Interview With Myra McEntire

I first met Myra when she chased me down the hall at church and said "Hey! I heard you're a writer! I'm a writer too!" Those fateful words began what is now one of my most treasured friendships. BUT, before we became close friends, we met one night at the local bookstore for coffee and writer talk, and I took a look at the first few chapters of HOURGLASS. You know that delicious little tingle you get up your spine when you start reading a book you realize is going to totally rock your socks off?

I got that tingle and in the years since then, through every revision and edit, I haven't lost it. HOURGLASS is funny, heart-wrenching, compelling, sizzling, and unexpected. The plot twists alone will break your brain in all the best ways. And the romance? Um ... YES. And I love that the time-travel is based in quantum physics and that the southern setting actually feels like the South I know. Here's a peek at HOURGLASS:

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.


Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Trust me. This is a fabulous debut you don't want to miss.When I invited Myra on the blog in honor of the release of HOURGLASS, she couldn't wait to take on the legendary Captain Jack.

Captain Jack

Myra McEntire

Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the cupcake of awesomesauce my hubby made for Myra's book. He outdid himself and made an incredible cupcake that both honors the title of her book and gives homage to the awesome time traveling that happens within its pages. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake of awesomesauce and Myra's interview with Captain Jack.

HOURGLASS cupcake of awesomesauce

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

Oh I am such a pirate. My eyeliner is always down to my waist and my hair hasn’t seen a brush in years. I do, however, have good dental hygiene. Unless I’m on deadline.


2. You sound quite ... fetching. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Drin … shop for antiques. Especially coins.

3. Hands off my coins, love. Unless you'd like to bribe me with rum? I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go?

Johnny … I mean … Jack? I’ll go anywhere you take me. I DID hear about a super spooky house in Collinsport, Maine. Supposedly this vampire lives there? And he looks a lot like you. But cleaner.

4. A cleaner version of me, eh? Give him a few swallows of rum and a night in Tortuga, and we'll fix that.  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?

He’s insufferably honorable, he is, but his best friend is cut from the Jack Sparrow cloth. Might even dress like you occasionally. Partial to rum.

5. You can keep the hero. I'll take the friend. Rum? Or more rum?

Vodka.

6. You saucy minx, you! But I bet if you were aboard my ship, you'd learn to love rum as well. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

I’m going to blame the monkey.

7. Curse that blasted undead monkey! What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

That time I rode in a paddle boat? Either that or the time I bought a Tortuga rum cake in the Palm Beach airport for C.J. Redwine. (Also? I heard she has a thing for you. Might want to be careful.)

8. A paddle boat? For the sake of your sea cred, I hope you stole it and used it to transport said Tortuga rum cake across enemy lines. (And yes, she does rather have a thing for me, doesn't she? Not that I blame her, of course, but still, I'm keeping a weather eye on that one.) Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

They are SUGGESTIONS.

9. You DID steal that paddle boat, didn't you? I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

There are some ducks in the book I’m working on now. They aren’t undead though. UNLESS …

10. Undead ducks? Darling, you're giving me nightmares. Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

There are dead people. And a snarky teen who can totally take matters into her own hands. And also kick your ass.

11. I believe you've just insulted my honor. *checks today's agenda* I'll avenge it sometime after "Drink a jug of rum" and "steal King George's lunch." One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Echinacea.

12. Sounds like a particularly productive sneeze. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

I’d rather watch you draw yours.

13. Darling, you'll make me blush. And also? It's a date. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

Well, I certainly don’t set the rum on fire.

14. Where have you been all my life? Bring your unbrushed, vodka-drinking, paddle-boat stealing self onto my boat and stay for a while. Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

How about a foot rub and a nap? I have kids, Jack. By any chance do you “manny”?

15. Let me make one thing perfectly clear. I am NO ONE'S "manny." Unless ... you don't happen to have a spare ship lying around, do you? My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

1. Do not engage The Crazy. 2. Do not BE The Crazy.


Thank you, Myra, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Myra, visit her site. To purchase your copy of HOURGLASS, go here.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Myra is offering a signed copy of HOURGLASS to one lucky commenter. Contest is open to North American entries. Contest is open until 8 pm Sunday, June 19th. To enter, fill out the following form and don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the post. Also, VOTE in the poll on the sidebar to help choose Myra McEntire's Top Five post for next week's SUPER AWESOME GIVEAWAY! :) Good luck!

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!







Interview With Saundra Mitchell

I've known Saundra via Twitter for some time, and have always admired her friendliness, industry knowledge, and sense of humor. But when she entered into an 80's flashback contest with me (and a few others) and not only held her own, but sort of blew the rest of us out of the water, I decided she was my kind of girl. :) I've been hearing nothing but amazing things about THE VESPERTINE, so I was thrilled when Saundra agreed to be on the blog. (I wonder if she's wearing leg warmers and a banana comb while rocking out to a hair band ballad right now?) Here's a peek at THE VESPERTINE:

The summer of 1889 is the one between childhood and womanhood for Amelia van den Broek-and thankfully, she’s not spending it at home in rural Maine. She’s been sent to Baltimore to stay with her stylish cousin, Zora, who will show her all the pleasures of city life and help her find a suitable man to marry.


Archery in the park, dazzling balls and hints of forbidden romance-Victorian Baltimore is more exciting than Amelia imagined. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset-visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. Newly dubbed “Maine’s Own Mystic”, Amelia is suddenly quite in demand.

However, her attraction to Nathaniel, an artist who is decidedly outside of Zora’s circle, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own- still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. And while she has no trouble seeing the futures of others, she cannot predict whether Nathaniel will remain in hers.


When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

Victorian Baltimore, romance in trouble, and intrigue? Sign me up! Saundra decided to be interviewed by the always debonair Captain Jack Sparrow.

Captain Jack

Saundra Mitchell

Before we get to the interview, it's time to reveal the gorgeous cupcake my hubby made in honor of Saundra's book. Saundra sent me a few pictures of things that are significant in THE VESPERTINE, and my hubby chose to make an edible replica of a sunburst jewelry charm. Without further ado, I give you the sunburst cupcake and Saundra's interview with Captain Jack.

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


I would classify myself as neither. If I said HMRN, we'd be enemies. If I said pirate, we'd be competitors. I fly a curiously neutral flag, sir. Although it does have a tiny green ninja in the bottom right hand corner, which is especially meaningful.

2. I am unfamiliar with the concept of a tiny green ninja, but as long as ninjas don't drink my rum, all is well. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Oh, you know. Kicking back with some reads. Selling dead men's secrets. The usual.

3. Hm. An entrepreneur of the shady and somewhat questionable side? Darling, you intrigue me. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

Great Britain. I want to see Tintagel and Glastonbury Tor, and the stone rings, and the old Roman roads, and Hadrian's Wall, and Sutton Hoo, and the Elgin Marbles and all the lovely things from Egyptian Antiquity that the British Museum has in its possession. And since we're already in the neighborhood, be a dear and nick us over to Ireland, too!

4. *eyes you carefully* My love, I regret to inform you that should I set boot on merry old England's shores, those insufferable wool-coated navy men shall do their best to see me hung until death. Most unpleasant. 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?
Amelia can be smooth when she wants to be, but for most of the book, she's trying to be good. Even though she fails miserably at it, that counts you out of the running, I'm afraid! Ultimately, she decides that freedom is worth more than propriety, so I expect she and Elizabeth would mix nicely.

5. In that case, remind me never to kiss Amelia. I rather like the thought of remaining alive. Rum? Or more rum?
Jack, darling... spiced rum.

6. Darling, a good rum burns the esophagus and lights a fire in the lower intestines. Adding spice to the mix seems a tad pinch of overkill, but I do enjoy a woman with a sense of adventure! Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

The tiny green flag ninja hates partials. He finishes all the bottles off. It gives him purpose and meaning. And hangovers. That's why he's green.

7. I fail to comprehend how a tiny green anything is finishing off my rum. I'll run him through with my longsword if he doesn't bugger off. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Some friends and I tried to board a vessel that was not of our own belonging in Baltimore once, but that was just a misunderstanding. We stopped as soon as we understood that proceeding would be a felony. Or a maritime thingie of high bad.

8. Darling, darling, darling ... one does not stop when one is presumably caught red-handed. One simply changes courses and does the unexpected in order to still get one's hands on what one wants. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

Everything is a guideline. Actually, even guidelines are more suggestions. And suggestions are generally meant to be ignored.

9. Stop. You had me at suggestions. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

No, but I did just write a story that contains three flaming witches, an earthenwork defiler, and a pair of palm-sized monkeys named Cursor and Celeris. Does that count?

10. Palm-sized monkeys? What is it with you and tiny little things of a deplorable nature? Any curses in your story? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

All of the young women in my books take matters into their own hands. Surely a worldly gentleman such as yourself isn't threatened by bright girls with sharp minds. They wouldn't be interesting if they weren't thinking!

11. Depends on what they're thinking. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Existential. There's a lot of tongue-play involved in the saying of it, and a lot of brain-teasing in the meaning of it.

12. I've had far too much rum this early in the day to participate in any sort of brain-teasing. The other option is still on the table, however. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Bring the blades; I have a tiny green flag ninja as my second!

13. I begin to suspect YOU are the reason my rum is gone, and this tiny green flag ninja is the natural byproduct of your over-zealous rum consumption. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

With generous applications of aqua regia in my wake. Since it dissolves gold, I figure very few will pursue me once they realize their booty is in danger.

14. You are a brilliant little thing, aren't you? *surreptitiously checks own booty for evidence of dissolvitude* Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

Why isn't romantic adventure on the high seas an option? We have all this rum...

15. I think we shall do nicely together, my love. *hides a few spare bottles of rum, just in case* My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

You're gonna get kicked in the face, but you have to keep going. Which I think is a motto you've probably already internalized, amirite?

Indubitably.
 
Thank you, Saundra, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Saundra, visit her site. To purchase THE VESPERTINE (or any of her other books) go here. Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Saundra is giving away a signed copy of THE VESPERTINE to one lucky commenter. (Giveaway is North America only) Here's how to enter:
 
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 9 p.m. (central time) Monday, April 25th. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!

Good luck to all, and happy reading!

Interview Goodies

It's Wednesday, and usually I have an author interview lined up today, but this is as off week. Which is sad, because you'll have to wait until NEXT week to see which of our three interviewers author Saundra Mitchell takes on, but allows me to discuss a few interesting details with you.

1. I was interviewed today over at Blame It On The Muse. Feel free to go forth and comment!

2. I've decided to move the author interviews in a new direction. Starting soon, I will do an interview every other week and give that author two weeks of time on the blog. One week for the interview and signed book giveaway, and one for a Take Five list with the author and a giveaway of a one-of-a-kind piece of swag created just for the readers of this blog. This benefits everyone!

• You get two weeks of exposure to awesome authors and their books instead of just one.
• The one-of-a-kind swag being created especially for each author's book is a cool fan perk no one else is offering.
• Each author gets to spend a little more time being accessible to their readers.
• I free up some badly needed time now that my writing schedule is getting even more hectic. (Each author interview takes a couple of hours to pull together).

I've already booked up the month of June using this format and HOLY COW, you don't want to miss it. Lilith Saintcrow will be giving away an entire signed set of her Jill Kismet books (adult paranormal) and I have a jewelry designer working on a one-of-a-kind necklace representing Jill. Then, Myra McEntire will be giving away a signed copy of her amazing debut novel HOURGLASS, and I'm having my jewelry designer make a steampunk hourglass necklace for one lucky reader.

I'm looking forward to trying this new format and offering my readers the excitement of accessible authors, awesome book giveaways, and truly unique swag pieces no other reader will ever own. For now, feel free to hop over and read my interview answers (wherein I give some of the best writing advice EVER. Pay attention to #10. That's all I'm saying.) and tune in next week for Saundra Mitchell's interview!

Interview With Bree Despain

It's no secret I'm a huge fangirl of Bree's. THE DARK DIVINE made my list of best books I read last year, and Bree was one of the first to take on the Were-llama. (Brave girl) I tried to win a copy of THE LOST SAINT on her blog by guessing the correct title given only the letters TLS. It should be noted that while I (among several others) guessed the right title, my best guess was TRY LACTATING SIMULTANEOUSLY. I don't understand why Bree didn't immediately suggest a title change with her publisher. I know I'd pick that up off the YA shelves.

Anyway, I didn't win a copy, and was planning to buy my own when the book hit the shelves, but my sister (who is also a devoted Bree fangirl) sent me the book for my birthday. I devoured it in one sitting. It had all the elements I loved from the first book--complex characters, lyrical prose, and tension constantly coiling tighter and tighter until you wouldn't even dream of shutting the book before you reach the last page. But this book? Oh, THIS BOOK. I won't give away any spoilers, but the thing that happens on the last page? I was yelling at the book. Yes. And then I took to the Internet to yell at Bree and demand the sequel. Which she is writing now. I wonder if she needs a beta reader? *schemes*

Here's a peek at THE LOST SAINT: (Warning: Spoilers for THE DARK DIVINE included.)

A family destroyed


A love threatened 

An enemy returns . . .

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot—a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel is put in danger—in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her—not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

I was thrilled to invite Bree back to the blog. This time, she decided to put the Spork of Doom in his place.

Spork of Doom

Bree Despain

Before we get to the interview, it's time to reveal the cupcake my hubby made for Bree. Because this is a big deal in THE LOST SAINT, Bree and I agreed a white wolf's head would make the perfect cupcake. My hubby complied, but would like to post the following disclaimer with this week's cupcake.

"The following cupcake is supposed to be a wolf's head. It is not a panda bear's head. It is not a dog's head. It is, however, the best the artist could do given that he had the flu but loved his wife enough to still drag his sorry carcass into the kitchen and spend two hours slaving over a non-panda, non-dog white wolf's head. If any reader takes exception to the quality, he begs of them to remember that he had THE FLU. And if any reader still takes exception, he politely invites them to make their own life-like cake sculpture, and he'll even more politely tell them where they can stick it." 

Without further ado, I give you the white wolf's head cupcake and the interview with Bree and the Spork of Doom.

1. I’m all about world domination, and I’m always looking for good help. Why would you be an acceptable minion in my quest?


I don’t do the minion thing. I’m far too bossy and stubborn. But I am in the market for worthy nemesis. Are you game?

2. *Checks out shiny, three-tined appearance in the mirror* Bring it, you non-tined fool. Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?

When I was a lot younger, I (pretty much on a whim) took a semester off college and flew across the country by myself to take a job writing and directing plays for at-risk, inner-city kids from Philadelphia and New York. I didn’t know anyone there, and the teens I was working with came from very different places than where I’d grown up. I was scared half to death when I got there, but it turned out to be an awesome experience that changed my life forever.

3. What a coincidence. I am also an awesome experience that will change your life forever. When I’m not busy taking over the world, I like to eat pie. What kind of pie do you think is worthy of my Spork of Doom status?

A Hostess brand cherry pie. Preferably eaten straight off the road after it’s been run over by a car outside a cemetery. I highly recommend it. It’s my favorite way to eat pie.

4. I don't know whether to be insulted or intrigued. It would be very sporky and doomy to eat pie straight off the road outside a cemetery. Then again, you might just be trying to fool me into eating roadkill, and IT WON'T WORK. Unless, of course, the roadkill happens to be you. What’s your favorite thing to do with a spork?

Eat Kentucky Fried Chicken

5. An entire world to conquer, and you use the blessed tines on chicken? *shakes head* And here I thought you might be a worthy nemesis. I have the ability to be simultaneously spoon, fork, and weapon of mass destruction. What unique ability do you have?

I can beat just about anyone in a burping contest. I live in a house full of boys. They live in awe of my special talent.

6. Ha! I have minions who do my burping for me. In this day and age, a savvy spork bent on world domination can’t afford to ignore a good marketing campaign. I’m thinking t-shirts with “Spork or Die.” If you made a shirt with your own slogan on it, what would it say?

“First Love Bites”

7. Was your first love cherry-flavored and run over outside a cemetery? If I had to compare myself to anyone in history, I’d have to say I’m most like Napoleon. Only skinnier. And shinier. And smart enough not to lose my empire at a place with a ridiculous name like Waterloo. Who are you most like and why?

I don’t know who I’m most like, but I can tell you who I’d most like to be like: Audrey Hepburn. Not only was she beautiful, smart, and talented, but she also dedicated many years of her life to UNICEF. And when she was a young girl, she carried secret messages for the underground resistance against the Nazis in her ballet shoes.

8. Little known fact: Audrey Hepburn was secretly a spork. It explains the moxie. Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?

I get to wear yoga pants all day long, eat cinnamon bears and chocolate for lunch, and watching shows like Vampire Diaries, Friday Night Lights, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer are considered “research.” It’s quite awesome.

9. I bet you bite the cinnamon bears' heads off first, don't you? Me? I spork them right through the middle. In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?

I’m currently reading HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire (comes out this June) and really loving it. The main character has a lot of moxie and the guy is pretty darn delicious.

I am also super excited for BACK WHEN YOU WERE EASIER TO LOVE by Emily Wing Smith (releases this April 28th) This book is so beautifully written and also a lot of fun to read. It’s about a girl who is so obsessed with her ex-boyfriend that she goes on a road trip from Utah to California (with a wacky side trip to Vegas) in order to find him—with her ex-boyfriend’s obnoxious best friend along for the ride.

10. I've also read HOURGLASS and found it to be worthy of my spectacular spork status. I suspect the main character is secretly a spork herself. You need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?

I am not your minion. But I wouldn’t mind having my own cloak of invisibility for days I have no desire to do my hair before leaving the house.

11. Warning: A cloak of invisibility is useless against me. I will still KNOW what your bed-head looks like. And THEN you will be my minion to keep me quiet. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?

I always say this, but it’s pretty much my mantra:


“Great books aren't written, they’re revised!”


Thank you, Bree, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Bree, go to her site. To purchase her books, go here. Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Bree has graciously offered to give away a signed copy of THE LOST SAINT to one luck commenter. (Contest is open to North America)

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 9 p.m. (central time) Sunday, April 10th. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!

Good luck to all, and happy reading!

Interview With Rachel Vincent

I've been a fan of Rachel's writing since I picked up STRAY, the first in her adult were-cat series. I was immediately immersed in the culture of the werecats, identified with the characters, and couldn't put the book down because I had to KNOW what happened next. When Rachel started writing YA as well, I couldn't wait to try her series. It has everything I love about Rachel's writing; vivid world-building, action-packed suspense, and fiesty characters I want to know (or want to kill ... all depending).  Here's a peek at her recent YA release, MY SOUL TO STEAL.

YOU WANT MY SOUL AND MY BOYFRIEND?

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

 See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

I DON'T THINK SO.

When I asked Rachel to be interviewed on the blog, she chose the Spork of Doom. I believe the Spork may have finally met his match!

Spork of Doom

Rachel Vincent

Before we get to today's interview, it's time to reveal the amazing cupcake my hubby made for Rachel. (He would like Rachel to know he had to look up the word variegated before he could completely understand what kind of leaves she was talking about and that because of her extensive vocabulary, he spent much of his time cursing all writers in general.) Because one of the characters in MY SOUL TO STEAL feeds on people's fear and crafts nightmares for a living, my hubby decided to make a nightmare cupcake (complete with the curse-worthy variegated vines Rachel mentioned played a big role in the book). Without further ado, I give you the nightmare cupcake and Rachel vs. the Spork of Doom.

Nightmare Cupcake with VARIEGATED leaves

1. I’m all about world domination, and I’m always looking for good help. Why would you be an acceptable minion in my quest?


I wouldn’t. I’m no one’s minion.

2. *gives you doomy glare of DOOM* That's what they all say. At first. Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?

This interview.

3. When I’m not busy taking over the world, I like to eat pie. What kind of pie do you think is worthy of my Spork of Doom status?

I make a mean homemade deep dish caramel apple pie. But I don’t think you could handle it. That’s a lot of pie.

4. You DARE to cast aspersions upon my pie-eating ability? Tread carefully, madam. The last fool who questioned me got a tine in the cornea and spent the rest of his days going by the unflattering moniker Spork-Eyed Wilbur. What’s your favorite thing to do with a spork?

Eat noodles. The fork wrangles the noodles, the spoon holds the broth. Perfection.

5. Perfection indeed. *preens* I have the ability to be simultaneously spoon, fork, and weapon of mass destruction. What unique ability do you have?

I have the ability to snap a spork with only my mind. Fear me.

6. Spork-Eyed Rachel. It has a ring to it, don't you think? In this day and age, a savvy spork bent on world domination can’t afford to ignore a good marketing campaign. I’m thinking t-shirts with “Spork or Die.” If you made a shirt with your own slogan on it, what would it say?

“Save a Spork; Eat a Shish Kabob”

7. If I had to compare myself to anyone in history, I’d have to say I’m most like Napoleon. Only skinnier. And shinier. And smart enough not to lose my empire at a place with a ridiculous name like Waterloo. Who are you most like and why?

Any hermit who fights her battles with a pen.

8. I don't need a pen. I have titanium tines. Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?

Because I get to create entire worlds, not just dominate them.

9. *reconsiders the merit of a pen* In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?

The Forrest of Hands and Teeth. The only thing missing from that one was a spork.

10. So many authors fail to realize the genius of including a spork in their magnum opus. You need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?

Again, I’m no one’s minion.

11. Never mind my earlier nickname for you. I've changed my mind. Keep up the sass and henceforth you shall be known only as Rachel the Sporked. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?

If you’re facing down a hellion with nothing more than a spork…run.

*glares* Fine. Run. But leave the pie. The pie is MINE.


Thank you, Rachel, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Rachel, visit her site. To purchase MY SOUL TO STEAL (Remember, it's book 4 in the Soul Screamers series. Start with MY SOUL TO TAKE.) go here.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Rachel is giving away a signed copy of MY SOUL TO STEAL to one lucky commenter. The contest is open internationally. Here's how to enter:

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, April 3rd. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!

Good luck to all, and happy reading!

Interview With Kelly Keaton

I adore Kelly Gay's adult urban fantasy series. Her worldbuilding is lush, her characters captivating, and her plot full of fabulous twists. So, when she told me she had a YA coming out under the pen name Kelly Keaton, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! Take a peek at the summary and the book trailer, and I'll bet you'll feel the same:

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

See what I mean? Holy Awesomesauce, Batgirl. The second I turn in my current novel, I'm reading this! I couldn't wait to have Kelly on the blog again, and this time, she decided to take on the Spork of Doom.

Spork of Doom

Kelly Keaton

Because DARKNESS BECOMES HER is set in New Orleans, Kelly asked for a Mardi Gras cupcake. My hubby rose to the challenge beautifully (Even though he was disappointed that I nixed his original design because while green and purple boobs are highly appropriate for Mardi Gras, there's something disturbing about the thought of multi-hued breasts made out of cake.) Without further ado, I give you the Mardi Gras cupcake and Kelly's interview with the Spork of Doom.

1. I’m all about world domination, and I’m always looking for good help. Why would you be an acceptable minion in my quest?

Because I like pie.


2. Your answer is acceptable. As long as you don't try to take my pie. Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Went to the mall in my flannel jammies and slippers. Hey, a dares a dare.

3. I dare you to help me take over the world. When I’m not busy taking over the world, I like to eat pie. What kind of pie do you think is worthy of my Spork of Doom status?

Cheesecake. It’s really a pie, people!

4. So few realize that. You're beginning to look like top notch minion material. What’s your favorite thing to do with a spork?

Pie!

5. I had no idea pie was a verb. *ponders this* You may be on to something. We should pie the entire world! Mwahahaha! Wait. You did mean "pie" in an evil, world domination sort of way, right? I have the ability to be simultaneously spoon, fork, and weapon of mass destruction. What unique ability do you have?

A stare down of awesome proportions.

6. If you stare yourself down in my shiny, titanium sides, would that cause an existential crisis for you? In this day and age, a savvy spork bent on world domination can’t afford to ignore a good marketing campaign. I’m thinking t-shirts with “Spork or Die.” If you made a shirt with your own slogan on it, what would it say?

Here Comes Trouble.

7. Interesting. Very, interesting. I think I'll use you as an advance guard. If I had to compare myself to anyone in history, I’d have to say I’m most like Napoleon. Only skinnier. And shinier. And smart enough not to lose my empire at a place with a ridiculous name like Waterloo. Who are you most like and why?

Queen Elizabeth I. Anyone who dons a silver breastplate over a white velvet gown to address the troops, rules an empire, and wears the Crown jewels is woman after my own heart.

8. Well, I suppose that's acceptable. But only if you remember all your empires belong to ME. Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?

Because I am a god in my world. I control everything.

9. Through the clever use of pie, no doubt. *is intrigued* In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?

I just read this book about the offspring of a spoon mum and a fork dad… very sad, misfit-feeling Spork he was. Could have led to the whole world domination thing *cough, biography! cough*

10. If being cut out to rule the world makes me a misfit, then pie on you and pie on everyone else! Now, BOW before my titanium fabulosity. You need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?

Definitely cloak at first. If I engage any bad guys, though, the cloak comes off in a flourish to flaunt my awesome Elektra-esque outfit as I dole out the whoopins.

11. I like your style. Especially since it sounds like your outfit will be shiny. You can never underestimate the power of shiny. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?

Um, don’t forget to check that all clothing is in its proper place when you leave the bathroom?


Thank you for such a fun interview, Kelly! To learn more about Kelly, visit her site. To order your own copy of DARKNESS BECOMES HER (and you know you want to!), go here.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Kelly is giving away a signed copy of DARKNESS BECOMES HER along with some cool DBH swag! The contest is open internationally! Here's how to enter:

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 27th. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!

Good luck to all, and happy reading!

Interview With Beth Revis

Ever since I read the first chapter of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE sometime last fall, I've been anxiously waiting to get my hands on this book. And on the author. But in a totally appropriate way, of course. So, when I said something on Twitter in January and Beth Revis replied to me, I was momentarily stunned.

Um, Beth followed me? And wanted to talk to me? (I, of course, did NOT begin the conversation by saying I wanted to get my hands on her. I was far less suave and sophisticated. I believe I went so far as to try to bribe her with my hubby's pimp coat. She accepted.) To prove her mettle, she went right for the Were-llama as her interviewer. Brave soul.

Of course, this is the woman who writes about murder in space. Perhaps the Were-llama has met his match? Here's a peek at ACROSS THE UNIVERSE:

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.


Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awake on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into a brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship—tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Beth is giving away a signed copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE to one lucky commenter. Yay! But I'm not giving any of you the pimp coat. You'll have to get your own. Before I reveal how you could win ATU, let me introduce today's guests.

Were-llama

Beth Revis

Beth asked for a koi fish cupcake since koi fish are an important symbol in the book. My hubby, apparently feeling his zombie chops haven't been challenged enough recently, suggested he make a zombie koi fish instead, but I nixed that idea only to come home from work to find an email from Beth saying "GO FOR IT." It was, however, too late. A non-zombified koi fish cupcake had already been created. But you may feel free to photoshop decay and putrescence onto it if you wish. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Beth's interview with the Were-llama!

Koi Fish Cupcake, Pre-Zombification

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?

We are both excellent spitters.

2. I do admire a woman who can expectorate with skill. I like to spit at my enemies from whichever end is closest to them. Do any of your characters have cool abilities like that?

Well, my characters live on a space ship, and one of them has the ability to throw his enemies out of the hatch and then watch them, you know, implode in the vacuum of space. So there’s that.

3. May I suggest, if he wants to be truly evil, he ought to spit at them as they implode? It could become his signature move. If I had a nickname, it would be The Awesome. You?

The Awesomer.

4. *is momentarily silenced by the sheer gall of that statement* Utter such blasphemy once more, and I shall be forced to raise my tail and deal with you as nature intended. I hang around this blog because I love stories. What’s your story about? Bonus points if it includes a llama.

Amy is cryogenically frozen in order to be with her family on an interstellar space mission. When she’s woken up fifty years too early, she has to figure out who’s pulling the plug on the frozens…before he unplugs her parents. Meanwhile, the crew of the ship has changed and evolved. INTO LLAMAS. Murderous llamas.

5. Excellent story. Though the phrase "murderous llamas" may be a tad redundant. 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?

You know that movie, THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE? Of course you do, it’s about llamas. So, I’d make you a cupcake that looks like Emperor Kuzco’s summer home, complete with water slide.

6. I graciously accept your offering as a sign of your undying fealty to ME. Any Were-llamas in your book?

SHHHH!!!! That’s who the killer is!!!!

7. Again with the redundancy. Anyone else who might be a Were-llama and you just haven’t figured it out yet?

If I told you that, then you’d know the end of the book.

8. You do realize I can command you to tell me the ending with the incredible power of my awesome red eyes, right? *LOOK, FRAIL HUMAN SPITTER, AND SPEAK* Llamas or camels and why? Think carefully.

Have you seen that show, AN IDIOT ABROAD? In it, the guy rides a camel in the desert…and the camel breaks down. They have get a pick-up truck to tow it away. Seriously. And that’s LAME. Obviously, no llama would ever break down and require a tow truck, so I’m going with llama ftw.

9. Lame is a common euphemism for camels, it's true. I give you a baby Were-llama as a companion. What do you name her?

The Awesomest.

10. Quite fitting. Except, of course, for the fact that THAT title is already taken. By moi. My favorite word is “awesome” because, yanno, look at me. What’s yours?

Aphasia

11. 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 wanted to be a writer, which is cool, because that’s what I am. I also wanted to have control over time, which is even cooler, because that’s what I do. Wait, did I say that part aloud? Ignore that. *hides timeturner*

12. You can keep your paltry control over time. I have control over YOU. Cake or cookies?

CUPCAKES ALL THE WAY. Unless it’s those peanut butter and chocolate Girl Scout Cookies.
13. Cupcakes are cruel in the same way mini candy bars are cruel. Do you share chocolate?

NEVER.

14. Unless I command you to do so. WHICH I HAVE. *takes your chocolate and eats it in one bite* The Zombie Goat invasion is upon us. How will you fight them off?

With an army of were-llamas.

Smart move. You will clearly be the winner. *wipes lips* Except in matters pertaining to chocolate.

Thank you, Beth, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Beth, visit her site. To purchase ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, go here.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Beth is giving away a signed copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE! 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 20th. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!

Good luck to all, and happy reading!

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!