by Dame Devon
Dear Readers,
We made it! The Deadline Dames will officially be one year old tomorrow! To celebrate our first year on the web, and to thank you all for coming by to spend time with us, all nine Dames will be giving away fabulous prizes to you, our readers, over the next two weeks.
What kind of prizes? Books, goodies, critiques, snippets, and more! We will also give out a $50 gift certificate to The Book Depository.
So how will this all work? Pretty much how it always works around here. Each Dame will post on her day and offer a prize or two. Leave a comment in that Dame’s post, and you’re in the running for that prize. All winners will be announced the following Sunday, before midnight PST.
To recap: Leave a comment to be in the running for the prize.
Prizes announced Sunday January 24th and, Sunday January 31st before midnight PST.
Got it? Good! Here are the three prizes I’m giving away:
1. A private critique or consult (via email) on a first chapter or query letter.
2. A private email chat wherein you can “pick my brain” about writing as a career.
3. All three of my novels (signed).
If you are NOT a writer, and don’t want the first two prizes, please note you are a reader in the comment, or put an R at the beginning of your comment.
And now, a little something for everyone. A super-early, super-exclusive snippet from MAGIC ON THE STORM, which won’t even be in bookstores until May 2010. Thank you, all, for a wonderful year!
#
MAGIC ON THE STORM
Zayvion placed his hand high up on my thigh, his long fingers curving downward. I sighed as cool mint washed along all the rivulets and pathways magic had torched through me. Swallowed and tasted mint on the back of my throat, and breathed deep to make room for Zayvion to tap into the magic I carried. I wanted to close my eyes and savor the feel of him within me. I licked my lips, shifted in my seat a little, and drew my fingertips up the back of his hand.
“Hey,” I said all breathy-like.
“Hey. Are you going to pay attention to what I’m doing?” he asked.
Spoilsport.
I rolled my head to one side and looked at him. I didn’t draw Sight. Using magic right now was sort of the opposite of what I was trying to do.
Still, there was that whole soul-to-soul thing between Zayvion and me. When we touched, I could sense him. I concentrated on that, felt what he was doing.
Sweet hells, the man put the multi in multitasking.
He held himself in a very disciplined, meditative frame of mind. He had sort of opened himself up, a lot like how I breathe deeply to let magic move through me. But instead of just making space for magic inside him, he had made a channel.
He had drawn a glyph, mentally. The glyph of Grounding wrapped through him like cold steel cables. He concentrated on feeding magic into it. I’d never seen this spell worked on a purely mental level.
Probably because I’d never seen any spell worked on a purely mental level.
Zayvion Jones kicked magical ass. I wondered if even my father, who was one of the most powerful magic users I’d ever known, was as strong as Zay.
“Wow,” I breathed.
That got a small smile out of him. His eyes squinted, laugh lines edging the corners.
“Thank you. Can you see how it’s channeled?”
“Other than magnificently?”
We stopped at a red light. He looked over at me. “Other than that, yes.”
I stared into his eyes, at the gold burning hot and deep there. All that did was make me want to touch him, kiss him, pour so much magic into him he’d be begging me for mercy.
Magic rolled in me, deep in my stomach, and I worked hard not to moan with the need to have him.
“You are not winning,” he noted.
“No kidding,” I gasped. Right. The idea here was to not give in to magic. Or, apparently, my need for Zay.
I pressed my fingers against my eyes. My right fingers were hot, and my left were cold, positive and negative from the magic pouring through me. I took a second to breathe in again and clear my mind.
When I looked again at Zayvion, he was paying attention to the road, taking us across the bridge, calm, unconcerned. And he was Grounding like mad on the inside.
All I had to do was find a way to slow magic pouring into me. That meant a glyph that would track back and forth at the beginning, loop and loop so that magic had a long way to travel before it could add to the pool I already carried. I could do that.
I thought.
“Victor said I could use any of the spells that slow magic, right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” I didn’t care how good Zayvion was—I was absolutely certain I could not just mentally draw a glyph and expect it would work. I used my right hand and traced a liquid, curvy glyph for Linger in front of me. These kinds of spells were used inside stores, restaurants, and salons. They gave off a comfortable, relaxed feeling. If they were particularly well drawn, they made shoulders drop, smiles come out, and people spend way more money and time in their vicinity.
I pinched the glyph between thumbs and two fingers of both my right and left hands. Instead of pouring magic into it, I was going to push the spell into me, so the magic in me would be forced to follow it.
I had no frickin’ clue how to do that.
“Uh,” I started.
“You can do it.”
“A little help?”
“I’m watching.”
“I wanted help, not an audience.”
He just gave me a look.
Okay, fine. I recited my go-to mantra, the “Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack” jingle, to clear my mind. Then I pulled the glyph into me, toward my chest, concentrating on it wrapping around the flow of magic, the speed of magic, the pressure of magic.
My heart stuttered. Whoa. Not good. I concentrated harder on the spell. Magic, not heart. Find the magic. Just the magic. I released the spell. It sank like a rock toward my feet, then settled beneath my feet and pressed against my arches and heels. It rested there like a layer of sand and stone and soil, soaking up the magic, filtering it, and giving it a place to stretch out before it trickled up into me at a much slower pace.
My head cleared. I broke out in a sweat.
“Holy crap. Good?” I asked Zay.
He nodded. “Not how I would have done it, but effective. So yes. Good. You have control?”
Oh, right. That was the other half of this deal. I cleared my mind again, calmed my thoughts, and pressed back on the magic rolling within me. Magic fluttered, pressed once again, tempting me to use it, to fall to its siren call.
Nope. La, la, la. Not listening.
Magic quieted.
“Very nice,” Zayvion murmured. “I’m impressed.” He drew his fingers slowly up my thigh, then away, leaving the lingering cool warmth of mint and his touch behind.
“Are you still dizzy?” he asked.
“No. I feel pretty good.”
Oh, screw it. I felt powerful. Proud. That had been a fine little piece of magic using I’d just done. Yes, I’d probably pay for it with a walloping headache, but right now, I didn’t care. “I’d feel even better with a hell-of-a-job kiss.”
“So that’s how it’s going to be? One elementary-level spell and you get naked?”
“First, that was not elementary level. High school at the very least. Second, tell me you don’t like the idea of me being naked.”
“How about I tell you I don’t like the idea of driving off the road. Which means your clothes stay on you.” He stopped at a light, then added, “For now.”
#
Related posts:
R-I can’t wait ’til your new book comes out! Congrats on all the Dames for pulling this off for a whole year-I visit this blog a LOT and always appreciate all of your insights!
Wow! Happy birthday to your blog and I have to say you are giving away great prizes.
I’d like to enter as a reader for no 3.
R:
Congratulations! Some of my favourite authors, all tucked up neatly in the one place – you guys are great!
I’m a very happy reader looking forward to another year of great releases (2009 was a wonderful year of discoveries for me!) – and yes, Magic on the Storm is right up there on my must read list, loving the series.
One year already? It’s flown by! I’d love to be entered in the contest.
BTW, I think your covers rock.
Oooh. I would love to have a crit, or just pick your brain
The books would be nice too
Happy Birthday to the Deadline Dames. I am very gateful for all the work you guys put in, the site is brilliant. These books were on my to-buy list, and that snippit has just pushed them up to the top! Would love to be entered in the contest.
Thanks, Nikki xxx
Congratulations to all the dames! Too much of a “reader” right now to put myself in contention for the first two prizes…and honestly, since I’ve already won copies of Devon’s first two books, it doesn’t feel right to try for that one either. I just wanted to add my cheers to the kick-off celebration ’cause I LURVE this blog beyond belief!
*NO PRIZES FOR ME PLEASE* Thanks you loverly Dames!
{No prizes for me}
Stopping in to say Hello and congratulations on 1 year for the Dames. Thanks you all for a lovely place to come visit and learn and be entertained!
Wow oh Wow thank you Devon for the excerpt, this one has such a I am visiting “Old Friends” feel to it and yes May is a long way off!!
jackie b central texad
R
Wow!!! I can’t believe its been a year already. HAppy Birthday Dames, and many fabulous books and posts to come.
R- Happy first Blogoversary, dames! I can’t believe it’s been a year, either, 2009 went by SO fast!
Love the excerpt, Devon! I can’t wait to read your books.
Congrats on the Deadline Dames turning one!! I’ve been enjoying reading your posts. Here’s to another great year!
wow! Seems like only yesterday I started sponging inspiration and advice from you all…Congrats and a toast to many more!
I remember when the Dames first started. I was strictly a follower of Keri Arthur at the time, but I have seen the light since then (and been exposed too many of the dames and their beautiful prose). Please count me in Devon. I’m both a reader and a writer. Great snippet, by the way.
R
And guh, that excerpt was smokin’.
Congratulations on the one-year anniversary!
Devon, that snippet was HOT!
Loved it… *sigh*
Um… obviously you don’t need to enter me into the contest. That would be unethical. *has shifty eyes*
Happy Blogiversary to us!!
Kaz
Congratulations on the blogaversary! I so enjoy this blog, and the authors who contribute to it!
Best!
R.
Yay congrats on 1 year
I may just be a newbie to this blog it is fun.
Oh snippet, will not read it since I just read book 1.
R.
Congrats on the 1 year blogaversary tomo.! I haven’t been around here for long but from what I’ve seen and read the Deadline Dames offer tons of inspiration! Lovin’ all your posts!
R
Loved the snippet! I absolutely cannot wait for more of this series! It just keeps getting more and more interesting!
Congratulations on one year Dames!
Um, I don’t think that is proper conduct for being in a car. LOL, I did not realize they were in a car until it said they stopped at a red light. Geez, I hope they were buckled up.
Congrats on your anniversary! Oh and while I am considering it, I don’t have anything written up that your could look over. I love all the advise that you Dames provide on the site though.
R
Happy Birthday to you all. What a great celebration. Thanks for counting us in.
Devon–great excerpt. Wow.
Happy birthday to the dames. Thanks for the snippet loved it. I am reader and would love to win all three novels signed.
Congrats on the one year! This is one of my favortie spots online to visit. Almost all of my favorite authors are here, and I’ve been introduced to a few new ones.
Dame Devon, what wonderful prizes. Thank you for the opportunity to benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Happy Blogiversary!
I love this blog, and it’s taught me so much (everything I know about writing). I would’ve been so, so lost without you. Thank you so much, Dames!
Oh, and as for the excerpt, WOW!!! I can’t wait to read the whole thing!
R
Happy Blogoversary. I love your blog.
I enjoyed the excerpt. Sounds good.
Happy Blog-aversary!!! You ladies are fantastic and I’ve learned so much from all of your posts and advice!
As for the snippet Devon…LOVE IT! And I’d love to be entered in the running!
Thanks for the great opportunity!
R.
WOW that means I’ve been following you guys for a year. awesome! Thank you for teaching me about publishing and of course the entertainment!
Nicole
Between the Dames and the League of Reluctant Adults, it is amazing I ever get any of my own writing worked on! (Must alter my “to read” pile again…)
Did you notice the subtle comment that I would appreciate any of the three prizes being given away?
Hi and congrats, Dame D! I put in my bid for prize #3!
Lynn
I am a reader and can not wait for your next book to come out!
Congratulations on the anniversary! I love the snippet – can’t wait til May
You just keep getting better, Devon! Congrats all the way around.
Reader =)
As I am local I also am lucky enough to already own all three books signed so please just pass me by. I just wanted to say congratulations and thanks for being so accessible and open!
Shameless forever!
Congratulations on the anniversary! I love the site AND love your books. Can’t wait for this one to come out!
I’m a Reader.
Congrats on the anniversary. I can’t wait for Magic in the Shadows, loved the snippet.
Congratulations! I stumbled upon you guys about a year ago myself, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since! You guys rock!
R.
Congrats to all the Dames on the one year anniversary!
R
Happy blogaversary. Wishing you all continued success!
Please count me in.
Jen
Congrats on one year in the e-world. Nice snippet, Devon!
Great snippit. Can’t wait til next book! Happy Birthday Deadline Dames.
Woohoo! happy birthday dames!!!!!
I’m a reader and would love to be in for your reads, congrats on one year!
WOW! Well, happy one year anniversary! Hope it was a good one
Your book ‘Magic on the Storm’ sounds really good. I wish i could write like that. It’s my first time at writing a book and i have only managed to write a paragraph and i am worrying about it. My friends are always saying that i need to keep on trying. But it is not going so well.
Well… again happy one year anniversary
I’m a reader. I loved the snippet, can’t wait for the whole thing.
One more voice adding well wishes. Time certainly flies.
Love the excerpt. Want to read so much more right now.
Reader
Arghh I almost hate snippets now as I get all excited and want the book now!! ;Looking forward to being able to purchase my copy. (though winning would be better lol)
Happy B-day! Looking forward to the release.
(Reader)
I love these writers- I can’t believe I just heard about this website today! I plead having a new baby. Congratulations on the anniversary!
What a great way to celebrate, and I didn’t know the Dames shared my birthday
It’s because of you, Devon, that I found my awesome crit partner (from your match-up several months ago). I would love the opportunity to pick your brain on my work!
Here’s to the first year and many more to come
Argh, you’re such a tease!
Love the series, can’t wait for Magic on the Storm.
Reader here! And congratulations on a year well done.
Wow! You leave me breathless. I love the snippet of Storm. Excellent, Devon!
I’ll say, yes please to both the critique and email exchange, no thank-you to the signed books as I already have all three of yours, signed.
*whew* It’s a little toasty in here, reading about Zay and Allie *waving hand in front of face*.
R- Congrats on your anniversary. Enter me in this awesome contest,please.
Hi Devon
Thank you for the excellent excerpt.
Who WOULDN’T want a critique by you??
CONGRATULATIONS to you guys!!
R
Happy Blogiversary! And mega thanks Devon for the snippet!
(R)
Wow, a whole year…Congratulations!
I can’t wait for MAGIC ON THE STORM!!! Awesome excerpt
holy cats. a year already. big congrats.
and: have loved zayvion since book 1, and not stopping now
Happy Blogoversary! Hot snippet too!
Oh, pooh! This so totally sucks! Not the fact that ya’ll have been here for a year!!! Dang but time flies. What sucks, is I leave the country next Monday for two weeks and won’t have net access. *whimper* All these cool prizes! Not that I win but…hey, a girl can dream, right?
So…while I can, congrats to all of you on your anniversary. I know one of you personally, and getting to know a couple of others on-line (yay, twitter!) The Dames rock in so many ways!
Here’s to another long run of years for all you!
R
I have wanted to read your books for a while and the snippet made me even more curious
Happy Blogiversary!! Congrats! I loved the snippet!! I’ve only read the first two books, but I loved them and I can’t wait to get my hands on the third!
Happy Anniversary!!!!!!! I love your books and cant wait till the new one comes out.. You are the best!!
Happy Anniversary!!! I love this blog, never miss a day of it
Would love to have the first prize option…though, the books are good too 
(Reader) Congrats on the anniversary!
I’ll definitely have to bookmark this snippet for later since I haven’t gotten to read Magic in the Shadows yet.
I just found you and am glad I did. I’ll be checking in often! Love the excerpt…but now I have “Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, All dressed in black, black, black” stuck in my head. Thanks for that.
Looking forward to the book’s release.
Can not wait!!!! Yeah!!!
Reader here! =)
I can’t believe it’s been one year already (why yes I’ve been around since, like, day 2 *g*, altough I tend to lurk more than anything else).
Congrats to all the fab Dames!
*groans* Dame Devon is SUCH a TEASE! *grins*
Congratulations, Dames, on a year of brilliant work! I love it around here.
Reader:
Congrats on your anniversary! I really enjoyed the excerpt Magic on the Storm. Wow, can’t wait until May.
Happy Birthday and thanks for sharing all your wisdom with us. Let’s look forward to another fab year!
All three prizes are amazing. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
R – Great excerpt. Thanks for sharing. I have enjoyed reading the posts the past year and am looking forward to another great year.
R
Happy 1st Anniversary! Hope the Deadline Dames have many many more!
R:
Wow Happy Birthday Deadline Dames!! Thanks for the great excerpt Devon that was SMOKIN!!
R: would love to enter as a reader for #3, awesome contest, thanks!
R
Wow it’s only been one year!?! Feels like forever with all the amazing content you Dames share. Congrats! And ooh that Zayvion Jones… meow. MotS can’t get out fast enough!
Oh, I wanna win!!
-R-
I haven’t read any of your books *sigh* REally looking forward to ‘miracle’ happens to me here
R
Happy Birthday Deadline Dames!!
-R-
Ahhh I can’t read the excerpt as I’m making my way through Book 1 right now. ;-; Still! I can’t believe the Deadline Dames have only been around one year–I feel like I’ve read it longer XD
Happy Birthday! Let’s bring out the cake!
R~ Wow! One year. Congrats everyone!
Happy blogaversary! I didn’t read the excerpt because I just started reading Magic in the Shadows and I’m like, “Argghh, spoilers! Must avoid!”
Best of luck to all the Dames! The site is awesome, and has really helped to inspire me to put pen to paper myself finally. (Metaphorically speaking of course)
Jackie P
Edmonton, AB Canada
Count me in! You guys have had a great year of helping all of us get inside your heads! Very helpful, might I add. And thanks for the snippet!
R.
Congratulations on a fabulous year, Dames!
I confess, I didn’t read the snippet as I’ve not read all of your books yet, but thank you for sharing it.
Congratulations on the anniversary! This is an awesome contest; please sign me up!
Congratulations on your 1st blog birthday!
I’m a reader so I’d love to be entered to win a copy of your books. I loved the snippet!!
R – Happy Blogoversary to the Dames. It’s been a year of interesting and entertaining posts, and I’m looking forward to what you all have to say this year.
R- congrats on your one year so awesome!!!I wish I was actually a writer so I could take advantage of the first two prizes. I love reading the little snippet as well
vbarton24 at gmail dot com
This is one of my favorite series and I look forward to the next book. Team Zay!
I’m a reader, and just let me say how much I LOVE your books. Started reading them because of a blog you did on Ilona Andrews’ website, now I am seriously addicted.
Congrats on the anniversary!
I loved the snippet and can’t wait for the book – I so love Zay!
Congrats to you all for a splendid year of blogging! Here’s to many more!
Big reader here~ so wanting some more books–of course!
Hope to see some of you dames at the Romantic Times Convention in Columbus. Cannot wait!
It never ceases to amaze me how friendly and helpful urban fantasy and paranormal romance authors are. It’s one of the reasons I’m glad this genre speaks to me so loudly as both a reader and a writer.
Happy Anniversary! *throws confetti*
(I am a Reader) Great snippet – this is one of the series that’s on my list to start reading in 2010; I’ve heard great things about it!
R
Congratulations. Thanks for the snippet. I just picked up the first book. It’s my next read. Once I finish the 3 books, I’ll take a look at the snippet.
Wow, I can’t believe that it has already been a year! Congratulations!
R
Congratulations, and Happy Anniversary Dames! I wish you great blessings for another awesome year to come. Thanks for the contest!
R
Wow! Congrats on the 1 year anniversary!
R
Exciting! Congrats on your anniversary as a site!
Happy Birthday Dames
R
What a great place! I’ve just found this blog via Rachel Vincent. Happy Anniversary! Now, please ‘scuse me whilst I go crawling through the pages to catch up on what I’ve been missing!
R-
What and amazing blog, I to just found it via Rachel, Congrats on making 1 year and many more to come. Thanks for such a great contest.
Happy Birthday. Or Happy Anniversary. This is a great site, with lots of great info. And snippets, too! That was nice. Thanks.
R-HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!!! Congrats on running an awesome website!!! Thanks for the continually amazing contests
Looking forward to Magic on the Storm! Thanks for a year of really great advice.
R – Happy Birthday to the Dames!
Congrats on hitting the one year mark. While I visit daily…on a good week…I do not always post, but I just wanted to say congrats!!
I am just a reader and I would love to be entered.
R:
Congratulations on this milestone!
Please include me in the contest!
R
Congrats on your blog birthday.
R: Ahhh I don’t think I can wait any longer. You tease you tease! lol but alas I’m very happy Allie and Zay have gotten closer.
(R)
Happy blog birthday to you, Happy blog birthday to you, Happy blog birthday dear Deadline Dames, Happy blog birthday to you!!!
Happy anniversary! And a great excerpt.
I’d love to be entered in the contest!
R-Wow, I cannot wait for the book to come out. It really is a great excerpt. When you started the series did you know what would happen to Allie? Do you big picture plot?
R
Whilst I’d love to win the first two prizes, I dare not call myself a writer – at least not yet. But I am the patient type and believe in hard work, magic and divine intervention LOL.
So congrats to the Dames. Love your books. Keep ‘em coming.
Great prizes, count me in. Happy Birthday to all the Dames.
OOps, I guess that’s anniversary, or both.
Happy day to you guys!
can’t wait for the next book!
R- Happy Blogoversary!!! I so love this blog and I so can’t wait to read Magic on the Storm!!!
Hope you have a blast celebrating your first year!
All the best!
R – MAGIC ON THE STORM MAGIC ON THE STORM MAGIC ON THE STORM MAGIC ON THE STORM MAGIC ON THE STORM MAGIC ON THE STORM MAGIC ON THE STORM MAGIC ON THE STORM I cant wait excited
R – I read well, but write not so well.
I have so enjoyed this past year of the Dames. I have been introduced to new authors, and informed when new books are coming out from some of my favorite authors. Congratulations on year one. Keep up the good works.
R – Congradulations!! Thanks for the giveaway!! Keep up the good work
R Happy Anniversary to a great Blog!!!
R – Congrats on the anniversary!
Congratulations on the anniversary! I can’t wait to see what’s in store
R–Congrats on the anniversary! It’s amazing how fast a year goes!
Thanks for the excerpt! I can’t wait to read more.
Awesome! Happy Anniversary!
Congrats on the anniversary!
– R
Congrats are in order! Party woohoo!!!! You go girls!!!!
Please throw my name in the magical hat!
Your place is well deserving of a party
Have a great day!
Congrats on the Damiversary! Love the snippet
R
Congrats on your Damiversary and I loved the excerpt!
Congrats on the one year anniversary!!! the excerpt rocks!!!
The snippet sounds wonderful and a Happy Anniversary (or should that be Blogoversary?) to the Dames.
Reader!
Love the snippet!! And happy anniversary to the Dames!
I am so in!
*dances* Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAAAAAAAAAPPPPPYYY anniversary!
W: (i already won signed copies of your 3 books….. I’ve bookmarked this so I can read the snippet when I get there)
You dames are an inspiration and are generous beyond belief!
R
Congratulation on your one year blogoversary! Hope you have many more.
Happy One Year Blogiversary
I loved the Dames, great advice, great books, great contests…what’s not to love!! Here’s to many more and Cheers!!!
Dottie
R- Congrats on the one year anniversary! I can’t wait to read your next book! I loved the first 3 books and I can’t wait to read more from you!
R. I haven’t read any of your books but would love the opportunity. I’ll probably check them out even if I don’t win
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Annivesary! I would love to be entered!
Congrats on the anniversary! I’m a writer and reader so all of the prizes sound amazing.
Happy Anniversary!
R. What a fun excerpt – it made me giggle
I already have your first three novels, and love the hell out of them. But it would be great to have a signed set of three. (Gosh, it seems like I just bought your first novel – a year already!)
I’m a reader, so a query wouldn’t help me (I do know some writers though! could a winner share their prize?)
I almost didn’t want to read the excerpt because I’m looking forward to much to Magic on the Storm.
Happy Blog Birthday!
Yay! =) Happy birthday to the Deadline Dames!
I’d love to have the signed books, as these have been on my ever growing TBB list for a while.
Years ago I wanted to be a writer. I even started a few stories. Never got very far on most of them and then life interfered. Now, with all the reading I’ve done, I have less and less confidences that I’d ever be able to sell any of my stories. I have a lot of admiration for all the people who do get out there and get their stories published.
great tease devon! the series keeps getting better and better. I’d like to enter as Reader please
Count me in!
Happy birthday Deadline Dames. I love the Allie Beckstrom books!
R
If this is open internationally, please count me in!
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
R
What a tease! (drool) Grats to the Dames!
*Reader* Congrats Dames! I love this series and that was nice of you to give us a sneek peak of Magic on the Storm:o) Super excited! Thanks Devon!