Loading ...Virtual Launch Party, Chat & Sony e-Reader Contest with Author Rachel Caine
SECRETS AND LIES
Part of the fun of doing Book 6 of the Morganville Vampires series, Carpe Corpus
Five books of increasingly intricate mythology about the town, its human and vampire inhabitants, the political struggles between and even among the two sides … and it all comes down to having about 75,000 words in which to make it all make sense.
Kind of a challenge, but I love that sort of thing!
At the core of Carpe Corpus
But there’s plenty of misery to go around in Morganville, and even when there’s some mercy in evidence — like her boyfriend Shane getting bounced from prison — it’s counterbalanced by the horrible circumstances under which it occurred. As the secrets of the vampires are broken, and the lies revealed, it’s going to be up to Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael to save the lives of everyone in town … including their mortal enemies.
Now, a word about process. I tend to write from an outline, but toward a goal, and in the words of the immortal (literally) pirates of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, “They’re not so much rules as … guidelines.” I keep the outline as a kind of safety line, so that if I stray too far from the path of sane storytelling I can always pull myself back on track … but I do allow myself the freedom to explore, diverge, and sometimes forge new strange trails altogether. There’s some of that in Carpe Corpus
Next up in the Morganville series is Fade Out
If you’ve already read Carpe Corpus
Thanks for participating in this exciting event with BITTEN BY BOOKS! I’m delighted and honored to be part of it!
– Rachel
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Learn more about Rachel Caine here:
Read reviews of the author’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have TWO weeks to do the different things that YOU choose to do. Rachel Caine will be giving away a 
Sony Digital Book Reader
Below are all of the different things you can CHOOSE from to enter.
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Rachel’s NEW book Carpe Corpus
To purchase a PRINT copy of Carpe Corpus from Amazon click here.
To purchase a PRINT copy of Carpe Corpus from Barnes & Noble click here.
Good for 300 entries per PRINT copy of you purchase using the links above.
Purchase copies of her other books in the series by visiting Rachel Caine’s Amazon Store
Books in the Morganville Vampires series in the order they should be read:
Glass Houses
The Dead Girls’ Dance
Midnight Alley
Feast of Fools
Lord of Misrule
Carpe Corpus
Fade Out
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon search box or this link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. Make a purchase in our Bloody Cafe store here: http://www.cafepress.com/bittenbybooks. We are all volunteers so your continuing support is deeply appreciated. Email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies. Good for 100 entries.
3. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Rachel a question. It can be ANY question you like. No questions = no entries! You can come by through 7/13/09 and ask your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries per day)
4. Make a short creative, meaningful or silly Youtube video (max 5 minutes) about why you love Rachel’s work. Tell us which is your favorite book or character and why you feel you deserve to win a Sony Digital Book Reader from her. Keep it family friendly. Come back here and post the link to your video. Good for 150 entries. Max 1 video per day good towards entries.
5. Read the reviews of Rachel’s work here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Rachel%20Caine
And leave your thoughts and comments about the book/review etc. Good for 25 entries per review.
6. Use the SHARE This button at the bottom of this post to digg, stumble and share this on your social networks and new ones you have never tried before! Good for 50 entries.
7. Be friends with Bitten by Books here:
SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter by clicking here or use the box on the top right hand side of the site. Be sure you VERIFY your subscription, an email is sent with the verification link. Unverified subscribers will not be entered and will be deleted from the mailing list. If you are already a subscriber, just let us know and you will get entries too.
Join The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! Here: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/ then come back here and tell us your user name and leave the link to your page.
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59929467915
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Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks be SURE to tweet us after you follow so we can count your entry! @BittenbyBooks
Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry!
Email us a copies of ALL of your verification emails to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 150 entries each place you add us.
8. Use this link and banner and spread the word about this amazing contest! The more places you post the event, the more entries you get. Use this direct link to the event:
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8605 at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Groups, Facebook, Yahoo Groups, Forums, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 200 entries per place you post the event link.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
9. Be friends with Rachel by joining her here:
Newsletter: http://www.rachelcaine.com/Mailing_Lists.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=520082446
Facebook Fan Club: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=39948306768
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rachelcaine
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachelcaine
Add Rachel’s blog and website to your blog roll or links page: http://rachelcaine.livejournal.com/ and http://www.rachelcaine.com/
Then send us all the confirmations you receive verifying subscription and friendship to: bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 20 entries per place you friend/add her.
10. Twitter and ask your friends to re-tweet the URL for this event be SURE to include us in your tweet @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8605. Good for 10 entries each day you tweet it. Come back here and post your tweet’s URL so we can verify it. Max 1 tweet per day counts for entries.
11. Email ALL of your friends and invite them to come by this week! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get FOUR entries and you get EIGHT entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries! COPY us on the email at: bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces) so we can count your entries. We do not use or sell email addresses in ANY way.
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contest ends on 7/13/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners 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 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.
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 FIVE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me 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 worldwide. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.
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.
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
Rachel, I love your books. I allegedly bought the morganville books for my teen daughter, but I now buy them for myself. I really am enjoying your newest series, the Undone Season. When is the next book coming out in that series?
Hi Rachel – Though I haven’t read any of your books yet, I heard so many good things about the series i went out and bought the first six books last week. Can’t wait to get started! Anyways, my question – what authors do you enjoy reading?
Hi Rachel! And welcome to Bitten by Books!
My question for you is, if you weren’t an author, what would you be doing?
Though thankfully for us readers that’s not the case!
Rachel, I love your books too. I first bought Glass House as an ebook (I’ve since purchased it as a paperback) I liked it so much I bought the entire Weather Warden series and have followed the Morganville & Undone series. I’ve shared with friends and they are now hooked too. Thanks for hours of enjoyment.
D.Antonio
Hey Rachel, I’m a big fan of yours.I haven’t read the Weather Warden series yet, but plan to soon. I think the idea of having characters who can control the weather is really interesting. What is your favorite type of weather?
Thank you,
Toni Smathers
I RSVPed
Hi Rachel, I just became aware of your books and I ordered Glass Houses. I am so excited to start this series.
I have sent freind suggestions to mysapce adn FB, joined your Fb fan group, joined your newsletter, follwing you on twitter (lasergirl70)
and posted a link to this interview on my FB profile: facebook.com/lasergirl70
after I start the Morganville, series, I will have to begin WEather Warden as well! Best of luck with the book launch!!
Hi Rachel,
I haven’t read any of your work yet, but a couple of your books are in line in my tbr pile
.
What is your favorite paranormal novel series?
I shared this blog post on facebook and twitter!
http://www.facebook.com/pams00?ref=name
http://twitter.com/pams00
I’ve heard great things about the Weather Warden series. However I ADORE YA so I’m all over this.
Living in Texas, I have to ask if Morganville is west Texas or the hill country?
Or worse… east Texas. Grin
Hi Rachel!!! Thanks so much for dropping by. At first, I kind of skipped the YA are thinking I wouldn’t be interested, but I’ve heard so many good things that I’m looking forward to checking out your series. Do you work any differently when you write adult vs. YA? What’s your favorite thing to do when you are not writing/working?
I have read all the Morganville Series books out except Carpe Corpus. Love them all. I would like to know how many more books are on plan to finish this series?
I RSVP’d.
Do you know how many book will be in the series? What got you into writing?
I am already signed up for BBB newsletter.
Already a member of the facebook group and added as a friend -
http://www.facebook.com/pams00?ref=name
now following on twitter!
http://twitter.com/pams00
can’t get your goodreads.com link to work?
Hi Rachel,
I’ve been a fan for years..I’ve read all the Morganville books, but tho I know this isn’t going to make me popular here, I just can’t get into them. LOVE vampire stories (P.N. Elrod is my fav I think) but these just don’t hold my interest…sorry
Anyway…I do ADORE the Weather Warden series, and though I guess I understand that Morganville is much more popular and profitable, it saddened me to read that you’ll tie up the series. I’m sure I’m not the only fan that feels that way. I have purchased, but not gotten around to reading Undone, and wondered…will you continue to write about the Djinn/wardens, or have you given up on them altogether?
~Patti
Have you ever had a plot idea or were typing along and then realized that idea or plot seemed familiar and realized you read it elsewhere? If so, do you still use the plot device or do you change it in some way to make it your own?
Hi Rachel. I have just started looking at the Morganville series, and my question to you is Why Texas?
I have posted this at facebook, livejournal and blogger, I am a subscriber to BBB, a member of the Blood Bank, and I rsvp’d for this event.
Hello Rachel, I’m currently finishing up book 3. My 1st question is, Are Shane, Claire, Eve, and Michael going to make it out Morganville alive?
Beet
Hi Rachel, I’m new to reading your books, I picked up Glass Houses about 3 weeks ago and just finished Lord of Misrule last week and loved them all. Now I’m waiting for Carpe Corpus to show up on my doorstep. The series has quickly become a favourite of mine. I’ve read the first Weather Wardens book too, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of that series when I have a chance.
My question is, why did you decide to write about humans trapped in a vampire run town, rather than having your main characters as vampires themselves when you decided to write a vampire centric series?
Oh, and I RSVP’d
Howdy Rachel
First I want to say thank you for the invite. I truly appreciate it.
Secondly, I would like to ask you how you got started writing? What inspired you then? Is it different now? By that I mean does what inspired you then still inspire you or has it changed to something else? Do you set a schedule to write or just write when your muse dictates?
Thanks again for the invite
Bo Perkins – independent editor and VP of Operations/Promotions Manager for Phoenix Rising Promotions.
Oh and by the way, I already follow you on Tweeter, and am friends with you on FaceBook and MySpace and I just joined your FaceBook Fan Club today under bocperkins.
Have a great day.
Hi Rachel sounds like a great story. Must you read the series in order or can they be read out of order or as stand-alones?
hugs,
WendyK
highlandlovesong at yahoo dot com
I was at a Jim Butcher book signing for Bloodrites in 2004. A fan asked Mr. Butcher what was he reading at the moment. He told everyone to buy Rachel Caine’s Ill Wind. I purchased it that night and can say its been one of my top 2 favorite series over the past 5 years. I am sad to hear the series is ending as well. Her Morganville series was the first YA series I ever purchased. Its crazy that my B&N had to special order the first book for me. With the release of Carpe Corpus they had a whole promotion and cardboard display with all the books in the series on it.
My question is
Would you consider Monica to be Claires arch nemesis? Her Dr. Doom to Claire’s Mr Fantastic?
I’ve got her on facebook, myspace, and twitter.
Rachel S, I’ve already got a Sony E-Reader, but if the copies of Carpe Corpus are signed may I be entered?
Finally thanks Mrs. Caine for spending your day here with us, and best wishes to all your future endeavors!
Hi Rachel,
My question is; do you ever have any serious writers block moments? Your writing comes as if you don’t, but I know there’s got to be a moment (or 2) in your writing career that its bound to have happened.
What do you do to get back into the writing and most importantly back where you left off?
I just heard of you through BBB and can’t wait to get some of your books.
Do you have a Muse? If so who or what is it?
I will be starting Glass Houses. How many books total in the Morganville series?
I love the Morganville Series. I just recently picked up the first five books and couldn’t put them down. I was into Lord of Misrule I didn’t even realize I was at the end until I ran out of words. So naturally I looked up Carpe Corpus online and was happy it had come out two days prior so I ran out to B&N to get it.
Hi Rachel, I’m a huge fan, I have read all your books, Morgainville Vampires, Weather Wardens, Undone. All of your books are on my keeper shelf.
I LOVE your books. I’ve been following you on Twitter, and friended you on Myspace and Facebook. Didn’t you say at one point that the Morganville books were going to be from someone else’s perspective? Maybe it was a dream or something, but I remember you saying something like that…
Hey Rachel!!
Love your books!!..How many more Morganville books are you planning on writing? I hope the series goes on and on of course!!
I RSVP’d
I follow both on Twitter (aliens72)
I follow both on facebook. Still waiting for Rachel’s answer
your serie sound great. Will have to get that for sure.
I also just want to say that I LOVE Myrnin as a character. I think he is by far my favorite vampire in a series EVER!!
Tamara S
What made you decide to write about vampires?
I follow bittenbybooks on facebook, twitter, and myspace and I am a subscriber
Wow, I am so excited you are here. I love your Morganville series. I am always a little hesitant about YA titles, but these I really enjoyed. I haven’t read Carpe Corpus yet, although I am going to order it now.
I had a few questions…
Who was Shane’s patron before he turned 18? Was Sam Michael’s patron?
What is it about Claire that is so special? Is it just her brains? It seems like some of the vamps have trouble entrancing her.
*RSVP’d
*purchased Carpe Corpus from Amazon
*bought TShirt from CafePress
*asked two questions
*left comment on glass house (1st one)
*already friends with BBB through newsletter, Blood Bank and myspace
*subscribed to Rachel’s newsletter
*requested friends with Rachel at myspace
*Posted announcement on my myspace blog at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=425187716
RSVP’d #16
Hi Rachel,
3. Question: Do you have other new series you are brainstroming that we might see sometime in the future?
5. Read reviews. Comment: Rachel, loved the reviews. I have read some of your Weather Warden series and enjoyed them. After reading these reviews, I will have to give the Morgaville Vampire series a try. I’m adding it to my to read list.
6. Share button: Twitter: http://twitter.com/Kainanz
7. Friends with BBB:
BBB Blood Bank community – user name: kainani
BBB good reads friend: Kainani
BBB FB group fan: Kainani Enos Peter
BBB Facebook Friend: Kainani Enos Peter
BBB Myspace friend: Kainani
Following BBB on Twitter: Kainanz
BBB permanently on my blog: http://kainanisreadz.blogspot.com/
8. Spread the word with link & banner:
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kainani89
Blogger: http://kainanisreadz.blogspot.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/kainanz?ref=profile
9. Friends with Faith (pending approval):
FB
FB Fan Club
Myspace
Twitter
add Rachel’s blog & website: http://www.myspace.com/kainani89
I RSVPed to be here
I love the Morganville books,I’ve read them several times each.Shane is my favorite.
3.my question is: Rachel who is your favorite Michael or Shane?
7.I subscribe to the BBB newsletter
9.I already get Rachel’s newsletter
sounds like a good series.I love vampires are you a fan of the show Buffy the vampire slayer? dorothy l con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a subscriber dorothy l
RSVP’d #16
Hi Rachel,
3. Question: Do you have other new series you are brainstroming that we might see sometime in the future?
5. Read reviews. Comment: Rachel, loved the reviews. I have read some of your Weather Warden series and enjoyed them. After reading these reviews, I will have to give the Morgaville Vampire series a try. I’m adding it to my to read list.
6. Share button: Twitter: http://twitter.com/Kainanz
7. Friends with BBB:
BBB Blood Bank community – user name: kainani
BBB good reads friend: Kainani
BBB FB group fan: Kainani Enos Peter
BBB Facebook Friend: Kainani Enos Peter
BBB Myspace friend: Kainani
Following BBB on Twitter: Kainanz
BBB permanently on my blog: http://kainanisreadz.blogspot.com/
8. Spread the word with link & banner:
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kainani89
Blogger: http://kainanisreadz.blogspot.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/kainanz?ref=profile
9. Friends with Faith (pending approval):
FB
FB Fan Club
Myspace
Twitter
added Rachel’s blog & website: http://www.myspace.com/kainani89
Hi Rachel. Thanks for including us on your virtual launch. The book sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to read it.
I RSVP’d and came back. Added Rachel’s website to my blog page (http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com), sent a friends request to Rachal on Facebook (http://facebook.com/chrismcarter) and joined her group.
Chris C. (wilmstagemgr@gmail.com)
I have bitten by books on my blog roll http://www.luckyrosiescreations.blogspot.com/
Hi Rachel!!
I would love to know if you have an writing rituals? Things you either do before, during or anything you must have with you when writing your novels.
Thanks!
I RSVPed
Added as a friend on LiveJournal
Following on Twitter (@imakeart)
I’ve sent an email with all confirmations.
5. Commented on all 6 reviews
This is so exciting. I love your stories, but I have to say (with much love) that your cliffhangers kill me!!!
I was wondering how you keep your world of Morganville organized? It seems you would need your own mysterious secret book to keep it all straight!
I commented on more book reviews…
CC (2nd comment)
lom (2nd)
fof (2nd)
ma (2nd)
dgd (3rd)
I subscribe to the BBB newletter and also get Rachel’s newsletter.
I RSVPed.
My question to Rachel, in the Morganville series, what made you decide to make Eve a goth girl? I like the personality that you have given her, everytime I read one of these books or one of the short stories, she makes me think of Abbey on NCIS.
Thank you,
Just read Carpe Corpus on Thursday. Loved it. I am running late but will be back later to ask questions………
Posted a link to this launch on facebook (http://facebook.com/chrismcarter) and on my blog (http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com)
Chris C (wilmstagemgr@gmail.com)
Welcome to BBB Rachel. I must confess that I haven’t read your books,even though each one goes on my amazon wish list, as soon as its published. After reading your interview, your books are going to my shopping list.
Rachel,
I love the Morganville Vampire Series and I truly appreciate all the freely offered short stories on your website. They are amazing and so are you for offering them freely to your fans.
When I get the chance to ask an author a question it is usually about the writing process. Your ability to bring such life-like dialogue to the pages of your novels is something I can only hope to mimic in my own works. How do you make the dialogue ring so true in the mind of the readers? Do you say it out loud as you are typing it or what?
Thanks,
Jerry W Stewart
Rachel,
I know you hear this all the time but I LOVE your books SOO much!!
I read them all the time and I’ve gotten a lot of my friends to read them.
My question is: When are you going yo come to Florida for a signing?!?
Sincerely,
Autumn L.
I RSVP’d,BBB Facebook Friend, BBB newsletter
Hi Rachel,
My question is do you think it is harder to write YA series? I love the Morganville Series.
Hi Rachel, Thanks for giving us your time today. I have added your books to my “need to read asap” list. I have not yet been disappointed by anything I have read that was from an author who has joined us on Bitten by Books. My question for you is – with all the great books out there, how do you narrow it down and decide what to read?
I RSVPed and am following you on Twitter. : )
Hello Rachel – First I want to say that I really enjoy your books! They are some of my favorite books to read.
Questions – What was your favorite book when you were growing up? Besides your own books, what book(s) are you most looking forward to coming out in the next couple of months? How did you come up with the idea of having a huge group of vampires living together in one town?
1 – I have purchased a copy of Rachel’s Glass House, The Dead Girl’s Dance, Midnight Alley, Feast of Fools, Lord of Misrule, and Carpe Corpus.
3 – I asked a question – See above
6 – I shared the link on my blogs on Blogger and Live Journal, on Myspace, Facebook and also on Twitter
7 – Friends with BBB – I a member of Blood Bank, I also subscribed to BBB Newsletter, Facebook Group, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Goodreads, and I posted links to BBB websites on my blogs on Blogger and Live Journal.
8 – I Linked the Banner to my blogs on Blogger and Live Journal.
9 – Friends with Rachel – I subscribed to her Newsletter, Follower her on Twitter, Live Journal, and Facebook Fan Page. I put in a request to be friends on Myspace and Facebook. I also posted her links on my blogs on Blogger and Live Journal.
I also RSVP’d
My blogs -
Blogger – http://oceanjamiesrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Live Journal – http://oceanjamie.livejournal.com/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/OceanJamie
Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/101823879
Facebook – In the Groups section is proof that I am a member of BBB Group and Rachel’s Fan Page. I also have requests in to become friends with Rachel on Facebook and I am already friends with BBB – http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/oceanjamie?v=info
Hey Rachel! I keep debating about reading your YA line, I read your other books, Weather Wardens and the new Djinn ones, I keep coming close to reading this series, but can’t quite find the time. Anyway, what’s the series about? I read an excerpt of the first one on your website but still don’t feel like I know where the story’s going. Are vampires hiding in secret in this series or are they out in the open?? Any little details that you can give without hashing out spoilers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hey there, both Rachels!
Rachel, I’d like to know what you do to document & maintain your mythology for the series. Do you keep a notebook, a virtual world map, etc.
(Oh, I did RSVP.)
For entries:
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/JustineGreene
http://twitter.com/fairyfindings
and because I was too hasty with “Submit comment”
adding to my prior entry
Justine G.
>^..^<
Hey Rachel!
I have been a big fan of your books for a few years now, and they just continue getting better and better!
I own a copy of each Morganville book, though I have yet to read Carpe Corpus, but that is next on my list.
How are you able to continue such exciting stories with the same characters for such a long series?
Also, do you prefer writing about Morganville or the Weather Wardens?
I am your friend on myspace, following you on twitter(kaylabella), joined the BBB facebook group and requested to be their friend.
What is the most rewarding aspect of writing? I love the Warden series, but have only read 1 of the morganville. Would you say that my 14 year old could read it?
BBB on perm roll on wp, blogger, google profile
http://nicholandria.wordpress.com
http://nicholandria.blogspot.com/
http://www.google.com/profiles/nicholandria
read the reviews and commented
i rsvpd and r here!
am friends w/ bbb on all already
am a subscriber of newsletter already
signed up for Rachels newsletter, myspace, FB and now following on twitter!
Hi Rachel! This contest sounds amazing. I would love to win the Sony Digital Book Reader. Well anyway my question for you is: Are you going to start a different series in the future?
Hey Rachel,
what’s your take on the infamous Twilight series? Did it influence you or your stories in any way at all (either positively of negatively)?
BBB subscriber, following on BBB Twitter, tweeted about the contest, joined Rachel’s mailing list, already following her on Twitter
RSVP’d to event, and already friended on social communities.
HIYA Rachel!
I LOVE Morganville. It was a surprise, I brought Glass house as a last resort once, thinking it would be way to youthful for my enjoyment. However, it was the most pleasing and rewarding fluke buy I’ve ever made.
Your writing certainly appeals to the older audience even though your writing voice is youthful. KUDOS
My questions,
Does writing in a youthful voice affect you (away from the writing world) in anyway?
How much (and how) do you throw yourself into the research?
Bounces, enjoying this event! Thanks for bringing one of my fav authors in BBB Rachel xx
Rachel,
I’ve been reading the Morganville Vampire series since Glass Houses debuted. I love them!
1) Naturally, I bought Carpe Corpus the first day it came out, so I’d rather not purchase it again on amazon.
3) My question is: Do you have any book signings coming up in NYC?
9) I already follow Rachel on Twitter and receive her newsletter!
10) I twittered about this contest at: https://twitter.com/Whitney_Ross
If your books were picked up for a movie/tv show, who would you want to play the leads?
What advice would you give an aspiring author, that you wish you’d had when you were just starting out?
I also RSVP’d
My group blog: http://romanticinks.com (added both BBB and Rachel Caine)
Twitter – http://twitter.com/Haven.Rich (stalking both, and retweeted)
Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/haven_rich (friended both)
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/haven.rich (shows joining BBB, Rachel Cain groups, as well as friendship with BBB, Rachel Caine friendship still pending)
Hi rachel,
Sounds like some good books, just up my alley.
My question for you is: is there any other genre you would like to conquer? or is it easier to try to stick to one kind?
RSVPed and came
Hey Rachel! Love the Morganville Vamp series. My question is, can you tell us a little about what Fade Out will be about?
Oh yeah, i rsvp’d, am a suscriber, and am a friend on facebook =)
I RSVP’d. Rachel do you get your inspiration for your character from people you know?
I RSVP’d. Rachel, do you get your inspiration for settings in your books from real places you have visited?
I’m a subscriber.
Rachel, best wishes on the release of Carpe Corpus. I just discovered you and I love your writing so I plan to buy all your books and am already telling my friends about you!
Hello Rachel, 2nd question please tell us that you wont be ending the series with Claire waking up from Monica’s push down the stair, only to find out that Michael is a doctor, Eve a Goth nurse and Shane a candy striper. That would truly be evil.
I RSVPed 5. All complete 6. 7. 8. Add Rachel’s 2 sites to http://beetsbooks.blogspot.com/
http://iyamvixenbooks.blogspot.com/2009/06/bittenbybooks-and-rachel-caine.html
~I totally RSVP’d!!
~I have had Rachel’s blog on my blogroll for a long while
~Have had BBB on the blogroll forever
~Belong to the Blood Bank
~Facebook forever!
~Just realized I haven’t been on Goodreads with BBB! Just asked for friendship
~I subscribe to the newsletter
I am technologically inept, so no witty youtube vids from me….
Rachel: Do you have a playlist for each of your series? Do you like working in quiet or a little background noise?
Hi Rachel, I love the Morganville series and have the WeatherWarden books on one of my TBR lists. I do love Shane… he is my fave and Michael is pretty good too.
I will have to come back later but I really wanted to say hi for now. Maybe do a vid or come up with some rocking questions….
For now I want to ask:
If they ever produced the Morganville series for TV or the big screen who do you imagine for the characters.?
I already follow on FB, facebook fan page and Twitter…
BBB follow on everything….
Thanks Shell
I just have one question/request … Is there anyway to make the stories longer? (Love the fact that there are 3 Morganvilles for 2009, but how about BIGGER? Not necessarily hardcover.)
Hiya Rachel! You’re books sound like a lot of fun.
My question is what keeps you writing? When the deadlines come and procrastination is at its height, what makes you sit in the chair and keep going?
As for the contest,
I RSVP’d, as well as Twittered and Facebooked.
On average how long does it take you to write a book?
How long do you spend each day writing?
good golly miss molly!
i love your books, and im subscribed.
and my question is….
how do you get us sooo addicted to your stories?, addicting like cupcakes may i add!
Oh, I’m also a member of the community, facebook and twitter groups
Rachael, I have bought every single one of ur books already! I’ve been a fan for quite some time! I’m from Odessa and and I’ve gotten most of my friends into ur book! we literaly get together just to sit around and read ur books!!! I wrote to u on my myspace a while back about how my own writing wasn’t going so well! Your advices has been helping me alot!!! I finnished the ending and I’m now working in the middle!!! I admire u so much and this contest is so exciting! I can’t wait to get fade out! Xoxo
Crystal Garcia
Hi, Rachel, I am reading Morganville Vampires, Outcast, and Weather Warden series’. I love them all! I am very impatient and wish I could get all the books in each series immediately, however undoable that is! But, my question is….. how do you come up with an entire world of characters and ideas for each of these series? It must be very difficult, but all of yours are unique, and I love them, but now I need to figure it out, if I am ever to write my own books about the supernatural! Thanks.
Oh, and I’m subscribed also, cause I do want the reader!!
Hey Rachel,
I was wondering if it’s hard for your to keep the books on a young adults level with Claire growing up and her relationship with Shane?
I’m subscribed to the newsletter
I’m friends with bbb via, myspace, facebook, facebook group, twitter and good reads
My bloodbank page is http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Carmen_R
I’m already signed up for Rachel’s newsletter
I’m already friends with her via facebook,myspace,Twitter and I’m a fan at the facebook group,
I sent out a tweet about the the interview
What’s next in the Weather Warden series? Love the series.
My question is: What happened to the people who lived near Myrrin? The grandmother and granddaughter. I think they are still there, but I’d love to know for sure!
I’ve already bought and read CARPE CORPUS — another fab book, Rachel. And worth the leap I made over other shoppers to get to it.
In fact, I finished the book and gave it to one of my librarian friends here … in my evil plot to further hook her on your books!
BBB is a permanent link on my web site!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
nancy@nancyhaddock.com
Hi Rachel,
The Morganville series sounds fantastic.
What is your favourite sport?
I PSVPd
I’m already subscribed to BBB
I belong to the Blood Bank
I’m friends with bbb on myspace and facebook
Hi Rachel,
I’m one of your Twitter followers and I gotta say, it’s lovely not to be constrained by 140 characters, LOL.
I love your Weather Wardens…bought the first 3 as eBooks then had to buy them all in print as well! Oh for an eBook reader rather than my clunky old laptop, LOL.
And as for The Morganville Vampire series? Well, I have to fight my daughter off to each new one in the series first! What was I thinking when I let her read them? (Kidding!) And although I’ve recommended them countless times to various parents who’re wanting great books for their teens, I refuse to lend them out…can’t risk having them not come back to me. They’re keepers!
My question is, which series comes easier when you’re writing, Weather Wardens or Morganville Vamps? Do you ever have to reread the last book in the series to get “in the zone” before you begin to write?
(BTW I RSVPd and our BBB hostess already knows I stalk her online
*waves to the other Rachel*)
Hey Rachel!
I love your Morganville vampire books. I even got my 17 year-old niece hooked on them too. She tends to steal them from my bookshelf when I’m not looking. I’ve read the first 5 and have Carpe Corpus in my tbr stack and I’m adding Fade Out to my TBB list now. How many books to you think will be in the series?
I RSVPd and already subscribe to BBB.
Thank you for being here.
Do you have any secret ways to get past difficult writing times?
I did all the things requested.
Hey Rachel =)
Thank for comming!
I read only the first book of the serie, but onw all 5 of them, Haven’t had time to read the 4 others hehe. But I would Love to 6th book ^^
I don’t know if anyone already asked that question (right in the middle of moving to new apart atm =P ) but I was wondering if Fade Out will be the last book of the series?
Are you curently working on another series?
Thank for your time =)
Cindy
hi i rsvped the ohter day. My question is what or who inspired you to becuase a righter in the sci-fi fantesy and did you read alot of fantesy books when you wer growing up? or if your like me and never grew up what did you read when your age was smaller/
Hi Rachel,
I love the Morganville Vamp series and also read your new book Undone. I’m sure I will like the Weather Wardens too when I can get to it. (I have the first three books on my TBR). You’ve got some killer cliffhanger endings! Will there be any more Morganville books after Fade Out? If so, do you already have the ending planned or will you figure it out when you get there?
Michelle K.
mishcara (at) gmail (dot) com
——————————–
I RSVP’d
5. Read the reviews and I definitely agree that these books appeal to adults as well as teens.
7. -I subscribe to the BBB newsletter
-Friend and follower of BBB on goodreads: mcara (mck (at) myfairpoint (dot) net)
-Already member of the Blood Bank: michellek (http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Michelle462)
9. Joined Rachel’s newsletter
Hi Rachel,
I was wondering if the characters in your books are inspired by people you know or if they are entirely fictional.
Bridget
Shared:
http://www.facebook.com/bridget.hopper?ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie (blog section)
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/2009/06/virtual-launch-party-chat.html
http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com/2009/06/virtual-launch-party-chat.html
http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/2412186047
Already a BBB subscriber
Already a Blood Bank member – bridget3420
Already friends with BBB on Myspace – bridgetlaprairie
Already friends with BBB on Facebook – Bridget Hopper
Already following BBB on Twitter – bridget3420
Already a Good Reads friend of BBB
BBB is on my blogroll – http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com
BBB is on my blogroll – http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
Posted banner:
http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com/2009/06/virtual-launch-party-chat.html
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/2009/06/virtual-launch-party-chat.html
http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie (blog section)
http://www.facebook.com/bridget.hopper?ref=profile
Signed up for Rachel’s newsletter
Sent Rachel a Facebook friend request
Joined Facebook Group
Following Rachel on twitter – bridget3420
Rachel’s site link is on the Awesome Authors section of my blog http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
RSVP’d
Awesome! Another author who shares my name and the spelling of it. Hehe. As you’ll notice on my facebook. Raonaid is scots gaelic for Rachel. * big grins*
I use to have a Sony e-reader but sadly my kids ran a magnet over the screen and thus killing it. * sniffles* I soo loved it.
As for my question: If you could colloborate on a story with any writer/author, alive or dead, who would it be? And I’m curious if that writer is your idol.
* I RSVPed
* Bittenbybooks is a permanent link on my blogger links (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
* I joined her newsletter
* I friended her on facebook (rachel flesher / raonaidluckwell)
* I mentioned it on my facebook
* I joined her facebook fan club
* Friended her on myspace (visionarydruid)
* I pasted the picture and the contest on my myspace blog
* Mentioned the contest on myspace’s bullentin
* I am following her on twitter (raonaidluckwell)
* I twittered about it
* Saved both of her links on my blogger links
* posted the picture and about the contest on my blogger
* I posted the pic and the contest on my livejournal (http://morriga.livejournal.com/)
* I mentioned it on these yahoo groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JohannaLindsey/message/37746
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/book_worms_r_us/message/18332
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JohannaLindseyDiscussionGroup/message/42480
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JuliaQuinnReadingGroup/message/3242
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/League_of_Kinley_MacGregor_Fans/message/181
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/We_Love_Lisa_Kleypas/message/1206
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Christina_Dodd_Fans/message/375
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conniebrockwayfans/message/156
Hi Rachel!
-My question to you is would your series ever come to a movie theater near us?!
-Also, what is your fav book that you’ve written thus far?
-I totally RSVP’d!!!
I’ll be back later to do more…not feeling well right now.
Doreen H.
purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
I RSVP’d
I also left a comment earlier but I forgot to add that I’m a subscriber through GoogleReader. I follow through Twitter (celestinacarmen) and GoodReads (Tina).
3.) I would like to know what movie can you watch over and over again and never get tired of?
5.) Commented on all reviews.
6.) Stumbled and Digged (http://digg.com/arts_culture/Virtual_Launch_Party_Chat_Sony_e_Reader).
4.) I subscribe through email.
I am a member of The Blood Bank (ValorieTucker).
Friend on Good Reads (morbidromantic).
Friend on Facebook.
Friend on Twitter (morbidromantic).
Bitten by Books is on my blogroll on my right sidebar under Book Blogs (http://www.morbid-romantic.net).
8.) Posted the graphic
Blog: http://www.morbid-romantic.net (right sidebar)
Ning: http://bookblogs.ning.com/profiles/blogs/win-a-sony-ereader-with-rachel
9.) Friended Rachel on Twitter.
10.) Tweet: http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2412591419
Valorie T.
USA
I RSVP’D last week.
You have probably heard this before plenty of times. What made you decide to write about vampires?
coopermoon(at)hotmail(dot)com
Will my RSVP still count since I came late?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Moonlight, or True Blood, which of these shows do you like the most?
I’m a little biased because I’ve only watched one, Buffy. You probably like things other than vampires, so I’ll think of a better question next time.
coopermoon(at)hotmail(dot)com
I haven’t read any of the books yet, but they are on my list to read. I visited your website and read the free chapters and really enjoyed them. My question is how do you balance your work life with your personal life? Do you set aside specific hours to write and then time for yourself?
For the contest- I RSVP’d, posted to MySpace, Facebook and Twittered. I get the BBB newsletter, follow on Twitter, and on Facebook. I’ll be back later…
Janice D.
I also just joined BBB group on facebook (mishcara (at) gmail (dot) com)
Michelle K
I RSVP’d for the event on the 27th at 3:31 p.m. and 1st name with initial is Sandy M. You can always reach me at aset13 at yahoo dot com.
1 & 2. Being unemployed sucks but I’ve read all your Weather Warden series and Morganville series up to Carpe Corpus which I just picked up from my local library (1 of 4 copies).
3. I have a couple of questions because of following you on Twitter….How did you find a couch at a concert?
4. I don’t know about that. We will see. lol
7. I’ve been on BBB here for awhile. I think I joined earlier this month but here’s a link to my BBB Ning page: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Wynterose
I joined BBB – Paranormal Fiction Review Site on Facebook Group and BBB on GoodReads today. I’m already a BBB friend on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.
9. I signed up for Mailing list earlier today but haven’t gotten the email yet and it’s been several hours and not in junk email so I don’t know what’s up with that. I joined Rachel Caine Rocks with Weather Wardens and Morganville Group on Facebook today. I’m friends already on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.
10. Here is my link for Twitter when I tweeted this Contest: http://shar.es/5t4D
And I’ll see about doing some of the other numbers. Rachel, you and your books rock! {*hugs*}
I RSVP’d and belong to BBB.
I didn’t realize until reading the reviews that this was a YA series. As a children’s librarian interested in this series, I need to know where in the YA spectrum this series falls. Is it suitable for 10th graders or for juniors and seniors only?
Okay, I admit, someone else may have already asked this question (but I’ve had a very frustrating day & evening – still waiting for my gmail to load so I can check on my purchase of a certain kitten messenger bag); but why Texas? Is it a case of ‘writing what you know’ or did you have some story reason for choosing Texas?
contest stuff
3 = RSVP & Yes
6 = facebook – http://www.facebook.com/hcreely?ref=nf
7 = all but myspace
9 = newsletter, facebook, facebook fan, and twitter
10 = tweeted – http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/2413880596
Hi Rachel,
It’s great to be here. Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of the Morganville books YET. I am definitely going to order them all.
So my questions are going to be general:
1. How old were you when you started to write?
2. Could you tell us something about yourself that you haven’t shared before? Something that you wouldn’t mind sharing of course.
I RSVRed….on June 29, 2009 @ 6:37 am.
Shelley D.
I RSVP #53 and belong to BBB
I have recently noticed that some authors are offering a free pdf version of an earlier book that they had published when promoting a new book or series. When I first saw this, I was amazed. I asked myself why they would do this. No more, as I have discovered that this is a great way to hook potential new readers. I myself have purchased the promoted book and a copy of the one that I had just read free. What do you think of this practice and would you be inclined to offer one of yours free?
Hi what do you like to read? Do you have an all time favorite author or does it oscillate depending on who your reading at the time?
I RSVP’d
I’ll send the rest via email to save space on the page.
Number 5:
I commented on all 6 books!! Comment in #7 in each one.
Shelley D
Hi guys! I’ll do my best to answer questions … wow, there are a lot!
1. Thank you! And the next Outcast Season book (UNKNOWN) will be out early next year, probably around February … I just turned it in, so I don’t have a final date yet. Glad you’re enjoying the new series!
2. Kersty, I have so many authors I love it’s ridiculous … if we’re just talking vampire books, I’m a huge fan of P.N. Elrod’s Jack Fleming novels, and Barbara Hambly’s THOSE WHO HUNT THE NIGHT, and George R.R. Martin’s FEVRE DREAM … and of course the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine, and Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy books, and … the list just goes on, I’m afraid. I read a lot of mystery and suspense, too, so I read all over the bookstore.
3. Hey, Lyda! If I wasn’t a writer, I’d probably be doing what I *also* do in my day job … communications. I am Director of Corporate Communications (in charge of the USA) for a big international company. And I love it, crazy as that is. Or I’d be a musician, which is my second artist love.
4. Donna, bless you! Thanks!
5. Toni — I live in Tornado Alley, and so that’s kind of my favorite weather, in a strange sort of way. I love storms, always have. And lightning. I’m nutty that way!
6. Wow, Lisa! Thank you for such an enthusiastic welcome — it’s much appreciated!
7. Hi, Pam! Yeah, my TBR pile is threatening to take over a room.
I think my favorite paranormal series of all time is Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series, but I also love Charlaine Harris’s Sookie novels, and Richelle Mead’s series (both of them), and … yeah, I could go on for a paragraph here. In short: I love the genre. I really do.
8. Thanks, Pam!
9. Howdy neighbor! As far as where Morganville might be located, it’s somewhere in the badlands between Monahans and Midland, by my estimation.
Good luck finding it! Or, better luck avoiding it, I guess!
10. Heather, thanks for the great questions! I really don’t write any differently doing YA than I do adult fiction — it’s only the age of the characters that changes. And that drives the way the characters think and act, of course, but it’s not so much that I make that change, as the change comes from the characters. As to what I do in my off time … ha, I still work full time. But in my (very little) spare time, I love movies and TV and reading and all manner of art collecting.
11. Hi, Zulma! Currently I have contracts for 9 books in the Morganville series — that doesn’t mean we can’t make a deal for more, and I’m certainly hoping to do that. But right now I can definitely tell you nine.
12. Jill, thanks! 9 books (for now) in the Morganville series .. I got into writing more or less accidentally. I wanted to be a professional musician, but I really liked telling stories too. Never thought I’d make my living at it though!
13. Pam, I’ll check on the goodreads.com link. Not sure what’s going on with that!
14. Patti, thank you for both your comment, and your honesty! It’s perfectly okay if you don’t get into one (or more) things that I do. I never require that of anybody, believe me! In answer to your Weather Warden/Outcast Season question … it’s an intense experience writing such high stakes stories, and after writing eight in the Weather Warden series (starting #9 next month) and tackling the Outcast Season series, I think it’s time to let Jo and David have a happily ever after. And catch my breath from the constant end of the world! But I really appreciate your kind words about the series.
15. Elaine, great question … I think that it’s a common problem to stumble on the same ideas as other writers, but it’s pretty rare that we duplicate each others’ ideas exactly. I try to be as original and different as possible without making the idea too out there … and generally, that’s all that’s necessary to avoid inadvertently copying off somebody else’s paper!
16. Hi Nancy — well, I live in Texas, but it’s mainly because the less well settled parts of the state have always fascinated me. Small, isolated towns, usually half-deserted and fully creepy to passing strangers at least. That’s why, really.
17. Hi, Ruth — well, technically, one of those characters wasn’t actually alive at the start of the first book …
But in short, they’ll all survive and thrive, whether in Morganville or out of it. That all depends on how far the series gets!
18. Claire, the reason I didn’t write about the vampires in town as the main characters was that I felt like everybody else was already doing it … and I wanted to do something a little different. A kind of role reversal, where being the human in town meant you were the outsider. Hope that makes sense!
19.
20. I think I’m still writing mainly for the love of writing. It’s always been such a great release for me — even better than music, and I really loved my music. Okay, and I get paid, yes, that’s really nice too. And motivational! As far as schedules … I write every day, or try to. Usually two to three hours in the morning before I go to work, and then six hours or so on Saturdays and Sundays. My muse gets up on schedule too.
21. Thanks, Bo!
22. Wendy, I will warn you immediately that I am the Queen of Awful Cliffhangers. Books 7, 8 and 9 will be standalones, though.
23. Rocky, bless you. Funny story about me and Jim Butcher: we were on a panel together in about 1992, before any of his books were out, and when mine were basically going nowhere. I really thought he was amazing then, and I was so delighted when he gave me a quote on the cover of ILL WIND. But the thing is, I’d changed my name during the interim … so he was giving a cover quote to someone he didn’t know, and was honestly surprised when he found out it was me. That still delights me. As to your Claire and Monica question — I think that Monica sees herself as being a supervillain, but I think she’s just never going to make it into the Evil League of Evil. She’ll also never be *good,* but I think she and Claire will end up tolerating each other. Sort of.
24. Hi, Barbara! I have occasionally had days — or even a week — when I just didn’t feel like writing, but I’ve never seriously been UNABLE to write, which is what I think of as writer’s block. It’s more occasional bouts of laziness.
And so, my cure is simple — I put myself back on schedule, and back into routine. It’s sometimes easier than others; the book I just finished (Sunday!) was a bear. But it wasn’t really a block, just … different.
25. Nice to meet you, darkreader! I think my muse is music, because I have a very hard time writing without my headphones and a really great playlist specially compiled for the project I’m working on.
26. Tina, thanks for the interest in the series! So far, there are 9 books under contract for Morganville. I’m hoping maybe I’ll do more, but it all depends on how the publisher feels when we get to that point! #6 just came out, and #7 (FADE OUT) is out in November.
27. Thanks, Kristen! It’s always so nice to hear that.
28. Vivi Anna, thank you so much!
It’s much appreciated!
29. Hi, Travis! Ha, I was thinking out loud when I said that … I was thinking of maybe doing a book from Eve’s point of view, one from Shane’s, etc. But in practical terms it didn’t really work that well. I figured I would stick to Claire’s POV and do the others as short stories! Good catch!
30. Hi, Connie, thanks so much! Currently, there are nine books planned, but I’m crossing fingers for more …
31. Hey, Elayne! Sorry about the lag on Facebook. For some reason that’s always the one I don’t get to before I fall asleep … I promise, I’ll get you friended shortly!
32. Kristen, BLESS YOU. I have such fun writing Myrnin. He’s just … whacked.
33. Hi, Tamara! I was actually asked to write about vampires … and I didn’t really want to at first, because two of my first books (THE UNDEAD and COLD KISS) were vampire books, so I thought I probably didn’t have much else to say about the subject. But when I came up with the idea for Morganville, I just fell in love with it. Couldn’t walk away!
34.
35. Hello, Elie! Wow, you’re asking me questions I hadn’t considered the answers to, really! I never asked myself who Shane’s family patron was … I suspect it might have been Sam, but I don’t know. Sam certainly was the Glass family patron, for sure. As for what’s special about Claire … I think it’s mostly her brains, but it’s also a little bit of something else. What that is, I can’t tell you at this point …
Also, WOW. You really racked up the points!
36. Hello, Kainani! As it happens, I have a new series that’s in the works right now … no deals made as yet, though. But I always have one or two in the works, it seems like. The new series starts with a book called DEAD SEXY.
I’m delighted you’re taking a chance on Morganville. I hope you enjoy it!
37. Hey Elaine! Ahhh, I was WAITING for the Michael or Shane question! Such a tough choice, but … yeah, it’s Shane. Barely. But definitely.
38. Nice to meet you, Dorothy! And yes, I was (and remain!) a HUGE Buffy fan. And Angel fan. And Forever Knight fan. And Blood Ties fan … you might say I kind of like vampires.
39.
40. Kainani, thank you — I think I answered your questions above, on #36.
41. Hi, Chris, it’s nice to meet you! Thank you very much for your interest in the series!
42.
43. Amanda, I do indeed having writing rituals. The biggest one is that I MUST have music, preferably headphones. And I need a playlist that I painstakingly assemble for the thing I’m writing. Also, coffee doesn’t hurt, usually cafe mocha.
44. Thanks, Elaine!
45. Elie, yeah, sorry about the cliffhangers. They kind of kill me too. And yet … I can’t quite stop doing them! As to the complexity of Morganville … true. I love discovering the town. I keep it straight mainly with notes and indexes, but I’m probably not quite as organized about it as I should be!
46. Hi, Dean! I have so much fun writing Eve. I actually originally made her Goth because I knew someone very much like her in college, who was Goth before it was a lifestyle.
But yes, she does remind me of Abby on NCIS, too!
47. Thanks, Karen!
48.
49. Thank you so much, Lorraine! I certainly hope you enjoy the books. You can always try them out (call it a test drive!) at my website … I have extensive sample chapters posted of everything.
50. Jerry, thank you, what a great compliment! I love writing dialogue, but it’s one of those deceptively difficult things, no doubt about it. I do sometimes read things aloud, but I’ve been doing it long enough that I hear the character voices very clearly in my head, so it’s gotten a lot easier over the years. I do think that reading aloud helps get a rhythm to your dialogue and prose as well, though. I highly recommend it.
… okay, I’m worn out, guys! I’ll be back tomorrow to tackle the next 50 questions. Thank you SO MUCH for the great enthusiasm and excitement!
– Rachel
my friend just turned me on to your books and just ordered my first one. My question is where do you get your inspiration
Hi Rachel!
Welcome to Bitten By Books! What a great post! Wow. I thought I had it rough somedays, she definitely has me beat!
My question would be this. If you had to pick one of your characters or one fictional character from any genre, to have dinner with, who would it be and why?
Thanks for stopping by!
(Oh goddess, I twittered, FB, friends with BBB everywhere, friend Rachel on twitter and joined her fan page, posted to Mark Henry and Dakota Cassidy’s groups, and BBB is on my blog roll.
Number 6:
I shared here on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbittenbybooks.com%2F%3Fp%3D8605&t=Virtual+Launch+Party%2C+Chat+%26%23038%3B+Sony+e-Reader+Contest+with+Author+Rachel+Caine#/spgirls?ref=profile
I shared here on my space:
http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.ShowMyBulletins
I shared here on twitter:
https://twitter.com/spgirls
I shared here on Google Bookmarks:
http://www.google.com/bookmarks/lookup?sig=hT_V611iJM8rbkBrpMSDkA&hl=en&btnA&sig=hT_V611iJM8rbkBrpMSDkA&btnA=Add+bookmark&bkmk=1&ctz=150
I shared it here on live:
https://skydrive.live.com/sharefavorite.aspx%2f.SharedFavorites??marklet=1&mkt=en-us&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbittenbybooks.com%2F%3Fp%3D8605&title=Virtual%20Launch%20Party%2C%20Chat%20%26%23038%3B%20Sony%20e-Reader%20Contest%20with%20Author%20Rachel%20Caine&top=1
Shelley D.
Oh my! I want one of these digital reader in the worst way. I read about 150 books a year. I am always looking for more great authors .
Rachel–Will you be writing another YA paranormal series after the Morganville series is done? If so, do you know which paranormal creatures will be in the novel?
What about branching into another genre? Will you do that in future novels?
P.S. I’m HUGE fan of the Morganville series!
Hi Rachel. This is Carol, your moderator.
Since the Weather Warden series will be ending, are you able to tell us of any other upcoming plans in the works?
*My question might be a spoiler, so if you haven’t read CC, don’t read it*
I want to know if you think Claire lost her virginity in an appropriate circumstance and manner?
(I linked to this contest in my review post http://www.iheartmonster.com/2009/06/book-inspection-carpe-corpus-by-rachel.html and I tweeted, and I bought the book… emailing you receipt)
I forgot to say that I RSVPed
Number 7:
I’m already a subscribed to the Bitten by Books newsletter!
I’m a member of The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community. My user name is spgirls!
Here’s the link to my page: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/spgirls
I joined Goodreads:
Under the name of Shelley Downton
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2476522
I’m a member of Bitten by Books facebook group already, under the name of Shelley Downton.
I’m (Shelley Downton) friends with Bitten by Books in Myspace.
I’m a friend on facebook (Shelley Downton)
Already following Bitten by Books on Twitter.
Shelley D.
Hi Rachel Im new to your work I havent read anything yet but I do plan on it
what is your favorite color personally i like them all but those neon colors
second question is what are the top ten things you can and cant live with out not pretained to writing
BBB
I rsvped
i have you on
myspace -myspace.com/forever14n9
good reads
blood bank- Beverly Gordon
face book- Beverly Gordon
twitter -@bainesgoddess
face book group
my blog roll – http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/CheriHolt Hey I really need to win the sony e reader ! I turn 44 in a August and need a real birthday gift this year. Not a OOOOPS I forgot! Thanks I want to get your books they sound really good.
Number 8:
I spread the word here:
http://community.eharlequin.com/most-recent-blogpost
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=497883766
Shelley D.
Hi Rachel! You certainly write fantastic books. I’d never read teen lit, much less teen vamp lit, but I stumbled upon your Morganville series in a book compilation (Eve’s backstory) and was instantly hooked.
I’m glad for this contest if only to be able to ask this question: Will Claire ever take Monica down?!
Okay, I know you might not be able to actually answer this spoiler-type question, but Monica is the ultimate ‘mean’ girl, haha.
Not sure I appreciate this genre much but I love that there is such a variety to chose from.
I also posted the link here on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/home.php?ref=home
Shelley D.
i joined your news letter
added you to face book
fanned you on face book
added you to myspace- myspace.com/forever14n9
and am following you on twitter – @bainesgoddess
added you to my blog roll -http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
stumbled when i rsvped stumbling again
shared on face book
myspace
my blog
Hi, Rachel! I must tell you I love the Weather Wardens series and quite enjoy the Morganville Vampires as well. I would like to know, however, whether you find it difficult writing so many tough things for your heroines’ lives? Claire, in particular, seems to go from one no-win situation to another.
Okay, contest stuff…
…I am subscribed to the BBB newsletter and friends with BBB on Goodreads and there is a link to BBB on my blog (http://ecogryff.livejournal.com/).
…I posted the banner and a link at my blog (http://ecogryff.livejournal.com/).
…I am friends with Rachel at my / her blog (Hi! It’s ecogryff!).
Tania L
Oh! Rachel, I forgot to mention that I too really loves storms. I spent a few of my formative years in Texas (Amarillo and Midland) and the rest of my childhood in Northern Arizona with those really great thunderstorms. I have seriously considered becoming a storm chaser…and still occasionally consider it! It’s always nice to “meet” another storm lover…or get to fangirl one! : )
Ah! My first comment got deleted when I posted my second! I hope I can remember stuff.
Rachel, I love the Weather Warden series and really enjoy the Morganville Vampires as well. Do you ever find it difficult, however, to write so much tough stuff for your heroines’ lives? Claire, in particular, seems to go from one no-win situation to another.
Contest stuff. I have…
…subscribed to the BBB newsletter, friended BBB on Goodreads, and put a link to BBB on my blog (http://ecogryff.livejournal.com/).
…posted the banner and a link to this evet on my blog.
…friended Rachel on her / my blog (Hi, it’s “ecogryff”!)
It may have been asked, and you may not answer but give me a hint, are you planning on turning claire into a Vampire? Or is it a definite no no?
Thanks
Vampire Thief
Congrats on your new release! I love all your books and series.
Here’s my question for you: Do the character’s in your story ever seem to whisper in your ear and have you writing in a completely new and surprising direction then you thought you would originially go?
On another note:
I RSVPed for this contest.
I am a subscriber to Bitten By Books already.
I am following Rachel Caine
I am following Bitten By Books on Twitter.
I have Twittered about this contest.
Bitten By Books is on my Blogroll: http://ladyvampire2u.blogspot.com/
I have posted about this contest on my blog here: http://ladyvampire2u.blogspot.com/2009/07/july-contest-kick-offs.html
Thanks! April H LadyVampire2u(AT)gmail(DOT)com
For someone who hasn’t read your series yet, can you give a reason why they should? Given the many choices out there in stories of this type, that is. And what order does the series go in?
Margay
Okay I am brand new, I am glad to see the list of where to start to look for your works. I will advertise and am a friend of bitten would love to be your friend too cause now I am intrigued. what “rules” do your vampires have that i should know?
So far I have only read The Weather Warden series & some of the stories you make available on your website but am looking forward to reading Morganville and Outcast. I think the Weather Warden series is great I can imagine it as a movie series. Thank you so much for your kindness and generousity in offering so many stories for free on your website.
How do you go about creating the physical setting of the ‘world’ within your novels? How much of the details like street names, cafes etc. do you make up/base on reality?
Hi Rachel, I am going through withdrawl waiting for my copy of CC to come. I just can’t seem to get into anything else!
My questions could be spoilers if you haven’t read the books yet.
I had one more question, about Claire’s attachment to Amelie. It said something in it think LOM about blood for blood, done the old way…is that because hers can’t be removed like others? Also, does it really tighten if she tries to remove it? OK, I more…does it act as a kind of homing or distress beacon?
Hi Rachel, I am going through withdrawl waiting for my copy of CC to come. I just can’t seem to get into anything else!
My questions could be spoilers if you haven’t read the books yet.
I had one more question, about Claire’s attachment to Amelie. It said something in it think LOM about blood for blood, done the old way…is that because hers can’t be removed like others? Also, does it really tighten if she tries to remove it? OK, I more…does it act as a kind of homing or distress beacon?
I really enjoyed your books, keep up the good work!
I am following Rachel on twitter annedoggett
3. Rachel, it was lovely to meet you last month in Camden – when are you next coming back to the UK?
7. BBB on my blogroll @ http://glowstars.net/?page_id=380
9. I signed up to the newsletter and have sent you the verification.
I already follow Rachel on Twitter (@glowstars)
Both of Rachel’s blog links are up at http://glowstars.net/?page_id=380
10. http://twitter.com/glowstars/status/2419838186
Great to have you on BBB, Rachel C! I’m a fan of your Weather Wardens and am sad to hear it’s ending. Haven’t read the Morganville series yet but they’re climbing my TBR pile.
Will you be starting another paranormal series when Wardens winds up?
If you had the opportunity to be in a hurricane chase car, would you go?
(PS – Rachel S, I RSVP’d. Thanks, sweetie…Shirley H)
Rachel S – forgot to say I’m already BBB subscribed…Shirley H
What type of promoting do you enjoy the most?
I’m a follower/subscribed. I joined Rachel’s mailing list. I also read your review of the book. Have a great day.
I follow Bitten By Books and Rachel Caine on Twitter.
I tweeted about the contest http://twitter.com/blcarol007/status/2421647306
I am Rachel’s “friend” on Facebook, Myspace, and I joined her group. Oh, and I subscribe to her newsletter.
I am Bitten by Books’ “friend” on Facebook and I joined the FB group. Oh and I’ve had Bitten by Books on my google reader (i.e. subscribe) for a while now.
Name of Facebook is: Carolina Rueda
Hi Rachel, I have just stumbled upon this site and am very intrigued. What was your inspiration to start writing and did you find it extremely hard?
OK I just found your website by browsing and you have this great contest going on; #9 I have subscribed to your newsletter. have asked to be your friend on Facebook, my name on Facebook: Diane Sadler. #6 I also shared on my facebook. #7 I have subscribed to Bitten by Books. #5 I read the review and the blurb and can see by the description this a book somewhat similar to Vampire Academy series for teen. Many authors are doing this style of books at this time; your book does sound very interesting but do you think this genre will become inundated after the Twilight books?
#3 My question: I have never read your books before but I do read many paranormals, who would you compare yourself to?
Good luck with your books I hope a get the chance to read one of them soon.
Diane
what was your first book mverno@roadrunner.com
3. My question for today is: Do you do all your writing at a coffee shop or do you do some of it at a home office?
10. I re-tweeted and included BBB in the tweet this morning.
Subscribed to Rachel’s newsletter.
Added Rachel as a friend on Facebook.
Joined Rachel Caine Rocks with Weather Wardens and Morganville as a fan on Facebook.
Added as a friend on Myspace… http://www.myspace.com/koshkalady
I am following Rachel on Twitter… http://twitter.com@koshkalady
I posted the Launch Party on Myspace profile comments section &
On Myspace blog both of these can be reached at http://www.myspace.com/koshkalady
I also posted this on Facebook on my wall for http://www.facebook.com/Koshkalady
I also posted the Launch Party info over at Shelfari on my discussion group http://www.shelfari.com/koshkalady http://www.shelfari.com/groups/39488/discussions (Koshka Lady’s Meow Spot…)
I posted info on the Launch Party over on my Ning.com page http://www.ning.com/michelleb25
I’d like to ask her when she knew she wanted to be a writer. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! Sue W.
tweeted – 7/1 – http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/2430577698
So, picking up from where I left off after I collapsed, uh, I mean, stopped answering last night!
51. Hi, Autumn! Thank you very much … and in answer to your signing question, I’m trying to create a travel schedule that doesn’t kill my bank account, and doesn’t mess me up too badly at the day job … so it’s a struggle. BUT … I’m trying to go where I know there’s interest. Nothing worse than a signing where nobody shows up! I’ve created a performer demand page at Eventful, here: http://www.eventful.com/rachelcaine — click the yellow DEMAND IT button, and it will ask you to enter some basic information about your age and stuff like that, which helps me keep track of my demographics. I’ve already decided to go to the Philadelphia area, because they’re just voting the heck out of it!
52. Deana, hi! To be honest, it seems *easier* to me to write the Morganville series. Which puzzles me, but there ya go!
53. Hi, Patricia — thank you, and I hope you enjoy the books when you get a chance to read one. Like you, I find it’s hard to identify what to read, and find the time to do it … normally, I get recommended books by people who love them, which is great. I also tend to take chances on new authors quite a lot.
54. Hey, Jamie, thanks for the questions (and the very kind words). Growing up I think my favorite book was probably a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories … I have always loved fiction that was, at the time “not meant for girls.”
As to upcoming releases, I’m just horrible at knowing things are coming out, so I have no idea what I’m looking forward to … I only know that every time I walk into a bookstore, I walk out staggering under a load of books I was delighted to find. Sorry that I can’t give you a better answer than that! On the last point — the vampires in Morganville — I knew I wanted it to be sort of the last gathering spot for vampires, because I thought it was interesting to think of them as a kind of endangered species.
55. Thanks for the note, Jessica — and thanks for the good words about the other series! Regarding Morganville, the answer’s not quite clear cut … Claire (the main character) slowly discovers how pervasive and important the vampires are in Morganville. They’re out in the open in some ways — the residents of the town know all about their presence — but they’re not “out” like the vampires in, say, the Sookie Stackhouse books. If that makes sense! They’re around, you know they’re there, but strangers might not recognize them.
56. Hi, Justine — I only wish I was organized enough to have something as sophisticated as a virtual world map.
I mainly keep track by annotating the electronic manuscripts so I can search for things, and also writing myself notes.
57.
58. Hey, Kayla, nice to see you here! Thanks for the kind comments — that’s very nice of you. Regarding keeping the excitement going on long series — you know, I think that every story has a kind of life cycle, and you (as the writer) can feel when it’s drawing to a close. So far, the Morganville series feels very vital to me, very exciting to play with even after 7 (coming up on
books. The Weather Warden series is a little more difficult because of the sheer emotional investment (and world destruction!) involved in each individual installment, but I really love the characters, and I have a great time with all of it. I enjoy writing both of them, but maybe Morganville is a wee bit easier for me.
59. Hello, Nicole! The most rewarding thing about writing, for me, is the wonderful correspondence I get, and the fun of meeting people at signings and events. It really feels as if I’m contributing something that brightens someone’s day, and there’s not much better than that. About your daughter — it really depends on her reading level. If she’s reading the Twilight books, the Vampire Academy books, and/or the House of Night series, then I think mine would be appropriate for her. But there is adult content in terms of some language and (realistic) scary situations.
60. Great to meet you, Lauren! I am indeed working on a proposal for a new series, which will start after the last book of the Weather Warden is completed, so it’ll probably come out toward the end of 2010 would be my guess. The title of the first book is DEAD SEXY.
61. Great question, Adrienne … I was already well into the Morganville story when TWILIGHT began really getting attention, but I was then (and remain) very happy that it made vampires popular with the young adult market. Personally, I enjoyed the books — I read TWILIGHT early on, right after it first was released, and really liked the style of it.
62. Jo, THANK YOU. What a great story — ha, I love it that it was a fluke for you. And you asked an interesting question — I honestly don’t know how writing YA affects me “off duty,” as it were … except that I tend to pay more attention to how teens act, what they’re wearing, what they’re saying to each other … and I end up listening to everything from the Jonas Brothers to Fall Out Boy, so maybe it’s changed my musical taste, too. Regarding the research … I love research, probably way too much. I have entire bookshelves of stuff that I’ve collected just for the Morganville series!
63. Whitney, thank you so much for your support of the series!
As to coming to NYC, you can register a vote and tell me where to go at my Eventful site: http://www.eventful.com/rachelcaine — I’m trying to get a good read on where people really want to see me (and where they don’t!). That’s the best tool I’ve been able to find so far.
64. Haven, thanks for the questions! Regarding casting the (hypothetical!) film/tv show, I’m really not sure … because the four main characters are all young adults, whoever I pick today probably wouldn’t be right for it by the time something really got into production. But as long as someone gets Alan Rickman to show up JUST ONCE, I will be in heaven. … regarding the advice — I wish someone had told me how important it is to become good at promotion, public speaking, and all those other things that you don’t think of as part of writing! And also, that discipline is the key to success. Practice truly is the way you succeed.
65. Hi, Linda — thanks for being here and participating! I’ve written in a number of genres, including horror, mystery/suspense, romantic syspense, media tie-in (I did a Stargate SG-1 novel, most recently), romance, and romantic action/adventure, as well as fantasy and young adult. I guess if I go after anything more, it’d have to be Westerns …
66. Hi, Rachel! FADE OUT finds our four heroes at the Glass House looking forward to “normal life” — as normal as it gets in Morganville, anyway. Eve gets a part in a play, just like she always wanted; Michael’s starting to perform more concerts around town. Shane and Claire happy. And then there’s Kim … a new friend of Eve’s, someone who’s got a past with just about everyone except Claire. And she and Claire don’t get along — but is Kim really the villain, or is Claire overreacting? Stay tuned …
67.
68. Annette, thanks for the question — generally, I don’t base my characters on people I know. They’re more like composites of people I’ve known, or met, or seen. But I rarely put someone in wholesale — usually certain traits, mannerisms, things like that.
69. Hello again, Annette — yes, I do tend to get inspiration from places I’ve visited. Not exclusively — sometimes just reading and looking at photos or videos can help, too.
70.
71. Hi, Gail! Thank you so much, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the books!
72. Dammit, Ruth, now I have to rewrite the ending.
73. Hi, Vickie! Ha, music is my not-so-secret vice. I make new playlists for each thing I work on, and it’s become kind of an obsession with me. I need to have headphones when I write, or I get panicky. It’s just sad.
74. Hi, Shell — alas, I am SO bad at answering the question, great though it may be. I just can’t seem to cast anyone for the characters in Morganville! I can do all of the Weather Warden series, but I keep changing my mind about who I like for Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael. Help me out!
75. Thank you, Tiffany!
And I’d love to make them bigger, but the publisher has a certain word count for that particular line of books, so I can’t really get it too much bigger without getting in trouble — however, they *are* putting out a 2-in-1 edition of GLASS HOUSES and THE DEAD GIRLS’ DANCE in trade paperback in November!
76. Seri, great question … these days, I guess that deadlines have their own momentum to keep me moving, but I think the real answer must be that I treat it like actual work. It’s something I schedule in daily, and I’m pretty disciplined about it.
77. Hello, Rebecca — thanks for the question! I write about 3 hours a day on weekdays (I have a full time day job), and about 6 hours a day on weekends. It takes me about 2 months, generally, to write a book at that pace.
78. Wendy, I am deeply honored to be classified in the same category as cupcakes. CUPCAKES ROCK! Alas, I have no explanation, I just write what pleases me. I’m surprised and very happy that other people like it too!
79.
80. Crystal, I’m so glad to see you here! I’m glad what I said helped you out with your writing — it’s never easy, but it’s so exciting when you really get into the story, isn’t it?! Best wishes!
81. Amanda, bless you for all that!
I feel shiny. As to how I create the different mythologies and characters … you know, I find that it works one of two ways — either the characters come first and create the worlds (which is what happened with the Weather Warden series), or the world comes first and creates the characters within it (as happened with Morganville). It’s tough to be coherent about how it really works though … I wish I had a better way to explain how it happens, but it’s mainly a matter of doing a whole lot of “what if” and rejecting the first few ideas because they’re too easy. 
Good luck with your writing!
82.
83. Thanks for the question, Carmen — I think it becomes more challenging, as the relationship grows between Claire and Shane, to keep the books as young adult, but it’s not because of the relationship per se … it’s more a matter of the life experience they’re both getting throughout the books. They’re growing up, and that’s what needs to happen for the stories to remain credible, I think. Just not too fast!
84. Hi, Patty, thanks! Next up in the Weather Warden series is CAPE STORM, which is book 8 of the series — the next to last one! In it, Joanne and David have to set out on a quest — along with the majority of the Wardens — to try to stop Bad Bob before he brings an end to the world, once and for all. On a cruise ship. In a hurricane. Y’know, the usual.
Lewis has a particularly strong role in this one, I think. CAPE STORM comes out in early August!
85. Hey, Nancy! Thank you so much for the enthusiasm and support! As to the Day family … yeah, they’re still around. Lisa’s had a bit of trouble, but we’ll see her again soon, and her cousin is now the sheriff, so Gramma Day will be around quite a bit.
86. Nice to meet you, Cheryl! I think my favorite sport is probably tennis. Although I also love fencing!
87. Nice to see you here, Maree!! Yay for Tweeter People! (And thank your daughter for me, too.) I’d have to say that the Morganville books actually come a wee bit easier for me, which is surprising and a little mystifying. About the zone … yeah, I usually go back and read at least half of the previous book to get the flow going again, and as I’m writing it, I always read at least 20 pages back before where I’m taking up new stuff, just to keep it all going.
88. Hello, Liza! And thanks to your daughter, too — I’m currently contracted for 9 books in the Morganville series, but I’m hoping that it’ll end up more. Crossed fingers!
89. Hi, Dianne — great question, and I’d have to say that my best advice for getting past writer’s block is change where you write (physically), change when you write, even change up all the little rituals you fall into to break your routine. And if that doesn’t work, try skipping to a different point in your story. Some people actually work better in a non-linear way!
90. Hi, Cindy — thanks for the questions! There will definitely be two more Morganville books AFTER the release of FADE OUT (both out in 2010). And yes, I’m working up a proposal for another series, the first book of which is called DEAD SEXY — wish me luck!
91. Hello, Renee — I did grow up reading fantasy and science fiction (my Dad was a huge fan), but I honestly never thought I’d be good enough to be a professional writer. I didn’t so much plan it as luck into it, I guess! I wrote for myself, and when a friend encouraged me to talk to some visiting editors who were in town, I ended up getting a chance to submit something, and they liked it, and I ended up getting published. From there, I suppose I just was too crazy to stop!
92. Hey, Michelle! Yeah, sorry about those cliffhangers … sigh. There will definitely be two more books in the Morganville series (at least). I do kind of have the ending planned, but I usually leave myself plenty of room to find new ideas as I go, though … so it’s more of a guideline!
93. Hello, Bridget, it’s great to meet you! Wow, you really have gone the extra mile! In answer to your question, I usually don’t base characters on people I know … mainly, I use individual traits, or the way they speak, or maybe part of their appearance, but I don’t like to use real people in my stories, generally.
94. Raonald, what a fantastic name! And I mourn for your departed ebook reader.
Sad, really. In answer to your question — eeeeeek, so many choices! But I would dearly love to have written something with Roger Zelazny, who was one of my all-time writer heroes. Sadly gone now, but I still read his Amber series every year.
95. Hello, Doreen — there’s a *chance* that we could see a Morganville film or TV show! It’s been optioned by British producer Charles Armitage, who was associated with the legendary show RED DWARF. And we continue to work to get it made! As far as favorite book … I’d probably say it’s a tie between FEAST OF FOOLS and Book 4 of my Weather Warden series, WINDFALL. (Although to be honest I always am nervous about reading my own books. I’m just judging by the experience of writing them.)
96.
97. Valorie, hi! Ooooh, I could watch PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL every day. And ALIENS. And SILVERADO. Those are probably my top three, ever, followed closely by SERENITY.
98. Kate, it’s great to meet you! Well, I’ve actually liked vampire fans a long time — my first original novel (THE UNDEAD, in 1991) was a vampire book. I’ve always loved writing about them — as to why I wrote them in Morganville, it was mainly because the publisher suggested it. I wasn’t all that eager to do it at first — I had to come up with something that was original and interesting to me before I could do it. Once I did, though, I’m really glad I said yes!
99. Hey, Kay! Of the three shows you mentioned, it’s BUFFY, hands down, although I love TRUE BLOOD as well (for different reasons) and MOONLIGHT had its good points. I’d also suggest FOREVER KNIGHT, and BLOOD TIES.
100. Hi, Janice — you’ve asked about something dear to my heart. It’s really difficult to have a work/life balance, but it’s almost impossible to have a work/work/life balance, which is what I seem to do. I cope by writing early mornings, from 5:30 to 8:30, then I go to work until about 7 pm, then I come home and have family time and do chores and return email (or these posts!) until about 11 pm. Then I do it all over again. Saturday and Sunday (and holidays) I write for about 6 hours from 5:30 to 11:30 or 12, and then spend the rest of the day relaxing or doing stuff with friends and family. That’s pretty much my story!
… and on that note, I will attempt to restore my balance, and take up the cause again tomorrow night. Thank you ALL for such wonderful participation!
Rachel
Hi Rachel. I’ve got a question…obviously. Ok here it goes, What was your inspiration for all of your books?
Hello, Rachel! I’m a huge fan. I have read all your Weather Warden books so far and the Morganville Vampires series. Love them! I have a couple of questions for you. 1. Who or what inspired you to become a writer? 2.Is there a character in your books that is your favorite?
Thanks! Can’t wait for Fade Out.
Hey rachel, I’m only 14 so i haven’t yet read your adult books; but if they’re written by the same author as the Morganville books i’m sure they’re amazing. Can’t wait for the full effect when I’m older and can read them too
My question is… If you could go back into any of your books, would you change anything, or do you like their outcome so far?
Rachel, I am so sorry if this has already been asked but there are so many posts I thought I would let it be my question. How many books are going to be in your Morganville series?
I am a big fan of your Morganville books. Now I am going to start your weather series!
Already a friend and joined the fan group on facebook. Also subscribed to Bitten By Books and her new’s letter.
http://www.facebook.com/smckeehan1
Hey Rachel. I love your Morganville series. I bet I’d love the Weather Warden series too but I can’t find them anywhere! Ah well. Question time: why did you pick a dusty ol’ place in Texas to be the setting of the series? And why did you decide to make Claire so young? And how the heck do you pronounce Amelie’s name? When I try it sounds like ‘Emily’ and that just does not sound threatening.
Hey, Rachel!
Q – “When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning of the name?”
and – “What character do you love to write about most?”
Sorry if they’re silly questions, I just can’t think at the moment (x
Already a subscriber to BBB
Blood Bank – http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Taylor_Marie
Already friends with/following Rachel on; Myspace, Twitter, LiveJournal, Facebook (both) and I already get her Newsletter
Hey Rachel,
3) Question: What character would you want to be the most in your Morganville series and why? Why did you decide to write about the Morganville Vampires?
7) -I’m already a subscriber to Rachel’s newsletter.
-AND I just subscribed to the Bitten By Books newsletter.
Q: Who would you cast to play in a Morganville series? And, who are on all of the covers?
Morganville is an amazing series! The writing is fantastic. Where other authors tend to dwell on details writing a two page setting description, Rachel Caine is able to deliver details quickly and efficiently; never a dull moment in the Morganville books because of her ability to do so. I’m 27 and still enjoyed them, even my husband has read all six that are out now. I’ve converted him into a Moganville fan. Go me! I hope Myrnin stays in the thick of the story because he’s hilarious; my favorite character by far. I know there’s going to be two more books for sure, but I hope that the series continues after that and becomes an ongoing thing…20 books later. There’s so many possibilities for the series, it could happen!
I didn’t read through all of the contest details, but I wanted to leave my opinion anyways.
I forgot to ask in my comment above…
I saw a Morganville yearbook that you gave away on your website. Where can someone purchase a copy?
Just joined the blood bank. http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/
Stephanie M
Hi Rachel,
There is already over 160 questions for you here, so I hope I’m not repeating any.
Which is your favorite series to write, The Weather Warden or the Morganville Vampires?
I have the first book in the series and have had a hard time finding even that one in the bookstores in town. Does it matter when reading, if you don’t have all the book? Will it be easy to know what’s going on?
Hi Rachel,
I love all of your books and short stories I have read so far. Mainly Weather Wardens and Morganville. I also love the playlists I have revisited songs I like but did not know the name or artist and I have had my musical horizons elightened by new artists and songs.
How do you keep track of everything in your worlds?
Are any of your characters based on real people(in all or part)?
I too favor Shane in Morganville but I also love Myrnin. It was also nice to see the white knight get a little dirty this time.
Now for all the contest stuff……
1) I already own them all…..oh well
3) I asked a couple and am sure I wil think of some more
6) Shared at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1339196135&ref=profile
7)I am subscribed and verified, a Blood Bank member, A BBB FB fan, FB Friends with Rachel S.
9) I signed up for the newsletter. I am already A fan on FB and FB friends with Rachel C.(btw I like the top I have a similar one in black and gold w/ red lining)
11) Done
Hi Rachel, here is my question of the day?
In your world, what happens if a human drinks the vampires blood? Does it help them in any way? Would it make them SICK?
Have a great day!
What do you think is the allure of vampires?
coopermoon(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi, Haven’t read any of your books, yet. Will have to check you out, love paranormal books, can’t wait to read one of yours. Who are your favorite authors? Do you have to have a quiet place to write or do you need noise?
I love the series and am so excited to start the new book!
I posted the contest on my facebook page here:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1256106882&ref=name
Hi. I really love the your books, and I think that they are the type of books that, once you pick up, you cant put back down. So I was wondering, how did you think up the idea that made Glass Houses, The Dead Girls’ Dance, Midnight Alley, Feast of Fools, Lord of Misrule, and now Cape Carpus? Where were you when you thought to yourself, Hmmm, I think I’m going to make a series of books about a town full of vampires? Oh, and one more question! Why did you choose the names of the characters to be, well, the names of the characters? Was it just a coincedence, or was there a specific reason for the names?
Thanks (:
Hiya! What made you start writing in that particular genre?
Your books sound great. My question is, “How did you pick this type of books to write about”?
Looking forward to reading.
Thanks
I read the reviews of your books. Having never read any of your books, I am really anxious to read them now. The reviews are enough to get one excited, a little nervous, and ready to delve into a different world!
I subscribed to your email.
Follow on Twitter.
signed on facebook,
subscribe to bittenbybooks
I LOVE YOU BOOKS!!! i have read each one probably 6 or 7 times!!! i cant wait for fade out! <3 <3
Ms. Caine your book are amazing.
I love how everything comes together
and nothing is missed.
Which is your favorite novel that you
have written?
Have a great day!
Good Luck rachel! that new project sounds great =)
Hi, Rachel! What activities do you enjoy in your spare time (however little time that may be
)? Thanks!
I am a BBB subscriber.
Hi Rachel!
So glad you decided to do a virtual release party!
I was always curious how a writer’s muse operates….is it a constant, never-ending stream of ideas, or do you have to track her down and beg for inspiration?
I’m friends w/BBB on Goodreads
Friends w/BBB on MySpace
Follow BBB on Twitter
Have a link to BBB on my blog:
Alexia561.blogspot.com
Sent out a tweet about this contest
I follow Rachel on MySpace
I also follow Rachel on Twitter
Thanks!
Forgot to mention that I had also RSVP’d for this contest
Hey Rachel,
I love your books and I’m wondering if your future book DEAD SEXY will be a teen series or adult?
Maybe with characters from the Morganville series?
Wishing you luck!!
I RSVP’d under the name Mish
I follow you on facebook
I’m on both yours and bitten by books mailing list.
What genre will your next series be?
http://twitter.com/solimond
Tweet tweet
I have the first book of Rachel’s on my desk at work to read over breaks.
Sounds like a great time to be had for all. I will definitely have to check out your books. They sound wonderful.
Does Morganville have a relative general location? Just curious being from TX myself if I would be able to spot the general region.
Thanks again for a great contest and coming to share with us here at BBB!
what is it that makes all the vapires want claire?
I’m a BBB subscriber, the blood bank, and added as a friend on goodreads
Hope I win the contest. xD
Do Shane and Claire get married? If so, when?
I posted a link on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/addictedtovamps#/home.php?filter=app_2309869772
Myspace: http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=224273467&messageID=6489909180&hash=MIG%2fBgorBgEEAYI3WAO1oIGwMIGtBgorBgEEAYI3WAMBoIGeMIGbAgMCAAECAmYDAgIAwAQI7Z0GiqGnhY4EEFhGJxA%2bsJQMdsBrmXeaUuMEcLz%2blevYwY4y4hOnxORxfEMlX2jzhUL0AIGzg%2fTBWyUqOuROxbPgRf%2bTMqh9wYZaxPD7AP0kvKwuWsttT0EN8sktDHjnHD7OVAOCyFXkMbjj1LfJzThcG2AHvyky5EgIGjeEF2kMfq26o90ti6HTudQ%3d
Twitter: http://twitter.com/addictedtovamps
Blogger: http://corruptionxofxourxgeneration.blogspot.com/2009/07/morganville-fans-check-this-out.html
And, I have Rachel added on myspace: http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewfriends&friendId=224273467&qFriends=Rachel%20Caine
Oh, and my email is soccer5178@yahoo.com
=D
tweeted – 7/2 – http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/2447879083
sign me up
{*hugs*} & Greetings, Rachel!
I’ve been missing Texas this week as that is where I met my husband 30 years ago this coming Winter Solstice. It snowed that year too as far as just southeast of the caprock area of the panhandle of Texas. How do you research the weather for your Weather Warden Series?
I re-tweeted the link for this http://shar.es/5t4D
I read in a different that your friend told you “to think sideways”. I love that, you did a great job with an original idea!
Now that you Morganville series has progressed, would you change anything if you could?
I just got a copy of ILL WIND in the mail today. I am excited to start this series!
Readingc is one of my passions. I would just love to win this reader
LOVE!!! Morganville series. and I love me some Shane
Hi Rachel,
So nice to have you on BBB. You mentioned that you are an outliner. Have you ever been in a situation where you are halfway writing the book and then realize that part of the outline sounds good in theory but doesn’t make sense in terms of execution now that you’ve reached the halfway point? If you did, how did you remedy that? Thanks.
I commented on the reviews of the Morganville books 3 – 6.
I RSVPed.
Hey Rachel! This is your friend Teresa.
Anyway my question is What do you do when you get writers block? I really love your books!!!!!!!
Morganville is my favorite series ^-^
i didnt no it was a real place till i saw a few poctures on ur website xD
my question: Will another main character be turned into a vampire?
And we’re back! Hi, folks!
I’m going to try to do another fifty responses here, although I have to say that a nap would be really awesome right now … 
101. Thanks Michelle!
102. Sandy, LOL, see, I go to the QUALITY concerts. The ones with living room furniture.
Actually, the Pontiac Garage at the House of Blues really does have couches. Lots of of ‘em, against the walls, so if you can’t stand the crowd you can escape and sit. Which I very happily did, while Mr. Cat (my husband) stayed in his position at the front of the stage.
103. Hello, Patricia — and THANK YOU for being a librarian, I love librarians! The official age range for the books is 14 and up, and I regularly meet 14 and 15 year olds reading it, so I think you’re good for 10th graders. It does have some language, and I write some scary, violent stuff, but in general it’s in line with other age-ranged material like it. If you’d like to pre-read a sample, email me at rachel@rachelcaine.com; I have copies I send out for free to schools and libraries upon request.
104. I hope your kitten messenger bag turned up, Arlene! As to why Texas — well, I live in Texas, and when I was Claire’s age I kicked around desolate areas of West Texas quite a bit, so it’s got a connection to that time of my life, which makes it a little easier to write for me. But really, Morganville could exist anywhere. There’s not a lot of “Texanisms” in it at all.
105.
Thanks, Heather!
106. Thank you so much, Shelley! I was probably 14 when I wrote my first story. And that leads me to the second part of your question: something about myself I haven’t shared yet! I wrote a short story my first year of college because I was inspired by a new classical composition we were doing, and the composer actually came to premiere the piece. So I gave him a copy of my story. However, to my horror, I realized that I had incorrectly translated the title of the piece completely. So he got a story about something that wasn’t related to his symphony AT ALL. Thus teaching me the importance of research …
107. Hi, Lisa, thank you for the question! It’s a complicated question, more than it seems at face value — while I like the whole PDF idea *in principle*, it causes a tremendous issue with the publisher, because they sank a lot of money into paying me to write the books, editing them, typesetting, printing, shipping, accounting … once you start giving away the PDF, I think inevitably you are cutting your print sales. I will offer people free COPIES of the book — hard copies — but not PDFs. And I do post long sections of my books so that people can decide whether or not they like the story before they buy. That’s probably about as far as I would be willing to go. I just don’t really understand how giving away PDF copies of a book *while it’s still in print and for sale* would help. (Different if it’s out of print and no longer for sale, though — then I say sure, give it away!)
108. Megan, I think my ultimate favorite kind of books to read is mystery/suspense, although it really depends on the writer. I’ve got favorites all over the bookstore! And yes, it does depend on what I’m in the mood for, to a certain extent. I tend to also love historical books, especially historical mysteries. I just read the awesome book DUST AND SHADOW, by Lyndsay Faye, which pits Sherlock Holmes against Jack the Ripper.
109.
110. Oh, hey, that’s me! Hi, me!
111. Hello Michelle! I’m most inspired by odd things … things that seem out of place, unusual, hard to explain. For instance, I just wrote a Morganville short story that was inspired by a phrase my car dealer gave me when referring to blacking out the wheel rims: “murdering it out.” That was so striking it became its own short story! That’s kind of how my inspiration works — looking for the unusual.
112. Thanks, Virginia! Ooooh, fantasy dinner party, I love these. I can fit six at my dinner table, so here goes: Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast (from the Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child series); Jack Fleming (from P.N. Elrod’s Vampire Files series); Hester Monk (from Anne Perry’s Monk novels); Irene Adler (from both the Sherlock Holmes stories, and from Carole Nelson Douglas’s great Irene Adler series); the vampire Eric (from Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse novels); and, to round out the evening, how about Miles Vorkosigan (from Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan series). And if I can squeeze in an extra chair, let’s seat Harry Dresden (from Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series). Just keep him away from my TV set, I don’t want it blowing out.
113.
Thanks, Shelley!
114. Thanks for stopping in Sheila! I wish you luck in the contest!
115. Carol, hi, thank you! I probably will propose another YA series after I’m done with Morganville, but I’m not quite sure where it will be going at this point. I have a couple of ideas, but I think if I share them I’ll jinx them, so I’m sorry, I think I’ll keep my secrets on that one! I regularly do branch out, though — I write currently in YA, urban fantasy, and romantic suspense, as well as media tie-in when I get a chance. I have written in horror and suspense in the past as well. I’m always interested in follow an idea, wherever it leads.
116.
Thank you so much!
117. Hi, Carol the Moderator! I’ll be continuing the Outcast Season series for four books in total, but I do have a proposal that I’ve submitted, but I can’t swear it’ll be picked up. If the publisher does want it, though, it’ll probably be out in late 2010. The first book of that new series is called DEAD SEXY.
118. I Heart Monster (love that name, btw), that’s a question that I think has to be answered by the reader, not the writer. I did the best I could to make it honest, tender, realistic, and with real emotion between the characters. I can’t answer about the appropriate question, though. That’s more of a judgment call other people have to make, I think. I’m always interested to see what the feedback will be on that.
119.
120. Thanks, Shelley!
121. Beverly, great questions! Favorite color: um, probably copper. (Is that a color?) Or orange, if copper is cheating. Second question, here are the 10 things I CAN do without: beets, sauerkraut, reality shows, country music, pickled anything, wasps, nail files, migraines, Texas summers, and jam-packed crowds. 10 things I CANNOT do without: coffee, Diet Dr Pepper, every other kind of music besides country, air conditioning (as long as I live in the Texas summers), migraine medication (yay!), my laptop, my husband, movies, books, and a mute button on conference calls.
122. LOL, Cheri, I just forgot my husband’s birthday. Ouch. Best of luck!
123.
124. Lori, thank you! You must have read the story in the MANY BLOODY RETURNS anthology!
Wasn’t that a great, fun anthology? I was so honored to be in it! … in answer to your question … yes, and no, like real life. There will be times when Claire gets the upper hand, but let’s face it: Monica’s a survivor. She’ll keep coming back!
125. Thank you, Mary. I appreciate you participating! I know it’s not everybody’s thing, and that’s perfectly okay.
126.
Thanks!
127.
Thanks Beverly!
128.
129. Hi, Tania! You’ve put your finger on the hardest thing about my books — my characters just never get much of a breather, or a break. I try, but I tend to write fast-paced stories, so there’s no breaks for days when everything goes right, I’m afraid. I try to put in as much humor as possible to even it out, though.
130. Yay, stormchaser lurve! Represent!
131.
I think your first comment (129) made it through, so I’ll just say hello!
132. Vampire Thief, thanks for the question — hmmmm. I think no matter how I answer that, it will be a spoiler, so I’ll just say that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. I’m not ruling it out. I’m not confirming that, either!
133. Thanks, LadyVampire! In fact, that character-whispering thing happens all the time. I had something completely surprising (to me) happen in course of writing UNKNOWN, which I just finished; the character was thinking about things completely differently than I was, which was a little odd and shocking. I didn’t know it until it was already written. Weird sensation!
134. Hello, Margay — thanks for the question. Hmmm, as to why they should read me versus all the other choices … I can guarantee that I won’t bore you. I love to read action and adventure, so that’s what I like to write as well. The Morganville series is about friendship, love, and survival, more than anything else. In order, the books are GLASS HOUSES, THE DEAD GIRLS’ DANCE, MIDNIGHT ALLEY, FEAST OF FOOLS, LORD OF MISRULE, and CARPE CORPUS. The next book, FADE OUT, is out in November. And if you’re still undecided, I offer free samples of all of the books on my website at http://www.rachelcaine.com.
135. Hi, Tinab! Thanks very much … let’s see the rules. My vampires tend to *pretend* to obey a lot of rules, but in reality, a lot of what people think will hurt them really doesn’t do much, if anything. The main rule they follow is that they need blood on a regular basis, and it needs to be human blood; animal blood doesn’t work nearly as well. The older ones can even go out in sunlight. Silver’s the one thing that will really, really hurt them.
136. Thank you, Rebecca! As to the way I built my worlds/locations … it depends. If it’s set in a real place, like (for instance) Fort Lauderdale for the Weather Warden series, I do my best to get all the street names and store names correct, with the occasional made-up location so I can destroy it in good conscience.
When you’re talking about Morganville, it’s all made up, but I pull parts of it from a lot of other towns I’ve visited over the years.
137. Elie, thanks for the questions! *possible spoilers* … Yes, Amelie’s agreement with Claire is made the old way, which has a component of magic to it that they just don’t do anymore, because it’s a two-way street; Claire and Amelie now share a kind of linked distress beacon, although whether or not Amelie will answer it is a completely different question! It doesn’t tighten when you try to remove it, but you’re not going to get it off, either.
138.
139:
140. Vic! I LOVED BEING OVER THERE WITH YOU GUYS! You just made me so welcome — thank you very, very much. It was a delight to meet you, and I’m hoping to be back next year!
141. Hello, Shirley! Yes, I do have another series in the works for after the Weather Wardens ends, but I can’t tell you a lot about it as of yet; we’re still talking about the possibility of a deal on it. But I can tell you that if it works out, the first book will be called DEAD SEXY. And yes, I would totally get in the stormchasing car if I had the chance!
142.
143. Hello, Roberta! You know, it’s hard to pick out a kind of promotion I like … I love personal appearances, and I love conventions, and I love doing all the technical sort of stuff, too — the websites, blogs, videos, etc. Probably I love the graphic design aspect just a bit more than everything else, but it’s tough to choose.
144.
Thanks, Carol!
145. Hi, Rainie! I started writing at about age 14, and as I remember it, I had a TV show I really, really, REALLY loved (with the passion only a 14 year old can generate), and when it went off the air I couldn’t stand it. I had to write my own adventure for the characters. So I guess I started doing fanfic, but I didn’t know it at the time; by the second story I had invented my own characters, and the TV characters dropped out, and voila, I was writing. BADLY, of course! It took years and years for me to get anywhere near good enough to be considered ready for prime time. I’m just glad the internet wasn’t around when I started, because if it had been, I’d have been posting my stories IMMEDIATELY. Much to the dismay of everyone.
146. Hi, Diane, and thank you for the questions! You ask a good question about the YA genre becoming inundated, but it’s my personal experience that writing about vampires simply never, ever goes out of style. It has peaks and valleys of enthusiasm, but there’s something really fundamental to the concept that appeals to us over and over again. So I think you’ll continue to see strong entries there. As to who I’d compare my style to, I’ve heard it hilarious described as “the unholy love child of Jim Butcher and Janet Evanovich,” although I think that’s probably giving me way too much praise. I love both of them.
147. Hi, Susan! My first book was called STORMRIDERS (and I wrote it as Roxanne Longstreet).
148. Hello Sandy — I do *most* of my writing at the coffee shop right now, because I have to get up so appallingly early (writing from 5:30 am to 8:30 am) to fit it around my day job. If I could write at home, I’d do it in my home office, mostly. Although the mocha is better at Starbucks.
149.
150. Sue, thank you! I can honestly say I never exactly decided to become a writer. I just wrote things. Eventually, I sold things I wrote, but I never felt like it made me a “writer” in the great literary tradition. It wasn’t until I looked back and saw that I was three or four books into this thing that I felt like I could start calling myself a writer, versus somebody with a hobby.
I really wanted to be a professional musician, so this was an unexpected gift, no doubt about it.
… okay, I’ll be back tomorrow to catch up on the next round of questions. Meanwhile, thank you all SO MUCH for your wonderful support and enthusiasm!
Rachel
Oh & i’ve always wondered: Will we ever find out what Shane did to make Monica mad enough to burn down his house? . . . . I’ve never heard of anyone being as evil & mean as her xD
Hi Rachel,
I don’t know if this question has been asked or not (too many comments), but do you have a set goal for the series as a whole, meaning do you know how many books are going to be in the series, and a general idea of what you want to happen in each, or do you only have a set outline for each book, then after that book is done reassess where you see the series headed?
Entries:
I rsvp’d
I am a subscriber to BBB newsletter (cldivineATyahooDOTcom)
I am a twitter follower (booklover1335)
You have a permanent place on my blogroll
and I have posted the link and the banner to my blog sidebar (http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/
Carrie D
cldivineATyahooDOTcom
Well I’m finely here took me a long time to get to this won so it’s good i had a long time to get here.I think I RSVPed well I’m 80% shore.
3.So how many books do you think this Series will have in it?and are you going to start a new Series soon?
6.I share all your stuff on my blog on myspace.com/sasluvbooks and on
FaceBook.com/sasluvbooks I,m not shure if thats how you do them but i do no that I’m a friend of bitten by books on bot so thay more then lickly will not have that much of a problem finding me.
7.I am a friend and do get the news letter and im a friend on myspace and facebook
8.I added Rachel links to my blog.
Stacey s.
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
Happy Fourth of July Rachel! Here is my question of the day…
I read several blog sites about authors and their books. There is so much criticism that sometimes it makes me flinch. One one site, the author even wrote a comment about her stories and how readers feel too much entitlement to controll the stories. Do you read similiar sites, if so, what do you do with the negative feedback (if you get any), does it drive you crazy? Or do you just avoid those blogs like the plague?
Just RSVP on blood bank….Happy 4th!!!
Rachel, thank you – that is a great response! I am going to be sure and check out your website because I am a voracious reader and I’m always looking for something new.
Margay
Count me in for 07/04
ktgonyea at gmail.com
Heya Miss Rachel Caine!!
(Quickly before I ask my bogus question!) I love MVV SO MUCH, and i know you’ve heard it a lot.. but I just HAD to say it… : )
Anyways, my question is..
When the first book Glass Houses released, was is hard to deal with sudden publicity with your novel?
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for sharing info about your books on BBB. You hooked me!
I wondered whether you prefer releases in print or ebook?
Just sent you a friend request on FB, and am adding your blog to my list at http://catemasters.blogspot.com and BBB’s already there, as always.
Best of luck with your release!
tweeted – 7/4 -http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/2474359138
Hi BBB Prize Goddess,
(#1)~~I just sent you a confirmation email of Rachel’s books that I bought.
Shelley D.
Happy 4th.
Rachel, did you have a good 4th of July?
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Here is today’s question…
What do you enjoy doing in your free time (not that you have much) and were is your dream destination?
My 07/05 entry : )
ktgonyea at gmail.com
Hi Rachel,
Do you have any input on your covers?
Oh!
I also RSVP’s to this: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8125#comment-71578
And I’m now friends with BBB on GoodReads and I folllow BBB on Twitter.
Hello again! You mentioned having published something in another name. How do you decide what name to use (pros & cons of real vs. pen name)? How do you balance being a successful writer, doing all the necessary publicity etc. and yet retain your privacy?
How long does it generally take to write the average book?
Do you have any suggestions on where to begin when writing a book?
Back to answer more questions! Happy July 4th!
151.
152. Oh, look, that’s me again.
153. Hi, Stephanie — thanks for the question! I guess the inspiration for each one is a little different, but in general, I get inspired by things that are unusual — ideas that intrigue me that either I haven’t seen before, or that I’ve never seen turned quite that direction.
154. Hello, Stephanie — I really never intended to become a writer, exactly — it was a hobby, and gradually it sort of took over my life.
I really thought I was going to be a musician, until I wasn’t. 
As far as characters, I’d say that probably Shane is my current favorite to write, although Lewis is a close second. 
Or Cherise and Eve!
155. Hi, Katie! It’s great that you’ve come out to participate in the contest, I’m very honored. There are always loads of things that I’d like to go back and change — I never feel like I’m done with the books, I just have to stop working on them! Let’s see … I would say that if I could go back and change anything, it would probably be the title of the third book. I never really was in love with “Midnight Alley” …
156. Hello, Pam! I’m currently contracted for nine Morganville books, although I’m hoping we will end up doing more … fingers crossed! Thanks!
157.
158. Corinne, thanks! I picked dusty ol’ West Texas partly because I’m familiar with it, and partly because it’s just always kind of creeped me out, the idea of these very isolated, insular little towns in the middle of nowhere! Claire is 16 because I was specifically writing a young adult series, and YA main characters need to be no older than 17 years old — 16 by preference, it’s sort of a convention of the genre. And Amelie’s name is pronounced “Ah-mel-eee.”
159. Taylor, thanks for the questions. I used to think an awful lot about the names, but now I mostly pick ones that are appropriate to the area and time I’m writing. It’s more important to me to have a name that’s easy to read and remember. And right now, I think I’m favoring writing Shane, although Eve is great as well, and Lewis, and Cherise!
160. Kara, hello! Wow, great question — I suppose I’d probably end up being a casualty in Morganville.
But I’d like to be a vampire, probably. Preferably one of the nice ones, though! As to why I decided to write about Morganville … the short answer is that my publisher suggested vampires as a theme, but I really had to come up with an idea that I thought would be interesting to me first. So I spent some time thinking up the whole premise of Morganville.
161. Chrissy, thank you SO MUCH! What a great endorsement, it really made my day.
I confess I am terrible at answering the casting question … the best one I’ve come up with so far is Johnny Depp as Myrnin, but hey. IT’S JOHNNY DEPP. So there’s that. As far as who are on the covers … GLASS HOUSES had Eve on the cover, THE DEAD GIRLS’ DANCE had Claire, MIDNIGHT ALLEY — well, we’re kind of in the dark on that one. FEAST OF FOOLS has Michael, LORD OF MISRULE has Shane and Claire, and CARPE CORPUS has Claire, because of the bracelet. 
162. Hello again, Chrissy — I’m finishing up the yearbooks and will be offering them for sale very soon. Next year, I’m hoping to be able to figure out a way to let people submit class photos!
163.
164. Hello, Mardel — I try to love all my series the same, but I have to say that I have just a *little* bit easier time writing the Morganville series.
165. Mardel — it’s better to read them in sequence, to be honest. I tend to write in a really linear sort of way, not so much self-contained books. But FADE OUT (the next Morganville book) does stand on its own, as will all the others going forward.
… I have to cut it short tonight, but I will try to get through another 25 or so tomorrow morning!
Rachel
How long is it on average from book conception to the book’s release?
Do you outline your books or just write freely?
I tweeted about the contest. http://twitter.com/blcarol007/status/2491448713
I’m now following both of you on Twitter (I’m thebookcellarx)
And I have a question:
Are any of your characters based off any one person? Or do you kind of borrow bits and pieces from people? Or just whatever feels right for what you think that character would be?
Hi Rachel – as I’m a first-time reader of your novels which one would you recommend I start with?
Also, if you could write another genre, what would it be and why?
I’m aBBB subscriber and member of facebook group.
I haven’t read much YA but wouldn’t miss this series! Hi Rachel!! I too love your Weather books! I recently got an extra one to tell others about it!
Do you have more themes you’d yet like to write in both your adult and YA?
+10 Question
+25 Review Comment
+ 25 Shared to MySpace
+150 Subscribed already to BBB Newsletter
+150 Already joined Blood Bank of BBB Community
+150 Already joined BBB Facebook
+150 Already joined BBB Good Reads (caffey)
+150 Already joined BBB MySpace
+150 Already Joined BBB Facebook Group
+150 Already follow BBB Twitter and also Twittered
+150 BBB is on my side of my blog!
+400 each for Rachel Caine Banner on Blog, MySpace
+20 Already on RC newsletter
+20 Already on RC Facebook
+20 Already on RC Fan Club
+20 Already on RC MySpace
+20 On RC Twitter
+20 RC blogroll on blog
+20 RC on Blog site list
Blogs:
http:// caffeys-reads.blogspot.com
http:// myspace.com/auntcaffey
I haven’t read much YA but wouldn’t miss this series! Hi Rachel!! I too love your Weather books! I recently got an extra one to tell others about it!
Do you have more themes you’d yet like to write in both your adult and YA?
+10 Question, +25 Review Comment, + 25 Shared to MySpace, +150 Subscribed already to BBB Newsletter, +150 Already joined Blood Bank of BBB Community
+150 Already joined BBB Facebook, +150 Already joined BBB Good Reads, +150 Already joined BBB MySpace, +150 Already Joined BBB Facebook Group
+150 Already follow BBB Twitter and also Twittered, +150 BBB is on my side of my blog!, +400 each for Rachel Caine Banner on Blog, MySpace
+20 Already on RC newsletter, +20 Already on RC Facebook, +20 Already on RC Fan Club, +20 Already on RC MySpace, +20 On RC Twitter, +20 RC blogroll on blog, +20 RC on Blog site list
Blogs:
http:// caffeys-reads. blogspot.com
http:// myspace. com/auntcaffey
http:// Facebook .com/CaffeyCathie
Twitter-CaffeyCathie,
I haven’t read much YA but wouldn’t miss this series! Hi Rachel!! I too love your Weather books! I recently got an extra one to tell others about it!
Do you have more themes you’d yet like to write in both your adult and YA?
Now this piqued my curiousity, “I just can’t seem to cast anyone for the characters in Morganville! I can do all of the Weather Warden series”. I know the main focus for this event is Morganville but I would love to know…..Who would you pick for Weather Warden series if it were made as a movie or series(TV)?
For contest
posted here http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1339196135&ref=profile
Hi Rachel!
Wanted to say too that your blog and site is awesome! Fun there. I went and added that and BBB to my Facebook too (www.facebook.com/caffeycathie)
Thanks again for the great time here!
At what age did you begin writing books?
How many publishers did you show your work too before someone decided to take ya?
My 07/06 entry
ktgonyea at gmail.com
Rachel you mentioned in an earlier post that you have an idea who you’d cast as the characters in the Weather Warden Series & I am curious as to who. The only character I have imagined anyone playing of yours so far is Matthew Gray Gubler as Lewis. I doubt you agree though so who gets to play who in your version?
I was looking at the bugatti website a while ago and the idea of a black interior and yellow exterior made me think of Rahel. Do you ever play on the expensive car websites & look at colour combinations for interior and exterior as ‘research’?
I don’t want to be selfish so please don’t enter me in the contest — I already have a Sony Reader and I don’t need another one (that would be way evil to those who don’t have one.)
I would like to be enter for a chance to win a book though.
Thanks for stopping by Rachel. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading your books. Your world sounds complex and I like that in a story.
If you had to let one of your characters do a author interview in your place who would it be?
Reading is my favorite pass time this would fit well
Rachel, I love your books! I got hooked on the Morganville Vampires and dread finishing it because I know I have to wait for the next one to come out. Please keep them coming!
Rachel, I just started your weather warden series, and have already read glass houses. I love ‘em!
My question is what was the reason you decided to venture into the young adult field, and how has it effected your writing?
More Tweets!
1st – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2429160881
2nd – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2446240318
3rd – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2462566095
4th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2476267824
6th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2504024040
Valorie T.
just entrer me for the book, and not the ereader
LOVE your books rachel!
Do you ever feel worried about sales when so many books are in this genre lately?
I love all the Morganville books, can’t wait to read this latest!
I follow bittenbybooks on Facebook
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Linnette1/statuses/2509495577
When you began the series, did you create a full list of characters and their characteristics or did you just develop the main characters and let them all develop as you went along?
for contest
6) shared here http://www.myspace.com/486436918
7) Friended Rachel S. on MS
9) Friended Rachel C. on MS
Hi Rachel, what age was Amelie when she became a vampire? When I read, I picture the queen from Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.
Rachel I have requested friends at your facebook and joined your facebook fan club!
I also requested/received friends with BBB on Facebook!
I RSVP’d as well.
Rachel I love your books! They are amazing! So suspenseful! It’s hard to put the books down. I can’t wait to read the latest book “Fade out” of the Morganville series! My friend bought me all of your books as a gift and I have to say that has got to be the best gift ever!
My question is: What do you plan on writing next? Will you do another series?
I look forward to reading anything you come out with!
-Joelle
I love readilng all material
Okay, so I finally made it back. I also sent friend requests to Rachel at FB and MySpace.
Hey Rachel I have two more questions for you!
-Have you ever won something that you really wanted?
-?Do you believe in paranormal phenomena of any type?
And I just wanted to say I LOVE your books. =D
wow, great contest
Tilda Swinton for Amelie…..hmmmmm, maybe. A bit tall though. And I have a face/body type/attitude in my head for Myrnin but for the life of me I can’t put a name to the actor I am thinking of…..
Good Morning!
I was wondering if we will ever learn more about Sam and Amelie and their connection?
How is the average time you spend writting each book?
hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com
Has the Twilight series success affected your book sales in anyway?
I’m back, and wow, I’m about 100 behind, again! So here go today’s answers:
166. Hi, Koren! Thanks so much for the nice comments — as far as how I keep track of things, I index a lot of my manuscripts so I can quickly search for details I might have forgotten. Apart from that, I am appallingly disorganized. Real people — I do use traits from people I know, or mannerisms, but I almost never use real people, except in a few cases where I auctioned off the right to use somebody’s name in a book for charity.
167.
168. Hi, Elie — if a human drinks the vampire blood in my world, it does nothing to them without the vampire adding a kind of psychic component to it, which is what it takes to make a human a vampire.
169. Hi, Kay — vampires have represented so many things over the years — the monster under the bed, in folklore, and then the repression of sexuality, and then all kinds of things — disaffected youth, romantic longing, even gangs and gang culture. I think vampires are alluring because they can, and do, reflect whatever we need them to be. For me, they represent history, and knowledge — but it comes at a cost.
170. Jackie, hello — my favorite authors change, but I think for now they include Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, Jim Butcher, Kelley Armstrong, Anne Perry, P.N. Elrod, Maria V. Snyder … too many to list! And I definitely need music when I write — headphones, preferably.
171.
172. Steph, helo! The Morganville idea came about because I was trying to come up with an idea that was different than what other writers were doing (and doing very well!). I thought of something like a last refuge for vampires, and a tiger preserve. That was what interested me about the whole idea. Character names came based on a couple of things — one, they had to be right for how I felt the characters acted and felt, and two, (in the case of the vampires) they needed to be appropriate to the age in which they first lived.
173. Angela, hi — I was actually asked to write in the YA genre, but I have always loved the urban fantasy genre, which is really what this is, except that it’s written with younger character than I normally work with in my adult fiction.
174. Judy, hello, thank you! I think I’ll refer you to question 173, above — I think it’s a similar answer.
175. Thank you so much for that, Judy, I hope you like them!
176.
177.
178. Hi, Gabryela! I have to admit this is always a hard question for me to identify one of my books is a favorite — I always hesitate to pick a favorite, but I’d probably say WINDFALL in the Weather Warden series, and FEAST OF FOOLS in Morganville.
179.
180. Hello, Lisa — I love watching movies, reading, hanging out with my friends. You know, the usual stuff.
I also love music, and I follow musicians a lot. One of these days, I’ll get back into playing again. 
181. Terri, great question — my muse never shuts up, frankly.
I have a ton of ideas, and my biggest problem is finding the time to write them.
182.
183. Michelle, DEAD SEXY is going to be an adult urban fantasy series. I am working on a new idea for a YA series, though! Thanks!
184. Kay — see the answer I just gave Michelle, I think it’s the same one. Thank you!
185.
186. Eva, hello from Texas! The basic area is somewhere in that really deserted area around Monahans, Sierra Blanca, Midland-Odessa …
187. Sarah, it’s mostly the fact that she’s smart enough to become Myrnin’s assistant/replacement, and she’s young enough for them to (think they can!) shape her into the person they want her to be. Thanks!
188. Jaime, thanks for the question — I honestly can’t tell you when/if Shane and Claire will be married, but I will promise you that if I get to write the series that far, I’ll make it a really good one!
189.
190.
191. Come back to Texas, Sandy!
I read an awful lot of weather books, and I have some genuine meteorologists who help keep me on the straight and narrow.
192. Elie, thank you so much — You know, I really haven’t run into much in Morganville that makes me wish I hadn’t done it … In retrospect, I wish I’d created a map of the town early on, though. That would have helped!
193.
194.
195. Hey, Lesley! Great question, and yes, that happens to me all the time, unfortunately. But I find that at a certain point I have to just trust myself that I’m going to find a better road than I originally wrote for myself. It’s not perfect, but it does work. I have to let the subconscious do its job.
196. Hi, Teresa — I’m so sorry, I haven’t had a chance to sit down and write replies to you yet on the other things. I don’t often get writer’s block, but when I do, I basically write through it. I try to jump ahead in the story and get past the part that isn’t working for me. Thank you so much!
197. Hey, Alexandra! To be fair, it’s not actually a real place, and the people on the website are models.
As far as another main character getting turned into a vampire — I honestly can’t answer that. I don’t really know, but anything’s possible.
198. Me again!
199. Hey Alexandra — I’m going to write that story for the website soon, so I can’t tell you here! But I promise, I’ll tell you all about Monica then!
200. Hello Carrie! Great question — I can tell you I had a plan for six books, but the series was going so well my publisher and I both wanted to keep it going. So now I’m on a book-by-book outline.
… I’ll be back later for the next round. Thank you all so much!
Rachel
When you first were getting started, how did you go about getting published? I am working on a novel myself and I realized I am clueless about what to do after I’m finished!
Why did you choose Rexas as a setting for this book?
Hey Rachel! How are you? I just started a Rachel Caine Fan group on Blood Bank. Maybe you can check it out when you have time of course. I put this contest post on there so more fans can know about your contest. Thanks agian Love your Books!!!! Your contest are always so cool! Here’s the link!
Thanks
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/group/rachelcainefans
When you’re writing, do you find you write in sequence or do you bounce around quite a lot and try to fit things together later? Do you have sort of an outline, or just write as it comes?
Rachel, You sound like a great writer. I was wondering whether you’d considered other subjects besides vampires-Trolls, mummies, witches, and the odd werewolf or bubbling thing from other space get so little press lately!
Good morning Rachel, I bought the first book in the weather warden series, although I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. (I am still waiting for Carpe Corpus from Amazon) Does the WW series have stand-alone books, or does each book build upon the previous one?
I haven’t read the Morganville series yet but enjoyed the Weather Warden series
Where do you get your inspiration?
What kind of movies do you like?
I posted on my blog.
http://amysmith98.blogspot.com
I also RSVP’ed
Hi Rachel!
Your books are so amazing! I love vampires and my question is, what gave you the idea to write about vampires in a barren Texas town?
Claire and Shane and Michael and Eve are the cutest couples too.
OMG Hello Rachel, I’m such a big fan of yours
.I just luv the the Morganville vampire series. I even got my sister hooked on your books. I’m just so excited that theres another book coming out for the Morganville series. So I have a couple of questions for you. I really want to know what happened to Frank Collins and what his been up to since he was turned into a vamp. Is he looking out for Shane? Is he on Amelie good side? Will Oliver give him hell? Why was Sam killed off? I also wanted to tell you that its really cool how you put the music you hear in the back of books or at least on the last 2 books.
I RSVP’d on BBB.
I’ve always been interested in both vampires and lycanthropes, they seem to meld together very well. Have you ever thought about writing about werewolves, or do they not interest you?
Rachel, I wonder whether you’ve read any of HP Lovecraft’s work?
Rachel ~ I just started reading your Morganville series, and absolutely LOVE it. I’m on tenderhooks waiting for the library to tell me to come & pick up Lord of Misrule…
My question: You’ve mentioned you liked True Blood and the Sookie Stackhouse series… Which do you prefer? =) I’ve just started watching True Blood (season 1, finally!).
I follow BBB on Twitter, and twittered.
I subscribe to the BBB newsletter.
BBB is linked on my blog roll (drey’s library).
Rachel Caine’s blog is linked on my blog roll.
I follow Rachel in twitter: http://twitter.com/dreys_tweets/following.
Another entry for me please – 07/10/09
ktgonyea at gmail.com
Hi Rachel, I’m looking forward to reading this series, thanks for the contest. I’m a writer of non-fiction, and would love to know what your favorite genre is when you read for pleasure?
Hi Rachel, have you lived anywhere else besides Texas? I’m sure your Vamps wouldn’t mind the cold!
Hello.
Reading is one of my passions so I would love to win this stuff
Love the Morganville Series…what has Frank been up to since turning?
just to cool
Hi Rachel!
-I was wondering what is your favorite former job?
-Also, out of all of your books, which cover art is your favorite?
-Dugg: (username: luvcontests)http://digg.com/arts_culture/Virtual_Launch_Party_Chat_Sony_e_Reader
http://treasuredgiveaways.blogspot.com/
-Subscriber to Bitten by Books!
-I’m a part of The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! Username: Doreen Is this the link to my page that you need?http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Doreen
-I’m apart of your Facebook Group!
-We’re friends on Good Reads!
-We’re Facebook Friends!
-Twittered: http://twitter.com/luvscontests/status/2574972680
-You’re in my bloggy roll always!!
-Blogged about this amazing contest:http://treasuredgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/07/rachel-caine-launch-party.html
-Shared on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1313659542&ref=profile
-Friends with Rachel I joined her list!
-Requested to be Friends with Rachel on Facebook!
-Joined Rachel’s Facebook Fan Club!
-Following Rachel on Twitter! (luvcontests)
-Added Rachel’s blog and website to my blog roll: http://treasuredgiveaways.blogspot.com
Thank you sooo much for the CHANCE to win!
Doreen H.
Hello again, folks! More questions? I’ve got answers!
… I just never said they’d make sense, okay? Okay.
201. Hello, Stacey — currently, I’m planning 9 books for Morganville Vampires, but it could be more, maybe. I am planning another new series, probably starting up in late 2010. The first book is called DEAD SEXY.
202. Elie, wow, great question … I’ve been pretty fortunate, I think. I’ve had a few rough reviews, but nothing that’s really been unjustified or way out of bounds. And honestly, I feel that what I do is the writer’s experience, and that’s totally different than the READER’S experience. I can’t control that. Everybody brings something different to it. So their opinions — good, indifferent, bad, hatred — they’re all valid. I try not to let it personally hurt me. Having said that, yeah, it does sting sometimes. But I find that almost every bad review has something valid in it I can learn from. I don’t get mad about it. As to readers wanting to control the stories … I think that if they’re that engaged and excited, I’ve created something really special. How can I not be happy about that? It’s still my story, no matter what.
203.
204. Thanks so much, Margay!
205.
206. Hi, Talia! Well, I’ve been writing a long time, and to be honest, GLASS HOUSES didn’t sell all that many copies at first. It did okay, and built steadily over time. My books tend to do that … they don’t sell terrific numbers out of the box, but over time they’re marathon runners. Which I like! I would say that I’m really just now starting to get into what I would consider scary amounts of publicity — I have a feature story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tomorrow, even! And that is difficult for me, because I started out pretty shy, and I still have attacks of it!
207. Cate, hello, thanks for the question! I admit, I love the convenience of ebooks — my Kindle is my new crack, I swear. But there’s nothing that beats a real book in print for me.
208.
209
210. I did have a nice 4th, thank you! I’m still getting my strength back after being ill, so that’s why I’ve been in and out of the site over the last few days. But I spent it with friends and family, and that was great.
211. Hi, Judith! I’ll give you the serious answer first, which is from everything around me, all the time. Writers and artists notice things … little things. And out of those little things come stories. I can’t tell you more clearly than that, I’m afraid. (The non-serious answer is “Poughkipsie, from the idea store,” but I’m always afraid someone will ask where to find it.)
212. Hello again, Elie! My free time is mostly spent online, watching movies, reading, spending time with friends. I also love music, and my husband and I go to quite a few concerts, when time permits. Dream destination would probably be Greece. I would really love to see Greece.
213.
214. Hi, Quiltingreader! I won’t say it’s so much “input” as “preview” — I have requested a very few changes in my covers, and they’ve graciously done their best to accommodate me when I do ask. But I try not to abuse the privilege, and anyway, I think they’re doing a great job with the covers.
215.
216. Rebecca, hello! The pen name was actually less a matter of doing it voluntarily as business reasons … the first two names I wrote under didn’t do nearly as well as this one, and the way that bookstores work, sometimes we have to reinvent ourselves to get them to order more books from us. I’m not overly worried about my privacy; I’m not a rock star, or an actor, and people are pretty respectful, really. But balancing writing/promotion/day job/life does get to be quite a juggling act!
217. Hi, Amanda! Well, it depends on genre. For the Morganville books, which are shorter because of the word count requested by the publisher, it takes about a month. For the Weather Warden and Outcast Season books, it’s more like two months.
218. Amanda, great question — but unfortunately, there’s no generic answer. My suggestion would be to look for the point of first change and/or conflict in your book. Usually, your beginning is quite close to that point. Think about TWILIGHT, for instance — it opens with Bella leaving Phoenix. A change, telling us about her, her family, everything we need. There are a few books that start slowly, but most will establish some kind of change in the status quo almost immediately.
219. Hey, it’s me again!
220. Carol, thanks for the question — it’s a lot longer than most people think. Many writers will, for instance, write a book a year, or maybe two a year, so there’s that writing time. Then, after it’s turned in, it usually takes at least three months for the editorial process, another month or two for layout and final proofing, and it can be anywhere from six months to a year for a book to actually come out in print. There are the rare fast-track books, but mostly, it’s six to nine months of production time after the book is turned in. Or more. As to outlining — yep, I outline, but I also write pretty freely around it … I don’t conform to it exactly. I can’t, because I think of better ways to go as the book develops.
221.
222. Erica, hi! I don’t use real people in whole, but I do tend to use traits, personalities, mannerisms, things like that. I have occasionally auctioned off the right to have a character named after a person for charity, though.
223. Hi, Sarah! If you’re most interested in vampire novels, I’d say start with GLASS HOUSES, that’s the first book of the Morganville Vampires series. If you like urban fantasy more, I’d recommend ILL WIND, which is the first Weather Warden novel. I still love the thriller genre — one of these days, I’ll write one of those, without paranormal elements.
224. Hey, Caffey, thanks for the nice comments! I have another YA idea I’m working on – two of them, actually — but I don’t think either of them is ready to come out of the oven quite yet.
I do have a couple of other urban fantasy ideas, one of which I’m hoping will be coming out in late 2010!
225. I think your entry got repeated ….
226. … twice.
227. Hi, Karen! Ha, not that I could ever get her, but I’d love to have Sandra Bullock as Joanne. And Michael Shanks as David. And David Duchovny as Lewis.
228.
229.
230. Hi, Amanda — I started writing when I was 14, but I wrote my first actual novel around age 28, I think.
231. Great question, Amanda — and a weird answer. The answer is: one. I actually sold a book to the first publisher I ever talked to. And the second publisher I talked to. But it’s important to note that I’m not STILL with those publishers … the business is tough, and I’ve been bounced around to a lot of publishers over the years!
232.
233. Rebecca, hi! I originally wrote ILL WIND thinking about Sandra Bullock as Joanne and Michael Shanks (Stargate SG-1) as David, and (believe it or not) David Duchovny as Lewis. But hey, I actually love Matthew Gray Gubler on Criminal Minds too. So he’d work! … as to the car sites, yeah, I cruise around there. But I get just as much inspiration from the couture sites, and really expensive shoes.
234. Marie, what a fun question! I think it would probably be Eve. Eve’s quite chatty, actually. And much funnier than I am.
235.
236. Awwww, thank you, Tamara! That really is wonderful. I appreciate it so much.
237. Caitlin, hello! Thanks for the question … I confess, I really didn’t exactly INTEND to write young adult fiction, I was asked to jump in, and I was reluctant at first. I didn’t want to do it unless I had a story I thought would be different and compelling. As to how it’s changed my writing … I think it’s re-energized me, actually! Writing is hard work, and it’s tiring, so it’s so great to have so many different ideas going at once. Keeps me hopping!
238.
239. Thanks, blackrose! That’s very kind of you!
240. Jacob, I certain used to worry about it, and of course, sales are never guaranteed under any circumstances. But I focus on writing the best story I can, and trust that the sales will come. If they don’t, well, I’ve been through that before, and it’s not the end of the world. I just enjoy things while they’re going well!
241. Hi, Linnette! Thanks!
242.
243. Aisling, thanks for the question! I did create the main characters, but like all ideas, new characters developed and added themselves in at will.
I planned it, but it’s kind of like planned chaos, I’m afraid.
244.
245. Elie, hello again! Amelie was relatively young by our standards, but middle-aged by her own. She was about thirty years old when she became a vampire. I think of her as Grace Kelly from REAR WINDOW.
246.
247.
248. Joelle, thank you so much for the kind comments! I’m so glad you enjoy the books! That really means a lot to me. As to what I’ll do next — I have one series (the Weather Warden series) that’s coming to a close in 2010, and I plan to replace it with another urban fantasy-type series. I have a number of young adult ideas, but I’m still working on them!
249.
250.
Okay, I’m going off to celebrate my Friday night! Thank you all very much — this is really exciting! I’ll be back tomorrow!
Rachel
207.
Too many comments to read through them all. Am interested in the Morganville Series. I work at a small county public library and am in charge of the children’s and young adult sections. I am always looking for series the kids will enjoy. Will be getting book one to check it out. How many more books do you plan on writing in this series?
It is always nice to see locales featured that you wouldn’t associate with a particular supernatural source. What keeps you inspired? Also, do you prefer the tangibility of a paper book, or the ease of reading in a digital environment?
Joined BBB facebook group- http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/groups.php?id=570099671
Friends with BBB on facebook- http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/friends/?filter=afp&offset=50
Friends with BBB on Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/friend/list
Following BBB on Twitter and Rachel Caine-smck27
Friends with Rachel Caine on Livejournal- smck27
Posted this contest on twitter (smck27) and livejournal and fan group on Blood Bank (Steph M)
How do you come up with subjects for you books?
Question – Have you always written about vampires or did you start with ordinary stories?
Another question!! What would you say your favorite all time book is?
Hi Rachel. What are the average ages of your vampires?
I recently saw Vivienne Westwood talking about Global Warming and it made me wonder, given all your weather knowledge, what do you think about Global Warming? Do you believe human beings are capable of stopping/reversing it?
How old were you when you first statred writing?
Hey Rachel! The question I have is: How do you organise your notes? Do you work entirely on paper, or on a computer, or a mix of the two?
hi rachel omg i love your books they are so good. Are you going to make a movie out of them cause that would be awesome.
hi rachel omg i love your books they are so good. Are you going to make a movie out of them cause that would be awesome.who is your favorite charecter
omg i love your books how many books are going to be in your morganville vampire series becaase i realy want to no.
Do you have difficulty titling your books?
Hi Rachel, I had a question about your writing, (I’m sorry if this has already been answered, you’re really getting a lot of fan questions here!)
Typically, how many revisions do you have to do before you have a publishable book?
Posted to my Facebook page
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The concept of weather control adds an interesting spin. It will be fun to see how this twists the plots.
My DAUGHTER LOVES these books. Anything vampire is cool to her plus I like them as well…. : )
I just received The Dead Girls’ Dance in the mail the other day and I can’t wait to read it!
Last round, I think!
251: Kara, hello! I actually HAVE won something I really wanted — a guitar raffled off for charity that was signed by my favorite musician, Joe Bonamassa (Joe actually drew my name and laughed, he knows me very well). Second, regarding paranormal phenomena … I don’t believe or disbelieve. I’m terribly scientific and skeptical, so it takes a lot to convince me.
252.
253. Karen, check out the youtube video I have embedded at my LJ (http://rachelcaine.livejournal.com) — some awesome casting choices from the author of that video on Morganville!
254. Elie, yes, I’ll be writing more short stories for the website that talk about Sam and Amelie.
255. Jeff, hi — usually, it takes me anywhere from one to three months to write a book. Generally, the Morganville books are a month to a month and a half.
256. Shania, hi, great question! I think all of us who write vampire series are seeing some spill-over from the enthusiasm about Twilight, which is great … and I think it’s great for readers, too, who have a lot of places to go after Twilight.
257. Me again!
258. Hi, Megan! Well, my story isn’t typical, but I ended up meeting an editor at a conference and actually getting an invitation to submit to her directly. But the right thing to do is to find publishers who publish the type of book you’re writing (easy thing to do is pick out books that yours is like at the bookstore and write down the publishers). Then check the current WRITER’S MARKET, which is a publication you can get either at the bookstore or from your public library — that will tell you which publishers will accept a submission without an agent. (Most these days want agented manuscript.) Then make sure your manuscript is correctly formatted (lots of resources to tell you how to do that online) and send them ONLY what they ask for. Then wait. It takes a long time, sadly. Don’t get discouraged!
259. Hi, Kayce — I’m actually from Texas, and I’ve always had a fondness for those strange little towns in the middle of nowhere!
260. Wow, Stephanie, thank you! I’ll try to stop by as soon as I can!
261. Megan, I’m a very linear writer — it’s pretty rare that I skip around! Usually only when I get stuck. I do have an outline, but I usually write around it freely!
262. Hi, Duncan — actually, my other two series feature Djinn (genies), so I do branch out.
And I’ve written about zombies, pirates, people with psychic powers … I get around!
263. Elie, I will admit (sadly) that I generally link the books pretty closely together. They CAN be read individually, but they’re better when read in sequence.
264. Hi, Sandy — thank you!
265. Hi, Amy — inspiration usually comes from all kinds of odd things I see around me every day. Nothing I can really explain, exactly! I love adventure movies, science fiction, thrillers, horror movies, costume dramas … there’s little I DON’T like, actually.
266. Hi, Lindsay! I live in Texas, and I grew up around El Paso, so that part of West Texas is really familiar to me. And small towns out there in the middle of nowhere are always a little creepy.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
267. Adrianne, hello, and thank you very much for the kind words, and the questions. I will caution you that you did give some details in your question that other readers might not want to know before reading the books …! I’m afraid I don’t want to go into too much detail about the answers, for the same reason, but I can promise you that all of those questions will be answered in the next three books! (Except the one about Sam. That was really because I had to choose someone to make that sacrifice … it wasn’t easy!).
268. Hi, Megan — truth be told, I just don’t think I have a good vibe for the werewolf thing. I like reading it, but my attempts at it so far will never see the light of day!
269. Hi, Duncan — yes, as a matter of fact, I’ve read a lot of Lovecraft. I’ve read many of the classic Golden Age authors, and my husband collects pulp magazines.
270. Hey, Drey, thank you for the nice words! Hmmm, on balance I’d have to say that I like the books just a bit more than the series, although the series is really great in a different sort of way. I love Charlaine’s writing.
271.
272. Hi, Barbara — I generally like to read mystery and suspense for pleasure, but I also love historicals. And I read a lot in fantasy and SF as well.
273. Elie, I’ve lived all over the place, actually. My dad was military, and I lived in South Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, California … I’ve been all over.
274.
275. Happi, hi! Hmmm, let’s see … Frank’s still trying to come to grips with his new state, I think, although he’s a pretty quick learner. But he’s going to be one of those shadow-lurking vampires. Not really sociable.
276.
277. Hi, Doreen! Hmm, favorite former job … I think I’ve had a love/hate relationship with all my jobs, actually. I guess my favorite was probably at the company I still work for, but at the time I was building their international Intranet site. That was a huge project, and really fun. As to book covers … oooooh, gosh. I really love the cover for FADE OUT, but I have to say that the covers of the British Morganville books are just blowing me away.
278. Me AGAIN, wow, ain’t I chatty?
279. Hi, Patricia — yeah, lots of comments, isn’t that cool? I currently have a contract for 9 books total, but I’m hoping we’ll be doing more after that. Crossing my fingers, anyway.
280. Hi, Jeremy — what keeps me inspired is the fun I have doing the work. I really do enjoy it (even when I complain about the deadlines!). I love paper books, but I confess I can’t live without my Kindle anymore. I’ve gone to the digital dark side.
281.
282. Susan — I wish I could tell you. I notice odd things, and odd things spark weird trains of thought, and somehow, it all turns into an idea. I really wish I knew how that happens!
283. Hi, Betty … oddly enough, I started with fantasy novels, then wrote about vampires, then wrote suspense, then romance, then fantasy again … I get around, I’m afraid!
284. Kara — If I had to pick just one thing, it’s a series … the Amber series by Roger Zelazny.
285. Duncan, great question — I’m not sure I can answer it, actually. There’s such a variation. But in general, the next youngest (after Michael) would be about 100 years old, and Amelie is at least 700.
286. Rebecca — thanks for asking that. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not a matter of belief; it’s data, and the data is really convincing. I think that if we don’t learn to regulate how we consume resources, nature will regulate it for us, by killing off enough of us that the equations all balance again. It’s not about saving the planet, it’s about saving human lives. And what’s the worst that happens, if we put some effort into it? We have cleaner water, cleaner air, and a better place to live. TRAGIC.
287. Hi, George — I was 14 when I wrote my first story.
288. Bambi, I’m afraid I’m terrible — I don’t really HAVE notes. I index my manuscripts so I can easily search them, but I don’t typically keep notes and cards and things. Just never got into the habit.
289. Hey, Dena, thank you so much! The series has been optioned for film (or television), but that’s never a guarantee that it’ll get made — just have to wait and see!
290. Dena, hi again — Hmmmm, this is always a hard question. I’d have to say (as far as Morganville is concerned), it’s probably Shane. I hate to admit that, though.
291. Dena, we have a contract for 9 books — I hope I’ll do more, but I can guarantee 9, at least.
292. Hi, Ed! Good question … I don’t so much anymore, but I used to really struggle with it. And then my titles always got changed anyway at the publisher.
293. Elie, hi again! I’m a terrible example, but I generally do two drafts, maybe three at the most. Sometimes — rarely — just one.
294.
295. Thanks, Fred!
… and whew, I think I’m totally caught up! WOW. You guys are wonderful, truly. I can’t wait to see who wins!
Best wishes,
Rachel
I sound like a dunce, but what exactly does it mean that the series has been “optioned” for film or TV, but may not get made? Does that mean that its being shopped around at the moment? I hope it does get made!
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Hi Rachel!
My daughter is absolutely in love with your books! She asked me if I would ask you a question and anytime my daughter talks to me without rolling her eyes (she is 16), I jump at the chance! She was wondering if any of your characters after you have written them, seem to almost take on a life of their own?
Thanks for becoming a writer and giving a mom and teen daughter something in common!
Well. I am missing out! I have heard a lot about this series, but I have not actually read it yet! *boo*
Rachel C., would someone be able to pick up book 3 without too much trouble, not be too lost?
Why don’t you write an entire book in pig latin?
Ok, my last question for you…
Did you have to take a lot of writing classes or seminars?
It has been a really fun interview, thanks again.
My question is how do you come up with new ideas for books?
Rachel,
Which are your favourite outfits from Paris Couture week? Will you paste pics of them in your Livejournal? Thank you for a great interview and opportunity to ask you so many questions – very interesting answers!
I have added Rachel as a friend on Livejournal and BBB on Myspace.
Oh and I have commented for each of the book reviews on this site of Rachel’s work.
do you have children and do you let them read or watch vampire books or movies ?
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More Tweets!
7th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2524207168
8th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2541998238
9th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2559833774
10th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2576653010
11th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2591468528
12th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2606296621
13th – http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2623760947
Hiya Rachel,
I’ve got two questions…
1)Why did you decide to name the town, Morganville?
2)Do you ever struggle with writing a book for one series while a story for one of your other series tries to intrude?
-emailed subscription verification to Rachel’s newsletter
-left comments on all 6 book reviews
-posted the link and banner on LJ
http://unpissenlit.livejournal.com/27336.html
-RSVP’d
Did you base the town Morganville on a real place?
What’s your favorite cartoon ?
I subscribe!
just wondering have you written time travel into any of your stories?
What is your favorite food?
I subscribed to your newsletter.
It finally came! I am going to read Carpe Corpus tonight!
Hi Rachel~
I LOVE your Morganville Vampire series and I can hardly wait for the next installment. How many books do you have planned for the series?
I have your Weather Warden series and your newest series in my to be read pile. Do you have a favorite character from any of your series?
I am already subscribed to the Bitten By Books newsletter.
hi rachel i love your books. I really enjoyed the Morganville vampire series. I just got the newest one Fade Out. I cant until the 8th book Kiss of Death comes out. i am also looking forward to read some of your other series.