The Smart-Ass Factor
The early reviews/summaries of Reckoners has inspired me to say: I am not cheerful!
I am, in fact, a smart-ass.
It wasn’t something I planned, mind you. Just how it is. (Seriously, if you aren’t mousing over the links in this blog to see what pops up in the title, you’re missing some fun). So I’m repeatedly baffled when I find descriptions of my work as humorous or cheerful.
I think the ANGEL franchise books–working with the Joss Whedon characters–first let out the smart-ass in me. Well, the public smart-ass, anyway. The other part was there all along. Just ask my parents.
But after that, there was no putting the cork back on that bottle. I mean, Kimmer…oh yeah (Exception to the Rules, Beyond the Rules). There’s a character with a slicing edge of humor. Not always appropriate to her situation, but that’s what life made her…
Since Kimmer hit the scene, I never really know what’ll pop out of my characters’ mouths, and I like it. They’re not all Kimmer, but they’re not that Snuggles fabric softener bear, either. And with Reckoners, a book that has slyly dark edges sneaking through it, I just can’t…I mean…seriously. Cheerful? As in perky?
Me? Them?
I’m going to invest in some black nail polish and a glower.
PS: If you want to know about the baggies…well, I’m not telling! It’s in the book, mwah ha ha!
Tags: reviews, The Reckoners
April 5th, 2010 at 08:45
Smart-ass is good. You admit you are going to get in trouble (danger, deep s–t etc), not like the dumb bunny (sorry real bunnies) who go in the dark room (basement, woods, whatever) for 17 books. Do they never learn?
April 5th, 2010 at 10:03
I’ve gotten to the point where I say, “No, don’t even look awa–! Oh, too late.”
;>
April 5th, 2010 at 16:08
Enjoyed reading the blog entries. Can’t wait to read the book and find out about the baggies.
April 5th, 2010 at 17:07
Hi, Joye!
I wonder if this is supposed to be a contest entry? I know you’re very loyal with your entries, but there’s no “FFC” here… (Femme Fatale contest, that is!)
Glad to see you here either way!
April 5th, 2010 at 19:55
one definition of smart ass that I liked – “A person who, by means of purpose or not, uses sarcasm to have a laugh. A person who, on a regular bases, annoys the hell out of people with their sarcastic-attitude.”
Myself I think smart ass plays on the fool factor, that is fool as in the king’s fool. It gives you the ability to say things you might otherwise not be able to say.
Here’s an example(not to be applied to our hostess- “If it is true that the pen is mightier than the sword then you might be able to use the writing of – insert writer’s name you don’t like- to carve warm butter.” Ok, so it is a little mixing of the metaphor. Or maybe- if he sharpened his wit, it still would not cut anything.
April 5th, 2010 at 20:42
I guess that’s a type of smart-ass? I’m thinking more of a dry and sometimes cutting humor, irreverent…whimsical. It happens just because it happens.
What you described seems more like trying to score points off someone by using sarcasm and dry tone?
April 5th, 2010 at 21:26
now you have gone and done it, got me thinking again. I may have to devote a chapter in “An Old Fart’s Guide to the 21st Century” to the smart-ass.
April 6th, 2010 at 00:32
I prefer smart-ass to snarky, but there’s a fine line between the two (especially since snarkiness is currently co-opted by teens).
By the way, FFC FFC FFC!
April 6th, 2010 at 00:37
my fella is such a smart ass
i actaully calller him that for many yrs , lol yes to his face, instead of using him name at time lol
ffc
im a facenbook friend and twitter already
April 6th, 2010 at 01:02
“FFC” it is. I have to say that just looking at the cover of The Reckoners does not say humorous or cheerful to me. I agree :where does that come from people??
April 6th, 2010 at 03:31
I heard an old saying once. It goes “everyone loves a smart ass.” By the looks of your following, I’d say that you’re in good company, so you must be doing something right!! Keep up the good work!!
April 6th, 2010 at 03:32
I love smart ass heroines and heroes. They make for great reading. Your book sounds great. FFC
April 6th, 2010 at 05:26
ffc, great contest
April 6th, 2010 at 05:26
I’m glad I went to the Fresh Fiction site and now receive your newsletter. I’ve not read any of your books, but have to check out books with a smart- ass factor.
FFC
April 6th, 2010 at 07:02
Everyone Has An Inner Smart-Ass But It Is How We Use It That Makes All The Difference. Using It For The Greater Good Is Always A Good Thing To Behold….LOL. I Am Also A Big Fan Of Joss Whedon So That Also Helps To Establish That Being A Smart-Ass Can Be A Great Thing. FFC
April 6th, 2010 at 07:03
FFC
My first visit here. I read the excerpt for Reckoners and found myself pulled right in. Love when book can do that in such a short time.
April 6th, 2010 at 08:02
What does FCC stand for? As a tried and true smart butt myself, I salute you. It’s a genetic trait …. I like these types of characters. Carry on.
April 6th, 2010 at 08:10
I think everyone has a little smart-ass in them. It’s just ones like us don’t mind letting people now. Most people like to hide it. Not me!!!! Any way great book. Enjoyed reading.
thanks again, FFC, I hope this is were I’m to put this….
Heidi
April 6th, 2010 at 08:18
FFC
Looks like a good book, I’d love to read it.
April 6th, 2010 at 08:32
I enjoy Kimmer’s mouthiness (sp?). Certainly don’t need Snuggies. I thought FFC was Fast Forward Cuz?
April 6th, 2010 at 09:03
FFC! Being a smart ass is actually good for you. It makes you laugh and relieve tension. It may be at someone elses expense, but as the old saying goes ” Oh Well.”
April 6th, 2010 at 09:29
FFC
I definitely like smart ass heroines and heroes. Can’t wait to read this book!
April 6th, 2010 at 10:59
Minna, thanks for stopping by! FFC back atcha, and I hope you enjoy the book!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:00
Cheryl–FFC to you! Being a smart-ass definitely is about dry humor for me and relieves tension, but ooh, it can be bad when it goes wrong. The times I’ve had people take me seriously when I said something absurd…ouch!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:01
Karin–I get a kick out of Kimmer, too. She’s fun to write! I never heard of Fast Forward Cuz, though…hmm…Google… (FFC!)
April 6th, 2010 at 11:03
Wilma–FFC to you!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:04
Heidi–hey, anywhere in the comments. FFC to you, too! And I’m SO glad you enjoyed the reading!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:22
I’m a smartass myself so that being said I look forward to reading your books! Include “FFC!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:24
Vikki–We smartie-butts must stick together!
FFC is “Femme Fatale Contest.”
April 6th, 2010 at 11:24
Heather, FFC to you! Very kind words, too–thank you!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:26
Raquel–LOL! You definitely pass on the Smart-Ass Mojo Meter.
I adore Joss’s work, and while I know my ANGEL books can’t meet that gold standard…well, I had fun trying! ;>
FFC!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:54
Andrea, FFC to you! I’m glad to see you here!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:54
Sylvia, I’m glad you like the contest. FFC!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:54
Debby–hurrah, another Smart Ass lover! FFC!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:55
P.– Thank you for those kind words–made me smile!
April 6th, 2010 at 12:03
Hi, Mary! FFC! The smarty-pants factor is what helped to sell the book to Tor, and I think my wondrous editor mentioned that to marketing…and early on, marketing had translated that to “humorous.” So the first blurbs to go out made it sound like hyuck-hyuck-hyuck. That was a while ago, but I think there’s still some trickle-down from it. Otherwise…shoot, maybe people are looking for a PC way to say “smart ass!” ;>
April 6th, 2010 at 16:19
Hi, Tami–yup, I’ve seen your tweets and posts! (That sounds like it shouldn’t be said socially, doesn’t it?) Thanks for stopping by! (FFC!)
April 6th, 2010 at 16:19
LOL! FFC back!
Yes, snarky is a little over the line for me…
April 6th, 2010 at 16:49
Ahh, good, Smart-Asses unite! (FFC!)
April 6th, 2010 at 18:30
Love the book trailer. also LOVE that you are a smart-ass (maybe because I pride myself as being one as well?) (FFC!)
April 6th, 2010 at 18:40
Clearly we must start a club! FFC, and I’m so glad you liked the trailer! It’s my first and I was really, really happy with it. Will not admit to how many times I’ve watched it…
April 6th, 2010 at 19:29
Hello,
Enjoyed the book trailer for The Reckoners…made me add it to my to be read list…
Michelle B. aka Koshkalady
April 6th, 2010 at 20:19
Michelle–now, that is super cool! Thank you!
April 6th, 2010 at 20:27
I’ve just watched the Reckoners trailer. I too will now add this book to
my TBR list. Oh, almost forgot: FFC!
Pat Cochran
April 6th, 2010 at 20:37
Hi, Pat– Too cool! I’m glad you liked the trailer.
And FFC to you!
April 6th, 2010 at 22:16
Congrats on the review. I enjoyed reading the different posts and getting to know more about you as an author. I hope to read more of your works soon. And I also wanted to let you know that I already get your newsletter. A big FFC to you.
April 6th, 2010 at 22:39
Hi, Gayle–and FFC! I hope you’re enjoying the newsletter.
April 8th, 2010 at 07:43
I think I’d rather be a smart-ass than perky! More Fun! FFC
April 8th, 2010 at 09:40
Vicki–You and me both! FFC!
July 24th, 2010 at 00:24
Joss Whedon is a great director, most of the science fiction series that i love are created by him.:’”
July 24th, 2010 at 14:12
Keira–it doesn’t quite work that way for me, but it works the other way around. Most of his SF series, I love! ;>