Elizabeth Valentino

I thought I'd take today to crow about my amazing, beautiful and extraordinarily talented wife Elizabeth. Besides being the most amazing girl in the world, she has a lot going on right now book wise and it's about to ramp even more. She has a ton of books in the works and I know her fans are going to be insanely excited.

Steamed Up
Next month Liz's second book with Harlequin, Steamed Up, hits the market under her other name, Elizabeth Darvill. It's a naughty steampunk erotica book that follows the first one, Steam Heat, which will satisfy all your desires.  Think of it this way, it makes Fifty Shades of Grey look like a first teenage kiss.
Get your copy of Steam Heat here.
Pre-order your copy of Steamed Up here.

New Website
Liz's new website is live and it looks great! Links to all her books, news and happenings are there. She's already amassed quite an impressive collection of books and stories ranging from paranormal, to erotica to YA for every reader.
Check out her brand new site here.

New Facebook Author Page
Liz's new name also prompted a new author page on Facebook where she'll keep you up to date on her latest authorly endeavours as well as a "Naughty Pic of the Day" which is always a big hit.
Check out and like her new author page here.

The Games We Play

I don't recall meeting Sean Hayden in person but we've been connected online for quite some time now. He's been a really cool friend and I really hope to meet him in person one day. Sean and I are also in the international steampunk anthology Her Majesty's Mysterious Conveyance.

So, my main point of writing this blog is to spread the word about Sean's new paranormal romance e-short out on Untold Press. It's kind of rare that a guy writes paranormal romance and I think it's really cool that Sean is not constrained by the mainstream stereotypes. It's awesome when a guy can write a romance from a female's perspective and be successful!

So, he wrote this really great book called The Games We Play which is a paranormal romance that judging from the reviews will leave you "hot and bothered". Yep, for my YA fans, this is a spicy story and may not be the book for you... but for everyone else... you have to give this a whirl. For 99 cents this is an absolute steal!

To jump start your inner temperature, here's the description:
"A smoky bar, a few too many drinks, it had all the makings of a perfect night. It looked even brighter when he walked in. "Tall, dark, and delicious," she thought. Too bad Veronica didn't realize he was having the same thoughts about her. She looked very delicious...to the predator. A shot with a chaser quickly turns into just a chase. Running for her life was not how she thought the night would end. Veronica had always had a thing for games. She could only pray she would win this one."

For some added incentive, check out the reviews that nabbed my attention:
"Hot, sexy and twisted. Just like the author." - Jen Wylie, Author of Sweet Light

"Sexy, sassy and served up with a twist, Sean Hayden's 'The Games We Play' will leave you hot, bothered and lusting for one more bite." - Katy O'Dowd, Author of The Lady Astronomer

"Dark and dangerous, suspenseful and sexy, this short story is a well-written, engaging tale of greed, lust and love." - Jenny Hilborne, Author of Madness and Murder

Get Sean Hayden's latest book, The Games We Play. You'll love that you did!

OUT NOW

Yesterday marked the release date for Elizabeth Darvill's first Harlequin release, "Steam Heat" in the "Love in a Time of Lust" mini-series. So, it's time for celebration and much rejoicing. I also get to be the first to announce that Elizabeth will be changing her name (writing and legal) to Elizabeth Valentino. So, check out Steam Heat on Amazon and get a super sexy and super steampunk story for the low low low price of $2.99! Treat yourself today.

Click here for the Amazon Link

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?