Kalayna Price Interview & Giveaway

Hello Kalayna Price. Thank you to taking the time to stop by. I am honored to have you here. Kalayna is giving away a copy of Grave Witch to one lucky comment, see below for more details.

Also I was planning on posting a review for Grave Witch but sadly I haven't had a chance to finish it. However it should be up in the next few days so please check back.

To start with, would you mind telling the readers a little about yourself?

A little about me? Well, I guess the easiest thing to start with is that I’m the author of two urban fantasy series: the Alex Craft novels being released by Roc and the Novels of Haven being released by Bell Bridge Books. I’m fascinated by ancient myths and folklore so you’ll see a lot of references to those in my books. If you meet me in person, you’ll probably notice I have a penchant for unnatural hair color, corsets, and kickass boots. And you might even spot me with a hula hoop.

Your upcoming novel is Grave Witch what can we expect from it?

Grave Witch is the first book in the Alex Craft series. The main character, Alex, is a private investigator with the ability to question the dead, but when she accepts a case involving an assassinated politician she finds herself tangled in a deadly mystery that might just cost her soul. The book has magic, mystery, a flirty grim reaper, and cast of characters I hope readers want to spend more time with.

For the readers who might not have read the Haven series yet, what can you tell us about it?

The Haven Novels follow Kita Nekai, whose ability to shift into a six pound cat when the rest of her clan turns into lions and tigers prompts her to flee her home and responsibility—only to crash right into the arms of a vampire and get sucked into the supernatural underbelly of a city called Haven. The series tends toward dark and gritty with some sarcastic humor, so if you like your urban fantasy with a lot of attitude and action, it might be a series for you.

Are there more Haven novels planned? If so where do you expect that series to go from here?

Yes, the first two novels are currently out and the next novel, Third Blood, will be released the beginning of next year. In Third Blood, Kita will return to Firth to face her family and what she’s become. A total of six novels are planned for the series.

You have two different urban fantasy series, how to they compare? Do you favor writing one over the other, or like the characters in one over the other?

The two series are very different. The Haven novels are set in a closed world where the supernaturals exist hidden from the rest of society whereas the magic in the Alex Craft series is well acknowledged and integrated with society. The characters also have very different personalities and outlooks. I wouldn’t say I like one over the other, but it is nice to switch between them and get to play with different people and different worlds.

What is unique about your series, compared to other urban fantasy series currently on the market?

I’m always reluctant to say “no one has ever done this before” because while I’ve read wildly in the genre, I haven’t read everything out there and I’m sure someone could point to something similar. That said, I think the magic system and the way Alex interacts with the land of the dead is fairly unique. I had a lot of fun writing the visual aspects of magic. Truthfully though, when people read the books, what I hope they find most memorable are the characters, and I hope they want to ‘visit’ them again in more books.

Why the urban fantasy genre? Did you choose it or did it choose you?

I would say a combination of the two. I started off writing high fantasy, but urban fantasy grabbed my attention before it was even a recognized genre, and I just had to write it.

When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was your family and friends supportive?

I guess I’ve always known. I started my first novel when I was eleven. It was one of many false starts before I got serious, but I always knew I wanted to write. What I didn’t know was that it really was possible. It took me a long time to believe in my work enough to actually send it out into the world.

My family was extremely supportive and they still are. I’m sure I wouldn’t be published today without their encouragement.

What is the writing process like for you? Do you have a particular writing process or any writing rituals?

My writing process tends toward furiously fast first drafts followed by extensive bouts of editing. I don’t really have any special rituals. Until recently, I worked full time on top of writing, so I had to carve out any time I could find. My first novel was written primarily between midnight and two a.m. because that was the only time I could claim. Grave Witch was written during my lunch hour because at the time I was writing it nights wouldn’t work for me. I learned I could write 1000 words in my lunch hour but heaven help you if you interrupted me. LOL

In your free time what can you be found doing?

Lots of different things—I’m a girl with far too many hobbies. Reading (obviously) is a common past time, as are hoop dancing, gardening, painting, photography, and jewelry making. I dabble in a lot of crafts and always like learning new things.

What are you currently working on? Anything you can share regarding your current Work in Progress?

Well, with two series under contract, I don’t have much time for side projects so I’m currently working on an Alex Craft novel and a Haven novel. That said, I do have a couple stories on the back burner that I hope I have the chance to explore more of soon, including a short about Sky pirates that I’m really excited about.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I think that pretty much covers everything. Thank you so much for having me here today, Marissa!

Kalayna is giving away a copy of Grave Witch. To be entered please leave a question for Kalayna, and also fill out the FORM. You have until 11:59pm (EST) on October 14 to enter and the winner will be announce October 15th.

Want extra entries.....
+1 entry for asking Kalayna a question (required).
+1 for filling out the form
+2 entries for becoming a follower of this blog
+1 entries for tweeting about this contest, blogging about it, ect..(please tell me where).