This week I am very honoured to have Carrie Vaughn as my guest! Carrie is the author of the 'Kitty' werewolf series and her upcomming releases are very high on my pre-order list! Keep reading to the end of the interview to find out what prizes are on offer!
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Amber - Carrie! Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! Thank you for stopping by! Can you start things off by telling my readers a bit about Kitty? Hopefully they all know her already...but maybe there are some out there who don't?
Carrie - I've managed to boil it down to one sentence: Kitty is a werewolf who starts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. The fifth and sixth books in the series will be coming out in February and March.
Amber - Now Kitty has been a bit quiet lately but I know that two new Kitty books are due out within a month of each other early next year. Is there a reason behind that?
Carrie - It came from my editor as a promotional idea -- end book #5 on a cliffhanger and release #6 quickly after that as a way to boost interest in the series. Since I have a habit of not killing off my bad guys, it was pretty easy to bring them back for the next story.Amber - So can you tell us a little about the two new editions to the series? Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
& Kitty Raises Hell 
?Carrie - In Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
, Kitty goes to Las Vegas to do a televised version of her show. As usually happens with her, things don't go smoothly and she gets on the wrong side of some very bad people. She thinks she gets away safely...but in Kitty Raises Hell she discovers that they're out for revenge and they've followed her back to Denver.Amber - How many more Kitty books will there be? Can we expect Kitty to stay around or do you already see an end to the series?
Carrie - I get asked this all the time. I have an end point in mind for the series. I know what the last book looks like. But I have lots of ideas in the meantime, so I don't know how many there will be all together. I've turned in the seventh book, at least.
Amber - How did you come up with the idea for Kitty? Have you always been a fan of the Paranormal genre?
Carrie - Actually, I haven't been much of a fan of paranormal fiction. I tend to read more traditional fantasy like Patricia McKillip or science fiction like Iain M. Banks. But when I started thinking about stories with vampires, werewolves, etc. in the real world, I had some questions about the more mundane parts of the real world. There'd be Senate hearings about the paranormal, reality TV shows, that kind of thing.
Also, the stories in paranormal fiction tend to get a little soap operaish, and I realized existing talk radio advice shows would never be able to handle the relationship problems of your average paranormal character. They'd need their own show, so I invented Kitty.
Amber - If Kitty was going to be made into a Tv Series or Film who could you see playing Kitty?Carrie - I also get asked this a lot! I always say Renee Zellweger from 10 years ago, which is about the time I first came up with the character. These days, Kristen Bell is the right age and pretty high up on the list. Anyone with spunk would work.
Amber - Kitty popped up in the Wolfsbane and Mistletoe
anthology. Do you have any other projects in the works?Carrie - Lots. I always have projects cooking. I like writing short stories, so I tend to do a lot of anthologies. There's a Kitty story coming out next year in an anthology called Urban Werewolves. There are a few anthologies coming out this fall that have stories of mine in them, not all of the Kitty or werewolf related. The list is on my website.
Amber - Kitty is a very strong character and has survived through alot! Is she anything like you, or vice versa? Are any of your characters based on people you know?
Carrie - I don't usually base characters specifically on people I know. I'll take traits here and there, but not entire personalities. As far as Kitty and I go, people who don't know me very well say we're a lot alike, but people who do know me well say we're not. So superficially there are some similarities, but I think Kitty's much more talkative and outgoing than I am.
Amber - What books do you like to read when you have time? Do you have any favourite authors or series?Carrie - I'm reading Steven Erikson's huge fantasy series right now. This has been a good fall because two of my other favorite authors Patricia McKillip and Robin McKinley, also had new books out. New writer Warren Hammond's books, Kop and Ex-Kop, are hard-boiled science fiction and a lot of fun. I've just read the manuscript of M.L.N. Hanover's second book after Unclean Spirits. I also read a lot of nonfiction. Basically, I'll give just about any book a chance.
Amber - Did you always want to be a writer? Have you had any other interesting jobs?
Carrie - I pretty much did always want to be a writer. I've always told stories, and in junior high I discovered that not everyone likes writing, which was something of a revelation. I started writing in earnest then. I've mostly had the usual day jobs. My favorite was working in a bookstore. I was a buyer for a couple of years, and I learned a ton about publishing which has been helpful now that I'm on the other end of the process.
Amber - How do you relax? and how do you get into the mood to write?
Carrie - I listen to music, I have to have some kind of noise going on. It also gets me in the mood. I walk my dog in the middle of the day, which is a good break and helps me think. I watch movies, a little TV. I like seeing how other people/media tell stories. I hang out with friends--they're pretty good about making sure I get out of the house!
Amber - You are stranded on a desert island. What 5 things do you hope you have with you?
Carrie - A loaded mp3 player with endless batteries; The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley (my favorite book); The Faerie Queene by Spenser (because it will last forever); lots of food and water; a satellite phone with a full charge
Amber - Thank you Carrie for taking the time to be interviewed! I hope you will come back again someday!
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Contest Time!!!This week I have two contests.
Carrie said
I will send a signed copy of Kitty and the Midnight Hourto someone who hasn't read the books yet but wants to give them a try.
So I decided I would give a prize for anyone who has read the series.
To enter the contest this week I want to know what books being released over the next few months are on your pre-order/wishlist? No books mentioned = No entry!
Then I want to know if you have already read the Kitty series or not (I am just going to have to believe people here!) so I know which contest to enter you into!
The winner of Carrie's contest will get the signed copy of Kitty and the Midnight Hour
. The winner of my contest will either get their choice of Kitty book or I will pre-order the new book for them (so you get it as soon as it is released!).As usual you can earn yourself an extra entry by posting about this interview and contest somewhere on the net. Make sure you leave me a link so I can confirm your entry.
Also this time I will give an extra entry for recommendations! If someone enters and mentions you sent them here I will give both you and the person you sent an extry entry!
The contest is open until Sunday 30th of November 4pm CET and the winners have 7 days to claim their prize or I will pick new winners.
Enjoy!
Labels: Author Interviews, Carrie Vaughn, Contests
At 23 November 2008 at 13:09, 
MsValerie
Wow! Carrie Vaughn! I love Kitty and her world, and am passionate about the series.
Books preordered and wished for that are coming soon? Easy peasy!
- Lora Leigh (all preordered): Only Pleasure, Coyote's Mate, Nauti Intentions, and Maverick.
- Kate Douglas: Wolf Tales VII (preordered)
- Lauren Dane: Undercover
- Jean Johnson: The Flame, and The Mage.
- Sherrilyn Kenyon: Dead After Dark (ant.)
- Nina Harper: Succubus Takes Manhattan
- Karen MacInerney: On the Prowl
- Savanah Russe: Dark Nights, Dark Dreams
AnneMarie McKenna: Ultimatum
Rachel Caine: Undone
Crystal Jordan: Carnal Desires
Anya Bast: Witch Heart
Sasha White: Primal Male
Oh...there are many others, as well!
- Jaci Burton: The Darkest Touch
At 23 November 2008 at 16:58, Nancy
Amber and Carrie, great interview!
Carrie, I've heard sooo many kudos on your Kitty series, and now I'm even more eager to get them in my TBR pile! May you have a long and wonderful career!
I'm only to book 3 of Rachel Caine's weather warden series, so I'm looking forward to the rest of those. Also to TURN COAT by Jim Butcher in April, Vicki Lewis Thompson's CASUAL HEX in March, and Gemma Hallidy's MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS in January. And, okay, there's a loooong list of other books. Sure hope the family gives me bookstore gift cards for Christmas. :)
Carrie, thank you for sharing with us, and all the best!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
La Vida Vampire
At 23 November 2008 at 18:06, Brooke Reviews
Ah, there are so many books I'm looking forward to reading. I'll just mention a few though lol. Of course the newest Kitty book is on my list! Then there is Pride by Rachel Vincent, Undone by Rachel Caine, White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison, Deader Still by Anton Strout, Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry, and Spell Games by T.A. Pratt.
Great interview Carrie, I absolutely LOVE this series, and have turned my two girl friends on to them. :)
I'm entering the already read the series category, I'd love a pre-ordered copy of the newest.
At 23 November 2008 at 20:02, donnas
Ive read the Kitty books and loved them, cant wait for the next ones to come out.
Some of the other books I am looking forward to are:
The Devils Due - Jenna Black
Dark Nights, Dark Dreams - Savannah Russe
At Grave's End - Jeaniene Frost
Evil Ways - Justin Gustainis
One More Bite - Jennifer Rardin
Lord of Misrule - Rachel Caine
Real Vampires Dont Diet - Gerry Bartlett
Night Huntress - Yasmine Galernon
At 23 November 2008 at 20:28, KisaKat
Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand and Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn are totally on my pre-order wishlist, as are Rachel Vincent's Pride, Karen Chance's Curse the Dawn, Patricia Briggs' Bone Crossed Jeaniene Frost's At Grave's End and Rob Thurman's Deathwish. I've already pre-ordered Jenna Black's The Devil's Due. :) I've already read all of the kitty books out so far!
At 23 November 2008 at 21:31, Carmen R
I have read the Kitty Norville series and love it. Some of the books on my wish list are...
-Night Huntress - Yasmine Galernon
-The Devils Due - Jenna Black
-At Grave's End - Jeaniene Frost
=Real Vampires Dont Diet - Gerry Bartlett
-White Witch, Black Curse-by Kim Harrison
-Desire Unchained-by Larissa Ione
-Veil of Midnight-by Lara Adrian
-Bone Crossed-by Patricia Briggs
- Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand & Kitty Raises Hell
and that's just a few from my list. i guess i read too much.
At 23 November 2008 at 21:37, Carolyn Sharkas
I have never read any of Carrie's books, but I think that Kitty Raises Hell sounds great as does Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand. I just had a friend recommend the Southern Vampire Series to me today, but she didn't tell me the names or author, so I am on the lookout for those.
I am also looking forward to reading the The Saga of Beowulf by Scot Johns after reading an interview with him.
thanks for sharing
ceashark at aol dot com
At 24 November 2008 at 00:06, Dawn M.
Great interview! I love the Kitty Norville series and have read them all. Can't wait for the 2 new books. :0)
I'm also looking forward to:
Men of the Otherworld - Kelly Armstrong
Bone Crossed - Patricia Briggs
Pride - Rachel Vincent
Bad to the Bone - Jeri Smith-Ready
Magic Strikes - Ilona Andrews
White Witch, Black Curse - Kim Harrison
One More Bite - Jennifer Rardin
Thanks!
At 24 November 2008 at 00:32, hwm
So far I've enjoyed all Kitty Norville Novels. Since they tend to be short I'm looking forward to a longer story arch that spans two books.
Princep's Fury - Jim Butcher
Magic Burns - Illona Andrews
Magic Strikes - Illona Andrews
Shadow's Edge - Brent Weeks
... are all that remains from my November preorders.
Thanks!
At 24 November 2008 at 02:40, Kimberly B.
Great interview! I've read Kitty and the Midnight Hour, and it was a lot of fun! I'd love to win the next book in the series!
Here's my wishlist (or a portion of it, lol).
Bad to the Bone by Jeri Smith-Ready
Men of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong
Night Huntress by Yasmine Galenorn
Deathwish by Rob Thurman
Naamah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey
Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Thanks for the great giveaway!
At 24 November 2008 at 07:32, Vickie
First of all, Mario sent me.
I have read the first Kitty and was very intrigued. I have #2 and #3 on order.
Other releases I am looking forward to:
WHITE WITCH,BLACK CURSE - Kim Harrison
AGINCOURT - Bernard Cornwell
FOOL - Christopher Moore
AT GRAVE'S END - Jeanine Frost
http://iyamvixenbooks.blogspot.com/2008/11/chance-to-read-good-interview-with.html
OMG! Great interview! I haven't read any of her books. I just started getting into reading again and I am loving it! Would love to win a signed copy!
As for what book I have on my wish list...I am sitting here tapping my fingers waiting for Lynsay Sands to release the next Immortal Hunter book in her series. Can't wait!
At 24 November 2008 at 08:06, StyleVamp
Hmmm I have a few books that are on my wish list. I wish I could just read for a living...deep sigh
-Undead On Arrival(April09) :L.A.Banks
-The Thirteenth (Feb 2009): L.A.Banks
-Bone Crossed (Feb.2009): Patricia Briggs
-Doomsday Can Wait(May 2009):Lori Handeland
-Eternal Journey(March 2009): Alex Archer
I haven't read anything by Carrie Vaughn, but i've seen this series before & would like to read it..since it's consistently has had good reviews.
At 24 November 2008 at 08:11, Ruth Schaller
First note - I have not read this series, but I'm dying too!
Um... as for books coming out over the next few, my wish list is:
At Grave's End - Jeaniene Frost
Bad to the Bone - Jeri Smith- Ready
Pride - Rachel Vincent
Those are the ones that I'm most aniticipating though! I'm sure there are more!
Loved the interview BTW!
At 24 November 2008 at 09:13, October Woman
Great interview, I've not read any of these books but they sound very interesting, with a new premise.
Of books being released soon, the one I'm most eagerly awaiting is Diana Gabaldon's 7th in the Outlander series, but the last I heard the release date was tentatively set for September 2009! A little closer in though, the third book in MaryJance Davidson's Fred the Mermaid series is being released tomorrow, so that will probably be my next purchase. I think I like that series even better than her Queen Betsy books.
At 24 November 2008 at 09:24, Angela @ Reading Angels
Great interview!! I'm entering the have read portion of the contest :-)
I'm looking forward to the releases of
December
At Grave's End (Night Huntress, Book 3) by Jeaniene Frost
January
Witch Heart (Elemental Witches, Book 3) by Anya Bast
Lord of Misrule (The Morganville Vampires, Book 5) by Rachel Caine
Plum Spooky (A Between-the-Numbers Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Seraph of Sorrow (Jennifer Scales, Book 4) by MaryJanice Davidson
February
Pride by Rachel Vincent
Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4) by Patricia Briggs
You're the One that I Haunt (Nicki Styx, Book 3) by Terri Garey
And of course there more later in the year as well :-)
I'm pimping your interview/contest over on my blog
http://readingangel002.blogspot.com/2008/11/carrie-vaughn-interview-and-contest.html
Thanks!
At 24 November 2008 at 10:24, Voxy
I have read Carrie Vaughn's Kitty series and believe it is made of ultimate win! :) I have so much love for Kitty and I was thrilled to read here that I can expect much more of her.
My iPod's calendar has actually turned into a bunch of book dates so I know when to order those books I'm eagerly anticipating. At the moment, my wishlist has:
Jennifer Rardin's "One More Bite"
Rachel Caine's "Lord of Misrule"
Kelley Armstrong's upcoming novel about the men of the Otherworld
and always anything by Patricia Briggs and Kelley Armstrong.
(And a huge thanks to Marta over at Vampire Wire for posting about this interview)
At 24 November 2008 at 12:09, slayra
I love the Kitty series! I've read books 1-4 all at once. I remember I ordered the first book, started reading and just had to order the other three so I could read them all! ^__^
As for books, I don't really have any pre-ordered, but here's a list of books I plan to get on the next few months:
- The Witches Grave by Shirley Damsgaard
- Night of the Loving Dead by Casey Daniels
- At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost
- The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion by Alice Kimberly
-All the books by Christian Jacq I still don't own (very few, really). ^^
Hey--I'm a big fan of the Kitty Series, so ob i've read them.
My list goes way into the end of 2009, but i'll go to May...
On the prowl Karen Macinerny
Midnight Sins Cynthia Eden
In the Blood Andrian Phoenix
Lord of Misrule Rachel Caine
At Grave's End Jeaniene Frost
Go Fetch Shelly Laurenston
Kitty & the Dead Man's Hands Carrie Vaughn
Mortal Sins Eileen Wilks
Paradise Lost Kate Brian
The Ghost of You Jennifer Echols
Second Skin Catilin Kittredge
Dark Guardian Rachel Hawethorne
Deadly Desire Keri Arthur
Undead on Arrival L.A. Banks
You're so Vein Christine Warren
Curse The Dawn Karen Chance
Magic Strikes Ioana Andrews
Kitty Raises Hell Carrie Vaughn
Ha! And that's not even half of my list. I'm gonna need to work more hours soon!
-T
At 24 November 2008 at 21:31, ArkieRN
Pride - Rachel Vincent
Dark of Night - Suzanne Brokmann
Kill For Me - Karen Rose
Fire & Ice - Julie Garwood
Promises in Death - JD Robb
Kiss of a Demon King - Kresley Cole
Bone Crossed - Patricia Briggs
Unfallen Dead - Mark del Franco
Just Another Judgement Day - Simon R Green
Blood Sins - Kay Hooper
Murder Game - Christine Feehan
White Witch, Black Curse - Kim Harrison
Mean Streets - Jim Butcher
Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand & Kitty Raises Hell - Carrie Vaughn
At 26 November 2008 at 07:37, Jackie Uhrmacher
I have all the books in the series so far (she's on my must-buy list!) and am waiting patiently for Cormac to get out and shake things up a little.
Books I'm looking forward to?
Pride, Rachel Vincent
White Witch, Black Curse, Kim Harrison
Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand/Raises the Dead, Carrie Vaughn
Bone Crossed, Patricia Briggs
Men of the Otherworld, Kelley Armstrong
Demon Inside, Stacia Kane
Curse the Dawn, Karen Chance
Zen and the Art of Vampires, Katie MacAlister
Oh my...I know I'm forgetting some...
Darkness Unknown, Alexis Morgan
Dayhunter, Jocelynn Drake
Red-headed Stepchild, Jaye Wells
Deathwish, Rob Thurman
I'm giving up now before I strain my brain too badly this morning!
At 26 November 2008 at 23:36, Unknown
I remember coming across some blog entry where they like the books but couldn’t at the time remember the name of them, just that it was about a werewolf named Kitty. Now I had to look that up just out of curiosity. Let’s just say I fell in love with the story of this werewolf, so yes I’ve read the hole series and definitely look forward to the two new book coming out early next year.
Here’s a List of the books I am most looking forward to reading
Listed in order of their release date
At Grave's End (Night Huntress, Book 3), by Jeaniene Frost
Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand, by Carrie Vaughn
Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4), by Patricia Briggs
White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, Book7), by Kim Harrison
Kitty Raises Hell, by Carrie Vaughn
Curse the Dawn (Cassandra Palmer, Book 4), by Karen Chance
Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, Book 3), by Ilona Andrews
The Trouble with Demons, by Lisa Shearin
Skin Trade (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 17), by Laurell K. Hamilton
by Kelley Armstrong
I've never read anything by Carrie Vaughn, so never read the Kitty series, but would like to give it a try, since I read many favourable reviews of her books.
Once again great interview! ;)