Splintered Fan Club discussion
Team Morpheus
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Why Morpheus is Better than Jeb
Natalia wrote: "A.G. wrote: "Natalia wrote: "A.G., you wouldn't make Alyssa choose to go back to the human realm with Jeb, so she could graduate with her class and live a plain "normal" life, right? Not after she ..."You're welcome! And once Ensnared comes out I plan to do a big post on what went on in my mind as a writer as I was wrapping everything up, to help readers see the behind the scenes stuff that goes on in our heads as we're writing the ending and making choices for a series like this. It will have to be in the spoiler section for sure, though. ;)
Per your question about knowing how the story would end from the very beginning?
From the beginning of Ensnared, yes. I knew what the ending would be. I even pitched book 3 to my editor and publishing house with the ending in the synopsis.
But I didn't know the ending of the series when I first started Splintered. I only had two books planned at first, and book 2 was only a blurb with no ending, basically an extended and more detailed version of the Unhinged blurb here on GoodReads. I hadn't thought any further than that since I wasn't even sure they were going to let me write a second book. We had to wait to see if Splintered did well enough. So, if it had flopped, I wouldn't have been able to continue it.
Thankfully it didn't, so I got to write book 2. As I began to see the struggle Al was having trying to balance her two sides, I knew it wasn’t something that could be resolved in the span of the second book. She was going to have to be broken. And the only way to do that was to put her in the one place she feared most. By that point, the book was already over 300 pages long, so that had to be where it ended.
Long answer to a short question, I know. LOL. But it explains how everything fell into place. ;)
A.G. wrote: "From the beginning of Ensnared, yes. I knew what the ending would be. I even pitched book 3 to my editor and publishing house with that ending in mind and they bought it as is. Another reason I fought so hard when I was asked to change it... "Hmm... Why would they suddenly want you to change the ending if they agreed to it in the beginning? It doesn't make sense to me.
Natalia wrote: "Hmm... Why would they suddenly want you to change the ending if they agreed to it in the beginning? It doesn't make sense to me."That's something I'll have to explain later in my post-Ensnared post. ;)
A.G. wrote: "Natalia wrote: "Hmm... Why would they suddenly want you to change the ending if they agreed to it in the beginning? It doesn't make sense to me."That's something I'll have to explain later in my ..."
Thanks you again for taking time to answer. But somehow all those replies make me even more scared :) Is it a good thing that you stood by the original ending or is it a bad thing? I guess it is a credit to you as an author to make people feel so passionate about the characters and so invested in the outcome. I wish there wasn't a love triangle, though, it is just too painful to think about your favorite character getting hurt.
A.G. wrote: "Natalia wrote: "Hmm... Why would they suddenly want you to change the ending if they agreed to it in the beginning? It doesn't make sense to me."That's something I'll have to explain later in my ..."
Now I'm more scared and even more interested. Ohh I really want to looooove that ending! But I have hope in A.G. and Morpheus so I'll live. By the way where is the interview with A.G. Howard, because I can't find it anywhere!
@A.G. Should I be scared or excited they asked you to change the ending....? Do you mean change as in someone dies or as in who Alyssa chooses?
Rebekah wrote: "@A.G. Should I be scared or excited they asked you to change the ending....? Do you mean change as in someone dies or as in who Alyssa chooses?"
I can't give out details of course, but it wasn't a huge deal. Disagreements/negotiations like that happen all the time in publishing because writing/ reading/ storytelling (any kind of art form actually) is all about subjectivity.
Editors are human like anyone else and have their personal feelings/perspectives woven into the stories. And it's actually a GREAT thing to have an editor who loves her writer's stories that much. :)
But it's the writer's job to remain unbiased. They have to focus on the truth behind the characters and their choices since the writer knows the characters better than anyone else. I considered what my editor said, but gave reasons for why what she suggested wasn't right for these characters or this story.
I wanted to be honest in how everything played out. And since I was allowed to do that, I'm very happy with this book. I love the way it begins, I love the middle, and I love the way it ends.
Ensnared is my 9th book ... Splintered was my first to get published but I'd written tons before that. (My agent and I will be trying to sell some of the other ones soon.) But I have to say Ensnared is one of the most rewarding books I've written to date, mainly because I got to see not just Alyssa's growth throughout the series, but everyone else's as well. :)
I think you will love watching the characters shine in their moments of glory. And I can promise kissy scenes, twists and turns, and Wonderland madness aplenty to satisfy everyone.
;)
What are some of the others about?
Elvina wrote: "What are some of the others about?"The one we're about to send on submission is a new adult (NA) historical romance/ghost story that's kind of a cross between Jane Eyre and A Certain Slant of Light (I'm working on edits now). It has three other books that go with the series. I've written two of them.
Here's a post I did about the first story: http://authoraghoward.blogspot.com/20...
The others are all adult fantasies: the first book of a vampire trilogy, and the first two of a witch trilogy.
Diane wrote: "Wow! I look forward to reading these! :)"Elvina wrote: "Sounds really cool!"
Thank you both! Can't wait to get them on the shelves. ;) *fingers crossed they sell*
Speaking of kissy scenes, I would like to request the next Ensnared teaser to be a bit sexy please. I also miss the crazy, wit, snark and fun of Wonderland. And oh lord, I miss my Morph man. So, HI ANITA, I've been reading the discussions, but I just decided to join. Thanks so much for your interaction and communication with the readers, we appreciate it so much.
And shame on me for being a newbie and requesting such stuff but I would, for one, love to see the next teaser being a lil sexy.. or it can be the one after that, if you're going in order and accordingly to the book. (And that is, if there are any scenes like that in Ensnared. But Im going to trust you on it.) ;)
Also- I'm very much excited to read the Ensnared master post-- its cool seeing the author's perspective rather than reading it through the character's POV.
So, it will definitely be interesting to see your take on things.
P.S: you probably remember me as (Misfit, Netherling, Moth-lover). ;D
I feel like Morpheus should have a mysterious british accent instead of cockney. When i read I imagine it like that instead. It sounds better to me. Don't get me wrong, cuz I am like, 100% Team Morpheus, but I'm just saying, it sounds better to me.
Aqsa Raffe Pooky Bear wrote: "Speaking of kissy scenes, I would like to request the next Ensnared teaser to be a bit sexy please. I also miss the crazy, wit, snark and fun of Wonderland. And oh lord, I miss my Morph man. So, ..."Haha! Hmmm. I'm pretty stingy with the sexy kissy scenes. I like for you to have to wait for them. ;P BUT, I can think of a sexy teasing tense moment between them I'd be willing to post. :) I'll try to remember it for next time. Also, so great to see you over here! And yep, I remember you. ;)
***
Katty wrote: "I feel like Morpheus should have a mysterious british accent instead of cockney. When i read I imagine it like that instead. It sounds better to me. Don't get me wrong, cuz I am like, 100% Team Mor..."
I can totally see that. When I read his dialogue aloud, it is more British than cockney. (I can't do a cockney accent). But when I listened to the audio books, the narrator did an amazing job making him sound cockney yet sexy. I really liked it and think she nailed his voice. ;)
A.G. wrote: "Aqsa Raffe Pooky Bear wrote: "Speaking of kissy scenes, I would like to request the next Ensnared teaser to be a bit sexy please. I also miss the crazy, wit, snark and fun of Wonderland. And oh lor..."*nosebleed*
where is this audiobook
i must have
(and you read the books out loud? Eep!)
Absolutely, please post this sexy teasing tense moment. The mothlings want it!
A.G. wrote: "Rebekah wrote: "@A.G. Should I be scared or excited they asked you to change the ending....? Do you mean change as in someone dies or as in who Alyssa chooses?"
I can't give out details of course..."
Ahhhhhh! I am so excited and so happy!!! :)
A.G. wrote: "Aqsa Raffe Pooky Bear wrote: "Speaking of kissy scenes, I would like to request the next Ensnared teaser to be a bit sexy please. I also miss the crazy, wit, snark and fun of Wonderland. And oh lor..."This is why we love you.
A.G. wrote: "Haha! Hmmm. I'm pretty stingy with the sexy kissy scenes. I like for you to have to wait for them. ;P BUT, I can think of a sexy teasing tense moment between them I'd be willing to post. :)"Well, that means we at least have such a moment to look forward too.
And by the way, I have both an ebook and an audiobook of Unhinged. At first I wasn't sure about how Morpheus sounded in the audiobook, but after a while I got used to and loved his "voice" and accent. The narrator Rebecca Gibel did a very good job with the book as a whole and Morpheus in particular.
@ Aqsa: I'm glad you joined too. Safety and comfort in numbers :)
Dahanci wrote: "*nosebleed*where is this audiobook
i must have
(and you read the books out loud? Eep!)"
Haha! You can find buy buttons for each books' audio version on my website's sidebar (www.aghoward.com). BTW, my website is about to get a makeover and I'm so excited to share it w/you guys!
Oh, and yep. I have a local critique group I attend every Wed eve and we all read the stories we're working on aloud. Each time I read Morph's scenes, my voice shifts to a British accent during his dialogues. The gals love it. LOL
Rebekah wrote: "This is why we love you. "Aw, thank you! ;) Since I've already posted July's teaser/excerpt, I'll post the new one in mid-August.
MID-August? You think we won't explode in anticipation before then?
A.G. wrote: "Elvina wrote: "What are some of the others about?"The one we're about to send on submission is a new adult (NA) historical romance/ghost story that's kind of a cross between Jane Eyre and A Certa..."
Just knowing it's by you makes me want to read it!!!!!
Katie wrote: "Just knowing it's by you makes me want to read it!!!!! "Thank you! :) I hope you get to one day soon.
Elvina wrote: "MID-August? You think we won't explode in anticipation before then?"
Patience is a virtue... *bats lashes*
A.G. wrote: "Katie wrote: "Just knowing it's by you makes me want to read it!!!!! "
Thank you! :) I hope you get to one day soon.
Elvina wrote: "MID-August? You think we won't explode in anticipation before ..."
I understand it's a virtue. My splattered remains can wait a lot more patiently than un-exploded me can.
Thank you! :) I hope you get to one day soon.
Elvina wrote: "MID-August? You think we won't explode in anticipation before ..."
I understand it's a virtue. My splattered remains can wait a lot more patiently than un-exploded me can.
Elvina wrote: "I understand it's a virtue. My splattered remains can wait a lot more patiently than un-exploded me can. "Bahah! XD
Mod
YOU KILL ME WITH YOUR TEASINGS. I need it now, because I know that Jeb wins.
Hannah wrote: "A.G. wrote: "Natalia wrote: "A.G., you wouldn't make Alyssa choose to go back to the human realm with Jeb, so she could graduate with her class and live a plain "normal" life, right? Not after she ..."WHOA WHAT?!
What do you mean you know???
A.G. wrote: "Rebekah wrote: "This is why we love you. "Aw, thank you! ;) Since I've already posted July's teaser/excerpt, I'll post the new one in mid-August."
How might one who has no twitter or facebook access this July teaser? Your website perhaps?
Rebekah wrote: "What do you mean you know??? "Haha! Rebekah, meet Hannah, an avid Jeb fan. ;) She doesn't know any more than you do. She's just being hopeful and supportive of her guy. ;)
And you can find all of my teasers (including July's) on this pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/splinteredbo...
Hannah wrote: "A.G. wrote: "Natalia wrote: "A.G., you wouldn't make Alyssa choose to go back to the human realm with Jeb, so she could graduate with her class and live a plain "normal" life, right? Not after she ..."Oh really?
I'm pretty sure Morph will-AND YOU CAN NOT DENY IT.
:)
Also, I have learned this patience virtue. Black Butler manga updates show up around the 18th of each month and each episode of the show is on Thursdays.
DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG A WEDNESDAY CAN LAST.
And I love you, A.G., for promising even a mid-August teaser XD
Dahanci wrote: "Katie wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "I was half okay with the random girl. I have complete understanding that guys tend to think with their pants, but if someone claims to love you, they shouldn't dump yo..."O.O
A.G. wrote: "Natalia wrote: "A.G., you wouldn't make Alyssa choose to go back to the human realm with Jeb, so she could graduate with her class and live a plain "normal" life, right? Not after she becomes Queen..."Well, that's reassuring, at least. I like it when stories are *real*. I mean, I know that this is a fictional fantasy story, but I mean, when characters act real and the story plays out very real world-- am I making sense?
Dahanci wrote: "I was half okay with the random girl. I have complete understanding that guys tend to think with their pants, but if someone claims to love you, they shouldn't dump you at prom. That was kind of it..."Wait ... Jeb never claimed to love Tae. They were just dating. If that's what this is referring to. I might be confused by the context.
A.G. wrote: "Aqsa Raffe Pooky Bear wrote: "Speaking of kissy scenes, I would like to request the next Ensnared teaser to be a bit sexy please. I also miss the crazy, wit, snark and fun of Wonderland. And oh lor..."O.O I want to listen the audio books now. From what you're saying, it sounds like they actually did a good job with the voices, and, with my love for sound/music/literature, I bet I would love them.
A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "*nosebleed*where is this audiobook
i must have
(and you read the books out loud? Eep!)"
Haha! You can find buy buttons for each books' audio version on my website's sidebar (www...."
And *I* love that you can do a British accent.
Katie wrote: "I know that this is a fictional fantasy story, but I mean, when characters act real and the story plays out very real world-- am I making sense? "No. Lol. I understand how characters act real, but I don't get how a fantasy story can play out "real world". And I CANNOT FATHOM why anyone would ever want Alyssa to go back to the real world. Where is the fun in that? Where is the escape? Where is the thrill, the exhilaration? Why even take effort to master your powers if you are going to lose everything in the end? Am I supposed to cheer for a heroine who would turn her back on magic and the possibilities to live an extraordinary life? Nope, not happening.
Natalia wrote: "Katie wrote: "I know that this is a fictional fantasy story, but I mean, when characters act real and the story plays out very real world-- am I making sense? "No. Lol. I understand how character..."
Gah, no, I didn't mean that. I mean, when they show real world truths.
Natalia wrote: "Katie wrote: "I know that this is a fictional fantasy story, but I mean, when characters act real and the story plays out very real world-- am I making sense? "No. Lol. I understand how character..."
Hmm *sad laugh* That was what I thought for Alina. But I`m hoping A.G. wont pull a Leigh Bardugo :( :(
A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "I was half okay with the random girl. I have complete understanding that guys tend to think with their pants, but if someone claims to love you, they shouldn't dump you at prom. Tha..."You don't date people you like as friends *shrugs*
One would assume he at least gave some pretense he liked her that way.
Dahanci wrote: "You don't date people you like as friends *shrugs*One would assume he at least gave some pretense he liked her that way. "
True, you date people who you're attracted to for whatever reason. But love and attraction are two completely separate things. ;)
A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "You don't date people you like as friends *shrugs*One would assume he at least gave some pretense he liked her that way. "
True, you date people who you're attracted to for whatev..."
I wouldn't date someone I didn't like more than a friend in a love way. :S
But Jeb has this thinking-with-his-pants issue anyway...
Which brings us back around to the topic of this thread: Why Morpheus is Better Than Jeb :)
Dahanci wrote: "Which brings us back around to the topic of this thread: Why Morpheus is Better Than Jeb :) "Haha! You don't think Morpheus thinks with his pants? Come now. There was Ivory... and he's always trying to seduce Alyssa, just like we've discussed in another thread. #DoubleEntendres
A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "Which brings us back around to the topic of this thread: Why Morpheus is Better Than Jeb :) "Haha! You don't think Morpheus thinks with his pants? Come now. He's always trying to ..."
Those come from his head *nods wisely*
#VerySmartDoubleEntendres
Dahanci wrote: "A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "Which brings us back around to the topic of this thread: Why Morpheus is Better Than Jeb :) "Haha! You don't think Morpheus thinks with his pants? Come now. He's alwa..."
LOL. This is true. But since there's almost always an ulterior motive, you can't exactly accuse Jeb of using Tae without accusing Morph of using Ivory. Fair is fair. ;)
A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "Which brings us back around to the topic of this thread: Why Morpheus is Better Than Jeb :) "Haha! You don't think Morpheus thinks with his pants? Com..."
...Except when you take into consideration the fact that Morpheus was doing his best to save his life, while Jeb was, again, saving his pants while using them to think.
There is a simple way we must all react to this.
Also, I continue to forget to say this, but Good Morning! You just started posting, so...
Morning smile gif!
Dahanci wrote: "...Except when you take into consideration the fact that Morpheus was doing his best to save his life, while Jeb was, again, saving his pants while using them to think. There is a simple way we must all react to this."
Ha! That picture cracks me up. ;)
And a morning wink to you as well! :) Although, sadly, it's afternoon here and I need to stop playing around online and get to the real work. I have it on good authority copy edits for Ensnared are coming tomorrow. @.@
A.G. wrote: "Dahanci wrote: "...Except when you take into consideration the fact that Morpheus was doing his best to save his life, while Jeb was, again, saving his pants while using them to think. There is a..."
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MENTION OF ENSNARED
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And happy afternoon to you anyway :3
Love and attraction are very different things...that's such an interesting statement to think about @_@Especially because Alyssa loves Jeb too much already. And I don't think it's a good idea to love someone before you get the chance to *fall* in love with someone.
I'm not sure exactly how to explain it, but by loving Jeb already, she wouldn't be able to fall in love with him 'objectively.
With Morpheus...she just could. Look at how they challenge each other, and how she questions herself, how she's pushed to her absolute best, and what she brings out of Morph!
Thanks for replying, and of course I know you can't say more.
But I'm curious: did you know from the very beginning how the story would end?