Category Archives: Alexandra Sokoloff

FLASH SALE – Book of Shadows, 99p in the UK

By noreply@blogger.com (Alexandra Sokoloff)

by
“A wonderfully dark thriller with amazing “Is-it-isn’t-it?”suspense all the way to the end. Highly recommended.” – Lee Child


Book of Shadows is about a cynical Boston cop who teams up with a mysterious Salem witch to solve what looks like a Satanic murder.

It’s fascinating to me how when you write a book, everyone always assumes it’s about you. Few people get that sometimes, if not most times, when you write a book it’s about getting OUT of you. Just like reading is, right?



So naturally everyone who reads it assumes that I’m a witch (that’s with a “w”). Oh, the interviewers don’t come right out and say it, but you know that’s what they’re asking.


Well, I’m not. Really. Not really. No more than any woman is a witch.
But I can’t deny that writing Book of Shadows was a really excellent opportunity for me to indulge some of my witchier nature. I wanted to dive right in and explore some of those things that make some men – and a lot of women – uncomfortable with feminine power, and feminine energy, and feminine sexuality, and feminine deity.



I was working up to this book for quite a while. I’ve been around practicing witches most of my life. That’s what happens when you grow up in California, especially Berkeley. Actually the Berkeley part pretty much explains why I write supernatural to begin with, but that’s another post. Those of you who have visited Berkeley know that Telegraph Avenue, the famous drag that ends at the Berkeley campus, is a gauntlet of clothing and craft vendors, artists, and fortunetellers, forever fixed in the sixties. Well, look a little closer, and you’ll see just how many pagans, Wiccans, and witches there actually are.

I’ve walked that gauntlet thousands of times in my life. It does something to your psyche, I’m telling you.



There was also the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, where I spent many summer days in my interestingly misspent youth. Renaissance Faires are teeming with witches (check out the Fortune Tellers’ Grove next time if you don’t believe me).

So even though I don’t actually practice, not in an organized covenish kind of way, I’ve been to a ceremony or two, and you could say I’ve been researching this book for quite some time. In fact, I think I’ve known I was going to write this book ever since I first saw a “Calling of The Corners,” a Craft ceremony which is one of the ritual scenes I depict in “Book of Shadows.” It’s one of the most extraordinary spiritual experiences I’ve ever had — such elemental, feminine power.
And in everyday life, there some things that are just useful to know about the Craft.

I’m not much one for spells, I’m more of a meditator. But when I had to kick my evil tenants out of my rental house? A cleaning service was just not enough. You better believe that the second the locksmith was done changing the locks, I was down at the witch supply store, buying black and white candles (for protection and cleansing), and sage (smudge it for purification). I opened every window and swept the whole house widdershins (to the left, to dismiss) with a new broom dipped in salt and rosemary to dispel all lingering energy. Ritual works, and it doesn’t really matter what accoutrements you use; it’s really about the intention: in this case to cleanse, heal, and start over fresh.



Another concept of the Craft that I’ve always found particularly useful is Maiden, Mother, Crone. Those are the three aspects of the Goddess, and also the three phases of the moon, corresponding colors white, red and black. They represent the three cycles of a woman’s life – youth, womanhood and age – but women also pass through all three aspects every month when they’re menstruating, and knowing that has saved my life (and the lives of many of those around me) many a time.

The time right after your period is Maiden: you have a rush of estrogen, so you’re glowing, you’ve just dropped all that water weight, you have a ton of energy, and you’re – well, up for it. And men can sense it. Best time to snag a partner, although your choices might not be exactly the best in this phase of the cycle.



The Mother (also called Queen) phase of the month is around ovulation. You’re powerful, grounded, and can get a lot done, especially creatively, because of the pregnancy connotations. It’s a sexy time in a different way than Maiden, because there’s the extra knowledge 
that yes, you really can get pregnant right now.



The Crone phase is raging PMS and the “death” that a period often feels like. Wise people know to avoid you at this time unless they really want a faceful of truth, and I try not to schedule meetings, especially with men, when I’m in this phase. Best for me to be solitary and contemplative. And contain the damage.
But the things that come out of your mouth during this phase are the deep truth, even if they’re not pleasant, and if you remember to breathe, put the knife down, and pay attention to what you’re feeling and saying, you can learn a lot about your life and what you really need to be doing. Also your dreams will tend to be the most powerful, vivid, and significant in this phase. I know mine are.



I appreciate the earth/nature centeredness of the Craft. I like to be aware of whether the moon is waxing or waning, and focus on bringing things into my life during the waxing, and letting go of things (or people!) in the waning. And I like knowing that there is extra power and magic at the Solstices and Equinoxes; that knowledge makes me stop at least four times a year to consider what I really want to manifest in my life.

(Obviously I used all of that Moon knowledge and more in the Huntress Moon series, too…)

Let’s face it: I also like the clothes. With my hair, I’ll never be able to pull off the tailored look. I love lace and fishnets and velvet and sparkles and corsets and big jewelry. I love the candles and the scents and that every day has a color (today is white, if you’re wondering).
And there is another aspect of the Craft that has been truly important to me, spiritually. It’s about balance. I have never, ever bought the idea that God is male. It runs contrary to my entire experience of reality. I love you guys, really I do, but you’re only half the equation. I can’t see how an ultimate power could be anything but BOTH male and female. So the notion of a Goddess, in all Her forms, to me, completes the equation.



And a Supreme Being who likes velvet and fishnets? Even better.



So how about you? What’s your take on witches? Are you familiar with the way witchcraft is actually practiced, or is that whole world completely mysterious to you? Or do you do the odd spell or two yourself?

Alexandra Sokoloff

Book of Shadows

Homicide detective Adam Garrett is already a rising star in the Boston police department when he and his cynical partner, Carl Landauer, catch a horrifying case that could make their careers: the ritualistic murder of a wealthy college girl that appears to have Satanic elements.

The partners make a quick arrest when all evidence points to another student, a troubled musician in a Goth band who was either dating or stalking the murdered girl. But Garrett’s case is turned upside down when beautiful, mysterious Tanith Cabarrus, a practicing witch from nearby Salem, walks into the homicide bureau and insists that the real perpetrator is still at large. Tanith claims to have had psychic visions that the killer has ritually sacrificed other teenagers in his attempts to summon a powerful, ancient demon.

All Garrett’s beliefs about the nature of reality will be tested as he is forced to team up with a woman he is fiercely attracted to but cannot trust, in a race to uncover a psychotic killer before he strikes again.




“Sokoloff successfully melds a classic murder-mystery/whodunit with supernatural occult undertones.” – Library Journal


”Compelling, frightening and exceptionally well-written, Book of Shadows is destined to become another hit for acclaimed horror and suspense writer Sokoloff. The incredibly tense plot and mysterious characters will keep readers up late at night, jumping at every sound, and turning the pages until they’ve devoured the book.”Romantic Times Book Reviews

“Fast-paced with strong characterizations, fans will enjoy this superb thriller, as Adam and the audience wonder if The Unseen could be the killer.” – Publisher’s Weekly


“A wonderfully dark thriller with amazing is-it-isn’t-it suspense all the way to the end. Highly recommended.” – Lee Child

Via: Alexandra Sokoloff

    

Summer News and workshops, STFA in print!

By noreply@blogger.com (Alexandra Sokoloff)

–>

Yes, I’m still alive! I know, I was beginning to have doubts myself.
This year has just been non-stop. They always are, I guess, but releasing three books in a row within months of each other, and getting ready to release a fourth next month – I’ve never done anything like this before and I am TIRED, but starting to crawl my way back to the surface and start to engage with, um, people again.
So, what’s in the works?
First off, I’m writing Wolf Moon, book 4 in the Huntress series, and there’s something I have to clear up right away. I’ve come across a completely unanticipated problem: people who are reading the Huntress books are assuming they’re a trilogy – and worse – calling them a trilogy in reviews. I’m always grateful for reviews, and they’ve been almost universally stellar, thank you all who have taken the time! – I couldn’t ask for better ones! But wow, this is so NOT a trilogy, and having that idea out there is understandably confusing to readers who pick up Cold Moon expecting an end to the series. Cold Moon is definitely not the end, and I thought it would be pretty clear in the way the book ends that there is another one coming. It’s funny, though, how there’s no real way to counteract that assumption once people start repeating it. So yeah. Book 4 is coming, and I’m not going to say much right now, but it’s really different from the first three. (Why am I constantly doing this to myself? I wonder…)

Blood Moon Cold Moon
And a quick note for AUSTRALIAN readers: Huntress Moon is on sale throughout August on Amazon.AU – just 1.99! http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00NKTTDH4
Next – it’s nearly killed me to get it done, but yes – the PRINT workbook of Screenwriting Tricks for Authors, STEALING HOLLYWOOD, will be available as soon as sometime next week. I know some of you have been waiting for this one for practically ever – well, it’s completely worth the wait! But – make sure you’re on my regular mailing list if you want to get the release announcement (and discount on the new ebook). If you’re not sure, it doesn’t hurt to try signing up again; you won’t get double announcements, the extra email will automatically drop from the list. http://alexandrasokoloff.com/newsletter-form.php

For the rest of the summer (Scottish summer, that is…) – well, it’s August, so I’m taking a bit of a break next week to go down to London to see Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Sorry, lost it for a minute there. But yes, I’m so excited I can barely sleep. It’s my favorite play, and there’s one actor per generation who is simply born to play it. I think we have our answer here. And yes, I will report back!

–>


And Craig and I are gearing up for the Bloody Scotland crime writing festival, followed frighteningly soon after by Bouchercon in Raleigh. Lots of events going on at both, and I wanted to let people know about upcoming workshops as well, since I’m doing a bit more teaching in the fall than I usually do, so here’s the lineup:

–>—September 11-13 Bloody Scotland
Stirling, Scotland

I’ll be teaching a master class in story structure at Bloody Scotland, as well as a self-publishing workshop. I’ll also be paneling on Film Writing (and Film 101 for Authors!) as well as on the issue of the depiction of violence against women in books, film, and television.

Fans of Craig Robertson can also find him appearing on panels and compering Crime at the Coo: a cabaret pub night on Saturday, featuring Bloody Scotland authors performing song, dance and poetry. Yes, I’ll be singing, too!

—October 8-11
Bouchercon World Mystery Convention

Raleigh, NC
Craig and I are both on the program.

—October 31-November 1
805 Writers Conference

2-hour Screenwriting Tricks for Authors workshop
Ventura, CA
Craig and I are both on the program.

—November 7
Land of Enchantment Romance Writers Association

All-day Screenwriting Tricks for Authors workshop
Albuquerque, NM

November 13-15
Shetland Noir

Shetland Islands, UK
Craig and I are both on the program.

Hope you’re all having fabulous summers. Would love to hear what you’re up to!
— Alex

Via: Alexandra Sokoloff

    

Britcrime online crime writing festival and COLD MOON blog tour

By noreply@blogger.com (Alexandra Sokoloff)

by Alexandra Sokoloff

As I said a few days ago, I’m touring online for the print and audio release of Book 3 in the Huntress/FBI Thrillers. Today I’m at Crime Thriller Girl, talking with Steph Broadribb about the series (and dispensing advice for authors!). You can catch up with me at any of the stops listed below – comment on any blog to be entered in a drawing to win print books! And yes, you can enter multiple times.

This weekend I’m doing something a little different: I’m the lone American in a lineup of 40 British crime authors participating in the first annual Britcrime Festival, an all-online gathering of authors, readers and bloggers in a two-day series of panels, virtual drinking in The Slaughtered Author Pub – and I suspect, some happy mayhem.

Britcrime is the brainchild of sister Thomas & Mercer author Helen Smith, and it grew out of a private Facebook group of UK authors, of which I am a member by virtue of living and writing in Scotland. We were having such an entirely funny and fun time in this group that we wanted a way to bring some of the conversation and hilarity to readers, and use Facebook to do it because it’s free and accessible to anyone who wants to stop in.

In a masterful frenzy of organizing, Helen has pulled a real festival together, with intriguing, interactive panels; reader contributions, curated reviews, podcasts, and plans for upcoming events, including online classes and a Christmas party.

One of the complaints you hear most often from authors is how time-intensive live events are – the prep, the travel, and the possibility that no one will even show up. An online festival has the potential for great reach, a more casual interaction with readers, and room to grow. I’m excited to see how it turns out!

I’ll be talking about Serial Offenders on Panel #4, Saturday at 6-8 pm UK time, 1-3 pm EST, with Mason Cross, Graeme Cameron, and Emma Kavanagh. You can post questions for me and the panel in advance, here.

And for Craig Robertson fans (or the curious…!), Craig will also be talking about serial killers on an earlier panel (Helen was wise enough not to put us on the same panel about this particular topic!).
You can find him on Saturday, 1-3 pm UK time, 7-9 am EST, here: Serial Killers.

You can click through to check out the full lineup of panels, and learn more about Britcrime.

Hope you’ll join us!

Alex


Cold Moon is out in print and audio this month and I’m doing a blog tour throughout the month of July, with lots of giveaways to celebrate!


Check the calendar listings below for where I’ll be all through July, and stop by as many of the blogs as you want to read all about the whole Huntress series, and enter to win books and audiobooks.








Full Tour Calendar



July 7:
Feature article in ITW’s The Big Thrill


(Share or Tweet the article to be entered in the first drawing!)

July 8:

Off the Shelf Books

July 9:


Lynsey’s Books

July 11:


BritCrime online festival: live panel discussion on serial killers

1pm-3pm EST, 6pm-8pm BST

July 11:


King’s River Life magazine

July 13:


Writing Round the Block

July 15:


Mystery Playground

July 17:



Books that Hook
July 19:



Reflections of a Reader

July 20:


Read-Love-Blog
July 21:


Crime Book Junkie

July 23:


The Book Trail

July 27:


Musings of a Bookish Kitty

________________________________________________________________________
Books 1, 2 and 3 of the Huntress/FBI Thrillers, Huntress Moon, Blood Moon, and Cold Moon are available now from Thomas & Mercer.
I very strongly recommend that you read the series in order, starting with Huntress Moon.

Via: Alexandra Sokoloff

    

COLD MOON print/audio release and blog tour!

By noreply@blogger.com (Alexandra Sokoloff)


Cold Moon is out in print and audio today, and I’m doing a blog tour throughout the month of July, with lots of giveaways to celebrate!


Check the calendar listings below for where I’ll be all through July, and stop by as many of the blogs as you want to read all about the whole Huntress series, and enter to win books and audiobooks.


Stop 1, July 7: The Big Thrill (Share or Tweet the article to be entered in the first drawing!)







Full Tour Calendar



July 7:
Feature article in ITW’s The Big Thrill

July 8:

Off the Shelf Books

July 9:


Lynsey’s Books

July 11:


BritCrime online festival: live panel discussion on serial killers

1pm-3pm EST, 6pm-8pm BST

July 11:


King’s River Life magazine

July 13:


Writing Round the Block

July 15:


Mystery Playground

July 17:



Books that Hook
July 19:



Reflections of a Reader

July 20:


Read-Love-Blog
July 21:


Crime Book Junkie

July 23:


The Book Trail

July 27:


Musings of a Bookish Kitty

________________________________________________________________________
Books 1, 2 and 3 of the Huntress/FBI Thrillers, Huntress Moon, Blood Moon, and Cold Moon are available now from Thomas & Mercer.
I very strongly recommend that you read the series in order, starting with Huntress Moon.

Via: Alexandra Sokoloff

    

e Marketing tools: Thunderclap!

By noreply@blogger.com (Alexandra Sokoloff)

I’m teaching a five-day workshop at the West Texas AMU Writers Academy this week. It’s a writing intensive in which I have 15 students plotting their entire books in one week. Exhausting, but highly rewarding, and miraculously, yet again we are right on course to get this all done. In five days!

Academy students are very motivated and I always end up doing adjunct sessions on ebook publishing and marketing. So here’s one free marketing resource I’m showing my students – an interesting wrinkle on book marketing called Thunderclap!

Thunderclap! is a crowdspeaking platform that amplifies messages by allowing large groups of people to share a single message together at the same time. Sort of an online flashmob.

I’ve just used Thunderclap! to create a book launch page for the print and audio release of Cold Moon on July 7. People who want to support me and the Huntress series can sign up for an automatic Tweet or Facebook share about the book release on the day, and the Thunderclap site automatically posts the tweets/shares all at the same time. Just once, no follow up, no spam, no need to you to remember, no need for me to bug anyone – and everyone who signs up to support is automatically entered in a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card!

This is what gets posted:

Cold Moon, #3 of Alexandra Sokoloff’s Huntress/FBI Thrillers, is out today! Now evil has something to fear. #ColdMoon http://thndr.it/1GgkoVo

You can check out the support page to see how it works, here – and also, of course, I’m hoping you’ll sign up to have a Tweet and/or Facebook post go out on my launch day!

https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/27229-cold-moon-book-launch

I like how the dashboard page (which you can continue to edit up until the day of the Thunderclap) keeps count of the social media reach you’re accruing as people continue to sign up. It’s a much more efficient way of getting your friends and followers lined up to support your book launch. And apparently a Thunderclap can get your book trending on Twitter on release day.

Of course, I’ll report back on results.

Has anyone else tried this?

Thanks for signing up!
Alex





Via: Alexandra Sokoloff