Angela N. Blount's Blog: Solitary Refinement , page 3

When Authors Attack

Should authors review another author's work? The question has been floating around for a while now, with no definitive consensus. As an author who originally opened my platform as a candid book reviewer, the issue haunts me on a regular basis. Should I write objective reviews for friends and acquaintances? Am I going to regret that snarky metaphor I used for describing how much mental anguish a particular plot point caused me? Will the next fellow author I meet secretly hate me because I happened to give one of their books a 3-star review? {The method to my personal book reviewing madness - LINK}

        In the end, I try not to sweat it. Why? Because a.) I make a careful point to be impartial and constructive with my reviews, while trying to avoid any personal battering of the author. b.) I fully embrace Edmund Wilson's poignant observation: “No two persons ever read the same book.” And c.) My opinions don't carry all that much weight. I don't say that as a result of my emaciated sense of self-worth--but rather in recognition of where I'm currently at in my career.

One day, when I (hopefully) have multiple published books under my belt, I'll have to reassess how I choose to throw around my theoretical authority. (Get it? Author-ity? Okay...this is probably why I'm still hanging out in pre-published land. >.> ) I think the point I'm meandering toward can be summed up with the old Spiderman adage: "With great power comes great responsibility."


For the last year or so I've been especially aware of how successful/long-established authors conduct themselves. And while some have impressed me with their humility and/or intrigued me with their attempts at a reclusive existence...I've also come across plenty of examples of authors who seem to have fallen into the trap of believing their own hype.         

Fact: Everybody's a critic. Some are just louder and more influential in that capacity.
Just last fall, RJ Ellory, the bestselling British crime writer, was called out for using pseudonyms to post flattering online reviews about his “magnificent genius,” while simultaneously criticizing his literary rivals. This sort of practice has been dubbed by some as 'sock puppeting,' and seems to be universally regarded as a tacky and underhanded means of self-promotion. I haven't seen anyone hesitate to condemn this as a classic 'author behaving badly' move.

More socially acceptable, however, is the tendency for popular/successful authors to participate in the verbal backhanding of another author. Now, being a member of the RWA, I may be a bit spoiled. In our guild there is a tremendous emphasis on cooperation and mutual support, along with the audacious idea that there's "room for all of us" in the wide world of publication. Authors are far more likely to cross-promote each other's work than they are to ever regard each other as competition (at least publicly). And so it really cracks my binding when I hear about authors attacking other authors.

Allow me to present a few examples:

*Nicholas Sparks, already known for fits of exorbitant self-esteem, recently took aim at a fellow author's work:

Cormac McCarthy? “Horrible,” Sparks says, looking at Blood Meridian. “This is probably the most pulpy, overwrought, melodramatic cowboy vs. Indians story ever written.”

It might just be my contrary nature, but I suddenly have the desire to read Blood Meridian...along with a nagging conviction to drop any and all of Sparks' books from my to-read list. >.>

* In one of her interviews, J.K. Rowling seemed to feel the need to both criticize and provide her own psychic interpretation of the intentions of a classic author (C.S. Lewis), who happens to be too dead to defend his works or otherwise complain:

"There comes a point where Susan, who was the older girl, is lost to Narnia because she becomes interested in lipstick. She's become irreligious basically because she found sex," Rowling says. "I have a big problem with that."

But this isn't anything new. Author Phillip Pullman has launched numerous attacks on the long-deceased Lewis, that may or may not amount to expressions of professional jealousy. Pullman and Rowlings at least cater famously well to a very similar genre (Fantasy) and target audience age range (middle grade). But then there's the instance in which the indisputable master of adult horror fiction, Stephen King, decided to take a swipe at another highly successful author...

* “Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people. … The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good.” ― Stephen King

(And readers are eating up the pointed negativity. This is currently the 7th most popular quote by King, as listed on Goodreads.)

That one got my hackles up. And not because I'm some raging fan of the Twilight Saga (I liked them in their own right, hate on me if you so choose), but because I remember reading her books and identifying with her writing voice. What's more, I remember finding in her works the hope that someone like me might be able to one day attain publication.

Lets' just say, Mr. King deeply annoyed me that day. I still can't look at his picture without getting a little lipcurl-of-disdain. 

To be clear, I'm not knocking free speech. Pop-culture defining authors certainly have as much right to their viewpoints as anyone else. But I'm wondering at what point the judgments and opinions we all feel so entitled to may be crossing the line into lateral bullying. And I'm asserting now, ahead of time, that I don't want to be the kind of author who toes (or leaps headlong) over that line. Not even in the name of publicity.


So to all who know me personally, consider this an invitation to hold me accountable. If my authorial confidence ever looks to be running away with my rudimentary instincts for courtesy and respect, you have permission to ego-check me.

And to those of you who may be on the fence as to how you'd personally prefer to handle the evaluation of other people's work, I would submit to you The Golden Rule of a good critic: “Do not criticize what you have no taste for without great caution.”

-----

P.S. I'm stepping down off my soapbox now.

Looking back through history, I actually found it to be commonplace for big-name authors to take petty swipes at each other. Mark Twain once famously said of Jane Austen:

"Every time I read 'Pride and Prejudice,' I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone."

Okay, that was at least funny...and also implied the veiled compliment that he had read her work repeatedly. (Leave it to Twain to be entertaining, uncouth, and ingenious all in the same sentence.)  If you've hung with me this far, you might appreciate this article from the examiner: The 50 best author vs. author put-downs of all time - LINK

Now tell me what you think about authors sniping other authors? And can anyone come up with another profession where this sort of smack-talking peer review goes on as openly, aside from the following:

-Politicians
-Wrestlers
-Rappers
-Late Night Comedians

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Book Bartering: Literature On A Budget

I've recently had a chance to take advantage of a free service a friend recommended to me, and I've been so delighted I just had to share my new addiction: PaperBack Swap. The idea of online book clubs wasn't new to me. But two factors spurred me into finally trying one out for myself: money and time. (Or rather, a decided lack of both. >.>)

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge proponent of libraries. (When I was a teenager, they were like my very own publicly-funded sanctuary.) But now that I have kids to tote around and don't have a library within any convenient driving radius, it's not feasible for me to use one with any frequency. Aside from that, I have a lousy memory. A 2-week deadline was almost too much pressure BEFORE my life got this complicated. >.> So for a while I begged and borrowed from my patient friends--occasionally blowing too much money while trying to combine shipping from one of the online used book dealers like Thriftbooks or Better World Books. But I tell you, NO MORE! For I have found a new resource to satisfy my mild case of Bibliophilia...

(Note: I am not being paid or otherwise encouraged to talk about this. I just make a habit of endorsing anyone and anything I happen to find awesome.)

Read More Here: http://perilous1.blogspot.com/

Book Bartering: Literature On A Budget

I've recently had a chance to take advantage of a free service a friend recommended to me, and I've been so delighted I just had to share my new addiction: PaperBack Swap. The idea of online book clubs wasn't new to me. But two factors spurred me into finally trying one out for myself: money and time. (Or rather, a decided lack of both. >.>)

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge proponent of libraries. (When I was a teenager, they were like my very own publicly-funded sanctuary.) But now that I have kids to tote around and don't have a library within any convenient driving radius, it's not feasible for me to use one with any frequency. Aside from that, I have a lousy memory. A 2-week deadline was almost too much pressure BEFORE my life got this complicated. >.> So for a while I begged and borrowed from my patient friends--occasionally blowing too much money while trying to combine shipping from one of the online used book dealers like Thriftbooks or Better World Books. But I tell you, NO MORE! For I have found a new resource to satisfy my mild case of Bibliophilia...

  (Note: I am not being paid or otherwise encouraged to talk about this. I just make a habit of endorsing anyone and anything I happen to find awesome.)
                   "We help avid readers Swap, Trade & Exchange Books for Free."

How it works:

    List books you'd like to swap with other club members.    Once a book is requested, mail it to the club member.    In return, you may choose from nearly 5 million available books.    No late fees. No hidden charges. (Pay only media mail shipping when someone requests  one of your offered books.)    Books you request are mailed to you for free. (PaperBack Swap even provides a printable mailing tag to save on time and confusion.)    Sign up now, list ten books, and receive 2 free credits.
And despite what it's name may suggest, PaperBack Swap isn't just about paperbacks. They also enable you to trade out your collections of unwanted:

*Hardbacks
*Textbooks
*Audio Books
*CDs
*DVDs

In addition, they provide free networking communities for reviews, recommendations, discussion forums, and live chat. (Authors, if you haven't already, sit up and take notice!)

I realize this won't be a solution for everyone. (You do have to wait on the postal service--and some books are so popular, they have to que you into a waiting list until a copy comes available.) There are some things that still demand the instant-gratification of an ebook, or the comforting return policy of a brick-and-mortar bookstore. But for some of you, this could be as interesting an option as it is was me. :)

 You can check out my PaperBack Swap profile here: http://perilous1.paperbackswap.com/profile/

I encourage you to poke around and see if it might be for you. :)

Tell me what you think about book bartering! Anyone else been using PaperBack Swap (or something like it) already?

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Winners of the Incandescent Drawing are…

Congratulations to Allison Hill and Kellie Kamryn!

And thank you for leaving your contact information. I will  be sending out emails and getting you in touch with M.V. Freeman shortly.

Winners of the Incandescent Drawing are...

Congratulations to Allison Hill and Kellie Kamryn! :D
And thank you for leaving your contact information. I will  be sending out emails and getting you in touch with M.V. Freeman shortly.

Interview With M. V. Freeman + Giveaway!

Today, I'm interviewing award-winning author, M. V. Freeman. Don't miss your chance to win an Amazon gift card, or a copy of her debut Urban Fantasy: Incandescent!



http://perilous1.blogspot.com/2013/01...

Interview With M. V. Freeman

Today, I'm interviewing award-winning author, M. V. Freeman. Don't miss your chance to win an Amazon gift card, or a copy of her debut Urban Fantasy: Incandescent! 
Author Bio: M.V. Freeman is a native of Minnesota, but calls North Alabama her home. She is a member of RWA, and the chapters: Georgia Romance Writers, Southern Magic, and Heart of Dixie. By day her mind is filled with medical jargon at the local health clinic, but at night she finds herself exploring alternate worlds within our own. Heavily influenced by Slavic languages and culture, you will find she weaves these elements into her stories. Her award winning current story INCANDESCENT is the first in a series. She is currently working on the second book in the series while plotting another set of stories. When she is not writing, she's reading, cooking, throwing around kettle bells, or making coffee. She is represented by the Aponte Literary Agency.

Blurb: Some gifts are unwanted, and Laurie Hudson's affinity for fire is one she hates. It has destroyed her relationship with her family and she has few friends. She's fought hard to keep the fire inside suppressed, living a low key life as a bartender, until a brutal and charming man blows into her life.
Around Mikhail Petrov, her careful control disintegrates. She is at once drawn to his urbane, cool demeanor and irritated by his overbearing manner. Her options are taken away when he kidnaps her, forcing her into a fight she wants nothing to do with. As she learns to survive, Laurie faces the hardest choice of all, her freedom or the destruction of the frustrating man she's come to care for.

A formidable Tri-elemental, Mikhail Petrov commands earth, air, and water. He will use anyone or anything to free himself from the oppressive rule of the Mages, including the untrained fire element he discovers, Laurie. Most of his family has been wiped out in an effort to manipulate him. He thinks he has nothing left to lose. To him, Laurie is a tool, a rare and powerful elemental that is his to use. He fights his feelings for the fire elemental because with caring comes weakness, another opening for destruction. Rarely are emotions as easy to control as his elements.

As he trains Laurie to work with him, he doesn't expect his growing attachment to her. With the Mages closing in, Mikhail faces a choice: destroy the fledgling relationship with Laurie to gain his coveted freedom, or sacrifice himself for hers.
In case anyone missed this reviewer's thoughts on Incandescent: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/383579403
a Rafflecopter giveaway


To start out, could you tell us a little bit about your journey toward publication?
"My journey to publication involves lots of coffee, tenacity, and blind faith. I learned quickly that publishing is not like anything I’ve ever encountered—it’s very subjective. The only thing I could control was learning to hone my writing craft and surround myself with writers who are serious about continuously improving themselves.
The next step was developing the thickest skin possible—because being told in varying forms of language—NO is one of the hardest things in the world to deal with.  It is demoralizing.  I have a file full of rejections. Everyone gets them. But…oh, they were tough.
I am one of those sorts that when I am told “No”, I tend to get a bit—grumpy. Instead of quitting, I revised my story again and again. I decided I was going to go for broke—I continue to send out my manuscript. It’s like throwing mud against the wall—I kept waiting for something to stick.  It finally did with the current publisher, Crimson Romance. They decided to take a chance on me."
Coffee: check. Tenacity: check. Blind faith:...double check. ;) I love talking to someone who's determined to improve their craft. Just as a reader, it's good to know that an author I'm interested in isn't settling for mediocrity.
What does your writing process look like?
"There is a theme here—It involves, Coffee, Tea, and daydreaming. Chocolate is always a plus. I am a mix of Pantser and plotter. I get an idea—figure out the main characters (and this is extensive). I know the midpoint and the black moment. I brainstorm with varied hapless souls. Then I begin to write. Although, for the first book this caused me to rewrite the blasted thing five times. Yes. Five. So, I’ve changed things this time around. I took a class by Urban Fantasy author Suzanne Johnson, called quilting for pantsers—totally saved my second book. This gives you a pattern you “weave” without over plotting. (If you break out the spread sheets I will weep). It involves the relationships in the story fueled by the plot. Works for my brain.
I still spend way too much time staring at the computer screen and thinking 'Now what?'"
Ah, daydreaming...the most underrated of all the writing tools.
What do you think has drawn you to Urban Fantasy as your genre of choice?
"To me this is the best of both worlds—I’ve always adored fantasy, but I like the familiarity of modern day. In this genre the rules for characters aren’t so constrained. I can explore situations and happenings that are impossible in reality. This appeals to me, because my goal as a writer is to bring people outside of their world for a little awhile. Best part? I can write dastardly anti-heroes. I find it easier to justify them in Urban Fantasy than contemporary." 
Whatever you need to justify those antiheroes, it's working for you. ^_^ As much as I love fantasy, I do appreciate how much quicker I can get my head around an Urban Fantasy. I like to think of it as fantasy-lite--all of the flavor with less mental caloric commitment. ;)
Looking back at all you've undergone up to this point in your career as an author, what would you have done differently?
"There are a few:

I wish I started getting serious writing a lot earlier than I did. Perhaps I would be farther along—but my path has made me what I am as a writer. So, I am not going to live with regret.

I’d also know more about contracts. (Seriously, this can’t be stressed enough).

But you know what?—there is no perfect path. I’ve learned that if you’re going to walk this publishing path, one is going to make mistakes. Everyone does. The thing is, I am not going to let it stop me."

On behalf of all newbies to the publishing industry, I thank you for your hard earned wisdom.
Would you tell us a little about your current Work In Progress, and what you have in mind for your next project?
"My current work in progress is tentatively called Illumination. It’s a stand alone, but set in the world of the first book, Incandescent. It brings together a quirky heroine--Mina who tries to help others and just mucks things up, and an uptight hero--Xander who must face his own prejudices and understand he can’t control everything. 
Here is my current blurb: In an effort to stop a war darkling Mina started one. Fleeing her own kind who want her dead, she turns to Xander, her people’s mortal enemy for help, who faces a choice—help her and lose everything, betray her and regain it all.
I have two ideas for the next project, another book in the same world, Iridescence, dealing with an angry heroine, and equally damaged hero.
Or I may do a YA set in Birmingham.
Choices, choices…. "
Well, considering our introduction to the delightfully eccentric Mina in your first book, I know I'm not the only one looking forward to getting her story in Illumination.
Irrelevant, nonsensical questions:

If you could have any Disney sidekick creature as a manifestation of
your muse, which one would you pick and why?
"This is hard, because my muse happens to be a suave Russian, since that is not on the list---I choose Mushu, from Mulan. A small dragon that starts fires. Sorta my style."

A smart-mouthed mythical beast with pyromaniac tendencies. I won't argue with that one. >.>
Paper, plastic, or BYOB (bring your own bag)?
"Funny you should ask this. Plastic. Let me explain why—for those with queasy stomachs, just move on…..
I was stuck on a bus shuttle going to the airport. I guy was going to be sick. I am not fond of this. So much so—I snagged the plastic bag the driver had next to his seat (I pray it didn’t have his lunch in it—may explain the stink-eye I was given) and gave it to the man who proceeded to do his business.
So. From that time on, I carry at least two plastic bags—JUST IN CASE.  
What if that were me? One has to be prepared."
Emergency emesis containment...that's a new one.  
If you were left stranded on an island infested by zombies, what two items would you want to have with you?
"A fully loaded Sherman Tank, and Wolverine. (Hey, I have my priorities). I figure if I can’t survive it with those two, I probably deserve to have my brains eaten."
Congratulations...that has to be the best answer I've yet received for that question--hands down. XD You didn't just answer it, you OWNED it.
Many thanks for devoting your time to this interview!

M.V. Freeman loves to hear from readers--you can email her at: mvfreeman @ymail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMVFreeman
Twitter: Follow @MVFree
Google +: MV Freeman https://plus.google.com/u/0/MVFreeman
Linked in: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/m-v-freeman/19/a1a/932
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6849592-mv-freeman
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Winner!

According to RandomPicker.com, the winner of the drawing for a signed ARC copy of C.J. Redwine's Defiance is...

Teresa Y.
Teresa, please claim your book by contacting me at: redperil@ gmail.com (no space), by Sunday, November 25th 2012 at 5pm Central time.

Stay tuned, everyone! If Teresa doesn't claim her prize, it falls to the runner-up--who will be announced here after 5pm on Sunday.

Interview With C.J. Redwine — Signed ARC Giveaway!

Today, I’m interviewing author C.J. Redwine. Don’t miss your chance to win an ARC copy of her recently released YA Dystopian, Defiance!

Author Bio: C.J. Redwine loves stilettos, lemon bars, and any movie starring Johnny Depp. She is the author of Defiance, the first in a post-apocalyptic fantasy trilogy from Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins. C.J. lives in Nashville with her husband, four kids, two cats, and one long-suffering dog. To learn more about C.J., visit her website at: http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

Some of you may know what I had to say about her debut, Defiance. But for those of you who missed it: RedPeril’s Review O’ Defiance

Blurb: Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan–the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

—–

To start out, could you tell us a little bit about your journey toward publication?

“I’ve been writing stories since I was in second grade, but I didn’t seriously begin pursuing publication until I was 30. I’d kept waiting for life to slow down (Four kids! Part time job! Life!), but after fighting cancer at the age of 30, I realized it was foolish to wait around for life to be perfect before I followed my dreams. I finished my first novel and started querying. After receiving a slew of rejections, I realized my first book wasn’t going to get published. It was a training ground for honing my craft.

“My next book garnered me my fabulous agent, but it took two more years, and two more books, before I landed a publishing contract. I’d started to feel like the girl who couldn’t sell a book to save my life, but I figured I could either quit or take on the project that felt almost too big for me and keep trying. When my agent called to tell me an editor was going to make an offer on Defiance, I just sat there and cried. I could hardly believe it!”

I doubt anyone could argue you didn’t already have a full plate before you dedicated yourself to writing. Clearly, it’s been a hard-fought victory.

Looking back at all you’ve undergone up to this point in your career as an author, what would you have done differently?

“I’d have figured out faster that I function best when I shut out other voices–reviews, opinions, chat etc–and focus on just my writing and what my trusted team of critique partners and my editor have to say about it. Learning that has been so freeing for me.”

Noise-canceling headphones, eyes off the reviews, clicker off the social media, and faith in your hand-picked cohorts–gotchya!

What does your writing process look like?

“My books live in my head for a long time before I start writing. At any moment, I have 6-8 books in my head, slowly taking shape. Once I do start writing, I usually have a first draft in about 3 months. Then, I rip it apart and revise, revise, revise! The magic happens during revision.”

Ah, so you marinate in your ruminations. I bet you’re plotting even now…

What made you choose Young Adult as your preferred writing genre?

“It’s the genre I love to read, so that felt like a natural fit for me, plus I just love the immediacy in the YA genre. It’s the first love, first heartbreak, first step away from home, first real risk … and it all feels life or death. YA is such an amazing age range because it’s just on the cusp of figuring out who we’ll be as adults. Nothing is yet set in stone so anything can happen. I also adore that the YA genre has so few restrictions. If you can execute the story well, you can write it. There really aren’t many boundaries, and that’s perfect for a speculative fiction writer like me.”

Well, thank you–you’ve just put into words what I’ve always had trouble articulating. There’s really something to be said for getting to experience newthings along with a character you’re rooting for.

Would you tell us a little about your current Work In Progress, and what you have in mind for your next project?

“I’m currently co-writing a middle grade book that is kind of like Grimm meets Howl’s Moving Castle. I’m super excited about it! Once I finish that, I’ll be writing the third and final book of the Defiance trilogy.”

Ooo…Grimm AND Howl’s Moving Castle? You have my attention, Madame. 



Irrelevant, nonsensical questions:



If you could have any Disney sidekick creature as a manifestation of

your muse, which one would you pick and why?

“Pascal, from Tangled. He just GETS me.”

A loyal, comedic chameleon. Sounds all shades of fitting.

Paper, plastic, or BYOB (bring your own bag)?

“Paper. I love paper bags. I know that’s weird. I accept it.”

I hear acceptance is the first step on the road to recovery…

If you were left stranded on an island infested by zombies, what two items would you want to have with you?

“A machete and Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, complete with his sword.”

There you have it, folks. She’s hands-on in the Zombie eradication department, AND she has impeccable taste in male protagonists.

Now, for those of you who’d like to procure your very own ARC copy of Defiance, you have one week to enter this drawing! And for you oft left-out international peeps, I want to assure you that I am willing to ship this book anywhere that is not currently facing U.S. sanctions. (Winner will be announced after 9am on Friday, November 23rd. Winner will have 48 hours to claim or otherwise leave me contact information via a comment–after that, I will have to redraw.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

     For more information on C.J., The Defiance Trilogy, or any of her other projects (I strongly recommend query-prepping authors pick up a copy of her instructional guide: http://www.amazon.com/QUERY-Everything-Started-Noticed-ebook/dp/B0074P5UV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328816582&sr=8-1 ) , please help yourself to the following linkage:

Website: http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/CJ-Redwine-Author/214211451945062?fref=ts

Twitter: @cjredwine

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Interview With C.J. Redwine -- Signed ARC Giveaway!

Today, I'm interviewing author C.J. Redwine. Don't miss your chance to win an ARC copy of her recently released YA Dystopian, Defiance!
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} Author Bio: C.J. Redwine loves stilettos, lemon bars, and any movie starring Johnny Depp. She is the author of Defiance, the first in a post-apocalyptic fantasy trilogy from Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins. C.J. lives in Nashville with her husband, four kids, two cats, and one long-suffering dog. To learn more about C.J., visit her website at: http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

Some of you may know what I had to say about her debut, Defiance. But for those of you who missed it: RedPeril's Review O' Defiance

Blurb: Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
-----

To start out, could you tell us a little bit about your journey toward publication?

"I've been writing stories since I was in second grade, but I didn't seriously begin pursuing publication until I was 30. I'd kept waiting for life to slow down (Four kids! Part time job! Life!), but after fighting cancer at the age of 30, I realized it was foolish to wait around for life to be perfect before I followed my dreams. I finished my first novel and started querying. After receiving a slew of rejections, I realized my first book wasn't going to get published. It was a training ground for honing my craft.

"My next book garnered me my fabulous agent, but it took two more years, and two more books, before I landed a publishing contract. I'd started to feel like the girl who couldn't sell a book to save my life, but I figured I could either quit or take on the project that felt almost too big for me and keep trying. When my agent called to tell me an editor was going to make an offer on Defiance, I just sat there and cried. I could hardly believe it!"

I doubt anyone could argue you didn't already have a full plate before you dedicated yourself to writing. Clearly, it's been a hard-fought victory.
Looking back at all you've undergone up to this point in your career as an author, what would you have done differently?

"I'd have figured out faster that I function best when I shut out other voices--reviews, opinions, chat etc--and focus on just my writing and what my trusted team of critique partners and my editor have to say about it. Learning that has been so freeing for me."

Noise-canceling headphones, eyes off the reviews, clicker off the social media, and faith in your hand-picked cohorts--gotchya!
What does your writing process look like?

"My books live in my head for a long time before I start writing. At any moment, I have 6-8 books in my head, slowly taking shape. Once I do start writing, I usually have a first draft in about 3 months. Then, I rip it apart and revise, revise, revise! The magic happens during revision." :)

Ah, so you marinate in your ruminations. I bet you're plotting even now...
What made you choose Young Adult as your preferred writing genre?

"It's the genre I love to read, so that felt like a natural fit for me, plus I just love the immediacy in the YA genre. It's the first love, first heartbreak, first step away from home, first real risk ... and it all feels life or death. YA is such an amazing age range because it's just on the cusp of figuring out who we'll be as adults. Nothing is yet set in stone so anything can happen. I also adore that the YA genre has so few restrictions. If you can execute the story well, you can write it. There really aren't many boundaries, and that's perfect for a speculative fiction writer like me."

Well, thank you--you've just put into words what I've always had trouble articulating. There's really something to be said for getting to experience new things along with a character you're rooting for.
Would you tell us a little about your current Work In Progress, and what you have in mind for your next project?

"I'm currently co-writing a middle grade book that is kind of like Grimm meets Howl's Moving Castle. I'm super excited about it! Once I finish that, I'll be writing the third and final book of the Defiance trilogy."

Ooo...Grimm AND Howl's Moving Castle? You have my attention, Madame. 

Irrelevant, nonsensical questions:

If you could have any Disney sidekick creature as a manifestation of
your muse, which one would you pick and why?

"Pascal, from Tangled. He just GETS me."

A loyal, comedic chameleon. Sounds all shades of fitting. ;)
Paper, plastic, or BYOB (bring your own bag)?

"Paper. I love paper bags. I know that's weird. I accept it."

I hear acceptance is the first step on the road to recovery...
If you were left stranded on an island infested by zombies, what two items would you want to have with you?

"A machete and Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, complete with his sword."

There you have it, folks. She's hands-on in the Zombie eradication department, AND she has impeccable taste in male protagonists.


Now, for those of you who'd like to procure your very own ARC copy of Defiance, you have one week to enter this drawing! And for you oft left-out international peeps, I want to assure you that I am willing to ship this book anywhere that is not currently facing U.S. sanctions. :D (Winner will be announced after 9am on Friday, November 23rd. Winner will have 48 hours to claim or otherwise leave me contact information via a comment--after that, I will have to redraw.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
     For more information on C.J., The Defiance Trilogy, or any of her other projects (I strongly recommend query-prepping authors pick up a copy of her instructional guide: http://www.amazon.com/QUERY-Everything-Started-Noticed-ebook/dp/B0074P5UV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328816582&sr=8-1 ) , please help yourself to the following linkage:

Website: http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/CJ-Redwine-Author/214211451945062?fref=ts

Twitter: @cjredwine

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