Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Iron Knight sneak peek

So, the cat is out of the bag.


Someone discovered what happened in Iron Knight, so I guess I might as well post it here. It will be on Harlequin's blog and The Iron Queen's Facebook page, too, if you don't believe me.


They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I might as well get this over with.


WARNING! Spoilers ahead. Do not continue if you don't want to know...


Last chance...




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Can't say I didn't warn you.

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"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, man, this is my favorite day of the year. HAPPY APRIL FOOLS!" --Puck


"You think that's funny, Goodfellow?"


"Oh, hey, ice-boy. What, you didn't think that was brilliant? Coming back from the dead and all? Hey, put that sword down. It was a joke...crap."


*Runs off with Ash close behind, waving his sword.*




Happy April Fools!

Authors and Negative Reviews

It seems there has been a lot of drama going around the blogging world lately.

Normally, I don't post about heated topics. I'm highly allergic to drama and angst (Except in stories, of course), and I learned long ago that you really can't change people's minds about anything, so why point that spotlight on yourself? But, in light of the recent author/blogger drama on twitter and facebook, I felt compelled to add my two cents to the mix. So, this is my own opinion, garnered from the years I've spent as a writing professional, on Authors and Negative Reviews. Future authors and writers, this is especially for you, not to scare or scold or threaten, but just as a gentle caution of what to expect.

NOT EVERYONE WILL LIKE YOUR BOOK. This is a certainty. No matter how compelling, no matter how innovative or brilliant or well-written, no book can please everyone one hundred percent. If you don't believe me, find your favorite book or author and check them out on Goodreads. They will have 1 and 2 star reviews, just like everyone else. Some people will adore your book, some people will just think its okay, and some people will loathe it and want to burn it and scour your name from the face of the earth for writing such garbage. And it's okay for them to think that. They are entitled to their opinion. Really, that's all a review IS: an opinion. Which brings us to the heart of this matter...

YOU ARE GOING TO GET NEGATIVE REVIEWS. If you are an author, and you put your book out there for the world to read, you are going to get bad reviews. Sometimes, the review will be thoughtful and well-done, with the reviewer citing what they liked and didn't like about the story. That's the best kind of negative review, but it doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes the review will be snide and hateful, as if the reader despises you personally and says all kinds of ugly, unkind things about the story you've put your heart and soul into. Its amazing the things people will say on the internet that they wouldn't dare say in real life, but it happens. This is why many authors I've spoken to stay far, far away from Goodreads. Because Goodreads is brutal on authors, and some of us would rather not know. So, now that you can expect at least one negative critique of your book, how does one respond to such a review? What should an author do in the face of such bad press?

NOTHING.

Let me say that again. NOTHING.

At the very, very least, you can email or post a comment thanking that reviewer for their time in reading and reviewing your book. Then you go and rant to your best friend, or your hubby, or your dog. You do not take out your hurt and frustration on the reviewer. You do not leave a comment on their blog, defending yourself and your book. You do not tell them how wrong they are, and that they must have misunderstood your writing, and that everyone before them has given your book steller reviews. Because it doesn't matter. You aren't going to change their opinion--again with that word OPINION--and you are only hurting yourself and your career by acting in such an unprofessional manner.

Yes, I know. Negative reviews hurt. They downright suck. Believe me, I've gotten more then my share, and its not fun reading "Julie Kagawa, you give fairies a bad name." (Actual review.) I know your book is your greatest achievement, and that you've come far and struggled so hard to get it published, and you should be very proud of that. I know its hard when you wrote the best story you could, went through all the heartache and uncertainty of getting it published, only to have a virtual stranger put it down like its nothing, like we don't have feelings and it doesn't tear us apart every time someone is cruel. I know its unfair that we can't defend ourselves.

But that's the world of authors and reviewers, and the only classy way to respond to bad reviews is graciously or not at all.

Thankfully, there are many out there who will love your book and your stories, and those reviews will be wonderful and glowing and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But, if you are to swim these treacherous waters of authordom, you must also be prepared to lose a little blood, as well. This is just fair warning, take it from someone who knows, and start working on that thick skin. And a sense of humor can help tremendously.

So that's my two cents on authors and negative reviews. Comments and discussions are welcome. However, any mean, ugly, or hateful comments will be eaten by the gremlins.

Julie

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Harlequin Teen Trio Tour

*Dusts off blog*

Apologies for the long absence. I've either been drowning in work or completely obsessed with Dragon Age II. But, now that I've beat the game, I guess I should get back to posting on my poor, abandoned blog. (Its not my fault I've been distracted. Look at what I've been dealing with.)














(Hello, Fenris. You can glare at me any day.)


ANYWAY, I thought I should also mention that I'll be in Dayton, OH this weekend for a signing with several awesome authors. This is Part One of the Harlequin Teen Trio Tour (yes, that's a mouthful), and I will be signing with Maria V. Snyder (The Study Series, Inside Out, Outside In) and Mara Purnhagen (Tagged, Past Midnight, One Hundred Candles.) Three other authors, Julia Karr (XVI), Sara Bennett Wealer (Rival), and Lisa Roecker (Liar Society) will be there as well. See below for details.

Harlequin Teen Trio Tour (Part 1)
April 1
Book Signing at Books and Company (The Greene Shopping Center on 4453 Walnut Street, Beavercreek, Ohio, 45440, 937-429-2169) from 7:00 pm. to 9:00 pm.

Harlequin Teen Trio Tour (Part 2)
April 2
Book Signing at the New and Olde Pages Bookshoppe (856 Union Blvd, Englewood, Ohio, 45322, 937-832-3022) 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Maria and Mara and I will be signing together again.


Hope you can make it! It's going to be a blast. :)

And now, I believe Dragon Age II is calling again.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Happy Dragon Age II Day!


















Happy Dragon Age II Day!


Guess what I'm going to be doing tonight?

Alllllllll night?


Lol, if you have no idea what I'm talking about, you might remember a post I did about Dragon Age Origins, a video game with some of the best characters/voice acting/storylines I've ever seen. The characters (and there were a lot of them) were all fully fleshed out, with their own personalities and backgrounds, but there were two I kinda fell in love with.


Alistair













A knight, a warrior, and an absolute sweetheart. Got the whole chivalry thing down pat. Apparently, I'm not the only admirer.






















The "hello" version.

















The "yum" version.



And Zevran.















There's my assassin thing again. Zevran is part of the Antivan Crows, an order of feared assassins, and was sent to kill the main character, but he ends up joining the group instead.

Zevran also has quite the following, but I'm not going to post any pics. This is a family-friendly blog, after all. If you've played the game, you know what I mean.


Needless to say, I loved Dragon Age Origins. And the ending? The fabulous Ultimate Noble Sacrifice ending? Loved it! And now, FINALLY, Dragon Age II is out. Today! I have been stalking their official site for months now and I'm dying of anticipation. So if you don't see me around for a bit, its because I'll be in Ferelden again, saving the world. Also, I'm VERY intrigued by this guy.














His name is Fenris (LOVE!) and he's an elf who was a slave, killed his master, and escaped. Apparently, he has magical tattoos burned into his skin by his former master, so we'll see what those can do. He's also one of the love interests. *Huge geeky grin*

And, like Alistair and Zevran, he's already gathering admirers.





















Ooh...



So, who else is dying for Dragon Age II? Declare your geekdom proudly. :D

Friday, March 4, 2011

Library signing event

Hey everyone!

Look who will be appearing at the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library this month on the 19th!

Susan Coventry, author of THE QUEEN'S DAUGHTER





















and the awesome Kelly Creagh, author of NEVERMORE.























Oh, and me, of course. I'll be there, too. :D

















There will be a panel where the three of us will answer questions, so if you have a burning inquiry about publishing or writing or books in general, this is for you. Or if you just want to chat about faeries, queens, creepy monsters, or swoonable YA boys, we're all for that, too.

It should be a fantastic, fun, frolicsome fiasco. (Say that five times fast, ha!)

So, come on out, say hello, and support your local authors. We'll be waiting for you.

And now...the details.

Where: New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
W. Spring St.
New Albany, IN 47150

When: March 19th, 2-4 pm

Why: Because it'll be fun!

How: This you'll have to figure out on your own. I recommend a vehicle of some sort, though mule-carriage is certainly an option. Just be careful where you park.

Oh, and its recommended that you call to register for the event, to ensure there will be enough books, and to cement your spot for the panel discussion. The number to register is 812-949-3523.

Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

French Iron King Cover

Check this out. This is the French cover for The Iron King.






















It's slightly darker then the original, and the title is different. Below the little crown on the right it reads: The Invisible Realms. And the front title says: The Cursed Princess.

I like it. What are your thoughts?


And, if anyone can read French, here is the post that features it. :)

*Imagines Ash speaking French.* xD