Interview with Richelle Mead & Giveaway

Parajunkee's View is kicking off the Paranormal Spring Break with a bang. A HUGE fan of the Dark Swan Series by Richelle Mead, today we have an interview with the wonderful author, who has her 3rd book in the adult fantasy series releasing this month.

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Fantasy Element: Fae
Series: Eugenie Markham, Dark Swan
Order Online:  Amazon.com | BookDepository.com
Stalk the Author: Web |  Blog | Twitter


PJV: Iron Crowned is the third book in your Dark Swan series, the main character is a titan of the Urban Fantasy genre, Eugenie Markham. Where did you find inspiration to create her? Is there a bit of yourself in her?

RM: None of my characters are based on me, though all of them have something of me in them, I suppose, since I’m their creator!  I created Eugenie because I wanted an “action star” character.  I wrote the succubus series first, and Georgina’s more of a sleuthing heroine.  So, it was essential in Eugenie’s character that she be the kind of person who’s not afraid to get out there and throw a punch for what she believes in. At the same time, I still wanted Eugenie to be someone who could develop and learn more about herself.

PJV: The Dark Swan novels encompass two worlds, the Mortal World and the Otherworld. How do you keep track of your world building?

RM: Just in my head, I guess!  There’s no exact system to it, though if there are certain details I’m worried I’ll forget, I make notes of them.  Once you write about places enough, however, you start to know them pretty well.  Writing about them becomes second nature, and even a place like the Otherworld starts to become real.

PJV: Is there a set amount of books that will be in the Dark Swan series?

RM: Most likely, there will be four total.

PJV: Can you give us a hint as to what will happen between Dorian and Eugenie? Happily-Ever-After? Is Kiyo still going to be in the picture?

RM: Aw, I don’t give spoilers. Sorry! I can tell you, though, that the ending of Iron Crowned is a shocker, so you can expect everything you thought you knew about Eugenie’s love life to turn upside down.

PJV: There has been a considerable change in Eugenie from the start of the series. It is quite a leap in just two books actually. Did the character evolve on her own with the plot...or did you have a plan from the start for her?

RM: All my books and series are planned out from the beginning.  For me, character development is one of the most important parts in a good series, so it’s crucial for me to know where I want that character to go and how I want her (or him) to do it.  Everything that Eugenie has been through has been part of that plan.

PJV: Does it differ writing your adult series than your very popular, young adult Vampire Academy series?

RM: Each series has its own tone and world/character details that makes it unique, so I have to shift into that series’ particular mode each time I start a new book.  But as for YA vs. adult, there isn’t a huge amount of difference.  I don’t consciously think, “Oh, yeah, this is for teens.”  In fact, I try very hard not to write down to my YA readers.  So, aside from language/content levels, there’s not a lot of difference in the processes.


PJV:  And to keep with the theme of our feature, what is your best Spring Break memory?

RM: Nothing really awesome is coming to mind, but probably my most vivid Spring Break memory was a road trip that friends I did from Michigan to California in college.  We got caught in a blizzard driving back through the Great Plains, and we couldn’t stop because the highway was being closed behind us.  So, we had to power through without food or sleep in order to not get stranded by the closures!

Contest Deets:
  One (1) winner will receive  a SIGNED ARC of Iron Crowned
Contest ends April 6th

Requirements:
Following is not required but is appreciated!
US & CAN Shipping Only - NO PO BOXES
Comment to win. Answer the question: Mortal World or Otherworld?

1 Extra Entry {LEAVE AN EXTRA COMMENT!}
1. Tweet: WIN! Signed ARC: Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead hosted by @parajunkee & @Tynga #ParanormalSpringBreak #giveaway http://bit.ly/dKotm9 PLZ RT

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