book Archives - Jessica Dazzo

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The Zombies Called

April 24, 2019 / / Comments Off

Sometimes a story comes right at you.

A week before publishing Super Me, I had a brand new story come at me. Full. Force. I was in the car–on my way to take my youngest to her one-year check-up and that’s when the story first hit me. I furiously typed notes into my phone at stop lights and every chance I had. By the time we got back home, I had a rough, but solid, idea a new story–including the title, main characters, setting, first lines, basic plot line, and even a possible ending.

The next day, we took off for Breckenridge, CO for a few days on a little family vacation. I spent the whole time writing down flashes of scenes as they came to me and making notes and plans for this new story. It seemed like the craziest time to start a new project. Super Me would be released in just days! I had the sequel, Super Us close-ish to completion and the third in the series in progress (also some novella ideas I’ve been playing around with).

But, for whatever reason, my mind was spinning with zombies. So, I put aside A Super Series, temporarily, and focused on the project at hand.

A New Young Adult Novel… with Zombies

It has been such a fun adventure! Writing zombie-fighting action scenes wasn’t something I thought I would be tackling and is so different than what I’ve written before. But I am loving getting to know these know these characters and figuring out how the story will unfold and piece together.

I’m also trying something new and writing this draft from two different character’s points of view–from the perspective of a girl… and a guy too. Will it work out? Who knows! But I’m willing to give it a try because writing the story this way and switching between the two viewpoints, seems to be what fits best right now.

I’ve been swapping first draft chapters with my friend, former critique partner, and talented writer, Kathy Drazsnzak (check out her blog, it’s fantastic). And of course, I’m also sending the chapters to my husband, Mike–he’s always up for reading whatever I come up with (even the random stories that pop up out of my prompt writing. I looooove writing from prompts!)

And now I’m getting close-ish to the end of the first draft of my newest novel…

Run

The description (so far) goes:

The virus has been released and few remain. The undead have taken over and those who are left must find a way to survive. Kaylie was weeks away from graduating high school when the virus ripped her future away. She is suddenly alone, afraid, and surrounded by monsters. Hunter’s whole world crashed in a tragic accident long before the dead swarmed the Earth. Now, with nothing left to lose, he heads out into the unknown seeking revenge. Neither are prepared for what’s coming… in a world that wants them dead.

Sometimes a story comes at you and you just have to write it.

Sometimes a story comes at you and you just have to RUN with it.

Check It Out… Literally

November 11, 2018 / / 1 Comment

So I got the email from the Longmont Library the other day.

Yep, that thing I’ve been waiting for has finally happened.

They have catalogued Super Me!

I had to rush over and see for myself.

Sure enough, my book is now on the shelves of a PUBLIC LIBRARY in Longmont, Colorado.

You can find Super Me in TEEN NEW FICTION.

This is the kind of stuff dreams are made of.

Author Reading at FoCo Book Fest AND a New Bookstore for Super Me

October 22, 2018 / / 1 Comment

I had my first reading on Saturday at the FoCo Book Fest in Fort Collins, CO!

There were lots of things going on with the Book Fest at various venues downtown on Oct 19th and the 20th, including writing workshops, a poetry reading, book signings and best selling authors speaking–including the keynote speaker Andy Weir (who wrote the Martian and Artemis).

There was also a local author reading at the Art Lab on Saturday. It was an all day event where local authors had a chance to share their work.

My slot was from 12:05-12:15. I read the first chapter of Super Me.

This was the first time I’d read from my novel to a group. I was nervous! But a few friends showed up to the reading, the room was kind, and it ended up being a really great experience.

The chapter even got a few laughs, which was pretty awesome.

After the reading, I slipped across the street to a little bookstore called Indigo Rose Books. It’s upstairs above the clothing consignment shop.

And now, Super Me now has a new home!

First Book Signing–An Update

October 9, 2018 / / Comments Off

Last month was my first book signing!

I did a post a few weeks ago about how much I was looking forward to this event.

The Used Book Emporium on Main Street (who is selling Super Me!) invited me to set up a “Meet the Author” table during Longmont’s Art Walk on September 15th.

My husband and daughters came to support me and a few familiar faces stopped by to say hello. The Art Walk was in full swing and there was a ton of foot traffic.

Like a lot of writers, I would not label myself as outgoing. And, frankly, the idea of talking to random passersby about my novel made me a bit uncomfortable. But I’m glad I put myself out there anyway. It was an amazing experience and it ended up being so much fun. I met a lot of people, sold a few paperbacks and handed out a ton of business cards. I had lots of practice answering the question “What is your book about?” A simple question, but one that I’ve struggled a bit with–it’s difficult to sum up the story without giving too much away. This is why writing the book description was such a challenge! The experience actually led me to a redo of Super Me’s description and I think that it is much more clear now.

And a clear idea of what a book is about is important when you’re trying to decide if you want to read it!

My favorite part of this event was when people walked up and asked if I wrote this book.

And I could answer, “Yes, I did!”

Exciting things are happening at the Used Book Emporium in Longmont

September 7, 2018 / / Comments Off

This is the Used Book Emporium.

It is a pretty great little bookstore on Main Street in downtown Longmont, Colorado. It is also the first brick and mortar store to officially sell Super Me in paperback!

A few days after leaving copies of my book with them, a friend of mine happened to stop by the store.

She sent me this photo:

And my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe it. That’s my book being displayed in the store’s window. Meaning, people walking along downtown Longmont could just glance over and see the book that I wrote in the window of a bookstore.

But wait, there’s more.

The owners of the Used Book Emporium have asked me to do a “Meet the Author” table next Saturday during some events going on in Downtown Longmont. The last Artwalk of the season is happening that evening (local artists, live music, and family-friendly fun) as well as a “Word Walk” where word-related fun is to be had at various downtown locations such as a story times, riddles and word games, etc. as well as calligraphy bookmark crafting at the Used Book Emporium. I will have a table set up outside of the bookstore for a couple of hours that evening with copies of my novel to sell and to sign.

This is my first book signing! I’m thrilled. And nervous. But mostly thrilled. My husband Mike, always having my back, always believing in me, created a poster to display at the event (it stands on an easel and it looks pretty darn amazing), as well as business cards that I can’t wait to hand out.

The business cards alone are worth celebrating. These little slips of paper hold so much meaning for me. On them, I declare myself an author. And I declare my writing a business. This, seemingly small thing matters so much. It is taking myself seriously as a writer. It is saying that I believe in this. That I can do this. These are all big steps and I am excited about embracing them.

Today is the Day!

July 18, 2018 / / Comments Off

It’s finally here… Release Day!

My young adult contemporary supernatural novel, Super Me, Book I in A Super Series, is now available on Amazon in both electronic and physical versions.

Also, as a fun sneak peek, you can find the first chapter of Super Us, A Super Series Book II, at the end!