Rachel Vincent's Blog, page 10
February 3, 2012
2012 appearances (+ winner)
I see I've been neglecting my blog again. In my defense, it's been a rough week. But on the bright side, after deleting almost as much as I'd written of Oath Bound, I seem to have finally found some forward momentum. I also had a HUGE epiphany on a side project, which I won't have time to work on until I've met my deadlines, so I'm keeping lots of notes about that. And no, I can't tell you what that is just yet. My CP got an earful on the phone this week, though. ;)
In other news, my UK blog tour kicks off today with a review and an interview at Book Passion For Life. Check that out to read about my favorite characters and find out which book in the series was most difficult to write so far.
Also, Mira Ink (who publishes Soul Screamers in the UK) is giving away five copies of the UK edition of If I Die on their FB page. I got my own copies of the UK version yesterday, and they're gorgeous! They'll be going up on the prize list later today.
In travel news, I'm confirmed for the 2012 Romantic Times Booklovers Convention (my 8th consecutive year!) in Chicago in mid-April, where I'm scheduled for a YA panel on Wednesday, and both the mass signing and an author speed-dating session on Saturday. I'll be signing Blood Bound, the Soul Screamers omnibus, and If I Die.
Things are looking good for TLA this year too, so Texas librarians, I hope to see you there!
Now for this week's International Edition winner!
emmadnz, who wrote: "Haven’t imported any for some time now due to having a kindle but I used to buy books via the book depository."
Emmadnz, please email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your name, shipping information, and chosen prize, and I'll put your book in the mail.
Everyone else, check back for the next giveaway and for more stops on my UK blog tour!
In other news, my UK blog tour kicks off today with a review and an interview at Book Passion For Life. Check that out to read about my favorite characters and find out which book in the series was most difficult to write so far.
Also, Mira Ink (who publishes Soul Screamers in the UK) is giving away five copies of the UK edition of If I Die on their FB page. I got my own copies of the UK version yesterday, and they're gorgeous! They'll be going up on the prize list later today.
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In travel news, I'm confirmed for the 2012 Romantic Times Booklovers Convention (my 8th consecutive year!) in Chicago in mid-April, where I'm scheduled for a YA panel on Wednesday, and both the mass signing and an author speed-dating session on Saturday. I'll be signing Blood Bound, the Soul Screamers omnibus, and If I Die.
Things are looking good for TLA this year too, so Texas librarians, I hope to see you there!
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Now for this week's International Edition winner!
emmadnz, who wrote: "Haven’t imported any for some time now due to having a kindle but I used to buy books via the book depository."
Emmadnz, please email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your name, shipping information, and chosen prize, and I'll put your book in the mail.
Everyone else, check back for the next giveaway and for more stops on my UK blog tour!
January 27, 2012
Oath Bound cover stuff (+ winner)
The randomly chosen winner of this week's International Edition Giveaway is:
Tori King, whose comment on January 25, 2012 at 3:05 am read, "I more than likely wont buy a book of its not in a series of some form."
Tori, please email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your choice of book from the prize list (The list is linked at the top of my Wordpress blog.) and I'll put your prize in the mail.
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I have now turned in all the information my publisher needs (hopefully) to begin working on the cover for OATH BOUND. The book doesn't come out until spring of 2013, but covers have to be planned a LONG time in advance of the novel. First, I have to give all kinds of the information about the book (character descriptions, plot, themes, etc...) to my editor, who will compile it and add images for reference. Then there will be some kind of meeting, where all the interested parties will get a say about what my book should look like.
Note: I am not one of those interested parties. Well, I AM interested. I just don't get much of a say in what goes on the cover, because my publisher is the one who will pay for the design, the photo shoot or artwork, and all necessary licenses. Also, because they have people whose job it is to know what will sell my book. Even though the cliche instructs us not to judge a book by it's cover, the reality is that that's EXACTLY what a cover is really for. It's supposed to catch a reader's eye. A reader IS supposed to be able to judge a book by its cover, and one of the BEST things that can happen to an author/book is an awesome cover. Seriously. Very, very few people will pick up a book that doesn't attract them at first glance.
[It's kind of like dating--the physical attraction usually comes first, then you have to hope there's substance behind that pretty face.
Well, it's like dating would be, if everyone had a team of professional makeup artists following them around all day to keep them pretty. I, personally, would rather have someone following me around with photoshop software. Unfortunately, so far technology hasn't made it possible to digitally adjust my physical features in real time. But I have my fingers crossed. ;)]
In my case, the lack of input on my cover is probably a very fortunate thing. I almost never know what I want, visually, whether it's on my cover, my website, or my wardrobe. I only know what I DON'T want, and I don't know that until I've already seen and disliked it. And Number 1 insists that designing a lot of things for me to reject for no reason I can articulate isn't a very efficient way to do business. (He should know. He designs and maintains my website. Poor man.)
So, now that Mira Books has what it needs (hopefully) to design a cover, including descriptions of Kris and Sera (the view point characters), I am free to return to writing the book. Just as soon as I knock out these page proofs (the VERY FINAL STAGE!!!) of Before I Wake.
In related news, I finally saw my dentist again this morning (yesterday's appointment had to be rescheduled) and he's found the root of my problem. The temporary crowns that have temporarily repaired my two broken teeth were too long, which kept the teeth on the other side of my jaw from touching when I closed my mouth. Evidently this uneven bite is the source of all my severe, aching, throbbing jaw pain, which was also triggering ear pain and headaches. So I anticipate a return to my normal levels of concentration, absent pain. Which means normal levels of production. Yay!
Of course, my permanent crowns come in next week, and we have to start the whole thing all over again. Wish me luck!
Tori King, whose comment on January 25, 2012 at 3:05 am read, "I more than likely wont buy a book of its not in a series of some form."
Tori, please email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your choice of book from the prize list (The list is linked at the top of my Wordpress blog.) and I'll put your prize in the mail.
-----
I have now turned in all the information my publisher needs (hopefully) to begin working on the cover for OATH BOUND. The book doesn't come out until spring of 2013, but covers have to be planned a LONG time in advance of the novel. First, I have to give all kinds of the information about the book (character descriptions, plot, themes, etc...) to my editor, who will compile it and add images for reference. Then there will be some kind of meeting, where all the interested parties will get a say about what my book should look like.
Note: I am not one of those interested parties. Well, I AM interested. I just don't get much of a say in what goes on the cover, because my publisher is the one who will pay for the design, the photo shoot or artwork, and all necessary licenses. Also, because they have people whose job it is to know what will sell my book. Even though the cliche instructs us not to judge a book by it's cover, the reality is that that's EXACTLY what a cover is really for. It's supposed to catch a reader's eye. A reader IS supposed to be able to judge a book by its cover, and one of the BEST things that can happen to an author/book is an awesome cover. Seriously. Very, very few people will pick up a book that doesn't attract them at first glance.
[It's kind of like dating--the physical attraction usually comes first, then you have to hope there's substance behind that pretty face.
Well, it's like dating would be, if everyone had a team of professional makeup artists following them around all day to keep them pretty. I, personally, would rather have someone following me around with photoshop software. Unfortunately, so far technology hasn't made it possible to digitally adjust my physical features in real time. But I have my fingers crossed. ;)]
In my case, the lack of input on my cover is probably a very fortunate thing. I almost never know what I want, visually, whether it's on my cover, my website, or my wardrobe. I only know what I DON'T want, and I don't know that until I've already seen and disliked it. And Number 1 insists that designing a lot of things for me to reject for no reason I can articulate isn't a very efficient way to do business. (He should know. He designs and maintains my website. Poor man.)
So, now that Mira Books has what it needs (hopefully) to design a cover, including descriptions of Kris and Sera (the view point characters), I am free to return to writing the book. Just as soon as I knock out these page proofs (the VERY FINAL STAGE!!!) of Before I Wake.
In related news, I finally saw my dentist again this morning (yesterday's appointment had to be rescheduled) and he's found the root of my problem. The temporary crowns that have temporarily repaired my two broken teeth were too long, which kept the teeth on the other side of my jaw from touching when I closed my mouth. Evidently this uneven bite is the source of all my severe, aching, throbbing jaw pain, which was also triggering ear pain and headaches. So I anticipate a return to my normal levels of concentration, absent pain. Which means normal levels of production. Yay!
Of course, my permanent crowns come in next week, and we have to start the whole thing all over again. Wish me luck!
January 24, 2012
My editor sees the future (+ giveaway)
So, last year, my editor said something a bit prophetic. And now that I know how right she was, I’m thinking that may not have been a fluke. Maybe she’s really a Seer. Which would mean that we’re actually living in the Unbound world. Which would be (A) the most terrifying thing I’ve contemplated in a long time and (B) kind of cool. I could write her in as a character and know that I’m finally getting it exactly right.
Or maybe that’s just me cracking under the pressure. ;)
What did she predict? Way back when I was doing rewrites on Blood Bound and just realizing for the first time how flawed a book it really was (I think I did much better with structure in Shadow Bound ) I mentioned to my editor (okay, maybe I whined) that this book was ha-ard.
She said, with an air of sagy wisdom, that she suspected that all of the Unbound books would be hard for me to write. I had no reason to disagree with that statement, but I didn’t understand at the time how incredibly right she truly was.
To date, Shadow Bound is the most difficult-to-write book I’ve ever written—but only because I haven’t yet finished OATH BOUND.
OATH BOUND came with several special challenges, known in my head as the “Rachel Musts.” As in, “In this book, Rachel must [insert goal here]”
Wanna hear some Rachel Musts? Here they go:
Rachel Must reintroduce the same world building from Blood Bound and Shadow Bound, without confusing new readers or boring existing readers, all while establishing the unique points of view of two new characters (the fifth and sixth narrators of the series). Because what parts of the world they choose to show us depends entirely on who they are. On what’s important enough for them to notice or emphasize. Which depends on how they were raised, what hardships they’ve overcome, and what secrets they’re withholding. THIS IS NOT SIMPLE.Rachel Must wrap up all loose threads, this time with the third book, rather than the sixth (as in Shifters) or the seventh (as in Soul Screamers).Rachel Must show what all the previous viewpoint characters are up to and how they tie into this, the series conclusion.And finally, Rachel Must make this novel capable of standing on its own, in case it’s read out of order. Which means that, aside from everything this book must do for the trilogy, it must have its very own story. Two stories, actually. One for each view point character. And those stories must interlace perfectly (Blood Bound is structurally flawed in that area—Shadow Bound is not) in order to come to a mutual and satisfying conclusion, not just for this one book, but for the whole trilogy.
So, you see…
Wait, I have nothing to follow that. My thoughts aren’t operating quite logically enough for that at the moment. So how about a giveaway?
To enter this week’s International Edition giveaway, leave me a comment in the corresponding Wordpress entry telling me whether you typically prefer to read books in a series or standalones. Has this changed for you, over the years? The list of available prize books is here, but please don’t leave your entry in that post. That is a static page, which will be updated as books are chosen or donated to libraries.
The rules (which I forgot last week):
One entry per personThis contest is open to international entriesThis contest is void where prohibitedIf you’re under 18 yrs of age, you must have a parent’s permission to enter and to provide your shipping information if you winPlease allow 2-4 weeks for shippingYou must come back to this blog on Friday to see if you’ve won and claim your prizePrizes not claimed within two weeks will be awarded to a redrawn winner’s name
Okay…go!
Or maybe that’s just me cracking under the pressure. ;)
What did she predict? Way back when I was doing rewrites on Blood Bound and just realizing for the first time how flawed a book it really was (I think I did much better with structure in Shadow Bound ) I mentioned to my editor (okay, maybe I whined) that this book was ha-ard.
She said, with an air of sagy wisdom, that she suspected that all of the Unbound books would be hard for me to write. I had no reason to disagree with that statement, but I didn’t understand at the time how incredibly right she truly was.
To date, Shadow Bound is the most difficult-to-write book I’ve ever written—but only because I haven’t yet finished OATH BOUND.
OATH BOUND came with several special challenges, known in my head as the “Rachel Musts.” As in, “In this book, Rachel must [insert goal here]”
Wanna hear some Rachel Musts? Here they go:
Rachel Must reintroduce the same world building from Blood Bound and Shadow Bound, without confusing new readers or boring existing readers, all while establishing the unique points of view of two new characters (the fifth and sixth narrators of the series). Because what parts of the world they choose to show us depends entirely on who they are. On what’s important enough for them to notice or emphasize. Which depends on how they were raised, what hardships they’ve overcome, and what secrets they’re withholding. THIS IS NOT SIMPLE.Rachel Must wrap up all loose threads, this time with the third book, rather than the sixth (as in Shifters) or the seventh (as in Soul Screamers).Rachel Must show what all the previous viewpoint characters are up to and how they tie into this, the series conclusion.And finally, Rachel Must make this novel capable of standing on its own, in case it’s read out of order. Which means that, aside from everything this book must do for the trilogy, it must have its very own story. Two stories, actually. One for each view point character. And those stories must interlace perfectly (Blood Bound is structurally flawed in that area—Shadow Bound is not) in order to come to a mutual and satisfying conclusion, not just for this one book, but for the whole trilogy.
So, you see…
Wait, I have nothing to follow that. My thoughts aren’t operating quite logically enough for that at the moment. So how about a giveaway?
To enter this week’s International Edition giveaway, leave me a comment in the corresponding Wordpress entry telling me whether you typically prefer to read books in a series or standalones. Has this changed for you, over the years? The list of available prize books is here, but please don’t leave your entry in that post. That is a static page, which will be updated as books are chosen or donated to libraries.
The rules (which I forgot last week):
One entry per personThis contest is open to international entriesThis contest is void where prohibitedIf you’re under 18 yrs of age, you must have a parent’s permission to enter and to provide your shipping information if you winPlease allow 2-4 weeks for shippingYou must come back to this blog on Friday to see if you’ve won and claim your prizePrizes not claimed within two weeks will be awarded to a redrawn winner’s name
Okay…go!
January 21, 2012
Winner!
So, in looking back, I see that I didn't blog much this past week. Sorry about that. I had a deadline miscommunication which led to panic on my part, then some pretty painful dental work done on Thursday (my broken tooth turned out to be two broken teeth, one of which wasn't immediately obvious) and I was on painkillers and unable to eat anything more firm than mashed potatoes for nearly two days afterward. I had no idea my mouth could hurt so badly, or that the rest of me would be so stiff and sore from holding one position for so long during the repair. So, here's hoping I never break another tooth. Ever. EVER.
And since the internet isn't a smart place to be when you're on painkillers and likely to say any- and everything that crosses your mind, I opted to stay mostly offline for a couple of days. But I'm back now and I have this week's International winner to announce.
The winner is: Tabby Hart, whose post on January 18, 2012 at 11:42 am began, "Congratulations. I loved Blood Bound, it definitely deserves to be there."
Tabby, please email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your choice of prize and your shipping information, and I'll put your book in the mail. The list of available prize books can be found here. Please note that I found a box of UK editions of Shifters books I forgot I have and a couple of ARCs left over from Soul Screamers releases and those will all be added to the list very shortly.
Everyone else, check back on Monday for next week's International Edition Giveaway.
And since the internet isn't a smart place to be when you're on painkillers and likely to say any- and everything that crosses your mind, I opted to stay mostly offline for a couple of days. But I'm back now and I have this week's International winner to announce.
The winner is: Tabby Hart, whose post on January 18, 2012 at 11:42 am began, "Congratulations. I loved Blood Bound, it definitely deserves to be there."
Tabby, please email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your choice of prize and your shipping information, and I'll put your book in the mail. The list of available prize books can be found here. Please note that I found a box of UK editions of Shifters books I forgot I have and a couple of ARCs left over from Soul Screamers releases and those will all be added to the list very shortly.
Everyone else, check back on Monday for next week's International Edition Giveaway.
January 17, 2012
ARRA Finalist! (+giveaway)
I'm sorry that the International Edition Giveaway is late this week. But don't worry; it's at the end of this post.
Stop scrolling down for the giveaway. Seriously. Read first. ;)
I'm thrilled to announce that Blood Bound is a finalist for an Australian Romance Readers Award, in the Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or Futuristic Romance category. Alpha finaled in the same category last year, and this year's competition is just as tough. In fact, I may be the least-well-known author on this list. Check it out:
FAVOURITE SCI-FI, FANTASY OR FUTURISTIC ROMANCE
Archangel’s Blade / Nalini SinghArchangel’s Consort / Nalini SinghBlood Bound / Rachel VincentBlood Cursed / Erica HayesBorn of Shadows / Sherrilyn KenyonDeath Magic / Eileen WilksMagic Slays / Ilona AndrewsRiver Marked / Patricia BriggsShadow Kin / MJ ScottShadowfever / Karen Marie Moning
As cliche as it may sound, it really is an honor just to be nominated, especially in such great company, and I really hope I'm able to actually make it to Australia some time soon.
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Yesterday I blogged at The Deadline Dames, where I told everyone what you (almost certainly) won't get in a Rachel Vincent novel. I've been thinking about that a lot lately, as I work on the last Unbound novel and plot the last Soul Screamers novel. It looks like I'll be ending two series next year, and the future and my career are very much on my mind right now.
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Okay, here's the giveaway:To enter this week's International Edition Giveaway, leave me a comment in the corresponding Wordpress post telling me what second language you speak, or what second language you wish you spoke. The list of available prize books is here, but please don't leave your entry in that post. That is a static page, which will be updated as books are chosen or donated to libraries.
The rules (which I forgot last week):
One entry per personThis contest is open to international entriesThis contest is void where prohibitedIf you're under 18 yrs of age, you must have a parent's permission to enter and to provide your shipping information if you winPlease allow 2-4 weeks for shippingYou must come back to this blog on Friday to see if you've won and claim your prizePrizes not claimed within two weeks will be awarded to a redrawn winner's name
Okay...go!
Stop scrolling down for the giveaway. Seriously. Read first. ;)
I'm thrilled to announce that Blood Bound is a finalist for an Australian Romance Readers Award, in the Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or Futuristic Romance category. Alpha finaled in the same category last year, and this year's competition is just as tough. In fact, I may be the least-well-known author on this list. Check it out:
FAVOURITE SCI-FI, FANTASY OR FUTURISTIC ROMANCE
Archangel’s Blade / Nalini SinghArchangel’s Consort / Nalini SinghBlood Bound / Rachel VincentBlood Cursed / Erica HayesBorn of Shadows / Sherrilyn KenyonDeath Magic / Eileen WilksMagic Slays / Ilona AndrewsRiver Marked / Patricia BriggsShadow Kin / MJ ScottShadowfever / Karen Marie Moning
As cliche as it may sound, it really is an honor just to be nominated, especially in such great company, and I really hope I'm able to actually make it to Australia some time soon.
-----
Yesterday I blogged at The Deadline Dames, where I told everyone what you (almost certainly) won't get in a Rachel Vincent novel. I've been thinking about that a lot lately, as I work on the last Unbound novel and plot the last Soul Screamers novel. It looks like I'll be ending two series next year, and the future and my career are very much on my mind right now.
-----
Okay, here's the giveaway:To enter this week's International Edition Giveaway, leave me a comment in the corresponding Wordpress post telling me what second language you speak, or what second language you wish you spoke. The list of available prize books is here, but please don't leave your entry in that post. That is a static page, which will be updated as books are chosen or donated to libraries.
The rules (which I forgot last week):
One entry per personThis contest is open to international entriesThis contest is void where prohibitedIf you're under 18 yrs of age, you must have a parent's permission to enter and to provide your shipping information if you winPlease allow 2-4 weeks for shippingYou must come back to this blog on Friday to see if you've won and claim your prizePrizes not claimed within two weeks will be awarded to a redrawn winner's name
Okay...go!
January 8, 2012
Challenge!
I'm buried in copy edits for Before I Wake , but I'm taking a short break to show you this:
Rachel Clarke (Fiktshun) is hosting a truly awesome Soul Screamers reading challenge, scheduled to wrap up just as Before I Wake is released. So if you've been meaning to read the series, or you'd like to re-read the series (all, or any part of it), or if you've been trying to get a friend to read it with you, you have to check this out. You can see the challenge post for details, but here are the basics: you read (or reread) one Soul Screamers book per month, then post your review or opinion wherever you post things (You don't need a blog. FB is fine.) to be entered to win prizes. There are bonus points for reading the online novellas.
There are a ton of prizes (some from me, some from Fiktshun), and I'm so excited about this challenge that at the end of each month, I'll be hosting a spoiler live chat where we can talk spoilers from that month's book without fear of spoiling the book for anyone. Then, at the end, we'll all read book six, Before I Wake, together and discuss that one too.
I'll be keeping up with the challenge, and I hope to see you there!
January 6, 2012
What do you want to hear about?
The winner of this week's foreign edition giveaway is:
Courtney who prefaced her book list with, "I love Tod soooooo much! He's so funny and sarcastic…"
Courtney, please select a book from the list found here, and email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your prize selection and your shipping information.
In other news, I've been asked to make a couple of short videos talking about the Soul Screamers series. Is there anything you'd like to hear me discuss briefly? (Keeping in mind that I don't want to spoil anything for new readers...)
And, with that, I'm off to bury myself in the Before I Wake copy edits, which are due...well...now. Check back in on Monday for next week's foreign edition giveaway. Everything must go. Seriously. My shelves are bowed beneath the weight of these books.
Courtney who prefaced her book list with, "I love Tod soooooo much! He's so funny and sarcastic…"
Courtney, please select a book from the list found here, and email me (rachelkvincentATgmailDOTcom) with your prize selection and your shipping information.
In other news, I've been asked to make a couple of short videos talking about the Soul Screamers series. Is there anything you'd like to hear me discuss briefly? (Keeping in mind that I don't want to spoil anything for new readers...)
And, with that, I'm off to bury myself in the Before I Wake copy edits, which are due...well...now. Check back in on Monday for next week's foreign edition giveaway. Everything must go. Seriously. My shelves are bowed beneath the weight of these books.
January 4, 2012
Why Sophie? [edited]
“Never To Sleep” has been out for four days now in the US and Canada (and I’ve heard from a couple of people in the UK who’ve managed to buy a copy, though I’m not entirely sure how they made that happen) and I’m getting all kinds of messages from people about the story. So, I’m going to go ahead and post the answers to the most common questions I’ve been receiving--your one-stop spot for "NTS" Qs and As. Here goes:
"Never To Sleep" takes place in the middle of If I Die. Just over halfway through. It shows what happened to Sophie when Kaylee was busy with other stuff.No, you should NOT read “Never To Sleep” if you haven’t yet read If I Die. Trust me. “NTS” is intended to be read between If I Die and Before I Wake.No, “Never To Sleep” isn’t free, as was the original plan. I’m sorry. That decision was beyond my control. There's really no one to blame. It just didn't work out this time.Yes, since there’s no free introductory period, I really am donating the first 6 months’ worth of my royalties for the story to St. Jude’s hospital. That’s not a rumor. The details are here.No, “Never To Sleep” is not a full length novel. As stated on the cover, it’s a novella, which is between the length of a short story and that of a novella. It’s a long short story. Or a very short novel, with no secondary plot. Like “Reaper” and “My Soul To Lose,” it’s not supposed to be very long.No, “Never To Sleep” is not currently available in print, and I have no idea whether or not it ever will be.No, I don’t have any information at this time about foreign or audio releases.
But the most common message I’m getting about the story isn’t a question. It’s a statement from readers telling me how much they dislike Sophie. Some claim to actively HATE her.
I have a couple of points to make in response to that.
First, I’m thrilled to hear that I’ve written Sophie realistically enough to have drawn such visceral reactions about her. Seriously. My worst fear as an author is to hear that people don’t care about my stories and characters one way or another. Mediocrity sucks. (Though, to be honest, I also live in fear of being told that I simply can’t write and should give this career up altogether. That’s the actual material of my real-life nightmares.)
Second…Don’t worry if you don't like Sophie. You’re not supposed to love her. She’s the mean girl archetype. Making you love her was never the point of writing her novella. Does that mean you shouldn’t like her or find her POV funny? No. I think she’s funny, in a clueless, malicious kind of way.
Does she learn things and become a little bit of a better person after the events in "Never To Sleep?" Yeah. A little, anyway. Does that mean she's suddenly going to be Kaylee's new best friend? Um...no. That wouldn't be realistic at all. She's learning and maturing, but she's still Sophie. She's still Kaylee's literary foil, and she always will be.
So why did I write her story, if I don't expect you to fall in love with her? There are several reasons.
I first considered writing from Sophie’s POV when the senior editor for HQTeen requested it. But even with that request, if I hadn't felt like Sophie had something interesting to say, entertaining to do, or important to learn, I wouldn’t have written the story. Because the story wouldn’t have worked.
Fortunately, after giving it some thought, I realized that Sophie had both something to say (why she dislikes Kaylee, beyond the stereotypical contempt any mean girl has for another student) and something to learn (that there are more dangerous, important, and meaningful things in the world—in both worlds—than the reflection she sees in the mirror every morning).
Also, in the end, seeing things from Sophie's point of view was fun for me. And kind of funny. If you'll notice, Sophie's the most "normal" major character in the series. She doesn't know about everything that goes bump in the Netherworld, but (like Kaylee) she doesn't really believe that her cousin is crazy. And she knows there are things people aren't telling her. So what other conclusion is she supposed to draw, other than that Kaylee is trying to ruin her life on purpose?
So, after “Never To Sleep,” Sophie no longer lives in ignorance of all the scary stuff Kaylee’s known all year. But there’s still a lot she doesn’t know, including Kaylee’s part in all this. [Spoiler text removed. Click here to read the Wordpress entry with the spoiler text written in white.] That, my faithful readers, is an inside joke. Just between you and me.
Other non-spoilery things to think about within the novella:
You and Sophie met the new boy before Kaylee did.Did you recognize the guy Sophie and Luca saw alone in the hall? If so, and if you’ve lined up the events in your head, you know more of what to expect in Before I Wake than Kaylee does. That’s right. You’re welcome. ;)Did you catch all the cameo appearances? Find a familiar face from the past with a few jumbled up words of wisdom for Sophie?And if you’ve read If I Die, you know where Sophie’s adventure fits into the larger timeline, so you also know where Sophie winds up the night after she met Luca, and what happened on that night. And what she already knew (but no one knew she knew), before the poop hit the fan.
So, now you have the behind-the-scenes on "Never To Sleep." More questions? Leave them in the Wordpress version of this blog post.
"Never To Sleep" takes place in the middle of If I Die. Just over halfway through. It shows what happened to Sophie when Kaylee was busy with other stuff.No, you should NOT read “Never To Sleep” if you haven’t yet read If I Die. Trust me. “NTS” is intended to be read between If I Die and Before I Wake.No, “Never To Sleep” isn’t free, as was the original plan. I’m sorry. That decision was beyond my control. There's really no one to blame. It just didn't work out this time.Yes, since there’s no free introductory period, I really am donating the first 6 months’ worth of my royalties for the story to St. Jude’s hospital. That’s not a rumor. The details are here.No, “Never To Sleep” is not a full length novel. As stated on the cover, it’s a novella, which is between the length of a short story and that of a novella. It’s a long short story. Or a very short novel, with no secondary plot. Like “Reaper” and “My Soul To Lose,” it’s not supposed to be very long.No, “Never To Sleep” is not currently available in print, and I have no idea whether or not it ever will be.No, I don’t have any information at this time about foreign or audio releases.
But the most common message I’m getting about the story isn’t a question. It’s a statement from readers telling me how much they dislike Sophie. Some claim to actively HATE her.
I have a couple of points to make in response to that.
First, I’m thrilled to hear that I’ve written Sophie realistically enough to have drawn such visceral reactions about her. Seriously. My worst fear as an author is to hear that people don’t care about my stories and characters one way or another. Mediocrity sucks. (Though, to be honest, I also live in fear of being told that I simply can’t write and should give this career up altogether. That’s the actual material of my real-life nightmares.)
Second…Don’t worry if you don't like Sophie. You’re not supposed to love her. She’s the mean girl archetype. Making you love her was never the point of writing her novella. Does that mean you shouldn’t like her or find her POV funny? No. I think she’s funny, in a clueless, malicious kind of way.
Does she learn things and become a little bit of a better person after the events in "Never To Sleep?" Yeah. A little, anyway. Does that mean she's suddenly going to be Kaylee's new best friend? Um...no. That wouldn't be realistic at all. She's learning and maturing, but she's still Sophie. She's still Kaylee's literary foil, and she always will be.
So why did I write her story, if I don't expect you to fall in love with her? There are several reasons.
I first considered writing from Sophie’s POV when the senior editor for HQTeen requested it. But even with that request, if I hadn't felt like Sophie had something interesting to say, entertaining to do, or important to learn, I wouldn’t have written the story. Because the story wouldn’t have worked.
Fortunately, after giving it some thought, I realized that Sophie had both something to say (why she dislikes Kaylee, beyond the stereotypical contempt any mean girl has for another student) and something to learn (that there are more dangerous, important, and meaningful things in the world—in both worlds—than the reflection she sees in the mirror every morning).
Also, in the end, seeing things from Sophie's point of view was fun for me. And kind of funny. If you'll notice, Sophie's the most "normal" major character in the series. She doesn't know about everything that goes bump in the Netherworld, but (like Kaylee) she doesn't really believe that her cousin is crazy. And she knows there are things people aren't telling her. So what other conclusion is she supposed to draw, other than that Kaylee is trying to ruin her life on purpose?
So, after “Never To Sleep,” Sophie no longer lives in ignorance of all the scary stuff Kaylee’s known all year. But there’s still a lot she doesn’t know, including Kaylee’s part in all this. [Spoiler text removed. Click here to read the Wordpress entry with the spoiler text written in white.] That, my faithful readers, is an inside joke. Just between you and me.
Other non-spoilery things to think about within the novella:
You and Sophie met the new boy before Kaylee did.Did you recognize the guy Sophie and Luca saw alone in the hall? If so, and if you’ve lined up the events in your head, you know more of what to expect in Before I Wake than Kaylee does. That’s right. You’re welcome. ;)Did you catch all the cameo appearances? Find a familiar face from the past with a few jumbled up words of wisdom for Sophie?And if you’ve read If I Die, you know where Sophie’s adventure fits into the larger timeline, so you also know where Sophie winds up the night after she met Luca, and what happened on that night. And what she already knew (but no one knew she knew), before the poop hit the fan.
So, now you have the behind-the-scenes on "Never To Sleep." More questions? Leave them in the Wordpress version of this blog post.
January 3, 2012
Nash and Tod speak!
Tod and Nash have answered your questions here. I'm not going to cross post the entire thing here because there are some formatting details that keep people from accidentally seeing If I Die spoilers.
Also, this week's foreign edition giveaway has been posted in the same entry...
Also, this week's foreign edition giveaway has been posted in the same entry...
December 21, 2011
December updates
As you've probably noticed, I haven't been online much during December, and I probably won't be again until after the new year. I have family coming in for the holidays and lots of baking to do. The exception to this holiday down-time policy is the unfortunately scheduled 2nd round of the Heroine Tournament, which will take place on December 26th, starting at 12 am. For those on the west coast, that's actually 8 pm on Christmas night, which will cut down considerably on the number of people able to participate.
I'm a bit frustrated by this timing, but that'll probably be a moot point, considering that Kaylee is going up against Tessa, from Cassandra Clare's brand new #1 best seller. Which makes Kaylee the underest underdog in the history of underdogs. But I'm sure it'll be fun, either way.
And...don't forget that "Never to Sleep" comes out January 1 in the US/Canada! I'm still waiting to hear whether or not this one will be offered for free for a limited time, like the others have been. But, assuming the worst-case scenario, "Never To Sleep" will be available for just a couple of dollars. And it's actually a little longer than my previous online novellas, so that's a little more for your (potential) money, if it comes down to that. I'll post more about that next week.
In other news, we're working on our annual Christmas gingerbread house and will be posting pictures of that soon!
After the new year, I'll be resuming my weekly foreign edition giveaway. The still-available books are listed on the Prize Books page at the top of my WordPress blog, which will be updated as the prizes are claimed.
In addition, all of the foreign language copies are available on a first-come basis to librarians requesting them for the foreign language section of their libraries. I'm having a particularly difficult time finding homes for the Scandinavian languages and the Turkish copies, so if you know of any libraries accepting Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, or Turkish books, please direct them to me on any of my online haunts (WordPress, LJ, FB, Twitter, etc...). I will ship to libraries on my own dime, but the requests must come from actual librarians. Until then, those copies will remain on the giveaway list as weekly prizes.
I've just seen the ARC cover for Shadow Bound, and it is beautiful! It's the same art work that the final copies will have, but seeing everything compiled, both front and back, with the cover copy is really amazing. I can't wait for this one to hit the shelves!
And, finally...I've just heard from Mira Ink that Before I Wake will be available in the UK in July, 2012, which is the same time it releases in the US/Canada! (Technically, the US date is June 26, but that's considered a July release.) I'm thrilled with this, for both myself and the UK readers, because as of July, they won't have to dodge spoilers from the Western crowd. I haven't seen the UK cover yet, but I hear it's coming along nicely.
Okay, that's it for today! Happy Holidays!
I'm a bit frustrated by this timing, but that'll probably be a moot point, considering that Kaylee is going up against Tessa, from Cassandra Clare's brand new #1 best seller. Which makes Kaylee the underest underdog in the history of underdogs. But I'm sure it'll be fun, either way.
And...don't forget that "Never to Sleep" comes out January 1 in the US/Canada! I'm still waiting to hear whether or not this one will be offered for free for a limited time, like the others have been. But, assuming the worst-case scenario, "Never To Sleep" will be available for just a couple of dollars. And it's actually a little longer than my previous online novellas, so that's a little more for your (potential) money, if it comes down to that. I'll post more about that next week.
In other news, we're working on our annual Christmas gingerbread house and will be posting pictures of that soon!
After the new year, I'll be resuming my weekly foreign edition giveaway. The still-available books are listed on the Prize Books page at the top of my WordPress blog, which will be updated as the prizes are claimed.
In addition, all of the foreign language copies are available on a first-come basis to librarians requesting them for the foreign language section of their libraries. I'm having a particularly difficult time finding homes for the Scandinavian languages and the Turkish copies, so if you know of any libraries accepting Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, or Turkish books, please direct them to me on any of my online haunts (WordPress, LJ, FB, Twitter, etc...). I will ship to libraries on my own dime, but the requests must come from actual librarians. Until then, those copies will remain on the giveaway list as weekly prizes.
I've just seen the ARC cover for Shadow Bound, and it is beautiful! It's the same art work that the final copies will have, but seeing everything compiled, both front and back, with the cover copy is really amazing. I can't wait for this one to hit the shelves!
And, finally...I've just heard from Mira Ink that Before I Wake will be available in the UK in July, 2012, which is the same time it releases in the US/Canada! (Technically, the US date is June 26, but that's considered a July release.) I'm thrilled with this, for both myself and the UK readers, because as of July, they won't have to dodge spoilers from the Western crowd. I haven't seen the UK cover yet, but I hear it's coming along nicely.
Okay, that's it for today! Happy Holidays!
