Interview With Sarah Rees Brennan

It's rare for me to take to my blog and gush about a book outside of an author interview. The one exception I can recall from the last two years was Sarah Rees Brennan's DEMON'S LEXICON. That book blew my mind. Literally. There I was, totally captivated by the story, entranced by the vivid characters, sucked into the plot so thoroughly I couldn't bear to sleep until I finished the book when suddenly WHAM. Sarah did something very few authors ever manage to do. She surprised me. Completely. I thought I saw the plot twist coming at the end. I was SO INCREDIBLY WRONG. I was left reeling in the most delicious sense of the word. I raced back through my memory of the story and saw all the stepping stones leading to this moment and acknowledged that Sarah had now irrevocably earned my total devotion.

I approach a lot of authors asking if they'll be interviewed on this blog. I don't feel nervous about it. These are my peeps and I can't wait to share their awesome stories with my readers. But this time? My hands were shaking as I sent Sarah a message. When she instantly responded with not only gracious acceptance but enthusiasm, I literally fangirl squealed right there at my laptop. And then I destroyed all chance of Sarah thinking I was calm, cool, and collected by informing her of said squealage. I may have said something about being her number one fan. (Probably true. Anyone who wants to fight me for the title can face my Spork of Doom.) And maybe I said something about chasing teenagers down the YA aisle at Books a Million with her book in my hand. (Also true. Just, um, let's not mention me by name at BAM, yes?) And she was still enthusiastic about the interview. Yay!

The sequel to DL just came out and I've been devouring it as well. Here's a peek at DEMON'S COVENANT:

Mae Crawford always thought she was in control. Now she's learned that her little brother Jamie is a magician and Nick, the boy she'd set her heart on, has an even darker secret. Mae's whole world has spun out of control, and it's only going to get worse. When she realises that Jamie has been meeting secretly with the new leader of the Obsidian Circle and that Gerald wants him to join the magicians, she's not sure how to stop Jamie doing just that. Calling in Nick and Alan as reinforcements only leads to a more desperate conflict because Gerald has a plan to bring Nick down - by using Alan to spring a deadly trap. With those around her torn between divided loyalties and Mae herself torn between her feelings for two very different boys, she sees a chance to save them all - but it means approaching the mysterious and dangerous Goblin Market alone...

Sarah chose to be interviewed by that bastion of charm, Captain Jack Sparrow.


Captain Jack Sparrow




Sarah Rees Brennan



Now that you know who's who, let's dive into the interview and reveal the gorgeous cupcake my hubby made for Sarah. In Sarah's series, there's a demon mark that you do NOT want on your body. Sarah sent me a pic of it and my hubby reproduced it on a cupcake. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Sarah'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 a member of Her Majesty's royal navy, so pirates and I can have an antagonistic and exciting relationship! Um... also for truth and justice. And the Queen: my uncle, who is a diplomat, takes tea with her and assures me she's lovely.

2. I'm not exactly sure what to do with a man who takes tea with the Queen. Unless, of course, he's slipping a few of her valuables into his pockets at the same time? Perhaps a gold-plated teaspoon? I do, however, know what to do with a woman who has an antagonistic relationship with me. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

I don't know, sugar. What are you doing tonight?

3. Whatever it is, I can assure you it doesn't involve tea. It may, however, increase the antagonistic and exciting elements of our relationship. *winks* I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

I pick Australia. Not only because I've always wanted to go there - I have relatives there who are silversmiths for the Queen of England and my friend Justine Larbalestier is Australian and swears it is an earthly paradise - but because that's a long voyage with a handsome pirate...

4. What is it with your family and the Queen? *shakes head* Let's focus more on the voyage with the handsome pirate. 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?

Actually, that is a difficult question! Nick, the hero of my story, is really, really ridiculously good-looking, so he does fine with the ladies, but he's a whole lot surly and a whole lot not smooth. As for honourable, you can forget it... That said, his brother Alan, who co-heroes for me often, is absolutely and definitely a deceptive little minx.

5. Interesting combination. You may want to guard the rum around Alan. I've had a bit of experience with deceptive little minxes and the rum is never safe. Nor is your life, come to think of it. Rum? Or more rum?

That second one. With a pink umbrella.

6. My kind of woman! Despite your regrettable connections with that tea-swilling Queen. And your deceptive little minx of a co-hero. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

I don't know what you're talking about. *hides tiny umbrella behind back*

7. You are a sly one, aren't you? What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

Leaped from a high window in my undergarments, narrowly avoiding crushing a nun. (I had a misspent youth. There's also the butter incident and the pier incident and the fire extinguisher incident. Maybe I need to go back and review my answer to question one...)

8. Darling, no need to review. You are a pirate at heart. If the rum-stealing hadn't already proven the fact, your admirable ability to crush nuns while wearing nothing but your undergarments is undeniable proof. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

I keep hearing rules like 'don't change points of view' and 'centre your story on ROMANCE, not family.' Since I keep breaking them, I guess they'd better be guidelines...

9. That's my girl! Any undead monkeys in your stories?

Actually... there's this one bit in book three... Maybe I should talk to my friend Jennifer Lynn Barnes about that. (She is a monkey mad scientist as well as a writer, and I don't want to get any facts wrong.)

10. You crush nuns while wearing nothing but undergarments AND befriend monkey mad scientists? I see I'm going to have to keep a weather eye on you. Any curses in your story? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

Countless curses! (Magicians are an untrustworthy bunch.) At least three heartless monsters, and one of them is the hero. And every single woman in the books insists on taking matters into their own hands, the wenches. This leads to things like numerous people going on fire.

11. I'm not surprised you've got people being set on fire with headstrong wenches running rampant through your pages. One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Sneachta. I'm Irish, and it's an Irish word: I like it because it sounds just like the sound of snow crunching under your boots. 'SNEACH-ta.' Very satisfying. Also now you know some Irish!

12. Darling, I find the judicious application of rum solves all language barriers. Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Well, I fence, and most of my characters are a violent crowd. So I draw my sword! Plenty of time for parlay if I look like losing later...

13. A woman who can also wield a sword? Shall we run away together? You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

My enemy's enemy is my friend! I romance the sea monster (stop LOOKING at me like that, romance with supernatural creatures is very hot right now) and then he crunches the bones of the sailors to powder and we ride away into the sunset! Me & Nessie 4 Eva.

14. ROMANCE THE SEA MONSTER? *chokes* I refuse to dignify that with a response. Romantic night in? Preferably with me and NOT a sea monster. Or adventure on the high seas?

Romantic night on the high seas! I'm an all or everything kind of girl.

15. I truly adore that about you. My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, magic in it. Begin it now. - I stole it from Goethe. I really may make it big as a pirate.

Darling, I was never fooled. *hands you pirate hat and broadsword* Welcome aboard, mate.


Thank you, Sarah, for such an entertaining interview! And for leaving me with a vivid mental image of you leaping on top of a nun while wearing undergarments. I fear I may never be the same. lol

To learn more about Sarah and her books, visit her site. Of course the fun isn't over yet! Sarah has graciously offered to give away a signed copy of DEMON'S LEXICON. International entries are welcome!

How to Enter:

1. Earn entries:

*Comment on this post with a question or comment for Sarah = 1 entry

*Be a follower of this blog = 3 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 = 3 entries (Include link in your comment.)

*Post a link on your Facebook status = 3 entries (Include link in 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. Saturday, July 3rd. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!

Winner: Kristin Tubb Giveaway

As always, I used random.org to determine the contest winners. Congratulations to the following:

1. Winner of the signed hardback copy of AUTUMN WINIFRED OLIVER DOES THINGS DIFFERENT: Bentley Family

2. Winner of the comet bead necklace and signed SELLING HOPE bookmark: Gretchen Stull

3. Winner of the signed SELLING HOPE bookmark: Rae Ann Parker

Congratulations! If I don't already have a way to contact you, please leave your email in the comments and I'll make sure your prize gets to you. Thanks for reading!

Bulls, Ladybugs, and Restraining Orders

1. Remember last week's loooong list? And how I said I had another 20 in me but was cutting it off for your sake? Yeah. Well. I still have those 20 and ANOTHER week of life rolling around inside my brain.

2. Be warned.

3. Last Sunday, as we were driving home from church, we turned onto a quiet residential street and saw a bull nonchalantly strolling across someone's driveway.

4. A bull.

5. A. BULL.



6. One that looked a lot like that one. He was plodding along, all of his latent "WHAT?! You dare to wave a red cape in my direction? Now you must die!" instincts cleverly hidden from the casual observer. He was trying hard to blend into the scenery. Very "Nothing to see here, folks. Bull? What bull? I don't see no stinking bull!" but we were on to him.

7. We called the sheriff's office. The lady asked us to repeat our story. Seconds later, we heard sirens.

8. I sincerely hope none of the officers were wearing red.

9. Last weekend, we also spent Saturday at Holiday World in Indiana. You may recall the results of last summer's vacation Part 1 and Part 2.

10. I'm happy to report a day free of ladybugs flying into my teeth. And free of holes in the posterior region of my pants. Also free of riding death-defying coasters. I figured at four weeks out from my gallbladder surgery, roller-coaster riding might not be the wisest decision.

11. I'm totally going on them next year, though. Of course, the fact that I've just bragged about a lack of ladybugs and holes in my pants means next year when I ride a coaster, a swarm of moths will fly into my face while I'm screaming and my resulting jerk of terror will split my pants seam to seam.

12. If that exact scenario happens, I promise to vlog it for your viewing pleasure.

13. We did engage in a piece of CRAZY that day, however. We decided (That's a euphemism for Clint decided, btw) to drive up that morning, spend all day in the park, and then turn around and drive home that night.

14. It's a 3 hour drive.

15. We'd been out in the sun all day.

16. This was a plan full of opportunities for epic fail.

17. We were sooooo tired. By the time we neared the outskirts of north Nashville (we live twenty-five minutes south of Nashville), Clint was punching himself in the face just to stay awake. I offered to dump a cup of ice down his back to help, but he wasn't interested in my brilliant idea.

18. Next time, we'll get a hotel. Probably the one across the street from the jail. I'll keep my eye out for geriatric bike gangs and all will be well.

19. Clint spent the weekend in L.A. at the press junket for TNT's new show Rizzoli and Isles, based on the books by Tess Gerritsen.

20. I am a Tess Gerritsen fan.

21. Clint called me to tell me the TNT folks had given all the attending press members a free iPad.

22. He was giddy.

23. I told myself there would be no living with him now and I wasn't wrong. I'm now officially an iPad widow. lol

24. And I have to say, an iPad looks like the Reader's Digest large print version of an iPhone.

25. I tried typing on it for about 10 seconds, had to delete and retype the SAME WORD five times because the keyboard is small and brushing too close to another letter destroys your plan to simply TYPE ONE WORD, and just handed it back to Clint. No. Thank. You.

26. Anyway, the arrival of the iPad was Saturday morning. Saturday night, Clint texted me and asked if I knew who Tess Gerritsen was.

27. Um, hello? YES.

28. He then informed me he was standing right next to her.

29. I may have squealed. I then texted him and instructed HIM to fangirl squeal at Tess on my behalf. I fear he may have under-performed my requested response.

30. Tess graciously told him to text me "hi."

31. I decided "hi" was code for "Ooh, how nice! A fan! If only I could meet her in person and talk!" Or something like that.

32. I also decided I needed an autograph. I texted Clint and asked him to get her autograph. If no paper was available, I told him to volunteer his forehead for the job.

33. Then I waited with bated breath for Tess to call her lawyer and get a restraining order issued against the crazysauce woman in Nashville who wanted her husband's head autographed.

34. Instead, Tess AND THE ENTIRE CAST of Rizzoli and Isles all autographed the title page of Tess's THE APPRENTICE for me.

35. Forget the stupid iPad. This was SO much better. I was giddy too.

36. And now I must go admire my Ooh, Shiny! book while Clint and the boys drool over the iPhone for the Nearly Blind.

YA Project: Storyboard for ASYLUM

I thought it would be interesting to post a blog of what starting a new project looks like to me. I make a playlist, find setting pics, find character pics, and play around with back story/story set up details. It looks something like this:

Playlist song #1: Sleep Well, My Angel by We Are The Fallen

Notes: Any more songs by this artist that work for this story? Found five.



Setting: Breckenridge Asylum, located in a secluded forested area of South Carolina. Owned by Marcus Holt, weapons and technology developer.











Notes: Are they allowed outside? Where do they dump the bodies? There must be a way out. Also, must be a way to keep them in. Find images.








Playlist song #2: For You by Staind

Notes: Find other songs by this artist for playlist? Found four.




Plot Notes: (must brainstorm/flesh these out)

*Rules of magic

*How are they committed?

*Holt's agenda? Why? How far is he willing to go? Why? What does that mean for the characters?

*Who are the secondary characters? Need patients, staff, and Holt's second in command.

*What are the rules inside the Asylum?




Playlist Song #3: Your Decision by Alice in Chains

Note: Find more by this artist? Found three.



Main Characters:

Abbie: Was a rebel until she was committed. Thinks she's crazy and deserves her fate so doesn't fight it until Blake wakes her up to Holt's true agenda.




Blake: Was a straight-laced, honor roll kid until committed. Knows he isn't crazy and fights his fate every second of every day. Furious to be locked inside Breckenridge.




Playlist Song #4: Lacrymosa by Evanescence

Note: Other songs from this artist? Found three.




I'll add more to this as the story takes shape. The characters will have paragraphs of background and so will the setting. I'll know what everyone's agendas are and how that puts them in conflict with each other. I'll know which agendas reach beyond this book and need to be layered in carefully so the character still has more to achieve/fight for later. But this is the beginning of any story for me.

Now, off to add more words to ASYLUM.

New Winner of Kris Kennedy Contest!

Since Kris Kennedy's fabulous THE IRISH WARRIOR went unclaimed, I visited random.org and selected a new winner.

And the winner is ... Leona!! Congratulations. :) Please leave me your email addy so I can get in touch with you about claiming your prize. Thanks for reading!

Interview With Kristin Tubb

I first met Kristin Tubb at a Music City Romance Writers' meeting when she was a guest speaker teaching us how she organizes all the historical research she does for her novels. I was both impressed with her detail-oriented prowess, and a bit nauseous at the thought of doing so much RESEARCH for a book. Hence the reason I won't ever write historical. Then, Kristin picked up her book and read a section. I was hooked. Her writing is so vivid, you feel instantly immersed in the world of her story. When she agreed to be interviewed AND to unveil her brand new cover for SELLING HOPE on this blog, I was thrilled!

Here's a peek at SELLING HOPE:

It’s May 1910, and Halley’s Comet is due to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. And thirteen-year-old Hope McDaniels and her father are due to pass through their hometown of Chicago with their ragtag vaudeville troupe. Hope wants out of vaudeville, and longs for a “normal” life—or as normal as life can be without her mother, who died five years before. Hope sees an opportunity: She invents “anti-comet” pills to sell to the working-class customers desperate for protection. Soon, she’s joined by a fellow troupe member, young Buster Keaton, and the two of them start to make good money. And just when Hope thinks she has all the answers, she has to decide: What is family? Where is home?

Kristin chose to be interviewed by the Spork of Doom. (Brave woman)

Spork of Doom



Kristin Tubb



Now that you know who's who, let's dive into the interview and reveal the awesome cupcake my hubby made in honor of SELLING HOPE. Kristin asked for a comet/cosmic matter type cupcake, and my hubby delivered. So, without further ado, let's see the cupcake and read how Kristin faces off 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?

I go beyond being a YesWoman to reading your mind and quelling your needs before you even know they are your needs.

For example: *places fingertips on temples, stares intently into your eyes* Doesn’t Kristin look skinny in those jeans? Tell Kristin she looks skinny in those jeans. Offer to buy her a new pair of boots to go with them.

There now. Don’t you feel better? *admires new boots*


2. I feel woozy and unusual. And weren't you wearing flats a moment ago? Spork of Doom suspects foul play! Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?

When I say “sporky,” you say “doom!” “Sporky!” *listens to crickets chirp*
Um…that.


3. Spork of Doom is NOT a cheerleader. Recognize. 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?

Apple. I’m a purist. No cheese. (Who even thought of that, anyway? Gag.) No ice cream. Straight up apple, says I.


4. Spork of Doom approves your choice. Favorite dessert to eat with a spork?

Warm chocolate brownie. Vanilla ice cream is acceptable.


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

I can turn my feet so far inward, they appear to be completely backwards. (True story.) This is, I feel, symbolic of larger things.


6. Spork of Doom is disturbed. 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?

“EXTREME ANTIQUES ROADSHOW”

7. Do they have antique sporks? They must. Why else would anyone want to go? 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?

Lisa Kudrow is my doppelganger. How do I know this? From the legions of people who stop me and tell me this. (If you see Lisa, tell her THIS IS NOT OVER.) But that’s physically. Mentally, I’d say I rather resemble Woody Allen.


8. Spork of Doom has many doppelgangers. Most of them hang out at Taco Bell, waiting for the day I call them into action in a bid for Total World Domination. Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?

Writing affords you a tiny corner of domination, if only for the amount of time someone is holding your story in their hands. You are literally shaping someone’s thoughts, whenever they read your words. (Like I am, to you, right now. MWUHAHAHAHA!) What could be more powerful than that? VIVA LAS LIBRI! (I never took Latin. I have no idea if that’s correct.)


9. Spork of Doom has no use for Latin. Besides, SURRENDER OR DIE translates fairly easily without the pesky need for words. In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?

I, like everyone else in the free world, am anxiously awaiting Mockingjay, the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. Want to study seamless plotting? Suzanne Collins is the master. I’m also *this close* to finishing Still Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley – funny, funny teen vampire adventures with a perfect YA voice. I still adore Janet Tashijan’s The Gospel According to Larry, because I’d love to know how to write a story like that, that leaves you wondering, “Could it really happen?” But my all-time top three are A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.


10. You need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?

Absolutely a cloak! How else are you going to whoosh away into the night? A Member’s Only jacket does not a dramatic exit make. (They’re back, I hear. I’m not just dating myself with that reference. Right? Right?!)


11. Spork of Doom refuses to comment upon your age. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?

Fear nothing BUT the spork!


Thank you, Kristin, for a fabulous interview! (And for making me crave brownies with ice cream) To learn more about Kristin, visit her site.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Kristin is giving away some AWESOME prizes!

Kristin's Giveaway:

1st place: A signed hardback of Kristin's first book, AUTUMN WINIFRED OLIVER DOES THINGS DIFFERENT.

2nd place: A beautiful comet bead necklace & a signed SELLING HOPE bookmark.

3rd place: A signed SELLING HOPE bookmark.

How to Enter:

1. Earn entries:

*Comment on this post with a question or comment for Kristin = 1 entry

*Be a follower of this blog = 3 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 = 3 entries (Include link in your comment.)

*Post a link on your Facebook status = 3 entries (Include link in 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. Tuesday, June 29. Please check back to see if you've won and to claim your prize!


Good luck to all, and happy reading!

Look What We Have

Introducing the newest member of our family ... Jack. (You're shocked at the name choice, I know!) We adopted him from our local animal shelter on Tuesday. I'll have better pics soon. He's a tiny little thing with a bob tail and the biggest purr I've ever heard. Spastic Kitten has grudgingly decided to allow Jack to live, but she hasn't yet decided to forgive him for existing. I have hopes they'll be friends in another few days.