Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Interview & EPIC Giveaway with Lilith Saintcrow





It's no secret that I adore both the YA and adult books of the talented Lilith Saintcrow. And I'm not alone in this ... her earlier interview consistently ranks among my top ten viewed blog posts. Lilith's books are full of spine-tingling action, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and raw emotion. Her newest book in the Jill Kismet series continues the thrill ride as Jill keeps her enemies closer than her friends in an attempt to defeat the latest awful creature crawling out of the pits of hell to torment the inhabitants of Earth. Here's a peek at the story:

When a new hellbreed comes calling, playing nice isn’t an option. Jill Kismet has no choice but to seek treacherous allies – Perry, the devil she knows, and Melisande Belisa, the cunning Sorrows temptress whose true loyalties are unknown.



Kismet knows Perry and Belisa are likely playing for the same thing–her soul. It’s just too bad, because she expects to beat them at their own game. Except their game is vengeance.


Nobody plays vengeance like Kismet. But if the revenge she seeks damns her, her enemies might get her soul after all…

Don't expect to get much sleep while you're reading it! I was thrilled when Lilith agreed to be interviewed again on the blog. (And wait until you see the HOLY COW AMAZING giveaway she's offering!) This time, she chose to take on that bastion of awesomeness, the Were-llama.


The Were-llama



Lilith Saintcrow

Now that you know who's who, let's dive into the interview and reveal the cupcake my hubby made in honor of HEAVEN'S SPITE. In the novel, there are pale oval doors between our world and hell, and misshapen appendages try to pull their way through those openings. My hubby decided to make a cupcake depicting one of those fruitless bids for freedom. Without further ado, I give you Lilith vs. the Were-llama and the cupcake doorway to Hell.


Why no, that isn't a door knocker. That's a hand. A silvery hand. A silvery hellish undead hand of DOOM.

1. So, you’re a writer. I’m a super-scary shape-shifter who can command obedience with the awesome power of my glowing red eyes. What do we have in common?


In addition to being a writer, I am a mother. Which means I can command obedience with a single scorching look, an aggrieved sigh, or a single word. The power of my Mommy Voice can stun an entire class of seventh-graders into silence, halt a teenage boy in his tracks, and turn adults into children caught at the cookie jar in an instant.

I do try to only use my powers for good.

2. I was impressed right up until that last sentence. Only use powers for good? Pfft! Where's the fun in that? I like to spit at my enemies from whichever end is closest to them. Do any of your characters have cool abilities like that?

Not quite that…theatrical. One of my characters can bring the dead back to answer probate questions. Another can set things on fire with her mind. Yet another can get shot with an assault rifle and get up ready to kick serious ass. They’re a mixed bunch. But no, not as…cool…as your abilities.

3. I see what you're trying to do with that deliberate little hesitation before the word "cool." You deal with a face-full of llama spit (from either end!) and then we'll talk about who's COOL. If I had a nickname, it would be The Awesome. You?

“Tiger Lili.” It’s what my bouldering partner calls me at the climbing wall. Probably because I enthusiastically throw myself at the wall like a maniac, and claw my way up through sheer force of will.

4. I don't claw my way up anything by sheer force of will. I make humans do that for me. I hang around this blog because I love stories. What’s your story about? Bonus points if it includes a llama.

My story’s about a woman who wakes up in her own grave out in the desert, covered in wasps and amnesiac. As usual, she’s got to save the world, but that’s tough to do if you can’t even remember your own name. Things just get worse from there. I am greatly saddened to report that I was not talented enough to put a llama in.

5. *sighs* So few truly understand the literary genius of adding a llama to the story. You’re making me a cake worthy of my awesome Were-llama status and decorating it to represent your story. What does it look like?

Burned, blood-spattered, scattered with silver charms and spent ammo casings, drenched with rainwater, sliced by hellbreed claws. Rendered in exquisite confectionary detail, and, of course, delicious. (After all, CJ’s husband is drafted to make it. Right?)

6. Your offering has been deemed acceptable. And yes, C.J.'s long-suffering husband makes all confectionery carnage in this household. Any Were-llamas in your book?

I wish! Alas, my literary talents are not considerable enough for the challenge of portraying the nuance, the grandeur, the sheer scope of the Were-llama. My lack of ability fills me with despair.

7. *pats you on the head* The accurate portrayal of the majestic Were-llama and his formidable spitting abilities is more than most authors dare attempt. We are, however, notoriously sneaky and might have slipped in under your radar. Anyone who might be a Were-llama and you just haven’t figured it out yet?

I can’t think of a single character worthy of that high status. Although there probably are a tribe of Were-llamas in Jill Kismet’s world.

8. If there are an entire tribe, rest assured, Madam, that they shall soon rule that world. With a business end at BOTH ends, no one escapes the wrath of the Were-llama. Llamas or camels and why? Think carefully.

Llamas, of course! They are ideal for home defense. I once (and this is 100% absolutely completely true, before you ask) knew a Reiki master who had a herd of sheep; he had a llama to guard them. He said the llama scared the coyotes so bad they never came back. I believe this.

9. There was a brief, tragic time in our history in which we were used as spitting guard dogs for the benefit of humans. But we've since handed that role over to donkeys (They have a high kick to rival that of any Vegas showgirl.) and are intent on ruling the humans instead. I give you a baby Were-llama as a companion. What do you name her?

Whatever she pleases.

10. A wise answer. My favorite word is “awesome” because, yanno, look at me. What’s yours?

I can’t choose! Words are a neverending smorgasbord of delight, a banquet of sensual joy. I love them all. Each word is exquisite. I can’t pick a favourite, though I do sometimes whip out “antidisestablishmentarianism” to trip the unwary.

11. I sometimes whip my hair back and forth to trip the unwary, but whatever works for you. As a young Were-llama, I dreamt of taking over the eastern seaboard one face full of spit at a time. What did you dream of doing when you were young?

I’m afraid my dreams most often centred on simple survival. Where I grew up, dreaming was dangerous. One had to be alert at all times, and dreaming was a liability.

12. No wonder you have an innate appreciate for the ferocity of the Were-llama. I'm glad to see your dreams now give us doorways to hell and women bent on revenge. Now, all you need to do is add a llama to your next story, and you'll be the complete package. Cake or cookies?
Yes, thank you.

13. Do you share chocolate?

With my writing partner or my teenage daughter, yes. Because they know where I sleep. Anyone else, it depends on the time of month—and their methods of begging or persuasion.

14. I refuse to beg or persuade, but I have no doubt you would share with ME. The Zombie Goat invasion is upon us. How will you fight them off?

Firepower. Sledgehammers. Katanas. Kerosene. High-heeled shoes. Sippy cups. Bendy straws. Toothpicks. Grand pianos. Wet noodles. In short, anything I can get my hands, feet, teeth, elbows, knees, or nose on. In the face of a Zombie Goat invasion, everything is a weapon. Everything.


Silly girl. All you need is a tribe of Were-llamas.

Thank you, Lilith, for once again delivering a fabulously entertaining interview! To learn more about Lilith and her awesome books, visit her site. To purchase HEAVEN'S SPITE, head here.  But of course, the fun isn't over yet!

Lilith has generously offered to give away the ENTIRE SET of Jill Kismet books to one lucky commenter! If the winner is from North America, the set will be signed. If the winner is from anywhere else, the books will arrive via Book Depository. That's five books!

How HOLY COW AMAZING is that??

And that's not all! Next Monday, you'll get a chance to read Lilith's Top Five list and be entered into a drawing for a one-of-a-kind necklace designed especially for HEAVEN'S SPITE. Trust me, this necklace is awesome!

To enter the drawing for the set of Kismet books, please fill out the form below. And don't forget to vote one which Top Five list you'd like to see from Lilith this Monday! The poll closes on Friday, June 10th at 10 p.m. Central Time. The drawing for the set of Kismet books closes at 8 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, June 12th.

What are you waiting for? Fill out the entry form, vote in the poll (located on my sidebar), and check back Monday to see who won and to enter the drawing for the one-of-a-kind Jill Kismet necklace!







33 comments:

  1. I have the worst and weirdest dreams. Always have. It's damned exhausting lol

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  2. A woman who wakes up in her own grave in the dessert with out any memory of who she is? COUNT ME IN. Even if I don't win, I'll be checking out this series. It sounds amazing.

    Also, I would REALLY like to see a picture/video of the Were-Llama whipping his hair back and forth.

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  3. It is a toss up which is mightier, the Were-llama or a good MOMMY voice. Amusing interview, I look forward to reading the newest Jill Kismet book!

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  4. I absolutely adore Lili St Crow. I've been meaning to read her other series. Plus, she created Christophe...yum.

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  5. I love the Jill Kismet series. I devoured them all in one weekend because I had to keep reading! Perry is too horrible for words, and the end of Heaven's Spite is just spine-tinglingly good. Please tell me the next one is coming out soon?

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  6. I have read the first two books and they were awesome. I would love the set.
    That was a great interview. I love Lili's snark.

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  7. Tiger Lili is ferocious enough that wielding a bendy straw would be an awesome incident to read about. And I really love to read her words... 'happy sigh'.
    Thanks for funny interview, still trying to get rid of the image of both ends of lama spit.

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  8. I am currently reading the Strange Angels series and I really love them. I am about to start the newest one and just can't wait. If her other books are anywhere as good as these I will definitely be picking them up.

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  9. Strange Angels rocks so I'd like to read Jill Kismet.
    Though you already freaked me out by mentioning wasps; I hate insects.

    cegluna(at)Gmail(dot)com

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  10. LOL..that was a very unique interview.I enjoyed reading it.I have not read any of Lilith's books.Thanks for the chance to win these.

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  11. Felicia Day recommended you in one of her posts. It was a win win day! Love your books. Kismet rocks. HollyS. @hollyandtheday

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  12. Great interview. I have read and loved the Dante Valentine series. Havent read the Jill Kismet one yet though. Going to have to pick it up soon.

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  13. Never thought I'd read an interview conducted by a llama-were..lol

    I love Lilith's books! From Dante Valentine (perhaps the darkest female character EVER), to her Strange Angels series (a fantastic teen series), to Jill Kismet (thank God for Saul), to The Demon's Librarian (a book I adore because Chess reminds me of my sister - who is a librarian!). I'd love to win an entire series signed! That's an EPIC prize!

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  14. That was an interesting interview.

    By far the Dante Valentine Serious are the best. But I will give Jill Kismet a try.

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  15. Great interview, I was chortling the whole way through! I haven't read this series yet, but now I must!

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  16. Share chocolate? That's insane!

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  17. Thanks for an awesome interview! I luv, luv, luv All Lilith's books. They are a must read and a first to buy everytime! I followed her link to you and I think I'll stay :)

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  18. This book looks really good (wish I win) have been meaning to read Lilith's Strange Angel series. Go were-llama!

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  19. Since I've read the first book in Strange Angels series (and I have all the four) I wanted to read amother book of Lilith! Thank you for this chance and making this international! I really love her writing and the stories she tells.

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  20. Oh my word, this was hilarious! I love the were-llama!

    This book looks amazing, and a great read :D

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  21. I'm a huge fan of Lilith's books and also CJ's interviews. Seeing them both together again just made my day!

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  22. I love Lilith's books, and this interview was brilliant (a were-llama?!?!! lol)! had me in stitches laughing XD

    My fave book by lili is Steelflower (so want more in that series) after that its the Dante Valentine series, coz they are just awesome :)
    cheers.

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  23. I'm so excited about the new Kismet book!!! Jill is one of the most awesome characters ever!

    And Lilith SMOKED the Were-llama. Because it is true that sheep farmers use llamas as guard dogs since llamas walk straight towards things that scare them. Which makes them kind of really awesome.

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  24. Tara juanita PrinceJune 9, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Man what a fantastic interview made me laugh for sure. Were llamas are great. I love all of your works. I read all of dante valentine and fell in love instantly with how hardcore yet vulnerable she was. In a word you are utterly brilliant. Thank you so much.

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  25. This interview had me in stitches (please, no more funny).
    Sounds like another interesting series, plus I absolutely loved the Dante Valentine books. :)

    Orchid
    The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

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  26. Epic awesomeness. ^_^ I have SO missed these interviews.

    HAIL TO THE WERE-LLAMA!

    Seriously, I do appreciate your introduction to a new book (along with the gleefully eccentric mind of it's author!) You've never steered me wrong.

    ~Angela Blount

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  27. thanks for the awesome giveaway!!
    this sounds soo much fun!
    i'm looking forward to reading this series.

    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

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  28. If anyone but your climbing partner uses the nickname, are they spared decapitation or do heads roll?

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  29. Always, a nice interview. Love all Lillith Saintcrow AND the Lilli St. Crow series.

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  30. Wonderful interview. Love all of Lilith Saintcrows books. Her YA series is one of my absolute favorites.

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  31. I really love the Kismet & Dante series. Have also read Steelflower. More books!!!

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  32. Holy smokes, but I love the way Lilith's mind works. If she'd just quit ruining oatmeal for me....

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  33. I'm new to Lilith's work, but this interview has convinced me I need to read her and quickly! Thanks for such a lovely introduction!

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