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Interview: Author Jocelynn Drake + Giveaway!
Filed in Giveaways , Interview , Jocelynn Drake , The HEA Lover Posted on June 21, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
51 comments
Today we are very happy to welcome Jocelynn Drake, author of the Dark Days series on Book Lovers,Inc. Her new book Pray for Dawn will be released next week and Wait for Dusk only a month later! Let’s give Jocelynn a warm welcome!
The HEA Lover*: Jocelynn, can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Jocelynn: Is there more to life than writing? For me, the answer would have to be “not much.” A Cincinnati, Ohio native, I started writing stories at the age of twelve and have never looked back from those early days of retelling the tale of Robin Hood so that it included a kick-ass heroine that could keep up with the rest of the boys. Over the years, I have jumped from genre to genre, finding new ways to experiment in the art of storytelling. It has always been about finding the best story and not worrying about how it would fit on the bookshelves. During the past decade, however, vampires have held a special place in my heart as I explore the concepts of control and power through their unique view of the world. Some of my writing influences include Raymond Feist, and Kim Harrison, as well as Oscar Wilde and Mary Shelley. So far, the Dark Days series includes Nightwalker, Dayhunter, Dawnbreaker, Pray for Dawn, and Wait for Dusk. I am currently at work on the next book in the series, though I am still searching for a title. When I’m not writing about the latest adventures of Mira and Danaus, I am hanging out with my family who still live nearby, traveling to distant locations, or just lounging around with my cats Demona and Harley while playing the latest video games.
The HEA Lover: Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Jocelynn: While in the past I have been a pantser, I will admit that that style changed when I started working on a series of books. The plots and subplots became more detailed and harder for me to remember so that I was forced to outline each book before I started.
Assuming that I already have the book outlined, a typical writing day includes finding the right music to set the mood and finally plopping my butt in the chair so I can get a few hours of work done. A good day results in a word count of about 3,000 words. The word count climbs when I get closer to my deadline. Other parts of my day include updates to blog, twitter, and other social media sites. Email, sadly, tends to fall by the wayside very quickly when I am in writing mode.
The HEA Lover: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Jocelynn: That’s a hard question. A reader, I think, is someone that just reads occasionally for distraction or possibly to alleviate boredom. On the other hand, a real Book Lover is someone that closely follows their favorite authors, keeps up with upcoming releases, and occasionally participates in discussion boards to rehash scenes in books that have brought up some interesting questions. A Book Lover is surrounded by stacks of books or has piles on their e-reader.
The HEA Lover: Can you tell us a bit about Mira and Danaus’ world?
Jocelynn: Mira and Danaus’s world is a very dark and violent place. The nightwalkers, lycanthropes, and other races remain hidden from the humans, but the day when the humans discover the truth is hovering just beyond the horizon. This world is all about survival of the fittest. The strongest and most powerful wins. Of course, there are a few wily, highly intelligent creatures that have made out a niche for themselves as well, making them dangerous predators as well. The natural predator and enemy of the nightwalker is the naturi, while the only enemy of the naturi is the bori. Both the naturi and bori were banished from earth, but both creatures are fighting to find a way back.
The HEA Lover: Did you listen to music while writing? If so what was on your playlist?
Jocelynn: Yes, I definitely listen to music while I am writing as it helps to set the mood and pacing in my mind. Some of the bands that I listen to include: Korn, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park, Tool, Tori Amos, Three Days Grace, and Breaking Benjamin. I also listen to scores like those to Constantine, Queen of the Damned, Master and Commander, and Underworld.
The HEA Lover: What can we expect from Pray for Dawn? Are the Naturi going to break havoc?
Jocelynn: The naturi make an appearance in Pray for Dawn, but they actually take a backseat to a new villain that makes an appearance in this book. This creature plays a large role in Danaus’s past and is coming back for a chance at freedom. At the same time, Mira is making deals with one dangerous figure that could cost her not only her sanity but the lives of her friends.
The HEA Lover: Pray for Dawn is from Danaus’s point of view, why did you decide to change POV? will there be more books from his POV?
Jocelynn: Since I started writing the Dark Days series, I had always planned on giving Danaus a book of his own. I have always considered him to be one of the main characters and it was only fitting that he tell the story from his own point of view. Also, by changing the point of view, I was able to reveal more of Danaus’s past to readers.
I don’t currently have plans for more books from his point of view. However, there is another character from the series that I am trying to work in a book from her point of view.
The HEA Lover: Was it hard to switch to Danaus’ POV after 3 books watching the world through Mira’s eyes?
Jocelynn: In truth, it wasn’t as hard as I had expected it to be. After three books, I had gotten pretty deeply immersed in their world, so it only seemed natural that I finally slip into Danaus’s voice. Also, after three books, he finally seemed ready to talk.
The HEA Lover: With Mira’s new powers awakening, like her ability to sense the Naturi, is this clues as to who or what Mira is? Will new powers continue to awaken?
Jocelynn: Mira will continue to grow more in tune with her abilities and powers as time passes. However, a clear glimpse of Mira’s heritage does not come until Wait for Dusk when readers will meet someone key from Mira’s past that has a huge stake in her future.
The HEA Lover: The covers for Pray for Dawn and Wait for Dusk are very different from the previous ones, why the change?
Jocelynn: My publisher decided to make a change in the covers in hopes of attracting new readers. In addition, the shift of cover art also came at a time when I was making a significant shift in the story arc for the Dark Days series so that everything lined up nicely. I am extremely pleased with the covers and I’m anxious to see what they can do for Book 6.
The HEA Lover: We’ve been waiting since the first book for ‘angry rival wall sex’ (well I have!), can we trust the cover for Wait for Dusk to give us a hint? *wink*
Jocelynn: You think that I’m going to give away all my best secrets in this interview? Nope. Not going to happen. Let’s just say that I wouldn’t allow them to create such a cover if I wasn’t going to deliver something good.
The HEA Lover: Will there be more books in this series? Do you already know how it will end?
Jocelynn: I have just completed the sixth book for the series and at the moment that is all I have been contracted for. The ending of the book depends on how many books there will be in the series and that all depends on the sales of the books, sadly enough. So, if the books sell, then there will be more books. That is the way of the publishing industry.
The HEA Lover: What is next on your schedule? Do you plan on writing other series?
Jocelynn: At the moment, I am working on the edits for Book 6 and promotion for Pray for Dawn and Wait for Dusk. Once my plate is clear of that, I have some reading to complete and then a small extra project that I would like to work on while I am waiting to hear any news regarding the Dark Days series. I have plenty of projects in different genres waiting in the wings at the moment. It’s just a matter of finding the time to work on them.
The HEA Lover: Mean Questions:
-who is your favorite secondary character?
Jocelynn: Without a doubt, my favorite secondary character is Tristan. He’s a survivor. He’s been abused and tormented most of his life and yet he’s still fighting to live. I like the fact that after all that he’s been through, he still clings to his humanity and there is a soft side to him that cannot be stripped away. He still hopes for love despite the fact that the world has only given him hate.
-Is there anything you wish you’d written differently?
Jocelynn: There is nothing that springs to mind at the moment. The books are still too new and fresh in my mind to want to start revising them now. I guess my only regret is that I didn’t have enough time to write more novellas and short stories involving some of the secondary characters.
-can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Jocelynn:
1. Kick-ass, sarcastic heroine that controls fire
2. Kiss-ass, sarcastic hero that boils blood
3. A dark, violent world that is constantly teetering on the brink of disaster
The HEA Lover: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions Jocelynn
* I had the chance to have the help of another fan of the series to Interview Jocelynn, I want to thank Newfiewife for her precious help!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giveaway
Jocelynn is giving away two (2) signed copies of Pray for Dawn
All you have to do is to leave a question for Jocelynn or just a meaningful comment about the interview.
This contest is open Internationally
Giveaway ends on Saturday July 3,
we will announce the winners on Sunday.
Bonne Chance to every one!
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I recently read the first book in this series and loved it, although I must confess I suspect my favourite character from book one will not survive future books.
(Happens to me a lot though, I seem to always like the bad guys or the disposable good guys)
I just finished Dawnbreaker recently; definitely a fan. Do you have plots for future books in the series already thought/planned out, or are you waiting patiently to see if you'll be asked for more first?
Hi Jocelynn,
I have found so many wonderful paranormal writers in the past year or so. When you have the time who do you read? Who is your all time fav?
I'm so excited about Pray for Dawn, and THRILLED that Wait for Dusk comes out the following month. I think waiting between book is the worst torture.
I am very MUCH looking forward to seeing the world through Danaus. He was the major draw when I picked up Nightwalker.
I wonder what Danaus favorite cereal is? hmm.
Oh, When is book 6 due to come out?
Hi there Jocelynn!
I'm especially excited for Pray For Dawn after being smitten by Danaus from the very beginning.
Personal question: What is your favorite music (band, singer) at the moment? And does music play a part in inspiring your writing?
ilovearevolution (at) live (dot) com
With a playlist above, I know I'd love these books! I must put them on my wishlist.
Great interview!
I enjoyed the interview Jocelynn. This is a fantastic series, and I hope you are able to continue writing more. I used to think it was up to the author whether to continue a series or not, and it's heartbreaking to know that is not the case.
jocelynn, i love your dark days series, it's refreshing and different. i am so excited for the new books it's not funny! 🙂 thank you for your interview!
The interview was wonderful and insightful. Ms Drakes books have been added and moved to the top of my TBR.
ritbsdoni@gmail.com
Bethany: I have plots written out for the next two books and a summary for a third book in hopes of enticing my publisher into asking for more books.
Victoria: Some of my favorite paranormal writers are Kim Harrison, Rachel Vincent, Vicki Pettersson, Charlaine Harris, and Christine Feehan.
Christine: Danaus would probably eat something bland and extremely adult like bran flakes.
I don't have a pub date on Book 6 yet. I am thinking that it's going to be sometime in the Summer of 2011.
Grace: Nine Inch Nails remains one of my favorite bands and Trent Reznor has played a huge part in influencing my writing.
I wasn't too keen on Nightwalker when I first read it, not too sure why, but I stuck with the series and adored Dawnbreaker. Am very, very excited for Danaus' POV. I really hope there are more than just 6 books, because it'd be really sad to think there was only one more after this summer. I find it really interesting that slipping in to a different POV was reletively easy though, that's something I would have thought caused lots of problems. Great interview, and can't wait for Pray for Dawn and Wait for Dusk!
I am so enjoying Danaus and Mira — can't wait for Pray For Dawn and Wait for Dusk. I fell in love with poor Tristen — will he play a major role in future tales?
I've been eyeing your books for some time, and your three reasons why people should read your books, well you just convinced me.
I love sarcasm with characters; especially females.
Wow, how have I missed these? The phrase "So many books, so little time" comes to mind. I cannot keep up. Will definately put these on the TBR list along with many others!!
But, I love the search for books!!
This sounds like what I need to jump start my summer reading. I've been in a rut and picked up more books than I'd like to admit that were just blah. I jumped from YA, to UF, to just about every genre and just have not found IT yet this summer.
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
I haven't read these novels but they really do look interesting. The covers are definitely different from what is already out there for urban fantasy.
I have loved your books so far and am really hoping there will be more than 6 books. My only complaint is that we have to wait so long for the books to come out. I sincerely hope your publisher goes for your other plot ideas because I love this series!
I haven't read any of your books yet, but I've heard a lot of good things about them!
I loved the interview and I can't wait for the book release. I want to know how you choose what attitude your character will have? Does that just come to you, or does the music you listen to inspire what the character will become.
awesome interview! i have read the others Books, and i think they´re increible. Actually, i´m reading Dawnbreakers, the third book of the dark days series, and i cant wait to finish it!! Also, I have read Danaus´s timeline in Jocelynn webpage, and i love the part that says that Danaus feels uncomfortable around Mira because she threatens to take away he only hope making him question the things he has held as a truth.
I also wanted to say that i would love win the book and wanted to say thanks to Jocelynn for this beautiful story! [and that i love Danaus!!!] [yupi!]
dani(dot)prmr(at)hotmail(dot)com
*May be i wrote something wrong, but that´s because i´m from Argentina. I´m studying english but i have to keep practicing!!!
BYEE!
I'm curious if there has been any talk at all of possibly seeing your books made into films. The genre is quite popular right now and I think the Naturi give it a new angle that would work well on the big screen.
Steven Gatlin
Great interview. I really enjoy this series and if you ever get the chance to do some of those short stories or novellas about the secondary characters it would be awesome. Really looking forward to more.
I would love to know what music you listen to while writing
sports[dot]erikalynn[at]gmail[dot]com
Great interview. I actaully just heard about this book about a week ago on twitter. I enjoy Paranormal romance, its all I read. I just started checking out these book blogs and glad I have. I'm racking up lists of books I want to read because of them. You listen to some hard core music…can't wait to follow the mood of the story…lots of action? Thanks again.
Tanyaw1224@yahoo.com
Hi Jocelynn,
I am a huge fan of the your series and one of my favorite character is Rowe, and so my question for you centers around him. (I love Rowe by the way)
Anyway to the question…Why does Rowe also call Mira "the little princess"? What does he know about Mira that has not been revealed yet in the story?
Thanks,
Vikki S.
scottv98@yahoo.com
my first timehere
blackroze37@yahoo.com
Awesome interview!! I can't wait for the book to come out!!! I'm so excited.
When you wrote the books, was it hard for you to come up with the events or did you already have the ideas? Between writing/typing the books, did you ever have free time on your hands for yourself? If Mira and Danaus were true characters would you spend hours and hours talking to them? I probably would be gaping at them. Would you ever write other books beside the Dark Days?
Your are an awesome author…I would really love to meet you someday.
midnightprincessful@gmail.com
Hi Jocelynn! In your interview you said you finished your 6th book. If it was up to you how many books would you write in the series?
I love Mira and Danaus! 🙂 I am so excited for 6 books! woohoo! 🙂 Excited to get into Danaus' head and super excited for Wait for Dusk. That cover! Oh, man!
Jocelynn – Why did you choose the cities you did? What made you choose Mira's home to be Crete? Have you traveled to any of the places in your books? (Other than Savannah of course)
Wow! Can't wait to read Pray for Dawn! So excited!
What was your road to publication like? How hard was it to try to find an agent? A publisher?
Hi Jocelynn! Love love this series!Can't wait to read Pray for Dawn, so excited to find out what's really going on in Danaus's head.
How far do you research the locations in your stories to make the readers able to really see the places in the book? Have you been to those places yourself?
The three reasons to read the book are awesome! Sounds like the making of a great movie! Except for maybe the blood boiling part.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Hi Jocelynn!
I'm so excited for the release of Pray for Dawn! Mira is such an awesome character.
Which book in the Dark Days series has been the most challenging to write so far?
Rachel – Res498(AT)aol.com
This is another series I don't know much about, but it sounds like it would be something I'd like. I love it when there is a continuing hero and heroine throughout the series, and that playlist tells me that the story is probably intense and dark.
ok wasnt sure if my post went,, i been following your books and would love to win one
blackroze37@yahoo.com
I haven't read any of your books, yet. hoping i will get the chance to start with this one ! 🙂
uniquas at ymail dot com
Wow. New author, new series!!!
*off to learn more about it*
Thank you for the interview!
aorihanazari(@)gmail(.)com
Don't have any questions, just so excited for the next installment in Mira's world. I just love your world and characters.
Rachel.coldsmom@gmail.com
Rachel(.)Coldsmom(@)gmail(.)com
Hi Jocelyn!!! I picked up the first book in the series due to your very first reason for reading the series…a kick-ass herione.
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
This is a series I absolutely love! I ran across it at the library as one of the first adult urban fantasies that I read, and I fell in love! Can't wait for the release of Pray for Dawn, and so glad that there's only a one month wait for the next!
notreallysouthernvampchick(at)gmail(dot)com
I love her sereis OMG i cant wait to read her new book
elizabethcerna2011@gmail.com
This sounds like a fantastic series. I love kick-ass, sarcastic heroines & heros with supernatural abilities! Please count me in.
bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Jocelynn, what are some of your favourite books? What is your source of inspiration?
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Hi Jocelynn
I love your books and am anxiously awaiting for the release of Pray for Dawn and Wait for Dusk. My question is where did you get the idea for Danaus's name and how do you prounounce it. I just want to make sure I'm saying it right 🙂
I think I have new favorite books, new addition on my must read books. Even if I won't win I will try to buy them. Congratulations on your original ideas.
kaguya2000[at]gmail[dot]com
What is your favorite book of all time?
I cant wait for these books. Im dying to read Pray for Dawn, mostly because well see the story from Danaus POV.
And now that you said that we will see more o Mira's heritage in Wait for Dusk, Im dying to read it too XD
Hope the books do REALLY WELL so more books can come ^_~
Also Jocelynn do you have any idead when the 6th book will be realeased???
THX for the giveaway and good luck to everyone
lalafran(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Jocelyn
I love this series and can't wait to read Pray For Dawn. Any other stories planned from Danaus' POV or any of the other males characters?
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
I loved your reasons why someone should read your books. Your series is in my TBR stack. I'm looking forward to reading it.
ainfinger@comcast.net
I read the first book of your series and I really liked it.
* Which are your favourite 2010 books?
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi there Jocelynn!
Personal question: What is your favorite music band, singer? And does music play a part in inspiring your writing?
pdta.I love your books
stephangelsyl (at) hotmail (dot) com