Monday, August 16, 2010

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Michigan Author Cindy Spencer Pape


Bringing Romance Back to Michigan
By Cindy Spencer Pape


One of the things I’ve had fun with in the course of writing over 30 romance stories and novels is setting many of them in my home state of Michigan. Curses, available from The Wild Rose Press, was one of my very first books, and is set in the fictional town of Sanctity in the Upper Peninsula. My Geek Love series, with Cerridwen Press and Ellora’s Cave, are also set in a fictional town, this one located in southern Michigan’s beautiful Irish Hills. Finally, my Urban Arcana series with Carina Press is set in and around Detroit. (When they’re not hopping Underhill, that is.)



So why Michigan? Especially, why Detroit? Partly because it’s home and I love it. Partly because it has a wide variety of terrain, and everything from small farming communities to modern urban amenities. And yes, the sense of urban decay in Detroit makes it an ideal setting for a paranormal community.



Since it’s Michigan author’s month here at Fang-Tastic books, I’m offering one of my available Michigan books (winner’s choice) to one random commenter (pdf, unless you’re within the continental US, then we can talk about paperbacks—I have a few of some of the books).

I’ll wait until Friday to draw, to give people plenty of time to enter. You can click on the links below to find out more about which book is for you.

Curses (Wild Rose Press)
Geek Love #1: Dragon in the System (Cerridwen Press)
Geek Love #2: Djinni and the Geek (Ellora’s Cave)
Geek Love #3: Teach Me (Ellora’s Cave)
Urban Arcana #1: Motor City Fae (Carina Press)

Now my new release for today is set in the wilds of Washington State. It’s a free read from Ellora’s Cave, though, so you can download it just for fun.

Click the link below to check out Sporting Wood.
Sporting Wood: Ellora’s Cave

Finally, thanks to Roxanne for hosting today, and to all of you who stopped by to check out my books. I love to hear from readers!

Here’s where you can find me, out and about on the web.

Website: http://www.cindyspencerpape.com/

Blog: http://cindyspencerpape.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CindySPape

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000270304390

To enter to win please leave a comment on this post

with your email address

One winner will get to choose from Cindy's MI titles
(see above for details)

35 comments:

SandyG265 said...

I like that Cindy set her book in Detroit. It doesn't seem like there are a lot of books set there.

writtenwyrdd said...

I'm all for having a new city to explore in urban fantasy. Boston, NYC, San Francisco, LA and Vegas have all got several series there. Let's do Detroit, Chicago, Austin, Savannah, or what have you.

Bethany C. said...

I'm also all for setting an uf/pn in Detroit. I don't think any of the usual suspect cities can really out-grit the Motor City!
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail

Cindy Spencer Pape said...

Thanks, ladies. I'm having a lot of fun with the Motor City books--#2 will be out in October, and I'm working on #3.

Meredith said...

I think it's important for a writer to use a location she loves, and if that is Detroit, why not? It's always nice to learn a little bit about other places!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

It's kind of funny... all my books are based in Michigan. :-) but a paranormal... that's a first!

Sandra Sookoo said...

I think it's great you use your home state :-) You're a new to me author so I'll have to look up your books :-)

*yadkny* said...

I love the cover on Motor City Fae and I already have it on my TBR list:) I'm happy to hear there will be more to come in that series.

yadkny@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Hi. I live in the USA and would LOVE a paperback! but a pdf is good too =D

ashleysbookshelf@gmail.com

Seleste deLaney/Julie Particka said...

I always like to see stories set in Michigan. We're such a neglected state LOL. I'm originally from the DA (Detroit area), but now live near Kalamazoo.

Thank you for setting so many of your stories here.

Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

Great post! I love reading stories set in Michigan 'cause my family lives up there and went to college there too.

mdwartistry at yahoo dot com

Alicia0385 said...

Motor City Fae sounds like such a good read. I'm glad there is going to be more books in this series!! I will be adding them all to my TBR list!! Thanks so much for the interview!!

aliciahall0605(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

Beverly said...

I have been wanting to read this one - I hope I win! Thanks for hosting.
bsharp88@gmail.com

Cindy Spencer Pape said...

Wow, thanks for the great response! I don't set all my books here in Michigan, but I do like to use it when I can.

Shelley Munro said...

I think it's fun to share a familiar place with readers. The insider knowledge always leaps off the pages too.

I love the sound of your new UF series.

Karen Michelle Nutt said...

Hello Cindy,

I believe stories are more passionate when the author is familiar with the terrain. It's like being home. :)

Your tales all have an intriguing plot. I do love the idea of Motor City Fae.

I wish you well with all your works.

info (at) kmnbooks (dot) com

Estella said...

I like it when an author uses a location she knows.
Motor City fae sounds like a good read.

kissinoak at verizon dot net

Tessie Bradford said...

Hey Cindy!
You know I love books set in Michigan *wink*!

Sherry said...

All of your books sound really good. I think it's great when a author writes a story using their home state as the setting for a book. It's great as a reader finding out about new cities through authors and their books.

sstrode@scrtc.com

Jennifer Mathis said...

I love it when an author uses a place they know well in their books then I feel like I'm seeing it through their eyes

meandi09@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Thank you for the post can contest. I would love to be entered. A paperback would be awesome.

I imagine a book in Michigan would be similar to one in Wisconsin or Minnesota? Am I wrong? Should I do some traveling??

robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

debbie said...

I would love to read a book set in michigan, I haven't read any like that yet.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Neecy said...

Great blog ladies, Cindy it's always a pleasure to read about you. You are one of my favorite authors.
Cheers,
Neecy

Andrea I said...

I love the cover on Motor City Fae.
I'll definitely check out all your books.

andrea.infinger@gmail.com

The Scarf Princess said...

I'd love seeing UF books in a new locale. A few cities seem to have a monopoly on the market and I'd like an unexpected locale to be seen next. Perhaps a city from the Bible Belt or the wholesome midwest?

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Sarah said...

I visited Detroit area many years ago for a wedding. It was beautiful in the neighborhood I visited (Rochester??) I can see why that area holds such appeal for you. Cant wait to read Motor City Fae. I have heard many a good thing so far!

Nicole said...

I would love a chance to read one of cindy's books!!
minnchica(dot)bookpusher(at)gmail.com

Brenda Hyde said...

People don't realize how awesome Michigan is until they come here. I grew up here, then lived in 4 other states, and moved back. Detroit is a perfect urban fantasy setting. LOL Though that's because of the state it's in, which is sad. Cool settings Cindy!

wayfaringwriter at gmail.com

JenM said...

Cindy, I've read Motor City Fae and really enjoyed it, so I'd love to win one of your other books. Thanks for the giveaway.

jen at delux dot com

Stacey Smith said...

When a Author love a place thats in her book you can fill it when you read the book make the book better.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

Tamsyn said...

I don't really care much about the location as long as the story is well written, has a HEA and the writer writes as though she is familiar with the city/location. Cindy's series is great and with the added bonus of getting to know the cities in depth!

international entry

Tamsyn said...

Oops! sorry. I forgot to post my email addy.
tamsyn5@yahoo.com

katsrus said...

Hi Cindy. I love that you write it about your home state. Great post.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I love reading UF that is in a city or town that I'm unfamiliar with and Detroit is totally unfamiliar.


(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

jellybelly82158 said...

I think it is great for you to use your home state for the setting in your book.

jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com

 
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