Jfay is a candle artist in the Houston area who works with romance—and other genre—writers to promote their books. She designs artistic one-of-a-kind candles that represent the books and that can be used as unique promotional items.
How long have you been designing candles for writers?
Oh, I'd say it's been about three years now.
This is such a unique idea. What initially inspired you to work with writers in this way?
Well, it all happened by chance. My sister, author Dorlana Vann, was just beginning to promote her new Supernatural Fairy-Tales book of short stories and we were trying to think of ways to get her noticed. I began looking around MySpace at other authors' pages to see what they were doing to promote themselves and saw that some had items that were designed just for their books and thought that was a very clever idea, then approached Dorlana with that suggestion. She liked the idea and so we began thinking about what would go well with her book theme and then it hit us both at the same time -- I make candles - why not a candle designed to go with her book? Thus, the Poison Apple Candle was born, scented in Fairy-Tale Apple Scent, a special blend I came up with for the theme as well.
I of course posted the Poison Apple Candle on my website with a promo for her on the page. Not long after, I was contacted by author Stella Price inquiring how she could have a candle designed for her book. She and I conversed about the entire concept of candles for books and that's where and how it all began.
Your candles often play a role in the books, themselves. That must be exciting.
Oh yes! That is such a thrill! I've designed candles from descriptions given from within a story of an actual candle making an appearance, as well as making an appearance as "myself" making candles for characters in a story. My very dear friend, author William Maltese, is the main one responsible for this happening. He first asked me to design a candle described within his story, A Rendering Of Souls in which there is the spirit of an avenging warrior within the candle waiting to get out to evoke his revenge upon the lighting of the candle. Then he actually wrote me into his Draqual Vampyre Chronicles, Book 1 - SUCKS!, as the purveyor of candles to vampyres -- that was huge fun! And now he has brilliantly come up with the concept of having candles within his new paranormal YA serial novel which have powers and there are Candle-Readers who possess the knowledge to unlock the secrets within their flames. It is simply too much fun!!
Do the writers mainly use your candles as giveaways for contests or in some other way?
Yes, I'd say the majority use their candles for promotions such as contests and giveaways. Some take them along to signings and conventions ( I had the pleasure of meeting several authors' I've worked with right here in Houston at the RT Booklovers Convention in 2007, and they had their candles with them for drawings), as well as use them for online promotions.
You and William Maltese are currently working on an online project called Flicker. Tell us a little about that.
Yes -- FLICKER: The Teen Warrior Saga is the YA novel I mentioned earlier in which there are Candle-Readers who unlock the secrets hidden within the candle flames. It is really something! The story is set in a town called Flicker, WA and hosts a cast of various supernatural beings which include vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, witches, dragons and so much more -- I am designing all of the candles that are in the story, with the input of my brilliant "pardner", William Maltese, who's inspiring works have him sporting the worthy title of Internationally Best Selling Author. The story's concept as a whole is just fascinating in that it chronicles the rise of one all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful teenage Master Magician, and the battles fought by magic (black and white), which are wielded by demons and beasts and humans, too, who all aspire to sit alone on the ultimate Demon’s Throne. And of course there is plenty of romance in the mix for all of the romance fans!
Book 1 is being posted for free (yes, I said free!), exclusively on our Flicker myspace page: www.myspace.com/flickerwarriors , with chapter postings every Monday and Thursday.
What other writers have you worked with?
I’ve worked with quite a few over the years, most likely too many to mention here, and on multiple projects with many of them as well. If your readers are interested in seeing all of the candles designed for the different books, they can visit my Books in the Spotlight Gallery at www.studio3bonline.com/booksinthespotlight.htm.
I am currently working on a project which involves 7 romance authors for the Pantheon: Love's Immortal anthology. The authors involved include Stella Price (writing as Dagmar Avery), Selena Illyria, Diana DeRicci, Tilly Greene, Cat Johnson, Eliza Gayle, and Kayleigh Jamison.
You also create one-of-a-kind candles for non-writers. Where can interested parties see examples of your work?
Yes, I do work with individuals to design candles for their particular decor or as special gifts, and I also have a large variety of artistic candle designs from which to choose posted on my website: www.studio3bonline.com . If you're on MySpace you can find me at www.myspace.com/studio3b .
Comments
My favorite is the blueberry spell candle. And not only are these candles beautiful, they also smell delicious.
What a wonderful and unique idea to promote books!
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