Guest Author, Gail Dayton with GIVEAWAY!
by sue on Dec.30, 2009, under Book Chat
Setting: Victorian England – where everyone with the talent can work magic
Subgenre: fantasy romance, steampunk
Hero: Grey Carteret
Heroine: Pearl Parkin
One sentence summary: The head of the conjurer’s guild—Grey—and his apprentice, Pearl, must solve a murder-for-magic and stop the murderer from calling demons.
Scene you like most and would never cut: The final battle with the demon. It’s the climax of the story, so I couldn’t possibly cut it, but I really like how it came out. Other scenes—I’d hate to cut the scene in the hospital cellar with all the ghosts, where Pearl discovers what her blood magic can do for the ghosts. I like that one a lot too.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: She would never, ever say “I give up.”
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: Ooh, tough one, since briefs hadn’t been invented in 1863. Even if they had…he’s still more a commando kind of guy. He likes his freedom. 
Ancillary character you had the most fun with: I had an awful lot of fun with my hero, since he works so hard to be contrary and amusing—but in the secondary character department—I think I had the most fun with the ghosts, beginning with the hero’s familiar spirit, Mary, and her new friend, the recently murdered Davy, as well as the spirit of the man whose murder they’re trying to solve. They all play important roles in the story, but they were fun, too, believe it or not.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby: She hasn’t had time for hobbies before now, being primarily focused on survival in the mean streets of London’s East End. She spends most of her time in the book learning magic—but eventually, I can see her taking up gardening and enjoying it. Of course, plants are used in wizardry magic and she would likely try to pick up some wizard’s spells from her best friend, the wizard Elinor, though Pearl’s primary magical talent is for the blood magic of sorcery. She’s definitely focused on magic.
Your hero’s favorite hobby: Causing trouble. Aggravating his family. He’s the black sheep 3rd son (or 4th, he’s never been real clear to me just how many older brothers he has) of the Duke of Brandon, who does not approve of his relatives actually working magic. (That’s what servants and hirelings are for.) Grey had to fight to be able to study magic, and he enjoys annoying his father and pretending to be a ne’er-do-well dilettante.
What you think readers will like best about this book: That’s always hard to say. I think they’ll like my hero. I hope the story will make them laugh, and maybe cry. (I had one reviewer confess to me that not only did she laugh out loud a couple of times, she also cried at the end.) I think that grand finale battle is a real humdinger, so maybe that will be the part they like the best.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: I’ve been told by a few that they’d like to read the story of Harry Tomlinson, the alchemist, and his apprentice Elinor Tavis, the wizard. That will be in Heart’s Magic, which should be out in 2011. So I’ve written it, but it’s not on the schedule yet.
What’s next: Heart’s Magic, of course. I’d like to do more stories in this universe, but we’ll just have to see. I’ve got a science-fiction romance in a universe where genetically engineered humans were created as slaves to be used up in government wars and corporate greed. The heroine is a runaway and the hero is the man sent to track all the runaways down. I also have a more “urban” contemporary fantasy romance (if Albuquerque qualifies as “urban”) with a mash-up between Native American and Celtic mythologies—a Navajo heroine who’s inherited a big-ass mythical Irish sword, and an Irish hero who’s having shamanic visions of a white elk. (Which of these would y’all rather see?)
Obviously, I enjoy all categories of science fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy and paranormal. I was reading science fiction and fantasy when I was young enough that I still thought kissing was icky, so really, it’s my first love. Now I’ve grown up, I enjoy adding the romance to those kinds of stories, and if I had to say which subgenre I like the best, I would have a very hard time picking.
What about you? Which of these subgenres do you like best? Why? What is it that draws you to them?
(I’m a big fan of historical and contemporary romance too, but let’s stick to the “woo-woo” subgenres today.)
I can’t pick, but I do know why I love to read them—because of the possibilities. Anything can happen—and often does. And it’s interesting/fun to see how people (or werewolves or sorcerers) react in those wild-and-crazy situations.
I will give away five (5) copies of Heart’s Blood and five (5) copies of New Blood, the story that began this series, to 10 people who comment. So speak up people! Let’s hear from you.
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Undead Hunger | Literary Escapism
January 7th, 2010 on 9:31 pm[...] Gail Dayton, author of Heart’s Blood, at Borders TrueRomance Blog (w/contest) [...]
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And . . . the Winners are . . . - trueromance
January 3rd, 2010 on 6:02 am[...] - Gail Dayton’s 10 winners include . . .Janicu; Pamk; Barbara Elness; Joder; Lisa G & Carol Burnside; Judy; Estella; Misty Wright; fallon hadley; [...]
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Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
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Shape-shifter Dev Peltier thought he knew it all. But one night when a Dark-Hunter, who is also an official member of the Dogs of War, sashays into his bar, he realizes he might have met his match. But as old enemies and new move into New Orleans, Samia realizes that Dev just might be the only hope she and mankind have to save the world.
Friend Feed
January 4th, 2010 on 3:49 am
Wow these are seriously great covers! I haven’t tried steampunk yet but I really want to.
January 3rd, 2010 on 4:36 am
Woah, this looks great! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
January 2nd, 2010 on 5:42 pm
Ooh, I’m in!
January 2nd, 2010 on 2:05 am
sign me up these books sound great thanks for the great oppt.
January 2nd, 2010 on 1:57 am
Yey steampunk! There’s not enough of this subgenre.
January 1st, 2010 on 8:28 pm
Don’t want either book because I already have them! Just want to urge others to read these fabulous books so that Gail can continue to get books like this published. Can’t wait for Heart’s Magic!
January 1st, 2010 on 3:53 pm
I would love to have a new series to read! I am always up for new books that involve the paranormal and romance! Those books are great, they help me to escape from stress and allow me to day dream about the characters!
January 1st, 2010 on 12:47 pm
Oooh, these have been on my ‘want to read’ list. They sound awesome.
December 31st, 2009 on 10:07 pm
I love steampunk because there are so many directions the author can take the story.
December 31st, 2009 on 9:29 pm
I’m going to say science fiction romance. But it’s really a hard choice!
December 31st, 2009 on 4:45 pm
I can’t pick! I love all books, and am not picky
This book sounds really good! I love the cover!
December 31st, 2009 on 3:46 pm
I’d love to check this out! I’ll definitely be on the look out for this series.
December 31st, 2009 on 1:54 pm
new author to me! love the covers!!!
December 30th, 2009 on 11:46 pm
Paranormal and sci-fi romance are my favorites. It’s that whole other-worldly “where anything can happen” kind of thing that draws me to both subgenres. The possibilities for characters and worlds are endless! There can be any type of creature placed anywhere in any time. Throw in a HEA and I’m a happy reader.
December 30th, 2009 on 9:56 pm
I’m split between urban fantasy and paranormal. I like the action in the urban fantasy but often there isn’t the romance part in it. The paranormals almost always have the romance part but sometimes the action is lacking. Hmmm, sorry I just can’t choose between the two!
December 30th, 2009 on 9:19 pm
wow this sounds like a great story. Please enter me in this contest.
December 30th, 2009 on 7:37 pm
This is the first time I have heard of your books. But they sound very good and interesting. Not like something I have read before. Sounds like a series I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
December 30th, 2009 on 7:19 pm
This series sounds like something I would LOVE, as does your upcoming urban fantasy. Especially because I love Native American culture/myths as well as Celtic myths! I’m putting all these books on my “wish list.”
Happy New Year!
December 30th, 2009 on 6:37 pm
If I had to pick, I think I’d pick SciFi Romance, because I’ve always loved Science Fiction, and adding romance to it just makes it that much better. But it is very hard to pick, because I love fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, science fiction, as well as steampunk and any other great variation that might pop up.
December 30th, 2009 on 5:49 pm
I love the covers of these books–very eye-catching. And I too love the worlds that this genre creates. It’s exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
December 30th, 2009 on 5:46 pm
I have to be taken out of the running for the books. I just got back from Borders and bought BOTH! Oh, I cant wait for my 25+ hour flight to Cape Town now LOL
December 30th, 2009 on 5:32 pm
Hi Gail!
I like your idea with an Irish Hero with big elk. I love all genres. Time travel is always fun but I love stories with creepy houses that hold secrets and Heroines who don’t always let the truth be known.
I just spent 3 hours book shopping today and snatched up one of your books.
December 30th, 2009 on 5:28 pm
I’ve been waiting for this book, Gayle. I’m delighted you have another coming out in 2011 too, because anticipation is part of the fun. Best of luck and Happy New Year.
December 30th, 2009 on 5:22 pm
Hey, Gail!
I enjoyed reading about your new book. It sounds awesome!
December 30th, 2009 on 5:13 pm
Awww tough choice! I read sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy and romance (mostly m/m, historical and paranormal). I also really enjoy ‘literary classics’ (Louisa May Alcott, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Bronte sisters, Lewis Caroll, some Dickens, Victor Hugo, etc.) and yaoi mangas.
December 30th, 2009 on 5:11 pm
Hey Gail,
I love, love, love everything you have written!!!! I am so glad Heart’s Blood is finally out. I will buy anything with your name on it. Thanks for the good times!
December 30th, 2009 on 5:02 pm
Great sounding series!
December 30th, 2009 on 4:54 pm
Hey Gail! Loved this post and can’t wait to read this book!
Hope you have a Happy New Year!!
December 30th, 2009 on 4:51 pm
Ooh! Steampunk/Victorian — I’ve been interested in reading something in this subgenre and your books sound very cool.
December 30th, 2009 on 4:41 pm
I admit, I’ve never read steampunk before. However, this series sounds so amazing, I’m gonna have to give it a try.
Thanks,
Fallon H
December 30th, 2009 on 3:49 pm
Sounds like a great series. I am definitely intrigued. My favorite genres in the romance field are fantasy, paranormal and YA. I love it when authors do a multi genre book since it makes that book that much more unique. I love an unusual plot.
December 30th, 2009 on 3:19 pm
What a wonderful sounding series…I must look into these books more!
December 30th, 2009 on 1:52 pm
Hi Gail:
I just bought New Blood and am about 1/2 way through! I love the characters and the way you write! I’m looking forward to the new book.
I’m also very excited about your new series you mentioned…genetically engineered humans! Can’t wait!
December 30th, 2009 on 1:52 pm
Hi Gail
it’s nice to see you here… you are a new author to me, but your books sound very interesting and I love the covers - they have a flair like old films…
my favorite subgenre is the paranormal one - it’s all around me and I can pass these stories *sigh*
wish you all the best,
Ina
December 30th, 2009 on 1:49 pm
Hi Gail,
Nice to meet you! Your series sounds great!
I like to meet up with characters from other books in the series.
December 30th, 2009 on 1:46 pm
Hi Gail, I love the covers of these books. I would love to try one of these to see if I would like it. Because its different then anything I have read before.
December 30th, 2009 on 1:26 pm
Hi, Gail! I love those Victorian covers! They really set the mood for the story line. As a young reader, I was also into SciFi, paranormal, secret agents, cowboys and romantic fiction. However, the SciFi and paranormal fiction lines have expanded and evolved into a really wonderfully weird world for fiction lovers! Paranormal romance is literally “out-of-this-world”. I applaud you, and all the other talented authors of today, for providing book lovers like me with endless delights!
December 30th, 2009 on 1:12 pm
Oh, I absolutely adore the covers.
This is the first I am hearing of these books and now I have to go out and buy a copy. Is New blood the first? I am off to BORDERS at Columbus Circle, NYC right now and will hunt high and low for it.
I would love to win a copy of Hearts Blood, so I will be holding thumbs that my name will be one of those chosen.
I need books to read on a 25 hour plane trip to South Africa, I leave Sat the 9th and am dreading the flight. Reading good books, is always a great way to pass the time on such a long flight!
I think Gail Dayton’s books fit the bill!
December 30th, 2009 on 12:48 pm
Hi all.
I’m not sure I so much “recognized a trend” as I just wanted to mesh things I love. I have a graduate degree in history–I’m the sort who reads dense histories for fun, and with steampunk, I get to mix it with magic and other fun things.
@Scorpio M., “Steampunk” is speculative fiction (either science fiction or fantasy) set in the era of steam power–Victorian/Edwardian era, basically. It can be pushed back earlier–like the “dragons in the Napoleonic ward” books of Naomi Novik. (Love those too.)
(@Courtney - I like the science fiction story too. I like the romantic sf authors out there (Linnea Sinclair & Ann Aguirre) but there aren’t enough for me.
)
December 30th, 2009 on 2:18 pm
Thanks for clarifying. “steam power–Victorian/Edwardian era” - I am definitely interested!
December 30th, 2009 on 12:09 pm
I haven’t read anything that would come close to these so that makes me really want to try these.
And I love the covers.
hugs,
WendyK
December 30th, 2009 on 12:06 pm
I’ve been hearing great things about Gail and this book. Would love to read it. Congrats on the release!
December 30th, 2009 on 11:19 am
I haven’t read any books like yours before, but the description really hooked me. Thanks for visiting.
December 30th, 2009 on 11:02 am
I just finished Soulless last night! I am so falling in love with the Victorian steampunk aesthetic. It can be everything I want rolled into one tidy package.
December 30th, 2009 on 10:54 am
i haven’t had the chance to own my copy of both books. i’m so curious about your books.
My favorite will be paranormal or suspense with mix of romance. it’s just a great combination.
December 30th, 2009 on 10:51 am
This is my favorite genre, enjoy being introduced to new authors and series!
December 30th, 2009 on 10:38 am
New Blood was my first exposure to the genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Would love to read Heart’s Blood.
December 30th, 2009 on 10:29 am
Your wonderful post was fascinating as are your great books. It was interesting to learn about the urban fantasy and the Victorian gaslight realm appeals to me greatly. What intriguing books and congratulations and much success.
December 30th, 2009 on 10:28 am
These books sound right up my alley. Would love to start with the first one!
December 30th, 2009 on 10:19 am
Morning Gail! We certainly are beginning to see more & more of this theme published in romance — Katie MacAlister’s STEAMED will be out in Feb 2010 so I anticipate this trend to be the beginning of a strong one! Congrats on being one of the first to recognize it!
All the best for a great New Year,
Sue
December 30th, 2009 on 8:56 am
Fantasy/UF/Paranormals are not what I would normally gravitate towards when it comes to romance but exposure to the Sookie and In Death series has me keeping an open mind. Steampunk? sounds cool, not sure what it means exactly but still very intriguing
Your book covers have a noir-ish aspect which I love.
December 30th, 2009 on 7:41 am
While both your potential stories sound great, I think I like the genetically engineered one better.
December 30th, 2009 on 6:09 am
I already have New Blood, so I’d love to have Heart’s Blood.
My goal is 2010 is to read from my shelves or the public library only. Sorry authors - but don’t feel cheated I’ve spent the last 5 years buying enough books to bury me alive. Time to get some breathing room.
December 30th, 2009 on 4:00 am
I really can’t decide if my favorite is paranormal or urban fantasy. I do like the HEA in paranormal romance, but something in UF about following the heroine for more than one book is interesting too….
And I love a great fantasy now and then!
December 30th, 2009 on 3:43 am
hi gail! i was just over your website to look up new blood and i love the blurb for it as well (the cover is creepy though but i love it just the same as it’s out of the ordinary). i haven’t read any steampunk romances but your books look like a great intro into this subgenre. i’ll definitely look for them next time i’m in borders or here’s hoping i win a copy
December 30th, 2009 on 3:34 am
I’m definitely excited about the upcoming crop of steampunk inspired romances. And I love the gaslight fantasy realm - nothing inspires a bit of ghosty-magical goodness than the creepy green lights Victorian era. At least in my mind.
Plus, I love a romance that makes me laugh!