On Writing

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    More info about Only Bad Options, Sept. 20 …

    3 Comments

    MONDAY MORNING MAILBAG

    Question: What made you want to write a science-fiction fantasy romance like Only Bad Options?

    Answer: It was a variety of things, but mostly, it was the right story/idea at the right time.

    For years – YEARS! – I thought “I don’t like science fiction,” and I wouldn’t even try it. I’m not sure where this opinion/idea even came from. Maybe because I never much cared for science classes in school/college. But every time I was in the bookstore/library, I would skip past the sci-fi section and go straight to fantasy/romance. If it had spaceships and aliens, I wouldn’t read it, but if it had magic weapons and talking animals, well, I would read the whole series and all the spinoffs.

    But over the past few years, I’ve gotten more and more info sci-fi books, movies, and TV shows, and I’ve enjoyed things like The Mandalorian and Killjoys. And of course I’ve always loved the original Star Wars trilogy. Plus, I found that a lot of sci-fi stories do have those elements of magic that I love, and I realized that I was missing out on all these great characters/stories/worlds.

    In early 2021, I had a tiny break in my writing schedule. I had been thinking about doing an enemies-to-lovers, soul-mates type of story, but none of the worlds/magic systems I was thinking about seemed quite right. Then I thought, “What if I made it a sci-fi world, but with magic?” And that was the first light-bulb moment for me.

    But I was still having some trouble with the worldbuilding. One day, I was lying on the couch, resting my neck/shoulders, and thinking about what I could add to my sci-fi world to make it more interesting and unique. And I thought “What if you had all this magic/technology, but the society was sort of old-fashioned and focused on marriages, alliances, and bloodlines, like in a historical romance book?”

    I literally sat bolt upright on the couch, like “Yes! That could work!” And that was the second light-bulb moment for me. I’ve always enjoyed taking the elements/tropes/etc. I like most about various genres, mixing them together, and putting my own spin on them. So that’s why Only Bad Options is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and historical romance.

    And I’ll be honest – part of writing Only Bad Options was also a business decision. I thought writing in a new-to-me genre like sci-fi romance might help expand my reader base. #fingerscrossed

    I don’t know that I’ll ever like hard/technical sci-fi, just as I don’t like hard/technical books in other genres. I’ve never particularly enjoyed reading tons of details about weapons, vehicles, etc. (like in a Tom Clancy-type book). I also don’t know that I’ll ever like alien stories. But at least now, I’m open to trying those things, and that’s a win in my book. Thank you for reading.

    Have you ever changed your mind about liking a genre, book, movie, or TV show after giving it a second chance?

    PRE-ORDER ONLY BAD OPTIONS:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    ABOUT THE PRINT BOOKS:

    I will be doing a print version of Only Bad Options, and I will share those links when they go online later this summer. I will also share more information about the audiobook as it becomes available.

    ONLY BAD OPTIONS DESCRIPTION:

    New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep blasts off with an exciting new science-fiction fantasy adventure with a dash of Regency romance. This action-packed space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates and enemies-to-lovers story. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

    A WOMAN WHO SEES EVERYTHING . . .

    Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I’m just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp spaceships, everyone knows who I am—and wants to eliminate me.

    I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don’t see the trouble headed my way until it’s too late. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

    I don’t think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both.

    A MAN WHO CAN’T FORGET HIS PAST . . .

    The name Kyrion Caldaren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’m used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corios are afraid of me.

    But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets.

    Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the dangerous enemies who want to bend us to their will.

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    Sugar Plum Spies set for Nov. 8 …

    MONDAY MORNING MAILBAG

    Question: What is Sugar Plum Spies? Is this a new book series?

    Answer: Sugar Plum Spies is book #2 in my Section 47 urban fantasy, spies-with-magic series. Book #1 is A Sense of Danger.

    Sugar Plum Spies focuses on Charlotte Locke, an analyst who has a magical form of synesthesia that lets her see typos, errors, and other mistakes, along with warning her about danger. Desmond Percy is a cleaner (aka assassin) and galvanist, someone who can manipulate electricity and other forms of energy. They work for Section 47, a secret organization tasked with gathering information on paramortal criminals and other bad people.

    In Sugar Plum Spies, Charlotte and Desmond go undercover during a Christmas Eve party at a German castle, but things don’t go according to plan.

    If you’re a fan of Alias, Nikita, and/or James Bond, you might enjoy Sugar Plum Spies. Thanks!

    PRE-ORDER THE EBOOK:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    ABOUT THE PRINT BOOK:

    I am planning to do a print version of Sugar Plum Spies, and I will share those links when they go online later this year. I will also share information about the audiobook as it becomes available.

    MORE SECTION 47 BOOKS?

    If Sugar Plum Spies sells well, then I will write more books in my Section 47 series. Ideally, I’d like to write at least two more full-length books after Sugar Plum Spies, but it does depend on the sales. So if you like the Section 47 series, then please pre-order Sugar Plum Spies, recommend it to your friends, etc. Thanks!

    SUGAR PLUM SPIES DESCRIPTION:

    New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up an action-packed holiday adventure in her Section 47 urban-fantasy world of secrets, lies, and superspies with amazing magical abilities. Perfect for fans of Alias, Die Hard, James Bond, Jason Bourne, Nikita, True Lies, and Netflix’s Bodyguard.

    VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS . . .

    Most spies take a break for the holidays, but not me, Charlotte Locke. As an analyst for Section 47, a secret spy organization, I normally use my magical form of synesthesia to uncover lies and track paramortal bad guys from the comfort of my cubicle. But tonight I’m going out into the field, along with my partner, Desmond Percy, a powerful galvanist.

    Instead of enjoying Christmastime in the city, I’m in a German castle, dressed like a toy soldier and masquerading as a waitress at a swanky Christmas Eve party. My mission? To gather information that will help Section 47 track down a dangerous enemy.

    Despite the glitz and glamour, I can’t shake the sense that something is wrong—and that Desmond and I might not leave the party alive.

    DANCES OF DEATH . . .

    My name is Desmond Percy, although I’ve had many aliases during my years working as a cleaner for Section 47. But I’ve never had a real partner until Charlotte Locke.

    My part of the mission is simple: pretend to be a guest and keep an eye on things at the party while Charlotte uses her synesthesia to track down the information we need. But what starts out as a sugar plum dream quickly turns into a holiday nightmare.

    Forget the mission. All I want for Christmas is to keep Charlotte safe.

    Note: Sugar Plum Spies is a 47,000-word book. It is book 2 in the Section 47 series, but it can also be read as a stand-alone holiday adventure.

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    Gin Blanco merchandise now available on Redbubble!

    I have a surprise. Gin Blanco-themed merchandise is now available at Redbubble. Woot! 😎 

    SEE MY REDBUBBLE SHOP

    Note: You will have to enable mature content in order to see the artwork.

    SPIDER’S BITE:

    I decided to use the first line of Spider’s Bite, book #1 in my Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series, along with Gin’s spider rune. The artwork was done by the awesome Jenny Zemanek.

    I ordered some merchandise for myself, including the notebooks (which look great) and a graphic T-shirt (which is super soft). I’m really pleased with how the merchandise/products turned out, and I hope that you all will be too.

    MORE ABOUT REDBUBBLE:

    If you’re not familiar with Redbubble, it’s a site where folks can upload their artwork, and people can get it printed on whatever they like, including T-shirts, mugs, notebooks, pillows, etc. There are more than 50 (!) items/products available for both the white and the black Gin Blanco prints so I hope you find something you like.

    If you ever wanted a Gin Blanco-themed apron, this is your chance. 😎 

    MORE MERCHANDISE IN THE FUTURE?

    If enough people buy the Gin merchandise, I will get some more art/prints made for the Elemental Assassin series and my other books/series. So if you are interested in the merchandise, then please order a notebook, shirt, apron, mug, etc. Thank you for reading.

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    Dirty Deeds 2 anthology released . . .

    The Dirty Deeds 2 anthology has been released today, June. 7. Woot! I’m so excited to be participating in this anthology with Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk, and R.J. Blain. 😎 

    My contribution to the anthology is Heart Stings, a 38,000-word novella told from the point of view of Lorelei Parker. This is Elemental Assassin novella #19.5, although it can also be read as a stand-alone adventure.

    Heart Stings takes place after Last Strand, Elemental Assassin #19, and follows Lorelei as she deals with an old enemy. 

    NOTE: This is a limited-time anthology that will only be available for six months — until Dec. 7, 2022. After that date, Dirty Deeds 2 will no longer be available. So if you want to read the anthology, get it now. Thanks and happy reading!

    GET THE EBOOK:

    Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple Kobo

    GET THE PRINT BOOK:

    Amazon Barnes & Noble

    Booksellers and librarians can order copies through IngramSpark.

    Note: The anthology is NOT available as an audiobook.

    DIRTY DEEDS 2 DESCRIPTION:

    When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty.

    Join NY Times bestselling authors Faith Hunter and Jennifer Estep along with USA Today bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Diana Pharaoh Francis, and Devon Monk on a brand-new romp through magical worlds where the damsels bring the distress, what can go wrong will go wrong, and nothing is as it seems.

    Adventure with Eli Younger, Liz Everhart, and Brute in the thrilling world of Jane Yellowrock. Face off against old gods and lost souls at a magical crossroads on Route 66. Become entangled in Ashland’s dark, deadly web with side characters from the Elemental Assassin series. Return to the irreverent world of Beck Wyatt, where disaster waits around every corner and cheesecake makes it all worthwhile. And finally, meet up with the Quinns and friends in the zany world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

    In this collection of all-new urban fantasy and paranormal stories, the gloves are off and simply surviving might just be the dirtiest, most difficult deed of all.

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    Sugar Plum Spies, Section 47 holiday book, to be released Nov. 8 …

    2 Comments

    I’m thrilled to announce that I will be publishing Sugar Plum Spies on Nov. 8. Woot!

    Sugar Plum Spies is book #2 in my Section 47 urban fantasy, spies-with-magic series. Note that this is a short holiday book — about 47,000 words. Sugar Plum Spies can be read as a stand-alone adventure, but of course it helps if you have read A Sense of Danger, the first book in the series.

    Sugar Plum Spies features the first-person points of view of both Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy, just like A Sense of Danger did.

    Here is a look at the cover art, which was done by the awesome Tony Mauro. Tony also does the covers for my Elemental Assassin series and some of my other books. I love the purple color, along with the red/green holiday sparks. 😎 

    PRE-ORDER THE EBOOK:

    Amazon Kindle Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Kobo Smashwords

    ABOUT THE PRINT BOOK:

    I am planning to do a print version of Sugar Plum Spies, and I will share those links when they go online later this year. I am also hopeful that there will be an audiobook, but it’s too early to tell.

    MORE SECTION 47 BOOKS?

    If Sugar Plum Spies sells well, then I will write more books in my Section 47 series. Ideally, I’d like to write at least two more full-length books after Sugar Plum Spies, but it does depend on the sales. So if you like the Section 47 series, then please pre-order Sugar Plum Spies, recommend it to your friends, etc. Thanks!

    SUGAR PLUM SPIES DESCRIPTION:

    New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up an action-packed holiday adventure in her Section 47 urban-fantasy world of secrets, lies, and superspies with amazing magical abilities. Perfect for fans of Alias, Die Hard, James Bond, Jason Bourne, Nikita, True Lies, and Netflix’s Bodyguard.

    VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS . . .

    Most spies take a break for the holidays, but not me, Charlotte Locke. As an analyst for Section 47, a secret spy organization, I normally use my magical form of synesthesia to uncover lies and track paramortal bad guys from the comfort of my cubicle. But tonight I’m going out into the field, along with my partner, Desmond Percy, a powerful galvanist.

    Instead of enjoying Christmastime in the city, I’m in a German castle, dressed like a toy soldier and masquerading as a waitress at a swanky Christmas Eve party. My mission? To gather information that will help Section 47 track down a dangerous enemy.

    Despite the glitz and glamour, I can’t shake the sense that something is wrong—and that Desmond and I might not leave the party alive.

    DANCES OF DEATH . . .

    My name is Desmond Percy, although I’ve had many aliases during my years working as a cleaner for Section 47. But I’ve never had a real partner until Charlotte Locke.

    My part of the mission is simple: pretend to be a guest and keep an eye on things at the party while Charlotte uses her synesthesia to track down the information we need. But what starts out as a sugar plum dream quickly turns into a holiday nightmare.

    Forget the mission. All I want for Christmas is to keep Charlotte safe.

    Note: Sugar Plum Spies is a 47,000-word book. It is book 2 in the Section 47 series, but it can also be read as a stand-alone holiday adventure.