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Terry Spear | Fresh is the Name of the Game!
December 15, 2010
When writing a series, fresh is definitely the name of the game! WOLF FEVER has just been
released so for the blog tour, that’s my focus. But at the same time, HEART OF THE HIGHLAND
WOLF is up on Amazon for pre-orders (book 7) and I’m waiting approval
for DREAMING OF THE WOLF (book 8), plus I’m working on book 9 right now,
THE WOLF AND THE SEAL. While I’m writing all these books, I continually
think about how each can be a really different story so that readers hopefully
won’t be shaking their heads and saying: same story, changed character names,
but nothing new and different. As an author of a series, we have to really strive to make each of them unique. In the making of WOLF
FEVER, I wanted to write Carol’s story since so many fans loved her in DESTINY OF THE WOLF and
asked to see more of her. She’s strong and courageous and sensitive—trying to
save others at risk to herself. And smart and determined, too, as a nurse who
won’t back down to anyone. She’s caught the eye of a gray wolf leader, Chester
Ryan McKinley, from another Colorado town. Now he says his interest in her only
has to do with how she used her psychic abilities to learn of a murder case he
was investigating. But she knows his interest in her goes much more deeply—if
he’d only admit to it! I came up with one plot idea, but I have to credit my editor, Deb Werksman, who
truly is the greatest, for mentioning that I might focus on the aspect that
Carol is a nurse, and how the story could relate to that. About that time, the
World Health Organization was raising the alarm that we might have a terrible
flu epidemic. So I was thinking, what if a flu virus affected wolves, well,
werewolves, differently? What if the fate of the pack depended on one newly
turned wolf? WOLF FEVER was born.
Thanks, Deb! Writing fresh doesn’t mean changing the world though. It’s the same wolf world,
just different scenarios, and it’s not only fun but challenging to write about
characters from the past. This is the first story that involves a large cast
from a previous book, and it’s interesting to show how they relate to one
another from different main characters’ points of view. It’s also a challenge to
do this, but still keep them true to their original character personalities in
the earlier book, Destiny of the Wolf. And I hope that fans of the series
will enjoy seeing more of the characters from the earlier book. By having them in another book, their characterizations all deepen as they
struggle through new conflict and work together or against each other. Plus,
research is always important, and so I had fun coming up with tried and true
(well, maybe not the true part) methods used in ancient times to rid oneself of
being a werewolf. I have to say that my wolves are very well adjusted, most were born that way,
and would never think to change that part of their nature. So THEY never
considered for a moment the notion they would be getting rid of their
werewolfism. Just…fixing a problem with the shifting aspect. Now, yes, these methods were purported to have been used and worked in earlier
times, but if the character is a lupus garou, these methods will NOT truly work
as in change the character so that he or she is now only strictly human. I just
wanted to make that clear. Those were just myths and legends. Or sure, they
might work on someone who THOUGHT he or she was a lupus garou, but wasn’t. In
any event, Carol had to try anything that might work. Like the other books—mystery, adventure, romance, and humor abound in this
latest tale of living within a wolf pack…werewolf style. I hope fans of the series will find this story freshly entertaining as much as I
had fun writing Carol and Ryan’s story, as the wolves play and work and deal
with troubles in their world unique to their kind. So what cures the flu when it adversely affects a werewolf population? Come find
out in WOLF FEVER. Thanks to Fresh Fiction for having me, and I have one question for readers:
With the flu season upon us again, what do you find works best for helping
ease the symptoms of the flu? WOLF FEVER by TERRY SPEAR—IN STORES
DECEMBER 2010
Comments
52 comments posted.
Re: Terry Spear | Fresh is the Name of the Game!
This sounds like my kind of book, especially since I am an RN. Also I find it interesting that Carol not only has to choose between her wolf and human form but also her knowledge of medicine and nursing gets pushed into a whole new area by taking care of a sick wolf pack, I think I will definately have to go get this series (but after the holidays of course).
(Laura Parmentier 7:39am December 15, 2010)
Ah, after the holidays, Laura? Just think, you could take yourself out of the rush of the holidays, make some time for yourself, and just lose yourself in another world. :) I can't believe Christmas is the weekend after this one!!! Hope your holidays are filled with joy!
(Terry Spear 8:48am December 15, 2010)
Love the cover and would love to read the book. Tks
(Clio Teixeira 9:11am December 15, 2010)
Oh, I think that with flu season just upon us, the thing that I keep in mind is to keep up my immune system strong. I hardly ever get a cold/flu- knock on wood- and I live in a very cold part of the country. So, I drink green tea, eat well, try to get lots of sleep/some exercise and wash my hands.
Hope this works. Sounds like a great storyline idea.
tks and happy holidays.
Clio
(Clio Teixeira 9:13am December 15, 2010)
So true, Clio! The holidays can stress everyone out, and it is important to get plenty of rest. But everything else you mentioned are so important too. Several I know have been sick of one thing or another in the last couple of weeks. And a couple of holidays in the past, we had been hit with the flu, so it wasn't fun. Wishing everyone a healthy!! holiday!
(Terry Spear 9:36am December 15, 2010)
When the dreaded flu strikes I find the old ways work best for me. Lots of rest, fluids(hot lemonade with honey and maybe a drop or two of whiskey)or water if you must. To cap it all off of course that book that you've been wanting to read, now is the perfect time.
(Elizabeth Parzino 11:25am December 15, 2010)
I like the idea of a human problem like the flu crossing over to a werewolf. What's next? How about a wolf disease that crosses over two humans that are in contact with an infected warewolf? I know, I don't get paid big bucks like you writers do.
(Cynthia Teer 11:36am December 15, 2010)
You can never go wrong with wolves and medicine. Plus a hot hard working woman earning her medical degree , now that has a great potentail in the making. not to mention she has to choose between her two worlds and that makes it all the more alluring.
(Anthonia Sharp 12:31pm December 15, 2010)
I am thrilled with the premise of your books. As for the flu, when I am sick I live on orange juice, rest, and reading. The reading part almost makes it worthwhile to get sick!!
(Pamela Stewart 12:47pm December 15, 2010)
I think rest is the most important factor, along with hot toddy and maybe some chicken soup. Also kleenex with moisturizers and throat drops.
(Vikki Parman 12:55pm December 15, 2010)
When I get the flu, I drink Ginger Ale, and eat chicken noodle soup. nothing works better. that and a hot bath to make me feel better.
(Pam Howell 1:06pm December 15, 2010)
Rest and frozen cokes for me.
(Beth Kaake 1:17pm December 15, 2010)
Sleep. A lot of sleep. Oh, and a big pile of 80's movies on DVD.
(Michele Powell 1:28pm December 15, 2010)
OJ, Ginger Ale, & lots of rest!
Happy Holidays!
(Colleen Conklin 1:29pm December 15, 2010)
I think hot lemonade (made with fresh lemons) is the absolute best thing for the flu---and getting a lot of rest while reading lots of books.
(Sue Farrell 1:57pm December 15, 2010)
it is always best to have lots of liquids when sick. more so is warm food like soup to help and a good loving friend or family member to look after you until you get better.
(Anthonia Sharp 2:00pm December 15, 2010)
Your book sounds very interesting. The story line is very unique, and definately has my attention. I find that when I get the flu, the first line of defense is a good pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. I also drink hot tea with honey, lemon, and a little shot of brandy to knock the infection out. The brandy actually causes you to burn up a little, which in turn burns the infection out. The next day I start to feel better. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 2:26pm December 15, 2010)
Well, firstly, don't get it in the first place...hehe!!!
When I do, I live on orange juice, vit C and rest...works wonders.
And of course, if you feel up to it...enjoy a few books while you're resting.
Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 2:28pm December 15, 2010)
The new book sounds great!! I love your books. Keep them comeing
(Vickie Hightower 2:53pm December 15, 2010)
Oh, I know Terry. I hate having the flu, hate it..hate it even worse when my hubby gets it bc he NEVER seems to get over it...so moms can't get sick LOL...a homemade recipe for a cold is to heat up some water, cut a lemon in half and add to the add the water, let it simmer, drink it with honey and a tylenol or something...great.
(Clio Teixeira 4:19pm December 15, 2010)
This is perfect timing for your new release. With this being flu season it adds another layer to the story and helps to connect the reader to the story.
(Leni Kaye 4:43pm December 15, 2010)
Sleep, sleep and even more sleep
(Amanda Boyer 5:32pm December 15, 2010)
Bought Wolf Fever yesterday to add to the books I an taking
on vacation in 3 days. My reader is ready and so am I!
Wolf Fever will probably be one of the first I read. I'm a
nurse so I know this one will perfect for me. Thanks I
really love your books. I finish one and want to keep
reading but have to wait.Oh well, thanks again. :)
(Katherine Ingram 5:57pm December 15, 2010)
Sounds great to me!
(MaryAnne Banks 6:24pm December 15, 2010)
My hobby is actually studying the flu and pandemics. Two of the best things you can do is to increase your intake of vitamin D, and if you are exposed to it, or have the flu, take elderberry. It is one of the active ingredients in tamiflu. It is really important to get your shot this year. The flu is really starting to hit hard this year.
I would love to read your book.
debbie
(Debbie Penny 6:28pm December 15, 2010)
I am a teacher, so I am always exposed to sick kids. To keep from getting sick, I make sure to get rest and take vitamins every morning. I am very interested in your books. I will have to check them out.
(Tabitha Monroe 6:45pm December 15, 2010)
Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book. Happy Holidays to everyone.
(Linda Hall 6:53pm December 15, 2010)
This looks like an interesting twist on the werewolf romance. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
(Carol Drummond 7:36pm December 15, 2010)
Love the cover! Can't wait to read this. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. Merry Christmas!
(Teresa Ward 7:56pm December 15, 2010)
I hardly ever get the flu, or even colds really. When I do get sick I just grin and bear it, taking cold medicine that matches the symptoms until it goes away-which usually happens fairly quickly. I've never had a flu shot in my life, I just don't see the need.
I'm looking ward to reading your wolf stories, especially Heart of the Highland Wolf. It sounds fantastic.
(Barbara Elness 8:07pm December 15, 2010)
Sounds like a must read for me.Have a wonderful Holiday!!!
(Debra McDonald 8:15pm December 15, 2010)
The book series sounds really good - you made my "to read" list. For flu symptoms: stay warm, use my Homedics heat/massage chair pad, chicken soup, hot tea with honey & Aleve for the aches. Better yet - prevention - stay out of crowds & use hand-sani.
(Diane Sallans 9:05pm December 15, 2010)
Chicken noodle soup cures everything!
(Lisa Garrett 9:13pm December 15, 2010)
Lots of hot tea with lemon and honey, hot steamy showers, and lots of bed
rest. I usually take Tylenol and stay warm too. Don't forget the chicken
noodle soup.
Haven't had a bad case of the flue since 1976 and hope I don't get it that
badly again. I had a 1 and a 2 year old and my husband was out of town. I
had to have my aunt come and stay with me for three days. I've never been
that sick before or since. I didn't need that much help when I had my babies.
Hope you have a great Holiday Season.
(Patricia Barraclough 9:45pm December 15, 2010)
I drink lots of juice and hot cocoa, and nap whenever my body says to. Hate taking any extra meds but will take sinus meds if needed.
Went to Borders today with a list of four books to buy. Wolf Fever was one of them. I could only get one of the books on my list. Wolf Fever wasn't that one. None of the Borders within a hundred miles of me have it in stock. I guess I'll have to order it from Amazon.
(Carol Cobun 9:58pm December 15, 2010)
Take Tylenol (or something similar) with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Get in the recliner or bed and watch TV. Even better would be reading one of your books!
(Mary Mclain 10:04pm December 15, 2010)
I am in a shifter phase right now . I swear by Cold-Ez for the stuffy nose. And we get the flu shot every year.
(Sharon Stogner 10:40pm December 15, 2010)
I take my Tylenol for the aches and get in my chair and watch movies, If I'm not too sick, reading is also something I do when I'm not sleeping.
(Brenda Rupp 10:41pm December 15, 2010)
If I get sick, I like ginger ale, crackers, and lots of rest.
(Ginger Hinson 11:26pm December 15, 2010)
Get a flu shot, and make sure to get lots of rest!
(Robin Daily 11:39pm December 15, 2010)
Ohmigosh, ladies!!! I can't get notices that anyone has commented, and my daughter came over after I got off work yesterday (Cynthia--believe me, most of us writers don't get big bucks and so unless we have a significant other supporting us, have to work! :)) and was helping her study for her GRE--okay, so why do we have to know a bunch of ARCHAIC words for graduate entrance exams? Heck, half I know because I write medieval historical romances! :)
But I was so thrilled to hear from everyone!
Elizabeth--sounds great--hmm never tried your remedy, but sounds viable. One year my mother, dad and I were sick with the flu after Christmas and for some reason, a baked potato and a little beer were all we could manage to get down! :)
Cynthia--great ideas! Last night, I had an idea on The Wolf and the SEAL that I'm currently finishing up and....went to sleep, and darned if I can remember what I was thinking of adding. argh. :)
Anthonia, oh, absolutely, and loved your mention of a friend or family. Wolf packs are like that. One Thanksgiving, I was so sick with the flu, my son, who was 14 at the time made the turkey with my 11 year old daughter making the gravy and stuffing, and then while I couldn't even read I had such a high fever and my eyes were so blurry, she read to me from a vampire YA book by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. I got hooked on the book and began to write adult vampire romances with a hunter theme after that!
(Terry Spear 7:37am December 16, 2010)
Pamela--I agree about reading almost makes it worthwhile to get sick. I had a horrible cough and couldn't raise my voice above a whisper, so had to keep taking off from work. I was so sick, but the only thing that kept my sanity is I'd go to bed and read, sleep, read and sleep!
Vikki--yes, great ideas! I like those cough tapes too. They're really convenient if you have an annoying cough and need something that's really quick and easy to carry in your purse. I love making homemade chicken or turkey soup. I feel I'm getting better just while breathing in the steam from the soup as I'm making it. And a box of tissues is a must!
Vickie, thanks so much!!! Hope you are looking forward to Heart of the Highland Wolf!!!
And LATE BREAKING NEWS: Yesterday, I sold A GHOST OF A CHANCE AT LOVE--a time travel western romance/ghost story set in 19th Century Salado and Waco, Texas! I live near there and love to visit. There are haunted houses and old West dignitaries and even outlaws stayed at the Stagecoach Inn where I set the story, so I'm really excited about it!
Yeah, Clio, what is it that everyone in the family can get sick but mom's?
Thanks, Leni! Yes, I wrote it during the flu season last year, and now it's being released during the flu season, so perfect timing!
Amanda, absolutely. If we took a clue from animals, that's what they do...sleep when they're sick or injured to heal.
Peggy--yes all of that sounds good too!
Valerie--yes on the Vitamin C. I'm bad about keeping OJ in the house, but it's so good for you!
(Terry Spear 7:52am December 16, 2010)
Pam--sometimes a really hot shower does make me feel better. Maybe from the hot steam. :)
Wooohoo, thanks so much, Katherine! Have a lovely time on your vacation!!! I'm working hard to get more out there! LOL! I also have Deadly Liaisons that's out, which is a vampire romance, and one of my editors is considering it. So maybe after the holidays I'll have a yay or nay. :)
Debbie, interesting about elderberry. Wonder where we could get it? All I can think of is elderberry wine.
Tabitha, I substitute taught for all grades, but especially for the young children, I constantly washed my hands! :)
Barbara, thanks!! I hope you love Heart of the Highland Wolf! I only took the flu shot once when I was on Active Duty in the Army and got so sick over the 4th of July with fever and chills while in training, I thought I'd die. They say it doesn't effect you the same way, but all I ever hear is that the flu shot might not work against the strain that hits your area.
Diane, I agree if you can avoid being out when the flu hits. It's hard when you're working and have to go to work and be around a sick public. A patron last year threatened to bring in her sick kid to make us sick because our policy was not to check out items (because of abuse) to a parent for their children. They can check out on their own cards, but we had situations where the kids didn't exist, and they were getting 20 movies at a time...or in her case, there was ALWAYS a reason her kid couldn't come in and she wanted to check out items for her. But her threat to us was a form of terrorism. Pure and simple.
Patricia, that sounds like the time my kids took care of me. I was sooo sick!
Carol, how awful! I have a book signing at our Books-a-Million Saturday and hope they have it. B&N has already sold out. Hastings doesn't have it in yet. :( Heart of the Wolf is in it's 3rd printing and is now in the warehouse (mistyped it werehouse first...hmm, Freudian Slip?) Thanks so much for buying
(Terry Spear 8:10am December 16, 2010)
Oh, I enjoy your books.
(April Renn 11:59am December 16, 2010)
Chicken soup, egg drop if I can get it and sleep tend to do it
for me. I make me a nest on the couch with a fuzzy blanket, a
good book, something cool to drink and a box of tissues. Then
I'll sleep or read off and on all day.
(Lisa Richards 12:25pm December 16, 2010)
I work for the usps so i need to stay healthy if possible. I'm going to say the best thing you can do is get plenty of rest eat well and get plenty of liquids. Oh and of course wash your hands alot. Keep them germs away.
Lisa B
(Lisa Boggs 3:18pm December 16, 2010)
Love your books Terry!
Sleep and lots of it, that's about the only thing that will help you; I hate the flu.
(Diane Sadler 8:04pm December 16, 2010)
I love Wolf novels and I'm really excited about this series! Thank you so much
for sharing! I rarely get sick, but when I do, I curl up on the couch and get as
much rest as possible. I also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
(Cindy Lacey 10:01pm December 16, 2010)
For people, I'm pretty set with the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast), but for wolves, it would be something light for the flu.
(Alyson Widen 12:11pm December 17, 2010)
I appreciate fresh. I look for it & crave it.
(Mary Preston 3:24am December 17, 2010)
Okay, can;t wait to read this one!
(Ivy Pittman 9:32pm December 17, 2010)
Thanks, ladies!! April, thanks so much!!! I'm thrilled you're enjoying them! Diane, thanks!!! I hate the flu too. Hope the only kind we get is the Wolf Fever! :)
Thanks, Cindy, hope you like them!
Mary, thanks! And Ivy, hope you enjoy the latest!
I'm off to more blog posts and then work, but thanks to everyone for dropping by and commenting!
(Terry Spear 8:32am December 21, 2010)
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