Jaye Wells's Blog, page 19

TGIF, my doves! This Friday is especially awesome because tonight Mr. Jaye and I have a date. Not just any old dinner-and-a-movie date, either–a cooking class date! My sweet husband signed us up to learn how to make tapas. Then we're going to go meet some friends for the Chinese New Year celebration in downtown Dallas. Fun, right?

You know what else is fun? Quizes and awesome reviews.

1. Over at Orbit's blog, my delightful UK editor has posted a fun quiz about Kick-Ass Urban Fantasy heroines. I think it will make the perfect Friday doldrums diversion for you. Find it here.

2. Yesterday, I received what is probably the best review of my work to date. Seriously.

This was very close to being a perfect novel: relentless pacing, impressively thick storyline, extraordinary characters and character development, and outstanding realm building with a healthy dose of irreverence and an undeniably profound existential undertone to it all. I loved this book – Silver-Tongued Devil was an author at the very top of her game writing a novel in a series on the verge of greatness. –Paul Goat Allen of BN.com on SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL

You can find the rest of the write-up at the B&N Explorations Blog.

I don't know about you guys, but I can't think of a better way to wrap up a week. Happy reading!

It is Thursday and Sammy the Shame Sloth has slowly retreated to his tree limb of doom. He'll return some day when someone needs some shaming. Something tells me it won't be long.

Before we get to my Craft Thursday post, I have a couple of cool things to share.

First, I finally posted the soundtrack to SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL. If you click on "Extras" above, you'll find links to all the soundtracks for the series thus far. Please note, though, that you need iTunes to access them.





January 19, 2012

 

Also, the awesome readers at Fresh Fiction voted SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL the Fresh Pick for today. Sabina's been called a lot of things, but "fresh" is typically an adjective used to describe Giguhl. Either way, I'm thrilled.

By the way, if you're an avid reader, you should check out their awesome newsletters to stay up to date on all the new releases in every genre. Those ladies know their business.

Now on to Craft Thursday.

So this week I tried something new that I thought all of you might find useful. Have you heard of Pinterest.com? It's an online vision board web site. You can create themed boards for any topic or theme your little creative heart desires. I have one for cool houses I want, gardening, fashion, books I've read and want to read, cool quotes and, most importantly, book inspirations.

I've been keeping a running board going with images that spark story ideas for me. Sometimes they're random images and sometimes they're a set of images that I've posted there for a proposal I'm actively working on. But a couple of days ago it occurred to me that I could use it to collage a book I've already written.

Background: Back in the olden days (four years ago), when I started writing RED-HEADED STEPCHILD, I decided to make a collage to help me visualize Sabina's world. The exercise was partially motivated by the fact I'm a pretty visual writer (I see the story like a movie in my head), but also because it was fun and I got to look at pretty pictures.

Back then I posted a bunch of pictures I'd cut out of magazines and printed off the internet to a big black poster board. Some of the images I chose on purpose and some were just cool snapshots that I liked the look of but didn't really know where they fit in the story (Inevitably they ended up in the story because the subconscious is a tricky genius).

But that was four years ago. You can imagine that this poor paper and glue-stick craft has not held up well in the pit that is my office. But then I realized I could just recreate the collage on Pinterest. Not only could I keep it for myself for posterity, but I could also share it with my readers as bonus content.

Maybe this all sounds too frou-frou to you. Maybe you consider yourself a real writer who doesn't need all this folderol and accessorizing to make your worlds feel real. But some of you might. Some of you are frustrated and feeling stuck. You're shoving words on the page just to say you wrote something. You're stuck.

You forgot to have fun.

Always remember Jaye's first rule of writing: If it ain't mostly fun, you're doing something wrong.

So shake things up. Try a collage (paper or virtual, your preference). Go to the drug store and stock up on random magazines and sit your butt on the floor and cut out anything that delights or intrigues you. Toss those bad boys on a piece of poster board. Don't be afraid to get glue on your hands. Don't be afraid to make a mistake. Don't worry about it making sense. Collage and exercises of its ilk are meant to bypass your rational mind and speak directly to the girls in charge. In my case the girls in charge look a lot like Thelma and Louise. They drive their convertible through my subconscious, shooting up the joint and having sex with alluring ideas that manifest in the form of Brad Pitt.

Anyway, the point is: Have some fun for chris'sakes! This is writing, not doing taxes or clipping your toenails or organizing your coupons. You're a badassed word slinger. A creator or worlds. A mother trucking god of the page who shoots word lightning from your fingertips.

And a badassed creator who slings word lightning can make a goddamned collage is she wants to!

If you're looking for ideas, feel free to check out my boards at Pinterest– HERE. But don't feel like you have to follow my example (lawd help you if you do). Let loose. Get freaky. But most of all, try to have some fun.

For more information about SOPA, please click HERE.

Pop quiz time!

Now hold on–don't go away. I promise there's no maths involved. But there may be cookies.

The Problem

Six months ago, Jimmy finished his first novel. He started writing it because he turned forty and god dammit it was time to shit or get off the pot. It took him nine months to write the first draft. Because Jimmy wanted to do this right, he also relied on a critique group to help him whip his Steampunk Western into shape. He didn't balk when they said his characterization was flat and his dialog stilted. He sat back down and did his best to remedy these issues. Then he asked his good friend, the English teacher, to help him hunt down typos and grammar issues. While he was working on revisions, he also diligently read books and blogs on publishing. He follows several agents and editors on twitter. He made lists of agents who rep his genre and editors looking for books like his. He's paid attention. He's done his homework.

Finally, the time came and he sent out ten query letters–perfectly formatted and error-free. He'd vetted his letter first, naturally. Much to his delight he actually gets a few requests for partials and even one for a full manuscript. He went to writing conferences and pitched in person even though it made his bladder feel like a bowling ball in his gut. More requests followed.

But then the rejections started rolling in. "… competent writing, interesting premise, but I just didn't fall in love." Soon his inbox is filled with Dear John, It's not you, it's your book letters. But he's a figher, this Jimmy. Every rejection is like waving a red flag at a bull. He digs his heels in, sends more queries.

Only to receive more rejections.

After six months, the bitterness starts to creep in. The disillusionment. Those idiots in New York wouldn't know a good book if it bit them in the ass! MY critique groups loved it! The agents who read it said it showed promise!

The quiz, my friends, is this: What should Jimmy do next?

A. Keep sending out queries–it only takes one yes!

B. Do more revisions. If it just keeps working on it, it'll get there!

C. Who needs New York? Jimmy should sell that glorious bastard of a book himself!

D. Why are you asking us stupid questions? I came here for answers.

While none of these choices are wrong, none of them is exactly right, either. The proper answer in my opinion (and yes, most writing advice is just the opinion of the answerer) is actually choice E.

Choice E goes like this: Jimmy needs to put that book in a metaphorical drawer and get to writing a new book.

But, but, but … Jaye he put so much work into that book. He did everything right! He researched and revised and, and, and …

Hush, my pets. I hear you. Writing the first book is tough business. The learning curve is steep. And when you manage to finish it and most of the feedback you hear is encouraging, it's easy to fool yourself into thinking your apprenticeship is complete.

It most emphatically is not.

When I finally got the call from my first agent–the one who eventually sold RED-HEADED STEPCHILD in a preempt–his first question to me was, "How many books have you written?"

I told him RHSC was my third completed novel.

His answer? I"m paraphrasing, but it was a lot like, "I thought so. You can always tell when someone has a few books under their belts."

I see some of you sneering. "It might have taken YOU three books, but it will only take me one. My mother said my first novel is genius."

No, honey, it's probably not anywhere near genius.

Look, I won't lie–I have several friends who sold their first novels. It does happen. But here's the dirty little secret: The minute you get a publishing contract you suddenly have several people expecting you do do a repeat performance on demand in front of an extremely critical audience with money on the line and potential legal repercussions if you fail.

So why not give yourself the gift of time to hone your craft before your throw yourself into the show? The struggles of the amateur–the dues paid–prepare you for being a professional. All those rejections and the critiques you need to mercilessly pursue prepare you for the slings and arrows of editors, reviewers and readers who do not love you and won't say nice things just to spare your feelings.

Besides, you may love that book now, but I guarantee that in five years you'll read it and wish someone had slapped you upside the head and stole it from you so you couldn't make an ass out of yourself.

Like I'm about to do.

To illustrate my point about first books, I thought I'd share you with you some samples from the first projects I ever attempted. My stomach is churning about this because I'm mortified. But then I reminded myself that I talk a lot about people allowing themselves to be a novice and these are merely early examples of my own apprenticeship mistakes. But feel free to point and laugh because they are, indeed, pretty embarrassing. But then that is the whole point of this exercise.

The first example is a novel I didn't complete (and you'll see why in a moment). It was supposed to be a historical romance, but I couldn't ever decide on a historical time period or country for the setting. Also? There are gypsies, which is why my working title was GYPSY WOMAN. Jesus.

Samantha sat at the table in front of Ila with a barely concealed grin on her face. The old gypsy was focusing on the tarot cards she was laying on the table in front of Sam. Why her maid insisted on this foolishness was beyond Sam. But she knew Ila meant well and plus it was kind of fun to pretend that the old woman's predictions might hold a grain of truth. Of course she knew that her fate was already sealed and that she had no choice in the matter. Focus on the reading, she told herself. Outside the tent she could hear the sounds of merriment. She listened to the sounds of tambourines and drums for a few second before Ila was ready to interpret the meaning of the cards on the table.

"I see a man," she said. "He has dark hair and light eyes. He is not what he seems."

"Well that's helpful," said Sam, ignoring Ila's look.

Ila drew in her breath sharply and smiled before she said, "My dear this second card is very lucky—it usually signifies true love."

Sam snorted and received another disgusted look.

Cue my own disgusted look. I want to go back in time so I can slap myself.  So far we begin with a huge swath of backstory, followed by cliches, ridiculous repetition of names, and completely anachronistic dialogue. I wrote this 11 years ago.

The second example is from the first book I ever completed, a projected titled THE ART OF LOVING A VAMPIRE. I wrote it in 2006 and received something like 20 rejections before I moved on. I'm so, so glad I did. To wit:

Sydney Worth muttered to herself as she climbed the ladder. A sadistic man must have invented high heels, she decided.

Three-inch heels weren't her first choice of footwear, but she didn't really have a choice. Two weeks earlier her boss had made a snide comment about her sensible flats. She loathed giving the man any more ammunition against her, thus the pointy-toed torture devices which currently clung to the tenth rung.

After she steadied herself, she used her glove-encased hands to straighten the frame of the Gainsborough landscape.

Most curators relied on maintenance staff to handle routine tasks like this, but not Sydney. The European gallery was her domain. She felt responsible for making sure it looked its best.

Besides, she liked getting out of her small office and spending time with the art. It calmed her. And with a boss like Marvin Stiggler, she needed all the calm she could get.

"Jorge, is it straight?" she called out to her assistant, who was supposed to be helping her.

Nothing.

She sighed impatiently.

"Damn it, Jorge, is it straight or not?"

"It looks pretty good from here," a deep, very un-Jorge-like voice responded. Her female parts went on red alert.

Every writerly instinct you have should be on red alert, along with Sydney's lady parts. This is shit. Better shit than the first example, but still pretty stinky. Not only do we see proof of why I abandoned the romance genre in favor of urban fantasy–I can't seem to resist horrible cliches and purple prose in romances–but also writing that is forced and self-conscious. I have no confidence in my voice as a writer here and thus relied on cliche and a "cute meet" to cover the obvious flaws. Now, I will say I seem to have worked out some of my pacing issues–not starting with dense block of text is a definite improvement. And there's a spark of … something here, but it's not good.

Now I'd like to share with you an example from SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL, which was written in 2011–six years after I wrote my first completed novel.

Blue lights flashed off the undersides of leaves. Off the tall brick buildings. Off the stoic faces of New York's finest. The cops formed a tight circle around a tarp-covered body next to a Dumpster. Its lid gaped open like the mouth of a shell-shocked witness.

After three months on a steady diet of bagged blood, the aroma of a fresh human kill hooked me by the nose and dragged me toward the crime scene. The humans around me could smell the stink of trash and acid rain and gritty city. But they couldn't detect the coppery scent that made my fangs throb against my tongue.

Delicious. Seductive. Forbidden.

Bright yellow police tape cordoned off the entrance to the park. Spectators gathered in a tight clutch on the sidewalk along Central Park West. Their morbid curiosity clung to their faces like Greek tragedy masks.

I shouldn't have paid any attention. I shouldn't have stopped. And I definitely shouldn't have pushed my way to the front of the crowd.

But the blood called to me.

What a difference six years makes, right? Whether or not this is your cup of tea writing-wise, I think the improvement over previous attempts is pretty obvious. I'm comfortable in my own words now. You might notice that unlike the previous tow examples, this excerpt is in first person pov. I didn't figure out that it was the most natural POV for me until my second completed novel, which I called my close-but-no-cigar book because it got a ton of requests and positive feedback but ultimately failed to win over any editors.

Looking back, I can see the trajectory of my writing skills clearly. With each book I learned new things about my writing and myself as a writer. I needed time to play and experiment without constraint. And like it or not, the instant you land that golden egg of a contract your choices become limited.

So, please, grasshopper, don't force it. Foster patience. Give yourself permission to be a novice. Put that first book aside and write something else–or better, several somethings else. After you've done it awhile you can decide if you want to go down the yellow brick road to a Legacy publishing contract or go your own way. But not now. Now you need to keep the faith and give yourself time. Trust me, it'll pay off in spades down the road.

Happy 2012, my doves! I'm so excited to get this year started. I've got a new book out, some new proposals in the pipeline and I'm ready to kick some ass. How about you?

In the spirit of ass-kicking I have a couple of news items for you:

1. My good friend and colleague Anton Strout runs an awesome podcast for Fantasy and Science Fiction folk called the Once and Future Podcast. He asked me to be his first victim for 2012 and we had a surprisingly deep conversation about the writing life. Anton's also giving away a copy of SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL to one listener. Check it out here.

2. I have two book signings planned this week at my favorite independent book stores onthe planet. The first is at A Real Bookstore in Fairview, TX this Friday at 7 p.m. The second is at Murder by the Book in Houston on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., where I'll be signing with Martha Wells and Kimberly Frost. It should be a blast! If you're not near these stores, fear not! You can contact either one and preorder a personalized copy ahead of time. See their sites for contact information.

I know you're all wondering if I have New Year's Resolutions. The truth is, I do, in fact, have many. I originally shared them on twitter, but I will reshare them here for posterity.

Jaye's Top 11 (that's right, 11) Resolutions for 2012

Resolution #11 for 2012: Finally take a stab at a Choose Your Own Erotic Amish Adventure novels. CHURNING JEDEDIAH'S BUTTER will be huge.

Resolution #10 for 2012: Start calling yourself a "Cultural Icon." If you repeat it while rocking in the fetal position it will come true.

Resolution #9 for 2012: Pick up Kool-aid from Walmart. Start a cult.

Resolution #8 for 2012: Enough posing. Commit to your research. That's right, it's time to finally kill a man.

Resolution #7 for 2012: Chase more trends. Dare to be derivative!

Resolution #6 for 2012: Finally bite the bullet and hire a helper monkey. I will name him Jasper.

Resolution #5 for 2012: Lose five lbs. of adverbs.

Resolution #4 for 2012: Every time I get a one-star review, I will parade around my neighborhood in a sash declaring me "Queen of Sucktown."

Resolution #3 for 2012: Turn every book signing into a surprise Reader Fight Club.

Resolution #2 for 2012: Write the first urban fantasy told totally in haiku.

Resolution #1 for 2012: Start a literary feud with Chuck Wendig.

As you can see it's going to be a busy year. What are your resolutions besides "read more Jaye Wells books"?

Happy last Friday of 2011! I'm just dropping by for a quick sec between party prep, proof reading and house cleaning to let you guys in on some cool news. Orbit, my publisher, has decided to celebrate the release of SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL by putting my first book, RED-HEADED STEPCHILD, on sale.

From now until the end of January, RHSC is going for only $2.99 in all ebook formats. That's right, my doves. I know many of you probably have already read the first books–if not, why the heck are you hanging out at my blog?–but maybe you have a mother or a friend or an enemy who hasn't discovered the joys of magepires and Mischief demons. I'm not saying your loved ones and enemies are cheap, but if they were $2.99 is a bargain in any format. I'm just sayin'.

Go to the Orbital Drop page to find out how to take advantage of this awesome deal.

Also, don't forget that the official launch of SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is January 1. Won't it be special when you wake up hung over and covered in shame sweat on Sunday morning, to find a fresh STD on your ereader? I've said enough.

I'll see you all in 2012. Until then, party hard, don't let your friends drive drunk and always wear a helmet.

I don't know about you guys, but I am still nursing my holiday hangover. Between the sugar and carbs and nog and all that togetherness, I need a major detox and to sleep for a week.

Alas, time waits for no woman. In addition to starting prep for the Wells New Years Blow Out, I've also got a new book out. Oh, yes, my friends. SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL, while not officially releasing untiL January 1, is hitting lots of shelves and shipping pallets this fine day. Tuesday is kind of the unofficial new release day for most book stores and some online retailers, so enterprising readers might be able to find a copy.

If not, fear not, never fear, because it will be out everywhere January 1. It amuses me, for example, that e-reader owners will wake up on New Years Day with fresh STDs on their Nooks and Kindles.

Here's the skinny on SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL:

CHAPTER ONE Excerpt

Blue lights flashed off the undersides of leaves. Off the tall brick buildings. Off the stoic faces of New York's finest. The cops formed a tight circle around a tarp-covered body next to a Dumpster. Its lid gaped open like the mouth of a shell-shocked witness.

After three months on a steady diet of bagged blood, the aroma of a fresh human kill hooked me by the nose and dragged me toward the crime scene. The humans around me could smell the stink of trash and acid rain and gritty city. But they couldn't detect the coppery scent that made my fangs throb against my tongue.

Delicious. Seductive. Forbidden.

Bright yellow police tape cordoned off the entrance to the park. Spectators gathered in a tight clutch on the sidewalk along Central Park West. Their morbid curiosity clung to their faces like Greek tragedy masks.

I shouldn't have paid any attention. I shouldn't have stopped. And I definitely shouldn't have pushed my way to the front of the crowd.

But the blood called to me.

—

SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL

Official Release Date: January 1, 2012

Pre-order from Amazon, B&N, Indiebound.org

Description:

Now that the threat of war has passed, Sabina Kane is ready to focus on the future. Her relationship with Adam Lazarus is getting stronger and she's helping her sister, Maisie, overcome the trauma of her captivity in New Orleans. Even Giguhl is managing to stay out of trouble thanks to the arrival of Pussy Willow and his new roller derby team. But as much as Sabina wants to feel hopeful about the future, part of her doesn't trust that peace is possible.Her suspicions are confirmed when a string of sadistic murders threaten to stall treaty negotiations between the mages and the vampires. Sabina pitches in to find the killer, but her investigation soon leads her down dark paths that have her questioning everyone she thought she could trust. And the closer she gets to the killer, the more Sabina begins to suspect this is one foe she may not be able to kill.

Hello, my elves! It occurred to me this morning that I totally forgot to post the winners to my super awesome roller derby Christmas contest. Guess who's getting coal in her stocking. Anyway, with Spawn's help, I have handled the drawing and the choosing and am excited to announce the winners.

Jennifer Kupiec won the random drawing based on a number supplied by Spawn.

Now for the winner of the best Roller Derby name (chosen by moi). Even though many of you suggested names that made me laugh out loud, the winner is Stephanie! She submitted so many greta names I couldn't resist based ont hese suggestions: Lucille Brawl, Sookie Skankhouse, Buffy Bloodshed/ Buffy Bloodlust, Banshee Bloodshed, Crimson Death, Mistress Merlin, Countess Chocula, & Beelzebub's Bitch. Awesome, right?

Jennifer and Stephanie, please email ASAP and we'll see about getting copies of SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL to you ASAP jaye (at) jayewells (dot) com.

For everyone else, fear not. It's only a week or so until you can get your own copies. And I'm guessing a lot of you probably asked Santa for gift cards for the holidays, so everyone wins!

Big news over the weekend, friends! The wizard of paranormal fantasy reviewing, Paul Goat Allen, revealed his Best Paranormal Fantasy of 2011 list. I am thrilled to report that GREEN-EYED DEMON made the cut. It's also exciting to be included on a list made of so many good friends and genre icons. Special shout-outs to fellow Leaguer of Reluctant Adult members Nicole Peeler, Kevin Hearne, Kat Richardson, J.F. Lewis and Kelley Meding.

Paul said that the releases of 2012 are going to have a hard time competing with the books on this list. But since I have two books coming out next year, I'm hoping we'll be able to convince him otherwise.

I do, however, think that we'll see some evolution happening in the genre over the next few years. Like Paul mentioned there's been a lot of derivative work being published–a natural course of events whenever any genre takes off–and even established authors will need to bring something new going forward. I'd love to see more male writers and protagonists. Kevin Hearne is making a big name for himself and I hope to see more dudes bringing new blood. But I also think we'll see different types of heroines and innovative genre alchemy happening in regards to world and plotting.

Speaking of 2012 releases, don't forget to enter the contest to win one of two copies of SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL here. The contest ends December 15!

Since it's the season of giving, I started thinking about how I could give a little something back to my readers this year. After all, you guys are the reason I do this.*

And I decided the best thing I could do was ensure that a couple of my loyal readers got early copies of SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL in time for Christmas.**

But that's not all…

This week I got a big box of SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL from the UK. My publisher decided to upgrade the packaging this time, so the format of the book is closer to a trade paperback with heavier stock paper. I know I'm biased but these copies are freaking gorgeous.***

And two of you are going to win them.

I've placed a copy of the UK version next to a normal mass market edition of GREEN-EYED DEMON for comparison. Two things about this picture: First, GED is not a part of this give-away, it's simply for size comparison purposes. Second, I love that it looks like giant Sabina is about to pistol whip tiny Sabina while Santa looks on.

Some of you might recall me talking about how STD**** has a subplot about Giguhl coaching a dark races Roller Derby team called the Manhattan Marauders. So in that spirit, everyone who enters the contest must come up with their own paranormal-themed roller derby name.

To get your creative juices flowing here are some examples from the book: Stankerbell (a fae), Bitch N Heat (werewolf), Scarlet O'Scare-a and Betty Bloodshed (both vamps).

Also, there's an international registry of roller derby names (no two players are allowed to have the same name), which you can use to jog your imagination. Warning: I will be checking your entries against this list so please don't just pull a name from it and put it in comments. The point is to have fun and come up with a paranormal twist.

How it will work:

One copy of STD will be awarded to a randomly chosen entrant. The other will go to the person who comes up with the best paranormal roller derby name. You have until midnight (EST) on December 15 to enter. This contest is only open to U.S. readers so I can get the copies to the winners by Christmas.

Now get busy!

*What? You thought it was the million-dollar advances and the cabana boy rider in my contracts? Don't make me cut you.

** Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can still receive presents from Santa Jaye.

***FWIW,  the mass market versions will also be sexy beasts, but I simply have not received those copies yet. The point of this contest is to make sure the winners have copies before the holidays and the only way that's possible is to give away these copies.

**** The burning you'll experience reading this book doesn't require penicillin–because it's the burn of PURE AWESOMENESS.