On May 6th thanks to a special invitation from St. Martin’s Press and Big Honcho Media I had the privilege of being part of a phone interview with the lovely, funny and talented Darynda Jones. She is the author of the hilarious, swoon-worthy, action-packed Charley Davidson series. As many of you know this is one of my favorite series and it was very difficult not to completely fangirl. We had an interesting panel of bloggers and the questions asked gave us insight into the series. We learned some interesting tidbits and shared a few laughed. So today I am going to share some of the questions asked, give you a look at the newest book Eighth Grave After Dark and then share a giveaway provided by St. Martin Press just for you.
Interview
Kate from All Things Urban Fantasy asked: “I was wondering– this might be silly – but, do you come up with the quotes at the beginning of the chapters? Or are they like actual real shirts that you see or signs or whatever? Because they’re hysterical.”
Darynda’s response: “That’s not a bad question at all. It’s awesome. I actually do not come up with most of them. I come up with maybe one or two a book. But, for the most part, they are real T-shirts and real bumper stickers and real signs and Internet memes that have been forwarded 1,000 times.
They’re out there. I didn’t come up with them, unfortunately. I wish I were that clever.”
Kimberly@ Caffeinated Book Reviewer asked: “Is Reyes Farrow anyone that you know in real life? How did you come up with such a yummy character?” (of course ya’ll know I had to ask about Reyes. The man makes my panties melt)
Darynda’s response: “Actually, it started out kind of as a different project. When I originally came up with him, I had written—okay. In the first book, there’s the scene where Charley thinks back and where she very first saw Reyes when he was in high school. I wrote that scene years before I actually wrote First Grave, and then I stole it out of this other thing. But that scene was inspired by the lovely and talented Jason Baehr, who is just so gorgeous. And that’s where I came up with that. Then I don’t know, Reyes just kind of evolved.”
Kimberly: “Well, he’s evolving wonderfully.”
Mary from Book Hounds. “Of course, my question is dog related. Were the hellhounds inspired by your own dogs?”
Darynda’s response: “That’s the best idea I ever heard. You know, I will say that’s very possible. They have put me through heck. I was so excited. I just got my author copies of Eighth Grave, I put the box in my office, and I’m so excited. I get up the next morning and my eight-month-old, Steffy [sp], decided to eat one. Thank God she only ate one because she ripped through that box and could have had the entire box. So it could very well be. You might be onto something. Thank you.”
Natasha from Wicked Lil Pixie asked: “And, you know, I’m going to ask, Mr. Wong. First, where did he come from? And when is he going to speak?”
Darynda’s response: ” Okay.
First, I’m not telling; and second, we learn everything about Mr. Wong in Eighth Grave. His entire story comes out. I will say it was so funny. One of my beta readers was reading the book before it went to my editor, and she sent me this e-mail that was just, oh, my God, over and over and over and over. She’s like I just got to the part about Mr. Wong. I’m so in love. It was just the greatest thing. So, I think that–.
Natasha: “–I’m going to have to read faster then.”
Darynda Jones: –“I think you will be pleased. I think that the readers will be pleased because he turned out to be a very, very neat person.”
Natasha: Perfect. “Thank you. We’ve been waiting for so long for him to speak.”
Kate from All Things Urban Fantasy asked: “I was wondering since now you mentioned that you’re a plotter, how far ahead do you plan your plot? Like, how–and how many books do you have planned for Charlie?”
Darynda’s response: “When I was writing Sixth, I came up with Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth. I had the main ideas for those. Normally, I don’t really go that far ahead. It’s normally when I’m writing the previous book, that’s when I kind of come up with the next one. I’m working on Ninth right now, and actually just a couple days ago came up with the main plot of Tenth. When I wrote First, I had First, Second, and Third all figured out. So it just depends at where I’m at. How long is the series? It’s ongoing, and we don’t know how far or how many we’re going to have. But I will say that I do have an ending. I know how I want it to end, the whole series, and I have a spinoff planned too. I’m hoping that even when Charley does come to an end that I can do the spinoff. But I will say also that I love writing Charley, and I hope that she doesn’t end for a long time. I hope people don’t get sick of her because I love writing her.”
Kelly from Effortless Reading asked: “So, are there any parts in the series where you’re like I can’t believe I just wrote this? Like, will anyone like it?”
Darynda’s response: “Oh, absolutely. Oh, yes. In fact, I have to tell you. There’s a huge scene in Eighth Grave that I was absolutely terrified to put in there. I thought this is too much. It’s too much. It’s just ridiculous. Nobody’s going to believe this is really going to happen. When I sent it to my editor, I asked her. I put little notes in my manuscript to her, and I’m like, okay, this next scene, you got to be honest and tell me if it works or not because I’m really iffy on it. I’m kind of on the fence. She wrote me back, and she said that she loved it. It was so exciting. So it’s in there, I’m hoping that it doesn’t freak anybody out. There’s probably one scene a book that I really worry about and that I wonder if I didn’t really screw up and it’s going to be the end of my career type thing.”
Kimberly from Caffeinated Book Reviewer asked: You’ve answered some of this because you said you’re a plotter. And you said you knew what you were going to do in the third book and that kind of thing. But, from the beginning of the series, has the series changed from what you originally intended? Has it veered off in any direction, maybe because of the characters themselves?”
Darynda’s response: ” It actually has. It’s changed immensely from my original idea. Basically, it was just going to be Charley doing her thing and solving mysteries, and it really wasn’t going to evolve as far as paranormally and the supernatural world. The more books I wrote, the more I kind of dipped into that and gave a little bit more and gave a little bit more. The readers were just so fantastic and it was like the bigger the world got, the more they loved it. So it’s really evolved, even with Charley. I’m working on Ninth now, and it’s getting bigger and bigger and I’m hoping that it just continues to grow. But definitely, the supernatural worlds that I’m putting in were not originally part of the plan as far as where Charley was from and what she really is.”
Kristie from Dark Faerie Tales asked: “I have kind of a two-fold question. You mentioned a possible spinoff in the future. When will that spin–in your planning, how far away is that spinoff going to be? And who is it going to feature? And is that character one of your favorite characters throughout this series? Or is this somebody that you’ve grown to love?”
Darynda’s response: “I haven’t been telling people this, but, I love that you asked it. I do want to do it someday, so I thought maybe if I put it out there people would really want it. My plan was to have both the Charley series and the spinoff going at the same time, but because of timelines, it wouldn’t have worked. Even my agent was against it. She was like no, you’re just going to have to wait until the Charley books end and then do the spinoff. Of course, the way my mind is so chaotic and all over the place, I’m already working on the books for this spinoff that can’t happen. I will say that from Eighth Grave they happen probably about 19 years later if that gives you an idea of who it might be about. It’s Charley and Reyes’s daughter, and it’s her story. It does feature a character who I’ve introduced who I’m absolutely in love with. Osh, or Osh’ekiel, is going to be in it too. So that’s going to be their books later on down the line. Keep your fingers crossed.”
The Charley Davidson Series
For me, the Charley Davidson series encompasses so many elements I love. Mysteries, paranormal woo-woo, and a motley group of characters you will come to adore (or drool over).Every book in this series has had me closing the book spent and craving more. I laugh, I cry and then I walk around for weeks quoting Charley. Never have I loved a protagonist as much as Charley. From her coffee addiction to her offbeat, over the top humor..I want to be her best friend.
Eighth Grave After Dark
Series: Charley Davidson #8
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
With twelve hellhounds after her, pregnant Charley Davidson takes refuge at the only place she thinks they can’t get to her: the grounds of an abandoned convent. But after months of being cooped up there, Charley is ready to pop. Both metaphorically and literally since she is now roughly the size of a beached whale. Fortunately, a new case has captured her attention, one that involves a murder on the very grounds the team has taken shelter upon. A decades-old murder of the newly-vowed nun she keeps seeing in the shadows is almost enough to pull her out of her doldrums. Charley’s been forbidden to step foot off the sacred grounds. While the angry hellhounds can’t traverse the consecrated soil, they can lurk just beyond its borders. They have the entire team on edge, especially Reyes. And if Charley didn’t know better, she would swear Reyes is getting sick. He grows hotter with every moment that passes, his heat scorching across her skin every time he’s near, but naturally he swears he’s fine. While the team searches for clues on the Twelve, Charley just wants answers and is powerless to get them. But the mass of friends they’ve accrued helps. They convince her even more that everyone in her recent life has somehow been drawn to her, as though they were a part of a bigger picture all along. But the good feelings don’t last for long because Charley is about to get the surprise of her crazy, mixed-up, supernatural life….
Chelsea B.
I haven’t read it yet, but I am so excited to!!
Mary Loki
No but I am about to! Im just starting the first book!
Kathy
Great interview!! I bought the first 3 books while they were on sale and need to start them soon!
Rebe
I love this series. I am nervous about the ending of this book, though!
Larena Hubble
This is such an amazing series. In fact I got a friend of my hooked on it. LOL Great interview. Looking forward to learning all about Mr. Woo. 🙂
Trayce (
One of my all time favourite series!!
DJ Hernandez
These books are totally awesome. Would love to win as mine are all ebooks.
Danielle
I’ve heard such great things about this series but still haven’t started yet. I really need to get on it!
Samanthaa
I WANT THAT SPIN-OFF SERIES NOW! 🙂
Lark
OK, I am really going to have to start this series. It sounds like so much fun!
Nise'
Great interview! Can’t wait to read Eighth Grave.
Sui generis
I’m currently reading this series and I’m loving it so far! Great interview, btw! HOpe to win this one!
Sui generis
Oh, my username on Twitter is @ayokongaeh
Christy
How exciting!! I can’t wait to find out about Mr. Wong. And omg, a spin-off with their daughter … lol. I can’t wait to meet the spawn of Charley and Reyes.
Emma
I absolutely adore her books and this series. This is such a great interview and so lucky to get to have it over the phone. That’s so amazing. Great interview.
This is my first time on your blog. I love it. Look forward to reading more of your posts.
Michelle
I’m so bummed out that I didn’t keep up with this series the way I wanted to. I read the first one right before two came out. This was such a cool interview Kimba!
Mary
Really enjoyed the interview! Definitely fun to participate in and people asked such diverse questions, too! Mmm…Reyes…
Judy
I read the first books at the insistence of my sister, but then I had to wait for book 5 to come out and haven’t gotten back to them. I can’t believe I am so far behind!! On the plus side, when I do get to binge read it will be a happy happy day!
Diane Sallans
haven’t met her yet, but I’ve heard good things about her!
Sophia Rose
That is so neat that you got to be part of the interview, Kimberly. I enjoyed reading it.
I love the series and Charley of course. The blend of elements is the big draw for me. That’s interesting how things evolved with Reyes and the decision to go more supernatural than planned. The sub series sounds fun too.
Lanie
Great interview, it’s pretty funny that she stole Reyes from somewhere else. I bet he fits better in this series anyway though:D
Angela Adams
Great interview to read while I’m drinking my coffee (smile!) Thanks!!
Faye
I have never even read a single book of this series and you already left me intrigued of who this Reyes is! A panty-melting hot hero gets brownie points in my book! Haha.
Candace
I need to read/listen faster because I NEED to know Mr. Wongs story! What a fun interview, loved it!
Keionda
OMG.OMG. But how about that male model though?? Reyes I think his name was. Holy crap those eyes…. *sighs and then faints* I love this interview. The author seems very passionate about what she does. 😉
Ramona
I love a plotter! 🙂 And this is an amazing interview in a great format. I loved how everybody pitched it with all these different question. Wonderful concept 🙂
Heidi
Love this series so much. Already waiting to get my audiobook copy next week. Oh gosh, I can’t wait to finally learn about Mr Wong. He has long been one of my favs!
Debbie Haupt
Great multitalented blogger interview. What a super idea Kim, I’m so happy you got to be a part of it.
Thanks for the super chance to win the series too!
Bonnie Hilligoss
Loved the interview! I have watched the books come out over the years and they always caught my attention, but I just never read them. I think it’s time to remedy that!
MRS N aka N. N. Light
I loved the interview! I can’t wait to read this series as it sounds so scrumptious! I wish I could enter but alas am Canadian. Happy reading to the winner. 🙂
Stormi
I really want to read this series, I have been saying it for a few years now. I don’t have any of the books so this is a great giveaway and it was a great interview! 🙂
Braine
I do like plotters, the trick is to not make it appear obvious via convenient plot devices and constructed conflicts to put the MCs exactly where you want them tobe. LOL on the shirt question, she must scramble for her phone when she comes across a random one on the street.
Jenny
What an amazing opportunity Kim, lucky you! And *high five* for asking your first question about Reyes. You’re my hero 😉 I can’t wait to get caught up on this series!!!!
kindlemom1
Okay how did I now know about Jason Baehr, I mean, yum! He is the first Reyes!!
And yay Mr. Wong! I’m sort of relieved that he isn’t this weird creepier. I’m glad he has a good story. I have been curious about him since the very first book. Gah! I need this book!
Wonderful, wonderful interview!!
Maggie
Great interview Kim, I read the first book in the series after winning the book in a giveaway back in 2011. I loved it, but I am yet to read the other books. I have a ton to catch up with I see 🙂
Lori
I have the first book to listen to on audio, it came highly recommended so I put off reading my ebook and decided to listen instead. Great interview, you ladies are all very entertaining! I hope to meet Charley and Reyes really soon 🙂
Red Iza
Absolutely great interview – I just moved this series up my list (again !)
Lindy
Great Interview! I love how various bloggers all participated together in this interview. How fun! I haven’t met Charley yet, but I’d love to meet her and the yummy Reyes! That would be interesting if the hellhounds were based on the author’s own dogs. I’m curious about the funny quo rtes at the the beginning of each chapter. I really need to read this series. Thanks for sharing Kim 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
How wonderful that you got to interview Darynda Jones! I know how much you adore her series Kimba.
I still need to read these books, I am so curious about Reyes! he sounds yummy 😉
A great interview! Sharon – Obsession with Books
blodeuedd
Omg we learn about Wong?! I need this book, but Pb is so far away
Melliane
Thank you so much for the interview, it was so much fun to read everything! I didn’t know about the spin off part but now I want to read it (well one day) because I’m so curious about their daughter!
Lupdilup
Great interview Kimba! I’m excited about that “huge scene” ..Eeek!
I totally want that coffee mug 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win it! I’m glad as saw this before I left for RT.