Bitten by Books
Bloodsucking vampires, psychotic faeries, and a snarky, kick-butt heroine—that sums up the Ivy Granger series in a nice, neat little package. But the world of Ivy Granger isn’t nice and neat. It’s messy.
Just ask Ivy.
On second thought, we probably shouldn’t try talking to Ivy right now. I put our favorite psychic detective through Hell in Birthright, the newest novel in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series. Seriously, it’s a miracle that I don’t have one of Ivy’s silver and iron blades at my throat. She’d probably even risk a psychic vision so that she could strangle me with her bare hands.
Ivy has grown stronger throughout this series, but everyone has their breaking point. As if being hunted in Burning Bright by sidhe assassins wasn’t bad enough, now Ivy must solve a case involving Jinx’s father, fight her way past the guardians of Tech Duinn, and journey into Faerie where she is faced with the ever growing challenges of her heritage. The wisp court is filled with surprises, and not the kind that make a person clap their hands in glee. Not even Sparky, Ivy’s adopted demon, would find something to smile about. In fact, it’s uncertain if Ivy will make it back to Harborsmouth with her sanity intact.
Want to learn more about Ivy’s adventures into Faerie? Wondering if Ivy, her cat sidhe ally Torn, and her sexy kelpie boyfriend Ceff will survive this trip, and make it back in one piece? You can grab a copy of Birthright, available today at your favorite book retailers, for the answers to those questions. I’m also happy to answer any non-spoiler questions regarding the world of Ivy Granger in the comments below.
Would you like to chat face to face about the series? Want a signed copy of Birthright? Stop by my table at Author Reader Con NOLA. Author Reader Con takes place in New Orleans from July 30th - August 1st. I’ve also organized a Ghost Tour on July 29th, and a Cemetery Tour on August 2nd. Come join me in the French Quarter for a week of bookish fun, and paranormal thrills!
Not able to make it to New Orleans? You’re in luck! I’ll be in Atlanta August 12th - August 16th for Authors After Dark. I’m also signing and doing a panel at In-Con-Ceivable August 28 - August 30th in Northampton, MA. Don’t miss my panels, workshops, and signings at Speculative Fiction Southeast September 25th - September 27th in Orlando and at Hallowread October 23rd - 24th in Ellicott City, MD.
I throw a lot at Ivy in Birthright, the fourth full-length novel in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series.
Buy a print copy of Birthright from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of Birthright from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $3.99!
Books in the Ivy Granger series in the order they should be read:
Shadow Sight
Ghost Light
Burning Bright
Birthright - ONLY $3.99!
About E. J. Stevens
Author Bio:
E.J. Stevens is the author of the Spirit Guide young adult series, the Hunter’s Guild urban fantasy series, and the bestselling Ivy Granger urban fantasy series. When E.J. isn’t at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.
Connect with E. J.
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Do you have favourite detectives from TV, books or movies?
Great question, Minna! I’ve had a crush on Sherlock Holmes since I first read Conan Doyle’s books when I was 6 or 7, and I love all of his literary, film (Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr., Jonny Lee Miller…), and theatrical adaptations. Of course, I’ve also always had a soft spot for strong, female detectives. I believe my earliest was Nancy Drew, and the heroines I gravitated to became more kick-ass as time went by. I particularly love heroines from comic books, like Agent May (Agents of Shield) and Agent Carter.
Try out Detective Dee ( Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame andYoung Detective Dee, Rise of the Sea Dragon). They are foreign films but they are awesome. Hubby and I enjoyed them greatly.
And if you like anime PSychic Detective Yakumo. They have a live action version that I want to try out.
And I’ve been on an oldie kick.. Been watching Remington Steele. LOL
Thank you for the recommendations! I usually go on a reading/anime watching binge after each book release.
I should also mention that I had a MAJOR fan girl squeee! moment when I discovered that anime voice actress Melanie Mason and voice actor David Wilson-Brown were going to narrate BLOOD AND MISTLETOE. We had so much fun on this novella, that they are now in production with the BURNING BRIGHT audiobook.
Hello all! Thank you so much for having me here today at Bitten by Books.
I hope you brought questions. I’m not holding back! Let’s party.
If you could only give ONE piece of advice to newbie authors and writers, what advice do you think is the most important one to give?
Give one PRO of being a writer. One Con?
The absolute best piece of advice that I can give to any aspiring writer is to make time to write EVERY SINGLE DAY. There will be days when this is not possible. Life happens. But by making writing a part of your daily routine, you are honing your skills as a writer (practice makes perfect!), and creating invaluable habits that you will need when working on professional deadlines.
Pros? Cons? First, I want to express that I love what I do. This crazy writer thing definitely has its ups and downs, but I LOVE IT. As for pros, you can work from home in your pajamas and still be a (minor) celebrity. The cons are that you must take risks and put yourself out there for failure and criticism. It takes a thick skin to be a professional writer. Me? I wouldn’t trade it for a minute.
Bonus? I get to chat with fantastic people like you.
Mm, looking at your pinterest page… are you a fan of anime and manga? Yeah I ask because of the pictures.
I’m a HUGE anime/manga fan. This directly inspired my characters of Yuki and Gordy in my first series, the Spirit Guide young adult series.
In many ways, I believe that comics, anime, graphic novels, and manga distills the essence of a good story. Then again, I may be biased. My love of these formats is LEGION.
Woohoo! YES ! I am a fellow anime / manga fan too. I have raised my three sons on anime much to my husband’s dismay. LOL. Even got my niece into it.
An anime character inspired the heroine in my work in progress.
YES. As I just mentioned above, I had a MAJOR fan girl squeee moment when I discovered that anime voice actress Melanie Mason and voice actor David Wilson-Brown were going to narrate BLOOD AND MISTLETOE. We had so much fun on this novella, that they are now in production with the BURNING BRIGHT audiobook.
#soamazing
You will have to list some of your favorite anime and manga?
Hrm, those two voice actors are not ringing a bell with me. I looked up David Wilson-Brown to see what anime he voiced to see if I know him.
Okay I watched The Legend of Legendary Heroes but do not remember Rigwaltz Pentest, hrm a rewatch is in order. Not familiar with him in Fairy Tail’s Samagui (and I LOVE that show)
As for Melanie I watched Red Data Girl… Oooh I remember her in Fairy Tail
Andrew Love - who does Toshizo Hijikata on Hakuoki - and Brian Drummond - who does Zechs Marquisee/ Milirado Peacecraft and Allen Schezar - is who I envision for the voice of my character Rhaeyel Thornbane - he is sort of like a womanizing Robin Hood.. He just doesn’t give the money to the poor but uses it to care for his camp mates. LOL.
Congratulations on the release of Birthright! Who are some of your favorite heroines in the paranormal world?
Thank you so much, Bonnie!
I have SO many UF heroine faves, but Kate Daniels, Merit, Rylee Adamson, D.J. (Sentinels of New Orleans), Rachel Morgan, Murphy, Charlie Madigan, and Mercy Thompson make it into the Top 10.
If you were a hero/heroine in an urban fantasy novel, what would be your greatest fear?
—- I guess my greatest fear would be losing those close to me from either death (that is permanent) or them simply leaving because they no longer see me as important or want me in their life.
Is there a supernatural baddy that makes your skin crawl?
—- Any supernatural baddy that resembles a spider or has them as minions/pets. – shudders -
Do you have a weakness for the feathered, scaled, or furry? What paranormal is your Kryptonite?
—- Not so much feathered but I do like a few scaled creatures (for examples, dragons rock. I want one like my star-drow who is an opinionated thing. She wraps around his shoulders like a dragon-shawl and whacks people with her tail or snaps at those she dislikes for coming close to her familiar. I do have a bearded dragon … - Laughs – I once got told by an old book friend that I have three D’s I love in my paranormal: Druids, Drows/ Dark elves, and dragons.
1. Zombies
2. Zombies…and Spider Fae.
3. Love ‘em furry…and shift-y.
My biggest fear (and recurring nightmare) is having my family, friends, and pets become infected with the zombie virus and come after me. As a UF heroine, I’d be toughened to the act of killing rogue vamps and psychotic fae, but I don’t think I’d ever get comfortable with hurting those I love.
Zombies, why does it have to be zombies? Spiders, why does it have to be spiders? Seriously, I wouldn’t want to face down either in a death match.
I love shapeshifters! Calvin (werewolf), Simon (werewolf), Ceff (kelpie), and Torn, (cat sidhe) are some of my sexiest characters. Of course, I also have a soft spot for ghosts and demons (Forneus).
I have a changeling character - meaning she does not have one main animal shape - that is pretty awesome. When I role played her ages and ages ago, she made friends quiet easily. Now if I can get this one WIP done so I can work on her story I’d be happy.
Yes, shapeshifting characters have so much potential.
Best of luck with your WIP!
They can… In my current work-in-progress I have a elven were-wolf type ( The elven were types are called Keurnes) who has a secret meeting with a were-tree (sort of like a dryad and the tree beings in Lord of the rings), Their dialogue made me snicker.
hi E.J that is a scary cover, lol/ do book covers affect your decision to buy the book?
Thank you! I’ve been so lucky to have such amazing cover art for my books.
Yes. *hangs head* I’d like to say that I don’t judge a book by its cover, but I do. I also rely on reviews by reliable sources, often from book bloggers.
Congratulations on your release of Birthright.
1. I’d be afraid of making the wrong choice and putting others at risk.
2. Gouls and zombies kind of give me the creeps. It’s the mess I guess ;).
3. I love cats and they will be my downfall :).
What about you? What paranorm just gives you the creeps?
Thank you, Viki!
Zombies and ghouls DEFINITELY give me the creeps. I think it’s the complete inability to reason with them. Also, THE STENCH. Zombies and ghouls take gross to the next level.
There’s a scene where a ghoul explodes all over Ivy like a pinata filled with rotting guts, and I remember thinking, “I’m going to be sick.” That scene haunted every meal for a week, and now…it can haunt you. You’re welcome.
Yuck - Thank you
*mwahahahahahaha!* My work here is done. ;P
Hello! What new releases are you looking forward to this summer?
I currently have 5,057 books on my Goodreads TBR list. Sadly, with my writing schedule, I’ve fallen behind on new releases. At the moment, I’m enjoying catching up on the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill, Sentinels of New Orleans series by Suzanne Johnson, and Rylee Adamson series by Shannon Mayer.
Hi,
What authors have influenced you the most?
Great question, Linda! I was a massive fan of Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie, and Lord Halifax’s ghost stories as a child. In middle school, I became obsessed with Tolkien, Lovecraft, William Gibson, and Philip K. Dick. In college, I read huge quantities of philosophy and psychology (my major), and at the same time my love of history, architecture, and art deepened. I continued to read fantasy, and the occasional mystery, until I discovered what we now call Urban Fantasy. Reading the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher was like coming home.
I was influenced by all of these authors, and my own life experiences, and I’m thankful for every book and experience that has put me on this writing path.
Hi E.J.!
Thank you so much for being with us on the blog again today. It’s great to have you back.
My question for you is: Do you like to listen to music while you write or do you need complete silence? If you do listen to music, what inspires you?
It’s funny you should ask this, Rachel! I was just thinking about how music inspires my writing.
I am one of those writers who can’t write with music playing, but I often find myself jotting down notes when listening to music while driving (don’t worry, I pull over!) or exercising. Earlier today, I was listening to “How” by The Neighborhood, and thinking about how this song fits Jenna’s perceptions…perceptions molded by a difficult past. Some of the lyrics gave me even greater insight into how she must have felt as a young girl, bullied and tormented while in the foster system.
If you’d like to learn more about the music that has influenced the world of Ivy Granger (Ivy Granger series and Hunters’ Guild series), check out the FAQ page on the Ivy Granger World website: http://ivygrangerpsychicdetective.blogspot.com/p/faq.html
Thanks again for having me here, Rachel. It’s good to be back!
How did you come up with the idea for Ivy and all her buddies?
I came up with the idea for Ivy while doing research into psychics and paranormal abilities. I started to wonder what would be the most difficult psychic “gift” to deal with, especially if you were a woman living in a city populated with a high density of supernaturals. Psychometry, the ability to see psychic impressions left on objects, soon topped my list. Ivy grew from the concept of a young woman forced to become a loner-always on the fringes, fearful of being touched-who gets drawn into a tsunami of supernatural drama. She also, surprisingly to her, makes some amazing friends who don’t allow her push them away.
what are some of your favorite authors?
I have 5,807 books on my combined Goodreads shelves. I’m a total bookaholic. It’s hard to pick, but a few of my favorites include, Faith Hunter, Patricia Briggs, Richelle Mead, Jim Butcher, Darynda Jones, Kelly Gay, and the writing team of Ilona Andrews.
Who are your favorite authors?
I have many favs, among them are Darynda Jones, Kim Harrison, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lyndsay Sands
We’re bookshelf twins! I love all of these authors.
Is there a genre you would like to write in, but you haven’t tried yet for whatever reason?
I would love to write a great Sherlockian mystery. I’ve always had a love of Sherlock Holmes, and dark, grisly Jack the Ripper-esque murders. There’s something about the gaslight era that just screams for blood, murder, diabolical deeds, and deception. Of course, I would be tempted to fill the shadowy, coal blackened streets with supernaturals.
Do you ever read books set in Victorian or Edwardian London?
Yes and it certainly changes the dynamics of the story. Mercedes Lackey is an author who writes fine examples of paranormal characters in Victorian settings.
Have you ever had something just magically fall into place when you weren’t expecting it? I used to have a german shepherd and have really missed having one. Currently have a cocker spaniel I do agility with and a 17yo jack russell/foxy cross who doesn’t do much lol. Anyway last sunday a GS breeder whos page I follow on fb popped up a post with an 18month old boy she was rehoming as he was trying to play with sheep and his owners didn’t want to risk it becoming something else. Mentioned it to my partner just dreaming as have had the disccussion before and been told not getting another. Well blow me down he said to inquire and now I’m picking the new fella up this weekend. So very excited lol
Congratulations, Emma. I’m so happy for you and your new pup!
Got to love those serendipitous moments. I had a pleasant surprise like this recently. In my WIP, Hunting in Paris, Louis IX, King of France is a part of the history of a series of relics that go missing, and Jenna must retrieve them from the supernaturals plotting to use these relics for diabolical purposes. I am also planning a trip to New Orleans later this month for Author Reader Con. These two things seem completely unrelated, but I just realized that the cathedral off Jackson Square is Saint Louis Chathedral-named after Louis IX, King of France. Magic? I think so.
What is one thing someone visiting Maine shouldn’t leave without doing/seeing/eating?
I have two series set in fictional Maine towns. My Spirit Guide YA paranormal romance series is set in the fictional town of Wakefield, Maine, and the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series is set in the fictional city of Harborsmouth, Maine.
Maine is an amazing place to visit, but large. We have over 3,748 miles of coastline (over 5,000 miles of coast if you include our islands), over 500,000 acres of State and National Parks, over 50 breweries, over 20 wineries, and many top rated white sand beaches. I highly recommend a coastal drive, including stops in Bar Harbor, Camden, Portland, and Kennebunkport. You will see influences for my Spirit Guide and Ivy Granger series along the way.
As for places to eat, Maine is known for its lobster, but I’m vegetarian. Happily, there are many wonderful places to find delicious vegetarian snacks and meals in Portland, and just over the border in Portsmouth, NH. Mekhong Thai, Kon Asian Bistro, Shalimar India, The Holy Donut, and The Green Elephant vegetarian bistro are just a few of my favorite local restaurants and cafes.
Of course, you can’t leave without checking out some of the many haunted homes and lighthouses. Our rocky coastline has become the watery grave of many sailors, fishermen…even pirates!
Hi E.J. and Congratulations! Maine is a beautiful state~Acadia National Park is gorgeous! That’s a fearsome cover! Do you have a “day job”?
1. I suppose my greatest fear is that I would no longer be a part of my family since we would be so different!
2. Zombies!!!
3. Scaley
Thank you, Betty! So glad you like the cover.
No, writing is my day job…and my night job…and…well, you get the idea.
BIRTHRIGHT is my 14th published book. With 2.5 book releases, 2 audiobook releases, a full-time blog, research trips, and half a dozen book conventions each year, it’s a full time job.
Have you visited Maine recently? I haven’t been to Acadia this year, but I’m hoping to make a trip during the hawk migration. The view from Cadillac Mountain is amazing!
Wow! That’s an impressive body of work, E. J.! It sounds like writing is more than a full time job for you! I’m sure when you’re not actually writing, your’re pondering and plotting! I haven’t been to Maine for years but I’m hoping to visit again this year. This is the first I’ve heard of a hawk migration. When is it? It sounds fantastic! I drove around Cadillac Mountain but this time I’ll have more time so I want to do it all!
Here is a bit of info: http://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/nature/hawkwatch.htm
I’ve had great luck going at the end of August or during September. Since I have 3 conventions in August this year, and only one in late September, I’ll probably try to go in early September. Of course, keep in mind the Labor Day crowds if planning a trip.
The hawk migration is amazing to see. The rangers have extra sets of binoculars, but if you have a pair, I recommend bringing your own.
Have fun!
E. J., thank you so much for the link and the information! I was thinking of sometime this fall so this sounds perfect!
I have to compliment you on your picture~simply lovely and ethereal!
You are very welcome, Betty. And thank you! A photo shoot in a cemetery seemed appropriate for my author pics.
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
This is the most difficult question EVER. I’m a huge Henson fan.
If we’re talking Muppets from The Muppet Show, then my favorite is Beaker, because he’s nerdy and smart and none of the other Muppets seem to understand him.
But if I can pick from any Henson creature, my favorite creatures that I love to hate are the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal.
Beaker and the Skeksis are so diametrically opposed. I’m not sure what that says about me as a person. Probably nothing good.
1) My fear would probably depend on the setting and the problems present in that world, but I’d hate to lose those I love (or never find them).
2) I do recoil at zombies…my beloved Ewan McGregor played one in a TALES OF THE CRYPT episode, and (even though the makeup was subtle and he looked pretty good) I had a hard time forcing myself to watch.
3) I do love angels who are curious about/struggling with human feelings!
I’d watch Ewan McGregor in nearly any movie, but I draw the line at zombie films. Oh, Ewan, why??
Did he eat any brains? Wait. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.
3) I agree! I loved watching Castiel struggle with these issues in Supernatural.
1. My greatest fear if I was an urban super hero would be to kill innocents in my battles against evil. This would tear me up so much inside that I’mnot sure the conflict would allow me to go on with the fight. It is one thing to kill evil; it is quite another to kill the good as collateral damage.
2. It would have to be zombies and the biggest and baddest (evil evil) vampire.
4. Gryphons, dragons, and furry of any sort.
I should warn you that my vampires are the biggest and baddest, and they do not sparkle. In fact, I’m going along with the Hunter character Jenna on this one. The only good vampire is a dead vampire.
That sounds like my type of Vampire hunter!
She also wears their fangs (the only part that doesn’t turn to dust) as trophies around her neck, like a macabre rosary. Jenna Lehane’s parents were killed in a vampire attack, so she really, really hates vamps.
Well that should put some scare in any vampires she faces!
Name your top 3 favorite things (other than writing) to do and why
In no particular order…
1) Eat. (lol) I love food. This is very apparent when I travel. I spend weeks researching menus and finding the best vegetarian restaurants.
2) Snuggling and/or hiking through the woods with my corgi.
3) Traveling. I love exploring new worlds, whether they are in real life or in my head. Some of my favorite cities include, London, Dublin, Rome, Paris, NYC, and Bruges. I traveled to Bruges for book research, and I’m planning a similar trip to Prague in the near future.
Now I just need to set a novel in a gorgeous city, that I must research for the book, that has excellent cuisine, and a large population of corgis.
Well, you might try Miami. It probably has a lot of corgis running around. And the Cuban cuisine is mm mm good!
Sounds fantastic!
I do not like nail polish. Do you?
I used to love wearing black nail polish. In recent years, I’ve started to feel claustrophobic if I put on nail polish, so I now buff my nails (to make them shiny) if I’m going out. The smell of polish remover is something I definitely don’t miss.
Do you dislike the look of nail polish on other people, or is it a dislike of wearing it? Am I the only one who suffers from Nail Polish Claustrophobia?
I’ve tried using nail polish but not only is it a bother to put on and care for, it feels weird in my nails.
If you were a hero/heroine in an urban fantasy novel, what would be your greatest fear?
—- I guess to be helpless.
Is there a supernatural baddy that makes your skin crawl?
Zombies
Do you have a weakness for the feathered, scaled, or furry? What paranormal is your Kryptonite?
Yes sure - Dragons. Kitsune, Cheshire cats, Crows/ravens, Gryphons
In the Ivy Granger series Torn, lord of the cat sidhe, was inspired in part by the Cheshire cat. A sexy, immortal Cheshire cat.
I also share your love for kitsune, gryphons, and crows/ravens.
Did you know that crows/ravens sometimes lead wolves to their prey? I used that information in one of my Spirit Guide books. I’m not sure why I thought of it now. #randomstuffinsidemybrain
Hi
Thank you for this information, they are highly intelligent and i always dream to ave a special relationship with on of them. My admiration started when I was small and introduced to Aesop fables ( some of them proved true).
If you could be any character in any book, who would it be and why?
Gah! Why do I read about such tragic characters? I love glimpses of their worlds, but I wouldn’t want to walk in the shoes of most of the characters in the books that I read.
If I had to pick though, I’d probably be Charley Davidson. I enjoy wise cracking banter fraught with bad puns. Plus, Charley has great friends and Reyes Farrow. Reyes Farrow. Yep, I’d share my shower with dead people for Reyes.
What would you sidekick be like?
I love sidekicks, especially the quirky ones. The quirkier the better.
Since I’d like a sidekick who’s quirky, loyal, and willing to help in a fight, I’d have to choose Ivy’s best friend, Jinx. I’d also love to have Alex from the Rylee Adamson books as a sidekick. “Yuppy doody!”
How do you decide if a book is going to be a stand alone or part of a series?
When deciding if a book will be a stand alone or series, I think about the story that I want to tell. Can I fully develop the characters, plot, and world within one novel, and give readers a satisfying resolution? If so, then it can be a stand alone. If not, the story is a better fit for a series. As a reader and a writer, I prefer series.
Which do you prefer, series or stand alone novels?
Series. That way, I can be immersed in the world of the story longer.
If you could spend the day with any literary character, who would it be and why? What would you ask them?
I would spend the day with Tolkien’s Gandalf, because of his knowledge of magic and the history of Middle Earth, and because he is a character that I relate fondly to my childhood when I first read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
There are so many things that Gandalf could teach if asked, but I’ve often wondered what happened to his spirit after the battle with the Balrog, before he was resurrected as Gandalf the White.
Answers to Author’s questions:
1. If you were a hero/heroine in an urban fantasy novel, what would be your greatest fear?
My biggest fear would be that my enemies would come after my family in order to get to me.
2. Is there a supernatural baddy that makes your skin crawl?
I’m really not into zombies. They give me the heebie jeebies.
3. Do you have a weakness for the feathered, scaled, or furry? What paranormal is your Kryptonite?
Feathered! I love to fly, so any paranormal being that has wings and can fly is fine by me.
Eeep! Zombies! I completely agree.
What’s your favorite book cover?
My favorite book covers for my books are SPIRIT STORM (Spirit Guide #2) and BIRTHRIGHT (Ivy Granger #4). Some of my favorite covers in the urban fantasy genre include the Dresden Files, Iron Druid, and Leandros Brothers series covers.
snakes
no baddy
no favs
If you had the time and a choice, where in the world would be the first place you would go and why?
That I wouldn’t really end up being a heroine (greatest fear)
Zombies would be a definite ICK.
I would prefer the furry…I love cats and dogs for starters.
I love to travel! My favorite cities include London, Paris, Dublin, Rome, Bruges, and NYC. I’ll be visiting New Orleans and Atlanta in the next few weeks for book conventions.
If I could travel anywhere right now, I would visit Prague. I love the city’s architecture, art, and history, and I need to research locations there for an upcoming Hunters’ Guild book.
Is there somewhere that you dream of visiting?
I hope when my husband and I retire we can afford to travel some. I did get to parts of Europe many years ago. My priority is London. I’ve never been there and that is where my oldest son lives. My husband wants to go to Switzerland. The house where his great-great grandfather was born is still there and in use by family.
Prague would be a great place to visit. I like to watch the travel shows on PBS and that was featured one time. What a great location for a book!
Thank you all for such a wonderful release day. You all rock for being here with me on Bitten by Books! It’s 11pm here, so I’m taking a break, but I’ll be back later to answer questions and respond to comments.
I hope you all enjoy the Ivy Granger series. Happy reading!
Congratulations on the new release. Your book sounds amazing. I like the Sentinels of New Orleans series by Suzanne Johnson too. Which book are you reading next?
Thank you, Zonell! I hope you enjoy it.
Did you know that Suzanne Johnson and I will both be at Authors After Dark this year? If you come, be sure to come find me.
I’m finishing up Howling for You and about to begin reading Wild Things (Chicagoland Vampires). What are you reading?
I’m reading The King by J R Ward.
Would you please share 3 unique things about yourself with us?
1. that I wouldn’t be good enough to right the wrong
2. zombies
3. furry
3 things about myself? I’m a vegan bookaholic with an obsession with day planners.
Thank you for sharing with us. It was a great experience!
Thank you, Linda! This has been so much fun. It’s great to be back at Bitten by Books.
My biggest fear is someone innocent might be hurt. Zombies
My weakness has always been with the furry creatures.
Zombie really are the creepiest, aren’t they?
Have you ever felt like giving up or maybe at the end of writing, you think you should start over?
I’ve published 14 speculative fiction books in 6 years, and there has been a moment of self doubt just before writing each one. I don’t think that feeling ever goes away, but it does get easier to overcome. For me, the best medicine is to spend time with my readers. It’s a great reminder of why I do this crazy writing thing.
What draws you to urban fantasy? What do you like/dislike about writing in that genre?
I love reading and writing urban fantasy. There is something magical about the juxtaposition of reality and fantasy in an urban setting. I want to escape reality when I read, but I also want to be able to relate to the characters and believe in their environment. When done well, urban fantasy is that perfect mix and can become fully immersive. The biggest challenge as an urban fantasy writer is to find that perfect balance between reality and the supernatural.
My favorite thing about writing in this genre is having permission to write snarky characters…and hot kelpies… I really love this genre!
Answers to author’s questions
1. I guess my fear would be letting people down.
2. not really. I read so many different PN series that I’ve found redeemable characters of all types so I guess it would depend on the book.
3. doesn’t really matter as long as we aren’t talking about pets- not to keen on taking care of something scaly. I guess all paranormal is my kryptonite.
If you were a hero/heroine in an urban fantasy novel, what would be your greatest strength?
Snarky dialogue. lol. Kicking ass would be cool too.
who is your favorite author?
I love so many authors, but Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are in my top 10.
wheres your favorite place to write?
I enjoy writing on park benches, cemeteries, seaside cliffs, and at my writing desk.
Do you have any current favorite tv shows or books?
My favorite TV shows include, The Originals, Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, Lost Girl, and Sleepy Hallow (Tom Mison!). I love reading urban fantasy. I’m enjoying the Mercy Thompson series, Kate Daniels series, Chicagoland Vampires series, and the Jane Yellowrock series.
Questions answered:
1. If you were a hero/heroine in an urban fantasy novel, what would be your greatest fear?
death would be a pretty big one but maybe being alone would be a close second
2. Is there a supernatural baddy that makes your skin crawl?
I would have to say the undead
3. Do you have a weakness for the feathered, scaled, or furry? What paranormal is your Kryptonite?
furry in both the kitten sense and the shape shifter sense
What’s your favorite summer cocktail?
I’m not really a cocktail drinker, though I’ve seen some interesting ones based on literary works and characters.
Is there a particular writer who influences or inspires you the most?
I’m inspired by every book that I read, good or bad. That is one of the reasons why I think it is so important for writers to be avid readers. There is always something new to learn, or to inspire future work.
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
I love writing action scenes and witty dialogue.
The most difficult scene for me to write was the flashback/vision in SHADOW SIGHT of the attack on Marvin by the each uisge. I ugly sobbed while writing that scene.
Super late to the party but hi!
You mentioned ghost tours- one of my not so secret favorite things to do when on vacation…do you have a favorite city for haunts?
My fear would be getting my (very large, very close) family caught in the crossfire, because there is always crossfire.
I have a weakness for those vampires- I love a good set of fangs. The fae are not far behind though.
I think zombies are the things that creep me out the most- but possessed dolls and necromancers are also very high on the list. Actually, not that I think about it- the dolls are #1 for sure. I just finished Penny Dreadful season 2 (which was stellar!) and the dolls are the worst.
Hi, Kristin!
Yes, I love ghost tours. In fact, I have a feature on my blog, Paranormal Road Trip, in which authors take us on a journey to a city (real or fictional) from their book or series. We do this every Monday, and I’ve added so many new cities to my traveling bucket list.
A few of my personal favorites are the Tower of London, Holy Blood Cathedral in Bruge, Belgium, and the Capuchin Crypt in Rome (a cathedral made entirely of bones from the monks).
I’ll be visiting New Orleans later this month for ARC NOLA 2015 and I’ll be doing the Ghost Tour and Cemetery Walking Tour while there. In October, I’ll be at Hallowread, and there will be nightly ghost tours and tours of the Haunted Ruins at Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott City, MD.
Right now I would have to say Zombies creep me out…flesh-eating, rotting, falling apart and hard to kill…yuck…. Just finished a Zombie Apocalypse book by Laurell K. Hamilton Affliction.
I agree. Zombies are so creepy!
If you could have three folks to dinner living, dead, real, or imaginary who would they be and why?
Curran Lennart, Rick LaFleur, and Charles Cornick…because what could be better than food AND three hot shifters?
know who Curran and Charles but am drawing a blank on Rick Lafleur. What book is that from?
Rick Lafleur, sometimes called Ricky Bo, is from the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend.
I have this series on my to be read list just need to find the time. I’ve read the first one but haven’t gotten any further.
I think I’ve posted a few reviews on my Goodreads account. Great series, but the short story collection needs trigger warnings. I also interviewed Faith Hunter on my blog, From the Shadows (last year?). You can search in the blog sidebar.
if you could go anywhere in the world on a Vacation where would you go?
Prague and Florence are next on my list. I love to travel!
1. getting an innocent killed or outliving my kiddos
2. zombies yuck
3. love me some dragon shifters but am partial to all shifters
EJ,
What was your first horror romance book you ever read? I love horror movies & not much supernatural creeps me out. I did watch Annabelle movie & that puppet did a number on me, couldn’t go to.the bathroom without a broom, so I could open the shower curtain. I also.slept with the lights on for 3 nights. My paranormal kypton is a Alpha Fel I need Shifter because I think PURRING is MEGA SEXY! My greatest fear in my BOOK.COSMOS or in real life is being alone.
Probably Dracula or Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.
Hi E.J.! Congrats on the new book! I’m loving the series so far, and excited to read Birthright! Do you have a number in mind for how many books will be in the series? Do you have a new series idea in mind? You are writing some good stuff!
Thank you, Shannon! I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the Ivy Granger series.
The Ivy Granger series and Hunters’ Guild series are both set in the world of Ivy Granger. At the moment, there are 4 novels and 2 novellas in the Ivy Granger series and 1 novel (2nd novel, Hunting in Paris, out late 2015) in the Hunters’ Guild series. We have at least 3 more novels (potential for more novellas) in the Ivy Granger series, and 4 more Hunters’ Guild novels planned. There is also an Ivy Granger World Companion scheduled to release late 2016, after the release of Hound’s Bite, the next novel in the Ivy Granger series.
These two series are keeping me busy, but I do have an earlier 5 book YA paranormal series, the Spirit Guide series, and, so long as readers continue to enjoy my books, I’m sure that I’ll be working on more series in the future.
If I were a heroine, my fear would be of large slimy insect like creatures! Or those crazy fast zombies from World Z, zombies moving fast is just not good!
“my fear would be of large slimy insect like creatures” <-beware the Jincan at the beginning of Burning Bright!
A supernatural baddie that makes me cringe would be goopy gross demon type creatures! Like I said in my previous post anything that is super slimy, and insect like is a disturbing visual.
What is the title of the most expensive book that you own?
Before They Pass Away by Jimmy Nelson is a gorgeous, oversized photographic “coffee table” book with the largest cover price, though I do have some rare and/or collectible books, including a beautiful, gilded, tooled leather copy of Neuromancer by William Gibson. I also have many signed editions, though I’d never part with them. My books are my treasures. “My preciousssssssss!”
What movie is your favorite that was based on a book?
I prefer the book versions of most book to movie adaptations, but the The Lord of the Rings movies and the Harry Potter movies were excellent! But my absolute favorite? Princess Bride.
Honorable mention goes to Muppet’s Christmas Carol.