Author Interview: Jade Kerrion – Double Helix Series
Today’s author interview is with Jade Kerrion , author of the ‘Double Helix’ series.
My interview with Jade:
What is the title or working title of your current book?
Perfection Unleashed is the first book in the Double Helix series.
Please provide us with a brief synopsis of your book.
His genetic code sourced from the best that humanity offers, Galahad embodies the pinnacle of perfection. When Zara Itani, a mercenary whose abrasive arrogance exceeds her beauty, frees him from his laboratory prison, she offers him the chance to claim everything that had ever been denied him, beginning with his humanity.
Perfection cannot be unleashed without repercussions, and Galahad’s freedom shatters Danyael Sabre’s life.
An alpha empath, Danyael is rare and coveted, even among the alpha mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution. He wields the power to heal or kill with a touch, but craves only privacy and solitude—both impossible dreams for the man who was used as Galahad’s physical template.
Galahad and Danyael, two men, one face. One man seeks to embrace destiny, and the other to escape it.
The award-winning Double Helix series, consisting of Perfect Weapon , Amazon, and Apple iTunes, will challenge your notions of perfection and humanity, and lead you in a celebration of courage and compassion. Science fiction, urban fantasy, and action-adventure readers will enjoy this thrilling roller-coaster ride as it twists and turns through a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution.
What genre does your current book fall under?
Technically, it fits under science fiction. However, the story takes place in a fairly contemporary setting, and people who enjoy urban fantasy or action/adventures are likely to enjoy Perfection Unleashed too.
Do you always write for the same genre?
It seems to work out that way. Case in point, about two months ago, I set out to write a paranormal romance, but as the story took shape, it morphed (quite entirely on its own) into science fiction. I’m still not sure how exactly I managed to do that, but there you have it. It’s fated—science fiction and me.
Who or what motivates or inspires you to write?
There’s a story to be told. I see the story as it unfolds like a movie in my mind, and when the scene comes together, I have to write it down or I get antsy and irritable. I don’t even need much motivation any more. Writing is something of a compulsion for me now.
Tell us about your writing background.
I started at the age of thirteen when my school essays were returned to me with a bunch of “A”s scrawled over the top. Teenagers are impressionable. Being much more impressionable than most, and believing that my teachers knew what they were doing, I figured I was destined to be a writer. It’s only taken me tens of thousands of hours of work since then to be halfway decent at writing (and I’m still learning each day), but one has to start somewhere.
How long does it typically take you to write a first draft?
It took about three months to get to a solid first draft for Perfection Unleashed. That included a major overhaul of the ending after a beta reader (who is also an author) told me frankly that the ending sucked. After I sulked over it for half a day, I realized she was right and ripped out 40,000 words and rewrote the ending.
Do you employ an editor to assist you in your writing process?
Absolutely. I worked with an incredible editor, Bobbie Christmas, on the first three books in the Double Helix series.
Are you self-published or represented by an agency?
I did send my manuscript to a few agents, but in the end, I decided against going down that route. It’s important for me to retain creative control over my series. I recruited beta readers, and hired an exceptional editor and cover artist. Writing is occasionally a solitary path, but publishing is very much a team effort.
Do you have future projects we can look forward to?
Earth-Sim, a whimsical view of Earth’s history as seen through the eyes of the two students and the android assigned to manage it, will be released in February 2013, and I’m currently working on the paranormal-romance-turned-science-fiction, tentatively titled City of Eternal Night. After that, it’s back to the Double Helix series to write the fourth book.
Do you have any tips or advice to offer fellow writers?
Be committed to excellence. Your product is your brand, and everything you put out needs to reflect a dedication to the art and science of writing. It has to be excellent.
Is there anything else you would like to share with your potential readers?
I hope you’ll take a chance on the Double Helix series. It has won up several awards, including a Royal Palm Literary Award and a Next Generation Indie Award. Reviewers have enjoyed its in-depth character development, its page-turning action, and the originality of its vision. For the duration of my blog tour (through March 1st), Perfection Unleashed is on sale for $0.99, so now would be a good time to check out the book that launched the Double Helix series. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Perfection Unleashed: Barnes & Noble / Smashwords / Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Perfect Betrayal: Smashwords / Smashwords / Amazon / Apple iTunes
Perfect Weapon: Barnes & Noble / Amazon / Apple iTunes / Barnes & Noble
When the Silence Ends: Amazon
Tell us how we can connect with you in the world of social.
Connect with Jade Kerrion: Blog / Perfection Unleashed / Perfect Betrayal
Bio:
Perfect Betrayal unites cutting-edge science and bioethics with fast-paced action in her award-winning Double Helix series. Perfect Weapon and its sequels, Amazon and Apple iTunes , have been described as “a breakout piece of science fiction” and drawn rave reviews for their originality and vision. Her latest novel, Subscribe to Geek Girl USA by Email, is a Young Adult spinoff the Double Helix series.
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Filed in: Author Interviews
I love a goos SciFi book so this may fit the bill nicely. I very much appreciate that she has a commitment to excellence. That will make a reader experience much more enjoyable all around. 🙂
Yeah, you and me both. 🙂
Thank you so much for hosting my blog tour; I really do appreciate it! 🙂
My pleasure. 🙂
Ouch, doing away with 40,000 words in a draft! Definitely something I can relate to…
I figured as much. 🙂
Sounds like an interesting read. I did like the part of the interview where Jade said she sulked for a day and then ripped out 40,000 words which many would not do. To me it is a perfect example of her commitment to excellence.
I agree. But oh how painful.
Paranormal romance science fiction, that is a mouthful of a genre. Could be an interesting read if you keep all the elements in it.
Sounds like a task for you to try. 🙂 OK Just kidding…
Sounds like a great read and clearly given recognition that with indie publishing is not easy to come by. Like Susan , I admired her response to constructive criticism. Especially to change the ending which is a particularly difficult cut . Thanks for the post Cherryl & Jade.
Nice to have recognition. No doubt about it.
Another great author interview. Thanks, Cheryl! And congrats to Jade on her virtual blog tour. It's a great way to get the word out about a book. Good luck with it.
Yeah, I need to think about the whole blog tour thing.
It's too funny that the story "morphed" into Sci Fi, especially from paranormal. I'd be happy if any of my short stories bled into mystery rather than oblivion!
Your stories have been perfect just the way they are as you post them on your blog. 🙂
Good interview. Agree with Susan and AK I love Jade's approach to criticism.
Also like her advice to fellow writers, I quote: "Be committed to excellence. Your product is your brand, and everything you put out needs to reflect a dedication to the art and science of writing. It has to be excellent."
Now with the online world that is more important then ever.
Yeah, these days you have put out quality or gain a bad reputation where no one will want your work.
3 months for a solid first draft…..that is seriously impressive!
I could do it, maybe… if that's all I did for that 3 months. 🙂