Interview with Jeannie Lin

Pat here. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Jeannie Lin, whose historical romantic adventures set in Tang Dynasty China have readers, reviewers, and writers all abuzz. She’s a 2009 Golden-heart finalist, a high school teacher with a love of legends, epic fantasy, and martial art fiction. Her short story, The Taming of Mei Lin from Harlequin Historical Undone was released September 1.  Check out excerpts and reviews at http://www.jeannielin.com/
 

1.  How did you start writing?  Were you making up stories in kindergarten with a pencil clutched in one chubby fist, or did you come to the trade later?

Ha! The fat blue pencil is actually something I remember fondly. The one without an eraser; and boy did I need an eraser. That’s me to this day. I feel like I revise more than I write.

Walk down memory lane aside, my mother always wanted to be a writer. She told us stories of how her dream was to teach during the school year and write during the summers. I think because of her, I always thought of writing as a dream job.

 

2.  How did you become interested in writing historical novels?

My best friend introduced me to historical romance. We would borrow books from her mother’s shelves. She gravitated toward the westerns while I adored Johanna Lindsey. I loved historicals for the feeling of being transported. If I’m daydreaming about the contemporary world, my thoughts stray back to my job, my commute, my life. If I daydream in a historical setting, the ideas could become a little bit bigger than me and what I had experienced firsthand.

3. What drew you to writing romance in particular?

I had tried writing stories—usually science fiction or fantasy ones with either some little twist or some big adventure. I realized that I didn’t have characters anyone would care about. They were puppet slaves to my hooks and premises.

The books that made me feel the most for the characters were romances. That’s what I wanted in my writing so I tried it. Magically, everything started coming together. There was a reason for characters to be doing things and adventures to be happening.   

4.  What was the biggest mistake you made when you first began writing?

There’s a reason you shouldn’t be allowed to have an eraser until the second grade. My biggest mistake was rewriting the first chapters. I kept trying to apply things I’d learned and rewrite the opening over and over. My mentor kept on telling me to write forward. When I finally finished the first book two years later, I understood why. By cycling around the same chapters, I wasn’t growing as a writer. Sure, I could polish, but I was polishing crap. Crap can only get so shiny.

5.  What do you consider key elements of a great story?

This is tough. I think the key elements are character and the X-factor. I can follow great characters through a bland plot. The X-factor is that feeling that I can’t get this anywhere else. I can’t get this from watching TV or from reading any other author. I can’t get this feeling of being in this time and place any other way. I must read this book because there’s nothing else like it.

6.  Are there any trends you hope to see in romance in the next few years?

I would love to see “smart bodice rippers”. Some of the feel of the good stuff from the 80s and 90s, but modernized. Uber-alpha men who are a bit on the insufferable scoundrel side, but matched with a heroine who can hold her own against him. I guess I don’t feel as swept away sometimes by modern romance. It’s like we’re being too safe. I want to read some wild, breathless romance again with sweeping historical settings. And I want to feel like I’m being a little naughty reading it.

   

7.  What is the best part about being a writer?  The most frustrating?

The best part: I love it all. I love the brainstorming and revising and the agony it takes to finally make the book look like something someone might read. This may be a bad time to ask me. I have adrenaline and endorphins rushing through me due to the upcoming debut.

I suppose waiting for news is the most frustrating. Nothing moves as fast as you want it to.

8. Would you like to tell us a little about your book?

Butterfly Swords is set in 8th century Tang Dynasty. It’s a historical fantasy or alternative history that brings medieval swordsmen across the Silk Road into the Chinese empire. The heroine, Ai Li, is a sword-wielding princess who escapes from a pre-arranged marriage when she believes her warlord husband-to-be is a traitor. She meets up with a western barbarian and they team up to try to get her safely back to the capital.
The hero is a reluctant one. He’s dealing with the guilt of leading his men into an ambush. Stranded in a strange land, he takes on the task of protecting Ai Li as a way to redeem himself. And of course they start falling for each other.
The whole thing was so exhilarating to write. I hope people have as much fun reading it.
 
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Jeannie Lin’s Golden Heart award-winning novel, Butterfly Swords, will be released October 1 from Harlequin Historical. It received 4-stars from Romantic Times Reviews—“The action never stops, the love story is strong and the historical backdrop is fascinating.”

Join the launch celebration at http://www.butterfly-swords.com for giveaways and special features. Visit Jeannie online at: http://www.jeannielin.com

Jeannie will be giving away a copy of The Butterfly Swords to a random commenter, so please, welcome Jeannie, and send questions her way. 

Comments

[David Bridger]

Can't wait for Butterfly Swords! I think it will be The Book of this autumn!

[maryjoputney]

Welcome to Word Wenches, Jeannie! I love your idea of "the X factor." More exciting than saying "unique voice." *g*

Having been lucky enough to read BUTTERFLY SWORDS early, I can recommend it tot anyone who wants to read a historical romance with plenty of X-factor. *g*

[Vi]

Please don't enter for the drawing as I have read the book. I just wanted to say how awesome Butterfly Swords is. If you were to ask Ryam if he considers himself a hero, he would say no. And that's why I love him. His interactions with Ailey gives him the imperative to be the true hero he wants to secretly be.

[Jeannie Lin]

Mary Jo - *HUGS* Thank you so much for reading Butterfly Swords and for the incredible quote. :)

I was trying to think of why I love some books so much and sometimes it's because I can't even think of why I love it. Unique voice is a better way to say it. *grins*

[Jeannie Lin]

Thanks Vi for mentioning my hero. I've been hiding in my bunker and reading reviews, silently lamenting on how the heroine seems to have upstaged him.

[Linda Henderson]

I can't wait to read this book, I've heard great things about it.

[Isobel Carr]

I've got it pre-ordered, so don't enter me in the drawing. Just wanted to say how much I'm looking forward to this book.

I got to meet Jeannie in Orlando when were both part of a costume panel, and seeing her in the clothes just made me want to read the book all the more!

[FredTownWard]

I've been looking forward to reading this book since I first heard of it, and the more I hear of it, the more I want to read it so I'd be happy to win it here.

[Hellion]

I swear the more I hear and read about this book, the more I cannot wait to read it. I agree, I think this will be THE BOOK of this fall.

And I'm so sharing the line with my CPs about "Crap can only be so shiny." *LOL* Good point!

[Patricia Rice]

I think it might be truthfully said that Jeannie has a unique voice. "G" I'm delighted so many people have already been seen the book! And I'm selfishly hoping it will leap off the shelves and start a new romance revolution for exotic locations and adventures.

Thanks for stopping by, Jeannie!

[Barb Bettis]

I am so looking forward to reading the book. I picked it up this weekend so don't enter me in the drawing. I can't wait to be immersed in new historical detail.

Thank goodness historicals are expanding to include different eras and locations. And thanks for being on the front line of the trek, Jeannie.

[peggy]

Hi Jeannie,your book sounds great and I can't wait to read it.I'm reading such good things about it.and I love the cover.

[Jeannie Lin]

@Linda - I hope you enjoy it!

@Isobel - That was an AWESOME workshop. I wish I had taken more pictures of everyone's dresses.

@FredTownWard - Hi there! Always good to hear from you.

@Hellion - Be careful when using that crap line with the CPs...I can foresee a few broken friendships if used incorrectly! *LOL*

@Pat - Aww, thanks Pat. And thanks for inviting me and doing the interview. It's been amazing working with MORWA and the brainstorming crew.

@Barb - I hope you enjoy the book! Harlequin Historicals has a little club of what we call the unusual time periods - Romans, Vikings, etc. For the front line at least for Asia, I have to credit Jade Lee and Mary Jo Putney who were writing historicals set in China long before I ever dreamed of doing so. Let's hope for more adventures to come. I'm too broke to travel, so I need to live vicarously through novels.

@peggy - I was so happy when I saw the cover. The art department really did a wonderful job.

[Janga]

I confess that I'm one of those readers who too rarely moves out of the Georgian-Regency-Victorian periods when choosing historical romances. But this one has been so highly recommended by many people whose opinions I trust that I have it on my TBB list.

And I'm with Hellion on the "shiny crap" line. Today I feel as if that's an accurate description of my mss and my WIP.

[Wendy Drew]

Ahhh..."smart bodice rippers" and "crap can only be so shiny." Phrases that both the publishing world and writing world need to take note of. I think I'll put one in my right pocket and one in my left pocket and carry 'em around with me for awhile. They have inspired! Thanks, Jeannie Lin! Looking forward to your booksigning on Oct 9th from 12-2pm!

[Susan/DC]

I think the book contract for this was announced at the RWA in 2009, and excitement began to build from then. I know I'm looking forward to Thursday, when this goes into release.

I love beta heroes, alpha heroes, whatever, as long as they are paired with heroines who balance them, match them, provide an answer to Why this man? Why this woman? And part of that is the X factor, the magic that the author creates with this particular pairing.

[Julie]

It's fascinating that your mother wanted to be a writer; what an inspiration!

I don't like revising my writing (cringe), but I do love tearing up other people's papers! Gotta love that red pen...

[Jeannie Lin]

@Janga - I'm thrilled to hear people are recommending Butterfly Swords. Everyone really has been so supportive. It's been so uplifting.

@Wendy - What can I say? I do so love me a good bodice ripper. There must be some place for them in today's romance market. :) Can't wait for the signing either. I'm bringing cookies and am willing to share.

@Susan - For me, it feels like it's been forever from contract to shelf! But it's finally here...

I do so love books when there's all that anticipation about the hero and heroine meeting. It's hard to put your finger on, but sometimes the writing's good, the premise is good, but that little zing never happens. That's definitely an X-factor thing.

[SF]

I read the excerpt on your website and was hooked. I'm very much looking forward to reading the entire novel!

[Barbara Elness]

Hi Jeannie,
I wasn't sure I'd like your book when I first heard about it - but the more I've heard, especially from this interview, the more interested I've become and now I'm looking forward to reading it.

[Megan Kelly]

I'm borrowing your shiny crap comment too! And the X-factor exactly describes the "unexplainable something" that puts a book on the keeper shelf. Having read The Taming of Mei Lin, I'm sure Butterfly Swords will be on my keeper shelf too. Don't enter me in the drawing, as I will buy my copy Oct 1! Good luck and thanks for some great quotes.

[LadyDoc]

I've never read an historical with a Chinese setting- I'd love to win this and start with your highly praised and recommended book!

[Helen]

This book sounds really good and so different I love the thought of the setting congrats on the release
Have Fun
Helen

[Maureen]

I don't think I've read anything like this story. I'm wondering how much research you had to do for this story.

[Shannon]

Would love to read an Asian historical romance. =)

[Jeannie Lin]

@Julie-My mother has recently confessed to trying to plant all sorts of subliminal messages in our heads, which actually might explain a few things. As to revision, I'm one of those odd creatures that likes to revise, but hates to draft because everything comes out sounding so rough!

@SF-Glad you liked the excerpt!

@Barbara-That's good to hear. Perhaps some of those subliminal messages are working...Actually I'm quite overwhelmed and touched by the many people like the Word Wenches who've been mentioning and supporting the book.

[JJ]

I can’t wait to read ‘Butterfly Swords’, I think I first got wind of it from the Smart Bitches and I was so intrigued! I love romance, but sometimes I feel a little ‘burned out’ when I feel like I’m reading similar stories over and over again-I’m thinking your book w ill be the perfect cure! Thanks for the interview - JenJ

[Jeannie Lin]

@Megan - Thanks for the support! I've only used the "shiny crap" comment to refer to my own writing, but it was a very good lesson for me to learn the hard way.

@LadyDoc & @Helen & Shannon - As I mentioned, a few authors like Mary Jo and Jade have ventured into China, but the Tang Dynasty is a bit further back than I've seen as well. It's a fun time to explore.

[Jeannie Lin]

@Maureen - I do have books and books of research on my shelves. I've hit the library and Amazon for books and searched online for a variety of references. I also spend a lot of time on offshoots like weaponry and warfare. I feel like I can keep researching forever and would never be done. An interesting thing is just recently there has been more interest in the Tang dynasty so it's easier to find information now than it was even five years ago when I started. Guy Gavriel Kay reported that he spent about the same amount of time with the Tang Dynasty for his recent historical fantasy release, Under Heaven. Our paths might have crossed in cyberspace...

[Elisa Beatty]

Wonderful to see you at Word Wenches, Jeannie!!!!

I've been champing at the bit to get out to my local Borders to see if they've got early copies of Butterfly Swords...hopefully tonight will be the night!

I truly can't wait. (And I have to say, I too would be eager to see some "smart bodice-rippers"!...hmm, must go write one.)

[Mariska]

i've seen this book cover on other blogs. really looking forward to read it :)

[Dee]

Sounds interesting! I'll keep an eye out for it.

[Cara Elliott/Andrea Penrose]

Great to have you here, Jeannie. I love exotic locales and swashbuckling, kick-ass adventure, so am really looking forward to your book.

[Minna]

Great post!

[Jeannie Lin]

@Elisa - What do you think? Is it time for a bodice-ripper resurgence? Some people say they've moved to paranormals.

@Mariska & @Dee - The cover does catch your eye, doesn't it? Hopefully it's as eye-catching in the store as on the internet!

@Cara - Oh yes, plenty of swashbuckling in the Spy books!

@Minna - Thanks for stopping by.

[Patricia Rice]

While everyone is partying here, I'm out shopping for a virtual gift to give Jeannie as our honorary word wench of the week. Anyone with nifty ideas, drop a link!

[Joanna Bourne]

I love -- "They were puppet slaves to my hooks and premises."

Story of my writing life.

When you say, "I do so love books when there's all that anticipation about the hero and heroine meeting," I know exactly what you mean. One of my all-time favorite love stories is Tokaido Road. Now that's a long wait for the protagonists to meet.

[Dee Feagin]

As a devoted reader of historical novels, especially romance, I am excited about one that introduces me to another culture. I'm looking forward to reading your book.

[Kim in Hawaii]

Aloha, Jeannie! I found an interesting book at our Friends of the Library sale last week - Women Poets of China. This poem reminded me of your heroine:

My Lord raised a flag of surrender
Over the Emporer's City
Buried deep in the women's quarters,
How can I understand
Why a hundred and forty thousand
Soldiers laid down their arms.
All I can say is -
There was not a man amongst them.

Lady Hua Jui (10th Century)

[Alison]

I am so looking forward to this book coming out! I've read so much about it and it sounds such a fascinating setting, as well as hot read.

[Jeannie Lin]

@Pat - No need for a gift--unless it's just an excuse for you to get out and shop. :)

@JenJohnson - You must have been posting at the same time as me. Must have missed you. I like to pick up something a little different once in a while too. What do they say in romance, different but the same?

@Joanna - Hello!! I owe you a PM to let you know how the online class went. Re: "puppet slaves" - romance finally taught me that characters count and premises are a dime a dozen. As to anticipation - I spent ALL of Catcher in the Rye waiting to meet Jane. Totally different book, of course.

@Dee F. - I'm so glad to hear that! Btw, are you a different Dee from the earlier Dee?

@Kim - That's a wonderful poem. I'm going to snag it for my blog. :) I'm actually exploring women poets of the Tang right now. Given how important poetry and literary culture was at the time, it's fascinating to see that these women had a significant voice in that era.

@Alison - It seems like a long wait from my end too, but it's finally here. *happy sigh*