Saturday, August 13, 2011

J is for Jaffarian: Sue Ann Jaffarian

Continuing the Mystery Author Alphabet Meme, today I welcome Sue Ann Jaffarian.
J IS FOR JAFFARIAN. 
  
Sue Ann Jaffarian is the author of three mystery series: The Odelia Grey series, the Ghost of Granny Apples series, and the Madison Rose Vampire Mystery series. In addition to mysteries, she also writes general fiction and short stories, recently launching a Holiday’s From Hell short story series for e-readers. Visit her at www.sueannjaffarian or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
  
Book giveaway. Comment below for a chance to win. Tell us which series intrigues you most, and you might win the first book in that series from Sue Ann Jaffarian. 

8/17: WINNERS: JANET A & PENNY T. Sue Ann will be in touch with you shortly!

SUE ANN JAFFARIAN:

Like Cerberus, the terrifying hound who guards the gates to the underworld in Greek and Roman mythology, I need three heads – one for each of my three mystery series. So far I’ve managed to keep them all straight, but as the different series grow in number of books, I fear without three heads, I’ll never manage.

Then again, maybe I don’t need three heads. Maybe what I need is five or six heads, each with their own independent brain. There would be one for each mystery series, one for my Holidays From Hell short story series and one for all the future writing projects gurgling around in my brain. Let’s see, that makes five. Nope. I’ll need six. I’ll need one head to handle my paralegal day job and personal life. They will have to pair up because six is the top number of heads I’m willing to shampoo and blow dry on a regular basis.

OMG! Six heads means six monthly cut and color jobs. It means six sets of teeth requiring dental care. Six sets of glasses. Six faces that need plucking, washing and make-up application and removal. Hold on a moment while I do the math … okay, based on the cost of up-keep and maintenance, I’m going back to one head and liking it.

I won’t kid anyone, writing three different series is quite a challenge, but it is doable. If you’re thinking of trying it, here are a couple of tips:

Make each series different in style, character and genre or sub-genre. For example, write one in first person and the other in third. Mix up the types of protagonists, their backgrounds and personalities. If one is a police procedural, make the other a paranormal or amateur sleuth. Keeping each series different also keeps you, the writer, better engaged mentally as the clock ticks by and one deadline merges into another.

Make a schedule and stick to it. We’ve all heard this as a tip to successful writing, but when writing different series, it’s not just a daily schedule, it becomes a monthly or even seasonal schedule. Remember, life happens and if you’re on schedule to begin with, the less likely an illness or emergency will throw you too far off track.

Kirkus once said of me, “Like Stuart Kaminsky, Jaffarian juggles her franchises deftly, giving each a unique voice and appeal.”

Hah! If they only knew the truth. I’m really juggling various shades of insanity – tossing power saws along with knives and Tasers. The reality is, the above information aside, the series write themselves. I’m just the medium.


15 comments:

Lesa said...

Welcome, Sue Ann. You don't need that many heads, just lots and lots of hands for all that juggling! Big fan of your Ghost of Granny Apple. I like that character. And, I don't need any books. I'm ashamed I never even had the chance to read and review the last one, because I do enjoy those books. Good luck, Sue Ann. Keep them coming. I guess you'll just have to keep juggling.

Anonymous said...

The Ghost series intriques me the most, because I love apples! Thanx for chance to win!
lynn@tangledyarn.com

Avon Judi said...

I got hooked on "Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini," and went on to read everything you've written that has been published. I am going to celebrate my new job by buying Baited Blood when I get my first paycheck!
The Odelia Grey mysteries should be an inspiration to all BBWs out there - it ain't only the skinny girls that count!!

Anonymous said...

Odelia Gray sounds interesting.

boots9k at wowway dot com

Janet A said...

I love this woman's work. Or is it art? I have read the vampire series and the Odelia Grey series. If I win, please please let me win a book from the Granny Apples ghost series. I love ghost stories. And this series is new to me.

If I win, I 'll drive up the hill and you won't have to deliver the book to me.

Janet A

Janet Rudolph said...

I have a copy for you, Janet A. Any time. You'll love it!

skkorman said...

The Odelia Grey series sounds good to me—thanks for the opportunity to win!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

pennyt said...

I've read and enjoyed the Odelia Gray series and the Granny Apples Ghost series sounds intriguing, so please enter my name in the drawing. Thank you.
pennyt at hotmail dot com

Sue Ann Jaffarian said...

Thanks, everyone, for dropping by! And thank you, Janet, for letting me visit.

Anonymous said...

i have read the odelia grey mysteries and enjoyed them! i haven't (yet) read the other two series but now plan to, specially the vampire series!

mysandycat@aol.com

Gary V. Nichols said...

Yes I am a guy but I love Sue's books. Odelia Gray is my favorite. The main thing I find attractive about this series is that she is such a real person. I read Case of the Holy Pail and within the first description I found myself saying "I know this woman". Loved that book and hope to read the rest soon.

Stephaston@charter.net said...

I LOVE Odelia Grey!!! I have read all except Twice As Dead which I will be starting very soon! My family on the other hand does not like Odelia so much, since I do nothing but read once I start your books. I usually read tham in about a day and a half! You are an amazing writer. Started reading the Granny Apples series and that is terrific too!

Unknown said...

ok..well after reading all the previous posts, I think I am interested in ALL the series but most intrigued by the Odelia Grey series.
~S

Ellen said...

Love all of the series. The vampire intrigues me the most since I had not gotten into the vampire craze (a bit behind the times), so it's new and fun to me. Keep 'em coming! For the contest, I'm ebderwin@gmail.com. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I've been reading the Odelia Grey series on my Kindle at the gym. That hour or so on the elliptical machine just flies by! Next up, Corpse on the Cob. Thanks, Sue. : )
wlkk113512@aol.com