I still consider myself to be one of the “new” girls here at Brava. My first novel, HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT, is scheduled for a May 2008 release. When I first made my sale to Brava (I learned the good news in early April of 2007), well, May 08 seemed very, very far away.
A few days ago, I received the ARCs for my story.
And, now, May 2008 sure doesn’t seem very far away at all! Before I know it, my book is going to be on store shelves. That’s wonderful–and so scary!
But, you don’t have to wait until May to read my story. Leave me a comment–tell me about a moment in your life that’s produced that weird mixture of fear and joy–and, on January 30th, I’ll come back and pick one commenter to receive an autographed ARC. (I’ll list the winner’s name in the comments sections of this post.)
And, in case you’re curious, here’s the back cover blurb for my tale:
Dr. Emily Drake’s patients tend to be a little unusual. Instead of the typical therapist’s caseload of midlife crises and mother fixations, Emily treats vampires with blood phobias and sex-demons looking for meaningful relationships. But her gift for recognizing and healing the Other—those creatures of the night that most humans don’t even know exist—requires a few house rules. First: Never trust a shifter. Especially not one like Detective Colin Gyth whose gold-flecked eyes and predatory air make Emily realize how much she’s been longing to lose control…
Colin can’t believe the doctor he’s been assigned to work with on the Night Butcher murder investigation is the one person who could expose his true identity as a wolf shifter. Smart, sexy, and stubborn as hell, Emily brings out the alpha male in Colin, unleashing a wild, heady desire that takes them both over the edge.
But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits…eager to spill Emily’s blood and taste her terror. And he’ll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust.
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I had an absolutely wonderful time writing this book. I love paranormal characters. Love twisting old legends and modernizing myths.
And I also really like writing about characters who have a deep darkness inside of them. What can I say? I guess I’m a lover of the bad boy. (Or, in this case, monster).
Before I end this post, I also wanted to offer my congratulations to all the finalists in the Brava Contest. There are some great stories posted, and, if you haven’t voted, hurry and pick your favorites!
Continued success with your writing.
I guess the moment of joy and fear would be having my children, especially my 2nd, hoping everthing would go ok, particulary having another child at home. Everthing did turn out ok of course. My real moment of fear will be when my daughter gets pregnant – I understand now what my mom went thru while I was pregnant and giving birth. Can you tell I am a worrywart? LOL.
Well congratulations on your upcoming release Cynthia!
The most fearful/joyful moment for me was high school graduation. It was exciting to be an adult and going to college but the fear of failure and now being accountable was there also.
Cindy, your book sounds fabulous! I’m eager for May so I can read it.
I feel the mixture of fear and joy every time I start a new book. I’m so eager to write about this character and this idea, but at the same time I’m afraid I won’t be able to bring the ideas in my mind to life.
Probably dating someone you really like is the same feeling … but it’s been awhile since I’ve dated. Thank God.
I would have to say having my first child. An awesome experience but so totally terrifying when you get home and realize that little human is totally dependent on you. Now my firstborn is a senior in high school, with plans to attend college 2 hours away, and that excited/nervous/scared feeling hits me at odd times during the day. I know how he still depends on Mom and Dad to do things for him (even if he doesn’t) and I worry about not being there for him at school. And I wonder how his younger brothers will react with him not living here anymore. I hope when the second one leaves for college it’ll be easier on me!
I felt a mixture of fear and joy when my youngest started preschool. It was a little lonely not having her with all day,but now I’m back in school too and life has got a little busier for me. It’s now a joy to have a little quiet time during the day.
Your books sounds great and I can’t wait to read it!
I guess my biggest moment of fear and joy was being with my sister and her husband in the delivery room for her final little girl. I was so excited to meet little Sarah, but it was so scary to see my sister on the table with tubes and everything.
Wow! Your book sounds great! I am looking forward to reading it.
I think giving birth the first time was the biggest mixture of fear and joy I have ever experienced. No matter how many classes you attend and how many books your read to prepare yourself, you still feel scared and happy at the same time when they lay that baby in your arms.
Thank you, Pat! Ah…giving birth–now that is definitely a wonderful moment of joy and fear. I’m looking at my son as I type this and just thinking about how right you are!
Thanks for the congratulations, brownone! Graduation–what another great example! Such a big transition!
Hi, Edie! Always a pleasure.
I get nervous every time I start a book, too. I always wonder where the characters are going to take me–and what the ride will be like!
Lisa, I can only imagine how nervous you are about your son’s college days. Time passes so quickly, doesn’t it?
Hi, Danette! I’m glad you’re able to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet now–though I’m sure you still keep on missing your girl!
Thanks, Liza! I’ll just admit this freely: Delivery rooms terrify me–so I completely understand.
Thanks for the comments!
I had quit my job a I hated and I was scared because I didn’t have another job lined up. I was so unhappy that I had to take action even though I knew it was possible that I would be unemployed for a while.
Congratulations Cynthia!
I would say it was on my wedding day. They opened those doors and all the people were staring at me. To this day, I still don’t remember much from my wedding.
Congratulations Cynthia!
I have to agree that childbirth was a fear/joy experience. Especially Caesarean Section.
Congrats on the upcoming release of your debut novel.
“a moment in your life that’s produced that weird mixture of fear and joy–”
I would have to say it was just over a year ago when we moved to Australia for dh’s consulting job. We left behind a great network of friends (who have been supportive and supporting of our family journey) to move to a new country.
Its been so long since I actually gave birth I don’t recall the fear part very well. But I do have a vivd recollection of the joy.
LOL
I would have to say it was the day my younger son got his driver’s license….which was only a month ago.
He was so excited to get it since we had to put it off three times in November due to his daddy being hospitalized or having procedures done. This is the child we call “Runs With Sissors”, so I am still apprehensive whenever he drives long distances by himself. Although I am very happy that I don’t have to drive him to school anymore!
congrats on the new book
it had to be when I was walking down the hospital hallway to go to L&D when I was pregneant and in labor with my first child. I definitely remember telling my hubby that I didn’t know if I could go through with it and he laughed and said it was a little too late now. i agreed but darn it that was a scrary and wonderful event too.
I am going to have to agree with all of the above! I guess all the firsts including first boyfriend, first kiss, first… hahaha – first job, getting married, and of course first (and second) child – first was 29 hrs. of labor pains every 3-5 min. apart until they went for that c-section, second came a lot faster only 11 hours and natural, first home, all your kids firsts because you are even more scared for them and especially when they learn to drive and unfortunately getting that call when they had their first accident (both had their cars totalled but not their faults and thanks goodness no one was really hurt)- I guess there are a lot of times when those feelings of fear and joy combine
Hi, everyone! I love reading these comments. Thank you! (And keep ‘em coming!) There seems to be so much in life that scares us…and thrills us, too.
Performance opportunities like when I’ve ever been in plays or dance recitals. Dance recitals especially. I was always terrified I’d miss a beat and get out of sync or fall on stage. I never had one of those moments but I always thought I would. Before every performance I was always sure I was going to puke, and asked myself why I put myself through it. But being on stage is so thrilling that once I’m out there, I’m fine.
One of the scariest, but happiest moments was actually this year…my daughter started high school. Now, you wouldn’t think this is such a big deal…but for me, it was such a major occurence. My little girl is a teenager…she’s smart, pretty, friendly and happy…and going off to this big, bad school where she’ll be treated pretty much as an adult. I was SO proud of her…but so scared that she’d be exposed to things little girls shouldn’t know, or that someone would be mean to her…I balled like a baby for the first week. LOL, and I don’t even want to talk about the bus…that’s something we’re still working on my phobia of.
Congrats on your first book!! It sounds great, I can’t wait to read it!!
that is greta, so hot cover too.
Hi Cynthia,
I can’t wait to read you book – I love the storyline and characters!
Hm, lets see. Mine aren’t as huge as some of these other comments, so I’ll go with humor. I had a feeling of fear and joy, I remember, the first time I flew as a little kid. And then the first time I got to take a trip on my own. (My flight ended up taking much longer than it should have and I got an excess of frantic messages from my mom.) Or maybe when I graduated from college, or got into or started college. Haha, or after finals. That’s a big one – joy at being done with the semester, a fear of never coming back due to failing out.
Wow, So many…starting college, first job, getting married, 4 deliveries, daughter’s wedding… each had it’s highs & lows… your expectations rarely equal the reality of the experience, Life is a challenge, but oh the REWARDS CAN BE AMAZING!
Best wishes and CONGRATULATIONS!!
Congrats on your book!
I guess I had that feeling of fear and joy when I had my son 18 years ago. Now I just sent him off to college 2 weeks ago and I miss him so much. He is only an hour away but I still worry.
Thanks to everyone for the great comments!
Now, I’m back, as promised, to announce the winner of my ARC…and the winner is: Jane!! Congrats, Jane! Please email me at cynthia@cynthiaeden.com in order to claim your prize.
wtg jane
Thanks for the book Cynthia. Thanks kim h.