Review Tour: Interview with Judith Graves

Here are my reviews for Under My Skin (Book 1) and Second Skin (Book 2).

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

Hmm…interesting question. I guess I’d have to say emotions are what started me writing. My early efforts were in the form of journal entries, then poetry / lyrics, short stories, and finally novels. Words, written or sung (I’m also a singer/songwriter) have enable me to make sense of some of the crazy, tragic, and exciting things that have occurred in my life and the lives of those around me.


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

I’ve always been a horror/sci-fi/fantasy fiction, film and TV fan. I naturally gravitate toward the bizarre, the unexplained, the freaky-assed stuff that gives sane people the heebie jeebies. What I love about these genres is that among all the unreal, supernatural or paranormal aspects, very real, natural and normal stories are being told. Characters are conflicted, they love, hate, fear and wish they were anywhere else but stuck in their lives. Those are characters I can relate to, the otherworldly aspects are just gravy.


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

Eryn, the main character in the SKINNED series is a blast to write – her snark, her insecurities, her devotion to those she considers pack – I’m used to considering her my favourite. But that was before I “met” Amelia Strangeways. While Eryn will always hold a special place in my heart – I’m rather enamored with her predecessor, Miss. Strangeways – a ghosthunter and necromancer just discovering her skills. STRANGEWAYS is a prequel steampunk series to SKINNED, set in New York City in the Gilded Age. There are cross-over characters in both worlds. She shares similar traits to Eryn, both are feisty, struggle for independence and have trust issues, however, Amelia has a certain dry wit and sardonic refinement that I find captivating at the moment. ;) The first novel for this project will be published in 2014.

You can read the intro story for the series, Strangeways Versus The Wraith, in SPIRITED an anthology published by Leap Books and featuring other authors such as Maria V. Snyder, Candace Havens, Shannon Delany and more! Proceeds from sales of SPIRITED go to 826 National, a literacy charity.

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

Thanks to my good friend and critique/writing partner, Dawn Ius, I’ve discovered adult thrillers. I’m sinking my teeth into the works of Philip Carter, David Morrell, Greg Iles and Lee Child. The pacing, constant tension, and concise writing in this genre is like a swift knife to the heart. I’m keen to attempt to write a young adult equivalent.


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

Heavily drugged.


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)

That is a tough one. If I’m reading a great book I tend to fall in love with it and so my favs are constantly changing. This week, I’d have to say Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (I’m reading the books first before watching the series), and The Dark Deeps by Arthur Slade are toping the list.


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

Tunage. Sleeping pups at my feet. Coffee.


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)

There’s only one answer to this. Buffy. She’s tough, yet vulnerable, has a bevy of hot guys to choose from and has the best witty comebacks – either with dialogue or her fists. You just gotta love the Buffyverse.


Thanks for the fun questions, Amy!



About Judith:

Residing in a northern Alberta community, similar to the fictional town of Redgrave, where Under My Skin is set – Judith unhappily endures snow in the winter, and runs away from bees in the summer. A firm believer that Canadian teen fiction can be sexy, action packed and snarky as hell – Judith writes paranormal stories with attitude.


Find Judith:

Website | Twitter | Facebook



Skin of My Teeth (Book 3):
Release Date: 2013
Hidden agendas, deep, dark secrets, and monsters lurking around every locker. It’s business as usual at Redgrave High for Eryn and her crew of paranorm hunters – they plan to capture and cure Brit’s brother from his tormented existence, Eryn is reunited with her father’s beta, and Redgrave’s origins are revealed.

Although the two guys vying for Eryn’s heart just might have to up their game. Enter hot, wolven guy stage left. Is he the one Alec’s blood magic foretold? He is, if Eryn’s knocking pulse has anything to say about it. The tale-tell sound is driving Wade mad. But it’s Eryn’s move, and everyone is holding their breath.

A little healthy competition soon becomes all-out survival of the fittest as the crew are pitted against a pack of demons trading souls – for keeps. The student population is enamored with a new card game, Boroughs Quest. Kids are desperate to get their hands on gilded cards from a mysterious expansion deck, but when they do…

It’s all fun and games ’til somebody dies.


Giveaway:

The grand prize for readers at the end of the tour will be a signed copy of both Under My Skin and Second Skin, an ebook copy of SPIRITED: 13 Haunting Tales (paid for by me and sent via Amazon's "buy for a friend" feature), a UMS t-shirt and a Second Skin canvas book bag.

- Giveaway runs until the end of the Tour at the end of March!
-Leave a comment on either of my reviews or on this post to be entered to win!