Friday, June 1, 2012

Q&A with Jennifer Estep... and Giveaway!


B&T: How did you come up with the idea to combine the mythology in the Mythos Academy books?

JE: I’ve always loved mythology and all the stories of all the gods, goddesses, warriors, creatures, and more battling each other and going on these epic quests. I like reading mythology and mythology-based stories, but it seems like most of them only focus on one type of mythology. So I thought it would be fun to make the Mythos Academy books a little more open-ended and include all types of mythology. There’s a lot of Greek and Norse mythology in the books, but I also try to include bits and pieces of other mythologies too.

B&T: How did you come up with the idea of Vic?

JE: Well, since Gwen goes to a school for warriors, I thought she should have some sort of weapon. Somewhere along the way, I thought it would be interesting if the weapon could talk and could be another character in the story – one who was a little bloodthirsty (he is a sword, after all). So that was sort of the beginning of Vic, Gwen’s talking sword. Readers really seem to like his character and his snarky comments, and I’ve had a lot of fun writing him.

B&T: I just love Vic! He's my fave sword! ;D

B&T: Within the idea of a 6 word story, explain the Mythos Academy books.

JE: Myths, magic, monsters, warrior whiz kids.

B&T: Do you have any more ideas for YA books in the future?

JE: I have a couple of ideas for new urban fantasy series that I am mulling over. I’m not sure if they’ll be YA series or not, although I’d certainly like to write more YA books. Right now, I’m pretty busy writing my Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy series, so we’ll see what happens.

B&T: I would love a new series, but I also love to have more of the Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy books!

B&T: For fans of your work, like me, what is going to be published next?

JE: DARK FROST, the third Mythos Academy book, was published on May 29. CRIMSON FROST, the fourth book, will be out in January 2013.

Also, WIDOW’S WEB, the seventh Elemental Assassin book, will be out on Aug. 21. Folks can visit my website at www.jenniferestep.com for excerpts and more information about my books. Happy reading!

B&T: Sweet!!
Giveaway!
Jennifer is giving away a pb copy of her newest Mythos Academy series book, Dark Frost to one lucky US winner (or with a US addy)! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

46 comments:

  1. WOOT WOOT! More E.A. though I am 2 books behind (I am not sure how that happened either *sigh*)

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  2. As a big fan of mythology this sounds like a winner to me. Good luck all who enter your giveaway.

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  3. I love all Jennifer Estep books and can't wait to read more! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  4. Felicia -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Elemental Assassin series.

    Petty -- Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.

    Cait045 -- Thanks! I appreciate all the nice words about my books.

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  5. I'm really enjoying the first book right now so this is sounding like a really fun series!

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  6. I love both series --bring it on
    elements,cooking, mobsters, and assassins--gotta love Gin Blanco
    audie(at)wickerness(dot)com

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  7. Julie -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the first book.

    Audra -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying my books.

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  8. Love her books so much! I would love yet another series to pine for, but I'm also completely satisfied with the two she has going now. My love for Owen, Gin, Logan, and Gwen runs deep:):)

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  9. great interview! I've just received the book and I can't wait to get into it. thanks for the post.

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  10. I love this series! Loved the interview. I am so looking forward for the next book!!!

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  11. I just reviewed Dark Frost on Monday. I am surprised at how quickly I have fallen in love with this series. It is so fun. Love Vic and the Fenrir Wolf and Grandma Frost and all those yummy foods she makes. Reading the books make me hungry. I want to know why Jennifer always posts her pic sideways?

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  12. Jenny -- Thanks! I appreciate all the nice words about my books.

    Melliane -- Thanks! Glad you liked the interview.

    Savannah -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the series.

    Heidi -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the series. Although I'm not sure what you mean about the picture?

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  13. I love Vic too! Dark Frost was my favourite book of Mythos so far - and I can't wait for Crimson Frost. January feels like a very long time away! However, I haven't read the Elemental Assassin series yet so maybe that will keep me busy til then! :-)

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  14. Love this series and really looking forward to getting my hand on a copy of Dark Frost! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  15. I haven't read any of these, but they sound great. Thanks for the interview. A talking sword?! Now that's interesting!

    -Lauren

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  16. Really looking forward to the next one in the series. Really enjoying it so far.

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  17. I love mythology, especially Greek mythology. What is your favorite Greek god or goddess.

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  18. Mel -- Thanks! I appreciate all the nice words about my books. There are several free short stories on the Excerpts page of my website if you want to get a feel for the Elemental Assassin series.

    Ntzee -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the series.

    Lauren -- Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the books.

    Vivien -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the series.

    Lisa -- Thanks! I like the myth of Psyche and Cupid.

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  19. So happy to see a new book in the Mythos Academy series released. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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  20. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope I win. Big bucks no whammies!!!!

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  21. Barbara -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the series.

    Heather -- Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.

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  22. I love Vic! I love how a sword kind of took on a life of it's own. Love these books so far and can't wait to read Dark Frost!

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  23. I absolutely adore the Mythos Academy series. I have been gobbling them up as soon as they are published. I can't wait to see what happens in Crimson Frost.

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  24. Thanks for the lovely post and giveaway! I'm *dying* to read this series! :)

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  25. I love the idea for Vic! And fun to know that JE is considering other idea, even though she has her hands quite full. :)

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  26. Great interview! I just ordered the first book in the series & I can't wait to read it! It sounds really awesome. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  27. Hey Jennifer don't know you remember but my stepdad is now all caught up with the Elemental Assassin series while I'm not...darn my niceness by letting him read them first!

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  28. I do love to write something and use a lot of mythology :D That would just be so fun

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  29. I MUST start one of her series since you enjoy them so much. Time, I need more time, I tell you!!!

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  30. Candace -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the books.

    Lisa -- Thanks! I appreciate all the nice words about the series.

    Erin -- Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the books.

    Missie -- Thanks! Glad you liked the interview.

    Steph -- Thanks! Glad you liked the interview, and I hope you enjoy the book.

    Lynnette -- Thanks! Glad you and your stepdad are enjoying my Elemental Assassin series.

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  31. Blodeuedd -- Thanks! It has been fun writing the series.

    Stephanie -- Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out my books.

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  32. Hi Jennifer. I would so love to win this book. Sadly my library does not have this series, so I ended up having a friend swap the first book with me. I so look forward to reading the series. I have heard some wonderful reviews.

    - Beckie @ Bittersweet Enchantment

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  33. Interesting interview! And I'm just in love with the Frost series... I can't get enough!

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  34. this series sounds so good! can't wait to get a chance to read them!

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  35. I'm really looking forward to reading Dark Frost. The first two books were fun reads.

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  36. Becky -- Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.

    Fourheadjen -- Thanks! I appreciate all the nice words about my books.

    Carrie -- Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the books.

    Cheryl -- Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the series.

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  37. Jennifer...you're amazing. I adore your Elemental Assassin series and the Mythos as well. :D Please keep writing!!

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  38. I have heard nothing but amazing thing about Estep's writing, so she will definitely be near the top of my TBR list!

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  39. Now, you know I need this series. I love the mythology take here, or the sounds of that take as I still need to start it. *sigh* but sounds amazing, and if you love it...well... ;D Thank you!!

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  40. Have not read this series yet but would love to and can't wait!

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  41. If your house suddenly caught on fire and you could only save three things, what would you take?

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  42. Gwen is a gypsy
    Her weapon is just nifty
    Pschyometry is her skill
    And Logan is her thrill
    If she makes it through a year
    Without a reaper to spear
    It wouldn't be the same
    And her story would be lame (like this poem)

    That's all I got!

    Heather

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  43. i love this book a swaggarific combo of
    mystery
    sassy talk
    romance
    and action
    cant wait to get my hands on this book

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  44. Thanks for the lovely interview! I really enjoy your books Jennifer. and I do not read that many YA.

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  45. What wonderful books! I love all of their covers :D

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  46. This series is definitely addicting. I love the non-stop action that Estep is known for in her books. She throws in some intense scenes and some heart-breaking moments. Another aspect I love about Estep's writing is that her characters are always growing. In this book Gwen and Logan's relationship and personal lives grow and Gwen's best friend, Daphne, starts to come into her own also. Even though some parts of the book were predictable, Dark Frost will captivate any YA reader that loves Greek mythology.

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