Thursday, October 20, 2011

Release Party for Maureen O. Betita!

---The bar aboard the Revenge, morning---

Jack grimaced up at the taller pirate. “I get to interview the pirate writers! That’s the deal!”

“Not this time, Jackie. Chance asked me to speak ta this author. I be the choice fer today.” Barbossa smirked, pleased at the opportunity to see the nuisance that was Captain Jack Sparrow disappointed. “This time it be A Wondrous Interview with Captain Hector Barbossa. Live with it.”

Jack narrowed his eyes, fire flashing from their coal black depths. “Captain Hellion leads this ship…not the addle brained bartender! And she’ll…”

“Stay out of this. It’s Chances’ day.” Hellion patted the padded bench next to her. “Come on, sit next to me and help me with this unopened keg of special reserve of Kraken Spiced Rum…”

Jack licked his lips, tempted. He turned with a sudden smile to Barbossa. “I hope you have a wonderful interview.” He sauntered over to Hellion and sat, arranging his full captain coat to best show off his shiny boots.

Hector growled, well aware of the curse Jack had just placed on his shoulders. He shuffled the cards Chance had given him and wondered where the congenial bartender was…

…..

Chance studied herself in the mirror. She’d put aside her online persona and donned the writer’s hat. Instead of the tricorn, she’d had her hair done professionally… The short spikes were growing out and she’d given up on coloring it. She ran her hand down the flirty navy blue dress she’d purchased for today’s event, trying to decide whether to wear a hat or not.

She slipped on the brown trilby, considered the shape, then muttered, “Nope, needs some mild piratizing. I do write pirate fiction, after all!”

She pulled a small feather clip from her bag and clipped it to the hat, first bending the brim up to give the hat a tiny bit of pirate flair. The second book in the Kraken’s Caribbean series had been released yesterday and she was a little nervous, hoping it would be received well. She adjusted the slim white belt, made certain the flirty collar lay perfectly and smiled, imagining the look on Hector’s face when she entered the bar.

…..

Outside, the water swirled as her critic eating kraken worked on the deck decorations, hanging the special slime-proof crepe paper, the big banner. Perfect day on the cyber seas for a release party. He looked forward to the visitors and hoped they’d enjoy the loop-d-loop he’d added to the slide. The yoga lessons had increased his flexibility quite a bit!

…..

Barbossa cleared his throat, looking at the crew, waiting patiently at the scattered tables and chairs. They didn’t seem worried at the guest being late. He ducked beneath the bar and filled his tankard from Chances special blend. When he rose to the bar, she was there. He blinked, thinking this was some sort of trick.

“Offer a lady a drink, sailor?” She grinned at him and winked. The rakish little hat amused him.

He leaned closer, both elbows on the bar and raised an eyebrow. “I have larger feathers if you’d like, Ms. Betita.” He could get used to her two faces… Twice the woman to adore.

“No, that’s all right. I’m sure you have a great many large things about you. Like the nose.” She tapped the question cards. “These for me?”

He looked forward to this little play…

Standing tall he set a tankard in front of the author and announced to the room. “And here we be, another fab…wondrous interview from Captain Hector Barbossa. And our guest today be the creator a' piratepunk, Ms. Maureen O. Betita. She last graced thiddeck when 'er premier book be released, The Kraken’s Mirror and she returns ta us today ta celebrate the next book in this series, The Chameleon Goggles.”



 

 

No one spoke. He cleared his throat. “Audience?”

“Oh.” Terri began to clap with enthusiasm. Then Sin, not to be outdone, shouted several celebratory curses, then jumped to the table top and hauled out her pistol. She fired it into the air and the crowd went dead quiet.

“Well, I hope no one was up on the deck.” Captain Hellion dryly commented.

“Ooops.” Sin hopped down, shrugging nonchalantly.

“Let’s get on with this, shall we, Maureen?” Hector reached out and tucked a strand of her hair back behind the trilby. “Nice hat.”

“Why thank you! Shall we talk about the book now? Maybe the rest of these can wait until the party is going on. The crew looks restless.” The last she whispered, her eyes darting to the muttering pirates at the tables. “You feed them yet?”

“I was supposed to feed them?”

She rolled her eyes and took the hat off. Chance rose into her speech patterns and she shouted, “Hey! Where be the platter a’ double stuffed twinkies I slaved over last night? And the batch a’ brownies? And that clever bit a’ fruit carved into a flower arrangement I ordered?”

“Coming!” Three hotties hurried from the galley and set the platters on the bar.

Chance snorted and pointed at the crew. “There!”

“Hey, what about my massage?” Donna strode out of the galley, a towel wrapped around her torso. “I took a day off for…”She stopped, glancing at the rest of the crew and then to the bar. “Oh. I forgot something, didn’t I?”

Chance, aka Maureen O. Betita, lifted her tankard and drained it. Then she slammed it down and bellowed curses at the ceiling.  Hector set a hand on her arm and she took a deep breath, “Forget it, let’s just get out on deck and start the party!”

The crew roared in approval, rushed the bar and hefted Chance to their shoulders. She ducked as this brought the ceiling dangerously close to her head, but bore it all in good spirits as they moved en mass to the deck.

…..

Hector wiped the bar, gestured at the hotties to take the snacks to the deck and tucked his little gift away to give her later, to celebrate her newest book.

….

Yup! Chance, as Maureen O. Betita, has done it again. Another pirate adventure has hit the e-stands as the fantastic world of the Kraken’s Caribbean continues its pursuit of convincing everyone in the ENTIRE world that pirates are the best!

Here’s the blurb for The Chameleon Goggles…

Nothing is ever dull in the Kraken’s Caribbean, at least not for very long. Emily is settling into life with her new husband in this strange new world when things heat up again! A zeppelin sighting opens the door into another realm and unlocks the gate to Captain Jezebel’s past, barricaded for decades.

The denizens of Tortuga must band together to save their world from an invasion that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear and when Jezebel disappears, Emily and the motley crew of the Cursed Quill risk everything to travel to a world where greed is king and lives chattel for the Directors and their pet scientists.

Jezebel is thrust back into the horror of her childhood, and the carefully constructed walls protecting her mind crumble. Her life in the Caribbean, her relationship with Mick…her very sanity, hang in the balance. Novan has come for their lost daughter and all her stolen inventions. What can a 17th century pirate ship do against a military airship? Even with the great Albino Kraken at their side?

.....

Sound cool? Yup, steampunk and piratepunk collide. Who will win? (Okay, easy to figure out knowing my preference. But still…it’s got some nice tension…really!)

The dedication on this one?

Another one for the crew of the Romance Writers Revenge. Especially Cap’n Hellion.

Next one? That’s one is all for you, Terrio… ;-)

So, how you planning on dedicating your book?

Have a kindle? You can get the book here.

Like epub? Try Decadent or
AllRomanceEbooks.

Like print? Wait a few months, I’ve been promised… Meanwhile, I'll be tossing prizes here and there all during this party, so come back often to see if ya won something...piratee!

 

63 comments:

Quantum said...

Chance,I checked on Amazon UK and find that you now have 5 books for me to download, all done without the magic of Miranda!

I'm stunned Chance. It's like a chain reaction propagating pirate steam throughout the globe, and all while I slept dreaming of Miranda.

Afraid I haven't finished 'The Kraken's Mirror' yet but I am definitely falling for Emily. Trouble is I get so jealous when other pirates start falling for her as well. Guess I'm gonna have to find that portal and get myself through to the Caribbean pronto. That girl needs protection!

I love the hat and the sailor dress .... inspired choice. *smile*

I'm gonna finish 'Kraken's Mirror' by Christmas and then get myself some new goggles LOL

Well done Lady, I salute you!
The Queen of steam-punk has arrived .... through a portal! *smile*

Kim said...

I've been waiting seems like forever for this book! Loved the Kraken Mirror and I'm sure this will join that list. Best of luck Maureen.

Kathleen Ann Gallagher said...

Congratulations on another amazing story, Maureen! Can I join the party?

The new outfit is stunning!

hal said...

Congratulations Maureen! So exciting - you're racking up the books now!!!!

Bosun said...

Whoohooo!!! Let's get this party going. The Pirate Circus will be dedicated to ME?? No way. *sniffles* You're going to make a pirate cry.

Other than knowing my daughter would top the list, I've never thought about writing dedications. I'm thinking I better focus on writing the books first. LOL! But The Revenge Crew would definitely get the mention. How could they not?!

Her sanity and their world are on the line. You sure like to raise those stakes!

Hellion said...

I totally think Sin should have shot someone; and it should have been someone wearing a red shirt!!

You dedicated your book to me? WHAT? *flattered and confused* Thank you. *drinks rum before she has to say anything else mushy*

Where were we? Oh, yes, book dedications. Dude, right now my book dedication is so long, the book itself is currently shorter.

Definitely the RWR crew--because you are the awesomest crew ever. Terri for being my personal cheerleader; Kat (an honorary pirate from way back) for believing in me first. Pam who will finally get to read something I actually finished into a final draft, but never doubted I could do it....

The list really goes on and on.

And about damned time this book came out!!!

2nd Chance said...

Quantum, I'm sure you would give Silvestri a run for his money with the luscious Emily! And I'm so flattered you find time in yer busy scientist schedule to read me books! Yer an inspiration all by yerself!

Kim - Welcome to the party! Does me heart good ta hear ya liked Emily's adventure...she gets mixed up in this next one, but the heart a' this book is Jezebel...or maybe Mick...

Have a bit a' Silvestri's Pleasure! I been squeezing the limes all by meself, though the kraken wanted ta help. But slime? Well, it don't go so well with sour apple pucker and rum...

2nd Chance said...

Kathleen! Welcome ta the party! Me little sailor dress was a kick ta buy and somewhere's there be a pic of the entire dress... I gots ta post the swag I be offering today on me blog, and I'll post the dress pic, too. Along with another exciting excerpt!

Hal - They be comin'! I 'spect we'll be seein' one from ya, soonest!

2nd Chance said...

Hellion - Ya welcomed me ta the ship, ya invited me ta blog, ya didn't boot me off when I blathered inta me new age best or stab me when I offered ya a hug... Course ya gets a dedication!

I like yer list a' who ya would thank... Like an oscar speech... Now, if'n I ever win a RITA...

QUIT LAUGHING!

...that's when I go on and on and on and on...

2nd Chance said...

Terrio - Ya know how much ya helped me... The Pirate Circus be all yers...

Now...who's up fer a mornin' kraken ride!?

Me, first!

Hellion said...

I would LOVE IT if you won a RITA! I'm not laughing! Hell, I'd be excited if you were nominated because that'd be awesome too.

Everyone needs a hug sometime.

Bosun said...

If I'm riding the Kraken, I'm wearing hip waders. That slime never did come out the last time.

Hellion said...

BTW, thought it was hilarious that the Kraken was doing yoga....

Donna said...

*stumbles in, clutching towel*

Sorry I'm late. The massage was . . .longer than I anticipated. Whoever trained those Hotties. . . *fans face*

Congrats, Maureen. You're a one-woman publishing empire! I adore the pic of you in your sailor dress and hat -- so much joy shining in that smile. :) Here's to tons more adventures to share.

2nd Chance said...

*blushes

I know what I'd wear ta the RITAs...even polish up me tricorn!

Terrio - Ya shoulda asked fer the slime be gone! I gots buckets a' the stuff!

Hey! Grab the towel! Grab the towel!

I tried ta post a pic of the whole dress on me personal blog, but not sure it's showing up... Someone go check? http://maureenobetita.com/blogslinks

Phaedra said...

Congrats! whoot!

Kimberly Meyer said...

You guys crack me up! I wish I could talk pirate, but I can barely speak English so...

Congrats Maureen! I'm so excited for you!

2nd Chance said...

Ahoy! Phaedra! Welcome aboard a member a' me local RWA chapter! I KNOW you wanta ride the kraken!

Kimberly...yer cohort (did I spell that right? Who cares!) wants ta open a tattoo parlor in Tortuga... Think she'll fit in?

And thank ya!

2nd Chance said...

Hello? Wow, shortest party...ever.

Fine, all the kraken rides be mine!

Hellion said...

Maybe the Kraken dumped some of the riders in the ocean??

2nd Chance said...

He wouldn't do that...though it can be tricky to hold onto him when he gets all slimy...

Is that where everyone is? Getting a massage? Man, I could use one a' those...

Donna said...

There was a long line in the massage area. . .

Hellion said...

People could have wandered off to see the commercial where George Clooney gets married. That is a distracting commercial! I could watch it 2, 3, 708 times.

2nd Chance said...

Hmmm...must find this commercial...

Janga said...

Congratulations on another new book, Chance! May it find its readers and may they be numerous as the stars that shine over a pirate's ship.

I don't know if you're on GoodReads, but I just this week posted reviews there for The Kraken's Mirror and "Something Different." I'm amazed at how quickly you're racking up books. Big cheers for you.

2nd Chance said...

Wow, thanks, Janga! I'll have to get over to Goodreads soon! I'm working on building a presence there, but it's all new territory for me, so I'm moving a little slow... But a good review from you means the world to me.

They were good...right? ;-)

Bosun said...

Oh, prizes!! Congrats Phaedra!

Bosun said...

Sorry, I had a meeting about a party. (Yes, it's that time of year again.) Since this is a Romance writers' pirate ship, I'm guessing all those massages have happy endings?

;)


Wow. I can only dream of a review from Janga. You're a lucky pirate, Chance!

2nd Chance said...

And my first winner for swag is... PHAEDRA! And what has she won?

*a tentacle rises from the deep and pulls the curtain back to reveal... A Holographic Pirate Bookmark!Congrats to Phaedra!

2nd Chance said...

Yeah, I feel like Sally Fields... "She likes me! She really, really likes me!"

2nd Chance said...

And now...my last sewing class is due to start. Must be off ship for awhile. Be nice to the kraken and he'll be nice to you!

Patricia Davis/Cait Clelland said...

[ducks under Kraken's tentacle and skids into bar, slipping on slime] That is one fetching dress, bartender! Just popped in to congratulate you on the new book and on the reviews too :oD Found a Kindle e-reader for my iPad and just need to figure out how to use it, so I'll soon be able to catch up with your amazing output.

Pat/Cait

Bosun said...

Welcome Pat/Cait. That was one graceful entrance!

I keep forgetting to say Chanceroo looked AWESOME in that dress. And the hat. That girl knows how to work a hat!

Quantum said...

Doesn't Phaedra claim her prize by drinking a yard of rum, or giving a recitation? No free lunches on pirate ships! Are there?

I like the cover for 'Chamelion Goggles'. That's pretty well how I envisaged Emily. But Who's the sinister looking guy?
I say never trust men with beards and a mustache! LOL

Also what's all this about PET SCIENTISTS *shock*
I've never met one of them!

Are 'steampunk' and 'piratepunk' synonyms or is the latter a subset of the former or vice versa or ..... Hell yer knows whats I means. *grin*

Di R said...

Congratulaions, Chance!!

This sounds like a rollicking ride of a book.

Di

Bosun said...

Is a Pet Scientist like a Pet Rock? I had one of those in the 70s.

It's always a ride with Chance, Di. She doesn't know any other way!

Bosun said...

Good Lord, she has Q talking in pirate speak. LOL!

That's Jezzie and Mick on the cover, Q. Emily had to drop to a secondary role in this one. Though I think she steals the scene quite often.

Irisheyes said...

Congrats, Chance!!!

You're really building up quite a presence! You're at Amazon, B&N, Goodreads. You're all over the web (with great reviews, I might add). That's totally awesome!!! You go girl!

P. Kirby said...

Go, Kraken, devour those critics! Nom, nom, nom.

Congrats on the new release. Here's hopin' for lots and lots of sales.

Bosun said...

She gets around, doesn't she Irish? LOL!

Pat - That Kraken is going to be fat and happy tonight.

2nd Chance said...

Pat/Cait - Don't worry, the slime don't stain.

(don't listen to Terrio...she just didn't rinse quickly enough!)

Sewing class was nice...had to recut a panel of the bolero because it were upside down. Somethin' I figured out after I'd attached it ta the back section. Sigh.

2nd Chance said...

Q - I...ahem...made up piratepunk. It be me individual genre...though I be hopin' it catch on!

Pet scientist? Did I say that? ;-)

Di R - Rollickin' be a right fine word... Thanks!

Terrio - Ya deserve a bookmark fer standin' by while I were off wit' needle and cantankerous sewin' machine!

Bookmark fer Terrio! No standin' on yer head from the yardarm, despite what Q wants ta see...

2nd Chance said...

IrishEyes? Really!? There be a buzz? No one told me? ;-)

Now, pirates, P Kirby want's ta run the bookstore in Tortuga...Sound good?

2nd Chance said...

Okay, goin' ta do another prize award... Drum roll, kraken!

And...it's Hellion! What do she win? A pin. My choice. I'll send it ta ya Cap'n!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Chance, CONGRATULATIONS on the new release! And may I say (without being forced to walk the plank), that's one mighty fine and ship shape title you've got there. Really intriguing, like the sight of a petticoat in the captain's cabin, arrrrr! And fill up me rum mug, you lubbers!!! I have a book launch to celebrate!!!!

Waving madly to the rest of the crew! x

Oh, no, pirates don't get kisses!

Demi Spawn said...

Congratulations Chance!
A toast!
May You, the Kraken , Emily and the motley crew of the Cursed Quill have a successful journey into the publishing world! Here’s to piratepunk & the pirates that love reading ‘n live to write.
Cheers!

Demi Spawn? Ooooh yeah, Demi Spawn me isn't it? That's short for Demon. Or so SIN , who calls me both a demon & short, says. Not that I Agree on either count ....

Julie says Congratulations too!

Caren Crane said...

Congratulations on the release, Chance. It sounds fabulous! What a piratey good time you've written there - there should be loads more pirate books. Argh and ahoy, me matey, I'm off to check out the Kindle version!

2nd Chance said...

Anna! Welcome aboard, ya wiley banditta! The title? Well, it actually has good reason ta be what it 'tis... And ya can sing ifn' ya want ta, really!

Demi...Julie...what's the diff? Thanks fer stoppin' by...and love yer toast!

Caren - Ya do me heart good...ta hear ya be kindlin' fer the book...

*groan!

I pun-ished meself on this one!

suzanne ferrell said...

Maureen!! Love the new book and the new hat! I'm forwarding theblog URL to my daughter who not only loves pirate romances but writes steampunk, too!

Congrats!!

2nd Chance said...

Thanks, Suzanne! I really enjoy the entire steampunk genre. Especially the costumes! Hee, hee.

Piratepunk is close to steampunk...just more pirates, less steam...

Thanks fer payin' a visit!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

AHOY Revengers!!

WOO HOO, Chance! SUPER CONGRATS on the release of your new book!

Piratepunk you say? Less steam? I'm all for it, esp. since steam makes Aunty's hair frizz. :-P

Pass me a tankard of rum so I can toast to your success! Hope you sell a gazillion copies!

AC

Bosun said...

I love it when the Banditas invade! Had to take kiddo....err....my little gypsy to the dance then bummed around for a couple hours. Lovely Friday night!

Thanks for the bookmark! Whoot!!!

2nd Chance said...

Hey, Auntie! Hope the valley is treating you well. We be fog bound, which leads me ta believe that the valley may be warm???

Rum! Let's have a round...or three!

Terrio - Yer little gypsy looked fabulous!

Jo Robertson said...

Whooo hoooo, Maureen! Super congratulations on the release of your book. This sounds like a good one!

2nd Chance said...

I sure hope so, Jo! Here, have some rum! Or tequilla...I've been hankerin' fer tequilla lately...

;-)

Tequilla and kraken rides...I be a little worried 'bout me state a' mind...

Nancy Northcott said...

Maureen, sorry to be so late to the party! I hope you saved me some rum.

Congrats on your new release!

Jeanne AKA The Duchesse said...

Hey Chancie!!! CONGRATS!!! i too am sorry to be late to the party. There is NOTHING like a party on the Good Ship Revenge.

Ya'll ROCK! Raising my glass to you, m'dearie and singing along with the Yo'Ho Band!

Nope, no more rum for me. I've already been a'celebratin' too much tonight. *hic*

So looking forward to this latest Kraken tale...

2nd Chance said...

Nancy and Duchesse - We never run outta rum! The new Tortuga Liquor Barn is HUGE!

Thanks fer comin' by!

2nd Chance said...

It's Saturday, and I'm giving out another prize! Auntie, come on down! You won the pirate haiku book! Be sending it ta you!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

YIPEE!!!

I LURVE me some haiku, pirate or otherwise! ;-)

AC

2nd Chance said...

I love this little book...I hope you enjoy it! ;-)

Pat/Cait...yer next and have won a wee bit a' a pirate pin!

T.t. Miller said...

oh man! Where the heck have I been? I was looking for this, didn't find it so I assumed it hadn't been released yet. Sigh. Just bought it!

2nd Chance said...

Must a' been lookin' in the wrong places! Thanks T.t.