Interview With Kelly Gay Author Of THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS

When my friend and fellow Pixie ('08 Golden Heart finalists) Kelly Gay's book hit the shelves, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I had that little tingle of anticipation that tells me I'm going to love a book. I was right. Kelly's world-building is amazing, her characters come right off the page, and she managed to write both a fast-paced thriller and a heart-breaking story of love, loss, and the sacrifices we're willing to make to do what we think is right. Plus, she laid the groundwork for a well-developed series, and I can't wait to read the rest!

Here's a peek at TBPD:

Divorced mother of one, Charlie Madigan, lives in a world where the beings of heaven and hell exist among us, and they aren't the things of Sunday school lessons and Hallmark figurines. In the years since the Revelation, they've become our co-workers, neighbors, and fellow citizens.

Charlie works for ITF (Integration Task Force). It's her job to see that the continued integration of our new "friends" goes smoothly and everyone obeys the law, but when a new off-world drug is released in Underground Atlanta, her daughter is targeted, and her ex-husband makes a fateful bargain to win her back, there's nothing in heaven or earth (or hell for that matter) that Charlie won't do to set things right.

I was so excited when Kelly agreed to take on Captain Jack Sparrow for a blog interview. (Not that taking on Captain Jack Sparrow is a hardship.)



Captain Jack Sparrow



Kelly Gay

Now that you know who's who, let's dive into the interview and reveal the amazing cupcake my hubby made (No more Cupcakegate for him!) in honor of Kelly. The source of much of TBPD's trouble is a flower called the Bleeding Soul. Hubby transformed this mythical flower into a cupcake. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Kelly's interview with Captain Jack:



1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy?

Why? Pirate, of course. I have issues with authority.

2. Darling, you're speaking my language. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Checking out the other pirate’s looted treasures when they dock. If there’s something I want… well, rest assured I’ll find a way to get it. This usually involves bets, dares, and games of chance. Bat an eyelash, look simple, and most tend to underestimate me. You should see the things I’ve collected, mate.

3. Is that an invitation? I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

The Mediterranean would be nice. The Greek Isles. Ruined temples. Warm nights. And I hear there’s treasure to be had if you know where to look…

4. Where have you been all my life? Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

I’d say Charlie is a lot like Will with a little dash of Elizabeth and you, Capt’n, thrown in. She’s honorable, with a sense of justice that runs deep, but she’s not above going vigilante (or dare I say, pirate) if need be.

5. Rum? Or more rum?

More rum. =)

6. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

*tucking bottle of rum behind her and looking innocent* I don’t know what you mean.

7. Darling, we may have to run away together. With the entire stash of rum, of course. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Sailing to the Outer Banks. Digging for diamonds in Arkansas. Mining for gemstones in North Carolina… I’ve an eye for the sparklies, mate.

8. And I've an eye for ladies who know how to get their own sparklies. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Bah. I’ve no love of rules. Guidelines? Perhaps. If they suit me.

9. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

No undead monkeys, but there are gargoyles. Nasty, monkey-sized irritants that cost far too much gold and cause far too much trouble.

10. Let's hope none of them are named Jack. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

Heartless monsters, check. Women taking matters into their own hands, check – though ‘irritating’ depends on what side you’re on.

11. The last woman I met who took matters into her own hands cost me my life. I find that just a wee bit irritating. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Words are my treasures, Capt’n Jack. I like strong ones like ‘claim’, ‘enthrall’, ‘slay’ ‘possess’.

12. I say forget the rest of the interview. Let's go slay, claim, enthrall, and darling, feel free to possess me. Hands off the hat, though. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

*grins* Swords. *standing back, drawing blade, and admiring the gleaming steel* She’s a beauty, isn’t she? You ready to feel her sting?

13. And here I thought we were getting along so famously. There's a strong streak of pirate in you, my dear. I'll be watching my back. And my rum. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

Follow the fleeing guy with the rum?

14. Run away to fight another day is always an excellent course of action. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

Adventure on the high seas, of course. Though, there is always time for a little romance amid the fun, eh?

15. As long as you're with my, love, you can have all the romance and adventure your little pirate heart can take. My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

Always follow the rum. =)

Thanks for the fun interview, Kelly! And for writing such a fantastic book. To learn more about Kelly, visit her website and her blog. To order a copy of THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS (and you really should!) go here. To pre-order the sequel, THE DARKEST EDGE OF DAWN (I know I am!) go here.

Now, for a little more fun. Kelly is giving away a signed copy of THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS to one lucky commenter today! To enter, leave a comment for Kelly answering this question:

What's the most piratish thing you've ever done?