Merging of Greatness…

In an effort to cut down on how much of a time suck cyberverse is, I wrangled my Knight in Slightly Muddy Armor and had his alternate persona, King of Tech, merge my www.jamigray.com address to this–my most awesomest blog site ever!  Now if you type in jamigray.com you’ll come here, and you can still peruse my holy list of links on my Links page, buy my world changing books on my Books page, stalk me through the electronic world on my Blog Tour page, all in one spot!  I kneel to the genius of my hubby in the weird ways of tech, because it’s all Greek to me (and I mean that seriously!).

On top of this nifty change, I also set up an Author Fan Page on Facebook.  You can see it here http://www.facebook.com/JamiGrayUFWriter .  Feel free to go over and share your love of moi and click the LIKE button.  It took time before I bowed to the requests for one of these as I was uncertain exactly how to use it.  Now that I know it’s where you post all your blog visits, book releases and general writing news, viola it is created!

So even though I finally got a tighter handle on book 3, I have yet to sit down and start again, but now that all the pressing cyber demands have been met, I’m ready to go! WOO HOO!

Now, I need your support because this upcoming week (May 14th-18th) will become a testing ground on just how thick I’ve managed to get my writing skin to as I embark on a five stop review tour of Shadow’s Edge.  Oh yes, I hear you.  Why would I subject myself to such a rack of torture? Because, I really would like people out there to give me their honest feeback–good or bad–because how else will I be able to stretch myself as a writer? And because I don’t want to inhibit any postings, I’ll be there to thank the reviewer, but I’ll lurk in the shadows to see what is said.  Fingers crossed that the reviewers find Shadow’s Edge exciting and thrilling!

If you’d like to swing over and see what’s up next week, feel free.  Here’s the schedule:

• 5/14/12      Come on over and see the review of Shadow’s Edge at Live To Read
• 5/15/12      Stop over at A Case of Reading Insomnia for another review of Shadow’s Edge
• 5/16/12      Shadow’s Edge is up for review at V’s Book Life
• 5/17/12      Another review of Shadow’s Edge over at Unabridged Andra’s
• 5/18/12     Last Review stop of the tour, so stop by Books Are Magic

And lastly, I had to share a moment I had this weekend.  Life was getting stressful, you know how it is when everything around you seems to sit their big, heavy weight upon your shoulders and you just want to slither away into a small, hidden place?  Okay, so I had a few bad moments because, hey, we’re all human, right?  Just when the light of creativity was beginning to sputter, one of my favorite Twitter Peeps (@KindlesConsort) was chatting with another bud of mine and she gave strength to my flame through her excitement and anticipation of my writing and how much she enjoyed chatting with authors.  I couldn’t resist, I had to tell her how much her words meant and that it was because of readers like her that authors, especially me, continue to put pen to paper.  Then later that night through Facebook I received another message from another fan, Kim Hawk, who shared how much she enjoyed Shadow’s Edge and why.  Again, I was humbled by such words.  I may put my stories out there, but the reason I have the courage to continue onward is because of you, the readers, who so eagerly embrace these fantastical worlds and then share your excitement with the writers.

Long story short, authors write for you readers so take the time and drop a line to your favorite authors, big or small.  Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one that strengths their flickering creative light on a dark day, giving them the strength to pick up the pen once more and forge forward!

–Wicked

It’s Amazing What A Little Time Off Will Bring…

I came back to the Swamp on Sunday after spending the weekend with Snarky at the RWA Desert Dreams conference down in the Valley of the Sun and found the Zombie Horde had finally deserted Dreamer’s little piece of property.  I’m guessing Eerie and Mischevious have been making tracks to the Impentrable Forest considering the path of gnawed bones littering the trail.  Have to love those Piranha Hummingbirds, they clean their dinner plates!  Not to worry, the Prankster Duo has no problem attracting new Zombies, it seems to be an inborn talent of theirs.

So after rounding up the Hellhound, I was pleased to see my Knight in Slightly Muddy Armor had managed to keep the Duo busy while I was away.  Seems there was a required marathon of movies involving a horned-helmeted blond with a facination for hammers, a green muscle head with a temper problem, and that dashing king of sarcasm who looks good in red and self perpetuating battery.  Something about all three, plus a red-head in latex and, if I do say so myself, a rather good looking archer gathering for their debut this weekend. The tickets have already been purchased–twice.

In the meantime, Snarky and I attended this conference.  Now you may wonder why two paranormal, urban fantasy writers would attend a gathering of those mavens of love and hard chests, but there are some really good workskhops at these things. Plus we were considering kidnapping a few agents and editors for our own amusement.  Since this time I wasn’t on pins and needles endlessly practicing my story pitch, I was able to enjoy the expierence.  For writers, conferences are like a red carpet gala–you get to meet the actual human that writes those books you wait on pins and needles for every Tuesday.  It can reduce a 41 year old to a 16 year old in like two minutes flat.  It’s so embarrassing!

Anyway, other than the massive amounts of information that I’m still processing, the biggest success I pulled from my three day stint was the eight hour brainstorming session Snarky and I indulged ourselves in.  What was funny was there was an actual brain storming session planned on Saturday night during the dinner.  We got a head start, because that’s just how we roll.  We headed over to the nearest barrista heaven, spent two and half hours there before realizing we might miss dinner, dashed back to the conference, gathered necessary sustanance, then hunkered down in our room and balcony and spent the next 6 plus hours taking everything that had been thrown at us and incorporating it into our WIPs (works in progress).

Doing things this way is a double edged sword.  I was having issues with Shadow’s Moon (Book 3 of the Kyn Kronicles) and by the end of the evening realized why (you really do need a strong villian for a good story!), and now all those pages I’ve accumlated are being moved to the cut pile–yes indeed, we are starting over.  Here’s hoping that since there’s a clearer picture of where we’re going and Xander’s stopped being so damn coy, it will go much faster.  Plus Snarky figured out her sticking point on her hush-hush project.  It’s hard to explain to a non-writer how much fun the expierence was because for some peeps the idead of talking through plot points, character motivation, series arcs, and personalities is just….blehh!  But for me–I LOVED IT! 

Plus it was the most awesomest thing in the world to meet both newbie and not-so-newbie writers and READERS! I swear the writing community just rocks.  Conferences are where no one gets upset if you space in the middle of a conversation, they understand sometimes those voices in your head just drown out those around you.  Plus where else could you chat about what exactly constitutes a psychopath versus a sociopath, or why corsets are a hell of a lot harder to get rid of than just “ripping” them off–think bones and damn tough material? There was even the most entertaining conversation regarding the staminia of the men of the Paranormal community versus the rakes of the historicals–truly riveting!

Now the goal is to make it to the Paranormal Conference next year because as lovely as the RWA crowd was–I think I’d like to expierence the wild, twisted worlds of the Paranorms for a bit.  Think of what it would do to my Muse!  She’d have others to play blade-darts with, they could go on Zombie hunts, and maybe torment a few demons along the way.   Who knows, maybe we’ll get to come back with new alligator boots next year! 

-Wicked

Time for a Change…and a Tour!

So as  you can see I’ve decided to update my blog site over at jamigray.wordpress.com.  It wasn’t because I was bored, but mainly because it was time to update for a rather busy month just around the corner.

That’s right, I’m popping up all over the web starting on March 28th with a Q&A Session with The Romance Review at their Annivesary Party.  So I added a tab with all the sites and dates listed.  Feel free to pop over when you can and join in the fun.  But in case you want all the information in one nifty spot, here you go…mark you calendars because I’ll need peeps to talk with.  It’s so boring talking to myself!

MARCH 2012

3/28/12       Q&A with The Romance Review Anniversary Party

APRIL 2012

Black Opal Author Blog Tour!

4/5/12         Guest Post with Mona Karel

4/7/12         Guest Post with Nanny Berry

Rescheduled for 4/20/12!         Guest Post with Bri Clarkc at The Belle of Boise

4/14/12 Guest Post with Lindsay Jones at Just Another Book Addict

4/17/12       Guest Post with Michelle Miles at her blog!

4/19/12       Guest Post with Stacey Donaldson at The Write Way To Make A Living

4/21/12       Guest Post with BK Walker at The Immortyl Cafe

4/24/12      Guest Post with Denise Alicea at The Pen Muse

4/25/12      Guest post with Sarah Merchant at Work Aday Reads

–Wicked

The Vacay is over…

As you noticed, my last post hung around for a whopping two weeks.  Yep, it was deliberate, not a technological malfunction.  I know, I know, normally the tech gremlins are to fault, but this time I just couldn’t hang it on them.  It was all me.  The Prankster Duo escaped from their learning institution and embarked on a week-long pester fest some call “Spring Break”.  Since the knight in slightly muddy armor and I thought we might be pushed to send them out into the Swamp on a Snipe hunting trip (if you don’t know what that is, go ask your parents!), we thought it would be best to pack up and head over to Grandma’s which is over the hill and under dale up north.  North being where white stuff falls from the sky and sticks to the ground in gritty, gray patches.  Luckily, the white stuff was only on the ground and not in the air and where we were enjoying the beautiful sun drenched days of 80 degree weather, we weren’t disappointed with  the 20 degree temperature drop since the sun was out in all its shining glory.

I also decided that maybe, this year, I’d actually make those days off from the job-that-pays-the-bills actual days off.  Shocking, I know, but it’s been a whirlwind the first couple of months this year.  If I didn’t cut myself some slack soon, I might find myself all alone on my own Snipe hunt in the Swamp.

So no blog posts last week, I was MIA from Twitter and barely showed up on Facebook.  And boy howdy, did I realize just how much time all of that took up. The first few days at Grandma’s I had to field a few forest fires from the job-that-pays-the-bills, but it soon died off.  Once we made it back into the Valley of the Sun, and blazed our way home through the Swamp, I was able to conqueror Jack’s nasty beanstalks in my back yard, appease those pesky due collectors, catch-up on entering some fab-u writing contests, make my offering to the cover artist goddesses, and then found out I’m all set for a blog tour in April.  Yep, April which is what? Two weeks away? So after hyperventilating on how soon that was bearing down on me, I needed to make sure I made every minute of my “vacay” worth it.

Once back from Grandma’s I slept in and ignored the hellhound who really didn’t like having his breakfast delayed past dawn.  Tried to make in roads on the leaning tower of to-be-read-a’s books on my night stand while knight was off saving the galaxy from being overtaken by Sith Imperials, or when that got to be too boring, the Reapers who were wreaking a massive hellstorm on Earth.  We even managed to wrangle the Prankster Duo to the Renaissance Festival.  Oh yes, the land of giant turkey legs and over flowing…..bodices of ale!

So now that my vacay is over, it’s back to the keyboard.  Tomorrow Xander, Vidis and I have a meeting…however I’m not so sure how well that will go.  Then I’ll tackle the posts for the upcoming blog tour.  So stay tuned, I’ll have those dates and places up next week!

Until then…don’t get lost on your twisted paths!

Wicked

 

Versatile Blogger Award nominations!

Check it out! Fellow Black Opal author, Empi Baryeh, nominated me (and others!) for the Versatile Blogger Award! A lovely surprise since I’ve only been blogging roughly over a year.  Who knew my mental ramblings would actually entertain peeps enough to get attention!  So huge thanks and much love to Empi.

So a few things before we do the whole Terms & Conditions portion of this nomination.

We have to take a moment to wax about Empi Baryeh.  Empi writes some pulse pounding romance that will set your hair on fire and take you for a wild ride. Her Chancing Faith is currently published with Black Opal Books  and coming in February 2012, her Most Eligible Bachelor will be out with Evernight Publishing.  Want to meet the facinating woman yourself? Then choices abound! Check her out at her blog, hit her up on Facebook or even stalk her on Twitter @empibaryeh!

So now on to the rules that I must follow:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award (done)
2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award (done)
3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog (done)
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself (ok, if you insist!)
5. In the same post, include this set of rules (got it covered!)
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs (next stop!)

Seven Completely Random Pieces of Information about me

1. I absolutely love Monty Python!
2. Sarcasm is my default mode.
3. I am a Starbucks slut…and I’ll be the first to admit it!
4. I hate cats! (Sorry, but my allergies make it so if I want to breathe, they can’t be anywhere near me!)
5. I refuse to act my age when it comes to music.
6. I am as in love with my husband as I was when we first met.
7. I am eternally gratefully I was given boys to raise, because I just don’t think I could survive girls! I have much respect for those mom’s with girls! You’re braver than I’ll ever be! 

And for the fun part…

Nominees for Award (in no particular order)

1. Amber Kallyn at Amber Kallyn
2. Dave Benneman at Eerie’s World Blog
3. Michelle Miles at Ye Olde Inkwell
4. Mandy Casey at Who Are You Calling a Vampire
5. Ciara Knight at Ciara Knight
6. Rachel Firasek at Rachel Firasek
7. Stephanie Draven at Stephanie Draven
8. KH LeMoyne at Fantasy Powered by Love
9. Christine Hughes at Christine Hughes
10. Liv Rancourt at Liv Rancourt
11. Mona Karel at Mona Karel Author
12. LJ DeLeon at Warriors for Light Blog
13. Rebecca Clark at Rebecca J. Clark
14. Rainy Kaye at Rainy of the Dark
15. Cassandra Carr at Hot Blogging with Heart

Too bad we can only do 15 nominees! Onward with the informing nominees of their impending glory!

–Wicked

I’m almost famous…

Got a bunch of little things to share with everyone.

I have an interview posted with Mandi Casey at her blog, so go check it out. Plus she has her own book out if you’d like a taste!

Official release date for Shadow’s Edge is November 1, 2011!  WOO HOO!   It’s available through Black Opal Books for pre-order! I even got my first two reviews! Check it out:

TAYLOR JONES SAYS:Shadow’s Edgeby Jami Gray is a tightly written, jammed packed paranormal that will have you enthralled right from the start. Part of the reason is the superbly written characters, which pull you in and make you invested in their story. Raine, our emotionally scared and vulnerable heroine, is a Kyn, a supernatural being, in her particular case, Fey. Raine is part of the Wraiths, a group of warriors who perform covert operations for Taliesin Security, an organization of the Kyn. Sure, she has the pre-requisite powers of the Fey, but due to some nasty experiments she suffered at the hands of scientists back when she was fifteen, there’s a slew of as-yet unidentified gifts just begging to be discovered—if she can trust herself enough to try them out.And that’s the secret to why I adore her. She’s a living weapon, ready to take on a baddie with her deadly knives, but in truth, Raine is an outcast, a mongrel, who is terrified of what she’ll learn about herself and how that truth will shove her past the borders of the only society she’s ever known. Keeping things interesting, Gray added a delectable hero in Gavin, a fellow wraith who pushes all Raine’s buttons, good and—even better—bad. There’s enough resulting chemistry between them that you don’t mind, too much, the lack of sex throughout the novel.

The action in Shadow’s Edge kicks into high gear when Raine and Gavin are sent on separate but linked missions—a string of suspicious deaths and a security breach into their own organization, Taliesin Security.

Gray does a wonderful job of describing the surroundings, plucking you from your chair, and immersing you into this well-developed story with fully fleshed characters, both human and supernatural. Shadow’s Edge has so much going for it and I can’t wait to read the second book in the series. My rating: 4.5 stars.

REGAN MURPHY SAYS:Shadow’s Edge by Jami Gray is one of those books where you get to the end and scream “More!” Thank God the second book in the series is already in the works. I immediately fell in love with the characters in Shadow’s Edge and could especially relate to Raine, our heroine. She’s clever, spunky, and blessed with super powers she doesn’t understand and, consequently, fears—superpowers enhanced by evil scientists experimenting on her when she was 15. She already had some powers since she is a Kyn, magical beings living on the Earth with us humans. But after the scientists get through with her, her powers scare even her. So even though she can kick ass and take names, she also has an endearing vulnerability.

Add a hunk like Gavin, who has special powers of his own, and you have an explosive combination that keeps you riveted from the very first word. When the shit hits the fan, as they say—and of course, it hits hard and fast in Shadow’s Edge—Gavin’s just the kind of man you want watching your back…or your front. Sorry, can’t help it. He’s just sooo yummy. How come I can never find guys like him?

When Raine and Gavin team up to find out who’s murdering their client’s employees—and who’s now after them—the action is fast and furious While there aren’t any hot and steamy love scenes in this book, there’s plenty of sexual tension. Although I missed the hot sex, the book is so well written, I forgave Gray…eventually. And to be honest, the pace of the book is so fast, they didn’t really have much time for sex. Well, okay, I take that back. There’s always time for sex. Hopefully, she’ll let Raine and Gavin get more intimate in book number 2. I hope it comes out soon because it’s going to be hard waiting for more. I’m giving this one 4.6 Stars.

How cool are those! I almost bawled like a baby! I was so happy to see how much they enjoyed the book!

I did manage to join the never-ending hole of chaos knows as Twitter, so now you can find me @JamiGrayAuthor  as well.  Just in case you don’t get enough here!  Since my knight in slightly muddy armor graciously bestowed the new iPhone on me, I should be able to actually do this! I know, shocker!

And for those living in the Southwest where winter is a vague suggestion, I will actually be at book signing at Changing Hands in Tempe on November 2, 2011 for A Mother’s Wisdom.  It’s a collection of poems, stories and letters from moms and grandmoms for their kids.  All proceeds from the book sales go to local charities. So if you have a quiet night, come share it with us! We’d love to see you there!

So things are starting to roll, come catch up with me if you can!

 

–Wicked

Joining the social network…

Okay so I’m trying to set up a Facebook page for Jami Gray because, my whip-mistress, Snarky, has made an “impression” and “pressed” upon me the importance of broadening my social networking. Here’s the deal, I am constantly amazed I can manage a weekly blog, but add in an actual page and I start to panic.  I can be sarcastic (stop snorting Eerie or I’ll sick Raven on you!) but witty and engaging may escape me. Yet no matter how much I protest (read scream and throw a tantrum) if you want people out there to read what you’re putting to paper, you’d best step up and become a social creature.

Now how big of an oxymoron is that? Most writers I know, would rather huddle down in whatever little cubby hole they’ve crawled into so no one can find them, and let the world disappear.  That way, they can lose themselves in their world, because, let’s face it, it’s a lot more interesting. It’s why we write what we do.  So back to point…one of the hardest things about being a writer is the fact that I have to overcome a lifelong practice of sitting back and watching those around me as their actions/words/situations spark my creativity, and I have to be…gasp…SOCIAL.

So yes, I now have a Facebook page.  I’m not sure I have it set right, but I’m sure I’ll be getting lots of pointers at the next gathering over at Dusty Tomes Library just pass Eerie’s swamp.  So bear with me as I make my way into the treacherous world of social networking.

–Wicked

Gossip from the Dwarf Cave…

As usual, Saturday and I’m stuck in the Dwarf Cave kitchen. Not a bad place to be–nice and warm with a constant stream of Dwarf gossip provided by the scullery wenches. A couple of the latest tidbits…

Can you believe that? Eerie totally avoided reporting in on Friday the 13th! Who would have guessed? I’m thinking the Swamp Thing is gaining way too much influence over Eerie’s superstitions.

On another front, Wicked seems to be gearing up for an assault on the New York Times bestseller list. She even put up a new authors face book page claiming to be 6’1″ tall. Can you believe that? What sort of dwarf is 6’1″? Everyone knows that’s Raine’s height.

And there you have it dwarf friends. It’s back to cutting up various dead animal parts for a party Eerie’s throwing for his associates from that boggy place.

Doing something good…give a book(s) this year

For me, this time of year always brings thoughts of those less fortunate. This year is no exception. In many cases the stories I hear have worsened for many, due to the economic situation.  And while we can’t help everyone, each of us can do our part to contribute to our communities and help, even if it’s just in small ways. Most of us, even if times are tough, can count the many blessings we have. Some of which we don’t even think about or simply take for granted. (such as a hot shower, or privacy)

In recent years, I’ve taken the time each holiday season to go through my collection of books and donate a good portion of them to my local women’s shelter (and/or homeless shelter). There are also wonderful children and teen homes in our area that are always in need of fresh and up-to-date books. Giving the gift of books allows people to read, to be pulled into another world, to experience a new place, or be in someone else’s shoes, all priceless experiences. (in my humble opinion)

A book can change a life. I should know, it happened to me.

So why not take the time this year, go through your books (and your spouse’s and children’s books) and give a few, or a dozen, directly to the shelters in your area. (Goodwill and such places are great–but all the items are actually sold, not given directly to those in need, so be sure to give “directly” when possible)

You’d be surprised how creature comforts such as books can uplift those without a home, without a place to call their own. They also always appreciate new or gently-used clothing, shoes, computers, blankets (especially blankets), pillows, and personal items.

This post is dedicated to C.A.– a woman of great strength who found the courage to leave a horribly abusive situation and bring herself and her two children to live in an Arizona women’s shelter. Her decision and strength probably saved her life, and gave her kids new hope. Unlike so many woman before her, she never went back. It’s been hard, but she’s stayed the course. Her teenage children are now thriving and contributing in their own ways.

You never know what your gift might change. You never know who might be reading your old book.