Interview with Darynda Jones + Giveaway

Darynda Jones was kind enough to stop by and let me interview her today as part of the Death and the Girl Next Door blog tour! I love her adult series, so I was really excited to have the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Check out the interview below!

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1. What books/authors inspired you to write?

Sooo many! The first was probably Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I knew I wanted to write romance the moment I read her. And Stephen King was a huge influence. I read a short story of his in junior high school and was blown away. I knew I wanted to do what he did.

2. I adore your Charley Davidson series, but I'm curious as to what made you want to make the transition from writing adult literature to young adult literature?

Actually, I wrote YA long before anything else, since way back when I was a young adult, in fact, and my love for the genre has never waned. When I started the first in the Darklight trilogy years ago, I knew I wanted to work on another YA project and I wanted it to be paranormal, so I just asked myself, if I were still in high school, who would be the last person I'd expect to see in algebra? Somewhere on that list was the Angel of Death.

But the fun part was figuring out WHY he was there. *insert evil laugh*

3. What proved to be the hardest thing about making the transition from adult literature to young adult literature?

Since I wrote it first, not a lot about it was hard. Writing is hard period. Don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise, but the transition was a breeze. What I'm finding, though, is much of my "Charley" audience is expecting the same thing in the YA. It's hard to switch genres on your readers. Some will follow you anywhere. Some will wallow in disappointment until your next 'regular' book comes out. But I expected that so it was no surprise.

4. If you can only describe Death and the Girl Next Door in five words, what words would you use?

Death and secrets change everything.

5. How did you come up with Lorelei's story and such a unique plot?

Wow, not sure. It's just kind of what I do and I was specifically going for something a little different. Doing what's been done a thousand times isn't really my style. I try to be just different enough to get noticed without being so different nobody gets me. It's a fine line.

6. Can you see yourself in Lorelei?

Gosh, I had to think about that one, and I have to say, not really. I think the only thing we have in common is our lack of popularity in high school. LOL. Lorelei is braver than I would ever be. She is tenacious and kind. I love her overall qualities.

Thank you so much for stopping by Darynda!

Thank you for having me! I'm thrilled to be visiting you! Hugs! ~D~

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Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?  Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

"Unique, witty, and touching—I LOVED THIS BOOK!" —P.C. Cast, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Night Series

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

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Darynda Jones Blog Tours is graciously offering one (1) copy of DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR to a lucky reader!

To enter the giveaway, obey the Rafflecopter!

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Posted by Lili at 06:33

 Darynda Jones, giveaway, Interview, Macmillan, young adult  26 People left their mark

I'm a 18 year old from a small town in New Jersey that's a newcomer to the book blogging world. Because I am an incoming senior in high school the closest thing that I have to a job is being a volunteer at the town library, so I spend most of my time reading and persuading my parents to let me buy more books!

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