My Author Event at Boulder Bookstore, Oct. 23

Help! I need a title for my second book -- so I'm offering a bribe

This is all my fault.

I chose a name for my second "Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist" (that's the series name) book without doing much research (okay -- without doing any). Due to a dialog line uttered by the second book's bad guy, the title I came up with -- DARK HARVEST -- fit nicely. But there are tons of other books called DARK HARVEST. In fact, one was just released (a horror novel) by Tor recently.

So, in the midst of finishing the book by my deadline, I'm finding my brain has gone AWOL about titles.

I need your help!

And, to encourage your creativity, I'm going to come up with a great prize. I haven't worked out all the details yet, but I'm thinking I'll offer something sinfully delightful from ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY. I love their chocolate. So, I'm posting a generic picture of their chocolate here for now, until I fine-tune the details. (Don't hold me to this picture because I don't know which one I'll choose yet.) Seems appropriate since my books take place in Colorado.

So, here's the idea: You send me your suggestions for a great title for my second book (I'll post a blurb below) and I'll select one entry to win the prize. The winner has nothing to do with whether or not I use that particular title. If I use an actual title suggested by someone, I'll add that person to the acknowledgements in the second book (and will keep a special place in my heart for them for their creative generosity).

I'm thinking I'd like a title that suggests vampires and has a psychology theme (like THE VAMPIRE SHRINK). Like the first book, the second will be a dark urban fantasy with romance, sex, humor and some mystery. Think of all the words you know that apply to vampires, then connect them with all the words you know about anything psychological/psychic and let's see what emerges!!

Please send your title suggestions here:

LyndaHilburnAuthor@yahoo.com

I'll choose a name from the entries on November 3 (two weeks from today). Please remember to give me your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Here's a blurb for the second book:

Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight counsels vampires. Her life changed forever when she discovered a dark preternatural underworld, became involved with gorgeous, eight-centuries-old Devereux, the powerful leader of a vampire coven, and was forced to reconsider her notions of “reality.”

Still adjusting to her new role as an expert on all things paranormal – as well as her unexpected notoriety, and new clientele – she schedules what she believes is simply another radio interview. She couldn’t be more mistaken. Not only does the radio host behave very strangely, but an ominous, on-air call turns Kismet’s world upside-down – again.

Shortly thereafter, Maxie Westhaven, a tabloid newspaper reporter in search of a juicy story, befriends Kismet, leading her into a bizarre world of role players, lost souls and death. Enter Victoria Essex, Devereux’s building manager and resident witch, who discloses a startling secret of her own.

Meanwhile, Luna, Devereux’s hostile, femme fatale personal assistant recognizes a perfect opportunity to throw a wrench into her boss’s blossoming relationship with the human psychologist and, to complicate matters further, Kismet’s old boyfriend, self-absorbed Psychologist Tom Radcliffe, shows up with his own outlandish request.

Immortality, anyone?

Don't Forget About My Halloween Contest! (see below), Just a Little Blowing My Own Horn and "Theatre of the Vampires"

Here I am at my first book signing event. I'd try to blame the look on my face on alcohol, but I have no excuse! I think the book was hermetically sealed to my hand at that point! Grin.

I've been accumulating some nice reviews of THE VAMPIRE SHRINK. If you'd like to read them, you can find them on my publisher's website:

http://www.medallionpress.com/blurbs/vampireshrink.html

I got an awesome call today from the directors of "Theatre of the Vampires," an amazing dance/theater performance held in Boulder once every few years. It's happening this Halloween, and they've invited me to come and participate! I'll be in the lobby before the performance, during intermission and afterwards, signing books, passing out postcards and generally behaving like a vampire in a long, black, velvet cape. How cool.

Win This Prize! I'm having a very cool contest for Halloween at AuthorIsland.com and Book Stores

Would you like to win this fun prize?

AuthorIsland.com is helping me with my Halloween contest!

Here's a link to the contest page:

http://www.authorisland.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=6&Itemid=511

Just scroll down for "The Vampire Shrink" contest.

I love Halloween! (Even if I didn't write vampire books, I'd still love it!)

This is an added on note, Saturday afternooon:

I went to some book stores today, asking if they'd like me to sign their copies of my book. I think it wasn't as traumatic as I had imagined it might be, because all the stores were very busy and the managers (although very nice) were too frazzled to hang out with me and chat about the book biz. One teenager at a local B&N barely gave me the time of day. He said he'd "order a couple and see if anyone bought them." Uh, thanks? The rest of the managerial folks were great. I have one signing set up at a nearby Borders (Borders seems to be friendlier) in Nov. and will turn in the paperwork for the Boulder store. Soon I'll be a pro at this. Uh, huh.

More Moonlight and Twilight, the movie

It will come as no surprise that I watched the second week of Moonlight tonight. As I said before, I'm a major vampire fan. I really love all the various forms of the mythology. I'm trying to like this show. I want as many paranormal programs to succeed as possible.

I thought the blond actress was better in her role tonight. More subtle. The story was interesting. I definitely think the vampire is nice looking. I know others have expressed displeasure about his hair, but it's my favorite thing about him. Short-haired vampires just don't press my lust buttons. But there were several times in the episode tonight when he came very close to being Too Stupid a Vampire to Exist. I know he's only supposed to have been undead for 50 years, but even a human learns a thing or two in 50 years. Or maybe he's just naive.

And even though I get tired of the angst-ridden vampire -- the tortured soul who believes he's a monster -- I am into sensitive guys. To a point. I think what I'm missing in Moonlight is the edge of danger. Mick St. John just doesn't seem like a badass to me. On any level. I don't need him to be all alpha. It's entirely possible to be dangerous without flexing a muscle or dominating a female. Now, that doesn't mean that I won't continue to tune in, hoping he'll allow himself to revel in his vampireness. Just go ahead and bite someone, Mick. You don't have to kill her/him. Just a snack. See? All better. Naughty vampires have much more fun.

But so far, I'm not as excited as I'd like to be.

Wait, am I talking about vampire television or my dating life?

Anyway, I read on Marta's Vampire Wire blog (Marta Acosta, http://vampirewire.blogspot.com/) that Stephanie Meyer's Twilight is going to be a movie. I really enjoyed that book (and the next 2) and hope they don't screw it up. Note to movie makers: Twilight is a character book. About the people. Their thoughts/feelings. It's a sweet love story. Just a reminder.