Wild Wild West Con

From the second I took off from Nashville to the moment I left Arizona I had these Murder By Death lyrics running through my head from the song, Until Morale Improves, The Beatings Will Continue, "I walked the road, from Tucson to San Antonio. The smell of blood on my breath." Yeah, I probably only had stuck in my thoughts because Tucson was the location of Wild Wild West Con, a wonderful new steampunk con that took place at the ultra amazing Old Tucson Studios. (over 300 movies have been shot there. Tombstone, The Quick and The Dead, Winchester 73, Three Amigos, Etc...)


Anyway, it was awesome! The location was super cool. Everything in the town was totally western and yes they had beer in the saloon. So, yeah, guess where I was popping in every now and then?

Some rad highlights. Steam Powered Giraffe. Seriously, they caught me off guard doing a song called Honey Bee... Amazing voices and an amazing show. I'm just bummed I didn't get to see more. I'll definitely catch them at The World Steam Expo in May. Here we are with them after their performance outside of The Inn.





I did a super fun reading at The Baroness' Tea Party in the saloon in front of about 150 people with Cherie Priest, Elizabeth Darvill, O.M. Grey and David Lee Summers. Here we all are posing together outside the author vending area at The Inn, then me reading in the massive saloon.






We also hung out quite a bit with the wonderful Frenzy Gals from The Frenzy Universe who are some of my favorite people in the world. I know I pimp them all the time but seriously, if you haven't been to their website, its really amazing. Check them out here: Frenzy Universe

We had awesome neighbors in the vending area too. The writer and an actor from the steampnk web series Mantecoza were there showing their trailer and giving swg from the show away. Super fun people and the series looks so fun. Look out Sci-Fi Channel! Check out the trailer here!

I also attended Elizabeth Darvill's adult only reading late on Saturday night which was also super fun and totally different for any con I've ever been to. It was such a success that it's going to probably be a regular thing at future cons. I highly recommend it. I tried to get pictures but the mood lighting was too dark for my ghetto camera.


I've been to a lot of first time steampunk cons and this was a blast. I'm absolutely going back next year.

Next Up:
I'm taking some time off from traveling for a few months but I will be at The Artifice Club's Clockwork Carnival with Elizabeth Darvill in Decatur, GA on April 16th vending and having a blast with the Atlanta Steampunk crew.

Ten Questions With Elizabeth Darvill

I first met Elizabeth at The World Steam Expo in Dearborn Michigan. She lit up the room with her enthusiasm and excitement for steampunk, so naturally we hit it off pretty quickly. It wasn't until I got home that I realized how amazing her writing was and how much this young lady has going for her. Not only is she one of the hardest working writers I've met but she's literally breaking the mold when it comes to success and promise. Don't believe me? Well, I thought you need to see for yourself in a little interview with Elizabeth.



So first off we need to talk about the fabulous Harlequin book deal news. Please let us know all about it. Release dates? How did it come about? Can you give us any teasers?

Well, I just got a two book contract with Harlequin for their Spice Brief line. They are erotic steampunk/paranormal novellas and they are really fun and hot! They will be releasing back to back in 2011 and have I mentioned how excited I am?

A funny story, when I got “the call” my apartment building decided to test the fire alarm…while I was on the phone…..

Here is a little blurb for my first book – Steam Heat

What does a half succubus, a scientist and a feisty female steam engineer have in common? Not a lot. Until, they are thrown together in a race against time to re-power the dying crystal that purifies the earth’s air. Suddenly it is up to Angel, Nick and Jezebel to save the world. The only way to supply the energy needed to power the crystal, is to find out exactly what makes a half succubus tick……


While we’re on the subject of new releases, what else do you have coming out? More teasers are welcome.

On July 15th my steampunk romance novella, Love in a Time of Steam releases in e-book format and later this year it will be part of the Love Like Clockwork print anthology. On August 15th I have a paranormal romance The Depths of Passion, releases in e-book and will follow shortly in a print anthology. October 18th I have a full-length paranormal romance, Bound by Blood releasing in e-book from Lyrical Press. I have some more exciting stuff to announce coming soon!




I know you’re very busy with well, everything. So what’s a day in the life of Elizabeth Darvill like?

Are you sure you really want to know?? *grin* Well, my day starts at the ass crack of dawn and involves lots and lots and lots of coffee. I try to pry my eyes open and check my e-mail, if you receive an e-mail from me that sound like I got into the rum early…chances are I wasn’t really awake when I wrote it. Once I start on my second pot of coffee I write out my to-do list – get scared and hide it in the back of my day planner. At this point I attempt to write something that sounds like I know what I am doing, this works about 20% of the time. After a few hours of writing new material, I will give into the lure of facebook and stop in and post random things of no relevance. It is now time for another pot of coffee – then it is onto blog posts and other random business, promotions, etc. If I have edits to do, I would probably work on those until I get so tired, or deranged I start to frighten myself…at this point I retire…with rum….

How do you write? Do you need silence? Do you write to music? Tell us a little about your process.

I am too random for a process…I have a half ass plan for everything and just barrel into it. I listen to music if I remember to turn it on. Usually I have a notebook I’ve scribbled notes in that even I can’t read, my laptop that is stupid and randomly turns off and loses portions of my work, which results in much cursing on my part and coffee. Oh yeah and a pen that I end up sticking in my pony tail and forgetting I put it there, which result in more cursing and searching until I realize it is in my hair. At which point I feel stupid and get back to work!

How do you find a balance with writing and promoting your books?

What is this balance you speak of? I try to get my word count in and get anything important out of the way and then move onto promotion, for the daily stuff. Other then that I just try to work around conferences and things. Promotion is important, but I have to remind myself that if I don’t have any new books to promote I am going to run out of work eventually.

While we’re at it, what conferences, book fests, etc will you be attending around the country?

July 2-4 InCONfluence/Indianapolis, IN
July 28-31 RWA National Romance Writers Conference/Orlando, FL
August 13-16 Ghosts of the Old West/Park City, UT
August 27-29 ConTEXT/Columbus, OH
September 3-6 DragonCon/Atlanta, GA
September 16-19 Authors After Dark/Secaucus, NJ
October 1-3 Emerald City Writers Conference/Seattle, WA
October 7-8 AlbaCon/Albany, NY
October 9-10 ComiCon, NY
November 5-7 TeslaCon/Madison, WI
November 19-21 SteamCon/Seattle, WA


What’s been your favorite Con and why?

It would have to be a tie between Steamcon 2009 and Heather Graham’s Writers for New Orleans. They were both marvelous and I had a fabulous time! Specifically, I loved Steamcon for the amazing gathering of steampunkers, the gorgeous costumes and the splendid way it was all put together! I am so looking forward to Steamcon this year! And I loved Heather Graham’s conference for its laid-back schedule and discussion friendly panels and because it was in New Orleans! I love that place!

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you at a signing or Con?

At one conference, during the book signing, we had a man running around, wearing a bathrobe….wearing only a bathrobe….don’t ask how I know for sure…I try to repress that memory…..

What do you do in your spare time? What are some of your hobbies?

Hobbies? I am supposed to have those? I play World of Warcraft when I have time, I sew my own steampunk clothing(but this is for more economic reasons, then enjoyment), I love movies, obviously I read a lot and well….lets see….I probably shouldn’t mention that one, or that one…so yeah, that’s it!

I know you have a passion for romance so if not steampunk, what would you write next? Would you go to romance? Are there other genres that tickle your fancy?

Honestly I was a paranormal lover first, especially the vampires(biting is hot), steampunk came after, so now I happily blend them together. If I couldn’t do steampunk, it would be paranormal, if I couldn’t do paranormal either, it would probably be writing instruction for assembling furniture, those can be quite erotic!

We want to hear more! Please let the readers know about your website, where they can get your books, your facebook and Twitter… what anything else you may want to say.

Well, first I want to say THANK YOU! For letting me ramble here! Also ask me a question, any question and I will answer it. I will randomly select one commenter to receive a fun promo pack from me! You can find me in many places in Interland. My website – www.elizabethdarvill.com,
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Darvill/236401638796?ref=mf
Twitter – http://twitter.com/lizdarvill

Now I will pimp my up-coming release Love in a Time of Steam! It releases on July 15th and at 0.99 you can’t resist! Even better—you can pre-order your copy now! http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-loveinatimeofsteam-441897-143.html



Love in a Time of Steam – Blurb

Ashlyn hasn’t seen Gray her former lover in five long years. Not since the day he believed her to be a traitor to the military cause they both served.
Now as the volatile nature of their planet is reaching a fevered pitch, and the war over water to run their steam-powered technology is threatening all beings, she must face him once more.

Despite her intense hatred towards Gray, Ashlyn can’t let the father of her child be murdered by General Dagnus, the leader of the opposing army. Risking her life, Ashlyn lays everything on the line to save the man that betrayed her once. As they work together to survive, will they be able to rekindle the passion they once shared?

The World Steam Expo

I travel a lot. Every place I go I have no idea what to expect. One hundred people, one thousand, five thousand... I just don't know. My latest expedition had me journeying to Dearborn Michigan for The World Steam Expo, another first time steampunk conference. The trip was really easy. I'm even getting to the point where turbulence doesn't affect me. There was a time when it bothered me but now it's not a big deal.

The World Steam Expo was held in The enormous Hyatt hotel and instantly I saw a line of neo-Vitorians dressed to the max waiting to get registered. I bolted up to the room then to the exhibitor room where I was super happy to be placed next to the wonderful ladies from Frenzy Universe. By the way, they had to be one of the most popular booths at the con. Congrats ladies! On my opposite side was the t-shirt company Ardvark Tees. We instantly bonded being that they were from the Nashville area as well. Note that I've been really lucky for the most part at all the con's I've attended with wonderful neighbors. The only exception would be the one guy that crashed into my stand-up banner basically permanently wrecking it. No he didn't offer any assistance with repairing it.
Frenzy Gals!


Aardvark Reps Ariel and Angel


I digress. Friday was a blockbuster day sales wise. I've never had such a big first day at a con. Over half the books I brought were sold in the first five hours! From there I've noticed that after vending I need some decompression time so I usually head to the bar to have a couple and talk with fellow con goers. On the first night the Chairs of Steamcon invited me over to have drinks and good conversation. Before I started traveling I'll admit that I was a bit nervous about meeting steampunk people. I guess I thought that I would encounter a lot of clique-ish people that were unwilling to be accepting of a new author. Like most of my assumptions, I was wrong. I can't tell you how awesome everyone has been over the last six months and this con was no different.
This young lady reminded me of Ann Read from Thomas Riley.


By the end of the day Saturday I was sold out of books and began taking orders (with free shipping of course) for con attendees. Even without books on hand I managed to tie my con record for sales. (Do the happy dance!) Unfortunately I didn't get to see any panels but I did get to see some bands play. Abney Park, The Men that will not be blamed for nothing, The Extraordinary Contraptions and Tartanic. I also was fortunate enough to meet Bethany Greenier author of Sings With Stars. Also met Caitlin Montgomery, an up and coming writer with an amazing steampunk story in the works. Very cool.
Me with Caitlin AKA Kristabella


So I'll say what I always say because it's the truth. Amazing con, amazing people, good times by all. Next weekend, I'll be in Chicago for the overwhelmingly wonderful Printers Row Lit Fest sponsored by the Chicago Tribune. 100,000 people here I come. If you're close to Chi-town come see me. I'll be in Tent FF.

The Victoria Steam Exposition

I've never been to Canada. I love hockey so that helps right? When offered the opportunity to go to Victoria British Columbia for the Victoria Steam Exposition I jumped at the chance. Not only was I going to get to meet Cherie Priest and see the very talented Unwoman perform but I was going to get to meet an entire new demographic of people.

The trip there was rough. I had three stops (yeah bad planning on my part.)and when I finally arrived at the Seattle airport I missed the 30 minute flight to Victoria because the airport posted the wrong gate on the ticker board. Soooo, I had to wait six more hours until the next flight.

So I finally arrive and get the fifty dollar cab ride to the hotel... Um I mean to the palace. I can't tell you how awesome this hotel was but I can show you. Not only did I get to stay here but the Exposition was actually held here as well. This is from Wikipedia: "The Empress (as it was known then) played hostess to kings, queens, movie stars and many famous people. In 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales waltzed into the dawn in its Crystal Ballroom - an event considered by Victorians to be of such importance that almost 50 years later, the obituaries of elderly ladies would appear under headlines such as, 'Mrs. Thornley-Hall Dies. Prince of Wales Singled Her Out.' In the 1930s, Shirley Temple arrived accompanied by her parents amid rumours that she had fled from California because of kidnapping threats.On May 30, 1939 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attended a luncheon at the Empress, as guests of the Provincial Government."


The Expo itself was nothing short of wonderful. Lot's of steampunk goodness everywhere you looked. The entire con basically happened in one big area which was a nice change. Even the vendors were placed in a room where the panels were held so it was basically the epicenter of activity. Not to mention this was seriously the perfect location for a steampunk con. Probably the best you could get on this side of the world. I even got to hear a bit from Cherie Priest's new novel, Dreadnought.


The amazing thing was that I sold out of books. Something that's never happened to me before at a con. Part of it is that I'm limited to what I can bring or ship due to costs but still, that's a lot of books! So I ended up taking orders with free shipping for people that wanted signed and stamped copies. I also have to point out how great Victoria is as a city. This place is beautiful. Harbors and waterways around every corner, European styled buildings everywhere, and lots of pubs with shockingly good food. These places mean it when they say the serve local fresh food. Wow I had some good meals. I need to also say how nice Canadians are. I come from the South so I southern hospitality is the norm for me but these people, everyone, was as nice as can be. From the performer on the street to the locals at the pubs, everyone was super polite and accommodating in every way.


Just before I left I got to catch a tiny part of the Victoria Day celebration which is a big deal in Victoria. Go figure. Part of the festivities included a wonderful parade which I only got to watch for 10 minutes or so but it still seemed that I was missing something pretty special. Here's a shot of a little tank that was roaming the streets.


When the con was over I originally had plans to do a book signing at Barnes & Noble in Seattle but that got all messed up, after the travel plans were booked of course. I was in luck though. My friends Robby and Meagan were entertained me for the entire day. I took the clipper ship (highly recommended by the way) from Victoria to Seattle and met them. They took me around to the touristy spots (which was really nice to get a quick rundown of the city since I was only really there for about 14 hours total. We also went to Pike's Fish Market which I loved and envied in every way. Really Seattle, I know this is commonplace for you but I would seriously shop there every day if we had anything like this.


Next up I'll be blogging about The World Steam Expo held in Dearborn MI this last weekend.