An Elegant Epitaph: “She Was A Chrome-assed Bitch.”

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47North, A Dribble of Ink, ageism in SFF, Aidan Moher, Chrome-assed bitches, Jane Navio, mature heroines, Miserere, MJ Locke, Roberta Trahan, Teresa Frohock, The Dream Stewards, The Well of Tears, Up Against It, women in SFF, Women Made of Chrome

When I set out to write my debut novel, THE WELL OF TEARS, I took some pretty big risks. I hybridized the genre, I layered multiple story lines using many characters with unpronounceable names, and perhaps riskiest of all, I chose a mature female protagonist.

Alwen is a 40-something wife and mother who is also a skilled sorceress and wise leader who is heir to a powerful magical legacy. She is smart. She is strong. She is resilient. She is masterful. And she is a far superior version of herself at 40 than she was at 20. Life has honed her into the “chrome-assed bitch” she needs to be to outsmart a more powerful and far more diabolical mage and destroy the demon horde sent to obliterate her people.

The older the woman, the more dangerous she becomes. Older women didn’t need weapons to take the world down; they changed the course of history with a whisper. A word in the right ear brought down kings and queens, or maneuvered their kin into power. Chrome-assed bitches don’t need guns or swords, they have their brains.

I pulled the above quote from a recent article by Teresa Frohock, author of MISERERE: An Autumn Tale, which was one of my favorite reads of 2012. This quote kind of says it all. Teresa’s stunning debut dark fantasy novel features both a protagonist and an antagonist who are chrome-assed bitches in their 40s. These women have not only fought their way to respect and authority, but they have also acquired the mental discipline, social savvy and emotional seasoning it takes to survive and succeed along the way. With age comes experience.

I’m still surprised by the reviewers who disdain my choice of a mature heroine – calling her “old” and “unrelatable”. Without exception these reviewers are 20-something young women, who I suspect are still finding themselves and lack the foresight to envision the chrome-assed bitches they might yet become. That makes me a little sad.

Here’s the link to Teresa’s article on the blog A Dribble of Ink (edited by Aidan Moher). Teresa’a post includes a list of remarkable women in history worthy of the “chrome-assed bitch” epitaph. Check it out:

Women Made of Chrome by Teresa Frohock (Features on A Dribble of Ink)

So what do you think? Is an over 40 heroine unappealing to you? If so, why?

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THE KEYS TO THE REALMS Launch Party ~ are YOU going?

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47North, Amazon Publishing, Contemporary Fantasy, Dead Spots, Denise Grover Swank, Echoes of Empire, Fantasy, Harrowgate, Horror, Jodi McIsaac, Kate Danley, Kate Maruyama, Maggie MacKay Magical Tracker, Mark T Barnes, Melissa F. Olson, Miserere, Richard Ellis Preston Jr, Roberta Trahan, Roberto Rodriguez Calas, Romulus Buckle, Stant Litore, Steve McHugh, Teresa Frohock, The Curse Keepers, The Dream Stewards, The Hellequin Chronicles, The Keys to the Realms, The Pillars of Sand, The Scourge, The Thin Veil, The Well of Tears, The Zombie Bible, Urban Fantasy

Did somebody say PAR-TAY? Yup, that ‘s right. To celebrate the release of THE KEYS TO THE REALMS – The Dream Stewards Book Two, I am hosting a virtual launch extravaganza! There won’t be cake, but there will be SPECIAL GUESTS and LOTS OF SWAG!

Come and hang out with me and my friends as we discuss “Making Your Own Mythology”, chat about books, and giveaway books and other goodies. Here’s what’s happening and when:

• What: Book Launch Party (Facebook Event)
• Where: Facebook Event Central ( https://www.facebook.com/events/258360841001705/)
• When:  Tuesday, April 22 from 3:00 – 9:00 PM (PDT)

Special Guest Authors:

3:15 PM – Mark T. Barnes (Best-selling author of the epic fantasy Echoes of Empire series- The Garden of Stones, The Pillars of Sand, The Obsidian Heart)

3:45 PM — Kate Maruyama (Author of the hair-raising horror novel Harrowgate)

4:15 PM – Roberto Rodriguez Calas (Author of several novels, including The Scourge and Nostrum)

4:45 PM – Melissa F. Olson (Author of The Scarlett Bernard Urban Fantasy Series – Dead Spots, Trail of Dead)

5:15 PM – Stant Litore (Best-selling author of the popular horror series The Zombie Bible)

6:15 PM – Teresa Frohock (Acclaimed author of the epic dark fantasy Miserere – An Autumn Tale)

6:45 PM — Denise Grover Swank (NYT and USA best-selling author of many novels, including her new Urban fantasy series The Curse Keepers. Look for her latest release The Curse Breakers (Curse Keepers #2) – on sale April 29th!

7:15 PM – Jodi McIsaac (Best-selling author of the contemporary fantasy series The Thin Veil – Through the Door, Into the Fire) 

7:45 PM – Steve McHugh (Best-selling author of The Hellequin Chronicles – Crimes Against Magic, Born of Hatred, With Silent Screams)

8:15 PM – Kate Danley (Best-selling author of the Maggie MacKay: Magical Tracker urban fantasy novels – Maggie for Hire, Maggie Get Your Gun, Maggie on the Bounty)

8:45 PM – Richard Ellis Preston Jr (Author of the extraordinary steampunk series Chronicles of the Pneumatic Zeppelin – Romulus Buckle and the City of the Founders, Romulus Buckle and the Engines of War

Each of my author guests will be talking about their books and hosting their own special giveaways – and I’ll be offering a few prizes of my own. After all, I am the party girl ;).  Autographed books, themed swag, Amazon gift cards, and more. If you haven’t already sent in your RSVP – DO IT NOW!

Click on the link above or the image below, and we’ll see you there!!

Marketing Monday – It Takes A Village and Other Thoughts on Mutual Marketing Efforts

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47North, Amazon Publishing, author marketing, Blogging, Booksworn, fantasy fiction, Fringe, Grim Oak Press, historical fiction, Jacqueline Carey, Naomi Novik, New Wave Authors, Patrick Rothfuss, R.A. Salvatore, Rob Kroese, Roberta Trahan, Shawn Speakman, Tara Bennett, Teresa Frohock, Terry Brooks, Triberr, Writing

Right off, let me first acknowledge that this installment of Marketing Monday is two weeks and a day late. My apologies, especially to those of you who are following this blog. Occasionally other demands on my time get in the way of keeping on schedule, but please know that I do make every effort to post here every week.

I’ve been thinking a lot about creative community lately, and why I believe a commitment to it should be a core value for all artists, especially writers. We all need the support and encouragement of others who think and feel the way we do- for creative support, for business information, but also to experience a sense of  belonging.

Another benefit to seeking out and participating with groups of like-minded people are the opportunities this kind of networking creates for marketing. I’m thrilled to see grassroots projects popping up all over the place – from group blogs to indie-author information sharing sites, topical message boards, crowd-sourcing, and more. 

In my opinion co-op marketing is just plain smart and practical. It makes sense, it feels good, and when done right, it is powerful. The combined efforts of the group exponentially broaden each participating author’s reach while simultaneously lightening the burden on the individual. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts, as they say.

I first noticed this happening in the world of romance writers and historical fiction authors, and now see it trending everywhere. Authors helping other authors and thereby helping themselves. And let us not overlook the charity drives, public awareness campaigns, fundraising, and the general spreading of good will. Love it. LOVE it.

I’m going to spend the rest of this post giving a shout out to a few of the SFF authors I support, cuz, like, you know, these are my peeps. But these particular folks are also committed to community building and shared marketing, and doing it particularly well.

But first, one recommendation for co-op marketing that you might not have heard about. If you aren’t familiar with or using Triberr, take a look. Awesome tool. Really.

Group Hugs

This week one of my favorite fantasy authors Teresa Frohock is touting the launch of a genre / publisher specific collective author site designed to promote and support its members and their books. The kick-off includes an innovative giveaway. SFF fans should check out Booksworn (click here) for some of the most interesting new voices in fantasy fiction from Nightshade Books. Also, if you haven’t read Teresa’s debut dark fantasy MISERERE, I highly suggest that you check that out too! Click on the book cover art to be taken to the Amazon book page.

Last week I had the privilege and the pleasure of attending a local signing by one of my literary heroes – Terry Brooks. Terry was sharing the spotlight with the well-known fantasy artist Todd Lockwood, and his web druid turned author / publisher Shawn Speakman. Shawn, who has been managing Terry’s website and other marketing for years, is a cancer survivor facing mountains of treatment related debt. In an effort to dig out from under, his imprint Grim Oak Press is releasing a fabulous short story anthology featuring the work of some of the best voices in fantasy fiction – including Terry Brooks, Patrick Rothfuss, Jacqueline Carey, R.A. Salvatore, Naomi Novik and many more. To pre-order UNFETTERED, click here.

NEW WAVE AUTHORS is a cooperative e-zine created and hosted by my fellow 47North author Rob Kroese. Rob publishes this site as both a promotional vehicle in support of all Amazon Publishing authors, and as an educational hub for  writers. Amazon Publishing authors contribute  content on a broad range of publishing related topics. Rob has also created a cross-roads at which many Amazon Publishing authors meet and go on to build friendly networks of mutual support across all the social media channels.

And last, a special shout out to colleague and friend, entertainment writer Tara Bennett, who is an A-lister when it comes to networking and mutual marketing. Her latest endeavor, FRINGE: September’s Notebook (the authorized companion guide to the TV series) was released last week. If you are a Fringe fan, you can get the book here .

Coming Up for Air — But still treading water

Tags

Anne R Allen, Author, author marketing, Colin Falconer, fantasy fiction, historical fiction, Lucky 7 Meme, Novel Writing, Roberta Trahan, Rosanne Lortz, Sara Ramsey, Sophie Perinot, Stefanie Sloane, Stephanie Dray, Teresa Frohock, The Well of Tears, women writers, Writing

It’s been a long few weeks of reviewing and revising as the manuscript works its way through production — and closer to debut. The official release date for THE WELL OF TEARS  is September 18, 2012.  Even as I write the date here I can hardly believe it.  The long wait is nearly over!

Still, I confess I’ve been struggling with the burden of balancing the many demands of the journey, which is ironic considering how well I knew what to expect. Honestly, I’d thought myself fully prepared. No one was more surprised than I to discover that there really are only 24 hours in a day. So, I am once again renewing my commitment to you all, dear readers. Weekly posts will resume, beginning now!

I’ve Been Tagged!!

The charming and talented Colin Falconer, one of my favorite historical authors and perhaps the most entertaining blogger on my list, has tagged me for the Lucky 7 Meme (see his post: http://colin-falconer.blogspot.com/2012/04/ive-been-tagged.html). It works this way:

1. You go to page 77 of your current WIP
2. You go to line 7
3. You copy down the next 7 lines, sentences or paragraphs and post them, as they’re written.
4. Finally, you tag 7 authors, and let them know they’re tagged.

For my part in the Lucky 7 Meme, I’m posting an excerpt from my current work, THE KEYS TO THE REALMS, which is in the early draft stage. This sequel to THE WELL OF TEARS is slated for publication in early 2013.  Both are books of the Dream Stewards series, historically based fantasies which center on the reign of Hywell dda, a 10th century Welsh king of whom little is known but whose reign left a lasting legacy. In the world of my creation, this mysterious king came to his great power with the aid of an obscure order of mages knows as the Stewards, charged with ensuring his success:

—

“Let him in, they you may leave.” Alwen allowed her second to help her on with the heavy, intricately adorned indigo velvet mantle of the Ard Druidh and seated herself in the ancient throne set upon a small dais that centered her chambers. “It is best I receive him in private.”

Glain nodded her assent but her grey eyes clouded with unspoken protests.  She had found it difficult to find much to like in their new resident. A concern Alwen shared and was looking to overcome.

“Leave the aleberry pot in the coals, will you?” Alwen tipped her head toward the hearth in the adjacent parlor and offered the girl a reassuring smile. “These visits tend to go better if he is assured his confidences will be kept, and after a cup or two of the spirits.”

Glain stifled a smile, still reluctant to relax into the familiarity that Alwen encouraged. “He tends to drink too much.”

“Take care, Glain. The king of the prophecy is due your respect, however begrudging it may be. He comes to us because the Fane is his only safe refuge, a place where he might find some relief for his worries.” Alwen’s wink coaxed a full grin from the girl. “But yes, he does.”

The sentry’s firm double rap on the outside of her chamber door signaled her visitor had arrived. Glain placed two silver cups on the hearth and set the pot to warm as requested, ushered in the king-to-be, and then made a discreet exit.

Hywel stood once again in Alwen’s presence, but this time at her request. Circumstances that clearly annoyed him. but he had come, nonetheless. His glower might well have shriveled any one else, but Alwen knew her power. Still, he was an unnerving enigma — every bit as regal as he was ruthless. She gestured toward the hornbeam and hazelwood desk beneath the double transom window on the far wall, and the more ordinary chair that stood behind it. “Sit, so we may speak plainly.”

—

And now, the 7 authors I’d like to tag (in no particular order):

Anne R. Allen

Sara Ramsey

Stephanie Dray

Sophie Perinot

Stefanie Sloane

Teresa Frohock

Rosanne Lortz

Thanks, Colin!!

Idyll Review for January: Miserere — by Teresa Frohock

Tags

Author, Book Review, Books, Fantasy Book Review, Miserere, publishing, Roberta Trahan, Stehpanie Dray, Teresa Frohock

One of my resolutions for 2012 was to start posting reviews of books (other than mine) that I think are noteworthy. Once a month, I will post a new reading recommendation. We begin this month, with Teresa Frohock’s deserving debut, Miserere – An Autumn Tale.

An impressive first work by a talented author, this book was a compelling read. A well-imagined parallel reality provides an intriguing setting for the unfolding of potentially earth-ending events and a powerful quest. Teresa Frohock skillfully intertwines deeply spiritual themes (which could have easily become heavy-handed religious diatribe, but didn’t) into an action-packed yet emotional adventure that delivers a highly entertaining experience for the reader.

Night Shade Books, Trade Paper, ISBN 978-1597802895

The focus of the story is the soul-tortured hero Lucian, who frankly was the reason I couldn’t put this book down. Lucian’s journey toward forgiveness through reflection and painful self-discovery brought me to tears more than once. Lucian, more than any other character in the book, is so well drawn that he almost rises to walk across the pages. Equally as heart-tugging is the foundling, Lindsay, who becomes the catalyst for Lucian’s redemption. Rachael, the maligned object of Lucian’s desire, faces her own inner demons — literally and figuratively — with grace and courage that makes her both lovable and memorable. Add the evil dominatrix Catarina and you have the makings of a classic heroic journey set against an innovative (and also darkly dramatic) backdrop.

That said, I came away at the end of the book feeling like I had read an abridged version, which I suspect could be due to deep cuts and edits designed to meet a publisher’s page count. The result, whatever the reason, is the lingering feeling of having just scratched the surface of a deeper story.  Another 50 pages would have allowed for richer detail and deeper development of the secondary characters (especially love interest Rachel, and twin sister Catarina–the primary antagonist).

This is one of those very rare books where the editor in me was actually begging for MORE back story. The ending, though maybe rushed, a bit predictable and too sweet in the wake of the visceral punch of the rest of the book, did leave me wanting more. The artful world building and intriguing cast of characters are full of potential which I can only hope will result in a long-lived series. I look forward to whatever comes next from this author.

Next Month: Song of the Nile & Lily of the Nile (Novels of Cleopatra’s Daughter) by Stephanie Dray .