JADE

[geneoneill]

I've read a couple of reviews of JADE, but with the exception of a couple of writer friends, I think I've only heard from two readers. Anyone here care to react to the story?
thanks,
Gene

[ausleigh]

Gene - I think anyone with an interest in readnig should do themselves a favour and grab a copy (and take advantage of the BMB sale). I dug up the e-mail I sent you with my thoughts after reading it, and will post them here:

Jade was such a vibrant tale and one that yet again demonstrates your strength at characterisation, and being able to weave a tale that could easily transcend the borders of many readers' interests.

Since Cal Wild stories diversify so much, it is always a treat to dive into one, because beyond knowing it will be quality, you really don't know what you are going to get. If I could becmoe half the writer you are, I'd be very happy indeed.

[geneoneill]

Very generous praise, Leigh. And with your taste and writing skills, you just need a little time to write. Wait until folks read your SSP novella.

[ausleigh]

Jul 30, 2010 21:44:08 GMT -6 geneoneill said:

Very generous praise, Leigh. And with your taste and writing skills, you just need a little time to write. Wait until folks read your SSP novella.

Thanks Gene. Hopefully your enthusiasm can be matched, and I can indeed find (no, make!) writing time.

[sdkdmd]

An excellent story Jade is.

I'm not one with words like that ausleigh guy, but I will at lease give an writer a " Really enjoyed it" or a "very good story" to let them know that they are appreciated.

Buy O'Neill

[geneoneill]

Always appreciate your support and positive reaction, John.
thanks.
Gene

[geneoneill]

JADE has received some recent positive reviews. I hope if you haven't ordered one, you'll give it a chance.
Thanks,
Gene

[dezm]

***SLight spoilers within*************************


I thought I posted my thoughts on Jade at the Keene board but couldn't find it. Maybe I screwed up somewheres.

Anyway, Gene, I read this when it first came out and absolutely loved it.

I dig the way you weave us right back into the world of Cal Wild. You do it so seamlessly and I love revisiting it each time. I remember some things and then get to re remember others. Heh.

It was great seeing links to Doc Goods and Burden and we get to see how the Armless Conductor turns out. That was great. He's one of my favorite characters of yours.

And like Leigh said, your characterization is just brilliant. I love characters like Jade who are less than perfect but strive to do what's best for others.

And Gene was kind and cool to use me, my wife, and son's names (Marco, Lisa, and Alex) in the story. And dude! They were in it a lot more than I thought. Thank you! My wife and son also thank you as well. Too, too, cool, amigo.

And like Doc's Good Travelling Show the story kept me wanting to turn the pages to see when the shit would hit the fan. Heh. You know something bads gonna happen you just don't know when.

The only thing that threw me for a loop was the very end. I liked it but I felt the story was grounded in the Cal Wild reality and the last bit just seemed a bit too fairy tale for me. But it was very minor and didn't take away from anything. Plus, I notice a few of Gene's stories deal with transformation.

I've always wanted to ask you about that, Gene. Is it a recurring theme that you like to write about or does it just happen? Just off the top of my head I've seen it in Lost Tribe, Jade, Bushido Man (Mad Marco lives!!! ) , and I remember a story from Ghosts, Spirits, Computers and World Machines that dealt with it as well.

Anyway, I highly recommend Jade if anyone's on the fence. One of my favorite Cal Wild stories so far.

And Steve Gilbert's artwork is fantastic. I think he really captured Jade in that piece.

[geneoneill]

Hey, Mark: Great to hear from you, and glad you enjoyed JADE, great family cameo there, eh.
I, too, love Steve's artwork.
JADE has a kind of metaphorical ending a little like BURDEN OF INDIGO. And, yes, I do think I often write about transformation, even if it si death that transforms. I suppose writers never stray far from their obsessions and I guess that is one of mind. Ted Klein once told me a Phd student will someday address the *old man* in my stuff. He says I have a lot of old people in my work. maybe...I was raised by my grandparents.
Anyhow, thanks for the great review of JADE, Mark, glad you are alive and kicking.
Gene

[geneoneill]

JADE did well in sales at KIllercon as did DOC GOOD'S TRAVELING SHOW. Hope they sell out soon, before the next Cal Wild tale appears.
Gene

[mmdh55]

Congats on Jade making the 2010 Preliminary Stoker Ballot.

[geneoneill]

Thanks, Man!
It'll be rough sledding to get to the final though--lots of good stuff, strong category this year.
Gene

[sdkdmd]

Congratulations, Gene. I need to take a look at the ballot see who MIGHT have a chance to beat out Jade. Not many, I'm sure.

[sdkdmd]

Feb 8, 2011 12:18:25 GMT -6 sdkdmd said:

Congratulations, Gene. I need to take a look at the ballot see who MIGHT have a chance to beat out Jade. Not many, I'm sure.

Oh boy! Dreams in Black & White scares me

[geneoneill]

Yeah, it's a strong area, including John and the gangsters from CD.
Gene