Ask the Author: Jay Bell
Answered Questions (62)
Jay Bell
Hi Chris! It sounds like you're ready for Book Two: Orange. I wasn't happy with the subtitle of "Young Adults, Old School Problems" and did a small rebrand to "Red" instead. Aside from that (and removing "Something Like Daybreak" as a bonus story) the content is the same. Enjoy!
Jay Bell
I sell signed books through my website and will be updating it soon to include hardcovers. So far we have Straight Boy, Out of Time Into You, Something Like Summer, and Pride High.
Jay Bell
Two years later, but hey, I've got another series going. And in my opinion, it has a lot in common with Something Like Summer. :)
Jay Bell
Hi Chris. That kind of delay isn't normal at all, even during Covid times. I'd write Amazon about the order and ask them what the issue is. I'm also slowly rolling out my paperbacks to a new printing press, which in the future should make them more accessible for everyone. Sorry to hear about the trouble you're having! -Jay
Jay Bell
There was an unfortunate mistake last week when the wrong file for Autumn was being sent out. Terrible! Amazon has since corrected the issue and said they were pushing the correct version of the book out to everyone. If you still have Summer instead, their customer support should be able to help you. Just ask them to push the most recent edition to your device Sorry about the hassle, but I'm thrilled you've been enjoying the series! (And yeah, you definitely want to read Autumn before Something Like Eternity, which is in book 7)
Jay Bell
Thank you! I'm happy you've been enjoying Straight Boy enough to want more. I don't plan on following the book up with a sequel though. After writing an eleven book series, I need to take a break with nice simple standalone. So please savor the remainder. I hope it meets your expectations!
Jay Bell
Orbsen is based on the Celtic god Manannan mac Lir, and his different guises reflect how he was portrayed in various myths. The raft guise is one of the stranger ones, since Manannan was said to sometimes disguise himself in rags. I took some creative liberty with this, incorporating imagery from a dream I had, to come up with the raft guise. I'm pretty sure the myths were implying that he disguised himself as a beggar, but who knows. At least one story describes him as wearing the old striped clothes of a clown, so that could have been an influence too. Sorry to keep you waiting for what is ultimately a very strange answer. LOL
Jay Bell
Andreas doesn’t cry easily when it comes to my stories. Part of that is him knowing me too well. My family and friends often hear my voice when they read my words, or recognize little details from my life, which spoils the illusion somewhat. They also read the books before publication to help me find typos, so that distracts them too. That having been said, I asked and he said Something Like Summer made him cry. I don’t think I managed again until Something Like Stories (the end of Fall in particular) when he cried again. It’s my personal goal to make him cry much more than he does, so watch out! ;)
Jay Bell
I take it you haven't finished reading Thunder yet? I don't want to spoil anything for you. There's a character guide in Something Like Stories with all the birth dates as well as a timeline that will help you make sense of it all. I'd finish Thunder before going there though.
Jay Bell
Answering this question.
Jay Bell
Hi Cromwell! Currently the Something Like Summer series consists of:
Book 1: Something Like Summer
Book 2: Something Like Winter
Book 3: Something Like Autumn
Book 4: Something Like Spring
Book 5: Something Like Lightning
Book 6: Something Like Thunder
Book 7: Something Like Stories � Volume One
Book 8: Something Like Rain (forthcoming)
I also publish monthly short stories on Patreon here: So basically, this series is definitely ongoing. :)
Book 1: Something Like Summer
Book 2: Something Like Winter
Book 3: Something Like Autumn
Book 4: Something Like Spring
Book 5: Something Like Lightning
Book 6: Something Like Thunder
Book 7: Something Like Stories � Volume One
Book 8: Something Like Rain (forthcoming)
I also publish monthly short stories on Patreon here: So basically, this series is definitely ongoing. :)
Jay Bell
Hey Hector! As a lifelong reader of both fantasy and mythology, I'd love to work in that genre again. I had hoped to write the third Loka Legends book this year, but things got busy with the Something Like Summer movie being filmed and us moving back to the States. That would be next on my list when I write fantasy again, although I do have a very weird idea that would tie in with the world of Hell's Pawn. I can't say when I'll have time to write it, but it's definitely a story I'd like to get out there eventually. Regardless, I'm thrilled you enjoyed Hell's Pawn!
Jay Bell
Hey! Thanks for reading my books. I'm glad you've been enjoying them! To be honest, Like & Subscribe was something I worked on in between edits. I didn't have anything more pressing to do (which seems amazing these days) so I decided to create a short story not connected to any of my series. I never planned on it becoming more than a one-off, and I still don't, but you never know. Currently I have too much on my plate, but maybe someday I'll revisit Evan and Orlando again.
Jay Bell
Hi Nagisa! Something Like Fall is included in "Something Like Stories - Volume One" along with three other short stories and some bonus material. That collection is indeed out, so please check you favorite retailer!
Jay Bell
I would love to write a story about Caesar, or at the very least include him in someone else's book again. I think about him regularly and how his life would play out, but so far I haven't found an idea I'm completely satisfied with. I'll keep searching though!
Jay Bell
Looks like it is now available here: Viel Spaß!
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