Interview and Giveaway with Author Rachel Vincent

Could you tell potential readers about your Shifter series?

The Shifters series is an urban fantasy series about a werecat named Faythe Sanders who's trying to find her place (and maybe start a revolution) in the secret world of Shifters. It's a gritty, violent series, with some romance and humor to balance out the darkness.

Could you share a little about your main characters?

Faythe is a 23 year old feminist in a patriarchal world. She starts out kind of spoiled and stubborn, and grows into her role as role model, fighter, and future Alpha.

Marc is the enforcer who's loved her since the moment he first saw her. He's protective, sometimes possessive, and faultlessly supportive. But theirs is a volatile, passionate relationship, in ever sense.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

No one source. Mostly a lot of brainstorming. Sometimes a song will strike a mood I'd really like to capture. But most of it is plotting.

Who would enjoy this series?

Urban fantasy/action fans? Readers who like flawed, passionate characters--people who make realistic decisions and human mistakes?

What are your thoughts about your beloved Shifter series coming to an end? Any secret spin off's in the works *sneaky grin*?

Well, it was my decision, and I'm at peace with it. I'd rather the series go out on a high then decline in quality. I'm not currently working on any spinoffs. ;)

Let's talk about Blood Bound! *Sorry I'm so excited for this release!* How does this book differ from your Shifters series? Will Blood Bound be part of a series?

Really, the only thing the Unbound books have in common with Shifters is a few similar themes. Friendships and complicated connections. Sacrifice. Loyalty. Fighting for those who can fight for themselves. But Blood Bound has no shifters, vamps, witches or any other typical urban fantasy creatures. It's a world in which some people have Skills (think super powers, but not of the super-strength, mind-reading variety), and organized crime has moved in to control what the government refuses to recognize. I pitched Blood Bound as "Romeo & Juliet meets The Godfather." With powers.

Are you having any book signings for Blood Bound?

I'll be signing both Blood Bound and If I Die at Murder By The Book in Houston, on October 1.

What has your journey been like to become published? What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Well, I've been published since 2007, and it feels like publishing has been changing ever since, so I'm not sure that my experience searching for an agent would be helpful anymore. The only thing that hasn't changed is writing itself. You still need strong grammar and plotting skills, and you need to be able to assemble sentences so that they express more than the sum of the individual words. Writing is an art. Art is work. Work takes practice. Non-stop practice.

Also, a thick skin helps. Every single day, someone online (often more than one someone) tells me how much they think I suck. That's just part of the business. ;)

Is there anything you are currently working on that you would like to share with us?

Um...I'm doing revisions on Shadow Bound, the second Unbound book.

You also write a YA series called the Soul Screamers. Why do you think the YA genre is so popular among adults of varying ages?

I can't speak for every adult, but I love reading YA because it takes me back to my own youth, even if only in contrast. I remember (fondly) a time when my whole future was ahead of me and anything was possible. I also remember that it wasn't all roses and honey. Either way, I like recapturing that feeling. And I like the chance to write for that audience (teens).

How is it different writing an adult series opposed to writing a young adult series?

It's not that different. Just a different perspective.

Have you read anything lately you can recommend to us?

My favorite book so far this year is Red Glove (sequel to White Cat) by Holly Black.

High heels or flats?

Depends on the occasion. I'm not very girly, but I do like my heels.

Paper book or ebook?

Paper, all the way.

Make it or buy it?

Depends. Cakes, cookies, pies? Make it. Clothes? Buy it.

Guilty indulgence?

Too much coffee.

I would like to say Congrats on your new book releases for August 23rd (Blood Bound) and September 27th (If I die). What is your favorite part about having a book just released? Not so favorite part?

Thank you! My favorite part is hearing from readers who are excited for/loved reading the new book! My least part is the inevitable negative reviews.

How to enter the giveaway:

*Fill out the form and answer this question "What character(s) in any of Rachel Vincent's book series is/are your favorite and why?" Leave your answer in your comment.
Link? Right here!

Giveaway: Blood Bound, If I Die and Winner's choice of one book in the Shifters series (Stray, Rogue, Pride, Prey, Shift and Alpha)