Loading ...Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Author Jackie Kessler
Jackie Kessler Interviews Jet (Sort Of) from the novel Black and White.
JACKIE: Hey, Jet–what’re you doing? Aren’t you supposed to be out
patrolling?
JET: I am on requested personal leave, citizen. You may check with Corp-Co Human/Extrahuman Civil Affairs, if you wish, but you have my word that all of the paperwork is in order.
JACKIE: Hey, I trust you. You’re the Hero of New Chicago, after all.
JET: Yes, well. Thank you.
JACKIE: So…what’re you doing?
JET: Reading.
JACKIE: Oh? What does a superheroine who wields phenomenal power over shadows like to read? True crime? Science journals? News editorials?
JET: Romance.
JACKIE: You know, I wouldn’t have thought that.
JET: I love romances. Knowing there’s a guaranteed happily ever after at the end makes the time invested all worth it. There’s nothing better than seeing love truly conquer all. [PAUSES] Things so rarely end well in real life. It’s nice to escape, even if just for a little while.
JACKIE: Aw. I think you need a hug…
JET: Touch me, and I break your arm.
JACKIE: All righty…Say, we’re supposed to do this interview for Bitten By Books. May I take a few minutes of your time?
JET: I am always happy to speak with the press.
JACKIE: Er, right. That’s me. Just a few questions for you. Which of the following do you pick? And feel free to say why. [CLEARS THROAT] Black or white?
JET: Black. I swear by the Light, but it’s the Shadow that rules my world.
JACKIE: And besides, it’s very slimming. So. Chocolate or vanilla?
JET: I do not eat poor foods. Neither.
JACKIE: Hypothetically?
JET: Er. Chocolate.
JACKIE: Cat or dog?
JET: Cats. Definitely cats.
JACKIE: Corp-Co: Megalomaniacal corporation focused on profits, or powerful global entity concerned with justice?
JET: Justice.
JACKIE: Heroing or sponsorships?
JET: Heroing. Duty first. Always.
JACKIE: Glass half-empty or half-full?
JET: Half-full.
JACKIE: Iridium: good or evil?
JET: Her actions speak for themselves. I refuse to comment on the philosophy behind those actions.
JACKIE: Um, I need an answer.
JET: Pick whichever one you prefer. It doesn’t matter to me, and either answer would amuse her, I’m sure. Next question.
JACKIE: Jet or Joan Greene?
JET: [PAUSES] As much as there are times I wish I could just be Joan…I am Jet.
JACKIE: Even when you’re reading romance novels?
JET: Especially then.
JACKIE: Well. Speaking of romance…Samson or Bruce?
JET: This interview is over. [SUMMONS A SHADOW FLOATER AND ROCKETS AWAY]
JACKIE: Wait, I have a few more questions…[RUBS ARMS FROM SUDDEN CHILL] Okay…I’m sure she’ll be back. [HOLDS UP ROMANCE NOVEL] I have her book. Heh heh heh…
is opened up to questions for either Jackie **or** Jet. What do you want to know about being a superhero, or about being a superhero writer? Is it true that Evil has all the fun, or is that just a vicious rumor started by the Forces of Darkness to make Good seem boring? How did Caitlin and Jackie actually write the book? You ask, and either Jackie or Jet will answer. And one random commenter will win an autographed copy of Black and White **and** an autographed copy of Hell’s Belles
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Readers learn more about Jackie Kessler here:
Read reviews of Jackie’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 7/22/09 at 11:59 pm PDT to do the different things that YOU choose to do. Contest is open to readers worldwide!
Jackie will be giving away these AMAZING prizes!
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Jackie’s books from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
From Amazon:
Stand Alone Titles
Books in the Hell on Earth series in the order they should be read:
Hell’s Belles
The Road to Hell
Hotter Than Hell
From Barnes & Noble:
Stand Alone Titles
Books in the Hell on Earth series in the order they should be read:
Hell’s Belles
The Road to Hell
Hotter Than Hell
Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon search box or this link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. Make a purchase in our Bloody Cafe store here: http://www.cafepress.com/bittenbybooks. We are all volunteers so your continuing support is deeply appreciated. Email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies. Good for 50 entries.
3. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Jackie or Jet a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions = no entries! You can come by through 7/22/09 and ask Jackie or Jet your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)
4. Be friends with Bitten by Books here:
SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter by clicking here or use the box on the top right hand side of the site. Be sure you VERIFY your subscription, an email is sent with the verification link. Unverified subscribers will not be entered and will be deleted from the mailing list. If you are already a subscriber, just let us know and you will get entries too.
Join The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! here: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/ then come back here and tell us your user name and leave the link to your new page.
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Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry!
Email us a copies of ALL of your verification emails to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 50 entries each place you add us.
5. Spread the word, the more places you post the event, the more entries you get. Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=9337 with the banner to the left at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
6. Be friends with Jackie by joining her here:
Blood Bank: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/JackieKessler
Newsletter: http://www.jackiekessler.com/getintouchwithjackie.php
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JackieKessler
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jackie.kessler
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jackiekessler
Add Jackie’s website to your blog roll or links page: http://www.jackiekessler.com and http://www.jackiekessler.com/blog
Then send us all the confirmations you receive verifying subscription and friendship to: bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 50 entries per place you friend/add her.
7. Twitter and ask your friends to re-tweet the URL for this event be SURE to include us in your tweet @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=9337. Good for 10 entries each day you tweet it. Max 1 tweet per day counts for entries.
8. Email ALL of your friends and invite them to come by this week! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get FOUR entries and you get EIGHT entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contest ends on 7/22/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize bag directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers worldwide. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(5 votes, average: 4.6 out of 5)
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Wow first to comment.
Thank you Mrs. Kessler for spending your time with us at BittenByBooks today. I think most of us fanboys at the comic shop weren’t really having high hopes for a superhero novel. I’m glad we were wrong though and most of us feel it is the closest thing we have seen to Warren Ellis & Mark Millar’s The Authority. We can’t wait until the second one comes out next year.
My question is this. Will we see anymore glimpses into Jet and Iridium’s past in the second book or is it all going to be present tense?
Thanks again for co-writing an amazing book, and I hope the vegan diet is going well still.
[Reply]
Hi Jackie (and Jet)! Thanks for stopping by today.
I will be back later with some questions for you both…
[Reply]
Hi, Jackie!!!!! Just wanted to stop by to say “hi.” I’ve got all of your books so don’t enter me in the contest. Everyone else go and get the books. They are awesome!! All of them. Really!!
But I do have questions: Are you a plotter or pantster? and What is the best and the worst thing about writing a novel with another author?
[Reply]
As my to read stack is teetering to dangerous proportions (and threatening to fall on me every day), I have not yet read through my copy of Black and White, but I was wondering if you made a choice to produce romance fiction for publishing and then wrote the urban fantasy type novel you always wanted to, or was it a case of you writing both styles and the romance fiction was simply the first to sell.
[Reply]
My second question is for Jet. In the time period your from were do the best romance writers come from? Do all writers work through the Corp-Co? I would think that if all writing came from the same mega-conglomeration that it would kind of be vanilla and the same. Or do you prefer the classics from the early 21st century?
[Reply]
Hi Jackie and Jet!! Welcome to Bitten By Books!
This question is for Jackie. How did you even think to write this novel with Caitlin? Was it a random “I wonder if…thought” or had you two been plotting this for a while?
Friends with BBB and Jackie on Facebook, follow both on Twitter, Friends with BBB on Myspace, member of the Blood Bank, shared the love on Facebook, Blogger (avidafemmina.blogspot.com) and LiveJournal (coffeeisgod.livejournal.com). Twittered. *scratches head* Am I forgetting anything? Oh! RSVP’d!
[Reply]
Ha! Knew I forgot some…BBB and Jackie are on my permanent blog roll and I’m subscribed to the BBB newsletter.
[Reply]
Hi Jackie & Jet/Joan,
my question is for Jackie, was it hard to write a novel with another person?
I’m a Bitten by Books newsletter subscriber, I’m a BBB Blood Donor SamK
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/SharonKnight?xg_source=profiles_memberList
I’m a BBB Twitter follower
& I cause the Prize Goddess no end of problems!
Sharon K.
[Reply]
Hi Jackie, this is zenfox from CHarris’s site. I already feel like I know you because we get to chat often. You seem to be a real down-to-earth author that takes real time to talk with fans. I have not yet your books yet, they are on my short list, I am excited to read them.
I was wondering how you find time for it all? Do you work another full time job? Is it hard to juggle promotion, writing, family/friends and regular life duties (really when do you have time to eat)?
Second…Do you have any input on your covers? I read you are also an artist, ever consider doing your own covers?
I RSVP’d
Already sub to BBB newsletter, Blood Bank, friends at myspace + facebook
BBB is on my blogroll http://ellzreadz.blogspot.com/
requested friends with Jackie on Blood Bank and Myspace
also announced on top of blog
[Reply]
Hi, there, Jet. I, too, am reading romance at the moment. What a coincidence! While it would be nice to chat with you about our reading lists, I actually have a question for Jackie.
What are your opinions on writing contests and online workshops like Gotham’s? It seems next to impossible to break into the biz, and am wondering if contests and/or workshops somehow facilitate the process… or if they are all pathways to nowhere.
Thanks, and continued success to you.
[Reply]
I RSVP’s ,so I wanted to make sure I stopped by to show Jackie and Jet some love. By I am fighting a nasty bug, so back to bed for me! Have fun! Lisa
[Reply]
Hi Jackie and Jet!
Jackie, it was great meeting you at RWA conference. Hope you have fun at the ComicCon. I’m very jealous.
A few questions:
For Jet: What superhero most inspired you? Who is your hero?
For Jackie: Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Looking forward to reading Black and White!
[Reply]
Thanks for stopping by.
My question is for Jackie — was it hard writing a novel with another author? Pros and Cons.
I RSVP’d.
[Reply]
Hi, everyone! Thanks for all the comments. I’ll get to them one at a time over the course of the day.
Rocky said: “Thank you Mrs. Kessler for spending your time with us at BittenByBooks today. I think most of us fanboys at the comic shop weren’t really having high hopes for a superhero novel. I’m glad we were wrong though and most of us feel it is the closest thing we have seen to Warren Ellis & Mark Millar’s The Authority. We can’t wait until the second one comes out next year.”
Thanks so much, Rocky! Considering that I was a fangirl at the comic shop growing up, this is a HUGE compliment! (And the Warren/Mark comparison? **SQUEE**) FYI, our editor has the next book, SHADES OF GRAY, on her desk.
“My question is this. Will we see anymore glimpses into Jet and Iridium’s past in the second book or is it all going to be present tense?”
Anything can change, because as I mentioned, our editor has the manuscript of SoG at the moment. But as of now, you won’t see more of their past, but you will get to see their parents — Vixen, Luster, Angelica and Blackout, as well as Night — when they were all Squadron heroes living in the glory days…and what went horribly wrong.
“Thanks again for co-writing an amazing book, and I hope the vegan diet is going well still.”
Thank you! And yep, still vegan! This is week four, and I haven’t caved yet.
[Reply]
**Jackie waves to Carol M.**
Hi, Qwill! Thanks for the kudos.
Qwill writes:
“Are you a plotter or pantster? and What is the best and the worst thing about writing a novel with another author?”
I like to call myself a “plantser.” I start off pantsing, but wind up plotting. And that being said, even when I plot things, there’s tons of wiggle room for pantsing. Just because I know that Jet is going from Point A to Point B, that doesn’t plot out HOW she gets to Point B. The characters are able to surprise me quite thoroughly.
And sometimes, if the pantsing leads me away from Point B, well, I let it. Usually the story sticks to the roadmap–but when it’s time to go offroad, I say “yeehaw” and hang on for the ride.
Best thing about writing with another author: Only writing half a book!
Worst thing about writing with another author: Having to stick not only to my schedule but also to my coauthor’s. (I need to clone myself!!!)
[Reply]
Zombie Joe says: “As my to read stack is teetering to dangerous proportions (and threatening to fall on me every day), I have not yet read through my copy of Black and White, but I was wondering if you made a choice to produce romance fiction for publishing and then wrote the urban fantasy type novel you always wanted to, or was it a case of you writing both styles and the romance fiction was simply the first to sell.”
When I wrote HELL’S BELLES (my first novel to be published), I had no idea it was a romance. (I **still** don’t think it’s a romance.) I was aiming for a magical chick-lit sort of feeling — you know, sassy first-person narrator, when the narrator happens to be a demon — but with very dark undertones. I didn’t know about the term “urban fantasy” when I wrote HB, but that’s really what I thought it was after it was accepted by the publisher. It never, ever would have occurred to me that it would be shelved in the Romance section of a store.
As much as I enjoy writing steamy scenes and emotional scenes between a heroine and a hero, my heart belongs to dark fantasy. Give me Good versus Evil any day. That makes me a happy camper.
That’s not to say I’ll never write another paranormal romance. Actually, I’m kicking around an idea now. But that’s very much in the “stirring the soup” phase.
[Reply]
Hi, Jackie. Congrats on your new release. It sounds interesting. I’m a friend of BBB on Facebook, and just added them to my blog list at AuthorBlogSpot.blogspot.com.
I have a few questions for you. How long does it generally take (start to finish) to write a rough draft of a story? And do you let the story “sit” before editing it the first time?
[Reply]
Rocky Shields says: “My second question is for Jet. In the time period your from were do the best romance writers come from? Do all writers work through the Corp-Co? I would think that if all writing came from the same mega-conglomeration that it would kind of be vanilla and the same. Or do you prefer the classics from the early 21st century?”
Citizen, one of my greatest pleasures is to glimpse through all the new titles available from booksites — there are numerous bookstores around the city, mostly dealing with collectables from the 20th and 21st centuries, but sadly, I do not have enough time to simply browse through the aisles. My Runner — a personal assistant — usually makes a trip for me to such stores once a month, if nothing is truly pressing.
Corp-Co does not sponsor any publishing efforts, as far as I know. There are a large number of publishing houses, each with its own various imprints, much as it was back in the early 21st century.
There are a number of classic authors whom I enjoy reading — Jane Austen and Nora Roberts, for example. I prefer historicals (especially from the 21st century), and I stay away from paranormals — I have enough so-called paranormal in my daily life, so when I read, all I want is a story about a non-powered couple discovering each other and falling in love. (My creator, Jackie, is the opposite — she strongly prefers paranormal over contemporary.)
[Reply]
Morning Jackie! I hate having to try and figure out a question to ask, I always feel so silly. LOL
So, what are the best/worst things about having a co-writer? And do you write romance first or is it just a by-product of the writing process for you? (if any of that makes any sense).
And thank you for coming to hang out with us!!
I already follow both BBB and Jackie on Twitter, am friends with BBB on both Goodreads and Facebook. And BBB is on perma-link on my blogroll (http://readinsomethingcrazy.blogspot.com/).
Amy
[Reply]
Jackie U says: “This question is for Jackie. How did you even think to write this novel with Caitlin? Was it a random “I wonder if…thought” or had you two been plotting this for a while?”
Caitlin and I were part of the same online writing group. I noticed that her icon for AIM showed John Constantine, so I emailed her about it (because I loved reading HELLBLAZER). She and I chatted online, and we discovered we both loved comic books, especially the darker, grittier books. And we both liked the way the other author wrote. So that’s when we said that one day, we should collaborate on a superhero novel.
And then we promptly didn’t write it.
It wasn’t until I went to the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in April 2007 and saw an urban fantasy panel that the notion came back. One of the questions the panel was asked was what they saw on the horizon. One person — who would later become my new agent — replied: “Superhero fiction.” I emailed Caitlin that evening and said we had to do it.
And so we did.
[Reply]
Hi there Jackie & Jet,
At what age did you start writing?
How do you get out of writers block (if you get it)?
Your book sounds great I haven’t read any yet so I can’t wait. Have a great lunch.
[Reply]
Hello Jackie & Jet.
I haven’t read Black & white yet but it sounds fascinating.
Jackie what were the logistics involved in writing a book with another person? Was it like the game where someone starts the story and it passes to the next person who changes it? How did you divide it up?
How much of the details of your setting were based on reality?
How many hours a day do you spend writing?
Jet if you weren’t a superhero what would you want to be?
RSVPed.
Follow BBB on twitter (Littlemisshugs) & Myspace friend and permanent link to BBB:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=146847263
Subscribe to BB newsletter.
[Reply]
Hi Jackie,
I’m new to your books and just wanted to say hi. I’ve heard good things about your books and picked up Hell’s Belles @ RT this year. Looking forward to reading it. =)
[Reply]
Hi Jackie and Jet!
Jet, do you really only eat healthy food?
RSVPd
am subscribed to bbb
friends with bbb on facebook and myspace
[Reply]
Hi Jackie & Jet!!! I’m so glad the both of you could stop by today. I have a copy of Black & White sitting on my desk. It yells at me daily asking why I haven’t started reading. I have no time, but the book is unrelenting…it definitely has attitude, which is a good thing. A book with no attitude is boring.
Jackie, do you see more collaborative work in the feature? A sequal to B&W?
[Reply]
Hey Jackie. It’s me. “The official Jackie Kessler stalker” (I think I need to get a t-shirt with that on it….LOL). It was great seeing you at RWA. My question is for Jet…..
So what book are you currently reading that Jackie is holding hostage?
By the way, I RSVPed and I am here, as promised. Wouldn’t miss an interview with Jackie!
[Reply]
My question is for Jet.
Jet, do you ever wonder if a bad guy can change their way and become good, or are they born evil and will always be evil?
[Reply]
In the immortal words of Spaceballs, “Evil will always prevail because Good is Dumb!” LOL
Actually I am a sucker for a great evil character…
Great to see you here Jackie! I love Bitten By Books!
See you at Comic-Con!
Lisa
[Reply]
Sharon K asks: “my question is for Jackie, was it hard to write a novel with another person?”
I wouldn’t say “hard.” Like with solo writing, it had its challenges, as well as its pros and cons. Caitlin and I each have our own writing and working style, not to mention our own ideas about things, which we both had to take into account when writing. The brainstorming part was the easy/fun part — and the actual draft writing itself was also a lot of fun. Making everything flow smoothly was more difficult — but definitely worth it!
[Reply]
Hi Jackie! Thanks for coming on BBB. Any advice for aspiring writers?
RSVP’s, added Jackie as friend on Facebook & MySpace and a link to her site on my blog, http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com yesterday.
Chris C
[Reply]
Welcome to BBB Jackie and Jet, can’t wait to read Black and White. I have read Hells Belles and The Road to Hell, so far. I am so happy that you teamed up with Caitlin, who is another one of my favorite writers. Did the 2 of you ever get into battles about where the story was going when you were writing it, and if so, who won?
[Reply]
Hi Jackie and Jet. I really enjoyed the above interview and Jet, i hope you get your romance book back from Jackie. It sucks to lose books you’re in the middle of reading. My question is for Jackie. Jackie, do you ever create a bad guy who’s just so awesome and twisted you almost want to let them win?
I RSVP’ed
I’m part of the BBB group on Facebook and a Friend of BBB
I follow BBB on Goodreads
The above are under Ashleigh Cartmill
[Reply]
Elie N says: “Hi Jackie, this is zenfox from CHarris’s site. I already feel like I know you because we get to chat often. You seem to be a real down-to-earth author that takes real time to talk with fans. I have not yet your books yet, they are on my short list, I am excited to read them.”
Thanks! Try to find the copies that have $20 bills stuffed inside them.
“I was wondering how you find time for it all? Do you work another full time job? Is it hard to juggle promotion, writing, family/friends and regular life duties (really when do you have time to eat)?”
I have a full-time day job, as well as a family with two young kids (and a geriatric cat, who insists on thinking my office chair is really hers). And while it can be (extremely) challenging to balance everything — like staying up until OMG o’clock to write — it’s all worth it. I have worlds inside of me that I want to share.
Family and friends tend to be very understanding that my schedule (that is, the day job plus the writing plus the promotion plus the family plus the squeezing in Me Time) is hectic. I couldn’t do what I do without my Loving Husband’s full support. And I don’t mean money. I mean he’s my biggest fan, and he’s on board with me going to conventions and staying up until OMG o’clock to write.
Speaking of eating, I think I should grab some lunch. Thanks for the reminder!
“Second…Do you have any input on your covers? I read you are also an artist, ever consider doing your own covers?”
Most writers for traditional publishers don’t have a lot of cover input. For the Hell covers, I had no say (although I did push back on the ROAD TO HELL cover, and the editor did get the art department to make some changes), although my editor did ask me certain cover questions for the third book (e.g., “What does Daun look like?” ((My answer: “Like anyone he wants to look like — but can he please be dressed?”)) )
For BLACK AND WHITE, it was very different! Spectra hired a comic book artist to draw Jet, so my editor wanted to know specifics about what she looked like. I got to see/weigh in on initial sketches down to the final product. Very exciting stuff! And the art department had a lot of fun — we have “interior art” in the book, especially in the prologue. We’re very lucky!
I’m not a cover artist, even though I enjoy drawing. (I actually had two school paintings in the Brooklyn Museum of Art when I was a teenager. Little known factoid!) While I think it would be insanely cool for me to get to draw my own covers, I don’t think that’s on the horizon.
Now…ask me if I’d like to script comic books, and you’d get a different answer! I’d love to also write comics. Maybe one day!
[Reply]
I have two questions Do you consider “Black & White” a YA book? I never actually saw it listed as such but from the description “third year at a young superheroes’ academy” figured it was. My main question however is an economics question. I have noticed that a lot of writers are going to the (what I call) super sized paperback. These generally run double the price of a normal paperback. The print isn’t bigger, we may get a word more per line, the blank edges around the print are 3 times as wide, they are easier to hold but more expensive to ship as they weigh more so what do we as readers get for twice the amount of money paid out? We know what the writers get (and boy do you all deserve it) but this just means that for most of us if we purchase the oversized paperback we buy one less book. Why should we as buyers spend twice as much on a super sized paperback if we can get two regular size ones?
[Reply]
Jackie,
How do you manage to co-ordinate scenes when you co-write?
I subscribe to the BBB newsletter and am friends with BBB on Goodreads.
[Reply]
Hi Jackie
I’m glad you are here on BBB. Your books are new to me and I am adding iyou to my “to read list”. Besides Black & White, your Hell on Earth series & Caitlin’s Nocturne City series looks good and I’d like to read them as well.
Will there be more books for the Black & White saga? If so how many do you currently have planned?
RSVP’d #30
4. Friends with BBB:
BBB Blood Bank community - user name: kainani
BBB good reads friend: Kainani
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BBB Facebook Friend: Kainani Enos Peter
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Following BBB on Twitter: Kainanz
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5. Spread the word :
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FB: Kainani Enos Peter or http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1377675618&ref=profile
Twitter: Kainanz or http://twitter.com/Kainanz
6. Friends with Jackie:
BBB Blood Bank (pending confirmation)
Newsletter (confirmation already sent)
Twitter: Kainanz or http://twitter.com/Kainanz
FB: Kainani Enos Peter (pending confirmation)
Myspace: Kainani or http://www.myspace.com/kainani89 (pending confirmation)
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So … Jet, … have you always been a minimalist when it comes to conversation? Are you the same way in life?
(Sure glad I RSVP’d and am a subscriber!)
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Paranormromantasy writes:
“Hi, there, Jet. I, too, am reading romance at the moment. What a coincidence! While it would be nice to chat with you about our reading lists, I actually have a question for Jackie.”
That’s all right, citizen. Enjoy the novel. **Hands keyboard to Jackie**
“What are your opinions on writing contests and online workshops like Gotham’s? It seems next to impossible to break into the biz, and am wondering if contests and/or workshops somehow facilitate the process… or if they are all pathways to nowhere.”
Never say never. There is a pecking order to contests, though. Winning the Golden Heart is a far cry from winning a local writing contest, you know? And having a writing group can be very helpful, or, depending on the group members, can be a time suck. It really depends. (Don’t you hate those answers?)
For me, there’s nothing like having a critique partner. Heather Brewer and I read each other’s dirty drafts, and we use each other as sounding boards when figuring out the plot and character development and whatnot. Heather and I found each other when we were both members of the same online writer’s forum. We weren’t looking for CP’s, but we both liked each other’s style on the board, and so we took a chance and swapped manuscripts. And we lucked out.
I’ve been part of writing groups over the years, and I think the best ones are the ones in which the writers are really committed to helping one another improve their manuscripts. This covers everything from developmental editing down to the nitty gritty of copy editing. Some groups are phenomenal. And some are horrible. And many fall in between. Your mileage may vary.
One thing’s for certain: you won’t know if a writing group is for you until you try it on for size. Good luck!
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I RSVP’d a couple of days ago.
So Jet, what do you look for in a relationship?? What kind of ideas do you get from reading all that romance??
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[...] Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=9337 [...]
I love this blog!
Such great work, keep up the great work!
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Great to see Jackie and Jet over here. (I’d love to know what book Jet has to come back for…)
For Jackie: What was the process like co-writing the novel? (Meaning, how active were each of you in what the other writer was producing?)
For Jet: If a current comic book writer or artist were to depict your story in comics, who you you like that to be?
PrizeGoddess: As always, BBB is on my Blogroll.
Rachel: Happy birthday!!!
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**Jackie waves to Lisa M.** Feel better, Lisa!
JT Bock writes: “Jackie, it was great meeting you at RWA conference. Hope you have fun at the ComicCon. I’m very jealous.”
Thanks! Did you see this past Sunday’s Foxtrot? That might help put ComicCon into perspective.
“A few questions: For Jet: What superhero most inspired you? Who is your hero?”
**Jackie hands Jet the keyboard**
There will never be a hero like Samson. No one could even come close to his strength, his kindness, his desire to be the best hero he could be, and to help as many as possible. He never let anything get in the way of his duty, but he always, always had time for his friends. Samson is the epitome of heroism. I can only hope to be like him one day.
“For Jackie: Who is your favorite superhero and why?”
Hmm. My favorite comic book series was SANDMAN by Neil Gaiman, but that’s not really answering the question. I’d have to go with Spider-Man. He’s a regular guy, with regular problems, and he’s just trying to do the right thing. He screws up (sometimes big time), but he doesn’t lose his sense of humor even as he becomes stronger. At times dark, at times silly, and always uber cool. (And dude: he’s a New Yorker!)
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MarnieColette says: “My question is for Jackie — was it hard writing a novel with another author? Pros and Cons.”
PROS:
- Only write half a book
- Get someone to bounce ideas off of
- Build momentum when we see how the story is progressing
- Two heads can be better than one
CONS:
- Having two different schedules (and time zones!) to adjust to
- Different writing/working styles takes some adjustment
For the record: ours isn’t the only way to collaborate (in which we swap POVs and literally hand the manuscript back and forth). Other authors can do different things, including one author writing the outline and the other author doing the hardcore writing.
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Ester says: “I have a few questions for you. How long does it generally take (start to finish) to write a rough draft of a story? And do you let the story “sit” before editing it the first time?”
It depends. (Don’t you HATE those answers?) Caitlin and I wrote the draft of BLACK AND WHITE in about 10 weeks. I wrote the draft of HELL’S BELLES in about 8 weeks, and the draft of HUNGER (my first-ever YA, coming out in fall 2010 from Harcourt) in about 4 weeks.
On the other hand, it took me about 9 months to do THE ROAD TO HELL and about the same for HOTTER THAN HELL. Part of it is timing — whether or not there are other things on my plate — and part is overwhelming enthusiasm, where I basically drop everything that isn’t urgent and focus on those projects (and basically give up sleeping more than 4 hours a night).
I tend not to let things sit. For my day job, I’m an editor, so I tend to edit as I go (that is, I’ll begin a day’s writing by reading/revising the previous day’s work).
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Hi Jackie I Was Just Wondering What Advice You Might Have For Someone Who Was Interesting In Writing Plus How Do You Come Up With Your Stories?
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http://iyamvixenbooks.blogspot.com/2009/07/bbb-and-jackie-kessler-interview.html
I added Jackie’s blog to my blogroll
BBB is always on the blogroll
I subscribe to BBB newsletter
I am a member of Facebook BBB
I am a Goodreads BBB chickie
I belong to the BloodBank
Jet and Jackie: Do you listen to music? If so what are your favorites?
Jackie: Do work in quiet or do you have background noise?
Thank you for your time…
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This time I have a question for Jet:
How would you describe your relationship with Iridium?
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OH, and I RSVP’d
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Hi Jackie & Jet!
Black & White is on my summer reading list actually! So is Hell’s Belles. (It’s a new series to me)
8 I am going with the question I love asking people - if you could time travel.. where would you go? Anyone you would like to meet? Me - One thing I would love to do would be go back & listen to Django Reinhardt perform at the Hot Club in Paris. hehe
Thanks for stopping by! Have a nice day.
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Hey Jackie! First of all, thanks for being here and answering our questions. I read Black & White a couple of weeks ago and it was AMAZING. It’s so fresh and different to stuff that’s out there right now and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I can’t wait for Shades of Grey next year and hope there’s many more to come.
My question is… how can we imagine the writing process you and Caitlin had while writing the book? Did you plot together? Send each other chapters? How did that work for you?
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Amy writes: “So, what are the best/worst things about having a co-writer? And do you write romance first or is it just a by-product of the writing process for you? (if any of that makes any sense).”
I think I’ve already covered the pros and cons about collaborating. Somewhere up there. Really, I did!
As for romance…I think I like writing about relationships, so the romance just happens naturally (given the right circumstances). One of the most powerful chapters I wrote in BLACK AND WHITE was about Jet and Samson.
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chris swan writes:
“At what age did you start writing?”
I’ve been writing since I was little, but I didn’t start thinking about writing a novel until I was 17. I started what I lovingly call my Great American Novel (the GAN) back in college. In its most recent form, it’s now with my agent (as a middle grade urban fantasy). Fingers crossed!!! But I didn’t get serious about writing until 2003.
“How do you get out of writers block (if you get it)?”
Oh, I get it, all right. For me, writers block occurs when I subconsciously realize that I’ve taken the story down a wrong turn, but my conscious mind hasn’t caught up to that fact. The only way out of it is for me to step away, reread, and visualize alternate possibilities. (Usually the visualization comes when I’m in the shower or driving — you know, when I don’t have access to a pen.)
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Rebecca S writes:
“Jackie what were the logistics involved in writing a book with another person? Was it like the game where someone starts the story and it passes to the next person who changes it? How did you divide it up?”
Caitlin and I brainstormed via AIM (she’s in Seattle; I’m in Albany) to discuss the two main characters (hers and mine), the real Big Bad Evil, and overall worldbuilding/plot. Once we figured that out, we came up with a very rough summary of what we discussed. Caitlin kicked off the writing by writing the prologue and chapter 1, then emailing them to me. I wrote the next chapter and sent it to her. And so on.
For a while, we each wrote two chapters at a pop — a “then” chapter and a “now” chapter (which will make sense when you read the book). About halfway through, I reorganized it into distinct Then and Now sections, and a little after that we wrote one-sentence summaries for the remaining chapters.
But overall, we each wrote a chapter or two, then sent the updated manuscript back to the other author. 10 weeks later, we were done!
“How much of the details of your setting were based on reality?”
It varies. In SHADES OF GRAY, Jet is visiting the original Wrigley Field. So I researched the field, as well as what abandoned baseball fields look like, to better ground the description in reality.
There’s a chapter in BLACK AND WHITE which is a transcript of Jet being on a talk show; I had looked up sample transcripts of talk shows to give me a better idea of how to format it.
But there’s a hell of a lot of making it up, too.
“How many hours a day do you spend writing?”
Many. Usually after the kids are in bed.
“Jet if you weren’t a superhero what would you want to be?”
**Jackie hands keyboard to Jet**
_Weren’t_ a hero? Light, why would I ever _not_ want to be a hero?
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**Jackie waves** Hi, Miki!
Cheryl M writes: “Jet, do you really only eat healthy food?”
Of course. A hero must keep her body healthy and strong. Every once in a great while, I allow myself a small treat of Mexican food and a drink. But that is only when I am celebrating — and off duty, of course. Those celebratory moments, though, are few and far between.
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Heather C writes: “Jackie, do you see more collaborative work in the feature? A sequal to B&W?”
Yeppers — SHADES OF GRAY is on our editor’s desk.
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Lorelei C. writes: “Hey Jackie. It’s me. “The official Jackie Kessler stalker” (I think I need to get a t-shirt with that on it….LOL). It was great seeing you at RWA.”
Great seeing you too! If you get a tee-shirt that says that, please take a picture and send it to me! (You’ll have the address because you’re a stalker.
)
“My question is for Jet…. So what book are you currently reading that Jackie is holding hostage?”
**Jackie hands keyboard to Jet**
MY LORD AND SPYMASTER by the award-winning author Joanna Bourne. Assuming Ms. Kessler ever returns it, I shall spend the night finishing it.
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Jet, do you ever have a lack of sleep problem or are you careful to take downtime so that you don’t burn out?
(and yes, I RSVP’d that I was going to try to make it to day & yay, I did!)
I’m sorry if someone else already asked but for some reason the comments show up as black print on a black background (with the occasional emoticon for variety). I need to figure out why & fix it but no time to do it today.
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This question could be for both Jet and Jackie… Pick a song that you would consider “Your life’s theme song”
* I RSVPed
* I twittered about the contest (RaonaidLuckwell)
* Bittenbybooks is a permanent link on my blogger (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
* Posted her two links on my blogger link section
* Blogged about it on my blogger
* Friended her on The Blood Bank (RaonaidLuckwell)
* Just subscribed to Jackie’s newsletter
* Friended her on myspace (visionarydruid)
* Posted about it on myspace’s blogger and bullentin
* Posted about it on facebook
I’m already following her on Twitter, and facebook
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I love the titles of your books. They are definitely eye catching.
Thanks for being here.
MySpace: faerydreamer64
Facebook: Dianne Barskey
Twitter: dbarskey06
The Blood Bank: Dianne Barskey
I subscribed, friended, shared, and have a permanent link on MySpace.
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Hi Jackie,
Loved the interview with Jet. I wondered if there’s another author you’d like to collaborate with, and perhaps in another genre (graphic lit?)
I added your blog to my list at http://catemasters.blogspot.com, sent an FB friend request (as CA Masterson, yeah, conflicting identities!) and am following you on Twitter now.
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I asked Jackie a question above but I wanted to ask Jet, What is the best part about your power?
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Hi Jackie,
If you could trade places with anyone, past or present, real or fiction, who would it be and why?
Bridget
Shared:
http://www.facebook.com/bridget.hopper?ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie (blog section)
http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/2765377560
http://digg.com/users/bridget3420
http://bridget3420.stumbleupon.com/
http://technorati.com/faves/bridget3420
http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com/2009/07/guest-blog-chat-and-contest-with-author_21.html
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/2009/07/guest-blog-chat-and-contest-with-author_21.html
BBB email subscriber
Blood Bank member - bridget3420
BBB Myspace friend - bridgetlaprairie
BBB Facebook friend - Bridget Hopper
BBB Facebook group member - Bridget Hopper
BBB Good Reads friend - Bridget Hopper
Following BBB on twitter - bridget3420
BBB is on my blogroll - http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
Sent Jackie a Blood Bank friend request
Signed up for Jackie’s newsletter
Following Jackie on twitter - bridget3420
Sent Jackie a Facebook friend request
Sent Jackie a Myspace friend request
Jackie’s website link is on my sidebar under Awesome Authors - http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
RSVP’d
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3. My favorite interview question: If you could be a sandwich, what kind would you be and why?
also How different is it to write a comic than a novel?
4. SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter: Been for a couple weeks (Names either Axisor or Elizabeth G)
Facebook Group: Been for a couple weeks http://www.facebook.com/Axisor
Facebook: Been for a couple weeks http://www.facebook.com/Axisor
Twitter: Been for a couple weeks http://twitter.com/Axisor
7. Retweeted: http://twitter.com/Axisor/status/2764149954
Also RVSP’ed #25 (I believe)
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Hi Jet! Hi Jackie! I’ve heard great things about Black & White and I can’t wait to read it!
I always run out of good questions for these things. Jackie, can you tell us anything about the young adult book you mentioned, the Hunger? And, looking at Jet, is there any actor she resembles, who could maybe play her if the book were made into a film? Or maybe I should ask Jet—who would you like to play you in a film? Maybe stick with 20th/21st century actors, so I know who you’re talking about!
I RSVPed, and am following Jackie on Twitter.
Thanks so much!
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Hi
Thank you for having Jackie on your site.
I’ve been waiting for this since you emailed me the RSVP.
It was a great interview. Fun & Informative
Jackie Kessler is the BEST.
Twitter.com/RKCharron
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Thanks for dropping by Jet and Jackie! I read Black and White not long after it was released and MAN is it awesome! Can’t wait for Shades of Grey! I’m curious how long the co-authoring process took between you and Caitlin. To create a first draft, that is.
I RSVPed
I’m a facebook fan and friend, myspace friend. I follow BBB (and Jackie) on Twitter. Subscribe to BBB newsletter and you’re on my blog roll. Wow, I sound stalkerish, huh?
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Hi - I commented with a question earlier, but I wanted to post this too.
I rsvp’d
commented
posted link on facebook and twitter (ailish79) ( Sorry - I still don’t know how to direct-link Twitter status posts. Eek! Can someone please tell me?)
sent Jackie a friend request on Facebook
and Twitter. (waiting for FB confirmation email)
sent Jackie a Blood Bank friend request.
signed up for newsletter (sent confirmation)
Already a member of the Blood Bank.
Already receive the BBB newsletter.
BBB Friend on Goodreads.
BBB Facebook friend.
member of the BBB Facebook Group
follow on Twitter. (I’m Libby LaRue on FB, Goodreads, etc and on Twitter I am ailish79)
Added Jackie Kessler’s site and her blog to my Blogroll.
BBB is always on my Blogroll.
http://solvioleta.wordpress.com
Posted this contest link on my blog:
http://solvioleta.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/author-jackie-kessler/
sent receipt for the books I purchased..
Have a great day/evening/night/whatever timezone everyone is in!
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Hi, Jackie. I just wanted to stop by to let you know how much I enjoyed Hell’s Belles. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Erin O’Riordan
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Elaine R says: “My question is for Jet. Jet, do you ever wonder if a bad guy can change their way and become good, or are they born evil and will always be evil?”
I believe deep in my heart that all people — human or extrahuman — are good. Those who choose to break the law anger me far more than those poor rabids who are not in their right minds, because they willingly choose to hurt others. Broken minds can be fixed; broken hearts can be mended. But those who willingly choose to be evil? The choice to be good is always theirs.
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**Jackie waves to Lisa Kessler** We are family!
Medievalgrrl writes: “Hi Jackie! Thanks for coming on BBB. Any advice for aspiring writers?”
You might think that now’s the worst time to break into the business. You’d be wrong. Those who are unpublished are in a far better place than those who are struggling to remain published. Now more than ever, numbers matter. If you’re first stepping into the ring with a clean record, a publisher will be more willing to take a chance on you than on a published author with low numbers. Really. Not making this up; last month at CR-RWA’s annual conference, the professionals on the agent/editor panel said so.
So don’t give up! More than ever, now is the time for persistence. Work on your craft, study the business…and get your manuscript out there. We can’t control timing, and we sure can’t control luck. But talent? Damn straight. Keep writing. Keep trying.
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Lorraine Minich writes: “Did the 2 of you ever get into battles about where the story was going when you were writing it, and if so, who won?”
Caitlin just popped by on AIM, and she says, “No, we were like a hive mind.” And she’s right.
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Ashleigh C writes: “My question is for Jackie. Jackie, do you ever create a bad guy who’s just so awesome and twisted you almost want to let them win?”
His name is Daunuan, and he wound up getting his own damn book. Sigh. Some characters just won’t stick to the synopsis!
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Lisa Richards writes: “Do you consider “Black & White” a YA book?”
It’s an adult book that works well for older teens.
“My main question however is an economics question. I have noticed that a lot of writers are going to the (what I call) super sized paperback. These generally run double the price of a normal paperback. The print isn’t bigger, we may get a word more per line, the blank edges around the print are 3 times as wide, they are easier to hold but more expensive to ship as they weigh more so what do we as readers get for twice the amount of money paid out? We know what the writers get (and boy do you all deserve it) but this just means that for most of us if we purchase the oversized paperback we buy one less book. Why should we as buyers spend twice as much on a super sized paperback if we can get two regular size ones?”
Sounds like you’re talking about trade paperback versus mass market. First thing to know is that writers rarely dictate what format a book will be published in. Our publisher decided the book should be trade, not us. That being said, trade paperbacks, while more expensive, tend to have a better quality of cover (and hopefully of binding), and they look nicer on the shelves. They’re not as expensive as hard cover and are easier to tote around, but they’re not an every day mass-market paperback, either.
The real reason why readers **should** buy a trade paperback? They get it before those waiting for the mass-market edition — if there even is a mass-market edition. And again, it sure looks purdy on the shelf. (And you have an author’s eternal gratitude.)
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Sandy G writes: “Jackie, how do you manage to co-ordinate scenes when you co-write?”
Caitlin writes all the Iridium chapters, and I write all the Jet chapters. For those chapters in which we switch scenes, we write the scenes and then go back and split them up. So what started as, say, two long scenes are now four shorter scenes in the same chapter.
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Kainani asks: “Will there be more books for the Black & White saga? If so how many do you currently have planned?”
The next book in the Icarus Project series is SHADES OF GRAY, and that’s sitting on our editor’s desk at the moment.
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Elaine S writes: “So … Jet, … have you always been a minimalist when it comes to conversation? Are you the same way in life?”
Yes.
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Bea Chan writes: “So Jet, what do you look for in a relationship?? What kind of ideas do you get from reading all that romance??”
I do not have time for a romantic relationship. Duty first. And my duty is to the citizens of New Chicago and of the world.
**Jackie breaks in**
You’re full of shit, you know.
**Jet glares**
I will not be spoken to in such a manner by **you.** You’re the one who took away my –
**Jackie clears her throat**
Look, can’t you just admit you have feelings for Bruce?
**Jet summons a Shadow creeper**
Creator or no, I swear by the Light I’ll shut your mouth permanently if you don’t button it!
**Jackie sighs**
You’d never know she has a sense of humor…
[Reply]
Hi Jackie, can you tell us anything about the next Hell on Earth book? Hi there Jet, have you read the Hell on Earth books? Did you like them?
Michelle K
mishcara (at) gmail (dot) com
- I RSVP’d
- already friends with BBB on goodreads: mishcara(a)gmail(dot)com (name: mcara)
- already a group member on facebook: Michelle Krane
- already a member of Blood Bank: MichelleK (http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Michelle462)
- already a subscriber to BBB newsletter: mishcara(a)gmail(dot)com
- already a fan of Jackie’s on Facebook: Michelle Krane
- already subscribe to Jackie’s newsletter: mishcara(a)gmail(dot)com
- sent Jackie a friend request on Blood Bank: MichelleK
- shared this event on Stumbleupon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/bittenbybooks.com/%253Fp%253D9337
- shared BBB on Stumbleupon: http://mishme.stumbleupon.com/favorites/
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**Jackie waves** Thanks, David P.!
Alana Abbott writes: “For Jackie: What was the process like co-writing the novel? (Meaning, how active were each of you in what the other writer was producing?)”
Caitlin and I went over the basic thrust of each section before we set to writing the chapters for the section. During edits, we each edited our own sections and gave the other author notes on her section — which she either chose to apply or not.
“For Jet: If a current comic book writer or artist were to depict your story in comics, who you you like that to be?”
**Jackie hands keyboard to Jet**
I have no preference. But I know that Ms. Kessler would die from happiness if either Neil Gaiman or Matt Wagner were to be involved.
[Reply]
Raquel Vega-Grieder writes: “Hi Jackie I Was Just Wondering What Advice You Might Have For Someone Who Was Interesting In Writing Plus How Do You Come Up With Your Stories?”
I answered the advice part before — basically, NOW is the time more than ever to stick with it, because new authors don’t have a track record. In this economy, that’s a huge plus.
As for the how I come up with my stories…honest? Ideas are everywhere. What we see, do, touch, smell, taste, hear. They’re in our everyday world. What we do with those sparks of ideas, well, that’s different for every author.
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Vickie B writes: “Jet and Jackie: Do you listen to music? If so what are your favorites?”
Jackie: Oh sure. Hmm. I currently love Nickelback, Matchbox Twenty, Saving Abel, Finger Eleven, Green Day…the list really goes on…
Jet: I enjoy alternative music. But you wouldn’t know the groups, as they didn’t become popular until about 2104 or so.
“Jackie: Do work in quiet or do you have background noise?”
In quiet — but there are plenty of times when I’ll listen to music to help me get into the mood for a specific scene.
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Heather C writes: “This time I have a question for Jet: How would you describe your relationship with Iridium?”
Complicated.
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Libby L writes: “I am going with the question I love asking people - if you could time travel.. where would you go? Anyone you would like to meet?”
I would pay good money to have been invited to that villa in 1816 to be among Mary and Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Polidori, and be part of Byron’s challenge to the group to write a ghost story.
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Carolin writes: “My question is… how can we imagine the writing process you and Caitlin had while writing the book? Did you plot together? Send each other chapters? How did that work for you?”
I think I answered this one — Caitlin and I did the basic worldbuilding and character development via AIM, and then Caitlin kicked off the writing with the prologue and chapter 1. I wrote chapter 2, and we just passed the manuscript back and forth and then 10 weeks later, we were done. If we got stuck, we picked the other author’s brain. Hey, what are coauthors for?
[Reply]
Jackie this is an interesting, imaginative, hilarious and extremely enjoyable chat. Thank you.
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Sewicked asks: “Jet, do you ever have a lack of sleep problem or are you careful to take downtime so that you don’t burn out?”
Citizen, it’s kind of you to be concerned. But have no fear. I sleep the required amounts needed for me to be fully functional. It wouldn’t do for me to fall asleep while riding on a Shadow disc; crashing to the ground would be my final wake-up call. On those days when I truly need an added boost, I use adrenalin patches (Corp approved, of course).
[Reply]
Raonaid Luckwell says: “This question could be for both Jet and Jackie… Pick a song that you would consider ‘Your life’s theme song’ ”
For me? Hmm. Maybe “Unwritten.” Heh.
For Jet? She’d never admit it, but Five for Fighting’s “Superman” is very appropriate.
[Reply]
**Jackie waves** Thanks, Dianne!
Cate Masters writes: “Loved the interview with Jet. I wondered if there’s another author you’d like to collaborate with, and perhaps in another genre (graphic lit?)”
Well, I’d give my eye-teeth to work with Neil Gaiman. Or Matt Wagner. Does that count?
[Reply]
Ashleigh C writes: “I asked Jackie a question above but I wanted to ask Jet, What is the best part about your power?”
Helping people and fighting crime. (And Shadowsliding is very freaking cool. **cough**)
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Bridget H.asks: “If you could trade places with anyone, past or present, real or fiction, who would it be and why?”
No one. I’m pretty damn happy with my life the way it is.
(Boring, ain’t I?)
[Reply]
Jackie,
Love your books! Apologies if this has been asked/answered: How many Hell on Earth books are planned? Any sequel to Black and White and will it be co-authored too?
I RSVP’d
Already sub to BBB newsletter
[Reply]
Axisor writes: “My favorite interview question: If you could be a sandwich, what kind would you be and why?”
I’d be peanut butter and jelly — something yummy, good for you, and very childish.
“Also How different is it to write a comic than a novel?”
I wouldn’t know; I’ve never written a comic book.
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Kimberly B. writes: “Jackie, can you tell us anything about the young adult book you mentioned, the Hunger?”
Sure! HUNGER is about an anorexic teenage girl who becomes the new Famine of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It’s a very raw look at eating disorders, and to a lesser extent, world hunger. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the National Eating Disorders Association. If I had to pigeonhole the book, I’d say it was magical realism. My byline will be Jackie Morse Kessler, and the book will be published by Harcourt Graphia in fall 2010.
“And, looking at Jet, is there any actor she resembles, who could maybe play her if the book were made into a film? Or maybe I should ask Jet—who would you like to play you in a film? Maybe stick with 20th/21st century actors, so I know who you’re talking about!”
Hayden Panettiere would make a great Jet. But maybe that would typecast her.
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**Jackie waves** Hi, Rob Charron!
Ashley N writes: “I’m curious how long the co-authoring process took between you and Caitlin. To create a first draft, that is.”
10 weeks.
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**Jackie waves** Hi, Erin O’Riordan! Thanks so much.
Michelle K writes: “Hi Jackie, can you tell us anything about the next Hell on Earth book?”
HELL TO PAY is written. I was going to make an announcement about it this month, but that has been put on hold. (Ah, publishing industry, how you tease me.) I promise, once I can make the announcement, I will do so!
“Hi there Jet, have you read the Hell on Earth books? Did you like them?”
**Jackie hands keyboard to Jet**
I have a passing familiarity with them. Jezebel actually interviewed me on a Cat and Muse segment. It was a trying experience. She asks some inappropriate questions. (And Ms. Kessler reportedly felt very schizophrenic creating that interview.)
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**Jackie waves** Thanks, Rebecca S!
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Rachel A writes: “How many Hell on Earth books are planned? Any sequel to Black and White and will it be co-authored too?”
HELL TO PAY is already written — that book answers a lot of questions. Trust me.
Just have to hang in there a while longer before I can say anything else about that book.
The next book in the Icarus Project series is SHADES OF GRAY, and that’s on our editor’s desk right now. Literally right now. Maybe she’ll bring it on the plane to San Diego… heh…
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**WHEW**
I think I got everyone. If I missed you, please speak up!!!
Thank you so much to everyone who’s been commenting, and asking such awesome questions.
I have it on good authority that Jezebel or Daun would be available to answer questions as well. (Diva demons, I’m telling you…)
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3 - RSVP & yes (2)
4 - all but myspace
5 - facebook - http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/hcreely?ref=profile
6 - blood bank, newsletter, twitter (already following), facebook
7 - tweeted - http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/2769804821
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By the way, I just blogged my SDCC schedule:
http://www.jackiekessler.com/blog/2009/07/21/san-diego-comic-con/
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Hi again Jackie,
I applaud you on your book Hunger and you contribution to the National Eating Disorders Association. Is this book a labor of love and an intervention?
Sharon K.
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3.) Jet, what is your biggest secret? Or if you hesitate to share since a secret is a secret, what is one thing about you hardly anyone knows?
4.) I subscribe through email.
I am a member of The Blood Bank (ValorieTucker).
Friend on Good Reads (morbidromantic).
Friend on Facebook.
Friend on Twitter (morbidromantic).
Bitten by Books is on my blogroll on my right sidebar under Book Blogs (http://www.morbid-romantic.net).
5.) Blogged: http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/07/21/book-giveaways-07-20-07-26/
7.) Tweet: http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/statuses/2770086175
Valorie T.
USA
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Jackie,
just finished Black and White this morning (at around 5.a.m.!) I’m not usually into comic book stuff, but because it was by you and C.Kittredge, I bought it anyway. I’m glad I did.
I can’t think of any good questions (especially after reading some of the other questions), so here goes an easy one:
I see that Shade of Gray will be published….any other books planned in the same world, but with maybe different character? (love Iridium and Jet, though)
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forgot to add
facebook friend already
newsletter subscriber already also.
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Hi Jackie!
Was curious about your relationship with your muse. Are you able to turn it off and on at will, or are ideas constantly popping up in your head demanding attention?
Love your books! Thanks!
I RSVP’d
I’m friends with BBB on Goodreads
Friends w/BBB on MySpace
Follow BBB on Twitter
Have a link to BBB’s site on my blog:
Alexia561.blogspot.com
And am also a BBB subscriber
I follow Jackie on Twitter
Friends with Jackie on MySpace
And have Jackie’s website on my blog
I’ve also sent out a tweet about this contest
Think that’s everything. Thanks!
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[...] Jackie Kessler’s Black and White and Hell’s Belles at Bitten by Books Contest ends July [...]
Sharon K writes: “I applaud you on your book Hunger and you contribution to the National Eating Disorders Association. Is this book a labor of love and an intervention?”
Thanks, Sharon. It’s a little of both. I used to be bulimic. And it makes me so damn angry to see how media and much of society glamorizes eating disorders and the compulsive need to be thin. I’ve had this story in me for about 10 years before I finally wrote it. I’m thrilled that my editor is excited about the project.
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Valorie T writes: “Jet, what is your biggest secret? Or if you hesitate to share since a secret is a secret, what is one thing about you hardly anyone knows?”
Well. Er. Truth be told…speaking engagements are difficult for me. Being in the spotlight is something I have to do, thanks to sponsorships. But I am far more comfortable fighting crime than I am smiling for the vids. If I could walk away from photo ops and just do my job, I would be much happier. But we all do what we must.
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Mardel S writes: “I see that Shade of Gray will be published….any other books planned in the same world, but with maybe different character? (love Iridium and Jet, though)”
Stick around for Shades of Gray! Along with more Jet and Iridium, there will be POVs from Angelica, Night, Luster and Vixen.
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Hiya Jackie! It’s so good to have you!
My question is, what do you do to keep yourself writing when procrastination starts?
I can’t wait to start reading!
For the contest…
I RSVP’d
I’m a member of the blood bank, facebook, newsletter…
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Terri Q writes: “Was curious about your relationship with your muse. Are you able to turn it off and on at will, or are ideas constantly popping up in your head demanding attention?”
Oh, my muse is a total bitch. She usually hits me with ideas when I’m in the shower or driving. You know. When I don’t have access to a pen. (Damn you, Melpomene. Damn you!!!)
But you gotta love her. I’d rather have too many ideas, and at inconvenient times, than no ideas at all.
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Seri writes: “My question is, what do you do to keep yourself writing when procrastination starts?”
Oh, I never get distracted when I put my mind to…
…oh, look. Bunnies!!!
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I am off to bed.
I’ll try to check in very early tomorrow morning, but I may not get a chance to answer new questions until late tomorrow — the perils of traveling west! Thanks again, everyone!
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I am intrigued by the fact that your superheroes are not totally good or evil. The real world has a lot of grey areas. Will this be a new series for you?
I RSVP’d I thing.
I get the BBB newsletter.
I ordered something from Bloody Cafe.
Hope everyone has a gerat week.
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Hi Jackie,
Thanks for the entertaining post!
Which do you find harder to write? Action scenes or quiet emotional scenes? Thanks.
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Thanks Jet and Jackie for the great interview.
Sorry if these were already asked.
Will we be hearing more about Jet after Black and White?
Will there be another book in the Hell on Earth series?
___________
Other contest stuff:
RSVP’d.
4. Previously done
5. Posted here - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2009/07/another-great-interview-at-bbb.html
6. Requests sent, emails to follow
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Question for Ms. Kessler: Would you say that B&W has a soundtrack? (for example, it makes you think of such and such a song and/or artist/band)
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Hi Jackie and jet welcome to BBB
What is the funnest part about being you Jet
second question is what are the top ten things you can and cant live with out not pretained to writing
BBB
I rsvped
i have you on
myspace -myspace.com/forever14n9
good reads
blood bank- Beverly Gordon
face book- Beverly Gordon
twitter -@bainesgoddess
face book group
my blog roll - http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
i posted the contest link on
myspace blogs
myspace.com/forever14n9
my blog - http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
Jackie -
added you to my blood bank acount
face book
joined ur news letter
added you to myspace
following you on twitter - @bainesgoddess
added you to my blog - http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
I look forward to reading more about you and your work
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Patricia Barraclough writes: “I am intrigued by the fact that your superheroes are not totally good or evil. The real world has a lot of grey areas. Will this be a new series for you?”
Yes indeed. BLACK AND WHITE is the first book in The Icarus Project. SHADES OF GRAY is the second. From there, we’ll see what happens.
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Lesley Cheah writes: “Which do you find harder to write? Action scenes or quiet emotional scenes?”
Action scenes, definitely.
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Donna S writes: “Will we be hearing more about Jet after Black and White?”
Yep. (Heh, heh, heh.)
“Will there be another book in the Hell on Earth series?”
Yep. (Heh, heh, heh.)
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Strogan/Gabby writes: “Question for Ms. Kessler: Would you say that B&W has a soundtrack? (for example, it makes you think of such and such a song and/or artist/band)”
I’m sure at one point I’ll make a soundtrack for B&W — I have a boatload of songs for the Hell on Earth series (which you can find on my website, in the Hell on Earth/Music section). Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Any suggestions?
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Off to Comic Con! Will stop by tonight to answer any remaining questions. Thanks again, everyone!
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4. I follow BBB on facebook (Victoria Pires) and twitter (@glowstars)
BBB is on my blogroll at http://glowstars.net/?page_id=380
5. It has gone up on my facebook status, but I’m having trouble accessing the link on my phone (why oh why do the office have to block FB).
6. I already follow Jackie on twitter (@glowstars)
Jackie’s blog is on my blogroll at http://glowstars.net/?page_id=380
7. http://twitter.com/glowstars/status/2775755266
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Hope you had fun at Comic Con!
Will ‘Hunger’ be suitable for a 12 & a 14 year old to read? Or will it be
too graphic?
Sharon K.
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Hi Jackie and Jet!
Welcome to Bitten By Books! I have to say, I am dying of curiousity, so I have two questions. 1) what is the romance book that Jet is currently reading, that Jackie has in her possession? and 2) what is Jet’s favorite romance genre? (historical, contemporary, erotica, etc…)
Thanks for stopping by! What an informative interview!
(Hey PG- you know the drill! FB, twitter, friends with BBB everywhere and on my blogroll, follow Jackie on twitter, LJ, FB, etc. Did I forget anything? LOL)
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Thanks for the interview, ladies!
Questions: What was the worst clash you had while co-authoring B&W, and how did you work it out - or did everything go smoothly? Which is more fun to write: stand-alones or series?
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Oops, as usual. My “enter” finger seems to have a life of its own.
Rachel: Believe I RSPV’d earlier - hope so anyway!
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I loved your interview with Jet. I would like to ask Jet if she has a favorite stuffed animal she sleeps with?
Debby C
cleo@hbeark.com
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Just a quick note to say I have joined Jackies newsletter and that I subscribe to BBB and the Blood Bank.
Debby C
cleo@hbeark.com
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Great interview.
I RSVP’d
I follow both Jackie and BBB on twitter (aliens72)
I follow BBB on FB and on goodread, I also get the newsletter.
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No question today. Just a hi Jackie… and Jet…. got B & W here along with the buttons someone sent me… LOL I wear a different one on my purse each day… today is for sure a black day… TTYL The Hockeyvamp
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Hi all!
Jackie, I was wondering… If there was only one single piece of advice that you could offer new/aspiring writers, what would that be? Also, was it difficult to “find your voice”?
Thanks!
Sylvie
- Added Jackie & BBB to my blogroll (everlight84.wordpress.com)
- I follow BBB on twitter (I tweeted you!)
- Joined the BBB group on facebook
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Hi Jackie and Jet!
Sorry for my tardiness. But nonetheless I hope you are enjoying your time with BBB.
So my questions are:
1. What was the romance that Jet had?
and
2. What else is in the future for the Hell on Earth series??? (On a side note I’m sooo glad you gave Daunuan his own story.)
For the contest:
4. Be friends with Bitten by Books here:
a. I already subscribe.
b. I am a member of the Blood Bank -username Lyda
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Lyda
c. I am a friend on Facebook -username Lyda/Lyda Davis
d. I am a part of the Facebook group
e. I am a friend on Myspace -myspace.com/lydaspen
f. BBB is a permanent link on my blog roll. Lydaspen.wordpress.com
6. Be friends with Jackie by joining her here:
a. I requested her friendship on the Blood Bank -username Lyda http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Lyda
b. I joined her newsletter.
c. I requested her friendship on Facebook -username Lyda/Lyda Davis
d. I requested her friendship on Myspace -myspace.com/lydaspen
e. I added Jackie’s blog and site to the “Authors of Note” section in my blog. lydaspen.wordpress.com
Also I RSVPed
and all confirmations will be sent. *^_^*
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Hi Jackie, I talk to you a lot on the B&N book clubs. Don’t really have question just wanted to stop by and say Hi!!
Deb
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Hi Jackie & Jet… Congrats on the new release..
1st ? for Jackie.. does it get confusing having the “good guy” use shadow & the “evil guy” use light?
2nd for Jet … What is your favoite romance series?
RSVP’d
BBB … already
subscribed to newsletter
follow on twitter
member of the Blood Bank
Jackie..
subscribed to newsletter
follow on twitter
friend request in at the Blood Bank.
iokijo … Jo Ann J.
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Hi, Vic P!
Sharon K writes: “Hope you had fun at Comic Con! Will ‘Hunger’ be suitable for a 12 & a 14 year old to read? Or will it be too graphic?”
So far, CC is a blast! HUNGER is a YA, and I believe that even though there are powerful scenes in it, it it very appropriate for 12+.
Virginia writes: “1) what is the romance book that Jet is currently reading, that Jackie has in her possession? and 2) what is Jet’s favorite romance genre? (historical, contemporary, erotica, etc…)”
Jet is reading MY LORD AND SPYMASTER by Joanna Bourne.
And her favorite romance genres are historical and contemporary — but mostly historical. She does not care for paranormal romance. (I, on the other hand, love a good paranormal romance.)
Shirley H writes: “Questions: What was the worst clash you had while co-authoring B&W, and how did you work it out - or did everything go smoothly? Which is more fun to write: stand-alones or series?”
The worst thing, honestly, was just accommodating each other’s schedules and writing/working styles.
Just had to get used to them. And I think I prefer series, because you have books and books and books to really see characters develop and change — sometimes in unexpected ways.
Debby Creager writes: “I would like to ask Jet if she has a favorite stuffed animal she sleeps with?”
Thank you for your question, citizen. No, I do not have a stuffed animal that I sleep with. A heroine must be strong on her own, and not turn to others for comfort.
Sylvie L writes: “Jackie, I was wondering… If there was only one single piece of advice that you could offer new/aspiring writers, what would that be? Also, was it difficult to “find your voice”?”
Single piece of advice? DON’T GIVE UP.
Difficult to find my voice? Sometimes.
Lyda D writes: “1. What was the romance that Jet had? and 2. What else is in the future for the Hell on Earth series??? (On a side note I’m sooo glad you gave Daunuan his own story.)”
The romance novel is MY LORD AND SPYMASTER by Joanna Bourne.
HELL TO PAY is written, and I am hoping to make an announcement about it shortly. (And I’m so glad you like that Daun got his own book!)
iokijo writes: “1st ? for Jackie.. does it get confusing having the “good guy” use shadow & the “evil guy” use light? 2nd for Jet … What is your favoite romance series?”
JACKIE SAYS: Not confusing, because I write in Jet’s POV and Caitlin writes in Iridium’s.
Sometimes, the good guys wear black. 
JET SAYS: There are many romance authors I greatly enjoy. Currently, I am reading a historical author from the 21st century: Joanna Bourne.
***
Thank you again to everyone who asked questions! It was a true thrill to be here. Rachel, you’re the best!
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Jackie - I just had to comment and say I loved your answer about the villa with Mary Shelley, etc etc in regards to my time travel question! Interesting answer. That WOULD be fun!
W
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