Remember when I said I found a new series involving merpeople? There’s a ton of werewolves and vampires out there, but with In Over Her Head, we’ll be getting some hot merpeople action and we’ll have Judi Fennell to thank for that.
Today, I’m excited to welcome Judi to Literary Escapism where she’ll be talking about her new novel, In Over Her Head,
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Hi and thanks for having me! So what do you do when you’re terrified of the ocean and someone is forcing you in at gunpoint?
Well, if you’re Erica Peck, the heroine of In Over Her Head, you beat the bad guy—who just so happens to be your ex-fiancé—at his own game.
If you’re me, well… probably not.
Now, I haven’t ever been forced into the ocean at gunpoint, but sometimes it feels that way. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I, like Erica, am terrified of the ocean. Oh, not the deep, or the water, but what’s in the deep water. Heck, what can show up in three feet of water.
Yes, I saw JAWS at a young age. It left a mark.
But I refuse to allow myself to be paralyzed by that fear, and I’d like to think I’d react as Erica does. Well, as she does after she realizes that she’s not going crazy. That starfish can have attitudes, that remoras are bossy, and Atlantis isn’t the myth we all believe. She takes it on the fin, I mean, chin, and sets her sights on getting out alive.
She also sets her sights on Reel, the hero. The merman.
And yes, the first question everyone—and I mean everyone—asks is about that. How do mermen “do it”?
You really think I’m going to spill the beans now?
See, one of the things I like to do with my writing is take myths, legends, pop culture, fables, fairy tales, what have you, and “twist” them. Take you down one road then suddenly go left. Or right. Or up. Or down.
Or under the sea. Onto a deserted island. Maybe both.
And of course you have to have a bad guy. And danger. And Atlantis. And diamonds…
This story gave me the chance to explore the oceans, yes, with sharks, in a way that I could control (well, as much as the characters let me) and maybe, just maybe, get it back for myself. So this summer, when I’m vacationing at the Jersey Shore, I might go in the water past my knees. Do some boogie-boarding, maybe even take a book out on a raft with me.
Although… Vincent, the great white, did scare Erica just offshore, so maybe I won’t. Or if I do, there will be someone else farther out. Someone on either side of me.
And my eyes not on any book, but looking for fins.
Now, if only they are Mer fins…
For your chance to win one of three romantic beach getaway weekends to celebrate the release of In Over Her Head and the next two in the series, Wild Blue Under in November ’09, and Catch of a Lifetime in February 2010, see my website to register to win.
This story was an absolute blast to write and the characters kept me laughing. It’s been so amazing to me that others have liked my “little talking fish” story, and I hope you do too.
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Thank you Judi for stopping by and I can’t wait to read In Over Her Head!
Contest Time! We’re giving away a copy of Judi Fennell’s novel In Over Her Head to a lucky commentator and it’s very easy to enter. All you have to do is answer this one of these simple questions: Do you have any fantasies involved mermen? Do you already have a favorite merman? Now that we have some more mermen, what other characters are sadly lacking in novels?
As always, if you want more chances to win, you can post about today’s contest on your blog, social network, or anywhere you can. Digg it, stumble it, twit it, share it with the world. Wherever you share it, make sure you add a link to it along with your answer (yes LE is now on Twitter as well!). The more places you share it, the more entries you get.
Join the Literary Escapism Facebook page and you’ll get an additional entry (for each page). Make sure you leave a comment so I know that’s why you’re joining. Only new readers to the group will be considered.
For 2 additional entries, subscribe to Literary Escapism’s newsletter in the sidebar. This is for new subscribers only.
I’ll determine the winner with help from the Research Randomizer. All entries must be in by midnight on May 26th.
Oh, this sounds like an intriguing read! I never had any fantasies involving mermen until I read Marjorie M. Liu’s book Soul Song. :)
Judi, that is too funny to hear that you wrote about mermen after being terrified by “Jaws” at a young age! Isn’t that what they call counter-phobic therapy? Well, lucky for your readers!
You’ve got me considering giving up cops and cowboys for mermen! Sounds like a fun read. I’m on my way over to Amazon to order.
I’ve only seen bits and pieces of Jaws, and for a good reason: I didn’t want to be afraid to go in the water!
Congrats on the new release and best wishes for lots of sales!
I’ve never fantasized about mermen, but after reading about Judi’s book, I certainly am intrigued.
Your story sounds like lots of fun. Best of luck!
–Adele Dubois
Can’t say I ever fantasized about Mermen. But that is probably because so many stories of the idea revolve around Mermaids! The guys get short shifted. So for all the forgotten, downtrodden mermen of the world, I say Amen to them getting there day! Well done Judi! Looking forward to another great read from us Sourcebooks writers. :)
I think it looks like a great book – good luck with it!
Thanks everyone for stopping by and thank you Jackie for having me!
I have to admit that I have a fear of water. I can’t swim and yes, count me in as one of those who saw Jaws at an early age, so it’s not likely that I have a fantasy involving merpeople!
I don’t really have a favorite merman, though there have been a few selkie heros I’ve enjoyed. I’m going to have to check out In over her Head now.
I don’t have any fantasies involving mermen and this is probably because I’ve read only one book that included mermen. That’s why I really can’t pick a favorite. But hopefully this new series would bring some mermen fantasies.. ;)
Mermen? No. Aquaman? Different story, but I was a KID! LOL
I, too, love going to the shore, but don’t do much in the water. Different cause, similar fear. Just looking at it tends to make one feel insignificant—and the perfect size for an afternoon snack!
The book sounds great, Judi. I wish you the best of luck with it. (Darn, I’m getting an incredible urge to watch “The Little Mermaid. Under the sea da da da da da, under the sea. . .
This sounds absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to get my hands on the book. Fabulous cover!!! What an immagination you have.
Dana
Jumping up and down to get my hands on this! I never thought of mermen as sexy until I read the opening chapter of In Over Her Head in a long-ago contest. Seriously HOT! What other paranormal would I like to see? Well, vamps and wolves are cool, but I don’t think there’s enough out there about djinns yet. That could be hot!
I have always loved mermaids and have always fantasized exactly about whom they would fall in love with…..I think the whole mermaid/merman thing is an explosion about to happen.
Sounds like a fun read, Judi. There’s a lot of positive “buzz” about your debut novel. Fabulous!
Now if I took a page from Judi’s book and confronted my phobia in novel form, I’d end up with a book full of creepy spiders. It’s not conjuring any romantic images. Sorry.
Lacking paranormal characters? Shape-shifting big cats. I’d love to get my paws on one of those. Meow
Being an island girl myself I am seriously bummed that I haven’t had a merman encounter. My first merman love was of course Patrick Duffy in “The Man from Atlantis.”
Other characters we need to populate the paranormal world of literature, pixies. Devilish or delightful, I can see something going on there. I have a wings fetish so really, pixies/angels…whatever.
I just want to congratulate you, Judi, on this great book and your unique voice. The characters jump off the page with fully formed personalities from the first time they “open their mouths” to speak. I’ve waited anxiously to read this since the first chapter contest on Gather. FINALLY, it’s here.
My XY is an excellent swimmer and yet he too was permanently damaged by Jaws. All I have to say is “What’s that in the water?” and he’s out of the waves like those penguin you see on the Discover Channel.
I’m humming “Kiss The Girl” :)
Your story sounds fascinating! It’s refreshing to find something other than werewolves and vampires. I’ve never considered a fantasy with a merman, but it has potential.
Congratulations are in order for your first book coming out and the completion of the second and third! I am waiting breathlessly for my copy to arrive! I know I’ll rip open that package and plop myself into my comfy recliner and read it through first thing! I think I’m already in love with Reel from having heard so much about him! Thank you for giving Mermen equal time with Mermaids. Always thought it unfair that the mermaids got all the attention.
I have never had any of those books. But I love to read. I have a library and book shelves are being made for me. Sounds like your books are very good. I like fantasy books. congratulations on your books.
No, but I’ve read about some selkies recently, and they were pretty cool. Griffins may be coming into vogue… I hope so. Looking forward to reading your book!
I’ve never had any fantasies about a merman. I have dreamt about being a mermaid though.