Ask Jay Crownover and Cora Carmack - Wednesday, June 26th! discussion
Ask Jay and Cora!
Mod
why did you choose CADE? will faking it have another book?"
Hi Adriana,
I've talked about both of these in a previous answer, which you can check out for more detail.
But essentially, Cade's character chose me. He kind of took over and became a major part of the story, and I had to give him his happily ever after.
I would LOVE to write a sequel to FAKING IT, and do have an idea for one. BUT... that's not really up to me. It all depends on my publisher and how well FAKING IT sells. They're not likely to pick up a sequel unless FAKING IT is really popular.
So... *fingers crossed*
Cora: love your books! Just wanting to know if you will be heading to Australia??
Cora wrote: "Tami wrote: "Cora. What future books do you have planned? Aside from keeping her! Will this series continue or have you moved on to something else"Ahh... only a bazillion. :)
Besides Keeping H..."
Love a good suspense romance!
Cora and Jay, What advice would you give to a new author that is just writing her first book?
Cora, what inspired you to write Losing It?
T's Book wrote: "Great series with Marked Men ..... Role and Jet. Who is in the works after Rome? So many great choices. Also will you do another series anytime soon?"Nash in theory should follow Rome...I'm working on something else...something totally different :) I have this boy living in my head that is just all kinds of trouble and so fun to write.
Tami wrote: "Speaking of Rome. Why is his pub date so far away? Why do they choose to do this"The not so simple answer is it takes time to write a good book. Time for me to write, time for it to go through editing, time for formatting and getting a cover. There are a lot of moving parts and as nice as it is for a reader to get the sequel or next installment right away that is just realistic. Even if you can finish a full length book in a month as the author you still have to wait for other schs to clear for editing and refining. For me, it takes about 3-4 months to write a manuscript, that's while working full time and living a chaotic life day in and day out. It's just like anything else, the more time and effort put in the better the end product.
Paula wrote: "Jay, if you need us to bug the living hell out of HC so they contract you for the rest of the series, let us know. I think we'll all happily do it. I personally can't wait for Rowdy's story. Well, ..."You can be my campaign manager :)
Never-Ending TBR wrote: "Cora and Jay, What advice would you give to a new author that is just writing her first book?"
Write, write some more, write some more after that and then find an editor and decide what you want to do with all your hard work. There is so much info out there on how to self-pub or trying to traditional publish, take advantage of it. Educate yourself and move forward from that place.
Write something you love, characters you can stand behind and never, ever read reviews!! lol
Jay wrote: "Never-Ending TBR wrote: "Cora and Jay, What advice would you give to a new author that is just writing her first book?"
Write, write some more, write some more after that and then find an editor..."
Thank you!! I am only 7000 words into it since Monday, but I am loving every moment.
This question is for Jay: Is Rome still going to be giving Shaw the cold shoulder so to speak in his story? I really liked Rome and Shaw's relationship when I read Rule. I thought that after Shaw was nearily raped and murdered that Rome would come to his senses and put his hurt feelings aside. P.S. I liked the Remy interview on Piper Shelly's website.
These questions are for Cora Cormack:Question 1: Is there any chance that you would write a bonus scene of Garrick meeting Bliss’s parents for the first time? When read Losing It I was hoping that there would be a scene where Garrick met Bliss’s mom since her mom was always nagging her about finding a guy. I think it would be a funny scene.
****Spoiler from Faking It****
Question 2:
Is there any chance that Bliss and Cade could become friends again in time? I thought that after Cade met a girl that he and Bliss could maybe patch things up and things would be less awkward.In Faking It, Cade realized that he wasn’t really in love with Bliss. I think it would be difficult for them to completely avoid each other when they have same friends, Garrick is friends with Max’s band mate, and they live around each other. I just thought it was sad that their friendship seemed to end. I loved Bliss and Garrick together so I was happy that Bliss didn't have romantic feelings for Cade.
I can't wait to read Rome's story. When I was reading Jet's story I thought that Cora was going to be Rome's match. Cora had all these scenes where she said she wanted to someone different from the usual guys who hit on her. I was thinking that Cora might to take a trip to Rome to find what she has been looking for LOL. I just hope that Cora doesn't convince Rome to get a certain piercing in the land down under. I just want at least one of the guys to not have his private parts pierced. It was mentioned that Rowdy and Nash have one too. I still like Rile and Jet even though don't like the tongue and other piercing thing. LOL
First thanks for inviting me to this group! Garrick is definitely in my top bookbiyfriends, I fell in love with him in the first page he is introduced, I'm looking forwards to all of your books Cora Carmack thank for selling then in the Mexican iBook store, and I just started reading rule and I am enjoying it too thanks.
This is another question for Jay Crownover. Would ever consider writing like a Remy prequel short story or novella? It would be nice to see some of Shaw and Remy's relationship from his pov. Also, it would be interesting to see Remy with Rule and with his family before they were torn apart. I did read the Remy interview on Piper Shelly's website and it was nice to get a little insight. It would be bittersweet though.
C.K. wrote: "This is another question for Jay Crownover. Would ever consider writing like a Remy prequel short story or novella? It would be nice to see some of Shaw and Remy's relationship from his pov. Also, ..."Rome is going to have a lot of navigating complicated relationships in his story, Shaw is just one of them. He is also a man secure in his physical attributes, I don't think Cora or anyone else will have much to complain about when he gets naked. I don't think Remy's story is all that happy. He was confused, he was scared, he was using his best friend and Shaw was in love with Rule while he was ultimately being terrible to her....so no I don't really see a prequel being on my agenda to write.
Cora wrote: "Jess wrote: "This question is for both authors:Unlike the other novels people might compare your books to, you both focus more on character development rather than numerous overly detailed sexual ..."
I write about people in their early twenties which to me means that it is just naturally part of the character development to have sex and to start understanding how that plays a roll in the character's personal and relationship development. That's when as a young adult most people are defining what having sex and being with one person versus being single really looks like. I have never written any kind of intimate scene just to up the heat level or because I think sex sells, to me it has to absolutely be an organic part of where the story is going. It has to be sex that makes sense.
Mod
A question for Cora What inspired you to create your..."
For me, characters always come first. So Bliss and Cade really chose their own stories.
Usually the way that happens is that I figure out the personality of the character and what they want. That helps dictate the kind of story they have.
Mod
You know... that's actually not the first time I've heard that. A friend of mine, who LOVED Bliss in LOSING IT was so angry at her in FAKING IT.
I think the key to that is that we, as readers, can get behind any character we identify with. So, I try really hard to give my characters challenges and insecurities that would be familiar to most people. When you can read and say... I've TOTALLY been there, it makes it really easy to connect with that character strongly and quickly. And once you're in that person's perspective, you kind of forget about how you felt when reading from another point of view.
As for more Max and Cade... I would LOVE THAT. Unfortunately, they don't appear in Kelsey's upcoming book, FINDING IT. Seeing as how she's traveling in Europe that wasn't really a possibility.
I do have an idea or two for a sequel for Max and Cade that touches on at least some of the things you mentioned, but unfortunately publishing isn't always as simple as just having an idea. Because FAKING IT (and by extension those characters) is under contract with a publisher, the only way I can write more books about those characters is if my publisher wants one. I'm unable to just self-publish my own. And since publishing is very much so a business... a sequel is only likely to happen if FAKING IT proves very successful for the publisher.
So unfortunately, my answer has to be... I don't know. I hope we will see more of Max and Cade. But I'm in the same boat as you there. :)
Mod
Oh my Gosh... I would LOVE that.
But a lot of that depends on the publisher. I go where my publisher sends me, and sadly... they rarely pay for overseas trips these days. But perhaps someday I'll get there for a vacation and will be able to do a signing while I'm there. :)
Mod
What advice would you give to a new author that is just writing her first book?"
Jay is absolutely right.... WRITE all the time.
But more than that... READ all the time. Read inside your genre, so you'll know what your market is like. Read outside your genre to help you think outside the box. Read. Read. Read.
And then my biggest advice is to treat this like a business, not just a hobby. Every day you should do something that puts you one step farther on your journey to being an author. That means writing every day. Establish your online presence. Read craft books. Stay up to date on publishing news. If you treat it like a job, and you know the business as well as you possibly can, opportunities will start to open up and you'll have the wisdom to spot them and the ability to take advantage of them.
First off, thanks for the invite! I stumbled upon Rule on accident and I couldn't put it down. That book was the reason for so many late nights when I had to get up early. And as soon as I heard Jet was getting his own book I scoured Amazon waiting for the right time to preorder and when I woke up that morning and found him on my Kindle, I was giddy as a high school cheerleader. I read that sucker in one day! I'm so looking forward to Rome's story and I really hope that Shaw and he rekindle their friendship and closeness. My question for Jay would be: in each book thus far, what scene is your absolute favorite? Was there a part where you didn't want to add but felt that it belonged to the storyline?
Thanks again and I can't wait for the discussion!!
Cora wrote: "Mercy wrote: "Awww thanks for accepting me, I have not read the book but I have good Jay wanted because I find it more interesting that this tattooed guy ...A question for Cora What inspired you ..."
And you think that complement without having to mix with the other story?
Aww and a question that I overlook. What can we expect in the relationship of Garrick and Keeping Her Bliss (Losing It 1.5) change things with the family relationship?
And lastly a personal question: How is the day to day of Cora Camarck? What inspires you? Where do you want to go with their stories? What do you like doing in your spare time?
C.K. wrote: "This is another question for Jay Crownover. Would ever consider writing like a Remy prequel short story or novella? It would be nice to see some of Shaw and Remy's relationship from his pov. Also, ..."Thanks Jay, I see your point a Remy story would be depressing but it was still nice to read the Remy beyond the grave interview. I can't wait to read Rome's story. I just wish it wasn't such a long wait. I really hope there gets a Nash story. He's a great friend to Rule. After Jet's story I'm curious about Rowdy. I think Asa would need a woman who can't be easily charmed or manipulated. It will be intersting to see how Asa acts in Rome's story.
So excited for the invite !!! Jay you already know how much I loved Rule since I emailed you personally ;). Let me tell you now. Book two of the marked men series didn't disappoint! I loved Jet really looking forward to Rome. Do you have plans in the near future to do book signings? I would love that! !! Write on Jay ...please. write on ...You are really what this industry needs right now :)
Hi Cora,I just wanted to thank you for writing Losing It. I identify very strongly with Bliss (awkward and never being able to get out of my own head and whatnot) and it was great reading a love story that wasn't about a super-bubbly or super-shy girl, but someone who's just kind of weird and awkward and can't shut off her brain.
I got a copy of Faking It while you were signing at BEA, and I haven't had a chance to read it, but will be starting it soon. I'm also really excited for Keeping Her!
Thanks again!
Ronica wrote: "So excited for the invite !!! Jay you already know how much I loved Rule since I emailed you personally ;). Let me tell you now. Book two of the marked men series didn't disappoint! I loved Jet..."I think I'll pop up here and there eventually. I have to wait for the boys to be out in paperback first so it prolly won't be until the end of the year..early next year. I can't wait to meet my readers either #lovethem!!!
Jessica wrote: "First off, thanks for the invite! I stumbled upon Rule on accident and I couldn't put it down. That book was the reason for so many late nights when I had to get up early. And as soon as I heard Je..."I LOVED when Ayden proposed to Jet. I loved when Rule drew on Shaw's palm. I don't really plan out how I write, I mean outline the story, I just let it flow organically. SO when I go back if something doesn't fit or seems forced or just there for the hell of it, I try and get rid of it. Now with an editor, like a pro, I think the stories are tighter and less rambling...
love cade!!!
hope everything goes okay!!!!!!
hope everything goes okay!!!!!!
Hi Jay and Cora! Any tips for a first time novelist of your genre? I'm about a third of the way through my first draft. I know the skeleton of what is going to happen and the ending, but I seem to lose the confidence it takes to get all the way to the end. How do you great ladies persevere? Thank you so much! I've read and love Rule, and I have Losing It on my to-read list.
Ok jay I have a silly question and I'm gonna ask it!!! Cora and Rome.... Cora has been knows as the one to uh..... Pierce the guys junk.... All of them but Rome.. Will this be happening?! Loved the marked men series. I lived in COS for 3 years husband is still there. Hope you're away from the fires that keep coming up :). Katie
Thanks for the invite!I loved both Rule and Jet!
Heather wrote: "Thanks for the invite!I loved both Rule and Jet!"
Thank you so much...I'm glad you enjoyed them :)
Katie wrote: "Ok jay I have a silly question and I'm gonna ask it!!! Cora and Rome.... Cora has been knows as the one to uh..... Pierce the guys junk.... All of them but Rome.. Will this be happening?! Loved the..."I live right outside Carson and NORAD...I'm totes safe unless we go to war on US soil. Lol
Rome's character is modified in an entirely different way...
my question is for jay, do you have plans to write another book focus on rule and shaw? i loved the both and i want more of themthank you
To Cora,is this how you've pictured Garrick? :) if not who do like to portray as Garrick?
Hey Jay and Cora!Thanks so much for the invites! Its a great way to reach out to your fans!
What's in store for Rome? Cora and Rome are two opposites! But i guess that's what makes it awesome!
Would love to read about Nash! He had been a constant presnce throughout the two books!
Cora is awesome! I loved her in Rule and Jet!
For Jay and Cora: What was your writing process like? Did you use a special computer program, notecards, etc.?
To CORA:Cora, I LOVED both Losing It and Faking It. Your characters were amazing! I was rooting for Bliss and Garrick all the way (and was even annoyed at Cade for wanting more than friendship with her). Yet, in Faking It, I was on board with Cade right from the start and wanted him to find love & happiness with Max… and I wanted Max to have Cade, since she deserved the good guy. And your titles and covers were GREAT (especially for Losing It)… the way Garrick is looking down at Bliss on that cover… YUM! It’s what originally made me take a look at Losing It.
TO JAY:
Jay, I LOVED both Rule & Jet. Though, of the two, Rule will always be my favorite… he’s just an awesome character! I thought the twist with Remy & his secret was really cool… and it was very unexpected. I love when books surprise me, and you did a good job with that! You also did a great job with the title of your book. I mention this, because the title alone first attracted me to your book… and then once I read the description, I wanted to read it. (I read Rule a while back, when you were self-pubilshed). Great books, and I’m looking forward to reading Rome’s story!
Q: FOR CORA & JAY: What major obstacles did you face as a new author, that you know about now, but wish someone would have helped you with back then?
Q:: FOR CORA & JAY: What was your inspiration for coming up with such good covers & titles …did the ideas just come to you?
Thank you both for great books!!!
-Meredith
This is a question for Jay. Do tattoo artists get paid per client or is there a set salary? How much money can a tattoo artist make? In the book Rule mentioned that he made a pretty good living and he very successful.
Jay I can't wait for Rome now!!!!!!! Thanks for taking time to answer my question!
Dear Jay,I love The Marked Men Series so far and I was wondering if Nash would maybe be getting a book because I loved him in Rule and would want to see more of him?
Thank You
Thanks for the invite to this group. I love both authors and I am a big fan of the books! Can't wait for the upcoming books by both of you.
Beverly wrote: "my question is for jay, do you have plans to write another book focus on rule and shaw? i loved the both and i want more of themthank you"<
As a reader myself I'm not a particular fan of the new trilogy style of telling a couples story. I like the traditional style of each couple having their own FULL story in one book. Rule and Shaw will continue to be in the background of the other books in the series, but I do not plan on giving them another full novel to themselves. That is not how my creative process works.
Taylor wrote: "Dear Jay,I love The Marked Men Series so far and I was wondering if Nash would maybe be getting a book because I loved him in Rule and would want to see more of him?
Thank You"
I would love to tell his story...The best way to get there is to encourage people to read the rest of the books in the series :)
C.K. wrote: "This is a question for Jay. Do tattoo artists get paid per client or is there a set salary? How much money can a tattoo artist make? In the book Rule mentioned that he made a pretty good living and..."They usually make a flat rate per hour...the more expensive the artist the better their rep and work usually is. My guy makes 150$ and hour plus gratuity...most of my big pieces have taken over 4-6 hours to complete. You can do the math...that's plenty to make a living on if you have a steady client list.
Meredith wrote: "To CORA:Cora, I LOVED both Losing It and Faking It. Your characters were amazing! I was rooting for Bliss and Garrick all the way (and was even annoyed at Cade for wanting more than friendship w..."
I had to learn to let negative criticism go. That's a hard pill to swallow when you worked very hard on something. I also learned the value of editing and social networking early on. I also learned it's okay to write what I want not what EVERYONE else wants me to write. That's a tricky road to walk when your first book was a success.
I knew all the boys were going to have a book, so I just wanted each title to be the main male character's name. That's why they all have strong, unusual names. The cover art is a mix between what I see the guys looking like, usually edgier and rougher, and what the publisher thinks will appeal to the major audience and capture the most attention. I say we meet in the middle.
Kalie wrote: "For Jay and Cora: What was your writing process like? Did you use a special computer program, notecards, etc.?"Nope , just Word. I don't outline or take notes, I have to jot down names and places for continuities sake but I just write. I let it flow, then go back and tweak and edit when I'm done. I'm weird though so I wouldn't say this is the best or most organized method of writing!! lol
Hi Cora!My New Adult Book Club on Goodreads is actually reading Faking It for our July month read. I've actually already read it, I can't wait to reread it, I love the characters, and of course your awesome humor!
Here is my question: as a very young successful author, how do organize your time between writing, and living? how do you find the time to sit down and write and go out and live your life?
Thank you so much, I hope one day I can meet you at these author events!
xx
- Nadia.
Unlike the other novels people might compare your books to, you both focus more on character development rather than numerous overly detailed sexual encounters wh..."
For me personally, I don't write a sex scene unless it advances plot or character. It has to mean something, to change one or both of the characters or their situation. So far, I've only had one full sex scene per book. There might come a moment when a book has no explicit sex scenes (or several). It all depends on the characters and what sex means to them.