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Blackthorn on Audio – with Tantor!

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I mentioned a while ago that some exciting things had been going on in the background that I couldn’t wait to share with you. Well, this is it! I am beyond thrilled to be able to tell you that Tantor Media have selected the first three books in my Blackthorn series to be produced in audio format!

I received an email late Summer wherein Tantor cited their interest in my series. Not only was I astonished that they had discovered Blackthorn, but that they showed a keen interest in starting the ball rolling straight away. The fabulous Lorella Belli Literary Agency took over from that point on behalf of both Bookouture and myself to make sure everything went ahead seamlessly. Thank you so much for all your hard work in the background, Lorella!

Tantor

For those who aren’t familiar with Tantor (and so you can be assured that Blackthorn is in very safe hands), it’s a leading independent audiobook publisher based in the States. Tantor is the recipient of numerous Audie Awards, AudioFile Earphones Awards and Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Awards.

Boasting must-have authors and award-winning titles, Tantor’s extensive catalogue includes Man Booker, Pulitzer, and National Book Award winners, as well as countless New York Times bestsellers and titles with starred reviews from all the major publications. They have a brilliant list of PNR titles already and I’ll be amongst extremely good company with Lara Adrian, Nalini Singh and Ilona Andrews on their list! Needless to say I am beyond delighted to have Blackthorn chosen by them.

I am exceptionally privileged that Anne Flosnik has been selected to be the narrator.

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Ms Flosnik is an accomplished multi-award-winning British actress lauded for her work in fiction, romance, suspense, and fantasy. She has garnered two AudioFile Earphones Awards, an ALA Award, and three Audie Award nominations. Her narration also earned her one of the Best Audiobooks of the Year 2009 by AudioFile magazine. Though I must confess, it wasn’t just her impressive background and listening to samples of her work that won me over – but when I discovered she had narrated my all-time favourite classic, Wuthering Heights!

Not only is Ms Flosnik super-lovely (and so professional), a huge bonus is how much she’s enjoying the series so far. Here’s what she had to say about Blackthorn:

“I am completely spell bound by these beautifully crafted books. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be working with such exquisite writing. It’s very easy to care about your characters, and they, the events, and the world that you have created for them are grippingly real, on an almost visceral level. I am on the edge of my seat to discover how everything plays out, to say the very least. It truly is an honour to be the narrator for these magnificent books.”

How amazing is that?

And when I said Tantor are acting quickly, I meant it! Not only is Ms Flosnik already underway with the narration, all three books will be available on audio THIS year:

Blood Shadows released 18th November 2014

Blood Roses released 9th December 2014

Blood Torn released 30th December 2014

They’re already available for pre-order for anyone searching for something for their Christmas list. 😉 (Don’t let the old covers on Blood Shadows and Blood Roses confuse you, they’ll be replaced with the new ones in time for release.)

Once all the excitement about Blood Deep’s release dies down, I’ll write a post for all those who would like to know what’s been going on behind the scenes – and what really happens in the background when a book gets selected for audio. It has been a fascinating experience.

Have a great week! xxx

Blood Deep Winner Announced

Every person who entered the competition to win an eBook of Blood Deep was given a number. Those numbers were entered into a random generator. One number was selected.

So, here we go…

 

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HUGE congrats, Lea! Please contact me via here or via private message on my Facebook page with your email address and what eReader you use and I’ll send your book over to you.

Thank you, again, to every single person who joined in both here and on Facebook. Your comments were fantastic. I didn’t expect to be quite so overwhelmed by what you had to say about Blackthorn and all the characters you’ve met so far. I’m so glad I have lots more to share with you!

Have a brilliant weekend. I have more exciting news coming next week. xxx

Blood Deep Press Release

There’s now only 3 weeks to go until you can get your hands on Blood Deep! I thought you might like a look at Bookouture’s official press release of the book, just so you can get a sneaky peek of what to expect…

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Pre-orders are available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com now! Pre-ordering will also be available on iBookstore, Kobo and Barnes & Noble in due course. Pre-orders are for eBooks only. Paperbacks will need to be ordered on the official release day.

Don’t forget, one lucky reader is going to have Blood Deep in their hands THIS weekend. It’s not too late to enter via here or the relevant post on my Facebook page. You still have until midnight (UK time).  I’ll announce the winner tomorrow. 🙂

Have a fab weekend everyone! xxx

Blood Deep Cover Reveal

I am very, very exited to be able to introduce you to Eden and Jessie – my hero and heroine of Blood Deep! Bookouture have done me proud again. 😀

There’s now just over three weeks to go until its release!! Don’t forget, you still have time to enter to win a copy of the eBook – either via here or my Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who has entered so far, and for the stunning comments that are being left about how much you’re enjoying Blackthorn. xxx

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Win an Early Copy of Blood Deep!

I have three exciting things to share with you…

Firstly… I can confirm that Bookouture will most definitely be signing more books in my Blackthorn series! I’ll have more news as to how many and when after Blood Deep‘s release.

Secondly… we have the cover reveal for Blood Deep coming THIS WEEK! I hope you’re ready to meet Eden and Jessie.

Thirdly… at the end of yesterday’s post, I mentioned that ONE lucky reader will be in with a chance of winning an early eBook of Blood Deep (suitable for all devices).

If you’d like to be in with a chance of being the ONE lucky reader to have Blood Deep in your hands this weekend, all you have to do is leave a comment either on this post or where I’ve opened the competition on my Facebook page. Tell me how excited you are about Blood Deep, who your favourite character is so far, or why you like Blackthorn so much. Things are already well and truly underway over there, so do come along and join in if you can!

The competition closes at midnight (UK time) on Friday. All entries (one each) will be given a number which will be randomly selected on Saturday. I’ll announce the winner then.

Good luck! xxx

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Blackthorn – Behind the Name

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If you’re a regular here, you’ll know that every now and again I share snippets about Blackthorn’s creation. I’ve written several posts in the past about my worldbuilding, including giving insight into some of my research and reasoning that went into it over the years.

However, I’ve not as yet written a post about why I decided ‘Blackthorn’ was the most suitable name for the series – so I thought it was about time I did.

BLACKTHORN: THE IDEAL BARRIER

Found throughout the British Isles, Blackthorn tends to dwell on the edge of woodlands. Although a tree, it is more like a large shrub and so forms excellent thickets and hedgerows.

As its name implies, the Blackthorn is an extremely thorny tree. Dark, almost black in colour, it consists of dense branches and twigs laden with thorns that twist and span out in all directions. Because of its subsequent impenetrability, it was frequently used by the Celts to form a barrier against intruders.

Linked to the rose family (yes, Blood Roses is titled as such for a very good reason), its dark purple berries are used to create a red, blood-like dye. It is also rumoured to have a blood-like sap within its dark skeleton.

FOLKLORE AND MEANING

I don’t know about you, but I love a bit of mythology! The Blackthorn was once seen as a guardian of the balance between light and darkness, particularly as it was thought to be one of the trees that crosses the barrier between this world and the paranormal. Originally, this was not in a bad way. However, with the introduction of dualistic religions (those that divide the world into ‘good’ and ‘evil’), the Blackthorn took on more negative connotations. The Blackthorn is certainly rumoured to carry the most sinister reputation in Celtic tree lore and has long been associated with darkness and mystery. Referred to as the keeper of dark secrets, it is renowned for being a tool capable of keeping evil contained.

True to the duality of its old world reputation though, the Blackthorn is also associated with protection. Not only can it be used to contain evil, it can also be used as a boundary to keep bad things out. In Irish fairytales in particular, it’s not uncommon for heroes to be helped by the Blackthorn tree in such ways as throwing a twig behind them to then take root and form an impenetrable hedge or woods from their enemies.

However, with the ancient Celtic name for Blackthorn being ‘straif’ (meaning ‘strife’ or ‘strive’), it is equally depicted in many fairy tales throughout Europe as a tree of bad omen. It is also associated with warriors, war, blood and death, and its reputation isn’t helped by being known as the tree of destiny. It is a tree that is symbolic of fate, particularly of outside influences that must be obeyed.

The Blackthorn has also be seen as a test of love. In Sleeping Beauty, it is said to be a Blackthorn that forms the thorn bramble that hides the castle from intruders. In order to prove himself worthy, the prince must cut through and survive in order to rescue the princess. (Of course, in the first three books of my series, it’s the ‘princesses’ who break through the boundary to rescue my ‘princes’. 😉 )

AGAINST THE ODDS

Despite its mixed messages, the Blackthorn ultimately carries a positive message. Its small, delicate white flowers that appear in early spring out of the darkness of winter are said to symbolize surviving a time of difficulty – the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. A particularly cold spring is referred to as a ‘Blackthorn Winter’ because its berries that ripen after the first frost – after the trials and tribulations of a bad winter – are said to be the sweetest.

Due to this, the Blackthorn is said to represent strength and perseverance, not least because of its wood’s resilience against the weather. It can also grow where many other trees can’t, further associating it with strength. The Blackthorn is often called the ‘Mother of the Woods’ because it is the first tree that grows on wastelands and creates safe nurseries where other trees can then grow, thus giving it nurturing associations too. But, off the back of this, the Blackthorn carries a sacrificial overtone as well. It has been known that once a forest takes root and flourishes, the Blackthorn slowly dies.

So, there you have it. Though considered a portent of challenges and adversity ahead, according to Celtic lore, with it comes the promise of improvement. Associated with overcoming obstacles for a better future, Blackthorn is ultimately representative of hope in the midst of devastation.

I do love a happy ending. 🙂

(Please note (because I have to do this): The information contained in this post is from various sources that, unfortunately, I’ve lost track of over the years. I’m not advocating its accuracy or making any claims for the research.)

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There’s now only four weeks to go until the release of Blood Deep!

But, in case you missed my announcement on Facebook on Friday, not everyone will have to wait that long. I’ll be back tomorrow with news of how one lucky reader can get their hands on Blood Deep even sooner than that.

I’ll post how tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 😀

 

New Blackthorn Update!

I’ve been a little quiet on here this past month, but lots has been happening in the background – not least a long chat with my publisher on Friday about Blackthorn’s future. For those who don’t follow me on Facebook, you might not know that I submitted my proposal for the rest of the series recently. I’ll have more news soon as to how it went. I also saw Blood Deep’s cover for the first time last week! I cannot wait to share it with you! 😀

With less than five weeks to go now until the release of Blood Deep, I can’t believe it’s only been eight months since we were building up to the release of Blood Torn.

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The reviews  are still coming in though (THANK YOU to every single person who continues to rate and review my books), the most recent coming from Sarah at Larissa & Friends’ Bookish Life.

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A while ago, they gave Blood Shadows 4 stars, then Blood Roses received 4 1/2 and now Blood Torn has been given 5 stars!!

With the series now onto #3 I wondered where we would be going next and if Pryor could keep up the form that she displayed with the first two. I didn’t need to worry! #3 is quite possibly my favourite of the series…I still haven’t really worked out how they will all fit together but that’s the world that Pryor has created – keeps me on my toes!

Thank you so much, Sarah!

Then today, Blackthorn hit the recommended reads list on The Author Visits:

The Author Visits

I found this series while perusing Amazon in search of a new arsenal of books to read. Boy was I NOT disappointed with my findings. As a fan of J. Ward and L. Adrian and as a paranormal writer myself, I am always on the lookout for something fresh, creative and more importantly, well written. Lindsay Pryor nails all three of my reading requirements and how.

Lindsay’s writing style swept me in. She has a literary approach to telling a fantastical story and I absolutely applaud her for that. Lindsay has become one of my all time favorite writers because she has managed to build a world that is full of intriguing characters while doing it was panache. She avoids what I call “grunge” language and draws you in with intelligent writing and hence, it’s a no-brainer why she’d made it on my recommendation list.

Thank you hugely, Veena!

I’ll be back with a blog post in a few days, explaining what inspired me to name the series ‘Blackthorn’. Oh, and yes, there will be lots of Blood Deep news coming soon! Have a great week, everyone!

Blackthorn on Paranormal Book Club

Last week, I announced on my Facebook page that Shani from the awesome Paranormal Book Club gave Blood Shadows a 5 star review and shout out on their Facebook page. This week, Shani has now given Blood Roses and Blood Torn 5 star reviews too! The PBC Facebook page is featuring Blackthorn right now with Shani declaring, “This is one of my favourite series so far this year!” Yesssss!! 😀

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This is what Shani had to say about each:

Blood Shadows

What a FANTASTIC read! This was a great vampire book. The character development was on point and the plot fast paced. I loved the interaction between Caitlin and Kane. The plot twists got me every time. Add this book to your “to read” list. If you want action, love, and some hot fangs then this is the book for you.

Blood Roses

I am completely enthralled with this paranormal series. You get so wrapped up in the story and characters that you lose track of time. I truly loved book 2. The story that developed between Leila and Caleb is riveting. The more I read the more I fall in love with Blackthorn. What a great plot and character development that does not leave you wanting. Action, love, trust, sex, mystery. What more could you want? Add this series to your must read list.

Blood Torn

WOW! It just gets better and better! You really see how everything is intertwined in this book. I could not put it down. Jask’s and Sophie’s storyline was awesome! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 4. Brilliant job Lindsay Pryor.

Thanks so much, Shani!

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Announcing Blood Deep’s Release Date

I still can’t quite believe how much excitement has been flooding in for this pending announcement. But then again, neither can I believe we’re on book 4 of my Blackthorn series already! It only feels like a short time ago since I launched with Blood Shadows.

But here it is…calendars at the ready…it’s Blood Deep‘s release date!

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NINE weeks and counting!!

There will be lots more between now and then though – not least the cover reveal, the first three chapters uploaded here for you to read for free, and a post from me giving you a few clues as to what to expect. It’s all on its way. 😀

If you’re not a regular here, you might not know that Blood Deep features the final integral Blackthorn couple you need to meet: Eden and Jessie. For those who are still assuming this is the finale, I cannot stress enough that it’s not!

And if you are fairly new here, and don’t yet know how Blackthorn began and developed into what it is today, I was asked to reveal all in a post for my week-long spotlight on the wonderful ‘The Author Visits’. You can read it here.

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

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Blackthorn on ‘The Author Visits’

Courtesy of the wonderful Veena Kashyap, Blackthorn is currently featuring in a week-long spotlight on ‘The Author Visits’. Thank you SO much for hosting me, Veena. 🙂

It started on Monday with a showcase of all three Blackthorn books so far. An awesome 5 star review of Blood Shadows featured yesterday. Today, I’m being interviewed by Veena. If you’d like to know who or what inspires me to write, what scene I’d pick out as a favourite from one of my books, and what advice I’d give to fellow writers on their path to publication, you’ll find it here. There’s lots more insight too!

Later this week, there will be reviews for Blood Roses and Blood Torn as well as a guest post from me. There’s also a give-away of the first three Blackthorn books, just in case you want to tempt a friend into trying the series. I do hope you’ll be able to stop by.

And, in case you’ve missed it on Facebook, Twitter and the notice board here, THIS FRIDAY we’re revealing Blood Deep‘s release date! I’ve been totally overwhelmed by your response to this news so far – thank you for all the support and excitement that’s been flooding in. Calendars at the ready!! 😀

The Author Visits

We’re also celebrating Blood Shadows reaching number 1 again in the Gothic Romance charts on Amazon.com this week – so thank you again for all your support. xxx

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