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Ruby Releases – Jeannie Lin and Liz Talley
 Posted by Liz Talley Oct 4 2011, 12:00 am in Ruby Release, the dragon and the pearl, Touch of Scarlet
So today, I’m hosting Jeannie’s release of Harlequin Historical The Dragon and the Pearl, an already highly-touted follow up to Jeannie’s first book Butterfly Swords. I love Jeannie’s writing – it’s sensual and strong – so I’m looking forward to diving into another story that will whisk me away to ancient China. Jeannie’s interview is up first… Liz: I loved the evocative writing and world-building of Butterfly Swords, and I felt many readers responded to the atypical setting and hero. How does The Dragon and the Pearl compare? Jeannie: Butterfly Swords was an adventure story so it was really fun mapping out a new world. I was able to take my characters through forests and palaces and the wild frontier. The Dragon and the Pearl focuses in on a few particular aspects, specifically the internal power struggles during that time. More importantly, I really felt that I got to develop a deeper and more complex relationship between the hero and heroine in The Dragon and the Pearl. Liz: Did this story naturally evolve from the other story? Did you find it harder to write the second book? Jeannie: The beauty of taking a long time to sell is that I had actually completed three manuscripts, including Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl, before ever publishing. Because of that, I wrote The Dragon and the Pearl without any boundaries and without any fear. I had no idea what would sell or not, so I took some chances with The Dragon and the Pearl. I feel it’s the more “Asian” of the two books in terms of character and setting, but I had learned so much from writing Butterfly Swords that The Dragon and the Pearl actually felt easier. Liz: Your first book seemed to be a hot topic. Left and right, I saw bloggers, reviewers and other writers giving it some love. Do you do anything in particular to promote your books and yourself as an author? And did you intentionally set out to give yourself a brand? Jeannie: *blushes* I’m so grateful for the attention Butterfly Swords has gotten and I can’t say how much I appreciate everyone who’s blogged and reviewed it. I actually do a lot of promotion, but I don’t feel like it’s a burden because I’m just so excited to talk about the history and the cultural background behind the stories. I also love to teach, so I’ve been actively giving workshops. That’s not so much to promote my books as much as just a way for me to be a part of the writerly community. Fortunately, people have been very curious so I don’t come off as completely rambling all of the time. The choice of setting almost immediately branded me. There are other authors who have written Asian characters and Asian settings, but I went all in, no holds barred. I do put a lot of thought into message and image, I must confess. It’s more to create the vision of where my stories are coming from than to prop myself up. Liz: What is your biggest strength as an author? Your biggest weakness? Jeannie: My biggest strength as an author is probably that I embrace the fact that I have no natural talent. All I can do is write that next page and I trust that whatever I need to do or learn will come in time. My biggest weakness career-wise is probably how slowly I come up with ideas. It takes me a while to incubate an idea before I’m in love with enough to start writing. Liz: In five years, do you still see yourself writing the same genre and subject matter? Or do you have some hidden plans up your sleeve? Jeannie: Ooh…secret plans! I’ll definitely be writing in a similar genre and I hope that people will still want to read. The more I research and explore, the more I find that intrigues me. I’m also trying to branch out a little bit into historical paranormal and also have a steampunk in the works, but these ideas have still come out of my love of imperial Chinese history and culture. And now for Liz…
Jeannie: A Touch of Scarlet brings the heroine, a Broadway actress from New York, back to the small town of Oak Stand. With each new book, the setting and colorful characters within it have really become an integral part of the story. How do you see this story fitting into the ensemble? Liz: The entire story is set in Oak Stand so the community is there, but somehow it feels a bit different. Even though the cover is dark and sexy, this book is more of a romantic comedy with a straight-laced guy and a vampy young actress who enjoys pushing his buttons. Just has a different feel, but still holds on to the familiar with setting and recurring characters…but don’t worry- it’s not overburdened with them. Jeannie: I wouldn’t consider recurring characters a burden. More like old friends! Do you ever get readers asking you about particular characters and requesting stories about them? (I noticed that Bubba has grown in fame enough to be included in the blurb for a Touch of Scarlet.) Liz: Well, everyone loved Bubba and wanted him to have his own story. But in all honesty, though Bubba is deserving of love (as is everyone), he’s not really the best hero material. My editor was pretty emphatic about that; however, I gave him a love interest in the fourth book A Taste of Texas, and he and Meg are still an item in this book. The only other request I got also came out of A Taste of Texas and involved a mean girl scene. One particular reader wanted some redemption for poor ex-bully Stacy Harp. Jeannie: So a bit of trivia – you actually finaled in the 2009 Golden Heart with a Regency Historical Romance. It speaks to your versatility that you’ve really gone to town writing contemporary romances. Do you think you’ll ever return to historicals? Liz: I would like to do so one day. I have two complete Regency historicals along with a saucy Regency novella languishing on my hard drive. Historicals are my first love, but sometimes a writer isn’t meant to write what she thinks she should. My voice took me in a new direction and I was curious enough to follow it. But I have ideas for a single title series that I’d like to develop, so that will likely be my next project…though after reading the first re-written chapter of my under-the-bed manuscript, my agent requested more. We’ll see where that leads me. Jeannie: Exciting! Though it looks like you have no shortage of projects to keep you busy. I noticed you have an upcoming series titled “The Boys of Bayou Ridge”. Does the name mean that it’s set it Louisiana? How did you come up with the idea for the new series? Tell us more! Liz: I’m super-excited about my new series because it is set in my native state of Louisiana and has a bit of a mysterious, darker vibe than my Texas books don’t have. There is a plantation, a curse and a sister back from the grave…along with three very sexy Dufrene brothers. Toss in their kooky mother Picou and it’s a recipe for love with Creole flair. They will be out in 2012. The first one, Waters Run Deep, will come out in May. Jeannie: Your first book was published in June of 2010 and now just a little over one year later, we’re celebrating your fifth release. I have to ask, with more than a touch of writer envy, how do you do it crazy woman?!? Liz: Lots of booze. Just kidding. I don’t really know. Sometimes I amaze myself. Seriously. I have two active boys and I’m dumb enough to say “yes” way too much which is why I’m the fundraising chair for our elementary school, the confirmation teacher for our church, and the president of my local chapter. I also work part-time doing the books for my husband’s dental practice, so, yeah, sometimes I feel out of gas. But writing is important to me. It’s mine. My identity outside of wife, mother, sister, daughter and easy mark for committees. I like claiming myself. Being a writer is important to me so I find time to sit down and write most every day. I’m also a fairly fast writer. I write a 75,000 words book in about three months. Thanks for stopping by to celebrate our dual Ruby Releases. Both The Dragon and the Pearl and A Touch of Scarlet received four stars from RT magazine and are October releases from Harlequin. They can be found on bookshelves and ereaders everywhere! Visit Liz Talley’s website for more info on A Touch of Scarlet. Visit Jeannie Lin’s website for more info on The Dragon and the Pearl. Leave a comment below for a chance to win autographed copies of both books.
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Welcome to a double dose of Ruby releases! Since things seem to be coming in twos for Harlequin Historical author Jeannie Lin – two novellas, two full-length books and two little peas in the pod – we thought it would be great to share our debut date and give the RSS blog readers a two-for-one deal!
I HAVE BEEN COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS!!!!! Super congrats you two, and I LOVE how you reversed the interview. You guys rock so hard!
So, so, proud of you!
~D~
Thanks, Darynda! You’re pretty wonderful yourself. We certainly have plenty of Ruby love to go around.
Thanks Darynda! And the dual interview was Liz’s idea. Pretty nifty, huh?
[...] Ruby Releases: Jeannie Lin & Liz Talley [...]
No wonder we never have any mother/daughter time anymore. When you write it down like that…..I don’t know how you do what you do. I think I will get you a nice bottle of wine to celebrate the completion of the wonderful Oak Stand series. I have enjoyed each and every bood and look forward to the next series. I am so proud of you!!! Just think you are mine!!!!
Awww…thanks, momma
I will take you up on that wine and I appreciate you being my biggest fan. Love you!
This is SO sweet and put a smile on my face.
My mum grabbed a copy of my book when I was home last week. Though she disapproved of the girl with the tattoo on the cover, I know she was very proud.
YAY! I’m so excited for both of you!
Liz, I truly don’t know how you do it. Do you worry about burnout and would you like more time between books, or do you feel that the fast pace suits you (and your career goals)?
Jeannie, what do you mean by “I have no natural talent”?
I know, right? Jeannie and no talent don’t go together in the same sentence. She’s fabulous.
As for me, sometimes I do feel a little stressed because I’m constantly working, but I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth because I’m constantly working. I feel blessed that I’m able to do what I do.
I’m rooting for you, and frankly hope to emulate you.
Just, you know…take time for Liz, too.
I do
I’ve taken a week long vacation from writing. Today I’m doing research for the next one and trying to come up with where I want to start the book. Oh, the dreaded choice of where to start!
And I wish you all the best, Jamie. I know with your persistence and patience, it will all work out for the best.
At first when I was writing the interview, I thought it had been two years since Liz’s debut. When I did the math, I was like….whoa!! Crazy woman! It takes me three months to write an 80K novel, but I can’t do it back-to-back.
Re: Talent. I’m of the camp that believes that if you don’t have talent, you can fake it with lots and lots and lots of work. It’s been one of the beliefs that’s kept me going!
But Jeannie, what talent do you feel you lack?
I’m not blowing smoke up your rear here; I’ve read your work, and I know it’s not the product of someone who has no talent.
Talent means different things to different people. I bemoan the fact that I have no natural gift for storytelling, but I know I can write. Whether my writing ability is the product of hard work and education or something inborn, I couldn’t say, but it exists in me, nonetheless. I claim it as a talent, even though it might not be “natural.”
Perhaps you feel you’ve had to work hard to produce your novels, but if true, maybe that’s part of your natural gift: your attention to detail, your awareness of what is good and what isn’t, and your dogged determination to persist until your product matches your vision. That you have those things is clear to me when I read your work. Not all writers have those abilities. They are gifts, or perhaps that’s giving fate too much credit. They are *skills*, and if you’ve worked hard to obtain them, that might simply mean that your TRUE natural talent is that you work hard to obtain skills, and then promptly master them.
Good point! Talent does mean many different things to different people. I feel that so little of what I do comes naturally. I consider my ability to always write the next page no matter what or to revise again and again a gift!
–> It takes me three months to write an 80K novel
Pikers, I tell ya. It takes me a year.
Honestly, I don’t know how parents balance it all.
Great interview!! My Ruby TBR is seriously in danger of toppling over – and what a great problem to have!
Yeah, Jeannie…I stutter-stepped on that line too.
Your writing is GORGEOUS and getting more and more and more so. (I snap up every little bit…PIECES OF PAPER and THE LADY’S SCANDALOUS NIGHT and THE TAMING OF MEI LI….and am enjoying every word!)
THE DRAGON AND THE PEARL is on my Kindle, and I can’t wait to read it! (Right after I finish up A TASTE OF SCARLET.)
Thanks, Elise
and I agree, there is something distinctive about Jeannie’s voice – a sort of pure beauty in the telling of her stories. It’s actually kind of opposite of my voice which tends to be rolicky and stuffed with meaning, irony and workplay. Hers is just simple in the way dew lies on the grass. Know that sounds weird, but anyone know what I mean?
Aww…youse guys are making me blush!
You characterized both your voices really well…yes, your voice is definitely “rollicking,” and Jeannie’s does have an elemental quality that’s really different…but both are wonderfully satisfying!
Congrats on the new releases!! I’m such huge fans of you both (as people and as authors) and I’m so thrilled you’re living the dream.
I’m inspired and a lot in awe anytime I see what you’ve each accomplished. Keep it up!
Thanks, Kat. It’s been fun getting to know you here on the blog. And I’m thrilled to be where I am in my career. Do I want more? Heck, yes. But if I never put another book on the shelf, I will still feel pleased with this journey I’ve made.
Thanks Kat! It’s been so much fun having the Ruby Sisters (official and unofficial) on the journey with us.
And I agree with Liz. There are days I’m in awe that people want more books from me and with each book I finish, I think if this is it, I’m still happy. It’s so important to be able to write without fear because we in romance write books about hope.
Liz and Jeannie, I’m so impressed by and proud of you both!!!
Oh, my goodness, all FIVE of those Oak Stand books have come out in ONE YEAR??? And each one has been delightful (I’m exactly at the 50% mark on A TOUCH OF SCARLET, and it’s so much fun to read. Fabulous characters yet again!!!) I really hope you come back to Oak Stand for another book sometime, but the Bayou books sound fabulous too!!
And, Jeannie, with the novellas and shorts in additional to two novels out in a year, you’re taking the world by storm, too…and forging a groundbreaking path while you do it. I absolutely love your writing–it’s somehow restrained and heartbreakingly emotional all at once–and I can’t wait to dig into THE DRAGON AND THE PEARL!!
Hurray for you both!!
Okay, you know what I mean about how she writes. English teachers unite! Of course “restrained and heartbreakingly emotional” sounds better than “dew on the grass.” LOL.
I’m glad you are enjoying Scarlet and Adam. She was fun to write – pretty different than me, but I love the drama in that girl.
I believe this is five within 15 months. The next books will come out starting in May, 2012, so I have a longer stretch in between releases. I better celebrate this one well!
Thanks Elisa!
Liz creates awesome characters. If you’ve ever heard her tell a story about people and events in her RL, you can see her natural flair for making people come alive. (There’s a story about an adventure with an agent and an editor that she told me that still makes me laugh. Mums the word!)
Agreed. Liz has an unusually bright sparkle in real life that makes people want to be around her, and that sparkle conveys in her writing. She’s vivacious, and so are her books.
Now it’s my turn to blush. Thanks, that’s a tremendous compliment
Jeannie and Liz, good luck on both of your releases. Jeannie, I think you’ve created a great niche market for yourself. Liz you make me tired just listening to your life.
Congrats to you both!
Tired, but envious! At least for me.
The part where Liz says her writing is the part of her identity that’s all her own really stuck with me.
You’ll soon find out that motherhood is wonderful, but it is also a tireless, selfless act that leaves you a bit of a shadow. And I don’t mean that in a terrible way. But claiming writing for myself, and digging my heels in when many thought I was crazy for being so stubborn about it, has made me a better person for my husband, my children, and all those around me. I didn’t want to be just Jake’s mom or Doug’s wife. I wanted to be Liz Talley.
Liz, I think it is so good for your kids to see you being your own person. Good for you digging in your heels.
I didn’t start writing until my kids were mostly grown. But I know they’re proud of me for going after my dreams and sticking with it.
I got to Oooooh and Aaaaaah over an ARC of THE DRAGON AND THE PEARL that was a giveaway at my local chapter’s meeting last month!
Congrats to you both!
Thanks, Eileen. This reminds me. Need to grab the kindle and get Jeannie’s newest on my to-be-read list.
Congrats, Jeannie. I added Dragon and the Pearl to my growing-faster-than-my-grass Goodreads wishlist yesterday.
Liz, big congrats to you too. What a great blurb. What a great concept. Wish I’d have thought of it first.
Have a great day. Eat what you want. Drink lots of wine. Dance around naked.
So you’re saying do what I do every day? LOL.
It isn’t naked if you’re still wearing your pearls.
Congratulations, Jeannie and Liz!!! My wallet is going to be significantly lighter today because of you two! Can’t wait to read them.
~Laurie
Thanks, Laurie
Since my mom is bringing me a bottle of wine, wanna join in? You know you’re my go to for wine advice.
No wine for me, but maybe some sparkling apple cider?
Jeannie, your stories are so unique. I can’t think of anything like them.
Liz, I love this new story and knowing how busy you are and how commited you are to your writing makes me even more impressed. And a little tired, too. Where do you find all the energy?
Congratulations to both of you and good luck with your new releases.
Sometimes I don’t know, Kelley, but I did quit my part-time job to write and maybe there’s some guilt involved…like if I quit to write then maybe I should write. LOL.
Thanks for dropping by and wishing us well today.
Sometimes it’s good to stick out like a sore thumb!
Awesome interview, ladies!!!
It’s fun to do one together. Thanks, Amanda
Dear Sisters what a great interview! Your work ethic and quality of work is an inspiration. Congratulations on your new releases and wishing you many, many sales.
Thanks, Rita
Sending HUGE hugs and major squees to both of you. The interviews made me look back, for some reason, to when we first met and realize how far the Rubies have come.
I’m not going to remark on Jeannie’s no-talent line (I think I addressed it in a previous blog, actually), but I adored your “dew on the grass” analogy, Liz. It’s perfect.
Thanks Gwynlyn! Who would’ve ever thought that the Rubies, all the Rubies, would be where we are when we started up two years ago? It still inspires me to think of it.
Somehow I knew you’d “get” me, Gwynlyn.
Woot!! Congratulations on the releases, ladies. You are awesome!
Thanks Anne Marie!
Happy Releases to you both! You are both new authors to me so I know I’ll have to check you guys out soon =)
Thank you, Na. I’m always happy to be a new-to-you author. I hope you’ll enjoy my Oak Stand stories. They’re fun, sexy and downhome. Jeannie’s are beautiful and evocative – we’re a mixed bag. Thanks for the comment
Congratulations, Jeannie and Liz!! Good luck with both releases! Can’t wait to read them!
Thanks, Sally. As always I appreciate the Ruby love for me and my books
I loved these interviews, you two. Thank you for the look inside these two books and CONGRATULATIONS on your new releases. May they be wildly successful!
Jeannie and Liz, big congrats to you two! I’m looking forward to both books!!
Congratulations, Jeannie and Liz! Your books are going right into my Nook ASAP. You are both auto-buys for me!
Wow, that’s cool. I’m an auto-buy. You don’t know how much that makes me smile. How you like it, Miranda!
Thanks Miranda! And thanks for stopping by to celebrate. Hope you enjoy the reads.
Congratulations, Jeannie and Liz. I’m anxious to read both of these!
Congrats to you both! I am so proud of you two, I could just bust!
Seriously, your accomplishments have made me want to work harder and write better. I feel like such a slacker sometimes. LOL. But I’m working on that.
And what a fun way to share your new book releases. I loved the interviews!
Thanks, Cynthia, Tina, Vivi and Diana – just lumping you gals together in my thanks…not that you aren’t all fantastic individuals deserving of your own individual thanks.
Woohoo! More Rubies to read. I’ve loved both your prior books and know I’m going to love these also. Congrats, ladies.
Congratulations, Jeannie and Amy! Jeannie, your love of history always shines through and I think that’s one reason why your stories resonate with all of us. Liz, five pubbed Harlequin books in just over a year–what a huge achievement. Happy release day to both of you!
Arrgh! I mean, congratulations, *Liz*!!!
That’s okay. I answer to both. In fact, I went to my child’s school and one of the ladies in the office called me Liz. LOL. That was a first.