Check out this Comic!

Today is a breath of fresh air. No 'Where is Kelly' today. It's 'Where are My Writer Pals', Michael Jasper and Niki Smith. They have a seriously cool online comic IN MAPS & LEGENDS, and they're running a pretty sweet contest. So if you love comics, great stories, and awesome art, please check it out! Here's their info:

The first 8 pages of the online comic IN MAPS & LEGENDS is live at DC Comics' Zuda site: http://www.zudacomics.com/node/1540 For the month of November, our comic is part of an "American Idol"-style competition, where readers vote on their favorite comic out of the 10 comics on the site. In addition to voting, you can also help by clicking the stars (five stars is best), and clicking the "Add to Favorites" button as well. Further, you can add a comment in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

And if you're really ambitious, you can add a graphic and a link to the comic to your website, blog, or Facebook page: http://www.zudacomics.com/competition/support (scroll down to get to our graphic). The winner gets a one-year contract with DC Comics to write the next 52 pages of their comic. We're really hoping to make that happen! But it can only happen with your votes, favorites, comments, and stars. So vote away, and tell your friends!

We also have a contest running where a randomly selected person who leaves a comment on the comic's page can get a chance to name one of the villains in our comic: http://michaeljasper.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/comics-comment-contest-name-that-villain/

How to register and vote for IN MAPS & LEGENDS:

-If you haven't already done so, register at Zuda by clicking the Sign Up link in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
-Verify the account via your email.
-Sign into ZudaComics.com with your new user name and password.
-Select IN MAPS & LEGENDS.
-Read the comic!
-To the right of the comic, please click the VOTE button, then rate the comic (five stars if you liked it) and also click Add as favorite. The vote is by far the most important of these three things, but every little bit helps.
-Down below, add a comment to be considered in the villain-naming contest! Contest ends Friday the 13th at 5 p.m. EST. You can comment as often as you like.

Have your family members and friends do the same before the end of November.

The Darkest Edge of Dawn

Saw that DEOD ('cus, yes, I'm too lazy to type it out) made it up on Amazon, usa. And now there are two books listed under my name, which is exceedingly cool. For some reason that makes me feel very productive, and very real. Further validated in some ways. I guess, I'm still not used to the whole author identity. Most of the time I feel like this: "Hi, my name is Kelly, and I am an author. . . . No really. I am. Seriously." ;-) Like I need to convince people (or maybe myself). But, I suppose it'll settle in soon enough...

Anyway, seeing it up there gives me chills and inspiration. And it makes me want to work on the revisions some more, so I'm getting off the Internets and back to work!

Oh, and hey, make sure to stop by on Thursday because the fabulous Evy Stone of THREE DAYS TO DEAD fame will be here to talk about her incredible story with THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS's heroine, Charlie Madigan!

Monday - the good & the bad

The Good:

The very kind Rebecca has posted an interview with me today at her blog, Number One Novels. It's a very cool collection of interviews from first-time authors, so please stop by and check it out. And there's a copy of The Better Part of Darkness up for grabs, too.

EDITED TO ADD: You'll also find me over at The League of Reluctant Adults, today. If you have some time, comment and let me know how you liked the interview!

Also, today is the last day to enter the 2 Kelly's Quiz over at Enchanted By Books. The winner will be announced tomorrow. Remember entering could get you $100 in our grandprize giveaway!

The Bad:

I'm sick. As in, breathing is hard, my voice comes and goes, and I'm exhausted. Not fun. I'm a little behind on a few things. If I owe you an email or something else, please send me a reminder -- my brain is tired. :-/

Book 2 gets a name & date...

Got outed by Amazon Canada (thanks Tez for the head's up!), so I can share. Book 2 shall henceforth be known as:

The Darkest Edge of Dawn (Aug. 31, 2010)

And now that I have the final copy of BPOD, I can also tell you that you'll find an excerpt of 'Darkest Edge' in the back of that beautiful book -- even more reason to go out and pick up a copy, right? Right? ;-)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Surreal day

Yesterday was out of this world. Found an envelope containing some of my author copies of BPOD on my doorstep when I got home from the doctor's (have a nasty, achy cold and keep losing my voice). No one around. Just me. And my reaction was a pretty quiet one. No screaming or crying. Just sat at the kitchen table and stared at them for a long time. Obviously, not shocked or surprised because I know what the cover looks like, and I've had ARCs for months. So that part of it wasn't what had me staring... It was the realization that this is real. This is it. The book is done. And very shortly it'll make it's way out into the world. And into one of my favorite places on earth -- the almighty bookstore.

If I had to take a wild guess, I'd say seeing the book on the shelf in a store...that's when I'll probably get weak in the knees and have to sit down right there in the aisle and shed a few tears. :-)

Also had a wonderful conversation with my editor, which made me want to jump through the phone and give him a big ole hug. He gives me too much credit and downplays his contribution to this book. Without his belief, insight, direction, and input, this book would be nowhere near what is has become. So, you know, gotta give props to him, and to the entire team at Pocket and S&S -- they have been an amazing bunch of people to work with!

Okay, moving on from the sappiness to some contest deadline reminders for ya:

Hooked on Romance: chance to win a signed copy of BPOD ends today.
Enchanted by Books: Take the 2 Kellys quiz and see how well you know us! Ends 11/10.
Dark Faerie Tales: Comments to win BPOD close on 11/23.
2K Event: Up and running until 11/23. Make sure to enter!

Around the web & live, in person...

Literary Escapism has a few snippets of THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS up for Teaser Tuesday. If you want a sneak peek into the book, please check it out. The snippets are from two scenes that I really enjoyed writing, so I'm thrilled that they're up for folks to read.

Hooked on Romance is hosting me today. There'll be a giveaway and interview up and I'll be stopping by occassionally to check in and comment or to answer any questions...

And, I'm very excited to report that I've scheduled my first book signing at Barnes & Nobles in The Streets at South Point Mall, in Durham, NC. December 4th, 2009. 7:30 P.M. It's a gorgeous store, and the CRM there is incredibly nice, so I'm really looking forward to meeting the folks there and signing some books!

Almost here . . .

Yesterday evening, I got one of the coolest emails from my editor. A picture of BPOD -- the final book -- hot off the presses. *Squee!* My copies will be here shortly, but until then feast your eyes upon the loveliness:

Take the 2 Kellys Quiz Today!

Kelly Meding and I are over at Rachael's blog, Enchanted by Books today. There are ten statements. Just match them to the correct Kelly and you'll have a chance to win some great prizes! So, go on over and see how well you know us!

Visit me at Dark Faerie Tales Today!

I'm at the amazing Dark Faerie Tales today talking about THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS and the writing life. Please stop by, take a look, and enter the giveaway!

It's Here: The 2K Kick-off & Chance to win $100!

The Same Name, Same Date, Same Genre – Two Awesome Debuts! Event! (Hereafter referred to as the 2K Event, for Twitter-friendly brevity sake.)


Join debut urban fantasy authors Kelly Meding and Kelly Gay for a month of giveaways, interviews, quizzes, and more as we celebrate the upcoming November 24th release of our debut novels: THREE DAYS TO DEAD (Kelly Meding) and THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS (Kelly Gay).

We have some great things in store for you! Please join us November 3rd for our Two Kelly’s Quiz at ENCHANTED BY BOOKS, and match the statements to the correct Kelly to win some amazing prizes! And join us again on November 12th for a double interview at our blogs where Evy Stone and Charlie Madigan interview each other! These gals have a lot to say, so don’t miss it (and the chance to win more freebies!).

But here’s the best part: Our GRAND PRIZE. Oh yeah. We’re talking a $100 Amazon gift card for one lucky winner.

The GRAND PRIZE giveaway starts now, November 1st and ends November 23rd at noon, Eastern Standard Time. You'll have multiple chances to enter the drawing for the $100 Amazon gift card.

Here’s how:

1) Just comment at any of our events mentioned above and you’re automatically entered. Please note: One comment at one event will gain you one entry. For example: Comment at all three events (the Quiz, the Evy Stone Interview & the Charlie Madigan Interview) and not only are you entered to win those prizes, but now you’re entered THREE times in the GRAND PRIZE giveaway. (And, no, multiple commenting at each event will not gain you extra entries). So that's three chances right there!

2) Folks who do not plan on automatically entering by commenting at our events, may enter by sending an ‘ENTER ME!’ email to Kelly Meding's email address: mail (at) kellymeding.com. One email only, and please use the subject line "ENTER ME!" or your entry may get lost in the Spam Folder (and we don't want that). Please note: If you choose to participate in option #1, you can still enter this way, too. And we do encourage you to choose option #1 and play along with us!

3) Additionally, we want to say a special thanks to those folks who pre-order our books. So, if anyone has pre-ordered at any time, up to November 23rd, please send proof of purchase (scanned or screencapped image of online pre-order confirmation, scanned or photographed in-store receipt [with all private info smudged out, of course]) to: mail (at) kellymeding.com with the subject line "PRE-ORDER." Pre-order proof of one of our books gains you 5 entries. Pre-order proof of both books will gain you 10 entries in the GRAND PRIZE giveaway. (You are also free to enter via Rules #1 & #2). Please note: The GRAND PRIZE giveaway does not require purchase to enter. This rule is merely a way for us to give big, sloppy "Thank you!" kisses to those of you who have or will purchase our books. Both books do not have to have been pre-ordered at the same time; separate confirmation is fine.

Everyone with us so far?

Awesome!And guess what? Follow along and participate in our events and you might just win some additional entries in our grand prize!

Please help us spread the word by Tweeting and blogging the 2K Event, and feel free to use the above contest graphic.We'll see you Tuesday at ENCHANTED BY BOOKS!!!

Perfect fall day

It truly is. Sun is shining. Leaves are a gorgeous collection of oranges, yellows, and reds. There's a nice breeze, so the leaves are falling from the trees to blanket the ground. . . I must get outside at some point today. Right now I am a spectator. Always on the inside, looking out it seems.

I gutted three pumpkins and four gourds yesterday. :D Today I shall carve. The gourds are going to be really cool b/c they're green and if you hold them round/heavy side up, they look like alien heads -- so we're doing a whole family of them... I shall post pics when done, but here are some awesome carvings I found in the Internets:

RT Review

Realized I never posted this. Came as a surprise to me because I didn't even know I'd be among the books reviewed, so... yay!

From RT Magazine (Dec.):

"Talented Gay enters the urban fantasy world with a strong debut novel set in an Atlanta that has become a doorway between worlds. Charlie Madigan is acomplex heroine who is hardheaded and gutsy. Gay's world vision is dark andgritty, with plenty of mystery and treachery thrown in. This is an excellentstart to an electrifying new series! (4 star review)

Summary: Single mom and cop Charlie Madigan and her siren partner Hank huntdown off-world criminals running amok in the Underground. Atlanta has becomethe doorway to the alternate dimensions of Elysia and Charbydon, whoseresidents possess terrifying powers.

Following a recent brutal attack, Charlie literally died, and no one hasbeen able to give her a straight explanation as to what happened to bringher back, or what the strange changes now occurring within her mean. Ahorrible new drug called Ash has started infiltrating the streets, eventaking down the babysitter of Charlie's daughter, Emma. Charlie and Hank arehot on the trail of its source, but their hunt leads them to an even moreterrifying danger that threatens everything they know and love. (POCKET, Dec., 384 pp., $7.99)"

Oh nos! Promo. More excerpt goodness.

Camera is not working. Bah. Which means no update on the Drama in Kellandia. And for those who know me well -- yes, I did check the battery. ;-)

Hey, did you guys know my Author Page at the Simon & Schuster.com website has my entire chapter 1 up (and not just the half chapter found on Amazon)?

I'm going to write a post about promo next week. Wow, you guys. The amount of work this involves is way more time-consuming than I thought. It's important work, though, and I do have lots of fun answering interview questions and guest blogging. I think that might be my favorite part of promo, actually. I've gotten to 'meet' a lot of wonderful readers and writers. But add all that to writing press releases, sending out material, connecting with the local media, scheduling signings and stock signings, and ordering/designing swag, placing ads, updating personal sites, etc... it ends up filling my entire day.

The timing, however, is working very nicely for me. I don't have any deadlines on other projects yet, so I'm not having to split my time right now. (And this won't always be the case, I know -- thank god for small, serendipitous miracles!). And, though I try to write everyday, I'm allowing myself this time, this month before release, to do whatever is needed to get the word out. This is my first book, ya know? So I don't want to have any regrets. :-)

More later...

Drama in Kellandia

I think it's time for another installment of Drama in Kellandia. To recap the last time we visited this most holy of cities, a crime had been committed. See evidence below and stay tuned for some new developments to come in the next day or two.

9.18.2008:

This morning a heinous crime was discovered in Kellandia. Xena, Warrior Princess, and much beloved member of Kellandia was attacked with scissors while she slept. I give you Exhibit A & B:

Who has done such a vile deed? I give you the suspects:

Barbie & Wonder Woman. Barbie lives in nearby Kidtropolis and is still seeking vengeance after Xena sliced off Barbie's fingers (as evident in the police photo). Or she could just be pissed due to the bad hairdo . . . Wonder Woman, another beloved member of Kellandia believes Xena may have stolen W's lasso.

This investigator, however, believes a sordid love triangle might exist between the victim and suspects and this man:

Legolas. Chick magnet. Could it be a case of jealousy, perhaps? Or is Legolas humiliated and out for revenge due to the sudden black magic-market dot that appeared on the tip of his nose? Does he think Xena is the culprit?

For now, the case remains open . . .

Thirty Six & Secrets

Know what that number means? Hmm? Anyone? That's how many days, not counting today, left to the release of BPOD! *heart attack!*

I've been so busy. Book stuff. Personal stuff. It all seems to hit at once. I guess I should know that by now, but... anyway working on some REALLY COOL, REALLY SECRET stuff to promo the book release. And yes, it deserves to be capitalized & italicized-- it is that awesome.

And Haiku Winner and runner's up, don't forget to email me your info!!!

Now back to the secret stuff... well, the word 'secret'. I like this word. All my toast is secret. Yes, you see, I only make 'secret toast'. I only eat 'secret toast'. It tastes better that way. Just sayin'. Anyone know the movie reference I'm talking about? ;-)