Dragons of Jade by Jean Lauzier

There’s no such thing as dragons.

Of that, Jade Delaney was sure.  She may not have known who she was or where she came from, but at least she had a plan for her future.

All that changes when a dragon summons her back to the world from which she came. There, she learns dragons are real, the truth of her birth, and just why she was abandoned as a toddler.

Now she must discover and stop whoever is killing the dragons, while avoiding the man who is hunting her.

*****

Okay, so this is my book. But since this is my blog, it seems fitting to put it here.  At least once in a while.  It is a stand alone, however, I am working on a sequel. It's going to be really good.

Get your copy here or if you'd like a signed copy, let me know and we'll work out details.

The Next Big Thing

 That's right, today's the day.  The "Next Big Thing" Blog Hop. Which is a really cool way to get to know other writers and their work. Such as...Evelyn Byrne who tagged me and is writing paranormal books you'll really love.

This "hop" consists of 10 questions.  

And away we go.....

1. What is the working title of your book?
 Now that is a loaded question. I have several things going right now.  Dark Descent and Dragons of Jade are both in the editorial phase. I'm hoping to have release dates on them soon.  I'm also working on two serials, I Wish... and Where the Heart is.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
Dark Descent began as a prompt idea for a writer's group newsletter but it had to be short. Only thing, there was so much more to the story so it became a novel.  Dragons of Jade...I'm not sure where the idea came from. I just like dragons and wanted to do them differently.  I challenged myself to write a different genre and that's how I started on Where the Heart is.  I Wish... my brother challenged me to write. It started as a short story, just enough to win the bet with him but has grown also.

3. What genre does your book fall under?
Dark Descent - mystery/suspense
Dragons of Jade - fantasy
I Wish... western fantasy
Where the Heart is - contemporary romance 

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
There's no way I could even begin to figure this out. I watch so little televison I don't keep up with the actors.
 
5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Dark Descent - Hannibal Lector meets Mayberry - There's a serial killer living among them, can Cande figure out who it is before it's too late for his next victim?

Dragons of Jade - Who's killing the dragons and what can a girl from Earth do about it? 

Where the Heart is - Can Marcus prove to Samantha they were meant to be together before she leaves again?

I Wish... - Wes gets his wish to live in the old west but will it be what he expected and will he be able to get back home in one piece or at all?

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
They will be published through White Bird Publications. It's a small press and I'm really enjoying working with them.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Dark Descent took probably 3 months to write, but those 3 months were spread over quite a long time.  Dragons of Jade was written as a NaNoWriMo project so only took 1 month. Naturally, revising has taken longer.  Where the Heart is and I Wish... have taken several months also.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Gee...another loaded question. I think anyone who enjoys Sue Grafton or Janet Evanovich will like Dark Descent when it comes out.  Those who like dragons should enjoy Dragons of Jade. Romance lovers will enjoy them all since each book has a thread of romance.

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I really like playing in different genres. It's a way to learn new writing techniques and challenging oneself.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
 I think the characters. I sometimes have to remind myself they aren't real people and I believe the reader will love them as much as I do. Plus, I like to add an unexpected twist or two whenever I can.


Well, that was fun. I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my WIPs.  Next week, check out these great authors and their blogs for more answers.

Mitch Haynes

Dawn Demarco 

Ken Farmer

Jaleta Clegg  

Simon Lang

You can download episodes(.99 each) of Where the Heart is and I Wish...  from Amazon.  Also, my short story collection, Six Pack of Murder has the first chapter of Dark Descent included.  

Sigh...

Forgive me blogger for I have neglected you way too long...  I did think about you though...and I really do feel bad about the neglect.  It's just things have been so busy and life has been unusually realistic lately.

So, here it is, midnight.  The hubby is asleep and all's quiet and dark.  And I only have a couple things that I should be doing so it seems the perfect time to catch up here.

On the reality side of things, our fridge decided to give up the ghost.  And the week after we got a new one (to us anyway) the hot water heater died.  No warning...just died.   If that wasn't enough, our satellite tv is out and they can't get a repair guy out to look at it until next week.  So, it's going to be a LONG weekend.  Oh...and not to mention it's been hot as bleep here...heat indices up to 110.  However, things may cool off if Bonnie sends up any rain.

On the writing side...

First, I received another rejection letter for  my zombie romance.  If I can't find a place for it soon, I'll hold it and post it here for Valentine's Day.  The zombies are upscale and sophisticated so I think that's the problem  since they aren't the normal zombie.  I do have a couple flash fiction places in mind to send it as soon as I catch my breath.

Next, I finally sent in the manuscript for my dragon fantasy novel.  It's called Dragons of Jade.  It's about a young woman who is transported to a world of dragons in order to save them from the person killing them.  While there, she finds a bit of romance and discovers she's not the person she thought she was.  I really like the story and the world so I'm excited about getting it ready to share with the rest of the world.   

As the revision/editing/publishing process goes along, I'll keep you informed about what's happening. 

Lastly...I'm now the editor for the Roughdraft which is the newsletter for the local writing group I belong to.  This month I put together my first issue and it turned out really nice.

Now, tell me what y'all have been up too. :-)