Judith Graves Blog Tour = Interview + Excerpt

Hi guys! So happy to be a part of this blog tour! Recently, I've discovered a love for werewolf novels. They sound really interesting. I originally planned this to be a post for Spotted. But since it's a Saturday, I might as well post this with a title for the Blog Tour!

I was lucky enough to interview Judith. Here it is:

When did you start writing?


I started writing in my diary when I was in elementary school. Pretty soon I wasn’t just jotting down daily stuff, I was writing poems, song lyrics, cool words or phrases I’d heard that day. I stopped buying those cute lock/key diaries and stocked up on coil notebooks. My writing built into short stories and finally novels.

How long did it take for you to finish the draft of Under My Skin?

UMS was written during my down time between working full time, playing in a folk-rock band and life in general. I finished the first draft in 2004 but worked on the rotten thing for years (and seven drafts). UMS is my first book and it was a learning experience.

What inspired you to start writing Under My Skin?

I’m a glutton for punishment. I wanted to try writing a longer piece of fiction and was too stubborn to give up on Eryn’s story. ;)
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Favorites:

Favorite book?

That changes almost daily. Today, it’s a super cool picture book I just read to a few classes at school….called Tadpole’s Promise (by Jeanne Willis). It’s like Twilight for little people…lol. Now, who says picture books can’t be twisted, gothic and heartbreaking? Read it.

Favorite author?

Today – see above answer. ;)

Favorite movie?

Easy….American Werewolf in London.

Favorite among the characters of UMS?

Not so easy and also changes on a daily basis. Since I just got these super cool “character cards” created for SWAG – I’d have to say Alec. He looks pretty yummy (thanks to Val Cox – the UMS illustrator at www.valcox.ca – she’s got skills).

Favorite scene in UMS?

The bunny blood scene. You’ll have to read the excerpt to get it. ;)
The excerpt can be seen at another stop of the Judith Graves Blog Tour!
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Was there a part of the novel that was hard to write?

Everything but the dialogue was difficult. My first draft was really short and mainly dialogue. Then I went back and added all the other good stuff.

How does your mood affect your writing?

I learned to do the majority of my writing early in the morning before I am alert enough to have a “mood”. I do this, because my mood does affect my writing. It has gotten characters killed wayyyy before their time. ;)

Is it important that you are in an ambience that you like when you write? If yes, why?

My office is a gothic little place. Lots of fake tombstones, black roses, Buffy stuff and coloured glass vials. I can sure set the stage. And the vibe does help me get in the paranormal zone.

Do you listen to music when you write or not? Do you have a specific song in mind?

I always write with my laptop speakers or iPod headphones cranked. It’s gonna make me deaf someday. I’m listening to The Cure by Tegan & Sara right now. Great tune.

Do you write continuously or do you take breaks?

I always plan to take a week or so “off” from my writing routine. And in a way all the promotional stuff I’ve been doing for UMS has forced that upon me. However, I still jot things down on napkins and toilet paper if I have to. ;)

What are you working on now?

I’m editing Second Skin – the next book in the Skinned series. And also plugging away at a contemporary/edgy/quirky YA story that’s very close to my heart.

What tips can you give to aspiring writers (like me) who want to get published in the future?

If you really want to be an author. Don’t say you’re going to write a book/poem/song/story – just get your butt in the chair and do it.

What would you like to say to the people who have read Under My Skin or have included Under My Skin in their wishlists and/or to-be-read piles?

I’m honoured you’d even think of UMS when there are so many stellar titles to choose from. Thank you and I hope it’s moderately entertaining if you get your hands on a copy. ;)

Thanks Judith!

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Under My Skin comes out in March 27, 2010!

Book Description:

All her parents wanted was for Eryn to live a normal life...


The town of Redgrave had had its share of monsters before Eryn moved to town. Mauled pets and missing children. The Delacroix family is taking the blame, but Eryn knows the truth. Something stalks the night. Wade, the police chief's son and Regrave High's resident hottie, warns her the Delacroix are dangerous. But then so is Eryn--in fact, she's lethal.

But Eryn can't help falling for one of the Delacroix boys, dark, brooding, human Alec. And then it all goes bad.

A normal life? That's the real fairytale.


Here's an excerpt of Under My Skin!! Yay!

Wade jumped to his feet, blocking my attempt to pass him. “I don’t think chemistry will be a problem,” he said, a teasing light in his grey eyes.


“Nice line,” I murmured. “Use it often?”

“Never. You’re the one and only. Maybe my one and only.”

“Wow.” I snorted. “The soulmate card. You really think you have girls figured out, don’t you?”

“Girls, yes,” he deadpanned. “You? Now that could take a lifetime. I’m game if you are.”

At eye level, I stared directly at his sculpted lips as they formed the flirtatious words and then slanted into a sexy grin. We stood pressed together for a few glorious seconds. My insides quivered. And tingled. And yeah, he certainly did have big, I-give-good-love-bites teeth.

At least Wade stood a few inches taller than me. A minimum requirement for potential love interests in my book. His presence crowded, demanded a response. We were as close as we could get in public, yet he was too far away. I wanted us to sink into each other. Wade inhaled and his chest rose, pushing against mine. I shivered at the curl of sensations winding around me, binding me, making me lean against him.

I really liked the line in bold! Wade is so confident. Almost cocky. Love the attitude! Thank you for the excerpt! :) Love it. Makes me wanna pre-order UMS, if I can.