No contest, but show me your pumpkins or costumes! Bonus points if a copy of one of the books is included. đ Here at the Harrison Household, I believe we gave away over 800 pieces of candy. Phew! I can’t tell you how much fun that was!
But I promised you a treat! From now until November third, you can get an ebook of Million Dollar Demon for less that two bucks at most major retailers. It’s a great way to round out your library, or get a friend hooked on the Hollows! Enjoy!
.
Filed under Kim Harrison
*** update: 6/13/22 *** We have our winners for the last two ARC give aways. Kelly and Wilda have already emailed me back to claim their copies. But thank you, everyone who as played along the last few weeks. Your interest makes me happy! –Kim
We are less than two weeks out from Trouble with the Cursed release: are you ready? I’m almost there, and I can’t wait to see you either at my two virtual events scheduled for the 14th, 16th (The amazing Charlaine Harris will be joining me on the Powell’s event!), or my first, post COVID, IN-PERSON SIGNING (!!!) on Friday, the 17th in Ann Arbor MI. If you want to take part in any of the events, you must register so they can send you the link to attend or in the case of the in-person signing, a block of time in which to approach the signing desk. This is Nicola’s first post COVID event, too, so we are both trying to find the best way to work it. (links at the website) We are planning for an outside event under the very large overhang, but if weather is bad, we will move inside.
But today, I have two more ARCS to give away! This week, I want to know who you think is the greatest threat to Rachel? Is it the DC vampires who don’t like her doing their job better than them? Or perhaps the humans, who don’t like her, period? Maybe it’s the elven dewar who sees her as a rebirth of their sworn enemies, the demons? Or possibly the witches coven who don’t want it known that they are in fact, stunted demons. Could it be the demons who want to catch her rising star and use it for themselves? Or maybe–it’s Rachel herself?
And because I like giving things away, if you email Tim your answer, you will be in the flash-giveaway for one of the last two ARCs ofTrouble with the Cursed. Want to enter? Here’s how this week!
Using an email you have access to for the next five days, email Tim at <coldtoastwritingsllc@comcast.net> Put “Rachel’s Nemesis” in the subject line so we know you’re entering the contest. In the email, tell me who you think Rachel’s greatest threat is. Tell me why you think so here and FB to help boost shares. One entry per household please.
I will cut off entries at midnight, PST on Monday, June 6th. I will announce the winner on Tuesday morning, AND email them for the address they want me to mail the ARC to as well as find out if and how they want me to sign it. Winners will have until the coming Thursday midnight to get back to me to claim the ARC and tell me their mailing address. If I don’t hear from you by Thursday midnight, the ARC is gone and I will find another way to give it away.
Books will go out UPS or USPS, whatever is best. Chance of winning depends upon how many enter. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator, and I can’t be responsible for mail that goes astray.
That’s it. I hope to see some of you the week of the 14th as I celebrate the release of Rachel’s next story.
Good luck!
Filed under Drama Box
***** UPDATE 6/2/22 ***** Dawn and Billy have won the two ARC giveaways. Come back Friday for a new question to answer to enter the next giveaway! Congratulations, Dawn and Billy! And thank you everyone who played along.
Quick! The latest GMO tomato has started the Turn. What will you be when the dust settles? Charismatic, secretive elf? All powerful but emotionally damaged demon? Perhaps a rock-steady, magic-wise witch? Or a pack-loving Were? Solitary bridge troll anyone? Or perhaps a jack-of-all-trades human? You could get your wish. There is a new tomato in town.
And because I like giving things away, if you email Tim your answer, you will be in the flash-giveaway for the next ARC of Trouble With The Cursed. Want to enter? Hereâs how this week!
Using an email you have access to for the next five days, email Tim at <coldtoastwritingsllc@comcast.net> Put âHollows Houseâ in the subject line so we know youâre entering the contest. In the email, tell me who you would be if you lived in the Hollows. (Tell me here too get you some bonus pointsâwhich get you nothing except the chance to brag about your Inderlander skills.) One entry per household please.
I will cut off entries at midnight, PST on Monday May 30th. I will announce the winner on Tuesday morning, AND email them for the address they want me to mail the ARC to as well as find out if and how they want me to sign it. Winners will have until the coming Thursday midnight to get back to me to claim the ARC and tell me their mailing address. If I donât hear from you by Thursday midnight, the ARC goes back in the pool and I will give away two next week.
ARCs have no cash value, though they may get held up in customs forever. Books will go out UPS or USPS, whatever is faster. Chance of winning depends upon how many enter. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator, and I canât be responsible for mail that goes astray. Thatâs it. But do come back next Friday for the last contest .
Good luck!
And good news! I have two zoom events and one in-person signing this year! As before, you need to register for the virtual events to get the link to attend. The in-person signing will give you a chance to ask me questions at the signing desk, and I can’t wait to see some of you there. Nicolas is asking everyone who is planning on attending to register to help ease the crush at the signing table.
Filed under Drama Box
***** UPDATE 5/27/22 ***** Chris and Lynn have won the two ARC giveaways. Come back Friday for a new question to answer to enter the next giveaway! Congratulations, Chris and Lynn! And thank you everyone who played along.
Carrie and Kell won the first two ARCs. But you have another chance to win it before it’s available!
Here’s how you enter:
Using an email you have access to for the next five days, email Tim at <coldtoastwritingsllc@comcast.net> Put “Favorite UF flick” in the subject line so we know you’re entering the contest. In the email, tell me your favorite Urban fantasy TV series or movie. (Tell me here as well for bonus points–which get you nothing except the chance to brag about your fav.) One entry per household please. (Unfortunately, I can no longer support making these available out of the U.S. due to sky rocking postal fees. Seriously, it is totally out of control. Iâm a little ticked off about it, and it sucks.)
I will cut off entries at midnight, PST on Monday, May 23. I will announce the winner on Tuesday morning, AND email them for the address they want me to mail the bound manuscript ARC to as well as find out if and how they want me to sign it. Winners will have until the coming Thursday midnight to get back to me to claim the ARC and tell me their mailing address. If I don’t hear from you by Thursday midnight, the ARC goes back in the pool and I will give it away with the other two next week.
ARCs have no cash value, and books will go out UPS or USPS, whatever is faster. Chance of winning depends upon how many enter. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator, and I can’t be responsible for mail that goes astray.
That’s it. But do come back next Friday to enter again with a new question. I’ve got a bunch of these to give away until release day on June 14th!
Don’t want to try your luck? Nicola’s is offering signed-to-you books. (order here) Purchased books will be shipped before the live event at Nicola’s on the 17th.
Yes, in addition to two virtual events, I have snagged ONE IN STORE SIGNING this year!!! Come out and see me June 17th. Due to long Covid policies, it won’t be a typical event with Q&A and pictures, but you can ask me questions at the signing desk. Nicolas is asking that everyone register with evenbright (link here) so they can call small batches up at a time to prevent a crowd and give you more time to shop. It will be outside in good weather, inside if not.
I can’t wait to see you!
Filed under Drama Box
***** UPDATE 5/20/22 ***** We have winners for the first ARC giveaways. Carrie and Kell both won, and have already e-mailed me back to claim their ARC! Congratulations, Carrie and Kell! And thank you everyone who played along.
Relationships in the Hollows hold no guarantee. Waxing and waining, they often end abruptly leaving a great gaping holes that I get emails about. Today, I want to know who your first Hollows crush is/was. Steadfast Ivy? Frenemey turned lover Trent? All powerful Big Al? Or a loving memory of Kisten, cut down as he became who he wanted to be? (or someone completely different?)
Sigh.
And because I like giving things away, if you email Tim your answer, you will be in the flash-giveaway for one of two ARCs of the next Hollows book, Trouble With The Cursed. It’s the first of four giveaways, so if you don’t get an email from me on Tuesday that you won, you can enter again next Friday with a new submission.
Want to enter? Hereâs how this week!
Using an email you have access to for the next five days, email Tim at <coldtoastwritingsllc@comcast.net> Put âHollows crushâ in the subject line so we know youâre entering the contest. In the email, tell me who your Hollows crush is/was. (Tell me why here as well to help boost shares and get you some bonus pointsâwhich get you nothing except the chance to wax about your Hollows crush.) One entry per household please.
I will cut off entries at midnight, PST on Monday, May 16. I will announce the winner on Tuesday morning, AND email them for the address they want me to mail the ARC to as well as find out if and how they want me to sign it. Winners will have until the coming Thursday midnight to get back to me to claim the ARC and tell me their mailing address. If I donât hear from you by Thursday midnight, the ARC goes back in the pool and I will give it away next week.
Unfortunately, I can no longer support making these available out of the US due to sky rocking postal fees. Seriously, it is totally out of control. I’m a little ticked off about it, and it sucks. ARCs have no cash value. Books will go out UPS or USPS, whatever is faster. Chance of winning depends upon how many enter. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator, and I canât be responsible for mail that goes astray.
Thatâs it. But do come back next Friday to enter again with a new question. Iâve got a bunch of these to give away until release day on June 14th. This is a limited print run of ARCS due to “long covid” issues, and Iâm so thankful to have them to give out to you.
Good luck!
If you want to skip the chaos and pre-order a signed-to-you, personalized copy, Nicolas is currently the only outlet this year, and I don’t see that changing. (Nicola’s also has signed mass markets of Million Dollar Demon, which just came out!) You can find them at the end of the link. Kimâs home store, Nicolas
An-n-n-nd… if you are looking for a sneak peek of Trouble with the Cursed, I can do that! First chapter goodness is at the website. Sneak Peek
âKim
Filed under Drama Box
Get your tissues handy! Iâve got a gift from me to you today, written long before I found publication and was raw with the need to reach and connect and short on literary grace. You may have seen this in previous years, but it still makes me cry, and like the best gifts, please feel free to share it.
However you celebrate the season, I hope you find joy, warmth, and a feeling of completeness.
Kim, Tim, and the boys
Angelâs Song
by
Kim Harrison
Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright. . . .
Humming, Kaylin held her coat close against the cold, more from habit than anything else as she dodged through the unseeing, evening shoppers. She was anxious to get home. Her work had seemed to stretch forever today, but finally The Boss had let her go. She couldnât wait to see her daughterâit had been too long since the entire family had been together.
Slipping at the bus stop, she grasped the door to the bus, just making it on behind two tired women as the doors closed. The sound of their money jingling into the box chimed like bells, and the bus jerked into motion. Kaylin stood where she was, gripping the ceiling support as the gears shifted. Her gaze rove over the heads, looking for acknowledgment she existed. There, at the back where the heat didnât reach, was a smiling face and a beckoning hand.
Though she didnât recognize him, Kaylin went to sit with the old man. She smiled shyly, the anticipation of her coming evening prompting her to be more bold than usual. âIâm going home for Christmas,â she said by way of greeting as she jammed her gloves into a pocket.
âFirst time?â the old man murmured, his brown eyes going sad in memory.
She nodded. âSince my accident. I can hardly wait to see everyone together.â Kaylin put her hands in her lap, glad she couldnât feel the cold anymore.
The man met her eyes. âSee that boy up there?â he said, pointing with his chin. âIâm spending Christmas with him. Heâs a college student on his way home. He needs all the help he can get, and my family doesnât miss me anymore.â
Kaylin bit her lip and fussed with the hem of her coatâs sleeve, uncomfortable with the idea she would eventually be forgotten. âIâm sorry.â
âDonât be. Make the most of the time they remember you. As itâs said, it came to pass.â
She didnât know what to say. âThis is my stop,â she said, glancing out the window to the colored lights.
âBest hurry. The door wonât wait for you.â
Giving him a hesitant smile, she hastened to the front, edging to the sidewalk past the three girls giggling about the presents they had gotten for their boyfriends.
Kaylinâs mood went soft as she took in the familiar street gray with twilight. The curb was jammed with cars. A noisy, joyful reunion on her front steps had the dogs barking. Excitement tingling to her toes, Kaylin waited on the walk, following the last of the children inside.
Her shoulders eased as she stood in the entryway, basking in the cheerful clutter and the too-noisy greetings. She waved as she spotted her grandmother in a corner, deep in the thick of it. The old womanâs eyes sparkled as they met hers. Her fingertips again had a rosy glow, and the blue tint Kaylin remembered was gone.
âJasmine is in the kitchen!â her grandmother called over the noise. âGo on. Weâll talk later.â
Relieved her grandmother understood, Kaylin followed the smell of heated punch into the kitchen. She stopped in the open doorway as her heart clenched.
Jasmine stood on a chair before the counter, stirring a cup of green frosting. âI canât do it, Daddy,â she complained, her high voice clear over the excited babble of relatives. âItâs too hard.â
Kaylinâs hands reached out, but she stood unmoving, forcing back the unexpected tears as her husband set aside his dishcloth and went to their daughter.
âMommy always helped me, Daddy,â the child said around a sniff as his hand covered hers atop the spoon and they stirred together. âI want Mommy. I miss her.â
âHush,â he said, the pain in his voice causing Kaylinâs throat to tighten. âI miss her too, sweetheart, but look. Sheâs everywhere, especially tonight.â Eyes bright, the man pointed to the dusty Christmas candles Kaylin had refused to burn, sitting on the kitchen windowsill. âThere are her candles, right where she always put them. And the mistletoe above the doorway? She made that just last year. And the bow? Remember her spending an hour on that to get it to look just like the one in the store window? And you can smell her touch in the gingerbread men and taste it in the fruit punch. Sheâs everywhere.â
âNo, Daddy,â the small girl protested. âItâs not the same. I canât see her at all.â
âBut I can,â he said, giving her a hug. âI can see her in you when you cut out your star cookies, I watched her hand move yours when you hung the ornaments on the tree, and I can see her eyes when I look at you. So, Jasmine, she is here.â
âI canât see her,â Jasmine said, sniffing as she licked the frosting from a finger.
Kaylin ached. The Boss had warned her it would be hard, and she thought she could handle it. But this? This tore at her. Kaylin came close to stand behind her daughter and nudged a cookie, as if she could make the star any less lopsided. Perhaps . . . . Perhaps she could pretend.
And so she was a silent participant, each moment harder than the previous, a bittersweet mix of memories. She hovered in the kitchen while dinner was prepared, blowing on the gravy to keep it from boiling over until someone remembered it. She watched the rolls brown through the oven window with Jasmine, admonishing the child they werenât done yet when Jasmine pronounced them finished. She stood in the archway to the living room and worried about the carpet as paper plates overflowing with food were balanced on knees. She sat at the kitchen table while the dishes were washed, catching up on the womenâs gossip with her fingers curved around a forgotten cup until it was whisked away.
And then it was done. Kaylin knew the signs: the last swallows of coffee, the slowing conversation, the children collapsing in their motherâs arms. Kaylin sighed. She didnât want it to be over.
Jasmine was slumped in her frills and white stockings in her fatherâs arms, too sleepy to be anything but content. Kaylin sat on the arm of the couch beside them, running her fingers unfelt over her daughterâs hair. There was one final tradition as yet undone, her most cherished part of the evening, and Kaylinâs heart fell when the first of the coats appeared. They had forgotten.
âWait, Daddy.â Jasmine stirred as her father rose to say his good-byes. âWe didnât sing yet. Mommy always sings. Please?â
Kaylin waited, hoping.
âOf course, Jasmine,â her father said, giving her a hug. âYouâre such a clever girl for remembering.â
Coats were dropped to the couch in the sliding sound of nylon. Her grandmother beckoned, and Kaylin joyfully edged closer to the piano. Jasmine wiggled down to sit on the long bench before the battered keys, her father standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. Kaylin could see a glimmer of tears in her motherâs eyes as she took Kaylinâs usual spot before the piano and began to play.
âSilent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.
Tears pricked at Kaylinâs eyes. Her favorite. Voice quavering, she joined her voice to her familyâs.
âRound yon virgin, mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild.â
âDaddy,â Jasmine whispered, her face upturned as she pulled on his sleeve. âI can hear Mommy singing.â
Kaylinâs throat nearly closed, and tears slipped down her cheeks. Angels could sing. And on Christmas Eve, they could be heard by those who listened.
Her husband knelt and gave Jasmine a tight, fierce hug. âSo can I, sweetheart,â he whispered, rocking her. âSo can I.â
âSleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.â
Filed under Drama Box
I still miss Kisten. Even now.
I know I should be thinking about TROUBLE WITH THE CURSED (preorder!) but even as the publicity machine for the next Hollows release opens one golden eye, focuses on me, and rolls over to hit the snooze button, I feel a pang. The Hollows originally came out in February, then March, which easily juxtaposed holiday giving and treats to readers. Now, with a June release? Not so much. We are too far out to be offering freebies, and we won’t know if there will be a physical tour for ages. (I’m guessing no, but if you want a signed-to-you book, Nicolas will provide.) But I still miss Kisten.
Which means, for the next ten days, Tim and I will be offering a limited edition Hollows shirt. Orders will cut off the last day of November. They will be printed up locally the next week, and shipped out over our kitchen table soon after. (US, Mexico, and Canada only. I do not yet trust overseas shipping to reach you.)
We are offering a Ladies Cotton T, V neck. Sizes run from small to 5XL, cost includes shipping to a US, Canada, or Mexico address. $ 24.95 US dollars.
Yes, Kim! I want one! How do I purchase?
1: PayPal $24.95 US dollars to Tim at paypal.me/coldtoastwritingsLLC (I write books. I do not generally sell merch, so this is how we can do it.)
2: Tell Tim the size you want in the notes area at PayPal. PLEASE!!! I’m begging you to not forget this. If you do not tell us, you will get whatever size Tim thinks you are. (And he’s not good at guessing.)
3: Make sure your name and address are correct at PayPal. We can’t be responsible for misdirected mail. If you’re using your brother’s PayPal, keep this in mind.
4: Any questions at all, email Tim at coldtoastwritingsLLC@comcast.net, and be sure to include in your correspondence your PayPal email. I don’t want to listen to him complain about John Smith having one name for his address, going by ThunderGod on his regular email, and TwoCute for his PayPal. It makes for a very stressful day trying to match them up.
Filed under Drama Box
A visual feast for the eyes, the new Hollows cover! Ta-da! You have no idea how hard it has been to sit on this for as long as I have. I absolutely adore the pops of magic and and her hand poised as if signing a glyph. And then there’s her expression. (Happy sigh.) I hope you like it as much as I do. Look for it on June 14, but pre-ordering helps get around the current issues of paper, transport, and personnel. You don’t want to be sitting on June 14 without a book! (At least I hope you don’t…)
Trouble with the Cursed, June 14, 2022
As for the release, I know you have questions.
Yes, it will be coming out in audio and e-book the same day the HC drops, (June 14) Our intention is that Ms. Gavin will be reading it if schedules mesh properly.
Yes, I am again partnering with Nicolas to provide signed-to-you, personalized copies. I’ve worked for years with these people, and they truly try very hard to get your book to you on the drop-date. (link below)
No, I do not know if there will be any in-person signings and won’t for a while. I’m hopeful that I will be able to do at least a local signing at Nicolas, but I haven’t talked seriously with them about it because everything depends upon the state of the world.
Yes, you can pre-order now, from Nicolas or your favorite independent or big-box store, which might not be a bad idea as publishers use preorders to decide the initial print run, and with paper, personnel, and shipping being what they are, sooner is better than later.
New cover for the Hollows–almost! I’ll have it for you in it’s untwisted glory tomorrow, but for today, hints of magic swirling around Rachel. I truly love this cover, and I hope you do as well!
Trouble with the Cursed, June 14, 2022
As for the release, I know you have questions.
Yes, it will be coming out in audio and e-book the same day the HC drops, (June 14) Our intention is that Ms. Gavin will be reading it if schedules mesh properly.
Yes, I am again partnering with Nicolas to provide signed-to-you, personalized copies. I’ve worked for years with these people, and they truly try very hard to get your book to you on the drop-date. (link below)
No, I do not know if there will be any in-person signings and won’t for a while. I’m hopeful that I will be able to do at least a local signing at Nicolas, but I haven’t talked seriously with them about it because everything depends upon the state of the world.
Yes, you can pre-order now, from Nicolas or your favorite independent or big-box store, which might not be a bad idea as publishers use preorders to decide the initial print run, and with paper, personnel, and shipping being what they are, sooner is better than later.
Yesterday I gave you a very twisted version of the next Hollows book, Trouble with the Cursed, showing you the color pallet. Today, I untwist it a little more to show you a hint of Rachel’s face. (Full cover on Friday!)
Trouble with the Cursed, June 14, 2022
As for the release, I know you have questions.
Yes, it will be coming out in audio and e-book the same day the HC drops, (June 14) Our intention is that Ms. Gavin will be reading it if schedules mesh properly.
Yes, I am again partnering with Nicolas to provide signed-to-you, personalized copies. I’ve worked for years with these people, and they truly try very hard to get your book to you on the drop-date. (link below)
No, I do not know if there will be any in-person signings and won’t for a while. I’m hopeful that I will be able to do at least a local signing at Nicolas, but I haven’t talked seriously with them about it because everything depends upon the state of the world.
Yes, you can pre-order now, from Nicolas or your favorite independent or big-box store, which might not be a bad idea as publishers use preorders to decide the initial print run, and with paper, personnel, and shipping being what they are, sooner is better than later.
I’ll have another, more-put-together look tomorrow!
Filed under Drama Box
Kim Harrison 