July 3rd, 2010 | by KateDouglas |
I finally sat down today and started writing Wolf Tales 12. I’ve been thinking a lot about this one since it’s the final book in the current series, and I realized I couldn’t just start it at a point where Wolf Tales 11 leaves off. I decided to jump five years into the future so that I can show a lot of story lines resolved, but as I was getting set to write, I realized that in five years, there HAD to be more babies born! I mean, I left off WT11 with Tala’s twins and Lisa’s daughter’s birth (both are pregnant in Wolf Tales 10) and Keisha and Xandi both considering having more babies, and a few other characters pregnant, and I had a typical, author-like “OH SHIT!” moment.
That lasted about ten seconds before I sat down with my list of characters and figured out who would have babies in the ensuing five years, what sex they’d be, what their names and birthdays and ages were, and all the details that are required to turn imaginary characters into real living, breathing people. I had NO IDEA how much fun that would be, and I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of the next generation of Chanku…once I get them all written, of course! They’ll all be in Wolf Tales 12, along with, hopefully, the resolution to a lot of issues I’ve raised throughout the series. In fact, if you have any questions you want to see answered, I hope you’ll leave them in the comments section below. I really don’t want to risk missing anything!
I got the cover art for Wolf Tales 11 the other day, and as usual, it’s gorgeous! What do you think? 
It’s got a different feel from the others–the color scheme is more along the lines of my DemonSlayers books. Not sure if that’s on purpose or just the current “color of the day” for bookcovers, but what I really love is the female model–she looks exactly the way I picture Liana, who has a fairly good role in WT10 and 11. Of course, the guy looks more like Logan Pierce than Adam Wolf, but I’ll take what I can get…and you KNOW how those Chanku are! I’m sure Liana and Logan have diddled at some point… 
Wolf Tales 10 is out, and I’m hearing great things from readers. I was a bit worried about this one–killing off a character is frowned upon in romances, but as I told readers, this IS paranormal. Dead doesn’t necessarily mean gone… 
I can promise a few tears and a lot of smiles with this one, and you will never again hear the phrase, Louiseville Slugger, in quite the same way…
Anyway, that’s about all the news I’ve got for now. My editor assures me that, even though the series is ending with 12, there’s a good chance I’ll be able to bring it back at some point, so I’m tending to think of it more as if I’m just going on hiatus. You know…sort of like killing off characters in a paranormal romance–they might be dead, but they’re never really gone. 
And please, let me know what story lines you want to see settled. I really appreciate your input, and I’ve discovered that often my readers have much better memories than I do when it comes to the nitty-gritty about my books! I will be following up on those hieroglyphics that were discovered on the cavern walls in the cave beneath Anton’s Montana home (Wolf Tales VII) and telling you more about Lily and her amazing abilities. She’s definitely her father’s daughter! But remind me, if you will, of other things I need to remember. I’ll be picking a few names from those leaving comments to win a free book, so even if you just leave a post saying “HI!” you’re entered!
If you’re 18 or over (yes, they’re WAY hot) check out first chapter excerpts of Wolf Tales 10 and Wolf Tales 11
>I almost forgot! I just heard from Danielle, one of the reviewers at Coffee Time Romance, letting me know that Wolf Tales 10 has been given the CTRR (Coffee Time Recommended Read) award.
Bummed to hear the series is ending as I just started it! Guess I have many books to read but won’t take me too long as I am a fast reader. Will you be starting up a new series?
by Barrie · July 3rd, 2010 at 11:59 pmseen about this on both your facebook pages!
by tamibates · July 4th, 2010 at 12:00 amSO HERE I AM!
AND YOU KNOW I LOVE HOW YOUNAMED YOUR BOOKS, 1,234
I GET TO A STORE AND TRYGIN TO FIGURE OUT SOME THAT IS SO CLOSE IN THE ITTLE AND FIGHTING WITH KIDS AND GRANKIDS AND I EITHER HAVE 2 OF 1 BOOK OR I JUST DONT BUY
Well, Barrie–you WILL have 21 books to read, even with it ending! Remember that the novellas are part of the series–the full list is on my website front page at http://www.katedouglas.com. I will definitely be starting a new series. Have a proposal with my editor even now.
Tami, when my editor said she wanted to number the books, I thought she was nuts! I had no idea how many I’d end up writing, though it is confusing with the Sexy Beast numbers off because of the one Wild Nights anthology after Wolf Tales II.
by KateDouglas · July 4th, 2010 at 12:03 amOhhhhh noooooo it’s coming to an end… I have my finger crossed & hope we see more Chanku stories!! I am on the way to get the new one this weekend…. I can not wait to start it! Kate u always come up with some amazing story lines… I love each charecter…. Like I have said before as long as u keep writing I will keep reading….
by Demi Rivera- Lipford · July 4th, 2010 at 12:24 amI totally loved this whole series. I love how the characters are throughtout all the books if not in the story line, then mentioned.
I really hate seeing the series end.
by KarenB · July 4th, 2010 at 12:25 amIt is hard to believe that the chanku series is ending. I have read and reread all of the ones I have & can’t wait for more. I count the months. I really hope that someday the publishers will allow you to continue with the childrens stories. I would buy everyone of them. You are a wonderfull writer & I will cherish all of the books you write. Keep it up kate I’m ready to read.
by janice melea bolton · July 4th, 2010 at 12:54 amKate, HI! *waves*
by Dorthy · July 4th, 2010 at 1:19 amok now that I got that out of the way. lol I can’t believe your already working on the last book in the series. I read the 1st chapter of WT11 off your website, and want to know…Is it December yet? lol
I’m new to your books and am enjoying them. Thanks for the contest.
by Brooke · July 4th, 2010 at 1:37 amI just discovered your series about a month ago so I’m not even up to #10 yet!!! I’m lovin’ the series and sad that it’s coming to an end when I’ve just found it! Thank you for sharing your Chanku world with us! Can’t wait to see what new characters pop up in your mind!
Thanks again!
by Kelli · July 4th, 2010 at 2:05 amCan’t think of any question right now but I’m planning on rereading the who series once I get my hands on Wolf Tales 10.
by Beth · July 4th, 2010 at 3:10 amI really like the cover for 11 and I’m glad to see no tattoo on it. I didn’t care as much for the covers for 9 and 10. Great overall artistry but the tattoos blow the enjoyment right out of the water since the Chanku can’t have tattoos.
Oops! Suppose to be “whole series” in that first sentence.
by Beth · July 4th, 2010 at 3:11 amHi Kate -
I can’t wait for the newest book. I’m also sad to hear that the series is coming to an end. I’m anticipating what you’ll be writing next.
All my best,
by Lea-Ellen B. · July 4th, 2010 at 3:19 amLea Ellen {night owl in IL}
that is sad but what a great run
by kh · July 4th, 2010 at 4:02 amon to other books so yeah
Hey Kate,
Kinda sad that the series is ending but the hiatus will be great.
Maybe the characters will stop talking to you in your head about what should be written?
To me the characters will continue with their lives and the readers will not be able to pop in and see what’s going on. Kinda giving them back their privacy you know?
Who knows what the future holds?
by T. Mac · July 4th, 2010 at 4:57 amAs readers I am sure we will have more, great new series from you to read.
Hi, Kate! Sorry for the delay, I had an accident at work with one of my hands. Now I’m in the healing process. But couldn’t miss out on this chat. I can’t believe the wolf tale series is coming to an end. It breaks my heart to see it end. Hope they let you come up with something amazing next. I know that whatever you write will be a hit.
by Yahaira · July 4th, 2010 at 5:12 amTruly, is it plausible, have all ends met their means?
by Rhonda · July 4th, 2010 at 7:52 amI am looking forward to WT 11 & 12….. AND hoping that your publisher will go for the “Next Generation” stories!! If so you can update us….everyonce in a while, on the “older folks”!!
by Betty · July 4th, 2010 at 8:08 amI love wolf tales 10. I can’t wait for 11 but then again I dont want it to come because that would mean that there is only one more till the end. I think that if you don’t or have read these books you should pick them up. She is a great writer and you will enjoy the books.
by Angela · July 4th, 2010 at 8:31 amHi Kate,
This is so not fair…why all pleasurable reading of Wolf Tales must come to an end…well on the bright side as long as I have the series to read over and over would not be so bad (who am I kidding)…this is how bad it is for me…hard to put the book down once I get started…it is a shame I can’t walk and read at the same time can cover alot in 60-minutes…
…can you believe I am drawing a blank about questions I wish to have answers..(drats this is what aging does to me…note to self take notes… 
)
by Belina · July 4th, 2010 at 8:39 amI just finished the novella in Sexy Beast VIII, and I am very interested to find out more about Liana-she’s great!
by Cheryl McInnis · July 4th, 2010 at 9:38 amI’m also very bummed about the series ending…fingers crossed for the next generation
and congrats again on the terrific review~
Hi Kate!
I’m seriously bummed about the series ending! I have all of them so far, and must of read them 3 times each already. I wish you could just go on and on! So much to keep writing about the life and times of the Chanku. Can’t wait to see what the little ones powers will be! Are you going to emphasize what Liana had said in WT10? She knows about how long they will live with the genes making them live longer with each time they shift. Is she going to tell them? I think we need to write your editor and convince her to let you keep going!! You will have no problem selling the series with your “HUGE” fan base with them!!!
by Lorrie Krause · July 4th, 2010 at 10:18 amI am so glad I took a chance and picked up my first book on the Chanku. I was hooked from the first story and have enjoyed reading them over and over. I have shared these with my girlfriends (Reading and Wine Group) and now added more to the Kate Douglas fan club.
by Maggie Winston · July 4th, 2010 at 11:16 amI have a reminder on my Blackberry for the release of Wolf Tales 11 . . . can’t wait!
I just finished reading the League series and wanted to know if you were planning to write another one of them?
Thank you again for sharing your creativity and passion in your writing, it is truly a pleasure to read.
Good morning, all…getting a late start, but I woke up with a blasted HEAD COLD this morning, which means I probably won’t get to go to the big 4th of July party I was planning to attend. Instead, I’m planning to stay home and sulk–between the sneezing and sniffling…
Thanks, Demi. I’m actually working on ideas for a new series while the Chanku take a break. I can promise you a good story, even if it’s not about my shapeshifters.
Karen, I agree, and at first it was really upsetting for me, but then I realized that if I take a break, it will make it easier to come back with an entirely fresh line of stories. I hope! (Sounds good in theory, anyway!)
Thanks, Janice. I think the hardest part of ending a series is the feeling you’re disappointing readers who still want more, but I really do have hopes I’ll be able to continue with my Chanku.
Dorthy
No, dear…not December yet, thank goodness! LOL…I have two books to write before then–Wolf Tales 12 AND CrystalFire, the last in my DemonSlayers series. Don’t rush it TOO fast!
You’re welcome, Brooke. Good luck!
Thanks, Kelli. Don’t forget that the Sexy Beast anthologies (I-VIII) all have Chanku stories that are part of the series. Enjoy!
Beth, I’m with you on the tats. As much as I love the artistry, they didn’t fit with my Chanku. Had a hard time getting that through to the art department!
Thanks Lea-Ellen!
My feelings as well, kh…my first contract was for three books, so it was a pretty big deal to have them go for so long. Totally unexpected in the beginning.
T.Mac…I will be surprised if they actually DO stop talking! I just wrote a short story for an anthology just to shut up a character from a book I wrote TEN YEARS ago! LOL…Mark Connor, a secondary character in my comedy western, Cowboy in My Pocket, has been bugging me all this time. Now that he’s gotten his story, he’s finally quiet.
Thank you, Yahaira, and I’m sorry to hear about your accident! Sure hope you’re okay.
by Kate Douglas · July 4th, 2010 at 12:15 pmRhonda, probably not….
Betty, if you’re not getting my newsletter, please sign up, as I keep my readers apprised of what’s going on through it. Sign up on the front page of my website at http://www.katedouglas.com It’s the Yahoo box.
Thank you Angela…yep. What she says!
Belina, I’m really bad. The memory sucks! However, if you do think of something, drop me an email at kate@katedouglas.com and let me know. I need all the help I can get!
by Kate Douglas · July 4th, 2010 at 12:18 pmCheryl–Liana is the main heroine of Wolf Tales 10, and is also in Wolf Tales 11. I really love her as a character–flawed but anxious to learn, and open to any experience. You’ll really like WT10, I think.
Lorrie, Liana’s knowledge is part of WT11, and more is going to come out in WT12, along with some of the powers the children have. A couple of things I know are going to happen is that they’re going to move beyond needing the supplement to shift–they’re evolving already.
Maggie–I’m glad you started reading them, too! I love the idea of a “book and wine” club…works for me! However, what are you referring to as the “League” series?
We all refer to them under different names–do you mean the StarQuest stories?
by Kate Douglas · July 4th, 2010 at 12:24 pmHi Ms.Dougals…I AM SO SAD TO SEE THE SERIES END….I WAS HOOKED FROM THE EXPERT IN ANOTHER BOOK AND JUST HAD TO READ MORE.
by Priscilla · July 4th, 2010 at 1:13 pmCongrats on the CTRR and it is great to hear about the likelihood of seeing more of the Chanku at some future date!
by Little Lamb Lost · July 4th, 2010 at 1:33 pmI love the Wolf Tales series. I can’t wait for the next book to come out so I can read it. Sorry to hear that it will be ending. I hope that you will be able to revisit it later on. Have fun with all those characters!
by Erin · July 4th, 2010 at 1:50 pmLOL….Priscilla, those excerpts catch me every time! That’s how I’ve found a lot of new authors. Thanks!
Hi LLL! Thanks for stopping by–I fully expect to get to write them at some point. Will definitely let you guys know when!
Thanks, Erin. That’s the best part of writing this series–I do have fun with them. They’re always entertaining to me!!!
by Kate Douglas · July 4th, 2010 at 2:20 pmHey Kate…sorry you are sickly today, congrats on the CTRR . I too am sad to see the series end – even for now. I hope it will get picked up again in some form in the near future. Looking forward to my WT10 arriving – soon hopefully and I am going to preorder Hellfire from a book club I am in as soon as available. Have a great rest of the 4th holiday.
by Cherrie · July 4th, 2010 at 2:34 pmI have been captivated with the WTs/SB series since reading the first paragraph! I was distressed when I found out that WTs12 would be the last book but was overjoyed upon finding that the series could be revisited in the future! Kate, put me down as a vote in that direction! I also adore how you are so personable toward your readers, Kate. You are truly an amazing woman!
by Diane G · July 4th, 2010 at 2:36 pmI’ve got the first two WT books in my TBR pile – can’t wait to read them!
by Jenn Ryan · July 4th, 2010 at 2:48 pmCongrats on the CTRR award!
by Estella · July 4th, 2010 at 2:59 pmI’m new to your books so I’m not going to be much help, sorry! But I’m definitely going to give them a try, and THEN I’ll get back to you on that
by Chelsea B. · July 4th, 2010 at 3:51 pmlove the covers of both wolf tales 10 and 11.
by SHELIA · July 4th, 2010 at 4:39 pmThanks, Cherrie. I’m feeling better this afternoon and wondering if maybe it’s just allergies. There’s a LOT of pollen in the air! Do you belong to the Rhapsody book club? I always buy a couple of my books from them, just so I have them in hardcover!
Thank you Diane. That works both ways, ya know…getting to know my readers. You guys really are my social life!
I don’t get out much and love the chance to meet folks online. Thanks!
Jenn–do hope you like them, but be sure and hunt for the Sexy Beast anthologies, too. The Chanku stories are all part of the series. I write it like a very sexy soap opera!
Thanks, Estella, and Chelsea, if you see something, drop me a note and let me know! I hate to think I might forget something.
Thank you Sheila. Me, too! Especially LOVE WT11!
by Kate Douglas · July 4th, 2010 at 4:54 pmGood luck with the writing, Kate. Congrats the award. Happy July 4th.
by Jane · July 4th, 2010 at 5:08 pmI was thinking of Ulrick questions: do they stop growing older? Can Millie get pregnant? Where are they from? Earth? If the children are lacting from their mothers don’t they get the nutrients like the adults do? Those are some of the questions.
by Yahaira · July 4th, 2010 at 6:44 pmAs soon as I realized Keisha had a daughter, I began wondering about Chanku puberty and how Anton would react to her emerging sexuality? My second question is about will more Chanku be found? So many were discovered in a realitively short time, I wonder if the known ones should become better at picking them out or if they will go into “jobs” that put them in contact with troubled teens or women who may turn out to be genetic Chanku? Would that even occur to them?
I love the series. I found them while looking for shapeshifter themed romances and have never been disappointed. Great writing. I hope to have the same reaction to the 2nd Hellfire novel.
by Carol · July 4th, 2010 at 7:53 pmI’m still bummed that this series is coming to and end, but hopefully you’ll be able to write them into another story at some point. I think that would be totally cool.
miztik_rose@yahoo[dot]com
by Mary · July 4th, 2010 at 8:16 pmPick me!!! Love all the woofies!
by Marilyn Mosier · July 4th, 2010 at 9:14 pmIt is sad to hear you are about to conclude the series, but… BUT… it will finally allow me to catch up with the rest of your readers.
by Peace Ket · July 4th, 2010 at 10:12 pmGood morning, Jane! Hope you had a good 4th–we did, but I was sad to see it end as our son and his family are, right now, in fact, boarding a plane to go home to Hawaii. It’s tough with them living so far away, but it was sure fun to see them!
Yahaira, those are excellent questions. I address their longevity in Wolf Tales 11, including whether or not Millie can get pregnant (and I will say that, at almost 60, she’s told Ulrich to get that gleam out of his eye, that she prefers grandkids to her own at this point!) but I hadn’t thought of the nutrients through lactation! What a great idea, and one I will definitely be thinking about. Thank you.
Carol, that search for more Chanku is sort of the pivotal theme of Wolf Tales 12–the fact that Anton realizes they’ve become complacent about finding new members, so you’re definitely thinking along the same lines I am–or Anton is!
Mary, I am too, but at the same time, I’m excited about starting something new and fresh, too. I have a feeling I’ll be returning to the Chanku at some point. They’re much too real to sit quietly on the sidelines for long!
Marilyn, I do love the subtlety of your approach…
Peace–shouldn’t take you too long! So glad you’ve stuck with the series. Thank you!
by Kate Douglas · July 5th, 2010 at 11:41 amKate, congrats on Wolf Tales 10 has being given the CTRR (Coffee Time Recommended Read) award! I learned about it at the site, and wondered if you knew.
I’m not going to think of Wt12 as the last tale of the Chanku. I’m hoping the next generation gets their own series. And if you write it 25 years on, would that make it a futuristic series?
by Sue A. · July 5th, 2010 at 6:23 pmI’ve enjoyed many of your wolftales (still need to collect a few) and like the others, will hate to see it end.
by catslady · July 6th, 2010 at 3:53 pmHi Sue–thank you. I was really pleased–it’s always hard to keep a series fresh after so many books, and I’m thrilled that my Wolf Tales continue to do well after this long. The award was a really nice surprise. And I’m with you–I really can’t think of 12 as the final book. I think that as long as I know those kids’ stories are out there, the Chanku will be as real as they are now. I really hope that, in a couple of years, the time will be right to bring back the series with the younger generation.
Catslady–thank you so much! For those of you still collecting, all the books are available, though it’s hard to find Wild Nights, the one anthology that’s not quite as tightly linked. That’s the one with Camille’s Dawn in it, but I did hear today that Books a Million still carries it.
by Kate Douglas · July 6th, 2010 at 6:49 pm#34 Chelsea B and #39, Carol, are my winners. Please contact me with your snail mail address and the book you want me to send to you. Thanks everyone for stopping by!
by Kate Douglas · July 6th, 2010 at 7:02 pmThank you! I sent my info along
by Chelsea B. · July 6th, 2010 at 10:30 pmThanks, Chelsea! Your book is signed and wrapped and ready to mail. Thank you for stopping by the blog.
by Kate Douglas · July 6th, 2010 at 10:45 pmThanks, Kate!
by Carol · July 7th, 2010 at 2:18 am