Author Interview with Marjorie M. Liu + Giveaway

Filed in featured , Giveaways , Interview , Marjorie M. Liu , The Needy Lover Posted on December 1, 2011 @ 9:00 am 31 comments

Today it’s our great pleasure to welcome author Marjorie M. Liu to Book Lovers Inc. She’s very graciously answered all of our burning questions about everything from her writing habits and thoughts on reading to her book series and various writing projects. We really got the skinny on all things Marjorie M. Liu! Big thanks go to the awesome Sullivan McPig for helping create these great questions.

Please give Ms. Liu a warm, BLI welcome (and stay tuned at the end of the post…you’ll find a lovely little surprise ^_^).

BLI: Marjorie can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

Marjorie: There’s little that would be of interest, I suspect. I live a very quiet life. I used to be a lawyer and now I’m a novelist and comic book writer. I love poodles. I have cats. There’s nothing better to me than a good book on a rainy day. Also, pie.

BLI: Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?

Marjorie: I get up early and start writing almost immediately. There’s not much planning involved, though typically I have some idea of where I’m headed with the story. Even if I’m clueless, I still keep plugging forward.

BLI: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real book lover?

Marjorie: Is there a difference? Most readers I know adore books.

BLI: Can you give us a short rundown of what your Dirk & Steele novels are about? How would describe they world they take place in?

Marjorie: Imagine our world…and then imagine that most of our myths and legends are based in fact. That mermen do exist, and dragons, shape-shifters, gargoyles…

Except, all these creatures live in secret, hiding from the modern world and those who would fear them. The Dirk & Steele agency is a haven for non-humans, allowing them to use their gifts for the benefit of others.

BLI: Can your Dirk & Steele novels be read as a standalone?

Yes, though there are some recurring characters who tend to pop up throughout the series.

BLI: What can we expect of Within the Flames?

Marjorie: Dragon shape-shifters! Witches! Magic! Fire! Love! Gargoyles! New York City!

BLI: Within the Flames is Eddie’s story. He has quite a lot happening to him in The Last Twilight. Will people have to read The Last Twilight to enjoy and understand Within the Flames or can it be read as a standalone?

Marjorie: It can definitely be read as a standalone. I try to write most of my novels with new readers in mind.

BLI: I haven’t read all the Dirk & Steele books yet, I’ll confess, but as far as I know Koni still doesn’t have his story told. Will he get his own book?

Marjorie: I hope so!

BLI: I read on your blog you have a new series coming up: Paranormal Romance in an apocalyptic landscape. When will it be released and can you tell a bit more about it?

Marjorie: The first novel, yet to be titled, is a bit of a cross between Prison Break and 28 Days Later. It’s a paranormal romance set in an apocalyptic landscape populated by monsters – vampires, werewolves, and other impossible creatures – who are hunted, enslaved, and persecuted by an elite ruling class of human men and women who possess a magic that allows them to control a vast zombie army.

BLI: The Mortal Bone will be out soon too. Tell us a bit what Maxine and boys will encounter in this next installment?

Marjorie: More mysteries and heartache, I’m afraid. When Zee and the boys – those demons who live as tattoos on Maxine’s body – are forcibly stripped from her skin, she is left in a fight for her life. Also, she’s forced to contemplate the emotional bonds between herself and her demon family. Do the boys actually care about her? Will they stay with her, even without those prison bonds that once kept them confined to her body? What does their freedom really mean? Maxine’s life changes forever after this book.

As a bonus, a brand-new Hunter Kiss short story will be released online in December, bundled with the e-version of a formerly published Hunter Kiss novella, “Armor of Roses.” The short story is called “The Silver Voice” and is told from Grant’s point of view.

BLI: How many books will there be in the Hunter Kiss series?

Marjorie: I’m not sure yet. At least one more.

BLI: You also write comics for Marvel. Is it very different from writing your own series and is it easier or more difficult to have to write for characters that are not your own?

Marjorie: It’s storytelling, at the end of the day. Though, I admit, the difference in format requires a particular focus that shifts depending on whether or not I’m writing novels or comics. Comics are shorter – just twenty pages – and written in a script format. Also, I’m collaborating with an artist who will handle all the visuals. When I write a novel it’s considerably longer – and I’m responsible for describing everything, painting a physical and emotional picture that readers can hold in their minds. As for writing characters who are not my own…listen, I get to tell stories for Wolverine! Black Widow! X-23! Gambit and Jubilee! These are the X-Men, and there’s nothing more fun than that. It’s a pleasure.

BLI: Now can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?

Marjorie: I can’t give you reasons why people should read my books, because the allure of any novel is too personal for that. Everyone comes to a novel with different baggage, and unique desires for comfort. Listen, reading is a delight, a way to explore our lives and world beyond our normal experiences. When we read we’re involved, we’re carried along, acting out all these parts in our hearts and heads. All I can ask for is that if some curious soul tries one of my books…well, that he or she finds something in the story that stirs up some warmth and feelings of hope.

BLI: Can you summarize Within the Flames for us, Twitter-style (140 characters or less)?

Marjorie: A young man with incredible powers over fire fights to protect a mysterious – and dangerous – shape-shifter who is being hunted by witches.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~

*~* Giveaway *~*

Two lucky commenters will win a copy of Marjorie’s book, In the Dark of Dreams (one copy will be available to U.S. addresses, and one will be available to entrants outside the U.S.)!

All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment about Marjorie’s interview or a question for her! Please also state whether your addy is inside the U.S. or outside the U.S.

(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Giveaway ends on Saturday 10 December 2011, and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

About Alisha


Alisha, the bespectacled and ever nerdy California girl, simply won't leave home without a book in hand. She loves language learnin' and is working toward becoming a bonafide grammar ninja. On any given day you'll find her haunting local libraries or baking scores of cupcakes and sweet treats.

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31 Comments

Join the Discussion
  • Birgit December 1, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Ah, the quiet lives of writers 🙂 how come they never admit to their adventures? But seriously, I applaud that she quit her job as a lawyer to be a writer – I used to work in that field too (not as a lawyer, mind you) and I never regret my decision to change into a more creative environment. Now I too am leading a highly unspectacular quiet life 😉 !

    BTW love the poodle-Rucksack!

    Non-US addy

  • aurian December 1, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Don’t enter me in the contest, I already have all of her books. I am happy to learn that Koni will get his own story someday 🙂 Thank you for the interview, I enjoyed reading it.

  • JulieDestry December 1, 2011 at 10:16 am

    I love that you write comics! Wolverine is one of my fav characters. i love your writing, and think that finding that warmth and hope is a given in any of your books!

    (non-US address)

  • miki December 1, 2011 at 11:55 am

    You write about Jubilee, oh my ^^;; it’s my favorite since so long ( why wolverine doesn’t remark her -_-)
    I would love to win your book to discover yours books, really
    thanks you for the opportunity

    international

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Sullivan McPig December 1, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    Thanks so much for all these answers! (not going to say great interview as I wrote several of the questions 😉

    I’m sooo hoping Koni will get his own story!!!
    And: Yay!!! a new Hunter Kiss novella!
    I’m impatiently waiting for The Mortal Bone at the moment I will confess, I love Maxine and her boys!

    And once it has been Sinterklaas and there are no Dirk & Steele books among my presents I will so buy Within the Flames.

    (european entry)

  • Na December 1, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    I recently discovered the apocalypse world and found I really enjoyed and am looking for more books in this setting. It sounds like your new paranormal series featuring an apocalyptic landscape that is populated by monsters is what I am looking for. Thank you for the interview.

    I am outside of the US. (Canada)

  • Viki S. December 1, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I haven’t read you yet but your books sound like my kind of read. Thank you for the post and giveaway.

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

  • fishgirl182 December 1, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    i love majorie’s work and am very excited about the new pararnormal series. marjorie says she loves pie. i am interested in what kind of pie is her favorite or at least one of her faves. thanks for the interview!

  • Estella December 1, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    I enjoyed the interview. I always like to learn about the authors I read.

  • Jason December 1, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Marjorie M. Liu, now that Marvel has decided to axe all their girl leads in comics including your X-23 title, any chance you will switch to DC to maybe do Catwoman? Selina needs some love like you did for Natasha in your Black Widow on-going. I’d kill to see that, literally! Who do I have to off to make that happen? WInick? Quesada? The Prime Minister of Canada? A moose with a view? Let’s make this happen! Please and thank you.

    I’m inside the US of A.

  • Jen B. December 1, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    You are far to honest about why people should read your books! Most authors says histerical, fantastic things. I really like you answer. I have a couple of your books on my Kindle. I am going to move them up the TBR list.
    USA address

  • Barbara Elness December 1, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    I’m looking forward to reading Within the Flames. I love the Dirk & Steele series and this sounds like another winner. I love the cover by the way, it’s stunning.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

  • Jon Lynch December 2, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Majorie M.Liu book sounds extremely interesting read.Ill certainly have to look into ordering the series. Her work on X-23 completely captivated me,she took wolverine’s clone but instead of the easy way she’s developed Laura into one of marvels most well rounded characters to be created and while it’s a travesty the series is coming to a halt, but the novels sound like there full of a superb stories with rich characters and I can’t wait to sit down and read them,with a nice piece of pie of course.

  • Sabrena December 2, 2011 at 12:00 am

    I was (and still am) interested in the Dirk & Steele series after playing the game based on the first part of the book. I actually forgot about the series temporarily after a while due to RL getting in the way. As soon as I don’t have to worry about the holidays, I will be going after the books.

    USA address

  • Mary Preston December 2, 2011 at 2:31 am

    Your books look amazing & I am so impressed about the writing for Marvel.

    AUSTRALIA

  • Marina December 2, 2011 at 6:25 am

    I loved that interview ^^! Marjorie seems very nice:) I really want to read her new serie! It sounds so good!

    Not USA adress (Spain)

  • Dee F. December 2, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I really appreciate the way you have written the D&S series as stand-alones. It’s so frustrating to read a book then have to wait for the next to finish–or not–the story line from a previous one.

  • Victoria Zumbrum December 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    I am in the USA. I have never read any of your books but I would like to. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

  • Cathy M December 2, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    A truly fascinating interview, Marjorie. I am already a huge fan of this series, and love where each story takes us. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the latest episode.

    gfc follower
    caity_mack at yahoo dot com
    inside US

  • Diane Sallans December 2, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I’ve become more interested in paranormal lately and have seen Marjorie’s name, but haven’t read her books yet. They do look interesting & very different from other books I’ve read. Thanks for the offer -would love to try one of her books.
    sallans d at yahoo dot com

  • erinf1 December 2, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    Thanks for a lovely interview! I love Ms. Liu’s Hunter Kiss series and I’m eagerly waiting on the next book. I haven’t had a chance to start the D&S series, but it’s top of my wishlist! Thanks so much!

  • Tamsyn December 3, 2011 at 7:03 am

    Love the interview! How awesome to be able to write your own books and also for Marvel comics. I haven’t read this series yet and would love the chance to do so. Thanks for the giveaway.

    tamsyn5(at)yahoo(dot)com
    international

  • Gabi Wurst December 3, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    i love your hunter serie and i am adding the d&S series to the wishlist. i hope i can get the book. thanks for your amazing books!!!

  • DeAnna (@SacredmOOn1) December 3, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    I’m loving the interview of the author. I haven’t read this series yet, but will add to my read list! Thanks for the giveaway! sacredmoon1(at)gmail(dot)com

  • donnas December 4, 2011 at 1:27 am

    Great interview and cute picture. I had no idea she was a lawyer before. Looking forward to reading more of her books.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

  • Julie Witt December 4, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    What a great interview!! I had no idea Marjorie get to write the X-Men!! I have an all new appreciation of her talents now! What fun!! Thanks so much for the interview and giveaway:)

  • gconoy December 4, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    >The first novel, yet to be titled, is a bit of a cross between Prison Break and 28 Days Later.<

    Will T-Bag make an appearance? Still my favourite Prison Break character. Yeah, yeah, I know.

    And wow – really great that you're writing comics for Marvel – that must be awesome. Did you enjoy the latest X-Men movie or would you have written it differently?

    hrududu AT hotmail De — Living outside of the US

  • Carol Thompson December 5, 2011 at 2:42 am

    I am sure Marjorie’s days as not quite as quiet as she claims. She must be kept busy with book signings, appearances and all the other book promational stuff authors have to do these days.

    Interesting that she writes for Marvel comics.

    Have you ever thought of creating your own super hero ?

    Please enter me in the giveaway.

    I am from South Africa.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

  • Annie December 8, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Interesting! I didn’t know Marjorie was a comic book writer! That’s super cool! My question is, if you could collaborate with another author, who would you pick and why? What genre would you write together?

    I’m from Canada. 🙂

  • Ren December 9, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    My question for Marjorie is how many book at Dirk & Steele books? And since the book can be read stand alone and featured so many paranormal creatures, how you decide what creature you want to write about? Thanks 🙂

    I’m international (outside US)
    Ren
    sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com

  • eli yanti December 11, 2011 at 4:06 am

    your are the new author for me

    but i always love knowing the new author and trying to read their book and your book sound great and i love the cover book 😉

    i’m international reader 😉

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