Interview & Giveaway with Yasmine Galenorn

Today I welcome Yasmine Galenorn to my blog. She is the incredible, well established author of the Otherworld series, and you can read my review of the second book of the series here. Yasmine also has a new series out called the Indigo Court series.


1. When did you first start writing, and was there something in particular that inspired you?

I started writing at three years old. I remember that one day, it clicked that ‘people’ made the books I so loved, and was learning to read. And I knew right then, that I wanted to grow up and “make books”…I never wavered from my goal. I was writing all through childhood.


2. What first attracted you to the urban fantasy realm when it comes to writing?

I grew up on fantasy. It helped me escape from a very unhappy childhood, a very oppressive and rigid home life. Fantasy and science fiction took me out of myself, projected me into alternate worlds and the future, where I felt hope. While my reading tastes expanded as I grew older, I have always loved Fan/SF above everything else. And when urban fantasy came along, I found I really related to a contemporary/parallel setting in a fantastical world.


3. In regards to your own characters, who is your favorite and why?

Camille. I love everything about her, except that her magic fails and she gets beat up on a lot. Camille is, to me, a woman who knows what she wants, isn’t afraid to go after it, and willing to thumb her nose at those who find her tastes questionable or ‘morally’ reprehensible. She isn’t afraid of her sexuality, nor is she afraid of facing the dangers that beset her and her sisters. She’s hip, loves her slang, isn’t high-brow but definitely has her internal strength and dignity. I enjoy writing characters who are “out of the box” and she is about as on the fringe as I’ve written.


4. What other genres (besides your own) do you enjoy reading?

Besides my own genre, I love reading supernatural thrillers, some mysteries, psychological thrillers, some chick-lit, fantasy, science fiction—both soft and hard, narrative non-fiction, research books, travel books, some YA paranormal. I have quite a broad spectrum of books I like.


5. If you could not be a writer, what would you be?

Um…a writer? Seriously, I have no clue what I’d do if I couldn’t be a writer. If my career was suddenly stripped out from under me…I guess I might go into website design. I’ve always been fascinated by archaeology, paleontology, volcanology…but I’m not exactly the outdoorsy type.


6. As a reader I know how difficult it can be to name a ‘favorite’ book, would you mind listing your top three? (Past or present authors)

Top three of all time: 1) Watership Down (Richard Adams) 2) Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier and 3) Lord of the Rings (Tolkien). I have to add number 4) ANYTHING by Ray Bradbury.


7. What are some must haves when you sit down to write?

Caffeine—iced almond or coconut milk lattes. My computer. Sometimes silence, sometimes music, depending on the day. Cats—my day isn’t complete without being bothered by my cats. ~grins~ My research notes.


8. If you became trapped as a character in a book or series, which would you choose and why? (Any book, any series, new or old)

My Otherworld Series. To be honest, for me, it’s the best of both the fantasy realm and the contemporary realm. Especially if I could have friends like Camille, Delilah, and Menolly, and if I could chance meeting a hunky dragon like Smoky or a fox demon like Morio. ~grins~

If I were to pick a series not my own? Probably Jim Butcher’s Dresden Series. That’s my favorite urban fantasy series as far as when it comes to all the other paranormal/UF series out there. The Sookie Stackhouse series runs a close second.



Yasmine's Newest Release:

Night Veil:
Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the Dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Quietly amassing their strength for centuries, the Vampiric Fae-led by the merciless Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court-are determined to enslave the world. Only one witch stands in her way...

Cicely Waters grew up believing she was simply one of the magic-born-a witch who can control the wind-but when she returned home to New Forest, Washington, she discovered she was also one of the shifting Fae. Now she must perfect her gift. For Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court, has captured Grieve, the Fae prince who holds Cicely's heart. To save both her beloved Grieve and her friend Kaylin-whose demon is waking-Cicely must journey deep into the heart of the Indigo Court. But even as Cicely gathers strength, old alliances are breaking faith.

And new allies, like the hedonistic vampire Lannan Altos, promise to take Cicely down a far darker path than she's ever traveled before.


About the Author:
New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes two urban fantasy series for Berkley: both the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon and the Indigo Court series. In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books. Her books have hit the New York Times, the USA Today, and the Publishers Weekly bestseller lists numerous times. Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 30 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland WA with her husband Samwise and their cats.


Find Yasmine:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Yasmine has kindly offered up two books, signed copies of Witchling and Night Myst, to one lucky winner! Contest is open internationally! Yasmine may be stopping by today, so feel free to leave her a comment below, and fill out the FORM to enter the giveaway!