#Authorpalooza2010 Day Guest Author: @JayeWells

Hey guess what??? I got something special for all today! Come closer... closer... closer!

It's JAYE WELLS day!!!

I can't believe it the author of the Sabina Kane series here on my blog. Yes, I am a squealing girl and proud of it. I am not afraid to admit it this time. ;-)

What was it like the first time you decided to pursue becoming an author?

I had talked about writing a novel for years, but it wasn't until my 30th birthday loomed that I decided to get serious. I took a writing class at a local community college and started writing my first novel. It took me so long to try because I thought if I was any good at it that it would be easier. But I learned in that class that it's supposed to be hard. That freed me up and allowed me to overcome my fear of sucking. It took three years and three manuscripts to finally get my first contract.

Do you consider your series more paranormal or urban fantasy?It's definitely urban fantasy. While there are some romantic elements, the plots revolve around other issues--mainly Sabina's journey as a character and the world she lives in.

What’s your writing schedule like? Or do you write a little bit everyday?I'm trying to be more disciplined so that the months leading up to deadline aren't panic-fueled marathons, but I think at heart I thrive on that adrenaline. So I generally am a binge writer. I'll get 20 pages done one day and then need a day to ponder my next steps. Of course once the deadline gets closer I'm writing that much every day.

Has anyone you know been based on any of your characters in your Sabina Kane world?

I don't usually spend a lot of time with demons, but I've known some humans who could count as emotional vampires. But mainly I steal emotional truths from people I know as opposed to concrete traits. Of course, the trick is making sure to disguise the influence enough so the inspiration doesn't recognize him or herself. That said, I have named some characters after friends and a couple of exes have met untimely ends.

interview interruption... love this answer!

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Which of the books and/or characters gave you the most trouble to write?

The Mage in Black was incredibly difficult for a number of reasons. The biggest issue was probably that it was the first book I wrote under contract. The growing pains of taking that big step made it hard to get out of my own way, I guess. Anyway, it all worked out because I actually think The Mage in Black is better than the first book in a lot of ways.

As for characters, well, Sabina is hard to write sometimes. She has a penchant for self-sabotage that is frustrating at times. It's kind of like watching your best friend make horrible decisions, but you have to let her work it out on her own.

Are you planning to write other book(s) and/series beside your current bestseller, Sabina Kane series?

Eventually I'll work on other series. I have a couple of proposals marinating and hopefully I'll get to work on one of those in the not-so-distant future. But for now my focus is on doing Sabina's story justice.

Do you think you might branch out and write in other genres?Sure. My first two (unpublished) novels were paranormal romance. Ultimately, I found the conventions of romance a struggle to do well, but I love the genre as a reader. But who knows what the future will bring? I'd love to try some narrative nonfiction or maybe humorous mysteries. We'll see.

With the world now craving/obsessing over vampires.. Did this influence any in your way of writing about them?

I like to say that I loved vampires before loving vampires was cool. In fact, when I started writing almost five years ago I got a lot of strange looks when I told people my books had vampires in them. So the recent hype is just that--recent. I laugh when people accuse me of jumping on a band wagon. I write about vampires and other paranormal creatures because I find them interesting and like to read about them myself. Plus, for a writer, they're potent metaphors and are extremely fun to play with.

Where were you and/or what were you doing the first time you heard Red-Headed Stepchild was going to be published?

I was actually in a kids' play area with my son cutting snowflakes out of construction paper when my agent called to tell me we had an offer. I jumped out of my chair and screamed before bursting into tears. I scared many children that day. But as it turned out that offer actually led to an auction. So it was a couple of days later when I accepted Orbit's offer. At the time, I was sitting at my dining room table after fielding phone calls from my agent all day. You better believe champagne soon followed.

What is one day in the life of Jaye Wells like?Oh jeez. There is no typical day. But generally it involves doing the mom thing until the kiddo goes to school. Then I pound coffee as I check email and all the social networking sites and blogs. I spend way too much time doing all that until I guilt myself into opening Word. If I'm on a roll, I'll write anywhere from 2-4 hours. In between writing jags, it's email, IM, more Facebook and Twitter. Maybe I'll answer some interview questions or write guest blogs. Sometimes there's businessy stuff to deal with--phone calls with my editor or agent, marketing plans, mailing prizes to contest winners, etc. Depending on how the writing went that day, I might get back to it at night after my son's in bed. It all depends on where I am in the deadline/release cycle. Right now I've got a book coming out and another one due within a month of each other so I'm doing all of the above every day.

What’s one thing that might surprise readers/fans about you?Considering most of my life is documented on Twitter, I'm not sure I have any secrets anymore. Actually, what might surprise everyone is that I actually manage to get work done despite spending so much time online.

Do you have any pet peeves?Oh, I think it's safe to say I have a healthy list of pet peeves. Here are a few for your enjoyment:

-Adults who wear Crocs. No one older than 7, ever. Keep in mind my own seven-year-old doesn't even own a pair. The only exceptions allowable for adults are eccentric chefs or nurses.

-PT Cruisers and other throwback cars. I seriously white knuckle my steering wheel every time I see them. Not sure why.

-Misuse of common sayings. For the last time, it's "I couldn't care less."

-Jean shorts on men. I hope this doesn't need explanation.

-Being called "Jane" or "Jayne." Hate.

-People who take themselves too seriously.

-People who feel the over/under toilet paper debate is a legitimate topic of discussion.

-People with long pet peeve lists.

Here's a few blurbs and book covers from the Sabina Kane series.

RED-HEADED STEPCHILD DESCRIPTION:

In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn’t really fit in. And being an assassin – the only profession fit for an outcast – doesn’t help matters. But she’s never brought her work home. Until now.

Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex, and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she’s on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life-changing, but together, they could be fatal …

This time, it’s personal.

Read Chapter One

The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, vol 2 (anthology):

”Vampsploitation” is a prequel short story to Red-Headed Stepchild. It also sets up backstory for The Mage in Black. Due out September 21, 2009.

Note: In the UK, this anthology is called Love Bites: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance.

Description:

This exciting follow-up to the wildly successful Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance contains 30 short stories of hot blood, midnight pleasures, and inhuman passions. Containing the best names in the field, such as Eileen Wilks, Caitlin Kittredge, Jennifer Ashley, Dawn Cook, and Diane Whiteside, this compilation is sure to arouse attention.

THE MAGE IN BLACK DESCRIPTION:

Sabina Kane doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. So when she arrives in New York to meet her mage relatives, the reunion puts the fun in dysfunctional. Not only is mage culture completely bizarre, but everyone seems to think she’s some kind of ‘Chosen’ who’ll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn’t care who chose her, she’s not into destiny.

But the mages aren’t Sabina’s only problem. In New York’s Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic old flame. Sabina thought she’d take a bite out of the Big Apple – but it looks like it wants to bite back.

 

Bonus Time!!

To enter to win one of Jaye's books you must sell her your soul... hehe!! just kidding. Or am I? ;-)

Seriously folks, you must either tweet, share on facebook, myspace, blog or just plain be a blog minion here. Sorry but this giveaway will be strictly for US residents. But there are plenty more giveaways that are eligible for worldwide residents. Check them out~

tweet with #Authorpalooza2010 and include link of this post.

And answer the following question:

Who would you go all love sick or fangirl/boy crazy over if you got the chance to meet said celebrity or author?