Wonderful author, Jordan Summers, is in the jungle! And with a really unique topic for our writers and readers…the trilogy! Thanks so much for sharing with us, Jordan. I love reading about your experience! And readers, don’t forget to check out Jordan’s new release! Is that cover hot or what? And a book based on a fairytale…my favorite kind!
Having Triplets, When You’re Expecting One
When I wrote RED, the first book in my Dead World trilogy, I never intended for it be a series. I simply wanted to write a twist on the Little Red Riding Hood fairy-tale and express a lot of frustration I’d been feeling. (Got to love psychopathic killers. They’re so cathartic. *g*) Everything changed when I turned the book in. My editor at the time came back and asked if I could write a series. It was a wonderful opportunity. One I couldn’t pass up. I was obviously thrilled that Tor wanted three books from me, but also panicked since I thought I’d written a stand-alone.
I’d left a few things open to the readers’ imagination, but not enough to fill three books. For an added challenge, she wanted me to continue the love story with the main characters for at least the first two books. Up to that point, I’d written a few series books, but each book had a new set of main characters. I realized this was going to be a challenge on many fronts. I had to come up with a reason for my hero and heroine to postpone their happily-ever-after, when in my mind they’d already gotten it.
Luckily, I’d allowed a bad guy to remain on the loose at the end of RED. That took care of one problem, but still left me struggling to deliver triplets. (Bring on the drugs.) My breakthrough came in the form of a throwaway line that the hero said about his past (or at least I thought it was a random line at the time). With that one simple line, I had a jumping off point. I used it to have the hero’s past come back and haunt the future he was trying to build with the heroine.
I’m sure I could’ve taken the story in many different directions and probably would have if I had it to do all over again. But that would require knowledge—knowledge I didn’t have when I started this project in 2005. For me, the biggest hurdle was the mental one. I had to let go of the idea that the first book, RED was a stand-alone title. Once I did that, the rest fell into place. (And no, it wasn’t easy. I struggled with seeing my manuscript in a new light.)
You have to be flexible in this business (ie become a yogi). You have to being willing to change genres, even when your passions lie in a specific area. You may be called upon to write two more books than you’d anticipated. Consider yourself lucky if the latter happens. These challenges come up all the time for working writers. The key is being open to the opportunities the challenges present.
I’ve met many new writers over the years and I can’t tell you how many were OBSESSED with their first/second novel. So much so, they weren’t willing to do anything until that book was bought and published. They exist in stasis…always waiting and allowing opportunity to pass them by time and again. Do not be like them. Take advantage of opportunities, even when they come with surprises. RED was my thirteenth published novel in the fifth sub-genre I’ve written in. It’s also my first single title length book. My other two children, SCARLET and CRIMSON will be out in June 09 and November 09. I’ve done my part. I’ve safely delivered them. Raised them the best I could. Now it’s time for them to stand on their own.
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Hello Jordan and my beloved
. Thank you for swinging with us in the jungle today…congratulations on being asked to write and deliver triplets…as a reader, I love, let me emphasize, I LOVE SERIES, so I am always happy to see books about characters I met in previous books…series make a story come alive for me…I feel like I really get to the know the characters with all their flaws and idiosyncrasies…your advice is wonderful, be flexible…gives me a lot to think about…that mantra works no matter what arena you are in…thank you again…I will swing by again later on today…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Great post! Sounds like a great series!
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welcome, Jordan…I will have to check out your books.
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I am with Paula there! I too love series books. They give you a glimpse of the characters after the book. It makes it seem almost like they are live people and when things come up in later books that involve them it makes them more human.
Hey everybody have a great weekend and Memorial Day!
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Thank you for the enlightening article. I’m glad you hung there because your books sounds awesome! I love series, since you know when a good book comes to an end, there is another to follow.
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Hi Jordan,
I finshed rereading Red last night and this morning I had an email from amazon telling me that I could pre-order Scarlet. Needless to say I did of course!
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Good morning, Jordan, and jungle buddies. I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Jordan, I can imagine how shocking (yet at the same time gratifying) to learn you were going to “birth” triplets! Lucky for me, my Muse tends to think in overall story arcs that often encompass more than one book. I feel lucky she does because I always have something to work on. The single titles she dreams up often languish while the trilogies and series stomp around throwing tantrums, demanding my attention. I also tiptoe between subgenres. My romantic suspense have paranormal elements and my paranormals have suspense.
I definitely have your triplets on my radar now. Thanks so much for the advice and visit today!
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Thanks for visiting the jungle, Jordan! Best of luck with your series!
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Jordan great post! Look forward to your triplets!!!
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Hi Jordan, thank you for swinging in the Jungle with us today. Great post. I agree, writers have to be open to opportunities, opportunities that sometimes appear out of left field.
Congratulations on your trilogy! It sounds fabulous! Best of luck.
Cher
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Thank you for the very warm welcome! I appreciate the Plot Monkeys allowing me to play in their jungle. It’s very kind. I’m going to grab some breakfast (yes, I’m off to a late start) and come back and play. :)
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Hi Jordan,
Congrats on the upcoming release of “Scarlet.” I have “Red” in my tbr pile. I can’t wait to read it.
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Thanks Paula! Yes, being flexible is pretty much the key in this business. As for series books, I love them too as long as they don’t get too long. I read slow and once I get behind I have a habit of giving up on a series. Obviously, there are exceptions. *g*
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Thanks Amy S. and Katie!
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Patsy, I agree. One of my favorites is the Bar Cynster series. Sigh. Love those first books.
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Thanks Fantasy Dreamer. :) Never want to miss out on an opportunity just because it’s unexpected.
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Thanks Tammy! I hope you enjoy Scarlet. :)
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Hey Silver, You’re lucky that your brain automatically works that way. It’s an ability ALL writers need to cultivate. It’s always important to be able to write those stand-alone titles, too because a lot of publishers want those books.
As for blending genres, I’m pretty sure my brain is wired to combine things. I have a VERY difficult time writing in one genre. I can do it, but it’s tough. The Dead World series combines romance with dark fantasy, science fiction, and horror. And no, I didn’t set out to write them that way. I’d intended to write a dark fantasy romance. You know what they say about good intentions.
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Thanks Robin and Colleen! :)
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Thanks Cher! Yep, you never know where that next opportunity will come from.
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I enjoyed RED a lot, and I look forward to the next two books! I like gritty, and I loved your take on Little Red Riding Hood.
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Thanks Karen! I’m glad you enjoyed Red and hope you like Scarlet. I can’t believe it’s releasing in 10 days.
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Have an acquaintance who has written her first book and is trying to get it published. The rejection letters are hurting her. I can understand. This is her baby
and she can’t understand why they don’t love it like she does. I think she bogged sown because of it.
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Patricia, It’s a very common situation. She has to be willing to move on and start something new. I know that’s easier said than done.
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Thanks for sharing your story. Can’t wait now to read your books. And Scarlet coming out soon. Going to order them now.
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Elyane, Thank you! I hope you enjoy the books. :)
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I loved “RED” – the characters were great. I can’t wait for next two books.
Thanks Jordan for such a great series.
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Thanks Sharon! Always nice to hear. :)