Monday, February 27, 2012
Captain Jack Talks with Trailblazer Jenn LeBlanc
Bosun: Jenn LeBlanc had a dream. In that dream, a woman was
running for her life. When Ms. LeBlanc awoke, she decided to write the woman's
story. Then one day, Ms. LeBlanc had an idea. As a world class photographer,
why not put her lens to work and add images to go with the words on the page.
An unexpected dream and an innocent idea have turned the Romance world on its
ear and has readers buzzing about this Illustrated Romance.
Blurb:
A
woman out of time.
A man
stifled by propriety.
A
nemesis determined to take her away.
A
brother to the rescue.
How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman
who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive
in time where she is considered property?
Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side
of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed,
but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that
she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who
is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid
little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when
she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient
businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for
the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws
her to him so fiercely.
As he is wont to do, our own Captain Jack swindled-
CJS: I charmed her. CHARMED.
Bosun: Ahem. I stand corrected. Our own Captain Jack charmed
Ms. LeBlanc into making a return appearance upon the good ship Revenge to tell
us how her dream turned into a six-part serial Romance, complete with
breathtaking and libido-stirring images.
CJS: I do say, you're awful long winded this morning, Bosun.
I could have done the introduction just as well. *takes a swig of rum* Now
where is my lovely interviewette?
Bosun: She's your interviewee, Jack, and she's parking her
Jeep. Did you brush your teeth like I told you to?
CJS: *rubs a filthy finger across his front teeth* I brushed
them for the new year. The rum takes care of killing anything I might have
missed.
Bosun: Heaven only knows why we keep you around, Jack.
CJS: Because I'm the CAPTAIN, that's why. Now don't you have
something else to do.
Bosun: If you think I'm leaving you alone with our guest,
you're madder than a hare.
CJS: Wrong character, my dear. *Sees our guest climbing
aboard* There she is. Ms. LeBlanc, you're looking better than the Black Pearl
after returning from the dead.
Jenn: Oh flattery Jack? Stooping so low? Or is the rum
almost gone...I did bring a crate of the worst, cheapest, most horrible tasting
swill I could find...just for you. *winks*
CJS: A woman after me own heart. *slides barrel under his
chair* Now we must get down to business before Bosun gets her knickers in a
wad. Do tell me you brought more pictures of the feminine persuasion this time.
Jenn: well...there is a woman. In fact. Because my hero is
not into auto-eroticism, he would much rather unleash his well-honed talents on
a lady. *grins*
CJS: Auto… Uh…yes. Whatever you said. There's a girl. That's
enough for me. But before we get to the images, we must get to the words. Do
have a seat here and tell us how this whirlwind tour Bosun told me about has
been going. Faring well, are you?
Jenn: I am exhausted! It has been a great time though, sort
of delaying the inevitable which is the end of my time with the boys. I love my
characters so dearly at this point, I mean, I’ve spent the last three years
with them! But it is almost over, for me...it will soon be up to my readers to
keep them alive for me.
CJS: And I'm sure they will! In the meantime, have some rum
then. It always does the trick for me. *leans forward conspiratorially* The
tricks Hellion does are entirely different, but give the same effect.
*camera moves off target*
*Bosun cuts off Hellie and rights the camera*
CJS: Right. Best to stick to the cards. *clears throat,
holds cards close then far away then close again* Says here you took one book
and turned it into six. That sounds like a lot of unnecessary work. What's that
about?
Jenn: It’s actually how I envisioned the novel to begin
with. To be honest, taken as one book it would be of “Outlandish” proportions
*winks* *turns to Bosun to whisper* See what I did there? OUTLANDER and all?
*giggles* But I saw the book as a sort of miniseries or drama. Each book stands
on the bit of story it tells, while they do not stand alone...except for
certain scenes. So when the new part of the serial was set to release I decided
to do it up right and re-edit, shoot, add scenes and re-release the book as it
was meant to be.
CJS: You're one of those overachievers, aren't you? I've
heard Hellie refer to Bosun that way. No wonder you two get along so well.
*flips to next card* This says something about casting heroes. There's no need
to look any farther, my darling. I'm the perfect hero, at your service.
Jenn: Oh yes, Jack, *clears throat* of course, I...well. The
minute I need a mangy pirate Jack I would look no further. I suppose I am an
overachiever...though aren’t we all happy for it at this point? It took awhile
to cast the brother, and I ended up right where I started, because, why find a
guy to look exactly like the other when the one is talented enough to play
both? And isn’t he just.
CJS: He's just something, yes. *flips card and finds image
of male backside* Let's skip past that one. *flips card again* Ah, here we are.
Every hero needs a leading lady. So your two heroes are brothers, but what
about the ladies in their lives?
Jenn: Gideon’s heroine, Francine is from the 21st century.
She was a business woman well versed in international law. Now...she is with
Gideon. I hear she has been managing his households and finding other things to
pursue, like improving the care of mentally ill patients, trying to revamp
Bethlem Royal Hospital, and such. It’s a subject dear to Gideon, and herself.
As for Perry’s lady...well, are you sure? It’s been a big secret and frankly
has shocked a few people. Her upbringing would normally NEVER put her on the
path she is on.
Gideon and Francine
Perry and Lilly
CJS: A secret? A lady with a past? That's something to which
I can completely relate. Let's not spoil it for the readers, but you could tell
good old, Jack. Perhaps we could even bring both ladies aboard and make this a
foursome, if you catch my meaning.
Bosun: JACK! The cards. Stick to the cards.
CJS: *mumbles to himself* Careful, Bosun, you might swallow
your whistle. *Flips a card* Bosun refers to the people in your pictures as
models. She wants to know how difficult it is to find models who fit the
characters in your head and if those characters ever change after you find a
model you like better?
Jenn: Absolutely, Francine was originally blonde, in fact.
But the more I write these books, the more I realize there has to be a give and
take between the writing aspect and the photography aspect and I write my
character’s physical traits in a much more general way now. I have an idea what
I want, and when I’m casting I find her, or him, and they become the part.
CJS: *flips another card* Bosun, these questions are so
boring. Must I… *sees Bosun about to dump the rum* Fine. But I'm adding some
flare. Tell us, for these more…intimate shots, how does that lens thingy there
not get all fogged up.
*Bosun throws up her hands*
Jenn: We actually have so much fun in studio Jack, I bet
you’d love it. It isn’t like being an intruder in someone's bedroom, not at all
uncomfortable. We are all so close, working together like this. First you have
to have a sense of humor because when a perfect stranger mounts another, well,
you just have to. Second you have to be able to pull in and out of the scene at
the drop of a hat, so what was awkward, just isn’t. Third, professionals. No
giggling schoolgirls. On second thought, you might not fit well in the studio.
An outtake.
The final image.
CJS: *brow raised* Did you say "mounting"? *turns
to Bosun with pleading look – sees rum is still in jeopardy* Ahem. We'll
discuss the mounting after Bosun has had a little more to drink. One more thing
before I turn you over to the crew. You've created this monster of a series and
introduced readers to something they've never seen before. Do you worry about
keeping them coming back? What's next from you and do you plan for all your
books to be illustrated?
Jenn: I do plan for all my books to be illustrated, because
this has been SO MUCH FUN there is no turning back for me. I have two books in
the works, the first is titled BETWEEN A FRIEND AND FOREVER and we
should be shooting that this summer. We talk about the heroine on twitter
codename #Twitchy. She is a little odd. Asperger's or tourettes possibly with
an OCD chaser...makes for an interesting girl. On top of that she is the only
child of an ailing Duke, so she must secure a good match to protect herself and
her mother from the future Duke who isn’t interested in caring for the former’s
leavings. Not an easy thing in Victorian England.
The second will be another epic serialized illustrated
romance, and it brings us back into the Trumbull family. Which makes me happy,
because I’ll get to visit with my guys again. :)
CJS: Those brothers could have a long lost pirate cousin,
you know. *gives the classic Jack smile and a wink* Now I understand there's
some sort of contest going on. A pirate is always interested in new booty,
especially the kind he doesn't have to work for. How does your contest work?
Jenn: Well!! This IS the best part,
I am giving away a copy of the full serial novel to one lucky commenter here,
THEN everyone who comments is entered into the grand prize drawing for a Nook
or Kindle tablet! (in the form of a giftcard to either venue.) The grand prize
drawing will be held at the beginning of March after my final tour post. Rules can be found HERE. A full list of all the posts in
the tour can be found HERE. I would also mention that the
FIRST book in the serial, FREEDOM, is FREE on All Romance eBooks right now...(maybe Amazon as
well, if they managed to catch up)
I LOVE to chat
with readers!
Here Jack, I know you have a short attention span, while I’m
chatting up readers, how about you watch this little video.
CJS: A moving picture? For me. Don’t mind if I do. You heard
her wenches, get to commenting. But first, what say you to Ms. LeBlanc? And if
you were the one hosting the casting couch, who would you want to have in front
of your lens?
Where to get the books:
THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE
FREEDOM : Part one brings Francine to the
world of the Duke of Roxleigh, clashing worlds in first installment of the
completely revised novel, with all new material.
Available now from these ebook retailers:
iBookstore for iThingys
FOUND : Part two finds Francine in the world of the Duke of Roxleigh. The clashing of worlds in first installment of the completely revised novel continues as Francine finds her footing, discovers secrets about her elusive host, and learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.
Available now from these ebook retailers:
iBookstore
for iThingys
TAKEN : The Rake And The Recluse : Part
Three
Part THREE brings Francine and Gideon
closer than they ever imagined possible, until the unimaginable tears them
apart. What will Gideon do if he loses her, this time, forever?
Available now from these ebook retailers:
RUINATION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part
Four
Part FOUR is full of revelations,
celebrations, protestations and one surprise that will have you holding your
breath for the final chapters. What has Perry done?
SUBMISSION : The Rake And The Recluse :
Part Five
Perry leaves Roxleigh House without a
backward glance only to be tossed headlong into one of the most difficult
trials of his life. How will he protect the very thing he is dedicated to
pursuing? How will a man dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure survive a woman
who refuses to relent, when he knows he cannot have her.
RETRIBUTION : The Rake And The Recluse :
Part Six
Perry must find the woman who has managed
to capture his heart, then he must find a way to keep her. Someone else is on
the hunt, someone from her past who doesn’t appreciate that she still lives and
breaths.
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Books by the Crew
29 comments:
Oh...If I were casting my Kraken's Caribbean series... I'd have Stephen Lang as Alan Silvestri... And as Emily? Julie Walters...if she could do an American accent...
This sounds like a phenomenal project!
I just watched THIS MEANS WAR over the weekend, and both Chris Pine and Tom Hardy are beautiful men. I wouldn't mind putting either of them under my lens.
If I were casting on my old manuscript, I'd have Kate Winslet for Elizabeth; and I'm not sure who would play Luc. I know I've seen actors before where I went, "That's him. That's Luc." But I'm drawing a blank. But definitely the handsome, dark, dark-haired, smouldering eyed variety of male. :)
As for Adam and Eve...Eve was more like Reese Witherspoon...and Adam...oh, Chris Pine would make a pretty good Adam, I think. Or Brad Pitt (about 10 years ago.)
Is everyone suffering a post-Oscars hangover? Where IS everyone?
I don't know where they are. I'm still trying to wake up. Just promo'd the blog on FB and Twitter so here's hoping that brings them round.
This interview is so fun. I can't imagine the ride you've been on, Jenn. Do you ever sleep?? LOL!
Not sure who I'd cast, but I can see writing a future hero that just happens to look like Michael Fassbender.
Excellent choice, Bo'sun! *LOL*
Another Time Traveller?
I thought that Maureen and H G Wells had patented that idea!
I have just downloaded part one 'Freedom' and looked at the pictures starting from the end.
The laced up corset looked horendous for a rake to tackle ... guess the best rakes like a challenge though. That wouldn't be Jack's hand struggling with the lace, would it? *grin*
I liked the colour photo's best, but the black and white ones are nice as well.
Is there a reason for choosing black and white?
It's a great idea ..... hope it does well!
Have to say the illustrated Romance idea is brilliant! I've never read a serial before so I'm interested in seeing how I like it.
I've actually never imaged my current characters as celebrities or actors. Hmm...will have to think on this one.
Hi!! *waves* I'm actually at the gym and my trainer is giving me the evil eye, but I had to stop by real quick! I will answer all questions as soon as trainer Jack untied me from this blasted machine!!
Jenn
Feel free to bring the trainer with you. We could use some kicking into shape around here! (Okay, *I* could use some kicking into shape. Whatever...)
I'm up! I'm up! But gonna disappear soon, my agent has me on a torture re-edit and I need to push through.
And my nutrionist wants me to keep track of how much time I spend on my ass...so I want to get off the computer right now and take a walk with the dog so it won't look as bad as it's really going to look...
Wow, I totally love this idea! I'm very visually oriented, which probably why I read a lot of webcomics and graphic novels. So this sounds totally up my alley.
As for casting...I'm currently obsessed with Tom Hiddleston, particularly the Loki version of him, but I'll take any incarnation on my casting couch. Evangeline Lily (Lost, Real Steel, Hobbit) is the "model" for the heroine in my current WIP.
Welcome back, Jenn! :) I love the pics and I love the idea of a visual romance. Very intriguing. I don't think Jack would fit in though, you're right.
I loved your video! :) Very intriguing. And I love time travel stuff. :)
I'm also very visually oriented (also read a lot of web comics and graphic novels and manga. I'd love to see more romance novels adapted into graphic format.
Thank you everyone! It has been an insane project, but I've loved (nearly) every minute of it. Maureen and Ms. Hellion those are GREAT choices for casting! LOVE it!
Terri, sleep? I don't know this elusive sleep you speak of.
Quantum THANK YOU! I hope you enjoy it. I use black and white in the text because it is less obtrusive while reading and because it fits with the theme of the book better in my opinion.
Scapegoat THANK YOU!! I hope you like it :) It has been quite a project, but absolutely worth it.
Terri Trainer Jack is evil. EVIL!!!
P. Kirby I LOVE her, and Hiddleston? Yeah, good choices! I hear ya on the visual thing, I mean, I'm a photographer so..I think in images. ;)
Thank you Marnee! I'm so glad you liked the video, it was fun to make. :)
OOO Romances in graphic format would be cool! I like that idea as well Sin!
Thank you everyone for chatting I'm sorry I was absent this morning. Promise I'll be around more today though :)
Jenn
(I thought you probably went with B&W pictures because I figured women found the pictures sexier and more romantic than ones in color. At least, I think B&W is sexier and romantic...)
Black and white photography is more...evocative. Something about it stirs the mind to fill in...or perhaps we just consider it more old fashioned, so it seems more romantic?
I agree that it is more romantic, but I love black and white photography. Color is just SO pretty. It's sometimes difficult to get past the color to see the texture and form that makes up the image, and when you are concentrating on that aspect, yeah, black and white is really sexy. :)
J
What a fun and great interview! I lurve it, arrrr. Seriously Jenn, I love your photos! =) All kinds of talent going on here. <3
Hillary Seidl
Thanks beautiful!! :)
Jenn
Sorry I have been remiss in my hosting duties, but I think I'm coming down with a cold. My nose has been running all day and I cannot get warm! The meds are knocking me out so in case I fall asleep, I want to say thank you very much for coming back to the ship with your reinvented stories and for handling Jack so well. :)
Oh, and I agree about black & white images. In B&W I notice what the subjects are doing. In color, I notice what they're wearing.
Good point, Bo'sun!
Haha! Bo'sun, that's one way to put it isn't it?! Definitely works.
I hope you feel better!!
Thank you for having me! Everyone keep 'em coming! Who else can we cast?
Jenn
My other favorites:
Bruce Willis
Jason Stratham
Chris Melloni
Clive Owen
Greg Wise
Alan Rickman (with black hair)
Rob Pattinson (he looks good in B&W)
Colin Firth
Johnny Depp
James Franco
I'm sure there are women actresses, but I don't pay attention to them so much. *LOL*
That is quite the shopping list there Hellie! Whoa. I think I'm going to see Magic Mike...as research. That entire movie is nothing but...research.
J
Hi Jenn! Like I said before, I would just hate to have your job. So tedious. Wink, wink. This is what I have to tell myself, of course. It's always interesting to read/hear about your work. Absolutely brilliant!!
Thank you Vi! Now I'm blushing. :) J
Oh my, if I wasn't a little bit smitten with the illustrated romance idea (and Jack Sparrow) I am full blown twitterpated now.
Loved this. With big pitter pats.
Haha Amy, isn't Jack fun?!?! LOVE it. LOVE. love. Did I mention? Love.
:)
J
Welcome aboard, Viola and Amy! Jenn's job is a tough one. All that mancandy traipsing around. What a tough life. ;)
Jack appreciates your notice, Amy!
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