Hallo, Hallo dear hearts!
As you might already be aware of, I have a particular interest in *Superhero Fiction* from my joyful ruminations over the #AwesomeJones series by AshleyRose Sullivan – first during the debut of the series “Awesome Jones” and secondly, this Spring as I shared my joy in finding myself caught up in the sequel: “Lona Chang”. Aside from my readings of this series, I became aware of the Lois Lane series penned by Gwenda Bond (see more on the Author’s Site) a few years ago – I was happily surprised my library has a few of the series in their collection, as I aim to read them this year. Imagine then – my joyfulness in finding there is a third #SuperheroFiction novelist coming up on the horizon!
This is *Elle Spellman!* and I am wicked happy to welcome her to my blog to not only discuss our mutual interest in Superheroes but in discussing the elements of her series whilst introducing her to my readers who might find this a lovely new niche of Literature to keep their eyes on for future releases! When I was reading #AwesomeJones for the first time, I started using the hashtag #SuperheroFiction – this pre-dates when the surge of interest in this niche of stories had taken hold of reader’s hearts – finding out this is now a tag being used by other authors who are developing these stories warms my heart! I love seeing the random tags I am using to help champion stories & authors start to generate their own lives outside the moments I’ve used them myself.
I happen to be quite particular about the stories I am reading, as you all well know – which is why one Superhero series was a bit of a miss for me – yet, if my thoughts inspired you to pick up Mr Jolley’s series, I consider this a win – as for each story we might feel is not a good fit for ourselves, perhaps, by talking about them and discussing them – someone else will find it’s a wicked fit for them instead. As this is why we blog our readerly lives – not just to gush over the stories which excite us but to discuss the stories which might challenge us or might wrinkle our brows a bit, too!
Today, I am hoping I’ve found my ‘next’ favourite author for this niche genre – as I am awaiting the story to be available in print & I am hopeful it might one day become available in audiobook – as I am finding myself leaning more towards audiobooks as I start to re-shift my readings spilt equally between both print and audio. This heeds a personal note of warning towards how jarring my chronic migraines are still affecting my reading life but also, how much my heart is delighting in the joy of listening to narrators tackle the narratives which interest me most to read (or listen).
Whilst I had a heap of fun generating this conversation with Ms Spellman, I was blessed with being able to provide an Extract for you to gather a feel for her writing style & the pacing of the novel.
Be sure to grab your favourite cuppa & settle into a comfy seat whilst you read this post – I look forward to hearing which Superhero Fiction stories are your favourites whilst awaiting your comments on behalf of Ms Spellman’s vision for her series as well!
She's Bad News
by Elle Spellman
What would you do if you woke up with super powers?
For Bella Brown, life hasn't gone according to plan. She's almost thirty, still living in her uneventful hometown, and her dreams of becoming an investigative reporter have fallen by the wayside.
That is, until she wakes up one morning to find she's been gifted with some amazing new abilities. What’s a girl to do with heightened senses, super speed and the ability to lift a truck one-handed? Bella quickly discovers that her new powers can easily help her land front-page leads at local newspaper The Hartleybourne Gazette.
Soon Bella's out every night chasing down local criminals for stories, while keeping her powers a secret from everyone besides flatmate Chloe. But when a burglary-gone-wrong accidentally turns her into the mysterious Hartleybourne Heroine, Bella finds herself on the front page for the wrong reasons. Her secret becomes harder to keep as she tries to track down the source of her powers, and especially when crime reporter Matt Gilmore is intent on unmasking the town's new vigilante...
Suddenly, having an extraordinary life is far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Places to find the book:
on 29th November, 2017
Available Formats: Paperback and Ebook
Converse via: #SuperheroFiction +#SFF or #SpecFict
Ahead of reading my convo with Ms Spellman, enjoy this lovely Extract to gather a better sense about you’ll find within the novel!
Don’t forget to share your thoughts afterwards!
SHE’S BAD NEWS
Extract
She’s Bad News follows Bella Brown, an aspiring journalist in a small town who thinks that luck is against her – that is, until she wakes up with super powers.
In this extract, Bella and her best friend Chloe are at Self Defence class. Given that Bella now has some amazing abilities, she’s top of the class; even better than super-fit Chloe. But with Bella not yet being fully used to her newfound powers, trying to keep them a secret is proving tricky.
Not only that, but Chloe has persuaded Bella to use her super hearing to listen in to Guy From Upstairs, the neighbour whose name they don’t know – and who happens to be Chloe’s crush – in the flat above.
“Okay, fine. Well, I have an update.”
The fact Guy From Upstairs lived alone in his flat, which he seemingly spent a lot of time out of, meant I could rarely listen in on any conversations. Until a couple of days ago, when I’d got in from work, dumping my bag on the kitchen counter and heading to the cupboard for my concealed, half-eaten packet of custard creams, and heard the distinct voice of Guy From Upstairs, who was clearly talking on the phone.
“And, and, and?” asked Chloe.
“I overheard him talking and he’s arranged to go for a run on Sunday with a friend, followed by a pub lunch. So all you have to do is go running too and bump into him ‘accidentally’. Or, you know, be a normal person and just ask to borrow a whisk or something.”
“No! I can’t do that. It’s way too obvious. Besides, your idea gives us more time to try and find out his actual name.”
“For you to find out his name, you mean! I have enough on my plate already, Chlo.”
“Hunting down the town’s degenerates for personal work-related gain?”
“Hmph.”
“Sorry, babe. I don’t mean it.”
There was some truth it, though.
Chloe aimed more kicks at the pad. I leapt around, changing direction, testing her. She hit the pad perfectly each time. “His name could be anything!” she continued. “Ryan, for example. James.” She gazed upwards dreamingly, as though if she uttered the right one, Guy From Upstairs himself would majestically descend from the ceiling of Fitness Heaven like an angel and appear in front of her, shiny, lustrous wings and all. “Mike, Aaron, Lance, Heathcliff…”
“Heathcliff? Come on. It could be Rumpelstiltskin for all we know.”
“Well, that one would make for interesting dinner-party conversation, that’s for sure. Or a real fairy-tale wedding. Don’t forget, Bel, you still owe me for picking you up on your night of “drunken” debauchery and diet pills. You’re not getting out of this.”
Before I could protest, Jamie approached, ready to check out how we were doing. Chloe demonstrated some of her moves.
“Excellent!” said Jamie. “What about you, Bella?”
“I’m, er, not feeling too good today,” I replied. “Maybe just concentrate on Chloe?”
“You’re doing fine,” said Jamie kindly. “I want you to get as much as you can from the class. How about we try something short, just us then? You don’t know who’s lurking round the streets at night, so I want you to imagine you’re being followed. I’ll be the assailant. Bella, try and keep me away from you long enough for you to escape, okay?”
“Sure,” I said. Chloe threw me a look of concern.
Jamie got into position. I took up my place a few feet away. Remembering what we’d done in previous classes, I began to walk slowly, waiting for Jamie’s movements, to feel his hand on my shoulder. The warning sign that he was about to attack. Standing there, facing the studio wall, I focused on the sound of his movements, blocking out the voices of the rest of the class, their fists on pads, trainers on the glossy floor. Blocking out my worries over Matt and Tom, my thoughts on Jamie and Jamie alone. A second later, his soft footsteps were coming up behind me. I could smell his deodorant, a heady, masculine scent, not unpleasant, but stronger as he grew closer.
He was behind me. With one quick movement, I reached out over my shoulders and grabbed his shirt. In an instant I was pulling him over my head, hearing him emit a worried shriek as his bulk flew over mine and he ended up on the ground. I leapt in front of him, my short body towering over his tall one as stared up at me, shock etched on his face. “What was that?” he yelled.
By now every head in the room had turned to look in our direction. I slunk back, hoping the ground would swallow me up. It didn’t. Everyone was staring, and I wanted them to stop. I briefly considered running and hiding in the cupboard along with all the exercise balls and spare gloves but dealing with the cheesy-feet smell in a confined space wasn’t so inviting, so instead I stayed and contemplated my answer.
“Um, that wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Jamie stared some more. I couldn’t work out whether he was angry or impressed; it was rare to find someone so unreadable. “Right,” he said, getting up slowly from the floor, wincing as he stood, “right then, everyone.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled.
“That was…really good, Bella.” He stretched, took a deep breath and walked unsteadily to the front of the class. “Good, but painful. “
Everyone’s eyes were on me now. How dare she hurt Jamie! What a show-off.
Like I didn’t feel bad enough already.
“When I asked you to demonstrate, that wasn’t what I had in mind.”
“I’ll book you in with the in-house massage therapist,” said Chloe to Jamie. “Free of charge.”
I turned to Chloe. “Can I just point out that we signed a waiver when we signed up? So I’m not responsible if he hurts himself, right?”
“No, babe,” she whispered. “But if I were you, I’d work on keeping those powers under wraps. What if you really do some damage?”
I nodded, trudging to the cupboard to put back my gloves, facing the fact that this was the last Friday night I’d spend doing self-defence with Chloe. She was right, of course. Twice in one day. It was just too much of a risk.
What has inspired you about #SuperheroFiction both as a novelist and as a reader? What drew you into this fascinating world which is slowly starting to gain better traction with readers?
Spellman responds: I’ve been obsessed with books since a very young age, and have also been a comic-book fan for years. The attraction for me is a hero or heroine with a regular life that changes when strange powers come into play. I won’t lie; it’s a bit of a fantasy!
Having superpowers would, I imagine, be awesome but also extremely dangerous and I just can’t get enough of these stories. I’ve always wanted to write novels, and by coming up with the idea for She’s Bad News (based on my love for comics), I was able to combine my love for Women’s Fiction and superheroes by creating a small-town superheroine that many of us can relate to. When I first decided to write it, the idea did seem a bit niche, but now there seem to be many more original superhero novels on the rise thanks to the genre, from young adult tales to comedic women’s fiction. I love that the popularity of superhero fiction has started to increase, and we are seeing many more comic-inspired reads on the shelves.
I do agree with you – the appeal for me is to see someone who was once living quite an ordinary life and then started to live quite a super-life due to how they might have either inherited superpowers they didn’t realise they had or if there was an event in their lives which gave them the superpowers lateron. There is something quite wicked about these stories because as you said – they thread through the human condition, they draw on realistic story-lines and they pull you into an emotional experience we can all feel attached too.
I grew up liking a few superheroes growing up but I couldn’t gain traction in comic books as much as I had hoped I could have – it wasn’t until Superheroes were being brought into the mainstream of films and tv series, I started to find my way with which ones I wanted to follow. The joy for me of course, is when the publishing world started to accept these stories had a vitality in them and a readership awaiting them – thus, my joy today is sending off a bell of announcement to let my readers know about your series as I’m overjoyed there are ‘more’ out there for me to seek out!
I am an appreciator of this sub-genre having read #AwesomeJones, whilst wanting to read the Lois Lane series by Gwenda Bond – which writers have you found outside of these lovelies who are sorting out their own superhero worlds which are increasing the scope of the genre?
Spellman responds: Firstly, thank you for introducing me to Awesome Jones! I’m always on the lookout for new superhero fiction and have found a few novels over the past couple of years that I’ve either read or are on my vast TBR list! A while back Marvel released The She-Hulk Diaries, which I loved (She-Hulk is one of my favourite characters!) There’s also the more recent Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo, and a Catwoman novel being released this year which I’m rather excited about, mainly because I’m a huge Batman fan. There is also Super 40 by Lucy Woodhull, and Hot Flush by Rosy Fenwicke; both Women’s Fiction novels featuring a superheroine.
You’re welcome! I was happy I could interact with you on Twitter ahead of this convo – as I wasn’t sure which #SuperheroFiction stories you were reading or were even aware of – as I know sometimes it’s hard to find all the stories we’re trying to seek out! It was a joy finding out I could point you towards #AwesomeJones – however, your list here is wicked awesome in it’s own right as it goes to the heart of the tradition of Superheroes! Thank you for blessing me with such an expansive list! Of the titles you’ve shared, I’ve heard about Warbringer, although I’m not sure if it’s a good fit for me, I will be looking into each of these to see which ones might be one I’d love to read next!
Do you think the film “The Incredibles” (and the forthcoming sequel), “Supergirl” and other variant tv series or films has encouraged more writers to try to entice readers into reading more about superheroes? Why do you think we’ve been on the verge of a new generation of superheroes across mediums of art?
Spellman responds: I think the sudden surge of superhero films and TV shows over the past few years has made the genre more mainstream, and so many more people are becoming interested in something they may not have been into before. Superheroes and their worlds are not just reserved for comic-book fans anymore. A few years back, when I came up with the initial idea for She’s Bad News (a long while before I even started writing it), it was before Netflix had aired their comic-based shows.
Now there are so many available, such as Jessica Jones, Flash, Arrow, Luke Cage, Gotham (my personal favourite), and of course, Supergirl. Superheroes are now at the forefront of media and seemingly becoming more popular in books, too. In the past, authors intent on writing superhero novels may have decided against it due to the idea being too niche, and too much of a gamble. I include myself in this! But now? It’s different. I’m incredibly happy about this. (And I want to read ALL the books!)
I totally agree – what was once a niche market has become mainstream and thus opening the doors of what is possible across all mediums of where stories can live and become developed! I am so thankful you listened to your heart, wrote the story you were keen on seeing become a novel and now have the joy of finding those of us who stumbled into this genre of interest quite by accident and are wicked thankful they did! I am looking forward to watching the genre grow and expand – seeing where each new writer takes their vision for #SuperheroFiction and finding traction within the genre as it becomes larger than it is now. The joy I think is watching it emerge and how each new author who chooses to write within it, helps develop the world in which all the superheroes can live and thrive inside our imaginations!
When it came time to decide which ‘powers’ Bella would embrace – did you pick the ones you wished you’d have yourself or the ones you felt might be a benefit to her character’s arc in regards to present and future challenges?
Spellman responds: A bit of both really! Despite She’s Bad News being a superhero book, I didn’t want it to be too far-fetched. So flying was out of the question. Bella’s abilities – heightened senses, amazing strength, super speed – are all very useful to her, but they can also cause her quite a bit of trouble!
But of course, I want those powers myself. I mean, I’d much rather have hair like Marvel’s Medusa but I could hardly say no to super strength!
I had to laugh! The reason why you didn’t want Bella to fly – as I never realised flying was too far stretched for some readers!? Maybe it’s because I felt that as a keen superhero power to have myself – I think though you went in the right direction overall. Especially for someone who is adjusting to their superpowers and might not realise how that is going to complicate their lives to quite the extent it could cause them to find a way to adapt to a new way of living? You have me curious now about finding out how Bella embarks on this journey! Presuming she has a few hard knocks along the way whilst she sorts it out!
Is the title a play on words to elude to the fact Bella is getting negative press before she gets a positive foothold in journalism or is there another reason for the title?
Spellman responds: The title relates to both Bella and her new-found nemesis. (I don’t want to spoil anything though so I won’t elaborate!) I came up with the title when I first had the book idea and really liked it. I considered changing it to Bella Brown Is Unstoppable but decided to stick with the original.
Ooh, my – I seem to have the benefit of getting into a spoiler for authors – I never mean to do this, but my curious mind sometimes steps into the thicket whilst innocently trying to ask about the stories I am keen on reading! My apologies – hmm… in regards to titles, I must confess, one reason I was intrigued to seek out your website was the title – there was something different about it and it lent a curiosity to know more,… especially why this title? What could be behind it and what kind of world-building is being bridged into the main character’s life? So, you see – you definitely caught me at ‘hallo’. I might have taken a chance on the original title though as I love the story behind Molly Brown from Titanic who has similar moniker!
What encouraged you to give Bella a heart and thirst for journalism since Superman, Supergirl and Lois Lane came ahead of her? Was this to pay homage to those canons or did you think journalism is a strong segue into seeking out the people who might need the most help in a local community and thereby, give leverage to future stories?
Spellman responds: I love that you asked this because it’s a bit of a mix, and I was only discussing it with someone else a few days ago! In one of my earlier rewrites I gave Bella a slightly different role but it always came back to journalism. It’s partly a nod towards the classic comics such as Superman and Spiderman. It just seemed right. Also, when I was younger I wanted to be a journalist, and did work experience at some local newspapers. It just seemed too perfect a setting, especially as it places Bella in a convenient – but also very tricky – situation when it comes to her choices.
I love you went with tradition but also, the choice had a personal homage towards your own interests and passions as well. I honestly can’t wait to see how you wrote this part of Bella’s story as I must admit, I am definitely intrigued by how superheroes can work in journalism – as there are more than one angles of entrance for them to become connected not just to the profession but how they can connect with their overall community due to their work in the field as well.
What three things would surprise readers to learn about Matt Gilmore?
Spellman responds: When I began writing Matt Gilmore, I knew he wasn’t going to be the typical romantic interest. He’s a huge geek for starters (although not so savvy when it comes to making up names for local villains!). He’s slightly awkward, but with determination and a very inquisitive side. Despite being a great journalist, he cares a good deal about the community rather than just getting headlines, which is one of the reasons he chose to stay in Hartleybourne.
Laughs. I bet that would make anyone smile and laugh – seeing someone name the villains! Sometimes I think the names overall have a cheeky cognition about them simply because of how sometimes their names reflect a part of their personality and/or a clue about their superpower. I love you made him a geek – as I think geeks are sometimes underused as romantic leads as they have so much to offer aisde from having interests that sometimes seem too heady to follow. Already, based on what you’ve shared, I can’t wait to meet Matt Gilmore!
Did you find anything surprising you as you crafted Bella’s backstory and anchoured it with her sudden newfound powers?
Spellman responds: It was really interesting to get to know Bella and her passions, and decide what she was going to do with her new abilities. One of the best things about writing this novel was exploring what someone would do in possession of sudden, amazing abilities and how Bella would personally deal with them.
I mean, we’ve probably all wondered what we’d do if we had superpowers, but would it really be that straightforward? You could be a hero, you could be a villain…or perhaps an anti-hero, which is where I think Bella fits in. Despite Bella’s ambitions to do good for the community, there were times when she came across as quite selfish in her determination to get what she wants. That was surprising, but I liked that; how many of us wouldn’t use the powers for personal gain? I know I would, if the opportunity arose.
I thought about your reply for quite a long while – especially as I feel we should always yield on the fact nothing in life is as straight-forward as we would like it to be – and therefore, when you go to add-on superpowers you never had in your life or knew of being a component of your life – I’d have to say it would be quite an interesting transition to undertake! I look forward to seeing how you voiced her thoughts and opinions about how to tackle personal gain but also, how she developed her code of ethics as a superhero – where does she draw the line and what does she feel are the most important principles she should uphold in her own pursuits as developing her reputation amongst other superheroes. Perhaps she might even blur the lines,…
How did you decide where to set Bella’s story and why did you feel this setting would work the best for the series?
Spellman responds: Before I wrote the first draft, I knew I wanted to set the novel in a small, uneventful town. Hartleybourne is my own creation; it’s a fictional town in Dorset, UK, with elements of many real-life places I’ve visited. When I rewrote the novel (which I did about six times!), I actually moved the story to London as suggested by an agent. Even though Bella as a big-city superheroine was fun, it kind of lacked the charm of the previous version which took place in a small town, where there is more of a sense of community and tradition. And, frankly, where a woman running round crime-fighting in a fetish-mask would actually make front page news! So I brought the story back to Hartleybourne.
I totally think you made the best choice in having this set in Hartleybourne! I know there is a surge of interest in big city superhero stories – but I oft felt there is enough room and space for all superheroes – not just what makes them individually unique but of where they could be set and where their lives could enthrall us by locale and setting alike. I look forward to seeing how you developed the towne but also, how this might complicate matters for Bella! Sounds like a potboiler in one regard and a wicked delight in the other!
What kind of technology can readers expect to see evolve through your series and what were your favourite bits of tech which are highlighted or used?
Spellman responds: There’s nothing really out of the ordinary in terms of tech in She’s Bad News!
I realise your debut novel is being released in ebook and print, do you aspire to have it released in audio as well? If so, what are you hoping to find – a singular narrator, a partnership (for Bella and Matt’s characters) or someone who can give a singularly theatrical performance? What would you like the audiobook to sound like in other words? Do you have narrators you personally love to listen too?
Spellman responds: To be honest, I haven’t really thought about that yet! But if I was to release She’s Bad News as an audiobook, it would probably have just one narrator. I don’t listen to audiobooks, but it’s something I keep meaning to try.
You definitely should! I hope you find them as addictable as I have myself! I am most impressed with narrators who can deliver such a wide range of voices within one story-line to where you feel they have been created by multiple voices rather than a singular one. In fact, this is one reason my list of favourite narrators is a tight few – as I am looking for those voices who not just bring the story to life but give me the suspension of believing they’ve lived the character’s life whilst giving me the same feeling as I’m listening to their narration. I hope this will go to audio!
You’ve mentioned there are three novels set to release – how many can we expect to come next? Are you writing the series in collections of trilogies? Is it a quartet? Or will the stories continue as long as readers love them?
Spellman responds: Currently, She’s Bad News is a standalone novel. It’s true that I am writing three books, but these novels are not connected. That said, I have considered writing a sequel to Bella’s adventures, and I even have an idea of the plot. If I decide to write it, it won’t be out for a little while yet as I’m working on other projects, but if readers are fond of Bella Brown and would like a series, then I’m totally up for that.
Hmm…. why do I keep thinking this is a series!? I think maybe it feels like a series even though it hasn’t yet been developed as one? If this makes sense. I hope other readers will find they want more stories about Bella long before I get the proper chance to meet her – as then, perhaps the sequel will start to be developed,… (smiles) I definitely think we all are patient enough to realise writers need the space to develop their stories in a time-frame that works best for them!
Whilst your not researching or writing your stories what do you love to do to uplift your spirit?
Spellman responds: When I’m not writing or working I can usually be found with a glass of wine, reading a book or a comic, or watching Gotham. I also have a big interest in all things paranormal!
The paranormal, eh? Hmm.. if only I had known this, I could have asked you about it a bit more… as I regularly read stories of the paranormal and have a healthy interest in it myself! You might enjoy the interview I had with an Urban Fantasy novelist wherein it was my first vlog interview!
About Elle Spellman
Elle Spellman is a writer and comic book geek living in Bristol, UK. She's been writing since a very young age, spending her childhood afternoons penning stories about fictional adventures, and illustrating them too.
Now, Elle tends to write contemporary fiction with kick-ass heroines and a little bit of magic. She's Bad News is her debut novel, and she's just finished working on her second. Her other interests include running, wine, red lipstick, the paranormal, and all things Batman.
This author interview is courtesy of: Rachel’s Random Resources
Rachel & I first crossed paths whilst celebrating our mutual love of ChocLitUK novels – this blog tour marks the first I’ve been able to host for her after discovering recently she has a blog touring company! You’ve might have seen her badge in my sidebar!? I am looking forward to bringing Guest Author Features, Book Spotlights w/ Notes & Reviews to Jorie Loves A Story hosted by Rachel! It’s quite lovely when someone you know in the twitterverse has started their own company & has followed their passion for helping others. I look forward to working with Rachel more often starting in 2018!
You will next see me hosting her blog tours on the following dates:
- the 17th of February, 2018 : The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay Interview
Similar to blog tours where I feature book reviews, as I choose to highlight an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog. I provide the questions for interviews and topics for the guest posts; wherein I receive the responses back from publicists and authors directly. I am naturally curious about the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of stories and the writers who pen them; I have a heap of joy bringing this content to my readers.
{SOURCES: Cover art of “She’s Bad News”, book synopsis, author biography, author photograph of Elle Spellman, the Extract from “She’s Bad News” and the tour badge were all provided by Rachel Random Resources and used with permission. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Tweets embedded by codes provided by Twitter. Blog graphics created by Jorie via Canva: Conversations with the Bookish and the Comment Box Banner.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2018.
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