October 2013

The Blood She Betrayed launched at GenreCon

admin Authors, Books, The Blood She Betrayed, Uncategorized, Urban Fantasy October 14, 2013October 27, 2013 0 Comment

I loved GenreCon 2012, but GenreCon 2013 rocked to the power of ten! Why? Not only did I get to catch up with old and new writing friends in the heart of Brisbane at the State Library of Queensland but it also provided the pad for my official national launch of my debut novel, The Blood She Betrayed.

Congratulations to fellow debut urban fantasy author Dean J Anderson and Melbourne crime author Jane Clifton who launched their books, Unnaturals and Flush, at the same time – and special thanks to New York Times bestselling author Keri Arthur (pictured with Dean and I here) who launched Dean’s book.

For a full wrap of the day, check out Clan Destine Press’s fabulous summary of the event at their website.

While at GenreCon, I also chaired a panel featuring John Birmingham, Anna Campbell and Dr Lynda Davies. It was a delight to spend time with these authors and hear their insightful ideas on the topic Using and Abusing History. I’m looking forward to picking Lynda’s brains in the future when it comes to serious research time for the setting of my third Heart Hunters novel, The World She Lost.

ABOVE: Cheryse (second from left) with some of the Clan Destine Press brood, Dean J Anderson, Jane Routley, Jane Clifton and Narrelle Harris. Photo: Lindy Cameron, Clan Destine Press.

The Blood She Betrayed launches in Brisbane

admin Authors, Books, Queensland Writers Centre, The Blood She Betrayed October 12, 2013October 12, 2013 0 Comment

The Blood She Betrayed has been officially unleashed on the world – well, it certainly will be by the end of the day. I felt goosebumps as I held my printed book in my hand for the first time. The cover artwork by Ran Valerhon is divine. Thank you, Ran and Clan Destine Press.

Thursday (October 10) was a packed day with signing stints at two bookstores (Dymocks Carindale and Chermside), followed by the launch of both The Blood She Betrayed (mine!) and Unnaturals (Dean J Anderson) by Brisbane Writers Festival CEO Kate Eltham at Mary Ryan’s Milton on Thursday night. Thanks to Kate for taking the time to launch our books and sharing lovely words about us and our books.

Mark Norris gets his niece's book signed by Cheryse Durrant at Dymocks Carindale — Mark Norris gets his niece’s book signed by Cheryse Durrant at Dymocks Carindale

My first in-store book sale in Brisbane was made to Mark Norris who bought one copy of The Blood She Betrayed for his niece Bailie and another for his neighbour’s daughter. It was awesome meeting wonderful people like Mark who made my time at the book signings absolutely delightful. I hope my readers enjoy The Blood She Betrayed as much as I enjoyed meeting them. Nah. Hopefully they love The Blood She Betrayed even more than that!

The Blood She Betrayed‘s official launch will be held at GenreCon at the State Library of Queensland today. GenreCon started with a bustling welcome reception last night where I got to catch up with many special writing friends – and was even able to put some new faces to other authors I’ve been talking to on the internet.

Tomorrow at GenreCon, I’m chairing a panel entitled Using & Abusing History. Panellists include John Birmingham, Anna Campbell and Dr Lynda Davies.

It’s back to Bundaberg on Tuesday for my hometown launch of The Blood She Betrayed at the Bundaberg Library at 6.15pm on Wednesday, October 16. For those who missed out on a ticket, email me via cherysedurrant(at)gmail(dot)com because I’ll be hosting an Author Coffee to sign books for those who missed out on attending the official Bundaberg launch.

Fast-action October for debut urban fantasy author (that’s me)

admin Authors, Books, Hearts & Talons Tour, Queensland Writers Centre, The Blood She Betrayed, Urban Fantasy October 3, 2013October 3, 2013 3 Comments

In a week’s time, I’ll finally be able to hold my novel, The Blood She Betrayed, in my hands, as I arrive in Brisbane for the start of its official round of book launches and author signings.

Its rather surreal. One spends years working on a story that is special to them, years waiting for publishers to get back to them and, as if the fabric of the universe has been ripped open, there’s this last minute bolt to the finish line as your Publisher formats pages, makes last minute changes and you spend hours reading proofs, and not even getting to see the final proof, before your baby is sent to press. And then you’re getting flowers and congratulatory emails/phone calls from friends – like my beloved fantasy author Louise Cusack (above).

This month, I’m sharing my book launch journey with WriteFest buddy Dean J Anderson, whose adult urban fantasy novel, Unnaturals, will be officially launched at the same time as mine, along with Melbourne identity Jane Clifton’s crime novel, Flush, at GenreCon at the State Library of Queensland on Saturday, October 12.

In the lead-up to the official launch, Dean and I will also attend special Dark Creature book-signings and author events in Brisbane. Locations include Mary Ryan’s Milton (our major night event) and Dymocks at both the Carindale and Chermside Shopping Centres, all on Thursday, October 10.

I’ll return to Bundaberg in time for my local book launch at the Bundaberg Regional Library at 6.15pm on Wednesday, October 16. If you’d like to come along, please join me. Tickets are free but you must RSVP by telephoning the library on 4130 4140.

Cher’s Calendar of Events for October (so far):

Thurs, Oct 10: 10am: Dark Creatures Book Signing Event at Dymocks Carindale, Carindale Shopping Centre, Brisbane. I’ll be joining forces with urban fantasy author Dean J Anderson for all Dark Creatures events at Carindale, Chermside and Milton.

Thurs, Oct 10: 2pm: Dark Creatures Book Signing Event at Dymocks Chermside, Chermside Shopping Centre, Brisbane.

Thurs, Oct 10: 6.15pm: Dark Creatures Author Event, Mary Ryan’s Milton, Brisbane, 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. Tickets are $5/person to cover drinks and nibblies (but your children are free). Come along, chat with epic people and get your book personally signed. For bookings, please telephone Mary Ryan’s Milton on 3510 5000.

Sat, Oct 12: GenreCon, Brisbane. The Blood She Betrayed paperback will be officially launched at GenreCon at the State Library of Queensland, Brisbane, at lunchtime. Please email me via cheryse(at)quietdawn(dot)org if you’d like to join me for this special celebration.

Wed, Oct 16: Bundaberg launch of The Blood She Betrayed, Bundaberg Regional Library, 49 Woondooma Street, from 6.15pm until 8pm. Please telephone the Bundaberg Library on 4130 4140 to confirm your spot. This event is free but you will not be allowed in unless you book a ticket.

Sat, Oct 19: Presenting five children’s workshops at the Carinbundi Children’s Crush Day, CQUniversity, Bundaberg. Tickets can be booked online.

Sat, Oct 26: Book-signing at Mary Ryan’s Hervey Bay, 10am until noon. Come in, have a coffee and a chat and get your book personally signed. The Blood She Betrayed makes a terrific and personal Christmas present for teenagers and 20-somethings.