Interview & Contest: Jae Lynne Davies's MYTHIC

Joining me today is Jae Lynne Davies, author of Mythic, a brand-new vampire release from Tease Publishing. Jae is offering some fantastic giveaways, so be sure to check out the contest details following her interview.

Mythic Synopsis:

Centuries after the death of her family, human/vampire hybrid, Gianna Marino is determined to shed the blood of the vampire responsible.

Disguising herself as a human wanting to be turned, she infiltrates the enemy’s coven with the hope of bending him to her will and destroying him from the inside.

But when a handsome stranger enters the scene and is lured into their seductive game that results in a heated love triangle, she discovers a secret that blurs the lines between good and evil, forever changing the course of her existence, and destiny will soon determine on which side she’ll stand.
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SUBURBAN VAMPIRE: Welcome, Jae! Tell us about your central character, human/vampire hybrid Gianna Marino.

JAE LYNNE DAVIES:  Thanks, I’m so glad to be here!

So, you want to know about Gianna, eh? I can tell you she’s a kickass heroine with one hell of a problem. Possessing both vampire and human DNA makes her unique in the world, but she has no real sense of belonging. She remains in the shadows, blending in with humans—her more dominant physical trait, because her species was persecuted. If vampires learned of her existence, she’d be executed simply because her blood is tainted with humanity. And if humans discovered her vampire DNA, mass hysteria would ensue.

As a result of her birth, her family was murdered. She vowed vengeance and spent the last two hundred years hunting their killer. She found him. But making him pay for everything he’d taken from her sounded simple.

SV: How would you describe Mythic's vampires? Are they traditional bloodsuckers? A modern interpretation? A little of both?

JLD: I’d definitely say they’re a little of both. My vampires are immortal, irresistible, lack a heartbeat, and require the consumption of blood for sustenance. But, like humans, not all of my vampires are alike. While they all cast a reflection, not all have the traditional weaknesses or enhanced abilities beyond the trademark vampire allure and enhanced physical strength. For example, some of them can walk in sunlight, while others have a deadly allergic reaction.

SV: When and how did you first become a vampire fan?

JLD: Would you believe I remember the exact moment? I was eight years old, at a slumber party, and watched The Lost Boys. I had such a fascination with Kiefer Sutherland’s character, David. That’s when it all began.

SV: Who are your writing influences?

JLD: I have several, and for different reasons. Sherrilyn Kenyon is at the top of my list with her talent for creating an elaborate world so believable, you can envision yourself bumping into her characters on the street.

Joey W. Hill is another influence. It’s a rare occasion when I’m left breathless after reading a scene. Joey has such a unique way with words that is nothing short of pure magic. Her writing style constantly leaves me feeling as though I was standing in the room with her characters, watching the scene unfold and experiencing a full range of emotions. I feel with each novel she can do no wrong and her vision is simply awe inspiring.

Add Larissa Ione to the mix. Her Demonica series was my first trip outside the vampire species to wander into the world of Seminus demons. Her world building is brilliant and her characters are unforgettable. *gulp*

Sharon Page has done a phenomenal job with her blood novels, blending regency romance with the paranormal genres. While I don’t necessarily read regency romance, add vampires, conflict, and a bit of bondage? Sold! She manages to capture attention with the turn of each page.

SV: You wrote in your website's bio, "I’ve always had an affinity for writing of any kind. However, it wasn’t until I lost my beloved grandfather and found myself writing a heartfelt eulogy that my passion awakened." Did you dabble in any fiction writing before that moment?

JLD: Yes, I had dabbled lightly in fiction writing during my early high school years. At first, I wrote screenplays simply because I enjoyed writing. Then, I took creative writing courses thoughout my high school and college careers and would submit the most elaborate assignments. When a professor asked for a ten page original short story, I submitted a notebook.

SV: In addition to writing, you work in the Real Estate and Mortgage industries. Do you feel your experience in those fields helps you with the promotional side of life as an author?

JLD: Absolutely. I feel that my experience working in equally competitive industries led me to some successful pitch sessions with editors and publishers. I think it also aided in my selecting of original promotional products that both current and potential readers will want and remember.

SV: Can you tell us any tidbits about your next book in the Mythic Series, Blood Moon?

JLD: Blood Moon is the story of Dante—a secondary character in my current novel, Mythic.

When word is received of suspicious vampire activity, Gianna Marino heads to Greece, where she discovers Dante—Mattias Vitale’s recently resigned second in command, and a dangerous prophecy.

For Dante Diakos is the last of a pure immortal bloodline—a descendent of the gods, and he intends to invoke the power of the entire pantheon on the eve of the Blood Moon, which occurs once every millennium. If he attains the legendary abilities, he’ll be the most powerful being on earth, and plans for her to rule by his side.

SV: Where can readers learn more about you and Mythic on the web?

JLD: Readers can find me at a variety of locations including:

Website: http://www.jaelynnedavies.com
Twitter: @Jaelynnedavies
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Jae-Lynne-Davies/100001587731488
Email: jaelynnedavies AT gmail.com

SV: Thanks so much for joining me, Jae. Best wishes to you and your books.

JLD: Thanks so much for having me! I had a wonderful time and I’ll be here to reply to comments.

CONTEST RULES:
Jae Lynne Davies has generously offered to give away an ebook copy of Mythic to one winner and a promo packet to another winner. To enter, head to the comments section of this post and answer the following question:

JAE LYNNE DAVIES REMEMBERS THE EXACT MOMENT SHE BECAME A VAMPIRE FAN, THANKS TO KIEFER SUTHERLAND'S DAVID FROM THE LOST BOYS. WHEN DID YOU BECOME A VAMPIRE FAN?

I'll pull two random names from the entries on Monday, April 4, 2011, after 8:00 AM PDT.

Mythic is available to purchase at allromanceebooks.com