Charmed and Dangerous: Literary Merriment from Sara M. Harvey

tap-tap Is this thing on?

2011-08-06T22:26:00.000-05:00

So when last I left this blog, it was December 30th 2009. Three days later I would come down with one thing after another and end up in the ER with swine flu on January 21st 2010.
Because we'd met our insurance deductible, we decided now might be a good time to have that baby we'd been talking about. So we did. Which put me in the hospital during January of 2011.

But this thing about this blog is that it is nearly impossible to link it to, well, anything. Unless anyone has some ideas because I am sure at a loss here.

I am mostly over at LJ which I can easily link to Facebook and Twitter...and while this blog was great fun, I totally can't handle two blogs and everything else (writing, networking and, y'know...BABY)...so we'll have to decide what to do about that.
But that's not a choice for tonight.
Tonight, I just wanted to dust this one off and see how she ran after a couple of YEARS almost of quiet.....
Not so bad, actually.

Progress

2009-12-30T19:17:00.002-06:00

So, after the re-boot of Music City, I have been much more energized and made excellent progress!
I don't know what the current word count is currently, but I am happy with it. I am at my first major plot turning point and somewhere in the 18-20k range, which is as it should be.
Keela, our heroine, is about to complicate things a lot for herself. Which is a pity because things were going pretty well, but she doesn't see it.
I am pleased. ^_^
The reason for not pressing on is that I am hoping to finish off Draft Zero of the last Portia Gyony novella and get it off my plate so I can focus 100% on Music City (and short stories!).
Also, I will be Guest Blogging over at Apex in the new year. I am already liking where 2010 is going.
So stay tuned!

PRODUCTIVITY!

2009-11-15T23:35:00.003-06:00

Okay!
This weekend I have managed to bring my new version of Music City up to 10k. I reused some stuff like the prologue and the chapter about Boston, but that was still about 5k of new material this weekend.
By the end of the week, I should be up to the word count of the old version and can move forward with the plot.
Thusfar I am roughly a tenth of the way into the book and a tenth of the way into the plot- working in side characters and much more setting and subplot. Versus the other version where I got about 25% through the plot at 15k and hit a wall because I did not like where anything was going- so contrived and just insincere did it feel to me.
So, onward and hopefully upward!

The going is sometimes slow

2009-11-13T10:04:00.003-06:00

So I lost a bunch of steam for MUSIC CITY at about 15k. I just wasn't feeling it. I wasn't liking the main character. It just wasn't gelling for me.
My husband, an awesome author in his own right, is really great for bouncing plot off of. We had a long talk about where I wanted to go with the story and worked backwards to the beginning and sorted out some plot.
So things got a little reworked and rewritten and tweaked and torqued and things are going more smoothly now.
Not that I have had any time to work on it since last week. Yay midterms. I have what I would consider the best Day Job in the world (I teach fashion) but several times a year it eats my life.
Yesterday, my day was lost to a weird migraine that wasn't. Just stayed in that dizzy slightly nauseated pre-migraine state for 24 hours. Stress, it's a killer.
Today, the plan is to go throw on some clothes and take Javert, the German Shepherd mix we're fostering (on our own now since we've been abandoned by all local rescues), off for an adventure- the long pleasant walk over to the local pet supply place for some rawhides and a training clicker.
Then this afternoon it is off for a writing afternoon at Crema's!
I always think so much more clearly over there and it gives me great momentum for coming back home and being productive.

Off for adventure! And writing!

Back in the swing...or swing and a miss?

2009-10-10T22:42:00.003-05:00

Life can be a cunning little minx. Especially with long-awaited honeymoon vacations in Ireland involved. I left a few days after I made my last post and returned about a week ago- 4 days of that spent dragging myself through jetlag and attempting to convince my body that we are in Tennessee now, not Ireland. A hard-won victory. And a bitter one at that because it means I am no longer in Ireland. Not that there's anything wrong with Tennessee, I love living in Nashville. It just isn't Ireland, savvy?

So this weekend was the first attempt in almost a month to get back in the writing rhythm. So far, I am attempting to knock out a short story for an anthology request (currently 2 story requests done, three to go) and intermittently let me brain wander into Music City plotting. I think this chapter might flow into a nice flashback travelogue through Ireland. Yes, that'll do nicely. Now with BONUS! actual experience driving around the countryside. The things I'll do for my craft!
I'll report back once I made a little bit of headway.
And in case anyone is wondering, YES, the Guinness IS BETTER over there.

D'oh!

2009-09-18T13:58:00.002-05:00

Oh, neglected blog is neglected.
Let's see, since spewing my venom about Old Navy, they gave me my discount and a $20 gift cert. I see more shopping in my future. ^_^
Plus, a shiny apology from a manager over their credit division.
At school, midterms rolled into registration into finals and I am ded.
Thusly, little work has been done on Music City.
I am currently sitting at Crema, my coffeeshop of choice, staring out the front window from my favorite seat, watching clouds and traffic and trying to clear my mind enough to work on something. Had a busier morning than intended with much dog-drama- nothing terrible, but Eowyn bolted and got sliced up by Bad Cat across the street, like literally had one of his claws wedged into her eyebrow. After cleaning her up, we had an hour's training on front door etiquette.

Last week, I put together a story to submit for an anthology and sent another anthology request out to be beta-ed. I have three more antho requests to fulfill. I also editted The Labyrinth of the Dead and can now move forward on The Tower of the Forgotten. Where does this leave Music City? No idea. Certainly not forgotten, but re-prioritized based on things with specific deadlines- as I have been with the agent I have been speaking to.
This is not uncommon in the writing process. You might start out something with the best of intentions and then get de-railed by a more pressing project. Not more important, just more time sensitive.
The trick is to manage time to get it all done, something totally doable, even if it includes a sort of spur-of-the-moment day-trip to Huntsville on Saturday to meet with Baen editors in the hope of making a favorable impression so they might consider taking on Seven Times a Woman, the book that fans love but that just cannot find a home. *sigh* I am already popualr with many Baen readers, but have yet to come to the attention of the editors. And said Baen folks are hatching a plan. I'd be afeared, but really, it can't be any worse than the two botched introductions I have already had inflicted upon my professional person.
And now, it's been twenty minutes of writing and none of it marketable fiction. So, you know what that means....

My email to Old Navy

2009-09-02T15:20:00.001-05:00

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in concern to the service I receiving calling the Old Navy card customer service line. I understand that they are technically a separate organization run by GE Money, but they are still representing your company and doing a great disservice to you.

I have a busy and ever-changing schedule and I missed a payment on my card. This has happened very few times in the last several years that I have had this store card. I usually pay off my balance in full as soon as I get the notice that it has posted to my account.
On Monday, August 31 at 10:48am, I got a call from a number I did not recognize. The woman on the phone at first did not identify herself, but I was able to discern soon enough that this was a collections call from Old Navy. I apologized for losing track of my payments, I don't use it so often that I know to check my statement every month and that sometimes I get email reminders and sometimes I don't- an issue I later found is tied to using MyCheckFree.com or the Old Navy site- as an aside, MyCheckFree.com is not nearly as easy to use as the Old Navy website but they are the only ones that send the reminder emails. I informed her that I would be paying the balance as soon as I got home from work. She was very demanding of my debit card number or my bank information, which I told her I was not comfortable giving over the phone. She was also very demanding of my work phone number and my home phone number, both of which I declined to tell her because I am not in my office during regular business hours (I teach college so my office hours are scattered throughout the week) and my home phone has no answering machine. She continued to press for these phone numbers after I repeatedly told her that I was not going to share them with her. The same thing with the debit/bank account information. We ended the phone call tersely and I immediately placed my payment, paying the balance in full, as soon as we hung up. I have been informed that it is illegal for collections people to ask for a person's work number, because they are not allowed to harass customers in their place of business.

Yesterday, about 3pm I went into the Old Navy store in the Opry Mills Mall in Nashville, TN. I did my "stuff and save" shopping and went to check out. My card was declined.
The sales person with whom I dealt, Drew, was amazing. He was very kind and did all he could to make the transaction work, and although he could not give me the 20% discount, he let me have the free bag and told me to come back after the card issue was resolved and he would see if he could retro the discount.

On my way out, I called the card service line about 3:45pm or so. I asked why my account was frozen. The woman I spoke to was polite until she saw that my account was delinquent. Then her demeanor changed. She was very disdainful to me and gave me a great deal of attitude, asking "When you don't pay your bill, what did you think would happen?"
I told her that I had paid my bill the previous morning and gotten a confirmation that Old Navy had received it. She scoffed at me and said that it took up to 48 hours for the payment to post from the back and that I would not be able to use my card again until then. I also told her that I had never been told that my account had been frozen.
There was not a point in this conversation from this point that this woman was kind or polite. She was barely civil and her attitude was incredibly nasty, I could tell with every word exactly what she thought of me and it was highly upsetting.
I ended the phone call, very upset. In the previous two days my contact with customer service people representing your company has been terrible.
And as I have said many times this week, I understand the company's position. The economy is tough, you need to make sure you get paid and that is totally fair. I messed up, I completely forgot about the purchases I had made at the end of June, I apologized and paid the bill immediately after I was notified that I was still outstanding. I did get an email about that late last week, but was waiting on Monday's paycheck to be sure I could pay the balance off in full.
But to be treated with such contempt is ridiculous, especially after I paid the bill in full. But to be treated with such scorn to begin with is just jaw-dropping. Had the positions been reversed, either of those customer service people would have been as angry as I am to be treated in such a manner.
At 4pm exactly, I called the card customer service line again to complain about my treatment. The gentleman who answered that call was kind and apologetic. He assured me that he would bring this up with the floor supervisor/manager but I haven't heard anything in reply from them, so, in light of my previous encounters, I highly doubt anything will be done about this issue.

I have loved Old Navy for 15 years, shopping there since 1994. 75% percent of my wardrobe is Old Navy clothes and at least 25% of my jewelry and accessories come from your store. I have had great service in all the stores I have ever visited, but if this is the kind of treatment I can expect to receive from the parent company, I would rather take my money elsewhere. I am at the very least going to stop using the Old Navy store card. It is paid off and it will remain unused from this point forward. I am still considering my further patronage of your company.

I am not sure what can be done about this from your side but I wanted you to be aware that your card services people are running off your customers.

~Sara Harvey

Not always an adventure

2009-08-15T13:40:00.003-05:00

So, at last entry, I had just gotten back from carousing about the Music Row area, taking pictures, and generally being silly.
Over the last two weeks I have been using those pictures as reference when describing the witch's recording studio and the surrounding buildings. I needed to check these places out for myself because sometimes, looking at pictures is just no substitute! Especially since no one seems to really know where "Music Row" really is.
In addition to looking at all the pretty pictures I took, I also researched a lot about the O'Neill family. I found a great Geocities page that a guy put up in honor of his great-great-grandmother Mary O'Neill which was really fascinating. Accurate? No idea. But I liked the names and the stories so I went with it. It suited my needs for the narrative and really, even fiction based strongly in reality is still fiction. And for me as long as it feels authentic and works within the world of the tale it works, even if it isn't 100% accurate.

Crested 13,000 words yesterday which lands me in the middle of chapter five. Or about 2/3s through chapter five, I guess.
I mean I have an outline. Sorta. Diverged from it a while ago, though. Might want to check it to see where I am in relation and make sure I am not leaving something out that I had initially thought was important. Kind of like how when one is on a road trip and having fun just exploring, one might just check the map now and again to see how far it is to the next town and if one might get there in time for dinner.
Or perhaps that's just me....

A shiny new blog feature!

2009-08-03T23:32:00.002-05:00

This poor neglected blog!
But I had an idea. Many people love to ask me about my ideas and how I work and etc. So I thought I might use this as a place to sort of live-blog writing my newest novel, the working title of which is "Music City."

So let's begin.
I'll keep this part brief and to the point:

June- around the middle of June, late one night, lying in bed- my husband and I are dozing off and chatting. We are talking about book ideas. He says, sleepily, "You know what would be cool?" And proceeds to give me the most awesome idea kernal I have had in ages. A banshee comes to Nashville looking for a record deal.
June- I write the prologue after another couple of rounds of brainstorming.
July- At my parent's house, I dig through my bookshelf and find a stack of books on Irish lore and faeries and send them home to Nashville. Outlining is finished, detailed notes are made.
July/August- This catches me up to last weekend when I must have spent 26 hours of time writing chapters one and two.

Today, August 3rd 2009, Monday:

After finishing ch 2, which took Keela, our heroine, to Boston in a long flashback/interlude chock full of awesome backstory and foreshadowing, I realized that ch 3 begins back in Nashville at the door to the witch's recording studio. This may get a little murky in places, but bear with me. There is a witch in this story. And some Muses. Anywho, today, after class, I decided it was adventure time here at the House of Golden Leaves and my husband and I made a very short road trip over to Music Row.

Music Row, AKA Music Square W and Music Square E AKA 16th and 17th Avenues (No street in Nashville has only one name, that would be silly!) is not far from where I live but I had never been there. Many people think Broadway or Second Ave (downtown) is "Music Row" or even the area over by the Opryland Hotel. So finding some accurate images online was really gumming up my process. So I just hopped on over there to see for myself.

It's a gorgeous area of town, a very eclectic mix of old buildings, new buildings, homes, condos, recording studios, talent agencies, music publishers, beauty salons, a tattoo place, and a total dive bar. It's a perfect setting!
I took about 30 pictures, looking like a total tourist (at least I wasn't wearing a cowboy hat!). Both as general research about the feel and flavor of the neighborhood- like what kind of trees are there? How many? (Mostly maple and magnolia. Lots!) Architectural style, traffic, parking, etc.
I also narrowed my witch's house/recording studio to one of two buildings- one currently a Bank of America and the other a talent agent's office. There is a poll currently running on my LJ, do go and vote!
So, now I have a setting for the next segment. Sure, I could have gone on with the chapter without running over to Music Row, but I like to base my urban fantasies as close to reality as possible. People will believe in fae, in vampires, in whatever you tell them if you set them in a place they already know is real. Shaking up the disbelief factor in a story's foundation- for me and for this particular novel, the setting- really pushes the reader out of the nice little world that has been created for them.
Plus it was fun to wander around a part of town I had never seen before. I have only lived here for almost five years and I had never been down there! And it was a gorgeous evening, the humidity fell and the temperature came with it. Plus at 7pm no one is really out and about over there so there was minimal traffic and no one to fuss at us for being there.

Pictues were taken, summer evening was enjoyed, ideas are percolating. I'd have dipped into ch 3 but I bought a new phone at Costco (been wanting one with a real keyboard for a while now) and I spent far too long playing with the thing and um, lost some momentum.
But we can't write 5,000 words everyday. Or I suppose we could if we didn't have that pesky day job to fret about.
But for now, I open up comments on this post and bid you anon for a few days until I have something new to report. Look for posts anywhere from a couple times a week to once every two weeks as I sort out how I want to try and explain things, not to mention how much do you want to know.

Apex Bestsellers for April!

2009-05-05T09:40:00.001-05:00

Apex Bestsellers - April:
1) The Convent of the Pure
2) I Remember the Future
3) The Next Fix

Woot!
#1 two months in a row! *HAPPY DANCE!*

Some string and bits of fluff

2009-05-03T18:26:00.002-05:00

In news of the surreal, A Year and a Day is currently selling for $160+ on Amazon's marketplace!
o.O
For serious.
I had a hard time believing it myself. Could it be rumors of a reprint that has been driving the price up like this? No idea.
It is flattering, however.

Secondly, my newest work, The Convent of the Pure, is currently being featured as the Sunday Freebie over at Apex. They will take answers to the posted trivia question until Tuesday night and announce the winner on Wednesday.

And third, I am still stupidly spinning my wheels trying to come up with what to work on next. Putting together a couple of short pieces that were requested of me and then I will dive back into the idea pool for a new novel. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be delighted to hear them. Thusfar, been banging my head against the wall. Repeatedly.

Interview!

2009-04-03T12:11:00.004-05:00

My co-Blogspot blogger, Rie over at Leaving Shangri-L.A., interviewed me for her blog this week!
It's all very exciting! You should go check it out!

Apex Stats for March

2009-04-03T10:44:00.002-05:00

I am in some FINE company!

Apex Books Bestsellers:
1) The Convent of the Pure
2) Open Your Eyes
3) I Remember the Future: The Award-Winning Stories of Michael A. Burstein

Stats page can be found here.

Beginnings and endings (which are also beginnings)

2009-04-01T22:31:00.003-05:00

Today.
Today is April the first and, no foolin', the release date for The Convent of the Pure. Also, I sent in the final draft for The Labyrinth of the Dead. We don't have a release date for it yet- it will depend on a variety of factors but is tentatively queued up for a slot either around Christmastime or early 2010.
It is really exhilarating to see a book on which you have worked so diligently see the light of day and go forth to make its way into the great wide world. It is also a special kind of magic finishing a work that has been on your plate since July 2008 and start it on its own path.
And I did both today.
I am a crazy thing! And just soaring!!
I sold more than 100 pre-orders, a great feat for a new author with a small press. It is all because I have caring people like you who want to exchange your hard-earned money for my hard-forged words.
I hope this bodes well for the future of Convent and the other two books in the trilogy.
So I am in a very tingly headspace, made all the more topsy-turvy with the announcement that Apex Online is not running my Amanda Palmer interview in the June edition, but instead creating an Amanda-fucking-Extravaganza in the blog section with 10 days of my interview questions and collected YouTube clips and etc. put together by Awesome Apex Frontman, Jason Sizemore (who also interviewed me in March).
What makes this extra shiny is that Neil Gaiman just posted a tweet about said interview!
I think you should check it out, too!
All the cool kids are doing it!

p.s. Don't forget to pick up your copy of The Convent of the Pure!
Stillwondering if you'd like it? Check out this AMAZING trailer, courtesey of Catherynne Valente and Abney Park!

About writing: That Coffee Shop Thing

2009-03-07T22:38:00.003-06:00

What's up with all the writing in coffee shops?
I have to admit with full disclosure that I am one of those authors, the kind you see taking up a corner of the cafe with a mug and a plate of nibblies.
Or, you may not see me- I tend to be unobtrusive and wrapped up in my own little world. The coffee shop is a great environment for me because it provides two things: a steady supply of snacks and a convivial atmosphere away from dogs, laundry, TV, and the need to answer the phone.
Most of the time my husband is with me, "getting coffee" is a weekend ritual for us that will never be skipped unless we are away at a convention.
Depending on what cafe we plan to visit will set our schedule. Lately we've been going to Crema since Sam & Zoe's got sold and is getting all corporate and snotty. Crema isn't open on Sundays so we go there on Saturdays. If we haven't anything else planned for the weekend, we still might go over to Sam & Zoe's on Sunday (which is really the best day to go there in general as the awesome Baja Burrito [NOT to be confused with the inferior chain place Baja Fresh!] is also closed on Sundays and there is plenty of parking in the tiny lot they share).
At coffee, notebooks and/or laptops are opened and working commences for as long as the batteries hold out. (I am rather suddenly down to 45 minutes of juice on poor Pixie. *pout* Need new battery STAT!)
Usually we stick to our current works in progress, occasionally stopping for a coffee refill, another scone, or to read a sentence aloud to one another to make sure it sounds good.
The staff get to know us pretty quick, many of them already have copies of A Year and a Day and are usually thrilled to know I am working on my next published book in their cafe.
The ever-present hum of chatter and squeal of espresso machines is comforting and generally if people see that I'm working they tend to leave me alone.
I know there is a massive, writerly stereotype of the sorts of people who work in coffee shops, but unlike a lot of those types, my husband and I try to get read work done and don't care who sees us. It is a really nice break from home and the change of atmosphere is incredibly focusing.
And really, if writers around the world are doing it, there has got to be a reason why.
Now you know mine! ^_^

By popular demand!

2009-03-05T22:34:00.002-06:00

So, I am told there aren't enough posts about my current progress with The Convent of the Pure.
Well, the next few days are being spent in release party prep. I have final arrangements to arrange- like securing prizes for the costume contest for example! (Currently looking at Tea for Two at the historic Hermitage Hotel as the first prize!)
Touching base with the Syrens of the South about their set and out of town guests coming over!
The release party happens on March 14 here in Nashville.
The following weekend is MidSouthCon and the weekend after THAT is my very first The Convent of the Pure signing!
Leading up to this, I have an interview published in this month's issue of Apex Magazine.
*phew!*
So, when does that leave me time to work on the edits for book two and the first draft of book three?
Good question!
The answer is: tomorrow.
I am hoping to get some time and work through the bulk of the edits tomorrow, perhaps over coffee and an awesome veggie burrito.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat on Saturday.
Things at the day job are winding up, we're on week nine of eleven of the quarter and then I will have two weeks of NOTHING TO DO BUT WRITE. Which will be made of win! Win and sleeping.
Better get to it, then!

THE CONVENT OF THE PURE reviewed!

2009-02-06T20:27:00.003-06:00

From Publisher's Weekly, February 2nd 2009:

The Convent of the Pure Sara Harvey. Apex (www.apexbookcompany.com), $13.95 paper (137p) ISBN 978-0-9816390-9-3

Harvey (A Year and a Day) cobbles together gothic steampunk fantasy and fluffy lesbian erotica in this romantic, necromantic tale. Two years after Imogen Gyony's death, her spirit still frequently visits her lover, Portia. Both are Nephilim, born of a celestial and a mortal being and raised to be warriors in an age-old fight against the demonic forces out to destroy humanity. When demons capture Portia, she escapes with crossbow blazing and takes on the fiends one by one, determined to bring Imogen back from the dead and save her Nephilim chapter house from being taken over by demon-influenced mages. Readers who aren't put off by the cheesecake cover illustration of buff, busty Portia will appreciate the mix of heat, horror and humor. (Apr.)

2009 starts out well!

2009-01-21T16:54:00.002-06:00

From the desk of the Apex Book Company blog today:

Apex Bestsellers of 2008

Best sellers of 2008:

1) I Remember the Future — Michael A. Burstein
2) Unwelcome Bodies — Jennifer Pelland
3) Mama’s Boy and Other Dark Tales — Fran Friel

December 2008 Bestsellers:

1) I Remember the Future — Michael A. Burstein
2) Mama’s Boy and Other Dark Tales — Fran Friel
3) The Convent of the Pure (pre-orders) — Sara M. Harvey

How awesome is that?

I hope to be one of the top 3 sellers for 2009! ^_^

In other news, the Arisia convention in Cambridge was a wonderful event! I sold 10 pre-orders of The Convent of the Pure, 8 copies of A Year and a Day, and a large handful of chapbooks.

Now, these are not huge numbers, but they are significant and mean that I just about broke even on my weekend. I was in the company of several other fine authors as we formed a collective that we lovingly call the Hot Chicks With Books!

This coming weekend I am staying more local and heading out to Chattacon in Chattanooga, TN, about 2 hours away from Nashville. I'll be judging the Masquerade and probably participating in the Syrens of the South burlesque show as a dresser and "pick-up girl."

I have also got the honeymoon scheduled but I am going to need to sell more books if I am going to afford all the Guinness Matt and I are going to want to drink!

A writing weekend of much success!

2008-12-14T22:54:00.002-06:00

My husband and I both finished our books this weekend! Of course mine was a lot easier and begun not so long ago, but I finished up The Labyrinth of the Dead, the sequel novella to The Convent of the Pure. I also put down the first paragraph of the third and final (?) installation of the little novella series which is going to be called, The Tower of the Forgotten!
I also got to take a look at the interior artwork for the book. And WOW is all I can say!!
As soon as I can finagle some permission, I might be able to share a sneak peak with y'all.

My husband finished his 146k fantasy novel about a young man turned assassin to avenge his parents' deaths. There is a lot of intrigue, blood, sex, battle, gods, mages, and warring religious factions. And don't think I find this interesting or noteworthy simply because he's my husband. I fell in love with him because of his writing...his charm and good looks were also helpful in that.

And since were were so productive with writing so early on this weekend, we tackled painting our hallway and hanging some art! Tomorrow more art will be hung when the hallway has had time to dry completely. It is a lovely shade of golden-peach which complements the darker antique gold of the front room/kitchen and plays nicely against the pale blue-green of the bedroom.
Happiness abounds in our literary love-nook!

THE CONVENT OF THE PURE available for pre-order NOW!

2008-11-28T18:16:00.003-06:00

From the desk of Jason Sizemore, editor-in-chief of Apex Publications:

I'm excited to announce that we're opening pre-orders for the next two books in our novella series. Remember, we're running a free shipping special so now is a great time to take advantage of some USPS savings!
Free shipping is currently available for ALL ORDERS over $25
Free limited edition short story chapbook is included with your pre-order!

Sara M. Harvey - THE CONVENT OF THE PURE

Secrets and illusions abound in a decaying convent wrapped in dark magic and scented with blood. Portia came to the convent with the ghost of Imogen, the lover she failed to protect in life. Now, the spell casting caste wants to make sure that neither she nor her spirit ever leave.

"The Convent of the Pure is a compelling blend of the numinous and the creepy, with a rich, atmospheric setting. I devoured it in a single sitting!"
– Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel's Dart)

Publication Date: April 1st

http://www.apexbookcompany.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=78

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Sara's Official Author's Site
http://www.saramharvey.com

Excerpts, artwork, photos, and event schedule!
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Shakes out the dust and scatters the tumbleweeds.

2008-11-19T11:22:00.002-06:00

Goodness gracious, it's been since MAY that I have posted here.
Apologies, life is busy as usual.
Some small announcements, I have a short story to be included in the upcoming Dragons Composed anthology due out in Summer 2009 from Kerlak Publishing. My husband Matt's story has also been selected and we will be sharing a volume for the first time. I hope it won't be the last! This also marks Matt's publishing debut.

Secondly, I am working on another non-fiction assignment for Greenwood Press. This one is about the Fashion and Beauty industry.

And lastly, plans continue at a hectic pace as I gear up for the release of The Convent of the Pure early next year. In fact, on Friday I am heading up to Philadelphia for my first appearance to promote the book! I'll be at PhilCon from Friday til Sunday with my wonderful convention family.

That'll be my last convention of 2008, but my schedule starts up again in 2009 with Arisia and Chattacon in January.
Currently, my workload includes both the fashion industry chapters and the second novel in the series begun with The Convent of the Pure, called The Labyrinth of the Dead. There will be a third book in the series to finish off the story and after that I have to get back to my urban fantasy, To Shining Sea.
My agent (I have one now! Yay!) has high hopes for that one!

There is a lot going on in my life and now that things are moving forward with the writing, I have more to share with y'all.
So look for details to come soon!

Moving up in the world!

2008-05-22T22:54:00.002-05:00

In addition to my Wkipedia entry, I have merited an entry on the Fandom News & World Report community on LiveJournal!

Shiny!

I can haz Wiki!

2008-05-21T19:18:00.001-05:00

Mark this day in history, I now have a Wikipedia entry!

Bookmark it for all your Sara M. Harvey encyclopedic needs!

I've got all the luck this month!

2008-05-20T16:36:00.003-05:00

There was some Suck but it looks like Awesome once more prevails.
Tomorrow I head over to Jack FM at noon to record my promo spots as Jack FM's Ordinary Listener of the Week.

I will prvide details as they come available to me. I know you can catch Jack FM online as a live feed and I will see if there is a schedule of spots. Also, there is going to be a very silly YouTube video in which I will strive for as much SHAMELESS PROMOTION as possible.

Now...what do I wear???

A new novel for you!

2008-05-15T21:25:00.003-05:00

Hey there fair and gentle readers,
Great news!
Apex Books will be publishing my next work, a horror novella (that needs a title) about half-angel demon-hunters in a Steampunk universe.
Melissa Gay will be my artist for both the cover...and interior line art!

I am thrilled to pieces and just damn honored to join the ranks of such great authors such as Cherie Priest and Jen Pelland and Michael Burstein and Geoffry Gerard and Steven Savile and Lavie Tidhar and Brian Keene and way too many more to name!

Thanks everyone for all their love and support during this little whirlwind project of mine and look for it to be in print in Spring 2009.

We need a theme song....

Convention Report

2008-04-16T10:46:00.003-05:00

Here it is, April, the fresh new spring of the year. And I have already been to 3 conventions in 2008. I had a back-to-back double-header of Arisia in Cambridge, MA and Chattacon in Chattanooga, TN one weekend after the other in January. I had the month of Februrary off where I ended up beginning a novella project that came to life because of events that transpired at those two conventions. Never underestimate the power of networking, even at your friend's after-hours birthday party, I'm just sayin'. Opportunities don't always happen during the 10am-10pm convention "day" and they might take a couple of months and several appearances later to really come together.

And that is how I ended up working for Apex Books. Which will be expounded upon in greater detail in a later post, I promise.

In March, I attended MidSouthCon in Memphis, TN for the first time. It has been a while since I was a first-timer at a con. Luckily my first con ever was a small and wonderfully supportive one here in Nashville, TN called Hypericon which happens in June. After that first weekend of being shown the ropes, I felt like this convention thing was old hat.

But here are some quick dos and don'ts of being at a convention for the first time, whether is it your first con ever or your first appearance at a particular con.

First off, make sure you and the con staff are clear on your status. Some cons have a distinction between a "guest" and a "panelist." To clarify, all guests are (usually) panelists, but not all panelitsts are always considered guests. Every convention has various Guests of Honor (in different fields like writing, art, costuming, webcomics, etc.), these are usually very important or very famous professionals within their industry and serve as a draw to people to attend that particular convention. (Example: Pi-Con in W. Springfield, MA enticed me to come visit because Jacqueline Carey was their Guest of Honor)

The Guests of Honor (or GOH in the vernacular) have all their expenses paid by the con: travel, lodging, convention membership and/or any miscellaneous fees, and sometimes even food (even if not in an "official" capacity, most GOHs get treated to a meal or two or three by the con or the staff or the fans). A GOH gets a whole page in the con book with their picture, a long bio, and often reviews of their work or an interview with them.

A regular guest is an industry professional, often listed with others of their ilk in the "also appearing" or "other guests" category. Guests get just a short bio in the con book which will be organized alphabetically and not by industry. Guests write their own bios and so can include anything they want. I talk briefly about my current novel, any upcoming or current writing projects I might have, a sentance or two about my costuming background, followed by a single senatnce that sums up my other interests and where I am from and then I usually end up mentioning my fiance and my two dogs. People tend to relate to other people with pets and relationships, makes one seem like a real person, more approachable and likable, or so those marketing and promotion books tell me. I do get people asking me what kind of dogs I have and when my wedding is taking place, so I suppose it works.

This is an example of one of my bios, this one comes from my Amazon.com blog:

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, Sara has traveled all over the country from her home state of California, all the way to New York City, and finally settling (for a little while anyway) in Nashville, Tennessee. She loves costuming and theatre as well as writing. She has a fantastic fiance, Matt, and a very dramatic dog, Guinevere.

It is brief, but with some fun style and panache to it. Hits the major bases and ends with a humorous and loving mention of family. My convention bio is similar but contains the titles, dates, and publishers of my books.

A panelist is someone who is knowledgable about a subject and not necessarily an industry professional. Many times a convention will have their GOHs and then everyone else is listed as a "panelist." Many conventions have their GOHS and everyone else is a "guest" (lower case). Some conventions have GOHS, guests, and panelists, the difference between "guest" and "panelist" being whether or not they are a professional in whatever field the panel is about.
One thing about being on a panel is finding the right balance between making yourself heard and hogging the time. Find that balance. Don't let the "big names" roll over you, you were asked to speak on that panel on that subject for a reason. If you never open your mouth, no one will know who you are! But always remember to let your fellow panelists speak...there are 3-6 people trying to express their opinions about a given topic and there is only ONE HOUR for everyone to get their points across. Be assertive, but considerate!

Another difference is that guests usually do not have to pay to attend the convention. They are a "guest of the convention." They still need to pay to travel to the con and for their own food and lodging. For the savvy con guest, this becomes a shiny tax deduction as it is a business expense.

Some cons, especially smaller ones, have rules about how many panels on which one must participate to earn a complimentary membership. Many cons allow guests to bring their own guest, usually a spouse, significant other, or other family member for free. Others allow a "guest of the guest" to attend for half-price, others require any additional people with the guest to pay the full convention membership price. Cons vary widely in this practice, so this is definitely a question to ask ahead of time.

But how does one go about getting involved in conventions?

I don't know how anyone else does it, but I just look them up and send them an introductory email and ask if I can come be a guest. I have some fiction published, plus I have a whopping load of costuming credentials including a mater's degree, a year of servitude in the Disney World costume shop, I teach fashion and costume at the college level and I have written several chapters on costume history. That is usually enough to get programming chairs drooling for my presence. After my first con, I had some experience so I could list at what other cons I had appeared and build myself a convention resume listing where I had appeared and what sort of topics I had spoken about. In other instances, I made friends who attended other cons and put in a good word for me. Elizabeth Donald is an ANGEL at this. And I have tried to turn around and show the love back to some good folks like Shane Moore and others. And on a couple of occasions, the programming folks or other staffers of other cons have seen me at one con and invited me to theirs.

In short (too late!), I have found that conventions have been my mainstay in terms of book sales and generating interest in me and my work and by that, new readers. My goal is to be able to make a career of writing, that is, to be able to generate enough income from selling books that I don't need to have an additional job unless I want one. I mean, fame and fortune are great, but more realistically, just being able to make a halfway-decent living with writing would be a dream come true.
So, if you are looking for a new angle or edge to further your budding career, try looking into some conventions. I'll see you there!

Reputation

2008-02-07T21:03:00.001-06:00

I love that song, "I Don't Give a Damn About My Bad Reputation." But when it comes to writing and success, a lot rides on a good reputation.

One of my most favorite things to do is speak at conventions. There is so much excitement and Adventure, not to mention attention! It is every extrovert's dream! I also really enjoy my time there. I love interacting with the other guests as well as the fans. The costumes are phenomenal and where else can you stay up all night drinking and eating M&Ms with your friends and then have breakfast in the morning with the likes of Jacqueline Carey and Voltaire? Where else is Vic Milan going to chide you for not sneaking into the SFWA party?
Cons are, by far, my favorite authorial perk. It is where I can really shine and it is where I can make connections and network and it is where I get to see the people who buy my book face to face. This makes me the happiest of all.

And I have developed, over the past year and a half, a very good reputation among conventions. Such that, I have been asked back year after year. Sure they are expensive and a bit of a headache to plan around, but I have seen a marked increase in my sales as well as a healthy dose of name recognition. (Plus they make me deliriously happy to attend!) Slowly I am building my way to Mostly Famous (I would consider myself Nearly Famous right now!) and then I can be Really And Truly Famous (with a nice royalty check to match! Goodbye student loans!).
Even my wonderfully frugal fiance who watches our every penny has to admit that my momentum has caught on and it would be foolish to stop this snowball once it has started to roll downhill. So, more conventions for me! Yay for a sterling reputation!

In addition to building a good reputation for making appearances and being a valuable addition to conventions and other events, I have been developing a network of people for whom I have written and who are always willing to take a look at more of my work. This started with non-fiction and costume history writing. This has now begun to cross over into fiction where small publishers are requesting work from me. Now, if only I had it ready to give, I'd be set! I think that maybe I ought to finish this up and complete my grading and get home to log more words!

But long story short (too late!), a reputation is a valuable thing. It is precious and should be guarded and nurtured. I started this process in June 2006 and have seen excellent results, but it was certainly not an overnight process!
Be aware that writing is a business and you are more than just representing yourelf, you are representing yourself as a brand, as a marketable commodity. I think about that whenever I step foot out of my hotel room and out into the public convention space. I put such thought into my clothing, my hair, my perfume, like dressing a character for a play. It all plays into my reputation.
And without a good reputation, all the talent in the world can only take you so far.

A moment of real life blogging

2008-01-28T22:30:00.001-06:00

2007 swept into the sunset like an errant whirlwind, leaving me dizzy and catching my breath.
In 2008, I have made a concerted effort to straighten out my hectic schedule and allow for some more "down-time" where I am doing stuff just for me to recharge my soul batteries.
And here it is, end of January and I am rushing to finish yet another ambitious wearable art project, start about 4 new novels, and foster an extremely energetic 5 month old puppy.
There went that New Years Resolution. At least I am losing weight! ^_^

But going into February, I have one time-sensitive sewing commission to finish and reams of words yet to be written, but in my own time and from my own mind.
I full intend to blog more and craft more (especially since I have just learned to knit this month!) and stress less.
So, I'll keep you appraised of how that all goes.

Until then, this is my foster pup, Eowyn, dozing on the futon with Guinevere, the Drama-Dog.
For those new to this, Eowyn is the blondie, a Yellow Lab/German Shepherd cross. Guinie is the ebony to her ivory and is a Border Collie/Blue Heeler cross. They get along about 90% of the time, unless there is food involved. Then Guinie will get snippy. Or if there is attention being given to anyone else besides Eowyn, in which case she becomes the very figure of a jealous, demanding bitch.
But they are both just angels when they are sleeping!

Because there is far too little bookishness to speak of, I shall distract you with costumes!

2008-01-13T18:45:00.000-06:00

"Lux Arumque,"Christmas at Belmont, 2007
Schermerhorn Symphony Hall, Nashville, TN
Original costume design by Franne Lee. Construction and additional design by Sara M. Harvey.

Much Ado About Nothing, Belmont University's Inaugural Performance in the new Troutt Theatre, September 2007.
Original costume design, Franne Lee. Assistant costume designer, stitcher, shop manager, Sara M. Harvey

Author Chat and upcoming e-anthology

2007-11-27T22:14:00.000-06:00

You can join me in an Authors' Chat for the upcoming e-anthology from Circle Dark Publishing, Twilight and Thorns on Friday November 30th at 7pm CST. Click here for the direct Java-enabled chat room link. Or find the "CDP Chat" link at the bottom of their homepage!

Not only is this Circle Dark's debut work...it is my first foray into the world of e-books! Let's make it a good one!
Books may be ordered at the website or by emailing the wonderful ladies of the Circle Dark at orders@circledarkpublishing.net!

It's official!

2007-10-18T22:46:00.000-05:00

This week I received notice of my reversion of rights for A Year and a Day.
It is a double-edged sword as my current publishing situation is finished, but that means I can move onto other things. Sadly, my publisher ran into some major financial issues that turned into a 6 month struggle between them and us authors. But we have won the day and are free to take our publication rights back and move onto new venues. I have some great leads, so fret not, dear readers, I will be back before you know it!

For now, I am relieved and optimistic.
Books continue to be available on Amazon's marketplace and on ebay...at a STEAL, too!
Also, I was also awarded custody of the remainder of the stock. So I have a few at my disposal. Let me know if you want a signed copy!

Thanks for everything! We'll meet again soon, I know it!
But keep an eye out here and on my website for all the latest developments.

For the record!

2007-10-05T23:28:00.000-05:00

There is one more copy of A Year and a Day left on Amazon, but you can find both used and new copies easily on Amazon's Marketplace and eBay. Both covers are available, just be sure to search under "Sara M. Harvey" as there two other popular novels titled "A Year and a Day."

Also, the cottage is officially named The Cottage Caravansarai ( or The Cottage Caravansary, depending on your spelling preference!). It is still really not in any reasonable order, so pictures will have to wait just a little while longer.

...that is all.

Autumnal musings!

2007-10-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

Things have been supremely busy!

I have been busting my chops working for my non-fiction publisher, Greenwood Publishing. I had to do an emergency fix in their 19th century chapter. I cranked out 51,000 words in 10 days. Yeeeaaaahhhhh....I now have the flabbiest butt in Nashville. But a good friend and yoga diva and I are working out a exercise routine.

I am also working on a fabulous sewing project for Catherynne M. Valente's novel Orphan's Tales. Pictures to follow, I promise!

And the biggest news of all...I am getting married! Matt proposed on August the 11th at Pi-Con and we are planning to tie the knot in September 2008!

And there are new shiny bits on my website, updates and excerpts! Go check it out!

And now to go enjoy the weather...it is finally not 100+ degrees. ^_^

Costuming Shout-out!

2007-08-08T21:26:00.000-05:00

For all you good costumers headed out to CostumeCon 2008 in San Jose, CA, I offer for you a few links of interest!

Lacis- The quintessential destination for any historical costumer! No TV special or website does it justice. They feature a fantastic book selection, hard-to-find patterns, boning, grommets, hat blanks, millinery supplies, and an entire museum of antique through vintage through retro items for sale.
Stone Mountain and Daughter- Not too far from Lacis, Stone Mountain and Daughter is a GREAT resource for wools, brocades, velvets, and whatever else they find to sell at low-low prices!
Dark Garden Corsets- If you are going to be across the Bay in San Francisco, visit Dark Garden for a fun afternoon of corsetry and coquetry!
BustleDress- A St. Helena vintage costumer's paradise! They are an online establishment, but if you are bringing a group, I would recommend giving a call and seeing if you can arrange a tour!
A listing from Sewing San Jose!
Aladdin's Lamp- A theatrical costume supply store. Make-up, masks, fun stuff!

And don't you DARE leave San Jose without seeing:

The Winchester Mystery House

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium

Drop me a line if you want more information! I am still investigating my ability to go to the Con, and I will happily lead tours to various adventurous locales!!

Hypericon this weekend in Nashville, TN

2007-06-15T12:56:00.001-05:00

Hello chaps and chapesses!
This weekend is Hypericon here in Nashville. The full schedule can be found here!

My personal schedule is here:

Friday: 9pm Dialogue: This Is How People Really Talk
Saturday: Noon Costuming - It's In The Details
Saturday: 1pm SIGNING
Saturday: 4pm READING
Saturday: 8pm Making The Unbelievable Believable (Yes, this is opposite the Masquerade. Please come see me for a little while at least??)
Sunday: 11am History of Lingerie (Me and the decadent ladies of Big City Burlesque in vintage undies. NOT TO BE MISSED! And you might learn something too!)

Hope to see y'all there!

The winds of change

2007-06-12T13:40:00.001-05:00

Ah, it has been far too long since I have updated to you, my dear friends and readers.
There have been a lot of changes in my small literary world, and I should be able to explain all of it in the next week or two. Somethings are legal matters and must remain under wraps for the time being. Others are just too new to comment upon and when I know something, you'll know something.

Until then, take care 'til I come back... and don't burn the internet down!

It's MAY already!

2007-05-06T23:05:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go??

I look back and realize that I haven't posted since March! Mercy!

There, unfortunately, is very little to report at this time. I have been busy in the world of non-fiction and equally busy dealing with a whole slew of issues with my novel, none of which I am at liberty to talk about here.
I was also very, very ill...but I am doing much better now. Better living through science and all.

There should be some news forthcoming, but for now, good readers, I will remind you that my next event/appearance will be the BookExpo America in NYC over the first week of June.
I will be hanging out in the city a few days prior to the event, so drop me a line and we can have a coffee at Veselka's!

Congrats to Elizabeth Donald!

2007-03-27T18:08:00.000-05:00

Good friend and fellow writer Elizabeth Donald was honored with the Darrell Award for her short story "Wonderland" at this year's Mid-South Convention in Memphis, TN.
"Wonderland" comes from her short story collection, Setting Suns published by New Babel Books.

Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Congrats to Jeri Smith-Ready!

2007-03-27T16:45:00.000-05:00

Recently, I had Jeri Smith-Ready's book, Eyes of Crow recommended to me by a friend and fan of my work. I confess that I haven't gotten to read it yet, but I have it on order from Amazon and am eagerly anticipating it.
Imagine my surprise that this debut novel of hers has shown up as a RITA finalist for Best First Novel! (the RITA Award is the big award for Romance writing and is given out annually by the Romance Writers of America in a variety of categories.)

I have some more congratulations to give out for another friend and another award, but that deserves a post all its own!

Springing forward!

2007-02-28T12:24:00.000-06:00

Oh, the post-holiday, after-Valentine's, not-quite-summer-reading time is upon us.
The time when almost all authors look at their flagging sales and sigh.

But, I am not going to be downhearted about the relative flatline of this time of year. Instead, I think I may go work on some on my upcoming fiction and slip you good readers a little teaser...or two.

The first is that Seven Times a Woman, my fantastical pseudo-myth set in almost-Japan is being officially considered by the firm my publisher works with that distributes mass market books to CVS Pharmacies, but also Ekerd's and Rite Aid (yes, Rite Aid! Hear that West Coasters??). No further news beyond that, but it is a good start. It went to them with the highest recommendations from my beloved editor.

The second is that I have gotten permission to reference Loreena McKennitt and some of her lyrics in my current novel, To Shining Sea, about a Selkie girl who plays in an Irish band.

Lastly, please stop by my website. It is all shiny and new (with some updates that still need to happen)! Please remember to update your bookmarks/favorites. The /mambo on the end of the URL will lead you to a 404 NOT FOUND message.
And in these website updates, I am still on the hunt for fan art, so if my writing has inspired you and you would like to share that with the world, please send me an email!

I LIVE!

2007-02-25T14:33:00.000-06:00

I have surfaced for air from my latest costume history textbook project.

HUZZAH!!

And now, I shall play some WoW to decompress and then go head off to the Centennial Sportsplex and see if I can't join the Women's Hockey League here in Nashville.

But don't despair, fair readers, I shall be far more attentive to you now!
I have news for you....but that's for tomorrow. Because after five weeks of hellbent writing to get this project in on time...I am damn tired of typing.

(Actually, this is not me. My NE is named Lilia and I play on Garona. But this toon is pretty similar to mine.)

Anon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T12:40:00.000-06:00

Great big hugs and kisses with all sorts of frilly hearts and everything that sparkles to my family, friends, and fans!

I am also sending out vibes for some black leather and spikes for those of you who'd prefer not to have anything frilly. ^_~

(You can't see it, but I am wearing pink fishnets under that black Victorian Gothilicious jacket!)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Book signings and YOU!

2007-01-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

The time has come!
Premium Press America will be holding a signing featuring me and two other authors!
I will be signing copies of A Year and A Day at the Barnes & Noble in Cool Springs this Saturday!
Consider yourself INVITED!

A large turnout is my aim, here. And for two very good reasons:

I would love to see you! And it would be awfully shiny to have fans there, otherwise we will all look pretty silly.
A gaggle of Sara Harvey fans clamoring for my autograph will also make a stellar impression to the good people of PPA. Not only will this make the people who sign my checks very happy, it will also look good to any potential agents and larger publishers.

So, if you plan on being in Nashville on Saturday...or if you want to plan to plan to be in Nashville this Saturday, come on by the Barnes & Noble and say hello!

The pertinent details are as follows:

WHAT: A Valentine's Day themed book signing featuring yours truly!
WHERE: The Barnes & Noble in Cool Springs, Brentwood, TN (Brentwood is about 20 minutes south of downtown Nashville). Please call 615-377-9799 for details!
WHEN: Saturday, February 3rd at 1pm(CST)

Cool Springs is a huge shopping and eating district and I plan to go have some sushi or cheesecake or something else celebratory after the event. I would be glad of your company if you are so inclined as to come along!

Oh and *mumblemumblerumormumblebuzzSevenTimesaWomanmumblebuzzmumble*
(Intelligible details to follow in a soonish fashion, I promise!)

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Event Updates!

2007-01-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

12-14 January~ Arisia Convention~ Cambridge, MA
26-28 January~ Chattacon Convention~ Chattanooga, TN

Just added!
3 February~ "A Little Romance" Signing at Barnes & Noble, Cool Springs~ Franklin, TN
My FIRST OFFICIAL PUBLISHER SIGNING!!!

If you are in the vicinity of Nashville at all, please come out and show your support! Details on the time on Saturday2/3 will be forthcoming!

Premium Press America's Website!

2006-12-29T14:37:00.000-06:00

The Premium Press America website is finally live! Not all links work, but you can noodle around in the Romance section and check me out!
Currently, A Year and A Day is the featured Romance title! Come check me out!

And have you posted your review on Amazon yet? This holiday downtime is a GREAT chance to catch up on reading and reviewing! I know I did! I think I posted two long-overdue reviews this week and I still have one more yet to go.
And even if you don't want to leave a review, or don't feel that you really have the time to write one, you can vote on the "usefulness" of those who have reviewed before you!

I hope everyone is enjoying the 12 Days of Christmas. I love them, myself, but I can do without the waterfowl.
A little bit of 12 Days trivia...if you got each of the items mentioned in the song you would receive 81 gifts.
BUT if you got each item mentioned in the song EACH TIME it was mentioned...that makes 364 presents!
That's a lot of partridges and pear trees!

Merry Christmas!!

2006-12-25T12:19:00.000-06:00

Whether you celebrate, or not, I hope everyone is having a magical day today! And I hope that Santa left YOU something special, too!

Me, I choose to take a bit of on Eponine route...Matt and I had quite the Solstice party with creole pasta (not the least bit traditional, but eh...details!) and a bottle of fabulous Shiraz red wine. We couldn't stay up to meet the sunrise of a new year (damn day jobs!!)...but we did enjoy the quiet joy of the longest night and in the style of the Kushiel books of of our friend, fellow author Jacqueline Carey, we wished one another joie!

And here it is, Christmas morning and I am back in my beloved California. After a whirlwind of European-style feasting, revelry, and gifts last night, I have come home to my childhood house to the traditional day-after presents and cookies for breakfast with my parents. Well, with my Dad. My Mom is a nurse so she is at work today, bringing Christmas cheer to the entirety of the hospital, I am sure! She is a little Eponine-like, herself! But she'll be joining us for Christmas dinner, which will be much more subdued than the delightful chaos of last night and will round out the two-day event that Christmas has always been in my family.

So, have a merry day everyone. Good luck and good cheer! I drink to you, all of my loving and loyal readers! Thank you all for selling me out on Amazon so many times that they have taken to calling my distributor and publisher and asking for more books!

I love you all, I hope you know that. YOU are what makes this all worthwhile, YOU are what keeps me going, YOU are who I am writing for. I want to bring joy and wonder to YOUR life and I never want to let YOU down.

Happy Holidays to YOU. Yes, YOU!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may JOY be yours all the days fo your life!

Happy Solstice!

2006-12-22T19:18:00.000-06:00

Happy Solstice, everyone! I hope as the longest night passes behind us that we all embrace the oncoming year with grace and strength!

Currently, I am hanging out at the "in-law's" and making cookies.

I have been doing very well on Amazon, sold through 3 times in December. Thanks everyone! Keep it up!

And don't forget to keep warm.
Baby, it's cold outside!

A warm hello on a cold night.

2006-12-07T21:26:00.000-06:00

Happy December!!!!!!!!!

All is well in the world of me.

It snowed on me this morning in soft, glittery swirls. When the clouds blew away, the temperature continued to drop until it got bitterly cold. 20 degress when I was driving home from the mall. They say Nashville will hit a low of 14 degrees tonight. Damn chilly for the South!

My Holiday shopping goes well. I secured a copy of a very hard-to-find book for Matt's dad: Marilyn Merlot and the Naked Grape: Odd Wines from Around the World. Yay!
And the rest of the family...blown glass. I get a hell of a discount. ^_^

Book sales continue to go strongly, I have had a few people take up my holiday offer. There is still time for you to get your hands on a copy of A Year and A Day for $10 including first class shipping! Act now!

I hope everyone's December is going well with bright lights, cold nights, and hot cider!

HOLIDAY SALE!!!!!

2006-11-17T23:13:00.000-06:00

AMAZING HOLIDAY SALE!!!!

Order directly from me and save some holiday green!

BOOKS ONLY $10 SHIPPING INCLUDED!

Orders will be accepted ONLY UNTIL DECEMBER 20th!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER

(Simply fill out the "Contact Sara" form and type "Holiday Sale" in the message title window. Make sure to include your mailing address and the personalized greeting you'd like included in the body of the message. I will email you a confirmation and payment option information. Your book will be mailed first class {other shipping methods are not included in this sale} as soon as payment is received!)

HELP WANTED!

2006-11-17T22:42:00.000-06:00

This is James Willingham, the Chairman of Auto Retailing Today. What is he doing in my blog? He's telling you that I need some HELP!

A Year and A Day is back in stock at Amazon.
The holidays are coming up.
There is only one review posted thus far.

...does anyone see where I am going with this?

This is what I ~~want~~ NEED from you:

BUY BOOKS. A Year and A Day makes a great gift! It is PERFECT for an in-law, a friend, a secretary, a cousin, teacher, officemate, person you hardly know, etc.
POST YOUR REVIEW! I KNOW that just about every single one of you reading this via LiveJournal (34 people at last count!) has read the book and really enjoyed it. I can count on at least two or three or ten of you to post your opinions, right? The more reviews the better I look to the Average Joe (or Average Joanne) that is cruising through Amazon looking for gift ideas.
If you like to indulge in Amazon.com's "ListMania," please think of including me on one of those lists. (Unless it is a list of "Books that SUCK by people I despise," then don't worry about including me, I'll manage. ^_~)
I am open to suggestions for otherwise marketing the hell out of the book. I should have some signings coming up here in a little while, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for changes in the Event Calendar at my website!

Thanks everyone for all your continued support and dedication to me and my work. You all mean the world to me and I am very lucky to have such great fans that are also wonderful friends!!
Just think of the fabulous bragging rights you'll have when I get to be super-famous!! You want that right? "Oh yeah, Sara M. Harvey, she's cool. She's a friend of mine, ya know."

And don't forget that if you want a personalized autographed copy of either version of the cover, just drop me an email at my website and I can have that out to you ASAP!

Thanks everyone! Let us make this season a success!!!!!!!!!!

Apologies to my LiveJournal syndicated readers!

2006-11-15T09:20:00.000-06:00

I apologize for Blogger republishing my entire blog back to LJ. I switched over to Blogger Beta and evidently it got carried away!

We'll just think of it as a splendid trip down memory lane, okay?

January Convention Appearances

2006-11-14T21:44:00.000-06:00

Ok, I have gotten approval back for my Guest status at two conventions in January.
Arisia in Cambridge, MA January 12-14, 2007 and Chattacon in Chattanooga, TN January 26-28, 2007.
Yay! I am hoping you can come on out and see me!

(me at Pi-Con with Jacqueline Carey on a religion panel. Did I mention I amtheir Official Guest of Awesome in August?)

Long time no update!

2006-11-03T11:05:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know, but honestly, life has slowed down a bit and I don't want to bore y'all with the silly details.
Trust me, slow has been a nice change!

But some news:

A Year and A Day is sold out at Amazon yet again! More are on the way! Marketplace also still has about 7 copies in stock. But I have consistently sold out my stock at Ingram and...that leads me to bullet-point the second
Ingram is now interested in my event schedule for the coming year. They would like to coordinate having books in stock in stores where I will be appearing and the like. Which takes me to bullet-point the third
I should be having some signings/readings/events in Nashville between Thanksgiving and Christmas. More details on that when I get them. Trust me, you will be in the know!
On a somewhat related note, the pile of books stacked on my pallet is slowly but surely shrinking. Nowhere close to sell-through though, but we are getting there bit by bit, book by book. I think I am ahead of everyone else, though! ^_~
And lastly, Seven Times a Woman is getting a good reception at Premium Press America. I think they might be interested in it, but nothing has been settled on that front. I have only gotten word that Lanier, my publishing editor and one of my all-time favorite people in the universe, is really enjoying it thus far. Again, more news when I get it!

So these days, I am waiting on hearing my event schedule and working away on "Safehouse."
Currently, I am at 5,000 words out of a target number of 95,000. Trying to parlay a little of this NaNoWriMo energy into getting the jump on this latest novel, which will be my third. ^_^

And I'll be leaving you with a couple pictures from SalonCon.
This was the Friday Night Masquerade, I went as a "Dragon Lady," a sort of Asian fusion mishmosh which included a corset, hakama, a burn-out velvet drapey wrap, and faux-geisha make-up.

That's it for now, I have a few little things to do around the house, then I think I will be going out to track down some lunch at Sam and Zoe's and get some writing done! I have a few days off, I am going to try and make the most of them!

Until later!

2006-10-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Actually, as it turns out, I can take donations for my involvement in the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk.
So, if anyone has a couple bucks burning a hole in their pocket...click here!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

2006-10-20T12:53:00.000-05:00

As it turns out by a bit of serendipity, I will be walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event here in Nashville tomorrow, Saturday October the 21st!
I am subbing for someone who had to drop off the team, so don't fret about trying to send out donations or any of that. That has already been taken care of!

This is basically an FYI and a reminder to all of you to support your local breast cancer cause!
AND if you are in Nashville, come out to LP Field (aka the football field across the river where the Titans play) and show the LOVE!

A YEAR AND A DAY reviewed on Amazon

2006-10-11T23:44:00.000-05:00

Wow, my first review. Click here for the page and all it's shiny, squee-inducing glory.

Or, for those of you who want instant gratification...

From Green_Melusine, a "Top 500" reviewer on Amazon.com:

Have several boxes of kleenex next to your chair when you read this one. You'll need them.

The premise of this story is that the Angel of Joy and the Angel of Vengeance are sent together on a mission to New York City, and are assigned to take human form and live among mortals for a year and a day. Vengeance (who takes the name Julian) is more than a little irritated with his traveling companion (who goes by Eponine), both because of her incessant perkiness and because she refuses to tell him the purpose of the mission.

What Julian doesn't know is that he *is* the mission. Having spent thousands of years among violence and destruction, he is on the edge of madness and in danger of falling. Eponine's task is to save his soul. Along the way, they discover disturbing feelings for each other.

The novel is also populated with a host of delightful secondary characters, including a sassy gypsy named Phina who always gives the impression of being more than she seems. New York also plays a scene-stealing role. Harvey calls this novel a love letter to the city, and she's right. The novel is a feast for the senses. I could almost feel the turning seasons in the air. I know I could taste the chocolate!

The characters are complex, and their developing relationship is a thing of depth. This is not one of those novels where, even at the end, the characters are still in the first blush of infatuation. This is a love that a reader can believe in.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HUZZAH!

SEVEN TIMES A WOMAN is complete!

2006-09-27T23:52:00.000-05:00

Wow, I just now, just now, wrote the final edits on my second novel and sent it on to my publisher.
Let's hope they like it. And if it is not for them...I know someone who might want to give a publishing home to a reincarnating kitsune-turned-dragon and her Dragon-Prince lover.

Excerpts will be following forthwith, after my back-to-back mad convention schedule!
So, if you don't hear from me much for the next couple of weekend's well, you know why.

Enjoy yourself, friends!

And I shall leave you with my newest heroine, Lilia.
Welcome to the table, darling, how do you take your tea?

A YEAR AND A DAY at Borders Books!

2006-09-26T14:09:00.000-05:00

That, dear friends and kind readers, is a picture of the Borders store on West End here in Nashville, TN.
If you went to that store, you would find my book on its shelves.

Now, of course I am going to have to go and get some photographic evidence of this for my own, personal *squee!*. But for the moment, I shall take Zach's word for it, but let the masses out there know that A Year and A Day is IN A BOOKSTORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shiny!

A YEAR AND A DAY back in regular online stock

2006-09-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

All online retailers are restocked with A Year and A Day!
So head on over to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Books-a-Million!

Don't forget you can also walk into any of your favorite booksellers and make a request there!

Next time, updates on the writing process of my upcoming projects!

But for now, YAY! Books are back in stock! Let's sell them out again!

Amazon Marketplace has A YEAR AND A DAY in stock!

2006-09-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

For those in absolute need of a copy of A Year and A Day, you can find several copies in the Amazon Marketplace section of Amazon.com.

Also, you can email me and request your personalized book, of course!

ARRRRRRRRRR! It be TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!

2006-09-18T23:27:00.000-05:00

This be me and my scurrrrrrrvy dog! (dang...she sure does have a vicious-looking yawn, doesn't she?)

And fer the deef among ye, I provide a sign-language interpretation! Arrrr!
Iye, fer sooth, that does mean "pirate" in American Sign Language. Thar be no discriminatin' on TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!

So go shiver some timbers this September the nineteenth or I'll be seein' ya in Davy Jones' Locker!

From one salty Sea Dog to another.....
...have yerself a hearty yo-ho this holiday, else I'll be makin' ya walk the plank!

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A fun excuse to post an amazing picture!

2006-09-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

Ooh, this is "Joy" by Diane Givens from Angelic Reality!

She is here to help me tell you that a couple of copies of A Year and A Day have (sort of) re-appeared on Amazon.
My favorite listing, the guy from England selling the book for $27.54!

But, by and large, I just wanted to share this really delicious painting with you.

Have a shiny Monday, all!

"Safehouse" word count as of 9/15/06

2006-09-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

2,400 / 95,000
(2.5%)

A YEAR AND A DAY restock and new projects in the works!

2006-09-15T12:57:00.000-05:00

First off, I spoke to my managing editor (who happens to be one of my most favorite people EVAR!), and she told me that she had been in contact with Ingram Book Distributors and that 13 more books were en route to their warehouse.
"Only 13??" Yeah, I thought that, too.
BUT that means two things:

Fewer copies in stock gives them a better chance of selling through them and not hitting me with returns.
Fewer copies in stock also means that they will sell out fast agian and will need to be reordered and restocked. Even at 13 books at a time, if I consistently sell out, that will send a BIG MESSAGE to the publishing world.

So, keep those orders coming! If you have already ordered and been told you'll have a 4-6 week wait time, look for that to be shortened real soon. Amazon and other online retailers should have their stock updated by next week!

Holidays are coming! Books make a GREAT GIFT! You want them signed? Send me an email and let's work out a deal! I just might be in your area soonly. Have you checked my EVENT CALENDAR on my website?

Also, don't forget to get reading and put your reviews up there! Amazon and Barnes and Nobles both have spaces for reviews! Don't you want to be the first person ever to review my debut novel??

And on the front of new projects...why YES that is an early 15th century embroidered Italian purse! (actually, it looks like a late 16th/early 17th century piece but the figures are dressed in early 15th century costumes...but I digress....)

I bring you a picture of Italian elegance for one reason, and one reaosn only! It ties into my newest fiction project tentatively titled "Safehouse" which begins in 1397 at the advent of the Black Plague and follows a group of "kept women" (*ahem!* really high class prostitutes) as they are exhiled from their beloved Venice to the Duke's hunting estate.

Part historical romance, part in-depth character study, it is a story about determination and finding not only survival against tremendous odds but joy and triumph as well.

I'll keep you posted as to my progress. (Um, like when I have a decent title picked out....) Currently I am at 2,400/95,000 words...so I have a ways to go yet. ^_~

ONLINE RETAILERS ARE SOLD OUT of A YEAR AND A DAY!

2006-09-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

Wow, Amazon.com is officially SOLD OUT of all copies of A Year and A Day including the "Amazon Marketplace" copies.

Barnes and Noble seems to be sold out as well, they aren't even showing the book as in existance right now. Bah!

And Books-A-Million is also sold out.

Currently, the ship dates are 4-6 weeks from now. But don't fret, PPA will be getting more copies into Ingram's hands ASAP!!

Wow. Just...wow.
A small start to be sure...but a start nonetheless. And a nice sales trend! ^_^

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!!

Don't stop now, Holiday time is coming up and trust me, those retailers will be restocking very soon!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!

The YEAR AND A DAY press release!

2006-09-11T22:34:00.000-05:00

~ FATE OF THE WORLD RESTS ON LOVESICK ANGELS ~

A YEAR AND A DAY

By Sara M. Harvey

ISBN 1-933725-13-3

Suggested Retail $8.99

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—When two angels are tempted by a life of earthly love, their romantic escapades affect the entire world. A Year and A Day is a captivating contemporary romance that takes readers on the rollercoaster of love, starting in sensual New York City and reaching across the universe.

When the Angel of Vengeance gets out of hand, he’s sent to Earth to learn a lesson. The fate of the world depends on his success or failure and Vengeance’s only hope of triumph is his irritating, yet irresistible, companion, the Angel of Joy. For a year and a day the angels take human form and explore the heart of New York City and its residents. This mission is pure misery for Vengeance, but soon it is Vengeance’s own heart and his desire for Joy that becomes his biggest problem. Will the love affair of two angelic creatures restore harmony, or will it be the end of earthly happiness?

Sara M. Harvey makes her debut with her heartfelt and sophisticated romance, A Year and A Day. Sara’s artistic abilities are obvious with each turn of the page, but also extend to her keen eye for human behaviors. Her affection for New York City allows the reader a personal tour of the Big Apple as Sara spent two years in New York City earning a Master’s in Costume Studies at New York University. Sara was living in Lower Manhattan during September 11^th and the aftermath gave her an appreciation for the city that will never fade. A Year and A Day was written to be Sara’s “love letter to New York City,” to give back a little joy to the city that changed her life. A Year and A Day has readers eagerly anticipating their next romantic escape with the epic characters and notable stories of Sara M. Harvey.

A Year and A Day is among the first releases from Premium Press America’s newest imprint, Long Meadow Books. The 352 page, 4-color paperback retails for a suggested $8.99. A Year and A Day is available through bookstores nationwide, CVS Pharmacy stores or may be ordered from the Publisher. For more information or to arrange an interview with Sara contact Premium Press America at 615-256-8484 or 800-891-7323 or visit the Publisher’s web site at www.premiumpressamerica.com.

Time marches forward

2006-09-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

September 11th left me shaken to the core, but out of that tragedy was born a great love for New York City and a beautiful story, A Year and A Day.

A Year and A Day was my tribute to NYC, a city that charmed me to the core of my soul.

And in about two weeks, I am taking A Year and A Day back to the city that brought that story to life. This is not the big signing thing I have planned, but a quick jaunt through the Big Apple en route to SalonCon in New Jersey.

But for the first time, me, the novel, and New York City will all occupy the same time and space!

Start spreadin' the news...!

Tea Time!

2006-09-10T17:54:00.000-05:00

I did promise tea, did I not?
And such tea it was. The Hermitage Hotel here in Nashville puts on quite the spread. Nothing beats refined Victorian genteel mixed with Southern hospitality.

And yes, that is a spiral notebook in my lap all filled with notes on a new project that I may or may not end up collaborating on with Matt.
We were thinking of A Year and A Day for Nashville...and then thoughts started to steamroll. So I grabbed a notebook and jotted down the basics.
The questions is...where do I prioritize this project?
After the Seven Times a Woman edits, obviously. And possibly concurrent with "Safehouse" which will need a new and better title eventually.

More news on that front forthcoming.
But for now, I have a Drama-Dog to walk and a house to tidy and some edits to uhhhh...edit?
Matt corrects me that I am not editing the edits, but enacting them. So, there you go.

A blog for the AGES!

2006-09-10T14:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, no, not really.

But welcome to my semi-quasi-professional blog of writing goodness.

Enjoy.
Tea will be ready shortly.