One of my favorite people is in the house – Kate Douglas, the acclaimed paranormal erotica author who writes for Kensington. Kate is justly famous for her groundbreaking Wolf Tales series, which you can read about on her website. And here’s something really cool: she’s starting a new series. Let’s turn the blog over to her for all the details.
Neurotics R Us…
My thanks to Vanessa for the invite to blog with her today, and thanks to you for putting up with me…and yep, I don’t say that figuratively. When I’ve got a new book releasing, I tend to show up all over the place blogging my fingers to the bone, but with so many books to choose from, how will you know that you absolutely have to read mine if I don’t say something? (and yes, I am ducking and hiding behind the couch right now…) Actually for those of you who have read Dream Catcher in the NightShift anthology, I hope you’ve been waiting for the continuation of Mac and Zianne’s story. As with all my stories, it turned out totally different than I’d expected, but I’m really pleased with both this one and the final book in this short series, Dream Unchained, which comes out in November. (And if you missed Dream Catcher, you’ll still know what’s going on with Dream Bound. It’s not as dependent upon the novella as my Wolf Tales books are to the Chanku novellas)
Anyway, since I don’t want to write the same stuff in every blog, I’ve decided to veer away from my usual shtick about my book and get into something that authors area always joking about—and that’s just how neurotic we are. It seems apropos because, to be quite honest, I’m having one of THOSE weeks. I was talking to some writer friends the other day, and we were all cracking up about our personal writing neuroses. Big joke. Ha. Ha. Except, it’s not so funny this weekend, and I’m actually laughing at just what a neurotic dip I can be.
Yep, without even trying.
Here’s the deal—it’s a busy time—I’ve got a new book, DREAM BOUND from Kensington’s Aphrodisia line, coming out on Tuesday, June 26, which is really cool and something I’ve been looking forward to. Of course, galley proofs for the next in the series, DREAM UNCHAINED, are due to show up on my doorstep Wednesday, which means life as I know it will come to a complete stop while I work on those, but instead of celebrating the release of the new book, and another step in production of another, I’m in an absolute funk.
Why? It’s a really stupid reason, but it’s all because I finished writing the first book in a totally new series called SPIRIT WILD. That book, TO LOVE A DARK WOLF, is the first in my second generation stories about the children of the Chanku, my sexy shapeshifters who starred in Wolf Tales and the Chanku novellas in the Sexy Beast anthologies. (All that sex, you’re gonna get a LOT of babies…) Most writers celebrate the completion of a book. Me? I get depressed. I’ve been dragging around since sending the manuscript to my editor on Friday, and it’s all because I miss Sebastian Xenakis and Lily Cheval, Alex Aragat and Annie McClintock, my main characters in the story.
Yep…I get way too attached to my imaginary friends, but it was so exciting to have the chance to write Anton Cheval, my Chanku über-alpha and touch base with so many members of the pack, that when I finished the story, I spent three days rereading it, looking for errors (which is another way of not letting go) and when I finally sent it off, I wanted to grab a blankie and stick my thumb in my mouth!
I’ll get over it—I always do, but in the meantime, when you hear people making jokes about how neurotic authors can be, you’ll know our secret. It’s true. We are. At least I am. And I really need a soft blankie about now…
But I’ll shortly be starting the next in the series and then I’ll be fine again. In the meantime, I get to agonize over whether or not anyone is buying Dream Bound and if they do, are they enjoying the story? I hope you do—it’s sexy and exciting and takes place in a part of California I absolutely love—the rugged northeastern corner of the state, which is all high desert and ancient volcanic rocks and caves. My husband and I spent some time up there, researching the setting for the Dream Catchers series. It’s such a beautiful, wild part of the state. Not at all civilized!
If you’d like to see an excerpt, I have the first chapter of Dream Bound posted on my website, but please, only if you’re an adult. Because I do write REALLY hot stuff! And if you’d like a chance to win a copy of Dream Bound, leave a comment, or just say hi and you’ll be entered.
Vanessa, here. I just know you’re going to love Kate’s new series. And Dream Bound is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million. Run, don’t walk to get your copy. I know I will!
I have loved all of your books that I’ve read Kate. I can’t wait to read about the next generation.
lorimeehan1@aol.vom
Thanks, Lori! I am so lucky to get to do what I love doing, and that’s telling stories and living in my imaginary worlds. It IS nice, however, to get to come out once in a while and chat with readers!
Just read the first chapter on your website and thought that it was terrific! Can’t wait to read the rest of the book!
May, if you haven’t read any of Kate’s other books, this is a great place to start!
Thanks, May. And Vanessa, I have to go out for a couple hours, but will check back later!
I love your books Kate, my sister got me into reading then and now i can’t stop, it’s like once i pick a book up to read i don’t want to stop until i finish it. Can’t wait to read your next book.
Thank you, Amy. That IS, after all, my goal!
I would love a copy of this book!!! So eager to read it. Love all the awesome stories you give us, e-reader or paperback…..got them all!!!
Angel, you’re a sweetheart! Thank you.
Hi I’s love to read DreamBound, thanks for the chance!
You’re welcome, Tammy. Good luck!
Yes, after enjoying so many of your stories, I am sure these are going to be great too and I’m very much looking forward to them!
catslady, Kate is an awesome writer!
Thanks, Catslady!
I enjoy your books. Looking forward to your new series.
Me too, bn!
Kate,
Can’t wait to read this book. Love all your books. Thanks for all the great reads.
Thanks for stopping by, Wilma!
thank you, Wilma!
Kate–and everyone,
I just wanted to share what a cool person you are Kate. I won a book from you a couple of years ago and instead of just a form letter you wrote me a really nice personal email.
Thanks for everything.
Shannon
(No contest, I’ve won in the past and just buy your books now 🙂
Shannon, I agree. Kate is a total peach!
Shannon, thank you so much! I’m late responding–had to be away most of today, but I love notes like yours. Believe me, readers like you make this job worth ever headache ever! Thank you for your nice note.
OMG! Read the excerpt on your website and loved it! Thanks for the chance to win Dream Bound!
Kanya 😉
kanyachhetATyahooDOTca
Pretty smoking, eh?
LOL…and I’m an OLD broad, Vanessa! See? There’s hope for all you kidlets yet…
I just found you through a tweet from Vanessa Kelly. 🙂
I LOVE the title of your new book, and the story and setting sound perfect, too. Best of all, I love wolves! Can’t wait to read “Dream Bound”.
Best of luck w/your launch!
~Kate
Doesn’t it sound great, Kate? Can’t wait to read it myself!
Hmmm…not sure if my post went through or not. I have excerpts of all my books, including all of Wolf Tales, at http://www.katedouglas.com if you like wolves!
I haven’t read Dream Bound yet but my wife loved it. The new Chanku book is your best book yet.
Thanks for stopping by, Romance Man! I love Kate’s books, and I can’t wait to read Dream Bound.
Thanks, RM. You might want to warn Lexie that I’m tempted to steal you away for myself. Of course, you’d be there with another guy, and we all know how you are about my M/M stores…maybe that isn’t such a good idea after all…
Read the first chapter! You have me interested! Can’t wait to read. Thanks for the giveaway too!
Thanks for stopping by, Lynne!
Good luck, Lynne!
Love your ‘Wolf Tales’, I’m sure this series will be another super read of yours. Looking forward to Lilys’ story next year.
Me, too!
THanks, Leann. I’m really excited about getting to write my Chanku again!
Hi Kate, see I follow you around!!! I am definitely going to read Dream Bound. The first chapter is fascinating! Hope it’s a HUGE success….. Love ya…Pat. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Pat!
Pat, I’d adopt you, but we’re the same age…thanks for coming by!
I read Dreambound and loved it. It never surprises me Kate’s ability to right something so different. I recommend this book, it’s entertaining and you will fall in love with the characters
It’s a gift, Lexie – and one I’m very jealous of!! Kate’s ability to create these fascinating worlds is really inspiring.
It’s a warped mind, Vanessa. Only a few of us suffer from the affliction…
thank you, Lexie! I’m so glad you liked it!!!
Dream Bound sounds lovely, Kate. I wish you the very best of luck with your new series!
Thanks for stopping by, Stacie!
Thank you, Stacie!
Hi Kate!
Happy release day!
I’m looking forward to reading this series. The worlds you create are so real, it is like you are living right next door! 🙂
Kate’s world-building is fantastic, crazygranny, isn’t it?
Scary stuff, eh, Granny? Thanks for coming by. As soon as I answer all the comments here, I’m headed over to check out your photo collection. A whole new definition to “wanna see my etchings?” right?
Saw you on The Romance Mans blog and look forward to reading your books.
Thanks for dropping by, Lisa!
Did I say I love RM? Of course, he IS a younger man. And married. *sigh*
Great blog, as usual, Kate. Nice to get some personal scoop on your writing ideosyncrasies! Pre-ordered Dream Bound and CANNOT wait for To Love a Dark Wolf!!!!
I feel the same, Marie!
LOL…idiosyncracies is a great way to describe it! Thanks for stopping by!!!
Happy release day! I can’t wait to see more of this book. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Julie!
Since I have all your books Kate, my friend, I’d say neurotic must not be especially troubling to me *grin* or others for that matter. At least judging from the mega number of fans who honestly “get you” both as a person and an author.
Seriously, how can you not like someone who loves their imaginary friends just a little too much…and doesn’t hide from it?
Since Wolf Tales has been a particular favorite of mine, I’m totally looking forward TO LOVE A DARK WOLF and meanwhile, will be happy to learn more of Mac and Zianne’s story in Dream Bound:)
Nancy, thank God for Kate’s neurosis if it leads her to write all those great books!
Thanks, Vanessa. Yo momma raised you to be polite, I see! 🙂
I am nothing if not proud of my neuroses…LOL. They work for me, just as yours work for you, Nancy, m’dear! *snort* We REALLY need to get together some day!
We absolutely do, Kate. It really would be a pleasure:)
Wow! After reading the first chapter excerpt, I wanna read it all! But that doesn’t surprise me. After all, it’s a Kate Douglas book 🙂
Agreed, Cris!
Cris, have I said lately that I love you?
Wow, Kate another book out! I love how you create characters that I’m sure I pass in the street! Especially the women – not a shrinking violet among them. Good luck with the launch!
Thank you, Mylilypad. I’m SO glad it’s now launched…maybe I can relax!
Hi Kate 🙂 It’s great to touch base with you once again!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on Dream Bound. It seems like I’ve been waiting FOREVER for this book…But then there’s been a lot going on in my life with my Mother that we’ve shared about in emails… She’s improving and we’ll see what happens this time. This book will be great!!! And I can’t wait for To Love A Dark Wolf 🙂