Jennifer Rardin, author of the Jaz Parks Books Series has taken the time for a little Q&A with us before book 5 – One More Bite, hits shelves January 5th!For those who have not yet read the Jaz Parks series, could you summarize what these books are all about?
Jaz Parks is the daughter of a Marine and a department store checker who’s grown up to become one of America’s best assassins. Her boss, the vampire Vayl, is a combination mentor/partner who sees her potential even when she’s handing out smartass remarks like a Vegas-trained blackjack dealer. Together they work to rid the world of its most terrifying inhabitants—creatures so far removed from conscience that people have become less than insects to them.
One of the unique things in the Jaz books is all the different names for vampire relationships and politics. How in the world did you come up with all of them?
Like most of the words I invent, they either popped into my head (which is what I prefer) or I began with a root word from some archaic language like Latin and developed it from there.
Book 5 – One More Bite is coming out this upcoming January and I know so many of us are curious about the Jaz-Vayl relationship. Anything you can give away about what goes on between the two in OMB?
Let me just say that there’s a lot of heavy breathing going on during One More Bite—and not all of it takes place after foot chases!
Sounds exciting! I can’t wait! On your website you mention you are a lover of vampire stories, what are some of your favorite vampire books or authors?
I like the early Laurell K. Hamilton (Anita Blake) books as well as Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series. And, of course, no list like this one would be complete without mentioning Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot or Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. I’m also a huge fan of vampire movies. I loved the Blade trilogy and Underworld, as well as Van Helsing, Queen of the Damned, and 30 Days of Night. Of those, Blade is still one of my favorites, because the vampire characters bring some oomph and originality to roles that are too often distant and emotionless. And I think even the undead should make you go, “Huh.” Or better yet, “Ha, ha, ha!”
We definitely have a lot of the same favorites! What do you think of the recent vampire craze?
I think it’s terrific that more people are introducing themselves to books like mine. My prediction is that they’ll find so much in urban fantasy to satisfy themselves that it will become as well established a genre as romance or mystery!
Vampire fiction has definitely gained a lot of popularity, along with all those sexy vampires. Vayl has entered into the category of “hunky vampire guys that women lust over,” do you have a favorite vamp?
When I first began this series Vayl wasn’t my favorite vamp. I secretly preferred Angel from the Buffy (and his own) series. Probably because Vayl was so hard to get my mind around, such a mystery to me every time I came to the keyboard. Which made writing about him really tough. Now, well into the first rewrite of my sixth book, I can say Vayl wins the prize. I guess he’s just the type that grows on you.
I think Angel from Buffy was my first big crush (I was quite obsessed), but moving on… Jaz is a kick-butt type girl. Are there any songs that you think would be on her mp3 player?
Absolutely! Here’s a sample (in no particular order):
Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down
Bodies by Drowning Pool
When You Were Young by The Killers
C’m On Feel the Noize by Quiet Riot
Good Riddance by Green Day
I think those songs are a perfect fit! I am looking forward to reading One More Bite. I heard that we get to see more of Jaz in the future, is this true?
Yes, I’ve signed with Orbit to do three more books in the series. The sixth book, Bite Marks, takes place in Australia and will be a key turning point in the story, moving them on to Morocco, and then…well, we’ll see from there, shall we?
I can’t wait! Thanks so much Jennifer! Do you have any last words of advice to those who are thinking about writing vampire fiction?
It’s tough to do something different in a field that’s nearly overflowing, but that’s my suggestion. Find a new twist, turn it another five degrees and make it your own.
Thanks Jennifer!
To those who haven’t had the opportunity – check out the Jaz Parks books 1-4 and don’t forget to preorder your copy of One More Bite!
