Link round-up

This week has seen a frenzy of writing on my side. Which is probably why I've been a bit "not quite there" in the real world as I'm currently 23 000 words into my current work in progress, which I started last Sunday. All I can say at this point is that it involves vampires and is set in a secondary world, with a pseudo-Victorian feel to it. The really sucky working title is Heart of a Dhampir. Yes. It sucks my big toe but I don't know what else to call it right now.

Now, for the linkage. First up this week is an interview with Severin, the vampire who features in my most recent Lyrical Press release, What Sweet Music They Make. Xan Marcelles, who needs very little introduction to regulars in my world, is the brainchild of Carrie Clevenger, one of my writing partners. Do stop by and check it out.

It's always lovely when people pick up my older writing. A book blogger over at Heroes and Heartbreakers really enjoyed Khepera Rising, my debut release at Lyrical Press. She made it one of her "best of January" picks. Swing by here and see what she says.

Then, I spent a little time hanging out with fellow Dark Continents author AJ Brown at his blog. It was a riotous interview which provided me with many giggles. Do swing by.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster gives my favourite vampire, Xan, some airtime and Blood and Fire gets a bit of link love. And yes, I find long-haired rockers in tight jeans extremely delicious.

Lastly, if you haven't read my Friday Flash piece yet, here it is. It has a fanged theme this week for all those vampire lovers. Now that I look at it in hindsight, I realise it's a bit of a stab at the Tweelight mythos.

Link round-up, January 20

This has officially been my last week of playing full-time author and editor. As of next week I return to my day job and I hope I do so without becoming completely homicidal. They're renovating our building, and it's going to be... Interesting.

News from my side is that I finally got off my arse and submitted Camdeboo Nights to a small press with a call for YA subs. The MS has been gathering dust on my HD for almost two years now. The only reason why I didn't sub it to a small press before that was because it's only a recent development that certain small electronic-first presses are taking on the genre. The opening chapter of Camdeboo Nights was initially a short story--one of my very first sales before I sold my first novel.

Other news is that I was invited to write a Titanic-themed horror short story for an anthology that's releasing soon. Initially I was like, "Erm, I don't really write short fiction," but then I slept on it, and my short story, And the Band Played On, came into being. Once I had my hook, the piece was immensely fun to write, and I hope to bring some good news soon.

A while ago, a by-invite-only publisher of quality m/m fiction invited me to submit to them. I was flattered, but also didn't have a story, and I'm a firm believer in only writing when a story grabs me by the short and curlies. Well, I got my idea just before I went on leave last year. This week I finished writing and revising The Jackal's Shadow, a dystopian novella of about 20 000 words. And I've submitted it, hoping for the best.

All in all, it's been a productive week, and I feel I can return to the salt mines with a clear conscience. Without further ado, here are some of my online appearances for the past seven days:

Last Friday I made my debut at April Steenburgh's blog. Many thanks to April for having me over. She does a sterling job promoting authors and it was an honour to have this opportunity.

Then author Suzanne Robb had me over at her blog for a little Q&A. Some delightful questions there. Thank you, Suzanne.

Then, for those of you who are curious about my upcoming Dark Continents Publishing release, Inkarna, I stopped over at Tracie McBride's blog to discuss some of the influences. This was quite a difficult post to write, and I've laid my soul bare there.

Lastly, Blood and Fire continues to hit the mark with readers. Carrie and me had this stunning review for the novel, that left me grinning from ear to ear. Well, yeah... I write gothic like Mervyn Peake. I ain't complainin'.

Link round-up, January 13

I've decided to try get my rear into gear and pick up my Friday linkages, just to consolidate some of the stuff that's been happening, because things have been... busy. I must admit I had a bit of a dubious start to 2012, and am still recovering from a stint in hospital. It would appear that all the meds I was on during the last quarter of 2011 had an adverse effect on my liver, and I was hospitalised with a rather nasty case of hepatitis (not the infectious kind, mind you, thank Dog). Needless to say, I've been booked off and have been spending most of my time at home and concentrating on getting better. The best part is that I've been indulge in my favourite occupations of writing, reading and editing.

So, without further ado, I'd like to share some of my good news from this past week:

Blood and Fire, the paranormal thriller co-written with Carrie Clevenger, had a stunning review at Eva's Sanctuary. Do stop by and leave a comment.

Then, for those of you who live in Cape Town, I'll be having a small celebration at Roxy's Cafe on Dunkley Square on January 23, to celebrate release day for What Sweet Music They Make, my latest Lyrical Press title. I promise I won't do anything embarrassing, like read an excerpt, but I'll probably just make a short speech to thank everyone who helped me during the process.

For those of you who're interested in the process that goes into creating cover art, I guest-posted over at Carrie's blog about the how-tos that go into putting together your front cover artwork. For me this is just common sense due to my background in the media industry, but I tried to sum up the most important bits. You'll also get to see some of the preliminary sketches that went into the artwork for Blood and Fire.

And, lastly, I had my debut appearance on the Dark Continents Publishing blog, telling about the process of collaborating with another author.

Sjoe! I've been a busy bee! Thank to everyone who's RTed and shared links. It's much appreciated.

Link round-up, Friday, May 6

Well, some news from my side. What Sweet Music They Make got its arse submitted to my editor at Lyrical. Hold thumbs, cross horns or do whatever it is you do when you wish someone luck. In the meanwhile, here's the blurb:

Severin never exactly signed up willingly to number among the undead, and now he finds himself playing nursemaid to two younger vampires. Filled with a gnawing sense of dissatisfaction, he goes through the motions of pleasing his masters, and takes refuge in the music he makes.

Tersia has no idea how special she is to Cape Town’s shadowy undead lords. That is until a chance encounter at a gig with her Irish group leads her to cross paths with Severin, who fascinates her despite her initial misgivings. After all, she’s just had one disastrous relationship and she’s sure as hell not looking for another.

Severin finds himself a pawn, as always. And no one has shared the game's rules. Tersia offers him the opportunity to right decades-old wrongs and grab his destiny in both hands. Is he willing to take the chance or will he bow to his lord’s will? And will darkness extinguish Tersia’s bright flame for eternity?

Then, onto LINKAGES!!!

In which I apologise for the lack of communication... Kinda like Metrorail does for the inconvenience caused, only I didn't make you late for work.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/yeah-well-i-know-its-been-quiet.html

Then, in which I chat about the cover art for What Sweet Music They Make, and you get to see some of the fun, after-shoot visuals.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/sneak-peek.html

Toad's Corner features Singaporean urban fantasy author J Damask. Really, I well and truly fell in love with her wolves. If you want an Eastern adventure of mythic proportions, look no further than her tales.

http://houseoftoad.blogspot.com/2011/05/introducing-j-damask.html

This week also saw me featured at The Slaughterhouse. Do drop in for a bit of my views on the topics near and dear to my heart.

http://www.richardgodwin.net/interviews/chin-wag-at-the-slaughterhouse-interview-with-nerine-dorman

And last, but not least, I chat about the concept of the monomyth applied to plotting a novel. If you're an aspiring author, here's some advice I wish I was given when I first started out.

http://writeclubauthors.blogspot.com/2011/05/plotting-to-take-over-world.html

Link round-up, Friday, April 22

I'll be away from cyberspace this weekend thanks to friends who're kidnapping me clean to another province, but I'll be writing on kick-arse travel story out of that, I expect, so I'll let folks know when that appears in the media. I haven't been to KwaZulu Natal since the days when it was still Natal and our dear friend Madiba was only just being let out of prison. Yes. I'm THAT old.

Anyhoo, this week's round-up of links is as follows:

I've recently finished reading one of my favourite authors. Sheryl Nantus's steampunk offering, Wild Cards and Iron Horses, is a lovely Wild West romp. Sheryl stops by Toad's Corner to give a little inside info.

http://houseoftoad.blogspot.com/2011/04/wild-ride-with-sheryl-nantus-latest.html

Author Richard Godwin stopped by my main blog on Monday, to share a little bit about his novel, Apostle Rising. This man has done a bucket load of research and shares some fascinating insights into his creative process. Do stop by and take a look if crime novels are your thing.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/background-to-apostle-rising-richard.html

I chatted about how authors pay it forward, and why this is so important. Every once in a while I get a bee in my bonnet about this topic.

http://paranormalwriters.blogspot.com/2011/04/paying-it-forward.html

And then, just because I love them so much, I chat about some of my favourite literary bloodsuckers, as well as new ones who've stolen my affections.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/vampires-suckin-all-right-places.html

Lastly, I chat about how to put together book reviews, because no one ever told me how to do it so I thought I'd share the love.

http://writeclubauthors.blogspot.com/2011/04/say-it-like-it-is.html

Link round-up, Friday, April 15

Toad's Corner featured the fantastic Sonya Clark on Sunday, with links to her free short story, Mimosas at Dusk, which supplements her urban fantasy novel, Mojo Queen.

http://houseoftoad.blogspot.com/2011/04/some-mojo-on-side.html

On Sunday, my interview with gothabilly delight, Jimmy Catamite, appeared in the Sunday Independent's Life supplement. Read the link to the article here, as well as the full interview.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/in-land-of-blind-outtakes.html

And with this post, I share a little insight into my current approach to publishing, considering all the fascinating shifts occurring in the industry.

http://paranormalwriters.blogspot.com/2011/04/work-in-progress.html

In which I share some of the latest BlackMilk Productions links and awesome short snippets: a taste of a peculiar brand of South African indie film making.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/got-blackmilk.html

And lastly, I share my viewpoints about the first anniversary of the late great Peter Steele's death and why he matters to me.

http://writeclubauthors.blogspot.com/2011/04/remembering-green-man.html

Link round-up, Friday, April 8

I interviewed Lee Mather for this week's Toad's Corner. I'm totally looking forward to his next horror offerings. In the meanwhile, do check out our discussion.

http://houseoftoad.blogspot.com/2011/04/tea-with-lee-mather.html

Next up I offer some thoughts on marketing.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/word-of-mouth-is-best.html

Then I chat about my current thoughts on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing:

http://paranormalwriters.blogspot.com/2011/04/trotting-out-that-old-pony-again.html

In which Paul Blom (from Terminatryx) and I chat about their upcoming remix album.

http://nerinedorman.blogspot.com/2011/04/terminatryx-give-away.html

Then I vent spleen about goals and being better about the word-craft...

http://writeclubauthors.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-do-you-really-want.html

And lastly, I share a little about what makes authors special. ;-)

http://lyricalpress.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-makes-authors-so-special.html

Link round-up, Friday, April 1

And no, in case you're wondering, this is not an April Fool's joke. Though we attempted to prank our department today by having the entire editorial contingent go for an extended breakfast before heading in to work. The reptile were only mildly worried by 10.30am. It being the start of a new month, most of them weren't in until 11am.

Go figure.

First up on my link round-up is my short story, Honour at Stake, that I never really did get round to farming out because for all the effort that goes into trying to home a short story, I may as well write a novel and actually earn a little money, instead of saying "erm, thanks but no thanks" to the paltry amounts the paying markets offer for shorts. But I like this tale. I've dusted it off, spruced it up and it's got non-sparkly vampires.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/51639972/Honour-at-Stake

And then... I make my debut on the ERA blog this week with a little rambling on about my current novella, The Namaqualand Book of the Dead.

http://somewriteithot2.blogspot.com/2011/03/west-coast-gothic.html

I've been particularly good about keeping Toad's Corner updated. Read a very charming short story by Jess Harris.

http://houseoftoad.blogspot.com/2011/03/little-midnight-reading-by-jess-harris.html

Then we had fun with BlackMilk Productions making a short promotional film this weekend past. If you like Lynch and enjoy stoogelike humour, then this one is for you.

http://www.youtube.com/blackmilkproductions#p/a/u/0/Sra94gOiSdI

And if you want the behind-the-scenes details about the aforementioned short film, go to this link:

http://paranormalwriters.blogspot.com/2011/03/dash-of-blackmilk.html

Then something I forgot I did... A guest blog on the fantastic Pamela Turner's blog, where I discuss my latest Lyrical Press release, The Namaqualand Book of the Dead:

http://www.pamela-turner.com/2011/03/tuesday-guest-post-nerine-dorman.html?zx=1ed729b46c50f6c5

I review a lovely psychological horror novella here:

http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-frenzy-by-carole-johnstone.html

And just when you thought I was a complete overachiever, I close with a little bit of writing advice for authors, and yes... this is actually something I'm applying to my own writing.

http://writeclubauthors.blogspot.com/2011/03/layering-your-writing.html

Go like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nerine-Dorman-author/173330419365374

Friday, March 25 link round-up

One of my resolutions has been to blog more often, in fact, every day if I can, and if I have some sort of pearl of wisdom to share. I don’t just blog here but have a number of other spots where I put word out, so I thought I’d give a round-up of some of my latest news and give a little bit of skinny on the side.

Sandra Sookoo is one of the electronically published authors I have a huge amount of respect for. Not only is she very much a family orientated, but she is prolific and diverse in her writing. I know that whenever I pick up one of her novels I’m in for a wonderful story, because she really tells the kind of story that makes you happy afterward. This past weekend I interviewed her Toad’s Corner and we chatted about her SF romance, Damaged Cargo: http://houseoftoad.blogspot.com/2011/03/ive-sweet-tooth-for-sandra-sookoos.html

When one of my PR contacts asked me whether I’d love to interview Imogen Heap, I said yes. This talented lady performed in South Africa for the first time recently and she graciously answered a few questions and told me what she loved about my country. The story was first published in the Weekend Argus Travel2011 supplement and is now available on ioltravel: http://www.iol.co.za/travel/travel-news/a-bright-future-1.1046518

It’s always good for me to take a step back and see what I’m busy with in my personal work queue. This is where I scare myself half to death: http://paranormalwriters.blogspot.com/2011/03/can-i-have-coffee-iv-please.html

Yes, I know I’m still unagented and I’m still on the prowl looking for that one literary agent who loves my writing as much as some of my readers are now fangrrrls. Even with all the changes in the industry, agents are still necessary: http://writeclubauthors.blogspot.com/2011/03/on-agents.html

Of course I’m going to plug my Facebook author fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nerine-Dorman-author/173330419365374?v=wall

And I’m still singing happy release day for The Namaqualand Book of the Dead: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_22&products_id=313