Chat With an Author

A Chat with an Author: Angie Fox

I saw the blurb for The Accidental Demon Slayer online (at The Good The Bad and The Unread) and was immediately curious about it – I even added it to my wish list. Then I got an ARC from the publishers and was extremely happy. After having such a fun time reading it, I had to contact Angie Fox and ask for a chat.

So without further ado, a chat with Angie Fox:

The Book Smugglers: The Accidental Demon Slayer is your first book and it is about to be released. You must be really excited right now! Can you share with us how ADS got to be published?

Angie: The Accidental Demon Slayer started off as a kernel of an idea that amused me. What if a straight laced preschool teacher suddenly learns she’s a demon slayer? And what if she has to learn about her powers on the run from a nasty, fifth level demon? Ohhh and wouldn’t it be fun if she’s running with her long-lost Grandma’s gang of geriatric biker witches?

I started writing and let the story evolve based on the characters and that central issue of what happens when a reluctant heroine is thrust into a series of extraordinary situations. And I knew the story was working when I couldn’t wait to get back to the keyboard every day. I finished the novel, sent it off on a Thursday and my editor bought it the following Tuesday. It was a real shock going from figuring out the last chapter to having a book contract in less than a week, but I’m enjoying every minute of the ride.

The Book Smugglers: Can you tell us about Lizzie Brown, your main character? Former primary school teacher turned Accidental Demon Slayer – she goes through a major change in this book. What else have you got in store for her?

Angie: Oh I have lots more in store for Lizzie. These next few weeks, I’m finishing up on edits to the second book in the series, called The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers (due out in April 2009). In it, Lizzie decides she’s going to learn everything about her powers, and at the same time, write the proverbial book on demon slaying. As you might have guessed – things don’t quite go according to plan.

The Book Smugglers: You have made some interesting choices in your book, adding some twists to the paranormal genre: we have a shape shifter that is a Griffin, a talking dog, a demon scientist and the best of all, witches in motorcycles that carry their spells in jars – how did you come up with all of that?

Angie: It made me smile. Seriously. I think writing needs to be fun and if I’m having a ball with geriatric biker witches who keep their spells in recycled Smuckers jars, hopefully my readers will enjoy it too.

A prime example of this is what happened with Pirate, the dog. When I sat down to write The Accidental Demon Slayer, I had no notes about a sidekick for my heroine. But in the second chapter, when Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer and there are some very scary, very angry creatures on her tail, she takes comfort in her dog. As I was writing, I thought, ‘This is a sweet moment. Now how do I throw her off?’

I made the dog say something to her. Nothing big. After all, he’s only after the fettuccine from last week. And he knows exactly where Lizzie can find it (back of the fridge, to the left of the lettuce crisper, behind the mustard). It tickled me, so I did it. Thanks to her unholy powers, Lizzie can now understand her smart-mouthed Jack Russell Terrier. Pirate can say and do things that Lizzie can’t. He’s such a kick to write. And my editor loves him too. Pirate made the cover of the book – front and back. Not bad for a terrier.

The Book Smugglers: This is the first in a series of books, do you have the entire series planned out or are you working on a per book basis? What can we expect next?

Angie: Boy I would love to fudge and say I plan everything, but I don’t. The second book, The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers is written. Heck, I thought I had that one planned and it surprised me, especially when one of the surliest biker witches found love (on her own – the story evolved that way and I went with it). I do have a general plan for the third book in the series, but it will probably grow and change as I write.

The Book Smugglers: Speaking of witches in motorcycles – what would your biker witch name be?

Angie: Good question! How about Outlaw Angie? I’ve always wanted to be a rule breaker.

Oh and shameless plug alert: You can get your very own biker witch name at

http://quiz.angiefox.com/

The Book Smugglers: In your biography, you mention that as a kid you would have an emergency flashlight on hand in case you reached an unstoppable point in a book. What were some of the most irresistible books growing up?

Angie: Any and all of the Nancy Drew books, as well as Encyclopedia Brown. There was a series called The Mad Scientist’s Club that I adored. It was about these kids who would use their ingenuity to outsmart the bad guys (usually adults). As I grew older, I enjoyed Barbara Michaels (books like Be Buried in the Rain and Shattered Silk), Edgar Allen Poe and Ann Rice.

The Book Smugglers: You have a full time job as a copywriter, and yet still make the time to write fiction novels. What’s an average writing day like for you?

Angie: Well, I have three hats I wear: I work as a freelance advertising and promotions writer, I write books and I take care of my two small kids. I get most of my work done during my kids’ afternoon naps and at night, but there really is no average day for me. If I’m on a book deadline and have freelance deadlines, I may get up at 4:00 a.m. to write for a few hours before the kids wake up. That’s why I absolutely, positively must love what I’m writing or it would be too easy to hit the snooze. But when a story grabs hold of me, I have to get up, I have to make time and it’s a kick to get it down on paper.

The Book Smugglers: What are some of your influences/favorite books and authors?

Angie: Elizabeth Peters was the first author I read that made me want to try and write a book of my own. I have all of her Amelia Peabody books. Peters has such a way with words, such an amazing turn of phrase. And you can tell she loves what she’s writing. I thought: I want to do that too.

The Book Smugglers: What are you reading right now (and revisions/edits do not count!)?

Angie: I’m one of those people who always has a book in her purse. Right now, I’m addicted to the Sookie Stackhouse series. I loved Undead and Unworthy (although Undead and Unwed will always be my favorite). I read Katie MacAlister, Tate Hallaway, Stephanie Rowe, Michelle Rowen, Lynsay Sands, Elizabeth Peters, Laurell K Hamilton, JR Ward. I just discovered Kathy Love’s “Young Brothers” books (yes, I’ve been buried under a rock). I’m blowing through those right now. That’s actually kind of fun to know I have the next three books already on my shelf. I also have Erin McCarthy’s vegas vampires, the latest Michele Bardsley and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series on my ever-growing TBR shelf. And I just read a really great cozy mystery by Rhys Bowen.

A big thank you to Angie Fox for stopping by at The Book Smugglers.

Angie Fox is the author of the award-winning Accidental Demon Slayer series. Critics call it, “fresh, unique and larger than life,” Angie simply calls it fun. That’s because she gets a kick out of surprising herself, and her readers, with plenty of plot twists, magical moments and sizzling romance. The first book in the series is called The Accidental Demon Slayer. The second, due out in April 2009, is The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers. Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.

The Accidental Demon Slayer comes out July 29th.

And we are giving away a copy of The Accidental Demon Slayer! In order to enter, just leave a comment following this post! The contest will be open until Saturday, July 26th at MIDNIGHT (Pacific Standard Time, GMT -8). We will randomly select (using our wicked Sorting Hat) and announce the winner Sunday afternoon. Good luck!

22 Comments

  • Margay
    July 23, 2008 at 2:48 am

    Angie, I haven’t even read the first book yet (though I plan to) and I want to read the second one! A book on demon slaying? Looks fantastic. I just hope our girl hasn’t bitten off more than she can chew – oh, wait, isn’t that what she tends to do? Can’t wait to read it to find out!

  • Katie Reus
    July 23, 2008 at 3:57 am

    Great interview! I love the idea of a talking dog 🙂 I’m glad he made the cover!

  • Carolyn Jean
    July 23, 2008 at 5:15 am

    This sounds really fun! And a gret interview. I really enjoyed hearing about how you thought up this series.

  • jessewave
    July 23, 2008 at 5:26 am

    This sounds like a really terrific book. I think I would love to win it. The second book sounds even better than the first if that were possible. Way to go Angie. Love the talking dog!!

  • CrystalGB
    July 23, 2008 at 5:54 am

    Great interview. The Accidental Demon Slayer sounds wonderful.

  • Angie Fox
    July 23, 2008 at 6:21 am

    The dog made the back cover too – just a little peek, but he’s there. I suspect he’s sweet talking my editor.

    The second book has been a blast to write as well. There are just so many things to do with with a newbie demon slayer, a talking dog and a gang of geriatric biker witches.

  • Sarai
    July 23, 2008 at 6:22 am

    Wow I love seeing how authors come up with their ideas. This sounds very unique!!

  • kmont
    July 23, 2008 at 6:32 am

    The book sounds great!! I admit when I saw talking dog I immediately thought of MacAlister’s talking Newfie, Jim. But I love the idea of Fox’s talking dog too, especially when he knows exactly where the fettuccine is. That’s the kind of info I like to know myself. 😀

    I love the sound of this book and have actually been dying to find a new humorous paranormal author. Looks like Ms. Fox is it!

    Congratulations on your first book, Ms. Fox!

  • Angie Fox
    July 23, 2008 at 6:36 am

    One of the best compliments I’ve gotten on this book was when an agent wanted to sell it in by saying it was like the movie SHAUN OF THE DEAD, only with biker witches. I loved that movie on so many levels and am hoping the book comes close to that kind of comedy, with that kind of underlying drama as well. We shall see…

  • Angie Fox
    July 23, 2008 at 6:38 am

    Thanks, Kmont. Pirate is definitely his own dog, with his own agenda. And that does include fettuccine. Frankly, I can’t blame him. I love fettuccine.

  • Ana
    July 23, 2008 at 6:43 am

    Angie, thanks for stopping by to chat!

    I love Shaun of the Dead and it is actually a good comparison.

    Kmont, this is definitely a good new funny paranormal series. AND with a proper tight, plot.

    Oh, and Pirate is awesome.

  • JenB
    July 23, 2008 at 6:59 am

    This looks so cute! I love the part about the old ladies carrying their spells in jars. My grandma used to serve us sweet tea in old jars. 🙂

    It’s also nice to see an author so excited about her work. I can’t wait to read this.

  • M. Fred
    July 23, 2008 at 7:28 am

    Wow, Shaun of the Dead? I’m pretty sure that is the best compliment ever. Normally I like my paranormal angsty and dark, but I think I might just have to pick this one up!

  • Angie Fox
    July 23, 2008 at 8:47 am

    Thanks, Jenb. I’m having a blast with this series.

  • M.
    July 23, 2008 at 8:50 am

    I loved the description of the writing process, and how small details or whimsical additions can take on a life of their own.

    I will try to take an example from how other writers have small children and still manage to reach their writing goals and deadlines.

    And I ADORE Elizabeth Peters! I can quote large sections of ‘The Crocodile on the Sandbank’,want to be Vicky Bliss when I grow up, and have almost forgiven my husband for not being Ramses Emerson.

    Good luck on your new series – sounds like a huge amount of fun and I think I’d like to follow the smugglers example and review it (which is why I haven’t read their review yet!)

  • Angie Fox
    July 23, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Glad to hear we may get to pull you away from the dark side, m.fred (at least for one book!)

    I read dark too. In fact, that’s what led the book in such a quirky direction. I’m a huge paranormal reader and couldn’t resist adding my own offbeat tribute to the genre.

    I didn’t know if anyone would catch it or not, but the agents and editors who read it noticed it right away. And a lot of the reviewers have nailed it too. Even when they don’t state it in reviews, I get these emails… Anyhow, I’m curious to see what readers say.

  • Angie Fox
    July 23, 2008 at 8:56 am

    I was actually able to meet Barbara Mertz/Elizabeth Peters at a writers conference. She’s just brilliant, and has a wicked sense of humor.

    LOL on wanting your husband to be Ramses Emerson. At least he probably goes through fewer shirts.

  • Shannon
    July 23, 2008 at 11:57 am

    What a fabulous premise. I need to add ADS to my TBR pile. Biker witch Grandmas? Priceless!

    Great interview!

  • M.
    July 23, 2008 at 1:36 pm

    I am consumed with jealousy at the thought of meeting Elizabeth Peters. Not that I’d have a clue what to say, if I ever had the opportunity…

    I enjoyed ‘Shaun of the Dead’, but hated ‘Hot Fuzz’ (with two of the same featured actors). The one who plays the pet zombie also did a good job in ‘Kinky Boots’ (I really should find out what his name is…)

  • Christine
    July 23, 2008 at 4:50 pm

    Fun interview!
    Angie :: I hope you have an alternate plan in store for writing time… eventually your kids won’t need naps! Both of mine stopped before they were 2! …. and hopefully I didn’t just jinx you. 😉

  • Angie Fox
    July 23, 2008 at 8:09 pm

    I’ve been known to suggest nice, long walks around the block before naptime. Dancing too. The kids are particularly fond of Abba.

  • Tracy
    July 25, 2008 at 8:59 am

    Hey sorry I didn’t get here earlier – I’m so behind!! 🙂

    Great interview girls. The book looks really good – I’m putting it on my wishlist now! 🙂

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