I got my revisions for PRINCESS FOR HIRE 2: Crowns and Chaos (um, not the title. And I don't have Hex in my title, so I can't be as creative in my fake titles as Ms. Rachel Hawkins, she of HEX HALL fame). Whewwwww. My editor is very precise and makes me really think about every little detail. I love her for it in the end, but right now I'm in the right-after-revision-kicking-and-screaming stage wherein I answer all her queries with "Um... Because? It just does?" This hasn't worked on her yet, but I'm hoping to wear her down by Book 3.
So, now that I have an idea of how much work I have ahead of me, I'm figuring out what I need to do in the next month and a half, since I kind of have the natural deadline of childbirth going for me. There's a lot to do. And i kind of want to curl up in the corner and suck my thumb. But I just had a talk with hubby where we broke down our schedules. He had to be all PRACTICAL and offer solutions for how it will be possible (dang men! Don't they know this is the moan-with-me-and-eat-ice-cream phase?). And he ended it with "Just keep positive and do your best and forget the rest". I realize this isn't wholly original advice in the self-help realm, but somehow it made me feel more at peace. Writing can be the most rewarding mental endeavor ever, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. I could sit and list out all the ways this task seems impossible, or I can push up my sleeves and get at it. With a smile, interrupted periodically with a good thumb suck.
I took this picture today at the botanical gardens by our house (capturing moments like this make the I-phone SO worth it). We had to hike a bit, and my back hurt, and I was worried they would fall in the lake, but none of that MATTERS when I look at this picture. It's simple and perfect. That's what the final product of a book should be---you get through all the angst and (hopefully) come out with a polished gem. I'm far from there, but I have my mantra at least.

In my swollen, cranky, creaky state, my daily complaint is that I feel like I'm ninety years old. Now, my grandpa? He actually is ninety one. Ninety one with a plethora of health issues I would list, but I leave the 100 page medical papers to my husband. Also, his memory isn't the best. Understandable, considering that is a lot of living to keep track of. Hey, I'm lucky if I can keep my children apart and I'm twenty... something (this is how 29 year-old women in denial describe their age) The thing about my grandpa, however, is he's not an epic Crank. There are bad days. He's also fortunate to have the company of my grandma as well as some wonderful caregivers and my saintly (er... mostly) uncle to assist him in his final years. But though he may not remember all his grandkids, even though he take more meds than an entire psych ward, every time I've visited him since college, the man has made me laugh.

For example, when we discussed him turning ninety, I asked if he wanted me to have a girl jump out of a cake.
"I don't like cake. I like pie."
"OK," I conceeded. "We won't do it then."
His eyes widened. "Wait. A girl and a pie. That would be worth the mess."

My uncle just sent me this Halloween pic of my grandpa and his caretaker. It made my day and made me think.



My writing style is something I've obviously struggled with because I've mentioned it before on my blog. Sometimes, I do this stupid thing where I apologize or downplay my book because of the humor. It's not full of dark themes or epic truths. There is no Newbery in PRINCESS FOR HIRE'S future.  It's light and fast and fun. And you know what? There's value in funny.  It can cure many things other more acclaimed literature may not. Grandpa's feigned shock expression reminded me of that. Laugh at life and all that.
Man, I hope the expression is feigned. Otherwise, this whole blog post is kind of a dud, huh? :)

 Wow, I am a lame-o enchilada covered in space sauce because I neglected to mention that
*I turned in my revisions for SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD!*
INSERT FUNKY PICTURE OF DANCING OR BALLOONS OR SOMETHING
Well, the first round at least. Still, very relieved to have one thing off my plate. Still don't have my revisions for P4H2 yet. I shudder to think of them. Instead, I'll think about my trip to southern Utah this weekend to spend time with some Real Life girlfriends. I haven't seen many of these girls in years, and so I foresee lots of talking, eating, and pedis. Just because I can't see my toes, doesn't mean I should expose everyone else to the no-polish nastiness.
Also, I have an interview up about the tenners/my books on author Jenn hubbard's blog. Check it.
Longer post later. Baby's R 'Us Clearance section is about to get worked. 

 My kids have been using the word "spooky" to describe anything Halloweenie for weeks now. So, of course, when I make a vlog, I use it roughly 43 times. My gift to you this SPOOKY season is a little game I call Eat Candy Every Time I Say Spook in Any Form.
I don't mean whole bars. Just a bite. Otherwise, you will explode from sugar consumption.
Anyway, look! I vlogged again. Still super amateurish, as I have yet figured out how to edit a video and so must do it all in one take. But you love my simple ways, no? Makes you want to pinch my cheeks and say, "Who's a cute, little I-movie idiot? You are. Yes, you are."
Please spread this around the web. With the braces and 8 months of pregnancy, I'm looking the best ever and hope some modeling agency will scout me out. Shush. All things are possible through YouTube.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Hope it's spooktacular.

I did a guest post last week over at Sunshine Edition blog. Posting it here because it's really important stuff and because I was going to post something else Halloweenie but we're experiencing technical difficulties. Dang fog machines are so temperamental.
Also--was strategizing trick-or-treat locales with a friend today. You know, scoping out neighborhoods (for the kids!). At one point it hit me, do I WANT my kids to have king-sized candy bars? No. I'll take them away and eat them myself. And if I really want a candy bar that much, can't I just go buy one? Isn't part of the joy of adulthood? Or is it more fun to steal from my children? Candy. From babies. Sweets for thought.

WHEN ARE YOU TOO OLD TO TRICK OR TREAT?

I remember the day well. I’d had the idea on the bus ride home from school and gone straight to my mother’s closest to get to work. I found an old wool skirt, a cable-knit V-neck, and shoes so practical they bored librarians. I finished the look with some pigtail braids and my glasses. Classic school girl.

I hadn’t planned out a costume that year because, at thirteen, I thought dressing up was kids stuff. That was until my friend told me her rich neighbors were passing out KING SIZED candy bars for Halloween. Twenty houses would bring in enough loot to send me into a sugar coma.

Of course, my mom got mad when she saw my make-shift costume. OF course she told me I couldn’t hit the streets. Of course I ended up sneaking a few Snickers from the candy bowl set out to give to other kids. And, of course, kids from my class, kids MY AGE, showed up to trick or treat. Ah, the cruel irony.

This injustice was so great I have since dedicated my life (or maybe just his blog post) to educating teens on how to avoid such a sad fate. I’ve outlined three battle tactics below that I pray serve you well. Go forth and conquer and if you have any extra Junior Mints, send them my way.

1. Latch onto a large group of kids

It helps if these are younger kids—say around 7-10. This age is ideal because they aren’t weighed down by little toddlers tripping up the porch steps, and you don’t stick out too much size-wise. Linger a little when they knock, then get your bag in there without making eye contact with the candy giver. No need to say trick or treat—your voice is only going to draw attention to your age. Masks are also a good idea, particularly if you have facial hair.

2. Steal a baby

When my first little girl was about six months old, a friend asked me to go trick or treating with her older kids. This was back when I still liked pretending my kids were dolls, so I put her in this cute little ladybug getup and off we went. At first, I would hang back on the curb and let the other kids do their thing. But no one could see how cute my baby was that way, so I had to go to the door and receive my well-earned compliments. Thing is, when they told me how cute my kid is, they also offered up candy. Huh. Pretty soon, I’d pulled out a little baggy I kept in my diaper bag and join the trick or treaters.  My child needed the experience! And all that candy for baby, who ate nothing but milk and mashed carrots, needed to be eaten by someone, right?

You see what I’m saying? Get a baby. If you’re good, you can bring your own bag and DOUBLE THE LOOT. Can’t find a baby, a doll will do IF you find the right costume. Don’t get greedy and pretend you have twins, though.

And finally, perhaps my favorite…

3. Be a horse butt

Or a dragon butt. Any kind of butt will do, really. As long as the person in front of you in any two-person costume is younger, you’re golden. People often give the butt more candy, actually, because who doesn’t pity a butt?

Just make sure the kid in front of you isn’t having any digestive problems.

Dear Vera Wang,
So I don't know much about designers besides what I see on Project Runway and what I wear courtesy of Target, but I kind of love you. I'm sure your clothes are great and all, I think you make wedding dresses and I've seen your of-the-people stuff at Kohl's, but the real reason for my declaration is this:


PRINCESS BUBBLE BATH
Dude (hope it's cool if I call you that). This is the most perfect, ultimate swag for my PRINCESS FOR HIRE book in the whole sparkly universe. My main character, Desi, has her world rocked when taking a bubble bath. One second she's a regular girl relaxing after a heinous day and BOOM, in pops a lady saying Desi can substitute for princesses. After, you know, she gets dressed.
Do you see the connection? PRINCESS + BUBBLE BATH=The magic that gets the ride going.
Now, I do want to talk to you about the $35 dollar thing. With a name like Vera, you have every right to charge such craziness. And I understand that sparkles don't pay for themselves. But I was kinda hoping you could offer a-we-are-both-somehow-associated-with-princesses discount so I can buy this stuff by the truckload and share it with my (still invisible) fans. If not, well, I'm happy to try out a free sample! I'm bathing for two, you know, and today's pampered fetuses are tomorrows wedding dress shoppers. 
Also, love the perfume. I almost bought it when I was letting my kids attack the make-up counter at Sephoria (yes, they hate me there. Guess what. I folded and refolded jeans at the GAP for two years. I've earned the right to let my offspring put on some lip gloss if it'll stop their whining for a bit. Great Gemstones, Vera, the whining. It's not to be had). The only thing that stopped me from smelling of princessy goodness is, well, that price tag. It ain't as pretty as the bottle. But I thought of it! that counts for something.
As gratitude for making the world generally more regal, I'll be sending you a copy of PRINCESS FOR HIRE. Of course you can feature it on your website. Of course I'll use your (free) products on my world tour. And if you want to design a little something something for each stop, you rock it girl.

Royally yours,
Lindsey Leavitt

 So over the last few months, I've had a few requests to do interviews or guest blog posts. And my basic answer is...
Sure! Let's wait until I have a book coming out, because who really wants to hear from me now anyway? What will I discuss, the Great Leavitt Peanut Butter Cup mystery? (which isn't so Great. I just bought a bag two days ago and hid them in the freezer and SOMEHOW they are almost gone. Freezer goblins is my latest theory)
Well, I'm getting a list together now of anyone who wants to participate in my March blog tour. Yes, I know this is very, very early, but life is going to get pretty hectic for me in the next little bit, like WHOA hectic, and so I'm trying to do what I can now. Because, seriously, if you interviewed me during Post Baby Haze, most answers will resemble this...
"sflkhjaflkasflkjafsjlkfasljkfas ffffffffffffff"
These don't only have to be book blogs or writing blogs. I'm SUPER happy to include family blogs and personal blogs--allows me to reach a new and wider audience. Plus, other media outlets are welcome! If you would like for me to visit, contact me with a little info about you and your blog via the contact page on my website, www.lindseyleavitt.com (or just email me at contact at lindsey leavitt dot come). Also, let me know if it's an interview, guest post (with topic), ect. Silly questions always welcome!
Although I'll be answering these questions in the next few weeks, I ask they not be posted until February for UK bloggers, March or April in the US. I'll schedule a date with you. Might sprinkle in a few more earlier.
Um, I have no idea how many people are going to contact me... if anyone is going to contact me. If the response is out of control--which I don't forsee--I'll figure something out to make sure the internet doesn't get sick of me. Book blogs in particular can be insular, and it can be counter-productive if I'm just answering the same questions again and again for the same audience.
Thanks y'all!

**I do need to add the disclaimer that while you can always submit an Advanced Reader Copy request for my publisher, I have no control over who gets them and my own personal supply is down to the two I've saved for giveaways. So I can't supply an ARC with these interviews. I might even try to get an ARC tour, but you don't need to read the book to do an interview.

Ugh, I just wrote a super-long blog entry and the whole thing got erased. Condensed version now since I'm too busy Mac-hating to type it out again. DANG BACKSPACE!!!
1. The Greenhouse Agency's website is getting bigger and better. They've recently added some really cool updates to the author and book sites. I have an interview up there now you can check out. I may say some slightly snarky things to my high school literary magazine, and for that I am sorr---nah, I'm not sorry. Not sorry at all.
2. I'm also working on expanding my author bio. I've written two drafts, but it is very weird talking about myself like I'm bona fide. Also, hard to know what is interesting. I mean, I think pictures of me in my Rainbow Brite costume circa 1986 are a hoot and a half, but these things are difficult to assess.
Oh, and I finally decided to add on a very special Princess for Hire section. It's not up yet, but I'm so looking forward to sharing the content. AND If you have yet to sign up for my newsletter, do it ASAP. Debut edition coming soon with peek at first chapter.
3. I promise I really am in a revision-hole, but I can really only go there for a few hours at a time before I need to come up for air. Plus, my children like attention and stuff. But I do have another project I'm working on, a super top-secret vlog. Oops. So it's not very secret because i just told you. Try to act surprised, will you?
3 1/2 Today is the release day of HUSH, HUSH by my incredibly sweet tenner-buddy, Becca Fitzpatrick.

I was lucky to read an early draft of this AND the advanced copy, and both times I was unable to put it down. The second I finished, I called Becca with questions, like "how did you write such steamy stuff without going nuts on the steam?" and "How in the heck did you tie that all up so well?" and "I want to make out with Patch". Oh, guess the last one wasn't a question. Then, when I got all deep, she grew mysterious and answered "Oh, that's in Book 2".  Which is a logical answer, but it makes me very antsy. Authors of sequels hold so much POWER! Isn't it enough I have the final HUNGER GAMES book to pine for, now I have to wait to KNOW IMPORTANT HUSH, HUSH STUFF.
So I'm happy for this day, but as I often feel with sequels, Oct. 2010 just needs to get here already so I can dive into Becca's next book, CRESCENDO. Meanwhile, you need to go read the first books so we can angst over the wait together, K?


And on the pregnancy front, I often find myself gazing at this picture. My mind, it boggles...


The Duggars. This woman has spent 14-15 years of her life pregnant. I am already doing the DAY countdown over here, and I still have two months to go. Sure, that's lots of excuses to eat ice cream with pickles, but by baby 12 I bet that looses it's glamour. Yet, I do find a strength in her reproductive capabilities. Like, lately I feel like I have the back of a ninety-year old and wince when my three-year-old wants to be picked up (thankfully, doctor said I NEED TO TAKE IT EASY, and can scare my kids to clean up  for at least a week or two). Take that and multiply it by... I can't even do the math. A LOT OF KIDS.
Although, disburse a couple of palm leaves, get one trained in foot massage, and it could be a pretty, pretty sweet job.

 I neglected to report that I got my SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD revisions last week. They are wonderful and I've been happily immersed in the story for the last few days. So still here, just offline. More next week...

For the last... forever, I've quit anything relating to Marthadom. Meaning, I used to make crafty scrapbooks and liked to have parties with ghost toostie pops and even got into quilting long enough to make my dad a blanket. I'm not saying I was particularly good at these things, or even skilled, but the point is I tried. But when my writing took off last year, I came to peace with the fact that my kids will probably always bring store-bought cupcakes to school, that the cute projects I meant to do for their bedroom will most likely never be, and dinner parties are more of the pizza and dip variety.
But this last week, I found myself with all this TIME on my hands. My second princess book was turned in, my SGH notes still hadn't arrived, and I wasn't feeling particularly inspired to start anything new. So on the days my girls were in school, I tried to remember what I did with my free time before I wrote. And then I did it. I cleaned the house. Organized. Called friends. And when my daughter informed me she wanted a fancy-nancy/princess birthday party instead of the planned cake and ice cream with one or two friends, I complied. After all, I have two books to revise and a baby to birth before the year ends. Suffice it to say we probably won't be roasting chestnuts this Christmas (uh, or any Christmas).

 

Part of the spread. Tea sandwiches in back had cute little princess toppers. I still have plenty, don't worry. Don't know why it is sideways either. Tea: Capri sun. I bought these little tea cups, but last minute decided even martha wouldn't attempt to serve 8 preschoolers using open containers.



The princesses/princes modeling their decorated princess tiaras. Yes, I made my own. Yes, I've already worn it twice.


This will probably be the LAST prego pic ever, folks so behold. My hubby snapped this pic after I looked up at him and asked "Was finger painting place-mats with this many kids a bad idea?"
Rhetorical question.

Plugged the names and numbers (giving extra points to tweeters and followers) and the winners are...
1. Boreal Owl
2. Karen B Schwartz
and bonus win...
3. Kristen Hancock
Boreal Owl has first pick between audio book and signed copy. Let me know your choice. Thanks all for entering!

-- LK Madigan is running one of the best contests I've seen--a photo contest for the release of her debut FLASH BURNOUT. I know I've got a few photo friends who read this blog (but entrants welcome even if you are photo-challenged like yours truly), so check it out.


--Today's the last day to win Sarwat Chadda's DEVIL'S KISS on thee ol' blog! Click here for details.
Also, important weather report: It has rained for the last week or two, and is supposed to rain all this week. Seattle, I don't know how you do it. I'm going certifiable. I might have to start an entirely new novel while I await revisions. Maybe about a girl who stays in her pjs all day and stares out the rain-battered window. No? Too boring?

For those who know of my ever-growing condition, you may wonder why I haven't blogged about it yet. It's not exactly a secret. I sure as heck can't hide it. But the fact remains that I have not shared my news here.
News: I am pregnant. About six months.
YAY!!! That's wonderful!!!! But why not mention that before, you ask. Like when you posted SCBWI pics where something was obviously going on in the belly region. It's your third kid, anyway. No one expects you to write it in the sky.
The truth? I'm a lousy pregnant person.
Wait, let me clarify. I'm really good at the growing-baby part. I don't smoke crack and I take my prenatal vitamins. I go to most of my doctor appointments, and sometimes I'll click on those fetal picture things to check if my baby looks any less alien this week.
But I'm just not a fun one to be around. In my first three months I get incredibly sick and tired, not to mention sickandtired. Once that passes, I become a swollen, food-inhaling, hormonal beast. Other woman glow. I growl. My husband develops a nervous tick and learns that anything he says, anything at all, is wrong and hurtful and stupid. I would feel bad for him, but he's male. And he does have something to do with my current state, thanks.
Now, you must know, I am happy! Super happy! This baby is a welcome surprise, especially since babies didn't rain down so easily for us in the past. I'm fortunate to have health care. I'm lucky I even have food to inhale. So far, I'm healthy and baby is healthy and the blessings are bounteous. Plus, the end result, the wonderful, beautiful miracle that is human life? Can't wait for it. I love me some babies. Specifically my own.
But seriously, Bright Side, I don't want to deal with you right now. Right now, I'm in a mood. And so I would like to do a service for all the pregnant world at large (get it?) and speak out about things you should NEVER SAY TO PREGNANT PEOPLE.
Seriously, ever.

1. How much weight have you gained?
Would you ask this to someone who is not in the way of the family? OF COURSE NOT. So why would you think it's OK to ask someone hyped-up on hormones, who must step on a scale monthly and know the number will always be higher? Especially to a woman like myself who obviously is not in the looks-like-a-basketball camp, but in the pregnancy-of-the-butt-and-limbs boat (a boat that is sinking because Baby has so much back)? And why ON EARTH would you then proceed to tell me you only gained, like, 20 lbs every pregnancy and then wore your pre-pregnancy jeans home from the hospital? Do you want me to sit on you, is that it?

2. How far along are you? OK by itself, but not so when followed by... Oh, are you having twins? or Did your mom get huge too?
I haven't heard this one yet, but when asked it at the grocery store by a complete stranger during my first pregnancy, I waddled my cart right out to the parking lot and cried. A pregnant woman crying and driving is not good for the public, peeps. It's basic safety knowledge.

3. You should have lots of babies, because you're kids are cute (or I guess even worse would be You should not reproduce)
This one does not offend me. I know this one is a compliment, and I've said it myself before. It's often meant in jest and people don't really mean it how it sounds. I know it's one of those things people say. Besides, it's tough, because that's just what you say about a baby. It's beautiful. What else do you compliment? It's spit-up skills?
But the fact that beauty would be a reason to reproduce... hmmm. Sometimes, I'll have people stop me and say something like this, and my daughter's hear that, and  I always tell them something else that makes them special. I want them to know their worth is not defined by their looks. My husband thinks I'm really weird about this, but I just feel like too much emphasis on appearance is set on kids at such a young age.

4. Are you going to breastfeed/co-sleep/use a doula/get an epidural/immunize (because if not then I will give you a condescending smile and share with you these really scary facts that will make you come around to my way of thinking)? Because I care.
I know these people mean well, but there is solicitated advice, unsolicitated advice, and then advice that is shoved down your throat. Careful to stay on the helpful side, no matter how strongly you feel. Because seriously? In my fragile state, I would probably not listen just because I am Growly Crank Nasty.

5. Can I touch your belly?
Actually, people don't usually ask this. They just do it. I was in a Safety Kids play (eighties children, you familiar with it?) in elementary school, and we sang a song called "Stay Outside of My Line or I'll Tell on You." That imaginary circle aka personal space does not disappear just because the belly is poking. Now, if you're my family or a close friend, I might not hit you. But it gets pretty creepy when I am hardly two or three months along and the man going in for the rub of the still regular belly "accidentally" goes a little too high. So. Not. Cool.

That's my list. So far. I still have a few months to let it, and my belly, grow. Any additions?

 I first "met" Sarwat Chadda during perhaps one of the happiest weeks of both of our writing lives. He had just landed an eye-popping book deal, and I had just received offers from agents. I contacted him to see what he thought of this Sarah Davies lady, and the honest and funny email he wrote back not only confirmed for me that Sarah was a great fit, but after I read it, I turned to my hubby and said, "I want to be friends with this guy" (Which might not carry much weight being as I used to have a fantasy that hubby and I would be couple friends with Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson). A few months later, I signed with the same publishing house, making us agent mates AND publishing pals. Yes, I like to drop my connections to awesome people. So?

DEVIL'S KISS description from amazon:
As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal.  Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a soldier in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy.  
Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem,  gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to reclaim his place in Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Michael, who seems to understand her like no one else, effortlessly claiming a stake in her heart.
But the Templars are called to duty before Billi can enjoy the pleasant new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years -- a cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all of London's firstborn.  To save her city from catastrophe, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined.

DEVIL'S KISS is dark and pacey and bloody. It also, surprisingly, has quite a bit of heart to it, and those were the scenes I found myself most drawn to. Don't get me wrong, I like my swords as much as the next girl, but I always marvel when an author can humanize a story with such a sensational plot. This story does it all, plus hot guys. Real men, by the way, write really, really hot guys. 
They also do awesome giveaways, with the aide of their beautfiful female writing pals. Info on that after the interview...

First. Getting to know you. A few important questions

Buffy or Bella? 
Buffy Buffy Buffy!

(I knew your answer already. Photo yanked from bio on your website made that pretty obvious)

Chest Hair or Facial Hair? 
Chest. It’s old school and frankly my best feature.
(True. Again, see above picture)

princesses or despicable unholy scum? 
Hmm, what about despicable unholy princesses? With brain-eating tiaras? I have one of those, by the way.

french fries or chips? 
Chips. Jellied eels and cockles. C’or blimey, gov’nor!

There. Now we're cozy. So... 
Your main character, Billi SanGreal, is a girl. I know you say having daughters helped you tap into your more feminine side, but did you employ any other methods? Like, watch girl-centered movies? Read any books? Wear frilly dresses? 
I am so in touch with my feminine side. For my first date with my wife (then not quite girlfriend) I wore a mini-skirt. It was the only way to dampen my radioactively high levels of sheer manliness. Real men feel comfortable in stockings. 
Also, the Devil Wears Prada is one of my most favourite films because it’s basically Star Wars AND the Godfather all rolled into one. The difference between Michael Corleone’s plight and that of Andy is miniscule. Seriously. Watch them both again. 
I took various role models for Billi. The female ones were the Rani of Jhansi (Indian warrior queen from the Mutiny), Bouddica (anyone who drives a chariot with huge scythes sticking out the side understands the link between art and violence) and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth influences the story plot in that the villain’s doom is laid out before him and he cannot but help drive himself towards it. I love the idea of ironic defeat hence the villain’s final demise is one of his own making. 
Billi’s biggest male influence is Conan the Barbarian. 
I must admit, I’m not a big reader of Jane Austen or Bronte or the typical ‘female’ classics and what not. Basically I like writing about religion, warriors and swordfights. But mainly swordfights. Any literary merit is purely coincidental (boy is that quote going to bite me in the butt one day!). 

Wow. You are so dead-on with Prada vs Godfather. Frightening.
There are many unholy creatures mentioned in DK, from vampires to werewolves to fallen angels. It's clear the Templars aren't fans of any of them, but which one would you personally like to have tea with if given the chance?
Werewolves? Could you imagine the mess they’d make? Cucumber sandwiches and severed limbs scattered around the cafe and them slurping noisily out of the saucer. The same applies to vampires, they tend to chip the china with their fangs. So it would have to be the Fallen angel. We could finally sort out that God thing and the nature of evil once and for all. I don’t know about you but it bugs the hell out of me. 

I loved when you shared an early draft of the first chapter on your website, along with the final version. What other changes did you make as you worked with your editor? What advice would you give to authors going through the same process?
Way too many to recount or even remember. The biggest changes through the drafts were the characters of Mike, Arthur and Kay. By the time the book went to the editor these changes were in place, but needed polishing. The romance between Billi and Mike and Kay needed strongly key scenes and I worked a lot on the first date between Billi and Mike at the cafe. The key issue here is avoiding melodrama and the answer to that is less is more. Do not overstate things, especially emotions. Trust your reader will understand by the small gestures rather than the grand ones. That would be my advice. 

DK is ripe with religious references. What kind of research did you have to do to create such an authentic mythos? 
Devil’s Kiss combines aspects of my favourite genres. The best advice is to write not what you know (otherwise I’d be writing about installing heating systems) but what you love. I think the ‘what you know’ means more about tapping into your own life to draw on feelings and emotions to make your characters live. Every character is a semi-autobiographical representation of yourself because he is purely your creation and his existence is in response to your own life experiences. Billi, Arthur, Kay, Mike and even down to Gwaine are all part of what I am. Mostly conflicted, but learning that that is okay too. Sorry, taht was a bit of a detour. 
Historical fiction. All that action adventure stuff. Morte d’Arthur and Illiad are two action adventure classics that anyone wanting to write in that field should check out very seriously. The morality at stake in the Iliad very heavily influenced the character of Billi and what’s at stake by following the path of destruction. 
Horror. I loved the early Anne Rice books and that strongly influenced my style, such that it is. 
Dark fairy tales, a la Angela Carter and John Connolly. There’s an overlap with Horror, but there’s something much more creepy with the twists in what are seen as children’s tales. 
Religion. I’m fascinated by it. I’m by no means an expert on any, but find the stories and the mythos of the three main monotheistic religions endlessly interesting. That said the book treats religion as a very personal thing. The villain though is one of the big players out of the Old Testament and that goes back to history being written by the winners. 

It is no secret that you have a man-crush on Christian Bale (and stuck by him post-crazy diva rant. I don't know if that makes you a die-hard fan or just delusional). So what part would you cast Christian if Devil's Kiss were made into a movie? 
Isn’t it bleedingly obvious? 

OK, even post-rant, he is still hot. Which movie do you think he's hottest in (and don't just go for the shirtless scenes. Not that I mind the shirtless scenes) Please justify your argument.

American Psycho. And it’s not all about the shower scene. It was the first time for me, alone in the dark, with Christian. You never forget your first time. 

Actually, it was the second. I HAD forgotten the first time (Empire of the Sun). Damn. 

Huh? What? Were you saying something, Sarwat? Hold on... just a second...


Right. And might I add my first Christian Bale moment came when he sang Open the Gate and Seize the Day in NEWSIES. That's the kind of stuff you don't forget.
So.... your standout books of the year so far? (and let's try to keep the novelization of Terminator Salvation out of it)

1. Hunger Games and Catching Fire. I was pretty late in getting into the whole Hunger Games frenzy (so much so that I gave away my Catching Fire ARC without even looking at it) but it’s incredibly exciting. The most powerful aspect is the small personal details, other players and Collins does it beautifully. See my comment above about avoiding melodrama. Collins shows you how while still delivering an epic story.
2. The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov. Disturbing, creepy and very funny. This Soviet era classic centers around the Devil visiting Moscow. The more you dwell on it, the more it gets under your skin.
3. Azincourt by Cornwell. The guy’s the master of historical fiction. Like Collins he can portray epic events through small personal portraits. The fate of nations is an abstract concept. What we’re interested in is the tales of the people who make up these nations.
4. Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve. When I grow up I want to write something like that. The Mortal Engines series is one of the best stories I’ve ever read and knocked off Phillip Pullman’s Dark Materials from the top slot. Hester is an amazing heroine. So is Fever.

And you are a lucky duck author going on tour! What wonders would patrons behold if they came to one of your readings (meaning, are you bringing your life-sized Christian Bale doll or not?) 
Oh, I did have plans for a bit of audience participation with some sword-fighting involved. It’s worked at the school visits I’ve done here in the UK. I just might have issues with Customs (and I’ve had enough issues with them the last time I was over). 
I’m insanely lucky to have this two week tour and looking forward to shooting the breeze about pretty much anything! 
As an added incentive, I might discuss book 2, The Dark Goddess. I know I shouldn’t but I’m such a blabbermouth. 

And now for a GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!!!
Three Winners for this one. First winner gets first grabs at...
1. Signed copy of DEVIL'S KISS
2. Audio CD of DEVIL'S KISS
3. Christian Bale action figure (No Sarwat. You can't enter) ((OK, might not be an action figure. Some assorted Christian Bale paraphonillia))

To enter once, make a comment with your email below
To enter twice, facebook or tweet or blog (a point each, so three possible there) about the contest and let me know you did so
To enter thrice, follow devilskissbook on twitter

And not that I'm trying to compete, but Sarwat is doing a pretty awesome contest on his own website if you wanna go crazy.

Contest open until next Monday, September 21. And you want to win, guys. There is something for everyone (except maybe not young children and puppies) Oh, did I mention it got a STARRED REVIEW IN PUBLISHERS WEEKLY???? Had to plug that.
So yeah. Read. Enjoy. Then go re-watch Newsies

Let me explain something about ARCs.

First off, ARC is short for advanced reader copy. They are not the finished book. There are mistakes and typos in there. Things can still change. So yes, although my first princess book is "done", it really isn't until it goes to press in a few months. Change is still possible, still PROBABLE. And one change that came up about a month ago that I should mention, especially for any booksellers or librarians who have received ARCS and may read this blog (um, are you there? Maybe not yet), is...
I'm changing the age of my main character.

Which is, yeah, kind of big. And not. My main character, Desi, will now be 13 instead of 14. By lowering her a grade, it keeps me squarely in the tween market AND allows me to have a little more room to expand the series. It also means the age range is lowered a bit, to 10+. It's a liberal plus, as I think there is still plenty in there, especially some of the humor, that will appeal more to teens. Yeah, who would have though such a sparkly book could be so layered :)

When my editor first propositioned the change, I wasn't sure. I had to change all the other character's ages, some motivations, and even how Desi reacts to a few things. CHANGE was hard. 

But I had a really cool experience this past week. My husband gave one of my ARC's to his teacher's/boss's daughter. At first, I was mad because I only have a few. But the other day, the boss told me his ten-year-old daughter had read it and loved it. Of course you're going to say that, I thought. So I just smiled and said thanks. And he said, No, she LOVED it. It's her new favorite book. She keeps telling her friends about it and when they come over, they PLAY PRINCESS FOR HIRE. LIke act out scenes PLAY.
Do you know how hard it was for me not to burst into tears right there? How cool is that? My book has role players!

So yes, sometimes changes happen late in the game. But I'm really happy this one did, because it expands my readership to younger, eager fans. I'm sure I'll have teen readers as well, but if I can appeal to girls who still act things out, well, that's just a special, unexpected treat.

 So, first I must say, hoteling was a huge success (hoteling, btw, is not as scandalous as it sounds. Hoteling=checking into a hotel, ALONE, and doing nothing but writing. Nothing). Some of my friends asked me if I had a nice "vacation weekend", and I apologize for the snappy replies. But you must understand, hoteling is all business. It's for those who could not concentrate on their work-in-progress novels because of...
1. Children
2. Day jobs
3. the internet
4. apple Tv
5. Hulu
6. Desire to read other books
7. Hubby's desire for you to stop reading
8. Toenails need to be painted
7. This list could get really boring if I kept going.
When you Hotel, your choices are limited. You must write. You are paying money to sit at the desk/lie in that bed, and just write. For hours. Maybe you nap/shower/eat in there, but otherwise. WORK. Yes, work. 
So I wouldn't call it a vacation, but I will call it awesome because I busted it out and just yesterday wrote THE END.
Which, as anyone who has written a rough draft knows, should really say
THE... YOU GET TO TAKE A BREAK FOR A DAY OR TWO BUT THEN YOU HAVE TO POLISH THE POO OUT OF THIS THING. 
Which is long, and not too encouraging, so we go with the more conventional closure.
And it's a great feeling! You think writing another book makes it easier, and sure, in some ways, it is. But it's also like having another baby. You might not look at fetal pictures week by week the next time around, but you still have to grow the thing. And birth it. Um, not sure how childbirth compares, but whatever. I used up all my passable metaphors in that hotel room.
Anyway, cleaning this sad little mess of a book up over the next couple of weeks (i.e. filling in parts like "WRITE EMOTIONAL SCENE HERE") and then the fun/scary part... sending it to my editor, where at least for a few weeks, it will be her problem... er, fun project. Super Fun Project.

So, I counted up everyone's entries (giving more for those who blogged/twittered/signed up for the newsletter), numbered them, clocked it into a random number generator and the winner of the PRINCESS FOR HIRE advanced reader copy is..
is...
KIMMIEPOPPINS! 


Hooray! Kimmie, please send me your mailing info at contact at lindsey leavitt dot com and I shall send you your prize.
Thanks everyone who entered. For those who signed up for the newsletter, you'll be one of the first to hear about another giveaway this fall.

 1. PRINCESS FOR HIRE GIVEAWAY ENDS TONIGHT. I won't announce a winner until Monday, but post/tweet/blog today to get your entry in! (OK, I'll let Sat. folks squeak in as well). For more details, check out my website www.lindseyleavitt.com
2. I am hoteling! I have a room for tonight and tomorrow, so I'll be offline as I try to bust out about 10k words. Of course, we did priceline and the hotel is a mile from my house. But MENTALLY, i must go thousands of miles away, and family must pretend I'm in Alaska. Unplugged.
3. Since it's a marriot and there is no room service (AHHHHH) I stocked up on every snack I never buy because it's too disgusting. Easy cheese and nutter butters and these lemon poppyseed scones and cheesepuffs and.... I promise I'm going to write in between all the eating. My keyboard might turn orange.
4. We got a sweet deal on a leather section on craigslist. It has a chaise, and I do believe I've found my new writing hovel. Of course, with a new couch, I had to get a new rug. And pillow to match the rug. And probably an ottoman because the rug is really loud and I need to anchor the room...
4. I went to lunch today with Irene Latham, author of LEAVING GEE'S BEND, a beautiful novel I can't wait to talk about more. Plus, I love love love Irene. She is a beautiful person inside and out.

So I've decided the only way I'm going to finish the first draft of PRINCESS FOR HIRE 2 on time is if I hole up in a hotel room. I propositioned my husband with this, and in his mind I've now gone from quirky to certifiable. 
Him: "I don't understand this, honey. Can't you just go in your room and lock the door?"
Me: "No. Because I know I can open the door and leave."
Him: "And in a hotel room you..."
Me: "Pay money. Money to sit in just that room."
Him: "So paying money to sit will make you write."
Me: "Yes. And if the house is getting dirty I won't see it. I can even mess up my room and have someone come clean it."
Him: "I think I can manage a clean house for two days."
Me: "Two letters. LA"
Him: ""
Me: "Also, there's room service."
Him: "I can take care of the food all weekend! I'll even bring it into your room."
Me: "Will there be mini-ketchup bottles?"
Him: ""
Me: "Didn't think so."

Jury still out if I'll be bunking up this weekend. I really think I need to. Also, I need a killer, non-food incentive if I meet my self-imposed deadline. I'm thinking another weekend alone. Just to sleep.

In the south, people often say "Bless your little heart" when they aren't really blessing you. I'm not sure what they're doing, but I often walk away wondering if I should feel grateful or insulted.

"Oh, you've got some ketchup on your shirt. Bless your little heart."
"Now she's kind of large, bless her little heart, but she makes great pie."
"Oh, you talk funny and aren't from around these parts and your kids stink at saying ma'am although you have grilled, GRILLED, it into them. Bless their little hearts."

 I've never fully taken on that expression, but I have been keeping a list of things people say about writing that would spurn a BYLH moment. "Oh, you think anyone can write a book? Bless your little heart."
So I'm going to list some of these questions and maybe save y'all from unneeded blessings.

#1. "You're an author? Cool. I've never known anyone famous."
Uh, you still don't.
Sure. Sure. Flattery will get you nowhere. Well, it could get you some THING, and that's a PRINCESS FOR HIRE signed bookmark, because I have a gazillion, as is the case with most famous people. Yeah, signed. Worth MILLIONS.

Now, the definition of famous as I understand it is widely known. Too me, widely stretches beyond people in children's publishing. Widely is when someone who isn't even into what you do recognizes your name. For example, William Shatner. Now, I've never watched Star Trek. I don't even know if I could name one of his movies (oh snap. Miss Congienality. Case disproved). Yet I know who he is because of his FAME, the ensuing bi-product of his work.
With this understanding, you could probably count on your appendiges children/teen authors known by the average person. You have your JK Rowlings and Stephenie Meyers. Maybe the average, non-bookworm is familiar with a few classic authors, award-winners or people-who-had-their-books-made-into-movies. (Oh, so she's the INSERT TITLE lady). But if I pointed to random author on random shelf, would random person have any clue who that author is? No. Thousands upon thousands of books are published each year. That's a lot of trees falling in forests (literally), and sadly few of them make any sound. Well, maybe their family and friends hear it, but it's a very high-squeak.
Also, the beauty of authors is they're not as recognizable. You could sit by one on a plane and not even know it. Famous people, really famous people, don't have that happen. They are noticed. Stared upon. Whispered about. Stalked in LA mexican restaurants by freaky author-women (Hi Magic Johnson. Call me!).
So I think it's safe to say that once I'm published I can still go to Target in my sweats and not worry about the papparzzi shooting a nasty pic that makes Perez Hilton giddy with malice. And that will probably always be the case, or at least until they make my book into a movie and I STAR in it, along with all my closest friends. Because authors have so much say in that.

Yeah, that'll be our next topic.