Fiction Vixen Book Reviews is pleased to welcome award-winning author Monica Burns today. Assassin’s Honor, Book 1 in The Order of the Sicari series will be released on June 1, 2010. Today Monica is here to talk about writing outside the box and taking risks.
MONICA:
Writers are always hoping to hit a nerve with readers by giving them something different, fresh and unusual without been so far outside the box that readers won’t like the book. As one editor said it, they’re (agents, editors and readers) looking for something fresh, yet familiar. That’s what I tried to do with my Order of the Sicari paranormal series. When my agent encouraged me to develop a paranormal series, I really didn’t know where to start. I’d written one ghost story romance, and that was the extent of my experience in writing paranormal. I wasn’t quite sure where to start.
So I sat back and took a look at all the paranormals I liked and what they had in common. The romance and relationships were a given, but the issue of world-building perplexed me. How was I going to create something fresh when the market had vamps, werewolves and shapeshifters galore and done incredibly well? I took a course on world-building from Cheyenne McCray, which gave me more insight as to what I needed to be doing when it came to finding an idea that would sell. Originally, I started out with a plot that revolved around Atlantis and the survivors of the ancient sunken city and the causes behind its destruction. That didn’t sound fresh enough to my agent, so I went back to the drawing board.
One of the things I love is history, and wanted to find a way to meld that love into a paranormal. Primarily because I love swords, and I wanted my heroes to have swords. So I had to build a culture around my love of swords. I know it’s an unusual place to start, but there you have it. For almost two years I toyed with different ideas, and all of them kept coming back to history and, you got it, swords. Then while watching HBO’s mini-series ROME, I started asking what if questions, and started getting answers. The back story to a new series started to flow in my head, and I realized that I might just be on to something. I had the history and swords I wanted, but I also had those old familiar pieces readers wanted. Paranormal abilities, hot heroes, feisty heroines, steamy romance, and some things that were a bit different.
A lot of paranormals have immortal heroes and heroines. The Order of the Sicari series doesn’t. I wanted to make my characters different than us, but living in a unique world that borders and often merges with our reality—meaning that everyone is mortal. Some people have said it ups the stakes for the characters because anyone can die in the books. I like to think it just makes them more approachable, because with the exception of a paranormal ability, they could be like us. While most of the characters have paranormal abilities, some don’t, some have greater abilities than others, and some have a mix.
It’s all genetic, just like the real world where some of us have a gift for music, dancing, politics, medicine, etc. Everyone has something to contribute, and in the Order, each character brings something different to the overall culture. For me, creating a fresh and unique series was about developing a world where readers could identify with the characters, while still getting that fix of a strong paranormal element along with a culture that while based in historical fact is different enough to be viewed as foreign to our modern sensibilities.
The Sicari culture can be brutal, yet incredibly noble and fair. An oxymoron I know, but it’s how I see the Sicari. They kill to protect the innocent, but it doesn’t make them feel good. I like the imagery that they’re out there protecting us when we can’t always protect the innocent ourselves. It gives us a sense of power that somewhere out there is a good guy who’s capable of doing bad things to protect us, especially when it comes to their mortal enemy the Praetorians. These villains have a culture that’s based in corrupt, immoral beliefs, and they hide behind ideology. They represent all those things in society that we don’t like, intolerance, greed, hate and so much more. They’re vicious and brutal, and yet like the Sicari, they have reasons for being the way they are, and not all of them are bad. Some are even redeemable.
There are plenty of risks writing a series in this way, one because it IS out of the norm. Some readers don’t want to invest the time to get to know a new world. Then there’s the aspect of the immortal character—that need to see death conquered in a paranormal romance. But I think readers will see quite clearly that in a strong sense, my characters ARE immortal. They’re just immortal in a way that’s a little different. Another one of those risks I took in developing this series. The next big risk is writing book three and making sure it rises above the bar that the first two books set.
Writing something that’s a little different and outside the norm is really about putting a new twist on components readers are already familiar with and love. It’s about taking a risk that readers will like your story telling enough to take that risk with you. Of course, I’ve always taken risks with my writing, and hopefully readers will take that risk with me, when they pick up Assassin’s Honor.
So do you like it when authors take risks or do you prefer the tried and true?
Thank you for being here today Monica. Assassin’s Honor certainly has some unique twists to what we’re seeing in Paranormal romance today. I’m sure readers will enjoy The Order of the Sicari series.
- FV
Purchase links for Assassin’s Honor:
B&N | Borders | Amazon | Powell’s | Books-A-Million
****GIVEAWAY****
I have two copies of Assassin’s Honor to giveaway. Leave a comment here and ask Monica a question answer her question from her post above:
“Do you like it when authors take risks or do you prefer the tried and true?”
Contest is open until June 5, winner announced the next day. Open to all.
About FV Sophia
I like when authors take risks, but I also like the tried & true. It's like a good and a bad. I always really enjoy when authors turn their own spin on everything – Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters or JR Ward's vampires. But through it all I think it has to be believable and make me want to live in that world.
So, Monica is there a world from a book/series that you would want to live in?
I also really like the cover to Assassin's Honor!
Risks! I love being surprised!
I really enjoy reading something a little different – but it has to be believable (even if we're talking paranormal!).
If you pull me into your written world quickly and flawlessly, you have me forever – whatever you choose to write about
My question, Monica, is what aspect of writing do you least enjoy?
I realy like it when an author takes risks and when they add their own spin to the paranormal .Tried and true is good but I have to say I love being surprised with something new
I like for authors to take risks, but I am happy reading books that are "tried and true," as well. The characters are most important to me. I will forgive much in a novel if the characters are compelling, if I care about these folks and what happens to them. I do like that Assassin's Honor features mortals. That is a welcome anomaly in paranormals. I enjoyed your post. Thanks.
I don't care either way really. Dont matter to me whether the story is good old genre or new and risky. What I care about is how the author tells the story. How compelling is the story telling quality!
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/05/win-assassins-honor-at-fiction-vixen.html
Twitted: http://twitter.com/cherrymischivus/status/14783738589
Cherry Mischievous
mischivus101-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
I love when authors take risks. Sure it doesn't always work… but the old tried and true sometimes get boring…
Great post.
I'd rather authors take risks.Keeps us guessing.
Hi everyone! GAWD Today is a hellacious day at the day job! I'm popping in just for a minute before I have to race off to do something else. The boss is leaving the country for a couple of weeks and there are last minut things to do.
Sounds like everyone is more concerned with the overall story and that it's a good read. Personally, that's what I think is important. It's one of the reasons why I do take risks because I want to tell a good story.
Darla, Glad you like the cover. I was ecstatic when I opened my email.This IS Ares as I pictured him. Well at least his chest! LOL Book/Series I want to live in. The Scarlet Pimpernel. Hands down. Sir Percy is my ideal hero, brave, smart, takes risks, great sword fighter, lover, you name it. I would LOVE to be Margeurite St. Juste for a few days.
Sweet Vernal Zephyr – I'm a big risk taker. I've walked away from jobs before with nothing to hang my hat on.
Everyone else, I'll be back to answer questions comments. Hang Tight!!
I love when authors take risks and really push the boundaries of our imagination. It makes the book that much more interesting.
*hugs*
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca
Ooo sexy man on the cover, I like this! I could stare at that chest all day. Series sounds awesome!
Question for you, if you could have any supernatural being as a pet, which would you pick?
desertlion91@hotmail.com
Oops forgot to answer the question. I like it when authors go out on a limb, because interesting things always happen.
desertlion91@hotmail.com
There's something to be said for the tried and true, you know what you're getting. But I also like it when an author takes a risk, most of the time you get a wonderful surprise of a story that you weren't quite expecting.
I'm looking forward to checking out your new series, starting with Assassin's Honor.
Take a bit of risk, wrap it in the tried and true and add a bow. This is the perfect book gift for me.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
FINALLY!! I didn't leave work until little more than an hour ago!!! I'll get to relax for two weeks. NO WAIT! She has a BB and cell phone. *sigh*
Lesley, Check out the first three chapters of Assassin's Honor here http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfAssassinsHonorExcerpt.htm
Hopefully I'll suck you in. *grin*
Aspect of writing I despise – Probably a book release because by the time a book comes out, I've improved my craft of storytelling, and I can see ALL the flaws and issues that I wish I could correct to make the book that much better. I saw that with Kismet, I see it with Assassin's Honor, and I'll see it with future books. There's always something to improve upon, but once it's in print, the likelihood of getting a second chance is pretty much non-existent.
Wanda F – I never have been one to do things by the book, which is why I work hard to tell a good story and still take risks.
LSUReader – There definitely comfort in the tried and true. And it's funny about the mortal piece, it wasn't even on my radar really. LOL Glad you enjoyed the post.
Cherry, hopefully I wrote Assassin's Honor well enough for readers to find it compelling story telling. Time will tell. *smile*
Nicole – I REALLY hope it does work in the case of my Sicari heroes. LOL
Elaing8 Glad you liked the post. I don't want so much as to surprise the read, just keep them guessing and wondering what will happen next. I think it keeps them turning the page.
S7anna – I love pushing the imagination boundaries. Great way of expressing it.
Sandyg02 – I LUBS Ares on this cover. I totally screamed when I opened the email. AND I was at work!! NOT GOOD! LOL Supernatural being as a pet. Hands down a dragon. They're so majestic!
Barbara E. – Glad you're looking forward to the new series
Robin K. – Great way of describing it. Hopefully Assassin's Honor will be a nice gift for many readers.
I hate to say this, but it depends on my mood as to if I like an author who takes risks or one who does the tried and true. Tried and true is comfort food and the risk is thrilling. Both can triumph and both can fail. Makes it interesting either way!
I am very interested in delving into this world.
Great post! I like it when authors take a risk it keeps it interesting!
myra0502@yahoo.com
I like it when an author takes a chance. But I also like some of the tried and true. It really depends on what I am in the mood to read at the time.
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
I actually like both because when authors take risks I think it makes for a more interesting and new read. However, the tried and true authors usually guarantee a satisfying read.
lilazncutie1215 @ yahoo.com
Melissa, never apologize for saying its a mood thing. Reading is definitely subjective and like anything our moods dictate a lot of our reactions and actions. Glad the series interests you.
Myra, glad you liked the post.
Jellybelly, sounds like you and Melissa have something in common. Moods are definitely something to guage our reading habits by. *smile*
Jeanette, Isn't it nice when you have that risky book in your hands that actually turns into something that's tried and true, it's just a different twist. *smile*
Hi Monica, I love your books.
As for your question? Well, I like my tried and true…but I'm willing to try something new too.
I used to read only historical romances…and they are still my favorite, but now I read westerns, PNRs and even some contempts.
My motto….You have to try it before you know if you'll like it. No risk means no gain and I'm always looking to gain more favorite books and authors.
I'm looking forward to reading your new book….If you wrote, I know it's gonna be goooood!!!!
Congrats and Best Wishes, Mitzi
mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net
I love it when they take risks!!
Most of the time I follow them no matter what genre they are writing in!!
I follow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Mitzi – Mmmwwaaahh! Thank you. That's such a wonderful thing to hear, even more so when I'm on the verge of a new release, hoping it will do well. And I love your motto. My mom's favorite thing was…"you have to at least try it. If you don't like it, you don't have to eat anymore." *grin*
Thank you again for such a wonderful pick me up after the day from hell! Hugs
Martha, So do you ride rollercoasters??? LOL I love risks and I love coasters! Thanks for posting
I definitely prefer it when authors take risks.
Congrats on the release. It sounds like a great book and I cant wait to read it.
I do like it when an author takes risks as long as it doesnt go against the character type they have created as well. Risks can make the story more interesting and exciting.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Eva Thanks for posting! I confess, there's something wild and wicked about risks. Living on the edge so to speak
Donnas, I'm glad you like the sound of the book. Even with risks the consequences have to remain true to the mold. *grin* thanks for dropping in
Your book looks like a good one and yes i do like authors that takes risk.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Take a risk, what do you have to loose? OK, well, I guess there is much to loose, but if one is confident, prepared and able, then the risk is usually worth it.
Monica- I love your books. And, I know you won't remeber this, but we had a nice little chat on Facebook probably around a year or so ago about writing, and I will never forget it!
sexywomenread@yahoo.com
I like both. There are times, when I'm in the mood for something cutting edge, but other times when only the comfort of tried and true will do.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great giveaway. I love this –>"Primarily because I love swords, and I wanted my heroes to have swords." As a person that often plays unguard(sp) with the table toothpicks I can so relate.
I enjoy when authors take risks, if they didn't do so the romance industry wouldn't have paranormal genre and that would be a crying shame.
Hi Monica. Assasin's Honor sounds great. I love the cover.
I do like it when authors take risks. It gives us great books to read.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com
Why is it that the day job and writing DO NOT mix. LOL I had to work late yesterday, which meant I had to work late doing edits for Assassin's Heart. OY! These final round of edits are almost done. YAY!!
Stacey, I glad you like the look of the book. I hope you check it out.
CallMeKayla, Well I guess if I had the risk of losing my life I might think twice…nah! I drive like that all the time. ROFL Kayla thank you for your compliment, it's always such a joy when someone tells me they enjoy/like/love my writing! A wonderful ego stroke. THANK YOU! As for the conversation, I do remember your name, but the conversation escapes. I email, chat, blog so much it all runs together sometimes. Hell, I have trouble remembering characters names when I'm writing the book! LOL But always feel free to come to my chat page. I'm always hanging around, and I do answer!
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMonicaBurns
mbreakfield – variety is the spice of life. And cutting edge or comforting is one of those mood things.
Smokinhotbooks – You need to check out my swords page on my site. I collect them!
http://www.monicaburns.com/SwordStarted.htm
CrystalGB – As I told my college kid the other week. Life is a risk. If you don't take the risk, you might never know what you missed. Of course, this was about a guy, relationships and why she got hurt. *grin*
I think it can be a lot of fun when authors take risks with their storytelling. The same ole can get boring. But it has to work, not just be awkward. So it takes some talent and planning.
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
Thank you for the interesting post! I prefer when authors take risks ( without it there is the risk to have many boring books.
)
Thank you for this giveaway! ^O^
Giada M.
fabgiada @ gmail.com
I always like when authors take a risk, but I think it should be well calculated. Not haphazard. Plus, I don't think they should rely on the romance aspect to carry the whole story, esp if the risks fail.
Tried and true never hurts when the story and characters are crazy awesome. But I do like to see a small fresh element.
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
I love it when authors take risks although I imagine that can make it harder to sell the book. Have you had any ideas that you've just been unable to sell?
By the way, I saw a review for Kismet and it looked very interesting, but totally different from Assassin's Honor. Which genre do you prefer to write in?
Julie, Part of reducing the risk is research. something I do a LOT of *grin*
Giada, glad you enjoyed the post.
Marianna – A risk for me is doing something that no one else is doing. It's about telling a good story first and foremost
JenM – My book Mirage which Samhain contracted, almost sold to two different NY houses in 2005, but the exotic setting was the death knell there. Historicals outside of England or Scotland traditionally don't sell well. BUT, it didn't stop me from writing Kismet, which was a cathartic book for me.
As for what I prefer to write, I just like to write and tell a good story. I love paranormal and historical. However, I will say that historicals are easier for me to write. It's a world I'm so familiar with. In my Sicari world, there's still a lot I'm having to remember. It's sort of like moving into a new house. You know where things are, you just have to get used to where you put them. *grin*
This might be boring but I prefer the story being tried and true *winks*
An author should stick to what she does best, in my opinion. That way, we will have books all great and still in different styles and genre coz authors do have different strengths and forte.
bugs(dot)bittle23{AT}gmail(dot)com
It is a comfort zone thing isn't it Joyson.
I love it when a author takes risks just like everyone else sometimes they need to break out of their comfort zone and try something different.
sstrode@scrtc.com
Sherry,
I did jump out of my zone a little bit, but the history in the story's background made it easier for me. *grin*
I love when authors take a risk. I'd rather read a spectacular failure than a boring been-there-done-that.
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
LORD! I sure hope Assassin's Honor isn't a spectacular failure. I'm hoping for a moderate success. Although…I do intend to be cremated, so going out in flames is JUST my style. ROFL
I like it when authors take risks, life not to mention reading would be boring if we did't take risks. I read the sample chapters. Assassin's Honor looks great, Monica! Love, love, love the cover. I looked up the Sicari and the other mythological stuff you're using. Kudos to you for historical accuracy and basing your world in historical fact. The minute i read the synopsis, i was all over this. I love the ancient Egyptian and Roman world, so whenever i see those time periods and the mythology as a plot element, i get excited because you don't seem to see that used very often. As for my question. Why the Sicari? And how did you find out about the Sicari to begin with? You choose a pretty obscure part of history that probably not a lot of people know about. I know i didn't until i looked the Sicari up. Even if i don't win (but boy i hope i do) i will definitely be buying a copy. I'm already looking forward to the next Sicari novel.
Glad you like the cover, Lauren. I do too. As for the research, I had a Latin translator and just keyed in the word assassin, and it came up with several different renderings and I chose the word Sicari for my heroes because it felt right.
I used Latin because it's what the Sicari's ancestors spoke during the time of ancient Rome. In present day, the Sicari speak a bastardized mix of Latin and Italian as part of that mythology.
Hope you enjoy the read
I would be thrilled to win a copy of this book. It sounds really good. I am on the ARC tour for this book, but it hasnt got to me yet. If I win I could remove myself from the tour.
Monica — If you could live in any other time when would it be and why? Past? Future?
MDOBSON, Any other time?? Born 1875 and have my first dance at 18 (1893), and I'd drive my family nuts because I wouldn't marry for wealth or position. I would love to dance, and dance and dance. *grin*
Hi, Monica! Great to read your post today! As for whether I enjoy risk-taking authors, DEFINITELY! I love seeing an author's voice in different genres or taking new directions. Often what attracted me to her writing in the first place shines through no matter what type of writing she tries, and it's a treat as a reader to go along for the ride.
Hey Monica,
I don't mind if one of my favorite writers jumps out of the box, it keeps me from getting bored of reading so much of the same that I no longer want to read anything. As they say, variety is the spice of life.
Zina
fichen1 – I think it's just as interesting for readers as it is for the author to try another subgenre. Generally, the voice stays the say, it's just the venue that changes.
Zina – variety is most definitely the spice of life. And boredom is something no author wants their readers to experience.
Hi there!
Thanks for the awesome interview!
I guess I´m more for surprises and change. Of course you´re on the safe side if you like a book and nothing changes, but doesn´t that make it kind of boring to read? Isn´t reading something totally new, a completly new take on things or an twist you woldn´t have expected what makes the thrill of reading?
Greetings and love from Germany!
Tine – I've mixed about new things. I love to try them, but I'm not always happy about change. I'm an oxymoron. *grin*
And where in Germany?? I lived in Maniz-Finten for a year. My Dad's side is German and live in a small village called Wedhem outside of Bremen. My Mom's side is Italian, hence my bull-headed passionate personality. *grin*
I like authors that take risks … I think it allows the author to grow in his or her writing and at the same time grow with the number of followers.
Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.
steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com
I think taking risk are okay as long as it doesn't damage the story or veer from it. Sometimes an author will take a risk and that risk can feel forced…but in most cases it does pay off and will be an asset to the story.
ladyrogue(at)ymail(dot)com
Wow, I didn´t know that! So cool!
Right now, I´m living in Regensburg, which is in Bavaria in the south of Germany. But I was born in the deep woods of the Bavarian Forest.
So do you speak a little German? Or has it been too long since you were here?
i like it when authors take risks, as long as that's what i'm in the mood for. sometimes i want to know what to expect when i pick up a title (it'll be funny, or have a hometown feel, or always have a hot cowboy somewhere in it, etc.) sometimes, though, i want to be totally shocked! i can usually get the gist of which one it will be and pick my books accordingly….
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
I love when authors take risks, just like I love when actors and directors take risks. I love fresh and new things.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
Hi Monica – I guess it depends on my mood – sometimes I'm tired and just want to be taken away so I reach for tried and true. At other times I'm all for something new and the wilder the better. AnnhonATaolDOTcom
I like when an author goes out on a limb, but not as far as leaving me scratching my head saying "huh?" or "no way".
lovemybabysquid at yahoo dot com
I love when authors take risks. It opens everyone up to new ideas & thoughts.
Keep us on our toes!!!
I like it when writers take risks. But that to me, is when a writer goes outside of their comfort zone. I think it makes me anticipate their next book.
I would like to ask, have you ever had a paranormal experience?
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Steven, I agree that taking risks allows an author to grow. I know it did me, and I think my historicals will be the better for it as well.
Lori – I'm a risk taker, but I don't think I go to far out of bounds in terms of forcing something. If it doesn't feel right to me, I know it's not going to feel right to the reader
Tine – Awesome, I don't think I went through there. I visited Garmish Partenkiken where I skied on the Zugspitz and came down on a stretcher with a an ankle sprain. Swelled up bad. So instead of sking the rest of that weekend, I hobble my way through Linderhof and Neuschwanstein Ein klein Deutsch, and a family prayer that's in German. I imagine I'd pick it up again if I were there. I knew enough when I was there that when I hitch hiked everyone assumed I was German because of my blonde hair and my accent was really good (If I live someplace for more than three months I sound like I've lived there all my life LOL)
k-sunshine – Finding that what to expect read is generally where a favorite author comes into play. I have a friend who loves Nora Roberts for just that reason. She says Nora's books give her what she wants and expects.
Misusedinnocence – I like a mix of both I think, even as an author the tried and true is good. It's comfortable. Writing outside the box can be uncomfortable.
Cybercliper – IT is about what one is in the mood for, isn't I'm not always ready for wild and crazy either.
Cathie – I don't think I could go that far out on a limb. I want readers to identify with my characters.
Heatwave 16 – New thoughts and ideas. I like that analogy
Debbi – Anticipation for books is good. It's what I like to see with my books. LOL I have had several paranormal experiences. I've a small bit of psychic ability. I've bought houses with it, heard from people who've crossed over and been able to tell when something is a good or bad thing. Sometimes I don't trust myself with it. That's the need to be tried and true vs. out there. *grin*
Hi Monica! Congratulations on the release of Assassin's Honor!
“Do you like it when authors take risks or do you prefer the tried and true?”
I love it! I love it when authors have an original take on stories, or when they explore previously unheard angles. It is great to finally stumble upon something different and fresh.
Monica what are your plans for the future?
What kind of books do you like to read?
Thank you!
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi Stella, thank you for the congrats. I'm delighted that the book is now available for readres. The beauty of writing is that original takes make for exciting reads. Plans for the future. Well, I just turned in another historical to Berkley (male virgin with an older courtesan). In fact, the cover is up on my website at http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfPleasureMe.htm I'm really excited about the book because I think it's some of my best writing to date. This weekend I've been brainstorming with friends for the third Sicari heroes book. That one comes out in another year. I love to read all kinds of books. Historicals are my first love, but paranormals are right up there side by side. Christine Feehan is one of my all-time fav paranormal authors.
I like it when authors take risks. It's great when you read new and fresh ideas.