Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Synopsis and cover art for; A few moments with me and Madison Carter.
I
find Madison Carter sitting in a corner of the room, her eyes fixed
in uncontrollable despair. She has subconsciously removed all the
furniture and possessions around her and retreated to a blank page,
yearning for safety and comfort.
This
isn't her lounge any longer. It isn't the room full of memories,
laughter and warmth she sat in only minutes ago. That room had been
constructed with bricks and plaster, covered in maroon and crème
paint, crammed with life. We are now a sterile, thin and fragile
space created from folds made in white paper. It does not possess the
necessary power to stop the ceaseless sludge on the other side. Tears
and oil inevitably seep through, pain and dirt will smear across the
surface and the grief and rust must corrode all in its path.
Madison
is a sketch in an artist's pad. A series of lines, somehow holding
themselves together in the form of a human body. She is unravelling,
losing her shape and focus, willing to dissolve. The features have
almost completely disappeared from her face, as has her ever-changing
fractal light.
I
see black, grey and white.
Lines
of disbelief and shock swirl around her skin, creating a weak shell
that cannot survive the torrent.
Sunday, 27 July 2014
Agents vs the artist ... A long history of unwarranted blame.
Morning, afternoon, evening :)
Strangely enough, I'd planned to post a blog or vlog about the publishing world. This isn't it but here we are nonetheless.
This morning I saw a post on Twitter - an image taken from another site, I believe - that blamed publishing agents for many things; favouritism, nepotism, not loving my book and representing me-ism ... You get the idea.
It so happens that I had recently chatted to an agent about similar issues. After the conversation, and read this carefully, CAREFULLY, I do not believe agents deserve any of the hassle they receive ... And I have rejection letters and am an indie author/publisher. I should despise these people because I don't live in a Hogwarts sized mansion, swimming in a pool filled with champagne.
In many sectors of employment, there are agents, there are middle men/women/agencies. Some are the epitome of fairness and from the moment they step inside their office, they strive to improve their clients' lot in life. Some are money grabbing parasites. Now, think of this basic human act/behaviour for a second; bad news is remembered and spreads, whereas good news gets lost along the way most of the time. For every story you hear about a great agent, you'll hear ten about #!@?!!%#@!:? agents. Get it?
Let's continue.
You've typed 'The end'. Now what? Your book is the greatest piece of literature ever created. Of course it is, you wrote it...you aren't biased in any way.
You send it away and can't believe that agents from all over the universe aren't queuing outside your house, desperate for your signature. This is where the BLAME starts :/ You blame the agents for not understanding you or your book. Then, unfortunately (and it hurts, I know) the rejection letters start arriving. How:#$!$#!**@ dare they?? More blame follows.
A crossroads appears at this point. The author improves, learns from the advice given and resubmits.
The author self publishes(a recent addition to the publishing world, don't forget) and immediately gives up on the traditional route. They hold a grudge against agents and publishers that only grows with every day/ week/ month that their book doesn't become a bestseller.
They self publish because the option fits for them and submit to agents WHEN THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE A BOOK THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH. This is how I now work.
Lots of factors have to be considered by agents, remember that; financial costs, the current marketplace, excellent writing plus a million others I don't know about.
Okay, enough rambling from me today :)
Jay
Strangely enough, I'd planned to post a blog or vlog about the publishing world. This isn't it but here we are nonetheless.
This morning I saw a post on Twitter - an image taken from another site, I believe - that blamed publishing agents for many things; favouritism, nepotism, not loving my book and representing me-ism ... You get the idea.
It so happens that I had recently chatted to an agent about similar issues. After the conversation, and read this carefully, CAREFULLY, I do not believe agents deserve any of the hassle they receive ... And I have rejection letters and am an indie author/publisher. I should despise these people because I don't live in a Hogwarts sized mansion, swimming in a pool filled with champagne.
In many sectors of employment, there are agents, there are middle men/women/agencies. Some are the epitome of fairness and from the moment they step inside their office, they strive to improve their clients' lot in life. Some are money grabbing parasites. Now, think of this basic human act/behaviour for a second; bad news is remembered and spreads, whereas good news gets lost along the way most of the time. For every story you hear about a great agent, you'll hear ten about #!@?!!%#@!:? agents. Get it?
Let's continue.
You've typed 'The end'. Now what? Your book is the greatest piece of literature ever created. Of course it is, you wrote it...you aren't biased in any way.
You send it away and can't believe that agents from all over the universe aren't queuing outside your house, desperate for your signature. This is where the BLAME starts :/ You blame the agents for not understanding you or your book. Then, unfortunately (and it hurts, I know) the rejection letters start arriving. How:#$!$#!**@ dare they?? More blame follows.
A crossroads appears at this point. The author improves, learns from the advice given and resubmits.
The author self publishes(a recent addition to the publishing world, don't forget) and immediately gives up on the traditional route. They hold a grudge against agents and publishers that only grows with every day/ week/ month that their book doesn't become a bestseller.
They self publish because the option fits for them and submit to agents WHEN THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE A BOOK THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH. This is how I now work.
Lots of factors have to be considered by agents, remember that; financial costs, the current marketplace, excellent writing plus a million others I don't know about.
Okay, enough rambling from me today :)
Jay
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Friday, 16 May 2014
Female: 918
Hi :)
So, I'm working on many new books at the present time. One of these is Female: 918, a dystopian YA :)
I have 2 chapters up on Wattpad here; http://www.wattpad.com/48943646-f918-prologue-chapter-one & here; http://www.wattpad.com/50325711-f918-chapter-2
An artist friend who is just too talented to put in words, Sharon Stone(Facebook page) illustrated the main character for me. Great isn't it??? :D
Chat soon ... chapter 3 awaits! I want this book out by the end of November!! :)
So, I'm working on many new books at the present time. One of these is Female: 918, a dystopian YA :)
I have 2 chapters up on Wattpad here; http://www.wattpad.com/48943646-f918-prologue-chapter-one & here; http://www.wattpad.com/50325711-f918-chapter-2
An artist friend who is just too talented to put in words, Sharon Stone(Facebook page) illustrated the main character for me. Great isn't it??? :D
Chat soon ... chapter 3 awaits! I want this book out by the end of November!! :)
Monday, 28 April 2014
My writing process blog tour!! :D
Hello :)
I have to begin by thanking Ellie Irving for inviting me to the blog tour :D It turns out that Ellie grew up in the same area as me. Small world as the saying goes! :) You can find out about Ellie & her work here; www.ellieirving.com
Now, although my last post was on the negative side, this one is all about writing...and that's the part I LOVE ❤ the most :-D
Also, even though I tried to find 3 others to pass this over to, everyone was already involved or had already posted...which proves how popular a blog tour it is. Visit 2 new friends of mine, Lauriane Povey, here; http://t.co/zt3TD7rHLm who is also posting today and continuing the tour, and the Blondie Camps blog; http://t.co/LgXRrKCYFj - I know she is due to post soon, too :D
Q1 - What am I working on? Okay. I have...6...yes, you read that correctly...6 books currently in different stages. Some new, some nearing completion. Wow O_O 6? Really?
Here's a run down - Amelia Maylock, book 5. Fantasy/ magic for the tween/ teen reader.
Holly Silverstone, book 2. Fantasy/ gothic/ magical for the tween/ teen reader.(Darker than the Amelia Maylock books)
The Long journey to ...? ;) I haven't decided on the title yet. It is the follow on to The Long Journey to Sincerity, my YA dystopian.
A supernatural/ gothic/ YA/ fantasy(Oh, yes, I mix it up!)
A new dystopian.
The Danny Monroe series. Tween/ teen supernatural.
Q2 - How does my work differ from others in the same genre?
As Q1 shows, I do not stick to one genre. I think the best way to answer this, and I know others will have said the same, is that we(authors) put so much of our own personality in our work. I didn't realise until recently that nearly all of my books have a sarcastic or humorous character in them. Even my dystopian YA finds time to lighten the mood with some dry wit ;) Places are based on my own surroundings, as are many situations. I also seem to have a 'thing' for characters wearing masks. They pop up all over the place. I think it is because I believe everyone 'wears' a mask, at some point in their life...trying to be something else, or act a certain way. Ooh, I'm such a sneaky writer! ;)
Q3 - Why do I write what I do?
This is difficult to answer. Why do I write about magic, different realms, dimensions, creatures...science fiction and all the rest. Break these stories down...to the absolute base level and you'll find the strongest theme is self belief, overcoming the dangerous/ terrifying etc situations that the characters face...believing in yourself, and good or truth winning out. Also, I believe there are many parts to life that can't be explained. Never let your light go out. There's a good reason that is one of my quotes on Goodreads :)
Q4 - How does my writing process work?
I mentioned this recently in a YouTube video here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJilWzqSMNw&list=UUmkp6YYM5yVMeiwxD7N460A
The ideas pour out sometimes. There might not even be a story yet the words are there :) Some ideas shout louder than others. As you can imagine from my previous answers, I have a lot of scribbled notes, notebooks, files saved and so on. Today, hopefully, I will have a new piece typed up that will be a raw, unedited mass of words. If you can, and I do very often, set a goal of an absolutely ridiculous word count for one day in the week. I'm talking 5,000+. Then, just go for it :D
Okay, thanks for reading :D
I have to begin by thanking Ellie Irving for inviting me to the blog tour :D It turns out that Ellie grew up in the same area as me. Small world as the saying goes! :) You can find out about Ellie & her work here; www.ellieirving.com
Now, although my last post was on the negative side, this one is all about writing...and that's the part I LOVE ❤ the most :-D
Also, even though I tried to find 3 others to pass this over to, everyone was already involved or had already posted...which proves how popular a blog tour it is. Visit 2 new friends of mine, Lauriane Povey, here; http://t.co/zt3TD7rHLm who is also posting today and continuing the tour, and the Blondie Camps blog; http://t.co/LgXRrKCYFj - I know she is due to post soon, too :D
Q1 - What am I working on? Okay. I have...6...yes, you read that correctly...6 books currently in different stages. Some new, some nearing completion. Wow O_O 6? Really?
Here's a run down - Amelia Maylock, book 5. Fantasy/ magic for the tween/ teen reader.
Holly Silverstone, book 2. Fantasy/ gothic/ magical for the tween/ teen reader.(Darker than the Amelia Maylock books)
The Long journey to ...? ;) I haven't decided on the title yet. It is the follow on to The Long Journey to Sincerity, my YA dystopian.
A supernatural/ gothic/ YA/ fantasy(Oh, yes, I mix it up!)
A new dystopian.
The Danny Monroe series. Tween/ teen supernatural.
Q2 - How does my work differ from others in the same genre?
As Q1 shows, I do not stick to one genre. I think the best way to answer this, and I know others will have said the same, is that we(authors) put so much of our own personality in our work. I didn't realise until recently that nearly all of my books have a sarcastic or humorous character in them. Even my dystopian YA finds time to lighten the mood with some dry wit ;) Places are based on my own surroundings, as are many situations. I also seem to have a 'thing' for characters wearing masks. They pop up all over the place. I think it is because I believe everyone 'wears' a mask, at some point in their life...trying to be something else, or act a certain way. Ooh, I'm such a sneaky writer! ;)
Q3 - Why do I write what I do?
This is difficult to answer. Why do I write about magic, different realms, dimensions, creatures...science fiction and all the rest. Break these stories down...to the absolute base level and you'll find the strongest theme is self belief, overcoming the dangerous/ terrifying etc situations that the characters face...believing in yourself, and good or truth winning out. Also, I believe there are many parts to life that can't be explained. Never let your light go out. There's a good reason that is one of my quotes on Goodreads :)
Q4 - How does my writing process work?
I mentioned this recently in a YouTube video here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJilWzqSMNw&list=UUmkp6YYM5yVMeiwxD7N460A
The ideas pour out sometimes. There might not even be a story yet the words are there :) Some ideas shout louder than others. As you can imagine from my previous answers, I have a lot of scribbled notes, notebooks, files saved and so on. Today, hopefully, I will have a new piece typed up that will be a raw, unedited mass of words. If you can, and I do very often, set a goal of an absolutely ridiculous word count for one day in the week. I'm talking 5,000+. Then, just go for it :D
Okay, thanks for reading :D
Saturday, 26 April 2014
Failure ... it gets to you.
I've copied this over from my FB author page. I'm just having a moan ... things are bugging me, a LOT.
So, I published my first book a loooong time ago. Self-publishing etc was new, brand new. Vanity publishers charging 1000s of pounds/ dollars were fading as better, inexpensive, companies emerged and gave authors a chance to see their work in print. This isn't a blog/ rant about self-publishing, though, more about 15-20 years of banging my head against a brick wall networking and promotion and ... failure. Yes, failure. I have no problem admitting to that.
So, my stance from the beginning has always been a love of writing. Wanting to share my stories with others. Giving the readers my tales and ideas.
Writing isn't easy. Once the words flow and you reach a certain point in the book ... usually about 10,000 words in my case, then it becomes a lot easier, but that's irrelevant ... I'm just typing as it arrives in my head.
Back to banging my head against a brick wall. Yes, from the beginning I knew that I could not aggressively market or promote. It isn't me. It's rude in my opinion. If someone says no, they mean no. They don't mean 'Maybe. Keep hassling me, though, in case I change my mind.'
This hasn't changed over the years. It's grown worse because of all the other places on the internet to post, blog, share etc. The temptation and opportunity to bombard potential readers/ customers has exploded. Personally, I repeat in capitals, PERSONALLY(I'm not associating my thoughts with any others) can't stand the same link or book cover or tweet or excerpt or whatever appearing all over the place.
Here's a quick sidestep - something I have yet to succeed at is building a 'base'. By this, I mean a group of readers who have followed me from the beginning, or who subscribe to all my updates, check in on my latest work etc. If every author/ upcoming author did this, they wouldn't have to plaster the web a bazillion times with their news. Good news spreads itself.
I think this is one of the reasons I am moaning and melancholy today(well, for a while now to be honest) - I have been around for a while, feeling my way through the publishing world, watching it change and grow, sometimes overnight. I don't like how it has changed and what it has become.
READERS are the most IMPORTANT element in the publishing world. Yes, some will disagree, but they are to me. Readers are put off by in your face tactics.
This brings me close to the end of this post and also back to failure. It annoys me, upsets me, angers me - plus a million other emotions - because I've been the polite author, the listening author, the helpful author, and it hasn't brought me any success. I have spent many years making friends in the publishing world. I've helped authors promote, I've shared links for them, I've purchased books that interest me, I've suggested books to readers. I have also asked for the same in return and been ignored, or told no :/
I've been the one in the background, typing away, releasing books without all the fireworks and mass posts. I tell myself that the selective marketing/ promotion/ pre-publication reviews etc will be enough to get the word out. FAILURE ... or FAIL ... FACEPALM ... whatever is usual these days.
I don't want to disappear among the louder voices. I believe I have stories to tell that the readers will love and remember. The reviews tell me this is the truth. SUCCESS?? Maybe ...
So, I published my first book a loooong time ago. Self-publishing etc was new, brand new. Vanity publishers charging 1000s of pounds/ dollars were fading as better, inexpensive, companies emerged and gave authors a chance to see their work in print. This isn't a blog/ rant about self-publishing, though, more about 15-20 years of banging my head against a brick wall networking and promotion and ... failure. Yes, failure. I have no problem admitting to that.
So, my stance from the beginning has always been a love of writing. Wanting to share my stories with others. Giving the readers my tales and ideas.
Writing isn't easy. Once the words flow and you reach a certain point in the book ... usually about 10,000 words in my case, then it becomes a lot easier, but that's irrelevant ... I'm just typing as it arrives in my head.
Back to banging my head against a brick wall. Yes, from the beginning I knew that I could not aggressively market or promote. It isn't me. It's rude in my opinion. If someone says no, they mean no. They don't mean 'Maybe. Keep hassling me, though, in case I change my mind.'
This hasn't changed over the years. It's grown worse because of all the other places on the internet to post, blog, share etc. The temptation and opportunity to bombard potential readers/ customers has exploded. Personally, I repeat in capitals, PERSONALLY(I'm not associating my thoughts with any others) can't stand the same link or book cover or tweet or excerpt or whatever appearing all over the place.
Here's a quick sidestep - something I have yet to succeed at is building a 'base'. By this, I mean a group of readers who have followed me from the beginning, or who subscribe to all my updates, check in on my latest work etc. If every author/ upcoming author did this, they wouldn't have to plaster the web a bazillion times with their news. Good news spreads itself.
I think this is one of the reasons I am moaning and melancholy today(well, for a while now to be honest) - I have been around for a while, feeling my way through the publishing world, watching it change and grow, sometimes overnight. I don't like how it has changed and what it has become.
READERS are the most IMPORTANT element in the publishing world. Yes, some will disagree, but they are to me. Readers are put off by in your face tactics.
This brings me close to the end of this post and also back to failure. It annoys me, upsets me, angers me - plus a million other emotions - because I've been the polite author, the listening author, the helpful author, and it hasn't brought me any success. I have spent many years making friends in the publishing world. I've helped authors promote, I've shared links for them, I've purchased books that interest me, I've suggested books to readers. I have also asked for the same in return and been ignored, or told no :/
I've been the one in the background, typing away, releasing books without all the fireworks and mass posts. I tell myself that the selective marketing/ promotion/ pre-publication reviews etc will be enough to get the word out. FAILURE ... or FAIL ... FACEPALM ... whatever is usual these days.
I don't want to disappear among the louder voices. I believe I have stories to tell that the readers will love and remember. The reviews tell me this is the truth. SUCCESS?? Maybe ...
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Review & mini interview ... with me :D
Bits & Bobs: Jason Ellis | The 12th Year Awakening + Mini Q&A W...: Little did Amelia know that as she dressed for school on a normal Friday morning at the beginning of March, her life would soon change for...
Monday, 24 March 2014
New Vlog :D
Hi :D
I chat about books, the writing process ... just watch it and see haha! :) Oh, and there's me, with a groovy beard, hat & cool shades.
New Vlog
I chat about books, the writing process ... just watch it and see haha! :) Oh, and there's me, with a groovy beard, hat & cool shades.
New Vlog
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Google+1/ GR giveaway =]
Just a quick vlog to notify you all about the Google +1 badge and Goodreads giveaways going live very soon :D
Friday, 28 February 2014
Come here, Google + ... give me a big hug!! =)
3,2,1 ... go(ogle +) Haha ... do you see what I did there??
Seeing as I am starting out on a Google +, Google everything related link up mega-mash-up-palooza-fest, I should really get the basics out there =]
As the page title suggests, I live in the UK and am an author =]
As the page title suggests, I live in the UK and am an author =]
First of all, Google. I don't offer big hugs out to just anyone. I'm even more reserved when it comes to the internet, so you must be doing something to impress me.
In the last week or so, I have updated my Google + so that I now have a page that I am proud of, and the same with Youtube too ... and blogger ... I haven't started on the docs or apps yet. I have a feeling that I'll be like the younger version of myself after a birthday or Xmas ... when I had money and went to the toy shop to grab Star Wars figures.
On a professional angle, it's the ability to link everything together that I like ... and what I will use as a key part of my networking strategy over the next 2,000 years. Hey, I've got a lot of books planned, it might take me a while ;)
That's me, holding the paperback of my latest release(October, 2013)
Here's a list of where to find me and my books;
Chat soon!! =]
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Amelia Maylock, book 1 is now PERMANENTLY FREE :)
Yes :) I have been lucky enough to arrange with Amazon's Kindle team for Amelia Maylock, book 1; The 12th year awakening, to be free for readers on a permanent basis :D
There are still a few sites awaiting the price alteration, yet most have lowered now.
Here is the link; http://www.amazon.com/12th-awakening-Amelia-Maylock-books-ebook/dp/B007Q7FBSG/ref=la_B0034PLAIY_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392848638&sr=1-14
Enjoy!
Jason Ellis
There are still a few sites awaiting the price alteration, yet most have lowered now.
Here is the link; http://www.amazon.com/12th-awakening-Amelia-Maylock-books-ebook/dp/B007Q7FBSG/ref=la_B0034PLAIY_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392848638&sr=1-14
Enjoy!
Jason Ellis
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Get Amelia Maylock on your iPad, or Mac, for FREE :D
Yes, she has arrived on the iTunes store :D https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/amelia-maylock-book-one-12th/id794982534?mt=11
Enjoy and tell your friends :D
Jay
Enjoy and tell your friends :D
Jay
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