Pat here, welcoming back Jeannie Lin, author of Chinese historical romances and soon, a mystery set
during the Tang dynasty. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. Her first three novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal and The Dragon and the Pearl was listed among Library Journal's Best Romances of 2011.
Jeannie currently writes historical romances for Harlequin Historical and Harlequin HQN.
Jeannie, you’re a science teacher! What drew you to writing romance?
When I started my first book, it was actually a “West meets East” sort of fantasy set in a land based on ancient China. Yet as I was creating what I felt was an epic tale – double crosses, love triangles, dramatic deaths – I realized I didn’t feel anything on the page for my characters. I wondered, how do I fix that? How do I learn how to write emotion?
Well, the answer was on the other part of my bookshelf: in romance novels.
What I always loved about romance novels, what really hooked me, was the stories that could give you that tight, achy feeling in your chest when you felt that your heart was truly breaking for these characters. So I started writing that first book as a romance and suddenly everything worked. I knew that I had found a place where I could tell the stories I wanted to tell.
What was your first book, and how well do you think it characterizes your latest work?
My first published work was Butterfly Swords, a tale about a princess on the run from an arranged marriage and the blue-eyed barbarian she encounters along the way. The book was very much the book of my heart, there were sword fights surrounding an angsty tale of forbidden love.
But there was a lot I was afraid of when I was writing Butterfly Swords. I wondered how much cultural detail to include? How much would readers accept?
In many ways, my upcoming release, The Sword Dancer, was a second chance at writing a swordfight adventure. I was no longer afraid of making the story “too Chinese”, no longer afraid of taking more risks in terms of worldbuilding and culture and character. I don’t know if it works at all, but I felt that I didn’t hold back this time around.
I adore learning about different cultures and history, but your characterizations are what make your books so great. Which of your characters is your favorite, and why?
There are two: Ling Suyin and Li Tao from The Dragon and the Pearl. Something about that story really clicked for me. The book itself apparently was quite hit or miss with readers, but I do get the most fan mail regarding Li Tao and I always feel extra special when someone tells me they’ve enjoyed reading him. Ling Suyin is the heroine who was closest to me in age. She was smart and thoughtful (at least I thought so).
Writing the two of them together was just a pleasure. It was the third manuscript I had written (my 2nd published) and it was the first book where I felt I found my voice and my characters found their voice. They had a sort of maturity in their worldviews that really resonated with me.
You definitely write with the confidence of an experienced author, although I saw that in your first book. Which book, if any, was the most difficult for you to write, and why?
LOL. Whatever effing book is due next. I really hoped that things would start getting easier for me, but every book is a fight which is why every release is such a celebration for me. I’m not a natural writer. I’m not a fast writer.
Sorry, writing never gets easier! I have over fifty published novels and each one is the hardest I’ve ever written!
In attempting to conquer a book, what do you consider key elements of a great story?
Compelling characters. Characters with an “active inner life” to borrow a term I heard from Donald Maass.
I totally agree. Characters are the story as far as I’m concerned. Are there any trends you hope to see in romance in the next few years?
I gravitate toward authors who push the boundaries in their stories. I’d love to see more variety in storytelling and settings in historical romance, of course. I’m also a fan of science fiction, so some great futuristic, space opera type romances would be great.
Fantasy romance of an other-wordly sort! Yes! Other than fantasizing, what is the best part about being a writer? The most frustrating?
The best part is the high you get when you realize that people have read and enjoyed your story. The most frustrating part is trying to guess what will happen in the industry, then allowing it to affect your creative process.
Would you like to tell us a little about your book? And about the upcoming mystery series?
The Sword Dancer (ISBN: 978-0373297429 May 21, 2013 Harlequin)
follows an infamous thief-catcher as he chases a suspected thief and rebel (our titular sword dancer) in a cat and mouse game across the province. It’s an action/adventure story that gives a peek into the world of law and order in the late Tang Dynasty. I wanted to write a romance that was at first full of flirtation and antagonism which eventually leads to respect, passion and love.
The Lotus Palace, (ISBN: 978-0373777730 August 27, 2013 Harlequin HQN)
is the start of a new historical romance mystery series. It’s focused around an area of the imperial
capital called the North Hamlet, or the Pingkang li. It was the pleasure quarter where scholars and officials mingled with elite courtesans, creating a unique culture that elevated and immortalized these women, praising them as goddesses, while at the same time enslaving them and making them subservient.
Changan, the Tang Dynasty capital, was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world which I felt would make it the perfect setting for a cast of colorful characters and an endless supply of mysteries they could solve. The Lotus Palace features an unlikely pairing between a maidservant and a notorious playboy and failed scholar as they investigate the murder of a famous courtesan. The sequel, The Jade Temptress, is currently in progress.
I’ve read Lotus Palace and I’m already eager to see more of your notorious playboy and independent maidservant detectives!
Thank you, Jeannie, for being with us today. We're giving away a copy of The Sword Dancer to some lucky commenter, so hop in and talk to Jeannie. What do you think of historicals written long, long ago, in far away places?
Find out more about Jeannie online at http://www.jeannielin.com
A portion of Patricia Rice's backlist can be found at backlistebooks.com/
Sounds like a good series. I like to be able to follow the characters from book to book. Dee
Sounds like a good series. I like to be able to follow the characters from book to book. Dee
Sounds like a good series. I like to be able to follow the characters from book to book. Dee
Sounds like a good series. I like to be able to follow the characters from book to book. Dee
Sounds like a good series. I like to be able to follow the characters from book to book. Dee
I love Jeannie’s books and have followed her publishing career eagerly since the first one. I agree, it is so crucial that we vary the historical situations more and get to read more stories, like Jeannie’s that have not been told before. Thank you for this insightful interview!
Piper
I love Jeannie’s books and have followed her publishing career eagerly since the first one. I agree, it is so crucial that we vary the historical situations more and get to read more stories, like Jeannie’s that have not been told before. Thank you for this insightful interview!
Piper
I love Jeannie’s books and have followed her publishing career eagerly since the first one. I agree, it is so crucial that we vary the historical situations more and get to read more stories, like Jeannie’s that have not been told before. Thank you for this insightful interview!
Piper
I love Jeannie’s books and have followed her publishing career eagerly since the first one. I agree, it is so crucial that we vary the historical situations more and get to read more stories, like Jeannie’s that have not been told before. Thank you for this insightful interview!
Piper
I love Jeannie’s books and have followed her publishing career eagerly since the first one. I agree, it is so crucial that we vary the historical situations more and get to read more stories, like Jeannie’s that have not been told before. Thank you for this insightful interview!
Piper
Jeannie–
As Pat says, writing never gets easier, but what fabulous stories you’ve been producing! And what stunning covers Harlequin has been giving you. THE SWORD DANCER is particularly to die for.
So keep it up, even if writing never gets easier. That which does not kill us makes us better writers. *G*
Jeannie–
As Pat says, writing never gets easier, but what fabulous stories you’ve been producing! And what stunning covers Harlequin has been giving you. THE SWORD DANCER is particularly to die for.
So keep it up, even if writing never gets easier. That which does not kill us makes us better writers. *G*
Jeannie–
As Pat says, writing never gets easier, but what fabulous stories you’ve been producing! And what stunning covers Harlequin has been giving you. THE SWORD DANCER is particularly to die for.
So keep it up, even if writing never gets easier. That which does not kill us makes us better writers. *G*
Jeannie–
As Pat says, writing never gets easier, but what fabulous stories you’ve been producing! And what stunning covers Harlequin has been giving you. THE SWORD DANCER is particularly to die for.
So keep it up, even if writing never gets easier. That which does not kill us makes us better writers. *G*
Jeannie–
As Pat says, writing never gets easier, but what fabulous stories you’ve been producing! And what stunning covers Harlequin has been giving you. THE SWORD DANCER is particularly to die for.
So keep it up, even if writing never gets easier. That which does not kill us makes us better writers. *G*
Thanks for stopping by, Jeannie! And I’m thinking the writing will kill me soon enough. “G”
And my answer to my own question is that I love history that takes me to different places.
Thanks for stopping by, Jeannie! And I’m thinking the writing will kill me soon enough. “G”
And my answer to my own question is that I love history that takes me to different places.
Thanks for stopping by, Jeannie! And I’m thinking the writing will kill me soon enough. “G”
And my answer to my own question is that I love history that takes me to different places.
Thanks for stopping by, Jeannie! And I’m thinking the writing will kill me soon enough. “G”
And my answer to my own question is that I love history that takes me to different places.
Thanks for stopping by, Jeannie! And I’m thinking the writing will kill me soon enough. “G”
And my answer to my own question is that I love history that takes me to different places.
I’m all for variety in romance historicals so long as Regency, Georgian, and Victorian settings are included in the mix. I’d love to see the range extended, but I don’t want my favorite periods to be forgotten.:)
The Lotus Palace sounds wonderful. I especially like the description of the hero; “playboy and failed scholar” is an intriguing combination.
I’m all for variety in romance historicals so long as Regency, Georgian, and Victorian settings are included in the mix. I’d love to see the range extended, but I don’t want my favorite periods to be forgotten.:)
The Lotus Palace sounds wonderful. I especially like the description of the hero; “playboy and failed scholar” is an intriguing combination.
I’m all for variety in romance historicals so long as Regency, Georgian, and Victorian settings are included in the mix. I’d love to see the range extended, but I don’t want my favorite periods to be forgotten.:)
The Lotus Palace sounds wonderful. I especially like the description of the hero; “playboy and failed scholar” is an intriguing combination.
I’m all for variety in romance historicals so long as Regency, Georgian, and Victorian settings are included in the mix. I’d love to see the range extended, but I don’t want my favorite periods to be forgotten.:)
The Lotus Palace sounds wonderful. I especially like the description of the hero; “playboy and failed scholar” is an intriguing combination.
I’m all for variety in romance historicals so long as Regency, Georgian, and Victorian settings are included in the mix. I’d love to see the range extended, but I don’t want my favorite periods to be forgotten.:)
The Lotus Palace sounds wonderful. I especially like the description of the hero; “playboy and failed scholar” is an intriguing combination.
The Sword Dancer, read and reviewed here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TJAWRF1FZMVD .
I like historicals written long, long ago, in far away places
a. because I am a history buff,
b. because I am very, very old.
The Sword Dancer, read and reviewed here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TJAWRF1FZMVD .
I like historicals written long, long ago, in far away places
a. because I am a history buff,
b. because I am very, very old.
The Sword Dancer, read and reviewed here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TJAWRF1FZMVD .
I like historicals written long, long ago, in far away places
a. because I am a history buff,
b. because I am very, very old.
The Sword Dancer, read and reviewed here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TJAWRF1FZMVD .
I like historicals written long, long ago, in far away places
a. because I am a history buff,
b. because I am very, very old.
The Sword Dancer, read and reviewed here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1TJAWRF1FZMVD .
I like historicals written long, long ago, in far away places
a. because I am a history buff,
b. because I am very, very old.
LOL, Janga! It’s a good hook. I’ve read the ARC and I think you’ll like it.
Ah, Fred, surely not that old!
LOL, Janga! It’s a good hook. I’ve read the ARC and I think you’ll like it.
Ah, Fred, surely not that old!
LOL, Janga! It’s a good hook. I’ve read the ARC and I think you’ll like it.
Ah, Fred, surely not that old!
LOL, Janga! It’s a good hook. I’ve read the ARC and I think you’ll like it.
Ah, Fred, surely not that old!
LOL, Janga! It’s a good hook. I’ve read the ARC and I think you’ll like it.
Ah, Fred, surely not that old!
Thank you for the lovely interview. I have been eying Jeannie Lin’s books for some time, and now I am ready to jump on The Sword Dancer. (Why, oh why, is the kindle publishing date later than the print date?) Oh, and I am also very excited about this failed scholar dude. Some of us need role models, you know?
I am rather sorry that the world has lost a cool high school science teacher. I have such fond memories of mine. But I guess authors (especially historical fiction authors) are all teachers as well as storytellers.
Thank you for the lovely interview. I have been eying Jeannie Lin’s books for some time, and now I am ready to jump on The Sword Dancer. (Why, oh why, is the kindle publishing date later than the print date?) Oh, and I am also very excited about this failed scholar dude. Some of us need role models, you know?
I am rather sorry that the world has lost a cool high school science teacher. I have such fond memories of mine. But I guess authors (especially historical fiction authors) are all teachers as well as storytellers.
Thank you for the lovely interview. I have been eying Jeannie Lin’s books for some time, and now I am ready to jump on The Sword Dancer. (Why, oh why, is the kindle publishing date later than the print date?) Oh, and I am also very excited about this failed scholar dude. Some of us need role models, you know?
I am rather sorry that the world has lost a cool high school science teacher. I have such fond memories of mine. But I guess authors (especially historical fiction authors) are all teachers as well as storytellers.
Thank you for the lovely interview. I have been eying Jeannie Lin’s books for some time, and now I am ready to jump on The Sword Dancer. (Why, oh why, is the kindle publishing date later than the print date?) Oh, and I am also very excited about this failed scholar dude. Some of us need role models, you know?
I am rather sorry that the world has lost a cool high school science teacher. I have such fond memories of mine. But I guess authors (especially historical fiction authors) are all teachers as well as storytellers.
Thank you for the lovely interview. I have been eying Jeannie Lin’s books for some time, and now I am ready to jump on The Sword Dancer. (Why, oh why, is the kindle publishing date later than the print date?) Oh, and I am also very excited about this failed scholar dude. Some of us need role models, you know?
I am rather sorry that the world has lost a cool high school science teacher. I have such fond memories of mine. But I guess authors (especially historical fiction authors) are all teachers as well as storytellers.
I’ve never read your books but they sound facinating!! Do they have to be read in order?
Congratulations on your release.
I’ve never read your books but they sound facinating!! Do they have to be read in order?
Congratulations on your release.
I’ve never read your books but they sound facinating!! Do they have to be read in order?
Congratulations on your release.
I’ve never read your books but they sound facinating!! Do they have to be read in order?
Congratulations on your release.
I’ve never read your books but they sound facinating!! Do they have to be read in order?
Congratulations on your release.
I’ve been meaning to read Jeannie Lin’s books for quite a while now, and have a few in my (monstrous) TBR pile. I think I’ll move them closer to the top now.
I have what is probably one of the stranger problems with reading books set in China, though. The names of characters usually don’t have tones, so I’m lost as to how to pronounce them! Surnames are easy enough, since there are only so many of them, but given names? Is it supposed to be ī, í, ǐ, or ì? And then I get so caught up trying to figure this out it distracts me from the story. After a while I usually just pick one and go with it, but it takes me a while. (I suppose this is what I get for actually speaking Chinese.)
I’ve been meaning to read Jeannie Lin’s books for quite a while now, and have a few in my (monstrous) TBR pile. I think I’ll move them closer to the top now.
I have what is probably one of the stranger problems with reading books set in China, though. The names of characters usually don’t have tones, so I’m lost as to how to pronounce them! Surnames are easy enough, since there are only so many of them, but given names? Is it supposed to be ī, í, ǐ, or ì? And then I get so caught up trying to figure this out it distracts me from the story. After a while I usually just pick one and go with it, but it takes me a while. (I suppose this is what I get for actually speaking Chinese.)
I’ve been meaning to read Jeannie Lin’s books for quite a while now, and have a few in my (monstrous) TBR pile. I think I’ll move them closer to the top now.
I have what is probably one of the stranger problems with reading books set in China, though. The names of characters usually don’t have tones, so I’m lost as to how to pronounce them! Surnames are easy enough, since there are only so many of them, but given names? Is it supposed to be ī, í, ǐ, or ì? And then I get so caught up trying to figure this out it distracts me from the story. After a while I usually just pick one and go with it, but it takes me a while. (I suppose this is what I get for actually speaking Chinese.)
I’ve been meaning to read Jeannie Lin’s books for quite a while now, and have a few in my (monstrous) TBR pile. I think I’ll move them closer to the top now.
I have what is probably one of the stranger problems with reading books set in China, though. The names of characters usually don’t have tones, so I’m lost as to how to pronounce them! Surnames are easy enough, since there are only so many of them, but given names? Is it supposed to be ī, í, ǐ, or ì? And then I get so caught up trying to figure this out it distracts me from the story. After a while I usually just pick one and go with it, but it takes me a while. (I suppose this is what I get for actually speaking Chinese.)
I’ve been meaning to read Jeannie Lin’s books for quite a while now, and have a few in my (monstrous) TBR pile. I think I’ll move them closer to the top now.
I have what is probably one of the stranger problems with reading books set in China, though. The names of characters usually don’t have tones, so I’m lost as to how to pronounce them! Surnames are easy enough, since there are only so many of them, but given names? Is it supposed to be ī, í, ǐ, or ì? And then I get so caught up trying to figure this out it distracts me from the story. After a while I usually just pick one and go with it, but it takes me a while. (I suppose this is what I get for actually speaking Chinese.)
Enjoyed the interview very much, thanks, Pat and Jeannie.
Jeannie I was there in the audience when you won your Golden Heart and announced that Mills and Boon/Harlequin had bought you. I really cheered — as a former M&B historical author, I’ve always said that M&B are the most open-minded historical publishers out there, publishing good books, regardless of setting and time periods. I love varied time periods and enjoyed Butterfly Swords very much. Looking forward to the new books.
Enjoyed the interview very much, thanks, Pat and Jeannie.
Jeannie I was there in the audience when you won your Golden Heart and announced that Mills and Boon/Harlequin had bought you. I really cheered — as a former M&B historical author, I’ve always said that M&B are the most open-minded historical publishers out there, publishing good books, regardless of setting and time periods. I love varied time periods and enjoyed Butterfly Swords very much. Looking forward to the new books.
Enjoyed the interview very much, thanks, Pat and Jeannie.
Jeannie I was there in the audience when you won your Golden Heart and announced that Mills and Boon/Harlequin had bought you. I really cheered — as a former M&B historical author, I’ve always said that M&B are the most open-minded historical publishers out there, publishing good books, regardless of setting and time periods. I love varied time periods and enjoyed Butterfly Swords very much. Looking forward to the new books.
Enjoyed the interview very much, thanks, Pat and Jeannie.
Jeannie I was there in the audience when you won your Golden Heart and announced that Mills and Boon/Harlequin had bought you. I really cheered — as a former M&B historical author, I’ve always said that M&B are the most open-minded historical publishers out there, publishing good books, regardless of setting and time periods. I love varied time periods and enjoyed Butterfly Swords very much. Looking forward to the new books.
Enjoyed the interview very much, thanks, Pat and Jeannie.
Jeannie I was there in the audience when you won your Golden Heart and announced that Mills and Boon/Harlequin had bought you. I really cheered — as a former M&B historical author, I’ve always said that M&B are the most open-minded historical publishers out there, publishing good books, regardless of setting and time periods. I love varied time periods and enjoyed Butterfly Swords very much. Looking forward to the new books.
Janga – I love Regency & Victorian historicals too. I do believe they are alive and well and here to stay 🙂
Janga – I love Regency & Victorian historicals too. I do believe they are alive and well and here to stay 🙂
Janga – I love Regency & Victorian historicals too. I do believe they are alive and well and here to stay 🙂
Janga – I love Regency & Victorian historicals too. I do believe they are alive and well and here to stay 🙂
Janga – I love Regency & Victorian historicals too. I do believe they are alive and well and here to stay 🙂
Katherine — I miss teaching quite a bit which is probably why I always jump at the opportunity to do workshops when I get the chance. I fear I’m a lot better at teaching Chemistry than I am at teaching writing though. But teaching is also part of learning, right? (And at least it’s only a week until the ebook date!)
Katherine — I miss teaching quite a bit which is probably why I always jump at the opportunity to do workshops when I get the chance. I fear I’m a lot better at teaching Chemistry than I am at teaching writing though. But teaching is also part of learning, right? (And at least it’s only a week until the ebook date!)
Katherine — I miss teaching quite a bit which is probably why I always jump at the opportunity to do workshops when I get the chance. I fear I’m a lot better at teaching Chemistry than I am at teaching writing though. But teaching is also part of learning, right? (And at least it’s only a week until the ebook date!)
Katherine — I miss teaching quite a bit which is probably why I always jump at the opportunity to do workshops when I get the chance. I fear I’m a lot better at teaching Chemistry than I am at teaching writing though. But teaching is also part of learning, right? (And at least it’s only a week until the ebook date!)
Katherine — I miss teaching quite a bit which is probably why I always jump at the opportunity to do workshops when I get the chance. I fear I’m a lot better at teaching Chemistry than I am at teaching writing though. But teaching is also part of learning, right? (And at least it’s only a week until the ebook date!)
Hey…I just figured how to sign in with Facebook!
Hey…I just figured how to sign in with Facebook!
Hey…I just figured how to sign in with Facebook!
Hey…I just figured how to sign in with Facebook!
Hey…I just figured how to sign in with Facebook!
Ella – All the books can be read as standalone, though I’d suggest Butterfly Swords be read before The Dragon and the Pearl. The other two – My Fair Concubine and The Sword Dancer – are unconnected
Ella – All the books can be read as standalone, though I’d suggest Butterfly Swords be read before The Dragon and the Pearl. The other two – My Fair Concubine and The Sword Dancer – are unconnected
Ella – All the books can be read as standalone, though I’d suggest Butterfly Swords be read before The Dragon and the Pearl. The other two – My Fair Concubine and The Sword Dancer – are unconnected
Ella – All the books can be read as standalone, though I’d suggest Butterfly Swords be read before The Dragon and the Pearl. The other two – My Fair Concubine and The Sword Dancer – are unconnected
Ella – All the books can be read as standalone, though I’d suggest Butterfly Swords be read before The Dragon and the Pearl. The other two – My Fair Concubine and The Sword Dancer – are unconnected
Margot – How wonderful that you speak/read Chinese! I have at times used accents or tonal marks on names, but I think more readers get distracted by that, plus I know some ebook readers would get the names mangled in their reader. Thief-catcher Han’s name is actually the characters for “hao han” that mean heroic — Tee hee. Yes, my hero’s name is “heroic”…but Asians like names like that, even in modern times. In Li Feng’s name, Feng is the character for phoenix. It does, however, make for an interesting blog post down the line. Occasionally, I get organized enough to list the characters for anyone interested. These are for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – How wonderful that you speak/read Chinese! I have at times used accents or tonal marks on names, but I think more readers get distracted by that, plus I know some ebook readers would get the names mangled in their reader. Thief-catcher Han’s name is actually the characters for “hao han” that mean heroic — Tee hee. Yes, my hero’s name is “heroic”…but Asians like names like that, even in modern times. In Li Feng’s name, Feng is the character for phoenix. It does, however, make for an interesting blog post down the line. Occasionally, I get organized enough to list the characters for anyone interested. These are for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – How wonderful that you speak/read Chinese! I have at times used accents or tonal marks on names, but I think more readers get distracted by that, plus I know some ebook readers would get the names mangled in their reader. Thief-catcher Han’s name is actually the characters for “hao han” that mean heroic — Tee hee. Yes, my hero’s name is “heroic”…but Asians like names like that, even in modern times. In Li Feng’s name, Feng is the character for phoenix. It does, however, make for an interesting blog post down the line. Occasionally, I get organized enough to list the characters for anyone interested. These are for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – How wonderful that you speak/read Chinese! I have at times used accents or tonal marks on names, but I think more readers get distracted by that, plus I know some ebook readers would get the names mangled in their reader. Thief-catcher Han’s name is actually the characters for “hao han” that mean heroic — Tee hee. Yes, my hero’s name is “heroic”…but Asians like names like that, even in modern times. In Li Feng’s name, Feng is the character for phoenix. It does, however, make for an interesting blog post down the line. Occasionally, I get organized enough to list the characters for anyone interested. These are for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – How wonderful that you speak/read Chinese! I have at times used accents or tonal marks on names, but I think more readers get distracted by that, plus I know some ebook readers would get the names mangled in their reader. Thief-catcher Han’s name is actually the characters for “hao han” that mean heroic — Tee hee. Yes, my hero’s name is “heroic”…but Asians like names like that, even in modern times. In Li Feng’s name, Feng is the character for phoenix. It does, however, make for an interesting blog post down the line. Occasionally, I get organized enough to list the characters for anyone interested. These are for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – I wrote out a long reply that must have gotten eaten. (I suspect a kidlet hit the keyboard)
How great that you can read/speak Chinese! I pondered about whether to include accents or tonal marks in the romanization, but think that it’s more distracts readers who don’t know how to pronounce it. Plus I had heard of some names where I had included accent marks getting mangled by ereaders, so I tend to leave them off. It does make for potentially a fascinating blog post down the line!
“Hao Han” is actually the characters for “heroic”. Tee hee…my hero’s name is “heroic”, but from what I can see, Asians do like names like that, even in modern times. (I have a whole long story about how my mom constructed my real name and my sister’s name to be a couplet, even though we’re four years apart. She also made sure our full names follow a certain meter so they sound very melodic to the ear). In Li Feng, “feng” is the character for phoenix.
Once in a while, I get organized enough to provide the Chinese names. Here was the list for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – I wrote out a long reply that must have gotten eaten. (I suspect a kidlet hit the keyboard)
How great that you can read/speak Chinese! I pondered about whether to include accents or tonal marks in the romanization, but think that it’s more distracts readers who don’t know how to pronounce it. Plus I had heard of some names where I had included accent marks getting mangled by ereaders, so I tend to leave them off. It does make for potentially a fascinating blog post down the line!
“Hao Han” is actually the characters for “heroic”. Tee hee…my hero’s name is “heroic”, but from what I can see, Asians do like names like that, even in modern times. (I have a whole long story about how my mom constructed my real name and my sister’s name to be a couplet, even though we’re four years apart. She also made sure our full names follow a certain meter so they sound very melodic to the ear). In Li Feng, “feng” is the character for phoenix.
Once in a while, I get organized enough to provide the Chinese names. Here was the list for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – I wrote out a long reply that must have gotten eaten. (I suspect a kidlet hit the keyboard)
How great that you can read/speak Chinese! I pondered about whether to include accents or tonal marks in the romanization, but think that it’s more distracts readers who don’t know how to pronounce it. Plus I had heard of some names where I had included accent marks getting mangled by ereaders, so I tend to leave them off. It does make for potentially a fascinating blog post down the line!
“Hao Han” is actually the characters for “heroic”. Tee hee…my hero’s name is “heroic”, but from what I can see, Asians do like names like that, even in modern times. (I have a whole long story about how my mom constructed my real name and my sister’s name to be a couplet, even though we’re four years apart. She also made sure our full names follow a certain meter so they sound very melodic to the ear). In Li Feng, “feng” is the character for phoenix.
Once in a while, I get organized enough to provide the Chinese names. Here was the list for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – I wrote out a long reply that must have gotten eaten. (I suspect a kidlet hit the keyboard)
How great that you can read/speak Chinese! I pondered about whether to include accents or tonal marks in the romanization, but think that it’s more distracts readers who don’t know how to pronounce it. Plus I had heard of some names where I had included accent marks getting mangled by ereaders, so I tend to leave them off. It does make for potentially a fascinating blog post down the line!
“Hao Han” is actually the characters for “heroic”. Tee hee…my hero’s name is “heroic”, but from what I can see, Asians do like names like that, even in modern times. (I have a whole long story about how my mom constructed my real name and my sister’s name to be a couplet, even though we’re four years apart. She also made sure our full names follow a certain meter so they sound very melodic to the ear). In Li Feng, “feng” is the character for phoenix.
Once in a while, I get organized enough to provide the Chinese names. Here was the list for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
Margot – I wrote out a long reply that must have gotten eaten. (I suspect a kidlet hit the keyboard)
How great that you can read/speak Chinese! I pondered about whether to include accents or tonal marks in the romanization, but think that it’s more distracts readers who don’t know how to pronounce it. Plus I had heard of some names where I had included accent marks getting mangled by ereaders, so I tend to leave them off. It does make for potentially a fascinating blog post down the line!
“Hao Han” is actually the characters for “heroic”. Tee hee…my hero’s name is “heroic”, but from what I can see, Asians do like names like that, even in modern times. (I have a whole long story about how my mom constructed my real name and my sister’s name to be a couplet, even though we’re four years apart. She also made sure our full names follow a certain meter so they sound very melodic to the ear). In Li Feng, “feng” is the character for phoenix.
Once in a while, I get organized enough to provide the Chinese names. Here was the list for Butterfly Swords and The Dragon and the Pearl: http://www.jeannielin.com/trivia-character-names-in-mandarin/
If the wenches were really organized, we’d give our guests a welcome how-to guide for the mysterious depths of Typepad. Howsomever, we’re not too cool on organization, sorry! Your workshops are just fine, better than most of us introverts can do!
If the wenches were really organized, we’d give our guests a welcome how-to guide for the mysterious depths of Typepad. Howsomever, we’re not too cool on organization, sorry! Your workshops are just fine, better than most of us introverts can do!
If the wenches were really organized, we’d give our guests a welcome how-to guide for the mysterious depths of Typepad. Howsomever, we’re not too cool on organization, sorry! Your workshops are just fine, better than most of us introverts can do!
If the wenches were really organized, we’d give our guests a welcome how-to guide for the mysterious depths of Typepad. Howsomever, we’re not too cool on organization, sorry! Your workshops are just fine, better than most of us introverts can do!
If the wenches were really organized, we’d give our guests a welcome how-to guide for the mysterious depths of Typepad. Howsomever, we’re not too cool on organization, sorry! Your workshops are just fine, better than most of us introverts can do!
Typepad is having some hiccup problems this morning. I’ve just released a few of Jeannie’s comments and even Anne’s (!) from the bowels of the spam commode. No idea why registered users would end up there.
Typepad is having some hiccup problems this morning. I’ve just released a few of Jeannie’s comments and even Anne’s (!) from the bowels of the spam commode. No idea why registered users would end up there.
Typepad is having some hiccup problems this morning. I’ve just released a few of Jeannie’s comments and even Anne’s (!) from the bowels of the spam commode. No idea why registered users would end up there.
Typepad is having some hiccup problems this morning. I’ve just released a few of Jeannie’s comments and even Anne’s (!) from the bowels of the spam commode. No idea why registered users would end up there.
Typepad is having some hiccup problems this morning. I’ve just released a few of Jeannie’s comments and even Anne’s (!) from the bowels of the spam commode. No idea why registered users would end up there.
How very interesting. There aren’t many historical romances set in China. Sounds fun.
How very interesting. There aren’t many historical romances set in China. Sounds fun.
How very interesting. There aren’t many historical romances set in China. Sounds fun.
How very interesting. There aren’t many historical romances set in China. Sounds fun.
How very interesting. There aren’t many historical romances set in China. Sounds fun.
I love historical fiction set in China. It’s fun to read how the author brings to life a story set in a time that had more rules to follow than the Regency Era.
I love historical fiction set in China. It’s fun to read how the author brings to life a story set in a time that had more rules to follow than the Regency Era.
I love historical fiction set in China. It’s fun to read how the author brings to life a story set in a time that had more rules to follow than the Regency Era.
I love historical fiction set in China. It’s fun to read how the author brings to life a story set in a time that had more rules to follow than the Regency Era.
I love historical fiction set in China. It’s fun to read how the author brings to life a story set in a time that had more rules to follow than the Regency Era.
Great interview, Wenches and Jeannie! Jeannie, I loved Li Tao and Ling Suyi! And I’m embarrassed to admit that I read The Dragon and the Pearl before I read Butterfly Swords, but it did completely work as a standalone as well, so there’s that 🙂
And I love stories set in historical China–I’m thrilled to have been introduced to your work and am even more thrilled to know that you’re continuing to write more 🙂
Great interview, Wenches and Jeannie! Jeannie, I loved Li Tao and Ling Suyi! And I’m embarrassed to admit that I read The Dragon and the Pearl before I read Butterfly Swords, but it did completely work as a standalone as well, so there’s that 🙂
And I love stories set in historical China–I’m thrilled to have been introduced to your work and am even more thrilled to know that you’re continuing to write more 🙂
Great interview, Wenches and Jeannie! Jeannie, I loved Li Tao and Ling Suyi! And I’m embarrassed to admit that I read The Dragon and the Pearl before I read Butterfly Swords, but it did completely work as a standalone as well, so there’s that 🙂
And I love stories set in historical China–I’m thrilled to have been introduced to your work and am even more thrilled to know that you’re continuing to write more 🙂
Great interview, Wenches and Jeannie! Jeannie, I loved Li Tao and Ling Suyi! And I’m embarrassed to admit that I read The Dragon and the Pearl before I read Butterfly Swords, but it did completely work as a standalone as well, so there’s that 🙂
And I love stories set in historical China–I’m thrilled to have been introduced to your work and am even more thrilled to know that you’re continuing to write more 🙂
Great interview, Wenches and Jeannie! Jeannie, I loved Li Tao and Ling Suyi! And I’m embarrassed to admit that I read The Dragon and the Pearl before I read Butterfly Swords, but it did completely work as a standalone as well, so there’s that 🙂
And I love stories set in historical China–I’m thrilled to have been introduced to your work and am even more thrilled to know that you’re continuing to write more 🙂