Susan Francis's Blog, page 4
October 14, 2012
And the winners are ...
I am pleased to announce the winners of the ARC (advance reader copy) giveaway of Two Versions of the Same Song are: Rob, Rhea, Laura, Tiffany and Sanchi. Congratulations! Your copy will be sent to you this week.
Thanks to everyone who participated and stay tuned for more giveaways to come, including signed copies of Butterfly Porcupine and the ebook version of TVoSS.
Thanks to everyone who participated and stay tuned for more giveaways to come, including signed copies of Butterfly Porcupine and the ebook version of TVoSS.
October 12, 2012
Interview: Butterfly Porcupine by Susan Francis
1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
Butterfly Porcupine is the first of a series of Aintree Tales. For the tales, I wanted to write about London-based teenagers from different racial groups but on an equal platform. It was important to represent but also avoid stereotyping. These teenagers live in a somewhat idealistic (anti-dystopian but not quite utopian) gated-community in West London.
For Butterfly Porcupine, I first came up with the idea of the female protagonist, Tasha. I wanted to explore the character of a teenage girl who is shy to the extreme and has trouble communicating with others. Although the story is complete fiction, Tasha’s character is loosely based on me as a teenager. At the time I remember feeling like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. As an adult looking back I realise I so didn’t!
I had the idea to write about the issue of privacy in relation to popular culture and social media. Social networking has made invasion of privacy more common and opinions are divided as to how acceptable this is. I linked this to Tasha‘s character, as she values her privacy a great deal, and made it a major conflict. The novel may even determine which side of the debate the reader is on, depending on whether it is considered a major conflict or a minor one blown out of proportion.
With Butterfly Porcupine I paid homage to some of the love stories, from books and films that have resonated with me over the years. I was inspired by Pride & Prejudice, Taming of the Shrew, Greece (a movie I watched repeatedly as a child), Say Anything (a movie I watched repeatedly as a teenager) and, of course, Twilight (the book).
I also planned that Aintree Tale #1 would have a halo while the soon to be published Aintree Tale #2 in comparison would have red horns and a fork tail.
2. Your title - who came up with it? Did you ever change the title?
I came up with the title. It came from a sentence in an earlier draft of the final chapter. It was first ‘Between a Butterfly and a Porcupine.’ The sentence was later changed by my editor and I changed the title to ‘Butterfly Porcupine.’
The ‘Butterfly’ part signifies the metamorphosis Tasha goes through and also relates to Kai in his pursuit of Tasha (which he compares to chasing a butterfly). The ‘Porcupine’ part relates to Tasha’s prickly and unapproachable character, which causes most people to avoid her, while Kai is drawn to her regardless.
3. Since becoming a writer what is the most exciting thing to happen to you?
I would say the positive feedback I have received. This was my first ever attempt at writing lengthy prose and I wasn’t sure if I could do it well enough or how it would be received. My mother was the first person to read it and she loved it (but she is my mother). A friend read it for me after that and was also very positive. The reviews have been mostly positive so far, also. It’s been great. Of course, I welcome all reviews and I have taken on board the criticisms – the most common being that it is formulaic. This is true, but there is more to it than ‘boy meets girl’ etc., and it’s most exciting when readers get that.
4. Which came first, the title or the novel?
The novel came first.
5. What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Original Love, by JJ Murray, which is a story about childhood sweethearts who were separated in their late teens and find each other again 20 years later. (I am into reading romance novels by male authors at the moment.)
6. Book signing – do you just sign your name or write a message?
Mostly, just my name.
Links
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tales-f...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butterf...
Butterfly Porcupine is the first of a series of Aintree Tales. For the tales, I wanted to write about London-based teenagers from different racial groups but on an equal platform. It was important to represent but also avoid stereotyping. These teenagers live in a somewhat idealistic (anti-dystopian but not quite utopian) gated-community in West London.
For Butterfly Porcupine, I first came up with the idea of the female protagonist, Tasha. I wanted to explore the character of a teenage girl who is shy to the extreme and has trouble communicating with others. Although the story is complete fiction, Tasha’s character is loosely based on me as a teenager. At the time I remember feeling like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. As an adult looking back I realise I so didn’t!
I had the idea to write about the issue of privacy in relation to popular culture and social media. Social networking has made invasion of privacy more common and opinions are divided as to how acceptable this is. I linked this to Tasha‘s character, as she values her privacy a great deal, and made it a major conflict. The novel may even determine which side of the debate the reader is on, depending on whether it is considered a major conflict or a minor one blown out of proportion.
With Butterfly Porcupine I paid homage to some of the love stories, from books and films that have resonated with me over the years. I was inspired by Pride & Prejudice, Taming of the Shrew, Greece (a movie I watched repeatedly as a child), Say Anything (a movie I watched repeatedly as a teenager) and, of course, Twilight (the book).
I also planned that Aintree Tale #1 would have a halo while the soon to be published Aintree Tale #2 in comparison would have red horns and a fork tail.
2. Your title - who came up with it? Did you ever change the title?
I came up with the title. It came from a sentence in an earlier draft of the final chapter. It was first ‘Between a Butterfly and a Porcupine.’ The sentence was later changed by my editor and I changed the title to ‘Butterfly Porcupine.’
The ‘Butterfly’ part signifies the metamorphosis Tasha goes through and also relates to Kai in his pursuit of Tasha (which he compares to chasing a butterfly). The ‘Porcupine’ part relates to Tasha’s prickly and unapproachable character, which causes most people to avoid her, while Kai is drawn to her regardless.
3. Since becoming a writer what is the most exciting thing to happen to you?
I would say the positive feedback I have received. This was my first ever attempt at writing lengthy prose and I wasn’t sure if I could do it well enough or how it would be received. My mother was the first person to read it and she loved it (but she is my mother). A friend read it for me after that and was also very positive. The reviews have been mostly positive so far, also. It’s been great. Of course, I welcome all reviews and I have taken on board the criticisms – the most common being that it is formulaic. This is true, but there is more to it than ‘boy meets girl’ etc., and it’s most exciting when readers get that.
4. Which came first, the title or the novel?
The novel came first.
5. What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Original Love, by JJ Murray, which is a story about childhood sweethearts who were separated in their late teens and find each other again 20 years later. (I am into reading romance novels by male authors at the moment.)
6. Book signing – do you just sign your name or write a message?
Mostly, just my name.
Links
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tales-f...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butterf...
September 5, 2012
Exposing Eden (I told myself I wouldn't get sucked in ...)
No doubt you've heard or read the controversy over the book Revealing Eden. (If you haven't yet, don't worry you will.) First I should say I haven't read it so I cannot comment on it's content. However, I did read the author, Victoria Foyt's blog, "White, and in the minority," and I found it to be inflammatory. It struck me as the sort of blog that would incite readers to make comments for and against while becoming increasingly angry not so much with the author as with each other.
I am all for freedom of speech and I believe authors should write about what they feel strongly about. (Hey, I don't have to read it *palms in the air*).
When I come across something like this [her blog], mostly, I am curious as to what would drive someone to write what they have. So I wondered what motivated her. Is she really quaking in her boots over the possible annihilation of the white race in the future? Does she really fear for her progeny? (Because, apparently, the plausible scenario is that a non-white majority would be vengeful and oppress the white minority.) I came to the conclusion that fear was not her motivation. I'm not convinced that she buys into that theory - or even cares! She just needs the attention.
The thing is, it's a jungle out there - in the world of book publishing, that is. There's just so much out there to distract people from reading. It's an industry that's been on the decline for a while. There are so many authors vying for the attention of so few readers. If you're an author you'll probably know that, these days, it is often a requirement to submit a marketing plan (for potential book sales) along with a manuscript to be considered for publication and it is now the reponisiblity of the published author to play an active part in selling their books. Some book marketing experts believe the marketing plan is as (if not more) important than the book itself and should be written before the novel. I suspect Victoria Foyt chose to write that book because she knew how controversial it would be. In her blog she is also being as controversial and inflammatory as she can get away with in order to rouse curiosity about the book, since her motivation is to increase sales of her book. It'll probably work too.
I am all for freedom of speech and I believe authors should write about what they feel strongly about. (Hey, I don't have to read it *palms in the air*).
When I come across something like this [her blog], mostly, I am curious as to what would drive someone to write what they have. So I wondered what motivated her. Is she really quaking in her boots over the possible annihilation of the white race in the future? Does she really fear for her progeny? (Because, apparently, the plausible scenario is that a non-white majority would be vengeful and oppress the white minority.) I came to the conclusion that fear was not her motivation. I'm not convinced that she buys into that theory - or even cares! She just needs the attention.
The thing is, it's a jungle out there - in the world of book publishing, that is. There's just so much out there to distract people from reading. It's an industry that's been on the decline for a while. There are so many authors vying for the attention of so few readers. If you're an author you'll probably know that, these days, it is often a requirement to submit a marketing plan (for potential book sales) along with a manuscript to be considered for publication and it is now the reponisiblity of the published author to play an active part in selling their books. Some book marketing experts believe the marketing plan is as (if not more) important than the book itself and should be written before the novel. I suspect Victoria Foyt chose to write that book because she knew how controversial it would be. In her blog she is also being as controversial and inflammatory as she can get away with in order to rouse curiosity about the book, since her motivation is to increase sales of her book. It'll probably work too.
August 27, 2012
Why?
Why write?
I wish I could say it is something I did since I was a child but it isn’t - although I have kept a journal since I was 12 if that counts. I started about 3 years ago. I just wanted to see if I could.
I read a book review on Goodreads recently and the reviewer quoted a creative writing lecturer who had said “Write to express, not impress.” I identified with that phrase. I also read somewhere that someone said (can’t remember who) that they write because it’s cheaper than therapy. I’m not sure about that but I agree that it can be cathartic.
Why YA?
Adolescence is such a crucial and interesting time in one's life. I look back on it fondly. I remember feeling everything so intensely - the joy and the pain. Little did I know it wouldn't last. You never get that back as a grown up. I think that's the appeal for me. The writer Mark Haddon said something similar. He said (of adolescence) 'the temperature is higher and it is often going horribly wrong'. That's worth writing about. Call me crazy but if I was given the option to travel back or forwards in time (temporarily and knowing what I know now, of course), I would probably go back to the year I turned 16.
Why Romance?
Good question.
As a teenager, I remember my best friend used to read Mills and Boon while I steered clear of anything remotely romantic - apart from the stuff I HAD to read for English Literature (i.e., Shakespeare and the usual classics). So why on earth have I chosen romance as my main subject to write about?
The first romantic novel I read by choice was a fluke. It was Twilight and, believe it or not, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. (I thought it was going to be about vampires!) The next novel was One Day by David Nicholls. That said, (oddly) my favourite book of all time is The Passion by Jeanette Winterson, which is a lesbian romance set in Napoleonic France.
PD James, the crime writer, said that she believes a writer doesn’t choose the subject, the subject chooses the writer. She then went on to admit that she has always been fascinated (and possibly fixated) with death.
I suspect that, for human beings, all roads lead to those two destinations, anyway (love and death).
Unlike my friends, I have never dreamt of meeting Prince Charming and I have never dreamt of the white dress or ‘that’ special day. I remember a friend at school who was never seen without her glossy wedding magazine. All that was alien to me - still is. I don't fit in to 'that' world. I am someone who is on the outside looking in and I admit I am genuinely curious - fascinated even. I realise this probably makes me sound strange. Okay, makes ME strange.
I suppose what put me off romantic novels was the fluffiness. Some fluff is okay - necessary even - but too much fluff is nauseating. When I write, I do try to ease up on the fluff. That said, I write romance and my novels 'do what they say on the tin'.
Why now?
Why not?
I wish I could say it is something I did since I was a child but it isn’t - although I have kept a journal since I was 12 if that counts. I started about 3 years ago. I just wanted to see if I could.
I read a book review on Goodreads recently and the reviewer quoted a creative writing lecturer who had said “Write to express, not impress.” I identified with that phrase. I also read somewhere that someone said (can’t remember who) that they write because it’s cheaper than therapy. I’m not sure about that but I agree that it can be cathartic.
Why YA?
Adolescence is such a crucial and interesting time in one's life. I look back on it fondly. I remember feeling everything so intensely - the joy and the pain. Little did I know it wouldn't last. You never get that back as a grown up. I think that's the appeal for me. The writer Mark Haddon said something similar. He said (of adolescence) 'the temperature is higher and it is often going horribly wrong'. That's worth writing about. Call me crazy but if I was given the option to travel back or forwards in time (temporarily and knowing what I know now, of course), I would probably go back to the year I turned 16.
Why Romance?
Good question.
As a teenager, I remember my best friend used to read Mills and Boon while I steered clear of anything remotely romantic - apart from the stuff I HAD to read for English Literature (i.e., Shakespeare and the usual classics). So why on earth have I chosen romance as my main subject to write about?
The first romantic novel I read by choice was a fluke. It was Twilight and, believe it or not, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. (I thought it was going to be about vampires!) The next novel was One Day by David Nicholls. That said, (oddly) my favourite book of all time is The Passion by Jeanette Winterson, which is a lesbian romance set in Napoleonic France.
PD James, the crime writer, said that she believes a writer doesn’t choose the subject, the subject chooses the writer. She then went on to admit that she has always been fascinated (and possibly fixated) with death.
I suspect that, for human beings, all roads lead to those two destinations, anyway (love and death).
Unlike my friends, I have never dreamt of meeting Prince Charming and I have never dreamt of the white dress or ‘that’ special day. I remember a friend at school who was never seen without her glossy wedding magazine. All that was alien to me - still is. I don't fit in to 'that' world. I am someone who is on the outside looking in and I admit I am genuinely curious - fascinated even. I realise this probably makes me sound strange. Okay, makes ME strange.
I suppose what put me off romantic novels was the fluffiness. Some fluff is okay - necessary even - but too much fluff is nauseating. When I write, I do try to ease up on the fluff. That said, I write romance and my novels 'do what they say on the tin'.
Why now?
Why not?
July 14, 2012
A lesson in the power of marketing (I will not name it)
Has there ever been a booked so hyped as THAT one everyone seems to be talking about? (I will not name it. I don't need to.)
I've seen so many posts on various social networking sites from friends and friends of friends saying why they loved it or hated it. I admit I read it and I liked it (gave it 3.5 stars) but I will not name it and I won't comment any further since enough has been said already.
I'd rather talk about something else, i.e., What's all the fuss about? Here's what I think.
I first discovered the book back in October 2011. I noticed it was climbing to the top spot of a list of romantic novels despite costing £15.99 ($25 US) a copy in paperback. (If I could raise an eyebrow I would have.) Then I stumbled across it again on the home page of The Writer's Coffee Shop website. I learned that TWCS was the publisher and it was being marketed on their site as top billing. My curiosity got the better of me and so I downloaded it as an ebook and read it last November. My first thought was, this story is really familiar. In fact, I wondered how the author could be so bold! Then I read a couple of reviews that revealed it started out as fan fiction of another popular novel (so it was intentional, and presumably authorised).
Five months later I noticed a post on the Guardian newspaper's culture FB page announcing that the author and publisher (TWCS) were in talks with a couple of Hollywood film companies who were bidding for the rights to make the book into a movie. This revelation was another eyebrow-raising moment (if only I knew how to do that, whenever I try they both go up). Negotiations took place, apparently millions of dollars were discussed and a deal was done. The books (all 3 in the trilogy) were pulled off the shelves in March 2012 and relaunched in early April 2012 by Arrow Books at - thanks to economies of scale - half the original price.
I think that was when all the hype started. The book was everywhere, it was being discussed by various TV talkshow hosts. You couldn't get away from it and soon it was selling like hotcakes.
Earlier today I read an unfavourable review about the book and it concluded with the reviewer expressing suprise and horror that consideration was being given to make a movie of the book. Only, the movie deal came BEFORE the hype. Making films from books has become a successful (as in profitable) formula for film companies, but they aren't taking any chances. There is no point investing large sums of money in a movie that hardly anyone knows about. It doesn't matter if you like the book or you hate it ... so long as you talk about it... and go see the movie of course, that's the ultimate goal. And yes, I know I'm doing it too, right now. (The best I can do is not name it.)
I will conclude by offering advice to any business graduate students out there wanting to specialise and looking for a good marketing model to study for a dissertation/thesis. Why not consider this one? Do your research. Start at the beginning ... back when it started out as fan fiction and work your way to where we are now and follow it through to when the movie comes out. You're bound to pass with flying colours. Then again, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU STUDYING MARKETING FOR?!! (just kidding) [Shouty capitals - see what I did there].
Comment added 21 July
I am so sick of hearing about THAT book! Hopefully, by the time the movie comes out so will everyone else.
I've seen so many posts on various social networking sites from friends and friends of friends saying why they loved it or hated it. I admit I read it and I liked it (gave it 3.5 stars) but I will not name it and I won't comment any further since enough has been said already.
I'd rather talk about something else, i.e., What's all the fuss about? Here's what I think.
I first discovered the book back in October 2011. I noticed it was climbing to the top spot of a list of romantic novels despite costing £15.99 ($25 US) a copy in paperback. (If I could raise an eyebrow I would have.) Then I stumbled across it again on the home page of The Writer's Coffee Shop website. I learned that TWCS was the publisher and it was being marketed on their site as top billing. My curiosity got the better of me and so I downloaded it as an ebook and read it last November. My first thought was, this story is really familiar. In fact, I wondered how the author could be so bold! Then I read a couple of reviews that revealed it started out as fan fiction of another popular novel (so it was intentional, and presumably authorised).
Five months later I noticed a post on the Guardian newspaper's culture FB page announcing that the author and publisher (TWCS) were in talks with a couple of Hollywood film companies who were bidding for the rights to make the book into a movie. This revelation was another eyebrow-raising moment (if only I knew how to do that, whenever I try they both go up). Negotiations took place, apparently millions of dollars were discussed and a deal was done. The books (all 3 in the trilogy) were pulled off the shelves in March 2012 and relaunched in early April 2012 by Arrow Books at - thanks to economies of scale - half the original price.
I think that was when all the hype started. The book was everywhere, it was being discussed by various TV talkshow hosts. You couldn't get away from it and soon it was selling like hotcakes.
Earlier today I read an unfavourable review about the book and it concluded with the reviewer expressing suprise and horror that consideration was being given to make a movie of the book. Only, the movie deal came BEFORE the hype. Making films from books has become a successful (as in profitable) formula for film companies, but they aren't taking any chances. There is no point investing large sums of money in a movie that hardly anyone knows about. It doesn't matter if you like the book or you hate it ... so long as you talk about it... and go see the movie of course, that's the ultimate goal. And yes, I know I'm doing it too, right now. (The best I can do is not name it.)
I will conclude by offering advice to any business graduate students out there wanting to specialise and looking for a good marketing model to study for a dissertation/thesis. Why not consider this one? Do your research. Start at the beginning ... back when it started out as fan fiction and work your way to where we are now and follow it through to when the movie comes out. You're bound to pass with flying colours. Then again, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU STUDYING MARKETING FOR?!! (just kidding) [Shouty capitals - see what I did there].
Comment added 21 July
I am so sick of hearing about THAT book! Hopefully, by the time the movie comes out so will everyone else.
