Seems like this meme is the next big thing! For those not aware, there’s a meme going around in which authors are participating — what’s the next book? It’s a tag sort of thing, and I was tagged by two wonderful friends and writers. The first, Rachel Gold, has addressed the transgender community with wonderful success in her book, Being Emily. The second, Orphan Maker.
There was a New Zealand television show on that became all the rage among my friends in 2003 or 2004. It was called The Tribe. I’m for all things post-apocalyptic and I was able to locate a copy of one of the episodes online. I could only stomach about ten minutes of the thing before turning it off.
It was all…wrong! A band of children survivors using electricity and playing video games? Really? I demand a certain level of credibility factor in this particular genre, and was sorely disappointed by the modern conveniences available to a world of children.
While I had considered writing a post-apoc novel at some point, I hadn’t considered the “fatal virus kills all adults” before. Writing romance with children, however, is a federal offense (not to mention quite squicky,) so I fast-forwarded the timeline to five years after the virus swept over the world. From there it was just a matter of considering how far down civilization had fallen.
What genre does your book fall under?
Science fiction, lesbian romance, post-apocalyptic, young adult?
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Ooooo, I like this question! How about checking out the Pinterest board I have for Orphan Maker? I’m big on visuals and have boards for most my stories there.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Can two plague survivors come together and find love despite overwhelming differences in culture and experiences?
But really…how can I leave it at just a single sentence? How about the book blurb to go along with it?
Ragged, starving refugees want to settle in Lindsay Crossing. In a world waking up from a devastating plague, control of resources—and people—is the key to survival. Marissa Loomis has grown used to fighting for herself and her family. The newcomers are a threat, but they can’t be left to die.
As the fragile society plans to grow by scavenging the deserted cities, newcomer Gwen finds herself torn between the man who saved her from starvation and the compelling woman who represents reason and power in what’s left of her world.
But what can Gwen make of the enforced secrecy about Loomis’s past, and the nightmares that erupt every night? Is there something worse than plague that has driven Loomis to the edge? Love, revenge, cruelty and honor swirl through this page-turning novel from the author of The Sanguire Series.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Years.
This is something that I started around 2007 or so. I ended up hitting a dead end about two thirds of the way through the book and set it aside. Eventually I worked out what the problem was, restructured the outline, and plowed back into the book.
Total writing time? Maybe about six months. It rarely takes me more than three or four months for a rough draft. The rest of the time is waiting for first reader response and editing.
What other books of the same genre would you compare yours with?
You know, I’m not sure. I don’t know that there are many post-apocalyptic lesbian romances out there. The only one I’ve read is After the Fall by Robin Summers, and it was fantastic!
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
For me, idea and inspiration are the same thing. This question was answered earlier when I brought up “The Tribe”.
If you like my previous books portraying crusty characters learning how to love themselves as well as others, you’ll like this one.
There’s angst, soul-searching, multiple culture clashes and the budding romance between two broken young women. A spurned lover and diminishing resources don’t make things easier, either.
Where should I go now?
I’ve tagged a few other writers to carry on the torch:
Beth Mitchum is a prolific writer, poet and musician who has published a number of lesbian romances. When not independently publishing her books, she’s the Editor in Chief for UltraViolet Love.
Thea van Diepen is a friend from Forward Motion, an online writing community. Her recent book, Dreaming of Her and Other Stories, is out on Kindle.
Oh! Last minute addition!! Robin Summers was kind enough to join the fun! I mentioned her novel, After The Fall earlier in this post. It’s a great post-apoc romance. Well worth the read!
Want a Free Copy?
What do you think about this post? I would love to hear from you! Click below and leave a comment…
Hey! Here’s a plan! I’ll give a way THREE copies of Orphan Maker by randomly selecting from the number of comments on this post! Sound like a plan? I’ll pick the three winners on Christmas Day!
I would LOVE to win a copy! Please pick me!
Heck, I’ll probably give you one over and above the three slated for the contest just because you’re the first responder!
I always wanted to be a first responder.
Thanks!
I would love to win a copy! I now look forward to Orphan Maker
Great! Consider yourself added!
Wow Jordan,
This sounds like an amazing book. I love your stories and I am sure this will be another one of those bard masterpieces.
Hopefully so, Lisa! Thanks for joining the fun!
I’ve read a LOT of post-apocalyptic fiction. Have pretty much exhausted the resources of the Dallas library system in tha area. Have you read Lesser Prophets by Kelly Sinclair? That is the only lesfic I’ve read in that category.
Allison, I haven’t heard of Kelly Sinclair. Suffice it to say, I’m searching for a copy at my public library as soon as this remark is posted! Entry received!
I love the idea of the book and I think the fact that you did a Pinterest board for it is fantastic.
Meghan O’Brien did a book called “The Three” that deals with a post-apocalyptic time and a menage relationship.
Oooo! I read that one! It’s awesome. I loved it enough that it’s a keeper!
Shoot, if I don’t win it, I’ll buy it anyway! But I think it is classy to give one the Cheri the Rev anyway. She is EVERYWHERE in the lesfic galaxy and tells so many of us what we will enjoy reading!
Yeah, it’s a done deal. Cheri gets her own copy, and I STILL give away three on Christmas Day here. You’re on the list, Sharon!
Science fiction, lesbian romance, post-apocalyptic, young adult all genres I love and to have them encapsulated into one story sounds amazing! I have loved your crusty characters looking to love themselves and others and am looking forward to these. These blog hops have been extremely fun! Thanks for sharing!
Erin, glad you’re enjoying them; I know I had fun writing my entry and reading others’. You’re signed up for the contest!
i love all your books,so i’m sure i’ll love this one as well
Fantastic, Vera! I’ve got you on the list! Thanks for commenting!
I’m new to your books, but this story really sounds interesting.
In that case, Kriszta, welcome aboard! Happy to see you here. You’re entered!
This sounds like such an interesting book. I would love to read it. Even better to win it! I am in!
Lee
It’s always much more satisfying to win it, isn’t it? LOL! You’re on the list!
Sounds quite fascinating. I’ve seen a few post-apocalyptic TV shows and most tend not to be terribly realistic. But then does realistic make for good TV? Books are far more versatile. Looking forward to reading this, free or not 🙂
Another Lee
Yeah, books are much better for the genre, I think. (Though ‘The Walking Dead’ is a pretty good survival show…providing you can believe in the existence of zombies.) I’ve got you on the list, Lee the Another. LOL!
LOL! The Another?! Oh dear. I haven’t seen the Waking Dead though I do generally hear positive reviews. I’m just not normally a zombie fan. Only time it has taken my imagination was in 28 Days Later, and the Will Smith movie ‘I am Legend’.
The Walking Dead can get pretty gory, like all zombie movies do… The survival aspect of it is pretty realistic, though.
I might have to give it a go. Thanks 🙂 And Merry Christmas!
Oooooo I’d love to win this one. ; )
Thanks for the opportunity !
Awesome! You’re on the list!
This book sound interesting.Put me in the drawing please. If I don’t win I just buy it because I love your books
You got it, Donna! Thanks for spreading the word, too!
This book sounds really interesting… Would love for a chance to win one! 🙂
April, you’re on the list! Good luck!
Thank you! :-). Have a very Merry Christmas!
Oh, hell yeah! Sign me up. Pretty please.
LOL! You’re on, Jove!
Hey Jordan! Love your stuff 🙂 count me in on the drawing!
Your name’s in the hat, MB!
Sweet! I would love to own a copy…
Then I wish you luck, Gloria!
I’d still love a copy, even if I am brain dead and can’t figure out how to enter.
Who’s the most braid dead? The reader who doesn’t click the link, or the author who spaces TELLING people to click the link? LOL! I think I have you beat, Peggy! You’re in like Flynn!
Usually I pick a book out for my best friend to get me for Christmas every year but she didn’t ask me this year. Like me she’s getting older so it probably slipped from her mind this year. So please place my name in your drawing and hopefully I will win one from a Facebook friend.
Sandy, I’ve heard the mind’s the second thing to go… You’re on the list! Good luck!
Your next book sounds great — BTW there is more post-acocalypse lesfic around, e.g. Meghan O’Brien, The Three / Kelly Sinclair, Less Prophets(The virus that killed all but gays), Nora Olsen, The End (YA).
Haven’t heard of Nora Olsen, but I’ve read The Three. Awesome book — it made me a big fan of Meghan O’Brien! Thanks for the recommendations!
This sounds like a very interesting book, not to mention different from the usual gemre I read. I would love to win a copy of this book!!
Awesome! Your name’s in the hat! Thanks for commenting!
Love the synopsis of ‘Orphan, can’t wait to read it.
Thanks, Sue! Welcome to the contest!
Jordan!
You write amazing books and have fantastic taste. I owe you you so much credit for the opportunities I’ve had to read so many good books. It would be such a gift to be in the drawing to potentially win a copy of Orphan Maker.
Take care!
Levi! You da bomb! I miss hearing from you!! I’ve added you to the list (and am crossing my fingers for you!)
Hey Jordan,
The book sounds terrific! I will definitely check it out if I don’t win a copy 🙂
I have enjoyed everything else you have written, so I am sure I will like this one too!
I hope so, Marie! You’re on the list!
I’ve just bought Strange Path and Beloved Mistress this weekend, looks like I’ll be getting another one of yours one way or another, I love the synopsis for Orphan Makers so please include me. Thank you and Merry Christmas
Margaret, you’re included… And enjoy the Sanguire reading. (Remember when you get to the end — there IS a fourth book in the works!)
I want to win so bad! I love your writing and I know I’ll love this book!
Thanks, Layce! I love your writing, too! You’re name’s in the hat!
I always read Redhawk! Even if I don’t win, I will certainly purchase.
Fantastic! You’re entered into the drawing! And thank you!