Howdy folks, and Happy Monday! Today we bring you a very special author spotlight on The Book Smugglers – none other than the uber-talented Jeri Smith-Ready.
Jeri is the author of traditional fantasy (the Aspect of the Crow trilogy), young adult (upcoming title Shade), and urban fantasy – and her WVMP Radio series, Wicked Game and Bad to the Bone, are some of the most awesome, memorable vampire Urban Fantasy books out there. Check them out:
Late-night radio you can sink your teeth intoRecovering con artist Ciara Griffin is trying to live the straight life, even if it means finding a (shudder!) real job. She takes an internship at a local radio station, whose late-night time-warp format features 1940s blues, 60s psychedelia, 80s Goth, and more, all with an uncannily authentic flair. Ciara soon discovers how the DJs maintain their cred: they’re vampires, stuck forever in the eras in which they were turned.
Ciara’s first instinct, as always, is to cut and run. But communications giant Skywave wants to buy WMMP and turn it into just another hit-playing clone. Without the station—and the link it provides to their original Life Times—the vampires would “fade,” becoming little more than mindless ghosts of the past. Suddenly a routine corporate takeover becomes a matter of life and un-death.
To boost ratings and save the lives of her strange new friends, Ciara re-brands the station as “WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock ’n’ Roll.” In the ultimate con, she hides the DJs’ vampire nature in plain sight, disguising the bloody truth as a marketing gimmick. WVMP becomes the hottest thing around—next to Ciara’s complicated affair with grunge vamp Shane McAllister. But the “gimmick” enrages a posse of ancient and powerful vampires who aren’t so eager to be brought into the light. Soon the stakes are higher—and the perils graver—than any con game Ciara’s ever played…
Excerpt online HERE.
TURN ON. TUNE IN. DROP DEAD.Welcome to WVMP, “The Lifeblood of Rock ’n’ Roll,” where conartist-turned-station-owner Ciara Griffin manages an on-air staffof off-the-wall DJs—including new boyfriend Shane McAllister—who really sink their teeth into the music of their “Life Time” (theera in which they became vampires). Ciara keeps the undeadrocking, the ratings rolling, and the fan base alive—withoutmissing a beat.
For Halloween, WVMP is throwing a bash. With cool tunes, hotcostumes, killer cocktails—what could go wrong? To start, areligious firebrand ranting against the evils of the occultpreempts the station’s midnight broadcast. Then, when Ciaratracks down the transmission, the broadcast tower is guarded bywhat appears to be . . . a canine vampire? Behind it all is a groupof self-righteous radicals who think vampires suck (and arewilling to stake their lives on it). Ciara must protect the stationwhile struggling with her own complicated relationship, her bestfriend’s romance with a fledgling vampire, and the nature of hermysterious anti-holy powers. To make it to New Year’s in one piece,she’ll need to learn a few new tricks. . . .
Excerpt online HERE.
Totally awesome music of WVMP Radio online HERE.
In celebration of the mass market paperback release of Bad to the Bone, we’re having an awesome interactive Q&A opportunity with the esteemed Jeri Smith-Ready! Here’s how it works: Jeri will be popping in all day long to answer YOUR burning questions about her WVMP Radio books. But wait, it gets even cooler – courtesy of publisher Simon & Schuster, we’ve got TWO sets of WVMP Radio books up for grabs (Wicked Game and Bad to the Bone). Entry is easy and simple – just leave a comment here asking Jeri a question (about her UF series, her writing process, her favorite authors, music, tv shows, etc). The contest is open to all, and will run until Saturday, February 27th at 11:59PM (PST). Good luck, and let the questions begin.
We give the floor up to Jeri Smith-Ready!
Hey, thanks so much for having me as a guest on The Book Smugglers! I write the WVMP RADIO vampire series and the upcoming SHADE ghost series for teens. I love answering readers’ questions, so ask me anything. (Yes, anything. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll make something up–it’s what I do. 
For example, where I got the idea for vampire DJs, what it’s like to write for both adults and teens, and what I do in my nearly nonexistent spare time (right now I’m mesmerized by Olympic curling). You can even ask my characters questions, though Shane and Regina tend to keep nighttime hours. As Pat Benatar once said, hit me with your best shot!
Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband, two cats, and the world’s goofiest greyhound.
Jeri’s plans to save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. To stay out of trouble, she keeps her Drama Drive strictly fictional. Her friends and family appreciate that.
When not writing, Jeri she can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves music, movies, and staying up very, very late.
You can read more about Jeri online at her website, and at her blog.
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82 Responses to Interactive Q&A and Giveaway with Jeri Smith-Ready
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Sheila asks: what were the steps you took to become a writer? (I always find this interesting and helpful). Did you always know – did you write first then look for a publisher
Well, first I wrote a book. I’m not saying that to be a smart-ass (even though I am one). Writers write, and they finish what they start. Nothing else can happen until that first novel (or short story) is finished.
After I wrote that first book, I revised it several times and finally submitted it. While it was being considered for publication (and ultimately rejected to the point where I realized it would forever be a “practice novel”), I wrote another novel.
Those are the steps for everyone: Write, revise, submit. Repeat forever.
Wanda asks: I would like to know what time of the day you write. Are you a morning person? So many writers seem to be.
Hee-hee. I really envy those writers. I wish I could get up and get the book writing out of the way first thing so it wouldn’t be hanging over my head all day. But I do my best work in the afternoon and evening, so I usually use mornings to read, exercise, and catch up on e-mail.
Editing, OTOH, I can usually do any time of the day (assuming I have had sufficient sleep), so when I’m down to the nitty-gritty revising before a deadline, I will work on the book 8am to midnight.
Thank you for answering my last question, but i’ve thought of another!
When I read the Aspect of Crow trilogy, I felt attached to the characters and reading the last page and knowing that it was the end brought strong emotions upon me. In Requiem for the Devil, I litterally read the last couple of chapters in tears and since you’re the author and these characters came from your imagination, you obviously have a much stronger relationship with them.
So was it hard to finish your books and sit there and think of so many ways in which your books can end and have to decide on what you think is right or wrong and deciding the fate of characters you know so well? (that’s not phrased very well at all but hopefully you can understand what i’m trying to say :P)
Thank you!
Hi Jeri!
I was wondering, is there a ‘switch’ you have to turn on and off to go from writing fantasy to Uf to YA?
Thanks!
How hard was it to choice between writing urban fantasy and paranormal fantasy? Your books are great. Keep up the great writing
Eek! I hope this questions hasn’t been asked yet, but I’m in a hurry and I’m afraid I’ll forget to come back and ask. I’m a huge music freak so I’m always curious about what authors listen to when writing. Do you have a playlist for any of your books? If so, care to share some songs?
Rebecca asks: So was it hard to finish your books and sit there and think of so many ways in which your books can end and have to decide on what you think is right or wrong and deciding the fate of characters you know so well?
What a great question! I still remember the day I woke up knowing it was the day to write that tragic scene in REQUIEM. I felt like such a jerk. But I never considered changing my plans, because any other choice would’ve been wrong for the story.
So yeah, it’s hard sometimes, because the characters are like real people to me.
Christine asks: I was wondering, is there a ’switch’ you have to turn on and off to go from writing fantasy to Uf to YA?
I like to have a bit of a transition period of at least a couple days when I’m switching back and forth between projects. The current work-in-progress affects the music I listen to, the books I read, and even the movies I watch. They help me to make that switch, especially the music.
Julie: Thank you very much! I’m so happy you’re enjoying the books.
How hard was it to choice between writing urban fantasy and paranormal fantasy?
I don’t really think in terms of genre (or sub-genre) so much as in terms of story. I focus on the story I want to tell and the characters I want to spend months or years with, and then determine which type of world would fit it best.
Amber asks: Do you have a playlist for any of your books? If so, care to share some songs?
Heh, funny you should ask! I have playlists for my WVMP Radio books, where music is an integral part of the story. You can see them on the WVMP music page on my website.
Now this isn’t the music I listen to while writing (although that music often finds its way into the playlist)–it’s the music specifically mentioned in the story itself. Or in some cases, it’s the chapter titles, which are all named after popular songs.
While I write my current work-in-progress, Book Four of the WVMP series, I’m listening to Elbow, Ladytron, Shiny Toy Guns, and Red Hot Chili Peppers (the RHCP’s are the main character’s favorite band). These choices are on the lighter side because that’s the tone of the book, but for Book 3 (BRING ON THE NIGHT, coming out in August), I listened to much darker stuff.
This series looks so interesting, I can’t wait to check it out!
Rock ‘n roll DJ vampires is such a great premise for a series — what gave you the idea? Did you have trouble getting it published?
Elizabeth asks: Rock ‘n roll DJ vampires is such a great premise for a series — what gave you the idea? Did you have trouble getting it published?
Thanks! See my comment #47 above for the answer to the first question. I guess since it was eventually bought by a publisher, you could say that I didn’t have trouble getting it published.
I was really lucky to be picked by Pocket Books–they’ve been fantastic to work with, and my editor Jennifer Heddle is incredibly cool and brilliant. Then they were awesome enough to buy two more books, so for the first time in my life, I’m writing the fourth book in a series. I’m very grateful!
Hi! I wanted to let you know I am only on chapter 3 of Wicked Game right now and I can already tell I am going to love this book.
So do you want to work at a radio station like Ciara?
Tiah: Yay! Thanks for letting me know you’re enjoying WICKED GAME.
I think it would be amazing to work at a radio station! I would love to do marketing like Ciara and think of fun promotions and activities for the DJs to do. Especially if they were vampires–the options are limitless (well, except for the fact that they can’t go out in the sun). It would be great to get free tickets to concerts and meet musicians, too.
Well, it’s after midnight here on the east coast, so I’m off to bed. Thanks to Thea and Ana for having me, and to all the readers who asked such fantastic questions!
I have a date with an oral surgeon Tuesday morning (and not the fun kind of date), so I’m not sure how much I’m going to be online to answer questions tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Hi Jeri! I’ve read a review of Wicked Game just a while ago (from Steph Su Reads), and she really liked it! Would definitely want to read it too.
Now, my question is, since from the review, Wicked Game was compared to Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series… I want to know if you’ve read it? And if you had, what do you think will happen next? LOL.
I’m not sure if this has been asked yet, but what is the craziest fan letter/email you’ve ever received?
Thanks for writing awesome books!
Hi Jeri. What were your favourite books from 2009?
Hi Jeri,
If you could have a fantasy dinner party, who would you invite to attend (dead or alive, real person or fictional character, etc)?
Thanks!
Stella
I don’t know if it’s been asked yet, but how do you like your covers? I’m a cover person, so I always wonder
Thanks!
entrelibros_blog(at)hotmail(dot)com
Jeri,
Question: You’ve done YA and UF. My question is, what’s next? Will there be more YA in your future? And how many planned books for the WVMP RADIO vampire series? Are there any passion projects on the back burner (thought I know you can’t share too much)?
Thanks so much.
austenfan, I just read Steph Su’s wonderful review of Wicked Game, and I’m so thrilled she loved it!
I confess I haven’t read the Vampire Academy books yet (they are near the top of my list to read), nor have I seen TRUE BLOOD, but I have read the first Sookie Stackhouse book and loved it (I have all the rest on my shelf). I think the tone is similar, with probably the same level of humor. They also both take place in small towns rather than big cities. Ciara only has one boyfriend throughout my series, though.
jmspettoli asks: what is the craziest fan letter/email you’ve ever received?
Probably years ago, when a woman thanked me for revealing how Satan was at work in Washington, DC. I don’t think she’d even read my book, Requiem for the Devil, probably just the description.
Spav: What were your favourite books from 2009?
I’m so glad you asked, because i never had a chance to blog about this at New Year’s. I assume you mean books published in 2009, although I tend to be way behind and read books years after they come out. Here are some I loved!
GOING TOO FAR by Jennifer Echols
FADE by Lisa McMann
EVIE EVER AFTER by Beth Ciotta
SEDUCED BY SHADOWDS by Jessa Slade
BALLADS OF SUBURBIA by Stephanie Kuehnert
FAMILY AFFAIR by Caprice Crane
ICE by Sarah Beth Durst
CONFESSIONS OF A DEMON by S.L. Wright
IF I STAY by Gayle Forman
BREATHERS: A ZOMBIE’S LAMENT by S.G. Browne
Stella asks: If you could have a fantasy dinner party, who would you invite to attend (dead or alive, real person or fictional character, etc)?
Hmm, I always try to answer this question differently each time, so let’s say…Attila the Hun and Jane Austen.
Sharli asks: I don’t know if it’s been asked yet, but how do you like your covers?
I love them! I think my favorites so far are the ones for SHADE and BAD TO THE BONE. BRING ON THE NIGHT’s is awesome, too, and you can now see it here.
Because SHADE is a hardcover, it has a full jacket wrap design that goes beyond the front cover. You can see both the front and the full covers here.
Lisa B asks: You’ve done YA and UF. My question is, what’s next? Will there be more YA in your future? And how many planned books for the WVMP RADIO vampire series? Are there any passion projects on the back burner (thought I know you can’t share too much)?
I have a second YA coming out next year (SHIFT, the sequel to SHADE), then hopefully one or two more books in that series. I plan to have five books in the WVMP series. But right now, only four are guaranteed (here’s where I say to readers, if you like a series, buy the books when they’re released, and spread the word about what you like, because that’s the only way it’ll survive).
Since I plan to stay with each of these series for the next year or so, I haven’t thought a whole lot about new ideas, but I have a couple of urban fantasies in mind. One is definitely adult, and the other hasn’t decided which it wants to be yet.
I would LOVE to win this!!
Thankyou!! :D:D:D
What did you do to keep on writing even when you didn’t feel like it?
-Lindsay
lindsay15photo@gmail.com
Wow, there’s so many questions asked that I don’t know what to ask!
Hm, is there a place you want to travel to but haven’t yet?
Lindsay asks: What did you do to keep on writing even when you didn’t feel like it?
I find fear to be a great motivator. Fear of deadlines, mostly. I know that if I don’t meet my daily goals, I probably won’t meet my weekly goals, and so on. So every day, I remind myself I’m on deadline, even if that deadline is months away.
Diana Dang asks: Hm, is there a place you want to travel to but haven’t yet?
Great question! Lots of places. I would love to go to Yosemite National Park in California and the Arches in Utah. Ooh, and Hawaii. Overseas my first choice (that I haven’t been to yet) would probably be Ireland. Or Costa Rica. And New Zealand! India would be really cool, too. I’ll stop now.
[...] is no secret that we are fans of Jeri Smith-Ready. She has blogged with us before and Ana recently fell in love with her YA novel Shade (reviewed here). And to celebrate the UK [...]