Jessica Shirvington's Blog, page 6
November 21, 2011
I tapped when I should have turned!
I don’t know if I’m alone on this, if I’m the one and only person out there that is dork enough to have done this but – I’m in the mood for confession – I tried to tap my book to turn the page today.
No, not my ipad, my book.
Yep, there I was, not paying attention and I just oh-so-casually tapped my index finger on my page and then … waited. I can’t tell you exactly how long it was before my brain kicked into gear – I mean, we’re talking seconds not minutes here, people – but still, there was a definite pause before I blinked, let my eyes dart from side to side self consciously to ensure there were no witnesses, then quickly turned the page.
In my defense, I’ve been reading a lot on my ipad recently, but still I felt like a total idiot! And this got me thinking … can I be trusted in public?
Can you imagine if you walked past someone reading a paperback and there they were trying to tap the thing as if it were a touchscreen – the crazy alarms would definitely start ringing, right?
Okay, time to ask the hard question … Am I the only one who has ever tapped instead of turned? Please tell me I am not!
No, not my ipad, my book.
Yep, there I was, not paying attention and I just oh-so-casually tapped my index finger on my page and then … waited. I can’t tell you exactly how long it was before my brain kicked into gear – I mean, we’re talking seconds not minutes here, people – but still, there was a definite pause before I blinked, let my eyes dart from side to side self consciously to ensure there were no witnesses, then quickly turned the page.
In my defense, I’ve been reading a lot on my ipad recently, but still I felt like a total idiot! And this got me thinking … can I be trusted in public?
Can you imagine if you walked past someone reading a paperback and there they were trying to tap the thing as if it were a touchscreen – the crazy alarms would definitely start ringing, right?
Okay, time to ask the hard question … Am I the only one who has ever tapped instead of turned? Please tell me I am not!
October 27, 2011
The beginnings of EMBRACE and Violet's exiled angels
As Monday is the official launch day of the new EMBRACE THE SERIES website in the US www.embracetheseries.com I thought I'd post a blog on the 'Beginnings of EMBRACE'. Drop by the site when you get a chance and sign up to receive exclusive updates from the US!
If someone had told me six months before I started writing EMBRACE that I’d soon write a manuscript that would be published internationally and would lead to an ongoing series … I would have, most likely, laughed.
It isn’t that I wouldn’t have loved the idea – but I was raising two very young girls and had recently moved back to Sydney after living a very busy, corporate life, in London.
Moving back to Australia presented me with the first time, since finishing school, where I wasn’t expected to work extremely long weeks and be responsible for not just myself, but a team of staff.
I thought I would revel in it. I’d been so desperate to get home with my family. I dreaded the idea of ever having to return to work. But then, I guess there is work and there is work.
Matt (my husband) and I bought an old home and started to slowly do it up. We also had our second daughter, Winter (Winnie), and I braced myself for the inevitable trials that come with a newborn – but really, she was a dream-baby.
And so, not used to having free time … in my downtime I found myself reading, reading, reading. I also found myself breaking down the plots, the characters, and looking for the pros and cons in each story.
Until one day, I walked into the kitchen, sat up at the breakfast bar and opened my laptop. I’d always loved writing, but I’d never considered it as a potential career. I think in many ways that was the best way to begin because I didn’t put unrealistic expectations on myself. Every word I wrote was because I absolutely wanted to shape and tell this story. That was the day I discovered Violet. And little did I know, that day was the beginning of an amazing journey, which has shaped my dreams, ambition, and my future. Now, I simply cannot imagine doing anything else. I’d go as far as saying that I discovered a big part of myself that day, too.
I wrote the introduction to Violet’s character and developed a feel for her world. Once I thought I had a good grasp on her character I started to explore those around her – and then, the research began. I quickly discovered the world of angels and the scope of knowledge is both rich and very broad. I realized quickly the importance of being selective and committed to what I chose to draw on.
One of the threads of my research (because there are way too many to discuss in one blog) that really stuck with me was the concept of corporeal vs. non-corporeal.
It’s widely agreed that if angels do, in fact, exist – they would certainly be non-corporeal (have no physical form). This enables angels to be in more than one place at one time. To not be confined by physical limitations, to have a broader and greater knowledge and to move with the speed of a thought.
So … if angels chose to ‘fall’ or ‘exile’ to earth and within that choice also came the assumption of a human form – then what exactly would happen to them?
CAN YOU IMAGINE IT?
Having existed for millennia, unconfined, uninhabited, completely free to go where you want, when you want, completely spirit-like – to suddenly be thrust inside a human body, which effectively acts as a prison of flesh.
It’s a mind-boggling concept and one that really excited me for Violet’s story as it gave me so much to work with.
In EMBRACE, Violet comes up against exiled angels, but they are not at all what one would expect because, as I chose to maintain the concept of angels being non-corporeal – then exiles are forced to deal with a lot of adjusting and not just in adapting to physical forms but also to a bodies natural responses to emotions. They would never before have felt a physical manifestation of anger or desire, of delight, or sorrow. You can imagine what an overload these intense emotions could cause, not to mention the frustration and fear that would come from being restricted in a human cage that relied on food to power up and oxygen every few seconds.
Needless to say, it opened up the option of making exiles angels, whilst incredibly powerful, also – incredibly insane.
And that … made for some very interesting characters.
So, this is where it all began. Me with a laptop and an idea about a girl named Violet who finds herself caught up in an ancient battle between somewhat insane exiled angels on earth and the angel-human warriors that defend humanity.
It seemed like a good place to start.
The guys came next …
If someone had told me six months before I started writing EMBRACE that I’d soon write a manuscript that would be published internationally and would lead to an ongoing series … I would have, most likely, laughed.
It isn’t that I wouldn’t have loved the idea – but I was raising two very young girls and had recently moved back to Sydney after living a very busy, corporate life, in London.
Moving back to Australia presented me with the first time, since finishing school, where I wasn’t expected to work extremely long weeks and be responsible for not just myself, but a team of staff.
I thought I would revel in it. I’d been so desperate to get home with my family. I dreaded the idea of ever having to return to work. But then, I guess there is work and there is work.
Matt (my husband) and I bought an old home and started to slowly do it up. We also had our second daughter, Winter (Winnie), and I braced myself for the inevitable trials that come with a newborn – but really, she was a dream-baby.
And so, not used to having free time … in my downtime I found myself reading, reading, reading. I also found myself breaking down the plots, the characters, and looking for the pros and cons in each story.
Until one day, I walked into the kitchen, sat up at the breakfast bar and opened my laptop. I’d always loved writing, but I’d never considered it as a potential career. I think in many ways that was the best way to begin because I didn’t put unrealistic expectations on myself. Every word I wrote was because I absolutely wanted to shape and tell this story. That was the day I discovered Violet. And little did I know, that day was the beginning of an amazing journey, which has shaped my dreams, ambition, and my future. Now, I simply cannot imagine doing anything else. I’d go as far as saying that I discovered a big part of myself that day, too.
I wrote the introduction to Violet’s character and developed a feel for her world. Once I thought I had a good grasp on her character I started to explore those around her – and then, the research began. I quickly discovered the world of angels and the scope of knowledge is both rich and very broad. I realized quickly the importance of being selective and committed to what I chose to draw on.
One of the threads of my research (because there are way too many to discuss in one blog) that really stuck with me was the concept of corporeal vs. non-corporeal.
It’s widely agreed that if angels do, in fact, exist – they would certainly be non-corporeal (have no physical form). This enables angels to be in more than one place at one time. To not be confined by physical limitations, to have a broader and greater knowledge and to move with the speed of a thought.
So … if angels chose to ‘fall’ or ‘exile’ to earth and within that choice also came the assumption of a human form – then what exactly would happen to them?
CAN YOU IMAGINE IT?
Having existed for millennia, unconfined, uninhabited, completely free to go where you want, when you want, completely spirit-like – to suddenly be thrust inside a human body, which effectively acts as a prison of flesh.
It’s a mind-boggling concept and one that really excited me for Violet’s story as it gave me so much to work with.
In EMBRACE, Violet comes up against exiled angels, but they are not at all what one would expect because, as I chose to maintain the concept of angels being non-corporeal – then exiles are forced to deal with a lot of adjusting and not just in adapting to physical forms but also to a bodies natural responses to emotions. They would never before have felt a physical manifestation of anger or desire, of delight, or sorrow. You can imagine what an overload these intense emotions could cause, not to mention the frustration and fear that would come from being restricted in a human cage that relied on food to power up and oxygen every few seconds.
Needless to say, it opened up the option of making exiles angels, whilst incredibly powerful, also – incredibly insane.
And that … made for some very interesting characters.
So, this is where it all began. Me with a laptop and an idea about a girl named Violet who finds herself caught up in an ancient battle between somewhat insane exiled angels on earth and the angel-human warriors that defend humanity.
It seemed like a good place to start.
The guys came next …
October 11, 2011
Give away on today at Good Reading Mag site
Hi everyone!
As of yesterday, EMBLAZE is officially available at your nearest bookstore in Aus & NZ. Hooray!!!
If you are fast, there is currently a facebook giveaway at Good Reading's Facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-Re...
They have 10 copies of EMBLAZE to give away by tomorrow morning so if you want to be in it, head to the site asap and leave your answer!
Open to Aus & NZ readers!
Good luck!!
As of yesterday, EMBLAZE is officially available at your nearest bookstore in Aus & NZ. Hooray!!!
If you are fast, there is currently a facebook giveaway at Good Reading's Facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-Re...
They have 10 copies of EMBLAZE to give away by tomorrow morning so if you want to be in it, head to the site asap and leave your answer!
Open to Aus & NZ readers!
Good luck!!
September 30, 2011
Listening to ...
I am definitely one of those people who love to have a playlist for all occasions, especially when writing. It's not that I actually have it playing when I'm writing - more that I like to have it on hand when I'm not writing so that I can keep thinking. Driving is the perfect example. I love to drive, so whenever I am in the car I'm listening to music and thinking about my characters. I am adamant that some of the best ideas in life happen at traffic lights! It has become a rule of mine to always have a notebook in the car for such moments of traffic-light-magic!
Anyway, I have been absolutely loving Snow Patrol of late. I can not stop listening to CALLED OUT IN THE DARK. Love, love, love it. So I decided to post it here. I suggest turning up the volume!
http://youtu.be/wH70oczxqOU
Anyway, I have been absolutely loving Snow Patrol of late. I can not stop listening to CALLED OUT IN THE DARK. Love, love, love it. So I decided to post it here. I suggest turning up the volume!
http://youtu.be/wH70oczxqOU
September 16, 2011
ARC copies of Embrace in the US!
I have just laid eyes on the images of the absolutely incredibly stunning US ARC of EMBRACE and have learned that I am not above loud bursts of whooping and cheering and have had trouble removing the ear-to-ear smile plastered on my face. My husband just looks at me, registers the smile, and rolls his eyes.
The truth is, I have actually been rendered speechless! Well … not entirely. But close.
I know this might sound like overkill but it is just SOOOOO beautiful!
I think the thing I love the most is it just leaves me wanting to know more. More about the girl I can’t see, more about her story – and I wrote it! Is it bad to have cover lust for my own book! Guilty. So, so guilty.
Now that I have seen the pictures (sent from my lovely publishers) I am completely going insane. So jealous of everyone in the States who have been sent a copy and already received it – Come on Australia Post!!!! I’ve been seeing it pop up on blogger sites and it looks so great and so I find myself dashing to the post box again, and again. The neighbors are starting to stare. I’m not ruling out that this could be, in part, due to my wardrobe selections. I’m not going into it.
The ARC has been wrapped in a stunning covering that has more detailed artwork on both sides. On the outside there is an emblem of "E" (yes, for Embrace!) and on the back, the image of a Grigori dagger that is just cool. On the inside of the covering it folds out into one sweeping image of falling feathers amid wisps of pure white smoke that are coming off the barely-caught image of a perfectly lit girl with a messy up-do. I feel like I want to reach out and spin her around, but I can’t because – well, yes, I am aware it is a print image and I can’t actually dive into it.
Okay, my description doesn’t do it justice! But, never fear, I’ve included the pictures so you can see for yourself that I have not lost the plot! Loving the team at Soucebooks right about now! More excited by the day in the lead up to Embrace’s release in the US in March 2012.
The truth is, I have actually been rendered speechless! Well … not entirely. But close.
I know this might sound like overkill but it is just SOOOOO beautiful!
I think the thing I love the most is it just leaves me wanting to know more. More about the girl I can’t see, more about her story – and I wrote it! Is it bad to have cover lust for my own book! Guilty. So, so guilty.
Now that I have seen the pictures (sent from my lovely publishers) I am completely going insane. So jealous of everyone in the States who have been sent a copy and already received it – Come on Australia Post!!!! I’ve been seeing it pop up on blogger sites and it looks so great and so I find myself dashing to the post box again, and again. The neighbors are starting to stare. I’m not ruling out that this could be, in part, due to my wardrobe selections. I’m not going into it.
The ARC has been wrapped in a stunning covering that has more detailed artwork on both sides. On the outside there is an emblem of "E" (yes, for Embrace!) and on the back, the image of a Grigori dagger that is just cool. On the inside of the covering it folds out into one sweeping image of falling feathers amid wisps of pure white smoke that are coming off the barely-caught image of a perfectly lit girl with a messy up-do. I feel like I want to reach out and spin her around, but I can’t because – well, yes, I am aware it is a print image and I can’t actually dive into it.
Okay, my description doesn’t do it justice! But, never fear, I’ve included the pictures so you can see for yourself that I have not lost the plot! Loving the team at Soucebooks right about now! More excited by the day in the lead up to Embrace’s release in the US in March 2012.
September 7, 2011
EMBRACE UK and EMBLAZE AUSTRALIA RELEASES
Well, the countdown is on, and in more than one country!!
Very excited to have the UK release of EMBRACE fast approaching on the 6th of October. To all of the UK readers that have been in contact with me, the wait is almost over! I can't wait to share EMBRACE with you and can assure you that ENTICED will follow close behind in March 2012.
Speaking of ENTICED ... I have just received the cover art for Enticed in the UK. Here it is:
It looks amazing! And up against the UK cover for EMBRACE :
They look incredible!!
It is so great to see how the books are coming together visually in different countries and I love seeing the different interpretations.
So to all the UK readers: I hope you love EMBRACE!
On to for news on EMBLAZE in Australia and NZ:
... As of tomorrow the countdown is officially down to 33 days with EMLBAZE hitting shelves on October 11th, and I cannot wait.
This book has been an incredible thrill to write and I am so looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
Finally, thanks to everyone for all your amazing and supportive messages through Goodreads, my website and Facebook etc in the lead up. It is always exciting to be reminded there is a world beyond my computer!!
Very excited to have the UK release of EMBRACE fast approaching on the 6th of October. To all of the UK readers that have been in contact with me, the wait is almost over! I can't wait to share EMBRACE with you and can assure you that ENTICED will follow close behind in March 2012.
Speaking of ENTICED ... I have just received the cover art for Enticed in the UK. Here it is:
It looks amazing! And up against the UK cover for EMBRACE :
They look incredible!!
It is so great to see how the books are coming together visually in different countries and I love seeing the different interpretations.
So to all the UK readers: I hope you love EMBRACE!
On to for news on EMBLAZE in Australia and NZ:
... As of tomorrow the countdown is officially down to 33 days with EMLBAZE hitting shelves on October 11th, and I cannot wait.
This book has been an incredible thrill to write and I am so looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
Finally, thanks to everyone for all your amazing and supportive messages through Goodreads, my website and Facebook etc in the lead up. It is always exciting to be reminded there is a world beyond my computer!!
August 25, 2011
What makes a book YA?
What is YA literature?
Warning: before going any further be aware: this question bugs me!
It might be because the truth is, I don’t really know anymore.
Originally, I think it was intended as a marker for a step up from middle grade, but that simply isn’t true. Why do so many adults who enjoy reading big literary novels also love to sit down and munch though a YA book?
Because they are entertaining. And complex. And fun. And sad. And imaginative. And we like them! We like getting behind the vulnerable yet strong characters and watching them become whatever they can. We like being with them at those pivotal moments in their life that shape their futures – this is the beauty of what YA books offer.
So, why are they called YA books?
Is it that they are intended for YA readers?
Some might say that the content in YA books is rarely aimed at the 13-year-old reader. If that were the case, a lot of the assumed knowledge, references to historical events and adult themes that are ever more present would not be.
Is it that they are not meant for adults? Because why? Because, as adults we aren’t meant to have the fun reads? Bollocks!
So, why then, do so many adults feel as if they should somehow hide their addiction to YA books? Why, when if it weren’t for YA a lot of people wouldn’t bother reading nearly as much, are adults feeling they are not meant for them because the title of YA suggests so?
I don’t know.
It’s annoying!
Really.
I am 32 years old, I am well educated, have owned and run businesses. I’ve been married for over a decade and have 2 beautiful daughters and would classify myself as a mature and responsible parent. And, whilst giving myself a pat on the back (and purposely not pointing out any flaws!) I acknowledge that as a ferocious reader, of all genres, YA is my favourite by a mile! So what’s wrong with me?
Maybe it is the same thing that is wrong with the Dad who likes to throw a ball around in the park with his son? That Childish behaviour! Or perhaps, the same thing that is wrong with the 40 year old who went to the movies to see Shrek. Or, even better, maybe it is the same thing that has so many people tuning into shows like Gossip Girl or what obviously infected the majority of the adult population – The SIMPSON’s symptoms.
Maybe, there is nothing wrong with it at all!
When I write, I’m writing a story about my characters and I’m trying to make it the best story it can be. I am not sitting around constantly thinking; is this YA appropriate? Is this too childish? Not childish enough? Maybe if she had chewing gum that would make it more YA… blah blah blah…
To me, what defines a book as being YA in most part is the age or the hero-heroine. And just like in all popular-culture in movies and television series, younger characters are having to deal with more and more. The same goes for books.
Some people say it is the language. That YA books are easier to read and therefore less challenging. Well, that doesn’t mean it is only intended for YA, just that a YA audience won’t struggle with it. And some of the world's most amazing writers – Ernest Hemingway, for one – relied on the simplicity of words. It’s like saying adults should eat a complex three-course meal every night. Ha! Ridiculous – we all need to mix it up – otherwise we would miss out some of life’s best offerings like Yum Cha and Pizza and other … less unhealthy options (they will come to me soon)!
Okay, sure. There are some occasions where my editor will say to me – are you sure you want to say that? Or go there? And sex scenes are more limited in their detail (One of the reasons I love YA – you don’t always need to be graphic to paint it). But, to me, those questions are more about the integrity of the book, respect for the readers, and being accessible.
Lately, it has become popular to refer to books as cross genre as a way to bridge the gap to the adult market. Often I think a book has been incorrectly categorised and see it in the adult section when it should be in the YA section or vice versa. And sometimes it’s equally frustrating to see YA books shoved next to the picture books – Hello!
I don’t know. Maybe books should have PG, M, or R ratings like movies do. That way it isn’t about the age group you are targeting as much as it is about how confronting the content is. Maybe that would be a good way for parents to control what their younger kids are reading too.
Anyway, that’s my rant. And I will finish with – even if I didn’t write YA, it would still be my favourite genre by far and I hope I am still reading and loving it when I am old and wrinkly.
Warning: before going any further be aware: this question bugs me!
It might be because the truth is, I don’t really know anymore.
Originally, I think it was intended as a marker for a step up from middle grade, but that simply isn’t true. Why do so many adults who enjoy reading big literary novels also love to sit down and munch though a YA book?
Because they are entertaining. And complex. And fun. And sad. And imaginative. And we like them! We like getting behind the vulnerable yet strong characters and watching them become whatever they can. We like being with them at those pivotal moments in their life that shape their futures – this is the beauty of what YA books offer.
So, why are they called YA books?
Is it that they are intended for YA readers?
Some might say that the content in YA books is rarely aimed at the 13-year-old reader. If that were the case, a lot of the assumed knowledge, references to historical events and adult themes that are ever more present would not be.
Is it that they are not meant for adults? Because why? Because, as adults we aren’t meant to have the fun reads? Bollocks!
So, why then, do so many adults feel as if they should somehow hide their addiction to YA books? Why, when if it weren’t for YA a lot of people wouldn’t bother reading nearly as much, are adults feeling they are not meant for them because the title of YA suggests so?
I don’t know.
It’s annoying!
Really.
I am 32 years old, I am well educated, have owned and run businesses. I’ve been married for over a decade and have 2 beautiful daughters and would classify myself as a mature and responsible parent. And, whilst giving myself a pat on the back (and purposely not pointing out any flaws!) I acknowledge that as a ferocious reader, of all genres, YA is my favourite by a mile! So what’s wrong with me?
Maybe it is the same thing that is wrong with the Dad who likes to throw a ball around in the park with his son? That Childish behaviour! Or perhaps, the same thing that is wrong with the 40 year old who went to the movies to see Shrek. Or, even better, maybe it is the same thing that has so many people tuning into shows like Gossip Girl or what obviously infected the majority of the adult population – The SIMPSON’s symptoms.
Maybe, there is nothing wrong with it at all!
When I write, I’m writing a story about my characters and I’m trying to make it the best story it can be. I am not sitting around constantly thinking; is this YA appropriate? Is this too childish? Not childish enough? Maybe if she had chewing gum that would make it more YA… blah blah blah…
To me, what defines a book as being YA in most part is the age or the hero-heroine. And just like in all popular-culture in movies and television series, younger characters are having to deal with more and more. The same goes for books.
Some people say it is the language. That YA books are easier to read and therefore less challenging. Well, that doesn’t mean it is only intended for YA, just that a YA audience won’t struggle with it. And some of the world's most amazing writers – Ernest Hemingway, for one – relied on the simplicity of words. It’s like saying adults should eat a complex three-course meal every night. Ha! Ridiculous – we all need to mix it up – otherwise we would miss out some of life’s best offerings like Yum Cha and Pizza and other … less unhealthy options (they will come to me soon)!
Okay, sure. There are some occasions where my editor will say to me – are you sure you want to say that? Or go there? And sex scenes are more limited in their detail (One of the reasons I love YA – you don’t always need to be graphic to paint it). But, to me, those questions are more about the integrity of the book, respect for the readers, and being accessible.
Lately, it has become popular to refer to books as cross genre as a way to bridge the gap to the adult market. Often I think a book has been incorrectly categorised and see it in the adult section when it should be in the YA section or vice versa. And sometimes it’s equally frustrating to see YA books shoved next to the picture books – Hello!
I don’t know. Maybe books should have PG, M, or R ratings like movies do. That way it isn’t about the age group you are targeting as much as it is about how confronting the content is. Maybe that would be a good way for parents to control what their younger kids are reading too.
Anyway, that’s my rant. And I will finish with – even if I didn’t write YA, it would still be my favourite genre by far and I hope I am still reading and loving it when I am old and wrinkly.
July 17, 2011
EMBLAZE book trailer unveiled
I am incredibly excited to share this trailer with everyone! Once again, I am so lucky to have such amazing publishers that have put together yet another sensational trailer for the next book in The Violet Eden Chapters, EMBLAZE!
Anyway, no point harping on about it when all I really want you to do is press play and watch.
You can view it on the EMBLAZE page:
If that doesn't work ... it is on my author page in the videos section:
http://www.goodreads.com/jessicashirv...
Or, you can go direct to YouTube for the full screen version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnCgeC...
Enjoy!
Anyway, no point harping on about it when all I really want you to do is press play and watch.
You can view it on the EMBLAZE page:
If that doesn't work ... it is on my author page in the videos section:
http://www.goodreads.com/jessicashirv...
Or, you can go direct to YouTube for the full screen version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnCgeC...
Enjoy!
July 10, 2011
UK update and ... drumroll ... USA!!!!
Hi everyone,
I know I've been a little quiet of late and I apologise. I've just returned home from a trip to the US - which was fantastic and I'll tell you a little more about that in a moment.
First of all, I wanted to share with you - the final cover for EMBRACE in the UK, which will be available from 6th October, 2011.
What do you think?
I love the black and white effect. Would love to know your thoughts. It is so exciting to see all of the styles of covers come in from different countries.
So for everyone in the UK, I really hope October comes soon and that you enjoy it. I am very excited about the release there as I lived in the UK for 6 years and think of it as my home away from home. I am hoping to get over there for a visit in the near future.
As I mentioned above, I have recently been in the States. It was a short trip - just over a week - as I wasn't too keen on leaving my baby girls behind for too long - but it was AMAZING!
The combination of business, research and pleasure worked really well and, though hectic, was heaps of fun.
I spent the first few days in Manhattan where, yes, I did meet with my new publishers to discuss the release of EMBRACE in the USA!!!!!
I am so excited to be moving toward a release in the US and I know so many of you have contacted me asking about dates etc in the US.
Well, I promised you all that I would post something as soon as I knew the details so now I can tell you:
EMBRACE is scheduled to be released in March 2012, and ENTICED will follow shortly after.
I know many of you have been patiently waiting, so I hope you can all manage the extra months!
As I have further updates on the US I will post them and, of course, the cover image as soon as it has been decided. The publishers have given me a good idea of what they are going for and ... very excited!
Apart from spending some time in Manhattan (which is a city that I love more and more each time I visit), I also drove up the Hudson, stopping in on some great little towns on the way and then travelled east to Boston.
I have to say, we picked a great time since the Bruins (Boston's ice hokey team) had recently won the Championships and the city was holding a parade for the team. Before our eyes, the streets filled with over a million fans who had come out to support the team and congratulate them - it was a mind blowing sight. I have to say, Boston is a seriously cool city. One I have every intention of visiting again as soon as possible!
And now ...
I'm back at home, with my family, editing and writing. All in all, happy days, and the countdown is on to the release of EMBRACE in the UK as well as the very exciting release of EMBLAZE in Australia and NZ - all in October.
I know I've been a little quiet of late and I apologise. I've just returned home from a trip to the US - which was fantastic and I'll tell you a little more about that in a moment.
First of all, I wanted to share with you - the final cover for EMBRACE in the UK, which will be available from 6th October, 2011.
What do you think?
I love the black and white effect. Would love to know your thoughts. It is so exciting to see all of the styles of covers come in from different countries.
So for everyone in the UK, I really hope October comes soon and that you enjoy it. I am very excited about the release there as I lived in the UK for 6 years and think of it as my home away from home. I am hoping to get over there for a visit in the near future.
As I mentioned above, I have recently been in the States. It was a short trip - just over a week - as I wasn't too keen on leaving my baby girls behind for too long - but it was AMAZING!
The combination of business, research and pleasure worked really well and, though hectic, was heaps of fun.
I spent the first few days in Manhattan where, yes, I did meet with my new publishers to discuss the release of EMBRACE in the USA!!!!!
I am so excited to be moving toward a release in the US and I know so many of you have contacted me asking about dates etc in the US.
Well, I promised you all that I would post something as soon as I knew the details so now I can tell you:
EMBRACE is scheduled to be released in March 2012, and ENTICED will follow shortly after.
I know many of you have been patiently waiting, so I hope you can all manage the extra months!
As I have further updates on the US I will post them and, of course, the cover image as soon as it has been decided. The publishers have given me a good idea of what they are going for and ... very excited!
Apart from spending some time in Manhattan (which is a city that I love more and more each time I visit), I also drove up the Hudson, stopping in on some great little towns on the way and then travelled east to Boston.
I have to say, we picked a great time since the Bruins (Boston's ice hokey team) had recently won the Championships and the city was holding a parade for the team. Before our eyes, the streets filled with over a million fans who had come out to support the team and congratulate them - it was a mind blowing sight. I have to say, Boston is a seriously cool city. One I have every intention of visiting again as soon as possible!
And now ...
I'm back at home, with my family, editing and writing. All in all, happy days, and the countdown is on to the release of EMBRACE in the UK as well as the very exciting release of EMBLAZE in Australia and NZ - all in October.
May 15, 2011
Website updates and Germany's new Enticed cover!
As anyone who has stopped by my website (www.jessicashirvington.com) would know – I love drawing on both myths and music as part of what makes my stories. Music isn’t really something I like to force on readers – when reading books that are always referencing songs or bands I can sometimes feel like I need to go and research them to be able to understand what the author wants of me, and then, well that can lead to me not really enjoying the whole process. The music side of things for me, as the writer, has been really important and whilst I want to share that side of it with everyone, it is also not vital to any component of the books read. (Ok, sorry! rambling!)
Anyway, I have posted some of the songs that I loved listening to while I was writing ENTICED and if you go to my myths & music page, you can just click on the title and it will take you to a youtube version of the song (This is the best can I can re-direct you to the music immediately). I hope you like them and agree they fit with the book!
Also, a couple of the songs from the list above in EMBRACE still really ring true as the story develops. In particular, Anya Marina’s; All The Same to Me (if ever there was a Phoenix song – this is it!) and my fav; Florence and The Machines; Hardest of Hearts!
If anyone had any other music they have been listening to a lot lately and want to let me know what it is – feel free to throw in a comment!
Finally – and probably more interestingly! Check out the cover for ENTICED in Germany (to be released in Feb 2012). The have titled is Verlockt (translates to – TEMPTED).
What do you think?
Personally, I kinda LOVE it!
Anyway, I have posted some of the songs that I loved listening to while I was writing ENTICED and if you go to my myths & music page, you can just click on the title and it will take you to a youtube version of the song (This is the best can I can re-direct you to the music immediately). I hope you like them and agree they fit with the book!
Also, a couple of the songs from the list above in EMBRACE still really ring true as the story develops. In particular, Anya Marina’s; All The Same to Me (if ever there was a Phoenix song – this is it!) and my fav; Florence and The Machines; Hardest of Hearts!
If anyone had any other music they have been listening to a lot lately and want to let me know what it is – feel free to throw in a comment!
Finally – and probably more interestingly! Check out the cover for ENTICED in Germany (to be released in Feb 2012). The have titled is Verlockt (translates to – TEMPTED).
What do you think?
Personally, I kinda LOVE it!
