 | 29 Apr 11 |
Please give a warm MSW welcome to my very dear friend and debut author: Virna DePaul!
First, thank you to Karin for having me as a guest on Murder She Writes! I’m excited to share some good news — even as I prepare for the launch of my debut novel, Chosen By Blood (A Para-Ops Novel), which releases on May 3, 2011, I’ve just learned I’ve sold what will be my seventh contracted book. I’m writing paranormal romantic suspense for Berkley, and contemporary romantic suspense for Harlequin’s category line (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) and single title line (HQN). My dream of being a published writer is really coming true…
But who knew it would be such work!? I mean, it’s a dream, and yet there’s first drafts, revisions, and deadlines; copy edits and galley edits; marketing, promo and networking; balancing work with family, making ends meet, and keeping perspective. Is all this really what I signed up for?
In short, yes. It’s a dream, but it’s not easy. So what? Would I really appreciate how lucky I am if I didn’t work for what I want most?
My favorite piece of advice for aspiring writers is this: be willing to be uncomfortable. For most of us, the “bad” is going to be there. It just is. You’ll experience it and you’ll recognize the “good” because of it. For me, publication has been a journey of contrasts and contradictions. And of course, since most everything in life is, I really shouldn’t have expected anything different.
In Chosen By Blood, I explore issues like war and racism, but I also tangle with perilous situations involving desire and love and loyalty. Here’s the blurb:
United by fate. Bound by desire.
Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and Otherborn— humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.
Leader of an Otherborn clan, half-breed vampire Knox Devereaux would do anything to find a cure for the anti-vamp vaccine slowly starving his people into extinction. When the FBI contacts him about leading a team of hand-selected Others on a mission to reclaim the stolen antidote, Knox accepts. His new assignment places him in direct contact with Special Agent Felicia Locke, the beautiful human he’s craved since their very first meeting.
I can’t believe the book is almost out! I’m so excited, but scared out of my mind, too. See, the contrasts never stop.
Other examples? As I plan my very first launch party ever, I want a fun, casual event that’s still pretty and classy and special. I want to celebrate my accomplishments with those I love but at the same time disappear into the woodwork and be anything but the center of attention. I write to express myself but also learn who I am. Each word, each story, is a discovery. Publication is the challenge, the outlet, the hurdle. Being a “writer” is both pleasure and pain. In short, life’s good and bad and everything in between and none of it would mean anything without the other.
Those who know me probably think I’m nice. Sweet even. I can be, but I sure can be sour, too. I’m a bundle of contradictions—shy but sexual, giving but stubborn and selfish, compulsive but a slob, ambitious but lazy. And my favorite? Amazingly average but sometimes surprisingly unpredictable, even to myself. I write about murder and suspense but also emotion and romance. I’m a lawyer who prosecuted criminal cases by day and let herself be swept away by HEAs morning, noon and night. I believe in soul mates, true love, and crazy passion just as much as I believe marriage is hard work and that every couple should participate in counseling before things start to go wrong.
So that’s me. A big, jumbled mess of emotions and intentions and action. My stories, however, though layered, are far more tidy. Character, conflict and arc all within 380 plus pages. It’s far simpler than real life. It’s fiction. It’s entertainment. It’s what keeps many of us sane!
I hope you’ll give my stories a try! I know many (if not all) of the authors on Murder She Writes have something in common with myself–We write about murder, but as a contrast to what we most believe in — the goodness of mankind and the triumph of love over evil. Contrast and contradictions—accept and celebrate them!
I’m giving away a Para-Ops tote filled with some special contrasting items to one commenter! Dark, milk and white chocolate, a Para-Ops mug, sunglasses, and my e-books, A Vampire’s Salvation, a paranormal vampire novella, This Magic Moment, a contemporary romance, and my craft book with Tawny Weber, Love Writing: A Guide To Writing and Getting Your Romance Novel Published (Without Losing Your Perspective, Passion Or Sanity).
Virna DePaul is a former criminal prosecutor who writes paranormal romantic suspense for Berkley (Chosen By Blood (5/11) Chosen By Fate (10/11)), and contemporary romantic suspense for Harlequin Romantic Suspense (Dangerous To Her (9/11)) and HQN (series launching in 4/12). Please visit her at www.virnadepaul.com
Excerpt from Chosen By Blood:
Special Agent Felicia Locke knew the minute she saw the willowy dharmire that there was going to be trouble. She’d chosen the bar because it was as far from Pennsylvania Avenue and the J. Edgar Hoover Building as one could get and still be in Washington, D.C. With its spray-painted façade, dim lights, and ramshackle assortment of tables and chairs, the Black Hole was also light-years away from what a typical federal agent would consider reputable, let alone palatable. In its favor was the fact it served the best brandy in the state, strong and undiluted. That and some privacy was all Felicia wanted.
She’d just locked her car and was walking toward the bar’s back entrance when a dharmire, who couldn’t have been more than sixteen years old, stumbled around the corner of the building and into view. Felicia immediately recognized the female as half-Other; although she had a vampire’s silver hair and black eyes, her skin was sun-toasted, just a shade lighter than a graham cracker. She clung to the arm of a stocky man with no neck, squinty eyes, and slicked-back hair. The man pushed her against the side of the building and covered her slim body with his own.
Felicia’s prediction of trouble formed not because the man was ugly, but because he was unkempt and, considering the foul things he was saying, obviously uncouth. She’d never met a vamp who’d willingly suffer the company of someone so appallingly unrefined. It would be like asking one to wear jeans or, God forbid, drive a beat-up old truck down a public highway. As a rule, vamps didn’t do casual or tacky. Even so, she tried telling herself that maybe the girl just looked young. There was no accounting for poor taste, after all. But the closer she got, the more apparent it became that the dharmire was under the influence. Her silver pupils were dilated and glassy, and she appeared to cling to the man out of necessity rather than affection.
The man shifted to the side just as Felicia walked within ten feet of them. She saw the fine gold chain and pendant around the dharmire’s neck—a smaller, more feminine version of the one Knox wore and an exact replica of the one Noella had worn all her life. The same pendant Felicia’s best friend had been wearing on the day she’d died, a gaping hole in her chest where her heart had once been.
Felicia came to an abrupt stop and blinked her eyes several times to make sure she wasn’t imagining it. But no, it was real and it was a real bitch of a sign. Noella had died exactly one year ago today and it couldn’t be coincidence that, before Felicia even had a chance to get rip-roaring drunk while avoiding Knox at the same time, a female appeared who was from Noella’s clan—Knox’s clan—and in obvious need of help.
Thoughts of Knox assailed her. Had Kyle Mahone gotten in touch with him? She’d been fully briefed on the Bureau’s plan to add a new team to the FBI’s elite, super-SWAT group referred to as the HRT, Hope Restored Team. She knew that team was the crucial step toward stabilizing relations between humans and the Otherborn races they’d once fought. And despite her preference to stay as separated from Knox as possible, she knew he was the right choice to lead it. Most civilians craved peace now, but it was a constant, often bloody battle given the insurgents, humans and Others alike, that resisted.
On the other hand, Felicia thought, still staring at the man and the dharmire . . . There would always be individuals who just naturally preyed on those weaker than themselves.
Okay, okay. Message received.
No rest for the wicked.
© 2011 – 2012, Karin Tabke. All rights reserved.
A Cop’s Wife Writes the Cop’s Life:
Award winning author, Karin Tabke isn’t just another author with steamy stories to tell, but a cop’s wife who has “seen it all and heard it all.†Some of the hottest stories come from behind the blue wall of law enforcement rather than from in front. Married to a street cop, now retired, Karin is intimate with both and proves it with her sizzling tales and hot cops. Not only are her cops hot, but so are her sexy knights. Karin’s Blood Sword Legacy series is a must read for anyone who loves tales of yore when men were men and women were women, and love did conqueror all!
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I was fascinated with your interesting post today. Your abilities and talents are wonderful. This book sounds compelling and special. I enjoyed learning about your character and your insights. Wishing you all the best of continued success.
by diane April 29th, 2011 at 8:19 amThank you, Diane. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and the story blurb.
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:46 amcongrats on the release, what an interesting blog post. the book sounds great, i will definitely check it out!
by kris April 29th, 2011 at 8:40 amAwesome, Kris! I appreciate that!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:47 amI can’t wait to be able to meet you at your launch party and read the book. The adventures of life is what it’s all about. The ups and downs and the grief and smiles! Good luck with all that is yours!
by Dawn Salisbury April 29th, 2011 at 8:45 amThanks, Dawn. I’m really looking forward to meeting you on Saturday. I have a feeling you’ll get a glimpse at my crazed, overwhelmed side (but happy, too!). LOL
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:47 amCongratulations on your upcoming release. I’m anxiously awaiting being able to read it. The trailers are amazing and as a author you are so generous and giving.
by Crystal Blood April 29th, 2011 at 9:22 amWe can all relate to your contradictions. Life’s about embracing all the little imperfections, they give life spice and make you shine amongst all the other stars.
I wish you continued success and once again thank you for taking time out of your schedule to write all of us.
Hi Crystal. That’s a perfect word for it–spice! A bit of bite makes the sweetness all the more wonderful.
Thank you and hopefully I’ll talk to you soon!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:48 amHuge congrats on the release! I’ve been lucky enough to read the book and it is marvelous.
I think being a bundle of contradictions might be part of what makes you such a fantastic writer. You can really get into the heads of a lot of different kinds of people (and beings). Because of the many facets of your own personality, you can portray a lot of different kinds of emotions and reactions with great authenticity.
Huge hugs, Virna! This couldn’t be happening to a nicer person.
Eileen
by Eileen April 29th, 2011 at 9:55 amEileen, your support and friendship means the world to me! You’re a great mentor and inspiration. Thank you!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:49 amCongrats on the upcoming release, Virna! And welcome to the crazy-pants life of being a published author. I think it’s those contradictions that let us dream up all those stories — much less tell them!
by Silver James April 29th, 2011 at 10:14 amI agree, Silver. I’m amazed at the “weird” things I can think of–all part of who I am, good or bad.
Thank you for posting!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:50 amWonderful post Virna – you’re a fabulous combination that adds up to a terrific writer. My pre-release order is already in!
by Cathy Perkins April 29th, 2011 at 10:16 amThank you so much for pre-ordering the book, Cathy, and most of all for your support. It’s a thrill to be able to share this crazy time with you as your own career launches! Congrats again on your sale to Carina!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:51 amI am so, so, so excited about your new release! It’s a great cover. I think many of us are a bundle of contradictions :/
Seven books before your first is out! That’s just amazing. Like Eileen said, it couldn’t happen to a nicer person.
XOXO
by Allison Brennan April 29th, 2011 at 10:45 amAllison,
Thank you so much! It was meeting you and Brenda (and seeing that you had 3+ kids AND were successful authors) that encouraged me to think, “I CAN do this!”
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:53 amYou CAN do it, you DID do it, you ARE doing it. Writing is part of who I am, it fulfills me like little else does. I think you feel the same. I’m happier now, and that’s good for the kids. And it’s a great example to set–if you want something bad enough and work hard enough, you can achieve your goals. It might not always work out the way you think, but it’s still a positive role model for kids in a world that is depressing half the time.
by Allison Brennan April 29th, 2011 at 3:57 pmHearty congrats on your debut book and all of the contracted books!
I loved your advice for aspiring writers:
… be willing to be uncomfortable. For most of us, the “bad†is going to be there. It just is. You’ll experience it and you’ll recognize the “good†because of it. For me, publication has been a journey of contrasts and contradictions. And of course, since most everything in life is, I really shouldn’t have expected anything different.
Funnily enough, it is the best advice I received in regards to travelling abroad. It is a fabulous viewpoint to have for life in general.
by Little Lamb Lost April 29th, 2011 at 10:49 amThank you for the congrats and the reminder that the advice can apply to traveling. I’m leaving the country for the first time in 16 years mid-May–excited but terrified, too!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 10:54 amI cannot wait to read this book Virna. I am always looking for new twists on an old theme and I think you have done it. Congrats and have a great party.
Hugs & Luvs
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
by Michelle Penton Bledsoe April 29th, 2011 at 11:32 amHi Michelle, I’m glad you like my twist! Thanks so much for posting and for your good cheer!
by Virna DePaul April 30th, 2011 at 7:41 pmCongratulations on your new HRS sale, Virna! Love that publishers are snatching you up for multiple books so we don’t have to wait long for the next to come out. Although I’ve read CHOSEN BY BLOOD (loved it!!!), I pre-ordered a handful to pass out to friends. They are going to be so hooked on this series and appreciative to moi for introducing them to it. They’re going to want MORE MORE MORE. Maybe you can build an actual Vamp Dome and we can all visit it like the Romance Reader’s version of Disneyland? I’d definitely buy a season pass. Especially if Knox is going to be there — yummm. Can’t wait til CHOSEN’S official release so I can savor Felicia’s story again…this time with the actual book in hand – yay!
by Susan Hatler April 29th, 2011 at 11:59 amVamp Dome in Vamp World perhaps? That would be killer, Susan!
LOL It’s so weird, you’ve been with me from the beginning and finally my first book is launching. And your career is taking off, too! Woo-hoo!! Thanks for all your love, support, and crits!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 12:09 pmWeclome to MSW! Wow, the book sounds fangtastic
Can’t wait to read it.
by HollyD April 29th, 2011 at 12:30 pmHi Holly, LOL. I came up blank with a funny retort, but thank you so much!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 2:58 pmHi Virna. Congrats on your debut release. Sounds great.
by CrystalGB April 29th, 2011 at 12:59 pmCongrats on the new release! I meant to tune into your chat with Larissa Ione last night, but completely forgot…to much other stuff going on in life, I guess. Best of luck with this book and the future releases! This one sounds great and I will definately be checking into it. I love finding a new author of vamp books and seeing how they will change the typical beliefs to fit their stories (whether they can walk in the sun, if they have reflections, etc.)
by June M. April 29th, 2011 at 1:05 pmHi June! Sorry you missed the chat but we’ll be posting the recording link. I hope you find I did enough differently in CBB to intrigue you!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 2:59 pmHi, Virna! Yea! on your upcoming book! I look forward to reading it; it sounds great!
by Chelsea B. April 29th, 2011 at 2:53 pmThank you, Crystal!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 2:58 pmThanks, Chelsea!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 2:59 pmHi Virna, and welcome to MSWs! I really enjoyed your excerpt and will look for the book!
by Jen Lyon April 29th, 2011 at 3:44 pmThanks so much, Jen!
by Virna DePaul April 30th, 2011 at 1:29 pmCongrats on your upcoming release and I loved your post. This is going to be bought from me once it hit’s the shelves here, sounds amazing!!
by Jolene Allcock April 29th, 2011 at 3:59 pmThank you, Jolene! Glad you enjoyed the post!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:46 pmI really enjoyed your post I love finding out about authors. I’ve seen your book before (can’t remember where) and I’ve always thought it sounded like a great read.
by Sherry S. April 29th, 2011 at 4:18 pmSo cool that you’ve heard about the book. Thank you!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:48 pmVirna, welcome to MSW!!! Congrats on the new release!!
So great meeting you at RT too
by Lori Armstrong April 29th, 2011 at 4:20 pmThanks, Lori! it was great meeting you at RT!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:48 pmVirna, can’t believe your day is finally going to be here. Seemed so long ago when you announced the sale. Then it seemed to take forever for it to get here. Congratulations!!!
by Jill James April 29th, 2011 at 5:33 pmIt HAS been forever, hasn’t it, Jill! Thanks so much!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:48 pmCongrats on your new release! Your books sound really good and I will have to give them a try. Thanks for the great post and contest.
by Quilt Lady April 29th, 2011 at 6:32 pmThanks for giving the books a try, Quilt Lady! I appreciate it!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:49 pmYour book is on my wish list and has been for quite a while.
by Diane Sadler April 29th, 2011 at 7:30 pmYay, Diane! Thank you!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:49 pmHugs my friend! I wish you much success!
As an aside to our readers: I have read this story and I LOVED IT!!!! Treat yourself and pick up a copy. You’ll be happy you did!
by Karin Tabke April 29th, 2011 at 7:58 pmKarin, thank you so much! I’m thrilled to be with the same house as you, coming out with a novel on the same day! You’re a great friend, writer, and savvy business lady.
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:50 pmChosen by Blood is on my list. It looks great. Thanks for the post!
by Jen B. April 29th, 2011 at 9:34 pmThanks so much Jen B!
by Virna DePaul April 29th, 2011 at 9:50 pmI kind of think as a writer you would need to be contrasts. You need to view the world from different angles, as it were. I like that about you. CHOSEN BY BLOOD looks amazing.
by Mary Preston April 30th, 2011 at 1:36 amYou’re so right, Mary! Thanks for your kind words and for posting!
by Virna DePaul April 30th, 2011 at 5:24 amVirna, congratulations on your debut book. Love your writing! I’m definitely going to buy it.
by Edie Ramer April 30th, 2011 at 8:18 amEdie, thank you! I’m so excited about your self-publishing success and appreciate your support!
by Virna DePaul April 30th, 2011 at 1:30 pmCongrats on your new release ! Would love to dive into your world
by mariska April 30th, 2011 at 9:16 amThank you so much! Dive away and tell me what you think, Mariska! I’d appreciate it!
by Virna DePaul April 30th, 2011 at 1:31 pmHi Karin! Hi Virna!! Awesome post, this is actually something that’s been on my mind a lot lately – integrating what sometimes feels like different lives – but your point about contrast and contradictions is really good. Sometimes it WON’T feel “integrated” and I just have to deal with that.
by Bonnie H April 30th, 2011 at 11:15 amI LOVE this book (ALL your books) but I know you already know that LOL Wish I could go to your party, I know it will be a blast!! *hugs*
Bonnie, you’re a great source of support for me. Thanks for all your hard work so my books will be a success! XO
by Virna DePaul April 30th, 2011 at 1:32 pmHi Virna–Your book, CHOSES BY BLOOD sounds fascinating. I’ll have to check it out. Good luck with your sales, and I love contests.
by Ann G. May 1st, 2011 at 12:47 amThanks, Ann G!
by Virna DePaul May 1st, 2011 at 2:05 pm