Sunday, December 4, 2011
Far From Slowing Down with JK Coi
Bo'sun here and I am excited to welcome back one of our favorite Pirate Pals who just happens to be a multi-published, award winning author. JK Coi is celebrating the release or her latest Steampunk novella and gracious enough to hold the celebration aboard The Revenge decks. Here's the blurb for Far From Broken…
Soldier. Spymaster. Husband.
Colonel Jasper Carlisle was defined by his work until he met his wife. When the prima ballerina swept into his life with her affection, bright laughter and graceful movements, he knew that she was the reason for his existence, and that their love would be forever.
But their world is shattered when Callie is kidnapped and brutally tortured by the foes Jasper has been hunting. Mechanical parts have replaced her legs, her hand, her eye...and possibly her heart. Though she survived, her anger at Jasper consumes her, while Jasper's guilt drives him from the woman he loves. He longs for the chance to show her their love can withstand anything...including her new clockwork parts.
As the holiday season approaches, Jasper realizes he must fight not just for his wife's love and forgiveness...but also her life, as his enemy once again attempts to tear them apart.
Bo'sun: Welcome back to the ship!
JK: Thanks, Terri! It’s always a treat to come on board!
Bo'sun: You have a novella available today in the Carina anthology A Clockwork Christmas, and as usual with your stories, Far From Broken sounds intricate, intense, and incredibly high concept. Tell us about this story.
JK: This is the story of a man and woman—a married couple—who have to find a way to overcome the most horrible event of their lives and find out whether they can come out of it together. It’s not an uncommon theme—forgiveness. Even though it might be told in a less common way, since the story takes place in a Steampunk inspired Victorian England.
Bo'sun: No one can ever accuse you of making this easy on yourself. I can't remember the last time I heard a concept this unique. What is it about Steampunk that draws you to write it?
JK: I like the possibilities of Steampunk. I like that there are no limits, and that it’s about more than just window dressing for the characters. Since my first foray into writing it I’ve done a lot more research in the Steampunk movement (yes, it’s a movement), which is fascinating. I still don’t think I’ve mastered the true feel of what Steampunk is supposed to be, but I’m going to keep writing until I do!
Bo'sun: Did this story come first or did you find out about the anthology opportunity and then sit down to create something from scratch?
JK: I wrote the story specifically for the anthology, and I’m glad I did. The three other authors included in the anthology are so wonderful, I’m truly blessed for the chance to be part of this group and we’ve already formed a tight bond. The others are Stacy Gail (Crime Wave in a Corset), Jenny Schwartz (Wanted: One Scoundrel), and PG Forte (This Winter Heart).
Bo'sun: Great company! You have a mechanical element in this story. What kind of research did you do in that area?
JK: I’m lucky that my husband is a scientist and I was able to bounce my ideas off of him to see how believable they would be. I suppose there has to be a level of suspension of disbelief (or else it wouldn’t be Steampunk) but I really hope that no one will be disappointed with the scientific elements in the story.
Bo'sun: From the blurb of this story, I can't imagine how you kept it novella length. Did you have any trouble keeping it relatively short and were you ever tempted to stretch it to a full length book?
JK: I could have kept writing about Callie and Jasper forever, but the strength of this book is that it’s nice and tight. In a novella every word counts and I think I made the most of that with this story.
Now of course, having said that, I realized right away that this couldn’t be the end for my characters, and I’ve just finished their sequel, which I’m calling Broken Promises. Callie and Jasper are sent on a mission by the War Office to find a rogue agent, but along the way they discover a horrible truth that could tear their lives apart again. I sent it off to my editor this week and I’m really hoping that she’ll love it as much as I do.
Bo'sun: You included Steampunk elements in your novella Iron Seduction (which is awesome!) Do you see more Steampunk in your future?
JK: I do! As I mentioned, I’ve written a sequel to Far From Broken, and I’m hoping to continue this series for a couple more books. I also have a few other ideas that I’ll try to flesh out when the writing schedule clears up a little bit, but whoooeeee, it’s been busy!
Bo'sun: Somehow I don't see you slowing down anytime soon. LOL! Now some fun stuff. If you had to have a mechanical body part, what would you want that to be and why?
JK: I think I’d want those mechanical eyes. “The better to see you with my pretty!” *cackle* I’d peer through everyone’s clothes and giggle when I see grown men wearing spiderman underwear. Wait a minute…that could seriously backfire. There are things I don’t want to see. Hmm, maybe I could have a tommy gun attachment on my mechanical arm. I could rob banks and go all Bonnie and Clyde on my sleepy home town! I’d make the papers and be famous! (and be dead, but maybe then my books would skyrocket in sales *g*.)
Bo'sun: You're one of the most prolific writers I know so I'm sure you have six or seven stories in the works. What's next from JK COI?
JK: eek. Prolific? Not sure about that, but I’ll be diving into edits for my YA Fantasy, Greta and the Goblin King soon, and I do have a few things just out in time for the holidays.
My contemporary erotic romance, BRAZEN GAMES, is available from Ellora’s Cave right now. It’s what I call my “cops and mobsters” story. Jack is the right-hand man to mob boss Sam Moretti. His life is a dangerous place to be, forcing him to always watch his back and never let his guard down. But when it comes to the club’s new dancer, he’s tempted. Very tempted. Trouble is, temptation could very easily expose his secrets and get him—and her—killed. When Moretti confides his suspicions that he has a mole in his operation, he turns to Jack to take care of the problem. For good. Who does Sam suspect? The new dancer…Brazen.
Also, the AGONY/ECSTASY anthology from Berkley Heat and edited by Jane Litte of Dear Author is available December 6! My story CAGED is a part of it, which is So. Darn. Exciting! It’s a painful love story where, in the dark, nothing and everything has changed.
To celebrate release day, I’d love to offer a copy of FAR FROM BROKEN to a commenter and I’ll also send out a full set of romance trading cards for all of the novellas in the anthology.
Thanks for having me back on the ship, pirates! It gives me warm fuzzies that I haven’t been banned yet.
Hugs and rum!
JK Coi
www.jkcoi.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jkcoi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JKCoiAuthor
Bo'sun: You heard her, pirates. Get to commenting! What do you enjoy about the Steampunk genre and what would you like to see more of?
Soldier. Spymaster. Husband. Colonel Jasper Carlisle was defined by his work until he met his wife. When the prima ballerina swept into his life with her affection, bright laughter and graceful movements, he knew that she was the reason for his existence, and that their love would be forever.
But their world is shattered when Callie is kidnapped and brutally tortured by the foes Jasper has been hunting. Mechanical parts have replaced her legs, her hand, her eye...and possibly her heart. Though she survived, her anger at Jasper consumes her, while Jasper's guilt drives him from the woman he loves. He longs for the chance to show her their love can withstand anything...including her new clockwork parts.
As the holiday season approaches, Jasper realizes he must fight not just for his wife's love and forgiveness...but also her life, as his enemy once again attempts to tear them apart.
Bo'sun: Welcome back to the ship!
JK: Thanks, Terri! It’s always a treat to come on board!
Bo'sun: You have a novella available today in the Carina anthology A Clockwork Christmas, and as usual with your stories, Far From Broken sounds intricate, intense, and incredibly high concept. Tell us about this story. JK: This is the story of a man and woman—a married couple—who have to find a way to overcome the most horrible event of their lives and find out whether they can come out of it together. It’s not an uncommon theme—forgiveness. Even though it might be told in a less common way, since the story takes place in a Steampunk inspired Victorian England.
Bo'sun: No one can ever accuse you of making this easy on yourself. I can't remember the last time I heard a concept this unique. What is it about Steampunk that draws you to write it?
JK: I like the possibilities of Steampunk. I like that there are no limits, and that it’s about more than just window dressing for the characters. Since my first foray into writing it I’ve done a lot more research in the Steampunk movement (yes, it’s a movement), which is fascinating. I still don’t think I’ve mastered the true feel of what Steampunk is supposed to be, but I’m going to keep writing until I do!
Bo'sun: Did this story come first or did you find out about the anthology opportunity and then sit down to create something from scratch?
JK: I wrote the story specifically for the anthology, and I’m glad I did. The three other authors included in the anthology are so wonderful, I’m truly blessed for the chance to be part of this group and we’ve already formed a tight bond. The others are Stacy Gail (Crime Wave in a Corset), Jenny Schwartz (Wanted: One Scoundrel), and PG Forte (This Winter Heart).
Bo'sun: Great company! You have a mechanical element in this story. What kind of research did you do in that area?
JK: I’m lucky that my husband is a scientist and I was able to bounce my ideas off of him to see how believable they would be. I suppose there has to be a level of suspension of disbelief (or else it wouldn’t be Steampunk) but I really hope that no one will be disappointed with the scientific elements in the story.
Bo'sun: From the blurb of this story, I can't imagine how you kept it novella length. Did you have any trouble keeping it relatively short and were you ever tempted to stretch it to a full length book?
JK: I could have kept writing about Callie and Jasper forever, but the strength of this book is that it’s nice and tight. In a novella every word counts and I think I made the most of that with this story.
Now of course, having said that, I realized right away that this couldn’t be the end for my characters, and I’ve just finished their sequel, which I’m calling Broken Promises. Callie and Jasper are sent on a mission by the War Office to find a rogue agent, but along the way they discover a horrible truth that could tear their lives apart again. I sent it off to my editor this week and I’m really hoping that she’ll love it as much as I do.
Bo'sun: You included Steampunk elements in your novella Iron Seduction (which is awesome!) Do you see more Steampunk in your future?
JK: I do! As I mentioned, I’ve written a sequel to Far From Broken, and I’m hoping to continue this series for a couple more books. I also have a few other ideas that I’ll try to flesh out when the writing schedule clears up a little bit, but whoooeeee, it’s been busy!
Bo'sun: Somehow I don't see you slowing down anytime soon. LOL! Now some fun stuff. If you had to have a mechanical body part, what would you want that to be and why?
JK: I think I’d want those mechanical eyes. “The better to see you with my pretty!” *cackle* I’d peer through everyone’s clothes and giggle when I see grown men wearing spiderman underwear. Wait a minute…that could seriously backfire. There are things I don’t want to see. Hmm, maybe I could have a tommy gun attachment on my mechanical arm. I could rob banks and go all Bonnie and Clyde on my sleepy home town! I’d make the papers and be famous! (and be dead, but maybe then my books would skyrocket in sales *g*.)
Bo'sun: You're one of the most prolific writers I know so I'm sure you have six or seven stories in the works. What's next from JK COI?
JK: eek. Prolific? Not sure about that, but I’ll be diving into edits for my YA Fantasy, Greta and the Goblin King soon, and I do have a few things just out in time for the holidays.
My contemporary erotic romance, BRAZEN GAMES, is available from Ellora’s Cave right now. It’s what I call my “cops and mobsters” story. Jack is the right-hand man to mob boss Sam Moretti. His life is a dangerous place to be, forcing him to always watch his back and never let his guard down. But when it comes to the club’s new dancer, he’s tempted. Very tempted. Trouble is, temptation could very easily expose his secrets and get him—and her—killed. When Moretti confides his suspicions that he has a mole in his operation, he turns to Jack to take care of the problem. For good. Who does Sam suspect? The new dancer…Brazen. Also, the AGONY/ECSTASY anthology from Berkley Heat and edited by Jane Litte of Dear Author is available December 6! My story CAGED is a part of it, which is So. Darn. Exciting! It’s a painful love story where, in the dark, nothing and everything has changed. To celebrate release day, I’d love to offer a copy of FAR FROM BROKEN to a commenter and I’ll also send out a full set of romance trading cards for all of the novellas in the anthology.
Thanks for having me back on the ship, pirates! It gives me warm fuzzies that I haven’t been banned yet.
Hugs and rum!
JK Coi
www.jkcoi.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jkcoi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JKCoiAuthor
Bo'sun: You heard her, pirates. Get to commenting! What do you enjoy about the Steampunk genre and what would you like to see more of?
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42 comments:
Steampunk! AHA! What do I love about it? The total boundless anarchy of it...future, past, otherworld, alternate world, aliens...paranormal...it can take it all...
This sounds like an awesome story, JK!
You must make it to a steampunk con one of these days, if you haven't already! One of the funnest things to do, honestly!
Doesn't this sound fun?! I'm allergic to research (among other things apparently) so I could never write this, but it's so fun to read. Looking forward to downloading this one and digging in. I'm fascinated by the mechanical elements.
Hey, thanks for having me on board once more! I'm excited for this one, I think it rocks and even more so than mine -- the other stories in the antho are fantabulous!
Terri, those "mechanical" steampunk elements play an even larger part in the second book...
So, where's the rum? It's not too early, right?
It's never too early for rum! (Not around here, anyway. Would it be bad to mix rum and allergy meds, ya think?)
Those book covers nearly melted my work computer. Holy crap! *LOL*
It's NEVER too early for rum. Don't be ridiculous.
What I enjoy most about the steampunk movement is the Victorian fashions. *LOL* I love the dual natures: of old tradition and new innovative science. You get to make a glorious beast of a machine that can change the way we farm or make war or save lives, but you get to wear the most gorgeous clothes and ornate shoes with a fashionable hat and gloves. You get to be a GOOD LOOKING scientist. It's all about looking good for me.
The gears and machines are intriguing, but I find myself lost pretty quickly. I'm much more apt to figure out the lingo of good horseflesh than ever figuring out how the machine works and what you're describing. *shrugs* So that stuff is a bit lost on me. But I do value it as a genre-bending trend. More power to those who can bring it to life for readers!!
No rum actually makes the allergy meds work better. *LOL* Don't you know?
I loved "Far From Broken." And I'm delighted to hear that there will be more stories about Callie and Jasper. They are an awesome duo.
Clockwork Christmas is a terrific anthology and really showcases, I think, the variety within steampunk.
Can I totally second Hellion entire comment? :)
I love the fashions and think the mechanical stuff is cool, but I would tend to glaze right over when I read.
I'm so proud of your JK! I'm just in awe of what you've accomplished since we met at Nationals only 1.5 years ago. Amazing and congrats!
Hi, J. K. and Bo'sun. I love steampunk. I go to DragonCon in Atlanta every year, and the steampunk costumes are always among the most creative. I also like continuing couples in series, so all this sounds great to me!
That Agony cover is smoking hot, isn't it. Hmmmm...
Where was I? Oh yeah.
Janga - You read it already?? You're always a step ahead. I plan to download it tonight. I'm reading short Christmas stories this month so I can jump to this one once I finish Tessa Dare's latest.
I do love the fashions. At Nationals in Orlando I attended the Prism awards with Chance and it had a Steampunk theme. OMG! You should have seen those costumes. A. MAZ. ING.
They even have Steampunk at DragonCon, Nancy? I had no idea. The people who travel around and really get into it have some incredible outfits. I'd love to wear one of those gorgeou gowns just once.
Chance, I'd love to do a con sometime. I've been trying to look for some in my area, but so far no luck
And Terri, for someone who usually does everything to shy away from research...yeah. This was tough. The amount of times I email Maggie and say stuff like "Um, I suppose my heroine can't be wearing underwear or panties, so what the hell? Is it bloomers or drawers, or what?"
Hellion, thankfully I don't think you'll be able to accuse me of getting bogged down in the "technical" aspects of this book. It's all about the gut wrenching emotion in this story.
Janga, thank you so much! Your review was wonderful. I'm really excited about this anthology because I think it is a nice taste of steampunk and really showcases the fact that it can incorporate different styles, different time periods, settings, etc.
Nancy, I had a blast this halloween dressing up in steampunk gear. I can't wait to find another excuse to use it (might have to pretend my work christmas party has a steampunk theme)
Aw, Scape! I hated missing RWA this summer, but I'm really hoping to make it to Anaheim and maybe I'll get a chance to see you again!
Accuracy? Things have to be accurate?
*snicker!
Hellion, I remember a discussion at a con about a steampunk mechanical horse and how difficult it would be to have to stop and wind it up (maybe it was a wind up mechanical horse and not steam driven) Though the discussion got wacked about how much water one would have to carry if it were steam driven...across the west...
Really, fascinating discussions at steampunk cons...and the costumes...a dream. Went shopping yesterday for some pants and shirts my husband can wear to the one we're attending in January, aboard the Queen Mary!
Bloomers? Panties?
Somehow I'm not surprised Maggie is the expert on bloomers. LOL!
I really like the fact that your female protagonist has been essentially disfigured and that her injuries are a significant part of the plot. I'm looking forward to reading this anthology once I get an ereader.
Since I'm not a typical reader or writer of romance, I'm know I'm in the minority when I say I want deeper world building, not just cool fashions. Even though the steampunk fashions are fabulous... I've read a few steampunk titles where it seemed that the author just wanted a reason to use the word "steamship" and "goggles." Meh.
Are you getting a reader for Christmas, Pat? If it's one thing JK can do, it's world build. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Sorry guys, I'm late. The kiddo had school and I have to do my Christmas shopping while he's there so I was rushing around. Almost done....
I like that Steampunk has the vibe of the past but with that cool urban feel. And I love all the mechanical stuff. I don't think I could write it, but I like what everyone's doing with it.
These sound great, JK! I'm looking forward to reading the anthology!
Bo'sun. I've dropped loads of hints--big, ten-ton-heavy thing hints that go thud when they hit the floor--so I hope I'm getting a reader. We'll see. If so, I'll definitely be adding this antho to my download list. :)
Oh, Pat I hope you get an ereader!! I don't know how I ever lived without one! :) it saved my life when I was traveling this summer and I loved the idea of having so many books at my fingertips (that didn't weigh a ton in my bag)
When I was writing this book, I fell in love -- not just with the characters but the world too. I love that I could write historical, fantastical, with romance, science, adventure, and that the possibilities felt endless!
Chance, I just finished a steampunk western with a mechanical horse--Theresa Meyers' The Hunter. And yes, he had to be wound. *g*
I owned my Sony for a year before I actually used it. Now I can't remember the last time I read a paper book. Love having them all right in this little device.
J.K., if I had costuming skills (and if it weren't so blasted hot in Atlanta in August/September), I'd have a steampunk-y gown for DragonCon. Dressing up for Halloween sounds like a blast.
I knew you guys were talking about me, LOL. JK is so strong and edgy on the page and in person she is soft and sweet. She's got all the bases covered. And almost every genre--she is a writing machine! :)
I haven't really read much steampunk (The Parasol Protectorate series is an exception) and I admit I don't understand it, but I too love the clothes! Not that I need any extra bustle--nature has that covered.
Bo'sun, they do, indeed, have steampunk at DragonCon. It even has its own program track. One of the nice things about the con, though, is that people dress in whatever costumes they please, whether or not those costumes fit a program niche.
Congrats on the new release, JK. I can't wait to read the entire anthology.
Welcome aboard, Shelly!
There's the bloomer lady! *waves to Maggie* I see you've been decorating today. I did mine over the weekend. Even have presents wrapped under the tree. Might be a new record for me.
Nancy - I'm not into any of that stuff, but I bet I'd love walking around that conference for the sights alone. Sounds like an ecclectic bunch.
There is much more to it than the costume...but the costumes are the fun visible representation. I've really attended some fantastic panels at the steampunk cons I've been to.
Hi JK.
Afraid I haven't read enough steam punk to risk making any serious comment. It seems to be the Avant Garde genre though so is probably the place to be.
There seems to be much pain and torment in your plots. I could cope with that if there is a HEA to look forward to and the forces of good triumph at some stage.
Considering that I'm a total novice and need a very gentle introduction, where would you recommend starting?
Considering the mechanical bits in 'Far from Broken' I seem to recall that Anne McCaffrey had a SciFi series on 'Brain Ships' where the human brain was integrated with the mechanical/electrical components of a space ship. I found that concept very interesting and almost plausible with the advances in medical science that we are witnessing.
Do you think that steam punk may be anticipating advances in science/culture, making it imperative that I read some, or is it pure fantasy?
Either way, having enjoyed your immortals books, I'm sure your new stuff is well worth reading. I will definitely try it when time permits!
JK I loved your theme of forgiveness in Far From Broken. *sniffle sniffle* It was perfect, heart tugging with a happy ending (hopefully that's not a spoiler).
Quantum, the brain ships are one of my joyous reading memories. I didn't read all of them, but I was intrigued how the style of the books changed depending on who Ann McCaffrey cowrote them with. As for steampunk, I think someone once described it as "imagining the future in the past". It's both tech ("steam") and social critique ("punk").
Aw, Jenny, I'm going to cry, aren't I? Good thing I love when a book makes me weepy. Thanks for stopping by! And I never thought of the "punk" part as the social critique. Spot on!
Q - Jules Verne is often credited with the creation of the Steampunk genre. I'm sure you know the story Around The World In 80 Days. That's very much the birth of this kind of story. The more recent Sherlock Holmes movies (with the delicious Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law) contain Steampunk elements that are very fun.
This is a Romance so the HEA is guaranteed. Jump in with this one and I'm sure you'll like the others in the anthology as well. Very scientific bent to this genre. It's almost custom made for you!
Oh, that is so true! The punk part is the social commentary. I might want to steal that line!
Bo'sun, DragonCon is, indeed, eclectic, but if you're not into any of its varied programming tracks, it's a lot of money to spend people-watching. The parade, down Peachtree Street on Saturday morning, is free, though. You just have to get there veeerrry early to get a good spot.
A parade of crazy costumes. That sounds like fun. If I'm ever in the neighborhood!
Thanks again for the great discussion everyone! I had some medical issues yesterday and didn't get back here as often as I would have liked, but I am very grateful for all the super support!
With it being release day and all you had going on, I thought you did pretty well! Hope all the medical stuff is okay today.
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