cattle walk of stantions to meet surly airline employee who wants to know where we're going. We've forgotten and have to pull the schedule out– luckily today we're at the right airline counter.

Are told that one of our 4 big suitcases is overweight (70 pounds due to promo materials we need) and will cost $130 to take on plane. Have momentary seizure until I remember I have a Gold Medallion card (it pays to fly a lot). But the card is in the bottom of my carry on. Have to open it up on the floor while those behind us are cursing loudly at the delay and wishing even more bad travel karma on us. Fish out card and hand it over to surly counter human.

Also have to try and get our seats together again since we aren't listed as travel companions on our initial itinerary. Because I fly so much, I'm automatically upgraded and moved but Dianna isn't. She is now sandwiched between two strangers in the back of the plane and I have to have my seat switched back to economy. We lose our nice Exit Row seats that we'd had originally in the process and are given some in the back that don't recline *sigh*.

Get the bags checked without penalty fee (FYI they weigh 49.5, 48.7, 49.5 and the whopping 71.3 pounds in addition to the carry-ons that weigh 45, 45, 23 and 35 pounds). This is what we've been carrying stop to stop. We only have a combined weight of 18 pounds in clothes, shoes and toiletries. The rest is all work related.

9:00 am standing in security line with surly security people who make us get out of the short line to get into the longer one behind 3 families, all of whom are traveling with small children. Have toddler try to steal my ugly doll pillow off my suitcase. Swap him a set of plastic glow in the dark fangs for pillow custody.

10:12 make it to the line and wrestle laptops out of bags, shoes off feet and printer from carry-ons. Rude man cuts between me and Dianna and when I pull a tub out for my computer, he slaps his shoes into it while I'm holding it! Then he tries to get between us. We tell him to go ahead if he's in a hurry.

Finally get things in the tubs without rude man intruding again. Yet somehow my carefully composed carry-on looks like a bomb and we have to be pulled aside (this after my ankle brace sets off the alarm). Get practically strip searched before we're cleared and have to repack all of our items.

11:00 barely make it to the gate in time to board– we whimper over yet another missed breakfast.

11:20 on plane with grumbling tummies only to find a woman in my seat who argues that she is entitled to it. Have to call flight attendant to explain to her that she has a connecting flight and that the seat she's looking at is for that flight and not the one we're currently on. She is moved and we get to stow our bags.

We breathe a sigh of relief until we realize that they can't serve peanuts due to an allergy and there will be no food of any kind on the flight. Stomachs rumble in protest.

Sit back and wait for others to board.

12:20 Think to self that I can nap but remember I have to finish edits. Pull out laptop and have the seat in front of me slam back and close it– thank God they didn't tear it up as hard as they rammed it. It mashed my fingers and I lost a page, but other than that no real harm.

3:40 we land, but have to wait for a plane to get out of our way before we can pull up to the jetway. By now we have major headaches from lack of food and leg is cramping like mad. Hands are still swollen to the point I can't wear my wedding ring and the brace is cutting into my already aching ankle.

4:06 run off plane to make the bathroom. Check the time and realize we'll barely make the signing. Wait for luggage only to learn that one bag is missing.

Take a minute to freak since it's the heavy promo bag. Run to office only to learn that the bag was sent on an earlier flight to make it easier on us– yeah, okay.

Get bag and then have to find hotel which is supposed to be attached to airport. Hmmm... okay. Ask for directions and three times are told the wrong ones.

Finally find the right pathway which leads to a train... A train our cart of bags won't fit onto. We whimper as we realize it's 1200 feet to the hotel (4 football fields). Sighing, we begin our long trek where there's no AC in the tunnel and it's 98 degrees outside. Have to stop in the middle to catch our breaths. I feel like a weinie until Dianna reminds me that she's winded and sweating too and she runs marathons.

4:45 We get to the lobby only to learn that they have no reservation for us. What? They finally find it, then can't find the publisher's account. I have to pull out my credit card to pay while Dianna goes to check on our car which they also lost the reservation for.

No bellmen are available so we again herc the bags to the elevators which are from the planet Moronia. We get off on our floor only to find more elevators and no hallways– for a moment I wait to hear Rod Serling's voice explain that I've entered a new dimension. The Tour Zone.

We finally realize that we have to go outside in the heat over an exposed walkway to get to our room. Oookay. Get in and realize the room is not the best– wonder where the body outline is for the last resident. But we barely have time breathe let alone worry over the ickiness of the room.

We pick up phone to call room service for anything to eat only to be told that it'll be at least an hour before they can bring it to us.

Sighing, we look for drinks, but there aren't any of those either and we don't have time to search. Must take baths again since we've sweated at least 5 pounds off.

5:30 head to bookstore. Am so tired I fall asleep in car. Dianna wakes me to find that the road to the store is blocked off due to festival. We have to abandon car and herc our stuff through the 98 degree heat toward the store two blocks away.

5:45 sweaty and gross we get to the store and try to find the manager to let her know we've arrived. There are already over 200 people in attendance some of whom arrived before noon. We go to the back so we can assemble giveaways and talk to staff.

6:00 I do an interview in the office where I wonder if my grumbling tummy can be heard. Dianna is scouting out the store to make sure we have room for photos. And a PA system for Q&A– my voice went out during Comic-Con in July and hasn't had a chance to recover yet.

6:30 out to meet the fans and start the Q&A. I love you guys!! Y'all make it all worthwhile. Spend the next few hours talking and signing and laughing, Yah!! Lots of laughing.

12:43 signing is over. Arm, wrist and shoulder are KILLING me. Sense of sadness that everyone is gone but am hoping everyone had a great time. Dianna looks beat but happy. Take photos with store staff and sign stock and preordered books.

1:30 get back to hotel and order soup– we are dying for food. We pack up while we wait, and Dianna puts ice and then medicine on my shoulder. I brace my hand.

2:18 head to bed knowing we have to be up at 6:30 to start all over again. As Kim says, we're trapped in Ground Hog Day. And now you guys know why I'm not uploading photos every day :) I'm lucky if I can answer phone calls or even turn the computer on. Or as Dianna says, we're living the dream baby, living the dream :)

8:31 AM - 79 Comments - 127 Kudos - Add Comment

Orbs and Tour

You know tours always sound so glamorous, but... I just got into Boston and have less than an hour to get ready for the signing– another night with no food :( but that's okay. I get to meet you guys and that makes it all worthwhile.

That also explains why this is a very short report. I stayed up until 2 last night uploading the latest batch of pix on MySpace http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhotos&albumID=1846276&MyToken=6cdba6da-5afa-4325-997e-135ad680517c and then had to be up at 6:30 to catch a plane to Boston. As I was reviewing the photos, I realized there are orbs in MANY of them, especially in Ann Arbor, Houston and at the Parthenon. I don't know how many of you believe in orbs, but I definitely do. For those who don't know what they are, these are little bursts of patterned circles that occasionally appear for no reason in photographs. Some believe them to be ghosts, others disregard them as a camera anomaly.

I like to think of them as spirits or guardian angels. In fact, I think they are my parents, Dianna's mom and my brother sharing our trip with us and watching over the signings to make sure everything goes well. Now if I could only get them to have a chat with the AC gods who have abandoned us, we'd be in business LOL. BTW did any of the rest of you have photos with orbs in them? If you look at the larger photos from the tour, you can see mine.

Okay have to dash out now, but you guys take care and I'll be back soon.

And one more time– THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING ACHERON 1. You guys rock!!

Hugs!

1:05 PM - 48 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

THANK YOU FANS!!

Thank you so much to all the fans who bought Acheron this past week. We have hit 1 on every list including the New York Times hardcover (okay 7 on USAT only because Meyer is 4 of those-- congrats to Stephenie-- we're still the 1 adult hardcover on that list too). You guys rock and I can't thank you enough! This is our fourth 1 for DH in a row and the third in the last 9 months. THANK YOU!!

Now I'm running to do a signing and if we get back before 2 am, I'll upload the next batch of photos from the tour. And for those in Minneapolis, I can thank you personally tonight!

HUGS!!

2:31 PM - 108 Comments - 172 Kudos - Add Comment

Latest Tour Update

Man, I can't thank all of you enough for coming out in such large numbers for the tour. I know many of you have driven hours away and some have come in from other countries– THANK YOU! Each one of you touches my heart and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

I was already signing in Nashville when Dianna told me about the sea of fans stretching all the way out through the parking lot. And it's been mad crazy everywhere we've been since. THANK YOU.

I'm sorry that a couple of the costume parties couldn't happen :( My deepest apologies. We didn't have the PA system in Vegas and because of Fire Marshal laws, we couldn't have everyone inside Dark Delicacies at the same time. We're checking to make sure the rest of the stops can accommodate the crowd and our plans. We already know that Foxwoods is more than able to contain us :) and they're even throwing more fun things in than what we had planned.

BTW, I do want to say a huge thanks to Del and Sue from Dark Delicacies. They managed everything fantastically and were fun and great as always. I love the chain stores, but Dark Delicacies has a very special place in my heart. If any of you are ever out in Burbank, you have to visit. I could actually live in their store :)

My other regret is my busted ankle which isn't allowing me to wear my kewler clothes. Since I'm limited on footwear, the better things look awful with tennis shoes. I keep looking at my corsets and whining. But I do have my kewl zombie shirt...

Yes, the travel karma is still with us. We've had delayed flights and no AC in hotels and airplanes and airports since the beginning. Those of you at the Parthenon know exactly what I mean. God bless all of you for staying and not turning on us in that heat. And my printer almost got me arrested LOL.

I've also learned that when someone is dressed like Bride and we're talking about Bride that I shouldn't be signing the book. Apparently, I can't multitask and so the book ended up being signed to Bride... yeah, I need a RAM upgrade.

Well it's late and we're heading out first thing in the morning for Denver. I can't wait to see all you guys there! We have more prizes to give away and a ton of other fun stuff for all of you. I hope to keep seeing all of you on tour and can't wait to share laughs and stories.

In the meantime, I've been uploading photos to the myspace sight for all of you to see http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=135494181&albumId=1846276

Hugs!!

11:04 PM - 33 Comments - 62 Kudos - Add Comment

Exhausted

Exhausted, but feeling grateful and happy :) Thanks to everyone who came out in Nashville to brave the ungodly heat for the launch party. You guys rock!!

We had to vacate the building by midnight so those at the end had to move outside with me where we signed another 2.5 hours-- I'll give more tomorrow after I've slept.

Just FYI, after the last fan left, we then went across the street where I signed another 400+ books for Davis Kidd for all of you who preordered them. So those should be headed your way soon. I got home at 4:30 AM and then had to be up at 6 to head for the airport. We had over 300 tonight in Ann Arbor so I'm pooped and headed for bed.

Will post with pix and more tomorrow after I've had a couple of hours sleep. In the meantime hugs and gratitude to all of you!!

9:31 PM - 40 Comments - 72 Kudos - Add Comment