Reading Update and Blog Appearance

My friend, Jeanne, interviewed me over at Eight LadiesWriting. She also had some WONDERFUL things to say about Biting the Curse. Go check it out at: https://eightladieswriting.com/2020/01/14/jeanne-interview-with-stacy-mckitrick-2/

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #2

Dates read: January 6-11
Title: Where Winter Finds You
Year of publication: 2019
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series:  Black Dagger Brotherhood #17.5
# of Pages: 445
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book:. When Trez lost his beloved to a tragic death, his soul was crushed and his destiny relegated to suffering. But then he meets a mysterious female, and he is convinced his true love has been reincarnated. Is he right? Or has grief created a disastrous delusion?
    Therese has come to Caldwell to escape a rift with her bloodline. The revelation that she was adopted and not born into her family shakes the foundations of her identity, and she is determined to make it on her own. Her attraction to Trez is not what she’s looking for except the sexy Shadow proves to be irresistible.
    Has fate provided a grieving widower with a second chance … or is Trez too blinded by the past to see the present clearly? In this sensual, arresting story of redemption and self-discovery, two lost souls find themselves at a crossroads, where the heart may be the only compass that can be trusted …
My thoughts: Only J.R. Ward would call a 400+ book a novella. I would have said it’s a whole novel, and it’s a really good novel, too. I like how she corrected the huge mistake many readers claim she made in Trez’s first story (#13, The Shadows). I mean, you just don’t kill off the heroine! But she’s redeemed herself in this book. At least, for me. And I’m so happy for Trez!

I’m almost finished with the edits to Finding the Perfect Mate. Then it goes back to my editor to make sure I didn’t screw anything else up! After she gets another read and I fix it again (if there’s anything to fix), then it’s on to my copy editor (i.e. daughter). I may actually get this book ready before release day. Which is April 1^st, in case you forgot. It’s on preorder now at a reduced price of $2.99 (after April 1 it goes up to $4.99). You can order it here:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081TM9KC1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-the-perfect-mate-stacy-mckitrick/1135043124?ean=2940163189878

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/finding-the-perfect-mate

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/finding-the-perfect-mate/id1488836101

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992009

So … Have you set any reading goals this year? I set the bar low this year: 50. I read 57 books in both 2019 and 2018, so I figure it’s doable.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part II

Last Friday I posted the first of the two character interviews I created for my newsletter. If you missed it, you can read it HERE. Today I’m posting the other one. This interview, originally shared in last August’s newsletter, features Jack from My Sunny Vampire and takes place before his book, so no spoilers! Now, while Perry has shown up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and Blind Temptation, he is not a character in My Sunny Vampire. However, he is mentioned as that vampire (not by name, though) who could dig into minds. So if you didn’t know that, now you do!
 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

Perry: Hello, fellow vamps, this is Perry Davenport here to interview Committee Member Jack VanAllen. He has been on the Committee since 1878, making him the second-longest member after our fearless Head, Barnet Groves.

Jack: Shouldn’t that be second-longest serving member? I think Abe is the longest by six inches.

Perry: What are you, the grammar police?

Jack: Just pointing out the obvious.

Perry: Yeah, sure. So tell us, Jack. It’s a known fact you prefer positive blood to negative blood, but what we don’t know is how you can tell the difference. What makes negative blood so distasteful to you?

Jack: I thought you were going to ask me real questions during this interview.

Perry: That is a real question. One I got from a listener, even.

Jack: Fine. I don’t know why, but negative blood makes my stomach upset.

Perry: So, it’s psychosomatic?

Jack: It’s not psychosomatic. And if you wish to continue with this interview, I suggest you ask a different question.

Perry: Okay. Don’t be so touchy. Here’s a fun question for you. Boxers, briefs, or commando?

Jack: What male vampire wears undergarments? You?

Perry: Oh, well, no. Not me. Point taken. Next question. What’s your dream vacation?

Jack: Why would I want to take a vacation? I like my job.

Perry: But wouldn’t you like to just get away for a week?

Jack: And do what?

Perry: Okay, so you’re a workaholic. What do you do during your free time?

Jack: Sometimes I swim. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I work on my car.

Perry: (snapping fingers) Yes, your car. You own a 1965 Mustang, right?

Jack: Actually, it’s a 1964-1/2. First generation. Bought it brand new.

Perry: I bet that thing is worth a pretty penny.

Jack: I wouldn’t know. I don’t plan on selling it.

Perry: No, of course not. What other cars have you owned?

Jack: None. I like that one.

Perry: Not even before the Mustang? Maybe a Model T?

Jack: I walked faster than the Model T.

Perry: Well, yeah, didn’t we all? Okay, here’s a more serious question. The Committee hasn’t set a precedence, but what do you think of a vamp controlling a mortal for personal gain?

Jack: I know some vampires resort to that tactic, but I’d like to think they do it out of need and not fun. Still, while we are forced to control a mortal for feeding, we do not have to resort to that for fun. That is what our allure is for.

Perry: But isn’t that the same as controlling?

Jack: Not at all. It is just an attraction. The mortal can still say no. We vampires can be more persuasive in other ways, just as mortals are to one another. Do you control a mortal when you’re not feeding from them?

Perry: No. I mean, what’s the fun in that? I like a little interaction.

Jack: Exactly.

Perry: Will the Committee ever set a rule to prevent it?

Jack: As long as it’s not an issue, I doubt it. Mainly because there are times when the vampire is in need. And if we start making rules for every little thing, we might end up with another vampire war on our hands. And a war in this technological world would surely out us all. All the more reason to keep the calm.

Perry: Keep Calm and Avoid Publicity!

Jack: What?

Perry: Never mind. Thanks for joining us today, Jack. It was a real pleasure.

****

Tonight Hubby and I might actually be able to attend our first Dragons game of the season (since the other first game was rained out). No rain is in sight tonight. At least, not until after midnight. Our second game is tomorrow and while there isn’t rain forecasted, it’s supposed to be colder. As my husband asked, “Don’t the weather Gods know it’s May?” Apparently not. I foresee going from chilly weather straight into 90 degree temps. There will be no beautiful days in between. I just know it!

So… It’s Friday the thirteenth today (my daughter’s favorite day). Are you superstitious? Sometimes I think superstition is just another form of OCD. What do you think?

Have a great weekend (and don’t walk under that ladder!).

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part I

In an effort to get newsletter subscribers to actually OPEN my newsletters, I wrote a couple of character interviews (based on my Bitten by Love series). They turned out pretty good, too. But alas, not many people actually read them and my plan to have five interviews for the newsletter was cut to only two.

I want to share these interviews now (and yes, this post is kind of long—for me). A Vampire Wedding is due out this month (that pesky copy editor, who happens to be my daughter, is finally working on my piece—yay!), and the “interviewer,” Perry, returns in that novella, so what better time to share these with everyone else?

For those who haven’t read this series, Perry first showed up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and then later in Blind Temptation. He’s one of my favorite characters (probably why he keeps popping up in my books) and I had a lot of fun writing the scenes between him and Victoria in Blind Temptation (and no, he’s not the hero in that book). And that’s when I came up with the idea of him interviewing the Committee Members for their vampire website. The second interview is with Jack (My Sunny Vampire) and I’ll post that next Friday.

If you subscribe to my newsletter and have already read this, sorry for the repeat. Unless you really, really liked it, then you can enjoy it again!

 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

First up: Victoria Braeden

Victoria: This interview is stupid. Why does everyone need to know more about me? Are you recording this? Don’t record this! Damn it, Perry.

Perry: [snickers] Lighten up, Vicky.

Victoria: How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?

Perry: Maybe when you start liking it.

Victoria: [mumbles]

Perry: What was that? I didn’t hear you.

Victoria: [rattles off some German words]*

Perry: Just so you readers know, Victoria doesn’t like to be called Vicky, so if you’d like to see her all riled up, that’d be a way to do it.

Victoria: That better be stricken before this is published. And I get final look at the material.**

Perry: Whatever you say, Victoria. Why don’t we get started? My name is Perry Davenport, as if you didn’t already guess, and I’ve been summoned to interview each Committee Member so all you vampires out there might understand them a little better.

Victoria: Summoned? Really? This was your idea!

Perry: And a good one at that, too. Don’t you think? Our first guest, as if you couldn’t tell, is the not-so-lovely Victoria Braeden.

Victoria: What? That wasn’t very nice. You plan on insulting all your guests?

Perry: Only the difficult ones.

[sound of Perry’s arm getting punched]

Perry: Feel better?

Victoria: For someone who wants my cooperation, you sure are going about it all wrong.

Perry: You’re right, and I apologize. So let’s get on with this, shall we? As many of you know, she became a member in 1932. But let’s find out stuff you don’t know. Victoria, do you have a favorite blood type?

Victoria: All the blood types taste the same to me.

Perry: Even diabetics? I love that nice sweet taste as it rolls over my tongue. Real rush!

Victoria: Good for you.

Perry: How about sex? Prefer one over the other?

Victoria: I’m not going to talk about my sex life, you pervert.

Perry: I meant the sex of your donor.

Victoria: Oh. I prefer women over men.

Perry:  Oooh… Tell us more.

Victoria: Oh, don’t be disgusting. I don’t feed for sex, unlike you. It’s just I’m used to women and my late husband didn’t necessarily like me feeding from men.

Perry: Controlling, was he?

Victoria: No. We both agreed not to feed from the opposite sex. That’s called compromise. Something you’ll never understand.

Perry: Whatever. What type of music do you enjoy?

Victoria: I absolutely love Beethoven. I got to see him perform in person. And then met him afterward. Such a gentleman. It was so exciting.

Perry: Anything more…modern?

Victoria: Henrik took me to see Benny Goodman once. He was very entertaining.

Perry: How about something in the 21st century? Like 50 cent. Coldplay. Maroon 5. Neon Trees.

Victoria: Now you’re just making names up.

Perry: I’ll take that as a no, then. What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Victoria: Germany.

Perry: Can you be a little more specific?

Victoria: Anywhere in Germany.

Perry: You know, you’re allowed to elaborate. Maybe you’d be better at a quick round. Which do you prefer? House on the beach or cabin in the woods?

Victoria: As long as it’s in Germany, I don’t care.

Perry: That’s not what I… [groans]. Between those two, and it doesn’t matter where in the world, which would you prefer?

Victoria: Are they light tight?

Perry: Yes!

Victoria: Don’t get huffy with me. You’re the one asking the stupid questions.

Perry: They’re not stupid. They’re supposed to make you think. How about, granny panties, silky thong, or commando?

Victoria: What does that have to do with a house on the beach or a cabin in the woods?

Perry: They don’t. What do you like? Which are you wearing?

Victoria: You’re sick, you know that?

Perry: I don’t see a panty line so I’m thinking commando. Or maybe a thong.

Victoria: That does it. This interview is over.

[sound of chair sliding across the floor followed by the slam of a door]***

Perry: Well, that was fun, wasn’t it? Come back next month when I interview Jack VanAllen. Someone who will probably be more cooperative than Victoria

Notes from Perry:

* If I knew German, I’d put down what she said. But I don’t so I won’t even try. However, I’m pretty sure she was cussing. She likes to cuss in German.

** Victoria got final look at the material. It just wasn’t the material I published.

*** Victoria has a glare that could melt ice. I’m just saying…

 

Will Perry ever have his own book? If I continue with the series, he most likely will. He’s a fun character to write, that’s for sure.

So… Got plans for the weekend? I’m going to see “Captain America: Civil War” on Sunday. Already have my tickets. Can’t wait!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

Stacy