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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Author Interview & Contest with Jennifer Rardin!

There was no author interview & contest last week but I hope the guest this week and the prizes she is giving away will make up for it!

Author Jennifer Rardin has already been a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog but she was happy to come back and visit again so we can get to know her Jaz Parks series. The latest book in the series is the sixth Jaz Parks book called 'Bite Marks'. If you haven't already had a chance to read Jen's books then you have been missing some great vampire reading!

Try your luck in the contest at the end of the interview and maybe you will win your very own Jaz Parks book!

Find out more about Jaz Parks in Jennifer's Guest Blog back in Summer.

Enjoy the interview!

-------------------

Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you here as a guest again! I think a lot of people already know about your Jaz Parks series but maybe you can tell us about the series in your own words?

Jennifer – Thanks so much, it’s great to be back! The series is about Jaz Parks, a twenty-something Marine’s daughter who finds herself paired up with the CIA’s finest assassin—who also happens to be a vampire. Together they travel the world eliminating the monsters who, for one reason or another, want to transform the USA into their litter box.

Amber - The sixth book in the series is out soon! Can you tell us a little bit about the story in Bite Marks?

Jennifer – Bite Marks, at its core, is about trust. I know that sounds kinda strange when the main plot revolves around Vayl and Jaz rescuing NASA from mega-disaster. But she finds herself in a unique and somewhat terrifying situation during the course of this story, one that the reader will hopefully experience almost the same way that she does as she lives through and describes it. So that, as Jaz wrestles with her fears and issues, you as a reader also have the opportunity to decide. Who can you trust?

Amber - How did you come up with the idea for the series? Was it a long process or did it just come to you?

Jennifer – The series started simply with the idea that I wanted to write about a vampire. Immediately I came up against my first dilemma, because if anybody was going to identify with my hero he couldn’t be evil. But I refused to take that sharp edge off him either. So I asked myself, “How do you make a natural-born killer into a good guy?” And my answer was that you guide that killing instinct into a direction that will save an entire country. Which is why Vayl, the vampire, and Jaz Parks (who started out as his assistant) eliminate evil dudes for a living.

Amber - What kind of research have you had to do for the books so far? Anything interesting or is research boring?

Jennnifer – I’ve done pretty much every kind of research you can imagine, from reading, to watching videos, to asking questions of experts . . . except for the form I’d most enjoy which is on-site inspection. I’m hoping to change that pattern for my next series and actually travel to the places in which my characters move, so that I can insert even more local flavor into my novels.

Most of the time research fascinates me, because I love learning about new places. For instance, while I was studying Australia (which is the location for Jaz and Vayl’s Bite Marks mission) I learned all kinds of interesting new phrases unique to the country. For instance, “bloody oath” means “that’s the truth.” I’d never have known that if Jaz and Vayl hadn’t taken this particular job. Nifty, eh?


Amber - How many more books will there be in the Jaz Parks series? Are you working on any other projects you would like to tell us about?

Jennifer – By the time you read this I’ll have begun writing book eight in the series. Wow. It’s going to be uberexciting too, because some of the action that will take place has been building throughout the entire series. And some of it is scheduled to take place in Romania, which should be fun.

After that I’ll be taking a break from Jaz and Vayl to begin a new urban fantasy series, the plot and characters of which are much different from those in my first books. But I still intend to insert a lot of thrills, humor, and of course, romance.

Amber - Have you always wanted to be an author? And why did you pick the paranormal genre?

Jennifer – I began to realize I was good at writing around the age of twelve. This is a pretty huge discovery for someone who can’t even get her hair to behave. The idea that I might have an actual talent sort of blew my mind. But I was still juggling dreams until I hit high school and realized I couldn’t be happy doing anything other than writing.

As for why I picked urban fantasy, would you believe I’m morbidly practical? I don’t buy most of what I write about. But I want to. I yearn for magic and mystery and the possibility that myths really do rise from reality. I want it so badly that I create it every day inside my laptop. It’s what keeps me dreaming. (P.S. What I do believe in? True love. Got it. Know I’m blessed to have it. Hope you get it too.)

Amber - Something I have always wondered about is how authors come up with the names for their characters. How do you pick the names you use in your books?

Jennifer – I take a while to pick out the names for my major characters. Naturally they have to reflect the personality they’re stuck to. But I also think about how readers will see them on the page and have to pronounce them inside their heads for years. So I try not to get too weird with the important folks. I mean, can you imagine trying to say a name like, “Fetheringlanckesher” in your head two hundred times per book for the decade it might take for a series to run its course? Mind-blowing!

My minor characters’ names aren’t as big a deal. But they have to reflect their country of origin, and sometimes the meanings of their names also comes into play. I usually choose them off lists I find online.

Amber - What is the easiest and hardest part about being an author? Do you have much say in the book publishing process? E.g. cover, layout?

Jennifer – The easiest part of being an author is opening up the box from Orbit and showing my family the new books I’ve received with eye-grabbing covers, awesome review quotes, and my name at the bottom. Spelled right and everything! (In case you were wondering? You pronounce my last name with a long “a”, as in, “I’d like my steak rare, please.”)

The hardest part is staying focused. I’m easily distracted. Just ask my husband. I’m constantly walking out of the room in the middle of conversations because I’ve just thought of something I need to do. And the only person who can make me sit at my desk day after day is myself. So I’ve made deadlines into huge, godlike creatures with the ability to smite me into a pile of pudding if I don’t reach them in time. So far it’s worked.

Orbit is an excellent publisher and they welcome feedback, so I appreciate that a great deal. Luckily they don’t need a whole lot. They know what’s beautiful, what catches the eye, and what sells. I’m lucky to be with them.

Amber - How do you relax? Do you have any hobbies?

Jennifer - I have so many hobbies I can’t even keep up anymore. But that’s okay. It gives me something to look forward to when I’m finally too old to make up stories.

My husband gave me a small greenhouse for my birthday, so that and my gardens take up a great deal of my down-time. My flowers are one of my major passions. They’re therapy. And I love sharing something extra beautiful with everyone who passes by my house.

I run a couple of miles nearly every weekday. Is that a hobby? Maybe more of a necessity since I can gain weight just looking at a plate of brownies. But some days I actually enjoy it, especially when my IPod decides to shuffle out some groovy tunes.

My husband and I enjoy open-wheel racing, specifically the series that races at the Indianapolis 500 every year. So we follow Indycar on TV and attend at least two races in person annually.

I’m big into musical theater, and always have my eyes open for a touring Broadway show nearby (for me that’s about a three-hour drive) that I haven’t seen yet. When we went to New York a few years back we saw three shows on Broadway (Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q, and The Drowsy Chaperone), but missed one we really wanted to see called Curtains. So I have my fingers crossed that somebody decides to take it on the road soon.

I used to quilt all the time. In fact, the curtains in my living room are actually quilts that I custom-made, so that when they’re down it just looks like I have three cool quilts hanging on the walls. But when they’re up—presto—I have windows with nifty treatments complimenting them! Unfortunately this is one hobby that’s fallen away. So much so that lately the only sewing I do is buttons and minor repairs.

I also used to be a voracious reader. Not so much now. Because my writing schedule is so intense, I can only get about one book finished a month. I’m on a good one now, though. The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller. I highly recommend it.

Amber – A lot of authors have 'soundtracks' for their books. Is there any music influenced your books?

Jennifer – We’re a musical family. In fact, I began singing to my children before they were born and pretty much never stopped. One of my quirks (my kids have another name for it!) is that if somebody says something that reminds me of a certain tune, I will burst out singing it. That tendency has made its way into my books. And, I suppose, because my musical influences run more to classic rock than anything else, that’s mostly what you’ll hear in the background of the series.

Amber - What books do you enjoy reading? Do you have any favourite must read authors/series?

Jennifer – I used to adore urban fantasy, but since I’ve become a published author in the genre I’ve had to swear off, because I don’t want anyone else’s work influencing my own. Now my tastes take me more into the realm of high fantasy, science fiction, horror, and thriller. I personally enjoyed Stephen King’s Dark Tower series and highly recommend it. Great stuff.

Amber - If you could be any paranormal creature, what would you be and why?

Jennifer – I’d be a hobbit. Because they get to eat at least seven times a day, and it’s good to be round!

Amber - Thank you for visiting Amberkatze's Book Blog again! Keep coming back ;)




---------------------------------

Contest Time!

Jennifer is giving away not one book, not two books but five books!!! So that means five lucky people will win an autographed Jaz Parks book!

Here is what is on offer -

Two autographed copies of Bite Marks for hardcore Jazfans!
One autographed copy each of Once Bitten, Twice Shy (book #1), Another One Bites the Dust (book #2) and Biting the Bullet (book #3) for newcomers to the series!

How do you enter? Well it is New Moon week! Have you been to see it? What did you think? If you haven't been to see it then tell us about the last movie you went to see.

No New Moon or Movie = No entry!

The usual rules apply!

Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!

You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.

I will offer more prizes if my Amazon Associates account gets more money!! So please make sure you order at Amazon.com through the links around the site and help keep the contest coming!



The contest will stay open until Sunday 29th of November 2009 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.

If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.

132 comments:

Ellz said...

I am a huge Jennifer Rardin fan and I would love to have an autographed copy of any of her books, especially Bite Marks.

Last movie I saw was Harry Potter. I don't get out much.

zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom
Elie (Ellz Readz)

Vickie said...

I didn't see Twilight, but am feeling inclined to see New Moon, once the giggly, screaming chickies stop making the line so long. I think this one has less romantic angst and more action. At least that's the looks of it from the trailers.
The last movie at the show was Astro Boy, which was fantastic! Super animation and perfect voices for the characters, though I may be biased as I dig Nicholas Cage.
The last movie at home was our very first BluRay purchase which was Star Trek. OH! Is that an excellent flick or what! I love seeing the characters as younger men and women and hearing the familiar tones and inflections,"I'm just a doctor, not an physicist!"

Unknown said...

Great interview. The last movie I saw in the theater was Inglorius Basterds. I would love to win Once Bitten, Twice Shy since I'm new to the series.

jennsicurella at verizon dot net

elaing8 said...

Great post. This is a new series for me.So I'd love to win the first book.

I haven't seen New Moon yet,I'm going Thursday.The last movie I seen at a theatre was Twilight.On DVD was My Sisters Keeper.

Blodeuedd said...

Cool, I so wanna read Rardings book. They look very kick ass.

Well, New Moon was, ok, better than the boring book and better than Twilight. Though way too cheesy. Still the wolves rocked

elaing8 said...

Tweeted the Interview and Contest
http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/5949378350

Linda Henderson said...

Would love to win one of these books. I don't go to the movies very often so the last one I saw was Transformers.


seriousreader at live dot com

hwm said...

No New Moon, sorry. I couldn't even finish watching Twilight.

Last movie I saw was "Die nackte Wahrheit". Gerald Butler, yum.

hw(dot)monika(at)yahoo(dot)com

Adele said...

I love this series and Jennifer is a brilliant interviewee!!
Last movie I went to see was UP in 3D and it was very funny and totally adorable.

Mishel (P.S. I Love Books) said...

I haven't started this series yet and I really need to. I've ready many interviews with Jennifer and I absolutely love reading them =) This would be such an awesome win for a newcomer like me!!

I haven't seen New Moon yet but I definitely will. I was planning on going in the morning after it's been in theaters for a while. I want to see it in the theater but not with a bunch of other people.

The last movie I saw in theaters would be Paranormal Activity. My friend had told me everything that happened (I made him) but even though I knew what was going to happen I still enjoyed it.

Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

jeanette8042 said...

I watched New Moon and i thought it was wonderful compared to Twilight. The new director for New Moon definitely stuck more with the actual book than the first movie, which I thought made the movie so much better.
I haven't read any of Jennifer's books so I would love to win the first in the series!

StyleVamp said...

I haven't seen New Moon, but i
would like to see it when ..I have some time..

The Last movie I saw was Good Hair Chris Rock Documentary, it was very enlightening, ver funny and at times a little sad.

I have had this series on my wish list for far to long, even though I haven't read I can tell it's a good read. Would love to be one of the lucky winners..

cait045 said...

I did see New Moon and loved it. I thought it was so much more well done than Twilight. My favorite guy is Charlie I love Billy Burke.

usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom

Sue Brandes said...

Hello~Great interview. You are a new author to me. Your books sound wonderful! I saw The New Moon on Saturday and loved it. Even better than the first. It was fun going on the second day with a theatre full of people of all ages.
stevebrandes@gmail.com

Barbara E. said...

I've been meaning to pick up Jennifer's series, but haven't had a chance yet. Her books sound great.
I didn't see Twilight, and I probably won't see New Moon, at least not until they're shown on regular television. I don't get to the movies much, I think the last movie I went to see was Pirate's of the Caribbean-Dead Man's Chest.

Jennifer Rardin said...

Me neither, Elie. The last movie I saw in the theater was "Up."

I liked Star Trek too, Vickie. Didn't mind the changes they made a whole lot overall.

Thanks, Jennifer! My son told me that was a movie worth watching, but I'm waiting for it to come out in DVD.

Glad you enjoyed it, elaing8!

I've come to realize wolves rock pretty much wherever you put them, Blodeuedd. I'm enjoying the ones I've written about hugely!

That movie was about as action-packed as it's possible to be and still take a full breath once in a while, wouldn't you say, Linda?

You know, hwm, Gerard Butler, should probably just add that to his name somewhere. Gerard "yum" Butler.

Virtual hugs to you for that lovely comment, Hagelrat!

I'm not sure I could sit through Paranormal Activity, Mishel, just because I'm a total scary movie wimp!

Isn't it great when directors are true to the books, jeaneatte8042? If mine are ever made into movies, I've got all my fingers crossed that I get that kind of director.

I hope you have the chance to start the series soon, then, Tanya. I think you'd get a big kick out of it!

Interesting, cait045. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Sue, I'm glad you dropped by!

Johnny Depp is always worth a trip to the theater, isn't he, Barbara?

Anonymous said...

I loved New Moon! I think that Taylor is a gift to woman kind :)

I actually got to meet Jennifer yesterday, and made a complete idiot of myself, but I love love love her books!!!

Van Pham said...

Great post! I'm new to hearing about the series...but it sounds great and would love to win a signed copy!

I went to watch new moon on opening day, it was good better than the first twilight film. I love all the werewolves scene..those were great.

And I agree with you Mrs. Rardin, any Johnny Depp movie is worth a trip to the theater for :)

Abigail said...

I went at midnight on opening night. Loved it even more than Twilight.

I'm a follower and I posted this on the Contests & Giveaways section on my sidebar

http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/

allthingsurbanfantasy[at]gmail[dot]com

SiNn said...

I dont have any plans to se enew moon wasnt a fan of the first one and itsgetting way too muchhype but i did how ever see 2012 and i loved it deff shows abouttrue humanity so if you all havent see it go see it is deff worth watching i liked it so much ive seen it more then once

Anonymous said...

Yep went to see New Moon. It was actually my mum who dragged me to the midnight section. For a movie it was good, but as a movie representing an awesome book was a little disappointed about the changes. In saying that though, it was a good movie, lots of action and drama and there was some humour added as well. I enjoyed sitting through it despite being 2:30am in the morning.

Becca said...

My sister stayed up until 3 in the morning watching the 12.05 screening of New Moon when it came out on Wednesday.
For me? the last movie I watched was Up. Ya know that Disney movie?? The beginning is actually sad. My aunt started crying! But soo many funny moments! "Squirrel!"
But as for the contest I would LOVE a copy of Bite Marks. I'm finding it hard to find in any bookstore that's NOT online.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I have not seen New Moon yet. I'm waiting for the crowds of squealing teens to die down before I dare to go. The last movie I saw was 2012 and I enjoyed it. Action almost from the get go.


leochick35@yahoo.com

AYates said...

Great interview! It's always fun reading your interviews Jennifer. I can't wait until Bitten In Two!

I saw New Moon opening night and have to admit I was a little disappointed. The book is my least favorite in the series because all the vampires leave and it is a lot slower pace, but the movie didn't drag out to bad. The reason I was disappointed was because some of the scenes seemed rushed and Edward's Volvo was completely different AND it WASN'T SILVER! What's up with that? There was a lot of eye-candy *drools* in Taylor and Rob and the rest of the wolves so that made up for it a little. But I think I still like Twilight in film version more than New Moon.

Jennifer Rardin said...

Not at all, trishintraining, you were completely charming! Thanks for coming to my signing!

I noticed, van_pham, on J. Depp's cover photo for Sexiest Man Alive, that he seemed to be wearing a couple of bracelets his daughter had made for him. Gotta be a fan of a dad that amazing!

That'll definitely encourage others to try it out, Abigail!

My friend, Hope, was saying she'd just seen 2012, SiNn. Was John Cusack one of the stars?

Your mum sounds fun, sanityanna. Mine would've been snoring by 2:30 a.m.!

"Up" definitely qualifies as an emotional rollercoaster, Becca! My future son-in-law is a huge fan. We gave him a copy for his birthday.

I do love movies that keep me on the edge of my seat, Stephanie!

Thanks, AYates!

wanda f said...

The last movie I saw was The Proposal and I have to say I realy liked it these days its rare to get a clean comedy .This is a movie I let my kids watch

Misty said...

I have not read any in this series yet. I do have them on my WL because they definitely interest me, I love Vampires series. I've read the Twilight Saga, Sookie Stackhouse Series just to name a couple there are more. I plan to see New Moon on Tuesday which is my birthday, the hubby is taking me. I didn't want to be in the crowd this week end. Last movie I seen was Gi Joe which was actually pretty good. I did see Twilight when it first came out and was a little disappointed, but New Moon looks much better and I've heard from about a dozen friends who seen it this week end that it is awesome so we'll see on Tuesday. Thanks for the contest I'd love to check out this series, I have read up on Jennifer Rardin and this series and like what I've learned so far.

misty_labean yahoo com

Unknown said...

I have not see New Moon, and will likely not be going out to see it. I'm very much a home-body and I think the last movie I went out to see was Hellboy 2.

Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com

Eva S said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet, next week perhaps. Although my daghter saw the movie yesterday and she wasn't too fond of it....Perhaps I'll wait for the DVD. The last movie I saw was Up.

This is a new series to me, but I'd love to read your books!

eva.silkka at gmail.com

Sweeter the berry said...

The last movies I saw was Drag Me To Hell and Paranormal Activity.

booklover0226 said...

I haven't seen New Moon and really don't plan to see it since I didn't see Twilight.

The last movie I saw was Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events! Yeah, it's been that long since I went to the movies!

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 AT gmail DOT com

Sweeter the berry said...

tweeted

http://twitter.com/dahliamomma/status/5972701553


letessha@yahoo.com

Kimberly B. said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet because I dislike crowds and prefer to wait to see movies when the buzz has died down a bit. Plus I haven't read the book yet!

The last movie I DID see in the theater was Bright Star, which is about the romance between John Keats and Fanny Brawne. It was a terrific film which I highly recommend for poetry geeks and lovers of historical drama. Plus the soundtrack is amazing!

I'd love to win a copy of Biting the Bullet, because I have books one and two!

Mardel said...

Okay, I have to admit that I haven't seen New Moon yet, probably won't. I haven't read any of the Twilight books yet.

However, I was able to see Planet 51 with my granddaughter Saturday. It was pretty good. A new twist on bigotry and biases, all with humor and cute characters. It's a good kid movie.

Simply Stacie said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet but I want too! I live so far from a theatre so I plan to buy it on DVD when it is released. The last movie I saw was Super Troopers.

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

Tez Miller said...

Haven't seen New Moon and don't intend to.

First week of November, I saw Moon in the cinema. Yes, it was in the UK and US months earlier than down here, but better late than never ;-) I absolutely adored it - smart, psychological, suspenseful. Can't wait to see what Duncan Jones's next project will be!

Margay Leah Justice said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet because I am waiting to watch it with daughters. We're going tomorrow!
Margay

Margay1122(at)aol(com)

D Q said...

Great interview. Would love to win one of Jennifer's books.

Yes, I have seen New Moon and I loved it.

djeanq(at)gmail(dot)com

Sophie said...

Yay competition! It would be fantastic to win a copy of bite marks!

As for New Moon, haven't seen it yet, i've heard its ok, but not great! Big fan of the books, but the lassie werewolf in the trailer has me slightly worried! I'm with Vickie, may wait until all the screaming twelve yearolds have been and gone!

Last movie i saw in the cinema was the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassis, which was lovely to look at, but i didn't really have a clue what was going on! last movie on tv was the Fifth Element, which is one of my faves!

Calliope said...

I saw New Moon opening day. While I hated the book (because, I'm sorry, but Edward was a complete IDIOT in it) I found the movie, like Twilight before it, to be better than the book. I most enjoyed Bella and Jacob's bonding and Alice was terrific! Plus, the Volturi were awesomely portrayed.

BrigidsBlest said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet. The last movie I saw in the theater was Zombieland, and it rocked (except for poor Bill Murray, obviously!)

Ironically, I just won a copy of Bite Marks through another contest...but I don't have any of the OTHER books in the series! So the first three books would be awesome.

BrigidsBlest at yahoo dot com

Jackie said...

"New Moon" fever was very much in the air this last week, went to see it with my sweetie this last Saturday and we were the "oldest" 2 in the whole theater and in the long long long lines ...
Surprisingly enough liked the movie okay and will see the next ones when they come out as well at the theater in next few years....
I thought it was better done than the first in series "Twilight" except for the CG Werewolves being kind of cheesy but since movie made for younger audience that was even well done because not gory and as have not read the books and will not do so because it would ruin the movies for me...
Please enter me in the drawing....
Very much would like to win this because although love all the reviews have read about the Jaz Parks series have not purchased any yet because am being threatened with scissors on my credit card because of buying over 200 books this year and have most still to be read. Christmas is coming what a wonderful present to receive from the author would be the signed books..... I tried to win these elsewhere and no luck yet, thanks for giving us a 2nd chance....

Jackie B Central Texas

Pissenlit said...

Hiya Jennifer! Congrats on the release of Bite Marks.

Nope, haven't seen New Moon and I'm not particularly inclined to see it. The last movie I went to? Gosh, it might've been Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I don't go to the cinema all that often.

Jennifer Rardin said...

Good to know, wanda, I'll have to put it on my list!

Aw, Misty, I'd LOVE to see GI Joe, but hubby and son are totally snubbing it! I may have to bribe them with chocolate chip cookies!

Yeah, Jake, I rarely go out to see movies myself. I always seem to sit right in front of the talkers--or the loud eaters. Aaargh!

Thanks, Eva, I hope you get the chance to pick them up. Lotsa laughs and thriller-style action!

I hadn't heard of Drag Me to Hell, Sweeter the berry. Sounds pretty scary!

It has been a while for you, Tracey D, but what an awesome movie that was! When I see or read a story I wish I'd thought of, I always know it was a good one!

Very cool, Kimberly!

I will definitely give Planet 51 a try, then, Mardel. Sounds just like my kind of story!

Hope you get your chance, then, Stacie!

Sounds fascinating, Tez.

That sounds like a fun outing, Margay!

Thank you, Deedles!!

LOL, Sophie. I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets lost!

Nice review, Calliope!

According to my daughter, BrigidsBlest, Zombieland is the best movie on earth. Wow. I can't wait to see it!

Then best of luck to you, Jackie B. We authors depend on book lovers like you, so we want that card intact!!

Hi Pissenlit! That would've been a good movie to see in the theater. Some just lend themselves better to the big screen and huge, booming surround sound, don't they?

Andrea I said...

I have not seen New Moon and won't go to see it. I don't care for the Twilight series.
I rarely go to movies and the last one was one of the X-Men movies a number of years ago.

I would love to have an autographed copy of one of Jennifer's books.

Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

I went to the midnight premier of New Moon and it was awesome! My blog post is here about it: http://sweetvernalzephyr.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-moon-movie.html

I have added your contest to my side bar (11/29 • Rardin)

AND featured you in my Daily Contest Bar post! http://sweetvernalzephyr.blogspot.com/2009/11/daily-contest-bar_23.html

Thanks so much - Miranda
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com

tcpalermo said...

It's been forever since I've been to the movies. The last movie I went to see was when I took the kids to see The Simpsons movie.

ShannonJayne said...

OMG!! I saw New Moon on Saturday, love it sooooooo much! Read all the books, and I'm completely in love with Jacob *drooool...*
Still adore Vayl though *mmmmmmmm...*
=D

Rosie said...

Nope, I haven't seen New Moon yet. I'll wait till it dies down a little bit because I'm not much for crowds. The last movie I saw was the latest in the Harry Potter series. I loved it and can't wait for the next movie to come out.

Thanks,
rosie0512 @ hotmail . com

Jen D. @ Not Now...I'm Reading! said...

I saw it Thursay, or rather Friday morning at 1:30 in the morning! I know I'm insane. It's not winning any Oscars anytime soon but it was a vast improvement over Twilight.

Thanks for the interview and giveaway.

Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!

*Jen*
iiiioneloveiiii(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Curling up by the Fire said...

I didn't see Twilight, but did see the DVD. I do have plans to see the movie at some point, maybe once all of the teenage girls have seen it. The last movie I saw was GI Joe at the theatre. The last movie at home was Star Trek. My hubby and I are huge Trekkie fans and are now trying to get my son to buy into the whole Star Trek think; so far we are succeeding.

Thanks for another great giveaway as I am a big Jennifer Rardin fan!

heatwave16 said...

Last movie I saw was Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. I have to say that it wasn't as good as the other 2 movies, but still fun. I am going to see New Moon, but waiting for the crowds to die down a bit.

heatwave96@hotmail.com

Jennifer Rardin said...

X-Men rock, Andrea! Who's your favorite character?

We bought that one for my hubby, tcpalermo. Classic!

Oh, Shannon, thanks for the love for Vayl!

I'm with you, Rosie. Much rather see a movie in an empty theater!

My pleasure, Jen!

Yay, Stephanie! Any parents who try to get their kids hooked on Star Trek are aces in my book!

I keep wondering if I should pick up that movie, heather. Badly don't wanna be disappointed, but so curious to see the story. Hmmm.

Erica G said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet. The last movie I saw was A Christmas Carol.

egreca (at) hotmail {dot} com

donnas said...

I love this series and would love to win a copy of Bite Marks.

I have seen New Moon. I liked this director much better. And while I cant explain what it was about the books that I liked, I can say that for those who have read them. The part that upset many in the books didnt upset me nearly as much in the movie. I really liked the scenes in Italy and how they showed time passing in the beginning.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Reading said...

Please count me in. I went to see New Moon this morning. Some of us Twilight Moms went to day after the kiddies went off to school. I loved it. I thought they did a good job making the transition to the big screen.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Bramblemoon Farm said...

What a cool interview. Nice to know I'm not the only show tune singing mom out there. BAAHAHAHAHA

I saw New Moon yesterday. Loved the wolves! I've read the books about 3 times and thought they did a good job this time;)

kmt1976 said...

Have't seen New Moon - YET! I did see Twilight and read the books AND stayed in Forks, WA in September. Now, that place is a trip - just in case you want to visit! :>)

SusiSunshine said...

Loved the interview and the books sound fantastic.
The last movie I saw was Hangover I think. Man I need to get out more.LOL
Loved the movie. It was so funny!

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen "New Moon" yet but I'm looking forward to it. I've already read the book.

I've never read anything by Jennifer Rardin .... yet.

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.

wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

aurora M. said...

I saw New Moon three times already. Loved it! Thought it was so much better than Twilight. I can't wait until the next one which was my favorite book.
Please enter me in the contest.
veltara@yahoo.com
Aurora

mariska said...

I haven't watched New Moon. the last movie that i saw was Final Destination 4. It's Gross. i mean the special effects make all the 'bloody' things look real !! Eeek.

And I've been eye-ing To get my chance to have Jennifer Rardin's books. coz She's a new author for me!

uniquas at ymail dot com

Jo said...

Great interview! I am so intrigued about these books! I haven't read the series, so I'm entering for the newcomer books.

The last film I saw at the cinema was The Final Destination. We (me, parents, brother) saw it in 3D, and it was the first time I had seen a 3D movie - I do not like it. Even with the glasses, I have to really focus to see things properly, and it gives me a headache, and without the glasses, you can't watch properly. No more 3D for me please. As to the actual film, I liked the first three, but this one was kinda bad. Not great acting, in my opinion, but meh.

Extra entries:
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All This Silence... said...

I saw New Moon for my one-year anniversary. I really liked it. It followed the book much better than I anticipated and the acting seemed better than in Twilight. I still regret that the saga was made into a ridiculous obsession. Oh well.... Go Jennifer!

Sheere said...

Please enter me! Last movie I saw, apart from New Moon it was The Prestige.. I know a little out of date but I have wanted to watch it from a while!

sheere.dry@gmail.com

tetewa said...

Went to see the movie with my friends and we all loved it more than the first one! Was so glad to see how well Taylor buffed up for the part after seeing the first one I had my doubts, but he was great! I also enjoyed Dakota Fanning as Jane, looking forward to the release of Eclipse!

ClothDragon said...

I haven't seen New Moon, but we took the babies to see Planet 51 yesterday. It was cute, but not amazing. The message was good though. People are people no matter how different they look. I'm a newcomer to the Jennifer Rardin's series. Haven't read any of them yet, but I will certainly add them to our list.

Anonymous said...

I have heard such great things about this series, I would love to win a chance to read it.

I enjoyed New Moon. I haven't read the books yet so I had no idea what to expect. Jake completely stole my heart though! He was so intense and muscular... I really enjoyed Bella and his witty banter together.

Posted about it on my sidebar: http://goodgonegirl.blogspot.com

Anna ♥
goodgonegirl@gmail.com

Carmen R said...

I'm a big fan of Jennifer's books and have read all of the Jaz Parks series except for the latest one to be release. I can't wait to be able to buy it.

I saw new Moon the day it came out. I enjoyed it and even thought it was a bit better than Twilight.

Llehn said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet, but am planning to this weekend.

Ina said...

*hiding* I haven't had the time to go and see NM, but I next week!! yeah, can't wait - especially because the trailer is gorgeous *sigh*
the last movie I saw was All Inclusive - it was nice but nothing more... but I would like to make holiday on that island *sigh*
have a great day!
Ina

Anonymous said...

I would like to win of those books!
I've seen New Moon (in Italian) and I didn't like it much. I doubt that language mattered much in this case.

Rhonda said...

I haven't seen New Moon. I think I would like to see twilight first...One of these days.

Last movie I saw was Inglorious Basterds.

rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca

demmi said...

the last movie I saw was district 9
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I didn't get a chance to see New Moon yet, but I've read the book, and the last movie I've seen was Up, if rewatching Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog doesn't count, lol. :)

da-ka-ta-chan@g-mail.com (remove the dashes)

Unknown said...

Have not seen New Moon, too many teenagers in the theater :)
Last movie we saw was Men who stare at goats - loved it!

ReaganStar said...

New Moon was a great movie... I am looking and hoping that they have the next one out by the end of 2010.

So excited about this contest I LOVE Jennifer Rardin's books

twolilstarz@gmail.com

Judy G said...

Would love to win autographed copy of Jennifer Rardin's books. Huge fan!
Last movie I saw on the big screen was Star Trek. Awesome movie!

Benita said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet, but I did see Twilight. It was OK, but not great. I expected more what with all the publicity and hype.

I would love to have an autographed copy of one of Jennifer Rardin's books. My fingers are crossed.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

If I'm not wrong, then the last movie I saw was "Inglorious Basterds". Terrific! Tarantino is so much fun!
Nevertheless I plan to watch 'New Moon' in the upcoming weeks.

slb3334 said...

I haven't been to see New Moon and probably won't as the nearest theater is an hour and a half away so don't see many.

Sara said...

Great giveaway! I saw New Moon earlier this week and I really liked it! It was way better than Twilight :)

sara
sosarora_11(at)hotmail(dot)com

Ellie Wright said...

I would love to win Once Bitten Twice Shy since I'm new to the series.
The last movie I saw in the theater was Public Enemies, but I'd like to see New Moon. I whipped right through the books.
eswright18 at gmail dot com

mverno said...

i would love to win this one mverno@roadrunner.com

souldolphindream said...

I have not seen the New Moon movie yet but we are going tommorow. The kids are very excited that we are going. The last movie that I saw in theatears was transformers.
I love jennifer rardin books and I would to have any of them to read

souldolphindream@aol.com

ky2here said...

I have not seen New Moon yet but we did see Men Who Stare at Goats. Very funny.

Darcie K. said...

I saw the movie and loved it. I still think that the books are way better though!
dmkayes@gmail.com

startrek said...

The new moon movie was awesome.
george ferris
littlegeorgie56@yahoo.com

cookiert said...

I haven't seen New Moon. I have two small kids so the last movie I saw was Toy Story in 3D.

cookiert at yahoo

mar said...

I have not see it. The last movie I saw was Casino Royale. I love James Bond movies!

Cherry said...

What do I think of the New Moon movie? Better than Twilight. Gave it a score of 4 cherries out of 5. Reviewed it here: http://cherrymischievous.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-moon-movie.html

Re-posted this contest at http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-autographed-jaz-parks-book.html.

Thanks for the fab interview and contest!!

Cherry
of Cherry Mischievous
http://cherrymischievous.blogspot.com
mischivusfairy-inbox12 [at] yahoo [dot] com

erma said...

We have seen it and it is so awesome.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Tynga said...

I saw New Moon on Tuesday, I went at a later representation, hoping to avoid the histerical 12 years old crowd, but the theater was so full I had to sit in the very first rows, so I couldn't enjoy it as much as I would have loved to. I'll have to buy the BluRay and watch it on my personnal big screen =P

I'd love to win the 1st book in the series, I received the last book in the mail, but I'd love to start the series by the beginning lol
Thank you!
TyngaUF(a)gmail(.)com

Kim (Randominities) said...

I have not yet watched New Moon as I like to watch movies on DVD.

The last vampire movie I watched was Interview with the Vampire. We have it on DVD and I never get tired of watching it.

clynsg said...

My daughter and I were just talking about the fact that we are among the very few who have not seen either of the Twilight movies. The last movie I watched was on TV--Next with Nicholas Cage and Julianne Moore.

clynsg at yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to see new moon, but I'm afraid it will have to wait. I'm finishing up NaNo then I have two deadlines for short stories looming, not to mention loads of edits. I would love to use it as a reward. Maybe Monday...

Mysteriousrose said...

I don't know if this contest is for international readers, Im a big fan and I would love a chance to win these books:-)

The last movie I saw was UP, I think it was a very sweet and fun.

latishajean said...

I loved new moon can't wait for the dvd to come out loved when she went to save him with alice. nice giveaway thank you!
tishajean@charter.net

maryelisabeth said...

cant wait to see new moon

Nana*2*4 said...

I love the Twilight series and saw New Moon on Friday. The count down is on to Eclipse only 215 days.

v.chrzanowski@comcast.net

saturdaynightfever said...

Yes, I saw it and it was enjoyable!

edgenemmers@gmail.com

engelsigh said...

I have been wanting to read Jennifer Rardin.

I have not seen New Moon Yet. The last movie that I saw in the theater was Coraline. The last rental was GI JOE.

Patti (@TheLoveJunkee) said...

Ms. Rardin is a new-to-me author, I'd love to win a book!

Loved New Moon (saw it twice - once with adults and once with my daughter), I'm book Team Edward and movie Team Jacob ;)

Posted contest on my sidebar:
www.sleeplessinneworleans2.blogspot.com

pspinney AT cox DOT net

Carla Ribeiro said...

I haven't seen New Moon. Last movie I saw was 2012. Great special effects but a little overrated, I'd say.

Unknown said...

The last movie I went to see was The Exorcism of Laura Rose. It was a while ago; I don't get out much. Thanks for the giveaway!

Ladytink_534 said...

I saw it and I was actually really impressed with Jacob. I'm Team Edward from the books but I like movie Jacob a lot now. The wolves were pretty good but I have a feeling that they'll look outdated in 5 years.

Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

Roxy said...

I liked New Moon. The effects were better than Twilight but I think Twilight is still my favorite.

I have the first five books of the series. I keep forgetting to pick up Bite Marks.

mrsshukra said...

New Moon was fun, just so-so for me but I enjoyed it!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

dreamcleavers said...

dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i haven't seen new moon, the last movie i saw was the latest indiana jones movie which was cool to see in the theaters

Unknown said...

I have to say I didn't really like New Moon. And that is saying something. I am a huge Twilight fan. I've read all the books, and seen the first movie probably 20 times. I was dissapointed by some of the things they didn't put in the movie, and it seemed really jumpy from scene to scene. I also didn't care for the music much. I thought the first one had awesome music.
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com

whitewolfreads said...

The last movie I went to see (in theatres)was probably Zombieland. It was absolutely hilarious! Thanks for the interview, I love Jennifer Rardin!

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/jmspettoli/status/6160374927

Sahm Lee said...

The last movie I went to see....was Meet the Robinsons. I don't get out much, I prefer to stay home and read! Thanks for the contest!
airalynn@gmail.com

Tonya M said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet... the last movie I saw in a theater was Year One... it was so bad.... so unbelievably bad. Not only would I not buy or rent it... I wouldn't even borrow it for free.

Carol EL said...

I haven't seen New Moon,but want to. Last movie I went to was Zombieland. jelly15301@gmail.com

Terri Dell said...

Haven't seen new moon yet. the last movie I saw was Pineapple Express. It was awful

Deborah Wellenstein said...

I saw New Moon-excellent effects, I thought! Cute boys!

lilyk said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet. The last movie I saw was Bad Biology.

cmltx said...

I have not read Jennifer Rardin...I would love to read these books

Unknown said...

I haven't seen New Moon. The last movie I saw was Coco Before Chanel. garrettsambo@aol.com

dvice12 said...

I haven't been able to see it yet. My last movie in the theater was Star Trek.

Charlene Kuser said...

I saw New Moon on opening day here,
I bought tickets in advance.All I
can saw is fantastic!.I loved Twilight so much and didn't think
any movie could top it,but New Moon
did and I loved the werewolf fighting scene,very well done.The
acting was very well done and the
music blended well with the movie.
The scene in Italy was outstanding and romantic:)I am going to see it again,just in case I missed anything the first time and yes I
am a true fan

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Kelly g said...

Not a huge Twilight fan so I don't plan on seeing it. The last movie I saw in theater was Terminator Salvation.

mrk928 said...

my daughter is a big fan of twilight....please count me in

cman said...

I haven't seen it.
Last movie I saw was Ice Age 3.

gsm57 said...

The last movie I saw was 2012

Hotsnotty2 said...

I haven't seen New Moon yet, the last movie I saw was last night; Ninja Assassins, pretty gory! Thanks for the chance!

Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

Karen said...

Count me in :)

Last movie I saw was.... um, honestly I can't recall.

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Ms. Asphyxia said...

I would love a chance to win!

And I placed a link in my sidebar at http://www.morbid-romantic.net.

Unknown said...

Please note that this contest is CLOSED!!!

You can find a post about the winners on the main site.

A new author contest is open. Please check the sidebar or the main site for more details.

There is also a monthly giveaway! Check the sidebar or main site for more details on how to enter!

Anonymous said...

I haven't read Jennifer Rardin's books but I love the covers :)

The last movie I saw was an early screening of Ninja Assassin. I don't want to give too much away (not more than was in the commercials anyways) and easy to say it's not for the faint of heart. It's a bloody movie about the hardcore "ninja ways" and persistently focuses on the clan/family mentality.

chichai_hana at hotmail dot com