Guest Blog with Yolanda Sfetsos

The Importance of a Series Bible

Hi, everyone! Firstly, I'd like to thank Roxanne for having me over here today. :)

I have a new book coming out from Samhain Publishing in a few days. It's an urban fantasy novel called A Patch of Darkness. It also happens to be my first Sierra Fox book. I knew that Sierra's story would become a series pretty early on.

At first, I wasn't sure how many books it would take to tell her story but I knew that in order to keep everything straight in my head, I needed a place to keep all of the relevant information. There's just too much to remember. Starting with something as detailed as the different types of spirits that inhabit her world, to something as simple as the colour of her eyes. Putting all the pieces together in the one place even helped me figure out how many books it would take to tell her story.

The Sierra Fox Series Bible became a place where I could list anything and everything about the characters, each book plot, subplots, character pics, creatures, locations, etc. I knew that if I didn't write everything down, I might run the risk of forgetting something important in future books. And then ruin the continuity of the series. I even designed the suburb, named places, and designed her house--both inside and out. It was a lot of fun, but very time consuming. Still, it's definitely something I'm very glad I started, because I've already looked things up several times. :)

Plus, there's still plenty of room in the notebook to add more stuff. I love it!

When you add real life, other stories, reading, and everything else that gets jammed into my brain on a daily basis, a series bible is essential!

Thanks for reading,

Yolanda

All it takes is one weak seam for everything to fall apart.

Sierra Fox, Book 1

In a perfect world, Sierra Fox would have stayed away from the Council she left years ago. But in this world—where spirits have the right to walk among the living—it’s her job to round up troublesome spooks and bring them before that very same Council.

Though her desk is piled high with open cases, she can’t resist an anonymous summons to a mysterious late-night meeting with a bunch of other hunters, each of whom seems to have a unique specialty. The news is dire: something is tearing at the fabric of the universe. If the hunters can’t find who or why in time, something’s going to give in a very messy way.

As current cases, family secrets, new clues and her tangled love life slowly wind themselves into an impossible knot, Sierra finds herself the target of a power-sucking duo intent on stealing her mojo. And realizing she holds the key to the last hope of sealing the widening rift.

Warning: Spook catching: may contain traces of ectoplasm and otherworldly nasties. Not recommended for those with allergies to ghosts, demons, and with boyfriends who think your power is theirs. While reading, avoid dark patches and stay to the light.

A PATCH OF DARKNESS will be available from Samhain Publishing on May 15.

AUTHOR BIO:

Wife. Mother. Writer. Bibliophile. Dreamer. Animal lover. Intrigued by the supernatural. Horror freak. Zombie enthusiast. Movie & music fan. Slave to her muse.

Yolanda lives in Sydney, Australia with her awesome husband, lovely daughter, and cheeky cat.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Sinful by Yolanda Sfetsos

New Covers

Firstly, I'd like to say "Hi" to everyone. *waving* I also want to say thanks to Roxanne for having me over here today. :) It's always cool to drop in.

When I was trying to figure out what to write about, I was also thinking about the new cover I'd just received from one of my publishers. And I thought, why not combine that with this? So, today I'm going to chat a little about new covers.

As a reader, I love checking out upcoming covers. I don't like to judge a book by its cover, but I have to admit that if one catches my eye, I will more than likely look into the book, and probably end up buying it.

As a writer, one of my favourite things about having a novella/novel contracted with a publisher is looking forward to getting the cover. It's like a present at the end of all the hard work that goes into actually writing the story, revising it, submitting it, then going through the editing process. I enjoy filling out the cover art forms, and look forward to seeing how the artist translates what I see in my head into an actual beautiful cover. It's so exciting, and cool!

I recently received a new cover, and thought it would be a great idea to reveal it a little differently than I usually do. Instead of posting it on my blog or newsletter first, I wanted to share it here...

This is the first time I've shown this cover. I thought it would be a cool idea to share it with all of you. I love it. It was made by Dawné Dominique--she makes some fantastic covers--and captures the atmosphere of this story perfectly. It also separates it from the other Alyce Kerr covers.

SINFUL: Sinners, Book One, happens to be a spin-off from the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy. It's set in the same world and stars Sebastian Morrow. It takes place after the events of what happened between him and Alyce in Boundless, and focuses on the business of death.

I have a few different 'death' ideas ready for Sebastian, but in this one he's trying to get away from Alyce and Ross, by working on the other side of the city. Where he meets someone who might distract him from things he shouldn't be feeling for a woman who isn't available. Though, the woman he meets, Abe Crosse, has her own dark and very dangerous secrets...

SINFUL will be released in September 2011, from Damnation Books. I had a blast writing this novel, and the cover gives it another, new lease of life.

Well, what do you think? As a reader, do you enjoy checking out new/upcoming covers and get excited about them? And as a writer, do you feel like you're getting a wonderful gift every time you get a new one?

Thanks for reading!

Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy

Now available from Damnation Books.

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Yolanda Sfetsos
http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/

Yolanda Sfetsos lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, daughter, and cat. She loves to spend most of her days writing stories. Her muse doesn't like genre restrictions and is always happy to toe the dark edge of storytelling. When she’s not writing she spends as much time as possible with her small family. She also enjoys watching movies, TV shows and reading.

Welcome Guest Author Yolanda Sfetsos

The End of a Trilogy...

Or, how do you say goodbye to a world you love? Yes, this is a question that I was forced to ask myself after I'd finished (and submitted) the last installment in the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy to my awesome publisher, Damnation Books:

Boundless: Book 3 of the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy

Alyce remains estranged from her celebrity status as a Faith Healer and is holed up inside a motel room with the mysterious Sebastian. Her soul might no longer belong to Buer, but the fight is far from over. The price for her freedom was devastating.

Ross made a deal with a demonologist in order to save Alyce, and is now at the mercy of the crazy woman and the demon Buer. There is no escape from the basement in which the three are trapped in, and he has to bear the torture.

When Sebastian finds a way to save Ross, Alyce must engage in an ancient, carnal ritual that complicates her life further. But for Ross, she’s willing to put both her heart and soul on the line… even if it means losing him.

Boundless turned out to be the longest novella in the trilogy. There was a lot to cover, some things to finalize, and even a few other POVs to add to the mix. In the end, Alyce manages to overcome some very serious issues, but also finds herself drowning in others.

As hard as things get for Alyce and Ross, and as many problems as they have to overcome together and apart, I really enjoyed writing this trilogy. This world and characters, even the demons and villains, were so much fun to write that I found myself sad at the idea of letting them go completely. There's just so much potential in this world, so many stories to tell...

So, you know what I did? I wrote another story set in the same world but starring a new cast of characters. The same demonic rules apply, but with the new set of characters came new facets to this world. Things that I hadn't explored with Alyce. But of course, she's in it too. Her and Ross not only make an appearance but wind up playing a big part in the story. Oh, and don't tell anyone but I might have written another Alyce novella, too. Maybe. Shh. ;)

I can't believe that it all started with an idea about a faith healer who was legit about her ability but happened to draw the power from a demonic entity. Sometimes, the simplest and most unexpected ideas are the easiest.

So, I guess the best way to say goodbye is to write another story set in the same world.

Thanks for reading!

Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy

Now available from Damnation Books.

Or visit my website for information about the print versions.

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Yolanda Sfetsos
http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/

Yolanda Sfetsos lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, daughter, and cat. She loves to spend most of her days writing stories. Her muse doesn't like genre restrictions and is always happy to toe the dark edge of storytelling. When she’s not writing she spends as much time as possible with her small family. She also enjoys watching movies, TV shows and reading

Descend into Darkness with Yolanda Sfetsos

Have you ever wanted to write a story about someone's descent into darkness? Of someone's quest to reach a certain goal at the expense of their very soul? Or maybe just a tale of demonic possession that goes about it from a different angle?

Well, that's what I did with my Damnation Books novella...

Faithless: Book One of the Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy

Alyce Kerr is a celebrity Faith Healer. Her power comes from a binding with a demonic entity. Every time he gives her the power to heal, he sucks a little more of her soul into him.

But now her ex, Ross, is in town. He’s been watching from the shadows and Alyce is finding it harder to ignore him... even if he did try to kill her three years earlier.

Could Ross be the answer to ending her connection to the demon killing her inside?

Except, it wasn't intentional. The idea for Alyce's story hit me one day with so much force that I wrote the first installment in a few frenzied days. The same thing happened with the other two books. It just feels like any story I set in Alyce's world just pours out of me. As if it was waiting patiently to be let out. And when I'm ready, I get into a crazed trance until it's told.

I have to admit, I love it when that happens. I really enjoyed telling Alyce's story. She's a Faith Healer who uses the power of a demon to keep her celebrity status and cure the sick. Following Alyce in her quest to get rid of the demonic entity practically eating her soul, as well as reconnecting with the man she loves, was a lot of fun. The relationship between Alyce and Ross was complicated from the very beginning, and the circumstances behind their reunion only makes things harder. In fact, just when things look to be heading in the right direction, something else happens.

I'm actually working on another Alyce story this week. This world just fits like a glove, and when that happens to a writer, it certainly feels like a gift. 'Tis the season for giving, after all. ;)

Happy Holidays!

Faithless is now available in eBook, print, and Kindle.

Book 2: Careless will be released in March 2010, and Book 3: Boundless will be released in June 2010 by Damnation Books.

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Yolanda Sfetsos
http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/

Yolanda Sfetsos lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, daughter, and cat. She loves to spend most of her days writing stories. Her muse doesn't like genre restrictions and is always happy to toe the dark edge of storytelling. When she’s not writing she spends as much time as possible with her small family. She also enjoys watching movies, TV shows and reading.