Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches ancient relics. It’s how she uncovered evidence of an ancient order of assassins—the Sicari. When a sinfully dark stranger shows up on her Chicago doorstep demanding an ancient artifact she doesn’t have, he drags her into a world where telekinesis and empaths are the norm. Now someone wants her dead, and her only hope of survival is an assassin who’s every bit as dangerous to her body as he is to her heart.
Ares DeLuca comes from an ancient Roman bloodline of telekinetic assassins. A Sicari, he’s honor bound to kill only in the name of justice. But when the woman he loved was murdered, Ares broke the Sicari code and used his sword for revenge. Love cost him dearly once before, and he’s not willing to pay the price again. At least not until hot, sweet, delectable Emma walked into his life. Not only does she hold the key to a valuable Sicari relic, she might just hold the key to his heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
First, thank you Fatin for inviting me. It’s always a pleasure to be here at RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk. What author doesn’t love a forum to talk about their books? For the last couple of weeks, I’ve talked everything Roman. While I love talking about my Sicari, I thought I’d try a little something different today. I thought I’d talk about the process of writing a book through the final outcome of its hitting the shelf.
All of this is my process and may be different for other writers, although in generalities it’s pretty close. Still, no one author’s process is the same. First, I work a full-time job in addition to writing full-time, having a family, and just living. Essentially, I have no life. LOL Actually it’s not quite that bad, I’m doing something I love, but I won’t deny that come release time or deadline time, it can be stressful. I have been known to have moments of being overwhelmed and my meltdowns are not pretty. My family is amazing in that they take my artistic rants, rages and Van Goghish behavior in stride. Although it’s not yet come to the point where I feel the need to cut off my ear. *grin*
One of the first things I do when I’m getting ready to write a book is to come up with the inner conflicts of the characters (what sort of baggage they’re carrying around) as well as an idea or a hook. I look for something that feels like the tried and true, but has a bit of a twist to make it unique. When I first started developing my Order of the Sicari series, I chose Atlantis as the background. That’s not too far a cry from ancient Rome, but far enough. Additionally, the heroes were not the Sicari. I called them by another name. I thought it was a cool idea, but I think it must have been too much history because my agent panned the Atlantis idea. So I went back to the drawing board and looked at the basic world I’d been building. It took me almost another three years to come up with my vision of the Order of Sicari. And it was done watching HBO’s mini-series ROME, and the remote control that was across the room on my desk. My heroes were suddenly telekinetic.
The next thing I had to do was intertwine plot elements with a romance in the initial stages of development. Depending on the author, this isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially if you’ve never built a paranormal world. I cut my teeth on historicals (and a couple of contemporaries that won’t see the light of day), but the only paranormal I’d ever written was Dangerous, which was a medium/ghost/murder story. Readers are familiar with ghosts and psychics. It’s a world already built and something readers are already familiar with so I didn’t have to build the world for that book. The Order of the Sicari was different. I was creating something not seen before.
Now world building and characterization are two different animals, and I found myself struggling not to overpower the romance between Ares and Emma with the Sicari world. I LOVE the Sicari culture and seeing it develop in front of me was totally awesome, but I had to keep my eye on the romance. Once I’d completed the manuscript, I went back and reread. As I was on a deadline, time didn’t permit me to do any major rewrites, but I was able to addresses issues that my beta reader had pointed out to me. So I shipped the still untitled book off and started the second book in the series.
Somewhere in that time, my editor and I discussed book titles. I knew the title had to have the word honor in it because Ares is so honorable although he stumbles a lot with Emma. So after batting some ideas back and forth my editor and I were really happy with Assassin’s Honor. We also discussed covers, and what I wanted to see, but ultimately the cover was what it is. I gave the art department a vision, but they created the cover and what they came up with was final. I am so grateful to have such wonderful covers from Berkley. They’re just awesome.
With the title and cover addressed, I continued writing the second Sicari book. When I finished the second book in the Sicari series, I moved ahead to write the historical I’d contracted with Berkley. So I was deep in the mindset of 19th century London when Assassin’s Honor came back to me with changes my editor wanted. The shock of jumping tracks from historical to paranormal mode is not an easy thing to do if you’re bipolar. Change is majorly disruptive. LOL
There were extensive changes to Assassin’s Honor and based on my editors comments, I saw flaws that I hadn’t seen before. It made me heartsick because I always want to give my best in every story I tell. It took me almost two solid weeks to make changes and to address issues that I’d failed to see because I’d been too close to the book.
When I turned the book in with the edits, I knew it was a stronger book, but I also believe it’s possible to improve any book—even ones that are turned it and ready to be printed. With the major edits for Assassin’s Honor done, I send it off to my editor. With that off my plate, I flip back into historical mode. A few weeks later I jumped the track again back into the Sicari world when the final edits for Assassin’s Honor came back to me.
Final edits are where you read the manuscript and make MINOR corrections (typos, add/delete a word for clarity, etc.). There are no major changes allowed such as adding paragraphs or other adjustments. I read the book in its entirety one more time, and it was agonizing because I saw things I desperately wanted to change to make the book even better than what it is, but time didn’t permit. With the book flying back through cyberspace to my editor I went back to the historical while the countdown to Assassin’s Honor’s release date began.
In the meantime, the same process of edits began for the second Sicari novel (Assassin’s Heart), all while I was still writing the historical, which I turned in late due to the flare up of a back injury and a death of a close friend. Life has a way of being incredibly annoying and interfering with the best-laid plans. As the date for Assassin’s Honor got closer, I started setting up blogging dates for a blog tour. On top of that, I was organizing other advertising and promo for the book, doing mailings, getting brochures and bookmarks created.
Now days, authors are pretty much on their own for getting the word out about their books. Publishers deal with booksellers and work to generate interest through their direct channels and certain promotional efforts with the chains. Generally, an author doesn’t know about these promo efforts, we just stumble upon them in the stores. But the rest of the advertising is up to us, unless of course you’re a big name author and the publisher has invested a substantial advance in you, then they’re more apt to pay for advertising in different publications. But not always.
Then the big day is here, the book is released. All that’s left is the reception by the readers. Some readers will hate the book, some will go meh, others will like it, and still others will rave and say it’s the best thing evah. It’s all subjective and writers have to develop a thick skin to keep from getting depressed about the negative comments a book might receive. We also need to keep our feet on the ground when readers rave about a book. What an author really has to do is move on to the next book, and take note of things that worked and things that didn’t to improve and continue to give readers the best book possible.
And that’s what it’s all about for me. Continuing to grow as a writer so that every book I put out is better than the last. Telling a story that entertains is my first and most important goal. So to help you figure out whether you might like the book, here are some of the elements that all the Order of the Sicari books have:
Hot Romance Factor – Ares and Emma in Assassin’s Honor. Sexual tension that has you going, ok, it’s getting hot in here. Lysander and Phaedra in Assassin’s Heart are just as hot together
HBO mini-series ROME – swords, honor, treachery, battle between an old religion (pagans) and a new religion (Christianity) The Order of the Sicari are honorable warriors although there are traitors. Hey, they’re human. Brutal culture, yet still noble.
DaVinci Code Factor – Ancient artifact out there that the Sicari and their enemy the Praetorians BOTH want. No one’s really sure what it is, but myth says it’s powerful and can change the balance of power between the two factions. Also see above with the new/old religion piece.
National Treasure /Indiana Jones Factor – Archeology hunt for treasure with great romance
And if you’re still not sure about the book, you can read the first three chapters on my website.
So did you already know how the writing/publication process worked? Did anything about the process stand out to you? Is there something about paranormals that you like or don’t like to see?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Many thanks to Monica for being our guest today. For more infomation on Monica and her books, visit her website here, follow her on Twitter here, find her at Facebook here and see her blog here. Don’t forget to leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of Assassin’s Honor. Good Luck!
Not that familiar with the whole process and it sounds so hard, all that editing. Tough.
I like most things, oh yes, as for not liking…well too sad and dark
Assassin’s Honor sounds like my cup of tea 🙂
I’ve read about the writing/publication process before from other authors but although they seem similar for every author it is a little bit different, but I love reading about it 🙂
OH gosh, I have been tracking this book through blog land and I just want to get my hands on this book! So, thanks for the chance!!!!!
alliwantandmorebooks@gmail.com
Ms Burns, Assassin’s Honor sounds really, really good–I’m a sucker for the National Treasure factors 😀
Being curious, I have learned something about the publishing business of writing through the years, but it never ceases to amaze me that writers manage the patience to wait from turning a manuscript in to seeing the story published–six months, twelve months, eighteen months! I would go berserk for sure 😀
Best of luck!
Blodeuedd – For me, actually writing the book is harder than the editing. When I edit I’m improving the book, so I find that easier. *grin*
Host – The experience is similar, but because everyone is different the process flucuates. Interestingly enough, I seem to be one of the few authors who loves editing.
Cecile – I’m glad the book sounds like something you would enjoy reading.
AztectLady – I hope readers like this first book. My beta reader keeps telling everyone that if folks like AHonor, then AHeart is gonna blow their socks off. I keep getting an image of that old Maxell tape commercial with the guy in the armchair. LOL And patience I don’t have!!! LOL I’ve been eager for this book to get out since I contracted it in Oct 2008. Now that it’s finally here, I want book 2 out right away. LOL I think authors see their craft improve with each new book because they see the flaws in earlier books. I know it’s why I’m never satisfied with my current release. I see where it could have been even better if I’d done this or that.
It is always interesting to see published authors describe the process. It seems I learn something new each time. 😀
First off, yow, that cover. Something about leather pants on a man. And your book sounds wonderful, right up my alley.
I loved HBO’s Rome, the drama and you say, the honor.
I often wonder why there isn’t a stronger sub-genre for historical/paranormal, seems a marriage made in heaven! I would love it!
And I was fascinated to read the process involved, I had no idea that the publisher really does not get involved much in promoting a book, so bookmarks and brochures are out of the writers pocket? Wow. Thanks for this information, as an aspiring writer, it is golden! All the best for your release!
Great post. This book is at the top of my TBB list. I can’t wait to read it,it sounds so good.
Thanks for the chance to win it.
Thanks for a very informative post. Your series sounds great. I love the description you give of elements to be found in all the books and I look forward to reading more. (And I hope your back is much better now!)
Thank you for posting. The art of writing books is so much more than words. I admire every authors dedication to the process.
Hi Monica. Assassin’s Honor sounds great. I love the cover. I am always fascinated by the writing and publication processes.
I love learning background info on books… it is interesting how many steps there are for a book to make to us the readers! Your series sounds great, thanks for sharing! 😀
I never really knew much about the writing/publication process till reading this post and I have have to say that it is quite a rollercoaster ride, but is worth it to have good results.
I enjoyed the first 3 chapters and can’t wait to read more!
I love reading about an authors road to publication. They are the same—–but different. Does that make sense?
Danielle – Like I said everyone’s different, hence the newness. *grin*
Karyn Gerrard – Glad you like the cover I love it too. Yes, bookmarks, brochures, mailings, pretty much everything is all out of pocket. I’ve spent more than $3K this year to date advertising Kismet and Assassin’s Honor. Naturally, there’s a time cost as well depending on whether the author does their own website (I do) or other graphic design work. *smile* There’s a reason why so many writers still have to work the day job.
Elaing8 – glad the book is at the top of your list
GSM – I’m delighted that you like the sound of the series.And I’m glad adding those elements in have helped give you a clearer picture of the book. And thank you for the well wishes about my back.
Robin K – Writers love it when readers appreciate our hard work. Thanks!!
CrystalGB – That cover is getting lots of attention these days! I love it too.\
Colleen I’m glad you enjoyed the post and I’m glad you like the sound of the series
Jeanette – a rollercoaster ride is something I love. I love the ups and downs the hairpin turns the roll you over ones. Writing is a different kind of rollercoaster, but I think it’s well worth it.
Raelena – So glad you enjoyed the first three chapters! I love Ares!
Estella – It makes perfect sense. EVERYONE’s journey is different no matter what the job, and writing is a job. It’s the best job I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely work, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Remember folks, if you want to get a feel for the book, you can read the first three chapters at
http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfAssassinsHonorExcerpt.htm
Hi Monica!
wow, it’s incredible how much work it is to write a book – thanks for sharing the background with us, that’s very interesting! and here we are, the readers, and are waiting for the next one *gg*
I like all the elements you mentioned above, therefore I’ve to check out the excerpt immediately!!!
wish you all the best,
Ina
Everything I’ve read about this book in blogland makes me want to read it!
For the past year, I’ve been learning more and more about the writing and publishing world. And each time I read a post or chat with an author, I walk away with new respect for the author.
Hi, Monica! Thanks for sharing some of your process with us! It’s always a treat to learn more about how an author creates the special stories we love! Assassin’s Honor sounds like a multi-layered book! Looking forward to reading it!
Wow – that’s a whole lotta “process” Monica. I commend you for keeping so many balls in the air at once. Congratulations on the release of Assassin’s Honor! 🙂
Writing was always something that was kinda scary to me. It’s such a personal experience, I don’t think I would have thick enough skin for it. I’ve been really looking forward to this book for a while and it’s at the top of my TBB list. Congrats!
I knew that the path to publication was a long one, but when you put it all down like this…I now see why we have such long waits between books. Very stressful for everyone involved.
Your book sounds like a great read. And I like grittiness and strong emotions in my paranormals along with an action-packed storyline. And that’s why I think your book sounds super good.
This book sounds like a great read. I am adding it to my tbb list and can’t wait to read it.
Hi Monica Assasins Honor sounds awesome thanks for stopping in today and talking about your process
Wanda F
flanagan@mebtel.net
Ina, yep I’ve already had some folks ask when my courtesan virgin story is coming out. I just turned the book in! LOL
Chey, So glad blogland got you interested in the book.
Tracey D It’s not an easy job, but I love doing it.
Fedora the Sicari series has a large culture just waiting to be explored. I hope folks fall in love with it so Berkley requests more stories
Catie – those balls fall a lot, but I manage to pick them up again. *grin*
Cybercliper – Well, I say you have to have thick skin, I didn’t say *I* had thick skin. LOL In truth, when someone doesn’t like the book just because it’s not to their taste, I’m perfectly okay with it. Although sometimes people can say things that can sting a little. You just have to walk away and say I’ll agree to disagree
joder – I’m glad explaining the process helps explain the wait for readers. And if you’re looking for action, there’s PLENTY of that! LOL
PamK I’m glad you’ve added it to your list. Thank you
Wanda -I’m glad you like the sound of my Sicari. I love them a lot.
Monica, Thanks so much for such an informative post. Congrats on the new release. I can’t wait to read it!
Barb, glad you enjoyed the post. And hope you enjoy Assassin’s honor.
Hi Monica! A lot of the themes like mythology and legends I learn from my reading of romance! So with this, I shall so learn much more! I get lost when I go look up info, it just takes me to more and more. How do you pick a stopping point with research? I hope you get some time to breath between this all and all you did to get this story out! I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have my reading time, so do appreciate so much all you do Monica! I know from reading this, its so different than others and I realize too its different with every author! The sky has no limit when it comes to paranormal for me. Everything goes but the horror. That I’m a wimp with. I love the sizzling sensuality and more, but I just not one for a book full of gore so those of paranormal I’ve stayed away from that that’s all because otherwise I so love to try new themes and authors!
I will definitely never be a writer, Im such a better reader. It is truly interesting learning about the behind the scenes work into writing
Hi Monica…thanks for the opportunity to read your novel…it sounds fabulous 🙂
Holy crap! I’ve never really thought about the whole process, as long as I got books to read! 😀
ASSASSIN’S HONOR sounds like a book I would love, and I have to put it on my “wish list” now! 🙂
Good luck with it, Monica. I enjoyed the interview.
Monica, I’m so excited for your new book – glad you could stop by and visit! I absolutely love Ancient Greece/Rome so the premise is thrilling me. I was a total Classics geek in high school – a member of NJCL and everything. :X
Definitely agreed on HBO’s Rome – I wish they’d had the money to keep it. Alas.
Congratulations on the new book/series!
Caffey – I don’t care for horror either. There’s enough bad stuff in the world, I don’t need to read it. I will admit though my villains are scary evil, but my heroes are strong enough to stand up to them.
KarenK – thanks. Glad you like the sound of the book.
Wendy – It can be scary for us writers. But I telling a good story is what I want to do more than anything else in the world.
Karen W – Thanks for putting me on your wish list and I’m glad you enjoyed the interview.
Limecello – I don’t know what NJCL means, but it scares me! LOL Rome is where we get so much , Greece too, but I think the Romans managed to perfect the ideas and everything else they copied. *grIN*
Every time I hear about the process writers go through to produce a finished book, I’m left in awe. It really requires perseverance and a thick skin to thrive in the industry. And I’m thankful for all the research authors do that make their stories so informative as well as entertaining.
I love doing research. I firmly believe it gives the fiction a more realistic, I am there, type of read. It creates ambiance, because settings are just as much a character as are human/nonhuman characters.