Daniel Marks

FLAP LOVE!

2012-02-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

So...I'm perusing Amazon the other day--like you do--when what do I find on the VELVETEEN pre-order page? The front flap description of the book!!!

Presented here without further chatter...

*****************

Velveteen Monroe is dead. At 16, she was kidnapped and murdered by a madman named Bonesaw. But that's not the problem.The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it's not a fiery inferno, it's certainly no heaven. It's gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn't leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what's really on her mind.

Bonesaw.

Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she's figured out just how to do it. She'll haunt him for the rest of his days.

It'll be brutal . . . and awesome.

But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen's obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she's willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.Velveteen can't help herself when it comes to breaking rules . . . or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her.

*****************

HOLY CRAPS!!Thoughts?Wanna preorder, yet? Added it to your Goodreads? VELVETEEN comes out on October 9th this year. And I'll be revealing an awesome cover peep show contest soon, including super secret grab bag prizes!Cannot. Wait.

Pre-order at Powell's Books, Amazon, or for pre-orders outside the U.S., The Book Depository.

How to Write Book: a Guide for the Insane

2012-02-02T13:18:00.001-08:00

Okay. So the title is only a little tongue in cheek. This video is basically a run through of how I take an idea and turn it into a first draft.Any questions?How many ideas did you have during the video? Hmm?

Book Show Book Show: Best of 2011

2012-01-31T14:07:00.001-08:00

It's that time again...or maybe it was that time a few weeks ago, but that's beside the point. What is the point? I've got a list! A list of my favorite reads of 2011.Like so...So, yeah. What were your favorite reads of last year? Do you agree with mine? Do you disagree? Can you bring me a plate of chocolate chip cookies, because, seriously, that would be amazing?

Velveteen Has a Release Date!!!

2012-01-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

I got the okay to announce this just this morning! So needless to say, I've been busily chatting up every social network I could find. And making this FAKE cover image. I repeat FAKE!!!

So yeah! Go ahead and put VELVETEEN on your Halloween reading list!!!!OCTOBER 9TH, Y'ALL!!!And if you're so inclined--and burdened with the knowledge that preorders help a book gain momentum--feel free to go ahead and order your copy from Amazon. More booksellers will be on board later, but for now. Here's that link!

Book Show Book Show Ep. 5 - Contemporary YA

2012-01-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

So my theme reading took me to new heights of literary genius this month. My first John Green book for one and it was amazeballs...but was it my favorite of my contemporary reads? Watch and see, bitches!What are some of your favorite YA contemps?

On Humor and Self

2011-12-08T10:14:00.001-08:00

Occasionally, I'll talk about writing and stuff. So that's what I did. This video is about humor and exploring the "Self".What do you find funny?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T10:43:00.001-08:00

Velveteen News!

2011-11-21T11:04:00.001-08:00

Oh yes. There's been progress. Check out the news!!!And, again, feel free to leave a comment and stuff.

Hari-Query

2011-11-16T18:48:00.001-08:00

So I try not to dispense a lot of writing advice, mostly because I feel like it's kind of played out in the blogoverse, but I do, occasionally, take special requests. Never during Karaoke, though. When I'm on the mic, it's Night Ranger's Sister Christian, every time.Kidding. I'll keep my favorite song to myself.This week's vlog was a special request from Melissa over at The Metalhead Bookworm. She wanted a query letter how-to. So, being a kindly sort of asshole, I complied. Here goes, Melissa!Questions? Comments? Requests?

Dear Teen Me

2011-11-16T18:42:00.001-08:00

So there's this really cool project out there called Dear Teen Me. The bloggers collect letters from tons of YA authors to their teen selves. Some are touching, some funny, and all of them are awesome. Well. Go see who has a letter up!Moi...Dear Teen Me,I’m writing to you from a not-so-far away future. Okay, that may be stretching the truth a bit. I’m a little further away than that. Fine. I’m 43. You’ve made it! Those premature gray hairs you’ve noticed? The ones you keep plucking? I’m afraid we’ve lost the battle...(read more)

Book Show Book Show: The Horror Edition!

2011-11-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

Book Show Book Show no. 3

2011-09-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Aw yeah! It's finally here, the third episode of Book Show Book Show. I have to say, it's getting harder and harder to keep up the content for this series. My reading is slowing down as I get closer to my revision deadline...funny that, right? Anyways, without further adieu...

What did you read this month?

The YA Horror Book Project

2011-08-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

So I've been working on putting together a list a current young adult horror titles and it's not been an easy task and is nowhere near being finished. Here's a video that discusses the process and why I think it's important (hint: the genre is shrinking)...

And here's the list!

Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender
From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alender
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman
Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement Moore
The Gates by John Connoly
The House of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle
Sleepless by Thomas Fahy
The Poisoned House by Michael Ford
The Sleepwalkers by J. Gabriel Gates
Soulless by Christopher Golden
Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
Tighter by Adele Griffin
The Enemy by Charlie Higson
The Dead by Charlie Higson
Possessions by Nancy Holder
The Evil Within by Nancy Holder
The Screaming Season by Nancy Holder
The Devouring by Simon Holt
Soulstice by Simon Holt
Fearscape by Simon Holt
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
Rotters by Daniel Kraus
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry
Bonechiller by Graham McNamee
Possess by Gretchen McNeil
Uninvited by Justine Musk
Bliss by Lauren Myracle
The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki
Dreams of the Dead by Thomas Randall (Christopher Golden)
Spirits of the Noh by Thomas Randall (Christopher Golden)
A Winter of Ghosts by Thomas Randall (Christopher Golden)
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick
Lord Loss by Darren Shan
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Lockdown: Escape from Furnace by Alexander Gordon Smith
The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith
Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
The Cellar by A.J. Whitten
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Yancey
The Isle of Blood by Rick Yancey
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Feel free to add your selections of current YA horror in the comment thread!

The Brand New Book Show Book Show and an Announcement!

2011-08-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Today I have two videos for your viewing pleasure.

And then this special specialness (so excited)...

Holy craps!

Book Show Book Show

2011-07-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

Oh yes. It's really happening. The WORLD PREMIERE of my book recommendation show, aptly titled, Book Show Book Show. Won't you take a peek?

Thoughts?

Oh June, Cough, Sputter

2011-07-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Wherein I come clean on where I've been lo these many days!

On Birthdays and Not Feeling Guilty for Loving Presents

2011-06-20T21:44:00.001-07:00

Where the Heck Am I, These Days?

2011-06-16T21:57:00.001-07:00

So I primarily use this blog as an alternative to my Youtube Channel. But I thought I'd jot down a quick note to let you know that I've joined a few different group blogs and you definitely want to check them and the other authors I'm blogging with. Some really cool folks.

First up, the Class of 2k12, is a pretty prestigious group, but our website isn't live yet, though our older sister group, The Class of 2k11 is going strong! The Classes have been around for quite a while and have some pretty awesome authors among their alumni, including Jay Asher, Cassandra Clare, Melissa Marr, Elizabeth Scott and Jeri Smith-Ready. Super excited for our grand opening. We'll be having tons of giveaways!

Another group with lots of history is The Apocalypsies. Last year had The Elevensies, The Tenners were in 2010. But everything must come to an end and what better way to greet the apocalypse than with AWESOME books. Check out our website for interviews and giveaways!

Last but not least, I've joined The Nightstand. We're a group of paranormal and thriller authors and we just launched our blog with a big contest to win Dia Reeves's SLICE OF CHERRY and Malinda Lo's HUNTRESS. Our sister blog, Brave New Worlds, has WITHER by Lauren DeStefano and POSSESSION by Elana Johnson up for grabs to celebrate their launch. Go. Now!

If you're unfamiliar with any of these groups, click on the links and check out some awesome YA and MG books!

Top 12 Most Awesome Covers Ever!

2011-06-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

An Agenda Too Disabling (a response to the WSJ article on dark YA fiction)

2011-06-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's not often that I rant, so I definitely won't mind if you skip this vlog in favor of the much lighter stuff. :)

The (Last) Book Haul

2011-05-24T20:04:00.001-07:00

21 Books I Might Shank You To Get My Hands On...

2011-05-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Who Dropped Their Satire in my Teen Comedy?

2011-05-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

I love a great dark comedy and in this video I share my favorites!

Some Friday Shiz!

2011-04-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

So here's a random vlog...

And these are a pair of YA-type movies that I can't wait for...

Ways I Work Out Story Ideas

2011-04-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

NOW with BONUS Fake Book Trailer!!!

Eh?

It's Finally Happened, I've Lost My Freakin' Mind

2011-04-15T16:05:00.001-07:00

50th Video Post!!!

2011-04-07T17:06:00.001-07:00

This one's got lots of new info on VELVETEEN!!!

See?

Fireside Chats: E-Readers

2011-04-04T12:58:00.001-07:00

A Raid on Borders and That Contest Winner!

2011-03-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Let Me Read You a Story - Fragment Friday

2011-03-25T14:51:00.001-07:00

A Rollercoaster Sort of Update plus a Contest!

2011-03-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

The #YAmafia Are Gonna Getya!

2011-03-08T08:43:00.001-08:00

MG/YA Bookshelf Tour!

2011-03-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Author Freakout!!!

2011-03-01T08:24:00.001-08:00

Writer Shiz: Finding an Agent

2011-02-28T13:17:00.001-08:00

Fireside Chats: Book Hype

2011-02-22T12:57:00.001-08:00

A World Without Bookstores

2011-02-21T08:33:00.002-08:00

An Unboxing

2011-02-21T08:33:00.001-08:00

Books for Boys

2011-02-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Labeling YA Books? Naaaah.

2011-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

A Book Haul and a Dedication!

2011-02-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

Predictions and Stuff!

2011-01-04T20:43:00.001-08:00

Christmas Wrap Up and Stuff!

2010-12-27T15:38:00.001-08:00

Nanowrimo and Writery Ramblings

2010-11-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

If you've got any more questions, feel free to ask!

Gifting Your Characters

2010-10-25T13:40:00.001-07:00

On Revisions...

2010-10-15T08:36:00.001-07:00

Books That Inspired Me

2010-10-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Leave a comment or two about what you'd like me to vlog about next. I'm totally open to suggestion, that's why I never go to those stupid hypnotism shows!

It's That Time of Year!!!

2010-10-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Happy Halloween (Decorating) from The Marks'

Books: A to Z

2010-09-28T19:10:00.001-07:00

It's like I'm talking about all of the books. All. Of. Them!

See?

A Bookshelf Invasion!

2010-09-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ninja Librarians and a Request!

2010-09-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Feel free to comment. I won't bite...much.

And subscribe to my Youtube channel, while you're at it.

Interstitial #1: Stuff

2010-09-09T13:43:00.003-07:00

Why must I bombard you with Vlogs?

Leave a comment. Lemme know what you'd like me to vlog about next!

National Buy a Book Day!

2010-09-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Get out there and buy a book!

Check out Jaye's blog for links!

I'm In Labor on Labor Day!

2010-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Since it's Labor Day and all, I figured I'd push out a vlog for y'all. This one has some slathery YA love for Dia Reeves and Bleeding Violet, also, why Christopher Moore is my hero and what I'm reading currently.

What are y'all reading?

Libraries and Stuff

2010-08-26T16:19:00.001-07:00

I know I said I wasn't going to post this here, but, meh.

Distractions A-Plenty!

2010-08-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

If you don't see a vlog below, there's something wrong. I mean seriously, horribly wrong!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Subscribe to my YouTube channel!

An Addiction to Book Hauls! (Vlog Dos)

2010-08-20T12:33:00.001-07:00

In case you read adult urban fantasy and paranormal romance, you might want to watch the Tuesday vlogs at the Qwillery!

While we're pointing out things to check out, if you're on YouTube, come on over and friend me, subscribe, or just leave me a note.

Have a good weekend y'all!

Vlog #1: What the Frig Am I Reading?

2010-08-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to try to post a weekly vlog and we'll see how that goes. Here's the first one!

Release Day!!!

2010-08-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I've seen KISS ME DEADLY at my local Barnes & Noble, tomorrow is the OFFICIAL release day, I guess. So I've been holding off on buying it for my goddaughter (I get a free one from the publisher; ::eyes mailbox:: someday). But just as a heads up and to make it easier for y'all. I'm collecting lots of links for places you can pick up a copy of your very own!

Here's the rundown:

If you can possibly thirst for more mysterious metaphysical accounts of love, Trisha Telep has organized some of the greatest and most thrilling tales of paranormal paramours since The Eternal Kiss. She presents the acclaimed literary talent of thirteen unique authors, creating a collection of stories that will undoubtedly capture the imagination of every soul who dares to read them. Werewolves, ghosts, zombies, vampires, and fallen angels drive the plot of these riveting romances.
Kiss Me Deadly includes the exceptional writings of several authors, including:

• Sarah Rees Brennan (faeries)
• Becca Fitzpatrick (angels)
• Caitlin Kittredge (witches)
• Karen Mahoney (vampires: sequel to story from The Eternal Kiss)
• Daniel Marks (ghost kids)
• Justine Musk (sorcerers)
• Diana Peterfreund (unicorns)
• Michelle Rowen (demons)
• Carrie Ryan (zombies)
• Maggie Stiefvater (werewolves)
• Rachel Vincent (banshees)
• Daniel Waters (zombies)
• Michelle Zink (gothic ghosts)

Pick it up at your local independent bookseller or any of these online retailers!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-a-Million

Book Depository UK (Worldwide Free Delivery)

Chapters/Indigo (Canada)

Indiebound

Who are Velvet and Nyx?

2010-07-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

...and more importantly, why is Nick spelled Nyx?

I thought up Velvet and Nyx's world long before I began a career as an adult urban fantasy writer, but it just never seemed to gel in my head and hair before fall of 2009. Basically, it's a set of stories and novels set in Purgatory, that vague place between heaven and hell. I was always interested in the concept, but intentionally didn't research other's ideas of Purgatory because I didn't want to cloud this vision of a dystopian city (which it is).

Velvet is the leader of a commando extraction and clean-up team called the Salvagers, just one of many such teams in Purgatory, but, as it happens so many times in Fiction, Velvet's is the BEST, bitches! The Salvagers consist of a pair of poltergeists (Luisa and Logan), an undertaker (Nick) and a body thief (Velvet). I wanted those job's to be just that, titles. They're all the same but their different abilities determine their part in the team. The job of the Salvagers is to save trapped earthbound souls, disrupt black magic spells and generally police the cracks between the worlds of the living and the dead. Not doing so has DIRE consequences!

The stories are as much about romance as they are about deadly hauntings and evil spirits. So expect some sparks and hot making out.

Currently, VERMILLION, the short story in the KISS ME DEADLY: 13 TALES OF PARANORMAL LOVE is the only story available, however, my agent will be shopping the trilogy as soon as I finish revisions. So keep your fingers crossed.

ps. Nyx is Velvet's pet name for Nick. They're kind of in love.

Chatting It All Up and Shit!

2010-07-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'll be taking part in the Kiss Me Deadly chat for the release of that YA paranormal romance anthology. If you look for me there, I'll be Danny Marks, so don't go calling me some other secret name or nothin' cuz I'll be like "Who?" Anyways, if you're into chatting, and I know many of you are, I'll be there with the likes of Trisha Telep (editor), Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush Hush), Sarah Rees Brennan (The Demon's Covenant), Michelle Zink (Prophecy of the Sisters), Rachel Vincent (My Soul to Keep), and Karen Mahoney (The Iron Witch) possibly, she's sick so she's hoping she'll make it. Here's the link to that!

Awesome YA Chatting with Chatty Chattertons!

It's from 6:00 PM PST or 9:00 EST or whatever time, wherever you are. I think we'll be available for about 90 minutes at the most.

I can't imagine what anyone has to ask me about this story, but I'd be happy to answer just about anything. And, yes, for those who know me, I'll try to restrain the filth.

Some Awesome Early Reviews!!!

2010-07-13T09:21:00.001-07:00

Kiss Me Deadly's release is still a couple of weeks away, but the reviews are coming in...

First, Kirkus has this to say:

Can true love die if you’re already dead? This tantalizing collection of 13 short stories by some of the best writers of paranormal fiction in the United States and Great Britain explores “the other side of love.” Whether it’s an old-fashioned ghost story, as in Caitlin Kittredge’s “Behind the Red Door,” in which Jo wonders about the dashing resident of an abandoned house and a string of mysterious murders; a story with a twist, as in Michelle Rowen’s “Familiar,” in which a reluctant witch discovers that her chosen pet is a shapeshifter in disguise; or a story with dark humor, as in Sarah Rees Brennan’s “The Spy Who Never Grew Up,” in which a slightly older Peter Pan connects with Wendy’s granddaughter to fight evil in Her Majesty’s Secret Service, each story features a paranormal kiss. Fans who can’t get enough of their favorite authors will also be thrilled to find a back story to Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth, a Generation Dead companion by Daniel Waters and more killer unicorns from Diana Peterfreund. (Short stories. YA)

So nothing about Velvet, but that's cured over at Poisoned Rationality in a really awesome in depth review! Check it out!

iTunes Mix for Vermillion

2010-06-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Care to listen to the background music I was thinking about when I wrote the story. Well then here you go...

A Little Blurb on Vermillion

2010-05-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

When a haunting triggers a series of shadowquakes in Purgatory, spirits Velvet and Nick must cross over into the world of the living to sort out the case of a missing undertaker. But will a seductive body thief come between them and cast the distant district of Vermillion and its inhabitants into forever night?

Vermillion will appear in the upcoming Kiss Me Deadly anthology from Running Press Kids (August 2010).

The Excitement is Building!

2010-05-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

I went over the proof pages for Vermillion this week and got to see all the other contributor's stories (which I'll be reading soon-2 months early--take that!!!). Looks like I win at being a windbag. Vermillion is the longest story of the bunch (by about a half a page). A little about the story: It's set almost entirely in Purgatory, so all the characters (mostly) are dead, there's romance, sexual subterfuge, human body possessions and stuff. I hope people like it.

And because people are going to ask, Vermillion is actually the sequel to a trilogy of Velvet and Nyx books (which I haven't finished working on yet--though I'm close, so damn close). Hope to be going on submission (that means my agent will be pimping the first book to publishers) by the end of this month!

Wish me luck!!!

Oh Hellz Yeah...Cover Time!

2010-03-21T10:45:00.001-07:00

Looks like the anthology for my first YA short story has a cover and it's pretty hot...

...and I'm totally excited to be in the midst of such great YA authors. Here's the list...

Maggie Stiefvater

Becca Fitzpatrick

Rachel Vincent

Carrie Ryan

Sarah Rees Brennan

Caitlin Kittredge

Karen Mahoney

Daniel Marks <--Aw yeah!

Justine Musk

Diana Peterfreund

Michelle Rowen

Daniel Waters

Michelle Zink

Wanna preorder it? Just CLICK HERE!!

Velveteen Soundtrack

2009-12-17T19:12:00.001-08:00

For each book I write (this is my fourth), I create a soundtrack. Sometimes I play it as I'm writing, sometimes I don't, but each of the songs represents the tone of a specific scene, or the words strike me as being significant to the characters emotional state. But mostly they just get my head bobbing and distract me from overthinking and stuff...

Who the heck is this guy?

2009-12-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

Daniel Marks is the super secret pseudonym of a popular adult urban fantasy author. He lives in a highly classified and secluded location (a "house" in a "neighborhood") with his trusty bodyguard ("wife"), and a cabal of evil minions (some "dogs"). He's currently hiring for a loyal henchman ("gardener") apply at velvetandnyx.com.