*Squeeeekkk* Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!!!! Welcome Darynda to Books-n-Kisses. I am so beyond excited to have you here. Thank you for taking time out of your very busy schedule to stop by and answer a few questions. *Squeeekkk*
Winner of the 2009 Golden Heart® for Best Paranormal Romance for her manuscript FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT, Darynda was born spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. After the Golden Heart final, she pimped herself as best she could, landed an amazing agent and sold to St. Martin’s Press in a three-book deal. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of more than 25 years and two beautiful sons, aka the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at www.daryndajones.com.
Okay, I am fine now really
Darynda Jones: HAHAHA!!! I was just commenting the other day how much I sound like a dolphin when I get excited. Thank you so much for such a wonderful welcome!
*GASP* YYyyyyoooooouuuuuuu have the same shoes on as me!!!! We are shoe TWINS!!!!
Okay, really I think I am okay to start now……..
BK:Where to start, hhmmm…… Let’s start with how did you come up with the idea for Charley and her story.
DJ: Charley was born in a dark alley with a group of magical elves watching over her.
Just kidding. She was born out of desperation. Simple truth is, I wanted to get noticed. So I thought, what would happen if I took Buffy, threw in a little bit of Stephanie Plum and tossed in a hefty dose of Lorelei Gilmore from the Gilmore Girls? And voila! Charley was born.
And let’s face it, with a combination like that, she’s bound to get into any number of disastrous situations. Being a magnet for trouble, both eliciting it and causing it, she often has to use her smarts and sarcastic wit to get out of the plethora of binds in which she finds herself.
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BK:Have you ever sat down with Charley and asked her how she feels about you telling her story?
DJ: Oh, my gosh, I have! It turns out, she had NO IDEA.
I was like, really? And she was like, yeah, really, I had no idea. It was weird.
But she seems to be coping with it well. The death threats have stopped and she hardly ever calls and pants into the receiver anymore. That part’s kind of sad actually. I was getting used to it. Even looked forward to it after a long day of writing. But it’s all good.
*GASP* Why can I see Charley doing that…..
BK: Would Charley say you are telling the true story or leaving parts out?
DJ: 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.
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| Art work by Picky Me |
BK: So the Uber-Talented Tricia “Picky Me” has created a picture of the Super-hot Reyes. Do you think that she did him justice? Was this how you pictured Reyes?
DJ: Hold on while I wipe off the drool. (That was embarrassing.) I think Tricia did an AMAZING job. I picture him very much like her rendition, so much so it’s a little eerie. The build. The lines. So, so hot.
BK: Speaking of Reyes –Are there any deep dark secrets you want us to know about him that he doesn’t want us to know? Like does he have fuzzy slippers or love bunnies?
DJ: Reyes has so many secrets, it’s unreal, and I am hoping to bring more and more of them in as his story progresses. Most of them are about his tragic past, both on and off this plane. But he does have a favorite pair of sneakers he refuses to part with. I’m dying to find out why. And of course, he loves silk (the feel of Charley’s hair), he loves gold (the color of Charley’s eyes) and he loves chocolate (the taste on Charley’s tongue…for obvious reasons).
BK: So for those who may have been living under a rock. Tell us a little about your series.
DJ: 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 wet floor attracts a lawsuit. But she does it with style.
BK: You also have a short story on your website titled ‘For I Have Sinned’ (add cover pix at posting) Tell us a little about this short story and where people can find it.
DJ: I love For I Have Sinned because it is from another person’s POV, a woman who recently passed away. We get to see Charley (and several other characters, namely Reyes) through someone else’s eyes. The idea was actually my agent’s. She’s somewhat of a genius. And I think it turned out really well, especially since short stories are not my forte.
You can either get it for your ereader at pretty much any online store or you can read it on your computer absolutely free at the Heroes and Heartbreakers website.
BK: What is up next for Charley & Reyes after Third Grave Dead Ahead? More books? Please say there will be more books….. *Big Grin*
DJ: There will be more books! Woohoo! My amazing editor wants the series to continue, as do I, so I am working on the outlines for the next three in the series as we speak. So excited!
BK: I read that you will have a Young Adult book titled Grimsight. Can you tell us a little about this book and when it will be released?
DJ: Yes! The first YA in the trilogy will be out in April of 2012. It is about a girl whose life is irrevocably changed when Death starts high school in her small town. Sadly, it will not be called Grimsight. *insert sad face* I rewrote so much of the story that Grimsight really doesn’t fit anymore, so my editor and I are currently brainstorming titles. And, yes, I am open to suggestions! J
BK: Darynda, Thank you so much for stopping by Books-n-Kisses
DJ: Thank YOU!!! I am thrilled and honored to be here.
BK: Oh Wait!!!
DJ: Okay.
BK: I forgot I have this lonely little book thong created by the super crafty Mandy over as Shiny Stupid Designs.
DJ: KEWL!!! Isn’t it beautiful???
BK: Darynda, what do you say we do a giveaway of Second Grave on the Right to go with this book thong?
DJ: Absolutely! I would love to give away a signed hardcover of Second Grave to go with Mandy’s gorgeous creation!
BK: Again Darynda, THANK YOU so much for stopping by. I had a great time sitting down and talking with you. Let’s do it again for Third Grave Dead Ahead.
DJ: I would love to! Thank you again!
BK: It’s a date!!!
Giveaway Rules:
+Leave a comment
Leave your Email (no email, no entry)
Extra Points
+1 Be a follower of my blog
+1 Follow Darynda’s FB page
+1 Follow Shiny Stupid Blog
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
Giveaway will be open until August 26th.
Winner announce August 29th.
Awesome awesome awesome interview!!!! Sooo freakin jealous of you!! I cannot wait to read this book and book thong is awesome!! I have done all of the extra points pages (6). Yaaaay for you Kelly!!
Great giveaway, loved the interview. This book sounds great, I can't wait to read it.
+1 Follow you blog
+1 Liked Darynda’s FB page – annereeths
+1 Liked Shiny Stupid Blog
+1 Likeed Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Likeed PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Likeed Books-n-Kisses FB page
Whoo Hoo. I love Darynda and Charlie. Thank you ladies for the interview and the giveaway. I wish I could have lunch with the two of you one day and just gab,gab,gab…LOL
+1 Follow your blog
+1 Darynda FB-MichellePentonBledsoe
+1 Follow Shiny Stupid Blog(GFC follow not up at this time. Will go back and check later.)
+1 Shiny FB page
+1 PickyMe FB page
+1 Books-n-Kisses FB page
Happy Reading
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
I am so loving this series. And I can't wait to read this book. I get the (6) extra points. YAY!
hgamergirlATgmailDOTcom
Whoot Whoot! I can't wait to get my hands on these books! Are they available on audio yet?
kitkat924@comcast.net
love your blog Kelly!
fan of Darynda shiny stupid things, pickyme & Books-n-kisses fb
Great interview. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
Love the series, and can't wait for the next book! I don't do waiting well…..just sayin'. 😉 Fun interview, liked the one with Reyes too! Got my 6 extra points. Ellisandkids@comcast.net
I have heard so much about Darynda's books that I am anticipating them. They sound fun!
Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com
What an awesome giveaway! You're awesome!
Kelly thanks for the great interview and the laughs.
+1 Follow Darynda’s FB page
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
julskim@excite.com
Great interview! I would so love to win Second Grave and the book thong – thanks for the giveaway.
I did all for the 6 extra points.
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
I loved First Grave on the Right. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sara M
sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com
Seems like an awesome book. Love the book thong. Thanks for the giveaway.
+1 GFC follower: AmyS.
+1 Follow Darynda's FB page
+1 Follow Shiny Stupid blog: Amy S.
+1 Like Shiny Stupid FB page
+1 Like PickyMe FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
Fb name Amy Stogner
truebloodfan AT rock.com
Loved the first book, cannot wait to read the second!
+1 follow books-n-kisses blog
+1 follow Darynda's FB page
+1 follow Shiny stupid blog
+1 follow Shiny stupid FB page
+1 follow picky me FB page
+1 follow books-n-kisses FB page
Thanks!!
Great interview. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. I just can't wait to see what Charley gets herself into. I am seriously loving this series.
iqb99@yahoo.com
Great interview! I love this post and would so enjoy a chance to read this awesome book and series. Thanks for the giveaway!
+1 Following your blog
+1 Following Darynda’s FB page
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
FB name: Aprille Shadowspeak
GFC: LadyVampire2u
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com
Love love love this series! Follow Darynda's facebook and goodreads.com 🙂 Love all her updates.
Ashley Young
Ashmonkeymoo@aol.com
I totally want a signed copy of this book! And the book thong is cool too!
mark_bakerette2004@yahoo.com
+1 Be a follower of my blog
+1 Follow Darynda’s FB page
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
Thanks for such an awesome giveaway!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE!!!! Ang good luck on the drawing! <3
OH!!! And, yes, it is on audio everywhere! Audible, CD, Apple. Your pick! Thanks again!!!
Wicked Bad Interview!!!!
I' waited soooo long for this book ….which makes waiting for Book 3 worse….don't you just love the covers. Sigh…and the smexy Reyes….OMG can we have a book from his point of view?
susperia(at)hotmail(dot)com
Extra Points
+1 Be a follower of my blog
+1 Follow Darynda’s FB page
+1 Follow Shiny Stupid Blog
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
Great interview 🙂 I am going to start Second Grave today and I am soooo excited!!! I need my fix!
Extra Points
+1 I am a follower of your blog
+1 I follow Darynda’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
sonkad(at)gmail(dot)com
thanks for the awesome interview! i loved book one, eagerly awaiting book 2..
+1 for PickyMe
+1 for books n kisses fb page
+1 for following the blog
and +1 for following daryndas page
alainala@hotmail.ca
Yay! So glad to stumble upon Darynda's guest post here at your blog! (I just discovered your blog and became your newest follower 🙂
One of my best blogger friends is a big fan of Darnyda's series and kept raving about it so I am very excited and curious to discover it 😀
+1 I'm a follower of your blog as Stella (Ex Libris)
+1 Follow Darynda’s FB page as Stella Ex Libris
+1 Follow Shiny Stupid Blog
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! 😀
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
Reyes is so dark and tempting, he has me hooked. I am so glad I have added him to my TBR list!
I would love love love a chance to win this book, thanks. It was a great interview, hooked me even more.
GFC as Lexi
eyesofblueice (at) gmail (dot) com
Done all of the above for +6
Facebook name Pam Perkins Mandigo
Email kydirtgirl68ATgmailDOTcom
what a great interview. and you got some hot shoes. thanks for sharing this with us. no need to enter me in the contest as much as i would love a signed book from darynda or your gorgeous book tongs i was able to read and review the book. good luck everyone.
Lindsey
I love that book thong..the little grim reaper is too cute. Thanks so much for the giveaway.
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
EXTRAS:
+1 GFC follower: June M.
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page June Manning
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page June Manning
Definitely going on my to be read list…. I can't wait to read it.
flaca798@hotmail.com
Extra Points – Done =)
+1 Be a follower of my blog
+1 Follow Darynda’s FB page
+1 Follow Shiny Stupid Blog
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
I loved the interview and the plot. I rally love when authors talk about their characters like that. This is definitely going on my TBR list.
I've seen those book thongs! The shop is great.
I follow your blog as Judi.
itwasalie AT gmail DOT com
Extras:
+1 Follow Darynda’s FB page
+1 Like Shiny Stupid’s FB page
+1 Like PickyMe’s FB page
+1 Like Books-n-Kisses FB page
Darynda, congratulations for all the success. LOVED THE BOOK! Can't wait to read the next one:)
Kelly, great interview. loved it. I am jealous! lol
daniellehurrell@yahoo.com
awesome giveaway i am a follower of all
really loved the interview
jenny
madsheepno1@yahoo.co.uk