January 27, 2010

Guest Post & Giveaway ~ Jennifer Estep Author of "Spider's Bite"

When I contacted  Author Jennifer Estep for a Guest Spot after reading her latest Urban Fantasy Novel "Spider's Bite" An Elemental Assassin Book, (first in the series) and she said yes, you better believe this princess was doing the "happy dance"! In case you don't know what that is, you kinda' shake your hips and throw your arms up in the air and then, at the same time while making two fists and singing "WOOO -- WOOO" or somtimes I throw in a "Go Me,  Go Me,  GO-HO GO MEE-HEE".  Admit it...you just did that, you TOTALLY did! You did the happy dance!  C'mon... admit to it...  Alright. Alright. I have WAY more important things planned for today, but I swear, try it later on and you'll be happy ALL day!

This isn't the first book of Jennifer's I've read, it's just the first one that I've gotten to share with you!  Spider's Bite was just made available for purchase yesterday on the 26th of January and I am not kidding when I say
"Don't walk, RUN out and get it!" 

Along with her Guest Post, Jennifer has been nice enough to offer a *signed* copy of "Spider's Bite" for one of my reader's to win! So if this excites you in ANY way, I suggest you keep reading!  First let me tell you a little bit about the book and then I'm going to give Jennifer the mic! What? Like you didn't know I had a mic? This is a CASTLE people, we have EVERYTHING!


 
 
About Spider's Bite -
 
My name is Gin, and I kill people.


They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South—when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way—good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction . . . especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

Gin Blanco is Fantastic! I love EVERYTHING about her! I can already tell that this series is a keeper for me! I absolutely loved the "Big Time" novels, but this is something totally different! And I can almost guarantee that if you're a lover of Urban Fantasy or just a strong female heroine, then get ready for a ride that you won't want to end! Don't believe me? Well...

You can read the entire first Chapter Here!
For a whole list of Jennifer's Books -- Go Here!


About the Author - Jennifer Estep

By night, Jennifer Estep is an author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of ice and stone.
When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.
The first book in the series, Spider’s Bite, will be released on Jan. 26, 2010 by Pocket Books. Web of Lies, the second book in the series, will be released in June 2010, with Venom, the third book, to follow in October 2010.

Jennifer is also the author of the Bigtime paranormal romance series for Berkley. The Bigtime books feature sexy superheroes, evil ubervillains, and smart, sassy gals looking for love. Titles in the Berkley series include Karma Girl (2007), Hot Mama (2007), and Jinx (2008).

By day, Jennifer is an award-winning features page designer for a daily newspaper with a wide range of media and journalism experience. She’s also a certifiable fangirl and an authority on fantasy literature and culture. Jennifer is a member of Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and other writing groups.

Jennifer’s books have been featured in Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Southern Living, and a variety of other publications.

And now I promise to stop talking and turn the mic over to Jennifer! Please make her feel welcome!

*Standing Ovation From The Crowd*




Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to say thanks to Amy for asking me to guest blog. Thanks so much, Amy!

My name is Jennifer Estep, and I write the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books, The first book in the series, Spider’s Bite, was released on Jan. 26. Spider’s Bite focuses on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who finds herself double-crossed on her latest hit and framed for a murder that she didn’t even commit. Along the way, Gin teams up with a sexy detective to find out who set her up and why – too bad the detective wants her dead as well for killing his partner. Only one thing is certain – if Gin has her way, then someone’s going to die …

Spider’s Bite is my first foray into urban fantasy, which is one of my favorite genres to read and write in. Why do I like urban fantasy so much? Here are some of the reasons why:

1) Really strong heroines: Nobody can kick magical butt like an urban fantasy heroine, whether it’s Rachel Morgan in The Hollows series by Kim Harrison or Laurell K. Hamilton’s vampire hunter Anita Blake.

2) Cool magic worlds: One of my favorite things about urban fantasy is the variety of worlds to explore, from gritty cities to spooky castles and everything in between.

3) Interesting creatures: Vampires, werewolves, fairies, zombies, dwarves, giants, pixies, gremlins … if it’s creepy, crawly, nasty, sexy, scary, or just plain evil, it’s in urban fantasy.

4) Action scenes: There’s nothing I love reading more than a good action scene, when everything’s on the line and all hope seems lost. But somehow, the heroine always manages to save the day – and usually blows something up while she does it.

5) Sexy guys: After a hard day of fighting the undead, it’s always good to have a sexy guy to come home too – another reason that urban fantasy heroines are so darn lucky.

Now, all of these things are awesome enough by themselves. But do you want to know what the really cool thing about urban fantasy is? The fact that you can get all of these things – strong heroines, interesting magic, creepy creatures, great action, and sexy guys – in one book. I like books with a little bit of everything in them, and so writing and reading urban fantasy is right up my alley. And I have a feeling that I’ll be enjoying all that the genre has to offer for many years to come.

What about you guys? What do you like about urban fantasy? What are some of your favorite urban fantasy books? Share in the comments.


SPIDER'S BITE GIVEAWAY!!

This book is going to be signed and sent from Jennifer herself
So, I ask that you have a US or Canadian Address that the
book can be sent to! It's open to anyone that FOLLOWS
with either a US or Canadian Address in which to receive the book.

Most important you must follow through Google Friend Connect!

Don't know how? Go here to get instructions!

I want you to head on over to JENNIFER ESTEP'S site and tell me one thing you've learned or I want you to think of a question you'd like to ask Jennifer! You MUST do this step to QUALIFY! If you choose the question option, you get +25 per question you ask with a limit of TWO QUESTIONS per person. leaving you with a total of +50 for asking Jennifer TWO QUESTIONS that have to do with today's post, her writing, her series, something VALID please!

Also to qualify, I ask that you please leave your name/nickname
in each post you leave.  Something that separates you from everyone else
so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner.  You must also leave
 me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).

This contest is open to ANYONE that Follows with GFC - Anywhere In the WORLD!
*But, you MUST have either a U.S. or CANADIAN ADDRESS to
accept the book for you. Overseas shipping is not available for this contest!

*This Contest ends 2/24/10*

Entries


There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!

+5 If you Subscribe by Mail
+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader
+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)
+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)
+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)
+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)
+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)
+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)
+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!
It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!
103 New Followers to be Exact!

And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower and
Huge Giveaway as Quickly As Possible

I'll now be offering...

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me
(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)
YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

(All of these will be verified before they count towards your entries!!)

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)
Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

So...SPREAD the Word! It's ONLY A Click & a Follow!
We need 103 new followers for the BIG CELEBRATION!


GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!






KISSES and TOODLES!!

74 comments:

  1. I have read all of Jennifer's books so far and have loved them all, so I am very much looking forward to the new series.

    My 1st question is who are her favourite authors and has she read anything by Julie Kenner?

    2nd Question is are there any plans for her to come to Canada for promo of her books?

    contestmom@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jennifer,

    Do you ever plan on attending Dragon Con in Atlanta? I would love to meet you.

    Follow through e mail.
    Follow through Google reader.
    Follow on Twitter @lillieblue613.
    Tweeted giveaway http://twitter.com/home?status=Guest+Post+%26+Giveaway+%7E+Jennifer+Estep+Author+of+%22Spider%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FcbNUER+via+%40addthis

    ainfinger@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  3. I tweeted about the contest at: http://twitter.com/mountie9/status/8288225225

    mountie9
    contestmom@hotmail.com
    I also followed through Google Reader

    ReplyDelete
  4. I rated you a 9.6 on Blogged - love your site btw
    mountie9
    contestmom@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Woot! Two of my favorite ladies in one spot!

    No need to enter me; I've already read it. Loved it.

    I've posted about this at Win a Book, of course. Thanks for the e-mail, babe!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have recommended my friend Natasha to follow you

    mountie9
    contestmom@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am also following you on twitter. Whenever I write that I feel so creepy like I am a stalker or something : )

    www.twitter.com/mountie9
    mountie9
    contestmom@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am a follower. I have a question- I'd like to know whether Jennifer uses one editor, and if so, how she found that editor giving her the purfect relationship between writer and editor.



    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. My second question. - I wonder whether Jennifer will be coming to New York. I'd love hear her speak and/ or see her at a book signing.


    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. +5 I'm an email subscriber.


    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mountie9 -- Glad to know you liked the Bigtime series. I hope you enjoy Spider's Bite as well. ;-)

    Some of my favorite authors are Robin McKinley, Donald Westlake, Ian Fleming, and David Eddings. As far as romance goes, I read folks like Kresley Cole, Jeaniene Frost, Kristin Higgans, Richelle Mead ...

    No plans to come to Canada any time soon, but I will be at the RT and RWA conventions this year.

    I read the first demon-fighting soccer mom book by Julie Kenner and enjoyed it. That's one of mnay series that I've fallen behind on! I've also heard good things about her new urban fantasy series, although I haven't tried that one yet either.

    Andrea -- I actually applied to be a guest author at DragonCon this year, but they turned me down. So I probably won't be going this year. I plan to try again next year, though.

    Susan -- And I appreciate your post. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello! Thanks for the great interview. I have just a few questions.

    Is there anything in particular that inspired you for this book?

    Do you have any music that helped influenced you in writing scenes or an character?

    +50 to enter! (2 questions at 25 each)
    +20 for following on Tweeter (I am mellhay)
    +20 for having button on sidebar
    +10 for sidebar of the contest.
    http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/

    Melissa (My World)
    hayden392@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  13. First Question: Do you have an age demographic that you write your books for? I am an "older" reader (OK, Senior Citizen price at the movies so get the picture?) but have never really gotten into urban fantasy or paranormal romance. So I wonder if it is just I haven't found the right one or that I am of the wrong age group you aim toward. I haven't read any of your books so this will help me decide.

    Bingo
    kdhaney AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Second Question: I see you liked to go to the library growing up (isn't it great to go in and have all those books at your fingertips?) and I wondered if you were encouraged by any teachers to read and then go on to write (I was a reading teacher so there is my interest).

    Bingo
    kdhaney AT gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. +5 subscribe by email

    kdhaney AT gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. +10 you are already on my blog roll from when I blogged about your giveaway I believe for the Kindle?

    Bingo
    kdhaney AT gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am a follower with google friend connect...does that count?

    kdhaney AT gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Benita -- I have one main editor that I work with. We have an excellent relationship, and she's given me a lot of great editorial advice.

    I'm thinking about coming to RWA next year (I think it's in New York). But other than that, no plans to go to the Big Apple anytime soon.

    Melissa -- I'd always loved reading about assassin characters, and I just thought it would be cool to write my own assassin in my own magic world/system.

    I don't really listen to music when I write, but I think the song "Human" by The Pretenders is a great theme for my assassin Gin.

    Bingo -- I don't really write for any age group -- I just write stories that I would like to read myself.

    My mom took me to the library every Saturday as a kid, which is how I fell in love with books. It was always the highlight of my week. ;-)

    My high school English teacher taught me a lot about critical writing/thinking, and I definitely think that has helped me with my books.

    ReplyDelete
  19. How are your feeling, Princess?

    Jennifer~ I can't wait to get a copy of this book. It looks fantastic! Great cover.
    Do you listen to any music before or when you write?
    Do you have a muse?
    How do you come up with your creative ideas? Thru dreams? Imagination?


    Email follower
    Google follower

    lisaglidewell(at)gmail(dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Q1: What was the longest amount of time you spend in one day at a library?
    Q2: What was the strangest question that a reader has asked you during an interview?

    terilhack@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. This book sounds great
    Julie S.
    jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. +25 What made you decide to try the urban fantasy instead of paranormal fantasy?

    ReplyDelete
  23. +25 Do you have any idea how many books will be in this series or is it openended?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lady Graeye -- Thanks! I don't really listen to music when I write. I'm one of those authors who prefers absolute silence. LOL.

    I don't know that it's a muse -- more like an overactive imagination. For me, a lot of my ideas come from thinking "what if" -- like what if an assassin was double-crossed on a hit and her handler was murdered? That was the idea that led me to write Spider's Bite.

    Teril -- I'd say probably an hour or two. I've got so many commitments (work, book stuff, writing time, etc.) that it's hard for me to slip away from the world for much longer than an hour or two.

    Hmm. I haven't really gotten many strange questions from readers. I work at a newspaper, though, and I get plenty of strange ones there! Probably the strangest was when a guy called and asked me how to spell Fiji. That's all he wanted. I wondered why he didn't look it up in the dictionary instead of calling the newspaper!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I checked out Jennifer's website and found out Web of Lies, the second book in the series, will be released in June 2010. That's something to look forward to. I'm really looking forward to reading Spider's Bite and the rest of the series.
    I'm a new follower with GFC.
    Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have been dying to read this book!

    +5 subscribe by email

    booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. +5 google reader

    booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. +10 blog roll: http://wickedwalker.blogspot.com/

    booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. +20 twitter as @raycee3

    booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. +20 button: http://wickedwalker.blogspot.com/

    booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Jennifer!!! I have to agree with all of your points, except #5. I love my sexy ladies. ;) Some of my fav series are the Hollows, ANita Blake, Angie Fox's Demon Slayer series, and Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler.

    I'm curious, what do you enjoy more, writing the grittier UF or the more lighthearted paranormal romance?

    Plus, who were your biggest influences when it came to writing?

    +50 for questions.

    heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. +5 for subscribing by e-mail

    heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. +5 for subscribing by google reader - heatwave16

    heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. +5 for tweeting contest

    http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/8572659106

    heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. +20 for following @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter - twitter id: heatwave316

    heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I learned that in college Jennifer majored in English
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. +5 email subscriber
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. +5 subscriber via google reader
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. +20 follow on twitter @throuthehaze
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Just wanted to say that I have read Jennifer Estep's Karma Girl which I loved a lot !!!!! And, 'Hot Mama' is surely in my Wish list which will soon come into my TBR :)

    Spider Bite sounds like a wonderful read too !

    Thanks :)

    Oh BTW, Please DON'T enter me as I am an International(India) blogger !

    ReplyDelete
  41. +25 What is the best part of being a paranormal author.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. +25 What did you do when you heard your books were going to be published?

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. +5 Subscribe though Google Reader.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. +5 Tweet - http://twitter.com/DonnaS1/statuses/8737519432

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. +10 sidebar - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. +20 twitter follower (@donnas1)

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. What I like about urban fantasy is the fantastic characters such as vampires, werewolves, faeries, etc.

    I know that you aren't publishing any more of the superhero series (I have all of them, they're SO good!) at this time. Do you think you're going to stick with the urban fantasy genre now?

    If any of the characters in either of your series could visit another author's world, whose would it be?

    (+50)

    +5 Google Reader Subscriber

    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  48. How did you come up with the character Spider? Is she like someone you've known?

    Is there anything you wrote in Spider that you wish you could take back and change?

    walkerd@primus.ca

    ReplyDelete
  49. You are a features page designer for a daily newspaper. How do you find time to write?

    Has your newspaper experience helped you in any way in writing your novels?

    ReplyDelete
  50. +25 Per Question You Ask.
    My First Question Is:
    Hey Jennifer What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  51. +25 Per Question You Ask.
    My Second Question Is?
    Is Gin In Anyway Inspired By A Real Person?

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  52. +5 If You Subscribe By Mail.
    I Already Subscribe To Park-Avenue Princess Blog By Mail (skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com).

    ReplyDelete
  53. +5 If You Subscribe Via Google Reader
    Park-Avenue Princess Blog.
    I Already Subscribe To Park-Avenue Princess Blog Via Google Reader.
    http://www.google.com/reader/view/#overview-page

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  54. +5 If You TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link).
    I Tweeted About This Giveaway (@skyla11377).
    http://twitter.com/skyla11377/status/8860493151

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  55. +10 If You Rate Me On Blogged (See Link At Bottom Of Blog).
    I Have Already Rated Park-Avenue Princess Blog On Blogged.

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  56. +10 If You Add Me To Your Blog Roll (And Link It Back To My Blog).
    Park-Avenue Princess Blog Is On My Blog Roll.
    http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  57. +15 If You Blog About This Giveaway In It's Own Post (Link Back).
    I Blogged About This Giveaway.
    http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/2010/02/park-avenue-princess-blog.html

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  58. +20 If You Follow @APrkAvePrincess On Twitter (Leave @Name).
    I Follow You On Twitter (@skyla11377).
    http://twitter.com/skyla11377

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi Jennifer. I was surprised to see your titles had 'Spider' in the name instead of the usual wolf, etc. But it made a great animal for an assassin! Did you worry that the fear of spiders would keep readers from being attracted to the book? And since that didn't happen, will you perhaps choose another lesser used animal for a future series?

    +50 for two questions
    +5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader
    +5 If you Subscribe by Mail

    ~smooches~
    Jase
    vslavetopassionv@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I am a follower of your blog.

    Question One: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
    Question Two: How many books do you read per year?

    I subscribe via Google Reader.

    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I follow via GFC.
    I learned that Jennifer is "a Southern gal through and through. Sassy, sarcastic, and just a tad crazy."

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'm an e-mail subscriber
    #1

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I'm an e-mail subscriber
    #2

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm an e-mail subscriber
    #3

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'm an e-mail subscriber
    #4

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I'm an e-mail subscriber
    #5

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I subscribe via Google Reader
    #1

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I subscribe via Google Reader
    #2

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I subscribe via Google Reader
    #3

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I subscribe via Google Reader
    #4

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I subscribe via Google Reader
    #5

    CherylS22
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

Feel like Preaching to the Princess?

Well then...Please leave all of your Noble Notes and Royal Ramblings here...

All will be taken into consideration.

XXX ~ The Princess