Debut Author Interview with Darynda Jones
Usually these interviews are run by the awesome Alyson H but I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask a few questions of Darynda Jones, debut author of First Grave on the Right. Darynda was our Brenda Novak auction winner. When Darynda sent me the book for reading before the interview, it was accompanied with cover quotes from the Grand Dames of paranormal romance: JR Ward, MaryJanice Davidson, Kresley Cole, Gena Showalter. This is a must read for many folks.
First Grave on the Right is your first published novel, but is it your first book?
Actually, it's my third. I finished two other manuscripts before starting First Grave. The first was a historical romance that has been gainfully employed as a doorstop (we're so proud) and the second was a YA which has since sold to St. Martin's Press as well.
What do you think readers will like most about First Grave on the Right?
Charley Davidson. She is my heroine and she is smart and sassy and just a tad accident-prone. She also has a serious ADD problem, but that could be contributed to all the coffee she drinks.
I also hope readers will like the pace. Things move pretty fast in Charley's world. It's a quick read and one I hope paranormal and mystery readers will enjoy.
Did you base the creation myth of your world on any particular existing mythology?
I sort of took mythology and lore and challenged it. While I use the loveable and ever-popular grim reaper, I tweaked and molded the idea of it until I'd created a feisty, fruity version.
Charley Davidson is a mix of bravado and nerve and while the tone is lighthearted, she’s attracted to a lot of dark things like the big bad in her life and the place that she lives. Was it difficult balancing the two spectrums?
Oddly enough, no. I had such a wonderful time with her quirks and the darker stuff just kind of flowed. You know those sweet "n salty snack bars? Yeah, like that. I love it when writers merge lighthearted and edgy. When I read something and want to laugh and cry at the same time. The emotional impact is effective, deep, and long-lasting.
You were a Golden Heart winner, was this the same book? Did a lot change between now and the GH?
Indeed, this is the same book. So very much has changed, it's unreal. The final alone garners so much attention, I knew I had to take advantage of it. I was fortunate enough to get an agent before the awards ceremony. When it won, my agent had several requests, so she sent it out immediately. It sold about a week later.
To say I live in a different world now would be an understatement. First Grave was released February 1st, and we have had just an overwhelming response. I am so grateful to all the readers and those who are practically selling First Grave to anyone who will listen. What a terrific group of readers.
And JR Ward has just been amazing as well. Besides the wonderful words of praise she heaped upon the project, she is hosting me on her forum for a live chat tomorrow night. And while it might seem dazzling and resplendent, I doubt I'll ever earn the title of diva, so it lies somewhere along the lines of surreal and humbling.
There’s versions of grim reapers/death figures in every culture. What sorts of things did you incorporate in this book? Anything you avoided?
There is a version in a few cultures where the entity actually kills people. I hardly wanted my heroine to be a serial killer, and fortunately in most cultures the entity simply "escorts" souls to the other side. This is what I went with, incorporating my own twists, naturally. Charley not only assists the departed in their "unfinished business", she is the portal through which they cross.
You can find Darynda at www.darynda.com and on Twitter @Darynda.
Special thanks to Darynda for being with us. Dear Author is going to sponsor a giveaway of First Grave on the Right in digital form from either Kindle or Kobo (because those are the places I can gift a digital book). Two random commenters will win.
I’d already bought this book, so don’t enter me in the contest.
Just wanted to say ‘hey’ to the author. I’m looking forward to a good read.
one thing that cover sure catches the eye. I looked then did a double take lol. Sounds like an interesting read. Am adding to my tbb list.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
It’s been a long time since I’ve read such unqualified praise for a book, but First Grave On The Right is getting raves everywhere I look. Congratulations, Darynda!
The cover caught my eye, as well. Congrats on your splendid debut. Hope I win!
Wow. Sounds great!
Sounds like a neat book. Love the cover!
Sounds like a neat book.
Please enter me in the contest! Now that the book store I work for has pretty much stopped getting shipments, I depend on blogs like this one to help me find good books. I’ve been pretty much burned out on paranormals, but this sounds like one that could break that block for me.
It sounds… interesting. I’m trying to keep an open mind. I have to admit the heroine’s name and the cover are making me lean towards a pass on this one. Hopefully I’m just being nit-picky and I’ll love it too.
Please enter me in the contest. This sounds like a fun book.
Please enter me, this looks great..I am also tired of the urban genre weres etc..this looks very new!
Please enter me this book sounds right up my alley! I’ve got it on hold at the library but there’s a huge list and I’m impatient!
Please enter me. I would love to read this.
I can’t wait to read this title — it is on my wishlist but I’m on a self-imposed “no buying books until I get through some of my to read pile” kick…so sad. 8-(
Don’t enter me as I’ve already read it. I don’t typically read paranormals, but this book was on the lighter side so I really, really liked it. It’s a balancer for paranormal fans who are burned out on vampires and werewolves, and perfect for the average reader because it’s more paranormal chicklit with a side of sexiness.
I went to my local Barnes and Noble for this book yesterday, and they did not have a one on the shelf. Why am I not surprised?
Please enter me in the contest!
hello i would love to win the book it sounds great
I don’t think I would want a make out session with death (unless he was really hot and hunky then that would be a great way to go) But I must say that end cap was very attractive. Thank you and I would love to be entered for an audiobook.
Wonderful Interview. I love the concept of this book, and I cannot wait to read it. There are such great things said about it so congrats. I would love an audiobook, thank you for asking ;)
Thanks so much for stopping by, everyone. I had so much fun writing this puppy! :)
I bought the book almost on day one via Audible (don’t enter me inthe giveaway). I love listening to a good book while crafting. I loved it! I was wondering if Garrett will ever have a chance with Charley? It seems he was a bit intrigued with her ‘skills’. I am really on the fence with that pairing but mostly because Reyes needs more face time. I’m looking forward to the next installment!
Don’t enter me in the contest, because I’ve ordered a copy. I don’t usually buy books, especially not a hardcover, but some friends and I got to talking about it, then found a great coupon and decided to buy it together.
I was shocked to see the book was about twice as expensive to buy in the store compared to ordering it online (from the same retailer). I ended up ordering it online, but had first looked for it in the store. I had to ask for help finding it and it was in the mystery section. Mystery?
And then Liz Talley above says “paranormal chicklit with a side of sexiness”. I’m not sure what I’m getting, but I’m still looking forward to reading it. :)
By the way, reading the excerpt on the author’s website was what sold it for me!
I’ve been reading some great reviews and interviews for this book, so it’s already on my ‘to-be-bought-as-soon-as-I-have-the-money-(why-are-there-so-many-good-books-out-there-now???)’-list. ;)
Sure hope I’m a “random commenter”!
Enter me please!! Sounds like a good book!!!
I am dying to read this!! Put me in the drawing please.
Please enter me! I have Kindle…
ph please enter me. Book looks awesome and i love good read
With everything I heard and read about the book – can’t wait to (hopefully) dive in very, very soon!
Please enter me I really would love to read this book :)
SO looking forward to reading this book.. Everywhere I look people, bloggers, reviews all say the same think… FABULOUS read… So now I need to get my greedy little hands on it…
Thank you for a chance to win it..
Kelly M
[email protected]
Been hearing so many good things about this book! Need to read it! :)
Thank you for this giveaway and please enter me in the contest.
redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca.
Please enter me otherwise I will have to wait until its out in paperback (or I find it from the used book store)
Thanks!
I would love to get a copy of the book – in any format! I have a nook, but my TBB pile is a mix of hardback and paperback. Please enter me in the contest. I have been looking at this book for days, but have found that wiggling my nose won’t work – it hasn’t appeared before me…. It looks like a great read, and I can’t wait to get it!!
I’d love to win this book.
Looks like a great read to me! It’s going on my kindle wish list… unless someone gifts me a copy? ;-)
This looks like a good read or listen books!
Way to go Darynda!
Ooooooo, pretty. If it reads as lovely as it looks (and I have heard nothing but high praise) this will be my new favorite.
I would love to be entered in the contest. I read a part of this book on J.R. Ward’s FB page, and it was awesome! I can’t wait to actually read the entire thing!
I am so eager to read this book! First off the cover draws you in. Love it. And secondly, it has already been getting such good press from other readers. That means this book is sure to be a WIN.
I can’t wait to read this. Looks so good. I have had on my wishlist for months now.
Congratulations on the book! The cover is very eye-catching – it would definitely stop me in the store.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Worth the praise it’s getting. Would have ordered the whole series immediately if this wasn’t the first book. Wanted more as soon as I closed the cover, wanted people to bitch about character points with! A fun read, easy breezy and beautiful.
Don’t enter me because I have a copy. I don’t normally buy hardcover books because I have an almost non-existent book budget, but couldn’t resist this time. I was excited to read a book that wasn’t vampire or werewolf and love the idea of a female Grim Reaper. When will the next Charley book be released?
This one was already on my radar. I’d love to win it!
The cover of this book first caught my eye, then the buzz, but it’s the synopsis that has me really wanting to read it. I’d love to win a copy, especially in ebook format since I hate reading hardcovers.
Ooooh yeah, as the proud new owner of an e-reader I can now try and win a digital book! Sounds like a good one.
I’ve got this on my wishlist for when I have more money. Please enter me in the contest – thank you.
I’ve heard only good things about this book. Wow, and what a pedigree of people helping behind the scenes. Fabulous!
I cannot wait to read this book. If I win, I’ll pay it forward and giveaway one, too. :)
I loved this book. It’s a great funny and fast read. I’m very much looking forward to the next two books. (And I really want a pair of those shoes.)
(Please don’t enter me, I already have a copy of the book.)
Love the cover & can’t wait to read the book!
The cover of this book totally caught my eye. I look forward to reading it.
I’m curious about this book! Thanks for the chance to win!
I remember hearing about this book on PM when it sold. Sounds very fun!!
Would love to win this book! Sounds fun! Thanks!!
Ahh, I’ve been wanting to read this book so badly. The only reason I haven’t bought it yet is the price point. >.<
I hope I’m not too late to enter the contest! I love your writing, Darynda, and can’t wait to see the other books come out. You go, girl!!
Love that shoe.
I’m missing the Harper Connelly books, maybe this will help.
*waves as she walks in* HI :)
A.D.D a lifetime of distractions…
well if you want more of that go get this amazing book…..
*wink as she makes her way out*
( not here to win just here to share the love)
Good luck everyone…..
The book sounds interesting so if I’m not to late I’d like to enter the contest. Thank you!
Thank you so much for stopping by, everyone. For those who asked, Second Grave is coming out in August, so not TOO far off.
Thanks again!!!
~D~
Yes, I’m still holding out in hopes that I’ll win :) I’m praying to the book gods that they bless me with a W.
@Lindsey:
That. I put a hold on it at the library because I couldn’t justify $10.99 for an ebook.
Ooooooh. I think I’m probably to late. Sad face. I really want to read this book. And I’ll cross my fingers on the off chance that I could still win.
I love the cover. Very eyecatching and pretty.
Seems fascinating. Would love to read it
Thanks for visiting with us Darynda. The winners are – (please email me jane at dearauthor dot com and let me know which format you want: Kindle or epub from Kobo).
Alice OQuinn: 2/10/11 10:06 Please enter me! I have Kindle…
and
Marley Smith: 2/10/11 10:08 ph please enter me. Book looks awesome and i love good read