Okay, I'm sure most of you already know the awesomeness of Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson anyone?) but if you haven't read her adult series yet, you probably don't know that her first YA novel, Death and the Girl Next Door, is out this year.
Well, I'm so, so excited to have Darynda on the blog today! Make sure you read the interview because there's a giveaway following that =)
Thanks a bunch Darynda, for answering my interview questions!

Audience/Genre : Young Adult/ Paranormal.
Publication : October 2nd 2012 by St. Martin's Press.
From the author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right — 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.
Interview with Darynda Jones.
I have to ask this first - how do you come up with your book titles? They’re all so catchy!
Thank you! For a long time I just called Dead People. LOL. I had no title. I wanted something fun and yet a little dark and I wanted something that let the reader know which book in the series it was. So I decided on using ordinal numbers, i.e. first, second, etc. That’s when First Grave on the Right hit me. It was funny and yet spoke of death at the same time. With Charley being the grim reaper, I thought it was perfect.
My YA series went through several different titles. It was first called Riley’s Switch, which is the name of the fiction town the series is set in. Then it was called Grimsight, but my editor didn’t really like it. Death and the Girl Next Door was actually the brainchild of a friend of mine’s. I absolutely loved it, presented it to my editor, and she loved it too.
How did the idea for Death and The Girl Next Door come about? Was there a specific inspiration?
I actually wrote that manuscript years ago, long before First Grave. I have written young adult forever and wanted to get back to it. I wanted to venture into the paranormal world and the story hit me one day. I just thought, how cool would it be if Death went to high school?
If you had to pick three words that best describe Death and The Girl Next Door, what would they be?
Fun, action-packed, sexy.
Tell us a bit about Lorelei, is she as sassy as Charley?
She definitely has her sassy moments, but she’s not quite as sarcastic as Charley. Then again, she has two best friends, Brooklyn and Glitch, who help her out with that.
Have any of your characters been inspired/based on someone you know in real life?
I do actually use people I know in real life as physical inspiration quite often. It makes it easier to envision my characters. But for most of the characters in DATGND, I just used my imagination. Still, there is a set of twins, Ashlee and Sydnee, who are based on two of my nieces.
How does your writing process work? Do you usually have almost everything organized and planned out before you start writing the novel or do you go where your mind takes you as you write?
I have about 85% of the books planned out beforehand. I throw in extra stuff as I go, but I MUST know where the story is headed before I start writing it. I always know exactly how it’s going to end and often write my endings first.
How many books are you planning in The Darklight series?
The Darklight series will be a trilogy: Death and the Girl Next Door; Death, Doom and Detention; and Death and Other Distracations.
Lastly, what’s your favorite book of all time?
No! That’s too hard. Okay, I am going to have to say it’s a tie between Lover Awakened by JR Ward and The Duke and I by Julia Quinn.
Thank you so much for having me!!!!
Giveaway Terms and Conditions :
- Giveaway is International as long as The Book Depository ships to you.
- Winner has 36 hours to respond or a new one will be picked.
- Giveaway ends on August 22nd, 2012.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones won the 2009 Golden Heart® in the paranormal category for her manuscript FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. After the Golden Heart final, she pimped herself as best she could, landed an amazing agent and has sold 8 books to St. Martin's Press. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of more than 25 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
I've read First to Third Grave and I absolutely can't wait for Fourth Grave to be released! Charley has such a fun personality and Reyes is so...*Reyes*.
ReplyDeleteVery glad the book got called "Death and the Girl Next Door". Not that the other names were bad but DntGND is memorable and has a nice ring to it.
The only other series that has reapers (that I can think of at the moment) is Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers, another favorite YA series. :)
I haven't read any of her books and I've never heard of her until this one caught my attention. I agree with you, the title's so catchy! Great interview! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books, but this one sounds really good. The interview was good. I read My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteThe interview was great :)
I have read first grave and second grave and I really look forward to reading third. I haven't read any other resort themes books yet. Thank you for the awesome giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books either, but I do see alot of great reviews for them out there, so I've been wanting to for a long time... thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have read First Grave on the Right.
ReplyDeleteI read the first 3 Charley books and they are awesome. I cant wait for Death and the girl next door and Fourth grave. Another series with reapers and death I read was Soul screamers by Rachel Vincent and Existence series by Abbi Glines.
ReplyDeleteChristina K. in the rafflecopter
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by Darynda, but I've heard awesome things and am so happy about this new series! It sounds great - I love how she makes up all her characters but the twins, and how she needs to plan her story beforehand.
Thanks so much:)
I have read the novels and short story of the Charley series through book two. It is wonderful. I think Darynda's Reaper world is wonderful and I was happy to see this interview post and its news that there is more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post and giveaway opportunity.
I've read First Grave on the Right and it was hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to this new YA series. Hopefully it will be as good as Charley Davidson.
I love, Love, LOVE Darynda's books and can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of her books but they sound great and I look forward to reading them. thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I haven't read any of her books yet, but they are on my TBR list. I haven't read any other reaper books either - they sound great!!
ReplyDeleteI've read First Grave and Second Grave! Love this series so far! Can't wait to get the rest of the books!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that there will be a YA series - definitely on my TBR list!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Leanne
I haven't read any of Darynda's books yet. We should put an end to that oversight, don't ya think?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview and the giveaway.
I've read First grave on the right and loved it! Now I'm on the second book of the series. I love Daryndas writing style.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the int giveaway :)
I have read the entire Charley Davidson series and absolutely CANNOT wait for the fourth. I am very excited to read her young adult book because I know it will be every bit as good as the others.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win it!
I haven't read nay of her books yet. Eager to get started though.
ReplyDeleteAs for reaper themed books, nope. there have been appearances from a reaper, but never the central charatcer or had a big plot-influence on a book.
I haven't read many reaper-themed books at all but the ones I have I really liked.
ReplyDeletegreat an interview,,nice to know you darynda..
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by Darynda..but iam interest for reading these books..putting it in my TBR..
thanks for the chance
Loved the interview! I didn't know she had another series to be published until now! I've read the first three books in her Charley Davidson series and laughed so hard every single time. As for grim reaper themed books I've read, I LOVE them.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't, but this story sounds interesting. I used to watch a tv series about a reaper though.
No, I haven't read any of her other books, though her adult Reaper series looks good and I have been wanting to try it. As for favorite books with Reapers, I love the Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent. One of the main characters is a Reaper, Tod Hudson <3 Great interview, this series looks great!
ReplyDeleteHmm.. A reaper themed book I've read is Soul Screamers series (Ok I know it's not reaper themed but I LOVE IT SO MUCH!)
ReplyDeleteA few days ago I read First Grave on the Right and I adored it. I am not much of an adult book reader but Charley won me over with her humour and sarcasm. I hope this book wins me over too :)
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't read Darynda Jones' books yet, but would like to try out her work! The only reaper-themed book I've read that I could remember is Christina Henry's Black Wings and it was awesome!! :)
ReplyDeleteCherry Mischievous
No, although her Charley Davidson series is on my wishlist ever since the first time I saw & I read a review for her 1st book, I even remember on which blog that was :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great interview, and I'm really looking forward to this one, it seems it will be just as fun.
And I've read the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent & Croak by Gina Damico, and yeah I loved them. Can't think of any other reaper books at the moment.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm reading First Grave on the Right right now and absolutely love it. I'm not big on adult fiction, but Charley's is awesome and I'm already super eager to see what happens.
ReplyDeleteI actually really like Grimsight for a title, but Death and the Girl Next Door seems more fitting. It's also cool that all three novels have a "D" theme going. Me gusta.
Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Fun interview. I did not read any of her books, but I heard of them a lot, I just didn't get the chance to put my hands on the books. Never is too late.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Cheers!
I've read First Grave on the Right, and really liked it! I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Thank you for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've read all the Charley Davidson books, and I loved them very much! Can't wait to read this new series! And yes, I LOVE reapers!!
ReplyDeleteDead People. LOL!!
Love the names Lorelei and Brooklyn!
Thanks for the great interview&giveaway!
I haven't read any of her books yet, but I've heard great things about them! Thanks for the great Interview! This new series sounds like it will be awesome, especially since it's got reapers! Thanks for the giveaway : )
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Darynda Jones books yet.
ReplyDeleteThe only other books with a reaper which I've read is the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent.Tod all the way <3
Thanks for the giveaway!
I ADORE Darynda to pieces!!! I LOVE her reapers series! When I found out about this book, there was squeeling! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes I've read the Charley.D books and loved them! That's why I can't wait to read this! :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any Darynda...but I'm looking forward too! ^^
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I always love the opportunity to hear about an author's creative process and what inspires them.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had the opportunity to read any of her books as of yet, but they do sound very interesting. I'm a big fan of paranormal and urban fantasy books.
The only reaper sort of themed book that I can recall reading is part of the Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter. One of the lords carries the demon of Death and has to escort souls to the underworld.
I haven't read any books by Darynda Jones, but this one sounds very interesting and like something I would like.
ReplyDeleteAdded it to my ever-increasing to-read list.
I have not yet a reaper themed book although I have read books with reapers in them.
ReplyDeleteThis is the sort of book I would get into though.
Great interview. I have the first book in her other series. But havent read it yet.
ReplyDeleteI am up-to-date and eagerly anticipating Fourth Grave Beneath my Feet next year! The Charley Davidson series was my first foray into reaper reading and I must say, if all reaper books have a Reyes then sign me up!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interview! It was nice to find out what DATGND could have been called, I like the title chosen though :) And yay on the trilogy!
I haven't read any of her books yet.
ReplyDeleteBut I really like the way she described this book. I can't wait to read it :)
Thanks a lot for the giveaway!
I have read all of Charlie Davidson's books and I can never get enough. lol Thanks so much for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have never read any other books by this author and I've never read a reaper book but it sounds so good and I would like to try something new.
ReplyDeleteNo, i have never read anything like this before....
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books or anything reaper-themed, but it sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunaly, I haven't read any of her books but i hear about her books.
ReplyDeleteI have not read Darynda's and another reaper-themed books yet but it sounds like a great story from the interview.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any books by her yet, but I think this series looks like fun. I'll definitely be picking it up. The interview was cool to read. I always like to see what inspires stories and where they get their ideas for characters. :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of her book but have been dying to read this particular one
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any of her books yet but I plan to very very soon!! Love the theme!! xx Menia
ReplyDeleteemail: domniki.chatzaki@gmail.com
I haven't read Darynda's books before but I love anything paranormal or urban fantasy so they sound perfect for me! :) I'm logged into Rafflecopter as Kate Ryan
ReplyDeleteI haven't had the opportunity to read Darynda's books yet. I think I will find her books now. This seems my kind of read.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Darynda's books nor any reaper-themed books. Hopefully this will be a first for me!
ReplyDeleteI've read First Grave on the Right and really enjoyed it. I have the rest of her books on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of her other books. I think the interview has me intrigued about the book. I have read Existence which is a love story about Death. Also Soul Screamers has a reaper in it as well. :D
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of her other books yet. I have heard they are really good!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to this YA series...it's nice to be able to share books with my daughter every now and again.
Thanks so much!