A big welcome to Tessa Adams today.  Tessa is the author of the new Paranormal Romance series Dragon’s Heat featuring, you guessed it, dragon shifters.  The second book, HIDDEN EMBERS, will be available tomorrow (April 5th from NAL). Trust me, if you haven’t started this series, the fire breathing dragons aren’t the only things that are scorching hot.  Seriously, I think I burned my fingers reading DARK EMBERS. But don’t take my word for it. Tessa is giving away a copy today.  See details below.

You can read all the previous Top 10 Lists HERE

First of all, I’m so excited to be here today, talking about HIDDEN EMBERS, my new book in the Dragon’s Heat series from NAL. Thanks so much for having me, Abigail

Deep in the New Mexico desert there is a secret race on the brink of extinction—the pure-blood shapeshifters of the Dragonstar clan. And they have one last, desperate hope for survival…

Quinn Maguire is a powerful Dragonstar healer at a tragic loss, unable to cure the insidious disease killing off his people. Yet even in such dire circumstances the conservative Quinn is secretly disapproving of the alternative: Dr. Jasmine Kane, enlisted by the head of the Dragonstar clan to help abort the virus. She is a wild card. She is an outsider. She is human.

Decked out in black leather and a tough attitude, Jasmine clashes with Quinn in more ways than one. And when destiny chooses her for his Mate, he doesn’t know whether to rejoice or rebel. Because while Jasmine makes him burn hotter than any woman—dragon or human—ever has, their differences make a relationship impossible.

But when a rival infiltrates the clan and attacks Jasmine, Quinn becomes desperate. Jasmine is now the first human to be infected with the disease—and Quinn must do everything he can to find a cure, and save the woman he has grown to love. – HIDDEN EMBERS description

I knew when I made the move into paranormal romance that I wanted to write about shifters—I love shifters and think they’re all incredibly sexy and exciting. Even so, I knew right away that I wasn’t going to be writing a werewolf book, though I love werewolves. But my heart has always belonged to dragons, so choosing to build a series around them was pretty much a no brainer.

So when Abigail agreed to have me on the blog, she asked me to write about why dragons are better than werewolves. I fell in love with the idea right away and have spent the last few weeks thinking about why this is (obviously) true ;)

So with no further ado: The Top Ten Reasons Dragons are Better than Werewolves!!!

Ten Reasons Dragon Shifters are Better than Werewolves

by Tessa Adams

#10 They don’t bite (unless you ask them to, nicely ;)

#9 They don’t shed on the carpet—or anywhere else

#8  They can’t get fleas, ticks and they don’t have dog breath

#7 They love jewels and gold and all things sparkly—what’s a girl not to like about falling in love with a guy like that?

#6 They’re super smart, cunning and dangerously sexy (at least mine are ;)

#5 They bring good fortune and know incredible magic

#4 They live in beautiful desert caves

#3 They breathe fire and make terrific barbecue ;)

#2 They can fly!!!!! Nothing beats a kick-ass ride on a strong, powerful dragon for fun and excitement

And, the number one reason dragons are better than werewolves…

#1 They really know how to show a girl a good time!!!!!!!!

So, what do you think? What’s your favorite supernatural creature to read about? And if it is shifters, what kind is your favorite? Leave a comment for a chance to win DARK EMBERS, Book One in the Dragon’s Heat series.

Giveaway provided by Tessa Adams

One copy of DARK EMBERS by Tessa Adams

King Dylan MacLeod is one of the last pure-bred dragon shapeshifters in existence—and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan. It falls to him to protect his people—and their ancient magic. He has one more duty: to provide an heir.

Like all dragons, Dylan can only procreate with his destined mate—for whom he’s searched for five hundred years. His dark, rampant sexual appetite has earned him quite the reputation, all in the pursuit of his one true match.

But his search is delayed when a deadly disease sweeps through the Dragonstars, and Dylan must venture to the human world to find a cure. He tracks down renowned biochemist Phoebe Quillum, never imagining the beautiful scientist will be the mate he’s been seeking for centuries. But no sooner do they meet then Phoebe and Dylan are besieged by an obsessive, overpowering sexual desire.

Their passion turns to something truer—and they know in their souls and bodies that they’re in too deep to get out. And when Phoebe is kidnapped by Dylan’s oldest enemy, he must risk everything to reclaim the only woman he’s ever loved, or his clan will be wiped out forever.

Click HERE to read an excerpt

 

Giveaway Guidelines

1. Open to US & CA only

2. Leave a comment that includes a way to contact you if you win & answer Tessa’s question: What’s your favorite supernatural creature to read about? And if it is shifters, what kind is your favorite?

3. Giveaway ends on April 11th

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RT Booklovers Convention start on April 6th and if you’re going to be in Los Angeles, you won’t want to miss it.  Yesterday, Anne Elizabeth introduced us to the GRAPHIC NOVELS: The Female Creators Workshop and today Holly Black, author of the The Good Neighbors graphic novel series, picks up where she left off.  Click HERE to see where else Holly will be at this years convention.

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ATUF: Why do you think graphic novels have exploded in popularity recently, especially in the paranormal market? 

HB: I think the expansion of the paranormal market has reached into lots of genres -- mysteries, YA, romance and fantasy, so it's no surprise that paranormal graphic novels have experienced a rise in popularity too.  But I also think more and more mainstream readers are buying comics and more female readers, which expands the market as well.

 

ATUF: One of the questions you’ll be discussing in the panel is the role of female heroes in comics, manga and graphic novels and the impact they have on this industry.  Can you give us a little teaser on that subject?

HB:  The representation of women in comics has changed immeasurably over the course of my lifetime.  When I was first reading comics, women had one uniform body type and a penchant for very revealing spandex.  Now there is a much wider range of representations, from the women of Love and Rockets, to Charles' Vess's art for Stardust, to Jill Thompson's Wonder Woman, not to mention manga.  Alongside that, the kind of stories about women changed too.  There is a much wider range -- and I think women have noticed and responded by being more interested in reading comics.

 

ATUF: What are some of the unique challenges and benefits when it comes to writing a graphic novel as opposed to a traditional book?

HB: For one thing, unless you're an artist yourself (and I'm not), you are working with someone else who is doing at least fifty percent (and maybe more) of the work in telling the story.  As a novelist, I am used to creating the mood with language, but in a graphic novel, so much of the mood is actually created through the art -- not to mention the character's expressions and their body language.

The other thing is that when writing a script, you have to consider the physical book -- whether you're writing a left hand side page or a right hand side page.  You can't start a double-page spread with a right-hand page, for example.  And at the bottom of the right page, that last panel has to have some narrative tension.  It's the page-flipper, the panel that makes the reader flip the page to know what happens next, so there can't be any filler.

Also, characters can't stay in one place and just talk, the way they would in a novel.  They have to change locations and keep moving.  But the hardest thing for me to remember is that when I change locations, I can't just start in the middle of the scene.  There has to be a panel showing us where we are now before we can jump back into the action.

One of the most interesting things about working on Good Neighbors was learning new skills.

 

ATUF: How involved do authors get to be with the artists?

HB: It depends on the partnership, but in terms of working with Ted, we had periods where we had a lot of communication and periods where we went off and did our own thing.  I made one huge change in the structure of the series because -- when I explained to him what the villain's plan was, he said that I had to let the villain manage to succeed, because he wanted to draw it.  I think it made for a much better series.

 

ATUF: What do you think of the trend of novels getting turned into graphic novels?  Is it better to have original material conceived specifically for the graphic novel medium?

HB: I think, like with any adaptation, the challenge is to reconceive the original in a new way.  Just like some film adaptations enhance the original and some don't quite work, I think it depends on the graphic novel.

 

ATUF: Can you tell us about your The Good Neighbors graphic novel series?

HB: The Good Neighbors is a graphic novel trilogy composed of three books: Kith, Kin and Kind.  They're about a girl named Rue whose mother has gone missing.  Her father is a suspect, not just in his wife's disappearance, but in the murder of one of his students.  Additionally, while Rue has always seen things, she can't seem to ignore what she's seeing any more.  

The series was partially inspired by the story of Bridget Cleary, a woman who was burned to death by her husband and family because they thought she was a faery changeling.  I was fascinated by the idea of what might drive a family to something like that.

Over the course of the series, Rue has to decide who she is and who she loves.  I worked with Ted Naifeh, who is a fantastic illustrator, and who really brought the book to lush, chilling, gorgeous life.

 

ATUF: What would you say to someone who has never read comics, manga or graphic novels to persuade them to try one?

HB: I would say that I think artwork enhances a story in ways that make it into an entirely new thing.  There is an almost cinematic pleasure to reading comics that combines with the literary pleasure.  I know for some people, it's unfamiliar to read the caption and then look at the picture -- but I think that once they get used to it, they really enjoy the medium.  There are stories that can be told in comic form that I think wouldn't be as successful in any other medium.

 

ATUF: Where do you suggest graphic novel newbies start?

HB: I think that the best thing to do is find the kind of graphic novel that suits the kind of books that you like to read.  I recommend going into a comic book store and browsing around.  There is so much out there -- let yourself experiment.  Personally, I am a huge fan of Neil Gaiman's Books of Magic as well as his Sandman series.  I also love Ted Naifeh's How Loathsome, Alison Bechdel's Fun Home and Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez's Love and Rockets.  

 

ATUF: Can you explain the differences between comics, manga, and graphic novels and why and if you prefer one over the other?

HB: My understanding is that comics are serial, often monthly.  Graphic novels are either longer original stories or a collection of individual comics.  And manga are Japanese comics or comics that follow the Japanese comic traditions.

 

ATUF: What are you most looking forward to at the RT Conference this year?

HB: I'm a reader as well as a writer, so what I'm most excited about are meeting writers I admire and hearing about new books that I might like to read.

 

ATUF: Which panel other than your own are you most excited about?

HB: There's a panel called "The Science of Crime" that looks really interesting.  I am definitely going to that one.  I am really curious about the various film panels.  Having been through the whole process of having a book adapted into a movie with The Spiderwick Chronicles, I am curious to see how my experience align with other people's.

 

ATUF: Thanks so much for stopping by Holly.  Come back anytime!

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Holly Black is the author of bestselling dark contemporary fantasy for kids and teens.  Her books include Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale, two related novels, Valiant and the New York Times bestseller Ironside, the Spiderwick Chronicles (with artist Tony DiTerlizzi), the short story collection, The Poison Eaters and Other Stories, and a graphic novel series, The Good Neighbors (with artist Ted Naifeh). Holly has co-edited three anthologies: Geektastic (with Cecil Castellucci), Zombies vs. Unicorns (with Justine Larbalestier), and Welcome to Bordertown (with Ellen Kushner). Her latest novel, White Cat is the first of a new series. Red Glove is the second book. She and her husband, Theo, live in Amherst, Massachusetts. Visit Holly at www.blackholly.com.

Visit Holly online: Website|Twitter|Blog

Interested in being interviewed on All Things Urban Fantasy?  CONTACT ME

*This title will be released on April 5, 2011*

Title: Red Glove Author: Holly Black Series: Curse Workers #2 Cover Art: N/A Genre: Paranormal YA Excerpt: Yes Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Julia Reading level: Young Adult Hardcover: 336 pages Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April 5, 2011) ISBN-10: 144240339X ISBN-13: 978-1442403390 Sexual Content: References to sex. My Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

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Description

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Review

My only complaint at the end of RED GLOVE was just that, it had ended.  In just two books this series has developed such an intricate world and consistent voice that for both WHITE CAT and RED GLOVE I had no more put down one book when I was ready for the next.  I’m in love with the mix of magic and mafia and noir that is the Curse Workers universe, and the characters Holly Black has created within it.

After an emotionally wrenching events of WHITE CAT, one might hope Cassel Sharpe could expect a break in RED GLOVE.  Though his wry, worldly voice can make even the most heart wrenching situations seem smooth and effortless, Cassel again faces a shell game of bad, bad, and worse choices.  Amidst his dysfunctional family and pressures from both criminals and law enforcement, it is plain that Cassel is in over his head and determined not to give up without a fight.

I would definitely recommend that a new reader start with WHITE CAT to fully appreciate all that Cassel and his friends have experienced and overcome.  The entire Curse Workers series is darker and more nuanced than the usual paranormal YA fare, and much of that drama hinges upon the magical world Black establishes in WHITE CAT.  RED GLOVE is a more straight forward who-done-it mystery than the previous book in the series, and the story was all the more powerful for that fact.  Watching Cassel navigate the fallout of his damaged family and precarious future with full knowledge of the betrayals and dangers around him was riveting. 

RED GLOVE ended with my heart in my throat, dying to find out what will happen next. While April 2012 cannot come soon enough, most of me hopes that book 3 of the Curse Workers series, BLACK HEART, won’t be my visit this fascinating world.

 

Previous Books in Series	Also Reviewed By:
White Cat	Michaela at Books for Bears  Lindsay at Me on Books Tales of the Ravenous Reader

RT Booklovers Convention start on April 6th and if you’re going to be in Los Angeles, you won’t want to miss it.  Anyone who pays attention to paranormal fiction (or just the blog) is going to notice the emerging trend of books being adapted in to Graphic novels.   It’s not really surprising then to see that all the panelists for GRAPHIC NOVELS: The Female Creators Workshop are paranormal authors including todays guest Anne Elizabeth, author of the Pulse of Power graphic novel series.  Click HERE to see where else Anne will be at this years convention.

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ATUF: Why do you think graphic novels have exploded in popularity recently, especially in the paranormal market? 

AE: In the past few years, there has been an upswing by authors of romantic fiction and horror to adapt their popular stories to comic and graphic novels as well as create new tales, too.  As a reader and comic creator, I believe a comic or graphic novel can provide another dimension to an established story and create tremendous excitement with a new one.  Each level of technology has the possibility of taking a story to another realm allowing the story to flourish and grow more.  With this recent surge, though, I think authors and creators are simply enjoying the opportunity to stretch and try new things, and the results have often been innovative and brilliant.

 

ATUF: One of the questions you’ll be discussing in the panel is the role of female heroes in comics, manga and graphic novels and the impact they have on this industry.  Can you give us a little teaser on that subject?

AE: As the moderator of this amazing panel of women, I can share this . . .   The discussion will be about craft techniques, developing strong heroines and compelling heroes.  Many of the authors on this panel regularly strike at the heart of empowerment, belief, and achievement; and they will be sharing some of their secrets on what makes characters work and optimal methods for plotting stories. [Hint, hint:  Attendees, please bring a business card or a piece of paper with your name and email address.  We will have a few extraordinary giveaways to raffle at this very special workshop.]

 

ATUF: What are some of the unique challenges and benefits when it comes to writing a graphic novel as opposed to a traditional book?

AE: Good question~  There are several challenges involved in writing a graphic novel such as the fact an author's need to be succinct.  Each panel on a page has to move the story along or be vitally important in such a way that it contributes to the hero's journey.  In a novel there is room to provide hundreds of details or have long monologues or expositions; but in a comic, the intensity and pacing requires that the author have a talent for brevity and short memorable phrases.  Writing a comic or graphic novel can be quite a challenge, but the fun of it makes the journey completely worthwhile.

 

ATUF: How involved do authors get to be with the artists?

AE: Most authors are highly involved in the creation of his or her comic/graphic novel.  He or she usually helps pick the artist or the style of depiction.  If the author has time, he or she can write his or her own adaptation or story like Holly Black, Alisa Kwitney, or Kelley Armstrong; or an adaptor can write the first draft of the script giving the author an example of the style and allowing the author time to hone the creation, phrasing, etc.  The best part of the comic isn't that this is one person's work, but that it is a collaboration of talent that can introduce a whole new way to view or compliment project.  It's an enlightening process that forces the author to be very forthright and specific without tying the hands of the artist.

 

ATUF: What do you think of the trend of novels getting turned into graphic novels?  Is it better to have original material conceived specifically for the graphic novel medium?

AE: I am enjoying the increase of products in both the comic and graphic novel market.  There is great value to both adaptation and brand new creation.  We have room for both.  Today, we live in a very visual society and experiencing stories that are adapted or created anew feeds that voracious story hunger inside our minds and hearts.  Did you know that they have educational graphic novels focusing on hard sciences ( Hill & Wang ) for teens and recreational as well as educational manga books for toddlers?  The world is evolving and changing quickly and it isn't about a "right" way or a "wrong" one, but connecting with the reader and sharing the important story message.

 

ATUF: Can you tell us about your Pulse of Power graphic novel series?

AE: Absolutely!  I began my PULSE world in high school.  This was my favorite creative writing topic for English class.  When I went to college I was unwilling to leave it behind and kept writing on this world until I finished my first full epic journey some time after graduate school.  Signing a deal that has made the PULSE series come alive in a graphic novel series was and is a dream come true.

Here's a blurb on Tia and the PULSE OF POWER world.

"A graduate of The Academy, an exclusive school for girls, Tia Stanton learned early that proper young ladies don't curse.  But knowing a curse or two would certainly come in handy, since Tis spends her days as a stock girl at Vivant, the sentient supernatural store, and moonlights as a monster-hunting vigilante. But now Tia's jobs -and her life- are about to get a lot more complicated.  All of a sudden, she has strange new powers.  The dangerously seductive stranger who keeps invading her dreams has just walked into her life.  And a powerful enemy is about to strike her in the most unexpected and vulnerable of places... Her heart."

Book II - THE PENDULUM - releases in October 2011 at the New York Comic Con.  In this one, Tia goes off world!

 

ATUF: What would you say to someone who has never read comics, manga or graphic novels to persuade them to try one?

AE: Comics and graphic novels are for the adventurers, the individuals who step boldly into the noise and chaos of the world and seek to achieve something greater than themselves or for their own worlds.  These fascinating works of "actual" art can draw us in and leave indelible impressions that make us weep or cry, yell or smile, or flat-out make us laugh in long lasting ways.

 

ATUF: Where do you suggest graphic novel newbies start?

AE: Pick a favorite author and see what he or she has done with an adaptation of a beloved story or catch some of these new worlds created by authors just for comics and graphic novels.  This year's E-Expo is on Friday ( 4-6 pm ), which will have Cassandra Clare, Melissa de la Cruz, LA Banks, Alisa Kwitney, Holly Black, Kelley Armstrong, Gregg Hurwitz, and me in attendance.  Open one of our book's to experience the beauty and creativity of manga, comics and graphics. 

Please note, there will be a free collectible RT poster on hand to celebrate the graphic fiction genre.  Both "currently released" and upcoming titles will be listed on the poster.  First come, first serve - so arrive early to secured your poster while supplies last.

 

ATUF: Can you explain the differences between comics, manga, and graphic novels and why and if you prefer one over the other?

AE: Personally, I like them all!  In terms of defining the differences, here is an easy way to remember them. 

• The manga art form originated in Japan pre World War II.  Oftentimes, the method of depicting the story lines has been referenced as a "push toward realism" or rather, dealing with life complexities on a level that strikes at honesty, the depth of pain and the heart of happiness.  Traditional Japanese manga is read from back to front and right to left, and Ameri-manga or manga with an American influence is read from front to back and left to right.  Manga is divided into age levels and is directed at either male or female audiences.  From toddlers to seniors, there are stories for every age.

• Comics are usually either a one-shot story ( a single issue ) or a serialized account of a longer story.  Each issue can be anywhere from 19 - 35 pages long.  Among the popular series are Batman, Superman, The Green Hornet, Hulk, Wonder Woman, Punisher, etc.  ( Brilliant writer Gregg Hurwitz has penned a few Punisher issues and will be signing at the E-Expo. ).  The topic range for comic content is huge and can cover areas from historical to science fiction and everything in between.

• Graphic novels can be defined in several ways.  First, a longer standalone story that is more that 35 pages and is completely captured in one book.  For a wonderful example, check out Alisa Kwitney's book TOKEN.  Or, second, a compilation of several comics collected into one large book such as Kelley Armstrong's ANGEL or LA Banks' VAMPIRE HUNTRESS.  A third example is a longer story told in a serialized account such as Melissa Marr or Holly Black's books. Also, this is how I am telling the PULSE stories. There will be seven more books, too.  One a year for the next seven years.

 

ATUF: What are you most looking forward to at the RT Conference this year?

AE: Seeing friends:  booksellers, fellow authors, readers, editors, agents, and staff!  The best part of RT is the camaraderie.  No other convention on the planet has so much one-on-one time!

 

ATUF: Which panel other than your own are you most excited about?

AE: The S.O.S. Event - I'm really looking forward to it!  Kim Lowe organizes it every year as a tribute to our military.  My husband is a retired Navy SEAL, and we are both vey active in supporting our warriors and their families.  

This wonderful event provides a way for authors to give to the military community and to let them know - We Love You!  Hope to see everyone there on Saturday Afternoon.

Hooyah & hugs!  AE

ATUF: Thanks so much for stopping by Anne.  Come back anytime!

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Anne Elizabeth is the Columnist for RT BOOK Reviews Magazine covering the topic of comics, manga, and graphic novels each month. This former marketing consultant, with a BS in Business and MS in Communications from Boston University, has also published multicultural and romantic fiction with Atria/Simon & Schuster and Highland Press. Her first graphic novel, PULSE OF POWER, debuted with Dynamite Entertainment in Fall 2010.  Additional issues will follow - one a year for seven years - published by Sea Lion Books.  AE grew up in Greenwich, CT, and currently lives in the mountains above San Diego with her husband, a retired Navy SEAL.   In her free time, AE is also a serious Amelia Earhart who is always on the hunt for a new adventure.  Most recently, she jumped from an airplane and flew a glider. Her motto is “Live boldly.”

Visit Anne online: Website|Twitter|Facebook

Interested in being interviewed on All Things Urban Fantasy?  CONTACT ME

RT Booklovers Convention start on April 6th and if you’re going to be in Los Angeles, you won’t want to miss it.  We paranormal fans are getting some series RT love with several dedicated panels including URBAN FANTASY: Keeping Romance Hot in an Urban Fantasy Series which features Jeanne C. Stein, author of the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles series.  If you haven’t read her books, the snippet below more than qualifies Jeanne to speak about hot UF romance. Click HERE to see where else Jeanne will be at this years convention.

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ATUF: How do you keep the romance hot in your Anna Strong  Vampire Chronicles series?

JS: Anna has not had very good luck with boyfriends to this point—she either pisses them off, scares them away or kills them. But she does like sex, so there’s always an opportunity to write one or two good love scenes in each book.

ATUF: What scene in your series best epitomizes how you keep your series hot?

JS: My friend Mario Acevedo always picks this one: The Becoming, pages 115-116.

He steps out of slacks and boxers and stands naked, looking down on me.

I reach out, smiling, and caress a muscular thigh.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" he says at last.

But I don't answer, my mouth is otherwise engaged.

ATUF: How important is romance in the Urban Fantasy genre?

JS: Frankly, not so at the moment. I know readers often ask when I’m going to give Anna a break and find a suitable partner for her. I’m working on it. And getting closer.

ATUF: Do you see romance growing in the genre overall or diminishing?

JS: Definitely growing. My editor just had me writer a novella for an anthology called Hexed and the main theme was romance. It’s an Anna story and while I was writing it, I actually thought the hero in this piece might be the love match I (and my editor) have been looking for. Time will tell.

ATUF: How do you distinguish between urban fantasy and paranormal romance? How important is that distinction?

JS: I think the distinction is very important. In paranormal romance the romance is the motivating force, the central story question. A happy ending (either for now or forever) is required. In Urban Fantasy, if you remove the romance elements, you still have a story. No happy ending implied or even necessary. I like the differentiation because it takes the guess work out of a book for a reader. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve picked up a romance and finding out it isn’t.

ATUF: What do you think about the love triangle?  It seems to be more and more common in urban fantasy.

JS: Haven’t developed a story around that one yet, although the book I’m working on now, the eighth in the series, could turn out to be just that.

ATUF: In Urban Fantasy, readers often wait for several books before the couple finally gets together.  How do you pull off this type of delayed gratification without frustrating your readers?

JS: I think the main answer to that question can be found in number five above. My readers know I write Urban Fantasy and the ones who follow the series know Anna’s track record with boyfriends. The other element is that all my books take place in a very short time span. From the first to the sixth book, for instance, just one year has elapsed. It’s a way to avoid having to rush things.

ATUF: Romantic tension is an art.  How do you create that tension with your characters?

JS: I agree, romantic tension is an art. I’m not sure I’ve mastered it. Anna is a vampire who often gives in to her sexual urges. As a human, she was never a shrinking violet. She chose bounty hunting as a profession, after all. So sexual aggression was a part of her make-up then and it didn’t change when she became a vampire.

ATUF: Is it important to have HEAs in Urban Fantasy?

JS: No. In fact, I think it would detract from the development of a series to have a happily-ever-after occur too early.

ATUF: What are you most looking forward to at the RT Conference this year?

JS: Meeting with old friends, many of whom I see only at RT. Spending time with Jill Smith, who has been so supportive of my career. Meeting readers who already know Anna and hopefully, winning a few new ones.

ATUF: Which panel other than your own are you most excited about?

JS: I can’t name just one—all the vampire and paranormal panels, the mystery panels...the first thing I do is go through the program and make my wish list. The only problem is that there are too many things going on at the same time! Makes choosing very difficult!

ATUF: Thanks so much for stopping by Jeanne.  Come back anytime!

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About the Author

Jeanne Stein is the bestselling author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Anna Strong Chronicles. She lives in Denver where she is active in the writing community, belonging to Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. In 2008 she was named RMFW's Writer of the Year and last year, her character, Anna Strong, received a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award for Best Urban Fantasy Protagonist. The sixth in the Anna Strong series, Chosen, released in August 2010, also received a RT nomination for best Urban Fantasy novel. She has numerous short story credits, as well. Most recently, The Ghost of Leadville, reprinted in the Vampires: The Recent Undead ( Prime Books) and an Anna Strong Novella, Blood Debt, in Hexed (Berkley) . She is also one of the editor’s of RMFW’s award-winning anthology, Broken Links, Mended Lives. Her next full length novel, Crossroads, debuts in August 2011.

Visit Jeanne online: Website|Blog

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Interested in being interviewed on All Things Urban Fantasy?  CONTACT ME