Kalayna Price is my guest today talking about her new urban fantasy series about a witch P.I. who has a close and personal relationship with Death himself. GRAVE WITCH is being published on October 5, 2010 (my review will be up tomorrow but I’ll tell you now that it reminded me of Laurel K. Hamiliton’s early Anita Blake books mixed with Tanya Huff’s Blood Lines series. In a word, excellent), but you can win a copy and some swag today courtesy of Kalayna & I’m giving away my ARC as part of my Blogoversary giveaway. See details below.
Kalayna Price is the author of the Alex Craft Novels, a new dark urban fantasy series from Roc, and the author of the Novels of Haven from Bell Bridge Books. She draws her ideas from the world around her, her studies into ancient mythologies, and her obsession with classic folklore. Her stories contain not only the mystical elements of fantasy, but also a dash of romance, a bit of gritty horror, some humor, and a large serving of mystery. She is a member of SFWA and RWA, and an avid hula-hoop dancer who has been known light her hoop on fire. To find out more, please visit her at www.kalayna.com.
Interview
ATUF: GRAVE WITCH has a ‘sudden revelation’ world building scenario in which the supernatural community ‘came out of the broom closet’ as you put it, as opposed to having always co-existed openly with humanity. What made you choose this route?
KP: When I began plotting the book, I knew from very early on that I wanted to write in an open world where everyone was aware supernaturals existed. Having the world open meant that Alex could work magic in a legitimate business and even work within the justice system. But, at the same time, Alex's world isn't completely dissimilar from our own—well, if vanity and convenience charms were normal in any modern household—so the sudden revelation gives a reference point for when Alex's world veered off course. Also, I think part of the magic of urban fantasy is that the world is somewhat recognizable, so it was fun to play with the idea of "What would happen if all the creatures of folklore and legend announced that they weren't just myths?" ATUF: Can you tell us what exactly a Grave witch is and what is unique about the magic system in GRAVE WITCH?
KP: A grave witch in Alex's world is a witch whose magic allows her to pull memories from a body and give those memories shape as something called a shade. The shade has no will or independent thought, but it can answer questions like how he died or the last things he saw before death. When grave witches use this magic, they straddle the chasm between the land of the living—where normal living people exist--and the land of the dead where wandering spirits roam. The land of the dead overlays that of the living perfectly, only everything in the land of the dead is ruined and decaying. That means when Alex uses her grave magic, she peers across that chasm and the world appears to crumble around her: hues fade, metals rust, buildings fall, and the world appear to be the bleak landscape. This can present interesting complications and interesting consequences. Grave Magic is only one of the magics in the Alex Craft series but as it is Alex's magic, it gets a lot of focus. I hope readers find it as interesting to read about as I did to write about.
ATUF: I know I tend to get bored with a story if things come so easily for the main character, which is why I appreciated so much the steep price that Alex pays each time she uses her magic. Alex goes temporarily blind after using her ‘grave sight’ and nearly succumbs to hypothermia if she holds it too long. Can you explain how and why you came up with this system?
KP: I agree, magic should always have a price. I think a lot of the time that price isn't apparent, but in this series, I wanted that price to be very immediate and very obvious. When I was plotting and working out the intricacies of the magic system, I considered several possible side effects from using magic and eventually developed a system where different magics will affect the user differently. Alex touches the grave and peers into the land of the dead. I've always thought of the dead as cold, some bringing back some of the chill of the grave made sense. The fact that she sees—even if only on a psychic level—across the chasm to the land of the dead gave me the idea to make the magic tax her eyesight. The reader will meet other characters over the course of the series who use other kinds of magic and who pay very different prices.
ATUF: Let’s talk about Death. He and Alex have a long history and a somewhat complicated relationship in GRAVE WITCH. How did you settle on Death as a character and potential romantic interest for Alex?
KP: As a character, Death developed very early on in my plotting. I knew I wanted to write about Alex, a woman who could question the dead, so it was a logical step from interacting with spirits to talking with a grim reaper. When I started working out who Alex was and fleshing out her history, I had the idea for Death and Alex's first meeting, which eventually became the first sentence of the book. Death and Alex's relationship is rather tense at times, but that's bound to happen when Alex doesn't know if Death is there for a soul or a cup of coffee. It's a fun dynamic to write and I hope people enjoy reading about it!
ATUF: If GRAVE WITCH were ever made into a movie, who would your dream or, to keep things interesting, nightmare cast be?
KP: I'm going to be completely honest—and probably rather boring—with this answer. I'm bad at names and faces, and even worse when it comes to celebrities. That said, I probably couldn't name enough actors to cast the book, let alone pick out a dream (or nightmare) cast.
ATUF: What other projects can we look forwarding to reading from you soon?
KP: The third book in my Haven series will be out in a few months, and the second Alex Craft Novel, GRAVE DANCE, will be out in the summer of 2011.
ATUF: What are some of your favorite titles/authors in the paranormal genres?
KP: There was a time I read practically everything being released in the urban fantasy genre (though it wasn't called that at the time). Now there are so many amazing books coming out every year that I'm struggling too keep up. I read so many spectacular authors that it would be hard to narrow a list down to just a few favorites, but if I had to pull a short list from my shelves, I'd probably start with Rachel Caine, Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison, Chloe Neill, Karen Chance, and—no never mind, I can't narrow it down. I love the genre and I think there are great books being released.
ATUF: The cover art for GRAVE WITCH is fantastic and perfectly matches the story and character of Alex. What can you tell us about the cover and the artist?
KP: Earlier this year my editor had me fill out a form with lots of specific information about the book in general and Alex in particular. Then, a couple months later, she sent me a copy of the cover art. I was blown away. The artist is Aleta Rafton, and I think she did a truly amazing job. I absolutely love the cover and I hope that Aleta paints the cover for subsequent books in the series.
ATUF: The scenes between Alex and DEATH, specifically the last scene, were my favorite and I’m hoping for lots more between these two in the next book, but what were your favorite scene(s) in GRAVE WITCH? Was there one in particular that was especially fun/difficult to write?
KP: Well, I can start off by saying yes, you will definitely be seeing more of Death in the second book. The scenes between Alex and Death are a lot of fun to write because, as I mentioned earlier, regardless of what else is happening, Alex and Death have a history and there is always a little bit of tension in their relationship. Also, Death is just generally fun to write. My favorite scenes were probably scenes where I got to go in and really describe the magic and Alex's grave sight. Those are fun. Then of course the scene where Alex (and through her, the reader) get a quick look at what Faerie is like was tons of fun to write because I got to pull together a lot of folklore and different types of magic. You asked earlier about movie casting, and while I can't say much about actors, the scene in the Fae bar would be one I'd love to see blocked out on the big screen.
Thank you so much for having me here today, Abigail!
ATUF: Thanks so much for stopping by Kalayna. Come back anytime!
Visit Kalayna online:
Want to read more from Kalayna Price?
Haven
1. Once Bitten (read my Review)
2. Twice Dead
Alex Craft
1. Grave Witch
Giveaway
One signed copy of GRAVE WITCH by Kalayna Price Or a $10 gift certificate to Amazon
Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes what they have to say…
As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself—who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans—nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around…
To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something—though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex—but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life…and her soul.
Click HERE to read an excerpt from GRAVE WITCH
GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES
- Open Internationally (thanks Kalayna)
- Leave a comment that includes:
- A question/comment for Kalayna
- A way to contact you if you win
- Entries must be received by Midnight MST on October 5th.
Interested in being interviewed on All Things Urban Fantasy? CONTACT ME
Great interview. :)
ReplyDeleteKalayna I love the fact that your information was taken into consideration when the book cover was designed. It is very important to me as a reader for the cover to correctly reflect the character/story.
Best to you.
Michelle
kweenmg at yahoo dot com
I love the cover of "Grave Witch." It has been intriquing me since I first saw it. It is cool to read that the author loves the cover too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview!
Katie
bigferret at email dot com
Hi, I was wondering since you're writing 2 different series if you ever mixed up characters, or wrote a line for a character, then decided it sounded more like something a character in the other book(s) would say?
ReplyDeleteb(dot)cardone(at)hotmail
(oh, and the contest rules said it runs until August 14- is that supposed to be October?)thanks
ReplyDeleteHi I like the cover. Did you have any say onthe design?
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon.net
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the indepth interview. I really enjoyed reading about Kalayna's characters & writing. I'm looking forward to getting Grave Sight.
All the best,
RKCharron
PS - DO NOT ENTER ME IN GIVEAWAY!
Very nice interview, AUTF and Kalayna.
ReplyDeleteKalayna: The world in Grave Witch sounds fascinating. You mentioned that different magics have a different cost to each witch that uses it. Will the Alex Craft books only focus on the grave magic, or will the reader be able to see other magics in use?
Congrats on your new series! I'll be looking into the Haven series you write also.
PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com
Nice interview. The Haven series has been on my wishlist like forever. I would love to get my hands on them. Now, I must add this one as well. Unless I win it....I love the concept and it has many possibilities. I am crossing my fingers...Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteladyrogue(at)ymail(dot)com
I've had this on my wish list since I first read about it a while back, the cover is gorgeous. I find it intriguing that Death is a potential romantic interest, I'm really hooked now...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest...
sgalley65 at yahoo.
Loved the interview! I'm sooo intrigued! I like the fact that using her powers have those consequences. It's so easy sometimes for magic to bail you out all nice and neat. It'll be interesting how the protagonist deals with these setbacks. The relationship with Death? Very cool. I can't wait to read about that, it sounds like it'll be amusing as hell. Out of those authors listed, I've only read Patricia Briggs and I absolutely adore her work.
ReplyDeleteHow many books are there going to be for this series?
Thanks again for the interview.
nalynboni AT gmail DOT com
Thanks so much, Michelle! Authors very rarely get much input on our covers (because, well, we are good at writing books but not necessarily very good at packaging or selling them.) I was thrilled that my editor asked for such detailed information to send the artist. The cover conference for the second book recently occurred, so I can't wait to see what comes out of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie! I really do adore it. I'm considering having a poster sized copy of the cover printed so I can hang it by my writing desk.
Great question, Bethany. I was a little worried when I first decided to start a second series in the same genre with another first person female lead, but Kita (the main character in my Haven series) and Alex have very different personality types. So far I haven't had trouble keeping the two characters distinct in my head, so I'm hoping that trend holds. I did once write a line of description I decided was more in line with how the other character viewed the world, but other than that, so far so good. (*knock on wood*)
As far as the august 14th deadline, that's a typo. I'm sure the contest isn't running more than a day or two. Abigail, when are we closing the contest?
I would pick up your book at the store based on the cover alone. It has all the right elements to me. I have been hearing about your book on the blogs and I will be reading it! Good luck on the release day:)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting. I like the idea of magic that has a real cost to it. I'm sure you did a lot of research for this book. Is there any piece of information that you learned that really stands out for you?
ReplyDeleteSandy, aside from the initial information and description sheet I turned in, not really. I mean, if I'd hated it, I would have talked to my editor. But I fell in love as soon as I saw the cover (as did my agent) so there wasn't much left to say.
ReplyDeleteThanks RKCharron!
Lillie, we won't see all the side effects of other magics through Alex's perspective because she can't work those magics. But, she will interact with other characters who suffer the consequences their own magics and abilities so the reader will see some of them. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I hope you enjoy the books, Lori!
Thanks for stopping by, Lizzielvr! I'm glad it intrigues you. I hope you enjoy it!
I really enjoyed the interview and am looking forward to reading the book. Had already been hearing about your book and been intrigued.
ReplyDeletelittlelamblst (at) yahoo (dot) com
This book sounds like exactly what I've been looking to read next. Now if only I can scrape up the money to buy a copy...
ReplyDeleteMy question Kalayna, is how did you come up with the idea for the novel? I mean, did the character of Alex come first, or was it the magic system, or was it the plot line first? And how much has it evolved since that first idea?
Thanks!
willowwanderer(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the great interview. I like the cover too. I've heard good things about this book and I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
Great interview. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. What other series have you wrote or books? Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I have had this book on my Amazon wishlist for a few months and it is always great to learn from the author. Makes me want it so much more now.
ReplyDeleteAs a reader I always try to find that one thing that makes one series different from another. As the author, what do you see as the difference between your Grave Witch series and all of the other books out there?
heather.scarboro [at] gmail dot com
Hi Kalayna,
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, both here and over at Penguin. Making Death a character is fascinating, and I especially liked the magical talents you've given Alex.
I love paranormal storylines, and the first chapter excerpt I read has got me totally hooked.
Just signed up for your newsletter today too.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
US
Kalayna,
ReplyDeleteI loved the excerpt and the cover is just gorgeous! Adding you to my Wish List.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
Kalayna, Who or what is your greatest inspiration when it comes to writing?
ReplyDeletevelvethubler@yahoo.com
Thanks so much, Edna. As far as how many books are in the series, I'm not sure yet. So far I'm under contract for a total of three, but I hope I'll be able to continue the series beyond book that point.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that the book has a good shelf presence, Sharon! Thanks for stopping by!
JenM, hmm, one piece of research that really stands out? I did a ton of research when I first started plotting the book. In particular I researched a lot folklore, police procedure, and information about firearms. For the last two I really wish I would have gone to the conference I just returned from (Writers' Police Academy) before, but future books will benefit from what I learned this weekend. For the Folklore--that is actually a long time interest for me, so doing extra research for the Alex Craft books was a bonus. It's funny. When writing you do a ton of research and it may end up all in the background or just in a sentence or two, but it's still very important. Thanks for the question and for stopping by!
Hi Lil! I'm excited to hear there is already some buzz out there about the book. Thanks for commenting!
Hi, Noble. Back tracing where ideas start is always hard. Most ideas start as a series of 'what if' question that eventually spin out of control as you begin answering them. Alex and the kind of magic she'd use probably were the first solid ideas which led to the book. The world and the character can't develop independently because the world building affects how the character will act and react, so by the time an idea really gets going character development, world building, and plotting all start bouncing off each other and its impossible to say at what point each develop. That's sort of an unanswer of 'they all come first' but my initial process is very organic so it's also true. Hope that answers the question at least a little.
Thanks, Linda! I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteHi Tore. I also write the Haven novels, which follow the story of shifter on the run from her clan who is turned into a vampire and sucked into the supernatural underbelly of a city called Haven. There are two books in that series already on shelves with the next, Third Blood, coming out in the first of next year. Grave Witch is the first book in my new series (The Alex Craft novels). Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Cathy. Thanks so much! And thanks for checking out the excerpt--I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks justpeachy!
Hi vhubler, great question. I would have to say one of the first influences who inspired me to write in the urban fantasy genre Laurrel K Hamilton back when I first discovered her book in highschool. These days, every amazing writer I read inspires me with the want to entertain other readers as thoroughly as their book(s) entertained me. Thanks for stopping by!
hi kalayna! i've been so wanting this book ever since i fell in cover love with it, and the story sounds awesome! thank you for whetting my appetite for more!
ReplyDeletek_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
Hi Heather. Your question was what makes the book different. Well, I haven't read every book out there and I'm always leery of saying "no one else has ever written this before" because someone can probably point to something, somewhere, and prove me wrong. But, I'm pretty confident that my magic system has some unique twists you won't see in many books. Though I'll be honest, I hope it's the characters who make the story stand out and that they will be on the list of what readers talk about (and hopefully want to read more about). Every writer's hope, right? ^_^
ReplyDeleteI think I'm caught up on answering questions. If I missed yours, I promise it wasn't intentional. Poke me and I'll go back and address the question. Thanks everyone who has stopped by and left comments and questions!
Thanks K_sunshine! No problem, I love talking about the book. I hope you enjoy it! (just over a week more until the release. I can hardly believe it.)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting but I keep picturing death as the grim reaper. Help a girl and let me in on who you'd see as death.
ReplyDeletescrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
The cover is absolutely amazing. How do you determine the setting? Is if "hometown" type knowledge, or do you travel to seek it out?
ReplyDeletelove the interview, adding this book to my TBR pile! My question would be, did you always want to be a writer, and if not, when you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
ReplyDeleteelizabethjhoskins@gmail.com
Interesting character and abilities! Make the dead talk in a way is fascinating.
ReplyDeletetaffy(dot)lovell@gmail.com
I've really been enjoying the Novels of Haven. I don't ever remember reading about vampires and shifters being brought together in this way before and I can't wait to see what else happens in the next book.
ReplyDeleteGrave Witch sounds so interesting too! It has been really fun to find a fresh voice in the genre and pick up a new series to read along side the ones that I know will probably be nearing the end soon.
angela.donner @ gmail.com
Your answer to the question about the uniqueness of the magic system in Grave Witch really hooked me. The wonderfully creative world building in paranormals is fascinating. I’m looking forward to reading this series. Thanks for visiting today.
ReplyDelete(Email in profile.)
I enjoy books about witches and I'm always interested in the type of magic the author chooses to have their character use. I think the grave witch magic sounds really interesting, and I'm dying to see how it's used in your book.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
I love books where magic use isn't easy - there's always a great drawback to to fantasic power so Grave Witch has been added to my wishlist! Looking forwrad to reading it.
ReplyDeletenotanotherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
A Grave Witch-the definition of what one is sounds so unique! I'm for sure adding this to my TBR list because this seemd new and different to me. Thanks for coming up with this great ideas, thats why I read, I don't have any orginal thoughts in my head. I loved the interview!
ReplyDeletejacindahinten(at)gmail(dot)com
Great Post! This sounds awesome. I love the concept, definitely on my wish list!
ReplyDeleteIs there a genre/sub genre you've not written in yet, but would like to give a try?
Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com
I was on BarnesandNoble UrbanFantasy/Paranormal Board And a reader Posted" Grave Witch" she was ordering ..I had just read your interview..Anyway I posted your site of course,and now I want it too ,Because it Sounds so good..We will start a Movement.I only read Abigails Blog and Paul Goat Allen on BN...Because They Always Know...Much Success we will get the word out ..SusanVTcozy
ReplyDeleteSorry everyone for the end date typo. The contest ends on the release date: October 5th!
ReplyDeleteAnd that you Kalayna for being so great about replying to everyone here in the comments. If I didn't know how good GRAVE WITCH is already, I'd want to read it :)
I am so looking forward to your book Kalayna! I can't wait to read it!! The cover is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeletejessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com
I am always looking for a new urban fantasy to read and this one sounds likea a good read. It seems like the heroine in Grave Witch has a fascinating relationship with Death. I am curious how this come about.
ReplyDeleteokibi_insanity[at]yahoo[dot]com
I've been wanting to read grave witch ever since i first heard about it. Looking forward to it's release, I'm reading Once Bitten right now! :D
ReplyDeleteLittopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a great read. Did I sense some humor in there? I love books with some snark and wit!
ReplyDeleterobin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I Can't wait to read your book- witches are my fave paranormal creatures. Do you have certain soundtrack for this book or do you just need quiet to do your writing?
ReplyDeleteaudie(at)wickerness(dot)com
Hi, thank you for the interview and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteOne question I love to ask authors is this
"What did you want to be when you were a child?"
moiraethefates(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Really looking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeletethebooklass (at) gmail (dot)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book! The idea for this book is so unique! And I love how she has consequences for Alex's use of magic!
ReplyDeletetwilightforever.edward at gmail dot com
Hi Pamk. Think less skulls and cowls and more jeans and tee-shirts. ^_^ I apparently need to go out and look at celebrity photos because the casting question is coming up a lot.
ReplyDeletelingeorge, the setting is actually a fictional city built on bits and pieces of real cities. I basically took the aspects of several large Southern cities to build a landscape suited to the story. Thanks for stopping by!
Good question, Elizabeth. Yes, I always wanted to be a writer, but that doesn't mean I always thought it was possible. I started my first "novel" at age 12, but it wasn't until after college I really got serious about writing. I don't think I ever really decided what I wanted to be when I grew up. All the options I can up with were always "Well, while I'm waiting for a book to sell I could XYZ"(insert random job). In the end, I realized demoting what I really wanted to do (writing) to the back up plan wasn't the best way to achieve that dream.
Thanks Taffy!
Thanks so much Angela. I'm glad you've enjoyed the Haven novels and I hope you'll love the new Alex Craft series.
Thanks LSUreader. Creating worlds and twists on magic are half the fun of writing so I hope you'll enjoy the books!
Thanks for stopping by, Mel!
Thanks jacmom! Writers often write the book we want to read, so it's always our hope others want to read it too.
Great interview, I've been looking forward to this book for awhile. The early Anita Blake books are some of my favorite Urban Fantasy books, so for these to be compared to them is a huge plus if you ask me. I will definitly be buying this when it comes out.
ReplyDeletetdubwow@gmail.com
Pam00, actually there are three books scratching at the edge of my mind in other subgenres that I'm dying to write: a steampunk, a YA, and a cyberpunk. (probably in that order) If I"m lucky, I'll have time to get words down on them between my already contracted books so I can share them with you guys. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeletewoohoo, Susan! Thanks for helping get the word out about the book!
Thanks Jessica!
Hi Sue. How did the idea for the relationship with Death start? Well, a series of what if questions and logic jumps (lots of those happen in the initial planning stages of the book when the ideas is still extremely malleable) had a hand in the idea. By the time he was fleshed out enough to end up on the page, he and Alex had great chemistry and I hope that comes through to the reader.
Thanks van_pham! I hope you enjoy both series!
Robin, well, I think some of it is funny (can you have a funny dark book?) but my judgment and impartiality might be suspect. The first full chapter is available on my website (www.kalayna.com) if you'd like to check out the tone. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Audra. I'm one of those people who silence makes crazy, so I definitely listen to music as I write. I don't really have a specific soundtrack to book, but the bands I've been listening to recently include the Cruxshadows, i:scintilla, Ego Likeness, Celldweller, Psyche Corporation, Ayria, and the Birthday Massacre.
Shalaena, popular question tonight. I actually answered this one a little earlier if you scroll up, but the short answer is a writer, always, just a lot of other things too. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks Princess Allie!
Thanks Kailia. I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks Thomas! I'm thrilled with the comparison--those early books were the ones that made me hungry for the genre and want to write it in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of making Death -- the ultimate bad guy -- as a love interest, particular for someone who is tied to grave magic. Necromancer and Death makes a little sense. :)
ReplyDeletechelsea AT vampirebookclub.net
Hi Kalayna!!! The book sounds great, and I'm definitely adding it to my 'to read list'. I noticed that you enjoy studying ancient mythologies, is Alex's character drawn from a particular culture or myth?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
I think this is THE book I am most looking forward to in October. I love the premise.
ReplyDeleteVWinship at aol dot com
Great interview!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for this book!! It's been hard waiting, I even went out and bought your other books, just to tide me over until I can get my hands on this one!
goldeneyeddragon@gmail.com
Thanks for the great interview! This is another new author for me. I have to have this series.
ReplyDeletejellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
I also love the cover of the book and think it's always interesting to read about Death as a character.
ReplyDeletegeckyboz@gmail.com
This book is right up my alley! I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeletetiahmichelle(at)gmail(com)
This book sounds awesome! I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of magic having a price. Was it difficult to come up with ways your characters had to 'pay' that price?
Thanks for hosting the giveaway, Abigail!
gillianbrampton(at)hotmail(dot)com.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of writing series versus single books?
ReplyDeletehmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com
I like the sound of the new "magics" that you have put in the book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of your series but I will definitely give them a try.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Thanks Kalayna (and Abigail) for making this international.
ReplyDeleteQuestion for Kalayna:
Do you have a favorite holiday spot?
strangecandyreview @ gmail dot com
Thanks, Kaylayna, for this lovely review! Fab cover, and the plot sounds intriguing!
ReplyDeleteYou can reach me at luvpinkpanther@gmail.com
Eagerly awaiting the release of Grave Witch, Kalayna!! The cover art is delicious and the excerpt certainly leaves you (ME) hungering for more!
ReplyDeleteblueyedirishgrl@gmail.com
Hi Kalayna!
ReplyDeletecongrats on the release - I saw the cover a few days ago and your book is now on top of my wishlist!! it sounds fantastic and interesting! I hope there will be more books in the series?!
wish you all the best, Ina
inale87 at gmx dot at
Oh this sounds cool! I love that she knows Death personally lol.
ReplyDeleteIf you could send one of your characters into any other TV or book series what would it be and why?
Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great interview. I just love the cover and hope your next covers are just as nice.
ReplyDeleteI am more of a romance person, but this book sound very intresting, enough for me to throw it in my pile for next month to buy.
bittenbyparanormalromance(@)gmail(.)com
I'm intrigued by the notion of Death as a character and have put this series on my wishlist.
ReplyDeletemarlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great Interview!
ReplyDeleteIf you could be any cover that's out there. Which one would it be and why? (a little strange I know)
chidoryx AT hotmail DOT com
I love the cover, who designed it.
ReplyDeleteRoxanneRhoads @ aol. com
Fantastic interview. The cover is amazing! I hope the book is just as good. :)
ReplyDeleteromancebookjunkiesdanielle at yahoo dot com
I really loved the interview!
ReplyDeleteI would like to ask Mrs Price if she had difficulty writing the character of Death. It is kind of an ambiguous characters, sometimes presented as evil and sometimes presented as benign.
I was wondering which direction she found easier to go towards: Good,evil or neutral?
Also, if I am not being a pest *g*, I love the idea of magic (or anything really) having consequences. Does she think that the longer Alex does this the more severe the consequences might be, I mean in the long run?
Thanks so much for this opportunity!
Kelly/ yvantis@hotmail.com
Great interview! I haven't heard much about this book before that is why I was very happy to stumble across this interview. I'm definitely putting this book on my TBR list!
ReplyDeletespettolij AT gmail DOT com
Thanks, Vampire book club, Vickie, Shera, Jellybelly, Becky, Tiah, buddyt, Pink Panther, Michele, mbreakfield, Danielle, and jmpettoli! I'm glad you could stop by and I hope you enjoy the book!
ReplyDeleteHi heatwave! There are, at times, very specific bits of folklore in the series (I'm thinking of some elements in the second book, mainly because I'm revising and it's fresh in my mind) but Alex herself isn't drawn from any particular myth. Great question. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks GB. I don't know about hard to decide on, but it's occasionally difficult to work with. Depriving a character one of the major senses can really complicate a scene, but Alex having to work around the difficulty makes things all the more interesting, I think. (or is that, I hope?)
Hi Hendy. Disadvantages/advantages of writing a series? That one is worth it's own blog post, but just a few quick possible points would be:
-A series tends to have more character growth but this growth is stretched over several books (which you can take as advantage or disadvantage)
-In a series you get to 'hang out' with your favorite characters again, which is great, unless, I guess, if you get sick of said characters.
-non-series books get brand new shiny world building for each book. (again, depending on your perspective, this could be an advantage or disadvantage.)
Okay, those are just a couple points, but like I said, you could probably write a whole blog on that topic.
Hi Strange Candy, I'm going to guess you're in Europe. Going on 'holiday' is something I usually hear in British media. Anyway, to answer your question I usually spend my holiday/vacation time to go to conferences or conventions, which are more like working holidays but are still tons of fun. Where I'd love to go is Ireland--so pretty and so much folklore--but I haven't made it there yet. One day. Thanks for the question and for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteHi Ina! Currently I'm contracted for three books in the series, but I'm hoping Roc buys more because this story could stretch far beyond the end of the third novel. Thanks for stopping by!
What an interesting question, Ladytink! I've never really thought about it. Let's see, I'm going to go with the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, our world building wouldn't completely clash (though it is still pretty different) and I think Mercy and Alex would probably be friends. Thanks for the question!
Hi Lu. Be any cover? As in have a different cover? I would definitely keep this one. I absolutely love the Grave Witch cover. It's perfect for the book and I can imagine it looking any other way. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks, Roxanne. The art is by Aleta Rafton and the layout was done by the art team at Roc.
Hi yllektra! Your first question asked if it was difficult writing Death and about his alignment. I think if Death hadn't had such a strong personality and such great chemistry with Alex that he would have been very difficult to write, but because of the aforementioned traits, his scenes were some of the easiest to write. As for is alignment, I would say he's a good guy doing an unusual job. That said, Death is neutral (or at least, he's supposed to be) because all things die.
Your second question was about the possible compound nature of the consequences of Alex using her magic. The answer is yes, some of the damage magic does is permanent. Alex is in her mid-twenties and her night vision is already fairly degraded from her magic. Thanks for your questions!
I think I'm caught up on all the questions, but just give a yell if I missed yours.
Thanks everyone for all the positive feedback on the interview and on the book. You guys are the best!
Grave Witch sounds really interesting. Please enter me into the contest. :)
ReplyDeleteFor my question... Um.. What is your inspiration in writing? Where did the idea to write the book start from? Do you prefer writing with music or without music?
Ok, sorry, those were three questions.. >.<
my email add is g00270@gmail.com
I want this book soo bad. I cannot wait to read it.
ReplyDeletenatashajennex(at)gmail(dot)com
I enjoyed reading the post and look forward in reading this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
These books sound really good. Thanks for introducing me to this author!
ReplyDeletejuliecookies(at)gmail.com
I'm intrigued by the idea that magic ought to have a price, reminds me of allie beckstrom's series. But losing one's eyesight is terrible!! How would I read? :(
ReplyDeleteGlad you are making this a series, it sounds like something I'd enjoy reading, esp. since you mentioned Mercy (another series I enjoy).
Dee from e-Volving Books
deepalipratap@gmail.com
Really looking forward to reading this book. Have heard great reviews for it. I'm even goint to put Once Bitten and Twice Dead on my TBR list. Looking forward to some great reading.
ReplyDeleterj3lwill@bendbroadband.com
I figure everyone is going to be asking and commenting about you as an author so I will change it up....
ReplyDeleteI think the hula hoop dancing is awesome...how did you get into it? Are you or were you ever terrified to hula hoop with it on fire??
E-mail- cmurphy213@yahoo.com
Hi Kalayna! I have to say I LOVE your Haven series!! I'm also really excited for Grave Witch! My question is: How do you pick out the names for your characters?
ReplyDeletekclapsadl at gmail dot com
Hi, in the interview it mentions that Alex has problems with night vision and I've seen several reviews that compare Grave Witch to Blood Lines. Did you choose to give Alex a condition similar to Vicki as an intentional reference to the Blood Lines series or is it a coincidence?
ReplyDeletepoinsetta25@hotmail.com
Hi Kalayna!!! I love the premise and cover for Grave Witch. Both are fabulous. Do you have a hard time trying to balance 2 series?
ReplyDeletePlus, does Death have a regular name or is he just death...and what does he look like?
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
Thanks for sharing. Your books sound really good Im looking forward to reading them.
ReplyDeleteAre the titles the ones you used when writing or were they changed later?
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Great interview! ^^
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of the grave witches and what they can do! And having Death as part of the main characters is such an interesting twist. c:
I just want to ask, what was the first book you've ever read in the urban fantasy genre? Was it the one that inspired you to write this kind of stories as well?
Thanks! c:
vesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com
Love the cover, did you have any input?
ReplyDeletepatronus89013 at yahoo dot com
Kalayna, it sounds great! I loved the interview also! I can't wait to check it out!
ReplyDeletefineinsanity {at} live {dot} com
The interview was great and i enjoyed it. sound great.
ReplyDelete