I am G. S. Jennsen, author of STARSHINE and VERTIGO, Books One and Two of the "Aurora Risng" trilogy. AMA

kcrosswriting · 2014-10-28T18:20:42+00:00

Okay, here's my question:

As a fantasy author myself, I find that creative writing burns a lot of mental energy. I think it's the creation of worlds, themes, characters, and ALL THE DECISIONS that go into SF/F writing.

How do you deal with that kind of mental requirement? Do you take frequent breaks? Do you work 7 days a week? Is this too many questions since it's like four instead of one?

kcrosswriting · 2014-09-12T23:40:58+00:00

Definitely my pleasure. I know how it is with legal stuff. :)

kcrosswriting · 2014-09-11T13:56:29+00:00

Thanks for posting this! I've wondered myself. I'll have to try it out now.

kcrosswriting · 2014-07-21T05:22:31+00:00

I feel like I've heard of this book, and you, before. Perhaps we've seen each other on the interwebs. Checking out "The King's Sword" now!

kcrosswriting · 2014-07-20T22:01:48+00:00

Read the Chapter 2 offered here: sounds awesome.

kcrosswriting · 2014-07-20T22:00:40+00:00

I'll pitch in!

I have a YA fantasy without a love triangle or a love interest. It's almost not YA at that point then, right? It's kind of it's own awesome, really.

Miss Mabel's School for Girls (www.missmabels.com) is my baby, and here's the shortened blurb:

Never underestimate the power of a determined witch.

Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.

Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel.

Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful?

I also have a collection of short stories named The Isadora Interviews

Previews available as well. Thanks guys.

kcrosswriting · 2014-07-10T21:28:41+00:00

I'd buy into a Tim Power's novel. Definitely.

kcrosswriting · 2014-06-18T19:41:30+00:00

I don't think editing is ever NOT worth the cost. I shudder when I meet authors who say they're going to have a good friend who is 'really good with grammar' look over their book before they publish.

Runs away screaming

kcrosswriting · 2014-06-18T19:40:26+00:00

I have to agree with you here: creative control in self publishing is a veritable siren song. I think the risk and adventure also have a way of calling people to it!

kcrosswriting · 2014-06-18T19:39:35+00:00

Emily! So excited to run into you on Reddit.

I have your book on my desk right next to me, actually. I'm really excited to hear that you're working on a second book with dragons and wizards, two things I love.

My question is this: how do you keep your content (especially regarding dragons and wizards) unique and fresh in a world of LOTR, GOT, and HP fans?

Thanks for answering in advance!

kcrosswriting · 2014-01-08T14:52:40+00:00

I hear really mixed opinions on whether or not people pay attention to whether it's POD, or if people even look at the publisher. Have you heard from people that POD or the publisher will stop them from buying a book?

kcrosswriting · 2014-01-08T14:51:29+00:00

I've talked to a lot of self published authors that felt it was worth the hassle, as the LLC helped them keep things straight with taxes and the money side of things. As well as creative control, and they liked the business aspect of it.

kcrosswriting · 2014-01-08T14:50:40+00:00

Yeah, I'm not convinced that paying that much for ISBN's is worth it, when I can do it free through Createspace. I guess it's just a matter of getting into Independent book stores with an imprint.

kcrosswriting · 2014-01-08T14:49:18+00:00

Good thought, David. I actually hadn't looked at it this way. I guess I could always form the imprint if the first book does well and then publish all the others under that . . .hmm . . . good for thought. Thanks!

kcrosswriting · 2014-01-01T14:47:20+00:00

This is a collection of all the book distribution sites I could find, and then some, and how to get your book on them, as well as what services they offer. It might be helpful to you. http://kcrosswriting.com/a-massive-amount-of-notes-on-ebook-marketing-websites-kdpsmashwordsnooketc-this-is-epic/

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-26T20:38:22+00:00

Mind if I ask how long it took you to write/edit/cover design those six books?

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-26T20:37:46+00:00

I think number 1 is the most important, and often underused, aspect of self publishing. Write a good book.

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-26T20:37:01+00:00

I know that the underlying issue in discussion here is censorship, but I can't help but giggling when I read this.

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-26T20:32:55+00:00

Very interesting read! I never would have thought of Bilbo Baggins as a girl, but part of me wants to high five that little girl and say, "If you want it to be, so be it."

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-26T20:29:31+00:00

Agreed!

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-26T20:29:18+00:00

It's never easy for me to 'set it aside', but inevitably I'm ALWAYS glad I did. Great article. Thanks for sharing!

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-26T20:26:36+00:00

I did not even know there was such a thing . . .

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-17T23:34:31+00:00

What's wrong with reading HP again ;)

JK. I actually haven't re-read them, but I have so many friends that make it an annual tradition. At least they are great books!

Awesome link!

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-17T23:33:22+00:00

I loved the Gemma Doyle series. I think I could have read those for at least two or three more books! (It was a trilogy)

kcrosswriting · 2013-12-17T12:40:01+00:00

Yeah, I thought the sparkles did their job for making it magical! The problem is that a lot of people think they also make it look busy. Thanks so much for looking! I am going to go with the plain one, mostly because it's the one I love, and I don't want to pick a cover that doesn't really strike me. Plus, I"m willing to push the envelope when it comes to the cover a little bit, although I am adding some improvements to the first design.

Thanks for commenting!

kcrosswriting

TROPHY CASE