Trying to get a book published in this day and age is hard work. So many authors are going the DIY and Indie routes, taking control of the writing and editing process, in an effort to get their novels released under their terms. They don't have to compromise the story lines, they hold the reigns when it comes to marketing their product and interacting with their audience, they determine the extent of their success.
Jason Letts (pictured here with his girlfriend Hannah) is a great example of an author taking control of his future by releasing his Young Adult Fantasy series Powerless independently. The first two books of this 5 book series - The Synthesis and The Shadowing - are available for purchase now. Jason expects the third book to be released sometime in December.
Powerless is the story of Mira Ipswich, a normal girl who exists" in a world where everyone is imbued with a wondrous natural gift" - except her. It illustrates her struggles to fit in and coexist in this new world, and her journey towards understanding and conquering the dangerous forces that threaten her homeland.
Prior to working on the Powerless series, Jason wrote short stories focusing on young adults, seeing his work published in the fiction journals Entelechy and Edna. He had the honor of being named a Glimmer Train Finalist, and the first Powerless book, which won the Webb Weaver's 2010 Writers Competition, recently old it's 500th copy.
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I had the pleasure of asking Jason a few questions about his series:
I love stories in which a character makes a startling discovery that completely changes his or her world. It struck me though that these discoveries are often a great boon, making the eventual victory less impressive and our ability to relate more strained. I wanted to read about someone who fought tooth and nail despite her own insecurities, which are so much like our fears of being different or insufficient. “Powerless” is the defining characteristic of the story’s protagonist, Mira Ipswich. It’s something that’s always in her mind, picking at her even when her peers seem no different than herself. At times she’s able to rally against it, and other times it overwhelms her, but it is always indicative of how she stands apart.
What was the writing and editing process like for you?
I started writing this series when I was living in Japan teaching English, and it was a great way for me to relieve tensions or cultural difficulties. It was one of those things where the story just came into my mind so strongly that I had to get it out. I had so much fun watching all of the pieces fit together and seeing the characters grow and develop. If readers have half as much fun reading as I did writing, I think they'll be in for a treat. Revising is a long arduous process, almost an adventure in itself. I was lucky enough to find a guide, a great editor named Chuck Wightman, who showed me the ropes and helped make the story better in one hundred different ways.
Becoming an "indie author" and releasing my series independently was the result of a lot of thought concerning what I wanted for my series. For me, it was something fun that I worked hard to develop, and I want to stand by it as it gets out to readers. From the point of publication, I've seen over and over again how it only takes one reader to have a fan, and I love being directly involved in getting a story out to readers who will enjoy it. Author, book, reader: those are the only things you need to have success.
The Powerless series has numerous points of interest that are appealing to readers. The story of Mira's discovery of the world around her she never knew was there and the way she has to compete with her classmates echoes both Harry Potter and the Hunger Games. The novel also won the Webb Weaver 2010 Writer's Competition, which amazing considering the huge number of books submitted. But at the core of it, I'd point to the characters and the struggles they endure while growing up, and Mira who wants to be accepted even though she feels different, and those are things we can all relate to.
I particularly like this question. There is something of an education aspect to the story, and so I'd say first there's something to learn in the way Mira uses science to lift herself up. Second, it's a great study in how teens respond to challenges. All of the students have the same goal, but they respond to it in vastly different ways. Third, the fantasy setting and the society depicted will make readers wonder about how cultures evolve. For example, what would be different if people were able to move things with their minds? Fourth, parenting and family are huge aspects of the series, and every book broaches the questions of proper parenting and how a family works. I certainly can't claim to have all the answers on that one, and neither do the characters, but that's part of what makes it fun.
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The first two books of the series can be purchased at any of these websites: Amazon.com , B&N.com , CreateSpace.com , and SmashWords.com.
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Jason is generously giving away one eCopy (of your choice) of
Book One - The Synthesis - of the Powerless series.
In order to be considered for the contest, here are the rules:
1- You must post a comment to this thread describing which superpower you wish you could have, and why.
2 - You must include a way for us to contact you if you win.
The contest ends November 2nd!
So get those thinking caps on.
Jason and I will determine the winner and notify them once the contest ends. May the best superpower win! In the meantime, please help spread the word about Indie author Jason Letts and his very powerful young adult fantasy series!
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