Seizing the Ship, or Hijacking the Bandwagon
Arrrh, wenches! Avast, me hearties!
All right, that’s all the pirate-speak I’ve got in me. But it is my extreme pleasure to be welcomed aboard this fine ship. Many thanks to Terri for inviting me!
When I began writing historical romance a few years ago, the word amongst industry folk was that Historicals were DEAD. Paranormals were the hot subgenre, and it seemed like every author was jumping on the “paranormal bandwagon.”
Well, if paranormals were all that would sell, then I figured my ship was sunk. I don’t have anything against the subgenre, and I enjoy some paranormal authors immensely, but overall it’s just not my favorite. I find it more difficult to suspend my disbelief when vamps, shifters, demons, and the like are involved, and I have a harder time sinking into the story and enjoying the romance. And if it’s harder for me to enjoy it, I figured it would be impossible for me to write it well.
So I went ahead writing GODDESS OF THE HUNT, a Regency-set historical, anyway—and fortunately the market started to shift just as I found an agent, and I was able to sell it. Along the way, however, I found that there were certain elements of the paranormal subgenre that I really envied. The high stakes, for instance—in a Regency, it’s REALLY hard to devise a situation where the future of the known universe could hang in the balance. The potential for life-or-death immediacy, for another. Sure, Regencies see their share of duels and carriage accidents, but they’re known more for card parties and masquerade balls than thrill-a-minute action.
And then those half-human heroes…rrwowr! Whether they’ve got fangs, claws, or fur…there’s something so irresistible about those heroes who put the real “beast” in the “Beauty and the Beast” trope.
I started wondering if there wasn’t a way I could steal some of those paranormal conventions and use them in a historical. Not just jump on the bandwagon, but hijack it and steer it in my own direction. Like any good pirate would, eh?
I still couldn’t quite manage to make the future of the universe hang in the balance, but I was able to work in some hair-raising action in the darkened forest. And for my “man-beast” hero, I created Luke Trenton—a soldier just returned from war who feels he’s lost a part of his humanity. His youthful sweetheart, Cecily Hale, has waited for him for four long years. Luke still wants her, but he doesn’t think innocent Cecily could handle his inner beast. But when their house-party group forges into the forest on the hunt for a local legend…it’s the Werestag who forces the issue.
So that’s how I wrote my un-paranormal paranormal and had a blast in the process. And to my delight, Samhain was willing to publish it! If only it could achieve the success of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! Hm, what’s next? A Regency space opera? The not-so-secret secret baby? Who knows…
How about you? Ever contemplated hijacking the bandwagon? Do you like writing or reading cross-genre tales? What wacky crossover would you really like to see? And…read any good beasts lately? ;)
Thanks so much for having me!
Tessa has been sweet enough to offer up one free download of her Samhain e-novella THE LEGEND OF THE WERESTAG as well as a signed coverflat of her debut full-length Regency Historical from Ballantine, GODDESS OF THE HUNT, hitting shelves in July. Just join in the fun for your chance to win. (To order the novella or pre-order Tessa's debut novel, click on the book covers.)
Books by the Crew
44 comments:
I'm a huge paranormal fan--even before I knew there was such a thing as a paranormal romance book--so I'm excited to see how those tropes work in a non-PNR story.
I enjoy when authors take the conventions of a genre and throw them on their ear. Maybe I've got a satirical or NASCAR PNR in me. ;) After I finish my PNR WIP, I've got a dystopian urban fantasy itching to be written.
I already have Werestag on my Kindle(and I LOVE it!) so pass over me when deciding who wins!!! I think the next big thing will be Nazi Zombies followed closely by Nazis in Space...lol. No,those aren't my witty concepts-I stole them from Meljean Brook, but I still think it'd be interesting!
I have seen a ton of zombie books lately. It's kinda strange. I guess they've decided they've overdone the vamps, weres, and demons? IDK.
I think up all kinds of different stories in different genres. I'm not saying they're good! Just saying I can see the appeal in so many genres.
Reading cross-genre is fun. But I have to be in the right mood for a particular genre.
Great blog! Can't wait for Goddess of the Hunt. I've heard endless praise for this book since about two years ago.
Hey, everyone! Thanks so much for having me here on the pirate ship!
Jennifer, I think you *must* write a NASCAR paranormal!! I seriously laughed out loud when I read that. One of the things I love about the romance genre is that there's a subgenre for everyone. Whatever does it for you - dukes, demons, racecar drivers, Greek billionaires...we've got it.
Kelly Krysten, thank you so much reading the Werestag and for your kind words! it does seem like there are a lot of zombies around lately, doesn't it? And I hear Westerns are making a comeback. Zombie cowboys, anyone?
Arrr! Welcome aboard, Miss Dare. I 'ope ya enjoy the benefits a' the bar and drink hearty a' one a' the Revenge's signature drinks, The Glittery Hooha. Have two!
Now, genre wars. Ah, I be a bit of a rebel in the genre wars. I write pirate paranormals...tho I prefer the term a' romantic pirate adventures. Jes' 'cause ya got a witch on yer pirate ship, and sail an alternate world don't mean it's a paranormal! Least that's how I sees it... ;)
Same wit' me saga of The Alien Library or the man born of a fox... Ya put a touch a' the supernatural and wham! Yer a pararnormal writer. Grrrr... Got's nothin' 'gainst the paranormal, I jes' don't think I'm a true fit fer the genre.
I like the idea fer a paranormal NASCAR adventure. Les' put a demon behind the wheel, burnin' up the track... I'd read that.
I looks forward ta readin' 'bout the Werestag. Reminds me a' the werebeagle in an old scifi book...wish I could remember that author's name! Why let the wolves 'ave all the fun?
Thanks for the welcome, 2nd Chance! I love the idea of pirate paranormals! (Has Terri mentioned that my August release is a pirate book...sorta?) And a werebeagle?? Oh my, I need to read that.
Zombie cowboys.lol. Now that's a concept.
[...] guest captaining the pirate ship today, over at the Romance Writers’ Revenge. Come check out my post about taking the paranormal bandwagon for a joyride, in which I explain some of the [...]
Oh, every time I see that cover, I am so very impressed with his turret...tower...architechtural embellishment. Tessa, I count myself amongst the priviledged who watched you begin your inevitably successful journey, and I couldn't be happier for you if you were my own daughter. I still have an old version of GOTH on my computer, and remember the smile on my face as I read it. Congrats on a sensational e-debut!
You know to my horror I've tried my hand at paranormal---three novellas:a time-traveling woman whose husband cast a spell on her, a hotel run by cougar shifters, a librarian who falls for a 250 year old man, and then there was Third-Rate Romance, which crossed every conceivable genre and is snoozing in perpetuity under my bed. OMG. Unplug the computer. I'm sticking to historicals for now. But I think even if you wrote about cowboy zombies and Nazi space cadets or werepoodles, I'd read it. :)
Tessa, congrats on the erelease! I love me some paranormal. Actually, it's the genre I mostly read. But nothing can top a great historical. I'm so excited the world finally get's to read you! You are one talented writer.
Crossover tales like you've written are a total wanna read.. but weird crossover genres (especially zombies) not my cuppa tea! Not even for parody sake. Though I have broken lots of rules with my first foray into straight historical :)
Hi Tessa, Great to meet you here aboard the pirate ship.
The ripples of your spectacular dive into the Romance pond are still lapping the English shores!
I like your concept of bridging genre boundaries to bring the paranormal into historicals and I am definitely going to look at the Werestag legend to see for myself how well it worked.
I seem to recall that Susan Carroll did something similar with her St Leger Novels and also Lisa Hendrix with the 'Dark Warrior' tales. These worked well for me so I expect to enjoy your work.
In my own excursions into writing fiction I am currently fascinated by the deep oceans as a still largely unexplored wilderness. I try to bring myth into the contemp world, presently focusing on beautiful Sirens. Rather the reverse of you're bringing the paranormal into history I think.
You may have noticed that sea farer's tales of sirens causing ship wrecks petered out in recent centuries. The original tales were scurrilous lies told to cover up incompetent navigation.
The bosun here can tell you how tricky it is to get accurate bearings, even with a sextant, especially when your a bit fuzzy about star locations. *grin*
My Sirens live in coastal caverns beneath the sea and do sometimes mingle and interact incognito with humans, to mutual benefit. They do tend to steal the show though. *grin*
Good luck with the books!
Welcome Tessa! This is going to be one busy summer for you!
I read an excerpt of The Legend of the Werestag on your site and can't wait to finish it (I have to figure out how to do the whole download thingy). I'm always willing to try anything once but I'm kinda with you on the paranormals - I'd rather stick with straight historicals or contemps. The only exception that I tend to make regularly are stories involving witches or witchcraft, for some reason. I know someone pointed out once that Nora Roberts put a little magic in a lot of her older contemporary series and I've always enjoyed them. Maybe I'm just a product of the Bewitched/I Dream of Jeannie generation.
As for writing them - forget it! I'm having a hard enough time capturing the here and now. I envy your ability to write historicals. They are my first love when it comes to reading but I just don't have it in me to do the research needed to write them.
The P&P&Z cracks me up in principle; however, I doubt I'd have it on my keeper shelves. I think Harry Potter did a good job of blending paranormal with the real world. And I rather enjoyed Clueless, which was a modern adaptation of Emma--I think that was a good cross over.
What would I like to see? Your books in stores so I can finally read them. *LOL* I'm glad the moment is almost here...I am in some serious need of summer reads!
The closest one I've read lately with the guy as a beast was "Beguiling the Beast" by Elizabeth Hoyt. Not a whiff of paranormal, but he was very beast-like. *LOL* And it was very good.
Congratulations--and thanks for blogging on the ship today! :)
I second the NASCAR paranormal! Although when it comes to paranormals, I'm afraid my tastes are much more in line with yours Tessa. I do love a good myth woven into a romance. On that note, I'm a huge fan of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series.
"Beguiling the Beast" is on my TBR pile and after Hellion's comment, I think it might be my next read. I'm always up for a "beast-like" historical hero!
Once again, congrats on your release!!!
Tessa is on the ship! Whoot! Welcome aboard, my dear.
Looks like the party is off to an early start. I am not a paranormal fan and I'm happy I'm not the only one. I really have nothing against them, just not something that interests me. But like Irish, I have no problem reading the witch-craft like stuff. I remember years ago reading Historicals where the heroine had psychic-like abilities and that I can do as well. But this shifting stuff is beyond me.
That said, I do love your twist on the genre. But then I love pretty much anything you write. :)
What kind of response have you gotten about the twist? I know you've been trying to warn readers that this is not really a paranormal story just so they won't be disappointed if that's whay they expected from the title.
And I swear this should win some kind of cover award. Best tongue-in-cheek cover? At least the best turret award. ;)
Good morning, everyone! Just waking up over here in California. We had an exciting night last night with the earthquake and aftershocks--no damage at the Dare house, just some rockin' and rollin'.
Maggi, thank you so much for the kind words! It has been a privilege to walk this path to publication with you, and I couldn't be more excited to see PARADISE hit the shelves next year! Um, that old first draft of GOTH...? Yeah, let's make sure it stays well buried on the hard drive. LOL. I'm sure your paranormal stories were just as wonderful as the rest of your writing--just TOO visionary for the editors. ;)
Hey, Tiffany!
I know you've written some great paranormal in your day (still remember Lucien!), and I definitely know about your penchant for breaking the rules in style. :) I've heard it said that part of the paranormal popularity is the return of the uber-alpha hero--and actually think Rothy shows some of those same qualities we love in paranormal heroes: strength, possessive jealousy, the surety that he and his love are fated to be, so he will claim her. That Regency Noir hero who fell out of favor for a while. Maybe it's like paranormals have given uber-alphas their comeback in style throughout the genre? Not that anyone can keep the uber-alpha down. :)
Hi, Quantum! Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm loving the pirate ship.
Your sirens sound fascinating! (and sexy!) I would love to read that. My favorite fantasy fiction, whether romance or not, usually plays with myth and fairy tales. This is reminded me that I once (years and years ago) tried to write a YA fantasy that had modern-day fairies living in the Califoria coastal redwood forest. Yeah, it didn't go anywhere--I never finished it, and it was really a mess...But I do love those fantasies that blend a few fantasy elements into our real world.
Hi, Irisheyes! I know it can be a little tricky to download ebooks for the first time. But you don't need a special reader--you can always buy in .pdf or .html format and read on any computer. If you want to try it for free, All Romance E-books has a lot of "Free Reads" that you can download without paying anything (tho you do have to sign up for an account, which is easy.) Take a look here: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/category180.html
I grew up loving both Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie! Maybe I ought to try more of those magical romances, too...
Hellion, it's so good to see you! Thanks for having me!
I think you got it exactly right with HP as an example of fantasy and reality expertly blended. I loved all of the books (who doesn't? wait-don't answer that), and just loved all the magic even though I'm not a die-hard fantasy fan. Just because the characters always felt so believable and human, even when they weren't!
And I loved TO BEGUILE A BEAST, too! Elizabeth Hoyt is one of my very favorite authors. Her books always ring all the right bells for me.
Hi, Sarah! Thanks for dropping by! Yes, definitely do put TBAB on your TBR list. It is wonderful.
And I'm loving the NASCAR paranormal, too! Maybe vamps driving fast cars? With southern accents...mmm. Maybe villain vamp can be defeated when he's impaled on the steering column...or is that too much?
If you're going to do a NASCAR para, you might as well go all the way and have an octopus be the entire pit crew. LOL! Would an octopus shifter work?
"Octopus shifter"!! Terri, you are briliant! think of all the love scene possibilities, with eight limbs at work! Whew...
Terri, thank you again so much for having me. This is great!
You asked whether there has been any confusion or complaints about the title sounding more paranormal than the contents. I know I've seen a little bit of confusion, for ex. in the Dear Author comment trail, but I personally haven't received any questions or complaints about it. We did try to put everywhere "NOT a shifter story!" so readers wouldn't feel they've been bait-and-switched. Honestly, I thought the title and cover would telegraph tongue-in-cheek (turret in pants?) so clearly, there'd be no question...but I guess people are more accepting of or used to seeing "off-beat" paranormals than I thought. :)
And thank you for the cover love. I adore it. That guy is sooo hawt. I asked for hawt and funny with gothic atmosphere, and the artist gave me all three. And I love the way he and his turret are extra elongated in the blog post, too. :D
Hey, Tessa! It's wonderful to see The Legend of the Werestag garnering so much well-deserved attention. I loved the story. It has joined my list of favorite novellas--right up there with Balogh, Brockway, James, and Kelly. I would have counted it worth reading for the moonlight synesthesia sentence alone. And I'm sure the cover has earned a place in the history of romance covers. :)
I had a touch of paranormal in a short I wrote for one of our EJ/JQ board anthologies. That's probably the closest I'll ever get to writing paranormal. From time to time, I do toy with the idea of writing American historicals, but I'm trying to stay focused on my Home trilogy now.
Janga, thank you so much for your kind words! That is high praise indeed, ad it means so much. And so glad to hear you liked the celestial tuning fork. :)
I would love to read your American historicals! Heck, I would just love to read *anything* by you. I am waiting and waiting for Max and Dori's story, you know!
I hadn't even thought of octopus love. And if he's the pit crew, gives new meaning to a lube job. (I know, I should have stopped while I was ahead.)
I admit even knowing it wasn't a shifter story going in, I was so curious about this werestag. LOL! I kept wondering how is she going to make this work? I should have known the answer - brilliantly.
And I did that with the cover on purpose. :) That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Janga - The idea of you writing American Historicals with that southern charm has me drooling. Tell me there will be mint julips (sp?) on the veranda.
Oh, Terri. That is slippery territory you're delving into.
Okay, stopping with the dirty jokes...NOW.
I'm off to shuttle my one healthy dareling to school and try to accomplish a bit of writing. I'll be back 1sh PST (or sooner, if I'm unable to ignore the siren song of wifi)
See you later!
Aye! Another left coaster! Sometimes, I feel sorta alone here on the ship. I jus' read 'bout the rockin' and rollin'...glad to hear yer all right. I'm too far north ta feel that, living along the Monterey Bay, ya see.
I must chime in wit' the rest...love the turret.
I love that the crew likes readin' 'bout witches and magic and don't consider it all paranormal. When did the shifters, vampires and zombies take over paranormal? I say we takes it back!
Congratulations, Tessa! I've really enjoyed hearing about your success.
I'm not much of a paranormal person. I have a hard time reading, and I don't write it. (I must say though JK Coi, has me hooked on her stories.)So, I was very intrigued by your e-title and surprised by Dear Author's (I think) review when she informed her readers that Werestag wasn't a paranormal.
Congratulations again.
Renee
Ha! Lube job and slippery. We need one of those "badop bing" sound effects today. LOL!
Chance - That's a good question about when did the beasties take over. I'm going to blame it on the success of Anne Rice in the 80s.
I love that cover and the story. Tessa Dare is a phenomenal writer . . . I envy all of you who get to read her books for the first time. I absolutely have loved all her books. (So, there's no need to enter me into the contest.)
Yeah, I so could read a Nascar para. Or a para Navy Seals. Or . . . the Time Warp Regency. ;)
Welcome, Tessa! Good to see you here and congratulations on your release and upcoming releases! :)
Sorry I'm late, it's been a long morning.
I love paranormals but I love the idea of twisting it for a historical.
My first MS was a historical with witches, but I've got some rewrites to do on it. :) But it was a lot of fun to write.
Of course historicals are my first love, but lately I'm really with you on the allure of those paranormal stakes. I'm totally enamored of Larissa Ione at the moment and all the crazy-good "if she loses her virginity she will DIE and if she gives up the charm THE WORLD WILL END" drama. Sooo good. Though I enjoy the stakes of historicals, too - all the concern about family fortune and female reputation, etc, keeps things entertaining.
But yay for the Werestag experiment! I think that's one of the great things about ebooks - it gives authors a chance to dabble and cross genres in a way that's not always possible in NY.
And after seeing Star Trek last night, I could definitely go for a Regency space opera!
Lindsey - That made my heart race just reading your comment. LOL! If I read paras like that all the time I'd need sedatives! LOL!
Good point about the e-books, they do give authors wider boundaries to try this sort of thing.
Tessa - Did you know when you wrote this story that you wanted to sell it to an epub?
OMG! Ter, why am I not shocked you brought up lube? LOL! You are so a part of the Original Quadruplet Squad.*g*
And Regency Space Opera? I am so there!! I'm still dealing with Battlestar Galactic whithdrawal!!lol.
Hi, Renee! Thanks for dropping by. I think we have similar tastes, maybe - not naturally drawn to paranormals, but a good writer can make us love them! I'll have to try JK Coi's - I've been meaning to forever.
Ely, thanks for your sweet support always! You know, I think there IS a paranormal Navy SEALs series, isn't there? Where they're time-traveling Vikings? Someone help me out here...
Hi, Marnee Jo! Thank you so much for having me here! Yes, drag out that witches ms and polish it up! You can see from the comment trail, there are readers who can get enough of magic lovin'. :)
Lindsey!!!
Really, everyone. This entire post aside, the Werestag is ALL Lindsey's fault. It was some joking around with her on email that put the idea in my head, and then the idea just wouldn't leave. So don't taunt me with your desire for a Regency space opera unless you really, really want one.
Didn't Jackie Barbosa do a Star Trek spoof during FanLit? Regency Enterprise or something?
I'm off to pick up my dareling soon...will check back in later!
Oh, I must find those paranormal Navy Seals books! Tessa do you happen to remember the title and/or author? I have a weakness for Navy Seal romances . . .
Here it is, Sarah:
http://www.sandrahill.net/
The book trailer explains everything!
Sorry I didn't get to stick around this afternoon, had to be at the batting cages this evening. Fingers crossed the work pays off at the game Thursday, we're still looking for our first win. :)
Thanks so much for being here, Tessa. We know you're busy taking the world by storm and appreciate you put our little ship on your schedule. LOL!
Thank you, Terri - and everyone who dropped by! I had a great time, and I hope you'll invite me back to the ship again sometime. :)
The invitation's always open!
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