Loading ...Author Lili St. Crow Interview and Contest
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of the Lili St. Crow event is now over. The winner will be chosen at a later date and notified via email.
BBB: Can you please share with us how old you were when you wrote your first story?
LSC: The first “real” story I can remember finishing was a novella about a frontier girl who was kidnapped and held for ransom. (I think I’d watched too much Gunsmoke.) That was in, let’s see, fifth grade? I still have the trophy I won in the talent contest for that particular story, though the older I get the more I kind of cringe at how earnest and excitable I was. But I started telling myself stories at night before I went to sleep much earlier, probably when I was four or five. When I realized I could tell stories that were different than the books I was reading–I was a very early reader–it was a revelation. I’ve never looked back.
BBB: Besides being a writer, what other types of jobs have you held?
LSC: I’ve been a massage therapist, bank teller, waitress, relief bartender (that only lasted three months, but it was fun), grocery clerk, bookstore employee (best job EVER), receptionist, data entry, telemarketing, all different flavors of retail–I’ve done a little of everything. It’s all great material. I wrote the entire time.
BBB: Please tell us more about the Strange Angels series and the storyline that drives it.
LSC: It started out with the image of this teenage girl in her kitchen, boxes stacked around her–she obviously hadn’t finished unpacking yet. She was staring at the back door, and when I looked over, I realized there was a zombie tapping at the glass portion of the door. I suddenly knew that the zombie was her father, and that she was in a lot of trouble.
Then I started digging, uncovering more of her world, and it got tied up in this question of half-vampires–dhampir, like Vampire Hunter D, which was a huge influence–and while doing research, I started wondering why there weren’t any stories of girl dhampir in the original legends. It seemed to be a boy’s game, and I wondered why. Everything else about Dru’s world fell into place from that simple question and that one initial image.
As it’s grown, I’ve discovered other questions. Being a teenager feels lonely; how much of that loneliness is an integral part of growing up? What’s the difference between the flashy bad boy and the steady friend-that-you-fall-for? When it’s down to the wire, how does a kid decide who to trust, and why? When I was a teenager, I wanted to save the world–what if I’d actually had a shot at doing that, with all the inherent risk and danger? Why does it seem like people hate the things that remind them of themselves so much? All these thing are questions I’m thinking about when it comes to the Strange Angels books, and I don’t necessarily arrive at answers. I don’t think any writer does. Our job seems to be just to explore the questions and let the reader decide.
BBB: Do you get mail from your teen readers?
LSC: Oh, heavens, yes. Tons of it, and I read every bit. I can’t respond most of the time, or I wouldn’t have any time for writing! But I read every piece of it. My teen readers are always curious, enthusiastic, and they make me smile.
BBB: Does it seem as though readers of your adult series cross over into the Strange Angels series?
LSC: Oh, yes. They seem to enjoy them.
BBB: Do you write books of your different series at the same time, or do you finish one and then work on another?
LSC: I tend to always have two or three projects going at the same time. When one “heats up” it takes center stage, then when it cools off and I have to turn the next set of developments over to that subconscious engine to figure out What Happens Next another story heats up and I’m off and running somewhere else. Plus, there’s deadlines, and I can’t afford to just work on one thing at once. I’ve got kids to feed, for one thing, and for another, I think my brain would quickly eat itself if I just focused on one thing.
BBB: How many books do you envision to finish out Dru’s story? What can your readers look forward to in the future Strange Angels Series?
LSC: There are two more books after Jealousy, tentatively titled Defiance and Sacrifice–though that last title is probably not going to make it through. I’ve finished the zero draft of the fifth book, where Dru’s story reaches its right ending. Right now I’m engaged on revisions for Defiance.
BBB: What would you like your readers to come away with after finishing a Strange Angels book?
LSC: Hopefully that they’ve had a good time! And I always hope that they feel involved and invested, like they’ve been a part of Dru’s struggles and triumphs. Even if a reader is angry at me over something terrible happening to a particular character, I don’t mind. My job is to evoke an emotional response, whether positive or negative. If I’m true to the story and the characters, if I refuse to flinch or lie or look away or punk out, I think the rest will take care of itself.
BBB: Can you share a few of your absolute favorite lines from your books with us?
LSC: I think my favorite line ever is from The Demon’s Librarian, where Francesca Barnes snarls, “You have messed with the wrong f$%&ing librarian!” I am also particularly fond of several of Graves’s one-liners–that boy doesn’t say much, but when he does, they’re zingers. In particular, when he looks at Dru near the end of Betrayals and says, “Anytime you think you’re man enough, sweetheart.” Which is very funny, and very apt, and just the sort of thing he would say. I’m also a sucker for one of Japhrimel’s lines, I believe it’s in To Hell and Back, where he smashes the mirror in the bathroom, comes out and says to Danny Valentine, “There is no mirror.” Because right there, he’s not saying what he’s really saying. What he’s really saying is, I love you, I fixed that problem for you. He finds it easier not to say how he really feels out loud, and there’s a mixture of action and ironic understatement in Japh that really tugged at my heartstrings sometimes. Not often…but sometimes.
BBB: Are you a plotser or a panster? or a Planster (a combo of both - lol)
LSC: I am an inveterate pantser. I sometimes outline a few scenes ahead of where I’m working, but while I’m writing I tend to throw out any outline I have and just toss myself directly into the darkness, trusting the story to catch me. Most often I know basically what happens, but knowing and getting there are two very different things. And there’s a point, five-sixths or so of the way through a book, where I’m tired and I just have to trust completely that the book knows where it wants to go. It’s a submission to the creative process, and it’s very frightening for me each and every time. Sometimes I don’t know who’s going to make it to the end of the book. Sometimes I am afraid that this will be the time a character really just can’t pull through. And that’s incredibly frightening for me, because by that point I’m feeling for this person so intensely, suffering with them.
BBB: The YA urban fantasy field has really blossomed over the last few years. Do you believe this situation is just an offshoot of the growth of the genre for adults, or do you think there is something specific to and for teens going on here?
LSC: I think it’s both and neither. I think what we call urban fantasy now is so popular because it’s a way to examine certain questions about humanity, gender, culture, social roles, what have you, in an indirect but very satisfying way. Teens and adults have always loved exciting stories told well; I think a lot of urban fantasy for both tells a cracking good adventure story that struggles with very basic questions about people and their roles in life. Everyone feels like a loner or a monster at some point in their life; the monsters in popular books right can be screens for us to project our hopes and fears onto. In doing so, we come to grips with them.
BBB: Who are your writing influences?
LSC: Everything I read, everything I see, every movie I watch, every song I hear. It’s all material, it all goes into my head and promotes the creative ferment. I have my favorite authors, of course–Tanith Lee is my all-time favorite author, and she has a bookcase solely devoted to her work in my bedroom. Lately, however, I’ve been reading a lot of military history, especially David Glantz’s books about the Eastern Front in World War II. I don’t think there’s a story I can write about that, but it interests me immensely.
BBB: Do your children read your books?
LSC: My son is eight, so he’s not interested. It’s nice that I write, but he prefers manga. My daughter is twelve, and she reads pretty much everything. We have an “if you can reach it, you can read it–and if you can’t reach it, get a stool!” rule in our house. My daughter’s a great reader–she asks me all sorts of questions about the worlds I’ve created, things I might or might not have thought of. She’s thrilled that her mum writes books. I was kind of worried some of the violence and dark themes in my work would frighten her, but the one time I asked she gave me a look and says, “It’s fiction, Mum. That means not real, right?” And I could have cheered. It was one of those moments when I was proud to be a part of raising such an amazing human being.
BBB: Do you have any upcoming appearances? If so where can our readers find you?
LSC: I’ll be at OryCon this year, and I have a signing at the Powell’s in Beaverton, OR, in August. I don’t get out to events much; childcare and finances both sort of preclude that. I have an Events calendar at my website, but most of the time it’s pretty bare. I wish it were otherwise–I’d love to get out and meet more fans! That’s why I love events like this so much–the Internet has really made it possible for authors to be accessible even if they’re prevented from traveling.
Thank you for having me!
Reader Questions:
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
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CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $30.00 Amazon Gift Card
1. LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME AND Your COUNTRY in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries. Mandatory, if you don’t leave this, none of your entries will count.
2. Answer Lili’s questions and ask her some questions Good for 10 entries per question. (Max 3 good towards entries). NOTE you will find her questions interspersed in her interview.
3. Order copies of Lili’s new book Jealousy using the links below.
To purchase a print copy of Jealousy from Amazon click here
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Books in the Strange Angels series in the order they should be read:
Strange Angels
Betrayals
Jealousy
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(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Hi Lilith! I just got done with a marathon reading session of your 5 Dante and Japh books. Loved them and can’t wait to start this series.
In a series like the Dante Valentine, how do you keep her world straight and consistent? PS - thanks for the glossary!
RSVP’d
[Reply]
Hi Keri! Thanks for reading.
I’m often asked how I keep worlds straight. The best way I can describe it is, the lighting is different in each world. Danny’s world was lit very much like Blade Runner; Jill Kismet’s is very blue-drenched and desert-sun. The light is so different I never get confused as to what goes where. But then, I’m a very visual writer; I often just describe what I see as the scenes play in my head.
Glad you liked the glossary! That was my editor’s idea. I’m going to have to tell her everyone loves it.
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Heya Just wanted to ask what your fav genre to write in is? Also will we ever get another story from Dante and Japh? Really loving the Kismet series as well one of my fav heroines next to Dante keep up the good work.
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Hi Raeanne!
Most if not all of my stories end up having a paranormal element, so that probably affects my choice of genre a LOT. That being said, I’m very fond of paranormal romance and I usually have a great time writing in that field.
I think Danny & Japh are finished with me for now. Liana Spocarelli and Lucas, however…they might want a book or two of their own. But nothing’s definite yet.
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Hi. I really enjoy the Strange Angels books, in particular the character of the grandmother. Where did you get the inspiration for her, and all of her sayings?
I RSVP’d
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Hi Krystalyn!
Dru’s grandmother actually comes from my maternal grandfather, who had a number of pithy sayings. She also owes a great deal to Manly Wade Wellman’s Silver John stories.
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If there was one series of books out there(that you didn’t write), that you could claim as yours, what would they be and why?
Lisa R- USA
Tweeted about event–http://twitter.com/alterlisa/status/19590554060
RSVP for author W. D. Gagliani-done
entered the BBBMJDundead-done
Enter the HUGE Maggie Stiefvater Shiver and Linger-done
Come Discuss this week’s Screen Bites-done
Join our book chat this week here-done
Chat and read the Off the Fang Column-done
[Reply]
Hi Lisa!
Just one? Goodness, I don’t know. Maybe Tanith Lee’s Books of Paradys. They’re just so beautiful, dangerous, and evocative. I wish I could write half as well.
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It is my understanding that a few years back, you taught a summer class on writing. I was wondering if you enjoyed doing so and if you would ever consider doing so again? Did you have any favorite moments from the class that would influence your decision to or not to teach again?
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Hi Lynn!
I LOVED teaching! I would definitely consider doing it again, if I could find the organizational time and the space. I loved being tough but fair, and the students seemed to love it when I told them honestly what an editor would think and why.
My favorite moment was actually during round-robin critique, where we got in the habit of saying, “I know you love this sentence…” *pregnant pause* *everyone choruses* “But it HAS TO DIE!”
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Especially in a YA book, I’d like to see a fit girl who’s not skinny. One who can kick butt and take names while not looking like she can hide behind a flagpole. I’d like see a teen who’s size 10 or 12 who sees herself as the right shape and size to be herself.
I think that the best thing that an author can do is really make us empathize with a character. And then to give us a satisfactory ending. What I hate is an ending, happy or not, that leaves me feeling ‘is that all?! Where’s the rest?!’.
What’s one UF trope/staple that you will never, ever use in the Strange Angels series and why not?
Arlene M
NC
USA
RSVP’d
Twitter’d http://twitter.com/Sewicked/statuses/19591674896
shared on Facebook
RSVP’d for WD
entered for free book (squee)
entered Shiver & Linger
I’ll be back for the rest
[Reply]
Hi Arlene!
I don’t like to say “never”. It’s just tempting fate.
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Shoot, there goes my diabolical plot.
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Hee! But you do point out something that a lot of other commenters are agreeing with: people like characters with some flaws. Other than wish-fulfillment fic, which has its place. Most people want characters they can identify with, which means flawed and occasionally imperfect.
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Here’s an inflammatory question: do you see a girl who’s size 10 or 12 as flawed?
[Reply]
Of course not. Most emphatically not.
But our society sees women with real curves, or women with allegedly imperfect bodies, as things that need fixing. Many of our characters in fiction–written, visual, or otherwise–tend to be physically attractive. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. There’s a component of wish-fulfillment there that can be quite helpful, can be quite an escape.
Also, I think when a lot of authors leave the descriptions of their characters loose so the reader can “fill in” essential details on their own, we tend to fill in more of the social ideal than the reality of body size we see every day. It’s reflexive, it’s driven by a lot of our visual culture. Plus, thinness is treated as the norm in a lot of fiction; we literally tend not to see real-sized females unless it’s specifically stated that they’re outside the size “norm” in some way.
It’s a very complicated question, and it deserves a very in-depth response I don’t know if I could give here in this venue. But I’d just like to restate that I do not in any way, shape or form see any particular body size or shape as flawed.
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I -said- that it was inflammatory (I didn’t honestly believe that you thought size=flaw). I guess that part of where I am coming from was that in high school I was about a size 10 and I did not have body image issues;, other than feeling that my hips were heavy. Since there was almost a 10″ difference between waist and hips, I had reason. However, I never felt that I was overweight or even underweight. “Arlene String Bean” just puzzled me and did not stick as a nickname.
It just saddens me that more girls don’t feel that way; that they are the right size to be themselves.
As you say, it’s a complex question that have had whole seminars devoted to it. This venue, wonderful as it is, just isn’t large enough to cover the topic in the depth it requires.
[Reply]
I just wanted it clear, I didn’t think you were implying! (Especially since I answered without any depth initially.) No worries!
I think there are encouraging signs in a lot of fiction. Body image issues aren’t going to go away overnight, but I do think there’s been a lot of progress made. Maybe it’s just because I’m older, but I seem to remember it was just filthy awful when I was in high school and now it seems there’s a little more leeway in popular culture for girls to be different sizes. Not much more, mind you…but a little. I see it as an encouraging trend.
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Hello Arlene and Lili!
I’d just like to make a book recommendation: Half World, by Hiromi Goto was an extremely good read and the heroine is plus-sized, with several other faults as well. My husband and I both LOVED this book. It is steeped in eastern philosophy.
Sarah M.
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Hi Lili - Boy, I’m sorry but I have no idea how to answer your questions. I can answer the worst and that’s killing off a beloved character. It has to happen but it is very trying to some of us readers.
I am always amazed at the jobs all of you wonderful authors have had prior to being published. You think you have it as bad as actors or about the same? Thank you.
I rsvp’d.
[Reply]
Hi Viki!
I don’t know. As an actor you’re judged by appearances; as a writer your mind and execution are relentlessly judged. I don’t know what’s easier, honestly.
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Michele P.
USA
nedsped at gmail dot com
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
Woman in their 40’s amidst a mid life crisis.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
Keep the main character real. Making the characters to cliche’.
How has your year been treating you thus far?
Blog Follower- old follower
Shiver/Linger contest entry- done
RSVP’d
[Reply]
Hi Michele!
This year is SO much better than last year. I’m not kidding.
[Reply]
Hey Lili,
In response to your questions, I think the one thing I would like to see more often in books is the view of the bad guy. Sometimes I would just love to know what evil is thinking. So many stories just paint them as simply bad. I would like to see more stories that show a complex, mult-layered villian.
As to the second question, I would think that the best thing an author can do is to invest enough emotion into their characters that I find myself caring as well. Love or hate it does not matter, as long as I care what happens to them. I think the worst thing an author can do is to fail in this endever. As a friend of mine once pointed out, if a character is hurt or dying and the readers don’t care, then what’s the point?
[Reply]
Hi Lilith,
Happy release! This is a great series…exactly what I would have wanted to read (still do) when I was younger.
I like an author to keep up the suspense, giving the reader little rewards, and hold-your-breath moments as we climb toward a big finish
. I’m not a huge fan of the middle of a series feeling like the middle of a series, and not having at least a smaller part of the story completed at the end of each book. That feels unfinished to me.
I’m not sure what I want to see but am not…every new book I pick up has something I haven’t seen.
Quick question: you’ve been tweeting about your soundtracks and characters’ songs…do you hunt for those or do known songs rise up when you’re writing a character?
Thanks for taking the time!
Hillary J, USA
I RSVP’d
[Reply]
Hi Hillary!
Sometimes the songs appear when the character’s ready, and sometimes I’ll be writing and I’ll think, “You know what needs to be playing in the background right now? THIS SONG.” And I go on a mad quest to find it.
My writing partner is very musical, and she’s always exposing me to new bands, new things. We exchange soundtracks and play each other evocative tracks. It’s nice having someone else who feels the same way about music and writing.
[Reply]
Congrats on the release of Jealousy…The cover is absolutely stunning…If you could be any character from your books, who would it be and why?
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see? I would like to see characters that are like everyday ppl instead of supermodels with the perfect life
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst? The best thing is writing a story that keeps you on the edge the whole time you are reading it and the worst is actually creating a plot that makes no sense or just throughing characters in the middle of the story and never bringing them back…
[Reply]
Hi Crystal!
Hmmm. That’s a tough question, because I normally don’t like my characters much. I’m more often neutral-to-disliking them. Plus, I put them through the wringer–I’d never want some of that stuff to happen to me!
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Your poor characters…lol…how do u come up with ur characters…
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Congrats on the release of Jealousy…The cover is absolutely stunning…If you could be any character from your books, who would it be and why?
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see? I would like to see characters that are like everyday ppl instead of supermodels with the perfect life
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst? The best thing is writing a story that keeps you on the edge the whole time you are reading it and the worst is actually creating a plot that makes no sense or just throughing characters in the middle of the story and never bringing them back…
Crystal R - MS
[Reply]
Lili!! Just a drive by of love. I will see you in a couple of weeks. I have no questions, as I am a brat like that, but wanted to thank you again for giving me so much enjoyment. Dru and the boys are awesome. Virtual hugs for youdear lady.
[Reply]
Hi Jay! Hugs back to you and your Lovely Spouse!
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What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
Hrm… I’ve sat here for ten minutes mulling that over in my head, and so far, nothing has come to the surface. I’m sure there is something; I just can not put my finger on it at the moment. Usually such ideals come when I’m reading a book going “Why don’t they have this.” Though I would say more drows! LOL yeah I’m a drow obsessed freak and a wood elf freak.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
The best thing an author can do in a book for me is to keep me interested, to the point I’m chomping on my fingernails going “What’s next? Gotta turn that page to see what happens next.” And making the characters so damn real that you relate with them, maybe not fully but on some higher mental level.
I would have to say the killing of a beloved second character. I have a problem of falling in love with the secondary characters more than the main characters. For examples: Kisten from Kim Harrison’s book and Kris from Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books. There was just something about their characters I loved… so when they well SPOILER ALERT… died I was heartbroken, like a beloved family member or friend passed on.. It took the enjoyment out of the book.
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I share your love of drows. There just aren’t enough of them around.
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Yay! Another drow lover! I agree, there is just not enough books unless you go to Forgotten Realms (which I do love reading them.. * shakes her fist at RA Salvatore for starting the obsession on drows*) to get your drow fix.
BTW - I enjoyed the first two books of your Valentine series (<3 Japh of course) and Steelflower (It fed my fantasy needs)
[Reply]
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
I think a lot of writers think drows are overdone, or that you can’t do them without also having a spider goddess or something.
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Pshaw! For the first thing, you don’t need Lloth, Eilistraee or all those dark Seldarine to write drow. The way I see it… these authors are doing new things for vamps, were-wolves, magi, etc. Why not for the drow?
Really, that is what I’m in the process of doing.. Even with my sylvan elves in my little short stories I do.
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I’d be more likely to do, say, sylvan elves working for a logging company in the 1800s or something. And the drow becoming urbanized. Because I’m that way.
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Hey, you would have a devoted reader in me hehe >: )
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Hi Lilith:
I have been a fan ever since I picked up my first Dante Valentine book. I just finished Jealousy yesterday. Loved it. Graves is my favorite character, but I love all of those Wulfen boys. Plus I can’t wait to see the plot development with Ash.
If you ever want to do a signing at my bookstore in Driggs, Idaho, you are welcome to stay at my house. We live in the Teton Mountains and are about 2 hours from Yellowstone Park.
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Hi Flip!
I hear the climbing’s good in Yellowstone! *is tempted*
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What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see? A perfect character that has now flaws
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst? Make you like the character evn when it’s a villan. You know you show hate them but; can’t help liking them. Endings that don’t make sense or leave you going WTH just happened? Also a book that jumps around too much where I have to keep going back through the last couple of pages to figure out if I missed something.
You are a new author to so I have not read your books yet. Adding them to my reading list.
What is the strangest thing a fan has ever done or said?
Enter to win FREE BOOKS~Done
Come Discuss this week’s Screen Bites~Done
Join our book chat this week~Done
Chat and read the Off the Fang Column~Done
Sue B~USA
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
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Hi Sue, nice to meet you.
I did have a fan once come up to me at a signing and tell me he wanted to wear my skin. I was…floored. I think I said, “That’s nice, thank you.” He blushed crimson. I think he got all tangled up and something weird came out of his mouth when he wanted to say something completely different, and he was horrifically embarrassed.
I also get really great hate mail. I mean, it’s amazingly creative. It’s always interesting.
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I would like a author to always have something that keeps me guessing.
The worst thing a author can do in a book is kill off a really liked character.
I can’t think of any good questions, I’m boring like that
(1)I RSVP’d
(2)sent out a tweet http://twitter.com/Carmen_R/status/19597326457
(3)posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=586581099&v=wall&story_fbid=145537165462694
(4) RSVP’d for author W.D.Gagliani
(5)Entered to win FREE BOOKS
(6)Enter the HUGE Maggie Stiefvater Shiver contest
(7) Joined in at Screen Bites
(8) Joined in the Off the Fang Column
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Hi Lili, thanks for coming to hang with us today! And I have to say, I love that so many of my favorite authors are writing YA material now. There’s so much I want to share with my kids (8 and 10, both girls) but feel it’s not quite on their level yet.
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
**A hamster shifter. For some reason, no one’s willing to touch that one. LOL
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
**The best thing an author can do is take me away into their world. It’s how I relax and escape from the real world. The worst? Bore me. I can be bored any time of the day and I’d really hate to pay to be bored.
Congrats on the new book and much success to you!
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Thank you!
I did have a conversation with Candy Tan of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books once about wereducks. I have occasionally mentioned wererats. But hamsters…hmmm. That would take some doing.
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I have loved loved loved the Strange Angels series…they are fascinating and mysterious. Thank you so much for sharing your talent.
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Thanks for reading!
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Congrats on the Jealousy release!! I’ve adored both the previous Strange Angels books and I’m desperate to know what happens next for Dru and Graves. And Christophe, I guess…
(is it clear who I want her to end up with?) Anyway, hoping my copy arrives from Amazon on time, I can not wait to read it!
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see? I’m not sure I can actually think of anything. Not everything I’d like to see is covered in every book I read, but across everything I read? I don’t think I’m missing anything big.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst? Best: show real loyalty to the characters. What ever it is they’re going through, staying loyal to the person we’re introduced to on page one is the most important thing to me. Stuff happens, people change, and they should, but that change needs to stay in touch with the original person we meet and fit with them from that time. Staying true to that is what matters most to me. Worst: oddly, the opposite. Turning characters on their heads and making them someone else entirely (barring say, being turned in to the evil undead
) is the very worst thing an author can do for me. And very close second is to twist something that’s been written, some of the mythology or alike, on it’s head to make something fit. To get the main character or love interest out of a tight spot, and yet it makes no real sense. That really gets to me as well.
Question: Was it hard making the switch from adult to YA books?
-RSVP’d
- tweeted: http://twitter.com/cem_214/status/19599682091
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Hi Cem!
Actually, it wasn’t hard at all. i start out with one very simple directive: to tell the truth. To not punk out or look away. If I’m telling the story from a teenager’s point of view, I try my best to remember what it was like for me and my friends, and to speak directly from that experience. So it wasn’t hard, it was just different. It required me to go back into places I frankly never wanted to revisit in my early life and think very seriously about them. That was the hardest part.
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I hope I haven’t missed this question.
But is St Crow your real name? Cos it is so cool
Hm…more Finland
Give me an HEA with no loose ends. Worst is when they make me question teh ending
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Yes, that is my real name. It is on my driver’s license, Social Security, checks, paychecks, utilities, you name it.
I tend to want the right ending, not necessarily the happy ending. But I don’t mind a HEA at all.
And I think we could all use a little more Finland!
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Hey Lili -
Please forgive any misspelled words - i’m commenting my phone since I’m in a car on my way to maggie stiefvater book signing.
I love the Strange Angels and Jill Kismet series - I have only read the first Dante Valentine book although I am planning on reading the entire series whenever on earth I get to it. I got my dad to read strange angels - he plans on taking Jealousy from me as soon as I finish it. I love coming home to find my dad reading my books.
Now onto your questions -
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
Very hard question. Let me see I would like to see more heroes than heroines. I feel that there aren’t a lot of guys as main characters.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
The best thing an author can do in a book is have those moments where as a reader I cannot believe that that happened and I’m sitting there with my jaw hung open jet muttering to myself “I can’t believe that just happened.” it’s also moments like that that make me go to my sister and friends and tell them all about the book. Word of mouth is possibly the best publicity.
The worst thing an author can do in a book is kill of a favorite character especially in the middle of the series. If one of my favorite characters gets killed off I just have to put the book down for a while, and I have no idea when I’ll pick it up again. So more books could come out and I’m still trying to get through prior books. So that’s bad because I won’t buy the other books until I get through the book I have.
Now questions for you Lili.
1. Where or how did you come up with the term svetocha ? First time I’ve ever heard the term so I’m curious and I really can’t pronounce it.
2. If you could make any book into a movie which would it be?
3. If you could time travel when would you travel to and why?
I rsvp’d.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/sandyg02/status/19600938480
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Hi Sandy! Thanks for joining us.
1. I ran across the term svetocha while researching dhampir legends in Eastern Europe. I really don’t know how to pronounce it either, but the audiobook people have done a great job. (The woman reading Betrayals just nails Christophe; it’s exactly how he sounds in my head.)
2. Any book at all? Probably Joan Vinge’s Psion. Man, I love that book, and I’d love to see it done right.
3. The trouble with time travel is that the past is smelly. And dangerous, especially during moments of great historical interest. That being said, i wouldn’t mind visiting France during the Revolution, or ancient Rome or Greece. I’d love to see Socrates for myself. How about you?
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I wouldn’t know where to begin for books I would want to be made into movies…there are just so many. I think I have a mental list somewhere in my head.
And if I was going to time travel I would wan to go to the future. I wouldn’t want my presence to mess up the present. And I kinda want to see what the future is going to be like, and maybe take a few items from the future home with me. ^_^
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I don’t know…the future seems pretty dangerous too. I’d probably jump at the chance for time travel, but my inherent caution would probably regret it once I was strapped in.
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For me the future would be a little scary. But I’d feel more comfortable going there up to at most 20 years in the future more than that and it’s scary. Also there are some advantages to going to the future like getting books and movies I’m dying to read/see now and knowing if I was going to do anything embarassing and so I could prevent it. But going into the past would certainly make history class more interesting.
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Hi lili!!
I know you get the question about where you get your ideas from all the time, but have you ever been driving in your car and a song comes on the radio to inspire a cerain scene or chapter in your books? I’ve only read Strange Angels so far but plan to make my way to the others. I also would like to know how many beginnings did it take you to get Strange Angels right to your satisfaction? I am currently writting something and I seem to change my beginnings every other week. Is this normal???
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Hi Tiffany!
Ideas are literally everywhere. Songs on the radio are definitely a great source!
I talk a little bit above about the initial inspiration for Strange Angels, but figuring out where the beginning of a story is sometimes does take a few starts. It’s normal to change beginnings to “feel out” where a story starts. Just don’t get so addicted to changing the beginnings that you forget to write the rest of it!
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Awesome!!!! Thanks
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Can you see any of your books becoming movies or tv shows in the future?
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I don’t know. The options could be bought, but then whether or not it would be exercised is another question entirely. When it comes to Hollywood, the safest bet is not to believe anything until the check clears. There are, as of yet, no plans.
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Sorry to be such a hog but what is your favorite series? Other than yours of course???
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There are so many, I don’t know if I could list them all! The best I’ve read recently, however, has been Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series. He’s just so good, and he really hurts his characters…
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Hi Lili, it’s very cool you write your name with an ‘i’ and not with an ‘y’ as in Lily, my little sister is also Lili, and she is so mad everyone wants to write it with an ‘y’
Congrats on your new release! and congratulations on your daughter she sounds extremely mature and smart for someone her age, you should be proud
The best thing an author can make is if they make me laugh (or chuckle)! I discovered that humourous books even when it is a gritty UF or thriller but has a sarcastic character keeps me entertained and makes me like the book so much more! The worst is if the character behave in a completely out of character way, that irritates me.
Most UF novels are about werewolf shifters, which are nice of course, but it would be great to read about some other species too. Diversity would be fun.
What other shifter would you consider writing about?
How do you go about naming your characters?
Have you ever named a character after someone you knew?
Thank you!
- RSVPd
- RSVPd for author W. D. Gagliani’s event
- entered Maggie Stiefvater’s contest
- posted on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000899165880&v=wall&story_fbid=139752759378578&ref=mf
- tweeted: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/statuses/19605657127
Stella B.
Hungary
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
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Hi Lili!
Stephanie S from US (Portland actually)
The best thing an author can do for me is just take me along for the ride - if the stories well told then I’m not thinking about plot choices, grammer, errors or whatever - I’m just focused on the story. I think the worst thing an author can do with a story is try to force it - whether it’s trying to make a romance work without building up to it or trying to build a plot by just throwing a lot of extra dramatic junk into it. I read a book last week where in the course of four days the main character was blackmailed by one person, bullied into quiting her job by another, shot by a third, mauled by a separate group, robbed by a another character, her mother was framed for murder by again a separte character and she was in the middle of a love triangle. I kept waiting for it to come together in a stroke of genius in order to excuse the chaos of the story but it never did… they all ended up being completely unrelated events, it was just bizarre. What’s your biggest pet-peeve about another author’s writing?
I came to your signing back in May with Ilona Andrews and Devon Monk - at the time I hadn’t read your books or Devon’s but you were both so funny and great to listen to that I just had to start reading your books immediately after the event. I LOVE the Strange Angel series, the characters are great and I’m going crazy at not having read the next book, Jealousy, but luckily I only have to wait a few more days
I would like to be able to say that I’m routing for the nice guy to win her in the end - but I just love Christophe too much and I’m crossing my fingers for he and Dru to have a chance… although Graves is winning me over little by little, I like how he’s growing into himself, being more confident and witty with Dru. 
BBB: I RSVP for this event, shared it on myspace, google buzz and google bookmark, RSVP for W. D. Gagliani’s event, Entered to win the free book,
Enter the Maggie Stiefvater Giveaway, participated in the discussion on Screen Bites, joined the weekly book chat, and commented on the Off the Fang Column
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Hi Stephane! Glad you enjoyed the event. It was hilarious fun for Ilona, Devon, and me too.
I think my biggest pet peeve with books is seeing the writer punk out, betray a character, and go for a weak ending instead of the right ending. But I’ve ranted on about that at length elsewhere. *grin*
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Hmm…I think I’ve seen a little bit of everything in books since I read so many. Sometimes I wouldn’t mind seeing a little more reality into the situations, such as a human being exposed to something supernatural but thinks the vamp or werewolf or succubus or whatever is full of crap. If I was ever presented with such situation I would think that person was crazy.
The best thing an author can do for her book is to tell the story the way it was meant to be told. Kind of playing into the whole, “show, don’t tell” thing as well. The worst thing is to make a book/character sound preachy. Unless that is how the character is supposed to be, but I would rather that be a side character, not main or secondary.
Lili, what was your road to publication like? I know everyone’s is different and I just wanted to know what yours was like. I’m an aspiring writer myself and am trying to get my manuscript ready for querying. Which I’m told is ever so much fun!
Any advice?
Another question, how far do you see your YA series going? What’s next for your adult series?
Entered Maggie Stiefvater contest
Screen bites
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My road to publication was a lot of hard work. I basically took whatever work I could so that when the call came, I was ready. I think a lot of aspiring authors thing that they have to sit and wait for someone to express interest, rather than pitching in and expressing interest in different aspects of publishing so they can find out what it’s really like and make connections.
As I mentioned above, the Strange Angels series is five books long. I have thoughts for another YA series, but I haven’t started that yet–I have a few other things to finish up first!
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Hi, I RSVP’d for this event.
I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I haven’t read ANY of your books. I have heard of you, and you ARE on my TBR list, but I have too many books and unfortunately not enough cash.
But I wanna ask, what makes your book so different from other urban fantasy books?
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Hi Lili,
Love all your books. Can’t wait for the next one and the next one and so on and so forth.
Have you ever done to or have any of your character done on their own something that you just love so much but absolutely cannot keep in the book?…..if so do you just make it go away or do you keep it somewhere?
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Hi Koren!
Oh, hell yes. I have a “graveyard” littered with scenes and passages I love, but that didn’t make it in. Or that just didn’t fit, or that I can’t quite bear to let go of, or that I know they belong somewhere but not in that particular book. It’s amazing how often that happens!
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answers to your questions….
1.I will know it when I see it. I am sure there is something. I just don’t know what it is.
2.Tell a good story and tell it well is the best thing an author can do for me. The worst is to take a good story and not tell it well.
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Hi Lili, A few years back we met by phone. My Neice was at a booksigning at Powell’s and she put you on the phone with me. LOL I’m such a book geek. I love all your books. I’m just getting ready to start the Strange Angels series, yeah I’m a bit behind. Some many books, not enough hours in the day.
I do have a question, related to what inspires you: Has music, a song or a line in a song inspired you to create a charachter or a story line?
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Hi Gail, I remember you! We had such a nice conversation. Your niece was so thrilled and polite!
Yes, music has inspired me. More often, though, I find songs that seem to fit what I’m working on and play them obsessively while I’m writing.
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Sorry about the mis-spellings, & grammer…Just got home from work, and just hit enter;-)
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Thanks for sharing with BBB fans, Lili. Just picked up Strange Angels today & can’t wait to start it. Congrats on another popular series!
See more of: Female kick-ass heroines over 40.
Author’s best thing: Write so that it makes me say, “WOW!!!”
Author’s worst things: Bore me to tears.
Curious: There seem to be more YA fiction aimed at teen gals than guys. Why do you think that is? (Don’t teen guys read?) Or don’t you agree?
Shirley H, USA - & I RSVPd.
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I am told that more teen girls read than teen guys. I don’t know the truth of this, and my vocal fans seem to be about 50-50 male-female. So, I don’t know. I do see plenty of YA with male narrators when I’m at brick and mortar stores…
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Hi lili
* I would like to see the normal things we have to go thru like the bathroom or being sick or falling down or nocking things over you hardly see these things. in books.or at least i think i want touse in books/
* The best is to have a happy ending the worst is to kill a mane character off.
* I spread the new on my myspace would have done my facebook but for some reason the share butten is not working for me i woulder how to get that fixed.could not find a help button what ever ok here is my myspace link
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks
* I RSVPed for you today
* I RSVPed for W.D. Gagliane
* I entered the free book
* I Entered the hugh Maggie Stefrater Giveaway
Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
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1) - already on newsletter, cross my heart, but can prove is so desired. . .
1) I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but I have no idea what I want to see. . . well, would like to see an astronaut, perhaps. LOL But I just don’t know what I really don’t see much that I’d like to see more of. When I pick up a book with something new or a new twist, then I guess I figure it out. LOL 2) The best. . . the only thing I can think of for this one is while there are so many plot lines in the history of the world, I guess I expect to not read the exact same book as either a previous author’s books or someone elses. (don’t mean plagerism here) 3) The worst. . . oh wait, I got it — write too slowly!! LOL It’s tough waiting for new books!! 
2) - Hi!
4) - twitter - @OV_099
FB - http://www.facebook.com/people/Lois-Merritt/100000225278700
extras) and RSVPed for this one, W. D. Gagliani.
Lois
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other contest stuff…
Koren C. USA
Asked 2 answered 2
posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1339196135
Rsvp’d for W.D.
entered to win MJD books
entered to win book pack
commented on Screen Bites
participated in book chat
commented on Off the Fang
I RSVP’d
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One of the best things authors do is bring the characters alive with such description that I can visualize the story. Also, when there is a lot of diversity in body types and financial backgrounds.
One of the worst things is when it takes just about the entire book to get across what the characters are trying to accomplish.
RSVP’ed
RSVP’ed for W.D. Gagliane event
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The best thing an author can do is keep the characters consistent.
I’d like to see more thought about the environment.
RSVPd
RSVPd to WD Gagliani
Canada
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Hi Lillith, I love the Jill Kismet series and the Strange Angels series. In the Jill series you always describe what her character drives. How do you decide on the car? I always see her in my head a black Dodge Charger like in the first Fast and Furious movie.
Rachel V.
USA
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Actually, I looked through old muscle cars until Jill perked up and said, “THAT’S the one for me!” I really didn’t make the decision at all. Currently I think she’s driving a Plymouth.
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What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see? I would like to see more time traveling and more story lines with like the sandman or someone the author makes up from scratch something never heard of.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
The best thing in an author can do it in a book is create a storyline and characters that draws you in the book and keeps you the book. The worst thing would be there is no ending to the book it is kept wide open. I like books that have an ending to them. Please enter me in contest. I am very interested in reading your books. Tore923@aol.com
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I’m sorry I’m late to this party, but it looks like a great Q&A session. Great questions, and very specific answers. Thank you!
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Thanks for popping by!
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What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
Hmmm… that the villain in the story never has a happy ending
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
Hmmm have great character.Kill off a important character is the worst thing ever.
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Hi Lili! I have to start out by saying that I love your books. I have read the Dante Valentine series, Jill Kismet, and the Watcher series. (those last by the way were hard to find, I had to special order them in at Borders.) I have not read Strange angels yet, but will ordering it as soon as I am done here for my kindle. I saw this new one was not out in ebook form yet, do you know if it will be soon? I saw listed above that you liked the audiobook for your book. Do you like to lisen to audiobooks in general? I usually work outside all day, and have found audiobooks help the day go faster myself. What about your movie watching favs? Do you watch all sorts of things like you read all types of books? Some of my favs are the b horror movies, those things are so great.
So to answer your questions, there’s nothing coming to the top of my head like why oh why don’t I see …such and such in books, I would like to see more books about older women (like 30 to 50) being the kick ass gurl, but maybe the younger crowd wouldn’t fall for it. I agree with the earlier comments about women having flaws, NOT being a size 2, experiencing truamas and having issues with sex, or men in genreal, but in a real life way. The best thing is telling such a good story that I’m turning ahead pages to see what happens. I want to be sucked in to forget about MY problems for a while. The worst thing is having me lose interest, I have only ever not finished 1 book, and that was because the story had some animal cruelty in it, and I couldn’t stomach it, thought that it was not relevant to the story. Here’s another question for you, what are your thoughts on ebooks? I have both a kindle and hundreds of books, but I’m really loving the kindle. And another off the wall question, do you garden at all? Thanks for being here, and will def be checking out these books!!
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
rsvp’d for Gagliani
did the shiver and linger giveaway
I donated to the Old Races Novella. Will email the receipt.
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Hi Joani! Nice to meet you!
I don’t often listen to audiobooks because I’m working all day, and trying to write while listening to an audiobook is not recommended.
I watch a lot of action movies, foreign films, and dramas; I don’t watch too many comedies or rom-coms. The best movie I’ve seen lately was Brick, starring Joseph Gordon-Leavitt.
I do garden when I have time, which isn’t often. More often, if I can get the lawn mowed every two weeks it’s a victory, and I call it good.
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What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
I have read so much by so many different authors that I can’t think of
any thing that I haven’t seen.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the
worst? Keep it interesting. A book has to keep my attention. I like what I call a page turner. You can’t wait to get to the next page to find out what will happen. If it starts getting boring or bogged down then I am ready to put the book down and not finish it. I hate to not finish a book. I usually force myself to finish even if it has lost my attention
RSVPed for W.D. Gagliani’s event
Entered to win Free books
Entered the Huge Maggie Stiefvater Shiver and Linger and $100.00 Visa Gift Card Giveaway
Joined Discussion on this week’s Screen Bites
Joined Weekly book chat
Chat and read the Off the Fang column
Shared on Twitter - http://twitter.com/jellybelly82158/status/19618585106
Shared on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000594583971
[Reply]
Hi lilith
I am a great fan of everything you write especially jill kismet but I have to say Selene is my all time favourite (have just recently reread it for the 3rd time) Its one of those haunting stories that seem to stay firmly locked in the brain! I look forward to all your upcoming releases
Thanks for being such a great writer!
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Thank you, Angelina! Glad you like them, especially Selene. Did you know there’s a Selene/Nikolai reunion story coming out in the near future?
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Hello Lili!
Can’t wait to read Jealousy!!! I love the Strange Angels Series.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you?
1) For the characters to mature and evolve within the book.
What’s the worst?
1)Boring, slow, & weak story line.
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I can’t wait for it to be released! It feels like it’s been forever.
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Sandy G - USA
The best thing an author can do in a book is make me really connect with the characters. The worst thing is to read a book and feel like the author didn’t really care about writting it but was just filling a contract for a certain number of books in a sereis.
rsvp’d
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Great interview! I love the reading rule. We have a similar one.
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It’s stood us in good stead. I think it trains a kid’s BS detector, too.
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Hi Lili,
Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us.
James R. RSA
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
A paranormal being that is actually weaker than a regular joe–human–and who actually needs to hide because they can’t just snap a neck or make googly eyes and mesmerise…a paranormal caste literally fighting for survival. I think that would be interesting and rather against the norm…
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you?
Surprise me! It’s always great when something happens that you never saw coming, yet you look back and say…well you know, they were giving me hints all along the way.
What’s the worst?
Start another plot arch at the end of a novel… Sassy Philippa finally slays that nasty demon pretending to be Senator Joe Bloggs but then meets sultry vampire Sabrina…who just may be her long lost mother, but who is kidnapped moments before Philippa can ask her by four Hollywood werewolves wearing George Clooney masks…the end. Wait for book two in the Demon Control series (releasing in the following year of course) where Philippa finally discovers her mama…or does she?
RSVPed for W.D. Gagliani’s event
Entered the Huge Maggie Stiefvater Shiver and Linger and $100.00 Visa Gift Card Giveaway
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Oooh…and a question for you: Since there’s this sudden craze for grabbing an oldie (some people call them classics) and turning it into a slash; if you could write a ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ or the like…what would you pick?
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I’m actually not a big fan of those mashups. I know a lot of people like them, but they just leave me cold. Personally, I love the classics how they are–though the titles of the mashups give me no end of amusement!
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I RSVPed for this event.
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I haven’t read any of your books yet but they are on my TRL.
The worst thing an Author could do is when the female heroine is a whiner or too naive and is blinded to things that are so darn obvious,and the Author keeps her whining and blinded for too long in the book. The best thing is to keep me emotionally involved in the story and give me my HEA. :)What would I like to see more of ? I can’t think of a thing at this point because I read only the books that draw me and they have been very pleasing reads indeed.
I RSVP’d.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
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Katrina W
yayaya
Australia
Lilly, Loved the interview.. Jealously is on its way I received my email today from The book depository
What I would like to see in books,
Some one who is not picutre perfect every book you read the female character is often beautiful and yes flawless. It would be nice to see someone not so perfect in books, but still with the charisma you authors create so well.
The worse thing a author could do, would be to write abook with no real ending leaving us hanging with no future books in series.. now that would be heart wrenching or loose the plot towards the end of the series..
I love your strange angels series. and the characters are exactly what you would want in a series like this.. any muse that motivates you? music u listen to that creates your characters and wow two more books, this is great !!!!
I follow…
I rsvpd as well.
kittee_cat@bigpond.com
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Hi Katrina! Thanks for reading! I can’t wait to hear what you think of Jealousy.
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Hi!
1) I’ve read so many books, that it’s really difficult to think of anything I haven’t seen, but I’d like to seen a novel where the main character is not a hero, but actually the villain (like maybe a demon or some dark god), who could be a really bad person, but for some reason we’d still be interested in his fate.
2) The best thing an author can do is to create something clever and entertaining that would keep me hooked and guessing until the end, and also have some humor in the book. And the worst? Have a lot of similar characters that I’d have a difficult time remembering who is who, especially if they have similar names, or names starting at the same letter, because I usually only glance at the first letter of a name and know who the author means.
My questions:
Is Lilith your real name or a pen name? If it’s the second, why did you choose this particular one?
Have any of your novels been translated into other languages?
What was the most interesting/fun question you were ever asked by a reader?
Thanks!
Dovile P.
(Lithuania)
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I RSVPed for this event
1 and 2 - done above
4. RSVPed for W. D. Gagliani, entered Stiefvater’s giveaway, commented on Screen Bites and the Off the Fang column.
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Hi Dovile!
1. Yes, Lilith is my real name.
2. Yes, several of my books have been translated into other languages. French, German, Italian, and I think Russian. It’s fun working with the translators!
3. The funny thing is, readers often ask me things I’ve thought about in connection to the books! Once a reader asked me a question about the structure of the Hegemony/Putchkin in the Valentine books, and I gave this huge long complex answer, and there was dead silence. I was afriad I’d just nerded out bigtime.
Then the reader said, “Thanks. That’s why I love your books.”
I was gratified.
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I haven’t read a ton of books with perfect flow and no unnecessarily long pauses. Don’t like when the description gets in the way of the moment because my imagination already gave me a good picture 20 minutes ago. Repeating too much makes me trudge. Too horrific or sexy with no point gets on my nerves, though I’m fine with reading dark and erotic. Don’t like fave characters being killed off either, even if I get why. Best: creating characters I care about and some who are also like me.
I like YA and adult and am an adult, but I had your daughter’s grown-up reading mentality as a child, too. I believe it is you I have seen at (I think) all 6 of the Kim Harrison signings I’ve attended, usually sitting at the front with a pretty bag or two, then more recently at “my” Oregon City library book sale, walking right in front of my car with a purple tote. So if I’ve matched you up correctly, let me know. I just think it’s neat to see local authors out and about.
Rachel B, USA
RSVPd for this/W.D.
Will enter free books/book chat later
Did Maggie contest/Screen/Off the Fang
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I think that’s probably the Martian Mooncrab (a friend of mine), since I’ve never been to the Oregon City library book sale. I know she’s been front and centre at all the Harrison signings at the Beaverton Powell’s.
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Oh, and I also Tweeted about this (@Purrversia).
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I think the one thing I want to see but never see is a book with the whole package i.e. good plot, good writing, well rounded characters and great dialogue. I suppose you can’t have everything.
The best thing an author can do for me is to show me the world in a different perspective and invite me to think about issues. The worse thing is that he / she can be condesending.
My question : What is the most bizarre thing you’ve done for research?
I RSVPed and RSVPed for W.D. Gagliani’s event, entered the Maggie S contest, entered the other free book contest.
Singapore
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The most bizarre thing I’ve ever done for research…that’s a tough one. The most amusing thing was getting caught by a cop out in a field, attacking a haystack with a katana. He let me go with a warning after I told him I wrote romance novels. I tell that story at signings sometimes, it’s hysterically funny.
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Hi Lili. Thanks so much for answering those questions. I love the Strange Angels series and I can’t wait to read Jealousy. I was wondering:
WHY do you write urban fantasy? What’s pulling you to bloody werwulves and vampires instead of happy romance?
Have you ever created a charatcer that is so much like you, it’s scary?
Any plans for new books/series?
Thank you once again. You’re one of my faorite authors
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Hi Inni!
There are lots of “happy” romances out there with bloody werewolves and vampires. I don’t know precisely what you’re asking here, unless you’re asking (and I’m going to guess here) why some of my books don’t have “traditional” happy endings. A lot of my paranormal romances (like the Watcher books) do have HEAs, but some of the other stories I want to tell don’t. I have nothing against happily-ever-afters, but sometimes things don’t work out that way.
I’ve never created a character like me. I’m not sure I could–I’m not incredibly interesting.
I have several plans for new books and series. Things are very exciting right now, because I’m finishing off two long-term series and looking for what’s next. I don’t know where I’m going to go yet!
And I’m glad to be one of your favorite authors. Thank you for the compliment!
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Thank you for replying. Well, what I meant was (and I suppose I didn’t word it clear enough) that a lot of books for “our difficult age” has always been about heroic normal teens that get into situations like bully fights, compications with teachers, etc. and they all come out “winners” in the end, pretty much teaching us something: standing up to bullies is the right thing to do, telling on some one that is cheating on a test is not wrong…balh blah blah.
So, my question is, what makes you write dirty stories with swearing and violence and blood, instead of the “down to earth” fairy tales? Why does Dru have to deal with a murdering monster that killed her parents and shoot with guns, instead of having a normal life? Why do you think that presenting a problem in the form of a charging werwulf will help solve it better? Isn’t that what you’re saying?
Thank you.
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This is a complex discussion that probably isn’t best done here, Inni. I think more of what I’m saying with Dru is that sometimes people of the tender and “difficult” age face problems they shouldn’t have to. Closing our eyes to that fact does not make it go away.
Thank you for reading, and good luck.
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I also follow on Facebook (Rachel Erin Bland)), but I no longer have the e-mail.
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First: Thank you for the interview! I feel bad because though I devoured your Dante Valentine books, I’ve had Strange Angels and Betrayals sitting on my review shelf for…well months now and I haven’t had the time to read them
Secondly:
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see?
–I had to think about this pretty hard actually. I mean I’d like a heroine more like myself, but that’s vanity talking and isn’t feasible. No one wants to read about an average, 20something with no fighting skills or great beauty who reads more often than eats. More like eccentricities maybe; like a hero or heroine that has to have their weapons shiny and polished before battle, or superstitious about picking up a bad luck penny. something like that would be amusing at least.
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
–This just came up in a conversation actually. The best thing an author can do is give me a credible reasoning for a character to want to be different. I mean its one thing for a character to change a small habit, but to drastically change their entire view is entirely different. And won’t be easy and there needs to be a certain amount of ‘bleed over’. For instance a formerly vicious murderer who begins to change because of an attachment to a young child who believes in him–that’s fine, I’m for it, but don’t than make him Stan Homemaker who abhors violence in any form and hates breaking the law.
The worst thing an author can do is to begin a book in the middle of a character’s journey of growth and self-discovery. Unless there is a really good reason–and I can’t think of too many off the top of my head–starting in the middle is going to entail a lot of exposition to make me understand why the character is changing.
Lexie C.
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FOR BBB Ladies:
First I forget my country (USA) I’ll be more careful from now on.
–RSVP’ed for W.D. Gagliani
–Entered to win Undead and Unfinished
–entered the Shiver Party Giveaway
–Commented on Screen Bites
–Commented on Off the Fang
–RSVP’ed for this event
Lexie C. (USA)
Lexie.Cenni(@)gmail.com
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I think we’re coming to the end of the event now! Thank you all so, so much for your wonderful questions. And thanks to Bitten By Books for hosting me! This is always so much fun.
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Nice to meet you! I really never think of things like that, speaking about what I would like to see.
Keep a great story going. Best
Lose the story in the middle and never get it back. Worst.
What did you like the best about your story?
I RSVPed for this event and W. D. Gagliani,
Entered free books thing and the Shiver and Linger + $100.00 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!
Commented on Screen Bites and Off the Fang
Chatted in the book chat.
Thankyou , Lisa D. USA
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Hi Lili. Thanks so much for joining us here at BBB!
Hmm — the one thing I never see in a book that I would like to? I must admit I ham coming up empty on this one. I will have to think about and come back.
I am continually amazed by the originality I see in the UF genre.
The best thing an author can do: surprise me. I love when I can’t figure out a mystery before it is revealed, or until almost that point. Also, when everything within a book fits and meshs so well that it feels real.
The worst thing: realtes back to the last question — a weak mystery that I can figure out too early on. The other pet peeve of mine is for characters to all of a sudden not be true to their nature as it has presented previously. a gradual change is one thing, but a sudden one I find unbelievable.
Lili, what kinds of things to enjoy doing for relaxation?
(I did RSVP)
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Hi Lili,
Thanks for the interview. I really like it when authors can make a character come to life, whether by the little faults or the amazing story. And it has to be well written so that it flows and doesn’t read funky.
The worst thing an author can do is write badly and so unrealistically that it ruins a story. I’ve opened a book where an event happens and it’s so unbelievable that I can’t even finish the book because I’m so mad–and I love the weird and crazy, so it was pretty frustrating.
I loved Vampire Hunter D–that was such a great anime. Do you use odd ball anime for some of your references/inspiration?
Thanks a bunch!
Biki P, US
RSVP for W. D. Gagliani: done
Enter to win FREE BOOKS: done
Enter the Maggie Stiefvater Shiver and Linger Giveaway: done
Discuss this week’s Screen Bites: done
Book chat: done
Fang Column: done
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The best thing an author can do is to tell a great story with action that makes it interesting to read. The worst is when there is no HEA.
RSVP’d for W. D. Gagliani
Entered the Maggie Stiefvater Shiver and Linger Giveaway
RSVP’d for this event
JJ, USA
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I rsvp and here I am
What’s the one thing in a book you never see, but want to see? abuse
What’s the best thing an author can do in a book for you? What’s the worst?
make his/her character TSTL or whiney or abusive
RSVP for author W. D. Gagliani here: done
Enter to win FREE BOOKS here: done
Enter the HUGE Maggie Stiefvater Shiver and Linger + $100.00 Visa Gift Card Giveaway! done
Come Discuss this week’s Screen Bites here: done
Join our book chat this week here: done
Chat and read the Off the Fang Column here: done
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1. hum… I think I would want to see more Valkyrie characters, I love what Kresley Cole has done with them in the Immortals After Dark Series.
2. The best thing an author can do is stay on track and keep the characters true to who they are. The worst is have the characters do something that is totally out of character. It really ruins a book for me.
Nicole S. USA
entered the contests, and commented in three side posts.
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