Never Too Old For Y.A. & N.A. Books discussion
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Lacrimosa
Author Interview of the Month
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JULY Interview with Christine Fonseca
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Sylvia
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Jul 09, 2012 08:55PM
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You already know what's coming in 2012, so let's talk 2013...
Late winter is when I will release a new..."
Tease!
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Of course we will!
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I was going to ask something similar. How do you choose a book to read?
Heinzypop wrote: "What do you look for when you are reading a story?"In terms of reading, I want a story that takes me on an adventure - I want my heart to race, my palms to sweat; I want to laugh or cry, scream or cheer...in short I want to react. I am a visceral, intense person by nature and I like that in my books too.
That said, I don't exclusive read "heavy" books...but I do read entertaining ones! I want the author to sweep me away.
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: I was going to ask something similar. How do you choose a book to read?"I am a creature of habit, so I tend to stick to authors I KNOW or ones recommended to me. I don't really read reviews, but I do pay attention to "buzz". My teenagers give me good advice into books, as do book groups like this one. I am very eclectic in taste, so yea...
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In terms of reading, I want a story that takes me on an adventure - I want my heart to race, my palms to sweat; I want to laug..."
Yes it's exactly what we want to and you clearly Ccomplish that with your books so a high five to you :)
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In terms of reading, I want a story that takes me on an adventure - I want my heart to race, my palms to swe..."
YES!
One of my writerly BFFs told me to just write the stories I want to read...so that's what I do. I am thrilled whenever a reader tells me I managed to accomplish it! And I know not everyone will like them. And that's fine. That's the beauty of art...its subjectivity, bringing something different to each person, and different, too, from what the author/artist may intend.
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Absolutely...and you really can't please everyone it is merely impossible
So, I've been thinking...there are so many fab Indie and small press books that are hitting it BIG - NYT bestseller big. AND there are so many amazing Indie and small press books with a much smaller reader base...What causes that, do you think? Fate? Luck? Comntent? The weather? I have an opinion on this, but I am curious what READERS think (as always)
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I think it's a mix. I think first off, it's if the writing is good. I have read quite a few Indie authors that I think could use a little more work and those that are out of this world. Then I think it's who they put it out there too and how people react to it. I will back up an author that I think has something really special (and I have seen quite a few lately). I think sites like this one and FB really get things out there. Twitter, too, although I'm not a huge fan of Twitter (probably b/c I'm a spaz when it comes to using it! LOL!). So, I think marketing is a huge part of it. It doesn't have to be the 'big wig" marketing, but just hitting the right places. Also, I think authors that really reach out and connect with their audience, even make friends with them, are the ones that will really be there for the long haul and make it. And certainly the author has to be totally and completely committed to wanting it. And lastly, I do think it takes a bit of luck.
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "So, I've been thinking...there are so many fab Indie and small press books that are hitting it BIG - NYT bestseller big. AND there are so many amazing Indie and small press books ..."Excellent talking points...and totally in line with what I was thinking too!!!
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Heinzypop wrote: "I think all of what Brooke said and lots of luck too...although I have watched say Fifty Shades series go from Fan Fic too overnight stardom and we were reading it before it was infamous LOL I thin..."I was literally JUST talking with one of my CPs about this exact thing.
Love hearing everyone's thoughts on this...
Thank you, Brooke, Christine, and Heinzypop for your thoughts on this issue. It is certainly one I've contemplated A LOT lately. As a relatively new indie with just my second book coming out this fall, I have to say that I've felt more rejuvenated and inspired with the contacts I've made these past few months on Goodreads and Twitter (though I'm a bit of a spaz there, too, Brooke) than I ever have been. I'm definitely in it for the long haul. I've been passionate about writing since middle school (though I probably wrote mostly emo poems back then--bad ones at that), and I'm just now learning the ins and outs of marketing. But I agree with you guys that it does take dedication to making personal connections, tenacious commitment, and that indefinable/often-elusive thing called Fortune. (Shakespeare was right--she is fickle.)Btw, I picked up Fifty #3 and couldn't get past the first chapter. Is it just me?
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:D
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I read it ages ago and had no problems...but by then I was totally exhausted from the emotional ride those two had me on LOL
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I've seen this with authors who really deserve it, too. it makes me upset, actually b/c I want to see the ones who deserve it really make it big. I really think sites like Goodreads have been helping authors get the word out there.
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I haven't read #3 yet. I read #1, b/c of the hype. Went to #2, b/c I heard there was a story, which there was. But it was really hard for me to get past the horrible writing and editing (why would they put it to print with so many mistakes? although it doesn't seem to matter since it's a sensation). I will eventually pick up #3, but it's not a priority on my list when I have all these other terrific Indie authors wanting me to read their books!!!!
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I know there are so many well deserved authors out there and GR has also been a great way for authors to touch base with readers
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Thank you, Brooke, Christine, and Heinzypop for your thoughts on this issue. It is certainly one I've contemplated A LOT lately. As a relatively new indie with just my second book..."That was my exact same experience with Fifty, Brooke. The one thing that made me shudder in the first chapter of #3 was the ridiculous overuse of staccato speech, like "I. Love. You. So. Much. You. Are. Mine. Blah. Blah. Blah." Doesn't the editor know, if the author doesn't, that that technique loses it's effect when it's overused? I just didn't care to read past the first chapter I was so annoyed.
And, yes, you should totally focus on those indies right now waiting in the wings for your expert advice/comments. ;)
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LOL! You're funny! I'm on it! But I would not say "expert", although it has a certain ring to it! LOL!
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Thank you, Brooke, Christine, and Heinzypop for your thoughts on this issue. It is certainly one I've contemplated A LOT late..."Yes, we'll go with expert! (Unless you despise my book.) JK!
I know you're a busy lady. I'm patient, so don't worry about me. I just couldn't resist that open window you presented. :D
Hey everyone - so I am in a divulging mood. Any pressing questions for those who have read any of the Requiem Series. Or questions about the new things coming. Within reason, I may be able to share exclusive info. EEP!
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LOL! Noticed how I jumped right at it, too! Ok, we can stick with "expert" if you like! I don't think I'll dislike your book! What I've read so far I like!
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WOW, divulging, eh? just about the books that are already published???
No - I am pretty much willing to talk about whatever...
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Oooo...hmmm...are we gonna be upset by a love triangle?
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Christine wrote: "No - I am pretty much willing to talk about whatever..."Oooo...hmmm...are we gonna be upset by a love triangle?"
Love triangle in which series/book????
Good one..Transcend?? I already am rooting for Ien even if there is a "Raoul" in the picture..Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Oooo...hmmm...are we gonna be upset by a love triangle?"
Jen*Geekygamergal* wrote: "Good one..Transcend?? I already am rooting for Ien even if there is a "Raoul" in the picture..Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Oooo...hmmm...are we gonna be upset by a love triangle?""
On Transcend, all I can say is that Ien loves Kiera. Period. Beyond that....Hmmmmmmm
OH oh..I'm getting bad vibes. I'd better break out the tissues when I read the novel *sigh*Christine wrote: "On Transcend, all I can say is that Ien loves Kiera. Period. Beyond that....Hmmmmmmm "
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Oooo...hmmm...are we gonna be upset by a love triangle?"
Love triangle in which seri..."
Well, you said Requiem series, so I was referring to that! So I'm gonna say in Libera Me
Why did I just found this thread now? D:I am so happy I found out about Christine. I have a very long TBR list and it was a great decision to jump on your offer for the ebook. I LOVE IT. I LOVE YOU. And you're so nice, you respond to tweets, and the whole conversation here, I'm just... ecstatic!
I'm late with the conversation but, just wanna share that I'm kind of a late bloomer in this "club". I haven't read books in years and then last year I read 8 during the last quarter of the year, 3 of them was THG and after that I just had to read more! Although I only started really reading again last month, but now I'm officially hooked! I don't care if a novel has a low review or rating, if it appeals to me, I will read it. Sometimes I feel bad for giving books a low rating but that's how I honestly feel about it.
Oh! I wanna know too if there's going to be a love triangle between Aydan-Nesy-Zane.
Ah yes, the Aydan-Nesy-Zane thing. I can tell you this...I am BOTH Team Aydan AND Team Zane. And Nesy is too. Or is she????I will also say that Libera Me is darker, hotter, sexier, and more confusing.
Just saying
Jen*Geekygamergal* wrote: "OH oh..I'm getting bad vibes. I'd better break out the tissues when I read the novel *sigh*Christine wrote: "On Transcend, all I can say is that Ien loves Kiera. Period. Beyond that....Hmmmmmmm ""
I will also tell you that my editor said she responded physically to the entire book - heart racing, tears, and more...
Christine wrote: "Ah yes, the Aydan-Nesy-Zane thing. I can tell you this...I am BOTH Team Aydan AND Team Zane. And Nesy is too. Or is she????I will also say that Libera Me is darker, hotter, sexier, and more confus..."
I am confused as well. I love Aydan, but I also love Zane, especially after reading Mea Culpa. :(
Christine wrote: "Jen*Geekygamergal* wrote: "OH oh..I'm getting bad vibes. I'd better break out the tissues when I read the novel *sigh*
Christine wrote: "On Transcend, all I can say is that Ien loves Kiera. Period...."
I had the same feelings. I think if I read it in one sitting, my mom would have found me hugging my knees and rocking back and forth. The crying helped me fall asleep though. :(
Nickle wrote: "Christine wrote: "Ah yes, the Aydan-Nesy-Zane thing. I can tell you this...I am BOTH Team Aydan AND Team Zane. And Nesy is too. Or is she????I will also say that Libera Me is darker, hotter, sexie..."
Transcend is even more intense. IMHO that is
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I will also say that Libera Me is darker, hotter, sexier, and more confus..."
Well, that's just a tease!!! But that's par for the course with you, my friend! CANNOT WAIT!!!!
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Christine wrote: "On Transcend, all I can say is that Ien loves Kiera. Period...."
I love books like this. I cannot wait!
I am sooo excited. I'm asking my mom's friend if I could have books sent to him, I'm just waiting for his reply. Hopefully he says yes so I can get books directly from you. *fangirls*
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LOL!
Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Nickle wrote: "I am sooo excited. I'm asking my mom's friend if I could have books sent to him, I'm just waiting for his reply. Hopefully he says yes so I can get books directly from you. *fangirls..."It's cheaper if I have it delivered to his house in San Francisco, he can send it to me for free. LOL. I'M SO EXCIIIIIITEEEEDDD.
Here's a question Christine, how did you come up with the names of your characters? :D
Nickle wrote: "Brooke (The Cover Contessa) wrote: "Nickle wrote: "I am sooo excited. I'm asking my mom's friend if I could have books sent to him, I'm just waiting for his reply. Hopefully he says yes so I can ge..."These are HYSTERICAL!!! Love that you are excited. When I get teh addy, etc, I will send you a paypal invoice
Nickle wrote: "Here's a question Christine, how did you come up with the names of your characters? :D"like everything else, I look up the meanings of names when I choose them. In the Requiem series, I read a lot of mythology and that became the basis of many of the names.
In Transcend, I read the original story, as well as a lot of stories written in the late 1800s. Those stories inspired many of the names.
Every now and then I name a character after a reader (like as part of a giveaway), so a new character in the Requiem Series is named after a reader's child.
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WoW! That your editor was moved physically as well as emotionally I really can't wait to read it :)
My question would be, how do you know you've got a great story?
Heinzypop wrote: "OMG you have all been chatty while I slept...totally love it LOL YAY for Authors who really care about their readers and what they like or don't like ! We love you Christine!!WoW! That your edito..."
That's a hard one. I guess I would say that I "know" the story is great when:
1) I am SHOCKED that I wrote it
2) When I am moved to tears - even after the 200th read through (I still cry at the end of Lacrimosa)
3)When I know there is nothing substantial I would change...
I am constantly growing as a writer, so my opinion of what makes a strong story does change over time. My goal is that each story gets stronger. Hopefully I am achieving that
And yes! I really care about readers. In fact - **insider scoop time** - I have decided that the short story I write between books 2 and 3 of the Requiem Series will be a "reader's choice" book, meaning readers will choose which of 4 stories I tell.Thoughts?
Never Too Old For Y.A. & N.A. Books
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