One of our most anticipated reads of 2009 is Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre, so when we were contacted a few weeks ago and asked if we wanted to be part of her Blog Tour we immediately said yes. And we are very pleased to give the floor to Ann Aguirre!
Hello, and thanks. I’m tremendously excited as the countdown clock rolls down toward release day for BLUE DIABLO. Ana and Thea posted a blurb on Sunday, so you already know my urban fantasy centers around Corine Solomon, who possesses the gift of psychometry.
Instead of offering a soliloquy about the size of crickets in my backyard (and how the cats drag them in to startle me), I’m going to do something a little different. I’ve done blog interviews before, but I’ve never framed it like this. Usually, the blog hosts ask me a certain number of questions, I answer them, and it limits what readers can say about the matter.
Today, we turn the interview up to eleven. Here’s what we’re going to do. You, dear reader, are free to ask me whatever you like (within reason). I reserve the right to refuse to answer on the grounds it may incriminate me (or others), but most things, I’m sure I’ll be happy to ramble on about. Ask about my writing, living in Mexico, my pets, my vacation plans, what I’m writing, how I write, or whatever strikes your fancy. To make this super-interactive, I’ll be stopping in all day to answer your questions, and hold a dialog with you. So let’s get started!
And for those who leave a question by Midnight PST we have something special to sweeten the deal: Ann is generously offering 5 ARCs of Blue Diablo. Here are Teh Rules:
a) winners promise to post a honest review online somewhere by April 8th (see d);
b) winners will be selected within 24hrs;
c) winners will be contacted via email by Azteclady (Ann’s wonderful promotion wiz) , therefore a valid email address must be provided for the comment to be entered in the giveaway;
d) winners must send link to online review to either Ann or AztecLady by April 8th;
e) we will announce the winners tomorrow, Thursday by midday Eastern on this very same post so check back here! We will also have them in the sidebar.
So, let’s get this party started shall we? Ask away (but remember to play nice) and good luck!
ETA: ANN SELECTED THE WINNERS AND THEY ARE:
Jennygirl
Katiebabs
Michele Lee
Lori T
Leslee
CONGRATULATIONS! AZTECLADY WILL CONTACT YOU FOR YOUR CONTACT DETAILS! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WONDERFUL QUESTIONS AND ANN FOR THE AWESOME ANSWERS! THIS WAS UTTERLY FASCINATING!
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84 Responses to Blue Diablo Virtual Tour: Guest Blog with Ann Aguirre and Big ARC Giveaway
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I can’t think of a good question, but wanted to share how much I have enjoyed the two Jax books and how great this Q&A is!
Thanks, Jessica! I’m so happy to hear you enjoy Jax. I really adored your reviews of them. Sometimes I read them when I need a warm fuzzy.
Ann, when did you start writing? I want to be a writer, so is it hard to get published?
Great questions, everyone! OK – I’m going to get straight to the point. Can you give us any info/spoilers to the next Jax/March book? Please? I am seriously withdrawn.
HELP ME!!!!!
Enter me please, i’d love to read this book.
Ok a question – what superpower or psychic talent would you most like to have and why?
Thanks
Hagelrat
hagelrat@googlemail.com
OMG 5 copies! I want in. I love the Jax series and I can’t wait to check this one out.
A question, huh….Hmmm….have you spent much time in Guadalajara since you moved to Mexico Ann? I spent about 6 months there studying Spanish and I loved it. I really want to take my son there once he gets older. Between Tonala, Talaquepaque (sp??), el centro historico, everything was awesome.
Danielle asked, “Ann, when did you start writing? I want to be a writer, so is it hard to get published?”
I’ve been writing for almost 30 years. And yes, it was hard, but everyone’s journey varies.
Maered asked, “Can you give us any info/spoilers to the next Jax/March book? Please?”
I can give you the blurb for DOUBLEBLIND.
It’s not easy to tread lightly wearing steel-toed boots.
Sirantha Jax isn’t known for diplomatic finesse. As a “Jumper” who navigates ships through grimspace, she’s used to kicking ass first and taking names later—much later. Not exactly the
obvious choice to sell the Conglomerate to the Ithtorians, a people whose opinions of humans are as hard as their exoskeletons.
And Ithiss-Tor council meetings aren’t the only place where Ambassador Jax needs to maneuver carefully. Her lover, March, is frozen in permanent “kill” mode, and his hair-trigger threatens to sabotage the talks—not to mention their relationship.
But Jax won’t give up on the man or the mission. With the Outskirts beleaguered by raiders, pirates, and the flesh-eating Morgut, an
alliance with Ithiss-Tor may be humanity’s only hope. Which has Jax wondering why a notorious troublemaker like her was given the job…
There’s also an excerpt in the back of Blue Diablo, which is yet another reason to grab it.
Hagelrat asked, “what superpower or psychic talent would you most like to have and why?”
Personally, I’d love to be able to fly. Forget first-class; I will put everything I need in a backpack and zoom wherever I’m going. Book signing in California? No problem! Lunch with my friends in Chicago? Give me a couple of hours!
Jackie asked, “have you spent much time in Guadalajara since you moved to Mexico?”
I have never been. We’re going to Queretaro in a few weeks, but so far, we haven’t made it to Guadalajara. It’s on the list!
Hey!
So when you find time between writing to get some reading in, who are your favorite authors?
Thanks and I can’t wait to read the new book!
I read your answer to Stacy@9, and went to avagray.com and read the excerpt. It actually reminded me a bit of Nora Roberts’ writing
I’ve to think a bit more about why, but ir was possibly the latter half and the dialogue / interaction between the characters.
I’m curious about why you qualified your answer to Stacy’s question – can you share what are the paranormal elements in your Ava Gray books?
Hi Ann! Your books are awesome
Is Killbox the final book in the Jax series or will there be more? What are your top 5 favorite books of all time?
Nicole D asked, “So when you find time between writing to get some reading in, who are your favorite authors?”
It would take forever if I made this exhaustive because books are my great love. I do read across genres. Some of my favorite authors include:
Mystery: Julia Spencer-Fleming, James Lee Burke, Casey Daniels
Science fiction: David Brin, Neal Stephenson, Jack McDevitt, Connie Willis, CS Friedman, Douglas Adams, Walter Jon Williams
Fantasy: Jeri Smith-Ready, Sharon Shinn, Patricia McKillip, Robin McKinley, Neil Gaiman, George RR Martin, Pauline Alama, Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris
Romance: Anya Bast, Lauren Dane, Eileen Wilks, Nalini Singh, Lara Adrian, Eve Kenin, Larissa Ione, Nora Roberts, Amie Stuart, Connie Brockway, Kresley Cole, Meljean Brook, Madeline Hunter, Carrie Lofty, Anne Stuart, Linda Howard…
Whew. I have to stop. Just too many to list.
Wow, what an amazing compliment! I’m going to run around telling people I got compared to Nora Roberts for days.
Li also asked, “can you share what are the paranormal elements in your Ava Gray books?”
Yes, of course. The setup is this: certain humans have developed powers through forced evolution (the details of which would constitute a spoiler). These abilities are unusual, not the typical psychic stuff (foretelling, mind-reading, etc). It’s our world with a “what-if” scenario attached to it.
Jaime asked, “Is Killbox the final book in the Jax series or will there be more? What are your top 5 favorite books of all time?”
With luck, there will be two more Jax books, titles to be determined. Since I just completed Killbox not long ago, I haven’t worked up a proposal yet.
Top 5 books, gah. You might as well as me which ovary is my favorite. (It’s Lefty.)
In no particular order:
Archangel by Sharon Shinn
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
The Eye of Night by Pauline J. Alama
Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase
As You Desire by Connie Brockway
Dizzy and Harry! One of my favorite Brockway books ever.
Hi Ann! I’ve been reading a lot about Blue Diablo on different sites, I’m looking forward to the books debut!
My question is, from the excerpt, it seems you write in the first person. I prefer this, it makes it more real for me (like real life is, not knowing what other people think…), what makes your decision on writing first person vs. he said/she said when starting any book?
Ditto, KB. I want another Brockway historical in the worst way. If I was allowed to pick 5 more books, I would add:
Ritual Sins by Anne Stuart
Cry No More by Linda Howard
Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr
Susan asked, “what makes your decision on writing first person vs. he said/she said when starting any book?”
I write sf&f in first person for the reasons you mentioned. For me it’s important to have that one person you identify with over the course of the adventure.
In romance, I prefer multiple points of view. I don’t like romances written in first person because I feel like I’ve been cheated of half the falling in love experience. So my Ava Gray romances will always be in third person.
Thanks Ann. I know a lot of authors stay with the same style of writing no matter what the genre, I like that you are diverse and can write both ways. I definitely see your point of view on the romance part, I didn’t think of it that way. I guess I inject myself personally into the stories and need to read and think from multiple views.
I wish you much success with Blue Diablo!
Hi Ann,
Does your family enjoy your books?
Bridget
HI Ann *waves*
Ohhh, lots of interesting questions. Am still working my way through the comments, but I was wondering of your heroines which one you relate to the most? Thank you
Oh, and please don’t include me in the ARC contest. I am the world’s worst (and slowest) review writer (I’ve only written one to date) and I wouldn’t want to accept the ARC if I couldn’t deliver a timely review
OOPS! Forgot to say – all the best with the release of Blue Diablo Ann!
Hi Ann~
I absolutely love your books and I can hardly wait for the release of Blue Diablo!!
My question is…how would you spend a perfect day? I know…lame question.
What’s your favorite type of cookie?
Bridget: yes.
Orannia: That would have to be Corine.
Lori T: I’d read books and nap and watch movies. And I wouldn’t cook at all.
JC: Hmm. Chocolate chunk with macadamia nuts.
Hi, Ann!
So for the Blue Devil series – how many books are you thinking it’s going to consist of?
And ooooh chocolate chunk with macadamia nut cookies are AWESOME.
Wendy, I’m not sure right now. At least six books, I hope. Possibly more.
I’ve picked the winners, and have sent them to the Smugglers. They should be announced shortly. Thank you for this wonderful, amazing response!
Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You for picking me! I am so thrilled. I will so have it reviewed and posted by April 8!!! (happy dance)
Congratulations to the winners!
*waiting for addresses to send off shiny ARCs*
*sniff* I’m gonna miss them… *sniff* They are so shiny and pretty and…
Congratulations to the winners!
azteclady – step away from the ARCs
Oh my gosh…I am so excited that I won! Thank you so much and congrats to all the winners!!