Monday, August 24, 2009

Never Say No To A Wolf

Tomorrow is the official release day of my latest, MOON KISSED. (It's also my B-day romorrow. How cool of a present is that to have a book released on that day?) The hero is a werewolf, the heroine, mortal.

I used to be a person who could definitely say 'no' to something, whether or not I'd tried it. No, to lobster. (Nope, never tried it.) No, to coffee. (Yuck.) And a big ole Never, to werewolves. I write vampires. I never had an interest in werewolves. I'd always say that I'd leave the hairy dudes to those other writers who do them so well. Besides, I have a thing about dogs. I don't hate them, but I do have a healthy fear for them.

A few years ago, in one of my vampire books I decided I had to at least put a werewolf in there to show that they existed in my world. Just because I don't write them doesn't mean they don't exist. :-) (Read that one how ever you wish.) So I put this big, gnarly wolf called Severo (an appropriate villain name) in Kiss Me Deadly, had him wolf out a bit, then snarl and walk off the page, never to grace my keyboard again.

Until he came back. Werewolves come back, did you know that? Severo jumped back into my life and insisted I tell his story because he wasn't the jerky, hairy, snarly dude I had made him out to be. He had a heart. He had feelings. He longed for a mate to start a family with and live happily ever after. Man! He really bugged me. So I broke down and slashed 'never' off my list, and allowed myself to fall in love with a werewolf. Yep, I lurve the hairy guy. He taught me never to say 'never', and to keep my mind open to all sorts of interesting characters who just want a little love themselves. Ahh....

So if you're into the hairy guys, I hope you won't say 'never' to this story. I actually put Severo on top of my favorite heroes list now, even though his name is just weird. (That'll teach me to give my secondary characters odd names; there's always a chance they might become heroes some day.) The story is set in Minnesota, the best place for a wolf to lope about, and Severo is a lone wolf, set apart from his former pack. He just wants to be loved and to love, but there is an evil vampiress who may have something to say about him finding true love.

What's your favorite kind of paranormal creature to read about? If you read werewolves do you prefer them pack oriented or lone wolves? If you don't read paranormals do you think you might ever try one, and what would be your first creature to check out? And what do you say 'No, never!' to?

I've got copies of MOON KISSED I want to give away! Heck I've got copies of MIDNIGHT CRAVINGS, too (features my short werewolf story, "Racing The Moon"). Leave a comment. I'll give out a bunch!

Michele

[If you're interested in snagging a free copy of my After The Kiss, Amy Wilkins, of Harlequin Digital, is giving one away my my blog DUSTED today.

40 comments:

buddyt said...

I am not really a lover of the new paranormals.

I much prefer the old horror stories like Bram Stokers DRACULA and Mary Shelly's Frankenstein.

However I am open minded and will continue to buy paranormals occasionally if they sound interesting.

Thanks

Carol


buddytho {AT} gmail DOT con

Anonymous said...

Obviously leave me out of the drawing ;)

I read about vampires, and werecreatures (can't forget about the cats ;) and i think I saw a werebear and horse once two).

I prefer the werewolf to be lone wolves; maybe even former pack that starts their own or had to leave their old pack.

I say No Never to silly "paranormals" like elves and faeries, mermaids, etc. Leave those to the fantasy novels. Gimme witches, wizards, demons, angels, werewolves, and vampires.

Laurie G said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow!!

I'm relatively new to the paranormal scene. I did just finish New Moon by Steph Meyers where Jacob is a werewolf that I actually felt sorry for. He loves Bella even though she still loves Edward. He is pulled away from her by his obligations to his fellow pack members. He does do certain things on his own with their censure(protecting Bella).

I like the werewolves to be individuals, to do what they have to do to be happy!

D Twomey said...

I don't think I've ever read a werewolf story, but think I would prefer the lone wolf rather than the pack. Just seems like there could be a much better story there for some reason......

Chris said...

I've become rather fond of demons. And I think shifting into a big cat is pretty cool.

Congrats on the release! I love reading paranormals set in MN. :)

Keri Ford said...

I don't like to be scared, so my paranormal readings have been limited to faires and funny ghosts.

My No Never was to write a regency. LOVED them, knew I'd never be able to pull it off--I mean, I don't like research, I'd never make it. I succumbed to the calling and am fixing to shop my 2nd one and start my 3rd one (thanks Christie! Got most of it figured out last night while trying to fall asleep!)

Debra Dixon said...

LOL! Poor werewolf. He had feelings and you never even noticed at first.

Xenophobe. (g)

You know me. I love all kinds of paranormal.

We're looking at acquiring some steampunk fantasy. If we get a shot at it. Dastardly NY may swoop in and take it from us.

Don't they know that small publishers have feelings just like werewolves???

::grumble:: ::grumble:: ::snarl::

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

I love werewolves and demons. Actually I love all paranormals.


Please count me in, and congrats on the release!

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

Michele Hauf said...

Lou, Lois and I may come after you with a copy of Faeries Gone Wild, shaking it menacingly at you. (funny, silly faeries) ;-)

Keri, luck with the regency!

Ah, Deb, if you knew about me and dogs....

GunDiva said...

Happy early birthday and happy release day! I've been mostly entranced by vampire novels (Barb and JC Hendee write a wicked series) and can't recall ever reading about a werewolf. My son, on the other hand, loves werewolves, so I'll have to pick up your book to share with him. Who knows? Maybe I'll fall in love with the hairy critters too.

KylieBrant said...

Happy birthday and release day, Michele! Love the title, love the cover! I had said I don't do paranormal but I did read several of Lori Handleman's Moon stories and enjoyed them. My favorite is still Cian in Nora Roberts last paranormal series. There's something about a vampire who's been alone for centuries and finds his HEA...!

www.kyliebrant.com

Kathleen Eagle said...

Okay, I'm going to have to get this book, Michele. You've hooked me. I've read some vampire stories--I'm still not a fan, but I try to stay abreast of what's popular in pop fiction--but I've always thought werewolves would be more appealing for some reason. Don't know why I haven't read one.

This is the one. I'm getting MOON KISSED.

Pamk said...

Happy birthday and congrats on the new release. It sounds great. I am not picky like the pack ww and lone ww either. As long as the telling is good I'm happy either way.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday and Congrats on the new book! I for one am glad Severo forced your hand because I am anxious to read his story. I read all sorts of paranormal, but vamps tend to be my favorite. However, I enjoy shifters of all sorts, thanks in large part to Lora Leigh-she writes awesome shifters. I prefer the lone wolf over a pack because pack politics are a mess- much like our world. I also love fairies, demons and any creature of the lore- if the story is good and the characters are well written then it works for me.

Michele Hauf said...

Yay, I'm converting Kathy! :-)

Lunatic, I hear you on the pack politics stuff. I just finished the third in the Wicked Games series, Her Vampire Husband, which has some pack stuff going on. Werewolf packs vs. vampire tribes. Interesting stuff. And no one ever gets out unscathed or without taking a talon to the face.

Musings by Mimmi said...

Ooh, it's hard to say what my favorite type of shifter is~~I love wolves, but I'm partial to jags, too, although you don't read too many of those. I love when wolves are pack oriented, though...I really like to read about they dynamics, and how different authors handle the pack settings. Is it more like family, or a job? How strong are they within their pack when they're not Alpha? I'm always curious about how that is going to come out in stories by differnt authors. I really like the whole world Lauren Dane has built w/ Cascadia, and how she handles it~~but I love, too, the whole Others world built by Christine Warren....they are vastly different, but I love them both.

aprilsturn said...

Ohhh Me me me!! I love paranormals. Happy Birthday. hope you have a great one & get everything you want.

tetewa said...

Paranormals are my favorite genre to read. I'm always looking for new authors and series to read about vamps and weres!

Connie T said...

Happy Birthday and Release day! I LOVE paranormals, they are my favorite genre. I really like books about werewolves. I think the best part for me is that they "recognize" their mates and go after them for an HEA!

TAMARA said...

Happy Birhday week Michele! Congrats on the cool book release birthday present! I LOOOVE paranormals! I think vamps will always be my fave but, I do love me some alpha-wolves!! I like the shapeshifting bad boys alone or in a pack! It doesn't make them any less appealing either way!

katsrus said...

I just started reading paranormals. I do like the werewolves and vampires. I like some of the ghost ones too. If it's a good story I usually enjoy the book. Told my son I didn't think I would like the Twilight series and ended up buying them and reading them back to back. Please enter me. Thanks.

Heather B. said...

I love the vamps and were's both, they are my favorite types of paranormals to read. I will read any of the paranormal romances but I think I tend to be the ones that end up on my keeper shelves.

I will definitely have to check this one out.

catslady said...

I have to admit that I haven't read too many paranormals but I am now into the Twilight series too and really enjoying it so I'm in the mood for more of the same. I'm usually open to trying something at least once lol but I would say no to anything too dangerous - skydiving or mountain climbing come to mind.

cheryl c said...

I haven't read any paranormals because I don't think I would like them, but I must say that your werewolf Severo has me intrigued.

My teenager also keeps telling me that I would like the Twilight series if I just tried them. I realize that I must be missing out because paranormals are hugely popular right now.

I am going to challenge myself to read at least one paranormal soon.

Laney4 said...

Hi!
Congrats on the book release and looming birthday. Hope you enjoy both!
I have never read a paranormal book but would like to try one. I have no idea which creature I'd like to first check out; sorry!
As for saying "No, never" ... hmmm ... that's a tough one. I turned 50 recently so I'm trying hard to say "Yes, sure" instead!
For years I didn't eat many vegetables, so I guess it was "No never" back then; today, I say, "I'll try it -- at least a little bit of it."
I'm afraid of heights (which is funny when you realize I'm 5'10" tall), so I made myself climb WAY up to the top of an indoor water slide at West Edmonton Mall last year. That was difficult, as you could see through all the metal steps on the way up (and down). Enjoyed the slide more than the climb, though.
Sorry. Can't think of any "No, never" examples at this time. I'm sure I'll think of them long after the contest is done, though!

MrsMixx said...

YAy! Congrats on the release and Happy Birthday to you!!!! =)

I love reading paranormals. I think i love reading about werewolves the most... it's easier to relate to animal instincts. But i read about vampires or witches too.
I like my wolves dark and mysterious they can be either lone wolves or pack i don't mind.

The only kind of paranormals i am NOT interested in , is Zombie paranormals. I'm too disgusted by zombies to read about them.

Unknown said...

I love to read about wolves and vamps. Although I do switch around a lot. Right now I am reading The Twilight series and really getting into it.

Michele Hauf said...

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, everyone!

Seems like everyone has an interest in paranormals, and if not, may, at least, be willing to give one a try. Just like veggies, you may like it once you try it. ;-)

The Brunette Librarian said...

I LOVEEEEE werewolves and shapeshifters. No idea why, but if it's in the story, I snatch it up and always read it.

Pack oriented or lone wolves...doesn't really matter to me. Secondary characters are always fun, but having a pack doesn't always guarantee good secondary characters...So just as long as it's a good story, it'll make my day! :)

Happy early birthday and congratulations on your new book. It's gonna rock, I can already tell!

rachie2004 @ yahoo (dot) com

CrystalGB said...

I love shapeshifters and werewolves. I don't have a preference if they are lone wolves or pack oriented.
Happy early birthday. Hope you have a great one.

Anonymous said...

I mostly read paranormal books...I like both Vampires and werewolf stories.
Either in a pack or a lone wolf it doesn't matter as long as the stories good.

I'd love to win Moon Kissed. I have Midnight Cravings.
Thanks for the chance to win a book.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

Venus Vaughn said...

Oooh, this looks like an interesting one. I wouldn't mind willing Moon-Kissed.

Happy Birthday tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday - and launch day!

I didn't like paranormals for quite a long time, then I picked up a few and they got more intriguing. I've really gotten into the Urban Fantasy novels of Keri Arthur.

I haven't ready any of the shorter series ones yet and would LOVE to give them a try.

I love your story about Severo's story. Some times those guys just won't go away!

Marcia in OK

Babyblue22 said...

Hey Michele! I hope you have a Happy Birthday & Happy Release Day!
I definitely Love Paranormals!

I love vampires but Give me A Werewolf and I'm hooked!
I love a lone wolf who's looking for somewhere to belong... be it with a pack or his mate.

I am so not a action junkie so no matter what I always say NO, NEVER! to rollercoasters!!

Thanks for the chance to win one of your books!

~Afshan
Afshan522@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I do like paranormals. I enjoy the lone wolf type, vampires, shape shifters, dragons. I just enjoy reading. Happy Birthday and congratulations on the new book. I try to read a variety of genres and I do enjoy most of them.

Linda Henderson

Unknown said...

I'm a big fan of paranormals, myself. And this looks yummy, Michele!

I am easy. . . I'll take nearly any kind of shifter or vamp. Not a big fan of the fairies, but i've enjoyed the occasional "witchy" tale. For obvious reasons, I like my paranormals to involve animals. All kinds of beasties. I even started one myself once.

A story for another day. . .

Congrats, Michele. . . sell a million!

Kathleen Eagle said...

Come to think of it, I have done some--rather written some--shapeshifting. In MEDICINE WOMAN (Harl Hist longtimeago) my heroine believes she might be a Deer Woman, which is an intriguing Lakota mythological creature. In THE NIGHT REMEMBERS the hero didn't really understand his connection to Coyote, a Trickster. The Indian Trickster hero fascinates me.

Basically, the notion that the best and the worst of human nature lives in all of us is what these characters represent, and that really interests me.

Unknown said...

What a great way to celebrate your b-day.. Hope you have a great b-day and a happy release day..
I think my favorite paranormals are the changelings in Nalini Singh's novels. I actually haven't read many novels with warewolves, but I would love to try it.

Anonymous said...

Naturally, Michele I'd accept anything from you. :) Even the faefolk.

lrhubble said...

I love cat shifters as for werewolves it kind of depends on the story line. Sometimes it works better as a lone wolf and other times the pack is better.

Larena