Friday, January 27, 2012

AAD Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Darynda Jones

Obviously, I am in love with the Charley Davidson series. So much so, I stalked approached author Darynda Jones, to get more deets on these amazing books.  Check it out: 

Jen: Give new readers an idea of what the Charley Davidson books are about.

Darynda: First, thank you so much for having me!!! The Charley Davidson series is about a female PI who just happened to have been born the grim reaper. Because of her supernatural status, she is often called upon to solve cases for both the living and the dead. It makes for an interesting day. She is shoved into one messy situation after another and she handles it with more sass and bravado than she probably has a right to.

In the meantime, she is dealing with the intensely hot Reyes Farrow, a being that is part human and part...well, not. In the first book, First Grave on the Right, he seems vaguely familiar to Charley, and she sets out to ascertain exactly who and what he is. But she soon discovers he is surrounded by danger and a darkness that she never dreamed really existed. Falling in love with him would be a mistake, but Charley never claimed to be the most sensible girl in designer underwear.


Jen: One of the things I love so much about this series is the humor. Is the snark something that comes easily to you or is it hard to be so funny?

Darynda: Admittedly, with the first book it was difficult. I had to really think about it, to put it there on the page purposely. Now, as I work on the fourth in the series, it kind of flows out of me. I hardly think about it anymore, a fact for which I’m grateful.

Jen: Think about Charley as you first envisioned her and compare her to the character she has become. Has she changed much from your initial vision or has she stayed true to your original idea?

Darynda: What an interesting question. She has stayed 100% true to my original vision. She is exactly what I wanted and continues to amaze me with her antics.

Jen: Other than Charley and Reyes, which character in the series would you like to develop more?

Darynda: Mr. Wong. LOL.

Jen: Will we be seeing more of Donovan?

Darynda: In the fourth installment, yes. I’m not sure how visible he will be afterward, but he is so much fun, I can’t see ditching him entirely. I have such a great storyline for him in Fourth Grave, I'm excited to write it.

Jen: How many books do you have planned in the series? Do you have (or have you always had) an ending in mind?

Darynda: The series is ongoing, so we aren’t sure how many there will be right now, but as far as an ending goes, I do have one in mind. I hope we know for certain which one the last will be, because I have quite the plot lined up for our girl, Charley. She will never be the same again.

Jen: Could you explain to readers where the short story "For I Have Sinned" fits into the series?

Darynda: That’s a toughie. I actually wrote it after writing Third Grave Dead Ahead, but because it came out in between books one and two, they dubbed it Charley Davidson 1.5. However, there is one line in the short story that will throw readers. I’ve had several emails because of it, so sorry readers! It will all make sense after Third Grave!

Jen: If you could Hollywood cast Charley or Reyes, which actors would be closest to the mark to how they look in your mind?


Darynda: It’s so funny, because for Charley, I have so many actors I think could play her to a tee. Everyone from Mila Kunis to Emma Stone. As for Reyes, he was originally based on actor Jason Behr and I believed then, as I do now, that he could make a stellar Reyes. A lot of my readers don’t see him as aggressive enough, but I’ve seen some of his darker roles. Trust me, he could handle it. :) It actually sold to CBS, so here’s hoping they do something with it! I would love a TV series!

Jen: Becoming a writer has been a long journey for you. Now that that you've published three books, to such positive reception... what has been the most surprising part of your success?

Darynda: Well, the success, actually. I was utterly floored by the reception and so very, very grateful. I never expected the books to be so loved by people. I adore writing Charley and the fact that I can continue to do so thrills me to no end. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Jen: What are you looking forward to most from AAD in New Orleans?

Darynda: Besides New Orleans? (Excuse me while I drool…) I would have to say being surrounded by such an amazing lineup of authors. I mean, honestly. It will be like paranormal heaven. I get giddy just thinking about it.

Jen: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I've really loved your books and I can't wait to see what happens in Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

Darynda: LOL, thank YOU so, so much!!!! I appreciate this opportunity so much!

The awesome folks at MacMillan are providing a free audiobook of Third Grave Dead Ahead to one lucky winner in the US. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. In the meantime, be sure to check out Darynda on her website and on Twitter.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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35 Comments:

At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11:13:00 AM CST , Blogger lady reader said...

Thanks so much for this awesome opportunity!

I don't actually have the 2nd one and I've never listened to a book on audio and recently I've been dying to try it. So, I really appreciate this.

Also, I thank you for taking the time to answer questions and giving your time to us bloggers and readers. I honestly only skimmed because I haven't read the last 2 books and didn't want to read any spoilers. I am very grateful though!

Thanks so much!
Amy
Lady Reader's Bookstuff
amydelrosso(at)gmail(dot)com

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 12:32:00 PM CST , Anonymous Ashley Young said...

yay Can't wait love these books they are amazing if you havent picked one up you do it ;) you will love them

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 12:48:00 PM CST , Blogger Megan@Riverina Romantics said...

What a nice interview! I've only had the chance to read the first book in this series and I absolutely LOVED it!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 1:13:00 PM CST , Blogger Cassondra said...

Great interview! I'm so happy to find out that the series is ongoing at least at this point in time!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 1:18:00 PM CST , Blogger Tracy C. said...

This was a great interview. Love "A Charley Davidson Story." Can't wait for the new book. I am loving the audio versions too.

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 1:34:00 PM CST , Blogger Bakerette said...

I guess i'll know by Tuesday if i'll be reading... Or listening to this one! Thanks!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 1:54:00 PM CST , Blogger Paula said...

I can't possibly wait until Tuesday! I absolutely love this series and am "patiently" waiting for the third installment :)

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 2:26:00 PM CST , Blogger Darynda said...

Thanks so much, all!!! Good luck! ~D~

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 2:40:00 PM CST , Blogger Victoria said...

Thank you so much for the interview and contest :). My mom called me the other day to tell me she read a book she thought I'd like. It was book 1. Told her I already had but I was shocked that she read it. She's always been one that would only read present day mysteries.

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 2:47:00 PM CST , Anonymous knitmairwen said...

I'm so looking forward to this book, and more in the future!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 3:01:00 PM CST , Blogger Denise Z said...

I was fortunate in getting to read Second Grave and would love to continue Charley's journey. I have purchased For I Have Sinned and it is in the TBR and I am looking forward to the ride. Thank you for taking the time to share with us today. I love the dynamics between Charley and Reyes and have good hopes :)

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 3:27:00 PM CST , Blogger June M. said...

I have not read any of these books yet but I have seen some great reviews of them. Thank you so much for the chance to win an audio book of this release. I will definitely be reading the first books first, if I am lucky enough to win.

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 3:42:00 PM CST , Blogger Michele said...

I love this series!! Spicy and fun!
rlawrence110 at yahoo dot com

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 3:46:00 PM CST , Blogger The Consummate Reader said...

Darynda i love your characters, especially reyes, yummmm!!!!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4:22:00 PM CST , Blogger AquarianDancer said...

I love this series and it would be cool to see it on screen...as long as they do it justice.

AquarianDancer at gmail dot com

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 6:13:00 PM CST , Blogger Jennifer @ The Book Nympho said...

I just finished listening to book two yesterday. I love this series. It's so funny and sexy.

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 6:20:00 PM CST , Blogger Jamie said...

I love this series and would like nothing more than to win this third book! Thanks for the giveaway!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 6:56:00 PM CST , Blogger Samantha said...

I love the series. I can't wait to read this book.

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 7:02:00 PM CST , Anonymous Suester said...

I have not read any of this author's work and would love to find out if I would enjoy it. This would be the most opportune way of learning how she writes!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 7:03:00 PM CST , Blogger Unknown said...

I love this series and can't wait for AADNOLA

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10:39:00 PM CST , Blogger Amber I @ Awesomesauce said...

I love this interview!!! The questions were awesome as were the answers. I have all the books and never have been one to do audio books so I am not entering but I just had to say this was an awesome interview, one of the best I have seen for a while. :)

Also I love this series! Charley is my newest girl crush!!

 
At Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10:54:00 PM CST , Blogger Jen at Red Hot Books said...

Thanks Amber! You rock.

 
At Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:20:00 AM CST , Blogger Sizzle C said...

I love love love this series, I can't wait until he third book comes out. I think it is super funny, witty and all around a great set of books!

 
At Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 1:23:00 PM CST , Anonymous bn100 said...

I enjoyed reading the interview. All the books sound great.

 
At Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 1:42:00 PM CST , Blogger VampedChik said...

I've had this series on my wishlist for awhile! I'm gonna definately have to get them!!! Thanks for sharing!
-Amber
goodblinknpark@yahoo.com

 
At Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 2:50:00 PM CST , Blogger RoseD said...

Thanks not only for a great review/interview but also for the chance to win the audiobook. I've not yet tried one of the audiobooks so I'd love to win and give it a try.

 
At Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 3:02:00 PM CST , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I haven't had the pleasure of reading this series yet, but If things go right, I will be able to soon.
mom1248(at)att(dot)net

 
At Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:31:00 PM CST , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I haven't enjoyed this series yet, but good job on selling it to CBS. Have you offered your opinion to them on Mila and Jason? lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com

 
At Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 12:13:00 AM CST , Blogger *yadkny* said...

Congrats Darynda on your success!!! I've heard so many great things about your work and I can't waIt to read them!

yadkny@hotmail.com

 
At Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 3:14:00 PM CST , Blogger Anne R said...

I love this series! I have really enjoyed books 1 & 2, plus I think Loralei King does a fabulos job with the narration. I listened to the first books.
Oh, I really want several of the tshirt that you quote from teh books..just priceless

 
At Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 5:14:00 PM CST , Blogger In Julie's Opinion said...

Hi Darynda! I've heard such great things about this series! I can't wait to read this installment and want to thank you for the giveaway!

 
At Monday, January 30, 2012 at 1:43:00 AM CST , Blogger Maritza Robinson said...

I absolutely love your books. I have read the first two and can hardly wait to read more of Charley and Reyes :) . Thanks for this great giveaway. I am crossing my fingers.

 
At Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12:05:00 PM CST , Blogger Unknown said...

I love this series. I am lucky that my Library is willing to accept suggestions....They have purchased the first 2, of course I suggested the 3 one too!

Thanks for the giveaway!

kcnrhtx (at) charter (dot) net

 
At Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 9:47:00 AM CST , Blogger Sariah said...

New series to me, they sound amazing though. Can't believe I haven't read them. Adding to my list! Thanks for the chance.

 
At Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 10:53:00 AM CST , Anonymous britta said...

love love love this series and cant wait to read the next one!

 

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