New author pictures!

Okay, here's the deal - you guys tell me which author picture you think St. Martin's should use on the back of UNTAMED, and those of you who get it right I'll put your emails in a cyber hat and from that I'll pull a name and give away a signed copy of the new book. So, what do you think?!

MAJOR NEWS

Wow! Check out the amazing surprise we got today!

In case you can't read that CHOSEN is #7 on the PW list and MARKED is #10, (check out the pic and the article!), here's the lowdown:

CHOSEN

By PC and Kristin Cast

St. Martin’s Griffin

March 4, 2008

0-312-36030-4

*PUBALERT*

Chosen

PW Bestseller List

#7

April 14, 2008

MARKED (0-312-36026-6, Pub: May 2007) is #10!

The New York Times

Paperback Children’s Best Sellers List

#3

April 27, 2008

Previously:

The New York Times

Paperback Children’s Best Sellers List

#2

March 23, 2008

#3

March 30, 2008

#3

April 6, 2008

#4

April 20, 2008

USA Today

#100

March 16

#113

March 23

JUST WOW! Kristin and I are hardly touching the ground! Thank you so much, guys, for your fabulous support for this series! We heart you!

Special Guest Appearance

Many thanks to PC Cast who made a special guest appearance in the latest Author Talk video.  She looks fantastic!

You can see all the Author Talk videos at AuthorTalk.tv

HOUSE OF NIGHT SITE!

The House of Night website is finally live! Yea for the fabulous Carly Wilkins and all of her team's hard work. Check it out! Be sure to visit the store and see all the cool House of Night stuff you can buy!

Interview With Author Talk

The video speaks for itself...

WOW! WOW! WOW!

KRISTIN AND I ARE SHOCKED AND THRILLED TO LET Y'ALL KNOW THAT CHOSEN IS #2 ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER LIST!!!!

And last weekend MARKED won the Oklahoma Book Award, which was a special honor for us to be acknowledged by our home state.

Wow! We are riding high! Thank you so much to all of you! You've made this happen!

Now, back to writing UNTAMED...

V-DAY'S 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

I am honored that Tulsa's Domestic Violence Intervention Service (DVIS)asked me to read the Spotlight Piece for their V-10 Day celebration/charity. I am a huge fan of Eve Ensler's VAGINA MONOLOGUES, and am excited to be even a small part of this incredible piece of work. So here's the info if you're anywhere near the Tulsa area. (If you're not, please check out the VDAY site at www.vday.org and support stopping violence against women.)

V-DAY TULSA 2008 IS PROUD TO PRESENT A production of Eve Ensler's
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
March 22, 2008 doors open at 10:00 am
March 28, 2008 doors open at 5:30 pm
All Souls Unitarian Church
2953 South Peoria
Tulsa, OK
Proceeds Benefit Tulsa DVIS Women's Shelter

MORE WONDERFUL NEWS!

Kristin and I were thrilled and honored when we were notified this weekend that MARKED is a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award in the YA/Children's division. It's wonderful to have our home state acknowledge us and appreciate our work. We're going to the lovely award dinner on March 8th in Oklahoma City where they will announce the winner. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION QUICK PICK!

The Young Adult division of the American Library Association (YALSA) has announced their final list of YA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. MARKED and BETRAYED both made the final list! Kristin and I are absolutely thrilled! It's especially nice to be recognized by the ALA as someone who helps encourage kids to read. Thanks very much to the panel that chose us!

A fabulous surprise!

So last night I was browsing through the current issue of Romantic Times Magazine, mostly checking out the lovely reviews of my girlfriends' current releases (Nalini Singh and Jaci Burton are 4 1/2 star top picks, and the wonderful Gena Showalter received 4 big stars) and I come to the back of the magazine where they have the nominees for the 2007 Reviewers' Choice Awards. Okay, as I already blogged about, Kristin and I are nominated in the YA category (yea!), but I was checking out the other fabulous nominees and happened to read through the nominees for the Career Achievement Awards. And BAM! right there under the paranormal category is P.C. Cast! I had not a clue I was a nominee! What an amazing surprise! I'm still blown away by the honor. RT says of the award: "The Career Achievement nominees are authors who have continuously crafted superior books throughout their careers." Wow!

RT Nomination!

Kristin and I are thrilled that MARKED has been nominated for the 2007 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in the YA category! Yea for MARKED!

Girlfriend release!

Many of you know that the fabulous Gena Showalter and I are good friends. Please check out the release of her newest novel, SAVOR ME SLOWLY. (And what an amazing cover! Gena baby, did you pose for that?!)

Here's the book info:

SAVOR ME SLOWLY by Gena Showalter
(Pocket) December 26, 2007

Mishka Le’Ace was created to be an undercover operative . . . literally. Her beautiful body has been mechanically augmented to give her superhuman strength -- strength she’s going to need. Her latest mission sends her to rescue Alien Investigation and Removal agent Jaxon Tremain from torture and death. With him, she discovers a passion unlike any other. A passion she was forbidden to know. . .

From the moment they meet in a darkened cell, Jaxon craves her touch. But the machine half of Le’Ace forces her to do things she doesn’t always want to do. Even betray him . . . and ultimately destroy him. Now Jaxon must battle the man controlling Le’Ace and even Le’Ace herself to at last claim the woman he’s come to love.


Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ncX3TGilL._SS500_.jpg

Excerpt Teaser:

For a moment, she couldn’t breathe. Her heartbeat picked up speed, wild, primal. She was naked. He could see every inch of her, every flaw. But her feet were rooted in place, preventing her from striding back into the bathroom for a towel.

“What are you doing here?” she croaked.

Jaxon’s hot gaze slid over her, down . . .down. . . then back up again, landing on her hardening nipples and staying. His pupils dilated, and he swallowed. “I came to talk.”

“My breasts are flattered,” she forced out, “though I doubt they can answer any of your earlier questions.”

His eyes snapped up to hers. “You’re the one walking around naked.”

“You’re the one sneaking into other people’s rooms.”

He pushed out a sigh as conflicted as hers had been inside the shower. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have looked. I don’t regret it, though.”

To order your copy, visit Amazon or Barnes and Noble


ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER:
Gena Showalter sold her first book at the age of 27. Three years later, at the ripe old age of 30, she had sold an amazing total of 15 books in a multitude of genres: paranormal romance, contemporary chick lit/romance hybrid, young adult and urban fantasy. Her books provide something for every fan of fiction. For more information about Gena and her novels, you can visit her website at www.genashowalter.com and her blog at www.genashowalter.blogspot.com



REVIEWS:

In versatile Showalter’s new futuristic novel, the world teeters on the edge of disaster unless a tough band of human and alien allies can stop it. Danger spiced with sizzling sensuality are definitely hallmarks of Showalter’s style. Kicking butt and taking names is what these protagonists do best which cranks up the action quotient for this intense new book! – Romantic Times

One of the premiere authors of paranormal romance.” New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

SAVOR ME SLOWLY is the third and strongest installment in Gena Showalter’s Alien Huntress series. As riveting as the previous two books were this one is better. Fresh Fiction

The characters in this book are flawlessly drawn. . . Science fiction at its best! So if you’ve never picked up a story by this talented author, now is the time to start. Two Lips Reviews -- 5 lips, their highest rating!



Website: http://www.genashowalter.com

NEW COVER!

Yea! After three complete re-dos, fabulous St. Martin's finalized the cover for the March House of Night book, CHOSEN. Kristin and I LOVE IT! What do you think?!

Sad News

A very dear friend of mine just shared with me that her 14 year old dog - an amazingly huge, fabulous lab mix, died in her arms yesterday. Vernon Mooseburger was a great dog and he will be missed badly by my girlfriend's family and by us - her extended family. It reminded me to give my "kids," my two wonderful Scottie dogs, extra hugs and kisses today. Please do the same with your 4-legged kids, too. They are with us for too few years.

This is Cameron - better known as Cammyman. He's a Wheaton Scottie.

Yes, he does resemble a Twinkie.













And this is Chloe, or Chlo-chlo-ba-bo (some of you will recognize her from GODDESS OF LOVE - yes, she does believe she's a cat).
She doesn't like to get her picture taken, so it's tough to get a decent shot of her. You'll have to take my word for the fact that she's really a very pretty black brindle Scottie.

Feel free to tell me about your fabulous doginators (or catinators)! Let's give our pets some extra love today in memory of Vernon!

Shawnee's Red Dirt Festival

Last weekend Kristin and I drove to Shawnee Oklahoma to teach a workshop together at their Red Dirt Festival (yes, there's lots of red dirt there - hence the name of the festival). It was also the weekend of Kristin's 21st birthday and we definitely had a good ol' time!
Here we have me being a diva after our lovely workshop.

And here's Kristin mugging for the camera after our workshop.


And the veiw from our hotel room (hee hees).


On our way back to Tulsa we went through a little town called Prague, Oklahoma. Okay, no joke, it's the site of the shrine of the Infant Baby Jesus of Prague. Naturally, Kristin and I had to stop and take pictures with the baby Jesus!


We even left money (please note my hands leaving the baby Jesus a quarter from each of us):


And then we came home! Thanks to everyone in Shawnee who put together such a nice festival - the weather was beautiful, there was a nice crowd, and, as per usual, our workshop was ab fab!

FUN IN RENO!

Yea for St. Martin's Press, publisher of the House of Night - the fabulous young adult series I co-author with my daughter, Kristin. Last weekend they sent us to Reno for a lovely champagne, chocolate and authors event at the American Association of School Librarians National Convention. We had a great time, which Kristin recorded with the new camera I got her for her 21st birthday (I gave it to her early - her b-day isn't until November 4th). So, here's our "adventure" in Reno!

Here we are getting ready to board our plane and leave Tulsa International. Please note how perky we look.








This is Kristin being scared on the plane. Did I mention she's terrified of flying?
And here's me. I'm NOT terrified of flying.

But, of course, we made it to RENO in one lovely piece - or two lovely pieces.


Well, we pretended to gamble (losing...winning...winning...losing the same $5.00 in the slots and not knowing what the hell we were doing) and we stuffed our faces with excellent food whilst we saw the sights at the Silver Legacy Resort. I liked the tacky fountain.

And Kristin liked the gross vampyre.


Then we changed into The Authors, looking to-die-for in our LBDs (little black dresses) and headed to the Silver Ballroom for The Event. Check out the yummy chocolate cake (yes, there was nice champagne, too).


We were first up to speak and read from BETRAYED. Kristin (better known as Chicken Frances) was just "a little" scared, but as soon as we got on stage all was well. First she took this picture of our lovely audience.


Afterwards we visited with some amazing fans (check us out!) and then signed zillions of books.


Then we were exhausted so, of course, we went back to our room and ordered room service. (Sorry, forgot to take a picture of that.)

The next day it was back to the airport to return to Tulsa.

Yes, you may note here that we're definitely NOT as perky as the first airport picture.

Anyway - we had a blast! Next weekend it's Shawnee's Red Dirt Festival! More pictures to come...

BETRAYED LAUNCH PARTY

BETRAYED IS FINALLY OUT! The launch party for it was a blast - lots of excellent costumes - my lovely tarot reader was there - yummy snacks - and, of course, exellent coffee (the launch party was at The Blend, a locally owned coffee shop). Thanks to all the fabulous fans who attended. A special thanks to Don and Ann Maire for sending the fun pictures!

Kristin and me!


Us with Bryan "Dragon" Lankford who surprised us by coming all the way from Dallas!


Amber Taylor (one of my nutty students!)


Laura Shepard (another of my nutty students)


Don's lovely wife, Vickie.

Betrayed: Book Trailer

Even better than the last one!

VAMP RELEASE MONTH PART II

So...response to Marianne and her YA vamps was fabulous! Vamp release number two is the amazing Rachel Caine and MIDNIGHT ALLEY.


Check her out - and remember, if you comment, you might win! I'll announce winners SATURDAY.

Hi, I’m Rachel Caine, author of a young adult series called THE MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES. The latest book, MIDNIGHT ALLEY, is coming out on October 2, and I’m very excited to welcome you back, if you’re already a Morganville resident, or if not, give you the Visitor’s Tour!

Morganville, Texas is a small, dusty town in the middle of nowhere – it has a not-very-good college, and not much else to recommend it. But Morganville hides a drastic secret … because it’s the last safe haven for vampires. In fact, the town was founded by vampires. Vampires are the shadow government – and the not-so-shadowy rules of the human population, sometimes interacting directly, sometimes staying apart.

It’s like the Mafia, with fangs.

Claire Danvers, who was all set to head off to a glorious Ivy League early admission, has been forced to attend Texas Prairie University in Morganville … a “safe place” until she comes of age, at least according to her parents. But her parents don’t know just how dangerous things are. Claire’s made a lot of enemies in town – some accidentally, some deliberately – and she’s also made some very powerful allies, including the biggest, baddest vampire in town, the Founder Amelie.

Now, in MIDNIGHT ALLEY, Claire is being asked to take on a new job as an assistant to a secret, very dangerous vampire … one who holds the secrets to everything in Morganville. She’s balancing that with keeping her boyfriend Shane and friends Michael and Eve out of trouble, making her classes, and keeping her parents from becoming even more suspicious about her Morganville lifestyle. But the new job is going to be both seductive and even more deadly than she’s been told … and all of Morganville is at stake.

You can check out the entire Morganville experience in GLASS HOUSES, THE DEAD GIRLS’ DANCE, and this new release, MIDNIGHT ALLEY. I’ve also got short stories out on my website at www.rachelcaine.com/morganville!

Comment below to win signed copies of all three Morganville books!

YOUNG ADULT VAMP RELEASE MONTH!

October is definitely the Month of the Paranormal, so it's no big surprise that YA publishers have chosen October as the month to release several kick ass vampire/vampyre novels. I'm going to give you guys a heads up on some of the best, as well as a chance to win signed copies from the fabulous authors.

First up is the amazing Marianne Mancusi. Check her out and comment in for a chance to win a copy of her entire BOYS THAT BITE trilogy!



Hi all,
I’m Mari Mancusi and I’m your guest blogger today, here to talk a little bit about my teen vampire series from Berkley Jam (Boys that Bite, Stake That!, Girls that Growl) and about the vampire society I created when writing the books. I will also be giving away copies of the entire trilogy to a commenter, so be sure to tell me what you think! I’ll be stopping by to answer any questions, too.

In BOYS THAT BITE, all sixteen year old Rayne McDonald wanted in life was to become a vampire. She networked, got on the waiting list, even took her vampire certification class (which required some heavy homework.) But on the night she was supposed to be bitten and made undead, her intended Blood Mate, Magnus, accidentally bit her identical twin sister Sunny instead. Sunny had no idea, up until this point, that vampires even existed, and was so not pleased to be informed that she would now be turning into one a week before prom.

Poor Rayne’s luck doesn’t get much better in Book #2, STAKE THAT!. She’s informed by her school’s drama teacher (who also happens to be VP of Slayer Inc) that she’s the one in her generation destined to become--not a vampire, but a vampire slayer. Her first assignment? To get into a seedy blood bar downtown and slay its owner, a baddie vamp named Maverick. Luckily, she has help in the form of brooding, emo vampire Jareth.

In book #3, GIRLS THAT GROWL, our Goth heroine Rayne gets a new assignment—her toughest yet. To infiltrate the ranks of her high school cheerleading squad! Some football players have gone missing and the cheerleaders have been heard, well, growling.

A lot of people have compared my series to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I would definitely say I was influenced by Joss Whedon’s brilliance. But while the humor may be similar, the vampire world I created is very different than his. My vampires are high tech and organized and most of them are good—mingling with humans and getting blood from specially tested paid Blood Donors, instead of running around biting and killing people. They don’t like garlic and crosses, but have no problem with mirrors. They can regenerate quickly when injured, except when infected by tainted blood. They can’t go out in the sunshine and live in massive underground crypts hidden below cemeteries. They are extremely rich and hold many prominent positions around the world.

When Rayne decided she wanted to become a vampire, she had to go through a ton of testing and take certification classes. Once she was approved, the Council had to find her a Blood Mate with compatible DNA. A Blood Mate is kind of like a soul mate, who agrees to share his or her blood with the vampire-to-be and become partners with them for eternity.

I hope you will get a chance to check out the series. Book 1, BOYS THAT BITE, was released in May 2006 and was a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Book 2, STAKE THAT!, came out in December 2006. And now, we continue the story with GIRLS THAT GROWL, out this week!! For more information, visit me at www.boysthatbite.com or friend me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/marimancusi.

Comment below to win the entire trilogy!