Cosa Nostradamus F.A.Q. (updated 2/2013)
What is the Cosa Nostradamus?
It’s the name given to the entire magical community – Human Talent and non-human ‘fatae.’ Also the all-encompassing name for the books set in the world of the Cosa Nostradamus, including the Retrievers and P.S.I series.
What are fatae?
The fatae are any creatures of supernatural origins, specifically those who are made of or utilize magic in some way. Most people assume it simply refers to the Fates, but the term “Fairies” (fate or fata) comes from the Latin fatae — which in the wider use of the word simply meant supernatural creatures with nature-associations. The Fates (in English) were merely one aspect of that supernatural world (and they were actually “Moiare” in Greek, and “Parcae” in Roman mythology, I think). The Italian tradition of the fairy tale is one of the oldest, and had the added advantage (to me) of not being Celtic. I wanted to stay away from the Anglo interpretations of mythology, since the point of the Cosa Nostradamus is that it is worldwide, and ancient.
Is there a glossary of terms/people?
There is, thanks to Bethany, a Very Organized Reader: http://cosanostradamus.wikispaces.com/Glossary and http://cosanostradamus.wikispaces.com/Characters
How many books are in the Cosa Nostradamus universe, and do you need to read them in order?
There are six (6) books (STAYING DEAD, CURSE THE DARK, BRING IT ON, BURNING BRIDGES, FREE FALL and BLOOD FROM STONE), all featuring Wren Valere, the Retriever, and her cohorts Sergei Didier and the demon P.B.
After that, there are four (4) books featuring Bonnie, the paranormal investigator introduced in the Retriever novels (HARD MAGIC, PACK OF LIES, TRICKS OF THE TRADE and DRAGON JUSTICE.
There will also be two novellas in 2013, MILES TO GO and PROMISES TO KEEP, featuring the half-faun PI Danny Hendrickson
It’s not necessary to read the books in order, but I generally suggest that you do, in order to get a real sense for the growth of the characters. Also, I do refer back to events in previous books. You can start with either series; they are independent of each other. The short stories can be read in any order.
Wait, wait! Short stories?
There are two short stories featuring Wren and Sergei — “Overrush” [Murder by Magic] and “Palimpsest” [Powers of Detection]. “Overrush” deals with wizzarts, while “Palimpsest” is about what happens when someone tries to double-cross a Retriever. “Illumination” [Unusual Suspects] features Bonnie and her mentor, Joseph. Plus, there’s “Inferno,” featuring the demon P.B., and “Dusted,” following a half-faun PI through the mean streets of NYC after a human runaway. They’re all available in e-format “Stories of the Cosa Nostradamus” from Smashwords.
There are two more stories coming in 2013, one featuring the PSI crew, and the other focusing on Rorani, the Dryad of Central Park (titles to come).
Bonnie and her crew are called PUPIs (Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigators, but the series is called PSI (Paranormal Scene Investigations). Why?
Purely a marketing decision on the part of my publisher. While the name of the team was established in the earlier books, when it came time for Bonnie and crew to get their own books, “PUPI” didn’t look quite so good on a subtitle.
Are there any vampires in the Cosa Nostradamus?
No. I reserve the right to have something exist on blood, but there are no vampires as such. Why? Because there aren’t. There was a passing reference to lycanthropes, although none ever show up.
The books are published by Luna, which is a romantic fantasy imprint. Are these books romances?
In the purest genre sense, not really. There’s sexual content, occasionally, and relationships being built up and torn down and built up again as the characters grow and learn, but if you’re looking for a Happily Every After every time… well, no.
Is Bonnie (from the PSI series) bisexual?
Yes, and quite comfortable with it. That wasn’t planned, but her character developed that way, from the very first short story (“Illumination”). Yes, at the end of Dragon Justice she’s with a male partner, and no, you can’t assume that’s where she’ll stay….
How many books in the Cosa Nostradamus universe will there be?
As many as I get to write! For the moment, there are the six Retriever novels, four PSI books, the above-mentioned short stories, and two novellas featuring Danny Hendrickson, the half-faun PI (probable publication dates: 2013)
Do the characters from one series cross over into the other?
Quite often, actually. When you run in the same magic-circles….
Do you “cast” any of your characters?
Not really – they’re all very much their own people – but I’ve decided that I’d love to have Anna Belknap play Wren. and, apparently, Timothy Hutton was the type-model for Danny (I had to have this pointed out to me. Hah!)
Are there e-books/audiobooks available?
Luna makes e-books of each title available in multiple formats along with the print editions. You can download them directly from eHarlequin.com, or your preferred ebook retailer There are audio versions of the Retriever books available now, via Audible.
How do you feel about fanfiction?
I think that fanfiction is a wonderful thing, an expression of affection on the part of the fan-writer. I also think that anyone writing Cosa fan fiction should never show it to me, for various technical and legal reasons I have no control over (talk to the lawyers, who can’t seem to agree on what qualifies ‘defense of copyright.’)
Also? Being demon, PB doesn’t have a sex drive. Sorry, folks.
Is there ever going to be a plush version of P.B.?
As soon as I find someone ho can make me a reasonable prototype, you betcha!
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