Colleen Houck Book Club discussion
This topic is about
The Stars Never Rise
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Past Chats
>
Live Chat With Rachel Vincent
Karli wrote: "SPOILER for anyone who hasn't read Lion's Share!!!when writing your Shifters series did you know that you wanted to put Jace and Abby together in the future, out did that idea come to you later?"
There may have been an inkling of it earlier, but I didn't really flesh that idea out until I wrote LION'S SHARE. ;)
Karli wrote: "between all of your main female characters from your books, which one would you say you are most like?"I'm a little bit like all of them, but not entirely like any of them. They have the luxury of my backspace key, which real life lacks.
In real life, I'm pretty opinionated and outspoke. I'm an optimistic cynic. So, whichever one that sounds most like. ;)
Colleen wrote: "What is your favorite YA movie?"Probably THE BREAKFAST CLUB. Or EASY A.
Mod
Krysta wrote: "Do you enjoy writing adult or young adult more?"I enjoy them both, for different reasons, and if I go too long writing for just one age range, I start to miss the other. But writing YA tends to go much faster for me.
Brandi wrote: "What was your favorite part to write in the Shifters series?"All the death scenes. And the arguments. Those flow pretty quickly. Sometimes I cry. Over the death, not the arguments.
Colleen wrote: "Vampires or werewolves?Chocolate or Caramel?
Running or Swimming?
Favorite place to read?"
Werewolves
Chocolate
Swimming
Everywhere.
When writing YA and adult novels, what is your target word count for both genres?
Mod
The butterfly cover is actually the 2nd version for this book. I'm not sure it's plot-relevant, strictly speaking, but as we all know, the job of..."
Ah now I understand. Yep that happens sometimes. I was trying to figure out where I missed the butterfly.
SassyCat's Book Review wrote: "I love Rachel Vincent books! I'm not sure what questions to ask except maybe ask whos POV is it going to be in Lion's Den? Would you write an update of the Soul Screamers gang? Like is Nash and S..."
I can't answer the LION'S DEN Q without spoilers from LION'S SHARE. So, take from that what you will. ;)
I'm not currently planning on writing anything else in the Soul Screamers world. Even if I wanted to, my plate's pretty full right now...
Mod
I'm the same. There's a little piece of me in each of my heroines.
Mod
Probably THE BREAKFAST CLUB. Or EASY A."
Haven't seen Easy A yet. I'll have to check it out.
Colleen wrote: "Can you tell us a little about your next YA project?"I've just sold two new books to my editor at Delacorte. The first is called BRAVE NEW GIRL. But I'm not sure what all I'm supposed to say about it yet... ;)
Mod
Huh...interesting. I wonder why that is...
Karli wrote: "did you know from the start that you were gonna put Kaylee with Tod? Or did that idea gradually come to you as you wrote the Soul Screamers series?"No. I knew early on that Tod would have a crush on her, but I didn't think they'd ever actually get together until I gave the 1st draft of MY SOUL TO KEEP to a friend to read, and she hated the ending as it was originally written (Kaylee forgave Nash). She was right. What he did to her, even if it was forgivable, would put a continued relationship with him in a very unhealthy place. Once I realized that, I knew there would be an opening for Tod, and that he would have to shine in the ways that his brother didn't.
However, Nash, for all of his flaws, remains one of my favorite characters, because of the complexity of his problems and his relationships.
Karli wrote: "just curious. How did you come up with Faythe's name and the unusual spelling of it for the Shifters series? speaking of names it was so exciting to see my name spelled correctly that series! That ..."I just like names with Ys in them. ;)
Mod
I've just sold two new books to my editor at Delacorte. The first is called BRAVE NEW GIRL. But I'm not sure what all I'm supp..."
Is it a series or stand alones?
Ashley wrote: "What is your biggest piece of advice for new writers? I am almost finished writing a novel and would love to see it published. I don't even know where to begin! Your writing is absolutely inspiring..."Oh, thank you!
My advice is to polish, polish, polish. And make sure you pay attention to the guidelines posted on the site of any literary agent you want to query.
Krysta wrote: "When you have multiple ideas for different, new books, how do you sort them out and focus on writing them all?"I don't. I write the one that's due next, because that's how contracts work.
If I have a new idea and I have time in my schedule to take another contract, I write a proposal and send it to my agent. If she likes it, she'll pitch it!
William L. wrote: "I'm so glad that I can ask you a few questions, Rachel!Right now I'm just going to ask the "general" ones.
What are you currently working on?
As for your Shifters series, do you know if it will ..."
I'm currently working on a project that hasn't been announced yet, so I can't talk about that. Sorry! (But that answers two of your questions.)
I doubt that Shifters will be reprinted, because they're all still available in e-format. That's cut down on LOTS of reprint for adult books, because more than half (at least in my case) of the adult readership is in ebooks now.
And I don't currently have time to co-write anything with anyone, so... *shrug*. ;)
Karli wrote: "what was your weirdest and your greatest experience with a fan?"The weirdest was when one showed up on my doorstep. That was scary, even though she was nice, but that hasn't happened in years, now.
The greatest is every time someone recognizes me at a con and is excited!
Mod
I don't. I write the one that's due next, because that's how contract..."
I struggle a bit going back and forth myself. My preference would be to just focus on one series until its absolutely finished. We don't always get to do it that way but its a bit easier on the brain.
Karli wrote: "was there a certain moment or event in your life that triggered the idea for The Stars Never Rise?"Nope. Just lots of plotting and combining of ideas until I found the right combo of plot, characters, and setting!
Karli wrote: "I just started The Stars Never Rise, and I was wondering, what inspired you to have a corrupt church as the antagonist? Also, I've never read a book involving exorcism. What type of research did yo..."The idea was never intentionally about a corrupt church. I don't want to spoil anything, but the theory is that ANYONE in charge is susceptible to corruption. The ones in charge in that world HAD to be the Church, because the bad guys were demons. The rest is just the logical fall of the pieces into place. Until you hit some of those plot twists. ;)
Karli wrote: "I just started The Stars Never Rise, and I was wondering, what inspired you to have a corrupt church as the antagonist? Also, I've never read a book involving exorcism. What type of research did yo..."also, I did NO research on exorcism, because the demons in the book aren't truly demons. They just preyed on humanity's conception of them as "unholy." So I got to make the whole thing up!
SassyCat's Book Review wrote: "Karli wrote: "I just started The Stars Never Rise, and I was wondering, what inspired you to have a corrupt church as the antagonist? Also, I've never read a book involving exorcism. What type of r..."Does your publisher send out review copies? If not, I believe you can join Netgalley as your own publisher and offer copies to reviewers there.
Karli wrote: "just finished The Stars Never Rise! I was so impressed with it. Another awesome book by Rachel Vincent! Anyway, I was in love with the concept behind Finn's character. How did that idea come to you..."The concept of Finn felt to me like a logical extension of the world they live in. There are things they don't understand. Making the love interest one of them complicates things nicely!
Karli wrote: "I noticed here on goodreads that this series doesn't have an official title. Will there be one soon?"Well, it's actually just a duology, so I don't think they're giving it a series title.
SassyCat's Book Review wrote: "Now that I've read The Star Never Rise, I LOVE FINN :-) ... So how many books are you plannin..."
The answers to your first questions are in the sequel. This is a duology, so the second and final book will be out next summer.
Karli wrote: "I know that you did self publishing for Lion's Share. Now that you've experienced that process, what are your thoughts on it?"I've found it pleasantly transparent, and MUCH faster than traditional publishing. But the burden of all the work was all on me, whereas my publisher typically shoulders all of the financial stuff and acts as several different sets of eyes on the manuscript. And they usual pay to advertise it too. ;)
Colleen wrote: "I'm curious about your self-pubbing experience too. I didn't know you did. Would you ever do it again?"I certainly WILL do it again for the sequels to LION'S SHARE! ;)
Mod
And there are some doozies in that one, let me tell you!
Shara wrote: "If you could write anywhere, where would it be?"I kind of write everywhere. My couch. My recliner. My bed. My car. My kids' music lessons. Rehearsals. Auditions. Airports. Conferences. Retreats.... ;)
Shara wrote: "If you could see one of your books on stage, which one would it be?"Oh, I have no idea! I've never thought about that!
Mod
Wait a second, they're not? (Quickly thumming through pages) What are they then?
Karli wrote: "I'm currently reading Oath Bound, and I was wondering if it was difficult for you to write a series where the chapters switch character perspectives. Did you feel more pressure to differentiate the..."At first, it was very difficult. But it got easier with practice.
Linda wrote: "I love this idea for a story, how did the idea come to you? Where do you usually find your inspiration?"The concept for THE STARS NEVER RISE is actually several ideas that took years to find one another. I messed with parts of the concept in various forms for at least two years before I wrote a rough draft for my agent.
Typically, my inspiration is simple brainstorming. Getting so excited about an idea that I HAVE to write it!
Rachel wrote: "Colleen wrote: "I'm curious about your self-pubbing experience too. I didn't know you did. Would you ever do it again?"I certainly WILL do it again for the sequels to LION'S SHARE! ;)"
How many sequels will there be to Lion's Share?
Linda wrote: "I love your book title. Did you get to choose it or did you have to agree on one with your publisher? Also, how did you get into writing? Was the process challenging and if so, what advice would ..."
Well, you and your publisher ALWAYS have to agree on the title, no matter who's idea it is originally.
TSNR was originally called ANATHEMA, but teens didn't seem to be able to pronounce it or know what it meant, so my editor picked a line from ANNABEL LEE.
My advice to new writers is to polish the book. A lot. Rewrite and layer. Learn to take valid criticism. all of that contributes to a good book.
Tonnie wrote: "Who is your favorite author from your pre-writing days?"Stephen King.
Tonnie wrote: "If you could do anything else besides writing what would it be?"Nothing. Writing is truly my dream job.
Lin wrote: "tell us more about Menagerie"MENAGERIE is set in a world where supernatural creatures are real, but they live as second-class citizens. Delilah, the main character, goes to a carnival where these creatures are in cages and is revealed to be "cryptid" herself. That very day, she's sold into the menagerie as property. The book is about what she learns in captivity, while she fights for freedom. It's about what it truly means to be human.
Colleen wrote: "So Finn! Please please tell us more about him. What is he? Who is he? How did he become what he is? Anything? Something?"I can't! All that will be answered in THE FLAME NEVER DIES next summer! ;)
Brandi wrote: "I absolutely loved reading The Stars Never Rise and I'm very excited to find out what happens next. Do you know when the next book will be released yet?"June, 2016!
Mod
Stephen King."
Have you been able to meet him yet? I've been able to meet a few of the authors I read before I started writing. It's always a cool experience.
Rachel wrote: "Lin wrote: "tell us more about Menagerie"MENAGERIE is set in a world where supernatural creatures are real, but they live as second-class citizens. Delilah, the main character, goes to a carnival..."
SO excited for this book! Been waiting for it to come out ever since it was on Chapters/Indigo's website!
William L. wrote: "I had totally forgot about this! So let me throw a few questions here and there.Have you ever thought about writing a Middle Grade fantasy novel/series or a New Adult contemporary novel/series?
..."
I wrote a proposal for a MG novel, which my agent liked, but then I was offered other new contracts, so the MG will have to wait!
I'm sure I deal with being a parent and having a career just like everyone else in my situation. Balance my time. Be flexible. Stay up late when necessary. ;)
I have no regrets, and I don't know that I've been influenced by any other authors or celebrities, though I admire many of my fellow authors!
Mod
MENAGERIE is set in a world where supernatural creatures are real, but they live as second-class citizens. Delilah, the main character, goes to a carnival..."
Is this one a YA book too? Same publisher?
SassyCat's Book Review wrote: "I feel like I know your books so well because I love them! I guess I would have to asked since no one really brought it up about your unbound trilogy. Where are everyone now? Do Cam & Olivia finall..."Ah! Honestly, I don't know! I've been out of that world for so long now that I've kind of moved on from it. But I hope they're all healthy and happy!
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Um...that was exciting! But hardcover is pretty standard for YA, so it was actually more unusual for my first series NOT to be in HC. ;)