Marie Sexton's Blog, page 28
August 9, 2012
Second Hand Trailer
Courtesy of Heidi, of course. I have given up trying to embed it, but you can follow the link below.
Second Hand will be released on September 10th. You can pre-order it now! Go here.
August 4, 2012
Saturday Snark Returns!
Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve done Saturday Snark. I’ve been meaning to revive it for a month or two now, but it never seemed to occur to me until Sunday. But now, at last, here it is! 
Today’s snark is from my newest release, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea: A Clandestine Classic. I’d like to point out that this bit of snark is entirely the work of Jules Verne. I didn’t change a word of this. Pierre, Conseil and Ned are actually rather snarky guys (so much so that I should be able to ride their snark all the way to my next release, Second Hand, which comes out on September 10th).
Enough. Here’s the snark.
“My friends,” I said, “we mustn’t despair. We’ve got out of tighter spots. So please do me the favour of waiting a bit before you form your views on the commander and crew of this boat.”
“My views are fully formed,” Ned Land shot back. “They’re rogues!”
“Oh good. And from what country?”
“Roguedom!”
You can by Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea here.
This is a blog hop of sorts, so authors, JOIN IN! Put up a quick post on your blog with a snarky line (or two or three) from one of your books. Important: Be sure you enter your link into the linky tool below. Also, be sure to include a link back to this post so your readers can check out all the snarky links.
Readers, please follow along to find some fun new snarky characters. Keep checking back for new links, and comment often! :-)
NEW addition to the snark-fest: a giveaway!! Readers, I want to try to make this fun for you too, so I’m giving away a pdf of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea: A Clandestine Classic. Leave a comment here about one of the OTHER snarky posts on the list, and you’ll be entered into my drawing!
Thanks!!
July 24, 2012
Quickies!!
(Pun fully intended.)
I’m rushing off to RWA shortly, but I wanted to let you know about a couple of things:
Chris is giving away a copy of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea over at Stumbling Over Chaos. Go here.
You can now pre-order Second Hand! You’ll be able to download it two days early, too.
If you happen to be at RWA, track me down. I’ll be hiding in the bar as much as Heidi allows. Also, I’ll be signing at the Literacy event. I’m in the front row of tables by the registers. Please stop by!
July 22, 2012
July 19, 2012
Riffin’ on the Oldies: Clandestine Classics
By now, the cat is out of the bag (and boy, is it ever!!) about Total E-Bound’s new line of Clandestine Classics. Even Jimmy Kimmel and Anderson Cooper are talking about it. Quite honestly, I never expected this project to garner so much attention.
I can’t speak for a single other author in the series, but for myself, when presented with the idea of riffing on a classic, my first thought was, “That sounds like fun!” And mostly, I thought my fans would kick out of it. Nothing more. Nothing less. It wasn’t that I thought I could improve on Jules Verne’s classic. It wasn’t (despite the way the media may spin it) so that I could cash in on 50 Shades. I just thought it would be fun to riff on it a bit.
Wait. Do I need to define the term ‘riffin’’?
“Riffing” is of course a musical term. From Merriam-Webster, we get this:
Definition of RIFF
1
: an ostinato phrase (as in jazz) typically supporting a solo improvisation; also : a piece based on such a phrase
2
: a rapid energetic often improvised verbal outpouring; especially : one that is part of a comic performance
3
: a succinct usually witty comment
4
: a distinct variation
(It’s that 4th one that we’re talking about.)
Good ole Wikipedia has this to say (emphasis added by me):
Use of the term has also misleadingly been extended to comedy where riffing is used to mean the verbal exploration of a particular subject, thus moving the meaning away from the original jazz sense of a repeated figure over which the soloist improvises, to instead indicate the improvisation itself: that is, improvising on a melody or progression as one would improvise on a subject by extending a singular thought, idea or inspiration.
That’s what we’re talking about here. Riffing. Nobody is destroying the classics. After all, “destroying” would imply that the original version is no longer in existence, and that’s certainly not the case.
Riffing in music seems to be considered acceptable. Think about Trans-Siberian Orchestra, who have made a very successful career out of riffing (with synthesizers and electric guitars, no less) on Christmas carols and classical compositions by Beethoven and Bach. The Grateful Dead used to play entire concerts without any kind of playlist. They just stood on stage and riffed for hours.
Riffing in movies and film is generally accepted, too. Riffing on fairy tales especially. Think of the new hit show, Once Upon a Time, or either one of the current versions of Snow White. The new Sherlock Holmes movies as well as the modernized BBC television series are riffs. And let’s not forget the greatest movie riffing of all time, that done by Mystery Science Theater 3000.
The truth is, riffing on literature isn’t a new idea either. Fanfic writers have been doing it for years. And I personally don’t agree with the notion that some things are so special they should be exempt from riffing. In fact, some of the greatest literary riffs ever have been based on what many would consider the most sacred text we have, the Holy Bible. Those riffs run from reverent (the Women of Genesis series, by Orson Scott Card), to slightly irreverent (The Red Tent, and Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal come to mind), all the way to downright ridiculous (The Life of Brian) (yes, it’s a movie, but it’s a riff on a book). And think how many riffs there have been The Wizard of Oz. Wicked may be one of the greatest riffs ever! (Although I greatly prefer the play to the book. The play was funny and quirky. The book was downright depressing.)
More recently of course we’ve had Pride and Prejudice and Zombies from Quirk Classics. In fact, Quirk Classics has an entire line of horror riffs including Android Karenina and Sense and Sensibilities and Sea Monsters. Honestly, when I thought about doing a Clandestine Classic, it was the Quirk Classics that made me want to do it. That, and the fact that Jules Verne just made it so darn easy. Check out this first bit where Pierre introduces Ned.
Ned Land was a Canadian, with an uncommon quickness of hand, and who knew no equal in his dangerous occupation. Skill, coolness, audacity, and cunning he possessed in a superior degree, and it must be a cunning whale to escape the stroke of his harpoon.
Ned Land was about forty years of age; he was a tall man (more than six feet high), strongly built, grave and taciturn, occasionally violent, and very passionate when contradicted. His person attracted attention, but above all the boldness of his look, which gave a singular expression to his face.
Who calls himself Canadian calls himself French; and, little communicative as Ned Land was, I must admit that he took a certain liking for me. My nationality drew him to me, no doubt. It was an opportunity for him to talk, and for me to hear, that old language of Rabelais, which is still in use in some Canadian provinces. The harpooner’s family was originally from Quebec, and was already a tribe of hardy fishermen when this town belonged to France.
Little by little, Ned Land acquired a taste for chatting, and I loved to hear the recital of his adventures in the polar seas. He related his fishing, and his combats, with natural poetry of expression; his recital took the form of an epic poem, and I seemed to be listening to a Canadian Homer singing the Iliad of the regions of the North.
I am portraying this hardy companion as I really knew him. We are old friends now, united in that unchangeable friendship which is born and cemented amidst extreme dangers. Ah, brave Ned! I ask no more than to live a hundred years longer, that I may have more time to dwell the longer on your memory.
Note: The original text was of course in French, but that was the English translation of the original text. NOTHING in that excerpt was altered or added by me. Now, let’s be honest: Is there ANY fan of gay romance who could read that and NOT feel compelled to riff on it, just a little? Even if only in their minds? It seems so darn obvious that Pierre is a bit smitten with Ned.
So I decided to riff. That’s all it is. I’m not destroying Jules Verne. I’m not ridiculing him. I’m certainly not arrogant enough to think that I’m improving on him. All I’m doing is riffing because frankly, I thought it would be fun. If you don’t like riffs… that’s your prerogative. (You’re totally singing that Bobby Brown song now, aren’t you?) If you like your classic literature untainted, I don’t blame you a bit. Go read Pride and Prejudice. If you like zombies, read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. But if you like some hot smexiness in your summer reads, check out a Clandestine Classic. They’re available for pre-order now.
*****
Professor Pierre Aronnax, world-renowned Naturalist, is part of an elite team of men commissioned to investigate a series of attacks on international shipping. Are the attacks the work of some ancient sea monster, or is this “monster” actually a manmade vessel? No one is certain, but either way, Pierre’s assignment is the same: find it and destroy it.
The hunt soon becomes tedious, and Pierre is distracted by Ned Land, a sexy and temperamental harpooner who has his sights set on the Professor. The two begin a passionate affair, but an encounter with the creature they seek changes everything.
Professor Aronnax, Ned Land, and their friend Conseil find themselves held hostage aboard The Nautilus, a secret submarine helmed by the mysterious Captain Nemo. For Pierre, life on The Nautilus is ideal. He spends his days studying the sea’s wonders, and his nights with Ned, discovering a passion he’s never known. But how long can it last? Captain Nemo is reckless, and Ned is determined to escape. Caught between two charismatic men and the opportunity of a lifetime, Pierre will have to choose: leave The Nautilus, or lose the man he loves forever?
July 17, 2012
Upcoming Releases!
I’ve been waiting for several things to fall into place so I could announce them, and they finally have. Hooray!
First and foremost, I have a book scheduled for release on July 30th. What’s it called? Glad you asked! It’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea!
I can hear you now. You’re saying, “But Marie, hasn’t that story been told already?”
Indeed it has, but not like this! You didn’t think Pierre and Ned spent all their time aboard the Nautilus looking at fish, did you? Now you can find out just what else was going on between the French Naturalist and his favorite Canadian harpooner. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is part of Total E-Bound’s new line of Clandestine Classics. You can pre-order it now. It will be available for download on July 30th and released in print sometime after that.
In August, Saviours of Oestend will be released in print. I don’t have an exact date yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as I do.
Also, I’m thrilled to announce that Dreamspinner Press will release The Letter Z and Paris A to Z together in a print anthology on August 13th! You can find that here. Please note, these aren’t new stories. They’re exactly the same as the ebooks that came out in 2010 and 2011. But for those of you who have been waiting for the paperback version, your wait is over.
Next up is Second Hand, a novel which I started and Heidi Cullinan finished. This is part of the Tucker Springs Series, which LA Witt and I cooked up one day over chat. The series began at Amber Allure and will now be published by Riptide Publishing. All of the books will work as stand-alones, but they have a bit of overlap as well (much like the Coda series). You can find the first book in the series, Where Nerves End by LA Witt, here. Second Hand is the second book in the series, and it will be released on September 10th. I should have cover art and a buy link very, very soon.
Last but not least, Heidi and I have finally finished The Chicago Project! It’s been renamed Family Man. We’ve submitted it to a publisher. No word yet on exactly when it will be published, but this is a story Heidi and I are very excited about, so I’ll let you know as soon as I have news.
What comes next? I honestly have no idea whatsoever. I’m on vacation with my family this week. We’re in South Carolina at Fripp Island. It’s gorgeous! Amazing beaches, no crowds, tons of swimming pools and activities for the kiddo (when she’s not in the ocean). We spent a day at the Water Festival in Beaufort, which we loved. Tonight, we went on a sunset cruise and saw TONS of dolphins. Tomorrow, we’re headed to Charleston for the day. But after this week, it’s back to work. Sort of.
Next week I’ll be at RWA in Anaheim. If you’re there, track me down. Please. I’ll probably be in the bar.
I’ll be home for August, but then in September I head to Italy for three weeks. I’ll be with about ten other women. I’m the baby of the group by more than ten years. We’ll have several days each in Rome, Florence, and Venice. I really, truly cannot wait! And then of course in October, I’ll be at GayRomLit in Albuquerque!
As far as writing goes, I’m just waiting to see what develops in between all these trips.
Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support! I hope you all have a wonderful summer!
June 25, 2012
Saviours of Oestend Available Now!
You can buy it here. It will be available exclusively on the TEB site for the first three months, and then will be available at all the usual places. You can buy a Kindle-compatible version from TEB, and they can even send it directly to your device. It will be available in paperback in August.
Also, today is the last day of the Out in the Rockies m/m Blog Tour. You can find us over at Top2Bottom. Please stop by!
June 15, 2012
Heroines I love to Hate, By Olivia Ventura
Have you ever been reading a book—perhaps truly enjoying it—and suddenly realized that you can’t stand the heroine? Or worse, you really connect with her, and then she does something unbelievably stupid?
There are several types of heroine that make my teeth itch. The first, and I know some of you have heard my rant on this before, is the Perfect Woman.
The Perfect Woman is beautiful. She’s super-intelligent and does brilliantly in her chosen career, but was also the most popular girl in school. She’s unfailingly nice, and never has a bad word to say about anyone. She has no insecurities, and you just know that when she pops out her perfect 2.5 children, she’ll be a wonderful mother. I hate her on principle.
The next teeth-itching heroine is the Control Freak. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a control freak myself. But if I were a sheltered kindergarten teacher stranded in the middle of a drug war in a South American country and the Special Forces guy who’s been looking out for me—and who, incidentally, is now my boyfriend—tells me to stay put while he “takes care of” the guards at the compound we’re trying to break into, I am NOT going to sneak after him, to be inevitably captured and used to make him surrender. Um, wouldn’t the smart thing be to take the advice of the expert who has proven himself to be trustworthy?
And the final annoying heroine? The Stupid One. The one who knows there’s an escaped serial killer out there, and still walks down dark alleys alone. The one who knows her sister is a drug addict, and still lends her money, no questions asked. The one who grew up as a regular twentieth century teenager and somehow knows nothing about relationships.
Writing heroines that I won’t learn to hate is hard. My first heroine, Veronica from Miss Fix-It, started out perfect. It didn’t take long before I wanted to push her off a cliff. So now she’s attractive, intelligent, successful, confident and mostly a nice person. She does have her bitchy moments. She’s a little bit vain—not a lot, but enough to spend time and effort on her appearance. Her manicure, for instance, is very important to her.
Jess, the heroine in Catch a Shooting Star, has very little confidence. She’s attractive, but she hides it. She’s intelligent, but few people get to see that. She has few friends, and is riddled with insecurities. But she’s tough and when Nathan sees through her prickly facade, we get the chance to see her grow. In case you can’t tell, Jess is one of my favourites (shhh!)
So, what type of heroine do you hate the most? The Perfect Woman, The Control Freak, or The Stupid One?
You can find more details and excerpts for my books at www.oliviaventura.net. Please also visit me on Facebook and Twitter—I’ve just received a delivery of swag, so the giveaways will start soon!
June 14, 2012
Giveways and Blog Tours
I’ve been horribly remiss about keeping you all up to date. First of all, Chris is giving away a copy of Saviours of Oestend over at Stumbling Over Chaos. You can find that here. Saviours of Oestend will be released on June 25.
Also, the Out in the Rockies m/m Blog Tour continues at Edward Kendrick’s blog. You can find that here. You can find the entire tour schedule here. Remember that every comment you leave along the way enters you to win a $120 gift card from either Amazon or All Romance Ebooks.
June 11, 2012
Out in the Rockies!
Hello, and welcome to Day 1 of the Out in the Rockies m/m Blog Tour! Eight Colorado authors of gay romance have teamed up to bring you two weeks worth of fun and prizes. To kick things off, I have Carter Quin on my blog, talking about his new release, The Way Back.
Hello, everyone! Welcome to the inaugural post of the Out in the Rockies Blog Hop! This is my virgin experience with a blog hop, but I know I couldn’t be in better hands than Marie Sexton’s. Unless they were Matt’s. If I could just figure out a way to get Jared out of the picture and bring Matt to life, everything would be perfect. Except I’d probably screw something up and manifest Cole instead. Now wouldn’t that be fun—in entirely the wrong way!
I thought I’d talk a little about my novel, The Way Back, since it releases today at Dreamspinner Press. As you can see from the blurb, Riley’s life is rocked to the core when his ex comes out of the woodwork wanting him back. Problem is, Riley has just started a new relationship with his longtime friend Jason (who would shoot me if I called him an “old” friend).
The idea of a returning ex isn’t a new one, but it is one that hits home to me. You see, the idea for the book came from me wondering just what I would do if my own “Eric” suddenly called or showed up one day. This is the guy who took me with him to, and I quote, “break up with my girlfriend so I can spend more time with my boyfriend.” Needless to say, I waited in the car. We never got as far as Riley and Eric did, but the pain was just as real when it was finally over. Alas, my “Eric” will never follow in my fictional Eric’s footsteps. He’s still busy reigning as Queen of Denial, complete with wife number two and a passel of kids. But then again, maybe he was only Gay For Me, just not gay enough, ya know? But I’m cool with that because all these years later, he gave me (and you, if you so choose) Riley, Jason and Eric. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Find me at my website: http://carterquinnbooks.com or at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarterQuinn or follow me on twitter @Carter_Quinn
We’re giving away a copy of The Way Back. Leave a comment to enter.
Be sure to follow along for the rest of the Out in the Rockies Blog Tour! Each comment you leave along the way enters you in a drawing for our grand prize, a $120 gift card to either Amazon or All Romance Ebooks (winner’s choice). Tomorrow, we’ll be over at my other blog, Coffee and Porn in the Morning. Be sure to stop by. You can see our entire blog schedule here.
