Book Lovers Inc.
Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
Interview Author Vicki Pettersson + Giveaway
Filed in Giveaways , Interview , The Geeky Lover , Vicki Pettersson Posted on May 31, 2011 @ 6:00 am
35 comments
We are so happy to welcome urban fantasy author Vicki Pettersson here at Book Lovers Inc again. I’m a huge fan of her Signs of the Zodiac series and today is the release day of the final installment, The Neon Graveyard
(my review can be found here). I’m in love with her books and the world she created. Please give Vicki a warm welcome and be sure to check out the wonderful giveaway she brought along.
(my review can be found here). I’m in love with her books and the world she created. Please give Vicki a warm welcome and be sure to check out the wonderful giveaway she brought along.BLI: Hey Vicki, it’s so great to have you here at Book Lovers Inc again. I know we already asked this the last but for all the new readers- can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Vicki: I was born and raised in Las Vegas, which means that like all Vegans of a certain age, I consider myself a small town girl from a dusty boomtown. I had no idea I could write novels until I sat down and actually did so, and my first series is now concluded with the publication of THE NEON GRAVEYARD. I’m still writing, though, which is a good thing as I’m qualified for absolutely nothing else.
BLI: How or when did you discover the paranormal/fantasy genre? Did you always enjoy reading these kind of novels?
Vicki: I had read it, but not exclusively. I’ll read anything as long as it’s good, though I sometimes get hooked on certain authors and genres, reading exclusively within them for long periods of time. I did this with fantasy as a child, and rediscovered it as an adult – but I’ve also gotten sucked into a historical fiction vortex, along with crime fiction and romance. Like I said, anything as long as it’s good.
BLI: Can you tell us a bit more about the world you created in your Signs of the Zodiac series and what makes it unique?
Vicki: Well, the supernatural angle is definitely distinct. Vampires, witches and werewolves tend to be the most popular supernatural creatures in the UF genre, but they’d been done so well by so many other writers that I didn’t feel I had anything to add there. I’d like to say that I cleverly chose superheroes instead, but I didn’t. They chose me. A character popped up early in THE SCENT OF SHADOWS and blurted out he was a superhero. At this point I wasn’t writing it for anyone but me, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ I hadn’t actually read any superheroes in prose, even though at the time it was all the rage in movies and, of course, graphic novels.
BLI: I recently read your novel about Skamar in Dark and Stormy Knights. Do you plan to write more about her?
Vicki: Without giving anything away, Skamar’s story was fairly well put to bed in the series’ fifth book, CHEAT THE GRAVE. With the series concluding this month, I don’t foresee writing any new stories in this world, but never say never, right?
BLI: The final installment of your Signs of the Zodiac series, book 6 will be released on May 31 (that’s TODAY wooot, can you tell us what we can expect of The Neon Graveyard?
Vicki: Well, I have an extremely passionate protagonist who is ready to fight for the life she wants, so expect a fast-paced series finale with lots of gritty fight scenes in Las Vegas’ supernatural underbelly. There’s also a conclusive ending to questions that have been haunting Joanna Archer – and the reader – from the very beginning.
BLI: Could you introduce your heroine Joanna Archer to those who are not die hard fans of your series yet? 🙂
Vicki: Joanna Archer is a woman who is unexpectedly thrust into a paranormal underworld where good and evil are literally in a fight to the death. Though once treated as the prophesied savior in this world, she was alternately treated as a pawn, and has had to determine for herself who is good, and who is truly evil. She’s also an incredibly strong woman physically and emotionally, yet she’s not perfect. She makes mistakes, throws fits, has to apologize or fix things, but all of that makes her moments of tenderness and vulnerability that much more profound.
BLI: Joanna lived through some rough times in her life (I know the understatement of the year *wink*). In The Neon Graveyard we meet a very changed woman- she seems stronger, resilient but also touchable and more caring. In retrospect- which experience or book did change her the most and why?
Vicki: Hands down, it was the fourth book, CITY OF SOULS. That’s when the series took a distinct U-Turn away from the dominant external conflict, and turned into a devastating emotional battle. The reader reaction to that book was outstanding because the emotional highs and lows were so keenly felt. From that book on I knew exactly when and where the series would end.
BLI: How did it feel for you as a writer to see her grow?
Vicki: Some series’ have protagonists that remain much the same from one book to another, but I couldn’t write Joanna as a static character. Her personal evolution was fascinating to me, and though she’s been forever changed by the events in these books – she’s certainly not the same person in the last book as the first – she is still willing to fight for her happiness … or at least her right to it. I admire that sort of strength.
BLI: Which 4 characteristics should a perfect hero have? And does Hunter fit that bill?
Vicki: Is it surprising that I don’t think heroes should be perfect? I think they should be flawed, yet uniquely able to consciously overcome those flaws. Thus, a strong moral code is a good start, perseverance, physical and emotional strength, and the willingness to stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves. Oddly, I think this describes both Hunter and Joanna … which makes their connection so unique.
BLI: The new faction in your supernatural world is getting even stronger and important in The Neon Graveyard. I was so in love with your Grays- I loved Carlos, he’s just to nice to not love and I also have a little soft spot for Kai- he made me laugh so much. Can you tell us a bit more about the Grays? Do you have a favorite?
Vicki: The grays evolved over the course of the series. I had a throw-away line about them in THE SCENT OF SHADOWS that I kept going back to because I couldn’t see how these rogue agents could exist in the valley without having a impact on the fight between Shadow and Light. So I asked myself all of the ‘What if?’ questions, and Carlos and company emerged. And like you, I think Carlos is my favorite. He might even be the most representative of ‘good’ or ‘Light’ in the whole of the series.
BLI: In The Neon Graveyard we actually have 2 bad guys- the Tulpa and Solange. What do you think makes them different from each other and what do they have in common? Which one do you find more evil?
Vicki: Actually we have three. Warren isn’t exactly a gem by this point, and he’s much more fun to juxtapose against either Solange or the Tulpa because he claims so fiercely to be morally better than them both. And don’t you hate a blowhard? It’s one thing for someone to come right out and say: Yes, this isn’t good and I’m going to do it anyway. It’s quite another when someone claims to be acting for the good while doing something completely awful.
BLI: Now that the Signs of the Zodiac series draws to an end can you tell us what is next on your schedule? What can we be on the lookout for?
Vicki: I’ve just handed in the first book in my new Celestial Blues series. It alternates narratives between Griffin Shaw, a moody fallen* angel/P.I., and a female reporter named Kit Craig, who is full of modern-day rockabilly swagger. Mind, “fallen angel” is a bit of a misnomer … Grif hasn’t fallen as much as he’s been busted, and working with Kit is a by-product of his punishment. The first book in the series, THE TAKEN, comes out next year, so you’ll be hearing more about that very soon.
BLI: Now some mean questions: Please can you summarize The Neon Graveyard for us twitter style (140 characters or less)?
Vicki: Having nothing to lose has made Joanna Archer more dangerous than ever.
BLI: If there was some literary crossover, which character do you think would be BFFs with Joanna?
Vicki: Joanna isn’t a real BFF type, but you know who I’d really love to see her team up with? Her mother, Zoe.
BLI: Which hero and heroine (can be any fictional character from tv/movies/books) would you love to have dinner with?
Vicki: J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas and Roarke. In fact, I take back the above answer. Jo and Eve would totally kick ass together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~
Vicki has generously offered one signed copy of The Neon Graveyard AND a series themed poker chip to one lucky commenter! 
All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment about the interview or ask Vicki a question.
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)
Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open worldwide!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, June 11, 2011; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good luck
Share This Post
Subscribe and stay up-to-date
35 Comments
Join the Discussion
Previous Post
« Explore This! The Auvergne Region, France Next Post
Review: The Neon Graveyard by Vicki Pettersson »
« Explore This! The Auvergne Region, France Next Post
Review: The Neon Graveyard by Vicki Pettersson »
Our Sponsors
Our Giveaways
Unfortunately Google Friend Connect will stop working for non Blogger blogs at the start of March.
To stay up-to-date use one of the other options above to subscribe to the newest Book Lovers Inc. action.Thank you!
| |||||||||
| 5 Stars: Perfect! I Love It! | |||||||||
| 4 Stars: Awesome Book! | |||||||||
| 3 Stars: I Liked It! | |||||||||
| 2 Stars: Not bad, but maybe not for me. | |||||||||
| 1 Star: Didn't like it! Did Not Finish it. | |||||||||
 | | | | | |||||
Blog RSS Feed
Follow Me on Twitter
My Facebook
The Celestial Blues series sounds so good, I can't wait to read The Taken. Thank you so much for the interesting interview and for making this awesome giveaway international! 😀
Giada M.
fabgiada (at) gmail (dot) com
Vicki Pettersson is a new-to-me author as is her work…but I must say, it sounds pretty good. Thanks for the giveaway.
kkhaas at bellsouth dot net
I love finding new authors. These interviews give me a really good background into their books. I will have to add this series to my TBR list now.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Hi Vicky, thanks for stopping by at BLI here :). I never read your books before, but will give it a try. Is your new series The Celestial Blues is urban fantasy too?
BTW, Roarke and Eve is my all time favorite characters!! I'm glad you love both of them too 😀
Thanks for the giveaway
sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com
This is a class A Urban Fantasy series. One of my first recommends to anyone who wants to see what the genre is all about 🙂
Thanks for the great interview! I don't quite agree on the dinner with Eve Dallas and Roarke though 😉 as I never got into JD Robb's books.
This series sounds great but so far I haven't had a chance to read any Signs of the Zodiac books, so this is a wonderful opportunity!
danaan at gmx dot at
I love this series and am so sad to see it end but you did a great job with it, Vicki.
And I agree with your comment on City of Souls, that book had me crying and feeling nauseous by the end of it, I felt so connected to Joanna and I have never had a book effect me that way since.
Looking forward to what have in store for us with Celestial Blues!
folksohana at gmail dot com
You're kind of new to me since I read your story in DARK and STORMY KNIGHTS. Because of my huge TBR pile I haven't added you into the mix yet. After reading this interview things may have to change ;).
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
I love this series and will miss Hunter when the adventure ends. Dark urban fantasy is my favorite genre and I can't wait for her new series.
sarajanedrum AT gmail DOT com
With this series ending (tear) I'm so glad to see that there's already more from this author in the works. I can now exhale.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
Wow I must be under a rock or my bookstore is holding out from me. This is the first that I have seen of this series but to looks and sounds amazing. thank you for the interview! I will surely have to pick a few of these up. I love interviews on blogs, that way I can find new series like this one.
terilhack at gmail dot com
That was a fabulous interview! I really liked seeing all these nice covers. the characters sound right up my alley. I will have to check this series out. I would love to be counted in the giveaway. Thank you for coming on and introducing me to your books.
kasuranna at yahoo dot com
these series are in my to-read list i just got the first three books i can't wait to read them! thanks for the giveaway
lgmorales18@gmail.com
These books sound extraordinary. I cannot wait to get started. *wonders if I have any already*
Superheroes sound great as a change up to the norm!
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I discovered this series last summer & loved it! I just happen to check on Vicki's website today to see if a new book would be coming out soon & was so excited to see it comes out today! I agree with Vicki on the 4th book being so emotional, I was tearing up. Then I began to feel more hope for Joanna at the end of book 5, so I am excited to see what is in store for her in this final book. I have my hopes for how things will work out for her, so we shall see! Thanks for the great series, and I am intrigued by the description of your upsoming series.
Great interview.This series caught my eye when I read a short story in an anthology.
Celestial Blues series sounds great,looking forward to reading that.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Vicki is an new to me author. I am putting her books on my wish list!
kissinoak at frontier dot com
I adore this series!! Still can remember how I came across the book one day at Borders. Picked it up because the cover was wicked awesome and saw quotes from my already fave authors, I barely had the cover description finished before I was making my way to the cash register!!
jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com
Great interview. Sorry to see the Signs of the Zodiac series end, but I'm looking forward to the new Celestial Blues series, it sounds great.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
Hi Vicki!
Thanks for sharing such wonderful information!
I totally agree that hero's should have flaws! one or two that work to make the character more endearing to the reader. Not to mention, flaws make the character(s) easier for the audience to relate to. No one is perfect and a perfect hero would come across as superficial and fake!
Thanks so much for the great giveaway!
Kate (aka YzhaBella's BookShelf)
mleger0546 (AT) rogers (dot) com
I love the poker chip promo idea. I've never seen that before. I haven't read any of this series but it sounds really interesting. Was it a conscience decsion to make the books more internal conflict than external or did the characters just naturally grow that way?
jepebATverizonDOTnet
I loved the way you summed up this last book. I seriously need to get the 4th one read in order to read this one.
Great interview. Interviews are a great way to gain some insight into the Author & their works. Love the chip. Very clever idea.
Hi, Vicki
Your books sound really great. I can't wait to read them. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
I've been to Las Vegas once and loved reading about it again in this series! It's just amazing!!
sstewart2505[at]yahoo[dot]com
That is a really great summary and definitely grabbed my attention!!
Thanks
booksforcompany @ gmail.com
This is a great series. Looking forward to reading The Neon Graveyard.
And Eve and Roarke are two of my favorite characters. They would definitely be great and interesting dinner guests.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I really like it when an author can successfully go from external strife to internal. Oh I so need this book! 🙂
books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com
My sister says this an awesome series and I've read and loved the first book! Totally want to visit this version of Las Vegas! It's an incredible world! I like worlds that can be real with slightly unreal aspects surrounding it!!
stewart[dot]carrie94[at]yahoo[dot]com
Hi Vicki!!! I'm curious, being a Vegas girl, what is your favorite part about living in Vegas?
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
Have loved this series from book one and are really going to miss Joanna.
Have you given any thought to writing a YA series?
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
This sounds like a fantastic series. I have to stop reading blogs! They make my book stack grow and my pocket book shrink!!! Love the poker chip idea, I've never seen it before! Please enter me in the contest for I would LOVE to win. I am an old follower. Thanks for hosting.
bevsharp@desch.org
sounds like an awesome book. thanks for the giveaway!
shadow_kohler@
I never heard about this author before. It´s interesting that she didn´t prefer fantasy genre and now she writes…
and I also love Eve and Roarke I would like to have dinner with them xD or maybe just with Roarke 😉
Thanks for interview and also giveaway 🙂
Rathouska.jana@gmail.com
thank you for this awesome giveaway!!
i always look forward to reading new authors and the celestial blues series sounds good!
i'm looking forward to reading it!
justjanhvi at gmail dot com