Thomas Jast's Blog, page 2
August 14, 2017
TV shows have some damn fine writing
As no one once said, "TV shows are my favourite things to read."
But, really, though, TV has come a long way. While things like comedy haven't improved since Married With Children, then subsequently Arrested Development, drama has evolved leaps and bounds since the 90s.
I'm currently watching "Ozark" on Netflix and this is the type of thing I would love in book form. Fast-paced, consistent, non-annoying suspense and a weird cast of characters. It's not flashy, it's not preachy, and it makes me realize that evil people need love, too.
But, really, though, TV has come a long way. While things like comedy haven't improved since Married With Children, then subsequently Arrested Development, drama has evolved leaps and bounds since the 90s.
I'm currently watching "Ozark" on Netflix and this is the type of thing I would love in book form. Fast-paced, consistent, non-annoying suspense and a weird cast of characters. It's not flashy, it's not preachy, and it makes me realize that evil people need love, too.
August 9, 2017
Reading on tiny devices?
As the old saying goes, "The best camera is the one you have with you." I think this is happening in the reading world now as well, as I've now grown accustomed to using the Kindle app on my phone instead of a dedicated Kindle Paperwhite or even a mid-size tablet. I even like the entire "I just used my damn thumb to swipe change pages while the other hand holds my Pepsi" concept. I think I'm turning into techno redneck.
I find myself reading *more* since I can do it in short bursts and with maximum convenience. Anyone else doing the same?
I find myself reading *more* since I can do it in short bursts and with maximum convenience. Anyone else doing the same?
July 24, 2017
Giveaways & Interviews, oh my!
Everyone's busy reading, so I'll keep this short. Lots going on lately, so let me share some of that with all of you!
Enter this giveaway to get one of 3 Exit Strategies paperbacks, autographed with love from yours truly!
Goodreads' Exit Strategies Giveaway!
My interview with Vania Rheault!
Interview!
My interview with Aila Stephens!
Interview Q&A!
Enter this giveaway to get one of 3 Exit Strategies paperbacks, autographed with love from yours truly!
Goodreads' Exit Strategies Giveaway!
My interview with Vania Rheault!
Interview!
My interview with Aila Stephens!
Interview Q&A!
July 11, 2017
Exit Strategies is out!
Exit Strategies is now available in paperback and Kindle.
The Alex Aberdeen drought is over! Experience the touchy-feely romance and revenge of everyone's favourite sociopathic office worker. It'll stab you right in the feels!
I hope you all enjoy it and I look forward to your reviews and comments.
The Alex Aberdeen drought is over! Experience the touchy-feely romance and revenge of everyone's favourite sociopathic office worker. It'll stab you right in the feels!
I hope you all enjoy it and I look forward to your reviews and comments.
July 3, 2017
Summer writing update: "Derrick Must Die"
Finallllllly started on the long-awaited joint project "Derrick Must Die" with fellow writer and long-time bestie Vito Andrews! It's a book about two friends finding an old, near-mythical classmate for their high school reunion. Small wrinkle in the plan... they have a childhood bet that Derrick would be dead at either 32 or 33 years old. The clock is ticking!
It's so strange writing in the summer... writing *outdoors* like some sort of early wood-chopping settler or something. I'm doing everything differently because this book demands it. The goal of the book is to transfer a lifetime's worth of inside jokes to complete strangers and have it be effective.
Will we pull it off?
...bet on it.
It's so strange writing in the summer... writing *outdoors* like some sort of early wood-chopping settler or something. I'm doing everything differently because this book demands it. The goal of the book is to transfer a lifetime's worth of inside jokes to complete strangers and have it be effective.
Will we pull it off?
...bet on it.
June 15, 2017
Exit Strategies cover reveal!
It's almost here! Coming July 11th in paperback and Kindle!
May 21, 2017
Exit Strategies cover reveal in June
Exit Strategies is now text-complete and the cover illustration is being worked on! It will be a very different look for Alex and a different art style altogether for the series. Next month I'll show off the completed cover while the interior layout is finalized and proofs are checked.
Exit Strategies will be released in late July for your Alex fix!
Exit Strategies will be released in late July for your Alex fix!
February 7, 2017
Exit Strategies update
Finally finishing up Draft 2 of "Exit Strategies"! Thanks so much to my beta readers that tore it to bits and left me with the pieces to improve upon!
Cover design will begin soon as I start my round 2 of beta readers and editors. Everything is on target for a June launch, so all of you will have your dose of Alex Aberdeen very soon!
Cover design will begin soon as I start my round 2 of beta readers and editors. Everything is on target for a June launch, so all of you will have your dose of Alex Aberdeen very soon!
December 5, 2016
Exit Strategies Draft 1 is done!
...and that's a wrap on Exit Strategies!
Smoothest writing experience of any book I've written to date. Surprisingly big book for me, currently stands at 106K (Calculated Regrets was 65K, Mixed Messages was ~75K). Time flew by while writing it, that's for sure!
I can't wait to see what fans of Alex think of this. It's a step in a very different direction with the character and hopefully newcomers will find this iteration of Alex as shocking and perplexing at those who read CR when it first came out. I pulled no punches in writing scenes that will make you question her sanity or the direction of her shaky-ass moral compass.
Stay tuned for more details as beta readers give me feedback! Here's hoping!
-TJ
Smoothest writing experience of any book I've written to date. Surprisingly big book for me, currently stands at 106K (Calculated Regrets was 65K, Mixed Messages was ~75K). Time flew by while writing it, that's for sure!
I can't wait to see what fans of Alex think of this. It's a step in a very different direction with the character and hopefully newcomers will find this iteration of Alex as shocking and perplexing at those who read CR when it first came out. I pulled no punches in writing scenes that will make you question her sanity or the direction of her shaky-ass moral compass.
Stay tuned for more details as beta readers give me feedback! Here's hoping!
-TJ
October 14, 2016
Announcing "Exit Strategies"!
I am proud to announce the next book in the Alex Aberdeen series: Exit Strategies!
Here's the complicated plot:
A mysterious stranger finds Alex's heart, only to break it. Now she's going to turn Forest City upside down to find him... and destroy him.
A darker, more menacing take on Alex, her charms and flaws, using all the lessons and experiences from every project I've written since Calculated Regrets. Be prepared for a black-as-night, twisted take on everything you know and love.
Coming July 2017 in paperback and Kindle. See you there!
Here's the complicated plot:
A mysterious stranger finds Alex's heart, only to break it. Now she's going to turn Forest City upside down to find him... and destroy him.
A darker, more menacing take on Alex, her charms and flaws, using all the lessons and experiences from every project I've written since Calculated Regrets. Be prepared for a black-as-night, twisted take on everything you know and love.
Coming July 2017 in paperback and Kindle. See you there!
