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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Author Interview & Contest with Marlene Perez

I am a big fan of author Marlene Perez's Paranormal YA series about the Giordano sisters. So when I had the chance to read the newest edition to the series back in May I couldn't refuse!

Dead is just a Rumor is finally due out tomorrow and if you have been following the series then you need to go and get this one! If you haven't been reading then I can highly recommend the books!

However if you want to try your luck...read the interview and then enter the contest and maybe you will win a complete collection of the series! Or just a copy of the new release...actually Marlene is giving away quite a few copies! Check out the contest details below!

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

Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you here as
a guest! Could you start things off by telling us a little about your Nightshade Series?

Marlene - The DEAD IS series is about three teen psychic sisters who solve paranormal mysteries in Nightshade, California. There will be a total of five books in the series.

Amber - The newest installment, Dead Is Just A Rumour, is just out. What can readers expect from the new book?

Marlene - I hope they can expect more of what they liked about the first 3 books in the series. Dead is Just A Rumor takes place during Daisy's senior year at Nightshade High. And someone is being blackmailed. There's a nice book trailer, which can be viewed here. Nowicki Productions created it and I think they did a great job!

Amber - Daisy has had a lot of paranormal adventures so far. How do you decide what to throw at her in each book?

Marlene - My procress is always a little bit of a mystery to me. I've always known what song I wanted to end the series with, but getting to the end has its challenges. I love that Nightshade is full of possibilities. Titles are really important to me and think that a title should represent the essence of the book, so my titles actually help me focus on what's going to happen in that particular book. And I love to shake things up by introducing a new paranmoral creature so if I have a chance to add something or someone new into the mix, I go for it.

Amber - How do you pick the names for your characters? Do they have any special meanings?

Marlene - I think a character's name is very important. I always go to those baby namer sites/books to see what each name means. But Daisy, Rose, and Poppy were obviously named afer flowers. I read somewhere a long time ago that there is an actor whose sisters are all named after flowers and I thought that was really cool.

Amber - What kind of research have you done for your books? Anything interesting or is the research boring?

Marlene - Research is never boring. I am fascinated with it. I research everything, like what a real high school schedule looks like, recipes for Daisy to cook, and stuff I have no clue about, like football. I also like to find photos in magazines of houses, dresses, people, etc.

Amber - There has been quite a lot of Paranormal TV series and Films to hit the screens lately. Why do you think that is? Would you like to see Nightshade come to life in the same way?

Marlene - I think it's great. I think part of it is cyclical. I was on a panel last year at Comic Con with a bunch of writers of paranormal fiction and a couple of us mentioned DARK SHADOWS as an influence. That was on television in the 70s and before that, there was TWILIGHT ZONE. The Anne Rice VAMPIRE LESTAT books came out in the 80s. It's been around for a long time and its popularity ebbs and flows, but I don't think it will ever disappear entirely.

If it's paranormal, I'm in. I usually don't get to see a movie until it's released on dvd though. And I am a little bit of a wimp when it comes to scary movies. I'm hoping Nightshade comes to life on the Disney Channel! They recently optioned the first three books in the series.

Amber - Will there be more books in the series? How long would you like to see things continue for Daisy? Do you see an end in sight?

Marlene -The 5th book, DEAD IS NOT AN OPTION, is the last book in the DEAD IS series. I'd actually love to catch up with Daisy and Ryan and the whole Giordano family a few years from now. I love Daisy so much that it's hard to let her go! I'd also like to work on a spin-off of the DEAD IS series with one of the characters in DEAD IS.

Amber - I know you have written more books. Are you working on any other projects you would like to tell us about?

Marlene - I always have more ideas than time. Right now, I'm working on a stand-alone novel that's a little bit different for me. And an idea for a teen paranormal trilogy.

Amber - There are alot of online sites taking up peoples time lately. Are you on Facebook or any other sites? Do you think the sites are useful or do they just take up too much of your time?

Marlene - I am on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I think onlines sites are useful, if you don't procrastinate the day away there. I set daily writing goals and try to make sure I get the words in before I play. That doesn't always happen of course. Writing can be a lonely profession. I try to get together with other writers for coffee or lunch. But a social networking site like Facebook is my office watercooler. That's how I stay in touch. I also just started a community page called Welcome to Nightshade for DEAD IS readers, in the hope that I could connect directly with my readers there.

Amber - What are you listening and watching lately? Is there any music or other media that influences your writing?

Marlene - I am positively addicted to Glee. I'm kind of a geeky fangirl about some things. I'd watch anything Neil Patrick Harris is in. Or anything that Joss Whedon does. I love TRUE BLOOD and read all the Sookie Stackhouse books. I'm really into music and just discovered Joe Bonamassa's music. And Codeine Velvet Club. Certain paintings can influence my writing. Reading is one of my favorite things to do, but I try to read outside my genre when I'm writing. So if I'm writing a teen paranormal, I read adult contemporary fiction. Or a biography.

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

Marlene - Hmm. My answer changes on this one all the time. I'd kind of like to be one of my characters in the DEAD IS series. I can't say WHO because you don't find this out until book five. So how about if I say I'd like to be a woman warrior with special powers? Someone strong and sassy. And I kind of think the ability to cook, to REALLY cook, is kind of a superpower. One I do not have. So I'd like to be like Daisy and be able to cook. Sadly, my husband is the chef in the family.

Amber - Thank you for being a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog! I hope you will come back again sometime!




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

Contest Time

Marlene is being very generous and is giving away 7 books altogether! One winner will get a signed copy of all 4 books and three other lucky people will get signed copies of DEAD IS JUST A RUMOR (Sorry only open to US and Canada!)

How To Enter

What are you addicted to?

No addiction = No Entry

Earn more entries for each link you place about this contest on the net. You can post on Facebook, Twitter & MySpace but make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries! However please do not make individual postings for each entry. Please post all your entries in one post.

Advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog on your site and get an extra entry for this and every other contest!

Amberkatze's Book Blog

↑ Grab this Headline Animator



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.

Make sure you post your links here so I can confirm your entries.

Keep the contests going by using the Bookdepository.com links/Banners below and around the site!

The Book Depository


The contest will stay open until Sunday 29th of August 2010 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.

88 comments:

ang said...

What am I addicted to... reading Paranormal books! Right now I'm on a Kim Harrison kick.

Thanks for the contest!
Angie
angeila (at) cox (dot) net

Audra said...

I am addicted to Chocolate and tv shows on USA network

chey said...

This series sounds fantastic!
I'm addicted to reading. I can give up coffee, I can give up chocolate, but I can't give up books.

shaunesay said...

Thanks for visiting us Marlene, and thank you also for the contest! I've read the first three in the series so far and am looking forward to what the gang gets into next!

I'm addicted to a lot of things sadly... reading, geocaching, bookcrossing, Nutter Butter Dipped Delight Bars (heehee! they're only diet if you don't eat the whole box, darn it!) Farmville on Facebook, I know there's more, but we don't have enough space! ;) Thanks again!

Barbara E. said...

I'm sure this will be a common answer, but I'm addicted to books. I have 8 bookshelves in my house, and I desperately need more. Also, I'm addicted to Emerald's Dark Cocoa Roast Almonds, they're so yummy.

Karen W. said...

Thanks for the interview! I enjoy your books, Marlene.

I'm addicted to books in general (urban fantasy in particular), chocolate, sci-fi/fantasy TV, and anything Joss Whedon does. :)

Martha Lawson said...

Oh these books sound great!! I'd love to be entered to win some of them.

My addiction? Buying and reading books!

I follow on gfc

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Ladytink_534 said...

I want to read these so bad!

Cupcakes, reading, and the internet

Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kimberly B. said...

I'm definitely addicted to books. I have a tiny little apartment, but I still keep collecting them!
And I'm also addicted to jewelry. In fact, my mom accused me of getting three holes in my ears so I could wear more of it!
Thanks for the great giveaway! I've read the first two books in the series, and it's a lot of fun!

debbie said...

I am,of course, addicted to reading. But I also have an unusual hobby that is an addiction. I follow the flu, and study pandemics.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Sue Brandes said...

I am addicted to chocolate, coffee, and True Blood. Thank you for the giveaway.
Sue B
stevebrandes(at)gmail(dot)com

SandyG265 said...

Besides reading, I'm addicted to chocolate.

sgiden AT verizon.net

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

Thank you for the interview and the contest.

I have three addictions - books, chocolate and riding our Harley. All of them help me leave reality behind for a bit.

cheleooc at yahoo dot com

Christa said...

Right now? LOST. My husband and I just got netflix (and were poor college kids who couldn't get cable) so we're watching as much LOST as possible! Normally, though, I like to keep my addictions to things like reading, breathing and the occasional yummy dark chocolate! : )

Thanks for the giveaway.
Tweeted. https://twitter.com/wordsrollon/status/21910549505

ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

Julie S said...

Great interview and contest. I'm addicted to collecting books hehe.

juliecookies(at)gmail.com

Aik said...

I'm addicted to books and chocolates!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

tetewa said...

I'm addicted to Supernatural and Cafe World on Facebook! tWarner419@aol.com

E.J. Stevens said...

I'm addicted to reading, however that is fairly obvious. lol! I am also addicted to peanut butter, but that is my shameful secret. I probably shouldn't share it here, but if I see an open jar of peanut butter I have to grab a spoon. I just can't help myself. ;P

Thanks for the fab contest!
xx,
E.J
From the Shadows

e.j.stevens.author[at]gmail[dot]com

D Q said...

I am addicted to books. I love to read. I'm also addicted to rubber stamps and crafting.

Unknown said...

I am addicted to books. I love buying books and reading them. That is my favorite thing to do. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Laurie T said...

What am I addicted to? Hm, reading books (especially YA), making playlist to write my WIPs with, watching anime and Goobers:)

Thanks for a wonderful interview!

Laurie
readergirls(at)gmail(dot)com

Danetteb said...

I went to your first two books like they were Godiva chocolate :) Daisy is a fun character to follow.

My addiction is bookstores,I try to go in for a minute and come out hours later.

Hugs, Danette

Van Pham said...

I'm addicted to books, candy, tv and the internet haha.


Thanks for the contest!

Van
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am addicted to books, the Internet, bad food, and superheroes.

-Michelle, wookieecookie7 at sbcglobal dot net

Eternal Night said...

I'm addicted to books (of course), and two TV shows. True Blood and The Vampire Diaries. They all rock. Thanks for hosting this contest.

~Kassandra
EternalNight06@gmail.com

Terri Dell said...

Books, the internet and Diet Pepsi

Lucky's Luna said...

I'm addicted to sweets and french fries, I have to eat them! I'm addicted to my laptop, must always be on it! >_<

luckysluna(at)yahoo(dot)com

lyan said...

I'm addicted to CHOCOLATE (cannot live without it!!)

Extra Entries:
Tweeted about contest (twitter.com/lyanm)
Sent 3 of my friends an email
(qbanchic@hotmail.com)

Please i really want these books! It's my favorite series!!

Denise S. said...

I'm addicted to sugar and reading!
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

mindy said...

shopping very bad habit thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

Kayla :) said...

I'm addicted to ..... reading and chocolate. A deadly combination. ;)

doreen lamoureux said...

I'm addicted to baths. Bubble, mudd, algae, steam or anything baths.

dorcontest at gmail dot com

doreen lamoureux said...

I shared on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000384250939

dorcontest at gmail dot com

doreen lamoureux said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/DoreenRiopel/status/21958656921

dorcontest at gmail dot com

Stephanie said...

I'm addicted to reading, listening to my ipod, and the internet.

Skk25@aol.com

donnas said...

Diet Coke and Books. One starts my day and one finishes it.

link - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2010/08/contest-links-for-823.html
sidebar - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
tweet -http://twitter.com/DonnaS1/statuses/21966135240

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Read for your future! said...

I am addicted to food. i think about it, I love the smells and the flavor. Yep Im hooked. Thank god i had gastric bypass. Please enter me in your contest.
chaarmedone1512@aol.com

Read for your future! said...

i posted on twitter
http://twitter.com/Lora1967

Ellie Wright said...

I'm addicted to the internet and sweet iced tea.
eswright18 at gmail.com

Chris J. said...

Great blog and I love the story line for your books. From what I read here and descriptions of them, they would be good for a 13 yr old right? I am always looking for books me and my daughter can share.
As to the question, what am I addicted to...Books and coffee. I declare they go hand in hand. hehe. Plus gees I need the kick start in the mornings for my brain. :)

Amber I answered question and forwarded to friends and cc'd you. Thanks for a awesome contest!

Anonymous said...

I'm addicted to HGTV and all the shows on it. I love that channel!

Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com

Pat said...

I am so addicted to paranormal fiction - I've been reading it pretty solid for the last 2 years and just can't get enough

krstrpp said...

I'm addicted to buying more books than I can possibly read in a lifetime! Thanks for the chance to add some to the "to read pile" -- although these would go to the top of the pile should I be so lucky!(krstrpp at hotmail dot com)

Misusedinnocence said...

Theatre. I live and breathe it.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I am addicted to chocolates and sweets, watching 30 Rock, The Office, and 30 Rock, and spending time with my family.

parca650@yahoo.com

littlelatina said...

sounds like a fun read

Curling up by the Fire said...

I am addicted to chocolate, sunflower seeds, and books. I try to stay away from bookstores and libraries as I never seem to be able to walk away without a book.

californiameaghan said...

coffe, reading, trash tv, twitter. none of those are bad things, but in the quantity i consume them it can'tbe healthy! :)

meaghan_koci (at) yahoo (dot) com

A'lina said...

Awesome contest! I'm addicted to books, of course! And the internet, especially book blogs!

linaramz at yahoo dot com

SiNn said...

humm theres along list


pepsi
cherry pop tarts
my better half
books
book swag
markers and cryons
paper
video games
list could go on and on

tawndam said...

chocolate!

Anonymous said...

This series looks great :)! I've not got a chance to read any of the books yet but they are all on my wishlist.

I am addicted to: reading, cheesecake, gadgets, and facebook games!

tweeted-
http://twitter.com/pams00/status/22275880704

Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com

Andra Lyn said...

I am rather ashamed to say that I am addicted to many things. Paranormal Books for one...I am never not reading one. I am also addicted to chocolate covered cashews, hot boys, and pretty dresses. I feel bad for my friends who take me shopping because I always stay forever in stores and buy tons of dresses ahah

hense1kk@cmich.edu

StyleVamp said...

My addiction is really good books, urban fantasies that have great series. Such is the case with the Dead series, it's Nancy Drew with a bit of sci fi....

add that with a cup of hazelnut coffe and I'm in heaven..

Susan said...

paranormal books are always great to read! I would love to read this! suelee1998 @gmail.com

Rhonda said...

I am addicted to mysteries. Once I tasted Nancy Drew, moved on to Agatha and then no stopping me.
I wouldlove to read this book.

rhondastruthers at yahoo.ca

Unknown said...

I'm addicted to books.

Mardel said...

Books - definitely - my addiction is to books. Mainly urban fantasy books, though I do occasionally read something else, like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series or a good hard science fiction book.

My summer addiction is to Dreyer's frozen Strawberry fruit bars. They are the best ever frozen fruit bar - so tasty, sweet and strawberrish - love'em

Unknown said...

I'm addicted to the internet - LOL If its not available (even if I don't need to use it), I can start to feel the withdrawals - LOL
janicecrespo@gmail.com

Tara W said...

I am addicted to...
the internet
reading books
watching sports and horror movies
soda

mizztuts AT bellsouth DOT net

hbbs55 said...

I am addicted to the tv show 'so you think you can dance' lol.

hbbs55 said...

tweeted
https://twitter.com/hbbs55/status/22370756745

Melissa B. said...

I am addicted to chocolate.

Mary said...

I'm addicted to two things: books and Starbucks.

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

AEKZ2 said...

I'm addicted to checking my emails, books, and finding bargains.

MannaB said...

I am addicted to checking my email and google reader.

crazypplrok@gmail.com

Meredith said...

Chocolate, book blogs, and reading.

meredithfl at gmail dot com

wildcat32 said...

I am addicted to coffee and a really good mystery book.
monster6236 at gmail dot com

SalanderServant said...

I'm addicted to books. Like, hopelessly.

+1 Tweeted here. http://twitter.com/Fatally_Flayed/status/22397207796

+1 FB walled it here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/SalanderServant?v=wall&story_fbid=123882674327566

Louis H said...

red wine and a great gothic novel

Louis H said...

here is my tweet
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/22400936994

Louis H said...

shared
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000492008701&v=wall&story_fbid=151206451572421&ref=mf

liliesrnice said...

chocolate ice cream!

Anonymous said...

I am addicted to books, especially if they involve the paranormal. I also have a guilty pleasure addiction to reality tv! Thanks!
pjgirl74 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

I'm addicted to television. garrettsambo@aol.com

Dawn Reid said...

I am so addicted to books. I am always reading something new and I have read Paranormal also, wonderful.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com

ShesAnAngel said...

I am seriously addicted to the internet and being online, can you tell? Other than that I am addicted to rockin music like The White Stripes, reality tv, and Ian Somerhalder (Damon) from the Vampire Diaries, that guy takes my breath away!!! (NOT kidding!)

I shared on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626965876&v=wall&story_fbid=146033308765009

I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/22426475597


justine417@comcast.net

Deborah Wellenstein said...

I am a post-apocalyptic fiction addict. (!)

Sarah Z said...

My addiction? Diet Mt Dew!
Thanks - Sarah Z
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

Unknown said...

I'm addicted to makeup and perfumes. I have more than I can handle. Also, I have an addiction for sleezy reality shows like Jersey Shore and Bachelor watching them makes me feel less dysfunctional.

All This Silence... said...

I'm addicted to pepperoni and Dexter (the Showtime hit series).

k_sunshine1977 said...

this sounds like a great series....can't wait to start it! what am i addicted to? mt. dew (must start the day with one, or it's all downhill from there), books, and horror movies!

k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com

Pamela S said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pamela S said...

I'm addicted to collecting books and the internet. With the time I spend on both of those, I have little time left to be productive (a major problem of mine). Also addicted to online bargains but that's a whole other subject :)

Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)aol(DOT)com

/\Heather/\ said...

I'm addicted to lots of stuff: the internetz, reading, organization stores, funny socks, singing.

Sharon Schoepe said...

I'm addicted to my children

Read for your future! said...

Im addicted to the internet and books. I do alot of contest. Even have my own blog. Never thought i could do that. Im 43. I would love to read these books.
thanks
chaarmedone1512@aol.com