Thursday, 3 March 2011

Author's Animal Antics - Karen Mahoney + International Giveaway


Author's Animal Antics is a regular blog feature here at Feeling Fictional where I'm very excited to have some fantastic authors come and chat to us about their pets or share animal related stories.  I'm thrilled to introduce the lovely Karen Mahoney as my guest today...

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Feline Muses by Karen Mahoney

It’s so nice to be asked to write a blog post on something other than my book – it makes a change. Thank you, Sarah!

Sarah asked if I have any pets, to which I can proudly reply: yes! I have two cats, Felix and Logan, who are now six years old. We’ve had them since they were very tiny kittens, and they’re brothers… even though they don’t look it. They really are from the same litter…


Even though Felix (named because he’s always up to some kind of mischief) is considered by most people as ‘my baby,’ I also have a strong bond with Logan (named after Wolverine from the X-Men because of his long claws). Logan had to have one of his back legs amputated when he was three, after a terrible accident, but he has bounced back amazingly well. He’s such a fighter, so he definitely has the right name!

While he was recovering from his operation I was actually writing the very first draft of The Iron Witch, and Logan would lay behind me on the radiator so I could reach over and touch him every so often. I’m sure he helped me to write the book – I was even going to put him in the Acknowledgements, but I thought that was probably unfair to Felix. I couldn’t leave him out… ;)

Especially for Sarah and her blog readers, I dug out some of my old photos of “The Boys” (as we call them) from their life growing up as Mahoney Cats. Enjoy!


They both like to climb:


But that can get pretty exhausting…


The birds have to be very careful, too!


Although Christmas is always entertaining…


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Thanks so much for your lovely guest post Kaz, your boys are adorable!  I love their names too Felix looks just like the scamp in the adverts and I love the name Logan - it would suit my cat perfectly if she was a boy as she definitely has the Wolverine claws!  Thanks for letting me share these wonderful pictures :o)

Freak.

That's what they call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood at Ironbridge High School.  A horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child left Donna branded with iron tattoos that cover her hands and arms - and magically enhanced strength, that she does all she can to hide.

Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, Donna finally accepts her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie - the dark elves.  Aided by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must save her best friend's life - and that means betraying one of the world's greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family.

Karen Mahoney's debut novel The Iron Witch was released in the UK and the US in January and is the first book in her new Iron Witch series. This is a fantastic debut with a strong heroine and a very hot love interest and I would highly recommend you check it out.  You can read my full review of The Iron Witch here

Find out more about Karen and her work here - Website / Blog / Twitter

For more information about the Author's Animal Antics feature click here

Giveaway Details:

I loved this book so much that I bought an extra copy of the limited edition Waterstones version (with lovely gold shiny edges to the pages that match the cover perfectly) for a giveaway.  Kaz very kindly signed this extra copy for me at the RHCB blogger brunch

  • I'm keeping this giveaway really simple so all you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post for Kaz.
  • The giveaway is international so anyone can enter
  • You have until the 20th of March 2011 to enter and winner will be announced soon afterwards on my blog.
  • The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their address or a new winner will be chosen.
  • There are no extra entries for following or spreading the word but if you choose to do either I'll appreciate it :o)

62 comments:

  1. Man, my books to read list just keeps on growing. The Iron Witch sounds great! The limited edition looks beautiful too.

    And pets... I have two dogs... big dog & little dog. Pair of wollies they are. The big dog likes to chew on the little dogs head. She'll sit there for a little while and take it. Then, she'll get annoyed and bite the big dogs legs.

    Most amusing!

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  2. cuttee cats :) This cover is gorgeous. congrats on the novel, Mrs. Mahoney- it sounds amazing! cant wait to read it.

    Diana

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  3. I love cats. They are so magical, but I don't know why. Photos are perfect and I love first photo, so much. They were sleeping on photo. I had cats in past, too, but I haven't got cat now. Ale cover is gorgeous! :) I listin about this book, in past and I think, that it is amazing.

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  4. I'd love to win this book! I love cats, having 5 myself I can't help but smile when I see cat pictures :)

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  5. HA CATS ARE HILARIOUS!!!
    THANKS FOR THE CHANCE!!!

    ashtreygonesmokeya@yahoo.com

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  6. I would really love to win this book. The cover is beautiful and the story sounds soooooooooooo good :)

    meganmcdade2008@yahoo.co.uk

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  7. hahahahaha your cats are so funny! Loved them! XD My dogs are a little like them And thanks for the chance! :D

    sweet.sayumi@yahoo.com.br

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  8. I am soo excited for The Iron Witch!! Amazing giveaway. I love all the kitty pictures. Absolutely adorable :)

    kristen_babygurl@hotmail.com

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  9. Such cute pics!
    I'd love to read The Iron Witch. Sounds great!

    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

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  10. Those pictures were adorable. Plus Logan is such a cool name idea! Can't wait to read this book.


    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  11. I'd LOVE to read this! And that edition is just beautiful :D

    Thank you for the giveaway!
    entrelibros_blog at hotmail.com

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  12. I have been drooling over this book!
    rickimc[at]aol[dot]com

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  13. Her cats look so adorable! Liked the first and last photos especially.

    Thank you so much for opening this one internationally!!

    sauvadeavelle at yahoo dot com

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  14. I love to look at the cats since my sisters love them. But I'm such a poor girl girl coz I have this allergy to cats. =(

    thanks for the contest!

    darlyn225 at gmail dot com

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  15. I loved the pictures!
    I think this book cover is epic and I can't wait to read it.
    Stephanie
    thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com

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  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. I have memories of waking at my Aunties house and going downstairs, only to be suddenly attacked , out of nowhere, by a small furball that wanted to scratch me to death. This does not give a 5 year old a good impression of cats.
    No matter how many nice cats I've met since then, that made a lasting impression.
    This book is on my to buy list, and it's nearly at the top now, just 10 more books to go.

    natlovestoread[at]gmail[dot]com

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  18. Kaz - your cats are adorable - I can relate to how they are your babies :D
    Although I have my own copy of the book I would love to be included in the giveaway for the school library.
    Thank you
    asamum3@gmail.com

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  19. I loved this post! Kaz - your cats are just gorgeous. I love the Christmas tree picture. My black cat Georgie has a habit of pulling all the decorations off the tree and pinging them around the living room.

    Sarah - no need to enter me as I have a copy!

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  20. Karen, it's uncanny, the resemblance between your cats and mine—although mine are adopted brothers, not litter brothers. But talk a but twinnies—even down to the Christmas tree! And I have a copy of your book at work, waiting to be read... and My Boys and I contributed to the vet fees for a lovely young tabby who lost a leg... it's too strange!

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  21. Crap! I forgot to link to the pics of my boys:

    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=610723713&aid=176464

    J

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  22. Oh my god, how adorable are those cats?! I've said it a million times that I'm not much of a cat person, but seeing other people's beyond-cute cats all the time, I'm starting to waver on that..

    (no need to enter me in the comp, I already have a lovely signed copy of the book!)

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  23. Such a cuuute kittens :) I had to show these pictures to my grandma, because she adores cats. She loved the sleeping cat picture and so did I!

    Thanks for the giveaway, Sarah and Kaz.

    judittten at gmail dot com

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  24. Kaz, this kitties are adorable!

    The books sound great. I would love to read The Iron Witch.

    andreat78(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. I keep hearing so many wonderful things bout this book and the Waterstones special edition with the fancy edged paper looks lush!

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  26. Oh my goodness they are are soooo adorable! :)

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  27. Aww...They're super cute!
    I'd like to be included in the giveaway for three reasons:

    1. I've read great things about The Iron Witch. Lots of people are raving about it.

    2. Kaz is a very nice author! :)
    I first virtually met her through Deadline Dames. I won Guardian of the Dead and I emailed her. That's when I found out she has a book!

    3. I've been trying to get a copy of this for months! Sadly, The Iron Witch is not available in my country. The only way to get a copy right now is to win it!

    Thank you!

    precious_shusky@yahoo.com

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  28. I'm so happy to see so many great comments here, thank you! Also, it pleases me to know there are other people out there as crazy over cats as I am... ;)

    Cheers,
    Kaz

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  29. Aww your cats are adorable!
    Logan looks just like my brothers cats!
    I have 4 pet rats, they are my babys... I couldn't live without them now but I don't think they'd get on with your boys somehow! x

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  30. Now I wish I could have cat! Your cats are really cute! Sadly though I have allergies so I could never get any furry and fluffly pets. =[

    I've heard so much about The Iron Witch and saw soo many good reviews. I can't wait to read it!

    af.love78(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. Your cats are cute. I think when I'm old I'll probably be a cat lady. :) I like this post because it's not just about a book.

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  32. My aunt has a cat named Remengarda (it's actually a silly name in portuguese :P) and when I went there this year on Christmas day to drop the gifts, the cat climbed onto the tree and it fell down. It scared everyone! But she is very cute. They found her on the street and took care of her, so she's actually kinda scared of humans. But still cute and gentle.

    I wish I could have a cat, but I live in an apartment and my other cousin is horribly allergic to cats and she spends lots of time in my house, so it would be quite inconvenient. :P

    mika.apostrophe@gmail.com

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  33. Cute Cats !! i used to have cats around my house but no more since i became pregnant couple years ago.

    And i've been wanting to read this book !!

    uniquas at ymail dot com

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  34. Thanks for the chance!

    I have 2 cats running around here too. Not from the same litter. But funny enough the same colors as both of yours.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  35. Aww this makes me miss my cat terribly- he lives with my sister now since I had to move somewhere where they don't allow pets.

    Just have to say also that the cover of that limited edition version is absolutely stunning! Wish they had Waterstones here too!

    absolutelybooked at gmail dot com

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  36. This was such a cute post! It makes me want a kitten even more (darn you apt complex and your no pets rule)!!

    I absolutely LOVED this book. I
    didn't know they even had a special edition (it looks awesome by the way) I would love a signed copy!! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!

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  37. This book sounds undeniably intriguing!!! Sounds tantalisingly unique and innovative - something that is hard to come by!

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  38. Awww such cute cats! They look like they have lots of energy!
    Thanks for the giveaway
    booksforcompnay @gmail.com

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  39. I love any story that's fairy related and would really enjoy a chance to read this book. I have a Bengal cat named Tiger Lily (Lily for short) who sleeps with us at night and considers us part of her pride...

    A signed book is a real treat!

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  40. Sounds like an awesome read!

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  41. Lovely cats! I have three and I am definitely a cat person!
    Your book is on my wishlist after reading lots of great reviews and a SIGNED edition would be more than great!

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  42. Iron Witch is one of my anticipated reads this year! And those cats are SO cuute!! :D

    girlaboutbooks@gmail.com

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  43. Loving the pictures, the cats are so cute. Really wanting to read the iron witch to!

    vampiredreams747@hotmail.co.uk

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  44. I'm not normally a cat-lover, but yours look adorable! This was a very fun post =)


    I'd love to win a signed copy of The Iron Witch

    babblingbookworm@hotmail.com

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  45. OOooo ... cuteness overload!

    I'd love to play for a copy of The Iron Witch please. Thanks!

    lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  46. Really cute cats! I like their names and the reason why they were given to them.
    I'd like to have cats too, but I'm very busy , so I couldn't take care of them. They are adorable just like babies.

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  47. Personally I'm not a cat-lover but those cats made me want to have one. They are so cute and cuddly.

    Great Giveaway! Love to read the book!

    clarissa.bulatao at yahoo.com

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  48. Would love to read this book!! Looks fantastic!!
    l.pridige@sky.com

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  49. the iron witch sounds great! Great giveaway. thanks for making it international :)

    email: camilleanne_angel@yahoo.com.ph

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  50. The cats are so cute!!!Especially the grey one! I would love to win this book! Beautiful cover by the way!

    vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com

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  51. Your cats are so cute!
    The black and white one looks like my cat Tíffany :)

    I can't wait to read The Iron Witch. I LOVE that cover!

    thais_rpc(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  52. Aww, adorable cats!

    I can't wait to read The Iron Witch! Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

    mizzbookworm@gmail.com

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  53. Great interview; although reading about the writing process is always really interesting, it's nice to learn about another aspect of an author is nice - especially when it involves two such adorable kittens!
    Also, great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win! X

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  54. Hi from France :)

    Thank you so much for this giveaway and for making it international :)

    Huge thanks for this "interview". I love cats, I also have two, one is black and the other is tabby :)

    Kaz's cats are very cute and I really love the pictures. They look so close together <3

    I haven't read the Iron Witch yet but your version is really really beautiful !

    Good luck to everyone :) (even if i hope to win ^^)

    Thanks again for this giveaway.

    Lilie
    xo

    PS : I hope this message was understable, it's a bit difficult for me to write in english, even if I read nearly all my books in English.

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  55. What a pair of cats you have!! THey must really keep you on your toes! I can't wait to read this book. The cover is beautifula nd it sounds wonderful.

    megankyser at gmail dot com

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  56. Fun post. I got a much better feel for the book than what I read on goodreads. Fey war and high school...I can't wait to read. Thanks for the giveaway. Amy @ bookgoonie(at)yahoo

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  57. This book sounds so wonderful. I can't believe I'm only now hearing about it! Thank goodness for bloggers! And, the kitties are so adorable.

    andreat78@yahoo.com

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  58. Those kitty pictures nearly killed me, they're so cute!

    I envy the notion of inspirational pets. Mine are anything but. As I type this Gollum has decided to curl up on my hand, as I type, and is purring for emphasis.

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  59. DYING to read this book! The cover is amazing too!! :D

    msKpopper@yahoo.com

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  60. That post was so cute! Thanks for sharing it! And thank you so much for the giveaway! I love the cover.

    locketstories(@)gmail(dot)com

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  61. Thanks to everyone who has entered the giveaway, I've really enjoyed reading all of your comments!

    The giveaway is now closed and I will be announcing the winner tomorrow. You're still welcome to post a comment but you will no longer be entered into the giveaway :o)

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