Oh, boy, meeting a lost love again can be awkward. All those misunderstandings to clear up. Past history to revisit. Especially after 11,000 years . . .
EXCERPT FROM VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS, in stores now:
Serai woke as Daniel put her down on a pallet in what looked like another room in the same cavern. Same dark stone walls. Same dank stone-and-dirt-cavern smell. A small fire glowed in a corner of the room, giving off a bit of heat and light, but not enough to really help. She was shivering bone deep and felt like she might never be warm again.
Daniel sat on the edge of the narrow bed as he pulled rough blankets around her, but his hands stilled as he realized she was awake and looking at him.
“How are you feeling?”
She lifted one shoulder. “I’ve been better, but I’m alive. I’m free. There’s much to be said for that.”
An awkward silence fell, and she watched him as he looked at the blankets, around the room, anywhere but at her. Maybe he didn’t want to be around her. Maybe he’d forgotten about her long ago, and she was an unwelcome reminder of a painful past. Maybe—
His hands shot up and grabbed her shoulders, and he finally stared directly at her—into her eyes, as if the secrets of the universe hid there for him to find.
“I thought you were dead,” he said, anguish in his rough tone. “How can you be alive, all these millennia later? You’re not a vampire, but you’re still exactly the same as the day Atlantis fell and not a day older. How is that even possible?”
“Have you ever heard the tale of Sleeping Beauty?” she asked wryly.
He just looked at her, silent, and for a moment a hint of the shy boy he’d been surfaced in his eyes. But only for a moment. The hard, deadly man he’d become had no patience for whimsy, she suspected.
“They put me in stasis,” she explained, arranging the blanket around her shoulders and pulling her knees to her chest. “Maidens intended as brides for future kings of Atlantis. Not just me. There were others, many of them woken long ago, but six of us remained. We’ve been asleep since Atlantis dove beneath the seas more than eleven thousand years ago.”
He released her shoulders and stood up, impatient or disbelieving, and she felt the ache of loss as he walked away from her toward the small fire. He tossed a few pieces of the wood stacked nearby onto the flames and considered his handiwork before turning toward her, still crouched beside the fire.
“That’s not possible. What magic could do such a thing? Even Alaric, and the gods know he’s more powerful than any sorcerer or witch I’ve ever met, couldn’t do such a thing.”
The name distracted her. “You know Alaric?”
“I’ve worked on the same side as High Prince Conlan and his warriors several times,” Daniel said. “Poseidon’s high priest often accompanies Conlan and his elite Warriors of Poseidon on missions.”
He crossed the room and motioned to the edge of the bed, as if for permission. She nodded, and he resumed his seat, not touching her this time.
“Your Atlanteans have to fight the big, bad vampires, don’t you know?” he said, mockery in his voice and raised eyebrow.
“I’ve heard about the warriors. The temple attendants gossiped enough,” she said bitterly. “And I’d prefer not to talk about Conlan. Not now, not ever.”
It was his turn to be surprised. “I’ve always found him to be a decent enough guy.”
“He didn’t leave you imprisoned in a crystal cage for hundreds of years after he learned about you. He didn’t plan to wed you, either, and then abandon you to remain in that prison after he found a human woman for whom he was willing to abdicate his throne.” She shook her head. “Trust me when I say I will never take the man’s hand in friendship.”
She finally looked up at Daniel and caught her breath. His eyes glowed a fiery red and his face had gone hard and feral. For the first time since she’d found him again, she thought about what becoming a nightwalker truly meant, and her breath caught in her throat.
“Plan. To. Wed. You?” he gritted out between clenched teeth. “You were betrothed to Conlan? After . . .”
“Jealousy? You dare show me jealousy when you abandoned me to be caged and imprisoned for eleven thousand years?”
“I didn’t know!” he shouted. “I thought you were dead. I woke up and you were gone, and they told me you had died. They took me to deal with the newness of the bloodlust, and by the time I could control it and came back for any scrap of news of you, you and your whole godsdamned continent were gone.”
A flare of something very like hope flamed in her chest, and she tried to speak but the words wouldn’t come. Not until he touched a finger to her cheek and it came back wet did she realize she was crying.
“You thought I was dead? You didn’t abandon me?”
The red flames had vanished from his eyes, and they shone a strange, almost silvery black as he stared at her. “I would never have abandoned you."
For chapter 1 and more, see my website HERE!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
An author's sincere apology
Well, it happens. Authors mess up. I'm sure you've read books with typos or continuity errors in them (in one chapter the protagonist has black hair, in the next he's a blond). I've caught some typos in my printed books, but never before anything as egregious as this.
I SCREWED UP. I am here, with egg on my face, to apologize: No, Reisen's missing hand did not magically regenerate in the scene with Melody where she says she felt his "two big hands" on her bottom. TWO hands.
ARGH.
Here's how it happened: That scene originally happened with a different character, not Reisen. Reisen had a whole subplot where he was hopelessly infatuated with Serai. But that subplot took away from the book - it was a distraction, and not a good one. As a writer, my firm law is every scene must advance the plot or deepen understanding of character (preferably both) or it gets kicked. So Reisen in love with Serai? Got kicked. But then I noticed that Melody had kind of a thing for Reisen.
Instant attraction.
What could I do? I had to let them play. So the scene I'd deleted, the one in the bank vault with Melody and another character, came back. But this time I played with it and it came back with Reisen, because oh, wow, the chemistry between those two? Smoking hot!!
What I didn't do, obviously not carefully enough? Triple and quadruple check the details. Reisen did NOT magically grow back a hand. (I could have told you some mumbo-jumbo about Atlantean mental powers that made her think he had two hands, but that would be dishonest and cover-my-butt-ishness and I wouldn't do that. You deserve better.)
The simple truth is that I missed it. We all missed it, at every stage of production, but the fault and blame lies squarely with me. Every word in my books is my responsibility and I should have caught that. You can be damn sure I'll do my best to get it fixed in subsequent printings.
I'm sorry. I'm only human, and I missed this one. I hope you can forgive me.
hugs,
Alyssa
I SCREWED UP. I am here, with egg on my face, to apologize: No, Reisen's missing hand did not magically regenerate in the scene with Melody where she says she felt his "two big hands" on her bottom. TWO hands.
ARGH.
Here's how it happened: That scene originally happened with a different character, not Reisen. Reisen had a whole subplot where he was hopelessly infatuated with Serai. But that subplot took away from the book - it was a distraction, and not a good one. As a writer, my firm law is every scene must advance the plot or deepen understanding of character (preferably both) or it gets kicked. So Reisen in love with Serai? Got kicked. But then I noticed that Melody had kind of a thing for Reisen.
Instant attraction.
What could I do? I had to let them play. So the scene I'd deleted, the one in the bank vault with Melody and another character, came back. But this time I played with it and it came back with Reisen, because oh, wow, the chemistry between those two? Smoking hot!!
What I didn't do, obviously not carefully enough? Triple and quadruple check the details. Reisen did NOT magically grow back a hand. (I could have told you some mumbo-jumbo about Atlantean mental powers that made her think he had two hands, but that would be dishonest and cover-my-butt-ishness and I wouldn't do that. You deserve better.)
The simple truth is that I missed it. We all missed it, at every stage of production, but the fault and blame lies squarely with me. Every word in my books is my responsibility and I should have caught that. You can be damn sure I'll do my best to get it fixed in subsequent printings.
I'm sorry. I'm only human, and I missed this one. I hope you can forgive me.
hugs,
Alyssa
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Movie Monday!
We saw X-Men first class this weekend and I kind of loved it. Of course, I love James McAvoy in everything (confession! wow those blue eyes!), but it explained so much about the origins and it made for a fun conversation with the kids afterwards about which super powers we wish we had. How about you? Did you love it? Hate it? Indifferent? Saw something better? 
ALSO we spent yesterday touring Mt. Fuji. Didn't have time to see a fraction of the sights, but what we did see was pretty amazing. I'll post pics later when I'm done writing for the day.
AND thank you SO MUCH for all the wonderful mail about how much you love VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS!!! I appreciate it more than I can tell you!! And if you haven't read it yet, first chapter and buying information is HERE!
hugs,
Alyssa
PS If you won a prize from me (you've already been notified, they are going in the mail tomorrow (post office closed on Mondays here). And if you won a copy of Vampire in Atlantis (you've already been notified), my author copies never arrived, so I purchased new books from Amazon and Book Depository and those are shipping to you right now, so I autographed bookplates and mailed those to you separately. Mail from Japan takes a while, so you may get your bookplates later than the books, but they're coming. And if you're waiting on a bookplate, we found enough copies of my backlist in the Closet of Happiness that we're mailing each of you a signed bookplate for VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS plus a signed copy of one of my backlist! Just because I love you all! :) Thanks for your patience - this mail to/from Japan via military mail processing center is a pain in my backside.
ALSO we spent yesterday touring Mt. Fuji. Didn't have time to see a fraction of the sights, but what we did see was pretty amazing. I'll post pics later when I'm done writing for the day.
AND thank you SO MUCH for all the wonderful mail about how much you love VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS!!! I appreciate it more than I can tell you!! And if you haven't read it yet, first chapter and buying information is HERE!
hugs,
Alyssa
PS If you won a prize from me (you've already been notified, they are going in the mail tomorrow (post office closed on Mondays here). And if you won a copy of Vampire in Atlantis (you've already been notified), my author copies never arrived, so I purchased new books from Amazon and Book Depository and those are shipping to you right now, so I autographed bookplates and mailed those to you separately. Mail from Japan takes a while, so you may get your bookplates later than the books, but they're coming. And if you're waiting on a bookplate, we found enough copies of my backlist in the Closet of Happiness that we're mailing each of you a signed bookplate for VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS plus a signed copy of one of my backlist! Just because I love you all! :) Thanks for your patience - this mail to/from Japan via military mail processing center is a pain in my backside.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS is here!! In stores now!!
1. The book!
2. The reviews!
3. The excerpts & gorgeous new website!
4. Come see me in New York!
1. VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS is here!! Daniel finds love . . . finally!
Sightings in bookstores abound! Yay!
I had so much fun writing Daniel’s story – this is a love story that waited 11,000 years for the telling. When Daniel first met Serai, Atlantis still rode the surface of the ocean. He was an apprentice blacksmith and she an Atlantean princess – a forbidden love that was shattered when a brutal army bent on conquering the Seven Isles rode into Atlantis. Serai had to make a choice for Daniel: life as a Nightwalker or death.
For the next 11,000 years, both of them regretted her choice. Daniel as a vampire who committed deeds so dark he feared he could never deserve redemption, and Serai as a princess in stasis waiting for some unknown future prince of Atlantis to claim her as his reluctant bride.
But the world has changed and those who seek power have destroyed the power of stasis. Serai escapes just as Daniel chooses to face the sun—and walks into Atlantis. Romance, passion, action, and a dangerous quest spice up the pages of this book – and the reviewers are raving:
2. The reviews!
“Alyssa Day’s Warriors of Poseidon adventures are the stuff that make your heart go pitter-patter. The books are riveting and positively fun to read. Beautifully put together, the pages fly by until you wonder just where they all went.” – Night Owl Romance, TOP PICK 5 STARS!!
“The love scenes were so steamy hot, I needed a cold glass of water! And Daniel, in that alpha male "mine" mode? Oh *swoon* I about melted into a puddle. I even cried at one point. Vampire in Atlantis will grip you, and hold you tight til the end of the book, you won't want it to let you go, and you'll find yourself slowing down so you can savour the story.” – Demon Lovers Books and More
“Undying love is the cornerstone of this chapter of the Warriors of Poseidon series, as unlikely allies hunt for another missing Jewel of Poseidon. The relationships between Day’s cast of characters are layered and enduring and they make this series unforgettable. Day aces another one!” – Romantic Times BookClub 4 ½ stars!!!
3. The excerpts!
First chapter HERE!
Excerpt from chapter 2 here - just scroll down on the blog!
Check out my gorgeous new website HERE!!
4. Come see me in New York!
Tuesday, June 28, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. I’ll be signing books with more than 500 other romance authors at the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing, which has become one of the most popular events at RWA's annual conference. Each year we raise thousands of dollars, which are donated to ProLiteracy Worldwide. Since 1990, RWA has donated more than $670,000 to literacy charities.
THANK YOU!!! I hope you love Daniel and Serai as much as I do!!!
Thank you, as always, for reading my books. I appreciate it more than I can ever tell you.
Happy June!!
hugs,
Alyssa
--
2. The reviews!
3. The excerpts & gorgeous new website!
4. Come see me in New York!
1. VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS is here!! Daniel finds love . . . finally!
Sightings in bookstores abound! Yay!
I had so much fun writing Daniel’s story – this is a love story that waited 11,000 years for the telling. When Daniel first met Serai, Atlantis still rode the surface of the ocean. He was an apprentice blacksmith and she an Atlantean princess – a forbidden love that was shattered when a brutal army bent on conquering the Seven Isles rode into Atlantis. Serai had to make a choice for Daniel: life as a Nightwalker or death.
For the next 11,000 years, both of them regretted her choice. Daniel as a vampire who committed deeds so dark he feared he could never deserve redemption, and Serai as a princess in stasis waiting for some unknown future prince of Atlantis to claim her as his reluctant bride.
But the world has changed and those who seek power have destroyed the power of stasis. Serai escapes just as Daniel chooses to face the sun—and walks into Atlantis. Romance, passion, action, and a dangerous quest spice up the pages of this book – and the reviewers are raving:
2. The reviews!
“Alyssa Day’s Warriors of Poseidon adventures are the stuff that make your heart go pitter-patter. The books are riveting and positively fun to read. Beautifully put together, the pages fly by until you wonder just where they all went.” – Night Owl Romance, TOP PICK 5 STARS!!
“The love scenes were so steamy hot, I needed a cold glass of water! And Daniel, in that alpha male "mine" mode? Oh *swoon* I about melted into a puddle. I even cried at one point. Vampire in Atlantis will grip you, and hold you tight til the end of the book, you won't want it to let you go, and you'll find yourself slowing down so you can savour the story.” – Demon Lovers Books and More
“Undying love is the cornerstone of this chapter of the Warriors of Poseidon series, as unlikely allies hunt for another missing Jewel of Poseidon. The relationships between Day’s cast of characters are layered and enduring and they make this series unforgettable. Day aces another one!” – Romantic Times BookClub 4 ½ stars!!!
3. The excerpts!
First chapter HERE!
Excerpt from chapter 2 here - just scroll down on the blog!
Check out my gorgeous new website HERE!!
4. Come see me in New York!
Tuesday, June 28, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. I’ll be signing books with more than 500 other romance authors at the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing, which has become one of the most popular events at RWA's annual conference. Each year we raise thousands of dollars, which are donated to ProLiteracy Worldwide. Since 1990, RWA has donated more than $670,000 to literacy charities.
THANK YOU!!! I hope you love Daniel and Serai as much as I do!!!
Thank you, as always, for reading my books. I appreciate it more than I can ever tell you.
Happy June!!
hugs,
Alyssa
--
Monday, June 06, 2011
WINNERS!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
We have winners of my pre-order giveaway -- three, count 'em, THREE winners we've chosen randomly to receive an authentic Japanese Kokeshi doll. Kokeshi dolls are lovely wooden dolls that originated in Northern Japan and are wildly popular with everyone here. We've begun quite a collection to take home!!
But never fear - EVERYONE who entered will receive a personalized autographed bookplate for your own copy of VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS, and some of you will receive even more! I've cleaned out my author copy closet and will be sending autographed copies of my backlist to 22 of you with your bookplate! Yes, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE you for reading my stories and for caring about the world of Atlantis with me.
Drum roll, please! The three winners are:
1. Gloria Bidmead
2. Laura Troth
3. Alana Caldwell
Please give at least 2 weeks for receipt; mail from Japan seems to take forever. Thank you!!
And tomorrow: VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS is finally here!!! I hope you love Daniel and Serai as much as I do.
hugs,
Alyssa
We have winners of my pre-order giveaway -- three, count 'em, THREE winners we've chosen randomly to receive an authentic Japanese Kokeshi doll. Kokeshi dolls are lovely wooden dolls that originated in Northern Japan and are wildly popular with everyone here. We've begun quite a collection to take home!!
But never fear - EVERYONE who entered will receive a personalized autographed bookplate for your own copy of VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS, and some of you will receive even more! I've cleaned out my author copy closet and will be sending autographed copies of my backlist to 22 of you with your bookplate! Yes, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE you for reading my stories and for caring about the world of Atlantis with me.
Drum roll, please! The three winners are:
1. Gloria Bidmead
2. Laura Troth
3. Alana Caldwell
Please give at least 2 weeks for receipt; mail from Japan seems to take forever. Thank you!!
And tomorrow: VAMPIRE IN ATLANTIS is finally here!!! I hope you love Daniel and Serai as much as I do.
hugs,
Alyssa
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