 A short talk with J.D. Tyler and Addison Fox Posted by Suzanne Ferrell Mar 5 2012, 12:02 am
Suz, reaching to pour a third glass of the delicious cocktail:Over here, Addison! JD: Hey Addison! Bout time you showed up, girlfriend. Addison: I am so excited to spend the day with you guys and the Banditas! The Lair is always one of the most fun – and hopping – places on the web! JD, lifting her glass in a toast: I’ll drink to that! Clinking of glasses sound, followed by laughter. Sven, one eyebrow lifted in question, turns to see if the trio is going to start trouble, which sends Suz sets her glass down and turns to her friends: I’ve started writing an erotic novella. I was wondering, you both have been multi published in novel length books. What was different about writing a novella set in your paranormal series? Addison: I’d actually start with what is the same. The world of my zodiac warriors is consistent book to book – that part was actually quite easy to get back into. What was different was finding a way in WAVE OF MEMORIES to put my hero and heroine together quickly vs. the canvas of a full-length novel to get them together. I’m not ashamed to say I used that age-old tactic to help get them together quickly….they’ve got a history with each other! JD: I’ve read many novellas, but I had never written one until BLACK MAGIC. When my editor asked me to write one set in the Alpha Pack’s world, I was both excited and nervous. The idea of squeezing a story into five or so chapters was daunting to me—sort of like trying to fit an elephant into a marble sack. I think “big” story, so that was different for me. I knew I wanted to write a novella for Kalen Black and Mackenzie, but I also knew they would have a full-length book. I’ll explain more about how I worked that in a bit. A cabana boy wanders past and the trio stop to admire the hitch in his gait. Suz, clearing her throat and getting back to the subject of their visit: I’ve been approaching this as a challenge to see if I can tell a complete story in a shorter format. What do you two think are the pros about writing a novella? Addison: Getting to revisit my warriors in WAVE OF MEMORIES and having a chance to put more stories in front of readers, hands down. I absolutely love everything about crafting an entire novel, but the realities of time means there is a wait time between books. As a voracious reader myself, I love when my wait time I shortened and it’s just as much fun as a writer! JD: I get to spend more time with those characters, in this case the heroes of the Pack! I also got to tease the reader with the promise of HUGE things to come when they read Kalen and Mackenzie’s full-length book BLACK MOON, which releases in December. Yes, I’m evil that way. Suz: The trio grin and again clink glasses. Suz: Like I said, this is a challenge for me. Having to be very tight in my writing. What do you consider the cons to writing a novella? Addison: The only con is that you don’t get to spend as much time with these characters on the page because you pretty much have their love story on high speed! JD: I didn’t find a con with writing this one. Mostly because Kalen and Mac’s story isn’t over, it’s just beginning… Suz: Just beginning? Oooo sounds intriguing! JD smirks in that usual mischievous way of hers and reaches for the pitcher of mojitos. Suz: Since I write for Ellora’s Cave, all my stuff comes out as strictly an e-book at first. How do you feel about your novellas being just offered as an e-book? Addison: I’m excited that digital publishing is making more options available to authors. While there is a component of universal availability that comes from being in print and digital, the fact that my publisher can put books/stories out more quickly is a benefit to me and my readers. That said, recognizing the story won’t be universally available, I did ensure that the novella weaves in with the broader world I’ve created, yet also stands alone. I think that’s actually a really important component in any book in a series – the story needs to be a stand-alone story first – but it is especially true with an e-only novella. JD: I think being offered as an eBook makes perfect sense for not just my novella, but all of the Penguin eSpecials. Readers can buy instantly and begin to enjoy the story right on their eReader, tablet, or computer, and that convenience is a very good thing. Suz: Well my experimental novella is NOT related to my book The Surrender of Lacy Morgan, but it is an American Historical that takes place after the Civil War. Tell me about your novellas… Addison: WAVE OF MEMORIES is Aidan’s story. Aidan is my Aquarius Warrior and he’s got a wonderfully angsty backstory with Megaera (“Meg” for short), one of the Furies. An old enemy of both of them has come after Meg and the only person she can turn to for help is Aidan, her former lover (don’t ya just love it when that happens?!?!) Of course in WAVE OF MEMORIES, the tables are turned on our dear stubborn Aidan pretty quickly when his old feelings for Meg come roaring back to life. JD: Kalen Black and Dr. Mackenzie Grant first met in PRIMAL LAW when Kalen was recruited to join the Alpha Pack. BLACK MAGIC (releasing on March 6) is the beginning of Kalen and Mackenzie’s story, to be concluded in December 2012 with their full-length book, BLACK MOON. In BLACK MAGIC, Sorcerer/Necromancer/black panther shifter Kalen Black and Dr. Mackenzie Grant battle a lethal enemy and come together in an explosion of passion. One night will set in motion dire consequences not only for the couple, but for the entire Pack. Those consequences will reach their full, devastating potential in BLACK MOON. As the Pack’s commander/PreCog Nick Westfall predicted, a terrible storm is coming, and Kalen will face not only a battle within himself, but a war on the horizon that could end them all… For those of you who are wondering, the novella IS a stand-alone story. Readers won’t have to read the novella to fully enjoy Kalen and Mackenzie’s full-length book. Yet reading the events in the novella first-hand, knowing exactly what happened the night Kalen and Mac first gave in to their passion, will greatly enhance enjoyment of their journey. I hope my readers love the ride! Suz, turns to look at the pool where several cabana boys and one sexy cowboy are swimming: Speaking of rides, have y’all tried the slide over by the pool? Sven retu So, readers, while me, JD and Addison oogle the males in the Lair, how about telling us what you like about novellas? Does having a “special” ebook in a series wet your appetites for more? We have prizes from both JD and Addison for several commenters today. JD is giving print or e-copy of Primal Law to one reader and Addison is giving an e copy of the novella and a printed or e version of Warrior Enchanted when it comes out to another reader **Okay, so Amazon wasn’t being nice to me when I wanted to add click throughs so y’all could purchase Jo’s novella which is available to preorder today or buy tomorrow. Click on this smaller version of her book and it will take you right to the site!** TweetPosted in Addison Fox, Alpha Pack series, Ellora's Cave, JD Tyler, novellas, paranomal romances, Penguin publishing, Sons of the Zodiac series, Suzanne Ferrell, THE SURRENDER OF LACY MORGAN Comments120 thoughts on “A short talk with J.D. Tyler and Addison Fox” |
  
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Is he coming home with me.
Wow, Virgina, he’s yours by a whisker!
Hey Virginia!!
Sounds like you’ll have to bundle up the GR! Maybe he can shovel snow for you?
Yes Virginia he is all yours today have fun with him
Helen
Congratulations, Virginia!!!
Congrats, Virginia!
hey Virginia! You caught him today! Wow, from the sunny climes of Australia’s fall to the US Swinter (Not yet spring, not acting like winter) Grins.
WTG!
Yay! I haven’t been first to capture the rooster in a loooonnnnggg time and my house definitely needs cleaning. I also baked some frosted sugar cookies tonight, so perhaps I’d better hid them from the snack-loving chook!
Welcome, JD and Addison; it’s always great to have you visit the Lair.
Whoops, Jo! Looks like he was a bit illusive tonight! Better luck next time!
Thanks for joining us, Jo. I LOVE visiting the Lair!!!
Addison
Hi, Jo! Thanks for the welcome! I’m never early enough to get the rooster…
Double damn! How did you beat me out, Virginia LOL. Oh, well, at least I can eat the sugar cookies by myself
.
Ooh, hi, JD and Addison and Suz!! I usually love novellas for the reasons you mentioned–they’re often a lovely introduction to a new-to-me author or series or a chance to enjoy an interlude or revisit characters I’ve gotten to know before. I don’t mind those sorts of “fast forward” tricks such as the characters having history–those help condense a story in a way that makes sense!
Definitely looking forward to getting to know both JD and Addison’s stories, and your upcoming one, Suz!
Enjoy the GR, Virgina!
Hey Fedora!
I like the idea of both JD and Addison’s stories are mini-prequels for the longer story later in the series! Sort of wets the appetite for more from both of them, doesn’t it.
*I’ve read JD’s and whoa-mama!*
Hi Fedora!
I love reading novellas for the exact same reason. It was so much fun to get to do the same thing on the page.
Addison
Hi Fedora! Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy BLACK MAGIC!
About the shorter novellas, as a reader I love the idea of them because I get so impatient for the stories to continue and the novella satisfies my appetite for a brief while.
And I love them coming out electronically b/c I’ve given up buying print books, so my Kindle is having a little giggle at the idea of getting your books.
Hey Jo!
I’m giggling over feeding the Kindle. Guess what I downloaded to mine today…Your newest release, FRAIL BLOOD! Gonna read it this week on my days off!
I’m a little partial to the cover, too!
Yay! And thanks, Suz. I hope you enjoy it.
Oh, and I hope you got the “revised” version where I acknowledge Lyndsey for her lovely cover. I left that out on the first run through, silly me!
I was so worried about giving the Archives credit for the courthouse photo, which I’m legally required to do, that I forgot about thanking her!
Suz and Jo, I’m waiting for my Kindle to charge so i can do the same. :> LOVE this story! Read a bit of it and have been thinking of it ever sense. Cannot WAIT!!
And that cover is super too!
I’m with you, Jo – my Kindle keeps getting more and more action
And congrats on your new release!!!
Addison
Hehehehe, and since I have two Kindles, there’s lots of action, maybe even a me*age!
Looks like the rooster may get to play in snow tomorrow they are saying we are going to get snow tonight and to think on Friday it was around 70 and we had tornado’s everywhere. Now they are calling for snow. This weather has just been crazy this year.
I love the novellas when I don’t have a lot of time to read, like tonight I finished a book and started reading a novella which I need to get back to.
Stay safe and warm in the snow, Virginia!
What’s the novella you are reading about?
Definitely stay warm! I think we can definitely say March has “come in like a lion!”
Addison
Snow! Isn’t the weather just insane lately, Virginia? We have cold and rain one day, sunshiny and warmer the next.
Mother Nature must be off her meds!
I have to mention, however, that I would have a terribly hard time writing one and keeping the word count down. OTOH, I’ve never tried it so maybe I’d surprise myself.
Hey Jo!
One of the ways I’m trying to keep the word count under control is knowing that my limit is 30-40K. Another is starting with two characters who knew each other and have a history. (It’s an erotica, they have to have a reason to sleep together quickly! IMHO)
Good tips, Suz. I’m thinking of doing a bridge book for the Bigler County series, so maybe I’ll try thinking like that.
It certainly hones your tight writing skills, doesn’t it?
Hiya Suz! Hiya JD and Addison! Lovely to see you back in the lair doing what you do best. Well, actually writing is what you do best. Chasing cabana boys is what you do SECOND best! It took Paolo a week to recover from your last visits! Actually I really like novellas. Sometimes when I don’t have much time and I want a complete story, a novella exactly fits the bill.
Hey Anna!
Chasing the cabana boys is something these two do with great skill…
“Hey Paolo don’t get too close…or at least try to look like you’re dodging my friends!” Geesh!!
Hi Anna!
Thanks for the warm welcome!
Addison
Hi Anna! Thanks for the welcome!
Writing is definitely what I do best–I’m great at chasing cabana boys, but no good at catching them! LoL
Suz JD and Addison
I really enjoy e novellas because they are a great way to find new authors and keep me patient between books LOL another thing I really like about them is that if I have just read a full length book that was amazing I like to read a shorter one next because for me they can be easier to get into if that makes sense I find it hard sometimes to turn of from the fabulos book I just finished so a novella is just what I need I really enjoy them.
I do hope this gets better soon.
I have a sony e reader and am loving it I buy very few books these days e books are so easy I love them. But because I live in Australia there are still some publishers that will allow us to buy the paperback book but not the e book
Congrats of the novella’s Ladies I look forward to reading them.
Have Fun
Helen
Hey Helen – hope you and yours are safe from the flooding!
Hi Anna
Yes we are safe here although very water logged the ground is so wet the biggest dam we have is still over flowing and it is about a 45 min drive from my place but won’t affect us very sad for some people. But that is the nature of Australia drought one minuite floods the next.
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Helen! I love my new Kindle. I just bought the Touch with 3G wireless and I’m loving it!
I don’t know why countries outside the US have trouble getting rights to the eBooks, but I hope this problem is resolved, the sooner the better!
I hope you enjoy the novellas!
Wow, Helen, I didn’t know Oz had that restriction on ebooks. I wonder why?
That would be very frustrating to me as I haven’t read a print book since last year!
Note to self…make sure all books are available to JoMama in e-book format!
Hey Helen!
I’m with Anna S…please stay safe from the flooding over there!
And wow on the limit on e-books. I would’ve thought that would be way more cost-effective to the publishers than printing and shipping paper books!
Hi Suz
We are safe from the flooding but as I said very water logged.
As for the e book restrictions it is only some I can’t get most of the ones I want I can but there are a few that I have been trying to get and still can’t I just don’t really understand why
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Helen!
Sounds like the ereader revolution is alive and well here in the Lair. I know what you mean about easy….it’s like….poof, I think I want to read that right now and there the book is!
Addison
Addison, I agree. The instant payoff of downloading a book was well worth the price of my Kindle!
I hear ya, Caren – it’s that instant gratification that just never gets old!
Addison, my favorite feature is the font size. Next the almost weightlessness of the book.
I hope NY publsihers are now releasing the ebooks simultaneously with the print books!
Jo:
Those are definitely two awesome features. The portability really cannot be beat. (And as someone who never carries *just* one book, I love that I’ve got a cleaner purse!)
Addison
Hey Addison!
I love and hate the ease of downloading books.
Love it because, yes the book is instantly in my Kindle, OR I can preorder months in advance and poof I look at my Kindle one morning and there it is!
Sorta like Santa came while I was asleep.
I hate it because it is wayyyyyyyyyyyy too easy to wrack up the $$ on my credit card. And poof all of a sudden I have a big bill to pay for that month!
Ah yes….the bill….
Addison, I have spent SO much money because of the Kindle. Because I can get it instantly. If I have to go to the store to get it, usually I forget before I get there(good for my wallet).
Ah well.
I know exactly what you mean, Cassondra. And to Suz’s point above, I love the pre-order function!
Welcome back to the Lair, JD and Addison – always such fun when you visit!
I”m another one who is daunted by the thought of writing ‘short’, though, I suppose since I write category length, it shouldn’t be that hard really! (Says she who has to cut mercilessly to get down to category length!)
I love novellas that fill in the gap for a long wait until the next book comes out. What does frustrate me is when you have to buy them in an anthology of authors or stories you don’t want to read. Hopefully the ebook revolution will give more flexibility that way.
Anna, you may not have done this with your students since they were younger, but with mine, I was forever going about 1/2 to a whole page into their papers and writing “START HERE” because there was so much of what I called literary “clearing of the throat” in those first paragraphs or pages.
I think for fiction writers it’s kind of the same. The story really starts far later in the pages, but we have to sort of get that stuff out of the way first.
Now if I can take my own advice! LOL
Hey Anna S!
The good thing about anthologies where several writers are in together is that I’ve found my way to more than one good writer I didn’t know existed before I tried the anthology.
I have this theory about the anthologies.
If it’s a 3-story book. one is great, one is okay and one sucks. If it’s a 4-story book. 1 or 2 are great, 1 or 2 are so-so and one sucks. That’s just my theory!
Hi Anna, and thank you! That’s a good point about the old print anthologies–It’s so nice now to when I’m able to buy just the novella I want and not the whole book.
Anna:
Thanks for the warm welcome!
I was definitely concerned with writing short and what helped me was that the story I was telling just wasn’t meant to be a full length story. The fact the characters have a back story made it easy to shorthand the development of the relationship a bit and then I streamlined the action going on around them.
It was a fun way to stretch my writing creativity and I definitely hope to do another one!
Addison
Jo and Addison, welcome back to the Lair! I wanted to pop on before heading to the DDR and say that I ADORE novellas in a series!
Like a tasty hors d’hoeuvre, a novella satisfies my appetite for a great series world I love while I wait for the main meal – the next full-length novel. I’m sure these novellas will tide readers over while they await the next brilliant books in your series!
Hey Caren! (Just crawling out of bed for a bit…hope your day at the DDJ is going well today!)
Like a tasty hors d’hoeuvre …see, I’d use the word appetizer, because quite frankly hors d’hoeuvre is a very intimidating word spelling-wise to me. I have to see it to spell it!!
And yes I agree, novellas can be a way to tide you over to the main course!
Hi Caren! Thanks so much. Novella are like tasty treats, aren’t they?
I love that idea, Caren!!! A little treat between courses!!
Good morning ladies! I love novellas as well as full length novels. The novellas give readers a chance to quickly get engaged in the energy of a story and plunge right into the lives of the hero and heroine. They’re also a quick read that can be finished quickly and leaves the reader wanting more.
Lovely to see all you together in one place, like the Lair. Have a mojito for me!
Oh, yeah, Kathy, lots of power here today!
Since I don’t drink, can I have a frosty Pepsi with lots of ice in a glass-glass? Tee hee.
You know, Jo Mama, Sven keeps a constant supply of Pepsi, (Dear God you have to learn to like Diet Coke) and cold glasses behind the bar just for you!
Hey Kathy!
We’ll gladly have a mojito for you, girlfriend!
plunge right into the lives of the hero and heroine This was the first obstacle I had to overcome when starting mine. Being an erotica and a historical, I had to give my hero and heroine a past relationship, so slipping into bed together wouldn’t be that awkward.
I know. That’s what I had to do with the novella that I’m currently working on (a paranormal erotica). Giving them a back story together makes the relationship more intimate right off the bat.
(I’m a Diet Coke girl, too!)
Hi Kathy! How have you been? Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Kathy!!
Thanks for visiting. I totally agree – the high energy part was essential to keep the story moving.
And let’s bring on another round of those mojitos!
Addison
Good Morning everyone! Had to see my son off to high school and my daughter off to college this morning, now I can chat! Thanks for having me back, it’s always fun.
Having my second cup of coffee now…
Jd, getting them out the door never gets easier even when they’re in college, does it?
My two “boy” left for their college classes this morning and I’m enjoying the completely quiet house!
Jo, it certainly doesn’t! They’re still kids, even though they like to think they’re grown up!
Hey JD!
Glad to hear the kiddos are off to school. Nothing used to thrill me more than when the silence descended on the house after the chaos of getting the motly crew out the door!
Ahhhhhhhhh Peace!
Suz, that is so true! It was a day of writing and blessed peace.
Sounds like a busy morning!!
I ended up having a crazy day – I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to check in this afternoon!!!
Addison
I really like the shorts myself, and if they are in an anthology it is all the better for me. It is a real quick way to check out new to me authors. My reasoning is if I get pulled into a story that quick then I am going to love a full length by that author. Kind of a Whitman’s sampler of reading instead of chocolate.
Great anaology, Dianna, Whitman Samplers! And congratulations on being the featured Bandita Buddy this month!
Thank you, I have been a BB almost from the beginning, I was so honored to be asked.
Hey Dianna!
I’m loving the Whitman’s sampler, too, but you know there’s always that one piece of candy that you take a bite of and you go, whoooooooooa what the heck was that and the other half goes in the trash?
I know exactly what you mean. With me it is usually a cream that makes me go “What was that!”
I love that analogy, Dianna!!!
There was discussion some days ago about snacking and I think about half likes chocolate while reading……kind of a natural progression to the Whitman’s. LOL
Hello ladies!
Thanks so much for coming to the lair to talk about your novellas.
I have to say, the idea of writing a novella has always scared me to death. I haven’t tried it yet. But I do think, as a reader, that they’re great when they can give me a little of the world I love, in between full-length books. Also, I love it when I can see bits and pieces of the characters’ lives that might not fit into the regular book. Backstory like y’all are talking about–that makes a great novella, to me.
Hey Cassondra!
The backstory idea is a great one, and it leaves the author with the opportunity to really revisit and flesh out the characters’ lives in the main story, doesn’t it?
As a reader who read JD’s Black Magic I can tell you one after effect for me…I soooooooooooo wanted the big book…NOW!! **even told her by email how evil she was!!**
I’m pretty sure Addison’s Wave of Memories is going to do the same thing to me!
Hi Cassondra! Writing the novella was a scary idea for me at first. But in reality, once I figured out what my goal was to reveal to the readers about Kalen, it was surprisingly easy!
Thanks for the welcome!
That’s a great point, JD. One of the things I learned in the process of writing the story was exactly *what* I wanted to show about these characters. While every word has to count in a full-length novel, it REALLY has to count in a novella.
Again, I so enjoyed the process of testing different writing muscles.
Addison
Love it when we have company in the lair – welcome back Addison & JD. Good to see you out of the cave, Suz -
As a reader I really like novellas. I’ve discovered new-to-me authors in that “snack-size” format that has led to later full-size book purchases. Novellas have a fast pacing necessitated by their shorter length – I like that. Usually I’ve noticed that the novella features secondary characters from the main story – but I LOVE JD’s idea of doing backstory in the form of a novella. Brilliant!
As a writer, I like that I can generate a product for my readers in a shorter timeframe. I like that they bridge the gap between releases – especially if those releases have a sizeable gap between them.
Sound like great reads, ladies – and an ebook is great for this shorter format. No need to combine with others for a printable length. Kudos to you all.
Hey Donna!
Yes, I’m out of the cave today, but I have the Vampire shades pulled!! There is way too much sunlight during the daytime!
but I LOVE JD’s idea of doing backstory in the form of a novella. Brilliant! She has moments like that! And the story is every bit as brilliant as the idea for it!
Hi Donna,
Thanks so much! Telling Kalen and Mac’s backstory for the novella was my sneaky way of not having to “wrap” their entire journey in just a few short chapters! Hopefully it will serve as a tempting morsel for those who want to know just what happened between them in that episode of their journey…
Thanks again!
Thanks for the warm welcome, Donna!!
Addison
Hey JD! Hey Addison! Welcome back to the Lair! :> It’s always hopping around here when ya’ll show up. Grins. So glad Suz dragged you away from your writing caves and those Warriors and Black and got you over for some fun. Bwahahahah!
For a long time I wasn’t a huge fan of novellas and short stories because most of them left me wanting more – a bigger story, a larger view into the author’s world. Now, however, I can appreciate that those snapshots often lead to bigger books, or can be the finish to a story already started, or can just be a great snack whilst waiting for the whole meal of another book. Grins.
Hmmm. Must be lunchtime! ha!
I’m looking forward to both of these, and to more from BOTH of you in full length too.
Enjoy the day in the Lair!
Hey Jeanne!
What’s for lunch at your house?
So glad Suz dragged you away from your writing caves and those Warriors and Black and got you over for some fun. Bwahahahah!
Someone had to do it! They were and are having way too much fun with all those hot alpha males they’ve created!!
And OH, are they hot!! Grins.
Lunch….ah….steak. Grins.
Hi Jeanne! Thanks for the welcome!
>>For a long time I wasn’t a huge fan of novellas and short stories because most of them left me wanting more – a bigger story, a larger view into the author’s world. Now, however, I can appreciate that those snapshots often lead to bigger books, or can be the finish to a story already started, or can just be a great snack whilst waiting for the whole meal of another book. Grins.
You hit on why I used to be hesitant to read novellas, but now I agree. They are often used to enhance a much bigger world in a series, or finish a story that has begun. I love this!
Hi Jeanne!
I love getting out of the cave….and there’s just no place better than the Lair!
Thanks to you and all the Banditas for the always-warm welcome.
Addison
Hey guys!!! Over here! The Bandita with the Savannah Smiles GS cookies (Glares at box…”Stop. Smiling at me!)
I love novellas because it keeps me connected withe the worlds you build…a carrot so to speak to give me ease until the next full book.
Joanie!! STEP AWAY FROM THE COOKIES!!
Geesh, we’re going to have to get Sven to put those things under lock & key, aren’t we?
You know, your Irish mythology series has one or two characters that could use a short novella, don’t you think?
Hi Joanie! What have you been up to? Can’t wait to see you at RWA!
Oooooh….Girl Scout cookies….serious proof that the devil lives in my pantry
It’s so great to “see” you here – I hope to see you in Anaheim!!!
XO
The Devil lives in your Pantry? OMGosh. We’ll send the extermination and Girl Scout Cookie Removal squad STAT!
*VEG*
Great idea Jeanne! I’ll cover the Savannah Smiles…
burp
I want to say how much I love all the covers! Anything extra that an author wants to give me is always welcome!
Hey Catslady!
Aren’t those great covers? Putnam and Penguin publishers seem to make the yummiest covers. Here’s a peak at the second Alpha Pack novel of JD’s coming out next month Savage Awakening.
OH, didn’t I tell y’all the second big book is coming in April? :>
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UAsszLG5L._SS500_.jpg
Hey Catslady!
Thanks so much. The day a cover arrives in my inbox is one of my most favorite days. The art department at NAL just out-do’s themselves each and every time.
Addison
Um…..I think that would be “outDOES” themselves!!!!
When I’m reading ebooks, I prefer reading short novellas. I don’t have an ereader and reading long books from a computer screen is a bit of a pain.
Hey Minna!
I can see how that would be hard! It’s hard on us as we write them to sit and read them on the screen.
One of the things I like about Novellas is you can usually finish one in a couple of hours and if you have something else you need to do, you just put the book down before starting the next one!
That’s a really good point, Minna. It’s definitely a different reading experience….I haven’t figured out, though, if it’s the screen or having to read up right at a desk!
So glad you joined us today!
Addison
Hi, Addison and JD–Welcome back! These novellas sound yummy!
I have quite a few novellas on the iPad. They’re ideal reading for waiting rooms or for times when I’m too busy to dive into a full novel. I especially enjoy the ones that flesh out the characters or the world in ways that wouldn’t fit in the structure of a novel. I don’t know that they make me more eager, necessariky, but they’re a nice treat between book-length stories.
Nancy:
Thanks for the welcome!
And I’m with you – I am constantly downloading things and I love popping in and out of stories at different times. Something shorter can be ideal for those times when you just don’t have the time to dive into a longer story.
Addison
Addison, do you think as a writer, that doing a stand alone novella in a series requires that you first expand your knowledge and imagination of the world you’ve created?
Hey Nancy!
I’m sort of laughing over the waiting room use of the ipad. When I was first married and expecting our oldest, my husband was shocked that I wouldn’t go to the doctor’s without a book in my bag. After a few trips with me, he said, Oh, now I get it! I think he was tired of women’s magazines and the rare sports one!
Novellas help introduce to the the work of authors that I’m not familiar with. And they satisfy my need to read when I don’t have as much time to finish a longer story. I enjoy any chance I get to read more about characters that are favorites.
Hey Leni!
You know I’ve often thought Nicolas and Claire, the step-brother and sister-in-law of Johanna of Julie Garwood’s Saving Grace would be a great novella. They were forced to marry to save her, but you got the impression it wouldn’t be an easy relationship.
Hmmm, I see an email to JG coming!!!
So, readers, while me, JD and Addison oogle the males in the Lair, how about telling us what you like about novellas? Does having a “special” ebook in a series wet your appetites for more?
Novellas are great things to have in a collection. I also write them; which means they are a challenge to get into as well. I find that keeping the characters to a minimum and the plot nice and tight (much like those very hot cabana boys at the lair!) is a must. If you spread out your plot too much, it becomes something it’s not.
And reading a novella is fun. I have always enjoyed Stephen King’s novellas for how good and tight the plots are; and that final twist at the end he appropriately puts in.
And who doesn’t like a story without a good, wholesome twist?
Hey Mozette!
I find that keeping the characters to a minimum and the plot nice and tight (much like those very hot cabana boys at the lair!) is a must.
Hehehe, you’ve been oogling them, too? They are especially worth watching after a mojito or two, aren’t they?
And you’re so right. Having a specific purpose in the novella and keeping in mind the word count limits, forces a writer to keep things tight!
Aaah, I don’t need alcohol to get me oogling guys… just get me a good sugary drink and I’ll be oogling them…
Just don’t dare me to do anything… I’ll do it.
Hi Ladies,
It’s nice to see you on here again! I’m looking forward to reading both of your novellas! I like novellas b/c I can read them in one sitting. I find them easier to write too.
Good luck to you both!!!
Hey Karilyn!
Always good to see you dropping by the Lair! I know you love writing novellas, and you are very good at doing them!
Thank you Suz!!! It’s nice to visit the Lair.
I need to figure out how to upload a pix so I can get rid of the generic one. 
I am so psyched y’all discussed novellas! They are a really tough and thrilling challenge for me, and I can’t wait to read your (super sexy and awesome sounding) takes.
I enjoyed the interview. I like that novellas are short and don’t take that long to read.