Darynda Jones Interview + 4th Grave Beneath My Feet GIVEAWAY!

INTERVIEW:

When did you first start writing?

I started writing before I could read, actually. I’d pick up a stick and pretend to write a story on a piece of paper or in the dirt. I was never a drawer like all my friends. When I doodled in the margins of my papers, I wrote words that I loved. I’ve always loved to write but didn’t know I wanted to BE a writer until I was in Jr. High School. I decided to write seriously in 2002, a few months after I’d received my bachelor’s degree. It took me seven years and three manuscripts to sell.

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Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?

The first romance author I read and fell in love with was Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. She was a huge influence on me. Her stories were larger than life, her characters endearing. I wanted to be just like her for a very long time. Then I learned that “bodice rippers” aren’t really PC nowadays (understandably so), but that lingering desire to write romance stuck with me. I’ve always considered everything I write romance even though it doesn’t fit the definition. Next I would have to say Julia Quinn was a huge inspiration. When I was struggling to learn to write, everyone kept saying, “Write fresh.” The problem was, I had no idea what they meant. Then I read Julia and a light bulb went off in my head. If Julia Quinn can write that fresh and that funny in historical, surely I can do it in contemporary. Her writing really inspired me.

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What is your favorite subject in the Urban Fantasy Realm?

Dangerous boys and dangerous romance. I love the darkness of UF. I don’t necessarily write dark, but even my books have those dark moments that I adore. Other than that, I’m game for anything. Vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, coffee addicts with ADD. It’s all good.

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I just love the chemistry between Charley and Reyes. Can we expect many more obstacles

before we finally see them really together?

Probably, yes. LOL. I can’t have them happy and content just yet. They have to endure way more torture to get to that point. But Fourth Grave does get them a bit closer.

Favorites:

Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?

There’s SOOOOO many! Okay, if I can only pick one, I think I’ll go with Sleepy Hollow. Loveit!

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Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?

Buffy, hands down.

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Favorite Paranormal themed Book?

Lover Awakened by JR Ward.

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Favorite Author?

I have MANY favorite authors. At the top of my list are writers like JR Ward, Jeaniene Frost, Jacquelyn Frank, Julia Quinn, Stephen Hunter, Neil Gaiman…. I could go on and on.

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Favorite Urban Fantasy Author?

Patricia Briggs

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Favorite Genre that is NOT your own?

This will sound like a cop out, but I love them all. No, really. I don’t think there is a genre I don’t like.

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Favorite one of your Books?

I have two: LOVER AWAKENED by JR Ward and THE DUKE AND I by Julia Quinn. Outstanding books!

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Who is your favorite of your own characters? Why?

Probably Charley, though Cookie is fun to write, too. And then there’s Reyes. If I was stranded on a desert island, I’d have to go with Reyes. :)

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Which was the hardest to write? Why?

Probably the most difficult for me to write is not necessarily the character, but the attraction between Charley and her love interest Reyes. Reyes is so physically perfect and such

a sweetheart at times and then he’s just a jerk at others, so it’s important for me to make him attractive and worthy of Charley’s love even when he’s angry or being a jerk. That is not always easy and I’m not sure I always pull it off.

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What would you be if not a writer? Why?

I’d probably be back to the old day job as a sign language interpreter. Why?

Because it pays well and there is a huge demand. And I loved it!

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If you Could be a Paranormal Being, Who would you be?

You know, I think I’d have to go with vampire. They are the ultimate cool.

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If you could meet ay Urban Fantasy Character out there, Who would you like to meet?

Mercy Thompson from Patricia Briggs’s series. I love her!

Quickies:

Light or Dark? Dark

Vampires or Werewolves? I do love me some wolves, but I am more of a vamp girl.

Always have been. The first scary movie I saw was about a vampire. I was five and

hooked for life.

Angels or Demons? Gah! Probably demons.

Reading or Writing? Both.

Print or eBook? While I love my Kindle, I still have a soft spot for real paper. If I really

like a book, I simply must have the bound copy on my shelf.

Hardback or Paperback? For keepers: Hardcover

Pepsi or Coke? Coke

Mc D's or Burger King? Mc D’s Classic Chicken Sandwich. :)

YA novels or Adult novels? Both en masse.

Library or Bookstore? They are both invaluable. I hit the bookstores most often, but I

appreciate libraries.

Summer or Winter? Winter

The Movie or The Book? The book

PNR or UF? Oh, that’s hard. If someone were holding a gun to my head, I’d probably

have to go with UF. Though I do love PNR with a fiery, fiery passion.

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What is your favorite part of the writing process? That rewrite between the first draft and the “official” revisions from my editor. I love it. I get to play with language and imagery and just have fun. I would ONLY rewrite if I could, but since I have to have something to actually rewrite, I am forced to drag out a first draft. Gah! (lol)

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What is your least favorite part?

The first draft kills me. It is by far the hardest part. It’s like pulling my hair out with my toes.

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The Charley Davidson Series in your own words?

Absolutely! Well, as you’ve probably guessed, the series is about a female PI who was born the grim reaper. She solves mysteries for both the living and the dead. She has a best friend-slash-receptionist who is the coolest sidekick a grim reaper could ever hope for, a dark and mysterious lover who gives her more trouble than he’s probably worth, and an associate in the form of a skip tracer who once tried to have her committed. Along with the rest of her circle—some alive, some not so much—she attracts trouble like a spill on aisle eight attracts a lawsuit. But she does it with style.

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Any plans for more Books in the series?

Well, my editor wants it to be ongoing, so I have tons of ideas! I adore writing about Charley and her antics.

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What made you decide to delve in the Y.A. world with your new series?

Can you tell us more about it?

I actually wrote that manuscript years ago, long before First Grave. I have written young adult forever and wanted to get back to it. I wanted to venture into the paranormal world and the story hit me one day. I just thought, how cool would it be if Death went to high school?

Death and the Girl Next Door is about sophomore Lorelei MacAlister. Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. Life goes on and is as normal as can be until a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school and he seems to have a specific interest in Lorelei, something that never happens. To complicate matters even further, the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Jared and Cameron instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?

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What is coming up next for you?

Well, besides Fourth Grave coming out on the 30th, I have the second in the YA coming out in March of 2013 and Fifth Grave some time after that.

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What are you working on right now?

I’m currently working on Fifth Grave Past the Light, the fifth in the Charley Davidson series. I also have three other series started, but I’m trying to focus. Not easy when you really do have ADD. :)

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Do you have any advice or tip to those that want to become a published Author someday?

Never give up. Keep learning the craft. Write until the manuscript is done, then start the next one. Don’t rest on your laurels. Keep writing and learning and ALWAYS READ!

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Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?

Besides thank you with all my heart and soul??? Just that I am so honored that they would pick up my book and take time out of their busy schedules to read it. I am forever grateful.

Thank you so much for being here!

Thank you for having me!!!

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda ones has won numerous awards for her work including a prestigious golden Heart®, a RITA®, and a Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also  known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

More About Darynda Jones:

www.daryndajones.com

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