Loading ...Week Long Author Event – Day 5 Diana Pharaoh Francis
Five Mistakes To Avoid When Falling Into a Fantasy World
It’s easy to accidentally find yourself in a magical world. Maybe you pass through some mist and arrive in a strange lost city. Maybe you go into a shop that was never there before. Maybe you open an old door in a house. Maybe you drink a potion or fall prey to an old curse. Or worse, maybe the magical world finds you. Maybe you were living in it all along, only now, you’ve woken up to find just how magical it is. Whatever the case, don’t make these mistakes:
5. Plants and animals may be out to get you. Don’t go sitting on a toadstool or resting under a tree. Don’t pet the cute kitten or feed the hungry dog until you know for certain they aren’t going to eat you.
4. Just because it’s improbable in your experience, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Denial is can be fatal, if you’re lucky. Magic happens. If you keep denying, you will end up dead. Or turned to stone. Or ice. Or made into a dragon snack. Or . . . .
3. Witches, wizards, sorcerers and other magical folk don’t wear pointy hats and robes. You can’t pick them out of a crowd. So be careful with everyone you run into or you’ll end up turned to stone. Or ice. Or made into a dragon snack. Or turned into a frog. Or spitting out toads, snakes and snails when you talk. Or . . .
2. Never be rude. If you’ve ever read a fairy tale, this one should be obvious. Oh, and bonus, don’t make promises. Neither one will end well for you. You might end up end up turned to stone. Or ice. Or made into a dragon snack. Or turned into a frog. Or spitting out toads, snakes and snails when you talk. Or you might be turned into a deer and then roasted for dinner. Or you might be skewered by a unicorn. Or torn limb from limb by trolls. Or . . .
And the number one thing you should never do when falling into a fantasy world:
1. Don’t lie, cheat or steal. Everyone else does it, so expect it, but you probably aren’t good enough to get away with. There are magical repercussions. Like getting turned to stone. Or ice. Or made into a dragon snack. Or turned into a frog. Or spitting out toads, snakes and snails when you talk. Or you might be turned into a deer and then roasted for dinner. Or you might be skewered by a unicorn. Or torn limb from limb by trolls. Or given a poisoned apple that makes you sleep and you end up married to a necromaniac prince. And that doesn’t even begin to address the bloodsuckers, the soucuyants, the kelpies, or all the other things you could encounter.
NOTE:
The Daily trivia question for Friday towards the grand prize of over $200.00 in gift certificates and goodies being given away on Friday is:
How many calories do Shadowblades have to eat each day?
EMAIL ALL of your answers at one time on FRIDAY to: luciennediver@gmail.com with the subject line TRIVIA Answers in the subject line to be entered
PLEASE NOTE: The winner of the grand prize will be awarded SATURDAY the 14th to allow everybody time to find the answer to Friday’s trivia question and get their answers in. Lucienne Diver will be picking the winner and contacting them via email.
•¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆
Learn more about Diana Pharaoh Francis below:
To read reviews of this author’s work go here.
dpf@dianapfrancis.com
www.myspace.com/difrancis
www.dianapfrancis.com
Mad Libs, my blog: http://difrancis.livejournal.com
Twitter: @dianapfrancis
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Pharaoh-Francis-Fantasy-Writer/163098893459
•¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆ •¸¸.•*¨*•☆
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers in the US
PRIZE: 2 Signed copies of Bitter Night
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
The CONTEST portion of the event runs TWO DAYS until 11:59 pm Central on 1/14/11. Open to readers in the US unless otherwise noted.
These are the ways you can enter to gain points towards winning the prize offered here today. The only one that is mandatory is #1. The rest are optional. The more you do, the more points you gain, the better your odds at winning the prize. Prizes are chosen using the random.org number generator. Making a purchase is NOT mandatory, it is only one way to gain additional points. There are free ways to get points. Remember to add in your RSVP points if you RSVP’d.
1. LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME AND YOUR COUNTRY in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries. Mandatory, if you don’t leave this, your entries will NOT count. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest.
2. Ask the author some questions, please no duplicates. + 1 points ask as many questions as you like PLEASE ASK EACH ONE IN A SEPARATE POST
3. Spread the word about this contest and HELP OUT Diana by spreading the word about her book!
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=50257 + 1 Points (max 3 times a day please not all at the same time) include @bittenbybooks in your tweet.
4. Buy a NEW copy of the author’s book by using the links below
Purchase a print copy of Shadow City by clicking here.
Purchase a Kindle copy of Shadow City by clicking here.
Good for 500 + points per book you purchase by using the links above. Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces).
You can also use the Amazon link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. Good for 100 + entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. NOTE FREE KINDLE BOOKS DO NOT COUNT as a purchase.
6. Tally your own points total +1 point
That’s it!
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
Winner(s) will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME AND COUNTRY as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning. PLEASE ALLOW THIRTY DAYS to receive your prize BEFORE EMAILING US.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to us at the contact email we provide. Failure to contact us will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers in the USA except where noted above. The prizes are almost ALWAYS shipped directly from the publisher/author unless otherwise noted.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations not Bitten by Books.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
Hi Diana!
I love this series! How many books do you have planned? And What are your current projects?
+25 rsvped for this event
+1 asked question
+1 tally= 27
HI Van! and thank you! Blood Winter will be next, and I have some dreams about after that, but I’m not sure. I really want to do a HOlt and Valery book, and then a couple of others I’ve got in mind.
Forgot to include country: US
Elaine G-Canada(I do have a US address to use)
LOL Great post.
my question-Which one of your covers is your favorite and why?
+25 RSVP
+1 question
+1 tweet https://twitter.com/#!/elaing8/status/157894503280283648
+1 tally
=
28
I have to pick just one? I think my very favorite is my first, by virtue of the fact that it was my first. But I also love Shadow City a whole lot and I think ti’s because (and this probably sounds really weird) I like the way the movement is conveyed in the shift of her hair. Plus I like the blue and the industrial setting behind Max.
Kristina P, USA
+25 RSVP
+1 Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/harley_chick883/status/157895112716853248
+1 Question:
*What made you decide to go with this particular paranoraml aspect instead of say Vampires?
+1 Tally
Running Total-28
I met Max, more than anything, and she intrigued me. And then this notion of a magical apocalypse and all the magical critters bouncing back into reality really hooked me.
Kristina P, USA
+1 Question:
*If you could have a paranormal date what would it be(being, place, food etc)?
Running Total=29
oh boy. That’s tough. I think I’d want to go out with a witch/sorcerer/warlock. Holt would be really cool, if he wasn’t so stuck on Valery. Sigh. But anyhow, where would I want to go? somewhere impossible. Like the bottom of the ocean. Or in the middle of a volcano. But protected from the elements with magic of course. Do magical critters have a version of Disneyland? Cuz that might be awesome too. Let’s see, the food–decadent. And maybe we could go down some sort of waterfall slide. Takes us back to magical disneyland, doesn’t it?
What a great question!
Pingback: Diana Pharaoh Francis | Diana P. Francis | Diana Francis » Blog Archive » At Bitten By Books
Finished Shadow City this past week. An excellent addition to the series.
Joe A (Zombie Joe)
Two questions… (attempting to avoid spoilers)
Q1) What made you decide to add animal support role characters into the series? (I love the animal sidekick with a ridiculous fervor.)
Q2) (in next post as requested by the rules…
Sharing the event (Twitter)
https://twitter.com/#!/Zombie_Joe/status/157901029281759232
Doing my own math (+1)
Brings my total to 29 with my RSVP.
I think it’s because I love animals and their personalities and they add a lot to the moment. Though things have gotten a bit strange with them in Blood Winter. Bwhahahahaha!
Question 2 – in the new post…
Between book 2 and 3 there seemed to be a shift that gave the UF a paranormal/epic fantasy mashup sort of feel. Is this the direction for other books in the series, or was this unintentional?
Well the book was intentional, but the epic feel was accidental. But it fits with Scooter, doesn’t it? He’s fairly epic in scope all by himself, so his story has to have epic qualities. Don’t you think?
Rachel Flesher / Raonaid Luckwell – US
RSVP – 25
https://twitter.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell/status/157903311956230145 +1
Tallying + 1
Hehe, not sure if you remembered my tweet way back when I was reading Bitter Night, mostly how much I totally enjoy the book. Haven’t yet sent it to my friend for her and her mother to enjoy but I’m certain they would love it.
Really need to get money to get the other books to see what happens to Max.
Any plans on writing more fantasy based stories like your Path trilogy (which I read the first one, and loved it too)
Total – 28
I remember! I have always wanted to write about what becomes of Juhrnus and what becomes of Soka. I’m not entirely sure I know the answers, but they’ve been stewing. I’d like to write more one of these days, once I can unpack their stories. Even if the stories are shorter.
I love this series!
Where did you go to college/major?
I RSVPed for this event
Tweeted at https://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/157900698376339457
Bought books
Lisa D. USA
Total points= 728
Thank you! And you’ve opened a can of worms, little do you know. I did my undergrad at University of California Davis, with a major in English. Then I did my Masters at Iowa State University with a major in English, emphasis in creative writing. And then, I did my PhD at Ball STate University, with a focus on Victorian literature and literary theory.
Yeah, I spent a long time in school.
Lisa R smalltown, USA
Though I’ve yet to start this series I do have the first two books in my TBR pile and the third on it’s way in the mail (with series I love to read them back to back so tend to wait till I have 3 or 4 on hand to dig in).
If you could have a supernatural power, what would it be?
+25 RSVPed #14
+1 https://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/157916794177339394
+1 question
+1 https://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/157921410679975936
+1 total= 29
oh wow. superpower. Well, I’m afraid of heights so no flying, and no way would I want to hear people’s thoughts. Can I eat a bunch without gaining weight? Oh so shallow. Okay, I would want to be able to talk to animals. That’s what I would want to be able to do.
Lisa R smalltown, USA
+1 You are reincarnated as a tennis shoe. Describe yourself.
total=30
I’d be a converse. Purple with sparkly pirate skull and crossbones.
Lisa R smalltown, USA
+1 https://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/157926476472270850
+1 If you could be any character in any book(other than your own), who would you be?
total=32
Did you read Carol’s post? You do realize that authors are NOT nice to people in books, right? I don’t know that I’d want to be anybody in the books I read or write. Seriously *shivers* bad idea.
Hi – I was wondering if you picture someone famous as your characters while writing them? +1
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Jovial_1/status/157927314368364544 +1
RSVP’d +25
Tally +1
Viki S. USA
Total = 28
Oh definitely. Oz is a young Brendan Frasier from The Mummy period. And Shaye in The Turning Tide was a whole lot like Adrien Brody. Holt is a lot like Gabriel Avery. Alexander is like Cliff Simon. I’ve started using Pinterest to keep track of some of them: http://pinterest.com/difrancis/characters/
I absolutely love your list!
All important, but I really love number 5. It sort of reminds me of a scene in the movie Galaxy Quest. When a little cute injured creature came out, someone tried to help it. Then someone said don’t help it becasue somehow, someway, it’s gonna getmean and ugly and suddenly there’s going to be a lot of them.
I had another question, but I pretty much forgot it for a new one after reading one of your blog posts.
So my question is, the people that you and your students talked about like the guy with the toenails or the lady with the birds…are these people that you all heard of or that you have come in contact with? Because now I’m not sure if I want to stay away or immediately go there!
Thanks!
Rae M. , USA
RSVP’d +25
Ask question +1
Tally Points +1
Total = 27
Hee. Actually come in contact with. Isn’t that frightening? And we talked about a bunch more characters people had come in contact. All in the context of fodder for writing.
As for the little cutes getting mean, remember the little cute dinosaurs in Jurassic Park? Maybe it was the second one. They were little and cute and then they ate you.
Pingback: Eat Soup, Read a Book « Haggis in a Tardis
Lisa G. right smack dab in the middle of the U.S.A.
I haven’t read this series yet but darn it has me itching to read it. I have been living a secret life as a babysitting GiGi (Gorgeous Grandma)
Question- If you had to start a new series where your character/characters start life as cave dwellers, in what cave/caves would they reside in?
Thanks, Lisa G.
Asked ? – +1
Tally- +1
————
WooHoo + 2
Oh, what a cool question! I think I would go for this one in New Zealand. I love how there’s green in the cave and the mystery of it: http://www.asianoffbeat.com/screenshot.asp?path=/photos/waitomo-cave_4787.jpg But I love caves and there are so many cool ones to choose from!
Do you think where you grew up influences your writing?
Tweeted at https://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/157978983168868352
Lisa D. USA
Total points=730
I recieved my BA in Ag Econ and my MA in Wildlife Communications at Oklahoma
State University. I did spend my freshman year at Kansas State University but the out of state tuition ate my lunch!
Lisa D. USA
Definitely where I grew up influences my writing. I grew up on a ranch and learned so many things of use for fantasy. It’s astonishing. It was like fantasy prep school.
Out of state tuition is hard. For my MA and PHD, they waived it if a student had an assistantship, and luckily I did. So I did not end up in hock.
Hi Diana,
I just got home from picking up my copy of Shadow City. YAY!
How are/did you celebrate(ing) the release?
How wonderful of you! Celebrate? This time I happened to be on Xmas break from teaching, so we went to Northern CA to visit family. I walked outside a lot and smelled roses and sniffed green growth and the oaks . . . It was the most amazing thing, given how cold and sere MT is right now. It wasn’t quite a big celebration, but it was the best thing I could have wished. Aside from going to Belize. I have always wanted to go there, and despite my terrible fear of heights, one day I want to do a zipline through the rainforest canopy.
Do you have a favorite story world other than your own?
Oh so many! I love Ilona Andrews’ Atlanta. I love Robin Mckinley’s post Voodoo-wars America. I could go on for just about forever. But recently, Martha Wells’ Cloud Roads/Serpent Seas books just bowled my over. I want to visit that world. A lot.
How do you think your characters would fare if dropped in it?
I think mine would hold their own. Especially Max.
other contest stuff…
1.Koren C USA
2.asked 3 +1
6.tally own points +1
I RSVP’d +25
total 27
Hi there! I haven’t read your books yet, but they sound good! I put this series in my wish list at amazon and will def be checking them out. I actually do have The Path of Fate books, they are in my tbr pile. I’ll be moving them up that list!
I didn’t see any of these listed in audio format, do you know if they will be?
Thanks and congrats!!
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
tally points=27
They aren’t available yet, and one day I hope they will be. My agent continues to shop them around. Or maybe I’ll enlist a college drama department and see what I can do myself. Hmmm. That’s a thought.
As for do I listen to them, I don’t really. I wish I did more, but right now my commute is walking to campus and I don’t tend to have other times to listen to them.
Do you listen to audiobooks?
Joani S
28
Hi Diana,
Bought your book last week, I should have waited! Oh well am halfway through and thoroughly enjoying it. Can’t wait to see what happens. Please keep the series going, I love it. Question: You introduced a Grimm in this book, what other magical creatures can we look forward to, if you don’t mind me asking?
Beth
I’m working on some interesting demons. But not like demons from hell or anything. And I’ve got a kelpie I really want to work in. He’s so obnoxious. I’m glad you’re liking it!
1. Beth M.-RSVP’d +25 points
2. Asked the author a question +1 point
3. Tweeted this event + 1 Points
4. Already bought it and am halfway through. Can’t wait to finish!
6. Tally my own points total +1 point
Total 28 points
haha, what a fun interview! You know, I think everyone writing modern day characters being propelled into a fantasy world should be given this checklist before engaging the man-eating toadstools. Sometimes, the characters remain so oblivious of the dangers, that I wonder how they manage to survive the journey.
Smiles!
Lori S.
It’s the question of how people in Horror movies think going outside alone with the scary things is a good idea. Stupidity it a punishable offense in the world of fantasy. There’s not a lot of mercy.
Do you own any animals/names?
I own 5 dogs, 3 cats and 3 grandchildren with 2 more on the way!
Tweeted at https://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/158025903530721280
Lisa D. USA
Total points= 732
I’ve got two very spoiled corgis who are three years old. The boys are Voodoo and Viggo. And I’ve got a couple of kids, too. Plus the man.
Congrats on the release! Sounds great. Looking forward to reading it.
Question – Vampires, Shifters, Zombies, Angels – who wins the final ultimate battle?
Contest stuff:
+25 RSVPd
+1 question
+1 tweet – https://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/158071944149872641
+1 total – 29
Thanks!
Donna S
USA
My angels, totally. They have bad attitudes and they are powerful and they don’t kill at all easy. And they’d win with style.
Question – What city would you love to set a story in but the right one hasnt come along yet?
Thanks!
Donna S
USA
Well, I think I would say Savannah. Or Chattanooga. There’s that element of mystery in those places, and history, and stuff under the surface. And the graciousness of the places.
Question – If you could witness any historical event past, present or future what would it be and why?
Thanks!
Donna S
USA
That one is seriously tough. As much as I write violence, I’m not sure I could stomach wars. Maybe walking on the moon. Or a future historical event, first visit to another planet. Or if we are staying terrestrial . . . The Battle of Waterloo, just to be able to see it for myself.
Hi Diana
Great advice!Thanks
* I RSVPed to be here with Diana +25
* I Spread the news and here is the link https://twitter.com/#!/sasluvbooks/status/158077739780419584 +1
* I Tallyed my Points +1=27
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks at yahoo dot com
Thanks for visiting!