The winner of Kate’s contest is…mylilypad! See note #36 in the comments! ~DD
Release Day—DREAM BOUND is out!
Delilah, I really appreciate your invitation to blog—today is pretty special because I’ve got a new book out: Dream Bound is the first of the two book Dream Catchers series. The final story, Dream Unchained, will release in November, but Dream Bound is another one of those stories that started with an idea that sort of took on a life of its own.
I was thinking about that tonight, and I realized that in all of my stories for Kensington’s Aphrodisia imprint, I’ve started out intending to write a totally sexy yet traditional romance—Aphrodisia is, after all, an erotic romance imprint. What I don’t actually plan, and what always seems to happen, is the various relationships that aren’t in the original synopsis I send to my editor!
When Kensington bought the Wolf Tales series, my editor knew she was getting into a story line with same sex relationships. I hadn’t planned to write the stories that way—they just sort of happened within the context of the Chanku characters and their powerful libidos. When I wrote the novella that introduced the Dream Catchers series, I gave my editor a brief synopsis about a young computer geek in 1992, in the Silicon Valley, who falls for a woman who is literally the product of his sexual fantasies. Zianne is also an alien, and her story is the basis for the entire series.
What I didn’t expect was the hero, MacArthur Dugan, and the relationship that developed between him and Nils “Dink” Dinkemann, his childhood friend who has remained his best buddy into young adulthood. Dink is openly gay, but Mac isn’t, though Mac is aware Dink has loved him for years. It’s something they both sort of ignore as best they can, but bringing Zianne into the relationship changes everything.
When I was writing the story, I realized that the sexual dynamic between the two men was every bit as powerful as what I was writing between Mac and Zianne, which, of course, led to a really sexy scene with Dink and Mac, and then an even hotter one with the three of them together. Thank goodness my editor is open-minded enough to go with whatever I send her, because I don’t think she was expecting the Mac/Zianne/Dink part of the story, which of course carries over into Dream Bound and Dream Unchained.
In my convoluted manner (and no, my books are actually a lot better organized, but when I blog I sort of let my thoughts wander and you get whatever dribbles across the page…) I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t intentionally sit down and say, “Okay, I’m going to write a book with forty gazillion sex scenes and they’re going to include every combination known—or unknown.”
What I do is sit down at my computer and start a conversation with my lead character, and I essentially let them tell the story. I have no idea that Mac really wanted to experience sex with Dink, or that Zianne was interested in sex with two men. I ran into the same thing with the Dream Team, the six young men and women who are brought together by Mac Dugan in 2012, twenty years after Zianne disappeared (after the novella ends) but since she was traveling through time to see Mac, it’s only been twenty-four hours for her.
It’s been two decades for Mac while he struggles to develop the technology and raise enough money to mount a rescue of his beloved alien lover. Well, when Dream Bound starts, he’s got the money and his satellite array is built, and he’s bringing together his team. But Dink comes back into his life, too, and the story once again took off in some directions I wasn’t planning on. I do hope you’ll give Dream Bound a chance. I’m really pleased with the way the story came together—it was one of those that felt as if it was meant to be written, and it was a nice break between my Wolf Tales/Sexy Beast stories, and the new Chanku series, Spirit Wild, which will debut next May. I just turned the first book, To Love a Dark Wolf, in to my editor on Friday.
And yep, that one’s got a same sex relationship I didn’t see coming, either. You’ll get to see Lily Cheval all grown up, and I discovered that Anton is a wonderful father, but he’s also a pain in the butt at times. It was wonderful, going back into that world and reconnecting with characters who are like old friends.
Do you ever have that happen? Get so caught up in a fictional character that they’re like real people to you? Happens to me all the time—I think it’s the very best part about being an author. Well, that and meeting readers. Definitely love that part! And if you’re going to be anywhere near Anaheim, California on July 25, the humongous book signing for the Romance Writers of America National Convention will be going on. From the RWA website:
Romance Writers of America is pleased to announce that the 2012 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center, which is conveniently located next to the Anaheim Marriott (RWA’s conference hotel). RWA would like to thank Avon Books for generously underwriting the event, which takes place Wednesday, July 25, 2012, from 5–8 p.m. PT in the Ballroom (third floor) at the convention center.
Now that my public service announcement is over, if you leave a comment, you’ll be entered for a chance to win both a copy of DREAM BOUND, and a really cute little stuffed squirrel. And if you’re going to be in Anaheim, please let me know. I love the chance to actually get to meet my readers!
Buy Dream Bound at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
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I’ve read a couple of your books from the Wolf Tales Series. Love them! 😀
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Thanks, Tracey–this one is just as hot, but different story line and totally different characters. Take a look at the first chapter on my website at http://www.katedouglas.com/eroticromance/id75.htm and you’ll meet all the characters in the story. 😉
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I definitely will. The little bit you’ve said here already has my interest up. 🙂
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Congrats on your new release. I, too, have only read your Wolf Tales books.
The Dream Catchers set sounds like it’s got a really involved storyline.
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It does, Anne, but it all comes down to a man willing to risk everything to save the woman he loves. Those are the stories that I absolutely love. 🙂
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all of your books sound interesting
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Kate just because your best friend is gay doesn’t mean you are suppose to have sex with him, especially if you aren’t gay. Man.
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I have not read any of your books but I will now. Adding you to my GoodReads stuff now. 😛 🙂
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Yea!! I knew today was the release day and I am sooo looking forward to this book. Good luck in the future
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Thank You Ms. Delilah for having Ms. Kate here today. 😉 Now, Ms. Kate, I’ve read your ‘Wolf Tales’ books & have LOVED them!! Looking forward to Lilys’ story (if she’s anything like her relatives)…anyway, I’m sure this new set of stories will bring old/new readers to your world. a fan in VA leann 🙂
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Kate, I found you here too!! Looks like RM did too! Always a scintillating comment from the caped crusader! 🙄
Wish I could be in Anaheim!! I think it would be SO exciting to go to one of the conventions, and RWA would be on the top of my list!!! Anyway.. Happy Release Day……!! 😆
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I have read Dream Bound and highly recommend this book , I am amazed at Kate’s wonderful imagination and how she can create a civilization so sexy and intriguing. This storyline is so different, it is definitely a ‘must read’.
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Thanks Christi!
And RM, my dear,DEAR love…you are missing the point. These are erotic romances that appeal to women. Men may find two women in bed utterly fascinating. Think about it…and then come at it from MY POV. 😈
Heather, I’ve got first chapters of everything I’ve written (There are around forty now, including the short stuff) on my website. Go to http://www.katedouglas.com and check it out!
Thank you, Kerry. Release days are sort of our “day of reckoning, ya know? VERY nervewracking!
Thank you, Leann. It was SO weird, getting past my view of Lily as a six year old! It’s like imagining your OWN kids having sex–with multiple partners–at the same time! 8)
Once I got past that little speedbump, though, all was great!
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Thanks, Pat, and thank you for stopping by! And yes, while RWA is for members of Romance Writers of America, the book signing is open to the public and it’s amazing. SO many authors there that it’s hard for me to stay in my seat! I want to go see everyone!
Thank you, Lexie! I am so glad you enjoyed this one. Now, if we can just get RM over his little issues with sex, all would be well! *snort* 😈
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Thanks for sharing, looking forward to reading a new series from you, it sounds delightful. I am also thrilled that I may get a chance to meet you in person since I definitely am coming to the literacy event! Good luck with the new release.
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I wish I could go! I have gotten to know characters so well that they seem like real people. It usually happens when I read a series I really love. The new series sounds great!
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Be sure and let me know if you’re going to be there. I like to have something for readers who warn me in advance!
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Just bought it, and can’t wait to start it…if it is half as good as the Chanku series, I will be one Happy Camper!!!
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Hi Kate!! Sorry, but I’m not able to make Anaheim this year. Maybe sometime though. I’d love to read Dream Bound. Congrats on the new release.
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Congrats on the new release! It sounds really good and I am looking forward to reading it.
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Can’t wait to read the Dream Catchers. Sounds really good.
Love that the Chanku are coming back. 🙂
And would love to win the squirrel. It could help my wolf and Bumper guard my book shelf. :))
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Oops! Just learned I won the book at another blog. So to be fair I shouldn’t be included in the contest here. Let someone else have a chance to read it too.
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Hi Kate,
Congrats on the release! With Lexie loving it and RM not liking the *sex* I know it will be great. 🙂
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Looking forward to reading this!
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I was excited about the book but then you had to go and throw in a stuffed squirrel! Awesome! I love quirky giveaways. jepebATverizonDOTnet
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Just waving hi, Kate and Delilah! No need to include me–so happy to celebrate this newest release, Kate!
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I’m a Wolf Tales fan but this new series sounds like it will be a winner as well. Congrats on the release!
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*heh heh* By now you should know, Kate, that any story you write will have some sexual relationships that you hadn’t envisioned. That’s part of the fun of reading them, too! And the worlds you create are soooo fascinating.
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These books sound great. I never understood the fascination that men have imagining 2 women together, until I read my first m/m romance. Now, I totally understand 😉 If one hot, sexy guy is good, 2 is better LOL.
Oh, I love the idea of the stuffed squirrel. I love collecting these different things from giveaways.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
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Sorry guys–I’ve been away from the computer. Husband and I rode our bicycles (yes, you heard that right!) to town to listen to a swing band play in the plaza. And I made it home in one piece, so that alone gives me cause for celebrating. I’m the original klutz…and yes, I wore a helmet!
Stacie D, I get that way with ever book I write. I KNOW these characters. They are so real to me–in fact, I get really depressed when I end a series and no longer have them in my life.
Sheila, let me know if you like it! I’m really anxious for reader feedback on this one.
Thanks, Julianne. The nice thing about RWA is that the cons are held in different parts of the country to make them more accessible. I”m a Californian, so this one is just a short flight for me.
Thank you, Donna, and Beth, I mailed the book this afternoon, so you should have it in a couple days. Hope you like it!
CrazyGranny, you are SO right! Poor RM…we just don’t give the boy a break, do we? I figure it’s good for him.
Thank you, Lisa. 😛
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Thanks, Lisa, and Jen B., when I first came out with Wolf Tales, I discovered the Douglas Toy Company. They make gorgeous stuffed animals, and the wolves I gave away were really popular. I love the fact they have a little tag that says “Douglas” sticking out of their butts. Seems apropos. BUT, the squirrels are adorable!
Hi Fedora! Thanks for stopping by. (It will help convince Delilah that I really do have a few readers!) Hope you like Dream Bound. Did the kids like the critters? 😉
Amy, you’ll be glad to know that the new Chanku series will debut next May with TO LOVE A DARK WOLF. It’s called the Spirit Wild series, and Lily Cheval is the first story. I was so excited to get to write Anton again!!! 😆
Cris, ain’t that the truth? 😛 Will you be at RWA? Would love to meet up with you!
June, I’m the same way. I actually had never read any M/M stories until I wrote one–Anton and Stefan got it on in my first Wolf Tales when it was still with Changeling Press in 2004, and the proverbial lightbulb went on. I’ve been writing those relationships ever since.
And, for what it’s worth, I’ve been happily married to ONE guy for forty years. Imagination is so much fun!
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Well, if Lexie loved it, and RM grumbled about it, I cannot think of a better endorsement than that!
I wish I could go to Anaheim – too far away. Enjoy release day!
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*snort* I was sort of thinking the same thing! Definitely a good endorsement!!
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I love it when authors get so caught up in the lives of their characters. That passion comes through for the reader.
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These sound interesting I will make sure to put them on my TBR list. I thought I was crazy when I let my characters take control of a story and they run away with it but now I see it just makes the stories so real and natural. Not forced is the way to go and it sounds like you have a great story there and can’t wait to read it.
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The winner of Kate’s contest (the book and that cute squirrel) is mylilypad! Congratulations!!! And I’ve sent your email to Kate for her to arrange delivery of your prize!
Thanks, everyone, for dropping by! DD
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That’s every author’s goal, Mary. When you’re writing and the character comes to life, it’s like magic. I love the feeling, when I know I’ve connected so completely to a character that he or she is suddenly real to me.
Deb, if you’re new at this gig, you have to learn to give your characters free rein. I learned early on that there were times when I wanted to make something happen and I could NOT make it work. Then I’d just say ‘screw it!’ and write what felt natural, and it always works best. Keep in mind, you’re merely the typist. 😈 The characters are the real authors of the stories!
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LOL…Delilah! Didja hafta pick HER? 😆 I’ve got mylilypad’s addy and will be sure to harass her before sending her book and squirrel. Thank you again for your generous offer to let me blog here on my release day. I went to bed last night wondering if anyone was reading Dream Bound. For those of you who have read my stories before, and for those who are first time readers of mine, I do hope you enjoy the story.
Have a great day, all! 😉
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I really want to win this as I don’t have a squirrel yet in my stuffed toy collection 😀