Melanie Card | The Reluctant Necromancer
August 27, 2011
Thank you to Fresh Fiction. I’m delighted to be here today. Most of us have
found ourselves in a job we never thought we’d ever have or were forced to take
a job we didn’t really want just to cover the bills. Sometimes the job turns out
to be a wonderful surprise and sometimes it’s just as terrible as we imagined.
For the hero of my debut novel, WARD AGAINST DEATH, the job
goes from bad to worse. You see my hero, Ward de’Ath, just wants to help people. He wants to save lives
and has studied to be physician. A few years ago he discovered surgery, the
knowledge of the inner workings of the human body, and believes it’s a more
complete way of saving lives. But in Ward’s world, the magical world of the
Union of Principalities, surgery is illegal. It desecrates the scared human form
and delves into knowledge the religious leaders believe people shouldn’t have. Ward, however, is not deterred and starts stealing bodies from cemeteries to
perform autopsies and grow his surgical knowledge … until he’s caught and
branded as a criminal. And now Ward’s only career option is his family’s business: necromancy. He’s
never really been good at it, but if he continues to pursue surgery his next
punishment will be execution. So necromancy it is. Determined to start off on
the right foot, he takes a job to wake from the dead the beautiful Celia
Carlyle, daughter of a wealthy nobleman. (A wake is a spell where the deceased
is brought back to life to fifteen minutes and the family gets to say goodbye.) But when he wakes Celia, she insists that she’s been murdered and begs Ward to
help her. Except nothing is as it seems, particularly Celia Carlyle. Unfortunately for Ward, necromancy turns into one of those jobs he can’t just
quit because he needs to help keep Celia alive long enough to solve her murder. Like Ward I’ve had some good jobs and bad ones, but the job of writing Ward’s
story has been one I’ve loved. I’ve always enjoyed fantasy and romance novels,
and so created a world for Ward with a Renaissance flavor of swords and princes
and added a dash of danger and magic with assassins and necromancy. Thank you for joining me today. In WARD AGAINST DEATH, my
hero’s dream job is to be a surgeon. If you could do anything, regardless of
whether it’s real or not, what would your dream job be? Connect with Melanie
Card: Facebook / Twitter
@melaniecard / Goodreads / MelanieCard.com Tell us YOUR dream job and you'll be entered to win a copy of WARD AGAINST
DEATH
Comments
56 comments posted.
Re: Melanie Card | The Reluctant Necromancer
I love fantasy fiction but the best type for me is when our world collides with that of 'other' worlds. This book sounds exactly right. I love the idea of a renaissance necromancer. My dream job would be 'keeper of the royal unicorns'. It would definitely be in a world full of magic have have more than a touch of renaissance ideas and ideals about it. Maybe I would meet Ward in this role? (Linda Guest 3:11am August 25, 2011)
Fantasy Fiction is my favorite genre to read. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. My dream job has always to be a high school history teacher. I know it is not the most outlandish exciting job but I have always been a history buff and would love to be able to educate young minds. It so happens I followed a different path got my MBA and now work recruiting but I still wish I had went the education route. (Jason Jones 9:46am August 26, 2011)
If I had any talent at all I would love to be a writer or a singer. But alas that is not to be. I would also love to help at a shelter or youth home but I lack the training for that. So I guess it is boring office work for me...oh well. (Patti Paonessa 1:40pm August 26, 2011)
Love to read this new novel. I am crazy about fantasy novels with a touch of romance. Who doesn't want to swept off their feet my an educated man with a dark side. Swords, prince's and assassins. Would like to know if this is a one of or maybe a series. Would love to see a triology and then maybe a prelude to mix things up. Best of luck Diana My book club will definitely use this book. (Diana Eaves 2:23am August 27, 2011)
My dream job, let me think. I would open a cafe that would have book signings and readings. I used to go to one in Toronto and miss it very much. Diana (Diana Eaves 2:27am August 27, 2011)
Ever Sences CSI Started I Wanted to Be a Crime Scene Investigator. (Stacey Smith 3:59am August 27, 2011)
Well my dream job would have the best health insurance that would have small employee contribution and cover most of everything. I would get six weeks vacation a year. I would work with people who know how to do their jobs, and do it well. I would also like these people to assume responsibility for their mistakes, and then fix them. If I could get all the above in my current job as Administative Assistant in a Nursing Home, that would be great. I love my job, love the residents, and some of their families. I even like most of the people I work with. Now if only the rest were true. But such is life! (Elizabeth Rodriguez 6:59am August 27, 2011)
I've always wanted to work for the government in some capacity doing research - information based. Crazy after so many years that desire is still there. (Linda Leonard 8:24am August 27, 2011)
Best wishes on your new venture! Blessings, Maarjorie (Marjorie Carmony 10:25am August 27, 2011)
My original dream job was to be a writer. I had a teacher in High School who loved to read my papers, and said that if I pursued writing, I could go far. All the way through school, from the time I was small, I loved the English language. When it came time to consider college, I was having a conversation with my Mother, and she said some hurtful things, which turned me off from going to college at all. My second choice would have actually have been to go to Medical School and become a doctor. I have some severe medical conditions, due to an accident I received at work, and I've had to learn a lot about my conditions over the years - the names, what is going to happen, about the testing, hospital stays, types of specialists, the list goes on. At times I've done research to give to my doctor to see if it would ease my condition any, and sometimes the doctor was actually receptive to the idea, which was a relief. My Dad actually kids me and calls me Dr. Peggy, but does seek me out for advice on certain things that are non-threatening, which flatter me a bit. I do tell him to go to the doctor if I feel it necessary. I am so in love with your story line, and can't wait to read your book!! This is one that I can really sink my teeth into. I can forget about fixing dinner with this book in my hands!! What an amazing cover as well!!! Congratulations! (Peggy Roberson 10:36am August 27, 2011)
The book sounds great. My dream job would definitely be educational tourism for kids. Teaching them about the history of various locations and events. (Pam Howell 10:38am August 27, 2011)
I am fortunate in that I'm retired from my dream job. From about the age of 8 on I wanted to be a librarian. I was able to make that dream a reality. I'm now retired from that job but still have a huge love of books and reading! (Leanna Morris 10:51am August 27, 2011)
Your book sounds like an amazing read! My dream job would be to help others to explore and attain their dreams. I guess that would make my career a dream director of sorts? LOL (Theresa Dunlap 11:01am August 27, 2011)
Wow, some really great jobs mentioned so far.
@ Linda Guest: lol. Keeper of the Royal Unicorns sounds like an awesome job.
@ Diana Eaves: wow, thank you. I hope your book club enjoys the book. Just to shake things up, I've planned The Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer to be a four book series.
@ Stacey Smith: I've been fascinated with CSI, too.
@ Theresa Dunlap: Dream director sounds like a great job. And it's not a far fetched idea. There's a relatively new field called life coaching that focuses on helping people achieve their goals (among other things). (Melanie Card 11:18am August 27, 2011)
Lately I've been asking myself the very same questions and I really can't think of my dream job. Currently I love what I am doing and who I work for so I think the only thing that could make it better would be to work from home. Maybe someday... Good luck and happy writing! (Tracie Travis 11:53am August 27, 2011)
My dream job would be food critic. I love to eat and it would be great to have an excuse to try all of those restauraunts that I would like to go to. (G. Bisbjerg 11:56am August 27, 2011)
Sounds thrilling to read!!! lol (Lynn Lanzon 12:00pm August 27, 2011)
Great giveaway. (George Ferris 12:38pm August 27, 2011)
(George Ferris 12:38pm August 27, 2011)
MY DREAM JOB IS WORKING WITH 4-5YR OLD CHILDREN. (Kathleen Bianchi 12:39pm August 27, 2011)
MY DREAM JOB IS BEING AN INTERIOR DECORATOR. (Susan Lowther 12:42pm August 27, 2011)
MY DREAM JOB IS TO BE A PRINCESS. (Brittany Burns 12:43pm August 27, 2011)
MY DREAM JOB IS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS. (Mary Shaw 12:45pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job is to be retired. (Joe Bianchi 12:46pm August 27, 2011)
I worked in finance for 28 years...boring but it paid the bills & insurance. My dream was to be my own boss; a card & gift store. Then I realized I could combine all the things I love if I owned a' indie' book store, with cool gifts and recycled cards. I've always been a voracious reader and I love to share my enthusiasm for books:) With the economy in the toilet and the stock market eating my future retirement, my dream is a long shot, but I'm not giving up. If all else fails I keep my part-time job working at a flower shop;] (Gail Siuba 1:00pm August 27, 2011)
This sounds so yummy! Can't wait to read it! (Angela Bartlett 1:05pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job is one that I find interesting and that pays well enough to allow me to do whatever else I please. without having to worry about whether or not I'll be able to pay all the bills from one month to the next.
The field is unimportant, as long as it's interesting to me.
Later,
Lynn (Lynn Rettig 1:57pm August 27, 2011)
Dream job... Paid to travel, explore, write. Can I add shop? Eat? Read? Afterall, it is a dream right. (Carla Carlson 2:13pm August 27, 2011)
Dream job... to be a romance book proof reader! :) I would get to enjoy a whole mess of stories while looking for mistakes... (Colleen Conklin 2:25pm August 27, 2011)
Oh, I have followed this book all over the internet hoping to win it. I am so excited that it is here today. I love Fresh Fiction. My dream job was being an auditor but then I had children and I knew that I wanted to be home with them. I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up! (Jennifer Beyer 3:12pm August 27, 2011)
dream job? after a career as a Police/Fire Dispatcher, I'd like to do something I really enjoy! I love to read and I'm an, "English Nazi," according to my co-workers so I'd love to proof read or edit books...preferably Sci-Fi or Fantasy! (Lora Thompson 3:16pm August 27, 2011)
Writing and personal shopping would be part of my dream job. I enjoy finding bargains and creating outfits that work for every occasion. (Alyson Widen 3:42pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job would be a politician that actually could accomplish some good for people with government. (Sue Farrell 4:16pm August 27, 2011)
Hi,
My dream job would be a commercial artist. I'd love to draw comics, mangas and design book covers.
Valerie in Germany (Valerie Bongards 4:16pm August 27, 2011)
sounds great!!! and i cant wait to read!!!! (Jennifer Beck 4:58pm August 27, 2011)
me i wanted to work in the morge and that not gross i love to be able to autopsy and the stuff in the building i like to work with the dead and see why they deid (Desiree Reilly 5:42pm August 27, 2011)
I'd be a travel writer or food critic. To be paid for something I love to do WOW!!!! (Mary Preston 5:56pm August 27, 2011)
my dream job would be anything that saves animals (Kathy Weber 6:26pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job is to get paid to read in some capacity. I'm close at the moment as a teacher. Yet I would still just like to read. (Renee Brown 6:39pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job would be a Navy Seal, FBI Agent or CIA- something that I could do and be "undercover". (Christine Arcidiacono 7:13pm August 27, 2011)
Translating ancient letters in Latin into English... Yes, that's a bit geeky, I know... (May Pau 7:28pm August 27, 2011)
probably a plumber (Sean Pynaert 7:53pm August 27, 2011)
Service Dog Trainer who trains more than just my own dogs. (Christina Harrison 7:57pm August 27, 2011)
Your book sounds terrific, Melanie! I have a copy of it in my TBR pile. :) I'm very lucky that I already have my dream job: writing books! However, in an alternate universe, I'd love to be a jeweler and design my own creations with precious metals and gemstones. (Cate Lord 8:19pm August 27, 2011)
to be able to work with animals all the time (Patricia Kasner 8:57pm August 27, 2011)
I read so much my dream job would have to be a published author myself (Amanda Boyer 9:07pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job would have to do with books, books, and more books. Unfortunately bookstores and libraries are closing so I don't know how realistic that will be in the future. : ( (Tina Wheatley 9:09pm August 27, 2011)
At age six, I identified my dream profession, then geared my education and student work experiences toward that end. I am a Librarian! I have been very happy and fulfilled in this profession and avocation. (Carla Schuller 9:11pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job would be to be able to take care of my rescue dogs full time! (Susan Navidad 10:05pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job would be to be able to teach people to dance and to be a competitive dancer. I used to dance but eight surgery's later and dancing isn't even something I can do any more let alone compete or teach. It was fun while it lasted. (Brenda Rupp 10:35pm August 27, 2011)
My dream is actually to run and own my own bar, while taking care of my husband and kids at home. It's a bit of a challenge, but with a stay at home Daddy, it's do-able~ (Jessica Wiseman 10:35pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job would be to get paid for reading books at home. (Leni Kaye 10:47pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job would be an English teacher. (Kara Lepard 11:30pm August 27, 2011)
I am already doing my dream job...teaching language arts in junior high. (Diane Brixius 11:31pm August 27, 2011)
My dream job when I was in fourth grade was to be a veterinarian. Back then, I had a dream that I would save all the endangered species from being extinct. I wasn't going into my dream due to the money. I have a higher cause to save the animals no matter what it was going to cost me. Unfortunately, my parents didn't see being a veterinarian as a job security and prevented me from going to UC Davis (I was seventeen at the time)which I got accepted and is my still my dream university. I was seventeen at the time.)
Since I didn't become a veterinarian, I volunteered my time at the animal shelter and at the zoo. At least I can say, I'm not getting pay for doing something that I have always wanted to do. (Kai Wong 11:39pm August 27, 2011)
Well, my dream job is neither medicine nor necromancy. Not even novel writing. Initially my dream job was interpreting at the UN, yes, like Nicole Kidman--well, minus all the excitement. But unfortunately, my finances and health just didn't measure up. So I gave up and became a language teacher: English and French in Germany. Later I taught German in Canada where I'm living again. (Sigrun Schulz 2:54am August 28, 2011)
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