Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Interview With Rachel Hawkins


Many of you remember Rachel's (somewhat legendary) interview last year where she took on the Were-llama with style. You may also recall that I included Rachel's first book, HEX HALL, in my list of the best books I read in 2010. Rachel is hilarious, authentic, smart, and talented, and I couldn't wait to have her back on the blog!

DEMONGLASS, the sequel to HEX HALL, hit the shelves March 1st. As soon as I turn in my latest manuscript, I am going to be all over this book! Here's a peek:

WARNING: Spoiler alert for those of you who haven't read HEX HALL.

Sophie Mercer's first term at Hex Hall turned out to be quite eventful. First the ghost of her evil grandmother haunted her every move, then her best friend was accused of murder and of course there was the discovery that Archer Cross, aka the boy of her dreams, was actually an undercover demon hunter - which would probably be something she could have worked on, if she hadn't also discovered that she was actually the demon Archer was hunting...So, despite their issues, Sophie is actually relieved to be spending the summer in London with her father. But when your father is Head of The Council of Prodigium and your summer is being spent at the headquarters of everything magical, then a quiet holiday isn't really that likely. And, as Sophie struggles to come to terms with her new found demon powers, she finds herself thrust once again into a world of dark magic and conspiracies. The only thing that could possibly make things more complicated would be for Archer Cross to show up again, which of course he wouldn't, would he?
Since Rachel was interviewed by the Were-llama last time, I offered her the option to choose between the Spork of Doom and Captain Jack Sparrow. She chose Captain Jack. I believe her very words were, "It's HIGH TIME I got my hands on Captain Jack."

He had no objections.

I'm excited to announce that Rachel will be giving away a signed copy of DEMONGLASS and a super cool DEMONGLASS tote bag (!!) to one lucky commenter. More details on that later, but first, let me introduce today's guests.

Captain Jack Sparrow



Rachel Hawkins


Now that you know who's who, lets reveal the gorgeous cupcake my hubby made for Rachel and dive into the interview. In DEMONGLASS, Sophie is spending the summer in London. What represents London better than Big Ben? So, Rachel requested a Big Ben cupcake. The conversation went like this:

Hubby: What kind of cupcake does Rachel want?
Me: Big Ben
Hubby: As in London's Big Ben?
Me: Yes. Her book is set in London.
Hubby: Can I just put a watch on a cupcake?
Me: Rachel wants BIG BEN
Hubby: %$#@

But he came through and then some! So, without further ado, I give you Rachel with her hands on Captain Jack and the Big Ben cupcake.



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


I wear a lot of scarves and once had scurvy, so I GUESS that makes me a pirate? (I’m kidding about the scurvy thing. I put enough limes in my vodka tonics to ward that shizz off.)

2. Pity. I rather like the idea of a woman who survived scurvy. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Start bar brawls, obvs. Oh, and say “Tortuuuuugaaaaaa” over and over again until it stops sounding like a word.

3. I feel your mind must be a wondrous strange place to be. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

Fiji. Or Bora-Bora. Or Tahiti. Wait, are those all the same places? I totally failed Geography.

4. It's alright, darling. Your prowess at bar brawls more than makes up for your stunning lack of geographical knowledge. With my compass and your right hook, who can stop us? 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?

The term ‘deceptive little minx” was practically invented for my heroine, Sophie. Although her love interest is definitely savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies. Insufferably honorable people don’t do well in my books.

5. I find myself unaccountably intrigued by your heroine, although in my experience, deceptive little minxes generally result in one examining the inner digestive workings of a foul-smelling beast of myth and legend. Rum? Or more rum?

More rum. ALWAYS.

6. Darling, we must run away together. I appreciate a woman who knows how to hold her rum. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

Because I have made a bathtub full of Mojitos.

7. Marry me. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

I got a tattoo when I was 18. And there was also a skinny-dipping incident in college. Oh, and I LITERALLY used to swab the deck on my Dad’s boat, so…yeah, my whole life has been filled with Piratish Things. Argh.

8. You can swab my deck any time you like. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

If I came up with them, they’re rules. If other people did, they’re guidelines.

9. It's like we share the same, rum-soaked mind. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

No, but now I have the plot for my new book, THE FOREST OF BANANAS AND POOP. Thanks!

10. Either you're brilliant, or you've emptied the bathtub full of mojitos. Any curses in your story? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

ALL OF THOSE THINGS AND MORE. Oh, and also fire and swords and hot make out sessions.

11. Darling, you forgot to mention you were writing my biography! Be sure to include the CAPTAIN in front of my name. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Pamplemousse. French for grapefruit, most perfect word ever.

12. I believe I once knew a scurvy wench in Tortuga by the name of Pamplemousse. I don't think it's possible to overstate the scurvy in this instance. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

I would probably stab myself attempting to draw my sword, so due to General Physical Awkwardness, let’s go with parlay.

13. Leave the sword drawing to me, darling. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

When in doubt, jet skis and flame throwers are always the answer.

14. I find myself grateful you haven't aligned yourself against me. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

Romantic adventure on the high seas! What’s more romantical than swinging from ropes and dodging cannon balls? NOTHING.

15. Throw in a bathtub full of rum, and you've described my perfect evening. My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

Sit back until you know who the a-holes are. Thanks for that one, Dad!

 
Thank you, Rachel, for such a fun interview! (Trust me. Her books are just as entertaining!) To learn more about Rachel, visit her site. To purchase DEMONGLASS, go here.
 
Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Rachel is giving away a signed copy of DEMONGLASS and an awesome DEMONGLASS tote bag! Here's how to enter: (Giveaway is North America only)
 
1. Earn entries:


*Comment on this post = 1 entry

*Be a follower of this blog = 2 entries

*Tweet the link to this interview = 3 entries (Use @cjredwine or leave url to tweet in your comment so I can see it.)

*Post the contest on your blog or facebook= 3 entries (Include link in your comment.)

2. Tally it up:

Please tally up your entries and leave the total in your comment.

3. Check back:

The contest is open until 8 p.m. (central time) Sunday, March 13th. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!

Good luck to all, and happy reading!

47 comments:

  1. Great concept. What a hoot. So enjoyed the post....and LOVED Rachel's personal motto. Thanks for sharing, C.J.

    Cindy Nord
    www.cindynord.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. That was FANTASTIC!!! I admit, I missed the first interview for Hex Hall, but I'm going back to read it as soon as I tweet this, lol!! Rachel is hilarious and brilliant and I can't wait to get started on Demonglass! (and did I mention I love totebags??)

    Nicely done, Cpt. Jack, nicely done.

    (1 for comment + 3 for tweet + 3 for blog follower + 3 for FB post [http://www.facebook.com/#!/JenniferJaye] = 10 entries)

    ReplyDelete
  3. +1 Comment: I haven't read the first book but I've been wanting to pick it up. :) Love that conversation with the hubby!

    +3 GFC Follower: Shahira Molai

    +3 Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/ShahiraSpeaks/status/45561778050043904

    +3 FB Post: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/afearlessteen/posts/196174477072381

    emo.hijabi@gmail.com

    Shahira



    emo.hijabi@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great interview. I loved Hex Hall and would love to win. I'm a follower. That's +3.

    BTW, I'm now Casey McCormick's blog partner on Literary Rambles. I'm interviewing Cheryl Klein from Arthur Levine on Friday and giving away a copy of her book and will be posting on Mondays starting 3/21. There will be lots of author interviews & giveaways. Hope you'll stop by. Here's the link: http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well I have to say I like your take on the rules, a new idea to live by!

    follower- 2
    comment- 1
    Total =3

    Stephanie- the girl on fire
    thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. yay!!

    follower, plus comment

    3 entries, plus tweet (@lindsaycwrites)

    lindsay

    americangirlie1991@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Niiice! Thanks for this giveaway!
    One entry
    TweetyB99 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really enjoyed Hex Hall, so I can't wait for Demonglass.

    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    total=3

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I loved Hex Hall and can't wait to get Demonglass.

    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    +3 tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/tanemax
    total=6 entries

    Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Awesome contest!

    I'm a follower!

    3 entries!

    Michelle
    peep6000@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great interview! I loved Hex Hall and I can't wait to read Demonglass.

    +1 comment
    +2 blog follower
    +3 tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/MT0089/status/45617529426677761

    Total: 6

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    minas_1989(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ha! Great interview, and I love the cupcake!

    +2 GFC follower
    =3 total

    Thanks so much!
    texas_gal45(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. How did I NOT know this book was out yet??? I LOVED Hex Hall and can't wait to see what Sophie's up to this time! :)

    Pamplemousse really is one of the best words ever! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oops - I tweeted - so I guess I have 6 points :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I LOVED this interview. Two of my fave peeps... Captain Jack and Rachel! Touche! :)

    +1 Comment
    +2 Follow
    +3 Tweeted http://twitter.com/ssalach21/status/45846797414969344

    +6 total :)

    Thanks so much for this fantabulous giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. HAHAHAHAHA! *So* Lady Hawkins -- loved this interview!

    Comment, FB share, tweet: 7
    RT off of @dawnmetcalf & http://www.facebook.com/people/Dawn-Metcalf/1164852981#!/profile.php?id=1164852981

    (P.S. ADORE the cupcake!)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Okay, I just have one question about this interview.

    WHAT FLAVOR IS THAT CUPCAKE?

    Because it looks delicious.

    One point

    ReplyDelete
  18. Holy Pirate ships CJ!!! I NEED this book. Without it I may surely die.
    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    +3 tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/JulieALindsey/status/45846922312953856
    +3 Blog post here: http://blog.juliealindsey.com/julie-lindsey/win-demon-glass-by-rachel-hawkins/
    9 points!!! *pick me!* *Pick me!*

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great contest! I love Hex hall & cant wait for Demon Glass.

    I follow your blog 2pts

    I commented this 1pts

    I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/mel_91284 3pts

    I blogged about this contest (side bar) 3pts http://melissa-justoneopinion.blogspot.com/

    9points!! Thanks :)

    mel91284(at)aim(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. ah rachel your are so entertaining!!i loved demonglass cant wait for the last book!
    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    +3 tweeted @pinkflamingo420
    6 points

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love Rachel Hawkins and LOVE this blog! Where have you been all my life!

    comment: 1
    follower: 2
    tweet: 3
    facebook: 3 http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=694488734

    Total= 9!

    I REALLY want that signed book and tote! What a great contest!

    ReplyDelete
  22. +1 Comment
    +2 Following the blog
    3 total

    Great interview! I love Rachel's amazing sense of humor.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great interview. Really looking forward to Demonglass. I thought Hex Hall was great.

    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    +3 tweet- http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/46431427088236544
    +3 post - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2011/03/last-word-interview-with-rachel-hawkins.html

    total - 9

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Liked the interview, thanks for the giveaway.

    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    +3 tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Parakiss25

    ReplyDelete
  25. great interview!
    thanks for the giveaway :)

    1+ comment
    2+ follower

    total 3

    ReplyDelete
  26. That was too funny! Also love the cupcake.

    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    +3 tweet
    =6

    ReplyDelete
  27. Haha, I loved the interview.

    Okey dokey, so I tweeted the like (3 points), I became a follower (2 points) and I'm commenting (1 point). That adds up to...6 points! :D

    Like to my Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AnnastasiaWrimo

    ReplyDelete
  28. I want!!! I love Rachel Hawkins! She's so funny!

    +1 comment
    +2 follow as oreo_93
    +3 for tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/WulfLuva93/status/46637599850377216

    Total: 6

    oreo_93 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I want!!! I love Rachel Hawkins! She's so funny!

    +1 comment
    +2 follow as oreo_93
    +3 for tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/WulfLuva93/status/46637599850377216

    Total: 6

    oreo_93 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. That was one of the most fun interviews I have read in a really long time! I loved Rachel's answers, and your questions!

    +2 follower
    +3 Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/thebookcellarx/status/46642514945519616

    So +6?

    ReplyDelete
  33. +1 for commenting ( CAN"T WAIT :)
    +2 as Cathy
    +3 For tweeting @MarquetteCathy
    total is 6 pionts

    ReplyDelete
  34. Haha, this interview was so much fun!

    +1 comment
    +2 as thekams
    +3 tweeted @thekams

    That's 6!

    ReplyDelete
  35. That was great.

    +1 commenting.
    +2 follower
    +3 tweet http://twitter.com/Bo0KJunki3/status/46646669508489216
    +3 post http://thebo0ki3.blogspot.com/2011/03/demonglass.html

    ReplyDelete
  36. Awesome, very funny interview and now I keep thinking about what a bath tub full of rum would look like :)

    +1 commented
    +2 following the blog (Becky B.)
    +3 Tweeted at you (GeckyBoz)

    Total = 6
    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Loved the book and LOVE this interview. It cracked me right up. Can't believe I didn't know about this blog before but I have just become a follower.

    +1 Comment
    +2 Follower

    Total of 3

    ReplyDelete
  38. Looks like a good book!
    +1 comment
    +3 tweeted @beautifuljkc

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great contest! I commented, I'm a follower and I tweeted!

    6 points!

    laurapauling@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am so excited about this series. I ordered Hex Hall, but hasn't arrived yet. Thanks for the giveaway.
    +1comment
    +3RT @bookgoonie
    =4 thanks bookgoonie(at)yahoo(com)

    ReplyDelete
  41. That was a lovely interview. :D And as I'm a follower and I commented, I get three entries, don't I? :D

    ReplyDelete
  42. HA I love Rachel Hawkins interviews, they always crack me up.

    +1 comment

    +3 tweeted @personafied

    +2 Blog follower

    +3 posted on facebook

    http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=200235353328801&id=713377005

    9 entries in total

    everlove14@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Awesome! Thanks for the chance to win! I loved Hex Hall!! :)

    +1 comment
    +2 follower
    +3 tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/manyoceans/status/47016532785643520
    +3 facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/christyjbeck/posts/104944389588883

    total: 9

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm a last min entry cuz i'm cool like that lol I want Demonglass so bad all the closest bookstores are sold out. I may have to resort to ordering it online!

    +1 Comment
    +2 Follower (Cassie C)
    +3 Tweet - I retweeted (CassayC) http://twitter.com/#!/cjredwine/status/47085644886982656

    total 6 wonderful points

    Cassay
    cassandra dot crouser at yahoo dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  45. OMG! I have soo nwated this book for ages! Her writing in magnicent! Fab interview!! :) xx

    Comment, +1
    Follower +2
    Tweeted +3 http://twitter.com/#!/KerryAnn93/status/47088335944036352
    Facebook +3 http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=136032119800640&id=1649602164

    TOTAL: 9

    ReplyDelete
  46. Very Interesting! Great idea!

    Kim Campbell
    Kdp82662@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I wonder how you manage to write and express so well. The transparency I get in your writing has made me a regular visitor to your blog.

    ReplyDelete

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