Wednesday, February 17, 2010

JA Saare - Dead, Undead, or Something in Between - The TOUR!



JA Saare stops by once again to promote her latest release, Dead,Undead, or Something in Between coming from Eternal Press.

Want to follow her tour? Go here:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2010/01/virtual-tour-dead-undead-or-something.html

So let's get down to business and meet Jaime!

1. So you write about vampires. Is there a sub-genre of romance you've considered but never tried?

Absolutely – BDSM. I’ve had a couple of stories on the brain and have jotted a few notes down, but so far, I can’t find the time to finish the WIP’s I have. The entire concept of dominance and submission is fascinating. I want to explore the freedom in the power of submission, as well as the dynamics of what it takes to be a Dom (or Domme).

2. Where do you come up with the names of your characters?

Lots of places, actually. *grin* Sometimes they are names that I’ve always loved or names that I’ve read in other stories and they left an impression. I’ve had a couple of circumstances (Eternity and a Day is a notable example) in which I went in search of unique names with specific meanings. I’m not sure about you, but the name has to be perfect. If I don’t have that, I can’t start writing.

3. Quiet time or music when writing?

Music, always. I think there have been a handful of times during hard edits when I’ll turn on M83 and set the volume to background low, but other than that, there is always music playing in the casa or inside the office.


4. Speaking of tunes, which is the favorite (Besides NIN)?

I can’t pick just one (aside from the above!). I’ve been a lover of music all my life, starting when my Dad introduced me to the Eagles, Alabama, Jon Anderson, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, George Jones and so on. My Mom was a different cat all together and loved Cool and The Gang, Billy Ocean, and those kinds of tunes. I wasn’t introduced to heavy metal until I was maybe twelve or thirteen. Black Sabbath rocked my little world, and that, as they say, was that!

If you browsed my tunes you’d find all kinds of stuff, including heavy metal, industrial, soft rock, the blues, some country (oldies here, the new stuff just isn’t my thing), musical scores, soundtracks, and just about anything else that catches my ear.

5. You're a polish-addict. So which is the favorite color? Brand? Any color you've never tried and want to?

OPI is my favorite brand, although Finger Paints from Sally’s Beauty Supply runs a close second. My favorite color is a retired OPI classic and is called Vampire State Building. It’s a luscious blood red crème that compliments my pale complexion.

As for trying certain ones and being unable to – there are several rare colors I’d like to try, but honestly, they probably have more than one dupe somewhere. That’s what I learned back when my addiction was at its worst – you can always find a color that matches, and if not, put your hands together and create a frankenpolish that comes darned close!

6. If you could trade places with someone for the day, who would it be and what would you want to do?

I’d trade places with my husband. He works for a company that requires a security clearance, so I’ve never been “inside”. I’d love to see what goes on in there. My brain keeps sifting through images of spy like stuff, although I’m sure I’d discover it was all rather boring one I got inside and got to work.

7. Let's talk titles. Where do you get the titles for your books?

Thus far, all of my titles have come from actual lines in my stories. I never go into a book knowing the title either. They don’t come to me until I’ve written the line and I think – oh yeah, that works! In fact, I teetered on the brink of calling Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, Rhiannon’s Law, as her nuggets of wisdom (which she refers to as Rhiannon’s Law) are present throughout the book.

8. Has real life ever enhanced or figured into your stories?

Up until Dead, not really. I kept myself away from the characters and chose to write about people very different from myself. However, it should be mentioned that if I’m in a dark point in my life, the writing will shift as a consequence. I think that’s the nature of the beast, right? Writing comes from the soul, and if the soul isn’t happy, the writing can’t possibly be.


9. You have the opportunity to meet a real ghost. What would you ask him/her? Or would you run the other way?

Since I live in ghost central, I’m sure I’ve had the opportunity to meet a few here and there. We have several places in Huntsville that I’m sure are haunted (including the old Huntsville Depot, where Rebel soldiers were captured, housed, and died), and I’ve seen some crazy stuff when visiting some of the local “hot spots”.

I suppose I would ask about the afterlife. Is there a heaven and hell? Do you roam the world for the rest of your existence (if it’s even an existence) as a spirit? I’d love to know what happens next.


10. Speaking as a reader, not a writer, what draws you into a book? Any current faves?

I read all kinds of stuff and I don’t consider myself to be particularly picky, but I would say relatable characters that are spunky and snarky always gain (and keep) my attention. I’m not much for the hero or heroine who whines or laments their life (a bit of it is okay, but not to the point that it becomes draining), but rather, like them to give us a bit of their torment and balancing it with their determination to push forward.

Right now, I’m on a huge Karen Erickson binge. I read her story Forbidden and fell in love. I also am frothing at the mouth for the newest Joey W. Hill stories, and always have her marked on my TBR calendar.

When it comes to urban fantasy, I love Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, and J.F. Lewis. Anything that features a bit of darkness and a bit of humor will get me every single time.

Thanks for having me on the blog!! It’s wonderful to be here again!

Jaime

So know you read the interview. Want to know about the book? Here's the blurb!

One bad corpse can ruin your whole day. No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy.
She’s left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she’s managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her – until now.
The deliciously good-looking vampire Disco knows her secret, and when he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, she discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no.
But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.

Here's the excerpt for Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between:
My shoulders drooped in defeat. Of all the shitty luck.
The only way my life could get worse is if I got my throat ripped out. Coincidentally, I was due to leave my place of employment and enter into a darkened alley to meet up with a vampire. So the odds weren’t stacked in my favor. Not at all.
My boots squeaked on the linoleum as I strode past the coat rack, walked down the hall, and entered the narrow concrete hallway. The big steel door at the end distorted, appearing too close and then too far, invoking images of The Shining. I finally reached it and limply grasped the knob.
I stood there, fingers loose and flaccid. Once I turned the knob, I was sealing my fate. My pride wouldn’t stand for beating on the door and screaming like a pansy to be allowed back inside. I exerted my backbone, grasped the knob, and twisted. The door opened with a protest of metal against metal.
I scanned the area quickly and then sagged in relief. The alley was empty. Thank you God, hallelujah! The door slammed shut behind me as I rushed down the narrow street. I was dodging a bullet, and I knew it.
The moon wasn’t out but the streetlights lit the way decently enough, the circular swells of white shining bright against the darkened concrete. The air was slightly chilly, sending prickles along my skin. I’d have to break out the jeans and sweaters soon.
I hooked a right, keeping my ecstatic pace, until I glanced up.
Disco was propped casually against the wall, his broad back braced against the red bricks. He was standing beneath a nearby street light that shone off his hair, the pale honey blond intense. Pulling out a cigarette and lighting up, he waited as I approached. I watched the red tip brighten as he took a long puff, lifted his head, and exhaled slowly into the darkened night.
So much for dodging a bullet.
Some girls get to be prom queen, others get a perfect SAT score, but not me. I was the biggest winner on The Price Is Right, and Johnny just told me to come on down.

8 comments:

Wendi Zwaduk and Megan Slayer said...

Hi Jaime! Speaking of tunes, since that was one of my questions, my mom raised me listening to Patsy Cline, Kenny Rogers (darn that Gambler), and *gasp*, the Bee Gees. (::Shuddering::) My Dad on the other hand liked Kiss (just the song Beth), Boston, and Billy Joel. Quite the mishmosh.

But now I'll gush about Dead! Loved it! This is on my will be getting an autographed copy of said book list. Hee hee. Yup, the story hooked me. But then again so did Disco.

Wendi

Cari Quinn said...

I'm with you on the music. Anything and everything, please!

Dead is an awesome story, and I'm very excited for the day you're doing a tour for TRS, Jaime! :)

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Hey Wendi ~ I am so, so glad you enjoyed Dead. I've been chewing my nails here for the first reactions. ;-)

I also listened to Patsy, Kenny, and the Bee Gees. I think every parent had their records floating around somewhere!

Cari ~ Thank you for all your support, seriously. You have made this entire experience incredible, and I love you for it!

Jaime

Kaye Manro said...

Great q/a Wendi and Jaime! I loved the question about ghosts. At our old home on the coast of New England strange things would happen all the time. Ghosty things, like odd noises in the night, glasses breaking in the sink for no reason. Other stuff as well.

Great tour, Jamie! Good luck with Dead and all your writing!

Wendi Zwaduk and Megan Slayer said...

I had a clock fall squarely on my head when I was a kid at the house we bought (I was in the 7th grade). The guy who used to own the property next to ours probably did it because it was no kidding screwed on to the wall before it hit me.

I don't think you can see them, but I believe some sort of ghostly force exists. (Not that it did much damage to my head--that's indestructible).

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Hey Kaye (and Wendi) ~

One day I'm going to do a weekly blog on the area here. I think it would be cool! There is so much history, and several of the old places are so creepy!

Wendi Zwaduk and Megan Slayer said...

I've heard stories about Huntsville on tv shows about the paranormal. Sounds kinda fun to visit.

You should totally do a blog about the area. I'd read it.

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Hey, sounds like a plan! ;) If I ever get caught up, I sure will! Thanks again Wendi, for having me here and for being so great!

Wishing you all the best on Right Where I Belong and Learning to Bend!

Jaime