50
Oct222009
All Hallow’s Eve: Interview & Giveaway with Carrie Vaughn [NOW CLOSED]
by Carolyn • Posted in Uncategorized
BCC: Hi Carrie, welcome. For the benefit of those of us who are new to your work, can you tell us about Kitty and your latest book, Kitty Raises Hell?
CV: Kitty in a sentence: Kitty is a werewolf who hosts a talk radio advice show for supernatural beings. This leads her into lots of adventures, and Kitty Raises Hell is the latest: she’s been cursed by the leader of an ancient Babylonian cult, who she crossed in the previous book. The curse involves an unknown spirit that sets fire to things, and might possibly burn down the whole city of Denver if Kitty doesn’t stop it. She recruits a team of TV paranormal investigators to help out. Adventures ensue.
BCC: The seventh Kitty novel will be released Jan 2010, can you give us a sneak peak into what it’s about?
CV: It’s called Kitty’s House of Horrors. Kitty, in her tradition of getting into trouble, agrees to appear on the first reality TV show featuring supernatural beings: vampires, were-beings, psychics, etc. But of course the show isn’t what it appears to be, and Kitty and the rest of the contestants are in terrible danger. To say any more would be giving far too much away, but I think this book has some of the creepiest, scariest scenes I’ve ever written.
BCC: Do you plot and plan each book or do you just write and see where Kitty takes you?
CV: I plan. I have to know the ending of a book before I start, and I know where the series is headed. That doesn’t mean I’m not surprised by what happens along the way–my plotting and outlining isn’t all that thorough. But I definitely have an arc in mind when I start.
BCC: What do you think is different about Kitty compared to other female protagonists in the genre?
CV: I think the biggest difference is that Kitty isn’t overtly a fighter. She’s not in law enforcement, she doesn’t have a job that lets her kick ass, she doesn’t walk around armed to the teeth. She’s a talk radio host and DJ. In the first book, she starts out meek and submissive. Over time she’s grown a great deal and learned to stand up for herself, and that was part of my purpose in writing her from the beginning. I didn’t want her to start out being kick-ass, I wanted her to grow into that. Also, she’s not really a lone wolf. She has family that she’s close to, and she’s developed a pretty wide network of friends and allies.
BCC: What was the trigger that gave you the idea for Kitty and how long from that spark did it take you to create her fully?
CV: I think I first got the idea for the character in something like 1998, so it’s been developing for a very long time. My first idea was the radio show; if there really were vampires and werewolves, they would need their own radio show because the current self-help gurus just wouldn’t be able to help them with their problems. When I was coming up with a host for the show, I wanted to make her a werewolf because I didn’t think I could say anything new about vampires, and I didn’t want to make her human because that was boring. I initially wrote a short story, which appeared in Weird Tales magazine in 2001. Then I wrote a couple more short stories, then the novel in about 2003. So it’s been a long evolution to go from a short story to a series of seven novels and counting.
BCC: If Kitty was to star in her very own Hollywood movie, who would you like to play her character?
CV: I get asked this a lot and I don’t have a good idea because I’m not really up on the younger crop of actresses. But I think Kristen Bell would do a good job.
BCC: I agree! What are you working on at the moment (and when can we see it in the store)?
CV: I’ve just finished my second young adult novel, Steel. Assuming my editor likes it, it’ll be out in 2011. I’m now working on finishing up the eighth Kitty novel, which doesn’t have a good title yet. That should be out in late 2010. I’m also working on a handful of short stories that’ll be out over the next couple of years in various anthologies.
BCC: Would you ever consider writing a novel that doesn’t have a paranormal/science fiction theme?
CV: I would, but not in the near future. All my ideas seem to drift to science fiction/fantasy ideas eventually. I do have a short story coming out next year that’s purely historical with no speculative elements–”The Girls From Avenger” will be in WARRIORS, edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.
BCC: Have you always been interested in the paranormal and supernatural?
CV: Not really. Back in high school I thought I was going to strictly write hard science fiction, but I got distracted by folklore studies and anthropology in college, and I realized that my favorite authors all wrote fantasy. I’m interested in paranormal fiction from the standpoint of analyzing and commenting on it, picking apart the stereotypes and seeing what new and interesting things I can do with them.
BCC: Have any other authors inspired you as a writer?
CV: Plenty. Ray Bradbury and Robin McKinley were early influences–they made me want to be a writer myself, to figure out how they do what they do. More recently, Connie Willis has taught me a lot about humor, plotting and romance, and Lois McMaster Bujold is my primary model for how to write an excellent series.
BCC: Your first young adult novel, Voices of Dragons, will be released March 2010, can you tell us a bit about it?
CV: Voices of Dragons is about Kay, who lives in the closest human settlement to the border with Dragon. This is an alternate world where dragons re-emerged into the world at the end of World War II, and the Cold War was between humankind and dragons. But it’s sixty years on and tension between the two groups is high. This is when Kay accidentally crosses the border and meets a dragon for herself. They become friends, and it will be up to them to possibly stop a war between their people.
BCC: What made you decide to write young adult novels?
CV: I had a story that needed to be a young adult novel. I started it intending to write it as a regular fantasy novel, which is what I normally do, but the plot didn’t work until I made the main character a teenager, with a teenager’s outlook and concerns. The story worked much better, so I wrote it as young adult.
BCC: Which would you be: Vampire or Werewolf?
CV: Neither? I’m not all that enamored of the supernatural life. I would probably choose werewolf, because they just seem more interesting and down-to-earth.
BCC: How do you celebrate Halloween?
CV: I love costuming, so I try to find a party where I can dress up.
BCC: Have you had a ghostly encounter or scary experience?
CV: Not really. Most of my scary experiences involve traffic and bad drivers.
Thanks Carrie!
If you would like to know more about Carrie and her books then visit her website: www.carrievaughn.com
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Okay, on to the CONTEST!
You can choose any one of the Kitty novels in the series (1-6) as your prize! All you have to do to win a copy is:
• Follow this blog
• Follow me on Twitter (use link on sidebar)
• Answer this question: What would be a good title for the next Kitty novel?
• Leave your email address with answer so I can contact you.
Open WORLDWIDE! Contest ends 31st Oct. Winners will be announced 1st Nov.
GOOD LUCK!
50 Comments
I'm a follower!
Kitty At Sundown
lilazncutie1215@yahoo.com
Reply
Hi
Thanks for the chance to win!
I loved learning more about Carrie Vaughn. Is Carrie on Twitter?
Kitty in the City
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
Reply
Kitty on a vacation
I am a follower
milkavainamo(at)lyseo(edu)ouka(dot)fi
Reply
I am a following fan
Kitty Rides the Waves
An interesting interview, thanks.
Reply
I'm a follower.
Kitty The Angel
Re-posted at: http://contests-freebies.blogs.....-book.html
mischivusfairy-spamme2@yahoo.com
Reply
Kitty gets a pet.
I am a follower
I follow you on twitter.
rubs.escalona [at] gmail.com
Reply
Kitty is Gone.
I am a follower
I follow on Twitter: @Lilixtreme
chicareader@gmail.com
Reply
- I am a follower.
Kitty Gets a Break
karissae@gmail.com
Reply
I am a follower. Next book could be Kitty Dreams a Little Dream/
cfisher1504 at gmail dot com
Reply
I'm a follower of the blog and twitter.
I'd like to read the first in the series of Kitty novels.
Title for the 8th book: Kitty's City, Back Off.
savvyverseandwit AT gmail DOT com
Reply
• Follow this blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Answer this question: What would be a good title for the next Kitty novel? Kitty Knows Best
• zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom
Elie (Ellz Readz)
Reply
A good title would be Kitty meets her match
Follower of blog
Follower on twitter
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
Reply
Great interview BCC and Carrie! I'm excited about your new YA endeavors too!
How about:
Kitty and the Mad Mad World
Kitty and the Painted Woman
Kitty and the Man Upstairs
Kitty, Woman of the Year
Kitty and the Keeper of the Flame
I am a follower
I follow you on twitter
Thanks for the giveaway!
b42bella AT gmail.com
Reply
I am a follower!
Kitty Causes Havoc
booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com
Reply
Great contest =)
I haven't read the series yet but just got my hands on the first book (yay for bookmooch), so I would pick the second book if I won ^^
I am a follower and I am following you on twitter!
Title suggetsion: Kitty Stir up Troubles.
TyngaUF@gmail.com
THank you!
Reply
Sounds like what Kitty needs is a title called: Kitty Takes a Vacation. Unsuccessfully, of course.
rae_sunshine4(at)yahoo.com
Of course I'm a follower.
Reply
Great Interview.I've heard lots of great things about this series but haven't had a chance to read it yet.So I'd love to win the first book.
I am a follower
and twitter follower
Kitty's Excellent Adventure
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Reply
I have been wanting to read this series.
I am follower.
I follow on Twitter.
Crystal816(at)hotmail(dot)com
Reply
I follow on twitter @sherieannb
Kitty chick city
sheriebuck@btinternet.com
Reply
Kitty at Sunrise or Dawn
Kitty & the Beast
Kitty goes Hollywood..lol
I am a follower on blog & twitter
jbbird AT duo-county DOT com
Reply
Am a loyal follower!
I'd go for kitty knows best
lilychild713AThotmailDOTcom
Reply
Great contest
I am a follower
I follow on twitter
Title name: Kitty Goes to California
tenasocal@aol.com
Reply
I'm following, but please don't add me to the contest – I already own all of Carrie's books and am eagerly awaiting January!
My idea for the title, though, would be Kitty and the Inescapable Truth.
Weird, I know.
Reply
A friend of mine just read this entire series. It made me want to, too.
I've tried to come up with a title, but my brain's not working…
I am a follower, however.
~Misty
mbradenwf@gmail.com
ps I love Kristen Bell!
Reply
I think that Carrie Vaughn should name a book – Kitty Takes Charge
Yes I follow the blog and Twitter
linda at gordonvalley dot com
Reply
Following you on both
Kitty's Nine Lives
Reply
I'm a follower!
I'm following you on Twitter as robbiebear03
Um, well it's kinda hard without knowing what the book is about, but how about "Kitty and the Final Showdown" or something along those lines?
Robyn
robolobolyn03@gmail.com
Reply
Count me in please
I follow your blog
following on twitter @throuthehaze
Kitty in Charge
Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Reply
Hi! I follow your blog and twitter. (Sorry about the previous post, I misunderstood the question).
A title for a book: Hmmm… Kitty and the Dark Woods
carianmoonlight at gmail dot com
Reply
Hello!
I am follower.
As for the title, I am not so inventive, and I don't really know whats the next novel is going to be, and that makes it hard. *sigh*
Hmm…Kitty in the Show?
lol. Thank you for doing this!
aorihanazari(@)gmail(.)com
Reply
I'm a follower.
Kitty and The Twilight Haunting.
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Reply
I am a follower.
Kitty Gets a Break
thanks
wadesherry@hotmail dot com
Reply
I am a Follower.
My title suggestion :
Kitty shows her Claws.
Thanks
Carol
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Reply
I'm a follower of the blog and Twitter!
Kitty Crosses The Line
Kitty and the Witching Hour
Kitty Starts From Scratch
makotolightning (at) hotmail (dot) com
Thanks~!
Reply
Hello! I'm a new fan and follower and am enjoying reading back through your excellent site!
I'm also a huge fan of Carrie Vaughn's and thank you both for this great interview and giveaway.
As for titles, how about Kitty Looks Back, Kitty Makes a Move, or Kitty Undercover?
pamelasweet43@gmail.com
Reply
Please count me in. How about Kitty Tames the Beast.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Reply
This sounds like an absolutely awesome series! Please enter me. I have been wanting to read this series for a while, but I haven’t got a chance to. So, if I won I’d pick the first book!
Became a follower on blogger.
Became a follower on twitter.
Answer: Kitty and the Dead City
Shadowofwonder47[at]yahoo[dot]com
Reply
Title idea: Kitty Hits the Road
I'm a follower of the blog and on twitter (sara_UFblog).
Sara M
sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com
Reply
My suggestion: Kitty Leaves a Trail.
walkerd@primus.ca
Reply
I Follow this blog{Deb K}
Follow on Twitter{Deb55106}
What would be a good title for the next Kitty novel?
Kitty Kingdom
Thanks for the chance
deb55106(at)gmail(dot)com
Reply
Kitty needs a nap.
I am a follower
I follow you on twitter. @JennSicu
jennsicurella at verizon dot net
Jennifer @ Reading with Tequila
Reply
I've never read anything by this author, but would love to!
I'd pick the first in the series.
Follower here and on twitter
Mandy
mandyfish@gmail.com
Reply
Great interview
Kitty goes to Paris
Im a follower
post at http://paranormalromancelovers.blogspot.com
misty_labean@yahoo.com
Reply
Kitty in Wonderland
Kittynapped!
The Nine Lives of Kitty
Kitty and the Chocolate Factory
Kitty and The Aristocats
Kitty Get Your Gun
Kitty and Attack of the 50 Foot Woman
"" Crab Monsters
"" Giant Leeches
""Puppet People
Oh my gosh this is so much fun!
Reply
Hmmm….I would say a good title would be:
Kitty Goes to Town
I'm a follower on Google Friend Connect
I'm a follower on twitter @Ryan_Groff
fforgnayr@yahoo.com
Reply
Hm hard one,
Kitty howls at the moon
Follower here and twitter
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
Reply
"Kitty In The Lost City"
Please enter me, icejew at gmail dot com
I'm a follower now.
Thanks for the contest.
Reply
count me in!
I'm a follower
and
I follow on twitter @dcf_beth
Thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
Reply
I'm a follower and follow you on Twitter @sageraven.
Kitty Vengence or Kitty Retribution
Thanks for the opportunity! Indigo
ravensquietscreams@gmail.com
Reply
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
Kitty in the zombies revenge
I follow your blog
I follow you on Twitter
Thanks for this chance to win one of these books !!!
Reply