This week I am very very excited to have author Jaye Wells here as a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog. At the beginning of this year an ARC copy of her debut book 'Red-Headed Stepchild' found its way to me and I devoured it and wrote this review. I know it is only March but this book is the best book I have read this year. I cried when it was over and hate the fact that I have to wait at least another year for the next part.'Red-Headed Stepchild' is the first book in the Sabina Kane series and it is a must buy. The book comes out on the 31st of March and if you finish reading the interview you could try your luck and enter the contest and win yourself a copy.
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Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! I loved your book Red-Headed Stepchild and can't wait for everyone else to get a copy and enjoy it too! But first they all need to know what it is about. So maybe you could start things off by telling my blog readers a bit about the book?
Jaye - RED-HEADED STEPCHILD is the first in a planned trilogy about a character named Sabina Kane. She's a mixed-blood assassin who's sent to kill the leader of a rival vampire sect. The mission reveals a plot to start a war between the vampire and mage races, and also uncovers secrets about Sabina's own past. Helping her navigate this treacherous situation is a high-strung demon sidekick, a nymph roommate who used to work in faery porn, and a mysterious mage with a nice ass. So really, there's something for the whole family.
Amber - In Red-Headed Stepchild you introduce the reader to a whole new twist on vampires. How did you come up with the idea for the series? Was it a slow process or something that just happened?
Jaye - There were really two big moments of inspiration that impacted the direction of the series. First, the first line "Digging graves is hell on a manicure," came to me while I was driving. I pulled over immediately to write it down. From that first line, I wrote a flash fiction (250 words) story for a contest at the Clarity of Night blog. That story got a lot of support so I started thinking about turning it into a novel.
I'd written two paranormal romances before this, but I wanted to tackle an urban fantasy. But in order to do that I knew I'd have to take the plunge and do some major world building. This is where the second key inspiration came in. I'd always loved the mythology behind Lilith. And I love the idea of the fabled first wife of Adam going on to spawn her own dark races, who exist in the shadows of our world. So I spent a few weeks just researching and brainstorming. From the beginning I wanted to do something different with vampires, and this world building period was when I came up with most of the big changes. At the end I had this very short story and this very long world building document. And from those two things I built Sabina's story.
Amber - Being a natural red head and being teased all of my childhood because of it...then colouring it at the earliest chance...I have to ask. Why did use red hair to make your vampires stand out??Jaye -This goes back to my world building. Lilith is the mother of all the dark races, but each race has a different father. For vampires, the father is Cain. As punishment for killing his brother, Abel, God placed a mark on Cain to identify him as a murderer and liar. There's been lots of theories about what exactly this mark consisted of. One was that Cain had red hair. In addition, there's some old vampire folklore that claimed all vampires had red hair. So, I basically combined those two elements. In the books, the age of the vamp is indicated by the shade of red--the darker the shade, the older the vamp. Since Sabina is mixed blood, she has black hair with thick streaks of red.
Amber - Sabine Kane is an amazing character. Is she anything like you? Or someone you know?
Jaye - There's some of me in all my characters, but Sabina is different in some major ways. That's one of the challenges of writing first person--always being mindful that your character is not you and staying true to their personality. Sabina is much more confrontational and prone to self-sabotage than me.
Amber - Actually you have some pretty cool characters in the book. How did you know what characters you would need to support Sabine? Who is your favourite?
Jaye - Giguhl is by far my favorite character to write. From the beginning I wanted Sabina to have a sidekick. I've always been pretty fascinated by hairless cats and for some reason it made sense to me that a demon might take the form of one. He's so fun to write because he provides some much-needed comic relief.
The rest of the characters grew organically as I began building the story. They're all composites of a bunch of random influences. I love writing each of them for different reasons.
Amber - Did you have to do alot of research for Red-Headed Stepchild? If yes, what kind?
Jaye - Definitely. I'm a research nerd so I tend to do a lot more than I need. In addition to the mythology and folklore I mentioned earlier, I researched a bunch of random stuff. Motorcycles, guns, hairless cats, catnip, demons, wine, names, settings, etc, etc. I'm always a little worried the FBI is gonna known down my door one day based on my Google searches.
Amber - Did you always want to be a writer? Did you pick the paranormal genre or did it pick you?
Jaye - I always wrote, but I never seriously considered fiction writing as a career. I always thought it was like being called to the priesthood--you just knew you were meant to do it. And I never felt that way. Instead, I went into magazine and freelance writing. But eventually I grew bored with that and took a class in writing fiction for fun. I was hooked immediately.
Paranormal definitely picked me. During the class I mentioned, the teacher suggested we go home and look through our bookcases to see what we read the most to get a clue of what we might want to write. I was shocked at how much vampire fiction I'd read over the years: Anne Rice, Katie MacAlister, Lynsay Sands, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, etc. Plus, I'd had this story idea in my head for years that I could never really make work. But when I made the love interest a vampire it suddenly gelled. That idea became my first novel--a paranormal romance. After that I never looked back because every idea I've had since has had a paranormal element.
Amber - How many more Sabine Kane books will there be and when can we expect them? Any other projects you are working on?
Jaye - Right now I have three contracted, but I'm hoping it will go beyond that. The second book, MAGE IN BLACK, is scheduled for a January 2010 release. No word yet on the third book, tentatively titled GREEN-EYED DEMON. I will also have a short story, a prequel to Red-Headed Stepchild, in the MAMMOTH BOOK OF VAMPIRES, VOL. 2 coming out Winter 2009.
Amber - Red-Headed Stepchild is your debut. What was the process like for you? Did you have any say in the title? Book cover? etc? What did you love about bringing your first book into the world? and what did you hate?
Jaye - I've been incredibly lucky. Orbit has been a pure pleasure to work with, and they involved me in every step of the process. RED-HEADED STEPCHILD was my original title for the book and I was thrilled to get to keep it. I'm so not an artist so the cover I left to the pros except for a little input in Sabina's appearance. Craig White did an amazing job capturing Sabina, and the cover is just gorgeous.
The only thing I didn't like about the process was the wait. I sold to Orbit in January 2008, so it's been hard to be patient waiting for April to get here. But it's been so fun watching my manuscript transform into a novel. So cool.
Amber - What have been the good and bad times of being an author? Any advice to anyone out there working on their first novel?
Jaye - Most the time, it's the coolest job ever. But the challenge is being able to stay focused ont he things I can control. It's too easy to get distracted and forget my first responsibility is to write good stories. If I'm stressing about reviews or other distractions, then I find it difficult to get in the zone with my writing.
For first timers, my best advice is this: For your first book your goal should just be to finish. Don't read every craft book out there, don't let anyone read it while you're writing--just finish the damned thing. Once you know you have the discipline to sit down and write a complete book and the desire to do it again, then you start working your craft. It's a process not a race to the finish line. Even multi-published authors are constantly trying to improve their craft. So get over the idea that perfection is possible. Keep your eye on improvement instead.
Amber - What books do you read when you have the chance? Any must have authors or series?
Jaye - I read a bit of everything. I just finished The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon. It's an amazing novel. Of course, I read my fair share of paranormal, as well. Some of my favorite authors include Christopher Moore, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, J.R. Ward, and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Amber - What music, TV series or films do you like and do any of them influence your work?
Jaye - I'm pretty eclectic in my tastes. The Blade series and Underworld definitely influenced Red-Headed Stepchild. My favorite TV shows right now are Battlestar Galactica, Californication, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Lost and The Office. I also have a shameful love of reality TV. As for music, my iTunes looks like the soundtrack to schizophrenia. I made a playlist for Red-Headed Stepchild and it includes everyone from Marilyn Manson and Godsmack to Pat Benatar and Heart to The Silversun Pickups and The White Stripes.
Amber - If you could be any paranormal creature. Which one would you be and why?
Jaye - Probably a mage. The ability to zap people who annoy me is very appealing. But since most mages have this code about using magic responsibly, I'll go with were-platypus.
Amber - You are stuck on a desert island. What 5 things do you hope to have with you?
Jaye - Ryan Reynolds, sunscreen, red wine, Swiss army knife (with corkscrew) and chocolate. No rescue needed, thanks.
Amber - Thank you so much for answering my questions! Keep in contact and keep that red hair dye handy!
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Contest Time!This week I am giving away a copy of Red-Headed Stepchild. As soon as I have the winners details I will pre-order him or her a copy so they will get the book as soon as it is released. However there could be more than one copy up for grabs! Keep reading...
Orders for anything on Amazon.com using the box below will make Amberkatze's Book Blog some money. If enough people order through this link this week I will use the money to get more copies of Red-Headed Stepchild. So that means if there is enough money on the account for one copy then there will be two winners. If there is enough funds for two books then there will be three winners and so on. However if there isn't enough funds there will be only one winner.
So buy using this box and we could have more prizes!
Now you know about the prize now you need to know how to enter! This week all you need to do is post here letting us know the best book you have read so far this year.
No book = No entry!
Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!
The contest will stay open until Sunday March 15th 2009 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.
If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.
Enjoy!
Labels: Author Interviews, Contests, Jaye Wells
At 9 March 2009 at 00:06, 
Poppy
It is so hard to choose.
I'm going to have to say that A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix is my favorite so far but there are many runners up...Pride by Rachel Vincent and At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost being the top two there.
I linked to the contest here...
http://wyrdkat.blogspot.com/2009/03/hey.html
The best book I have read so far this year has to be Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh followed closely by Ravenous by Sharon Ashwood.
The funniest paranormal books I have read this year Are the Accidental series by Dakota Cassidy and the Pack and Pride series by Shelly Laurensten.
Also posted on my blog Angiesvoices.blogspot.com
Sent to Christine Warren yahoo group, Mary janice Davidson yahoo group, and 100 book challenge yahoo group.
At 9 March 2009 at 06:48, Vickie
Amber and Jaye: Superb interview! I posted on my blog:
http://iyamvixenbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/amberkatze-and-jaye-wells-interview.html
Best book yet in 2009 is likely the one I just finished, ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE - Jeaniene Frost. I read it so fast the cover fell off.
It's handy that I am placing an Amazong order this week and will now use your site to do so. Mommie needs some new Tevas....and books...
O wow, i read about a book a day, so this is really hard. Since i can't choose, i'm gonna go with the books i just finished this week....Paradise Lost by Kate Brian, In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix (that was really good, Club Hell on her website!!), With Heart and Witch Blood by Anya Bast, Kitty raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn, and last but not least Go Fetch by Shelly Laurenston. All are really good and the authors are soo nice!
At 10 March 2009 at 00:08, Chris J.
Hi Amber & Jaye!
I can't wait to read this book and I have met Jaye and she is so much fun to just hang out with!! So go get her book!! :)
The best book(s) I have read so far this year are:
Servant: The Awakening
Servant: The Acceptance
Thanks for the Awesome chance to win this book!!
I posted the contest on:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll
I emailed friends and cc'd you with it. :)
Have a Great Week!!
You know, it gets harder and harder to pickjust one, because I can't! I have three that books that are really standing out: Midnight Sins by Cynthia Eden At Graves End by Jeanienne Frost and Night Shadows by Cherry Adair These 3 were fantastic and I'm sure that there were only a few of the awsome reads out there right now.
The Sweet Scent of Blood by Suzanne McLeod was the best book I read so far this year. It was awesome!
But I don't think it's out in the states yet. But if you're in the UK you should diffintely read it. It has all kinds of characters; fae, vamps, witches, goblins, trolls, etc. Lots of magic! It's awesome!
Oh yeah. I've heard good things about this novel. Sign me up!
The best book I've read so far this year? Can I only chose one? Let's see:
1. At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost - Fabulous
2. Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr - Awesome
3. Angels' Blood by Nailin Singh - love the take on angels.
Okay, I'll stop at 3. :)
I've also shouted out your interview/contest at Literary Escapism as well as on Facebook.
At 11 March 2009 at 03:23, Unknown
Dude--that's tough! I've read so many good ones in the past two months alone. Okay, I have to pick more than one because I will never forgive myself if I don't. In no particular order: THE LACE READER (Brunonia Barry), SCANDALOUS LOVERS (Robin Schone), THE CURE FOR MODERN LIFE (Lisa Tucker), THE EDGE OF IMPROPRIETY & THE BOOKSELLER'S DAUGHTER (both by Pam Rosenthal), SHADOW KISS (Richelle Mead), THE SWAN KINGDOM (Zoe Marriott), LAND OF A HUNDRED WONDERS (Lesley Kagen), BROKEN & STRANGER (both by Megan Hart), SAY GOODBYE (Lisa Gardner), DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK (Kresley Cole) and THE LITTLE GIANT OF ABERDEEN COUNTY (Tiffany Baker). I'm DYING to read RED-HEADED STEP CHILD--even pre-ordered it from Amazon and I never do that, ever.
At 11 March 2009 at 03:43, Unknown
Hey Amberkatze, I mentioned your contest in this post at my blog.
At 12 March 2009 at 20:12, Lori T
If I had to choose one...it would have to be Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs! I loved it.
Congrats on the upcoming release Jaye...it is on my must buy list. Oh by the way, when I was reading the interview...on the last question about the desert island...at first I thought it said Burt Reynolds and I had to do a double take as I was thinking what the heck does she want with Burt?? Now Ryan is an excellent choice!
At 13 March 2009 at 02:53, Christina
Christina - xristya@rock.com - The best book I've read this year was Alex And Me by Irene Pepperberg (the woman who kept African Grey parrot Alex for 30 years - until he died suddenly - and showed that birds are as intelligent as we are - he could recognize shapes and colors and all kinds of things and was proven to the scientific community!). It was particularly poignant for me because when I purchased it my Red Lory of 11 years, Kalina, suddenly died (parrots often can't get our help because they "mask" their symptoms because in a flock if they're ill or injured they attract predators), and this book opened with the sudden death of Alex, too.
At 13 March 2009 at 21:19, Number One Novels
I've had the luck of reading several really good novels so far this year. I think it's a toss up right now between Peter V. Brett's fantasy The Warded Man and Jill Smolinski's fiction The Next Thing on My List. Brett's novel was just plain good; Smolinski's novel has made me laugh out loud so many times, I've started getting looks when reading it in public.
Hmmmm... the best book I've read this year would depend on genre.
Non-fiction, it's definitely, hands down "What Every Body is Saying" by Joe Navarro - all about non-verbal communication, written by an ex-FBI agent and member of the Behavioural Analysis Unit.
Fiction? Well, I gave "The Wild Road" by Marjorie Liu a 9.5/10 when I reviewed it, so that would have been my pick for best fiction. However, Dead Beat (book 7 of the Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher) would come in close behind that. And given how much better each Dresden File book seems to get... I'm reasonably certain I haven't read my 'best fiction book' of 2009 yet :-)
At 15 March 2009 at 10:53, Jasmine
This is too hard a question!!. Let's see:
One More Bite - Jennifer Rardin
Just Another Judgement Day - Simon R. Green
Road Trip of the Living Dead - Mark Henry
Promises in Death - J. D. Robb
The Shadow Queen - Anne Bishop
And I have The Accidental Human and Hunted in my TBR lists so I'm sure they'll end up on my favs list too.
by Kelley Armstrong
The best book that I've read so far this year is The Accidental Human by Dakota Cassidy. It's a great read.
I'm really looking forward to Jaye's book!