So after the last post, Edie wanted to know the following about my Assassin books: 

First, what does Gin use to get the food stains off her clothes? Second, will your assassin books be darker than your Bigtime books? Urban fantasy usually is dark, but “Southern noir” is an … er, unusual pairing, I’m wondering if it will be more of a quirky noir. I’d love that! You could be starting a new subgenre.

I thought I’d answer Edie’s questions and share some more info about the Assassin books in this post. As for the food stains, Gin uses soap, water, and a washing machine just like everyone else. It’s a very contemporary urban fantasy. 😉

The Assassin books will be darker than the Bigtime books. Gin is an assassin, after all, and she does kill people for money. But Edie’s right in that it will be a quirky sort of noir. Bad things happen, but Gin manages to keep a sarcastic sense of humor throughout it all. We’re not talking major angst here like you get in some urban fantasy books. You guys know how much I dislike an overabundance of angst. Ugh.

Also, the Assassin books are urban fantasies, while the Bigtime books are paranormal romances. What’s the difference? Well, Gin is the main character of the Assassin books. They’re all going to be told from her point of view, whereas I focus on a different heroine in each of the Bigtime books. Also, Gin won’t get her romantic happily ever after in the first few books. She’ll get it eventually (I promise!), but that will be one of the ongoing plot threads, along with Gin tracking down who murdered her family. There will be a resolution of the main plotline at the end of every Assassin book, but there will be stories that carry over into the next book.

As far as the magic/world goes, the big powers are elementals, who can control ice, air, fire, or stone. Gin’s a strong Stone elemental and has the ability to control ice as well, although her magic in that area is far weaker. There are also dwarves, giants, vampires, and regular humans. Runes are also commonly used for a variety of things.

Overall, the Assassin books will be a lot like Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series or even Veronica Mars — but with a heavy Southern flavor. I’m a Southerner, and I thought it would be fun to create this Southern fantasy world, based on things I know.

Or let’s compare it this way. If the Bigtime books are as light and campy as The A-Team, then the Assassin books are more action-packed and a little more character-oriented like Magnum, P.I. or Miami Vice. 

Or let’s compare it to James Bond movies. If the Bigtime books are in the vein of The Spy Who Loved Me, then the Assassin books are more in line with Casino Royale.

Okay, I’ll stop with the analogies now.

The Assassin books also contain all my usual elements — a strong heroine, a detailed fantasy world, even some wink-wink names with a Southern twist. For example, there’s a nightclub called Northern Aggression. My agent said the first Assassin book is a fast, fun read. A fun, sexy fantasy — that’s what I think a Jennifer Estep book is and that’s what I strive to give to you guys every time. :ww:

Any more questions about the Assassin books? I’ll answer what I can in the comments.