Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Interview with Kalayna Price and a Contest!

Kalayna Price is the author of the Alex Craft Novels, a new dark urban fantasy series from Roc, and the author of the Novels of Haven from Bell Bridge Books. She draws her ideas from the world around her, her studies into ancient mythologies, and her obsession with classic folklore. Her stories contain not only the mystical elements of fantasy, but also a dash of romance, a bit of gritty horror, some humor, and a large serving of mystery. She is a member of SFWA and RWA, and an avid hula-hoop dancer who has been known to light her hoop on fire. To find out more, please visit her at Kalayna Price.

Kalayna was awesome enough to agree to an interview with me. Take a look below and then go forth and buy all of her books. ;-) Interview:

Demon Hunter--1.) How did you come up with the concept for Grave Witch?

Kalayna Price--Determining where ideas originate is always hard, so I'm not sure where the initial inspiration for the book started. Early on a series of "what if" questions like "what if I had a woman who could talk to murder victims?" "what if this was a known ability so she could work with the police?" "what if I had a killer who could silence the dead?" From there, the characters and the world began building off each other.


DH--2.) How much research did you conduct for Grave Witch?

KP--Tons. I researched folklore. I researched firearms. I researched a whole bunch of information on law enforcement and talked to someone with EMS training. Now, can I point to that research in the books? It would be a challenge as a lot of it is in the background. It always amazes me how you can do hours or days of research and only use that information in a single sentence.


DH--3.) Will you eventually write in other genres? If so, what will they be?

KP--I will probably never leave the fantasy classification, but I hope to eventually write in a couple different subgenres within fantasy. High fantasy was my first love, so one day I plan to once again pen a big epic fantasy, but more than likely if I diverge anytime soon it will be with a fantasy YA or with a cyberpunk or steampunk novel.


DH--4.) What are your favorite genres to read?

KP--I read all over the board. Urban Fantasy is currently my favorite genre (which is why I write it) but I’m also loving the new surge of YA novels I see happening. I read about every subgenre in fantasy but also add to the mix mysteries, thrillers, horror novels, and romances just to shake things up. I’ll read about anything well written—I just love books.


DH--5.) What is currently your favorite television show?

KP--No contest, that would be Vampire Diaries. I usually don’t watch much TV, but something about that show caught my eye last year and I’ve been addicted ever since. It is deliciously dark and twisted—I love it.


DH--6.) What are your writing rituals/habits?

KP--I don't have very established writing rituals. I prefer to have tea and music when writing but flexibility and the ability to write about anywhere in whatever time available is more important to me than a set ritual.


DH--7.) Do you have any advice for unpublished writers?

KP--Write every day, even if it is only a couple sentences a day. Also, getting published can be a long and, at times, a discouraging journey. You need a thick skin and a dream you can believe in. Stick with it!

I'd like to thank Kalayna for taking the time to stop by to answer a few questions for us. :-D Now for the contest.


For a chance to win a signed copy of GRAVE WITCH by Kalayna Price, all you have to do to enter is to leave a comment and tell me why you'd like to win a copy. Also, please list your e-mail address as follows: your e-mail (AT) wherever (DOT) com, so you won't get junk mail. The contest is open to everyone in the world. The contest will end on October 4, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Good luck. A winner will be picked at random and announced on October 5, 2010.

Even if you don't win, don't forget to pick up a copy of GRAVE WITCH, which will hit stores on October 5, 2010.

I'd like to thank Kalayna for stopping by. Good luck everyone! :-D




 

22 comments:

Sullivan McPig said...

Nice interview!
I'd like to win a copy as I love UF and this series sounds really awesome. I mean: Death as a character, how can I not be curious about that!?

(bersaba_berkley(at)yahoo(dot)com)

Heff said...

I lyke them there clothes she's a-wearin' !

marsman57 said...

I am going to have to buy a copy if I don't get it for free, and I love saving money! :)

brandon_barkley(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy because my daughter would be so jealous. (I promise to let her touch the cover if I win.) lol.

You have the coolest posts, as well.

katherinebarton1(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to win a copy because I love your Haven series and am looking forward to the ghosts. Also to have a spare copy to loan out (maybe never to see again) after your release party next Friday.

sjohnson.sc(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Robin said...

I'd like to win a copy because I never win anything, and I feel really sorry for myself. Plus, it sounds like a wonderful book. Plus, I love Vampire Diaries. (What about Fringe, Kalayna?)

Kalayna Price said...

Hey everyone!

First off, thank you so much for interviewing me, Tyhitia. It was a lot of fun!

Thanks Sullivan! Yes, Death is the popular discussion point--I can't wait to hear what people think once they've read the book. (And my other characters are all hoping they get mentions too. Ever seen a character sulk, not pretty! ^_~ )

LOL, Heff. I think your comment scares me a little. I'm going to that side of the blog. (No seriously, thanks, I love that outfit!)

Hey Brandon! Good luck!

Touch the cover, huh Kathi? You're a cruel mom! ^_^ Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks sjohnson! (Who I'm guessing is either Simon or Scott--too many local johnsons with 'S' names!) Thanks for stopping by, and double thanks for planning to come to the release party!

Hi Robin. I need to see more of Fringe. I don't tend to watch TV at the time it comes out due to my hectic schedule, and while the bits of Fringe I saw were interesting, I missed most of it so haven't made an effort to catch up. I'm told it's excellent so maybe the next time I get a break I'll buy the first season from itunes. Thanks for stopping by!

donnas said...

Great interview. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a really good series that I need to check out. Thanks for the chance!

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Charles Gramlich said...

I've not read anything by her. THat's a main reason I'd like to win a copy. I do want to branch out in Urban fantasy, not having sampled the field very much. My email addy is kainja at hotmail dot com

Bethany C. said...

Uh, because it looks awesome?! It's rare for me to read anything but UF, and I'm loving the concept for this. Especially looking forward to seeing the interactions with Death as a character.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail

Kara McElhinny said...

Awesome Interview Tyhitia! "Grave Witch" sounds like a great story, congrats on the success Kalayna!

Happy writing!
Kara

Caroline Tung Richmond said...

Oh, great interview! Thanks so much for posting this!

Cathy M said...

Hi Kalayna,

The first chapter excerpt that I read had the perfect blend of humor, chemistry and suspense, and you totally hooked me. Huge potential for an amazing story and I would love a chance to read more.


caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Naomi said...

Oh, I've been waiting forever for this book! I love Kalayna's Haven novels, so I've got high hopes for Gravewitch!

Don said...

Pretty good interview. I keep hearing of the Urban Fantasy genre and have seen it featured in a couple bookstores. I might need to check out some of the artists, K. Price included.

Writing definitely requires tons of research. I am not sure if I have the intensity for it, at the moment.

Maybe I should try writing while sipping tea and listening to some soft soul music, and see where it leads.

cat said...

I would like to read her book because I am an avid reader of urban fantasy.

catsimp6(at)aol(.)com

vitone said...

Thanks D.H. happy for your visit:)

INCiDeNT (Kayleigh) said...

Whilst I'm taken with the Urban Fantasy genre, I'm also looking to flex my reading experience in regards to it. GRAVE WITCH looks to be a good place to start.

Not entirely sure whether I've passed the time limit on your side...

TY for the interview! Loved the insight into how GW was constructed.

vimto.syn(AT)googlemail(DOT)com

Edna said...

I'd like to win a copy because I'm very intrigued by the premise and like Kalayna, Urban Fantasy is one of my favorite genres.

Ahh, Vampire Diaries. I have a lot of friends who love that show as well but I've yet to jump on the bandwagon.

nalynboni AT gmail DOT com

mariska said...

Why i want this book ? coz I'm always happy to read a new book from a new author for me :)

uniquas at ymail dot com

Tyhitia Green said...

This contest is now over. Thanks to all the participants. Winners will be announced later today.

writtenwyrdd said...

I'm sorry I missed the contest, but thanks for letting us know about the book, it sounds great.