68
Nov052009
Interview & Giveaway with Keri Arthur [NOW CLOSED]
by Carolyn • Posted in Uncategorized
I am very excited to welcome Keri Arthur, who has two releases in the UK today: Bound to Shadows, the 8th Riley Jensen novel and Circle of Desire, the 3rd in The Damask Circle series, both published by Piatkus. To celebrate the launch of these two books, Keri kindly agreed to answer a few questions.
I also have a copy of Bound to Shadows to giveaway to one lucky commentator – so make sure you enter at the end of the interview!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
BCC: Hi Keri, welcome to Book Chick City. I’m so pleased to have you here today and thank you for answering my questions. You have two books due for release in the UK today: Bound to Shadows and Circle of Desire. Can you tell us a bit about each book?
Keri: Bound to Shadows is the penultimate story in the Riley series. As such, we start getting some answers to the storylines and questions that have been running through the series.
Circle of Desire is the third in the Damask Circle series. It tells the story of shapeshifter Katherine Tanner, who’s sent by the Circle to hunt down the monster murdering children, and police officer Ethan Morgan, whose niece is one of the missing children. They’re forced to join forces, and both battle their feelings for each other as they struggle to uncover clues that will lead them to the monster’s lair. But there are a whole lot of zombies and other dead things determined to stop them…
Interestingly, it was Circle of Desire which (along with my Ripple Creek series) that sparked much of the world building that appears in the Riley Jenson series.

BCC: I noticed on your website that the 9th book in the Riley Jensen series, Moon Sworn, will be released summer 2010. Do you have many more planned after that?
Keri: No, Moon Sworn will be the last Riley book. There will be an offshoot series, however, featuring Risa, the little girl that appears in a few Riley books. It’s set in the same world, but 25 years into the future, and will feature Aedh and reapers, as well as the usual assortment of vampires, werewolves and shifters. Riley and the gang will make appearances in it.
BCC: Why have you decided to end the Riley Jensen series after Moon Sworn?
Keri: Given everything I’ve done to Riley, and everything she’s gone through, I really don’t think I could have taken the series any further without it becoming unbelievable or contrived. I believe most series have a natural life span – and if you go beyond them, the series can suffer. I didn’t want that to happen with Riley, because she’s such a great character. So, I gave her an ending and I’m moving on. But we’ll still catch glimpses of her and the gang in Risa’s series, so all is not lost.
BCC: If Riley was to star in her very own Hollywood movie, who would you like to play her character?
Keri: I really have no idea—and wouldn’t actually care, as long as she was believable as Riley. It would have to be someone who could combine Riley’s sexiness and toughness—and make it believable—and who would look good with red hair. There are not many actresses in Hollywood who could pull that off.
BCC: You have written many series. Which did you enjoy writing the most or is this just impossible to answer?
Keri: I guess I’d have to say Riley’s series, because she’s such a fun character to write. She’s sexy, tough, sassy, and she’s a gal who will stand by her friends and loved ones through thick or thin. She’s going to be a tough act to follow.
BCC: Why urban fantasy and the paranormal? Have you always been interested in these sorts of subjects, eg vampires, werewolves etc?
Keri: I’ve always written fantasy of some sort—my very first book (completed at the age of 12, and which was actually a rewrite of an already published book—the author killed off a favorite character, and that annoyed me so much I rewrote the book and changed the ending) featured talking horses, then I graduated to talking dragons, moved onto shapeshifters, and eventually found vampires and werewolves. So for me, it’s been a long time love affair with the weird and wonderful.

BCC: Can you tell us about your writing process?
Keri: I write full time, so I basically treat it as a job. I have a set amount of pages I need to write a day, and I usually write in the afternoons, with music blaring. If I’m on deadline (or behind on a deadline) I’ll either up the daily page count or write in the evenings or weekends—whatever I need to do to get the book done.
BCC: When and where do you like to write?
Keri: As I mentioned, I write in the afternoons (I’m at the gym in the mornings). I always write in my study, and my desk is a complete and utter mess. Actually, the whole study is. One of these days, I’m going to have to tidy. lol
BCC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
Keri: I have a gorgeous garden, so if it’s a nice day, I’m out in that (weeding, generally). I do love watching TV and movies, and I’ve also just taken up photography as a hobby. I’m still very much a learner, but I’m having a ball. If anyone wants to see some of my pics, they can go to my Flickr site HERE.
BCC: Do you think you will dip into the Young Adult market as so many other urban fantasy writers have?
Keri: No. I’m afraid my muse is a blood thirsty little soul, and I doubt I’d be able to tame her down enough for the young adult market.
BCC: Have you ever visited the UK? Will you be coming here for a tour in the future?
Keri: I’m actually heading over there August/September next year—I’m having a three week holiday touring around England and Ireland. I’m hoping to leave a few days at the end of the tour to do some book signings and such.
BCC: That’s great news! Can’t wait! Lastly, if you had to choose, would you be a vampire or a werewolf?
Keri: Werewolf. I can’t stand rare steak, so I’d be a washout as a vampire. lol
Thanks so much Keri!
The Riley Jensen Guardian Series:
1. Full Moon Rising
2. Kissing Sin
3. Tempting Evil
4. Dangerous Games
5. Embraced by Darkness
6. The Darkest Kiss
7. Deadly Desire
8. Bound to Shadows
9. Moon Sworn
The Damask Circle Series:
1. Circle of Fire
2. Circle of Death
3. Circle of Desire
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Okay, on to the contest:

US Edition
For the chance to win a copy of Bound to Shadows, all you have to do is the following:
1. Leave a comment with your email address
2. Blog/Tweet about this contest. Make sure you leave the URL link with your comment.
This is open WORLDWIDE! Ends 12th Nov. Winner will be announced Fri 13th!!
GOOD LUCK!


















68 Comments
1. Great interview! This sounds like a good read.
2. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookadd.....5444645152
miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Thanks!
Reply
please enter me in your contest. i'd love to read her books
tweeted:
http://twitter.com/rubyreads/status/5444746610
rubs.escalona [at] gmail.com
Reply
I would love to read this!
battyaboutbats at gmail.com
Reply
Hi
What an excellent interview with Keri Arthur. Thank you Keri for sharing.
*sobs* Moon Sworn will be last book.
*grins* Yay for another series!
I know who would make a great Riley for a movie or HBO series: Kristen Bell from Veronica Mars.
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
PS – email's in Blogger Profile
Reply
1. Very nice interview!!! I would like win this book!!! Please enter me! Thank you!
2. posted in my blog :www.aneshinoda.blogspot.com
anecullenshinoda at gmail dot com
Reply
Always a fantastic interview with Keri.
http://twitter.com/ElenisKafe/status/5447386053
eleni(AT)elenikonstantine(DOT)com
Reply
Hi Keri~
Great interview! I really enjoy the Riley Jensen series and am looking forward to the next installment.
latomli (at) yahoo (dot) com
Reply
I've heard this is a great book and would love to read it!
bellie7@msn.com
tweeted:http://twitter.com/bellie7
Reply
Great giveaway! Thank you.
jennsicurella at verizon dot net
Jennifer @ Reading with Tequila
Reply
Great interview I love it when you bring in other books and not only speak of 1 certain book/series. I adore Keri Arthurs writing skills and would this book because I haven't had a chance to read this one yet.
misty_labean@yahoo.com
Reply
I love her books. Its kind of sad that she's ending the RJ series, but she has a point that if you extend series you could ruin them. You asked some really good questions. Awesome interview!
paranormalfanatic@gmail.com
Reply
Don't enter me into the contest, I already have the book…but I just wanted to say that was an excellent interview, and I've begun reading the book and as usual Riley has me hooked. I'm saddened to hear that the series is ending, but it is good to see that you are recognizing that at some point it needed to be done. I always wonder about that with authors and long standing series…as the series slowly gets more unbelievable and outlandish, are they doing it just because they know they have a sell because of the existing fan base, or is it attachment to the characters that they can not let them rest. I would hope that it is an attachment, but my more pessimistic side –
I enjoy your books a lot, keep writing and I'll keep reading. I'm going to have to check out your other series soon.
Reply
Would love to win a copy of Keri Arthur's newest book. I have not read any of her books so would love to try it. Thanks for posting this contest.
Thanks.
Wendy
lulubee183 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Reply
Great interview I would love to be entered in to win Keri's book. She is an amazing author and can't wait to read her new releases
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
Reply
Great interview. I have been living under a rock aparently because I haven't read this series yet. At least I know I have some good reading ahead of me!
tweeted
http://twitter.com/EllzReadz/status/5451645871
zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom
Elie (Ellz Readz)
Reply
- Wonderful interview. Too bad she won't be trying YA, it would probably be great!
- Count me in on the giveaway.
- demonicattractions@gmail.com
- Tweeted http://twitter.com/teensrandw/status/5451750328
- On sidebar @ http://www.teensandwrite.blogspot.com
Reply
I am currently on book #3 of this series and loving it!
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/raycee3/statuses/5451730073
booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com
Reply
oh no, a bit sad that Moon Sworn will be the last in the Riley Jenson series, but also excited that they'll be a new series starting after that. Fab stuff!
Add my name to the list of hopefuls wanting to get their grubby, reader mitts on Bound to Shadows. My email is on my google profile.
)
Reply
No entry for me, I have the book and I loved it! Riley is a long time "friend"
Just wanted to stop by and say hello and great interview Keri and BCC. Although I'm sad the series will be coming to an end, I'm excited that Risa will continue on. Let's hope Quinn gets her trained well.
Cheers!
Reply
Love Keri's books, count me in!
wickedlilpixieAThotmailDOTcom
Reply
Please enter me!
milkavainamo(at)lyseo(dot)edu(dot)ouka(dot)fi
Reply
I haven't read either of these series yet but have wanted to start the Riley Jensen series for awhile!
Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/readinrobin/status/5455639670
Reply
Awesome interview and the book looks fabulous!
lilazncutie1215(at)yahoo(dot)com
Reply
Great interview!
tweet:
http://twitter.com/throuthehaze/status/5456611845
Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Reply
Great interview, the books sound great.
tirachii@yahoo.com
Reply
Great interview. Riley is one of my favorite heroines.
Crystal816{at}hotmail{dot}com
Reply
I've been a huge Riley Jensen fan since day one. Thanks for stopping by and giving such a great interview, Keri. I'll be sad to see Riley end, but am looking forward to the new books from you!!
rosie0512 @ hotmail . com
Reply
I can't wait to read this book!
cait.peterson@hotmail.com
Reply
I cant wait to read this!!! Great interview!
I tweeted http://twitter.com/alicia0605
aliciahall0605(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Reply
Great interview. I cant wait to read it!!
I tweeted http://twitter.com/amyturci
amyturci(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Reply
Great interview…
Thanks..
E.H>
Reply
would love to be entered in this giveaway, awesome interview
1. tenasocal@aol.com
2. here is my tweet:
http://twitter.com/5150mommy/status/5464791480
Reply
I'd love to win this one. This was a fantastic interview..
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Reply
Great interview. Please include me.
Linked on sidebar here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Reply
Great interview, please enter me!
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/Sheeredry/status/5492630814
sheere.dry@gmail.com
Reply
Fantastic Interview! I can't wait to read this book myself. I'm currently on book 2 of the Riley Jensen series and absolutely adore Keri Arthur. I've linked to your contest on my blog.
http://readfreekreviews.blogsp.....tests.html
Reply
I am a big Riley Jensen fan, so will be inhaling this last couple of books.
caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com
Reply
Oh, do count me in!
carlos_durao AT hotmail DOT com
Reply
Great Interview! Would love to win this book!
Tweeted about contest: http://twitter.com/SimmieTaye
simmietaye(at)hotmail(dot)com
Reply
Awesome interview. I love the Riley Jensen series.
I've Tweeted about it here: http://twitter.com/jmspettoli/status/5518394372
spettolij AT gmail DOT com
Reply
I'm interested.
Thanks
Lin
nick_lplin@yahoo.com
Reply
Hey, sounds like my kind of read! Please count me in!
Re-posted your contest at http://contests-freebies.blogs.....t-bcc.html
mischivusfairy-inbox12 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Reply
great interview!
tweet – https://twitter.com/minutesawayy/status/5589437755
e-mail – confuzzled-1[at]hotmail[dot]com
Reply
Great Interview!! I love Riley!!
She 's one of my favorite weres. When the series is done it will be a sad day for me.
twitter.com/heidi330
Reply
1. I would love to read her new book. Enter me please.
sandym204@ gmail dot com
2.tweeted -
http://twitter.com/LMsMeeMaw/status/5589891625
Reply
Thanks for the great interview.
ivybookreadertimes(at)live(dot)com
RT on Twitter @BookReaderTimes
Thanks
Reply
Please include me in your giveaway
Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat – join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
Reply
tweeted
http://twitter.com/Prairiebelle/status/5593718722
Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat – join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
Reply
half_blue_sky@yahoo.com
Please enter me!
Reply
half_blue_sky@yahoo.com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/halfbluesky/status/5613761498
Reply
great interview…I'm working on this series (Riley) from the beggining now
ksg_amg(at)yahoo.com
Reply
Awesome interview! I don't know if this book is going to be hilarious, but some of the things she said in the interview sure were. Her muse sounds scary.
It's in my sidebar under the Contest List
http://brizmusblogsbooks.blogspot.com
zedster.tbb(at)gmail(DOT)com
Reply
Great interview!
Blogged about it
http://wickedlilpixie.com/2009.....log-world/
wickedlilpixie(at)hotmail(dot)com
Reply
I'm really interested in reading this!
post + sidebar
http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com.....aways.html
ninefly(at)gmail.com
Reply
1. Awesome interview and contest!
2. Tweeted! http://twitter.com/robbiebear0.....5626049676
Robyn
robolobolyn03(at)gmail(dot)com
Reply
Great interview! I really want to read this book.
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/heatherzill.....5626214162
heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com
Reply
Hi
just found your site and I really love it here – thanks for the great interview!
have a great day!
Ina
inale87 (at) gmx (dot) at
Reply
I would like to read this one.
Please count me in!
estereta(at)ymail(dot)com
Reply
Oh, oh, peak me peak me!
If I'm lucky, eheheheh!
educhico AT gmail DOT com
Reply
Oh, goody!
jafantunes AT sapo DOT pt
Reply
Oh, amazing giveaway!
And international!
Thank you for this!
o_rei_de_havana(at)hotmail(dot)com
Reply
Wow!
This is great!
Count me in, ok?
dr.strangelove.vs.citizen.kane
@
gmail.com
Reply
Count me in, please.
catarina DOT magoito AT gmail DOT com
Reply
I would like to be entered.
39.5susy [@gmail.com]
Reply
A friend just sent this link to me.
If I win there will be two of us reading this!
goncalo(dot)mil(at)gmail(dot)com
Reply
joanapatriciadias AT gmail DOT com
I know his is a long shot, but we never know when we will get lucky, right?
Reply
Greetings from Portugal and thank you for this giveaway!
tanitalves AT sapo DOT pt
Reply
I hope I am not to late to enter. I just picked up the first few books in the series and would love a chance to win this book! I plan to read the series soon!
Here is my twitter link promoting the contest:
http://twitter.com/lilychild3
Email:
holly(dot)lilly(at)gmail(dot)com
Reply