Please Help me welcome guest blogger and Nocturne/Dorcester author, Linda Thomas-Sundtrom. Linda writes paranormals for Nocturne Bites and Dorchester Publishing. Her first book from Dorchester, Barbie & the Beast, releases April, '09!***
Hello MWVRWA. It's so nice to meet you all and have a chat. Since I'm from the west coast, where it's a sunny 75 degrees here at the moment, and birds are singing outside my window, I'll sip some iced tea and hope you'll join me for a while. Before I get back to my deadline. (I've always wondered why that thing lurking is called a deadline. Anybody know? Like maybe your career is dead if you go past that book's due date?) Ha.Shall I tell you a snippet about myself? Well, I'm a paranormal writer, through and through. No matter how hard I try to write a straight novel or romance, it turns south toward that big "P." It's just something in my blood, I guess. In our family, when I was growing up, telling spooky stories or watching spooky movies was a part of our weekend routine. At that time, supernatural and paranormal were considered "out of the box." I'm not so sure about today. What do you think? Do any of you have the need to delve into the supernatural realms?
My first book was fantasy, called "Cafe Heaven (An autobiography of the Afterlife)," about a guy, a diner, a blonde recruiter for the devil's side of the pavement, and the infamous old Route 66. That book was dedicated to my father, who I'm sure whispered the words to me from the Great Beyond. Café Heaven is currently being considered as movie fodder, which as we all know doesn't mean much in Hollywood until an actual contract were to come through.
Still . . . isn't that a kick? And pretty darned well thrilling?
My next story was a romance published by Kensington Brava, and Brava's first vampire story. The anthology created around it was titled Immortal Bad Boys. My tale was dark historical vampire fare.Then I just had this story in my head that so opposite from the dark vampire historical, that I took an entire year to write the whole book. "Barbie & the Beast." My blurb on this book would be: A romp through the world of paranormal dating.
Did I mention that I have two distinct sides of my paranormal personality? Light and dark? And that the term "branding" can only apply to me in terms of knowing I'll write a paranormal of some kind?
My opportunity for showcasing "Barbie & the Beast" came in the form of the American Title 3 contest, sponsored by Dorchester and the Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. I entered, was chosen one of ten to participate, made it to the top 4, and Dorchester ended up buying the book.
"Barbie & the Beast" will be released this April 1. I am just so excited! Can you see me wiggling?
A dark, sexy tale appeared next in my brain that had Silhouette Nocturne branded on it. By submitting this novella to them, I garnered a 5 book contract! Yikes.
My first two Nocturne Bites,"BLACKOUT" and "WOLF BAIT" have just been released this January and February. I'm currently writing the next full book in that series, and really digging it.
And . . . the point of all this recent success? Lessons learned?I followed my internal directional beacon by writing what I wanted to write, when I wanted to write it. Yes, it can happen! It's true. You can write that book that's chattering to you, if you're willing to wait for the opportunity for marketing it to strike. And if you have plenty of patience. My reminder was that writing was my passion, not necessarily publishing. Though I will be the first to admit (and with many squeals of delight) that getting published by New York is better than jumping over the moon, still . . . the beauty was in the journey from mind to paper. The process of telling a story from start to finish was and continues to be, for me, rewarding.
The magic key for the times for me turned out to be WEREWOLVES ! Because those tall, dark, sexy Weres are humanish males most of the time, and warm, mostly normal, and alive . . . This just opened itself right up to creativity and wishful thinking.
I'll bet all the folks in snowy climates wouldn't mind a warm body right about now. So, I'm hoping that curling up with one of my three current werewolves might be the ticket. Theres' something for everybody. Comedy, tragedy, and the space in between the two.
Barbie's beast is a part-time furball. Pure girly fun. The series for Nocturne, much darker than little Barbie, of course, is about a criminal werewolf biting innocent people in Miami, and what happens to those folks who are bitten. Each story in the Nocturnes has a male and female finding each other through this startling "transition."
I am so thrilled to be writing these days, that I can't wait to get to a keyboard, or hold a blank piece of paper in my hands. Though I do have a day job (teacher), and a family (adorable), and some acreage that needs tending (country girl) . . . I have to share with all of you my love for writing, and how patience and perseverance (and werewolves) can make us all the published writers we have always wanted to be.So, now . . . Why don't you tell me a little bit about your own paths toward success and fulfillment. And of course about that paranormal tweak in your DNA that you might or not have. Speak to me! I'm listening.
Love,
Linda
www.lindathomas-sundstrom.com
22 comments:
Supernatural. Well, if you believe in God, you believe in the supernatural! There's no other way to explain His goodness for us. Of course where there's light, there most also be darkness. Things that go bump in the night really do exist. Okay, not vamps and weres, (unless someone has really encountered one???) but I believe in ghosts (having felt them and seen all my life) and of course demons. And demons don't need to be the big ugly thing that scares the pants off of us. They can be that little voice saying to us ... "go ahead. You can another piece of cake..." LOL
LInda - can you tell us about any supernatural encounters you've had?
Hi Linda,
I's fun to have you here today! In a way I'm like you. I decided to work at getting published in historical western romance about that time it was waning. But I stuck with it because it's what I love and now I have four books published and a fifth out in June with Wild Rose Press.
I'm not crazy about werewolves and vampires, but I do have a fascination with witchcraft and Native American spirits. I have one and a half books written for a trilogy with Native American spirits as my heroes. But I can't sell because all the editors see is the NA connection and say that's not hot right now. They don't seem to acknowledge the unusual paranormal slant. But I'm just waiting and one of these days someone will jump on it.
Thanks for being here today!
Gosh Paty - don't you just hate being ahead of the curve on something new for a genre? I've been there a couple of times, myself. Sometimes when that happens, and a publisher finally, eventually jumps on that type of stuff, then you can't get your original ms looked at because it's too late ! Yikes!
It's such an interesting business, eh? And of course we love it to bits - when we do get published.
Your spirit books sound fascinating to me - I'm a Tony Hillerman fan from way back. So if you publish those ideas, I'll be the first to snap them up.
Linda
Jeanne - girl --- I too believe in that particular "demon." The go-ahead-and-take-another-piece-of-cake, red-horned guy. I think he must be personally responsible for the extra weight around my hips.
And contrary to your take on that demon being not having to be big and ugly, this guy scares the "PANTS" off of me, since if he persists, I'll have to get go up a size... in those pants.
As for the supernatural - sure! I've had plenty of experience there, summed up in two words.
My life.
Which is why I write the way I do, I suppose. I tend to see the supernatural in everything. Way too lengthy to go into detail here.
But I must add that don't like scary stuff. I don't write about SCARY stuff. My paranormal stories are about relationships - within a unique environment. Some of them funny, as in BARBIE & THE BEAST. And some of them darker.... as in the Nocturne Bites. But it's always as a means to an end - which is two people meeting and
falling for each other. Beating the odds stacked against them, which in paranormal stories can be quite extraordinary.
Thanks for leaving a message! Yay.
Linda
Hey Linda, nice to have you as a guest blogger! Thank you for an entertaining and enlightening blog.
I wrote sweet romances for Silhouette for years and while I enjoyed writing them, I was burning out big time. Finally my editor hiked a twisted proposal across the hall to Intrigue and poof! I became a suspense writer, heavy on mystery, and that's where my heart lies.
I'm intrigued by the idea of paranormal (big Buffy fan, grin, love Reaper, obviously attracted by the light weight stuff except for some very intense years spent reading Anne Rice -- remember once hearing some detail from another writer about vampires and thinking to myself -- that's not true, that's not the way they are... that's when it's time for a reality check, btw). If I ever get an idea for one, watch out, I'm there.
Your books sound great -- the Barbie and the Beast a hoot -- and yes indeed, wouldn't it be fun to see a book come alive on film! Keep us posted.
Dear Alice...
You know - I once had an editor tell me that some of my details about my supernatural character were wrong (???) What? There are real details that somebody knows? A list of grievances will be filed on behalf oa the vampire community out there if they CAN go out in the daylight?
LOL
Cracks me up.
And congrats on switching genres so smoothly. Not only shows spirit, fortitude, and creativity, but also proves that talent doesn't have to be kept in one particular box.
PS. I also read Ann Rice.
Linda
Hi Linda, so glad you're with us today. And congrats on your upcoming single title release!!!
I think there's such a draw to the paranormal genre because writers can do just about anything with it. No one plot or storyline is going to be like another because of it. Just think about the differences in Larissa Ione's demon books and Angie Fox's demon books. Two completely different worlds.
I write suspense, never planned to write paranormal, had an idea that was based around Greek mythology and decided to give it a go. Voila...it sold in only a few weeks, and now I have a new series set to launch in May 2010. I'm excited...and really nervous as this is all new to me. But overall, it's fun, and I now totally see the allure to write paranormal.
Thanks for guesting with us today! Can't wait to read your book!!
Welcome Linda! I love to read paranormal but can't write a word of it. Good thing there are people like you who eat and breathe it so us para-fans have something to read.
What has it been like writing for three different publishers? What have you found to be the ups and downs?
I just wanted to stop by and say Hi, Linda. And to let you know that I'm looking forward to reading BARBIE AND THE BEAST. It sounds like a fun read. :)
JeanneD, I've been plagued by that same red-horned guy urging me to take another piece of cake, too!
Hi Kendra - Writing for three publishers has been v interestng. It really has kept me on my toes. Each one is completely different, of course, in nearly every single thing they do from copy edits to PR. And only in this way, by writing for more than one publisher, can I write both light AND dark stories.
I have discovered that the most difficult thing is in finding (or stumbling)upon what each publisher does. Rarely do they hand you a sheet saying what to expect from them exactly. So there's a lot of email chasing involved to get the details.
This becomes very time-intensive for an author juggling tight deadlines.
But I really like having more than one publisher - andhaving the opportunity to write in different directions. Since I make a habit out of writing more than one book at a time - one light and one dark - it's a good fit for me. I just have to keep up that juggling ability, time-wise... and hope that my stories reflect how excited I am about this entire process.
Linda
Elisabeth - first of all --- thanks for inviting me here!
Then I have to say that I find your premise of mixing Myths into tales intriguing. Who doesn' want to know more about those old gods and what they're up to? And think of those ABS ? Whoa.
Yes - being able to write off into the sunset (literally) opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. And though mine seem to be werewolves at the moment - I've also done vamps, spirits, and I have a whole new direction for the future tales that I can't yet mention.
You and I will be series release-mates in 2010 ! My Nocturne series that started with the "Bites" BLACKOUT and WOLF BAIT this year, will continue... with three books out in 2010.
See you at those booksignings!
Maybe champagne? (Oh that little pesky demon from Jeanne D's post is back again, looks like).
Congrats on the series.
Linda
Welcome, Linda!
As a writer, I lack the paranormal gene. I just don't think in terms of world-building, super powers, and strange beasts. Which isn't to say that I don't read it from time to time. I really admire writers who write paranormal so well that it makes me forget that it's paranormal--it seems completely ordinary for them to have superpowers and what not (Maggie Shayne and Lyndsay Sands excel at this).
It's funny how we all have different "genes." Paty certainly has the historical gene, and Karen has the paranormal gene (is there an urban steam punk gene too???), and Eli has BOTH the romantic suspense and the paranormal gene (lucky duck!). I think I have the YA gene with a recessive romantic comedy gene translocation.
Fun blog! Good luck on the new release. I'm adding you to my TBR pile simply on title alone. LOVE IT!
Dear wavybrains - with a handle like "wavybrains" I should think you would should be able to write anything you want. LOL. It takes a pretty wavy brain to tune in to the paranormal. And... YA paranormal? huh? huh?
Just saying.
It is just so great that writers think differently. I love the diversity. I can pick up a vamp novel, a sci-fi, an urban fantasy(which I also write)- a historical (which I also write)- or a piece of literary fiction like Shadow of the Wind (one of my all-time favorite books from Spain)- and and get totally involved in their differences.
Three cheers for writers!
May we continually be blessed with Muses who sing in any tune.
Linda
Oh yeah - forgot -
TO: wavybrains.... who posted this:
"I think I have the YA gene with a recessive romantic comedy gene translocation."
Don't ALL folks who deal with young adults - whether in real life or fiction, have to necessariy (or go mad) possess the "romantic comedy gene"?
hehehehe.
Linda
Sounds like a great book and I love the cover! LOL Too cute! :)
Lisa
Hi, Linda, and thanks for visiting our blog today!
I'm all about paranormal so your work is right up my alley. I don't go for the light stuff, but if it's dark and creepy and action-packed, I'm there!
I write urban fantasy and my agent has my first UF out on submission. It features a modern day female knight bonded to a gargoyle. Her father's a fallen angel and she's enslaved to a sorcerer who forces her to steal cursed artifacts. It's dark, but it's not a bit sexy. There's a sweet romance between my heroine and an immortal warrior from the Crusades. He's dreamy, not steamy.
My second UF is steampunk and the first draft is pretty much done. I liken it to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets the TV show Bones. I'm entering it in the Hearts Through History contest. My agent has been chomping at the bit for this one and I can't wait for her to see more than a partial, but not until it's polished. 8^)
So do you think the paranormal genre is increasing in popularity?
Linda!
Just popping by to say that I'm really looking forward to BARBIE...! You are so on fire, my friend. :)
I think writing what you want to write is great advice. It's the only sure-fire way to longevity. Congrats on Barbie and the Beast!!! The Nocturne Bites are awesome as well.
HI Karen - wow. The Paranormal genre just seems to keep getting better and better. Good luck with your submission. A sweet romance between powerful people is a great twist, I think. you go, girl!
Ah - steampunk = I, too, have a story started a while ago that is on hold due to the current 5 book contract for Nocturne werewolves. But look out -
And I certainly am as excited as your agent must be about your steampunk idea. Mine is (I swear this is what I pitched to my own agent)- Wild Wild West meets the Femme Geek Squad.
ha!
Do you suppose we'll all be dressed in velvet dusters and mesh tights at National in July? Carrying faux atomic blasters in our titanium clutch purses?
You "SALEM" people must be really up on the supernatural side.
Hugs for now - and gosh, I'd love to meet you all!
Linda
THANK YOU Crystal, Judy, Chris and Lisa for stopping by with support and good wishes. Hoorah for new friends!
And to everyone: I sure hope some of you will do without Starbucks for a couple of days and buy "BARBIE & the BEAST" for $6.99.
The book is up for advanced sale now -on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Once it actually hits the bookstore shelves in early April, I think I might faint.
Yes, yes, I've been published before. But this book is dear to my heart - and such a goofy little romp through women's "issues."
And if you do - I sure would
l-o-v-e to hear about it - and if you like it.
Nothing is better than hearing from peers that you're on the right track.
Linda
Welcome, Linda! And thanks for guest blogging today.
Barbie and the Beast sounds like lots of fun! And if it's the first release from Dorchester, it can be celebrated like any first release deserves, right? So CONGRATULATIONS!
Your question about writing paranormal is interesting. Although most of my life the past five or so years has left me with absolutely no doubts that "paranormal" is actually more normal than what most people accept as reality, my writing only occasionally flirts with paranormal elements. Don't know if that makes any sense or not. LOL!
I'm so pleased that your perseverance paid off! More congratulations on the contract for Nocturne and, yes, please keep us posted about the Hollywood connection!
Thanks Genene!
Linda
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