Jenn Reese's Blog, page 5
April 2, 2014
Upcoming Events in California
It’s almost time to celebrate the release of Horizon, the last book in my first trilogy. After the launch party in Los Angeles on Sunday, I’m heading up to the Bay Area where I’ll be on tour with author Pete Hautman for the rest of the week. Two of our events are open to the public:
Book Launch Party for HORIZON (Los Angeles)
April 6th, 2:00 – 3:00pm
Once Upon A Time: 2207 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020
Event Page
Please join me to celebrate the release of HORIZON, the last book in the Above World trilogy. (Facebook event announcement). The launch party is happening two days before the official release of the book. If you’re local and planning to buy a copy, please consider supporting this wonderful indie bookstore — Once Upon A Time is the oldest children’s bookstore in America.
Otherworlds Tour at Copperfield’s (Petaluma)
April 8th, 4:00 – 5:00pm
With author Pete Hautman
Copperfield’s Books Petaluma: 140 Kentucky St, Petaluma, CA
Event Page
Meet & Greet at Hicklebee’s (San Jose)
April 10th, 3:30 – 4:30pm
With author Pete Hautman
Hicklebee’s: 1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Event Page
Newsletter
Just a reminder that I’ve started a monthly newsletter. The first issue went out in March (see the newsletter online), and the second will go out in April when I’m back from my tour.
March 28, 2014
Stuff I Love: The Kat, Incorrigible Trilogy
One of my favorite middle-grade series of all time is Stephanie Burgis‘s Kat, Incorrigible trilogy, and the third book, Stolen Magic, is now out in paperback!
Book 1: Kat, Incorrigible — Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Book 2: Renegade Magic — Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Book 3: Stolen Magic — Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I’m not trying to make you jealous, I swear, but I got to read every chapter of this trilogy as soon as Stephanie wrote it. I remember waking up in the morning and scanning my inbox, hoping to see an email from Steph with a little paperclip attachment symbol next to it. She swore the chapters were several thousand words long, but I would gulp them down instantly, as if they were mere paragraphs.
Here’s why I love the Kat, Incorrigible books: they’re fast-paced fun laced with magic and adventure, and every page is infused with heart. One of the ways they’ve personally touched me is with their incredible sense of sisterhood. I don’t have sisters myself, but reading these books, I get a glimpse of what it might be like — all the bickering and anger, but all the love and loyalty, too.
Book 3, Stolen Magic, is now out in paperback and soon the trilogy will be released in a boxed set. Buy them for every kid reader you know… but make sure to buy a copy for yourself, first!
March 26, 2014
Martial Arts Magic
Master Carrie and Master Matsuda, head of the Martial Arts History Museum
On Saturday, I attended “Carrie Ogawa-Wong Day” at the Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank. Master Carrie has been my sifu since I started training at White Lotus Kung Fu, and I couldn’t imagine a better teacher. I’ve studied kung fu, Tai Chi, and weapons with her for years. She’s an incredible martial artist — her forms are perfection, her fighting technique is terrifying, her fitness and flexibility are astounding, and she’s amazing at actually explaining everything.
More than that, though, she cares about her students. When I’ve been absent for months at a time, she emails to make sure I’m okay. Not to harangue me into returning, but to check in and see how I’m doing. And when I do want to come back, there is never ever recrimination, questions about why I was absent, or guilt of any sort. I am welcomed back unconditionally, as if I never left. She makes White Lotus feel like a home, and she has made me truly understand the concept of kung fu as family.
Master Jennings speaks about Master Carrie.
During the event, a whole bunch of Big Name martial artists spoke about Master Carrie, expressing their admiration and genuine affection for her as a martial artist and as a person. Tears streamed down my face during Master Jennings’s speech, and again during Master Carrie’s.
For the the last two years, I haven’t been attending kung fu. Do you want to hear my excuses? I have so many of them: my job, my nascent novel career, my new community commitments, my ongoing health problems, my money issues… excuses piled atop excuses, only some of which really kept me from martial arts.
But being with my kung fu family on Saturday made me feel whole again. I didn’t realize how much of myself had been missing until I had this reminder. I came home from the event in a glorious, sun-filled mood, in love with the world. I knew then that I had to return…no matter what it cost, no matter how many excuses piled up. Martial arts — and specifically my family at White Lotus — are just too important to my spiritual well-being.
Martial arts has never been far from my mind and heart, whether or not I’m attending class, but now my body is getting back in the action. Last night I went back to Tai Chi for the first time in years. I paid my dues, bought a t-shirt with the new logo, and committed to making my happiness a priority. After my travel in April, I hope to return to kung fu and weapons, too.
Me and Grandmaster Carrie Ogawa-Wong
March 18, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Horizon
Kirkus has liked both books in the Above World trilogy so far, calling Above World “…a thrilling sci-fi adventure. Imaginative and riveting.” and Mirage “…a powerful sequel with sustained themes of friendship and honor.” Here what Kirkus has to say about the final book, Horizon:
A fitting finale for a gripping futurist series whose four multifaceted heroes offer a strong anti-war, pro-diversity message.
Aluna remains a compelling warrior, and Hoku, Dash and Calli come into their own as the fast-paced action ricochets back and forth, culminating in a colossal confrontation with Strand.
I am a happy author!
March 11, 2014
Mirage Now in Paperback!
The world needs us, and we need each other.
We must not hide forever.
—Ali’ikai of the Coral Kampii, Born Sarah Jennings
Today is a the “book birthday” of the Mirage paperback! I’ve got one in my grubby hands as I type this. This book contains so many things that I love:
Four heroes from Above World: Aluna, Hoku, Calli, and Dash
Three of my favorite new characters: Rollin, Tal, and Nathif
An homage to the Olympics called the Thunder Trials
A desperate race against death through the desert
Calli learning about leadership!
Aluna learning what really makes someone weak or strong!
Dash’s secret past!
Hoku becoming an apprentice!
New cultures!
New martial arts!
To date, this is the hardest book I’ve ever written, and I’m exceedingly proud that it’s out there in the world. Thanks again to my (then agent) Joe Monti, my editor Sarah Ketchersid, the Candlewick team, and all my friends who helped with the book and who continue to support my books and my career.
BUY: Indiebound | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Audible
Reviews
“A powerful sequel with sustained themes of friendship and honor.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Mirage features compelling characters, plenty of action, and a thoroughly imagined world… [T]he dynamic plotline will keep readers engaged.”
—School Library Journal
“Readers … will be rewarded with this sequel. There is plenty of adventure and a well-developed setting that brings the desert to life. … Hand this book to patrons who appreciate their adventure in fantastic worlds…”
—VOYA
“A strong sequel that should garner continued interest in this engaging, innovative middle-grade series.”
—Booklist Online
Dedication
I’ll leave you with the dedication to Mirage, and the hope that you’ll come walk in my world with me:
March 6, 2014
Graphic Novel: Cairo
I’ve read so many great books so far this year, and the most recent is one of my favorites: the graphic novel Cairo written by G. Willow Wilson and art by M.K. Perker (Vertigo, 2008).
Cairo interweaves the stories of six people (well, five people and a jinn) in a tale of magic, adventure, and romance. I found all the main characters likable almost immediately, a pretty amazing feat considering how little dialogue and time on the page each one gets. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. The pace is fast and the Middle Eastern mythology creates a riveting sense of wonder. The dialogue is brisk and funny, and sometimes poignant. G. Willow Wilson, who also writes the fantastic new Ms. Marvel comic, is quickly becoming one of my favorite comic book writers.
I think this book will appeal to both young adult and adult readers, who should all go out and read it immediately.
March 4, 2014
New Short Stories Online
Last year, right before I went in for surgery, I wrote two new flash stories as a gift to myself. (Flash stories are usually very short, often 500 words or so, but less than 1500.) I didn’t think I’d be able to write much while I was recovering, but I thought I could at least stay on top of submitting these flash pieces and therefore make myself feel like a writer anyway. Happily, they both sold and the second one is now online.
Note: Both these stories are intended for adults and may not interest young readers.
Flytrap: “The Sea City Six”
Heather Shaw and Tim Pratt Kickstarted a new issue of their ‘zine Flytrap, and I jumped on the chance to submit a story to Heather (the fiction editor). Now you can read “The Sea City Six” and a whole bunch of other great stories (many by good friends!) online for free.
About the story: “The Sea City Six” is told from the point of view of a group of investigative reporters as they follow-up with a team of superheroes who failed to prevent a tragedy.
Daily Science Fiction: “Gather Your Bones”
Daily Science Fiction has an interesting model: if you subscribe to their newsletter, you get a new piece of fiction emailed to you five days a week. A week later, the story is published online at their site. I had previously only published collaborative work with them: The Alphabet Quartet. I was thrilled when they accepted “Gather Your Bones,” my first solo piece.
About the story: “Gather Your Bones” is told from the point of view of a witch talking to her client. Her client wants to exact revenge on a woman who hurt him, but as the witch digs deeper, she uncovers the uncomfortable truth. (This is story about “Nice Guys.”)
Newsletter
The first issue is going out mid-March, so sign up if you want behind-the-scenes info on my books and writing career. You can unsubscribe at any time.
February 27, 2014
Launch Party, ARCs, and More
First things first:
Book Launch Party for HORIZON
April 6th, 2014
Once Upon A Time, Montrose, CA
2pm – 3pm
Please join me to celebrate the release of HORIZON, the last book in the Above World trilogy. (Facebook event announcement)
The launch party is happening two days before the official release of the book. If you’re local and planning to buy a copy, please consider supporting this wonderful indie bookstore — Once Upon A Time is the oldest children’s bookstore in America.
ARCs
In other news, I’ve received my first physical ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of HORIZON the other day, and lo, it is glorious! I’ve also learned that HORIZON is now available on NetGalley for those reviewers and librarians out there with access.
Newsletter
I’ve started a monthly newsletter! The first issue will go out in March to celebrate the release of MIRAGE in paperback. In addition to news, it will also contain some behind-the-scenes information about my books and writing process. Since I’ve discontinued my official Facebook page, I do hope you’ll sign up — I’ll only be sending new issues once a month, and it’s easy to unsubscribe.
It’s going to be an exciting spring!
February 19, 2014
Video Game: Tomb Raider (2013)
I have an archaeology degree because of Raiders of the Lost Ark, but Lara Croft isn’t far behind Indy in the “archaeologist of my heart” department. I played Tomb Raider a lot when I was younger, but just got around to playing the 2013 franchise reboot game this year.
Tomb Raider is an intense and riveting first-person (Edited: It’s actually third-person in gaming terminology) adventure game that involves a lot of climbing, hanging from ledges, shooting bad guys, solving puzzles, and zooming down zip lines. What it doesn’t involve is a lot of archaeology or actual tombs.
In this reboot, Lara Croft is young and on one of her first adventures when she’s shipwrecked on a mysterious island with the rest of her team. She gets separated from everyone else early on, thus beginning a harrowing survival tale that had my pulse pounding. The PoV reminded me of a YA (young adult) novel — dramatic and personal and packed with intense emotion.
In fact, it was a little too intense for me at times. Lara’s deaths are gruesome, and when I was invested in her and fully immersed in the story, I found some of the situations uncomfortably stressful. This is not a game for the squeamish, and there were many times when I could barely look at the TV screen.
Overall, I loved the game… as a survival story. Young, innocent Lara is dumped into a hostile environment full of bad guys and supernatural forces and, during the course of the game, she becomes the badass Lara Croft that we know and love. But this is barely a Lara Croft game in terms of the archaeology, other cultures, and sense of wonder. (The wonder here comes from the amazing scenery and set pieces, not from the fabulous archaeological discoveries.)
The tombs are actually optional in this game. Yes, you read that correctly. They have no bearing on the plot or story. As such, there’s not much to them — just one central puzzle then a cut scene where you open a treasure chest and pocket some unseen treasure with the text “Tomb raided!” or somesuch. Very disappointing.
It’s impossible not to compare this game to the Uncharted franchise, staring Indiana Jones clone Nathan Drake. I never feel emotionally invested in Uncharted, but the sense of wonder is off-the-charts fabulous. Drake travels around the world, finds hidden cities, and solves multiple, complex puzzles that frequently have breath-taking results. (The Uncharted series is inspired by the original Tomb Raiders, I think, which makes it funny that I’m now comparing Tomb Raider to them.)
And like all modern games, I thought there was too much fighting/killing and not nearly enough puzzles and exploring.
In summary, Tomb Raider is a deeply engrossing game and a wonderful new beginning for Lara Croft. It needed more archaeology and better puzzles to be a true Tomb Raider game, in my opinion, but I’m still really glad that I played it and I’ll definitely be playing its sequels.
February 17, 2014
Introducing: My First Newsletter
For the last few years, I’ve struggled to make sense of my online life. How much of my social media posts are professional versus personal, how do I keep multiple websites updated when it’s so easy to click a button and post something to Facebook, that sort of thing.
A few months ago, I disabled comments on my blog because I couldn’t keep up with Twitter, Facebook, the blog, and Livejournal. I ended up creating an official Facebook Page, thinking that would be easier to manage. And… it is. Except that no one sees it. Facebook wants to make money, so most of the time updates from Pages don’t even appear in people’s feeds unless you pay to promote the post. So really, that system didn’t end up working at all.
The Newsletter
Enter my new newsletter! I need a way to get book news to the people who want it without expecting them to come to my blog or personal Facebook page and wade through dozens of updates about video games and my cats. Key facts:
— The newsletter will be sent once a month, roughly. Maybe I’ll skip a month here and there, and maybe I’ll send an extra post during busy times, or if there’s something timely happening, like a contest.
— It will contain news about my books as well as answers to frequently asked questions, fan art, tidbits about my characters and worlds, and whatever else I feel like throwing in. I will try to make each issue interesting. (And if it’s not, “delete” is only one click away.)
— If I get enough subscribers, I might start doing giveaways. Or I might not. But I will definitely be more happy than if I don’t get many subscribers at all.
— You can unsubscribe easily at any time.
Other Changes
Other changes to my online presence (that probably no one cares about besides me):
My official Facebook Page is going defunct.
My personal Facebook page is still going strong.
I will no longer be mirroring posts to LiveJournal.
Comments are back open on my blog, where I hope to be posting more often.
Just do it!
