Intro by Dame Jackie
On this lovely Saturday, let’s welcome Kelly Meding, debut author of the fabulous THREE DAYS TO DEAD. (Yes, I can say, with authority, that the book is fabulous. I blurbed it.)
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The Hay Ride
Here in the U.S., Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. Turkeys have been cooked, sweet potatoes have been mashed, and pies have been eaten. We’ve said what we’re thankful for, we’ve gone out shopping for or avoided Black Friday sales, and now it’s time to think about Christmas. To me, the interesting thing about autumn is how three major holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) are all smashed into a fifty-six day time period.
Mind-boggling, isn’t it?
No other U.S. holidays come together like this, which is why autumn is often seen as “the holiday season.” The holiday season means different things to different people. Some of us celebrate all of them; some of us celebrate one or two. I don’t usually do anything exciting for Halloween (my trick-or-treating days are long behind me, and I don’t have any children with whom to take out), so in some ways it’s a non-holiday for me.
My sister and her boyfriend threw a Halloween party at their house, and they invited me over. Besides costumes and food and games, they also had a hay ride. Yes, bales of hay in a trailer, pulled by a Suburban down dark forest roads. It was chilly, it was starry, and it was fun. On the hay ride something occurred to me — a character revelation, if you will — and the same thought occurred to me again on Thanksgiving Day.
If you haven’t had a chance to pick up my debut novel Three Days to Dead, let me catch you up. The heroine, Evangeline Stone, is a hard-luck orphan who is trained from the age of eighteen to be a ruthless Hunter — to fight, to kill, and to do it without guilt. Most of her formative years were spent bouncing around the foster care system, and she never found “family” until she became a Hunter.
You’re probably wondering what this character revelation was and what it has to do with a hay ride, aren’t you?
It’s simple, really. Evy’s never been on a hay ride. She’d never been to a Halloween party with kids her age. She’s never had an old-fashioned, sit-down Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends. It occurred to me that my heroine was so completely different from me in so many ways that I wondered how on earth I’d been able to get into her head.
I’ve always had my extended family close. Family gatherings on holidays are the norm. On Thanksgiving I hosted the family dinner for the second year in a row, and it was fantastic. Food, friends/family and fellowship — the three R’s of a good meal. If Evy ever found herself faced with such an event, she’d probably scoff and go find something evil to kill instead. It isn’t that she’s antisocial. She’s just…anti-traditional. At least, traditional in my definition of the word, and I concede my traditional isn’t everyone’s traditional.
The hay ride revelation made me think harder about Evy’s back story and all of the things she didn’t have or didn’t do before her life as a Hunter. There is story fodder in there, if I am ever able to use it. Right now, the Dreg City books timeline is nowhere near a major U.S. holiday, so it’s impossible to know if I will ever get to play with these ideas.
Which led my brain on a completely new train of thought — how often do urban fantasy authors use major holidays in their novels? I’m having a hard time coming up with any that are centered around Christmas or Easter or even the Fourth of July (themed anthologies don’t count).
So talk to me, readers. A signed copy of Three Days to Dead is at stake. Have you read an urban fantasy lately that happens to be set around a major holiday? If not, would you be interested in reading such a novel?
A winner will be selected at random on Saturday, December 5, to receive a signed copy of Three Days to Dead.
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Tags: Dame for a Day, Kelly Meding
I have not read an Urban Fantasy set around a major holiday. I would however love to read one if someone has written it….
I reread “A Christmas Carol” recently and it is definetly not UF….
Please put my name in the hat, would love signed copy of the book to put in my author signed books collection in my safe….
Jackie B Central Texas
jacabur2008@gmail.com
I just finished a (re)read of Dresden Files #7, which is set in the days before – and during the day of – Halloween. Though beyond a few costumed kids in danger, there’s not much holiday in it. Also, one of Kim Harrison’s Hollows books is set around the Winter Solstice – which is suitably Christmas-y if you’re not a 12/25 fanatic. I remember cookies and family/friends and a bonfire in that one. I wish I could remember WHICH book it was.
But I can’t think of a single UF set around Thanksgiving. Which is sad, because it seems like T-Day would be a great setting, with all sorts of tensions to explore.
(If I don’t win, I’m going to have to try to pick up 3D2D before the New Year. I’ve sworn I won’t pick up any more new authors in 2010 until *after* I’ve read down my TBR shelf of nearly 90 books.)
In the last month I read Wolfsbane and Mistletoe as well as Many Bloody Returns…. I think they apply. MY list of new authors from whom buy a book or two has also grown tremendously.
I never really thought about it, but you’re right. I can’t think of one UF novel, where a holiday was used. I’d sure be interested to read about it. Maybe the characters in a UF novel even have a special way to celebrate some holiday… that’s definitely something to think about.
Thanks for the post, Kelly! Your book has a gorgeous cover, btw.
I have not read an urban fantasy recently that centers around a holiday. I know both Harry Dresden and the Hollows series have centered around both Halloween and Winter Solstice/X-mas, in the past. I have read Short story anthologies by urban fantasy writers Write a story themed around a holiday. Esp. “Holidays Are Hell” I’ve been wanting to pick up “Three Days to Dead” for the last week, because I’m anxious to read it!
I can’t think of any UF novel set around a major holiday. Hmm…I would totally read one though
Great post!
I have yet to read one, but I’d love to check it out if anyone knows of one…it would be fascinating to read about certain personality types (like Evy!) around those kinds of holidays!
I haven’t read any books lately that center around a holiday, but there should be more. I would definitely love to read an UF with some kind of holiday built in.
I cannot think of any urban fantasy I have read set around a major holiday. Would love to though. Especially for Christmas. Every year I gather holiday books and right after Thanksgiving I start a marathon of reading Christmas themed books. Really helps me get into the holiday spirit.
I can’t think of one right now. But Jacquelyn Franks’s books are set around samhain and beltane holidays which though not major holidays in some religions they are.
Jeaniene Frost’s At Grave’s End is set around Christmas. It was mentioned quite often in the story. I would enjoy another novel set around a holiday, certainly.
I don’t think I’ve read any urban fantasy set around any major holiday. It’s quite an idea, though, and I’d love to read something like that.
I have not read an UF novel set around the holidays but it would be an interesting read.
Ive read the hollows series its set around xmas. i think i would like to read more books set around a major holiday.
not sure if it us UF, but Nina Bangs-dinosaur shifter books is set towards New Years… not sure if that counts. and if you are fan of dinos, you will like these. very different….
I have only heard good things about this book.
I’d love a copy for myself, but can’t help with suggesting books set around holidays so I guess I’ll just trundle off to Amazon and spend a bit of money!
I’ve not read an Urban Fantasy in a long while nor do I think I have ever read one around a major holiday. Would be interesting to read such book and see what the story is like though!
no i haven’t/can’t think of any UF novels that’s set around a major holiday but i would definitely be interested in reading a novel that does
The first ones I thought of have already been mentioned, but I know I’ve read others where Samhain or Halloween play an important part.
I typically read only holiday themed mysteries during December. I happily found one on Mt Git’r'Read, LEGACY: Anna Strong series – Jeanne Stein, that takes place during Christmas. It’s on the stack. Now, I’m not sure if it’s UF or paranormal mystery, I just know I am happy that I have it to read in a few days.
Please put me in the drawing for your book. I have it on the WWBL and would love to have it on my shelf.
VWinship at aol dot com
-V-
I haven’t read an UF novel set around a major holiday, but I wouldn’t mind reading one;D.
Your book sounds great, please put me in the hat for it.
Tina
tina.christopher7@googlemail.com
I know I’ve read a few that have holiday issues in them, but I can’t pin down any titles.
I’m looking forward to checking out your book!
If I remember correctly one of Kim Harrison’s Hollows series takes place around and on the Solstice (I can’t remember which one). However on that note Kim Harrison also writes a short story that take place on the Solstice in the “Holidays are Hell” Anthology that also has stories by Lyndsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Pettersson.
Not that I remember. But I’d definitely read one though. Congrats on the book
If I recall correctly Jocelynn Drake’s series has things happening around certain times because that’s when the wall between worlds is thinnest and the naturi in her books try to break the seal that’s keeping them separate. Her last one was around New Years.
Uhhhh…..I’m sure I’ve read several urban fantasy novels that centered around a holiday. I just can’t think of any. There was the Charaline Harris and Toni Kelner Winter Holiday anthology–Wolfsbane and Mistletoe and then there was Kim Harrison’s anthology Holidays are Hell. Jeaniene Frost’s At Grave’s End was around Xmas time. Those are the ones that came to mind after thinking for a bit!
Would love to read this new book by a new author. I’m always willing to read something new by someone new! I will be that someone new someday soon as well!
Kim Harrison has working Halloween and New Years into her Hollows series. New Years was in her most recent release. I think its fun to see how their traditions are different in their world. So, it would be interesting to see a holiday mixed in.
Your new book sounds great.
I have read the Kim Harrison around Halloween and Jim Dresdens works that holiday in too, but I think Halloween is easy to work in when you are trying for a darker story, which most UF is. Not at all light, bright or fluffy which would describe Christmas, Easter, etc. C. E. Murphy mentions some of the holidays celebrated elsewhere like Celtic holidays, but not purely American ones. Laurell K. Hamilton has a couple that mention Christmas, but I know of no UF book that actually centers around them. Jeanne Stein mentions Christmas, but does not center around it. I think in order to center around a holiday it might have to pull from the original roots of the holiday… go way way back to when the holiday was not so bright and cheery or it would bring out a totally different side of the character, which might not be one that you want to see…. Love to read the book, write it!
I have not read one set around a holiday. And if the story sounded good, I would definitely. But I wouldnt read it just because it was at a holiday time.
Hmm, mostly they would be anthologies, can’t think of a full-length offhand, and I do like Christmas themes this time of year.
as far as i remember
i haven’t read any set around holiday. this book will be THE FIRST for me. ( i love to collect signed copies from Various Author !)
i would be happy to read this book!
Thanks for all of the comments so far! I think I’ve just added a few titles to my TBR pile.
the only one i can think of off hand is k harrison’s book – she’s done halloween.
only ones i can remember around xmas – would be romances.
would love to see an urban fantasy around turkey day – seeing someone having to worry about either cooking or getting to the family functions while fighting off the bad guys would be funny and seeing the bad guys take a break to eat turkey!
Besides the Hallow Series and a few other series mentioning Christmas or Halloween, I can not think of anyother UF that takes place around a major holiday.
I’m okay with UF not set around holidays, UF is my escape from holidays I have to deal with!
(I hope to win the signed copy, but even if I don’t, I’m going to buy Three Days to Dead! Sounds like a great read!)
Wow, the book sounds really good!
Hmm…I’ve read other books that are centred around a holiday, but if I’ve read a UF like that, I can’t remember right now. But I think it could be interesting. I can just see a little family gathered around their Christmas dinner…and then a zombie bursts in.
That would really put a non-traditional spin on things…
As others have mentioned, Kim Harrison’s UF series has been set during different holidays. She started with Halloween, and has brought us through Solstice/Christmas, and finally New Year’s. I loved seeing how different races celebrated the holidays. Come to think of it though, I don’t remember Thanksgiving. Makes me wonder if they still celebrate after the Turn…
I don’t recall any either but that Kim Harrison’s book I haven’t read yet. The novel I wrote last year (no I haven’t submitted it yet but I should) was around Valentines but the holiday didn’t play a major part of the theme.
Count me in on the contest. The story sounds interesting.
Oh, I did read one lately. Yasmine Galenorn’s A Harvest of Bones. It was a pretty good read and the family values was a nice addition. The climax happened during a thunderstorm on Halloween.
No, I don’t think I ever read a book that had a holiday happening within the plot. My daughter would love to win this book though, she’s the urban fantasy girl in the family, and it would make a great surprise for her for xmas.
I read MANY BLOODY RETURNS also and enjoyed it, and I would be interested in another UF set around the holidays.
THREE DAYS TO DEAD sounds awesome!
Thanks for the contest!
I don’t recall reading a UF including a holiday – unless the End of the World would be considered as such? I don’t think many people would be convinced to go the work as ususal if the world were ending… *g*
Your book sounds fab, and I wish you mega sales.
I have read an Urban Fantasy based around Christmas but I can’t remember what it is called. I do remember it was a good book.
id love to read a UF based around the Holidays i have yet tor ead any that have been around the holidays but i would i love UF anyway i could get them really the holidays would be an added bonus
your book sounds awesome for sure will be picking it up if i dont win ty for stoping in!
I read books (mostly anthologies) that centered around a theme, holidays, major events, and maybe a particular set of shorts in a genre centering around a particular event. I love it and would happily read more. I’ve never read one centered around Thanksgiving though…..
Dottie
Never, but I think it would be awesome if done right. Just imagine: fighting bad guys and still making it home in time for turkey =)
I didn’t even realize Three Days to Dead was out. I’ve wanted that book since I first heard about it!
Take care, Nicole
Hi Kelly
Congratulations again on being a Published Author!
I haven’t read any urban fantasy or paranormal romance novels that are centered around a holiday that I can recall. It would be interesting to read one where the holiday is a vital part of the plot.
All the best,
RKCharron
xoox
I am fan of the Dresden Files and have read one Dresden Files novel set in Halloween but I can remember which one. I dont mind reading UF set during one of the holidays as long as the story flows and its written well.
hey
off the top of my head- i cant think of an UF novel set around a major holiday but i would be interesting because it would put a new meaning on the holiday and once you’ve read the book and that holiday comes up you’ll be wondering what if..?
definately put my name in the draw,,i’d love to win these books
thanks
I’d love to read Three Days to Dead, thank you for the giveaway.
Traditionally Christmas is celebrated very differently in my country (no Santa Claus) and Halloween, Thanksgiving and July 4th not at all, so this gimmick doesn’t work all that well for me.
Still, I’ve read “Holidays are Hell” and “Wolfsbane and MistleToe”. Some of those stories were well done, but most of them relied too heavily on the holiday theme and characters of an already established series and not enough on actual plot.
I think I might be interested in a novel where an ‘American holiday happens in the background, as part of the setting, which would give it a local flavor, but as a main theme not so much.
Can’t say that I’ve read an Urban Fantasy lately that revolved around a major holiday. I’d love too though hands up.
Love your book cover btw – and the synopsis has me hooked!
Patricia Briggs’ “Moon Called” takes place around the same time as a holiday – Thanksgiving, I think. One of the scenes takes place in Mercy’s trailer – she’s dealing with some unexpected, not necessarily friendly guests, and her Mom calls, wanting to wish her a happy holiday and chat about family. The phone call and the way the guests react actually added quite a bit to the story for me
The Hollows is the main one I could think of that mentions holidays. I know I’ve read other books in the past that have involved witches that have mentioned winter solstice or Halloween, perhaps some of L.J. Smith’s books.
From reading the other comments and from my own experience, there aren’t many books in the UF genre that contain major holidays, aside from themed anthologies. I think that’s because not all holidays are created equal.
For example, Thanksgiving. Admittedly, amongst my friends, we have ‘Turkey Day’, mainly so that the token American in the group doesn’t get too homesick, but until we met him, Thanksgiving was something only Americans did. Another example, Guy Fawkes Day would be a new concept for most people ouside of the UK.
Halloween is the exception, though. Considering the genre, that ‘holiday’ is a no brainer, really!
Uhhh…does Harry Potter count? There’s usually an Xmas scene in there.
Really only trying to enter this contest for my younger sister, she’s the reader in the family and she is SOOO hard to shop for this time of year. Count me in.
Haven’t read that kind of book, probably never. But I would be interested to read one.
milkavainamo@lyseo.edu.ouka.fi
I haven’t read any urban fantasy with holiday settings but I would give one a try because I think holiday books are fun and different to read!
I am new to reading paranormal urban fantasy books…just finished a couple of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series. I love ‘em. I would love to read your book, too, if I win.
Can’t say that I’ve read any urban fantasy books with holiday settings especially since I’m new to the genre.
Thanks!
Have racked my brain but the only books I could come up with have already been mentioned. Would be fun to read an urban fantasy set at Thanksgiving through Christmas. Think you have your next book idea here Kelly!
Nope, I haven’t read one!
I really want to read Three Days to Dead!!
I have read plenty of Urban Fantasy, but none that has been set around a holiday. But I would love to win this.