This Giveaway is OVER!!
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Hey Everyone! Welcome to another Tuesday here on My Bookish Life and I am so excited to have here today the author of one of my favorite new Urban Series, Kelly Meding!
The second Book in her Dreg City series is coming out TODAY and you’ll have chance to win a signed copy at the end of the post =)
Check out my reviews of Three Days to Dead (Dreg City #1) and As Lie The Dead (Dreg City #2).
Now let’s get to the interview… Enjoy!
Larissa {L}: When did you first start writing?
Kelly Meding {KM}: This question has several different answers. If I want to go all the way back to the very first story I penned, it was in a fourth grade academic class. We were supposed to write and illustrate our own story books, which we would learn how to bind and cover. It was a ridiculously sappy rip-off of "The Land Before Time," but I still have it tucked away on my bookshelf. The first time I tried to write a long story, I was twelve. It was also a very bad, derivative story that was an odd mix of "Sweet Valley High" and "Beverly Hills, 90210" (the original). I don't have that anymore. The first time I sat down to write a project with the intention of selling it (yes, I was optimistic in my youth) was my first novel. I was seventeen when I started fiddling with it, and it was written slowly over the next couple of years. I definitely fell into the category of "first novels are often autobiographical" because that one was very much inspired by places I've been and people I've known.
{L}: Have you always enjoyed Fantasy?
{KM}: Definitely. From the time I was a small child, I loved everything about fantasy and science fiction (and even horror). The more fantastical, the more I loved it. But really, so much of children's lit is fantasy. Every single book with talking animals is fantasy (Charlotte's Web) and I just loved Roald Dahl (hello, fantasy!).
{L}: Why writing Urban Fantasy?
{KM}: Because it encompasses everything I like most about Speculative Fiction – unique worlds, magic, fantastic creatures, adventure, mystery, and hot men (what?). I admit to being an unrepentant "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" fan, and this was my first real experience with what's thought of as modern urban fantasy. There is so much you can do with fantasy in the real world, from the more traditional vampires and werewolves, to angels and demons, to wizards and witches and djinn and tricksters and harpies…it goes on. The sand box is wide open.
{L}: Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired
you?
{KM}: Oh boy, yes. Joss Whedon is my patron saint. His dialogue is brilliant, and no one else excels at making you laugh and cry in the exact same moment. Two books that changed my life are "Watership Down" by Richard Adams, and "The Girl With the Silver Eyes" by Willo Davis Roberts. WD was the first long book I read in middle school, and it really opened my eyes to adult fantasy. I fell in love with this book—everything about it from the characters (rabbits, a sea gull, even the farm cat), the setting, their language, and the entire mythology Adams created about rabbits (their own folk tales!). The details were amazing, and I really believed these rabbits lived in the downs of the English countryside. It was magic, and I've read it at least a dozen times since.
"Silver Eyes" was the first book I read that dealt with telekinesis. I hadn't seen the film or read the book "Carrie" by Stephen King yet, so this was it. And I was
fascinated by the idea of moving things with your mind. The second novel I wrote dealt with varieties of telekinetic and telepathic abilities, and it was very
much inspired by my memories of this book. I found a copy in a thrift store a few years ago, and it's one of my most treasured books.
{L}: What is your favorite subject in the Urban Fantasy Realm?
{KM}: Probably shapeshifters. I love writing about people/things who can shift into other things/objects/animals. There's just something very liberating about the
idea—reinventing yourself, in a way.
{L}: Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?
{KM}: Stephen King's The Stand (the miniseries)
{L}: Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?
{KM}: I have to pick one? Ack! Currently, True Blood.
{L}: Favorite Paranormal themed Book?
{KM}: Now I know you're torturing me. Um, of the books I read last year, Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro.
{L}: Favorite Author?
{KM}: Stephen King
{L}: Favorite Paranormal Romance Author?
{KM}: Gena Showalter
{L}: Favorite one of your Books?
{KM}: So far, only two are available for purchase. But of the two, I really think AS LIE THE DEAD is my favorite. I got to take Evy to different places, and she interacts with some very…unique characters.
{L}: Who is your favorite of your own characters?
{KM}: At the moment, a were-osprey named Phineas, who you meet very early in AS LIE THE DEAD. Smedge the bridge troll seems to be a big fan favorite in THREE DAYS TO DEAD, but I really hope fans embrace Phin. He is direct, smart, manipulative when it suits him, and extremely loyal to people he cares about, and even as I wrote the book I was never quite sure who's side he was on. And he's a great foil for Evy.
{L}: Which was the hardest to write? Why?
{KM}: In some ways, Wyatt is the hardest character to write. He plays things pretty close to the chest, and even while writing him I'm sure what he'd do/say in some situations. It's also tricky to write a character who's being seen through two different sets of eyes: pre-death Evy in the flashbacks and post-resurrection Evy.
{L}: What would you be if not a writer?
{KM}: I have no idea. Maybe own an antique shop. Maybe I'd have become more serious about jewelry making (which is just an occasional hobby now). At this point, I can't imagine being anything else.
Quickies:
{KM}: Coffee.
{L}: Virtual or Real?
{KM}: Real.
{L}: Angels or Demons?
{KM}: Demons
{L}: Humans or Dregs?
{KM}: Dregs (did I just say that out loud?)
{L}: Friends or Seinfeld?
{KM}: Friends
{L}: Rolling Stones or The Beatles?
{KM}: Rolling Stones
{L}: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
{KM}: When an idea is brand new, just a kernel of inspiration, with so many possibilities open for exploration.
{L}: What is your least favorite part?
{KM}: Copyedits. By the time I get to this part, I've already edited it multiple times and finished all of the fun stuff. Copyedits are all about tightening and making sure things make sense and say what they're supposed to say. It's one of the few parts of the process that really feels like work. But it's worth it, to get things right.
{L}: The Dreg City Series in your own words?
{KM}: "In this city, half the population comes out after dark—and so do the Hunters who keep them in line."
{L}: Any plans for more Books in the series?
{KM}: Yep! Dell just picked up two more books, ANOTHER KIND OF DEAD and WRONG SIDE OF DEAD. Both books continue Evy's story as she makes new alliances, breaks old ties, and learns things she never imagined were true.
{L}: What is coming up next for you?
{KM}: Along with the two Evy books, I have a modern superhero series coming from Pocket Books next year. I have a few other irons in the fire, but nothing to report on those fronts yet.
{L}: What are you working on right now?
{KM}: Dreg City #4 is my current WIP. The structure is a little different from the other books, so it's been a lot of fun to figure out. So many things happen in this book and I can't talk about any of them!
{L}: Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to
become a published Author someday?
{KM}: Write, write, write. No one is going to write the book for you, and if it's a priority to write, then you can find the time to do so. Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard. And don't give up. Rejection happens. Not all authors sell their first book (it took me seven).
{L}: Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
{KM}: Besides a big, hearty thank you? Knowing folks are out there, reading and enjoying my books, makes all of the time and effort worthwhile, so THANK YOU. Thank you for giving a new author a chance, and thank you for sticking around for Book Two!
{L}: Thank you so much for being here!
{KM}: Absolutely! Thank you for having me!
Thanks so much Kelly for taking the time to answer my questions and for the great giveaway!
You can win a SIGNED copy of “As Lie The Dead”!
To Enter:
- Leave a comment about anything on this post.
- Leave an EMAIL for contact! (if you don’t feel comfortable leaving it here, email me at larissa@larissaslife.com)
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
International!
Ends August 3rd!
Good Luck!
Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,
test!
Loved the interview & this is one of my favorite covers.
I have a +12
katybug2373@gmail.com
- Leave a comment about anything on this post.
Haven't read any of this series but now it's a must!!
- Leave an EMAIL for contact!
nedsped at gmail dot com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Vicki on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
Michele P.
+19
I absolutely loved Three Days to Dead and got a bunch of my bookish friends to fall in love with it to. Great interview! I can't wait to read As Lie the Dead!!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower Old Follower kitt3n77
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
Old Follower kitt3n77
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)@KittNLuv
+3 Follow Vicki on Twitter (@KellyMeding)@KittNLuv
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook P. Kitt Wilson
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads Kitt Wilson
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
=
+21
kittn.paperbackdoll AT yahoo Dot com
Great interview. I've heard so much about Kelly's books!
twilightforever.edward at gmail dot com
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow on Twitter (@KailiaSage)
+3 Follow Vicki on Twitter (@KailiaSage)
+2 friend on Goodreads
+1 Total:14
Hi Kelly! You mention books with shifters who change into "object". Do tell, where can I find this and what are they turning into!?
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@intensewhisper)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
21 Total Entries
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Great interview I cant wait to read this series .
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower wanda l flanagan
+5 Networked Blogs Follower wanda l flanagan
+3 Follow me on Twitter
+3 Follow Vicki on Twitter wanda l flanagan
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook wanda l flanagan
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one)
+19
wanda
flanagan@mebtel.net
wonderful interview. I throughly enjoyed Kelly's first book and can't wait for this one.
18 entries total
ggs.consignment.closet AT gmail DOT com
Yes, there is just something about fantasy that holds my interest... I can totally see why Kelly loves fantasy :)
Nice new decor Larissa! I like the drop down menu on the top :)
+5 I'm an old follower. My GFC name is Cherry.
+5 I follow you via NetworkedBlogs.
+3 Follow you at Twitter. My Twitter name is @cherrymischivus.
+3 I follow Kelly on Twitter.
+2 I'm an old follower of yours at Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 We are friends on Goodreads
+1 TOTAL ENTRIES = 21
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/07/win-as-lie-dead-at-welcome-to-larissas.html
Twitted: http://twitter.com/cherrymischivus/status/19636791457
Cherry Mischievous
mischivus101-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
Modern day super hero.Well do thay have super powers or are thay like Firefighters.Which to me are super hero types.
+5 Google Friend Connect
+2 Facebook like
+1 Add all the entries
=8
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
These look really interesting.
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
+5 Google Friend Connect.
+1 Add all entries
Total= 6
I imagine that edits of any type are probably the bane of writers and I can understand why.
Most of them are probably relieved when a book is finished and just want a breather and then to start on their next idea.
+5 I am a Follower
+1 Add up
give a total of
+6
Thanks for the giveaway.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
It's curious that she prefers Real to Virtual but preferences in books, it's is otherwise =)
paraelisa21 {at} hotmail DOT com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower (sRy_)
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@sRy_)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook (El Último Primer Beso): http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001127524986&v=info
+1 total= 11 entries
I absolutely loved Three Days to Dead! I have been looking forward to As Lie the Dead for awhile now. I am so happy that the publishers picked up two more books! Congrats Kelly!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
8 Entries!
Great interview! Looking forward to the sequel! I came across the first book, 3 Days to Dead by chance, I happened to win a contest and I got the book because I hadn't heard of it before then, read it, loved it! Now eagerly awaiting the 2nd one!
jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com
+5 google friend connector
+2 friend on goodreads
+1 adding points
8 total
I've been looking forward to getting into this series. I'm also curious to see the modern superhero books that are forthcoming. My husband is a die-hard comic book nerd, and I try to encourage him to read the books without the pictures.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow you on Twitter (bcardoo79)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 friends on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
21
Hi Kelly!
it's great to hear there are more books coming :) and congrats on your newest release! I loved book 1 and it's def a keeper for me!
greetings, Ina
+5 GFC follower
+1 adding up
= 6 entries
inale87 at gmx dot at
Great Interview! I would love to win the book.
My email is mishamary@gmail.com.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook (My username is Misha Mathew)
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! -15
Thanks
Misha
Great interview.I have 3 Days to Dead in my TBR pile.I would love to win this book.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow on Twitter (@elaing8)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter
+1 Add all your entries
=
12 total
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
I am a follower. Great interview. Please enter me in contest. Thank you. Tore923@aol.com
I read the first book and liked it. The end was the best, I really want to know what happens next.
magabygc(@)gmail.com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follower on Twitter (@magabygc)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@magabygc)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook (Maria Guajardo)
+2 Friend on Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/magabygc)
+1 Add all your entries! TOTAL: 21 !
Thanks for all the awesome comments, you guys! I'm so glad y'all are enjoying the series!
Robin K - The shifters into objects is more of an observation from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and the character of Odo. If that sort of character exists in UF, I haven't run across him/her yet. :)
your books look like I have to add them to my TBR. Thanks for writing them
I love shifter books. Thanks for a great interview
+5 Google Friends Connect
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow on Twitter
+3 follow Kelly Meding on Twitter
+2 Like Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all entries
Total 21
Aloha Kelly!=)
There is definitely something liberating when reading the ability to shift out of everyday skin. I enjoy Shapeshifters as well!=)
lllinthe808[at]gmail[dot]com
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
FB user: chasNkai
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah) user: @lll808
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding) user: @lll808
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
Total: 21=)
Mahalo Kelly for this interview. I am super excited to have the chance at winning Book 2 since I have book one!=) Aloha!
I was wondering how many books this author expects to do in her series?
meredithfl at gmail dot com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter @tessaa99
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter @tessaa99
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
equals 16 entries!
Love the interview! Can't wait to read this book, I'm glad you did this interview!
+5 google friend
+3 follow you (MinnChica)
+3 Follow Kelly (MinnChica)
+2 friends on Goodreads
14 total
I love this cover, I think it absolutly rocks! Larissa-- I love the interview questions you always use : )
+5 GCF
+5 networked blogs follower
+3 twitter follower- bookluver09
+3 following Kelly on Twitter- bookluver09
+2 FB fan of Larrisa's Life
+2 good reads friend- kayla johnson
+1 total= 21
sexywomenread@yahoo.com
I haven't read any of this series. i'm sooooo want to dive into your world Kelly ! count me in :D
uniquas at ymail dot com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@becunique)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@becunique)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook (mariska h)
+1 Add all your entries!
= total : 19
Great contest! I originally read Kelly's first book as a BOM on Goodreads & I totally fell for it! There was a paragraph that Evy talks about love & death that had me crying in the middle of Starbucks! SO excited to read there will be more of this series!
Extras:
+5 Google Friend Connect
+3 Twitter @brilliantg
+3 Following Kelly on Twitter! @brilliantg
+2 Facebook
+2 Goodreads
+1 = 16
brilliantDOTloveAThotmailDOTcom
Excellent interview. Hearing what the author has to say definitely makes me want to read the book!
Three Days Dead was I think my favorite book last year- so unique and I loved hearing what Kelly had to say about the series.
Extras:
+5 Google Friend Connect Old Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah) - just signed up
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding) - just signed up
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads - Yep, just did!
+1 Add all your entries! = 14
Wow! I think I would've given up after seven books rejected! It's a good thing that she didn't because I've heard nothing but praise about Three Days to Dead :)
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@Entre_Libros)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Total = 14
Thank you!
entrelibros_blog at hotmail.com
I really enjoyed reading the interview. I've heard great things about Three Days to Dead.
melvautour(at)hotmail(d0t)com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow you on Twitter (@Melanie_Vautour)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
TOTAL = 22
Thanks! :D
Great interview. Three Days to Dead was a great book. Really looking forward to this one. And I love the quickies, such great answers, Friends all the way. Stephen King really is one of the best writers, even if you dont like his stories he knows how to craft a story that can draw you in.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follower on Twitter (@donnas1)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 friend on Goodreads
+1 Total - 22
bacchus76 at myself dot com
o Enter:
- Leave a comment about anything on this post.
- Leave an EMAIL for contact! (if you don’t feel comfortable leaving it here, email me at larissa@larissaslife.com)
It's awesome that she has two more books planned
majik.of.mystee (at) gmail.com
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
+21 total
Great interview! I have been dying to read the first book in this series...now that the second one is coming out I need to hurry and catch up :)
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower-Rae Pavey
+3 Follow you on twitter @throuthehaze
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter @throuthehaze
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook-Rae Pavey
+2 friend on Goodreads-Raelena
+1 Add
TOTAL: 21
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
amazing interview!I cant wait to read this book!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
twitter/kweird
Facebook/kynhakynha
Goodreads-kynhaa
Total:16
Heard so many good things about this series, and I love how extensive this interview was!!
mcdonaldrenee1 [at] gmail [dot] com
+5 goodle friend follower (mcdonaldrenee)
+3 twitter follower (@mcdonaldrenee)
+2 goodreads friend (Renee Notes in the Margin)
+1 add all entries
total: 11 (:
I want this book! I LOVE the cover art also. Great giveaway and interview!!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter-@AGreatBook
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter-AGreatBook
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook-Natasha Jennex
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads-Natasha Jennex
+16- total
I couldn't work the network blogs, I don't know if I'm already or not, but it wouldn't work for me!
natashajennex(at)gmail(dot)com
Nice interview... I really luv interviews because we can see with the eyes of a writer... and this is so cool! =D
Thanks more one time Larissa... and Thanks Kelly \õ/
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
(Salatiel Júnior)
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
(Salatiel Júnior)
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
(@srbojunior)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
(@srbojunior)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
(Salatiel Júnior)
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
(Salatiel Júnior)
+1 Add all your entries!
=21 =D
Sounds pretty fabulous! Can't wait to get my hands on it! Thanks so much for making this international!
+5 GFC follower (Alias: Pink Panther)
+2 Goodreads (Alias: SC8003)
+1 Add up total
=8 entries
You can reach me at luvpinkpanther@gmail.com
Kelly's books sound awesome! I'd love to read them!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow 708 on Twitter (@aikchien)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@aikchien)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook [Aik Chien]
+2 Your friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
Total: 22
aikychien at yahoo dot com
It seems pretty interesting.
I loved that her favorite paranormal author is Gena Showalter!
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
Thank you for the opportunity Larissa!
i love this book!!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
=+21
I haven't heard of this series yet but they sound great (and the covers look fantastic too)!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow you on Twitter (@Stella_ExLibris)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 I'm your friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! = in total 19 entries
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
Great interview and if I win this would give me an excuse to buy the first book .
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Kelly on Twitter (@KellyMeding)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
total 16