Crimson Melodies at Wizard World Philadelphia
four day event
May 30-31 June 1-2
That’s right – Crimson Melodies is returning to Wizard World’s Philadelphia Comic Con 2013!
Whether you’re a convention pro or a curious first-timer, there’s always things to do and people to see. Check out what’s going on this year(click through the image above) and be sure to stop by our creator booth. It’s a great weekend for every kind of fandom, and kid-friendly too (kids under 10 get in free with a paid adult – check the Wizard site for details).
More details soon on what Crimson Melodies will be featuring, but expect to find all our books (The Vampire Flynn 1&2 and the Nocturnal Embers Anthology), plus great extras like trading cards, bookmarks, and other knick-knacks. And be sure to keep your eyes open for freebies and maybe even a special con release.
Can’t wait to be there!
An excerpt from Nocturnal Embers: The hunt…
from Embers by Brendan Sullivan
The hunt could be as rewarding as the prey itself, but when hunger turns primal strategy changes. There is no time for toying with the potential victim – no desire on my part to plant seductive thoughts, or tender nightmares in the mind of the meal to be. There is just a need to capture it and drain it dry, to annihilate the prey.
On Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nocturnal-Supernatural-Fantasy-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00AIJ5F3U/
An excerpt from Nocturnal Embers: What fun would that be…
from Love and Honor by Noree Cosper, one of eleven stories in our new supernatural/dark-fantasy anthology
“Sister!” the woman’s deep voice carried over the music.
Mist sighed and made her way to the bar. “Kara. I didn’t know you’d chosen this place”
Kara threw he head back and laughed. “Still as stiff as ever, I see. Sit, have a drink. The mead is excellent here.”
Mist perched on the stool and nodded to the bartender standing behind the counter. Behind him was a door covered in runes that her eyes perceived as flickering with a yellow light. In order to do her duty, she needed to get past that door. The tender provided distraction from the added obstacle of Kara’s presence by setting a mug filled to the brim with frothing liquid in front of her. She sipped it, letting the honey drink roll along her tongue, and smiled. The perfect blend of sweet and bitter.
“So, how long has it been?” Kara asked.
“Fifty years,” Mist replied.
“That long. It’s a shame. In the old days we would ride together.”
“Those days are over.”
Kara swirled the last dregs of her mead, her brows knitted together. “Once, the Valkyries were revered. It was an honor to be Chosen. Now we’re all but forgotten, forced to oversee the smallest of scrabbles.”
“Doesn’t matter. We still have a duty.”
“Aye, to the Allfather. But how can we know if they are truly worthy for him?”
“They believe.”
The bartender set another mug in front of Kara and she lifted it to her lips, smiling over the rim. “You know, I should tell you to leave, but what fun would that be?”
On Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nocturnal-Supernatural-Fantasy-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00AIJ5F3U/
An excerpt from Nocturnal Embers: I always ask…
from Unrequited Lust by Viktor James Night, one of eleven stories in our new supernatural/dark-fantasy anthology
While he waited, Taen surveyed the clientele. Most looked human, at least on the surface, and dressed to match the expensive décor of the club. The few that obviously weren’t – the strange and unrecognizable creatures who had ventured through the portal from places unknown – kept mostly to themselves.
It wasn’t the patrons that concerned him, anyway. Taen focused most of his attention on the vampire behind the bar, Walter Krause. On the surface, Walter appeared to be little more than a young human man – handsome, athletic, strong, and despite being an above average example of the species, as fragile as any other. But behind the youthful mask was a bloodthirsty predator empowered by the gifts of his bloodline, and with a mind sharped by a century of experience. Like any savvy vampire, he concealed his power well.
As intently as he watched Walter, so too did the vampire keep a keen eye on the rest of the room. Cunning and observant far beyond the average human, little went on that Walter didn’t know about. He was, to Taen at least, annoyingly good at his job.
“Hey,” a female voice said from beside his table, dripping with mischief. “Whacha doing?”
A stunningly attractive woman with long chestnut hair and a vibrant red dress leaned on the empty chair at his side. Her rosy cheeks and twinkling green eyes framed a broad, white smile.
Looking past the stolen human body to the spirit residing within, Taen immediately recognized her. “Go away, Sil.”
“Why, thanks,” Sil replied, placing a foot on the base of the high chair to hoist herself up onto it. “I’d love to join you.”
Taen folded his hands together and rested them on the edge of the table. “What are you doing here?”
“I was curious why you body-jacked the most boring looking man in a hundred mile radius to sit here for the last three hours.”
“I did not body-jack him, Sil. I asked. I always ask.”
“And that’s proving my point,” she replied, slapping her hand on the table. “Anyone willing to give someone else their body just to sit around and do nothing for hours and hours is definitely boring. And kind of plain, too. What are you doing sitting here in a boring, unattractive guy, Taen?”
“Just enjoying the scenery,” Taen said. “How did you come by your host? You took hold of her against her will, no doubt.”
“Yeah,” Sil replied with a giggle. “I can feel her squirming in here. She’s settled down some, but boy did she put up a fight at first.” She paused, running her hands over her curves. “I like this one, too. I’m going to enjoy taking her for a ride.”
“Then ride her around somewhere else. I’m busy.”
On Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nocturnal-Supernatural-Fantasy-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00AIJ5F3U/
An excerpt from Nocturnal Embers: Writing my thesis…
from Banished by Jessica Fortunato, one of eleven stories in our new supernatural/dark-fantasy
He held up his hands in surrender. “I’m not here to start trouble. I am just doing some research for my thesis.”
“If you don’t get out of this bar, you are going to be writing your thesis via Ouija board.”
On Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nocturnal-Supernatural-Fantasy-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00AIJ5F3U/
An Excerpt from Nocturnal Embers: Never any good…
from Hunting Evangeline by Zack Rewey, one of eleven stories in our new supernatural/dark-fantasy anthology
Have you ever seen a fox in a chicken run? The word you’re looking for is frenzy. If it moves, it dies. When I come out of it, there are pieces lying all around me. Don’t ask me to say what bit goes where. The pieces are too small, and I was never any good at jigsaws.
On Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Nocturnal-Supernatural-Fantasy-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00AIJ5F3U/
Nocturnal Embers Author Interview – Brendan Sullivan
Author: Brendan Sullivan
Nocturnal Embers Story: Embers
Tell us a little about yourself outside of writing.
My name is Brendan Sullivan. I was born on Long Island back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. I currently divide my time between New York, Virginia Beach and Cape Hatteras.
What do you do to unwind/relax? Do you have a hobby?
I indulge in water sports – surfing, kayaking and swimming whenever I get a chance. I also hike a good deal and I love to travel.
Do you, or would you ever, use a pen-name?
In a word, yes…
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
About a year ago. I’m very new to fiction.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself from your writing?
That my dark and quirky side seems to dominate everything I write. I suppose I view the world a bit more darkly than I thought.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Endings are problematic for me, so whenever possible, I write the last line first.
Can you tell us your latest writing news?
My poetry is being published in various anthologies, including one in Dublin, Ireland. I am still in progress working on my fiction. One is about a Spanish vampire in the court of Louis XIV.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
Getting my work accepted at such a variety of ezines and journals.
What is your favorite part of a story?
Definitely the beginning. Everything is new and everything is possible. I hate endings.
What do you think readers will find most notable about your writing?
The details…
What books/authors have influenced your life/writing the most?
Anne Rice, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ginsberg, Byron, Yeats, Plath and quite a few more.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Did I mention endings?
Quirky Question Section
Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning?
Hell, no! Why bother. I am climbing right back in the next night.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate – I am a fiend.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee. As strong as it can be brewed, with a good dose of heavy cream.
Dogs or Cats?
Cats. I like the way their twisted minds work…
Heroes or Villains?
Everyone knows villains have the best roles! Iago and Richard III proved that to me years ago.
Full Moon or Eclipse?
As romantic as a full moon can be, I will take the eclipse.
Zombies, Werewolves, or Vampires?
Vampires – hands down. Werewolves are too hairy and there is no elegance to a zombie.
Find our more about Brendan Sullivan elsewhere online:
Nocturnal Embers Author Interview – Anya Harker
Author: Anya Harker
Nocturnal Embers Story: Trouble Found
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? Do you, would you ever, use a pen-name?
I’m Anya, born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania — now living in New York City… by way of Cleveland Ohio and London, England. I do indeed use a pen name and I have two. one for my YA writing and another for my more adult writing. I decided to use a pen name …partially because I work for a literary scouting firm in NYC and have a legal degree …and partially because no one can ever spell my first or last name!!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I really don’t know, to be honest. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I have little stories sketched out in notebooks from the time I was five or six years old. I have stories I wrote out in these blank hard cover books when I was in elementary school. When I got older, my writing turned to fanfic. I don’t care what anyone says, fanfic is one of the greatest places to learn the craft of writing. It’s easier playing with conventions and finding your own voice when you don’t have to worry about creating characters and world building. And now… well, I have to say — this anthology represents the first time I ever saw my name on the cover of a book and I may have flailed a bit at work!!
What is the name of your latest work, and if you had to summarize it in 20 words or less, what would you say?
My latest book has a working title of HAUNTED LEGACY. Pitched as Coraline meets Alice in Wonderland, when Ariana takes the place of a dead princess — she has to discover who her killer is… before she meets the same end as the princess.
Do you have a favorite character from any of your works? If so, what was the title of the work(s) they appeared in, and what about them makes them your favorite? Would you want to meet them in person?
I love all of my characters equally — though I know the one a lot of people have fallen in love with (and hopefully this book will get to see the light beyond my desk drawer one day) is Leigh from my first YA book, AVALON RISING. He’s my heroine’s younger brother but he has a fairly big role to play in the story as well. I have one friend who keeps convincing me that I need to make her Leigh’s girlfriend in the book! He’s a smart-ass but he really loves his sister and would do anything for her. Who wouldn’t want to meet and know a guy like that!?
What do you do to unwind/relax? Do you have a hobby?
It seems like I don’t have a lot of time to unwind and relax any more — but probably the closest I get to it is coming home at the end of a long day at my literary agency and pulling up Warcraft. (or Warcrack. Same thing). Writing is also in there… though I tend to get a lot of that done during my commute. Otherwise, playing violin (have been playing for 20+ years now) or writing fanfic. Yes, I still write fanfic. Avengers came out… I got hooked. And no, I will not tell you what my pen name is over on AO3, I don’t care how much you beg me.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk (in your process or execution)?
I especially like working with something on in the background… be it music or a movie. However, it cannot be a movie I don’t know otherwise I get distracted too easily. What ends up happening is I watch the same movie over and over again while I work. Ask my former roommate about when I was working on AVALON RISING. She had to endure listening to either ‘Tangled’ or ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ coming from my room time and time and time and time again.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself from your writing?
I really don’t know if I learned anything about myself through writing. Unless you count learning that the voices are real…
What is your favorite part of a story?
I love openings and endings. I love coming up with a snappy opening that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go — but just as much, I love coming up with great endings. There’s something intensely satisfying about having the perfect final word. Probably comes from my need to always have the last word in arguments.
What do you think readers will find most notable about your writing?
My dialogue. I’ve been told people love reading my dialogue because it’s so realistic. I’ve even had others ask me if I read it aloud first to see if it reads like actual conversation between people. I’m sorry to say but the answer is no. I just write. I guess I just hear it well in my head!
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
Actually, my biggest accomplishment has nothing to do with writing. It’s graduating from law school in May of 2012 with a 3.0 GPA. Still can’t believe I did it. Those who helped me along the way and kept me sane? I couldn’t have done it without them. Second, after that: managing to land a job at a very well-known and respected literary agency in NYC and get to work surrounded by books in the scouting department.
What books/authors have influenced your life/writing the most?
Well, at the top of the list has to be the HARRY POTTER series because it’s what really got me writing when I just had to write fanfic surrounding Remus Lupin! Otherwise, I’m a fantasy girl and the writings of David Eddings (THE DIAMOND THRONE of the Elenium trilogy) and Stephen Lawhead (AVALON: THE RETURN OF KING ARTHUR) definitely pulled me into the genre. Finally, I cannot forget Karen Marie Moning (of the FEVER series). She showed me that romance novel heroines can have a backbone and you can mix wonderful fantasy storylines with romance without it becoming a bodice-ripper book.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
While I’m not as long-winded as some people I know, I do know that I tend to repeat things and want to say something in 20 words when I can say it in 10. I’m actually proud these answers haven’t been as long as I thought they’d get. But economy of words in our writing is definitely something all of us can work toward because it makes for tighter and stronger writing.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the biggest compliment?
Honestly? The toughest criticism would have to be all the rejections on my first YA novel I received. It was hard having something read by my betas or hear that agents loved the pitch — but in the end just couldn’t get behind my MC or had to say no for various other reasons. Similarly the greatest compliment also came through the querying process. I had a couple of agents (who shall remain nameless) who said I had very strong writing, just that the book wasn’t quite there yet. A compliment like that — especially when from some of the top YA agents — is enough to make a gal fly on air even in the face of rejection.
Quirky Question Section
Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning?
NEVER. The only time it gets made is when I have company over. Or when someone else decides to make it for me.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Depends actually. I prefer chocolate ice cream, but would rather have vanilla cake.
Coffee or Tea?
Yes.
Dogs or Cats?
Dogs, definitely. My deal to myself is if I ever get a major book deal? I get my corgi puppy and will name him (or her!) Garamond.
Heroes or Villains?
Both, actually. I tend to like the heroes better? But villains are so much fun to write too.
Full Moon or Eclipse?
I think eclipse. Though I’ve never actually given it much thought.
Zombies, Werewolves, or Vampires?
Werewolves. I got my start writing Remus Lupin — werewolves always.
Find more about Anya elsewhere online:
More about Nocturnal Embers: crimsonmelodies.com/nocturnalembers/
Last Interview: Kelley Frank
Nocturnal Embers Author Interview – Kelley Frank
Author: Kelley Frank
Nocturnal Embers Story: Collector
Tell us a little about yourself outside of writing.
My name is Kelley Frank. I was born in Tennessee, grew up first in a city atop a plateau then later in a house in the woods, and now I live in suburban Georgia. I’m a writer by night and college professor by day.
What do you do to unwind/relax? Do you have a hobby?
Aside from writing, my hobbies are gaming and movie watching. I’m a huge horror movie buff and can go on about it for hours.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think I’ve always considered myself a writer. I was writing as a child, cobbling my favorite characters together into wacky adventures with my sister and adding drawings when words failed us. It was a glorious mess.
Do you have a favorite character from any of your works? Would you want to meet them in person?
My favorite character — that’s a tough one! If I absolutely had to choose, It’d come down to Kyle Zernt from my short story “The Mortician’s Secret” from the anthology Flesh and Bone: Rise of the Necromancers. I love that he’s a pretty average guy with normal problems who just stumbled across the ability to raise the dead. He’s compassionate, and has no desire to do the stereotypical “take over the world” thing. I’d like to take him to coffee.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
My most interesting quirk, I think, is my penchant for talking to my characters as I write. I’ll mutter at them sometimes, and then when I meet with my writer friends to discuss our progress, the characters are like real people who did some very silly things. The other people in the restaurant must think we know some very disturbed individuals.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself from your writing?
I learned that I was able to create something that felt real to me and, more shockingly, to other people. It’s really a terrific feeling when a reader is really able to connect with something I’ve written. It never ceases to amaze me.
What is your favorite part of a story?
My favorite part is the suspense. I probably enjoy writing those scenes because of my affection for the great suspense films from Hitchcock and the like. I love how nuanced it is and how it can really make an impact on a reader.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
I’m most proud of having a stable job right now, and employers that encourage my writing instead of diminishing it. It makes the process far easier for everyone involved.
What books/authors have influenced your life/writing the most?
I’d have to say that Stephen king has been a huge influence on my writing. I wasn’t allowed to read his books until I was twelve or thirteen, and before then the covers had always grabbed my attention. Robert R. McCammon was also a big influence, as was Shirley Jackson. I was also a big comic book fan as a child, so authors such as Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, and Paul Dini have left their mark as well.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Perhaps my vocabulary is a bit challenging for some readers, but I do teach college-level English so that’s to be expected. The most challenging part on the writing side is making time and not getting bogged down in work. Sometimes I have to force myself to write, especially if I’ve had a long day, but I’m always glad I did.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the biggest compliment?
The toughest criticism had to be in the writing workshops I took for my Master’s. There was one professor who absolutely hated genre writing. Needless to say, we butted heads on the topic. He said my work, and all genre work, was meaningless and implied that only true literary pieces were worthy of praise. The biggest compliment came years later, when that same professor finally admitted that my work had merit. It was an understated compliment, but probably one of the most hard-won I’ve ever received.
Quirky Question Section
Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning?
I make my bed in the morning, but only when I’m awake enough to do it!
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate
Dogs or Cats?
Cats (I have two)
Heroes or Villains?
Villains (heroes are kind of dull, wouldn’t you say?)
Full Moon or Eclipse?
Full Moon (because everyone loves the lunacy)
Zombies, Werewolves, or Vampires?
Vampires (because they will always be dead sexy)
Find more about Kelley elsewhere online:
More about Nocturnal Embers: crimsonmelodies.com/nocturnalembers/
Last Interview: Zack Rewey
Nocturnal Embers Author Interview – Zack Rewey
Author: Zack Rewey
Nocturnal Embers Story: Hunting Evangeline
Tell us a little about yourself outside of writing.
My name is Zachariah Rewey, though I was born with a very different name. Eight of them in fact, not including my surname. Yes, it’s true, I have seven middle names, and all of them saints. I chose Zachariah from the list for various different reasons, but my favorite is that it’s the online screen-name I was using when I met my wonderful wife Kirsten. Rewey is her last name, which I took when we got married. We live in the great state of 10,000
lakes with our dog and two cats.
What do you do to unwind/relax? Do you have a hobby?
I enjoy fishing. My wife’s uncle introduced me to it, and I was hooked from the first catch (pun definitely intended.) I don’t eat fish though, as having been born in water, I have the strange feeling it would be too much like cannibalism. I read, listen to music, and play games on my i-Pad. I’m also a Live-Action Role Player, taking part in a long running game which currently boasts over seventy regular cast members.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve been writing for almost as long as I can remember. My first recollection of being swept up in the flow was while writing a story for a school project. I must have been nine or maybe ten, and I remember going to the teacher’s desk about six times for more paper, while all my compatriots were still struggling to fill one side of their first piece. The stories have changed since that first (about a snowman if I recall correctly), but in some ways, I’m still that little boy, going to the front desk for more paper. I guess I’ve known, at least on a subconscious level, that I was a writer from that day forward.
What books/authors have influenced your life/writing the most?
That’s a tough one. I guess I have to say the author who made the biggest impact on me, as with so many other people, is none other than ‘The Bard’ himself, William Shakespeare. It’s hard to read or write anything that can’t be compared to one of his works in one way or another. I’m also a huge fan of writers such as Oscar Wilde, Terry Pratchette, David Eddings, Anne Rice, Anne McCaffrey and a whole host of others.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Well, I’m dyslexic, so that’s a challenge in and of itself. I will often write or say a word, pause, and then wonder if I made it up or if the word actually exists. I’m also extremely guilty of abusing the poor comma. Seriously, if I had a bag of punctuation marks, I’d run out of commas by the end of the first sentence. Most of all though, endings are the bane of my existence. I’m a discovery writer, so I rarely know how my story will finish until I get there.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself from your writing?
I can scare myself. Not in a ‘hide behind the couch until the monsters go away’ kind of way…. More of a ‘lie on the couch while a guy with cigar issues analyses me’ way. Horror is one of my favorite genres, but occasionally, I’ll write something that makes even me back away from the keyboard wondering what part of my diseased, sick mind could possibly have spewed forth the scene I’ve just written. It’s a surreal feeling, and a little disturbing, but some of my best writing comes from moments like that. Does that say something about me?
What is your favorite part of a story?
The beginning. I know it’s corny, but I love the idea of starting out on a new adventure. I know a lot of authors dread that first blank page, but I love it. Oh sure, I usually write and scrap a dozen or more opening paragraphs before I settle into my groove, but it’s still the most enjoyable part for me.
Do you have a favorite character from any of your works? Would you want to meet them in person?
I do have a favorite character, and her name is Danielle. She made her first appearance in a short story I wrote called Magic at Midnight, and she’s in part based on one of my cousins, though I won’t say which one or all the others will get jealous.
Danielle makes me laugh. She’s such a spunky character, and has almost no shame which means I can take the brakes off when I write for her. With most characters, you often find you have to censor yourself, but with Danielle, there’s no need to worry as everything is fair game. It’s an incredibly freeing experience to write a character like that.
As for whether I’d like to meet her in person, well, as I said, she’s based on one of my own cousins, so I already have!
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
in 2010, I participated in National Novel Writing Month for the third or fourth time. The idea of Nanowrimo is to write a fifty thousand word novel in thirty days. That year I had written about twenty-five thousand words, and woke up on day fourteen knowing that I just hated every word I had written. I decided to quit and scrapped the whole novel. Two days later, I began the insane task of starting again, and managed to churn out fifty thousand words in just fourteen days. I couldn’t have done it without the support of all the folks in the Twin Cities Nanowrimo group, who were with me every word of the re-write.
What is the name of your latest work, and if you had to summarize it in 20 words or less, what would you say?
I’m currently trying to convince myself to start work on a fantasy novel that’s been kicking around in my head for the last ten or so years. Its working title is The Myrriddyon Saga, and will contain at least four books. Summarize it in twenty words or less? Magic wielding monks save the world. There…did it in six!
Quirky Question Section
Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning?
I’m really not. My wife is though, so only half the bed gets made. I’m much more the kind of person who rolls out of bed and gets right to the rest of his day. I guess I don’t see the sense of making the bed just to mess it up again when I get back in it.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Neither. Mint!
Coffee or Tea?
Tea. Earl Gray. Hot.
Dogs or Cats?
Both. I love most animals. I have one dog and two cats, but I’m forever trying to convince Kirsten we have room for more. I have an unexplainable desire to color co-ordinate all my pets, so if we do get another critter, it will be tri-colored, whatever its species.
Heroes or Villains?
Villains definitely have more fun. And they have cookies.
Full Moon or Eclipse?
Full moon. Luna is at her most beautiful when she is fullest. As a Pagan, the full moon has a lot of spiritual meaning to me, so yeah, full. Definitely full.
Zombies, Werewolves, or Vampires?
Vampires were my first love as Bram Stokers Dracula was the first book I read in English. I currently play a werewolf in the Live Action Role-play I take part in…and I’m currently reading the Walking Dead, a graphic novel series about zombies.
Um…Can I take option four please. Ninja!
Find more about Zack elsewhere online:
More about Nocturnal Embers: crimsonmelodies.com/nocturnalembers/
Last Interview: Noree Cosper
