Welcome to Smugglivus – Day 23!
Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2009, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2010.
Today’s Guest: Today we give you Adrian Phoenix, author of dark Urban Fantasy series The Maker’s Song books (A Rush of Wings, In the Blood – both reviewed HERE – and the upcoming Beneath the Skin).
Today is a little different – Ms. Phoenix hasn’t prepared a Smugglivus Author Post like the other authors that have been on The Book Smugglers, but instead is offering an interactive Question and Answer session with readers in the comments of this post! And it gets even better – courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Adrian, we’ve got TWO autographed sets of The Maker’s Song books up for grabs. Entry is easy and simple – just leave a comment here asking Adrian a question (about her UF series, her writing process, her favorite authors or films, etc). The contest is open to all, and will run until December 31st at 11:59PM (PST). Good luck, and let the questions begin!
First, here’s a brief intro from Adrian Phoenix herself…
Adrian: Hi all, thanks so much for having me. I’m thrilled to be here, ready and able to answer any questions you might have whether it’s knowing why I wrote The Maker’s Song series, getting to know more about the characters (some of which I’m sure could be persuaded to answer a few questions as well), Behind the scenes questions about Black Dust Mambo (out July 2010), what I do in my spare time, my plans for the holidays (I totally plan to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie – can’t wait!), my fav movies or books, or writing questions. Fire away!
And we leave you with one more goody – a sneak peek of Adrian’s upcoming novel:
Beneath the Skin by Adrian Phoenix
CHAOS CONTROLS HIS FUTURE. ONE MORTAL WOMAN COULD BE HIS SALVATION. THE COUNTDOWN TO ANNIHILATION WILL BEGIN WITH DANTE’S CHOICE….
THE FATE OF THREE WORLDS…
The dark pieces of vampire rock star Dante Baptiste’s past are violently emerging, and it is only a matter of time before the Fallen discover he is the creawdwr they have sought for thousands of years. The destruction he left behind in Oregon threatens to reveal his identity as Fallen Maker and True Blood, exposing the young nightkind to shadowy predators — mortal and supernatural — who will do whatever it takes to win his favor…or destroy him.
RESTS IN DANTE’S HANDS.
When beautiful FBI special agent Heather Wallace went AWOL on assignment, she chose irresistible Dante over the shady government forces that now stalk them both. Heather has her own secrets of the past to uncover, but she is also the only one who can hold her nightkind lover together when his dangerous quest for the truth threatens to send him over the edge. And as she and Dante fi ght for their survival, she realizes they must work together to protect their future — before his mysterious destiny tears them apart….
You can read an extended excerpt online HERE.
Good luck, and let the questions begin!
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First off Thanks to Adrian today for coming out to play with her fans and others who are going to be fans. Merry Christmas Eve Eve to you and The Smugglers and all the other commenters also…
The only thing I would like to ask is what kind of pets do you have Adrian? I have noticed a trend among the authors I follow that they tend to favor house cats and small lap dogs.
Jackie B Central Texas
Do you ever get tired of your characters, if you are having an off day on your writing?
Good Christmas to all!
HI Adrian,
I have yet to read A Rush of Wings, but I am intrigued. (I’m working backwards with the posts, so the Smugglers’ review of your books is next
I was wondering, if/when you get stuck with regard to a particular plot, what do you do to try and work it out?
Many thanks
Hi Jackie,
I continue the trend. LOL! I have 3 cats – Amiga and Diabla, who are sisters and feral rescues, and Ember, who is part Persian.
Hi Durao,
Merry Christmas to you too! No, I’ve never gotten tired of my characters at any time. They are endlessly fascinating to me – off day or not. I *do* however get irritated with myself when I’m having an off-day.
Hi Orannia,
I hope you are intrigued enough to read the books!
When I get stuck on plotting, I usually have a conversation with myself on paper to find out what it is that is bothering me. I also try to make sure that I am seeing events clearly from the characters perspectives. The story and its events must be true to them.
I just wanted to jump in and say thank you Adrian for making such an amazing series. For those of you that haven’t read the series yet you should really try them out!! They are fantastic and the characters are to die for. Von is my soul mate (he just don’t know it yet..lol) and Dante..well their is just not words to describe him. I get such a kick out of crazy ass banter that goes on between them two..lol. Adrian I do have one question. Will we ever learn more about Von, like his past?
Please don’t include me in the contest because I already have them.
Hi Jamie,
Thanks so much for your comments and your endorsement! I appreciate it. (And I’ll slip the word to Von that he’s your soul mate . . .lol.)
Yes, we will learn more about Von. I’m hoping do write a stand alone book about Von, his life, his past, his clan, and his training as a llygad, maybe take it up to the point that he meets Dante.
Oh that sounds awesome!! I just LOVE Von. Every time I think of him it makes me smile. He is such a sweety but could kick ass in a heart beat..lol
Hi Adrian,
I can’t wait for Sherlock Holmes either!
My question is: What made you decide to write Urban Fantasy? It’s one of my favorite genres to read because I like the combination of the real world with the fantasy mixed in. Makes me think, “What if…”
Fantastic interview, Adrian! And I can hardly wait for Beneath the Skin!
Donna
Hi Roxy,
I didn’t actually decide to write urban fantasy. I wrote the story I wanted to tell about characters that moved me and it turned out to be urban fantasy.
Don’t get me wrong, I like urban fantasy very much. It appeals to me because I love the paranormal and all those what if possibilities!
Thanks so much DB! I can’t wait for the third book in your series!
Thanks Adrian! I havent had the chance to read your series yet but I am hoping to soon.
Besides your series, what book or books do you recommend everyone should read?
I know I’m late, but I wanted to respond. I just love your books. I’m so excited for “Beneath The Skin”. I know you mentioned Lon getting his book, but what about Lucien? I do love Dante, but Lucien is right behind him. Fell in love with him right away.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Hi Donna S,
I recommend Jeri Smith-Ready’s Wicked Game and Bad to the Bone. Bring on the Night will be out in 2010.
I also recommend Jennifer Estep’s Spider’s Bite (out in 2010) and DB Reynolds’ Raphael and Jabril.
Thank you so much, Barbara! Yes, I plan a book (probably more than one) about Lucien, showing him in several different eras in history and showing the events that led up to Yahweh’s death. Tentative title is NIGHTBRINGER.
Three questions;
How many books do you think will be in this series? Do you think you will do any spin-offfs?
And, Where did Von grow up?
Hello Adrian,
Love your stories!
How much research do you have to do for your storylines?
Marie
Hey Adrian What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
Hi Adrian,
what’s your favorite scene on your books ?
Hey Adrian!
I’m anxiously awaiting(beyond major understatement!) BTS’s arrival on my doorstep…it’s a HUGE highlight of my holiday season!!!
Can we expect ‘Etched In Bone’ to be released about the same time next year?
‘Nightbringer’ sounds great…Lucien is right there behind Dante for me!!!
A book about Von would be awesome, too. Besides those books, do you have further hopes/plans for the ‘Makers Song Series’?
What similarities/differences can we expect in Black Dust Mambo compared to the ‘Maker’s Song Series’?
Look forward to hearing your response…hope your holidays were/are Happy!
Love ya & your books!
Kristin
Hello Adrian,
I was just wondering, what’s your favorite time of day to get your writing done?
Hi Adrian,
Do you have any pre-writing ritual that you go through every day before you start writing? Thanks.
Hi Adrian. What, if anything, inspired your series, plot lines, characters?
Happy Holidays!
Adrian,
What blogs will you be at promoting the new release?
When/where do you have the most ideas for your books?
What’s the most common thing your readers tell you when they meet you?
What’s the greatest influence on your work?
Happy New Year all!
What other writers are doing books on the line you are?
Do you identify yourself with what they write?
Do you read regularly or are you afraid of accidentily getting some idea from the book you are reading?
Happy New Year and good luck with the book!
How do you organize your days for writing?
Do you keep a regular schedule or depend on inspiration?
What good books have you read recently?
As a woman, what is opinion on the covers of your books?
Are you involved in the cover process?
Until when do you expect to be writing this series?
Do you already know the ending?
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