Mondays:
Fantasy Showcase : the Piercing the Veil series Invalid book: 0
Book Blitz & Announcement of Piercing the Veil Showcase (prior to SFN)
The Book Blitz includes an Excerpt of the novel Impossible. I discussed my joy in discovering this is a ‘clean read’ for all ages. You can view the book trailer as well.
Review: Intangible by C.A. Gray (prior to SFN)
Review: Invincible by C.A. Gray (10 Nov)
Review: Impossible by C.A. Gray (17 Nov)
SPECIAL SHOWCASE: Piercing the Veil Serial Overview (24 Nov)
I encourage everyone who is dropping by for the LIVE Author Q&A with Ms. Gray tonight, to take a moment to go through the links I’ve provided on the calendar of events above where I am featuring her novels & collective works in order to get a proper introduction to the author’s writing style, voice, and her commitment to writing rock solid world-building narrative arcs within the fantasy genre. To me, she embodies the purist essence of a genre-bending author, as her YA Fantasy series is most definitely fantasy driven, yet there are incredible elements knitted into the heart of the characters and the story’s foundation which are rooted on science fact. I felt a better way of describing her works might be to add the attribution of “Sci-Fantasy” as she has found a way to bridge both worlds of Speculative Fiction quite brilliantly.
Welcoming C.A. Gray to Jorie Loves A Story,
featuring an Interview & *LIVE!* Author Q&A!
FULL DETAILS:
Jorie interviews Ms. Gray ahead of the 8:00pm (EST) live commenting blog event which will take place in the comment threads of this post! IF you are unable to drop back during the time in which Ms. Gray will be responding to reader comments, questions, and compliments please make sure to leave your response *early!* in order for her to respond! All comments are still moderated by Jorie, who will be on hand during the live event making sure all comments get through! Once approved you will have the ability to post a direct response without waiting.
Readers and visitors of Jorie Loves A Story can easily leave a comment by using Email, WP, Google+, Facebook & Twitter interfaces without the stress of captcha as I do not use that service! *Remember!* return back to this page in the mid evening hour of 8 o’ clock to make sure you do not miss Ms. Gray! I do recommend subscribing to the comments in order to keep in the loop! The author will be on hand to respond LIVE for a block of two hours!
Remember to continue to leave comments, questions, & thoughts to share with Ms. Gray throughout the month of November during the Sci Fi November event! I will be updating her when new commentary is arriving & she will respond as soon as she can to your enquiries! I consider this a Sci-Fantasy genrebender novel as it has firm grounding in science as much as in fantasy!
Time Zone Breakdown | As Sci Fi November is world-wide!
5-7p Los Angeles (PST) | 6-8p MTZ (Mountain) | 8-10p NYC (EST)
1-2a London | 6:30a New Delhi (India) | Noon-1p Sydney, Australia
DUE NOTE: I previously announced the following on Twitter
.@SciFiMonth Remember to return @ 6-8p MTZ (Mountain) | 9-11p NYC (EST) to http://t.co/15K7onsxUC for LIVE convo w/ C.A. Gray #RRSciFiMonth
— Jorie Loves A Story (@JLovesAStory) November 3, 2014
Ooh dear me, for the second time in one weekend Jorie mixes up daylight savings! #RRSciFiMonth The LIVE Author Q&A is off by ONE HOUR :( Aye
— Jorie Loves A Story (@JLovesAStory) November 3, 2014
+ Piercing the Veil series +
Book Synopsis for Book 1: Intangible
Peter Stewart grew up on a unique version of the Arthurian legends taught him by his father, a harebrained quantum physicist who asserts that anything is possible. But Peter disbelieves anything which cannot be scientifically explained, despite a nagging sense that there is more to the world than meets the eye.
Lily Portman is an orphan with a secret: she can see creatures that are invisible to everyone else. These creatures control every human being she has ever met to varying degrees… until she meets Peter and his father.
When a mysterious stranger stages an accident which nearly costs Peter and Lily their lives, suddenly Lily learns that she is not crazy after all, and Peter discovers the truth of his father’s stories… including the existence of Arthur’s ancient nemesis, one who calls himself the Shadow Lord, and a prophecy with implications so profound that it will alter not only the course of their lives, but potentially the fate of the world.
Book Synopsis for Book 2 : Invincible
Peter Stewart is a dead ringer for the legendary King Arthur, and because of that, everyone in Carlion believes that he is the Child of the Prophecy, destined to destroy the Shadow Lord. But Peter doesn’t want to be a hero; all he wants to be is left alone.
Lily Portman also fits the prophecy. Having spent her entire life as an orphan and a misfit, Lily would love nothing more than to be the Child of the Prophecy, so she envies Peter… but she’s also developing a crush on him. And it seems to her that he couldn’t care less.
Isdemus and the Watchers believe that it is only a matter of time before Peter’s twin brother Kane betrays them all and frees the Shadow Lord. The winner of the war to come depends on who has the legendary Philosopher’s Stone—the only problem is, it has been lost since the days of Arthur. With the help of a skeptical anthropologist, the Watchers attempt to decode the ancient treasure maps that lead them to the heart of Egypt and the dawn of time. Meanwhile, Lily and Peter discover that Peter holds the real key to
the mystery… but will they be too late?
Book Synopsis for Book 3 : Impossible
The Shadow Lord has the Philosopher’s Stone, and therefore an army of invincible penumbra. He also possesses the fragments of Excalibur, the legendary sword prophesied to be the instrument of either his own destruction, or that of the Child of the Prophecy. The sword, he knows, requires blood to be reforged… and he knows exactly whose blood he wants.
Meanwhile, the Watchers are desperate to steal back the fragments of Excalibur and find out how to reforge them before the Shadow Lord does. Isdemus places Peter and Lily in Carlion’s sister cities for safe-keeping until the war begins. But Peter and Lily have an idea that might enable the Watchers to steal back the fragments, in spite of the Shadow Lord’s invincible army. Their plan requires them to travel halfway across the world, to an island largely believed to exist only in Greek mythology.
Along the way, however, the Shadow Lord uses a pawn to convince Peter and Lily that they are powerless. Without their gifts of the Ancient Tongue, will either one of them stand a chance? In this gripping conclusion of the Piercing the Veil trilogy, the Watchers and the Shadow Lord both amass their ranks, the battle begins, and the true identity of the Child of the Prophecy is revealed—to the shock of all.
On how I came to host C.A. Gray on Jorie Loves A Story:
I worked with Ms. Bauer (of Royal Social Media) whilst hosting Ms. Krupa (author of the debut novel “Safe & Sound”) and I always left the door open to work with her again as hosting T.S. Krupa was quite lovely and I considered myself blessed to be able to cross paths with both Ms. Bauer and Ms. Krupa at the same time. A writer I am highlighting in November Glynis Astie also shares a connection to Ms. Bauer (as she is her publicist) but this time around, Ms. Bauer approached me to host Ms. Gray and her Young Adult Fantasy series Piercing the Veil. I immediately fell in love with the series premise and the layering effect of the story overall out of the vision Ms. Gray had for her series. Therefore due to working with Ms. Bauer previously I was especially grateful to have had this opportunity to host Ms. Gray.
To be honest, I couldn’t even put into words how excited I was to read this particular book series, as I simply had a hitching of excitement inside me that I might have stumbled across a writer who gave us such a fully realised world to devour that being able to read it for review was not just a blessing but an honour! I soaked inside all the materials the Press Kit afforded me the option of absorbing; which happily the author provides on her website (one of the few recently that have taken me at ‘hallo’ and made me feel grateful some writers go the extra mile!) to the brink that I simply felt this telling sense of ‘yes!’ I need to read this book series! I just had a sense that I would not only become happily entombed inside the series as a whole but that it would be a collection of novels I would not want to put down anytime soon!
The elemental grounding of science intersecting with the legend and lore of King Arthur with a firm rooting of quantum physics as a back-story and underlay of the context overall? Who wouldn’t want to read this book series!? No, seriously! Who?! I responded with such haste, I think Ms. Bauer might have wondered if I had borrowed a TARDIS or a transporter device to query back my intent! Laughs with mirth.
– as quoted from my book review of Intangible by C.A. Gray
One of the wickedest moments for me whilst digging into Intangible was finding such a clever bang-on brilliant reference to Macgyver. I was curious how much this series meant to you whilst it aired and if you were also inspired by Quantum Leap, as it was a series that put quantum physics into the mainstream conscience.
Gray responds: I LOVED Macgyver, so did my whole family! Such good, intellectual entertainment. (Also I remember I had a crush on the actor who played Macgyver… can’t now remember his name. Richard Dean Anderson? Is that right?) It definitely reminds me of my growing up years… and yes, our family loved Quantum Leap too! I don’t know if I can say I was “inspired” by it though… my dad and brother were the science/physics nerds in the family. I only got into it shortly before I began this series, and used the platform of the series as an excuse to research it more.
Yes, the actor in question was Richard Dean Anderson – he went on to a half-life lived on Legend with John de Lancie (Q from Star Trek: the Next Generation) and a full-time gig on Stargate the television series. My interest in Legend was more dedicated then my appreciation of what happened to Stargate outside the scope of the film. How could you not like Mr. Anderson? I always loved Jack Dalton too — on the level that everyone needs a friend like Jack to keep them on their toes, and ooh, Penny Parker! lol Thornton was the best bloke to place opposite of Macgyver as they had such a great working chemistry. Ironically, I still can see bits of Jack Dalton in Bruce McGill as he portrays the cop he plays now on Rizzoli & Isles. I always felt worse for the actor who played Macgyver’s nemesis — he was a family man in real-life and once said in an interview the character freaked him out just to see the dailies!
This is such an interesting response, as I wasn’t sure if the series sparked a lifelong interest in science with an empathsis on physics like it had within me, or if you took a different avenue to reach the place your creating your novels now. Clearly I was a bit off-base, but we all come to where we are meant to be on different paths and that is part of what makes writing such a diverse field of story-tellers! Champion though! We seriously rocked the best of the 80s / 90s serial tv offerings!
As a writer you’ve captured the quintessence ability to insert a reader into a threaded narrative that starts off in a modern era of a setting before it leaps straight into the fantasy arc – whilst grounding the backbone of the story in a realistic embodiment of quantum physics. May I ask how you were able to achieve this to convey the story in such a compelling evocation of science fiction based on science fact?
Gray responds: You’re so sweet and flattering! At the time while studying quantum physics, I was struck by the concept that what Peter can do is technically possible, just highly improbable… and that became the jumping off point for the rest of the story. I just took lots and lots of notes on physics books, kept the notes in front of me when writing relevant scenes, and tried to figure out how I could bend the story to fit the facts. The facts definitely came first. :)
I loved your dedication to keep the ‘science fact’ grounded in realistic probability exploits rather than jumping the rails completely and taking the ‘fact’ out of the ‘science fiction’. I believe the branch of sci-fi this fits inside is Hard Science Fiction as I believe that is the main component of a difference between Hard & Soft Sci Fi. One keys in the backbone of actual knowledge straight out of the science journals & published works per topic and subject inside the field whereas the other side focuses on blurring the lines a bit and inventing a bit of narrative that takes the footing out of science. I think both have a place to be explored, as sometimes if you didn’t want something based on real-life actuality, you could read more for pleasure than for a stimulating intellectual adventure!
Peter is the character whose entire personality and countenance is rooted in what he can see, touch, and believe based on bonefide fact and/or experimentation to achieve evidential proof to dispel doubt. What was the impetus behind having the lead character have this mindset?
Gray responds: I think it was necessary to create conflict. He had to be at odds with his experiences or else the story would feel too boring. Plus, it seemed natural, since I wanted him to be the character who understood and could explain the science. Scientists tend to also be skeptics by nature.
I think this is one reason I did not pursue science professionally, although I was the girl who devoured University websites and created her own syllabus with a full outline of which classes (both for the double majors, double minors, and certificates) she’d take in order to achieve the credits — but the one side of it that felt a bit off for me is the fact that I’m not a skeptic at all. I have a healthy dose of believable doubt here or there, but for the most part, I do not need evidential support to believe; not for physics, quantum mechanics, metaphysics, or even parapsychology. Sometimes I think the best way to approach anything that suspends reality a fraction of an inch is to trust your own instincts and go with the flow. And, remain in the Light, as the Light is the most important part of all. I do agree with what you are saying about Peter, but to me he didn’t feel predictable at all.
Lily is the co-lead character whose belief can transcend her ability to blend in with her peers, as much as her background of having lost her parents puts her in a unique category altogether. Besides having a counter-balance to Peter, what inspired you to create Lily as individualistically unique as she is portrayed?
Gray responds: I think that trauma has a way of putting life into perspective and helping us see what really matters. Lily had this experience very young — the shock was what enabled her to become a Seer, and the fact that she can see the penumbra and the nimbi automatically makes everything else seem trivial to her. I needed to have a “deep” character who could act as a character foil to Peter, so that the conversations between the two of them could reveal what the reader needs to know about the world. So (although I know this might sound depressingly pragmatic of me), her character was kind of a necessity for the story. At least that’s how I saw it.
Lily is the compass to ground and guide Peter, whilst Peter is the one who can compliment Lily in a way that she cannot give herself. They are two equal halves of a whole, but her character still brings Luna Lovegood to mind whenever I think about how individualistically unique she is and how much she owns who she is even knowing how different she comes across to her peer group. I cannot wait to continue to see how Lily develops and what is in store for her in the next two installments! (as I think you know I consider them ‘unputdownable’ reads!)
The undercurrent of the Piercing the Veil series is threaded and woven out of the lore and mythology surrounding the legend of King Arthur. Despite what is known or generally accepted from this canon of lore, how did you forge the balance between the three key elements of your series: science, parapsychology, and metaphysics intermixed directly into the legend itself?
Gray responds: I’m not gonna lie, I’m not sure what parapsychology is. ;) The Arthurian legends were honestly just convenient. I knew next to nothing about them, but I wanted a plot-line that centered around a hero who was the subject of a prophecy that was at least several thousand years old. Since it was set in England, it was either use the Arthurian legends, or make something up… and I thought it would pack a bigger punch if I used a real legend that people already knew something about, one that really has been passed down for thousands of years. The metaphysics concept of penumbra and nimbi is supposed to convey the idea of angels and demons without being overtly religious… and the fact that they exist in another dimension was what enabled the two parallel worlds to be believable.
As far as how I blended them… well, here’s how my mind works. I come up with a basic outline, and think of what I need to research in order to come up with the info I need to make it fit together. I go do the research, take copious notes, and have those notes open and available while writing the relevant scenes. Then I bend the actual dialogue to encompass the facts. It’s really a lot less “creative” than most authors, I think… it’s kind of structured and “Type A,” because I’m kind of structured and “Type A.” :) That’s why I usually rely on the second and third rewrites to really layer in the characterization… the first draft is all about making the elements of the plot fit.
Parapsychology is the science behind ‘the paranormal’ and/or ‘the supernatural’ — it is actually a branch of University science that is accepted and recognised as a true pursuit of scientific research and not one that is bunk. I grew up appreciating tv series and/or motion pictures that focused more on parapsychological research story-lines rather than crossing over from psychological suspense (which I loved) straight into Horror or worse! For instance, for all the years I gave to watching “The X-Files” it was honestly not my most favourite series for this section of the genre. They ran off into too many ‘gray areas’ for me when they explored the sub-plots and jumped ship on the main thread that involved Fox Mulder and his sister; or his relationship to Scully.
Parapsychologists investigate everything from supposed hauntings (real-life ghost stories), to telekinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance, and other heightened sensory awareness gifts that some are known to have been given since birth. Yes, I have the tendency to relate certain things by using the scientific reference points for what might be readily more apparent in layman’s terms; but yes, that is what I was attributing to having mentioned when I broached metaphysics (angels vs demons; light vs dark; good vs evil). One of my favourite books in quantum physics is “Flatland” which I read ahead of reading “A Wrinkle in Time” because the basis of the suspension of time and the realities of parallel dimensions can be articulated best if you read “Flatland” first to have a connective thread for your mind to align your imagination with the theories themselves. I love parallel worlds, hidden dimensions, and the entire sub-discussion that eclipses the 10 dimensional space theory.
I enjoyed reading about your writing style and how the fusion of the idea knits together through your organised process of writing down the bones in a very methodological way! I must admit, I’m organised in my own way (all writers are to a certain extent) but to be honest? I’m a think-writer so by the time I sit down to create the story itself, it has already funneled through my imagination and worked out a few kinks, but as far as outline’s are concerned, I only compose it as the manuscript develops out of my writing. I literally transcribe the outline and background on the characters as I’m writing the novel. I do not write in order either — I can work on the Prologue and opening chapters yet on the next breath jump to the middle portion before working out a sequence for the Epilogue. I write intuitively – it is a very organic development from the initial idea to the fleshing out of the story itself.
I am always truly fascinated by each writer’s approach and how many writers do not write like I do at all. In fact, it is a very rare day indeed I run into someone who says “I write my heart out and own my writing after it has spilt out of the pen.” I think I might come across as Type A but in reality I’m so far opposite of being Type A it is a bit ironic.
Did you originally set out to create a niche within the sci-fantasy branch of Speculative Fiction? Was your journey a bit more happenstance or spontaneous?
Gray responds: Soo… I don’t know what speculative fiction is either! ;) I wasn’t trying to create a niche… I was trying to tell a particular story, because it inspired me. I noticed that my favorite stories all shared archetypes and a certain story structure that went something like this: the underdog hero (often orphaned or otherwise on his own) turns out to be the subject of an age-old prophecy, and there’s an ancient evil who seeks to destroy him. A “mentor figure” teaches him who he is and how to harness his power. A few indispensable friends help him get where he’s going. The larger establishment tears him down, making him lose faith in who he is and why he’s here. The hero suffers the loss of his mentors, and it looks like he’s way outmatched. But ultimately, of course, he fulfills the prophecy, overcomes all odds and restores the world to its proper order. (And the peasants rejoice!)
After I discovered that I fell in love with stories like that over and over again, I developed a theory: we love stories like those because they tell us something important, something we need to hear but often forget. I wanted use that structure I loved so much to tell a story that illustrates the extraordinary power of true faith, and reminds both myself and my readers that while everyone is placed on earth to do something great, we are also all interdependent. We need each other.
That was the goal. The rest was just semantics of how to get there. :)
I believe it was somewhere between last year’s Sci Fi November & one of the events I hosted for Tomorrow Comes Media (the publicity firm for Seventh Star Press) where I learnt what Speculative Fiction truly means! Oh, wait, wasn’t it when I read the Writers Workshop on Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy? Hmm, wells the time of the discovery is unknown at the moment but the curious truth is that Science Fiction & Fantasy are really ‘nicknames’ of what the genre is actually known as in literature! Speculative Fiction is the main umbrella that encompasses everything that falls underneath it — a true case in point of how we’ve labelled ourselves to death!
I try to only use Speculative Fiction in certain instances where I think it is warranted and/or the publisher I am working with uses this designation in lieu of SF/F. The fullness of the umbrella though is truly: SF/F/H (science fiction, fantasy, & horror). I have found book blogging to be a beautiful door to untapped knowledge as I am constantly learning, growing, and dynamically building on what I knew before I blogged with what I have gained since I started in March 2013.
I talk about this cohesive connectiveness of humanity quite a heap on my blog, as it filters out of certain books I am reading and certain subjects that are contained therein. I oft wondered if anyone was picking up on some of the threads of my own philosophy coming out of my book showcases as I like to add-in personal recollections and observations as I blog. The fact that you created a story to encourage a lightbulb of ancient truth to come to mind in the reader as they read the stories is a gift that will renew each time a book of yours is read.
As Intangible shifts into Invincible one thought occurred to me, as I absolutely loved the motion picture Bulletproof Monk, wherein a legacy is destined to be filled is unexpectedly not as the prophecy was originally given to be accepted as true. In the synopsis for Invincible a door is opened where readers will start to curate their own thoughts on Peter & Lily, and where they each fit within the Piercing the Veil prophecy. Without revealing a spoiler, can you relate reader insight and/or feedback on this potentially stimulating thread of the story? Did anyone surprise you by their keen observations and/or was anyone disappointed?
Gray responds: I’ve had people guessing who the Child of the Prophecy was all the way through — very few guessed Peter, because he’s so “obvious,” but many hoped it would be Lily and a few hoped it would be Kane. So far nobody has said they predicted the actual outcome… but nobody has been disappointed thus far (that they’ve told me)!
I have to admit, I haven’t yet considered whom will be revealed in the end, because I am too caught up in the everyday moments where Peter & Lily are walking their path right now. There is a lot to think about and although part of me is deeply curious and I did have that one thought that inspired this question — overall, I think I will tell my mind to take a hiatus and ‘not’ contemplate whomever is the one who will fill the prophecy!
Your series falls under the category of Epic High Fantasy as one of the key components of the direction of the story-line throughout the series is a pending war between both sides of the prophecy (the ultimate showdown for good vs evil), was there a point where you were writing the sequences of the battles and the confluence of each side of the war that you felt were the most difficult to convey your vision? Did you lean on research or imagination alone as you created the most intense moments within the series?
Gray responds: I leaned on imagination alone, but I then used my editors to tell me when things weren’t making sense! That happened a few times, because (I discovered) it’s SUPER hard to write battle scenes with lots of characters showcased simultaneously… it almost always ends up seeming chaotic. I rewrote it until my editors said they had a clear mental picture of what was happening, and I read it aloud to myself to make sure I could follow along. I hope I succeeded in the end. :)
Yes, that is what I was most anxious to know truly — how to keep everything from sounding like a lot of different voices are vying for your attention all at once! How to get everything set to where each person has their due and their queue to move on? I like knowing that it was a combination of editors, read alouds, and rewrites, because I think it takes more than one eye and reader to see how it is translating to readers overall. I have heard the read your work aloud technique quite often over the past year — it lays to reason that if you can speak it aloud and nothing feels awkward than the transparency between your vision and the reader should complete the circle without any hiccups. I will defer to my final post on the series before I answer your question!
Each writer has their own approach to the craft of writing and the well of creativity within their own mind, heart, and soul. What was your own personal genesis for the germination of what became known as the Ancient Tongue in Piercing the Veil? Was this solely based on artifact data from our own known history and/or records left behind from well-known mythologies which provided the stepping stone?
Gray responds: Hahaha, I feel like my answer is gonna disappoint you. ;) The Ancient Tongue is actually ancient Irish, and I wrote it by plugging in the English sentence I wanted to say in Google Translate and pasting in the Irish version! (No WAY was I gonna write my own language!) But the idea for the Ancient Tongue came from the idea of not just magic, but of the power of words. I believe that the words we speak have great power to help or harm us — few of us realize how much.
Proverbs 18:21 King James Version (KJV)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
King James Version (KJV) by Public Domain
sourced from: Bible Gateway
That was part of what I wanted to communicate with the whole idea of the “true names of things”… and, conveniently, that idea overlapped with the mythology of magic languages quite well too–of course.
I loved the quote you used to clarify your point, but as I am never certain if we can openly quote from the Bible (or any other source) or not, I removed everything except for the location of the scriptures themselves. Until I decided that since I am reading Inspirational Fiction on a more regularly basis and will be blogging my thoughts more pro-actively from December – forward, I need to resolve this! I pulled up a lovely informative website and added the quotation back in as it was advised to do so for public domain / fair use permissions! The KJV is in the public domain for the United States where I reside and blog.
On the level of how the language orientated, I think the greater focus should be on the fact that words and thoughts are far more powerful than anyone wants to believe. This is one reason I am so strict and reactive to finding explicit language in excessive amounts (or in minor infractions pending on the word used) in literature. In the most broadest sense of what I want to relate tonight, when you read the word off the page it transforms inside you because you not only read the word, you breathed it in and you processed it on a different level than audio recognition of having overheard it. I think you made the right choice and I completely agree with your sentiments.
As I am a self-motivated theoretical physics scholar as much as you are, I was curious what originally tipped the scale of interest for you to start to pull together resources that would further expand your personal curiosity within the quantum realms? And, what are your key threads of interest now that you’ve been reading and learning about this branch of science? Are there certain quantum physics you gravitate towards and follow the career of as well?
Gray responds: My interest started from a class in my church, actually. It was on the implications of quantum physics on the power of words and faith. That was where I got the idea (“wouldn’t that be a cool premise for a story?” I asked myself), but it wasn’t until I got the rest of the plot structure together that I got excited enough to start compiling resources on the subject. As far as further study on quantum physics, I think I may disappoint you again, haha — I don’t tend to research anything just for pure interest in the subject.
I always have an end goal in mind, because if I don’t, the interest is never strong enough to sustain the pursuit. Now that I’m done writing the “Piercing the Veil” trilogy, although I’m still interested in quantum physics, I’m not really seeking out more info on the subject anymore. Now I’m on to the necessary research for my next project (some of which I may and some I may not use): economics, the history and culture of Estonia, vaccine development and biological warfare, the structure and culture of the mafia, and the structure of historical royal households. I honestly love the excuse (and motivation) to learn something new!
Wow – truly!? Always an end goal — my goodness! See, this is why I am most definitely not Type A! I have a curious mind and even the foundation of my bookish wanderings is summerised inside my blog’s sub-heading declaration! No, you haven’t disappointed me at all with your responses as we are all individuals – we all approach what we do differently and we all can agree to disagree if our paths do not follow the same path. However, I didn’t feel like that tonight, if anything I found it a bit surprising but not too much so, as again, it isn’t often I find someone who loves to dig into research like I do for the pure joy of uncovering the breadth of what it can reveal on layers of insight that you cannot even see until you consume the subject whilst you dissect it.
I do agree — the pursuit of knowledge is never an errant pursuit! Knowledge is what sustains us and what fuels our creativity through our curiosity! I think whichever way you approach your writing life has to be the best method that works for you – because at the end of the day, there are stories to be told and readers to surprise!
I’d like to extend a warm note of gratitude to Ms. Gray for being able to openly discuss our differences as much as talk about our interests that run parallel to each other as well. We each learnt a few things we hadn’t realised previously, and due to her quotation from the KJV, I can honestly quote from this source now and to evermore as I continue to blog my thoughts on the books that alight in my hands to read! I am a hybrid reader — a reader who reads both mainstream & inspirational fiction, and I am thankful I have at least for once sorted out permissions to quote from a source that was straight to the point and disclosed the information on fair use without making it feel arduous and confusing!
I always celebrate differences — it is through our differences that we grow in our understanding, acceptance, and empathy for others who lead a different life from the one we’re walking ourselves. I always maintain an open policy for discussion not only on my book blog but on the weekly Twitter chat I host on Saturdays (#ChocLitSaturdays). Without honesty and without a willingness to hear different points of view, none of us can grow and develop an original idea about anything that interests us. Therefore, please know that I enjoy this lively conversation and appreciated the time Ms. Gray gave to the responses.
I am looking forward to seeing the comments start to filter into the threads below and I hope that what I have shared thus far about the Piercing the Veil series as well as Ms. Gray’s own responses to my curious enquries has left an impression on you to return for tonight’s two hour LIVE Author Q&A!
*Exclusive Event on Jorie Loves A Story* starting at 8:00pm EST in the USA! Everyone is welcome!
Drop in & return!
**Readers & Visitors: After the #livechat concludes, please be assured that your notes, questions, & compliments left in the comment threads will be seen by the author! Continue the conversations! And, thank you!**
Author Interview & LIVE Author Q&A
courtesy of C.A. Gray and:
Be sure to stay attune to the Bookish Events I’m hosting by visiting my Calendar of Events! To see which book will become my next reads selection of choice, visit my AUTUMN TBR List on Riffle!
{NOTE: Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.}
{SOURCES: Book covers collage badge for the Piercing the Veil series, Author Biography, Book Synopsis for each novel and all promotional badges attributed to the Piercing the Veil series and/or Royal Social Media were provided by Royal Social Media and used with permission. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Badges for SFN (yellow & black designs) were created by Jorie in Canva. The scripture quotation from the King James Version of the Bible was used with permission as the King James Version of the Bible is in the public domain (info). The KJV is in the public domain for the United States where I reside and blog.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.
Thank you all so much for your support!!
“Intangible,” the first book of my trilogy, is currently FREE on Barnes & Noble; Amazon, and iBooks. Go get it if you haven’t read it yet!
Find me on my website, Facebook and Twitter!
Well, sadly I must depart! Need to go get dinner ready. It’s almost 7 and I have no idea what I’m going to cook for myself and the husband tonight! :-/
It’s been such a blast chatting with you ladies! As always, you are an amazing host, Ms. Jorie! Thanks for going ABOVE AND BEYOND!!!
C.A. Gray: you totally rock! But you knew that… So happy to see so many people discovering your amazing work. Still high-fiving myself for requesting your book on NetGalley this past summer. That site brought your awesome self into my life!
Can’t wait to hear what’s next!
Have a great evening, ladies!!!
xoxox
Thanks so much Caitlin, I SO appreciate all your efforts, and Jorie, you are such a gracious hostess!! And everyone who joined, thank you for stopping by!!
Thank you for organising this wicked sweet event, Ms Bauer! I truly appreciate being able to bring live author events to my blog where readers can interact directly with the writer! :) I am going back over the conversation(s) that are below and am truly amazed! The event had a rocky start, sure (with the tech woes on the plugin for comments!) — but wow! I was able to meet new visitors to my blog & we were able to create a hearty breadth of dialogue for readers who are curious about the publishing industry as much as how to be brave whilst navigating the waters as a debut novelist!
Love what I am doing — I truly love being a book blogger, book cheerleader, & joyful tweeter! I will always support authors in any capacity that I can and be the light that shines a focus on their works! Especially when I find writers like Ms Gray who truly up the level of what a story can become within a series! She is one wicked stellar, Indie writer! :)
Ooh, wow!? That is how you two met!? And, from there you remembered me at some point and the circle was extended. I am blessed truly and I am so happy this event took up to the cosmos! I had on Hearts of Space (hos.com) in the background and it was ONE INCREDIBLY brilliant night!
IF you are reading this comment thread after the EVENT please continue to add your Questions, Comments, & other Curious Notes to the comments section. I will be informing Ms Gray when new comments arrive & therefore your comments will be replied too as soon as time allows. Thank you for your patience if you arrived on Monday & found a tech glitch removing the ability to post a comment.
You were the fantastic, ring-leader Jorie! Thank YOU! :) Looking forward to your thoughts on the remainder of the series… keep me posted.
That is, indeed. CA is a very smart lady. She emailed me to thank me for my review via NetGalley and offered me the second book in the series. We got to chatting and eventually found some great ways to work together.
In my review of her first novel I mentioned how skeptical I was because it was on auto-approval and IMO a fair amount of the autos turn out to be sub-par. Turns out CA was just tired of getting the NetGalley notifications for approvals. So she decided to open it up to the entirety of NetGalley. Seriously glad I discovered this gem and formed such a wonderful relationship!
Sorry if this posts twice–wanted to separate it from the reply threads above…
Hope this is cool to ask… but what made you decide to go the Indie route versus traditional publishing?
no prob at all! I actually got a few publishing contracts, but the terms were abysmal in all but one, which I signed. Then when I got on board with them, they suddenly started treating me very poorly. They wanted to rewrite my whole MS. I got some advice from another bestselling indie author that I should get out if I could, and a long series of events suddenly made it possible. I was absolutely thrilled – but had it happened any other way, I think I still would have had too much ‘ego’ to go indie. So I’m glad it happened the way it did!
Moving this convo up here to this thread!
It’s sad how often I hear that story of the big bad publisher… Such a relief that Indie authors have the opportunities they have now thanks to the internet. Glad you were able to get out and go your own route. I honestly can’t imagine your story being told any other way!
Do you think you’ll continue the Indie route or will you try to find an agent or publisher in the future?
I’ve debated that myself. I have an agent that told me to query her with the next series but wasn’t interested in picking one up that was already published. I may go looking around, or query her again… or I may just publish and see what happens. But if I signed somewhere again, it would have to be with a big enough publisher that they could pick up the marketing for me and get me into bookstores. That’s mostly what I’d need from them, I think. That and (crossing fingers!!!) foreign translation and movie rights negotiations. (Hey, dream big, right??)
So much yes! You might as well see what your options are. I would LOVE to see your work on the big screen. :)
I am always at a loss where marketing is one of the components that is no longer included with major trade contracts; as personally, I would have thought distrubtion and/or the marketing of a book’s publicity would have worked for both sides: pub & writer. A lot of the market has changed but not to get into all of that tonight — I wanted to ask, have you found libraries are willing to carry your novels OR are they seeking authors who are agented?
I would love to see it go to film myself — if the production team & director could get behind the story & honour the text for how it was written. I am always half cringing when a beloved book is optioned because will they or will they not disappoint me?
I have approached local libraries, but I don’t have like Booklist reviewing me – so they didn’t look at it to my knowledge. I did get it into some local bookstores, but they’re not promoting for me… and I got a manager of a local B&N to read “Intangible” and he loved it but said his hands were tied since he couldn’t order shipments and return if necessary. So although it’s WAY better for indies than it used to be, it’s still something of an uphill climb!
How does one get reviewed on Booklist? Can you do that without an agent or publisher? Would be something to consider for the next series to make sure you can get yourself out there a bit more! Would so love to see you getting into the big stores and libraries. Goodness… so many moving parts to consider!
What about going to the Indie brick & mortar bookshoppes? Would their policies be better to take in new inventory than big box chains? From what I had gathered on this topic, the Indies were supporting local authors &/or Indie, Self, Hybrid authors by putting their books in their stores. Even if in limited quantities to see if they could grow the audience?
On libraries — I have noticed this is regionally in the states. Where I live currently, the local library systems are very open-minded about self pub & indie pub authors — they host meet & greets, are extremely supportive for Wrimos (Nanowrimo), and make sure that if a local author wants to donate their novel to the collection that it gets added-in. I have found this to be the policy for at least three counties within locality of range. I do know other writers out of state have faced the same issues you have as much as I know of a few other regions where the focus is on supporting non-traditional pub & writers completely.
Yep, I have two local bookstores in Tucson that carry my books, but they’re so hidden you can barely find them unfortunately. It probably requires some kind of display to get found, I would think!
It is interesting because when I first realised I wanted to write, I was a bit cautious of which path I wanted to choose myself to take once I knew I wanted to pursue publishing my own manuscripts — for me, I think my mind was already firmly attached to being an Indie writer. Either in the capacity to publish with an Indie Press or Publisher, walking the Self Pub route or finding a hybrid option between the two worlds completely.
What I personally love about Indies as a portal to publishing is how you can control more of your rights as a writer and as a creator of the collective works that become your legacy.
Yep, I love having control. ;) I got to choose my titles, my covers, and all my content, and I could publish whenever I wanted. And the more I researched, the more I found out that most publishers really won’t do much for you on the marketing end anyway, so it just seemed like a no-brainer.
I had forgotten to ask you — how did you come up with the explosively brilliant book cover art designs?! They are so outside the realm of what is normally considered for a book cover to reveal & I was wondering how they came to be?
Ooh, that sounds really fascinating! I can’t wait to read it. :)
I hope after you’ve had the chance to dig into her stories, you’ll return back to talk about them with me as I am reviewing all three books individually as well as featuring that special showcase at the end of November! Cannot wait to hear your own thoughts & impressions as you read them!
Hey Jorie! Just checking to see if your comments are working :)
Hallo, Hallo Maggie!
At long last, your able to get through with Twitter! :) Wicked sweet! Thanks for dropping by tonight & supporting the event!
Welcome Maggie! :)
Dare I ask…? Who was your favorite character to write and why?
Oh, such a good question. :) Honestly I’d say Lily, because she’s so feisty. She drives conflict, and she makes the scenes interesting for me. She’s not perfect, but perfect characters are boring, right?
I completely agree — without a bit of conflict, the characters do not have a way to grow or branch out past where they were when the stories first get their footing with the scope of the journey. I love Lily’s moxie & her believable way of being vulnerable yet alert to others; she is a natural empath! :)
That she definitely is. The first few drafts had her much more brazen about it than she turned out to be in the final, too. I tamed her a bit. :)
I would love to see a snippet of an earlier scene with Lily. Would be cool to see how she evolved!
haha maybe I’ll dig one out for a blog post!
Yes, please!!!
Hope this is cool to ask… but what made you decide to go the Indie route versus traditional publishing?
no prob at all! I actually got a few publishing contracts, but the terms were abysmal in all but one, which I signed. Then when I got on board with them, they suddenly started treating me very poorly. They wanted to rewrite my whole MS. I got some advice from another bestselling indie author that I should get out if I could, and a long series of events suddenly made it possible. I was absolutely thrilled – but had it happened any other way, I think I still would have had too much ‘ego’ to go indie. So I’m glad it happened the way it did!
It’s sad how often I hear that story of the big bad publisher… Such a relief that Indie authors have the opportunities they have now thanks to the internet. Glad you were able to get out and go your own route. I honestly can’t imagine your story being told any other way!
Do you think you’ll continue the Indie route or will you try to find an agent or publisher in the future?
TOTALLY agree. Perfection is boring, plus it’s highly unrealistic. I appreciated how maddeningly real she was at times. She reminded me so much of one of my best friends from high school. In the best and worst ways. ;)
I also loved seeing her grow and mature throughout the series. All of your characters underwent fascinating change & growth. Except maybe the Shadow Lord. He still sucks… :-P
Yet, that in of itself would be reasonable true — afterall, no one would want to see “He Who Cannot Be Named” in the Harry Potter universe to have a sudden ‘growth spurt’ or exchange his darkened soul for something that would not feel conceivably honest. People can change, but if the darkness has corroded you to that extent — your character cannot transition as much as the younger ones who are more innocent.
Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how he became truly evil, though? There’s always an origin story. I fee like people are never born evil. They become that way due to experiences and circumstances.
There you are trying to get me to write a prequel again. ;) But actually that one sounds quite fascinating…
Hehehe… I agree, actually! Watching someone descend that way is fascinating. And sad… It’s like watching Anakin Skywalker. You know where he’s headed. But part of you still roots for him to fight the darkness!!!
That was totally how I felt watching that movie! “No, no, you still have a choice! Your fate isn’t predetermined!”
Sigh… truth. So epic.
I was going to tie-in Skywalker originally but decided to shorten my comment — we were all on the same wavelength with this topic thread tonight! :) Yes, I agree — there has to be a reason for how someone turnt out the way they did, and the one exception to rule of how someone can change from pure darkness is Skywalker — that scene after he dies is one of my favourites ever because it shows how no soul is truly lost nor forsaken.
As he should!! :)
Hi Jorie! I’m a new visitor to your blog, but I’ll definitely be back!
Ms. Gray, I loved this series and it has definitely become one of my favorites! Are you planning to write another series in the future?
Hallo, Lindsey!
Thank you for dropping by tonight for this special event with Ms. Gray!! :) I always appreciate getting to know who visits my blog & how wicked you’ll be back soon! I look forward to seeing you!
HI Lindsey! I can’t see whether the other comment posted or not… but YES, I am writing a dystopian YA novel set somewhere post-WWIV, when the US has fallen and has become the Kingdom of the Americas, which is almost cast back into the middle ages. It’s been so fun to research and write!
I think my last reply disappeared, so I apologize if you see this twice. :)
That sounds really fascinating! I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks! I hope other people agree with you… ;) But at any rate, writing keeps me sane. I would do it even if nobody ever read what I wrote… which I think has been really good for keeping me on track during the process. not about the outcome!
The mark of a true writer is the one who champions the stories within their own heart to tell and give to the world of readers. Even if their stories do not catch a wide audience, they remained true to their writing voice & the gift of the words which ignited the passion they gave back to us. :)
aww, thanks Jorie! I hope that’s true!
Hi Jorie! Loved the feature. Always fantastic on your blog! I have a question for C.A. I won your trilogy through a Royal Social Media giveaway and loving it so far! Just was wondering, what genre of books do you love to read and have any had a positive influence on you to write your own novels? Thanks! :)
Hi Laryssa, glad you won! :) I love to read YA fantasy, actually (can you tell)? :) I would definitely say Harry Potter had a big influence on me, but so did Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, and even some more recent stuff like Marie Lu’s “Legend” and the Hunger Games. I read the big names… and try to take what I can from them and make them my own.
That’s so cool! Harry Potter is definitely noticeable as an influence. But I thought you did a beautiful job of creating your own world. I never felt like this series was a ripoff of another author or series. Your world and your characters were totally your own. Can def feel the LOTR and Narnia references, too! Did Legend & Hunger Games inspire you to make the jump to dystopian for your next series? Hint hint. Nudge nudge, Yes, please!!! :)
hahaha you guessed it!! I do tend to be inspired by what I consume…
I’m the same way! I took a creative writing course in college. My best work was the modern fairytale project. I did Little Red Riding Hood meets Gossip Girl. I had way too much fun writing the dialogue… ;)
I do appreciate a well-conceived after canon — a new sub-genre that fits SFN & tonight’s convo are the sequel authors & re-tellings for fairytales! I love how each writer finds a new way to get the voice of their characters to light up the pages in such a way as to trick your mind and forget it’s a re-telling or a sequel from a previously beloved fairytale!
Riding Hood & Gossip Girl, Ms Bauer? That’s a combo — did you publish the story or keep it for kicks?
I never published it. It’s locked away on my computer. I might consider turning into something bigger some day, but I’d want to find a way to do it justice. Unfortunately I think it might be a little too…saucy for your tastes (particularly the language). I took it to a very, very dark place. It always struck me as a super dark story, so I went there, if you can imagine. ;)
Gossip Girl was a dark story, or Red Riding Hood was? Never saw the former, but yeah, lots of fairy tales can definitely go there. The Brothers Grimm always seemed aptly named, to me.
Hehe, Gossip Girl was fluff. Red Riding Hood is extremely dark. I thought NYC w/ spoiled rich kids was an appropriate setting. I’d prob change it a bit now that I’m older and have a bit more perspective into the meanings behind it.
I had a sneaking feeling you might have taken it away from what I could read myself — but that doesn’t mean I cannot support your creative interests & pursuits! :) I say, if you think the story needs to come back into a viable project : do it! :) You will know when the timing is right! And, yes, you know me quite well — I boycotted Gossip Girl to be honest.
Hehe. Everyone has different tastes. Can’t please everyone! ;) But I do appreciate that–you’re a sweetheart, Jorie. We shall see where the adventure of life takes me… Currently taking storytelling notes from CA & TS… ;)
Hallo Ms Bauer,
No, I did not feel that way myself — INTANGIBLE is it’s own world & creation which exists wholly of it’s own devices without giving the reader the feeling that it takes too much from another writer’s canon of creativity. I do see a few similarities of what is being shared tonight, but overall, I am wicked happy soaking inside the world Ms Gray has given us to devour! I quite literally consider this series ‘unputdownable’! :)
Wow – I must be one of the few readers who isn’t into The Hunger Games; I’d rather a story was Dystopian but *not!* like that one particular series. :( I have the hardest time finding a Dystopian story I enjoy reading — hence why for the 2nd Year during SFN I’m trying to read more new books & authors! :)
I would definitely agree. Will have to start using that phrase! “Unputdownable.” Love it.
What dystopians have you found that you enjoy?
I think I know what you mean, Jorie. the Hunger Games is definitely quite dark… and I had problems with that aspect of it too. I don’t think I could or would ever want to write anything quite so disturbing… and yet at the same time, I do admire her brilliance in creating conflict and characterization, and writing action scenes.
That’s the rub, truly! I honestly haven’t found one Dystopian world and/or story in either modern or classical literature that I can soak inside without a conflict in my heart. I loved elements of “The Boxcar Baby” (reviewed last Autumn) but it jumped the rails into Horror & that did not sit well with me. I now need to sort out a way to uncover “Cosy Dystopian” as I had uncovered “Cosy Horror” last month! lol
Do you have any non-traditional suggestions? All the big, big favourites are generally not my cuppa tea.
Hmm… I did LOVE “Legend” by Marie Lu, but I stopped reading after the second book, because it became too depressing for me. I really don’t like sad stories, unless they’re tempered with a WHOLE lot of redemption to make up for it. (Sorry if that’s a spoiler alert for what’s in my trilogy!!) :)
Unfortunately I think that’s the genre, though. It’s meant to be dark and frightening. Hence being the opposite of a utopia. ;)
But I do agree that I prefer stories that have some kind of happy ending. If HG had ended differently I would NOT have been a happy camper. I guarantee the series wouldn’t have become the kind of phenomenon it is now, either. It’s ending was controversial, but satisfying enough. There was still hope and hope is what makes a story worth reading or a life worth living. ;)
Am I getting sappy?
completely agree, Caitlin! If an ending has an element of sadness, it MUST also have an element of hope or redemption to make it worth reading, in my opinion. HG didn’t turn out all roses, but it was not just realistic… it also made you sigh with contentment. I thought the ending was brilliant. I was actually a little jealous, if you wanna know the truth.
YES! That’s the exact same case I make for it. I definitely swooned a little. I thought it was perfection. :)
P.S. No reason to be jealous! I think your story ended in a similar manner. It was the perfect way to end things. Can’t wait to hear what Jorie thinks on the subject… I suspect she’ll be as satisfied as the rest of us!
Has anyone disagreed with your ending yet?
Yes, exactly! I do not appreciate dark undertones to novels or novels where the light cannot be felt, seen, or understood in the undercurrents of where the story is taking the reader. If a story feels *intensely dark* I oft-times boomerang it back to my local library & attempt something else to read instead. I simply do not gravitate towards those kinds of stories.
LOL, so Jorie, my boyfriend loves horror movies. I — not so much. But because it was Halloween, I compromised and watched one (“The Woman in Black,” with Daniel Radcliffe, incidentally). After it was over, I sat there in silence for a minute, and promptly put in “The Little Mermaid.” :)
I’m equally curious about the ending of the Piercing the Veil series & despite my misgivings for Dystopian Lit, I keep pushing myself out of my comfort zones and seeking out stories I think I can not only handle but find the redemptive arc you are lamenting about. To me, if characters have to go through adversity I want there to be something in the ending to make me feel as though the entire journey merited the conclusion. It is a hard balance — not too dark, not explicit (language / violence), yet has a central heart of Dystopian.
Did you know I selectively use the #unputdownable tag on Twitter to only reflect those stories which give me the most joy to read to where I feel they deserve a bigger audience to embrace them?! :)
I was meant to read “The Woman in Black” & watch the dvd (borrowed both from the library) as I was participating in my first Horror October this year! lol Now that is definitely food for thought as I work my way through the book & film for next year’s event! lol
LOL. Whereas, I enjoy Horror movies for the most part. I like being scared. I want to really question whether that person is going to make it. I always have the hope that they will prevail. Plus, the protagonist almost always survives. If they don’t, then there better be a darn good reason!
Such as “Cabin in the Woods.” My husband and I watched it for the 2nd time this year and really enjoyed it. It’s more comedy, than horror. Such a crazy and darkly funny commentary on the whole genre.
But I LOVE that you put on Little Mermaid right after. Too funny.
I did not realize that Jorie! Will have to check out your hashtag. An excellent use of the tool! :)
Jorie, I am so flattered I warranted your hashtag! :) (And Caitlin, I have yet to read that book on tweeting you had me buy, so I still don’t totally understand the hashtag thing… but it’s on deck!)
I have curated an entire list of the best tags to use on Twitter which I am going to compile into an XC sheet so I can help others find them too! :) The most remarkable thing about Twitter is how which tags work for the collective of bookish souls in the twitterverse vs the ones I would have thought would have worked but didn’t take off! :)
I will have to sort out where I tweeted that particular tweet! I know I used it — and will use it again, most definitely! :) I love tutoring people about Twitter, mostly as I am the friend in my circle who said she’d NEVER go on social media. lol
Ha! Someone has some twitter reading homework ahead of them… It’s a super quick read. Only 100 pages–I think I took it down in 60-90 min. Plus Phil is hilarious and sassy. Makes for an enjoyable and educational read. #ShutUpandTweet ;)
Ms Gray,
I am keenly hoping to read the entire Harry Potter series start to finish in 2015 as I haven’t had the proper chance to do so as of yet! I’m the film series Potterhead, as I only read the first novel ahead of the first film! Shh!! lol Tolkien is on my tCC List to read (incredible breadth to Middle Earth! did you read the Histories?) and I appreciate Narnia better in film. Never heard of Legend — a new author & book to look up! Wicked! And, yes I could see your influences from these sources now that I come to lay a hat on it!
You are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE Harry Potter! LOTR is honestly a little dry in the characterization dep’t for me – I probably love the films more than the books. But Narnia I think was way better in print than on screen, personally.
Not gonna lie: I am BEYOND excited for you, Jorie. I wish I could go back and experience reading HP for the first time all over again. Such an iconic and truly wonderful series. It’ll stick with you for life.
Ha! I never could get through LOTR. Loved the films, but the books were just too long and dense for me. Narnia on the other hand, is a childhood fave!
Truly?! See, for me Narnia felt a bit droll whilst I was attempting to read it in book format — when I went to see it on the silver screen *every inch of what I wanted Narnia to become* was right there in front of me — I felt deeply connected to the characters (esp Aslan). It is interesting how we each attach to different mediums of stories for different writers. :)
Ah yes! I am listening to “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” in my car right now, and Aslan is SO my favorite.
Hallo Laryssa,
Thank you for your beautiful compliment on behalf of my blog & the features that I bring to my readers! I appreciate your feedback and knowing that your enjoying your visit when you drop by! Which book are your currently reading? I’m digging into Invincible at the moment. And, congratulations on winning a bookaway! Wicked!
And thank you, Jorie, for your lovely words and efforts on behalf of my series — I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support!!!
You’re so welcome, Jorie! I’m on the first book in the series and loving it! I’m a huge Harry Potter fan so this is the perfect genre for me. C.A really knows how to grab the attention of the reader and I can’t wait to continue. You definitely made it your own, while learning from your influences lady!
And I love winning giveaways! Luckily, RSM is always on point with offering fantastic books. Shout out to them! ;)
Blushing… :)
Aww, thanks! :) I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! Yes, Caitlin never does anything halfway, I can definitely say that!
I adore you gals!!! Helps to be working with such fantastic folks. <3
Laryssa,
I am so thrilled that you found me through RSM! I love hosting for them as they bring such a wicked array of authors to the forefront of readers who like an eclectic mix of authors & stories! Stay tuned — I am featuring another RSM author this month during my very own #IndieWriterMonth!
I felt *exactly!* like you did — I opened INTANGIBLE and immediately knew that I had found something quite special! How wicked awesome you said the same thing! Yes, I can see how a lot of us Harry Potter kids (who grew up so fast its impressive!) are going to find ourselves hungry for this kind of story to be written next! :)
I can’t get enough of this style of storytelling. But it’s rare to find something that comes along that fits the bill and manages to stand on its own two feet. Hats off to CA Gray. There are not many folks I would put on the same level as storytellers like J.K. Rowling. It’s truly satisfying to encounter someone who took so much care to weave such a layered and rich story.
Highest compliment I think you could give me/my work! THANK you! :)
Well deserved! I really do mean it. :)
I said something very similar to this tonight myself — when you find the caliber of writing knitted into the Piercing the Veil series, you want to grab it & cherish the discovery! I have the tendency to become wholly enthused & passionate about cheering for the stories I find on the Indie side of the ledger. I find such a hearty depth of the craft of writing in what is being published alternatively to major trade, that I can only hope my words on behalf of the stories start to ignite a bit of a curiosity to the readers who alight on my blog. I simply cannot agree with you more, Ms Bauer! :)
My feelings exactly, Jorie. I suppose that’s the downside of the traditional publishers. I hope that’s changing… Yes, you get more marketing and PR power behind you. But much of the time, there’s something missing. A lot of that seems to be because the author has to change what they created to become more “commercial.” I would love to find a big publisher who is actually out to maintain the integrity of the author’s work, as well as make it BIG.
My sentiments exactly are mirrored inside your last remark on traditional publishers — I never understood why books have to be written to a commercial market when most of us who read & devour a lot of wicked stories are NOT seeking commercial-grade stories but rather the embodiment of what makes the Classics stand the test of time itself. We’re seeking stories & characters that are transcendence in scope but have a knitted depth to their worlds whilst conveying a story that soaks inside you to where you forget which reality is real. The world inside the book you’ve held in your hands or the one where you did not realise day turnt to night outside your window?
I loved this series very much…so much adventure and mystery…my question is about her writing process…how do you blend the research with fiction?
Hi Tara! :) For me the bare-bones outline comes first, then the research… and I create the characters and their dialogue to encompass the facts. It’s like, here’s the tools in my toolbox, and here’s the end goal… how do I get from point A to point B? Sort of like computer programming I think. ;) It’s sort of a game!
I love seeing two of my favorite people talking shop! :)
haha, I’d so love to have a drink with you ladies! :)
Right??? If we can convince TS to come out west, then there may be a wine road trip in our future… ;)
I would love that as well…Caitlin you may need to coordinate!!
The queen of coordination right here… ;)
We can make it happen….I love the west coast!!
*cough, cough* Did you forget someone!? I’d be wicked happy to hang out with all three of you! :) And, who doesn’t love a road trip!?
I could foresee a Cali road trip… :)
Hehe, join the fun Jorie! The more the merrier! ;)
You’re on! :) I’ve never been to Cali — always wanted to go! :)
Thanks! The next book in my que is going to involve some research so I’m starting to inquire about different processes!
ooh, I’m intrigued! What are you researching?
That sounds absolutely incredible, T! You’ll have to keep us posted.
Oh my goodness! You’re already researching and starting another one??? Wowza…
Well to be honest it’s the book I have always wanted to write but put the idea on the back burner because I wanted to do it justice…it’s the love story of my grandparents who meet in a concentration camp during world war 2
That sounds absolutely incredible, T! You’ll have to keep us posted.
I can’t seem to comment on Tara’s comment below so I’ll say it here: AWESOME! That sounds like a fantastic story!
I figured out the trick! Hit reply on the part of the thread closest to where you want to leave a comment! In this case, I posted a reply above her comment (technically in reply to myself).
Apologise for the confusion on the comment threads tonight you guys — to be honest, I updated my blog’s layout & theme overnight on Thursday & I’m still getting acquainted with all the lovely features! These comment threads are new to me too! Luckily, I discovered what Ms Bauer did, but had forgotten to type it out to you too!
Ms Krupa — did you see my review & thoughts on Paul Mark Tag’s “How Much Do You Love Me?” It is centered around the Japanese concentration camps during WWII — your book on the real-life story of your grandparents pulled this novel into my mind’s eye because of the connective era of history they both fit inside; from two different POVs but still. Love during that entire generation was an uphill battle in one way or another; if you write a war drama like this, I know it will be graced with a lot of heart & soul like “Safe & Sound”!!
Hallo, Hallo Ms. Krupa!
Wicked awesome seeing you drop-in tonight! :) You brought up two of my favourite elements she underwrote into the narrative flow of the story : adventure & mystery! I am always captivated when my mind is lit afire!
Ah, much of the mystery/surprise twists were due to my mom’s influence. :) She’s SO good at coming up with plot twists!
I love using my parents as sounding boards — they give the same wicked advice as your Mum! I also think it helps having someone who understands you on that close & personal level to help you flesh out your own ideas as they can give advice that matches your own writer’s heart to continue forward with your train of thought; do you agree?
I do. :) She’s also really, really smart, which absolutely helps. And she thinks a lot like I do in terms of being pragmatic, you’re totally right. (Or I suppose more accurately, I think like she does…)
Jorie you are always such a gracious hostess!!
Thank you for this compliment, Ms Krupa! I love hosting authors but Ms Bauer has given me a clever way to host real-time live conversations on my blog & I am simply grateful for the opportunities! Blessed seeing you here! :)
Hi, CA. Where did you get your interest in physics and King Arthur? It is an interesting blend of science and fantasy.
Hi CindyAnn! The physics interest came from my dad. :) The King Arthur blend was more a product of necessity! I wanted a legend and didn’t want to have to make one up. :)
Were you sad when Book 3 was finished? I’ll bet that after months (years?) of writing about the characters they became friends that you will miss.
I know I was sad to have finished reading it! :(
aww…. series are always bittersweet in that way! Thanks Caitlin!
I agree with both of you…I was sad to see it end but on the other side the author always has a reason to leave us where they do!!
So true, TS! Always leave the reader wanting more, right? :)
I have a sinking feeling that after I conclude reading Piercing the Veil I will be living through the same kind of heartbreak I had when the Leland Dragons series ended! :( Both are trilogies and although I know why they are set at three installments — wells, you know how you get attached to characters & worlds; have to grieve but celebrate the moments you had! :) Not to mention the joy of re-reading them!
Oh yes, Jorie. Prepare yourself for a big book hangover!
They definitely are. :( I do miss them! I’ve had a few people comment already that I’ve left the door open for a sequel down the line… and I can’t say that doesn’t sound tempting…
I’d even love a prequel! Would love to learn more about Peter’s parents or even delve deeper into the version of the Arthurian legend you set up…
Yes, I agree about the sequel and prequel idea. There are lots of unfinished stories that could could still be told.
Hmm, a prequel… didn’t think of that at all… :)
Nudge nudge… ;)
Interesting you mention a prequel / sequel option down the road a piece — I saw the possible future for Leland Dragons too, as the door was left ajar; not that I think Gamber meant too, but it leaves me museful that perhaps that series will continue one day. Again, I’m still in the very beginning of Piercing the Veil — but my heart tells my head this is my ‘next’ Leland Dragons love of love for a book series! :)
CindyAnn,
Thank you for coming to tonight’s event & participating in the convo with Ms Gray! Have you read the series or are you thinking of reading it? I couldn’t tell by your first comment but I can let you know once you pick up the first book, you will not want to do anything until you reach the last chapters! :)
Hello Jorie and all! :)
Hallo, Hallo Ms Gray!
And, how are you tonight!? I had an unexpected glitch delay the comments from arriving ahead of the LIVE chat part of this event, but I’m live tweeting notices out that everything is now fixed! I had a heap of fun carrying the conversation forward and seeing where it took us both!
I’m doing great, thanks Jorie! You ask such fantastic questions, thanks for hosting!!
You’re quite welcome, Ms Gray! I’m thankful that you enjoyed the conversation as much as I did in creating it! :) Sometimes I find myself fused to a story’s heart and out of that stems a curiosity to understand more from the writer’s POV & the process of how the story came into being. It is a conversation I shall not soon forget, so thank you! :)
Hey girl! Welcome welcome! :)
I apologise if anyone who visited my blog to leave a comment OR question for Ms. Gray today was unable to get their comment to go through due to a technical error. I only wish I had known sooner, as I would have fixed it straight-away. Please know that if this happens, kindly tweet me or use my Comment Form under My Bookish Life. I honestly did not know until after 7pm. I apologise for the inconveniences!
What a fantastic feature & interview. Lots of fun new things I hadn’t yet learned about the author… Such a fascinating story and journey to publication. :)
I have to agree with C.A. about the child of the prophecy. I did NOT see it coming and I must say, I was absolutely thrilled with the outcome! Such a wonderful ending to a wonderful series. :)
Hallo, Hallo Ms. Bauer!
I was quite wicked happy with where the convo took Ms. Gray & I, as well! :) As I am still within the second novel of the series, I am a bit in the dark about where the revelation of the Child of Prophecy will lead me, but that is part of the appeal — such a strong back-story to this fantasy series that you do not want to rush reading any part of it! :)
Hi Jorie! :)
Definitely agree! Savor it as much as you can. It was hard for me not to rush through it once I dug into the final book.
You are seriously in for a wild ride! Can’t wait to hear what you think of the rest…