Our guest today is my fellow Dorchester author, Alicia Dean. Her new release, Heart of the Witch, came out last week, and I went straight to the bookstore to snatch it up. It’s a spine-tingling, heart-in-your-mouth, tear-jerker of a suspense story sure to keep you up all night. Welcome, Alicia!
Thanks for having me as a guest here at the Pink Fuzzies. This is so exciting for me. So many fantastic things are happening with my release of Heart of the Witch. I am just thrilled to have the book out there and hope readers will love it.
Here's a blurb:
There is a monster on the loose, a serial killer murdering young women near Oklahoma City. On each corpse he writes his name in blood:
THE TIN MAN
But while the villain claims to be heartless, he’s not beyond making a mistake. This time he left his prey alive, and ex-homicide detective Nick Lassiter plans to use her to crack the case wide open. Yet, Ravyn Skyler is nothing like he expects. She remembers little of the crime, and for a victim, she has a deep reserve of quiet strength. In her eyes he sees both helpless waif and merciless vigilante, and in her kiss he tastes both passion and power. With a tale of a tin man, it only seems fair that there’s a witch. And this witch guards a secret that threatens not only their lives, but their souls.And here's an excerpt:
“You’re not making any sense,” Ravyn snapped. “I’d give anything to find and stop this maniac. I don’t know what you’re accusing me of, or why. Why?"
Nick sighed and shook his head. “Damn it, I don’t know. I don’t know.”
She put a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, Nick.”
He gave her a small, humorless smile. “Sorry for what? Are you sorry Kayne is a dangerous fanatic? Or are you sorry that I can’t stop thinking about you, can’t stop wanting you? Sorry that my desire for you is stronger than it ever was for my dead wife?” He grabbed her once more and pulled her to him. “Do you have any idea how crazy that is? How it makes me feel? I want you every second of every day. Even with people dying around me, even with the frustration and guilt of not being able to stop this murdering psychopath, I still want you. It’s . . . it’s like I’m under some sort of spell.”
When I set out to write the book, I wanted to write a paranormal, but didn't want to write about vampires. I mean, I LOVE vampires, but everyone was writing about vampires, and I didn't think I could come up with a new twist that would be appealing. So, I decided to write about a witch, then the Tin Man thing just sort of developed and all kinds of funny Wizard of Oz coincidences followed. I wrote an article for RT about these coincidences, but I'd like to share them here:
1) I entered and won a contest titled Emerald City Opener.
2) While finishing my manuscript, I took a job transfer to Kansas. (But...I'm not in Kansas any more
3) My book is published by Dorchester Publishing. Ray Bolger, the scarecrow in Wizard of Oz who was originally cast as the Tin Man, was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Neal McDonough, who played the Tin Man in the sci fi series of the same name, was born in Dorchester also.
A little creepy, but kind of cool, don't you think?
Heart of the Witch is currently Dorchester's 'New Hot Pick of the Month' and FOR A LIMITED TIME, you can get it at DorchesterPub.com for the low price of $3.50.
I am holding a contest on my website through the end of the year. In the book, one of the character's names is a scrambled version of someone connected to the original Wizard of Oz movie. On January 1st, 2010, I'll draw one name out of all the correct guesses that are emailed to me. The winner will receive a 70th anniversary edition of the Wizard of Oz DVD, a $30 Amazon gift card, and a signed copy of Heart of the Witch. Check out my website for more details: AliciaDean.com
Thanks for stopping by! One lucky commenter will receive a signed copy of Heart of the Witch.
Thanks for blogging with us today, Alicia!
Love the play off the Wizard of Oz! I haven't picked up a copy of your book yet, but will put it on my TBR list based on your excerpt!
Wow! I got chills reading the blurb. Sounds like an excellent premise, Alicia. Great cover too.
Also sounds like it could be the start of a series using takoffs of WOO icons.
Nice!
Bart
Alicia, what fun to have you with the Pink Fuzzies today! I love the description of your book and the reference to the Wizard of Oz. Excellent! Congratulations and good luck with everything!
Hi Alicia~~Hi, Barbara~~
Loved the interview!! It was very interesting; especially all the OZ connections---But, I do agree with you, the Dorchester part was creepy. What does the Tin Man have over it??? Being a fellow Dorchester author, I'd like to know. LOL :)
And, I think your scrambling a name and putting it in the book is very creative. Congrats on being Hot Pick of the Month!!!
Have a great day!
~Caroline
This is creepy book (in the best sense of the word. Wicked on the Oz references!
Congrats on writing a fantastic book, babe!
Congratulations, Alicia! Heart of the Witch sounds like an awesome read! I love the Wizard of Oz. And those coincidences are way cool.
Thanks, Debbie. The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies. Hope you enjoye the book.
I also love the cover...and they did a great job on the blurb. I've actually considered a series. Hmmmm. Not a bad idea. Thanks, Bart.
Thanks Judy, it's so much fun being here The Pink Fuzzies is a great blog.
LOL, Caroline. I don't know. A friend of mine discovered the Dorchester connections. Kind of spooky! Nice meeting a fellow Dorchester author.
Hi Natashya, my friend. Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words. Love ya!
Hi Liana...thanks so much for stopping by. It's been an amazing experience.
You'll get even more chills reading the book!
I love the puzzle aspect of the contest, too. I can never resist a scrambled word.
Alicia,
So nice to have you here! Your blurb and excerpt are wonderful and I love serial killers, even more than vampires! Can't wait to read it. I'll be ordering my copy!
Hey, Barbara, thanks for the endorsement and thanks so much for having me here. Can't wait to read your book when it's released.
Hi Patrice...you ladies are fantastic. Love your blog. I also have a fondness for serial killers, LOL. Even writing a paranormal, an SK had to show up! :-)
Sounds like a wonderful book, Alicia! I can't wait to read it. What's the copyright?;) The Published Daphne is right around the corner in January 2010. I love the concept and the excerpt. Well done!
Hi Alicia,
I ordered the book. Can't wait for it to get here.
Alicia, congratulations!! Planning a trip to the bookstore on Friday! And you've reminded me it is time to watch the Wizard of Oz again :)
Donnell, thanks so much. I haven't checked into the Daphne. The copyright is 2009. Does that qualify? I LOVE the Daphne. Kiss of Death is a fantastic group.
Hey there, Jannine. thanks for stopping by and I appreciate you ordering my book. Hope you enjoy it.
Toni...nice to hear from you. I know. I never get tired of watching that movie! :-)Thanks for stopping by!
Welcome to the Fuzzies, Alicia. Wow, that Dorchester connection thing is very interesting. Your new release sounds like a super read.
Hi Alicia,
Congratulations on your debut! I ordered your book and can't wait for it to arrive so I can read it. Hmmm. Might be good for Christmas presents, too. Be sure to celebrate your success.
Diane
I got chills reading the book (it is truly a great read), but what really gives me chills is seeing my sister get published and wonderful people like you excited about it and supporting her. Thanks, ya'll!! There is not a more deserving person for all the success life has to offer. Luv ya, Alicia!
Alicia, 2009 is perfect copyright date. January 15, 2010 we start taking books. I hope you'll enter.
Hi Alicia
I heard about your great news from Joelle. Congratulations on the book. It sounds great! Wishing you lots of success and sales. It's on my "to buy" list.
Joan Beth Erickson
Congrats on the book! Just wanted you to know that it's sold out here in Shawnee. I also let our bookstaore know that you're a local author and she's putting your book on separate display. SHe'd already spoken with Sharon. ;)
Hi Beth...thanks for stopping by. Yes, the connection must mean it was all meant to be. :-)
Donnell, I'll be sure to check into it. Thanks for the tip.
Hey, my biggest fan (because she's my sis, LOL) Thanks so much for all your support and loving encouragement. AND...for doing my web site. You rock!
Hi there, Diane. I really appreciate you stopping by. Thanks for ordering my book. Hope you enjoy it. YES. I am celebrating daily. :-) It's wonderful and I can't wait until you experience it, too. You're a fanastic writer, it will happen soon.
Hi Joan...so wonderful to hear from you. Thanks for popping in. Hope things are going well with your writing. Keep in touch!
OMG, Chelle. How great is that? You're a doll. Thanks for the support. That is so sweet of Sharon to speak with her, too. It is really awesome to have the support of my terrific writing group, OKRWA. You guys are the best!
I was one of the lucky ones to grab Alicia's book before it sold out at the OKC B&N! I have to leave the lights on for awhile after I finish reading for the night. Seriously. This book is wonderful!
Congrats, Alicia! And kudos for a book well-written!
Brrr! I know what you mean about leaving the lights on.
And definitely enter the Daphne, Alicia! It's a wonderful contest. My first sale was made via the Daphne, and I'll be entering in 2011 for sure.
Thank you so much, everyone, for stopping by!
The book sounds so exciting. I can't wait to read it. Congrats on its release. That's so exciting.
Boone Brux
Can't wait to read this, Alicia! I also can't believe there's another Donnell on the RWA and romance reading loops. Not very many of us female Donnells, LOL!
Btw, my vote is for the WOO series :-)
donnell
Barbara, thanks for bringing Alicia to us. This story sounds like one to keep me up all night reading and grumbling 'til I finish the book. Good job ladies!
Alicia, welcome to the Pink Fuzzy Slippers. Your book sounds like a must-read and bite-your-nails. I know I will be reading it in one sitting and biting my nails to the core.
Wow, Alicia! Your story sounds like a winner. I love a good scare and will definitely go out and pick up a copy of your book. What gave you the idea to use the Wizard of Oz as inspiration?
Thanks, Silver...so glad you were there when the books came out from the back. VERY exciting moment. :-)
To Boone, Mona, Mary...thanks so much! I hope you'll pick up the book (or win one here) and I certainly hope you enjoy it.
I won't apologize for spooking any of you. I really LOVE to be spooked, so if I can return the favor, that's just fantastic. :-)
Hey Pink Spyder Donnell - thanks for stopping by, sweetie. Yep, there actually is another one of you. LOL. Pretty unusual. I'll keep in mind you endorse the series idea. Since you're one of my crit partners, I guess I should listen to you. :-D
Hi Pamela...thanks for commenting. Actually, I can't say where the Wizard of Oz idea from. I had a vague idea for the story, then thought, hmmmm, since my heroine is a witch, what if the killer called himself the Tin Man? But why would he do that? Then, once I answered those questions, the other stuff just fell into place. Although I do love WOO, I didn't set out to use that as an inspiration.
An interesting concept playing on the Wizard of Oz. Is Toto in it as well?
There is a dog, Linda. But he's much too big to be carried around in a basket. :-)
The Wizard of Oz theme is really pretty vague in the book, but there are some references.
Okay the blurb hooked me. Can't wait for the autographed copy, will have to dash out to Barnes & Noble. Welcome to the PFS and thanks for sharing your Wizard of Oz experiences! L. Nightingale
Wow! what an interesting concept! I can't wait to read this. Thanks for visiting the Pink Fuzzies, we hope you will call again!
Scarlet
What a great blog. It sounds just wonderful! I can't wait to read it. Thanks so much for visiting us at the PFS writers, what an honor. Nice job ladies.
Barbara I am so happy for you, you are at the beginning of a long and promising career. Good luck girl!
I have read the book and I can't recommend it enough. It is an incredible story with a lot of depth. Alicia is always good but she has out done herself with this one. :) Way to go, my friend!!!!
Alicia, your book sounds wonderful! My dh would love the Oz connection in the setting and the title.
I'm happy to see the paranormal market broadening. Vampires aren't my favorite, and I love magic.
Thanks, Linda (Nightingale) - Glad the blurb hooked you and I hope you'll enjoy the book.
Hello, Scarlet. (My all time favorite movie is Gone with the Wind, so LOVE the name) Thank you! The Pink Fuzzies is an awesome blog and you ladies have been wonderful hostesses. I'll be sure to call again.
Hi Mary...I'm so thrilled to be here and I agree. Barbara did a super job and I wish her tremendous success.
Hey my dear friend, Lori. What a sweet thing to say! So glad you liked the book. :-)
Thank you, Nancy. I like exploring other aspects of the paranormal market and I think there's room for all sorts of creatures.
Hi Alicia. Heart of a Witch sounds like a great read. I love the Wizard of Oz concept. Thanks, Barbara for inviting Alicia to Pink Fuzzies. :)
Linsey
WE enjoyed your visit, Alicia. Ya'll come back now. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
Mama Mary
Sorry I missed the blog! Great discussion! Can't wait to read your book!
Welcome, Alicia, to the Pink Fuzzies. Your book sounds fabulous! I wish you great success.
And a thanks to Barbara for introducing you.
Welcome to the PFS, Alicia. I love the premise. I love witches. I love suspense, so your debut novel will be on my wish list. LOL on all the connections. Too eery.
AJ
www.autumnjordon.com
Thanks so much, Linsey. I'm glad you stopped by and I also appreciate Barabara's invitation. I've had a wonderful time.
LOL, Mary...will do.
You still dropped by in time, Kelly. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope you like the book.
Great, Joanne, glad you like the premise. It's really been a cool experience.
Hi Autumn...wow, souunds like my book is right up your alley. Maybe you'll win a copy. :-) Thanks for stopping by.
WOW! I loved the blurb. Serial killer and witch, it grabbed my attention. This sounds like a very interesting story. I am a huge fan of paranormal romance and I look forward to reading Heart of the Witch.
So sorry I'm late, Alicia, but Heart of the Witch is definitely at the top of my TBR. Wishing you tons of success! *hugs*
Hi Tara...thanks so much. The idea of serial killers and witches rather appeals to me, too. I enjoyed writing it, hope you enjoy reading it.
Hey there, Cari, how are things? You're not late, you're just in time. :-) I appreciate you stopping by, nice to hear from you. Thanks for the good wishes...hoping the same for you! Take care and keep in touch.