Jennifer Estep's Blog, page 137
March 17, 2009
No fear …
So, as I mentioned yesterday, I did a little cable access channel promo spot for one of my regional libraries. Wheezley and I were talking about this later, and he said that he didn’t know if he could do something like that because it was basically public speaking.
Maybe I’m weird, but public speaking doesn’t bother me anymore. At least, not much.
That’s one of the things nobody ever seems to mention about this author gig — you have to do some public speaking. Schmoozing with folks at conferences,
March 16, 2009
In the spotlight …
So I did something kind of unusual today — I filmed a television spot for National Library Week (April 12-18). I’m going to be appearing at one of my regional libraries, the Bristol Public Library, at 7 p.m. April 13, and I was one of three authors the library recruited to do the spot.
It was nothing big, just a local cable access channel in my area. We went in, stood in front of the camera, went through a short script a couple of times, and tried not to flub it up too bad. Bada-bing, bada-boom,
March 13, 2009
Decisions, decisions …
So I met with my critique group last night. I’d sent them some sample chapters of Quiver, my young-adult fantasy, to look over. The general conscensus was that my second effort – making my main character, Gwen, more of a Robin Hood-type outlaw – was much better and more in keeping with my voice.
That’s good and made me feel like I was going in the right direction with the book …
Until this morning, when I had yet another idea — to make Gwen more of a Scarlet Pimpernel-type character and basically
Going, going, gone …
So I’ve gotten word that the trade paperback edition of Hot Mama is going out of print. This isn’t unusual after the mass market version comes out. Why buy a book for $14 when you can get it for $7.99? And with the economy the way it is, I’m surprised this hasn’t happened sooner.
Anyway, if you want the trade paperback of Hot Mama with the cool cartoon cover, get it while you can …
March 11, 2009
And the title is …
Spider’s Bite: An Elemental Assassin Book.
Pretty cool, huh? At this point, we’re thinking all the titles will have the word Spider’s in them. Spider’s Web is another title my agent, editor, and I all like – it will probably be used for Book 2 or 3. Anyway, more to come.
I’m just glad I have a title now! [image error]
Also, the first chapter of Spider’s Bite has been up on the Web site for a while now, but I thought I would also share it here. Please excuse the formatting. For some reason, the blog doesn’t lik
March 9, 2009
Done … for now …
So I’m back at the day job this week. But I actually did get a few things done while I was off last week. Namely, I finished revising the Spy book and sent that to my agent. Huzzah! Now, let’s just hope she thinks it has some potential. Fingers crossed on that one.
And, yes, I got my house clean too. We’ll see how long that lasts, though. :twisted:
And I finally decided on how I want to proceed with Quiver, the young-adult fantasy that I’m writing. My heroine is going to be a Robin Hood-type outla
The nose knows …
That spring is near. It was beautiful here this weekend — 75 and sunny. Unfortunately, along with spring comes the return of my allergies. Which meant I spent a good portion of the weekend sneezing.
Trees and flowers really don’t need pollen to grow, do they? Because my nose could certainly do without it … [image error]
March 7, 2009
929 and counting …
Finished Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I’ve heard a lot of buzz about this book, and since I’m trying to write a young-adult fantasy, I thought I would check it out. Warning: There be spoilers ahead.
Graceling is set in the world of the Seven Kingdoms, where people have extreme skills or “graces” in various areas like cooking, dancing, etc. Lady Katsa has an unusual skill, even among Gracelings — she can kill people with her bare hands. Katsa basically serves as her uncle, King Randa’s, enforcer
March 5, 2009
Title update …
So the latest on the titles is that everyone seems to think using Spider or Spider’s in the titles is the best way to go (since my character goes by the moniker the Spider). Everyone think that gives off the appropriate cool, gritty, urban fantasy vibe. Here are some titles we’re now considering:
Spider’s Bite (or Spider Bite)
Spider’s Web (or Spider Web)
Kiss of the Spider
Too bad Along Came a Spider is already taken by James Patterson. [image error]
Also, we’re thinking either calling it the Elemental Assassin
March 3, 2009
‘Tis done … for now …
Well, I got one of my to-do things accomplished this week. I finally finished revising the Spy book and sent that off to my agent. Huzzah! Now, I can focus on writing Quiver, my young-adult fantasy.
Not sure if I’ve mentioned it or not, but the Spy book focuses on Abby Tomb, a bookstore owner and paramortal (someone with a special talent/gift/power). In Abby’s case, she happens to be immune to magic. When Abby witnesses a shooting, she’s recruited by PACT — the Paramortal Counter Terrorism Agency
