When did September 28th sneak up on me? And why do I care about September 28th? Well, because it’s release day! I’m dragging myself out of deadline dementia (have a book due 10-1) to let you know that … (be warned, grandiose self-promotion to follow – but hey – it’s not EVERY day that I have a new release, right?)DEADLY PROMISES, a super hot, super cool (and yes, it’s possible to be both) anthology headlined by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love, and joined by MOI and Laura Griffin hits the shelves at a book store near you today. That would be September 28th (Ahem.) Even more good news? You can also buy DEADLY PROMISES at: Amazon.com, Borders.com, and B&N.com.
I’ve been lucky enough to get sneak peaks of both JUST BAD ENOUGH, from Sherrilyn and Dianna and UNSTOPABLE, from Laura and let me tell you, both novellas rock! I’m so excited that my novella, LEAVE NO TRACE is a part of this collection.
Love this photo of Me, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Laura Griffin and Dianna Love at the RWA Literacy book signing in Orlando at Nationals this past July. What cool women those 3 ladies are.
I can already hear the question: Is LEAVE NO TRACE a Black Ops. Inc story? And the answer: Yes! And No… David Cavanaugh, the hero, is a friend of the BOIs and actually assisted them in their operation in Jakarta to rescue Crystal (WHISPER NO LIES). And Cav’s heroine is none other than Carrie Granger – Wyatt Savage’s old high school flame (RISK NO SECRETS). I received so much reader mail about both Cav and Carrie that I just knew they had to have their own story. LEAVE NO TRACE provided the perfect vehicle to make that happen.
So, I hope you want to come with me to exotic Myanmar where Cav is tasked with the dangerous mission of rescuing Carrie from a slave labor camp in the treacherous ruby mines of the Shan Plateau north of Mandlay. Then hang on for one heck of a wild romantic ride. And of course, the guys from Black Ops., Inc. show up to help Cav save the day.
Now, I've got some questions for you. Do you generally buy anthologies and if not, why not? If you do buy them, have anthologies that feature multiple stories by multiple authors ever introduced you to a new author you wouldn’t have tried had it not been for one of your favorite authors also participating in the collection? Also, do you read only the novella by your favorite author or do you read (or at least try to read) all the stories in the collection? I’m also wondering if you have you ever stumbled upon a ‘favorite new’ author as the result of buying an anthology that featured one of your auto-buy authors in the collection.
Whew. That’s a lot of questions. Please speak up. If you post, you’re in the drawing for 1 of 2 copies of DEADLY PROMISES at the end of the day. Thanks!! And happy, happy reading!
61 comments:
Congrats on the release!! Really looking forward to picking it up and getting a new Black Ops fix.
I can't wait! Oh, I don't have to! That's tomorrow. I'm off to Barnes and Noble right after my dental appointment.
I love anthologies, I always have. And yes I have discovered a lot of new to me authors in these books. I also read all the stories in the book.
seriousreader at live dot com
I just read your post, Cindy, and I don't buy anthologies. I wait for them at the library.
Why?
I don't want to spend money to read a short story from one of my favorite authors. I want a BOOK. I want one I can sit and enjoy for many many hrs.
To me an anthology is like getting a lit tiny bite of lobster. Lobster is one of my favorite meals. I want to take time to savor it and enjoy every little bite...
I don't generally "like" a new author that I haven't previously read from a short story either. Their story is not enough time with a new author. I need to read one of their full length bks first to rate whether I can lose myself enough in their writing. Laughter also is a way I choose my favorite authors.
An author can have a gift with words but if she/he makes me cry too much I will finish reading the book and not pick up this author again. I love humor with the romance and it must be balanced with the tears. I love an author that consistently gives me those and more.
I know I ask quite a bit of my favorite authors, but they are not unappreciated by me.
I can't wait to read a book by you, Cindy! I will go to the store today and pick up anything I can in the Black Ops series, hopefully "No Mercy". I want to start at the beginning of the series.
I just the B&N store here in Fargo, ND and "Show No Mercy" is in stock. Yeah!
Have a great day!
I actually like anthologies. I like the theme idea which the stories all revolve around. For Example Christmas, NASCAR, marriage, magic, western cowboys, Texas Rangers ... They're great for quick reads when you're waiting for someone or an appointment.
I've met so many new authors via anthologies: Christine Rimmer, Karen Rose Smith, Victoria Alexander, Mary Balogh, Wendy Etherington,Mary Janice Davidson, Donna Kaufmann, Kate Hoffmann...the list goes on and on...
I think you do get an idea of an author's style even in a short story. I definitely read all of the stories.
One favorite that I now buy all of her books Victoria Alexander! Another Jodi Thomas!
Deadly Promises sounds fantastic! I have not read anything by Dianna Love or Laura Griffin.
Huge congrats on the anthology, Cindy. It sounds fantastic! I don't usually read 'em but I'm looking forward to yours.
Thanks everyone. I'm excited too. And it's fun hearing everyone's reading tastes.
Anonymous - I totally get it. thanks for weighing in!
congrats on the release, it is definitely on my list to get. I may or may not buy anthologies, it depends, and there is no clear rationale other than the back cover blurbs need to appeal to me. I like the idea of buying a book with both known and unknown authors...I like to try out new authors (even though my TBR of my faves authors is already overwhelmingly large!) and I have found new authors that turned into faves this way.
Laurie - I like that about anthologies too. The common theme. It's fun to see how each author does their take on a particular topic. Deadly Promises is all about women in jeopardy - makes for some exciting stuff :o)
Hi Miss Lois And thanks for breaking your pattern for me :o)
Oh - and you're going to LOVE Laura Griffin. She is fantastic!
I really enjoy anthologies. One of the reasons is, as you said, the opportunity to discover new authors. I also like seeing the unique takes of multiple authors on a central theme.
Cindy-- this anthology sounds like great fun! I can't wait to pick it up!
As to anthologies, I'm reading more of them than I used to. It's more a question of theme-- if I like the premise or core idea of the anthology, I'm more likely to pick it up. also, there's something about Christmas anthologies. . . I do love me some Christmas Romance, but i don't usually want a whole book of it, you know?
Hey Cindy.....This book looks so inviting!! As you know, I am a non-fiction reader, but want you to know that I am now reading Over The Line, your 4th book in the Bodyguard Series. They are soooo good and just get better with each book! Getting ready to start your Black OPs series I realized that I am missing a couple of them, so I will pick up Deadly Promises when I pick those up.
Now what was your question again?!
Hi Cindy. Congrats on the release of your new book. Sounds good. Yes, I do buy anthologies if I have enjoyed previous stories by an author. Yes, I have found new to me authors that became some of my favorite to read. I usually read all the stories in an anthology.
Kris - I love hearing that. When a big name author like Kenyon headlines an anthology it's a great opportunity for the other authors (namely Laura and me) to pick up some readers that might buy the book because of her and Dianna and then, get introduced to us. I was introed to Laura's writing basically through this anthology and she now has a new fan in me :o)
LOL Dianne - and I'm glad you're enjoying the books!
Hey Betina. Yes, I love a Christmas anthology. The perfect stocking stuffer :o)
Hey, Cindy - congrats on the new release. Love the cover!
I'm not a huge anthology chick, but I will buy them if the premise sounds interesting and at least one of my fav authors is in the the deal.
I think they're a great way to discover new-to-me authors!
So excited! My Kindle is charged and ready for a long night!! Thanks for all the wonderful hours of great reading adventure!
I will buy an anthology if it contains a story by one of my favorite authors. And, yes, I will read all the stories and hope to find a new author I will like.
I have discovered several new authors this way.
Hi Cindy!
Looking forward to this anthology in particular, but I do enjoy anthologies in general. I've found fun new authors that I might not have found otherwise.
Maybe I can pick up the book after work, but before class! Something to look forward to after a LONG day!!
Dawn
Congrats, Cindy! This one looks awesome.
I usually buy an antho for one specific author, read that story, then maybe I'll browse the other stories. If one of them catches my interest I'll read the whole thing.
You guys rock. So interesting how everyone has just a little twist on their feelings for anthologies.
I used to buy a lot of anthologies but due to several reasons I am now very picky with antologies, most important reason is that I have only read a handful of anthologies of which I liked ALL the stories. So nowadays I only buy anthologies that contain at least two stories by authors I know and love and are linked to series I'm reading. DEADLY PROMISES fits that bill so it's on the buy-list. I do love to read anthologies as the bite-size stories are sometimes just what you need in between long intense novels.
Hugs,
Pearl
Hi Cindy -
Great to see you and Laura at RWA national. Woohoo again for Laura's RITA win...that YOU gave her. How cool was that? I love, love, love both your and Laura's novellas in this anthology (and for once I got to read something early - yay!). Sherri said to say hello (she was having computer issues today...you know how that goes).
I absolutely buy anthologies if a favorite author of mine has written stories in them. I have definitely discovered new authors that I have then added to my list of favs. I will usually read all, or at least try, the other stories in the anthology.
I like to read novellas as a kind of quick fix between longer novels. Sometimes I just want a quick, to the point story to read. I believe it must be almost harder to write well developed characters, relationships and stories in such a short format. The authors who do it well exhibit their true writing strengths, IMO.
I can't wait to read this one!
I can't wait to read this one! I've really enjoyed your books alot! I hope that I get picked!
I didn't answere any of the questions, I like anthologies, but end up not reading them all, but i try to keep them in order. I picked one of your books from a friends book shelf and I fell in love with that book and try and keep up on what your writing next.
I enjoy reading anthologies it usually introduces me to new authors! tWarner419@aol.com
YAY!! Sept. 28th is also my wedding anniversary, just so you know. ;-)
I do buy some anthologies, but not all. I think it depends on my mood more than anything else. That being said, I WILL be buying Deadly Promises. It helps when all the authors are authors I enjoy reading, so it's something of a no brainer for me. And I have been known to realize after the fact that I have an anthology sitting on my shelf where I only read one of the novellas, but have since "discovered" the other authors and go back and enjoy those as well.
Today is a GREAT DAY!!
I don't usually buy anthologies because the shorter-length stories usually leave me wanting more! But when I've read my way through an author's works, and am searching through the library catalog to see what else they've written, I'll borrow an anthology. And sometimes I'll get lucky and find a new author that way. ;)
Pearl, Janet, Tetewa, Carole, Ronlyn - thanks for weighing in. I hope you enjoy the anthology as much as we all enjoyed writing the stories.
Hey Dianna - thanks for stopping by and right back atcha on the props. Just Bad Enough totally rocked!
And yes, YEA on Laura's Rita win. It was so much fun presenting it to her in Orlando!
Oh and Ronlyn - Very Happy Anniversary!!
Congratulations on your new book! I occasionally buy anthologies but it's usually because a favorite author has a story in it. I always try to read all the stories and I have found some new favorites by doing that.
Every once in a while I find a new author I really like, simply because I picked up an anthology. Can't wait to read Deadly Promises, Cindy!
I don't think I've read any anthologies before. Probably because I don't know what to expect from a group of authors coming together. Deadly Promises sounds like a good one to try since I enjoy both your books and Laura Griffins and it would give me an opportunity to read 2 new authors. To answer your other question, I tend to read all the books in a good series or collection. I get excited about new books for a series I'v enjoyed.
Hi Cindy!
My answer is both yes and no. I do like anthologies for certain things--when I don't have time to read a full-length novel (shorter plane ride, wait at the doctor's office, etc) and for some reason, I also tend to like Christmas anthologies. And yes, I have found new authors by reading anthologies. I've done that with this one. I read Sherrilyn and Dianna's stories regularly, but I had not read your stories or Laura's, and they're both fantastic! You both have a new fan.
What I DON'T like about anthologies is that I always want MORE! Okay maybe that's not really much of a complaint. ;0) I can always go out and get a full-length novel by that author.
And that's another thing I DO like about anthologies. If I'm starving for more from a favorite author during the wait between full-length books, I love having a little visit into that world in between.
I already have my copy of DEADLY PROMISES, so don't enter me in the drawing.
Huge congrats to all of you on the release!
Congratulations!!! Anthologies are perfect for when I know I don't have time for a longer story - times when I know I can't read every day. I always look for at least one or two authors that I know (such as your book where I know 2) and in that way I am assured of loving most of the book but I always look forward to finding new authors (which I have many times) so I always read all the stories. I am rarely disappointed. And even if I don't find another wonderful author, I don't feel disappointed as if I had bought a new author and not liked an entire book. So I consider antholgies a win-win for me.
Happy release day!!!
I hope people like anothos! I've got 6e-novellas coming out next year that are going to be combined for a print anothology--so yeah, I'm a fan LOL
I have been picking them up here and there in the last couple years and you do find little gold mines of new authors in them. While they're not much story, it's a good way to get a good first impression.
congrats on the release! I'll be keeping my eye out for it.
I'd love to win Deadly Promises, and I am a huge fan of yours and Sherrilyn Kenyon's. I'll definitely read yours and hers. I do buy anthologies if only one of my "must read" authors is in it. Sometimes I read the others, occasionally I don't. I have discovered "new" authors thanks to anthologies. I have 5 anthologies on my to-read shelf now. 4 have a Christine Feehan novella, and I will probably read all the stories or at least begin them. I was slow to get into her vampire books.
I think I only have to more Cindy Gerard books to read (To the Brink and Over the Line. I can't run out of things to look forward to, so I hope you choose me.
Linda
Lindina2@aol.com
Maureen, Connie and Deidre - thanks for posting ladies!
And Cossandra - YEA! so glad you like the collection. Laura is fantastic, isn't she?
thanks Catslady and Kylie
And yea you, Keri! Hope they sell like crazy!!
WooWoo, Linda - hope you like TTB and OTL!!
Can't wait to read it Cindy! This will be my first anthology, but it's chock full of must-buy authors. I'm always open to new authors and get hooked in so many different ways. It seems like a great, low-risk way to try several at a time. Thanks!
Hey Cindy! Congrats on the release today. I've shared with you before that I like anthologies and came to enjoy Christine Feehan from one. Can't wait to read the new book!
Tasha Clanton
Lexington, AL
Congrats, Cindy! I love anthologies because I get introduced to new-to-me authors =and= get a story by a fave author. And guess what? I have this anthology at hand as we speak! Can't wait to read.
Gwen and Tasha - thanks guys.
And Christie - thanks sweetie. I'll be anxious to hear what you think of it.
Now I must duck back into my deadline cave - this current project is suddenly is NOT cooperating. urg
Congrats!
I don't often buy anthologies-I rarely think of it. But when I do read an anthology, i usually read all the stories. I have discovered new-to-me authors who I kept following!
Congrats on the new release!
I do buy anthologies if I like the subject and/or one of my favorite authors has a story in it. Then I do read all the stories. Anthologies are a way for me to find new-to-me authors. If I like the short story, I'd look for the books.
ironss[at]gmail.com
Thanks, Sheree and Chey!
I just got my copy of Deadly Promises and can't wait to start it. I like anthologies to give me a taste of an author I haven't read before.
Hey Barb - great to hear from you. You are one busy lady - thanks for taking the time to stop by and I hope you like the stories!
I love to read Anthologies because they introduce me to new to me authors. I also love that I get to read more from an author I love.
I also love to have them in my pocketbook for those times when I am caught waiting. I would have no patience without a book to read.
Congratulations on this book & I hope you make your deadline.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
I'm looking foward to reading this. I've found many new authors reading anthologies. Congrats on the book!
thanks for weighing in Sue and Pam!
I enjoy anthologies, but generally only get them when I know and like at least one of the authors. In this case I really enjoy books by both you and Laura. I like this format for two reasons, one because I may find a new author, and two because it gives the author a vehicle to revisit characters in a shorter format. I always feel shorted when I get a book from a favorite author (esp in hard cover) that is anthology length with LARGE type and spacing to make it seem longer. Can't wait to catch up on the gang. Most selfish good wishes on your Oct 1 deadline, cause I can't wait to read it :)
Happy Release Day, Cindy. I love anthologies and do buy them. It is a great way to discover a new author and plus you got a bunch of stories for a great price. I discovered HelenKay Dimon and Erin McCarthy from a few of the Brava anthologies that I bought.
I'm not in the camp of those that like anthologies and my feelings mirror that of "Anonymous" on many points.
I'll only buy an anthology if one of my favorite authors has a novella in it that's part of a series (even if I happen to love all the authors). When I try a new author (and I do frequently even with a TBR mountain) I will buy because I've read an excerpt and I want the whole enchilada. I don't feel as though a novella does justice to a new author nor does it satisfy my preference for a much longer read.
When I do buy an anthology I will read all of the novellas...just as I will finish any book that I start. I know that's crazy talk but it's what I do.
My exception to buying anthologies other than following a series is the Secret Volumes. There are four novellas per book and I have almost the entire collection of 30+ books. I consider the quality of novellas by known or unknown authors (to me) to be unparalleled. They are short, erotic stories that are extremely well done and consist of a variety of genres.
Jane thanks for the good wishes on meeting my deadline. Fingers crossed here too.
Jen - thanks for the props!
Hey Nancy. Interesting take.
It is difficult to write a layered, intense story with only 30 to 35 thousand words and most full length novels are 100K or better. So I totally hear you on that. It's a nice diversion, however - as well as a challenge - to sometimes try to write a shorter length and yet sustain the kind of story that their readers want.
thanks for weighing in
I love anthologies!!! Especially if they have an author I enjoy. I can't put books down once I start and an anthology is a quick pick me up. I can put it down after 1 story and read some more later. I also like to find new authors around a theme I'm interested in. Lookinf forward to Deadly Promises!
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