Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to thank Mandi and Tori for having me on the blog again today. Thanks so much!
My name is Jennifer Estep, and I write the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington. The books focus on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen is shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, Amazons, and more.
Touch of Frost, the first book, came out on July 26. First Frost, a prequel e-story to the series, is also available now. Kiss of Frost, the second book, will hit shelves on Nov. 29.
So today, I thought that I would talk a little bit about music since it seems to be such an important part of the YA genre these days. Tons of YA authors mention music in their books and use it to do everything from setting the mood for a scene to revealing how the heroine is really feeling. Many authors do music playlists for their books, their heroines, and even their villains. Lots of authors – in the YA genre and beyond – also write about what kind of music they listen to while they’re writing and how it inspires them.
Mandi and I both share a love for The Killers, but other than that, I have to confess that I am tragically unhip when it comes to music. Seriously. Ask me about books, TV shows, or movies, and I can talk for hours about my favorite books, the new TV shows everyone seems to be buzzing about, and what movies I’m looking forward to seeing (Captain America and the new Conan movie right now).
But when it comes to music, I feel like I just don’t know that much about what’s new, hip, and happening. I hear everyone talking about these cool indie bands that I’ve never even heard of, much less know what songs they sing. I don’t even listen to music while I write, although I’ll pop in a CD while I’m cleaning my office, doing paperwork, or things like that.
I tend to like specific songs more than I do musicians/bands, I enjoy fast-paced, upbeat, pop songs that you can sing along to, and I never know what musician sings what song. I also love oldies by bands with quirky names, like The Royal Guardsmen. Did I mention that I’m not hip and cool at all when it comes to music?
I’ve also been thinking a lot lately about why music seems to go hand in hand with the YA genre. My theory is that it has a lot to do with growing up. Deciding what kind of music you like – not what your parents like or what they think you should like – is one of the stepping stones to becoming your own person. It’s just another part of developing your own identity and personality, your likes and dislikes, your hobbies and interests.
So I’m okay with not being a music expert because it’s one of the things that makes me, well, me – no matter how unhip that might be. LOL.
What about you guys? Do you like it when authors do playlists for books? What are some of your favorite songs and musicians?
Today, Jennifer Estep is giving a copy of Touch of Frost to one lucky commenter. To enter, just answer her questions above. Open to US/Canada through July 30th.
Jennifer Estep is a USA Today bestselling author who also writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.
Books in the series are Spider’s Bite, Web of Lies, Venom, and Tangled Threads. Spider’s Revenge, the fifth book, will be released on Sept. 27. Visit www.jenniferestep.com for free short stories, excerpts, and more.
I really don’t care about playlists for books. I can’t read and listen to music at the same time – I start singing and loose track. When some books get made into movies then I like the playlists.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
I don’t mind a playlist, but I usually don’t pay much attention to it, either. Like Viki said above, I can’t listen and read at the same time, but I do find it interesting what an author was listening to when they wrote the book I’m reading!
I LOVE your Spider Assassin series – looking forward to the Mythos Academy books! Thanks for a chance to win!
I dont mind playlist either…makes it more interesting
vidishamun@gmail.com
I dont mind playlist either…makes it more interesting
vidishamun@gmail.com
I dont mind a Playlist…
vidishamun at gmail dot com
Hi Jennifer. Touch of Frost sounds great. I think it fun when an author creates a playlist.
I really don’t care about playlists. I love all kinds of music but also love peace and quite :). I love that music can take me back to a different time in my life (90’s music).
Jnmt3@hotmail.com
Hmm. Playlists I don’t care too much about, but if a specific song is mentioned in a book, I usually go have a listen I don’t already know it…I’ve discovered some fun music that way.
As for fav songs/musicians, the list is huge, so I’ll go with the top-played song on my iPod – “The Cave” by Mumford & Sons. Powerful lyrics, uplifting instrumentals. Love it!
Big Gin Blanco fan here, looking forward to reading Touch of Frost. :)
I kinda like it. I use playlists authors make as a way to discover new artists. If I like the tone of the book, I will often check to see if the author has a playlist.
I don’t pay any attention to playlists. I think you are right–it’s more of a YA thing. If authors post playlists, I don’t really look at them.
I’m looking forward to your Frost series. I absolutely LOVE Gin!
akbabcock at gmail dot com
I don’t care much for playlists nor do I listen to music while I read. I am however a huge fan of music. Most of the music I grew up on and still listen to this day is my parent’s influence. My most current favorite bands are My Morning Jacket, The Avett Brothers, and The Black Keys.
I love your Gin Blanco series. I’ve got this book on my wishlist.
Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Viki — I like a lot of the movie soundtracks too.
Brandi — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Gin books, and I hope you like TOUCH OF FROST as well. I can’t listen to music and read either.
Vidisha — Playlists are a fun extra for authors and readers.
Crystal — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Rain Maiden Jen — Music can definitely take me back too. Sometimes, I’ll watch those 100 greatest countdowns on VH1 and remember when the songs were popular. LOL.
BJ — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Gin books, and I hope you like TOUCH OF FROST as well. I don’t think I know that song. I’ll have to check it out.
Natasha — I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s a cool idea and way to find new music.
Allison — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Gin books, and I hope you like TOUCH OF FROST as well. Playlists do seem to be more popular with YA books.
Paula — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Gin books, and I hope you like TOUCH OF FROST as well. I can’t listen to music while I read either.
The first author I read that mentioned play lists was Stephenie Meyers. I guess since music is such a personal preference I don’t think it influenced me. Basically, I didn’t know any of the bands and felt woefully O-L-D. However, if I have some gardening to do, I pop P!nk into my MP3 and rock out. So, music is definitely necessary… Have I confused you good?
Can’t wait to read this novel. Am waiting for the library to get it in. Seems my kids really like eating, and I read too many books to keep buying them.. sigh…
Sooz — Cool. Hope your library gets the book in soon. Yeah, I never seem to know any of the cool bands either, although I do like Pink. Some of her songs are fun to sing along to, especially So What.
I don’t really look at the playlists much. If a song is mentioned in the book, or some lyrics are mentioned, I would check out the song though. I usually like it when an author quotes certain lyrics at the start of a chapter, something that makes me think.
Amy — I like quotes like that too, just anything extra and fun that the author can add to the book.
I’ve read a lot of YA books where they talk constantly about music and include playlists and I don’t really find that it adds to the reading experience. I’m not going to put the book down and go search whatever song out that they mention so I can listen to it while reading that passage. On the other hand I think it’s interesting to hear about any part of an author’s writing process. Love the Spider.
sfc.therdry@ymail.ca
I always find it interesting when books have songlists. One of my fave series that does it is the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. It’s really interesting to see songlists either that the author reccomends or that they feel best embody the character. Sometimes I’m really surprised by the songs reccomended, sometimes I disagree, sometimes I think a song fits perfectly. The nice thing is with this day and age, one only has to open up an internet browser and the songs are right there at your fingertips.
I think one of the reasons I enjoy songlists like that is because I have such a wide range of music tastes. Name a genre and I know musical history, artists that impacted the genre, and have specific likes and dislikes. At the moment, I’m really into punk rock, but last year I was on a Beatles Kick, and before that it was all things Metal (death, thrash, speed, gothic, etc.), and of course, I’m always in the mood for some Jazz.
Favorite artists: Panic at the disco, the Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Wolfmother
Therdry — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Gin books. I also think it’s interesting to learn more about an author’s process and what music they listen to when they write.
Ellaanabeth — I keep meaning to try the Kitty books. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Vaughn’s books. And those take place at a radio station, right? That’s very true. No matter what’s in a book or on TV, you can know more about it in seconds.
I’m pretty eclectic when it comes to music too. I tend to like songs more than specific artists, although I love folks like The Killers and Jimmy Buffett. Have you tried Nina Simone? I have a CD of hers, and it’s really cool.
I read and reviewed the first three books in the Elemental Assassins series and that was my first introduction to Jennifer’s writing. I have just obtained the next book and am anxious to get started with that. I don’t usually read and review fantasy, but I was asked to review the first book, got so caught up in the story that I had to keep on reading. The mark of an excellent writer who has the story well formulated before the writing ever starts, or so it seems to me. Also, there is the necessity of being really in touch with human nature and an good observer of the idiocycracies that people reveal about themselves when they talk together, their body language, etc. I found all that in these books and those qualities are, in large part, what hooked me. A little romance didn’t hurt, either. Thanks for visiting and sharing.
I enjoy hearing about authors playlists, I’ve been looking forward to this one! tWarner419@aol.com
Dr. J — Thanks! I appreciate all the nice words about my books, and I hope you enjoy Tangled Threads too.
Teresa — Thanks! Hope you enjoy the book.
I have to say that I love hearing about playlists, and listening to them. It gives me these extra feelings for the characters. I love hearing what authors were listening to when they were writing books.
Having enjoyed your adult series, I can say that I am totally wanting to read this new YA series. It sounds fabulous and the early reviews I have checked out rave about it. Thank you for coming on.
terilhack at gmail dot com
I like playlists. I like to be able to hear the songs that the authors feels is part of the story.
I love it when an author post songs for his/her books using http://www.playlist.com. That way it’s easy-peasy to listen to the playlist directly on his/her blog or website!
My favorite indie singer-songwriter is Vienna Teng. For big label musicians, I admire Beyonce and Shakira for being such talented and diligent entertainers.
Hi Jennifer! I really don’t have much of an opinion about a playlist one way or another. Love the series and thanks for the giveaway! bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net
I really enjoyed your books so far, although playlists don’t usually do much for me.
I think it’s nice when authors do a playlist for their books. I love alternative rock, but I discovered a musician that I really like that’s a little out of my regular genre – Duffy – her song Mercy is a favorite.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
I don’t really care for playlists I love to read and this book sounds so good thank you so much for the great giveaway!
tishajean@ charter.net
I have to admit, I’m not much into music unless I’m working out at the gym. It’s all just background noise to me. I do tend to look at playlists, but most of the time I don’t recognize any of the songs. Currently, the one musician I have noticed is Adele. She has the most powerful and emotional voice I’ve heard in a long time.
Teri — Thanks! I appreciate all the nice words about my books, and I hope you enjoy TOUCH OF FROST.
Lauren — That’s cool. Sometimes, a song can really add a whole new level to a story, movie, etc.
Justine — I haven’t heard of that website, but I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip.
Barb — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying my books.
Sara — Thanks! Glad you are liking my books, and I hope you enjoy TOUCH OF FROST too.
Barbara — I haven’t heard of her. I’ll have to check her out.
Latisha — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Jen — Yeah, a lot of the time even when I’m listening to music, I’ll get distracted by something else and it will fade into the background for me too.
I totally ignore playlists. I do realize how important music is in a movie whether you notice it or not. I like it when on tv they do a report showing clips with and with out music.
I am totally not current with what’s playing. for the last 6 months or so, I have been listening to books on CD in the car and at work. I’m working my way through J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas series and there’s a lot of them! Thank you public library.
acm05atjuno.com
Hey Jennifer- I like playlists from authors it is great to hear what kind of music can motivate their characters. keep up the great writing.
audie@wickerness.com
I can’t play music and read at the same time. I like a relatively quiet environment. But otherwise im listening to music non stop!
Hi Jennifer! It’s not important if the author add a playlist because I can’t read and listen at the same time but I’ve heard the playlist of the fever serie from Karen Marie Moning after reading the book and it was great! But I don’t mind if the author add a playlist or not I don’t usally listen to them!
I didn’t realize playlists for book were the new big thing. I’ve seen it a couple times in books and have always been baffled by it. I love music, but I don’t care what music the author was listening to or thinking of when he/she wrote the book. I really have no interest in that and just skip past it.
catherine.n.morgan @ gmail.com
Anne — That’s another series that I need to get caught up on. Although realizing that there are so many books to read is a little daunting!
Audra — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Kate — I listen to music when I clean. It makes housework a little more fun. LOL.
Valerie — I think the playlists are fun bonus material.
Catherine — I don’t know that they are the new big thing, but it seems like more and more authors are doing them for their books.
I do like it when authors do play lists for books. It helps me see where there mind is or was when they were writing different parts of the book. I admit that I am totally challenged when it comes to what’s hip, but I definitely like to hear what often ends up being an eclectic mix of music that I may not have listened to before!
Now, about the book, I am very, very excited to read your new book, Jennifer! The series sounds like a really good one, and definitely something that I would like to read :)
Julie — Thanks! Hope you enjoy the book. I agree that playlists are a good way to find new music/artists.
I know a lot of authors do playlists for books but I do not pay a lot of attention to them. I do listen to country music when I am reading but it is more for background noise rather than to enhance the reading environment.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
I don’t care about playlists.
I do like when an author tells about what inspires the story. It’s kind of like putting a name on the ebb and flow. Like if you only listen to early Debbie Gibson, the book is probably gonna be more upbeat than if you’re listening to Five Finger Death Punch. It rounds out the appeal.
And occasionally I find songs I didn’t know about. I listen to my iPod at various times, like when I’m attempting to write (and failing miserably) because I know the song backwards and forwards enough I can block out the words and follow the flow. One of those playlists has songs like Cage the Elephant, 30 Seconds to Mars, Adele, Aimee Allen, Debbie Gibson, and Sick Puppies. And I’ve seen some of the same songs on other playlists. But I also don’t try and be hip. I’d fail miserably. Believe me.
And I can’t wait for your new series, well to read it. I just found your Bigtime Series, devoured those, and I’m caught up with Gin, so I’m without a series right now. This is a good thing!
I also think you might be Melissa Marr’s kindred spirit with the book schedules you keep up with.Once upon a time, I tinkered with the idea of a Valkyrie descendant so it really, really appeals. I love integrated mythology. (Why I love the “Oh.My.Gods.” book so much.) And the YA market seems to be getting more of series, which makes me glee. Psychometry adds a different spin, especially the angst level. Imagine being a young ‘un and inundated with the past every time you touched something.
I love playlists! I have even downloaded songs based on book playlists. I discovered The Adam Ezra band after finding one of their songs on Sherrilyn Kenyon’s playlists! And, Muse was on Stephanie Meyers playlists. Some of my favorite bands are Linkin Park, Papa Roach, Disturbed, Josh Groban, Chromeo, Kylie Auldist, and so many more. Thanks for the giveaway!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
Stephanie — I like country music too.
Estella — I think playlists are fun extras.
Hell Cat — That’s true. If I saw Debbie Gibson on a playlist, I would definitely expect a more upbeat story. And thanks for the nice words about my books. I appreciate them, and I hope you enjoy TOUCH OF FROST.
Jen — I just downloaded Uprising by Muse a few weeks ago. I haven’t heard of the Adam Ezra band, but it sounds interesting.
I’ve got to admit that I pay little attention to playlists. I don’t listen to music when I read.I am so in another world when reading that outside noises don’t even exist for me.
My favorites songs and artist are the 70’s rock & roll, Van Halen, Metalica, Led Zepplen, Guns & Roses. Their hard rocking music still motivates me to get up and dance.
Muse’s album is great. If my external hadn’t died a death, I’d still have it. I need to get an enclosure for it just to get my music back. I find the stranger, darker music is good for setting a mood. The playlist I mentioned has a lot of animal themed music since that’s the general idea of what I’d wanted.
I actually bought Touch of Frost on my Nook account moments after I commented so I can read it on my phone. (I have books just for that purpose, actually, so I always have something with me at any given time.)
Lisa — I don’t pay much attention to playlists either, but I think they are fun bonus material.
Hell Cat — I may have to buy the whole album then. I like Uprising. Cool. Hope you enjoy the book.
I definitely like listening to a playlist if an author makes one for the book. It helps set the tone. Wouldn’t it be great if some very nice book bloggers made the list for us to listen to on playlist.com *wink wink* lol. I personally love Imogen Heap oh and Iris. Thanks for the giveaway! tlabunski (at ) gmail
I think you’ll definitely like Muse. Try Kings of Leon as well. They’re a good band to just kind of listen to. They’re always playing around here on 99X.
to be honest I couldnt care less about playlist. I mean I think of books as reality and there isnt a lot of background noise in life. I’m not big into movies so no playlists for me!
I love it when author’s provide playlists for their books. Shayla Black shared some of her favorite songs while writing her books and it was great fun!
My favorites include Kings of Leon, Paramore, Bon Iver, and Adele, Just to name a few,