Book Tour: Interview with Jane Kindred author of "The Fallen Queen"

Welcome to my stop on the book tour for "The Fallen Queen" by Jane Kindred. I had the pleasure of being able to interview Jane recently and this is what she had to say.

I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)

I’m afraid I’m just going to be repeating my bio as there’s not that much to tell: I’m a mom to one son, I have two pampered cats and an evil cockatiel, and I’m a big Star Trek nerd who grew up in Tucson, Arizona. I don’t do politics or religion, except to speak out against anyone who uses either of those to bully and oppress others. As for something juicy, there are certain elements in my series based on personal experience, but you’ll have to guess which ones. ;)

When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?

I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but I wrote my first novella when I was twelve. I’m a full-time author who also has a full-time day job. While I’m not yet able to support myself with my writing, I spend about six to eight hours a night plus weekends on what I consider to be my “real” job.

Do you have a author that has really inspired you?

Lynn Flewelling, author of the Nightrunner series, is one of my favourite writers. I first discovered her work several years ago at a fantasy convention, and when I had the opportunity to take her “Writers on the Waves” writing workshop on a cruise ship in the Caribbean in 2010, I jumped at the chance. She’s every bit as lovely as her writing and offers new writers a lot of encouragement.

How long does it normally take you to write an average book or your last book?

Each of the books in the House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy took me about three months to write, and that was fast for me. I’m not one of those writers who can crank out 10,000 words in a day. My daily goal is 1,000 words.

What do you think makes a story great?

Personally, I think it has a lot to do with whether the author cares about her characters. Of course there has to be conflict, and a goal with much at stake, and all those good things that go into the craft, but you can feel the difference when an author isn’t personally invested in the characters.

Can you describe your book "The Fallen Queen" in one sentence?

An angelic grand duchess seeks sanctuary with demons in the world of Man after a celestial coup.

Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?

The stories come to me, but writing the stories once they’ve taken shape in my head requires a lot of research. I research every little thing, like the history of chamber pots and plumbing, how to really insult someone in Russian, implements of torture, and train schedules on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Once I’d decided my current series was going to be set in Russia, I took a class on Russian culture at the local community college, and then ended up traveling to the country to learn the language.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently writing the sixth book in the Arkhangel’sk series (Book Three of the second trilogy). The first trilogy focuses on Anazakia’s story, and the second follows the same characters as their journey continues, with a different protagonist.

Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?

The Fallen Queen is my first published novel, but I also have a romantic fantasy novella, The Devil’s Garden, published last year by Carina Press.

Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?

Just that Book Two in The House of Arkhangel’sk series, The Midnight Court, will be out in August, so you won’t have long to wait to find out what happens after The Fallen Queen.

What would you like to ask your potential readers?

What makes you decide to read a book? A great cover? An interesting blurb? A good review? Or a recommendation from a friend?

Just for fun:

Hardback or Paperback?
No ebooks allowed? ;) If I had unlimited money and bookshelves, I’d go for the hardback, but I also like to carry a book with me to read, so I have a fondness for paperbacks as well.
Dog ears or Bookmarks?
Yikes! Bookmarks. ~shudders at the thought of dog ears~
YA novels or Adult novels?
For the most part, I prefer adult, though there are a few YA books that interest me.
Library or Bookstore?
I have to go with bookstore. Libraries are wonderful and I’ve spent many happy afternoons in them, but I like to own the books I love.
Reading glasses or No glasses?
Glasses glasses. I’m severely myopic and have been wearing them since I was six.
Snack while reading or No snacks?
I snack while doing everything, unfortunately.
Beach or Mountain?
Beach.
Vampire or Werewolf?
Hmm. Tough choice. I guess vampire, because sometimes that pack mentality stuff squicks me.
Hot or Flirty?
Hot.
Movie 1st or Book 1st?
Book first, so I can enjoy reading it without spoilers.
Contemporary or Historical?
I’m not sure I have a preference; since I prefer my romance in a fantasy setting, it can be either urban or historical, as long as it’s well written.
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker?
Page-turner, definitely. I don’t like to cry. I don’t mind a few heart-wrenching moments of suspense, but I don’t want to feel sad when I read.

THE FALLEN QUEEN

Heaven can go to hell.

Until her cousin slaughtered the supernal family, Anazakia’s father ruled the Heavens, governing noble Host and Fallen peasants alike. Now Anazakia is the last grand duchess of the House of Arkhangel’sk, and all she wants is to stay alive.

Hunted by Seraph assassins, Anazakia flees Heaven with two Fallen thieves—fire demon Vasily and air demon Belphagor, each with their own nefarious agenda—who hide her in the world of Man. The line between vice and virtue soon blurs, and when Belphagor is imprisoned, the unexpected passion of Vasily warms her through the Russian winter.

Heaven seems a distant dream, but when Anazakia learns the truth behind the celestial coup, she will have to return to fight for the throne—even if it means saving the man who murdered everyone she loved.

The Fallen Queen is available now at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Pre-order your copy of Book Two in The House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy, The Midnight Court (Amazon | Barnes & Noble), coming in August 2012.

View the book trailer for The Fallen Queen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiT86lm6hZ4