URBAN FANTASY AUTHOR of SHADOW'S EDGE
Author name: Jami Gray
About your family/background, your location:
I grew up on the Arizona-Mexico border. When I was adopted at the age of 14, I found myself as the fifth eldest of 37 children. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and three minors-History, English, and Theatre. Shortly after marrying my techie-geek hubby (who moonlighted as my best friend in high school) I completed a Masters in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix, Oregon. After a few stops along the west coast, I have settled in the Southwest. Currently I am outnumbered in my own home by two Star Wars obsessed boys, one Star Wars obsessed husband, and an overly-friendly, 105-pound male Labrador.
How and why did you decide to get published?
I’ve been writing since I was a teenager. It’s been a cheap form of therapy for me. I’ve had a couple of non-fiction pieces published over the years, but my main love has always been fiction. I didn’t start getting serious about submitting to publishers until I joined my critique group a few years back. They administered the swift kick in the butt, I needed to move forward with my writing.
What genre do you write? And why?
Urban Fantasy. Having worlds where magic exists has always fascinated me. Plus, I’ve always been drawn to heroines who have survived the crucibles of challenging pasts and emerged like finely honed blades on the other side. However, even the most beautiful weapons forged in searing heat have their own hidden flaws. I think these flaws make a character much more human. And you can’t have such strong women without providing equally strong partner to walk beside them.
What other genre interest you?
Murder mysteries, suspense and thrillers.
What is the story behind your book?
Conspiracy theories have always poked at my interest. I had read some article, I can’t remember where now, that discussed possible gene therapy on humans. It sparked a series of “What if…” questions. By the time I had exhausted my “What if’s” I had my world and an intriguing main character.
How do you decide your book cover?
I worked with Kim Killion and together we created a cover we thought would bring all the edginess and tension across to the readers.
Do you think readers decide based on book cover or book title?
I think covers and titles tend to be the thing that snags a reader’s attention. Once they pick it up, then the blurb can help finish reeling them in.
If you write fiction; What’s the source of your inspiration? How much of YOU show up in your writing?
My inspiration stems from trying to find explanations for those things and occurrences that have no logical reason for existing. I think it’s the same logic most Urban Fantasy writers use when they develop their stories. As for pieces of me in my writing? Maybe, but I’ll never tell!
Use one word/phrase to describe your book.
Hold on tight, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
How have you found the writing process?
I’m what’s called a “pantser”, I write by the seat of my pants. I know…I’m a type-A personality so you would expect detailed outlines, character sheets and PowerPoint graphs, but nope, I start with an overall idea, some appealing characters and an intriguing problem and let it go. It’s a frightening way to write, but I’ve found it works best for me. The more I outlined a plot, the farther away from it I went. My characters want to make their own stories, so I let them.
Have you ever experienced writer’s block?
Many times, but the key is to keep putting the words out there. Eventually, they’ll fall into place.
Do you have a blog? What do you write about?
My blog is at www.jamigray.wordpress.com and I’m part of the 7 Evil Dwarves. My blogs cover everything from writing to my everyday life.
What books are on your shelf at home?
Oh man! That could take up pages! I have so many books. Jim Butcher, CE Murphy, Laurell Hamilton, JR Ward, Patricia Briggs, Kelly Gay, Kelley Meding, Gena Showalter, Kerrilyn Sparks, Kresley Cole, Illona Andrews, Lloyd Alexander, Terry Brooks, Tami Hoag, the list goes on for eons!
Who’s your favourite author?
Too hard to pick…
What are you good at as an individual?
I would hope being a wife and mom, but also just being true to myself.
What form of entertainment do you enjoy most and why?
Besides reading? Listening to music, biking, yoga and spending time with my family.
Your favourite pet?
I absolutely adore my Labrador retriever! You can’t find better dogs.
What’s your choice meal/favourite restaurant?
Mexican.
What’s your music choice?
That list is about as long as my books. I have very eclectic tastes. Everyone from Enya and Tori Amos to Nine Inch Nails and Linkin Park. Sprinkle in some Depeche Mode, Seether, Nickleback, Three Days Grace and Toby Keith. It’s a very fun mix!
Name your favourite city in the world.
London.
Name your favourite world leader and why
Right now, I don’t have one.
If you had one wish, what would it be?
That our children will inherit a better world than we did.
If you can change one thing, what would it be?
Compassion, there needs to be more of it now days.
What would you say you’re bad at?
This one is easy—anything having to do with maths.
What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done?
Hmmm…there’ve been a couple of incidents over the years. Probably the best—forgetting my marriage license the day we were married.
Anything else your readers don’t know about you?
I am a huge fan of Leslie Nielsen from the Airplane movies.
What’s your favourite quote?
“I gave my life to become the person I am right now. Was it worth it?” Richard Bach
Why should a reader buy your book?
If you need to get your heart rate up, it’ll require less effort than working out!
What is your last word?
Humor.
Where can your book be found/bought/website:
Trade paperback and ebook format can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Black Opal Books, plus you can find me at any off the following:
Buy Link: www.BlackOpalBooks.com
Website: www.JamiGray.com
Blogs: www.7EvilDwarves.wordpress.com or www.JamiGray.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamigray.author
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JamiGrayAuthor
Release date for Shadow's Edge: November 01 2011.
Thank you so much Jami for taking time out to answer these questions.
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