Enduring Romance’s Top Ten

THE KING’S DAUGHTERS makes Kimber An’s Top Ten Favorite Books for 2009. Whoohoo! :D Check it out!

Coffee Time Romance Review

Maura, reviewer at Coffee Time Romance, reviews THE KING’S DAUGHTERS and gives it four cups.

Here’s an excerpt: “There is much to keep the reader interested in the story and no dull stretches like many books of this genre. I found myself getting caught up in the plot and Amir’s adventures making me want to read the rest of the saga, so I bought the first book which I will be starting shortly.”

Thanks Maura! :)

What’s happening in the publishing industry?

Well, quite a lot, actually. Check out this in-depth article by agent Nathan Branford. Here.

Grocery Store Wars

May the Farm be with you. ;)

O Príncipe da Prisão Dourada

The Portuguese version of The Princes of the Golden Cage—O Príncipe da Prisão Dourada—has just gone on sale! I’m very excited about that! It's the fourth book in a fantasy collection for YA called T.E.E.N., an acronym for Tonifica E Estimula os Neurónios (in English: Tones up and Stimulates Neurons). Hey, I’m all for that! :)
The cover, which I adore by the way, is in keeping with other books in the collection. The publisher is Saida de Emergencia, and if you browse through their website you’ll find authors like George R.R. Martin, Charlaine Harris, Guy Gavriel Kay, Harry Turtledove, Robin Hobb, Dan Simmons and Clive Cussler, just to name a few…and moi! Woohoo!

SF Creatives

Lynda Williams and I will be hosting another SF Creatives meeting, Thursday, October 8, at Books and Company. I invite readers and writers to drop in and share their favourite books with us. Each person gets a turn and takes part in discussion about other people's choices. Informal, friendly and fun, with a focus on science fiction and fantasy, we start at 7 pm.

The Genre Fiction Generator

Perfect for those who are creatively challenged! More.

Bickering characters

I’m fed up with my two lead characters. They are constantly at each other’s throat for no good reason. Seriously, I can’t write a scene without having them fight. I swear, if they don’t simmer down soon, I’ll kill them both. :-(

Making progress

Sometime things don’t go as you planned. For example, I had planned on revising one of the novels I’ve written last year. But as I was about to begin working on that novel, I got an idea for a new story—the kind of idea that keeps you awake at night. The kind you just can’t stop thinking about. You know the kind. So I decided to start writing an outline for it (on account of it now being an idée fixe) while revising another book…well, next thing I knew I was entirely focused on that outline instead of finishing the work I had planned to do. Long story short, the outline is now completed and so is the first chapter, which I penned down this morning. Sometime things don’t go as planned, but everything turns out okay in the end. ;)

Chapters in Kamloops

I had the most wonderful time at the Chapters in Kamloops. Everyone there was amazing! I have many thanks to give: first, a big thank you to Roz Goldstein for organizing the event; what a cool lady! I also want to thank all Chapters’ employees for being so nice with me and for promoting my books with such enthusiasm, Kendra Coupland for welcoming me so warmly, and Chris Lindsay for his great marketing advice (keep writing, Chris). I can’t wait to go back and see you all again, guys.

Book signing in Kamloops

On Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 to 2:00, I will be doing a book signing at the Chapters in Kamloops this time. I invite everyone to come chat with me.

The King’s Daughters on ebook

The King's Daughters is now available in ebook format through Webscription.net along with The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year III by Johnathan Strahan, An Empire Unacquainted with Defeat by Glen Cook, The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi, and The Mall of Cthulhu by Seamus Cooper.

All these titles are included in the Night Shade Books September 2009 bundle, but they can be purchased separately as well.

Chapters in Kelowna

I had a great time at the Chapters in Kelowna. People there were so nice, and the Chapters’ team made me feel very welcome. A big thank you to Karl Sebok for organizing the event. :)

Book signing in Kelowna

On Saturday, September 19, I will be doing a book signing at the Chapters in Kelowna. I will be there from 10:00 to 3:00, so if you are in the area I invite you to come see me. :)

Back at work

After a month-long break from writing, I am now back at work, refreshed and energized. So much so, I’m doing double duty, revising one novel while outlining another—not mentioning the promo I have to do for THE KING’S DAUGHTERS. Woo, I’m multitasking my ass off.

It’s good to be back, though. :)

Review

Writer and Aurora award winner Christian Sauvé, of christian-sauve.com and Fractale Framboise, is not only a fellow French-Canadian, but also a friend, which makes his review of The King’s Daughters all the more meaningful to me.

Here’s an excerpt: “This is one of those books where it’s a relief to find the first chapter of the next volume included as a teaser: Amir is changing quickly, and his follow-up adventure Death in the Traveling City promises much.” More

Interview with Jeremy Lassen

Over at io9, there’s a very interesting interview with Night Shade Books' very colorful (check out the snazzy copper zoot suit) editor-in-chief Jeremy Lassen on the future of book buying.

Go give it a read! Here.

SF Creatives meeting

Lynda Williams and I will be hosting another SF Creatives meeting, 7 pm, September 10, at Books & Company. Bring what you are reading and your ideas. Discussion is the goal. Participants read five minute selections from their favorite authors or their own works in progress, but socializing with people who share your interest is the common theme. Drop in, introduce yourself, and share an hour with us.

Upcoming appearances

I have two book signings scheduled for this month, so far. As it stands, the first one will be held September 19, from 10:00 to 3:00 at Chapters in Kelowna; and the second September 26, from 11:00 to 2:00 this time at Chapters in Kamloops.

Also, I will be attending V-CON Oct 2, 3& 4. I plan to drive to all these places, so let’s hope my vehicle holds up. :/

AVATAR - Official Teaser Trailer (HD)

Looks awesome!

Con-Version Report

Okay, I’m finally fulfilling my promise of Con report and photos. I should have done it before, but I was too busy to do so. I apologize for the delay. Back to the Con: As usual Con-Version was a lot of fun. Lynda Williams and I arrived Thursday, and so did Robert J. Sawyer, who joined us in the hotel lounge for a chat and a drink.

Friday, I attended several panels, reunited with friends, Adria Laycraft and Ron Friedman, and met Tanya Huff. She’s awesome!



Later that evening, I went to the Con Cabaret. Val King and her friend made us laugh with a fun number.

Tanya sang too.

After the cabaret, Bundoran Press Publisher Virginia O’Dine, author Hayden Trenholm, his lovely wife Liz, Roy Fisher, Rob Sawyer and I gathered in the hotel bar and stayed there until the place closed down.

Saturday, I met more friends, Jennifer Rahn, Publisher Brian Hades and his wife Anita, Cliff Samuel and Eileen. I also made a new friend, Sherry Peters. And, oh yeah, I signed some books. The three Guests of Honor together: Terry Brooks, Robert J. Sawyer and Tanya Huff. The panel’s subject was the author’s life: From the art to the business of writing for a living.

Randy McCharles and Terry Brooks joking before a panel.

At the masquerade, my favorite costumes belonged to the steampunk gang.

Sunday, I bought some books at the Sentry Box, which I later had signed by Terry and Rob. By the way Terry Brooks is the most charming man I’ve ever met. My favorite panel: Dave Duncan and Terry Brooks talking about building engrossing fantasy worlds.

A group of Medieval knights shopping for weapons.

The Con ended in beauty with a big dinner with the members of IFWA (Imaginative Fiction Writers Association)—Mmmm, “bronto ribs”! And to cap everything off, someone gave my friend Virginia The Clap and E.Coli; she was really happy about it. You are probably scratching your head right now, wondering how can anyone enjoy getting The Clap and E.Coli? Well, if they are Giant Plush Microbes, one does. ;)
Those infectiously cute germs were sold at the convention.

New Review

I’ve just noticed that there is a new review of The Princes of the Golden Cage over at Static Multimedia. Reviewer Chris Chaisson gives it 3.5 stars out of 4. Yay!

Here’s what he says: “With the complex characters as well as the social landscape of Telfar in The Princes of the Golden Cage, Mallet portrays a convincingly volatile environment. She combines the internal strife of the characters with the external strife of the kingdom, creating an enjoyable, multi-dimensional story.”

The King’s Daughters Contest Winners

Graeme over at Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review has announced the winners of THE KING’S DAUGHTERS. And they are:

Joe Scanlon, WI, USA
John Millheim, FL, USA
Gef Fox, NS, Canada

Congratulations guys! The books will be sent to you this week. And a BIG thank you to Graeme for holding the contest for me! :D

Getting ready for Con-version 25

I’m leaving for Con-Version 25, Calgary’s premier science fiction and fantasy convention, tomorrow morning, and I won’t be back until late on the 24th. Con-Version is always a lot of fun, and the Guests of Honor are amazing this year: Terry Books, Tanya Huff, Robert J. Sawyer and Alina Pete. Sweet! : ) I can’t wait to get there! I’m so looking forward to seeing friends, going to panels, and watching the musical they put up every year. Well, I hope there is one this year; I couldn’t find any info about it on the Con’s site. :/ Please, please, please let there be a musical--my fingers are crossed. In any case, expect my next post to contain a detailed account of the Con, and, of course, there will be plenty of pictures too. Now if only I can manage to stuff all I need for this trip into one suitcase, I’ll be happy. Wish me luck.

District 9

I saw District 9 this weekend, and I really enjoyed it. It’s dark, gritty and quite gross and gory at time. It is also filled with apartheid’s references. For instance: the aliens are kept separated from the humans and confined in a sort of shanty town, and are labelled with the derogatory term “prawn”. I wonder if this is due to the fact that the action is set and filmed in South Africa, or simply a coincidence. In any case, it is a brilliant portrait of human nature at its worst, and at the end I found myself rooting for the “prawns” and geeky Wikus.

Giveaway Contest

Over at Graeme's Fantasy Book Review, reviewer Graeme Flory has graciously agreed to host a contest for autographed copies of The King’s Daughters. The contest ends next August 23rd, so hurry up, guys! :D

Enduring Romance Review

Over at Enduring Romance, Kimber An has written a very amusing review of The King’s Daughters.

Here’s a serious excerpt: “Ms. Mallet successfully dragged me this way and that and I didn't figure things out on my own because I was too swept up in it all. As much as I read, I'm rarely surprised by a story. So, when I am surprised by a story, it's a wonderful treat.”

Check out the review. It’s really fun. Here.

Events

Today, author Joylene Butler, Trelle Morrow, and I will be at the Library’s booth in the PGX Heritage Lane from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Come chat with us.

Later this evening, there is going to be a Creatives meeting at Books & Co., starting at 7:00. I hope to see everybody there.

Critical Mass Review

Over at Critical Mass, author and reviewer Don D’Ammassa has posted a nice review of The King’s Daughters which he concluded with this, and I quote: “Mallet reminds me a bit of Dave Duncan at times.” I’m quite flattered right now. :D

Writer Wednesday

This Wednesday, I’m going to be the guest writer at Tia Nevitt’s Fantasy Debut for her now regular feature called Writer Wednesday. The topic is going to be “Voice”. So stop by and leave a comment. :)

Book Launch

Come meet me at Books & Company Saturday, August 8, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. We’ll have a chat. I’ll sign books. It’ll be fun…I promise. :)

Alternative Worlds Review

Accomplished reviewer Harriet Klausner wrote a great review of The King’s Daughters for Alternative Worlds.

Here’s an excerpt: “The story line is fast-paced and the cast solid as Nathalie Mallet paints a brisk vivid picture of the hero, before and during his “quest”, adapting though bewildered to the icy reception of those he hopes will be one day soon his in-laws.”

Read the entire review here.

SciFiChick Reviews The King’s Daughters

Angela Schuch (a.k.a. SciFiChick) has posted a great review of The King’s Daughters.

Here’s an excerpt: “I became engaged in this story even more than the last…. I love the character of Amir. While he is a prince and a bit spoiled and biased, he has a kind heart and can’t stay away from a good mystery. With a climactic ending, the story is still left with promise of new adventures to come for Amir. And I, for one, can’t wait.” Read more.

I love that you love Amir, Angela! Thanks! :D

B.C.Day

Have a great B.C. Day everyone!

Black Petals

My friend Anne Stickel, editor at Black Petals—an online magazine of horror and science fiction—wrote a few words about The Princes of the Golden Cage in issue # 48.

"I found the scholarly but hot-blooded Prince Amir quite an appealing character, even though he’s occasionally impetuous, too quick to judge, and supercilious about his fighting skills. This one, featuring the princes looking over the palace wall on the cover, definitely earns 4 stars out of 5"

Wheeler Review

Harmony Wheeler wrote a lovely, detailed review of The King’s Daughters for Static Multimedia.

Here are some excerpts: “Her characters are lovable, believable, and easy to relate to. One character named Diego proclaims himself a “dandy” and resembles the famous literary hero The Scarlet Pimpernel in both his wit and his charm.”

“A page-turner for young-adults, adults, and fans of fantasy and mystery, The King’s Daughters delivers big time. Unlike its story, the book’s success will be no mystery.” Read More.

This is a very good review, (I especially love The Scarlet Pimpernel comparison) so please check it out!

Bookgasm reviews The King’s Daughters

Here’s an excerpt of what Mark Rose at Bookgasm wrote about my book and me:

“Most of her main characters are succinctly drawn, with real motivations and realistic behaviors. She has a jeweler’s eye for scene settings and color, and her pacing is just right.She’s not the kind of author who would write a 600-page tedious doorstop of a book; her style is much more suited to the quick series installment in paperback that we all used to love about fantasy fiction back in the ’70s and ’80s...” Read more.

Nice, hey! :D

Melting

The whole of B.C. is in the midst of a scorching heat wave. Yesterday, thermometer showed 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) in the shade. It’s been like this all week with no relief in sight. The house was like a freakin’ sauna: muggy, sticky, sweltering and wholly unpleasant. Seriously, it was so hot even my eyeballs were sweating. (I have a low melting point.) Well, after several sleepless nights, exhausted and fed-up, we went and bought an air conditioning unit. Ahhhh!

Fantasy Debut Review

Tia Nevitt of Fantasy Debut really enjoyed The King’s Daughters and has given it a glowing review, so much so that I am posting two excerpts.

First excerpt: “Sometimes, when I read a book, it exceeds all my expectations. Nathalie Mallet achieved this with The King's Daughters. I enjoyed the ending so much that most of my nitpicky complaints that I had about it before that point have faded from my consciousness. Which is just the way it's supposed to be.”

Second excerpt: “As Ms. Mallet did with her first novel, she brings all the various plot threads together brilliantly. I can't think of anything left unexplained, except some new tidbits that she came up with toward the end for subsequent books. I recall in Princes that she did this almost to a fault. Here, it was just about perfect. She also brings in some Russian mythology and folklore into the story--some really strange stuff--weaves it brilliantly into the story.”

But don’t take my word for it, read the entire review here.

First UK Review

Graeme Flory of Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review has given The King’s Daughters its first UK review, and it’s a splendid one.

Here’s an excerpt: “‘The King’s Daughters’ is one of those books where you find yourself filtering out the noises and distractions of the outside world so you can pay more attention to what is happening on the page. That’s certainly what I found myself doing with an intriguing mystery interspersed with moments of intense swordplay.” MORE.

I especially like Graeme’s insight into Amir’s character. He’s right; my prince is a spoiled, whiny brat. Slowly changing him is one of the many pleasures I get from writing the series, though. :)

Also, check out Graeme’s review of The Princes of the Golden Cage—he was the first to review it in the UK. It's mighty fine!

New Review of The King’s Daughters

Chadwick Ginther of McNally Robinson wrote a very nice review of The King’s Daughters.

Here’s an excerpt: “At times it feels there is a real dearth of non-western themed fantasy out there, but Mallet has created two cultures here, one, influenced heavily by the Middle East, the other by Russian and Slavic myth and folklore and has started to build a larger and cosmopolitan world. I can't wait to read more when Prince Amir heads east in the forthcoming Death in the Traveling City.” More here.

I met Chadwick at the World Fantasy Convention last year, and we’ve kept in touch since. He’s the buyer for McNally Robinson's Sci/Fi/Fantasy department. The McNally Robinson’s bookstores are AMAZING. :)

Night Shade Books Interview

I recently had the pleasure of doing an interview with Ross E. Lockhart, senior editor at Night Shade Books. We talked about my inspiration and literary influences, as well as the challenges of worldbuilding without maps and writing across genres. I also “hint” at what’s coming next in the series. You can read the entire interview right here.

Pottermania

Alright, I’ll come clean. I’ve succumbed to Pottermania too. (Hanging my head…just a little though.) No, seriously. I can’t wait to see the Half-Blood Prince tomorrow night! It looks amazing! Plus, I have to admit I’m little curious to see how my husband will react to the ending. He hasn’t read any of the books, so he has no idea of what’s coming at the end of this one. Wow, he’s in for a surprise.

The King’s Daughters Contest Winners

Tia over at Fantasy Debut has announced the winners of THE KING’S DAUGHTERS. And they are:

Rabia of Bradford, VT
Grace of Bartholows, MD
Debra of Tewksbury, MA

Congratulations guys! And a BIG thank you to Tia for holding the contest for me!

The first review of The King’s Daughters

John Ottinger over at Grasping for the Wind just reviewed The King’s Daughters. And although he preferred The Princes, he still enjoyed the sequel and recommends it. Read all the details here.

SF Creatives

Lynda Williams and I will be hosting another SF Creatives meeting tonight, Thursday, July 9, at Books and Company in Prince George, B.C. I invite readers and writers to drop in and share their favourite books with us. Each person gets a turn and takes part in discussion about other people's choices. There will be readings from Lynda’s new book, Far Arena, and mine too, of course. Informal, friendly and fun, with a focus on science fiction and fantasy, we start at 7 pm.

Giveaway Contest

Reviewer Tia Nevitt is running a giveaway contest for copies of THE KING’S DAUGHTERS over at Fantasy Debut. The contest ends next Monday, so hurry up folks! :D

Copies have arrived

These copies arrived two days ago and have stayed together only long enough to take this picture. Already half of them have been shipped to reviewers. And more should leave next week. I’m feeling very lucky right now that all those people want to read my book. Seriously. My cheeks hurt from grinning so much.

You won’t believe it, but it cost me more ($10.23) to send a parcel across Canada via ground than to send an identical parcel to the US ($6.70) through Air Mail. Hmmm, something’s wrong here! :/

Canada Day

PARTY!

Portuguese Rights

I knew about this for a bit, but I wanted to wait until things had developed a little further before announcing it. Well, I can’t keep it in any longer; I’m spilling the beans, so here it is: the Portuguese rights for The Princes of the Golden Cage have sold. Woohoo! This is my first ever foreign rights sale! And I am totally ecstatic about it! : ) The publisher is Grupo Saida De Emergencia. They do a lot of fantasy titles by well-known authors, so I’m in very good company.

Author and translator extraordinaire Renato Carreira was kind enough to give me the Portuguese working title of the book, which is Os Príncipes da Jaula Dourada. Isn’t it pretty?

IN STOCK

The King’s Daughters is now IN STOCK at many online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-A-Million, to name only a few. Yay!

Straight from the horse’s mouth

In an interview with Rick Kleffel at The Agony Column, Jeremy Lassen talks about Night Shade Books’ new direction, its latest releases and cover designs. Take a listen here.

SF Creatives

Lynda Williams and I will be hosting another SF Creatives meeting on Thursday, June 11, at Books and Company in Prince George, B.C. Readers and writers drop in to share their favourite books each other. Each person gets a turn and takes part in discussion about other people's choices. Informal, friendly and fun, with a focus on science fiction and fantasy, we start at 7 pm.

The King's Daughters

I am thrilled to announce that THE KING’S DAUGHTERS has arrived at the Night Shade books’ warehouse. Copies will appear in bookstores in a few weeks! YAY!

Green Lantern Trailer

Nathan Fillion as the Green Lantern! OMG! I can't wait to see it!

Book update

Things are moving at Night Shade Books. According to Jeremy Lassen, copies of The King’s Daughters are scheduled to show up at their warehouse the first week of June. WOO HOO! Get the full progress report here.

SF Creatives meeting tonight

SF Creatives is an opportunity to meet and talk with fellow enthusiasts interested in fantasy and science fiction literature and related themes. Participants share their own creative work or the book they are reading. The event is hosted by SF authors Lynda Williams and Nathalie Mallet and will be held at Books and Company, 7 pm tonight, Wednesday May 20, 2009.

The Baba Yaga’s Many Faces

This is the third and last post in The King’s Daughters theme series. And this one is about The Baba Yaga, a witch-like character of the Slavic folklore. But let’s go back in time …way back to my childhood in fact.







As a kid, I was first introduced to the Baba Yaga by Fanfreluche, a life-sized rag doll played by actress Kim Yaroshevskaya. In every episode of this Canadian children's television show, Fanfreluche would open her giant storybook and read us a tale—myths and legends from around the world, one of which was the Baba Yaga—and at one point she would enter the story by stepping inside the giant book and join the action. Needless to say, it was my favorite TV show when I was a child.

So I knew that if I was to write a story with a Northern setting, the Baba Yaga would play a role in it. What captivates me the most about this character is that there are so many different versions of her—it’s amazing.












In some tales she is depicted as a hideous old hag with monstrous teeth, in others as an attractive maiden. In many tales she is evil; in some she’s wise and offers guidance to the valorous people. She is also portrayed as a benign, neutral character—a Goddess of wisdom.




And in Russian fairy tales such as Vasilissa the Beautiful, she enslaves young girls.

Even her mode of transportation varies. Most often she is seen flying around on a giant mortar—the pestle serves as a rudder, and she uses a broom made of silver birch to erase her tracks—but there are also accounts in which she rides one of her three magical colts.

According to some versions of the myths, Baba Yaga ages a year every time someone asks her a question. This is why she is often portrayed as a cranky old hag — she is frustrated and angry about having been asked so many questions. The only way for her to de-age herself is by drinking a special tea she brews from blue roses. Heroes who bring her a gift of blue roses are often granted wishes as reward for their aid.

The Baba’s dwelling is, without any doubt, the most unusual and unique home one could imagine: a cabin with chicken legs—yep! There are other interpretations of her house, going from an ordinary log hut to a simple cave, but the cabin on chicken legs remains the most popular version and my favorite.

Although I’ve only scratched the surface, I believe one gets a good idea of how fascinating the Baba Yaga really is. Now if only The King’s Daughters could come out.

Snow

I woke up to SNOW this morning. The rooftops, cars, and yards are covered in it right now -- about 2 cm -- and more is still falling. YUCK!

Done…for now

My urban fantasy is finally completed, and the manuscript is now being read (for the first time, gulp) by a couple of people…trusted friends whose opinions I value. Oh, I’m sure there will be more tweaking needed once they are done reading the novel. Nah, I’ll see to it then. I have enough on my plate right now, writing the synopsis and making it exciting. It’s a daunting task, which I must confess I don’t enjoy too much. But it has to be done.

On a lighter note, I went to see Wolverine last weekend. Although it was entertaining enough, I was not blown away by it. It was fun. The next movie I plan to go to see is STAR TREK. I will not lie; I have high hopes for this one. I really want it to be more than just another popcorn movie. Well, we’ll see.

UF novel

I’ve finished the major revisions of my UF novel. I am now down to the tweaking phase. In other words, I’m obsessing over words and punctuations. (Sigh.) If all goes well, I should be done in a week or so.

Here’s a quote from the great Oscar Wilde on this subject: “I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again.”

Yep!

Update

I sincerely apologize to everyone for my prolonged absence. The reason behind it is rather mundane: I’ve been battling a nasty, nasty bug for nearly two week now, and, frankly, I am not sure I’ve won that fight yet. That darn bug just won’t loosen its grip on me. This is definitively the worst flu I’ve contracted in years. (On the plus side, I lost seven pounds.)


Although I was very sick, (feeling a bit better now) I still managed to make some progress on my UF, using what little energy I had left. I think there might be a couple of fever-induced scenes somewhere in that manuscript. Seriously.


On the publishing front, I’ve learned that Night Shade Books is going through some major restructuration, hiring new people, expanding their distribution, etc. At the moment there are a few tentative release dates floating about for THE KING’S DAUGHTERS, one is mid-May and the other one is the end of June. Alas, nothing definite yet. I’ll make an announcement as soon as I know more.

Urban Fantasy

On a positive note, I’ve been working extra hard on my UF lately and have made huge progress. Sure, there are still a few threads left to tie up, a bit of research to do as well, to be on the safe side, and some tweaking, of course. But, overall, those are minor details. At this rate, the manuscript could be ready in a month.