Peeps, a special treat today. Please join me in welcoming back to the blog my fellow Decadent author and good buddy, Jessica E Subject!
I write what I read, and read what I write
Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Cassandra! It’s a pleasure to be back. 😀
In the publishing industry, I often hear the advice, to NOT read anything in the genre you write. Why? Because it supposedly can change the author’s voice in the story as they write their own. Well, that’s one piece of advice I don’t follow. I enjoy romance stories, especially science fiction, contemporary, erotica, and more. I enjoy other genres as well, but I tend to read more romance than anything.
Why do I not follow this advice? Well, when I’m reading young adult, my characters may sound too immature for some readers. If I’m reading a thriller, it’s kind of hard to write sexy for one character when I’m worried about the life of another. Maybe this is because I get very involved in the stories I’m reading. Recently, I read a book that I had to put down because I was too involved. The story was fabulous, but everything that happened to the character left me depressed. But I digress.
By reading stories in the genre I write, I learn from them, what I like and what I don’t. But my voice doesn’t change. I still write like myself, trying to improve my skills along the way. That’s what it’s all about.
So, I follow advice from other authors, in that I should read as much as I can, ESPECIALLY stories in my own genre.
And before writing my recent release, CRASH LANDING, I read a lot of erotica.
Here’s an excerpt from the beginning of the story:
Cael gripped the cushioned arms of the captain’s chair as his ship tumbled bow over stern. The console flashed a blinding red in front of him. Piercing alarms drilled into his mind and he lost focus. The seconds raced by as he plummeted toward Earth. He’d fucked up this mission of peace. Contact with his home planet had ended months ago. No one from Narien could save him now. His death was imminent.
The water below wouldn’t soften his landing. At its current speed, his ship would disintegrate on splashdown. The planet’s gravity pulled him down faster.
He coughed; the acrid scent of fried electronics stung his nose and the back of his throat. Please let my death be quick.
A rattling to the left caught his attention above all other noise. The handle on the cabin door shook. Freedom. It wasn’t his time to die, if he could get out.
The altimeter on the dashboard read six thousand meters, high enough to jump and land safely with his chute. Only to land in frigid water and die of exhaustion or hypothermia from treading without any hope of a rescue.
“Shit.” But he’d die if he stayed. He had to take the chance. Yanking off his safety harness, he pulled himself to standing and strained to reach the recess where his pack hung. Stretching up, he fingered the cloth strap. Not close enough to grab hold of it.
The ship jolted and flung him to the stern. He weaved his arm through the straps of the pack on his way past, dislodging it from the hook. Yes.
His triumph was short-lived as he flew starboard, smashing his shoulder against the wall. He groaned when an electrifying spasm shot down his arm to the tips of his fingers. The ship lurched again, and he tumbled back toward the console. He grabbed the door, his feet dangling in mid air. If he didn’t get out now, he’d forfeit any chance to survive.
The ship righted again. He planted his feet against the bottom of the door and twisted the crank. The latch snapped open, filling him with a sense of hope. Careful to keep at least one hand on the handle at all times, he slung the pack over his shoulders.
All set. Time to jump. Pushing off the floor, he slammed his uninjured shoulder against the door. It blew open and tore away from its hinges, lost to the sky.
Cael teetered on the edge before plunging out of his failing ship. Wind whipped all around him as he twisted to catch his bearing during freefall.
Glancing down, he spied crystal blue lake, much closer than he’d expected. Too close.
He jerked the cord on his chute–several hundred feet lower than he should have. At least. His feet skimmed the cold waves just as his chute caught the current and heaved him back into the air.
The ship splashed into the water beside him, disintegrating into millions of pieces. He raised his hands in front of his face as shrapnel flew at him. Tiny shards sliced into his arms and legs, but the extreme heat from the cloud of steam billowing up at him stung the most.
From the moment his toes touched down in the once frigid water, his skin sizzled. He screamed in agony. His death would have been quicker and less agonizing if he’d remained in the ship.
A hard piece of his spacecraft smashed down on his head, and he welcomed the darkness.
As his ship plummets toward Earth, Cael believes his life to be over. His last ditch effort to save himself ends in a fiery crash. When he wakes up, he believes he’s entered the afterlife, but his surroundings indicate otherwise. He made it to Earth. But who saved him, and what do they want with him?
Now available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.
More information and Buy Links here.
Giveaway#!!
Leave a comment with your email address to receive CRASH LANDING swag (signed postcard & magnet). Giveaway ends October 10th, 2012. Thank you!
Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.
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# The small print: Comment and provide your email address before midnight on 10/10/2012 (Australian Central Standard Time) to be entered to win Crash Landing swag (signed postcard & magnet). Winner will be selected via random.org, with winner’s name posted on this blog by 12/10/2012. The winner will be contacted by Jessica E Subject by e-mail; the winner will be required to reply with their postal address so Jessica can send the prize to them.
Only one entry per ISP address. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. By entering, you agree Cassandra and/or Jessica can use your name when announcing the winner if you should win. If potential prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. All prizes will be awarded. International entries are welcome. No purchase necessary to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law.
Thank you again for inviting me back to your blog, Cassandra! It’s always a pleasure to be here. 🙂
Aww, thanks Jessica! It was so lovely to have you visit again, I hope you’ll be back real soon 😀
Crash Landing sounds like a fantastic read! I loved Never Gonna Let You Go and Look forward to checking out Crash Landing!
Thanks for the amazing giveaway ( I love swag)!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
Thank you, Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy Crash Landing as you did Never Gonna Let You Go. 🙂
I read everything, but yes, I read stories in the genre I write. I’m an erotica writer, but I’m a new horror/paranormal writer, and I’m really into zombie novels now.
It’s always fun to find a new genre, and I think variety in what we read is ideal for any author. Thanks! 🙂
I think it’s very important to read in the genre you write. Besides, it’s fun. Like you, Jessica, I write sci-fi romance because I love to read it. Best wishes for Crash Landing.
Thanks so much, Diane! I agree, and yes, it is a lot of fun. Besides, even in Sci-Fi Romance, there is so much variety in plots, and quite the range in heat levels, too. Something for everyone! 🙂
Exciting stuff! Sounds like a good one. (No need to put me in the swag drawing!)
Thanks Taryn! 🙂
I think writing what you read would fit in the write-what-you-know category. I read just about anything, and I write whatever inspires me, lol. Sounds like you’re the same way so I think you’re safe! 🙂
bicknellbrown AT sbcglobal DOT net
Thank you, Faith! Yes, I read quite a variety, though what I write doesn’t have quite the same range. I may venture out in the future though. 🙂
Jessica, I’ve heard that advice too. I have to admit, when I read the Stephany Plum series my writing tends to be funnier. When I read a historical from Lisa Kleypas, my writing tends to be a little more proper. It’s hard to avoid. But I’m with you. I write romance and I read romance. What’cha gonna do?
Loved your excerpt and I love your writing style. Can’t wait to get the book to read it all.
Thanks so much, Brenna! Yes, very true! And I’m not going to stop reading romance because it’s what I write. Going to keep enjoying it. 🙂
What an enticing excerpt! Love the idea for your story and I agree about reading in the genre while you’re writing. I’m always reading and always writing, so I don’t think I could do it any other way. LOL. Great post and congrats on your new release. 🙂
Thank you, Joya! I guess the most important thing for authors to do is to read, regardless of the genre. 🙂
I read and review all genres. I have a Christmas short story published and am working on a non fiction book. I have many genres in the works, but am only working on them one at a time.
Thanks, Robert! I think it is very common for authors to write in at least a couple different genres. But it’s great that you read everything. I think that’s a good practice for all authors. 🙂
Yes. Authors should read from classics to not so well written stuff to help them write better, Jessica.
Great excerpt! And … I agree. I also write in the same genres I enjoy reading. Not only for the reasons already mentioned but just because … That’s where my heart is.
Thanks so much! Yes, it’s hard to force yourself to read something else.
Important that you should read in your genre, as I find it helps you keep ontrack to that genre. Meaning you don’t wanda off to another one.
Sounds an excellent read can’t wait to read it, have a good one………ROB
Thank you very much, Rob! It does keep you on track, unless you want to combine genres on purpose, which is becoming more common. 🙂
Thank you again to Cassandra for hosting me on your blog!!
I’ve recorded everyone who left their email address and will be contacting them regarding swag. If you would like some Crash Landing swag, but did not leave your email address, you can email me at jessicasubject.writer AT gmail DOT com