Author: Jonathon

I’m sitting here in my office waiting for a phone call from a radio station. ‘Two Johns, no Waiting,” from KMOX 1120AM. Will be doing an interview tonight over the phone.
I’ve been interviewed by them before and they’re great, nice guys, good interviewers. So, why am I anxious as I sit here and wait? I guess it’s the kind of anxiety I always get before an interview. I’m usually fine once we begin, but the waiting is harder. The waiting is full of potential problems. Will the phone call get through on time? I’ve had it where it did not on other stations. Will I get asked something I can’t answer? Sort of like that anxiety dream where you show up to school and there’s a huge test you forgot to study for.
It’s not this interview and these interviewers that I’m nervous about. It’s general nervousness. General will I screw up royally this time. I guess it’s the last vestiges of my early days of being painful shy.
I can almost hear anyone that’s every seen me at a signing, say, “Shy, you’re not shy.”
I’m not shy now, but once I was. So shy that I nearly fainted when I had to get up in front of a class to make a speech. How did I get over it? I was invisible my freshman year of high school. I hid behind books and just tried to keep my head down. Then my sophomore year, I realized that this could be the way my life ran. Being invisible forever. Being unnoticed. Being too afraid to do anything that I wanted to do. At fifteen I decided that I didn’t want to live my life that way. Which meant I had to change my fate, but how?
I was in a speech class that everyone had to take, and that was the beginning of me coming out of my shell. The teacher, Mr. Huber, was also the drama teacher for the school. I joined the Thespian Society and speech team. I forced myself to get up in front of people over and over again. It was terrifying at first, but each time I got up and did it, was a victory. Each victory gave me the courage to be a little less afraid. Until now you can put me in front of an audience of any size and I’m not the least bit scared. In fact I enjoy working the crowd. Enjoy everyone’s reactions. I value getting that laughter, or that gasp, from an audience.
Now plays and speech team didn’t cure me completely. That was continued with being a guest at Science Fiction conventions and being on panels. The first panel I ever sat on my knees shook so badly the table cloth in front of me trembled slightly. Debroah Millitello, a fellow writer and friend, was on that panel, too. I remember looking down that table and seeing her table cloth trembling just a little too. That early shared fear cemented our friendship. We’ve both gotten much braver.
Every panel I sat on; every reading I gave; every question I answered; helped me lose more of my fear. Most actors will tell you that playing a part on stage is much less scary than just being yourself on stage. Hiding behind a part means it’s not really you that the audience hates if it all goes badly. But interviews are just you, being you, and if someone hates you, it’s not a part they’re hating it’s just you.
The calls here. Finish this afterwards.
I’m back. The interview went well. They gave me a great intro, and talked wonderfully about the event tomorrow at the St. Louis Science Center. I’ll be doing the Q and A from six to seven o’clock. Then we’ll move over to the explorer dome to sign stuff. There will be line tickets available starting at 8:00 A. M. tomorrow. I don’t know how many tickets they’re giving out, so it is first come, first served. Once you get your line ticket you can wander off and come back that night. No need to wait around all day. I’m not worth that, though the Science Center is really cool. Marvel’s Science of Super Heroes is very nice, and they have some of our stuff in one of the display rooms. Very cool.
There’s also a Build-A-Dinosaur. It’s from the people who brought you Build-A-Bear, but for the Science Center, it’s dinosaurs. Again, too cool.
We’ll see you guys tomorrow here in St. Louis.

One thing I forgot to mention in yesterday’s blog is our rule about kids in line. Everyone gets two items signed per person, right? Right. But kids are people, too. So if you, the grown-up, have kids with you, you can get two items per child signed, as well.
Did that make sense? We had one woman go through with a little baby in a carrier. I told her, that she could have brought two extra books for braving the line with the baby. She hadn’t known that. So, I thought we’d make it clear. The family that brought five kids with them could have had all their books done. The kids were amazingly patient and good about the wait in line.
I can’t promise you parents that the questions asked in the Q and A will be kid safe, though. I’ll try to monitor my language, but there’s only so much we can do. So be warned on that, but we try to keep it fairly family friendly. I am writing an Anita book currently, or will be back to it, once we finish up the publicity for THE HARLEQUIN. I tend to cuss more when I’m writing Anita. Fancy that.

The kick-off event in Atlanta was great. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us. There were a little over five hundred of you, which is an excellent crowd.
We signed a record number of birthday books, so happy birthday again to all you June babies.
We saw a lot of familiar faces, and a lot of new ones. Many of you said you’d never been to a signing of any kind before. Welcome to the experience. Glad you enjoyed yourselves.
Jon, Charles, and I had a wonderful time meeting everyone. For those who don’t know, Charles is our security person, and he’s with us. Jon added that when we introduced him, and I think that summed it up better than my ramblings.
We are safe home now. Tired, but happy. It really was an amazing event and you guys helped make it happen. The bookstore employees complimented us on how nice all the fans were, and I said that I have some of best fans in the world. You guys are great. Apparently some writers who will remain nameless do not have such fun-loving and cooperative fans.
Thanks again to all the people who manned, or womaned, the store in Atlanta for the signing. Thanks for keeping the store open late so everyone in line could get their books signed. We did two items a piece for over five hundred of you by 11:00 P. M. starting at around 6:40 or so. My arm not only did it, but I felt pretty good. I guess I’ve been hitting the gym more than I thought. Yea!
Our daughter is off with her grandparents to the Cardinal baseball game, so Jon and I are going to take it easy and get early to bed. You tired us out, but in a totally fun way.

For those who need it:
https://www.laurellkhamilton.com/HarlequinExcuse.jpg
If it works, let us know!
Darla

Today is it. THE HARLEQUIN is on sale. Yea!
I’ll see some of you guys tonight in Atlanta for the kick-off. Why are we doing Atlanta as the first signing and not St. Louis, like usual? Because we’re having the St. Louis signing at the St. Louis Science Center and Tuesday didn’t work for them, so we’re doing it this Friday. So tonight in Atlanta where Jon and I have not been since 2001 when did Dragon Con.
6:00 PM Barnes & Noble, 2900 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-261-7747.
We will see you there tonight. Yes, I am freaking. Another plane ride. AAAHH!

Just one more day until THE HARLEQUIN hits the shelves. One more day before all you guys that have been waiting can have a book in your hands. Then I have to give you guys a few days to actually read the book. I know, I know, some of you will have read it already, and some of you will devour it in line, or close to, but for all the rest of the fans I have to wait. I have to give them some time. What happens when I give you time to finish reading? I finally get to talk about the book.
I normally don’t do that, but there’s something about Edward being on stage after so long that has made me want to share. If I had been able to share without spoiling the book for everyone I would have blogged about how creepy Olaf was, and how this or that new character was more interesting than I’d planned. How this one character kept trying to steal scenes when they were in them.
Maybe it’s the fact that it’s book 15 that made me want to share. Some of you guys have been with me from the beginning. You remember when no one cared. You remember when you said my name, they said, Laurell Hamilton, who?
To those of you who are recent arrivals to my world, welcome. You guys have a lot of world to explore. Fifteen books, a novelette, a short story, or two, all set in Anita’s world. I hear from more and more of you that you just found me. Just found Anita’s world, or Merry’s, or both.
I’d had people tell me that they had seen people reading my books on subways, trains, planes, in the park, but I had never seen it. Until the trip home from New York. I got on the plane and three rows in front of us a man was reading OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY. Jon and I made no sign as we eased past him, but when we’d settled into our seats Jon asked, “Did you see the man reading O.B?” I said, “I saw.”
It seemed right somehow, that the first time I see someone reading my books in public was now, just before book 15, and that it would be OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY, Edward’s last appearance, just seemed a good omen to me.
A woman at BEA said the loveliest thing to me. She said, “Your books make me feel less lonely.”
I don’t know if I’ve ever had a better compliment.

Home safe and sound. Yea! We had turbulence on the last leg of the flight home. Bad enough that the pilot had the crew ready us for landing twenty-five minutes early. I got my drink taken out of my hand in mid-sip. Nothing like watching your flight attendants get nervous to help us white knuckle fliers. It turned out not as bad as feared, so that was good.
We got to see hawks flying on the thermals in New York city. One young red-tail stooped a seagull the morning we left. It was very cool watching it from the same height that it was happening. The other hawk that seemed to like the buildings near us was a broad-winged hawk. We saw him in the evening mostly. The red-tail was the morning traffic. After seeing his reaction to the sea gull I understood why the broad-wing might not want to share the same air space.
We were in New York, but not for a regular event. It was one of those events that is closed to the public, so no need to tell you guys, since most of you couldn’t go. It was BEA. Which stands, I’m pretty sure, for Book Expo of America. The last time I was at one of these Trinity was a baby.
Jon and I saw a lot of familiar faces, even with the low profile. I knew some of you that are regulars at signings are book sellers, librarians, and others involved in the business side of books, but I don’t think I realized how many of you. Cool.
My understanding is that you have to be in the biz (Publishing Industry, Bookseller or Librarian) and it’s like over two hundred dollars at the door to get in, there are one day passes, but they range from $75 to $115. I just didn’t think that I was worth you guys spending that kind of money to see me. Also, the two signings I did were limited in the amount of people they allowed in line. I think they kept the comic line at sixty people, though a few more snuck in at the end of it all. That was okay, we were doing fine. The signing for the Harlequin was absolutely cut off at a hundred. It was first come, first served, for early copies, and personalization only, no just putting my name in it. My publisher thought that would keep people from putting it up on e-bay. Surprisingly none of those books have shown up, though other people who have gone to a great deal of trouble to get early copies are being bad and putting up early teasers.
Again, I couldn’t imagine you guys shelling out that much money only to find out that you couldn’t get in line and actually get a book. I’m never sure how to handle these kind of events.
I signed copies of GUILTY PLEASURES the comic, issue one, and posters of Jean-Claude. I really do like that poster. I like it enough that I’ve got it framed and matted, and mounted on my wall.
We also did a pod cast audio which is for “Upfront & Unscripted,” one of the BEA podcasts, which should be available on their website, http://www.bookexpocast.com/. Same day we did a video pod cast thingie for Marvel. Not sure when that will be up, we’ll let you know when we do.
Jon and I had like two hours before our flight so my agent, Merrilee, took us to the Museum of Natural History. It was very cool. We saw two of the traveling shows: Mythic Creatures and Frogs. The frogs alone were worth going, and the mythic creatures were cool, but it was pretty much stuff I already knew. But then, this is what I do, research and write about ‘real’ monsters.
There are some cool books in the bookstore outside the mythic creatures exhibit that I did not have, and I assume the books are designed to compliment the new exhibit, so get them while you can. I got one on cryptozoology, always fun, and one on water monsters. They both had good bibliographies, a must in a research book.
Also, since my publicist, Craig, was standing on the other side of me while we were doing THE HARLEQUIN hundred books, people got to talk directly to him about parts of the country they wished we would come and sign at, or would that be in?
We had a lot of New Yorkers and a lot of East Coasters because of the location, so maybe he’ll hear you guys and next time out we might see you for a normal signing back on the East Coast again. We’ve done New York City once, Manhattan actually, and Boston once, oh, does Washington D. C. count as East Coast? I guess it does. We were doing D. C. on a fairly regular basis for awhile. I think when I started begging off of the really long tours that was when it got dropped. Maybe you guys getting to ask directly to Craig will get more attention.
Thanks to everyone who was so nice to Jon and myself at BEA.

I woke up at about dawn. I’ve started doing that. I’m not sure why. But especially in hotels light seeps through the windows and I’m awake. I tried to cuddle back against my warm husband and sleep some more, but it wasn’t happening. I thought about waking Jon up and seeing if he wanted to be awake for a fun reason, but after seven years of being a couple I can tell the difference between his breathing when he’s a little bit asleep and when he’s very asleep. Very asleep does not like being woken up unless I’m very enthusiastic. I never feel very enthusiastic at dawn. I just sort of feel sorry for myself that I’m awake and can’t get back to sleep. Misery does not love company so I got up, quietly, fetched a hotel robe and went into the other room.
I got to watch dusk fall on the city, and now I got to see the first light of day blush and shine it’s way over the same buildings. Last night Jon and I could see people turning on their lights, or off for the night in office buildings and apartments. This morning I got to see blinds come up for the first time today. A man fresh from his shower if the towel around his waist is any clue came to his window. I wonder if you live in a city where others can see your windows if you all pretend no one can see in, so you can do what you like, or if you are always aware that someone maybe watching? I think it would bug me.
I’m not much of a voyuer except for one area: windows. I like glimpsing inside people’s houses. I also, if I would allow myself, like to go on open houses not to buy but just to see how people have lived in a house. I know it’s cleaned up for viewing, but still it tells alot about a person what lamp they choose, or knick-knacks they keep. Unless you’ve had a decorator, and then, sometimes, it’s all about your decorator. It maybe pretty, but I like to see a person’s choices in their space. Most writers people watch, but I’ve always been a thing watcher, too.

They say that if you have a mantra you use when you meditate that when you are in a stressful situation you can simply recall your mantra and be at peace. It’s sort of a way to get a taste of that meditative calm when you can’t actually meditate. I know the concept, really, I do.
But the only mantra I can come up with is, “I will not throw up. I will not throw up.”
I was on a plane in March. Apparently, I need to be flying more often to make this phobia even close to manageable. Blast.
I’ve got a stack of magazines that I never got to read with me. I’ve got comfortable easy to kick off air port shoes. I’ve got music and a Bose sound reduction headset, though the fact that they won’t let you use it on take off or landing, the times when I need it most, is most disconcerting.
I will also have the new Jason book with me, and may try to work on the plane. I find that working on my own book is more absorbing than reading someone else’s sometimes. If my head hasn’t gotten too ugly. We’ll see how it goes.

Hi! Darla again. Mostly this is comic news, signing reminders and help for folks coming to St. Louis for the first time.
All-New Anita Blake Story From Laurell K Hamilton!
https://www.laurellkhamilton.com/Comic/AnitaBlakeHandbook.html
Arriving in stores this July, the hardcover from Marvel Comics and The Dabel Bros that you’ll want to sink your teeth into?Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Vol.1 HC, featuring a brand new story by New York Times Bestseller Laurell K. Hamilton! This special bonus tale marks Hamilton’s comic book debut, as she presents her first story ever written for the comic book medium. That’s right?a never before seen story starring Laurell K Hamilton’s famous vampire hunter, Anita Blake! With art by fan favorite Brett Booth, this hardcover collects the acclaimed and sold-out first six issues of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures, which Newsarama.Com’s Lucas called a “new, unique mythos.” That acclaim is no surprise to fans, whose excitement for Guilty Pleasures led to the first six issues selling out and going back to print multiple times just to keep up with demand! And in comic stories today, don’t miss Anita Blake Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Handbook, offering a rare glimpse into the world of Anita Blake, based on notes by Hamilton herself! New fans will thrill to the complexity of this layered, nuanced world, while longtime fans will gain additional insights into their favorite supernatural characters?along with art from fan favorite Anita penciller Brett Booth! Please note that this handbook contains some spoilers for the entire twelve-issue Guilty Pleasures series, so fans reading it will not only get a look at the past?but also at the exciting events to come! Now’s your chance to catch up on the hit series that has critics and fans alike clamoring for more vampires, werewolves, romance and action in the way only Laurell K Hamilton and Anita Blake can deliver!
ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC (APR072351) Written by Laurell. K. Hamilton Adapted by Stacie Ritchie and Jess Ruffner-Booth Penciled by Brett Booth Direct Market Exclusive Edition by: Brett Booth Parental Advisory ?$19.99 FOC?5/31/07, On-Sale?7/04/07
ANITA BLAKE VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES HANDBOOK (FEB072174) Taken from the notes of LAURELL K. HAMILTON Written by STUART VANDAL, RONALD BYRD, MICHAEL HOSKIN, CHRIS BIGGS, & AVE COLLEN Art and Cover by BRETT BOOTH Rated T+?$3.99 On-Sale ? NOW!
To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
THE HARLEQUIN DEBUT JUNE 5th, 2007
Tuesday, June 5 – Barnes & Noble – 2900 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305- 6pm -?
Friday June 8 ? Saint Louis Science Center 5050 Oakland Ave St. Louis MO 6Pm-?
Best Selling Author of Marvel’s “Guilty Pleasures” at Marvel? Super Heroes? : The Exhibition. St. Louisan Laurell K. Hamilton, the New York Times bestselling author will be at the Saint Louis Science Center’s Montgomery Bank Exploradome on Friday, June 8, 2007. Ms. Hamilton will visit Marvel? Super Heroes?: The Exhibition for an autograph and book signing as part of her release of the 15th edition in the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series entitled “The Harlequin.” Marvel publishes Hamilton’s wildly popular “Guilty Pleasures” comic book series.
Ms. Hamilton will be at the Saint Louis Science Center’s CenterStage from6:00 ? 7:00 pm for a Q&A session with fans and will then move on to theExploradome for the signings beginning at 7:30 pm.
Line tickets will be available on the “Dinosaur Overlook” inside theScience Center starting at 10:00 am on June 8.
Eight hundred tickets are available for this event. They will bedistributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
? Ms. Hamilton will sign from 7:30 pm until finished withall ticketholders.
St. Louis
We have been hearing that many of you are making your first ever trip to St. Louis and want to know what there is to do.
Since I don’t know exactly what you want to do, besides the Science Center here is a link: http://www.explorestlouis.com/ They list all the attractions and things going on.
And our personal suggestions for must see St. Louis!
Saint Louis Science Center ? http://www.slsc.org
City Museum (the only art museum we know of that you end up inside the art. This is an amazing place and kid friendly. Also includes The World Aquarium. You have to see it to believe it. ) www.citymuseum.org
Missouri Botanical Gardens – http://www.mobot.org/
The Bowling Museum – www.bowlingmuseum.com
Laumier Sculpture Park – www.laumeier.org
The Magic House – www.magichouse.org
Dog Museum – www.museumofthedog.org
The Butterfly House – www.butterflyhouse.org
Cahokia Mounds (site for Merry Gentry Books) – www.cahokiamounds.com
Circus Flora – www.circusflora.org
Ted Drewes ? shakes known as concretes you can hold them upside down. – www.teddrewes.com
Lone Elk Park and The Wild Bird Sanctuary – www.stlouisco.com/parks/LoneElk.html
www.worldbirdsanctuary.org
Saint Louis Zoo – www.stlzoo.org
Wolf Sanctuary – www.wolfsanctuary.org
U City Loop (where The Lunatic Caf? is located in the books) – www.ucityloop.com/
Well hopefully, that is enough to get everyone started! Hope to see you at the signing!
Darla