October 18, 2012

BLP #4: Darynda Jones Q & A/ Giveaway

at 10/18/2012 01:18:00 AM

Ahoy there mateys! It's day 4 of my blog launch party and today's post is an interview with none other than the most awesome sauce of all awesome sauces, Darynda Jones! (fan girl squeal). First off, I want to thank Darynda for taking the time out of her busy, busy, busy schedule to answer a few questions for me. :D Now, on to the good stuff!

1. Describe your writing style using just one sentence.


Darynda: My writing style is fast, crisp, and sarcastic.

2. You have this ability to use humor in your stories that take it to the next level, but also deepen characterization. Is this a natural gift, or do you have to rewrite a few times to make these sections come alive?

Darynda: Natural gift? Hmmmm. I have an inner smarty-pants that has been with me my whole life. Often her commentary was kept silent for fear of retribution from others, but her inner dialogue has always been there. The more I write Charley, the easier it is for me to give voice to her character. I believe what has helped me give voice to that humor is my love for certain television programs. For instance, I love The Gilmore Girls. You would be surprised how watching episodes of that show will give inspiration to Charley's viewpoint and sense of humor. I don't spend lots of time rewriting the humorous bits. I feel those generally either work or they don't; I don't want the humor to feel forced, and I often have to cut the ends. There is a fine line between funny and annoying. For me, the shorter, the shaper, the faster, the funnier. Most of the time, anyway.

3. For readers who have never read your work before, what book would you suggest they read first? Why?

Darynda: I am always going to steer the reader to the very first title in my series. I write my books as stand-alones, for the convenience of any reader, but I feel it is always best to begin at the start of the characters’ arc. It helps the reader obtain a better grasp of the pacing and movement through the series’ as it is built.

4. What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real lover of books?

Darynda: To me, a reader enjoys reading well enough, but will often find other things to occupy her time, saving reading as a last resort to allay boredom. A lover of books is voracious. Her appetites can change with her mood, but she is a loyal fan of her favorite authors, and she looks forward to their new releases like others look forward to air. She simply cannot get enough of the written word.


5. If I were to ask Charley if you are telling the true story or leaving out parts, what would she say?

Darynda: Well, she did get upset that I left out her romp with the chess club when she was in high school. Apparently, “it was a night that will live in infamy.” (Her words.) But I told her I’m not writing erotica. I can only keep so much of her story. Sheesh. There are some other parts of her life that I really want to bring in someday. Can you imagine what it would be like to grow up the grim reaper? She got herself into many a bind, let me tell ya. Some of the stories are hilarious and some are heart-wrenching. I hope she lets me tell them someday.

And there you have it! Thanks again for answering the questions we're dying to hear. On another note, as this is also a book tour post I want to introduce the next book in the Charley Davidson series. Seeing as how I am a huge fan of both Darynda and Charley, I was so ecstatic to be apart of the book tour for Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet! 



Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans. 


I, like many of you (I'm sure), have already pre-ordered this book; but for those who haven't yet have the chance, you can go to AmazonBarnes & Noble, or BAM!. It's release date is set for October 30th; just in time for Halloween! :D It also happens to be the same release date as Karen Marie Moning's ICED; the next book of MacKayla Lane series, but the store mainly centers around the youngster readers love, Dani "Mega" O'Malley. I'll get to this book later on, this post is all about Darynda and Charley. Since this is a blog launch post, there will be giveaways galore! And in the spirit of Darynda's awesomesaucyness, I will also be giving away a copy of Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet! :D So many chances to win a copy! Pre-order your own copy today or leave it up to Fate, you might win a copy, who knows?


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In all of her awesomesaucyness! :D

For reasons known only to the Big Guy upstairs, NYTimes and USA Today Best Selling author Darynda Jones won a Golden Heart® for Best Paranormal Romance with her manuscript FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT. But even before that, she couldn’t remember a time she wasn’t putting pen to paper. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press, the Charley Davidson series and the Darklight Trilogy. She hopes you enjoy reading them as much as she enjoys writing them. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of more than 25 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

*~*~*NOTE: Author biography and pic from author's website, here~*~*~







39 comments:

AquarianDancer on October 18, 2012 at 5:57 AM said...

I love that Charley is not completely knowledgeable about her gifts. Sometimes authors like their characters to appear to be in complete control...but Charley is figuring things out as she goes. She is also extremely funny. :-D

Karin
AquarianDancer at gmail dot com

AquarianDancer on October 18, 2012 at 6:17 AM said...

OH, and Charley's new neighbor is...I'm gonna go with Garrett.

Unknown on October 18, 2012 at 6:54 AM said...

Terrific interview and now I have to say...I'm curious about that night with the chess club!

Unknown on October 18, 2012 at 7:17 AM said...

I agree with Aquarian. I think it will be Garrett! Thanks so much!

Muffley on October 18, 2012 at 9:43 AM said...

Gareth?

Muffley on October 18, 2012 at 9:45 AM said...

Love the series!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love everything about the series...especially the tension between Charley and Reyes.

Heather on October 18, 2012 at 9:51 AM said...

I think it will be Garrett!

Toot's Book Reviews on October 18, 2012 at 9:52 AM said...

I think her new neighbor is Reyes, LOL.

Rebe on October 18, 2012 at 9:55 AM said...

This series is freakin' HILARIOUS!! I love Charley's sense of humor. And Reyes isn't too shabby, either, lol!

Victoria on October 18, 2012 at 9:58 AM said...

I love Charley because she's addicted to coffee and is really funny.

Victoria on October 18, 2012 at 9:58 AM said...

I think her new neighbor is going to be Reyes.

Unknown on October 18, 2012 at 10:06 AM said...

Love this series...hope it goes on for a long while. I think it is going to be: Garrett

Jary on October 18, 2012 at 10:16 AM said...

I love this series!

Sarah on October 18, 2012 at 10:25 AM said...

I have an unfair advantage, I know who the new neighbor is.... and I will just say that I can't wait to see where Darynda goes next with this series!!

Drew on October 18, 2012 at 11:08 AM said...

I really love this series. Inventive, fun and always a plot turn around the corner.

Anonymous said...

I have read the first 3 books and loved them. Also having met Darynda twice now I'm a huge fan!

Candy

Unknown on October 18, 2012 at 11:32 AM said...

Hmmm - Charlie's new neighbor. (Taps chin). Reyes. Indeed

Crystal on October 18, 2012 at 11:45 AM said...

I want! I want!

okcatherine on October 18, 2012 at 12:01 PM said...

I too would like to know more about the chess club "incident" lol. Thank for hosting Darynda. I really enjoy reading her answers and getting to know her writing style.

Unknown on October 18, 2012 at 12:03 PM said...

Charlie's new neighbor is either Garrett or Reyes

okcatherine on October 18, 2012 at 12:06 PM said...

Oh, Charley's neighbor is Reyes. I only believe this because he has the money to rent the apartment plus I just WANT it that way :) Now if only I had that kind of power over my authors...... Muhahaha...

Darynda on October 18, 2012 at 12:34 PM said...

Thank you for having me, lovely girl!!!! And thanks everyone for stopping by and sharing the love. <3

JB DarkScythe said...

I love darynda's books!!! - all of the characters are wonderful- but i especially like charley b/c she has the perfect blend of wit and sarcasm to pull anything off- not much longer now i am soooo glad- needing my grave series fix real soon :)

Diane on October 18, 2012 at 4:10 PM said...

I love the romance, hotness, the humor, laugh out loud, the suspense, always something to find.

Diane on October 18, 2012 at 4:11 PM said...

I'm hoping it's Garrett.

Unknown on October 18, 2012 at 4:13 PM said...

What a fun interview! Darynda is so hilarious! It’s no wonder I fell in love with Charley Davidson and all of the other wonderfully hilarious characters in her books! I definitely have Fourth Grave on Pre-Order and am just counting down the days until I have the opportunity to devour it! :)

raven on October 18, 2012 at 4:27 PM said...

Charley is so funny!!!! She cracks me up! Darynda Jones rocks!!

raven on October 18, 2012 at 4:36 PM said...

I think Reyes will be here new neighbor. ;)

Unknown on October 18, 2012 at 4:45 PM said...

Awesome Interview! So excited about FGBMF!! Just 12 days to go!! Whoop Whoop!

Jacki C. on October 18, 2012 at 6:11 PM said...

Charley's new neightbor can't be Reyes - he wouldn't live that close to Charley. Got to be Garrett or a Supernatural Being.

Venus on October 18, 2012 at 8:03 PM said...

Reyes ;) will be her new neighbor

June M. on October 18, 2012 at 9:07 PM said...

I really don't know who the new neighbor will be, I am new to the series, but I guessed Reyes

June M. on October 18, 2012 at 9:11 PM said...

I am new to the series but I have seen some amazing reviews and Charlies seems like a great kick-a$$ heroine :)

Unknown on October 19, 2012 at 4:55 AM said...

Love the series I got my sister hooked so we can be crazy together. I can't wait for this book to be out!!!!!!

Amber Hughes on October 19, 2012 at 7:22 AM said...

Romp with the chess club? hahahaha!! Oh Charley...

Great interview with Ms. D!

Lisa Cox on October 19, 2012 at 9:01 AM said...

Sadly, I haven't read any of this series yet, but I'm hoping to start it real soon

Lisa Cox on October 19, 2012 at 9:03 AM said...

I think Charley's new neighbor will be some supernatural being.

awilliams on October 19, 2012 at 9:37 AM said...

Absolutely love the Charley Davidson books!!! And for her new neighbor, I'm going with Garrett for now, but it would be really cool if it were another person who has a gift to communicate with the ghosts too.

 

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