Guest Author Marjorie M. Liu
by sue on Sep.14, 2009, under Book Chat
I write in a lot of genres, and the one question I get asked the most is how I do it — how I can make the switch from comics to romance, and romance to urban fantasy, sometimes all in one day.
Well, first of all, it’s not easy. But on the other hand, it’s not as hard as you might think. Because — and this is what I always say — telling a story doesn’t change, no matter where or how you’re doing it. Forget genre, format, or illustration — you still have to deal with character and chemistry, and relationship. You still have a duty to bring the reader on an adventure that can be experienced no where else except between the pages of a book.
When I wrote THE FIRE KING, my ninth Dirk & Steele novel, I had been thinking a lot about memory, and what defines a person — in terms of how one is seen by others, and how one sees oneself — themes carried over from the previous novel in the series, THE WILD ROAD, which features a heroine who suffers complete amnesia.
In THE FIRE KING, the hero wakes up knowing exactly who he is — but isolated completely by language, and the prejudices of others. He can’t express himself, not in any way that matters to the people who have captured him — and even if he could speak the same language, he has already been judged on little more than his physical identity — that of a very unique kind of shape-shifter, seen by others of his kind as extremely dangerous.
The heroine, who has no trouble communicating — who can speak any language in the world, thanks to her psychic gifts — suffers a similar problem of isolation. Unlike the hero, however, hers is almost completely self-induced. She lost her right arm in a very violent act, and the trauma of that — and the accompanying shame and guilt and fear — has left her almost completely unable to face the world.
And yet, she sets aside her fear to help another - just as the hero sets aside his own distrust to protect her from the forces that target her for trying to do the right thing — forces that are targeting him, simply for being born different.
Well, and because he was one of the most feared warlords in the hidden history of the shape-shifters.
I’m giving away one tote bag designed by brilliant comic book artist, Kalman Andrasofszky. You can see the image here (http://marjoriemliu.com/index.php?/exclusives/), which he designed exclusively for THE FIRE KING.
Included will be a signed copy of the novel.
Just leave your name and email address in the comments below to be entered.
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Setting: USA, Central Asia
Subgenre: Paranormal Romance
Hero: Karr, a three thousand year old warrior king, capable of shape-shifting into a lion or dragon.
Heroine: Soria, a former agent of Dirk & Steele, who through her psychic abilities is able to speak any language in the world.
One sentence summary: When a warrior shape-shifter is awakened after three thousand years of sleep, a female agent of Dirk & Steele will be forced to help him survive both an unfamiliar world, and the people who want to murder him.
Scene you like most and would never cut: I really enjoyed writing the opening of the novel: Karr, waking up on a truck full of Chinese soldiers, tied down and threatened, and determined to get the hell away. What he finds, however, when he busts loose out of that odd moving wagon is much more than he bargains for.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: She will never tell her family the truth about how she lost her arm.
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: Commando, my friends. Boxers and briefs are for wimps.
Ancillary character you had the most fun with: Two of them, actually. Robert Locksley, who is the legendary Robin Hood made immortal and now working as a mercenary — and his sidekick, Ku-Ku, a young Taiwanese woman of few words, who is obsessed with Hello Kitty, mini-skirts, and very big guns.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby: Traveling to the most remote regions in the world and surprising the locals by speaking their languages fluently.
Your hero’s favorite hobby: Shape-shifting into a dragon and flying as high as possible — just before dive-bombing back to earth.
What you think readers will like best about this book: The deep connection between the hero and heroine, which develops between them on a very intense, spiritual level that goes far beyond the physical.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Two characters are running at a close tie with my readers: Koni — a tattooed, sarcastic crow shape-shifter — and Rictor, a mysterious, brooding smartass who most certainly is not human. The pyrokinetic sweetie-pie, Eddie, however, is catching up.
What’s next: My novella, “The Tangleroot Palace”, which is in the fairy-tale anthology, NEVER AFTER, with Laurell K. Hamilton, Sharon Shinn, and Yasmine Galenorn. That book hits shelves in late October, and in January 2010, my next Hunter Kiss story will be in the anthology, INKED. Plus, every month a new issue of Dark Wolverine hits shelves, from Marvel Comics.
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About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Previously published as Wishes No Matter How Fast You Run. . .The newborn baby boy is beautiful, perfect, and hers for the asking. All Kate Summers has to do is agree to one condition--she must disappear from Boston and never breathe a word about the adoption to anyone. Or How Far You Go. . .Fifteen years later, Kate has built a good life for herself and her son, Jon, in Hopewell, Oregon. Still, she is haunted by the fear that he will somehow be taken away. Then Daegan O'Rourke arrives in town and strikes up a friendship with her and Jon. But Daegan has his own past to hide--one with shocking ties to hers. A Killer Will Always Find You. . .Someone is watching Kate, watching her son, and is willing to go to any lengths to claim him. And the one man Kate is tempted to trust has dangerous secrets that could change her world forever. Soon the past Kate thought she could outrun will explode, unearthing a legacy of lies and treachery, and a fury powerful enough to kill. . .
Friend Feed
September 18th, 2009 on 3:01 pm
Hi Marjorie! The Never After anthology sounds killer!
Deidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
September 18th, 2009 on 10:47 am
Wonderful.. I thought I had missed my chance at this. I would love to have a copy signed or not.
I can’t imagine what would go thru your mind finding such major changes to your enviroment.. sounds fantastic.
September 17th, 2009 on 5:54 pm
What a great package to win. I would love to have a signed book of Ms. Liu’s. I have been reading her books since the very first Dirk & Steele.
September 17th, 2009 on 9:46 am
Wow… How did I miss this series?! Definitely added to TBR list.
September 17th, 2009 on 9:45 am
Hi! I’ve only recently found your books and with the Fire King cover I can’t wait to delve deep
Thanks so much!
biki209(at)yahoo(dot)com
September 17th, 2009 on 8:55 am
Been really wanting to read The Fire King. As a disabled person myself, I enjoy reading about characters in a similar situation.
gogi1_2 AT yahoo DOT com
September 16th, 2009 on 7:58 pm
I love her books! I love the comic picture for “The Fire King”
September 16th, 2009 on 12:23 pm
I really enjoyed The Fire King. It was the first Dirk & Steele novel for me. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 16th, 2009 on 6:13 am
Hi Marjorie!
I love your series and I’m up to book 4… the illustration is really fantastic *sigh*
Hugs,
Ina
September 16th, 2009 on 5:59 am
What a great series! I’d love to have the chance to read them.
Great covers too Marjorie
Mariska
uniquas at ymail dot com
September 15th, 2009 on 11:56 am
This sounds like a wonderful book!! I love the other books in this series and I can’t wait to read The Fire King!
September 14th, 2009 on 10:35 pm
Love reading all your stories, Marjorie and that’s fabulous artwork, would love to have that tote. Liking what I’m hearing about Stars Below (merman/sorcerer).
September 14th, 2009 on 7:48 pm
Loved the book and the illustration is just gorgeous.
September 14th, 2009 on 6:43 pm
Marjorie–I applaud your high level of accomplishment in expressing your creativity in so many different genres. You’re amazing! The tote bag is beautiful!
September 14th, 2009 on 6:37 pm
This sounds like a fabulous read! Thanks for the chance to win it.
September 14th, 2009 on 6:16 pm
Your book sounds great, Marjorie! I love the cover!
September 14th, 2009 on 6:09 pm
I’m so glad you’re all enjoying the work that Kalman did for THE FIRE KING promo. If you’d like to learn more about him, be sure to check out his blog at: http://iamkalman.blogspot.com/
Also, flip through a copy of NYX: No Way Home to see how we collaborated together for Marvel Comics.
September 14th, 2009 on 6:01 pm
I love the Hunter Kiss books and I have the first D&S book on my endtable waiting for me. Love the illustration!
September 14th, 2009 on 5:47 pm
Hi, Marjorie,
I’m a big fan of all your work, and I’m really excited about THE FIRE KING.
Thanks for the contest.
karenwitkowski AT aol.com
September 14th, 2009 on 5:46 pm
Love that cover on the toteback. Love your books especially the dirk and steels series.
This one sounds fantastic just like the rest of the series.
September 14th, 2009 on 5:08 pm
I absolutely love The Fire King! Can’t wait for the next Dirk & Steele novel.
September 14th, 2009 on 5:06 pm
For anyone who loves Koni, Kalman Andrasofszky is also working on a special promotional work for him, as well.
Eventually he’s going to have his own book - I have some ideas for him, but nothing just right. Yet.
September 14th, 2009 on 5:04 pm
Heather,
THE STARS BELOW is about an exiled merman warrior/sorcerer who is forced to live on land — while the human girl he loves (whom he met when they were both children) is now working as a marine biologist for an organization that is one of the rivals to Dirk & Steele (the same organization that shape-shifter Serena McGillis and Agent Fred work for). There are pirates, sea monsters, and quite possibly an apocalypse! I’m having a really good time writing it.
I think it comes out in June 2010.
September 14th, 2009 on 5:00 pm
Sounds likes a good series!
September 14th, 2009 on 4:59 pm
You guys are so wonderful! Thank you to Sue (and Sarah and Jane) for having me here today.
September 14th, 2009 on 4:43 pm
I love your books. The Fire King sounds great.I can’t wait to read it. Loved the post. The bag is really neat.
September 14th, 2009 on 4:40 pm
thanks for sharing, marjorie!
September 14th, 2009 on 4:15 pm
Hi Marjorie,
I loved The Wild Road and can’t wait to read The Fire King. Of course I love all your books! I can’t wait for Koni to have his own story. With his sarcastic banter, he better have a feisty heroine! LOL
September 14th, 2009 on 2:31 pm
I loved The Fire King and couldn’t put it down! I read it in one weekend. I especially enjoyed learning about the Chimeras and the world of Shapeshifters. The sexual tension between Soria and Karr was hot, but I also like the fact that they connected on an instinctual level as well.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful imagination with the world!
L.Voorhees
arevalo_voorhees@sbcglobal.net
September 14th, 2009 on 2:19 pm
Very cool interview. Looking forward to the Fire King.
Tarma(at)rogers(dot)com
September 14th, 2009 on 1:58 pm
Wow! Sounds like a great series.
September 14th, 2009 on 1:53 pm
Marjorie, I love all of your stories (comics included), but Dirk & Steele remains my favorite. I love the “ancient warrior released into a modern world” motif. Hari was incredible, but Karr…I LOVE dragons! Keep up the incredible work!
September 14th, 2009 on 1:41 pm
I read about your book on a site, and the review did like it
And I sure remember your name after that. Sounds awesome
September 14th, 2009 on 12:54 pm
Love your books! I can’t wait to read The Fire King.
September 14th, 2009 on 12:20 pm
I LOVE seeing stuff about the book. And Robin Hood? I am SO there.
This was an awesome interview!!!
September 14th, 2009 on 12:14 pm
This is an awesome series; I love the art work for The Fire King, great job.
September 14th, 2009 on 12:12 pm
Oh, very cool. Swag is always good, and my daughter would love, love that tote.
Jim Duncan
jimnduncan@aol.com
September 14th, 2009 on 12:06 pm
Love these books and can’t wait to read this one!
September 14th, 2009 on 12:04 pm
Awesome interview and it looks like another book for me to read.
September 14th, 2009 on 11:45 am
The Fire King sounds like a great story, I’m eager to get my hand on it.
September 14th, 2009 on 11:34 am
What a generous offer ! I’ve seen your books but have never had the opportunity to read them - now’s my chance !
It’s always nice learning about authors and how they view their stories/worlds
September 14th, 2009 on 10:17 am
Sounds like another series for me to read!
September 14th, 2009 on 10:10 am
Howdy Marjorie!
I absolutely love everything that you write and I own all of your books! I’m definitely dying for stories about Rictor, Koni, Eddie and Max! I’m really excited about the next Dirk & Steele novel The Stars Below, any hints on who, and what this one is going to be about? Never stop writin’ you’re definitely one of the best!
September 14th, 2009 on 8:59 am
Hi Marjorie
I bounce all over the place with writing, too. My explanation is that I have a short attention span.
Just picked up my copy oh The Fire King today.
September 14th, 2009 on 8:38 am
The Fire King cover is absolutely fabulous. Wow, I’m speechless!
September 14th, 2009 on 8:30 am
Holy smokes, how did I miss this series? Now I’ll have to go find all of them…Thanks a lot! (And I mean that most sincerely! Thanks!)
September 14th, 2009 on 7:49 am
Hi, Marjorie!
I so enjoyed The Wild Road (it’s easily one of my favorite D&S books) and I can’t wait to read the Fire King.
September 14th, 2009 on 7:32 am
Hi Marjorie,
I absolutely loved this book. Both characters show such amazing strength (and I’m sure you realize I don’t mean physical strength). I don’t know if I would be brave enough to do what Soria had to do in order to save herself. You write such amazing stories and you always manage to show the true heart of each and every character you introduce to us. Thank you so much!
Amy S.
September 14th, 2009 on 7:30 am
I keep staring at that illustration - oh WOW. Is that ever evocative. I love that Liu demonstrates the fluidity of the romance genre with her work in graphic novels, romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, and all other cool things. SO awesome.
Back to stare at that illustration some more. Holy smoke.
September 14th, 2009 on 6:24 am
Hey Marjorie! Thanks for posting with us today — luv luv luv your books & can’t wait for this:
“Two characters are running at a close tie with my readers: Koni — a tattooed, sarcastic crow shape-shifter — and Rictor, a mysterious, brooding smartass who most certainly is not human. The pyrokinetic sweetie-pie, Eddie, however, is catching up.”
Love snarky! For me it’s all about the characters & these guys seem like they’ll be a heck of a lot of fun!
September 14th, 2009 on 6:07 am
Your book sounds fascinating. I enjoy reading books where the main characters are not quite perfect. Well then, who is ?
September 14th, 2009 on 4:50 am
Please indulge me while I have an embarassing fangirl moment.
I’m always watching for authors to add to my Must Buy list. Picking up Shadow Touch years ago was one of my best forays ever into the new (to me) author pond. Loved the book, bought your backlist, and started recommending your books to anyone who would listen.
Your books are just…more. Strength, vulnerability, isolation, connection, ugliness, beauty, evil, good, and ambiguity — things we all experience, but more. All told in lyrical, powerful prose with a depth of emotion and sensuality that holds me captive until I reach the end, and then makes me sorry it’s over.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please, ma’am, may we have some more?
BTW I love your blog!
September 14th, 2009 on 4:40 am
Please indulge me while I have an embarassing fangirl moment.
I’m always watching for authors to add to my Must Buy list. Picking up Shadow Touch years ago was one of my best forays ever into the new (to me) author pond. Loved the book, bought your backlist, and started recommending your books to anyone who would listen.
Your books are just…more. Strength, vulnerability, isolation, connection, ugliness, beauty, evil, good, and ambiguity — things we all experience, but more. All told in lyrical, powerful prose with a depth of emotion and sensuality that holds me captive until I reach the end, and then makes me sorry it’s over.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please, ma’am, may we have some more?