Today I’m thrilled to host a stop for Tangled Souls Tour, organized by Dark World Books!
It’s not every day that you get to interview someone who’s also a friend of yours so, let me say how thrilled I am to have you here, Jana! I know you’re excited for another (imminent) trip in the UK, is everything ready?
Everything is in place. I’m counting the days and it’s really not that far away now. This is like my tenth or eleventh trip “over the pond” (I’ve lost count), but it’s still always an adventure.
Your schedule is always very busy, how do you manage the writing with all your other commitments?
You know, I wonder that myself. This year I will have attended ten conventions plus other events, some of which were on two different continents. It’s been pretty insane, but a lot of fun. Fortunately, I can write just about anywhere, including on trains and planes and in whatever hotel room I’m in at the moment. I’m hoping next year will be a bit more sane.
People best know you for your YA series, The Demon Trappers. What should they expect in this more adult context?
Because I write young adult books, I had to ensure that Tangled Souls was not too hot and heavy with sexual content. It is, at its core, a love story between two lonely people who finally find the soul mate they’ve been looking for all these years. Add in a dash of the paranormal and a mystery and that’s Gavenia and O’Fallon’s story.
Tangled Souls has been in the making for ten years. What made you decide to publish it now?
The book was in great shape, it just needed an editor to clean it up and so I decided it was time. I had about a year in between the Demon Trappers Series and Briar Rose, so it worked out just perfect.
What’s the best memory you have while working on the story?
When I received the editorial comments and knew I had the chance to make this book even better with her input. That’s a great feeling.
Did you get any help with Celtic goddesses and Irish folklore researches?
I did. My freelance editor (Kathryn Hinds) is an expert in that area so she kept me firmly on track when I discussing either St Brigid or the goddess Brigit. She also helped me with some of the Irish phrases, locations, etc. She is a wonderfully knowledgeable lady and a dear friend.
Besides their abilities/gifts, what would you say it is that makes Gavenia and Doug so special?
They’re both romantics at heart and once they get past their insecurities, they have a chance for a future together. It’s just getting past those defensive walls that’s the hardest thing for them.
I must say, I have a soft spot for Seamus, the parrot in the story. Where did he come from?
He just wrote himself in. And what a character he is! I really love Seamus because he just says what he’s thinking. He’s also Doug’s best friend who has helped him survive some really rough times. As long as you keep that bird in blueberries, he’s in fine form.
Will we read other Paranormal Romances from you in the future?
There is a companion book to Tangled Souls, which is Ariana’s story. The manuscript is written but needs a lot of polish. I’m hoping to have it out sometime late next year, depending on other publisher-contracted work that might come my way. That story will start in L.A. and then move to Avebury, England, home of a very ancient stone circle. And a couple ley lines.
Fancy to close the interview with an Irish phrase?
Tá m’árthach foluaineach lán d’eascanna.
My hovercraft is full of eels. (I just couldn’t resist this one!) 🙂
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TANGLED SOULS by Jana Oliver
Click on the cover to read my review!
Wiccan Gavenia Kingsgrave’s psychic gift, the ability to talk to the dead, comes with strings attached. As a Shepherd, she escorts them into the hereafter, but not all the souls want to cross over, and some can be downright vicious. When her latest case involves a heart-breaking hit-and-run victim, Gavenia is stressed to the max. The last thing she needs is a no-nonsense private detective on her tail, even if he is a handsome Irishman. Former homicide detective Douglas O’Fallon possesses his own psychic gift, one he’s denied for years. Hired by a wealthy client to prove that Gavenia’s a con artist, he is skeptical of the witch’s claims she can speak to the dead. If he finds her gift is genuine, then he will be forced to accept his own. When their two cases intersect, opposites attract. But will they be able to set their differences aside long enough to outwit their foes–both the living and the dead?
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Jana Oliver has the perfect job—she listens to the voices in her head and then writes their stories. Her latest creation, BRIAR ROSE, is a dark steampunk retelling of Sleeping Beauty, complete with Hoodoo, a vengeful Civil War ghost, and metal magic (Sept. 2013 Macmillan Children’s Books). In Jana’s young adult DEMON TRAPPERS Series, Riley Blackthorne, Atlanta’s first girl Demon Trapper, takes on a host of Hellspawn and their diabolical masters. This award-winning series has spread across the globe, with editions in ten countries. Jana’s foray into time travel and alternate history resulted in the Time Rovers Series. Set in 1888 London, the series deftly blends time travel, shape-shifters and Jack the Ripper. The trilogy received twelve awards, including the Prism Award for Time Travel and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. When she’s not daydreaming, she can be found savoring a growing collection of single malt scotch and old books. Visitors are always welcome at her website: www.JanaOliver.com
Here’s what you could win:
- GRAND PRIZE: Anam Cara (Soul Friend) stainless steel cuff + a printed copy of Tangled Souls;
- 2 printed copies of Tangled Souls;
- 2 eBook copies of Tangled Souls.
What are you waiting for? Fill the Rafflecopter form below and good luck everyone! 🙂
I have to admit the Celtic lore was one of the best parts to research. I've never been to Ireland, but it's definitely on my "Must Go There" list now.
Great interview! I loved this book and I'm looking forward to my stop! And hands up who adores Seamus… 🙂
Good luck, Linsey! 🙂
Wow. I saw your amazing review and love the sounds of this series. And amazing interview. 🙂 Thank you!
Thanks Melissa! I'm very happy you enjoyed both and good luck with the giveaway! 🙂
Wonderful interview Silvia and I love the Celtic lore that went in to this.
My hands are up and I can't wait for your stop! 😉
I've never been to Ireland either and I definitely must remedy to that, especially when I'm so close to it, huh? I'm too fascinated by the Irish folklore to not go at least once in my life.
Thanks Sylvia… Great giveaway :0)