It’s debut week on Blog! Please welcome Jeannie Lin today. Jeannie is debuting with her Golden Heart winning manuscript, BUTTERFLY SWORDS! I was lucky enough to read her Harlequin Historical Undone, THE TAMING OF MEI LIN and it is fabulous. I devoured it in one sitting. I have BUTTERFLY SWORDS on deck to read next and I have no doubt that it will be relegated to my ‘keeper shelf’. Jeannie is definitely an author to watch.
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Tell us a little about Butterfly Swords.
It’s a story about a Tang Dynasty princess and a swordsman from Dark Age Europe who’s travelled across the silk roads. It takes place in the later part of the Tang Dynasty after what’s commonly thought of as the fall of the Golden Age. Ai Li is a young woman who’s been betrothed to a warlord, but she fakes her own kidnapping when she learns that the warlord is plotting against the throne. Ryam steps in to rescue her as she’s trying to make her way back to the capital, so they form a bond as they venture together through the countryside.
It’s a travel adventure with political intrigue, honor, and romance of course!
How much of the story is historically accurate?
I believe the historical setting and customs are accurate. The places are all real, from the imperial city of Changan to the western frontier of Gansu. I tried to envision the feel of the landscape in this time. However, the actual people are not historical figures. The figure of Emperor Shen is very loosely based on a warlord who seized the throne in this time of unrest and Ai Li’s character is also inspired by several notable princesses of the Tang Dynasty, however she’s not meant to be a depiction of any one person.
As to the question of westerners in China during this time, there’s some conjecture about visits from Roman envoys and European merchants such as the Radhanites throughout the Tang Dynasty. There are also legends about a Roman legion that made it all the way to the western frontier of Gansu, but centuries earlier. The East meets West elements of the story are a bit of alternative history twist, though there are records that indicate China knew of the West and thought favorably of it, calling it ‘Daqin’ which meant Great China; an empire as magnificent as its own.
What sort of responses did you get when submitting such an unusual setting?
It’s funny, I always got a lot of interest, but also a lot of rejections citing the risky setting and premise. I think the story was high concept enough that people wanted to take a peek, but once they did, they had to decide if there was a market.
I sincerely believe that Butterfly Swords was rejected mainly because my writing wasn’t strong enough yet. The historical market is competitive for a debut author trying to break in with any setting. It just took a little more work for Butterfly Swords to be considered. The Golden Heart nomination came at a critical time and I think it gave the story a fighting chance. I was almost ready to set it aside, and query with the follow-up book, The Dragon and the Pearl.
Your book has received some buzz prior to the release date. Does any of it surprise you?
It’s all a little overwhelming, but for once it’s nice to stick out like a sore thumb, right? I really didn’t know what to expect, but I knew people would talk about the setting and perhaps the multicultural romance. I’m so grateful and relieved that the response has been so positive and supportive. The one thing that has surprised me is how people have responded to Ai Li. I didn’t realize how much she would seem to overshadow Ryam.
What’s next after Butterfly Swords?
The sequel is already at the end of the revision stage, though there’s no publication date set yet. Without too many spoilers, it’s tentatively titled, The Dragon and the Pearl and starts where Butterfly Swords left off. It features several of the secondary characters from Butterfly Swords, but is written as a complete standalone.
Other than the setting, it’s a very different book. First of all, there aren’t any of the big sword fights you’ll see in Butterfly Swords. After seeing how much people liked the fights, I’m a little worried about that. Butterfly Swords centered around martial arts and honor culture, whereas The Dragon and the Pearl focuses on the political underworld.
Jeannie Lin writes historical romantic adventures set in Tang Dynasty China. Her short story, The Taming of Mei Lin from Harlequin Historical Undone is available September 1. Her Golden Heart award-winning novel, Butterfly Swords, was released October 1 from Harlequin Historical and 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
One lucky commenter is going to receive a copy of BUTTERFLY SWORDS. Comment to enter to win!
This looks to be an unusual and interesting story.
Hi Jeannie!! I love historical fiction, especially those set in Asia 😀 Even if I don’t win this I’m going to buy it anyway lol but thanks for the chance to!
Jeannie, I loved your book!! Just wanted to say I didn’t think Ai Li overshadowed Ryam at all–he was a fabulous alpha-hunk. Best of luck in your career–can’t wait for your next one!
oh…love the covers!
Thanks for inviting me here to The Season. Your site is beautiful and I’ve visited often as a reader for reviews and blogs. I can’t say how excited I am to actually be a guest.
@Maureen – Thanks for the comment. I hope the book offers something both classic and unusual.
@Camille – I’m a sucker for historical fiction and historical romance too. Funny when my weakest subject in school was history. They should have really put some more pizazz (and women) into those text books.
@Miranda – I’m glad you enjoyed it. *grins* Thanks for the wonderful comment about Ryam. I think Ai Li tends to stand out being an unusual heroine. Not a bad thing.
@Marjana – Me too. I owe the art department a box of chocolates.
I ma always looking for new authors to read. Your book sounds really interesting. I have yet to read a book set in this time period so looking forward to reading.
How utterly fascinating to find a book not set in Regency England! I have heard great things about this book, can’t wait to check it out, all the best for your release!
Congrats on the release and winning the Golden Heart award. I’ve been hearing great things about this book for months now. I’ve actually never read a romance that takes place in China and I am eager to get my hands on this one. It sounds great.
Hi Jeannie! Congratulations on your Golden Heart and your debut! I’ve heard lots of good buzz about BUTTERFLY SWORDS. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet but I’m looking forward to it. I like authors who step outside the box, whether it’s with their story or the setting.
Hi Jeannie, i want to let you no how much I look forward to reading your book.It sounds great
I’ve been reading a lot of good things about this book. It’s of a time and place that I don’t know a lot about but would definitely like to read more. I enjoy debut books and authors – something about being the first. And a very striking cover.
I’d love to read this one, every review has been very favorable!
I think it’s great that The Dragon and the Pearl will be different from Butterfly Swords–we need a little variety in our reading diet! 😀 And I’m eternally grateful that someone had the guts to take a chance on such a risky setting.
All of the reviews I have seen about this book have been positive. I am putting it on my To buy list.
I’m looking forward to reading this one. So many great books, so little time (and money)…
Can’t wait to get my paws on this one!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a historical romance set in ancient China, so I’m looking forward to reading Butterfly Swords, it sounds like a wonderful story.
I have had this book on my wishlist. The premise sounds very interesting.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
That is an unusual setting, but a very interesting one. I’m intrigued!
Congratulations on your great release. I know I have been looking forward to reading your book for a long time. It’s always a big thrill for me when someone with an uncommon setting gets published. Please include me in your drawing and best of luck with your blog tour.
Hi, I lvoe the name of the book and the cover is great. The book sounds wonderful!
Hi Jeannie,
Congratulations on the release of BUTTERFLY SWORDS!!! As I stated above, I’ve yet to read it but I’ve read THE TAMING OF MEI LIN and was immediately smitten. No one would call me adventurous when it comes to my historical tastes but I love your writing and your stories. You do sexual tension so well, which I’m quite partial to. I can’t wait to read BUTTERFLY SWORDS and I wish you all the success in the world.
It’s so great to see everyone here. Thanks for all the encouragement and words of support. Sorry that I’m not responding to everyone individually, but I definitely read and appreciated every comment.
@Danielle & @pjpuppymom – Thanks for the congrats regarding the Golden Heart award. The contest really did open so many doors for me. I encourage writers with a complete manuscript & polished opening to take a chance and go for it.
@Julie – I hope the setting won’t be so risky in the future. 🙂
@Beverly – Thanks again for having me here. I’m a big fan of sexual tension too. And a little angst.
I adore unusual settings and strongminded heroines. This sounds like a story to watch out for, not least for the beautiful cover and out of the ordinary title. Best of luck on the debut release.
Congrats on your release. This story is on my list to read.
Jeannie, I love angst just as much as I love sexual tension. LOL!
It is nice to see an author take historical romance out of medieval castles and Regency drawing rooms. There is a big world out there and the possibilities for good romance stories in other locales is great.
I am glad to see Ms Lin doing so well. I am looking forward to reading this book.
Jeannie, you said the biggest thing holding you back before the GH win was your own writing wasn’t strong enough. What did you do to combat this? Was it a matter of rewriting, learning new skills or did you find a CP or person who helped? I ask because I have a few rejections under my belt for my own high concept story and I too think my writing isn’t up to par… Any and all advice would be much appreciated =)
Thanks,
Bron.
Hi Jeannie, Congratulations on the release of your debut novel. The cover is beautiful. It’s a time period and place setting I know little to nothing about and the story sounds intriguing. I think I’d like to read it.
@Bronwyn: All of the above. I have several “tough love” critique partners with killer instincts that tell me like it is. On top of that, I kept on reading stellar debut novels and re-examining my writing. I tell people this about the Golden Heart — the opening that won the Golden Heart is not the opening that hooked my agent or that eventually sold the book. Never accept where you are – no matter how many times you hear that the writing is good, it could be better. The rest is our constant journey as writers. Always keep growing and taking risks and finding your unique Voice.
Sorry for rambling. I do a couple workshops about my discoveries along the way and I’m still learning so much every time I write. If you have the RWA 2010 recordings, I have a workshop there titled “Selling the Hard Sell” where I reflect on what lessons I learned.
Having a high concept story can be a very good thing in this market. Best of luck to you!
This book sounds more interesting every time I read about it! It’s on my to read list now.
Thanks Jeannie =) I’m not a member of Romance Writer’s of America (only Australia) but I’ll see if I can get my hands on those recordings.
I love historical fiction too but this is about the Tang Dynasty. I really want to read this book.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com