Chat With an Author Giveaways

Interview and Giveaway: Kim Harrison

Kim Harrison is, without a doubt, one of my favorite authors. Her bestselling series, The Hollows, is not only my all-time favorite Urban Fantasy series, but also is comprised of some of my favorite books of any genre. So, when I learned that Harper Collins would be releasing the mass market paperback of her latest book, The Outlaw Demon Wails (in stores today!), Ana urged me to man up, get over my shyness and contact Kim for an interview. Which I did, heart palpitating, palms sweaty. (I am a ginormous pansy, I have discovered–if it weren’t for Ana’s cheekiness, I probably never would have worked up the nerve to click ‘send’. I consoled myself by thinking I wouldn’t get a response, and that would be the end of it.)

So, when I received an email back from Kim, agreeing to the interview, I literally fell off my chair. There are probably 50 or so emails from me to Ana which consist of “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!”, or other similar unintelligible messages. And, I discovered, Kim Harrison is not only an amazing author, capable of writing the most insane plot twists and beautifully flawed characters, but she’s also just a darn cool person. Now if only I could get my hands on a copy of White Witch Black Curse

Without further ado, I present you with our Chat with Kim Harrison! *banana dance*

The Book Smugglers: Welcome Kim, and thank you so much for taking the time to “chat” with us! Your latest book in The Hollows series, The Outlaw Demon Wails is a huge hit, scoring a high spot on the New York Times bestseller list upon its first release. I am a huge fan of The Hollows series—in fact it is without a doubt my favorite urban fantasy series period.

One thing I love and admire about these books is how well planned they all seem, and how each revelation seems to have had its seeds planted in previous books. When you began writing The Hollows, did you have a set outline for where Rachel’s story would eventually go? Or was it more of a make-it-up-as-you-go process?

Kim: I didn’t have the first series goal in mind until I finished Dead Witch Walking, actually, and it was only when I finished The Outlaw Demon Wails that I came up with the second series goal. (Which we should reach about book 11 to 13, depending upon contracts and how fast it falls together.) The reason the books are tied together so tightly I think is more because I work far ahead of the publishing schedule, usually two to three books ahead of what’s on the shelf. That lets me go back to a book that is, say in copy edit, (six months before publication) and add something that I won’t actually need until two more books. It works for me, although I know some authors would cringe to have a book open and sporadically working on it for three years.

The Book Smugglers: Why tomatoes? Note: For those who have not read The Hollows books, tomatoes are the cause of humanity’s sharp demise in population, leading to “the Turn”—where vampires and other supernatural beings decided to come out of the closet. So…what do you have against tomatoes?

Kim: Why tomatoes? A couple of reasons, actually. Tomatoes were widely thought to be poisonous for a long time, which is understandable as they are in the Nightshade family. There was also the real biogenetically altered tomato that flopped on grocery store shelves way back when bio engineered food was new to the market. But the biggest reason is a nod to the B rated movie, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. I love tomatoes, and I usually have a plant or two growing in my landscaping somewhere.


Attaaaaack of the Killer Tomatoes! *Zooeeezoooeeezooee*

The Book Smugglers: Your main cast of characters includes a unique witch, a living vampire, and a pixy— not to mention elves, werewolves and demons. Your use of these archetypal creatures, however, is distinctly unique and each supernatural creature feels rooted in the rules you have created in The Hollows universe. What myths or writings influence you when creating this world?

Kim: This is a hard question for me to answer as I didn’t do much research when I developed the species that live in the Hollows. I read a lot of fairy tales when I was growing up, not just Grimm, but multiple versions of the same story from culture to culture, and I think it gave me a well-rounded idea of what’s out there. I also draw a lot on my scientific background when I develop a new species, using logic to decide things like life span, eating habits, and such. For example, pixies are small and winged, therefore, in my mind, they would have a lot of characteristics that a humming bird would have. And anyone who has had a humming bird feeder knows how fierce and territorial they are.

The Book Smugglers: Each Rachel Morgan book is a frantic, high-stakes read. I find myself out of breath (and sleep deprived) by the time I turn that final page! Rachel herself has admitted to being addicted to danger. So ‘fess up. Are you an adrenaline junkie? Action addict?

Kim: Thank you! I’m glad I’m able to keep you glued to the pages. I’m totally not an adrenaline junkie, but I like watching action movies. That’s about as far as it goes. I’ll never jump out of a perfectly good airplane or climb a mountain just to say I did. I am always trying new things, however, and am not afraid to fail.

The Book Smugglers: Rachel Morgan is one of my favorite heroines—in part because she makes so many rushed mistakes, and yet has her heart in the right place. These tendencies make her even more of a full, real character, if a flawed and at times unreliable narrator. What are your favorite things about Rachel? What motivated you to create such a unique, empathetic character as your heroine?

Kim: My favorite things about Rachel are her loyalty, determination, ability to think for herself, and most importantly, her strength of character to not care what anyone thinks about what she does or what they might say about her. That kind of inner strength is hard to find, but it crosses all personalities from the mild introvert to the extroverted do-it-all. The motivation to create her came from my want to follow the growth of a strong person put in a tenuous position without losing her girl-next-door appeal.

The Book Smugglers: Many Urban Fantasy type novels like The Hollows have a solo hero or heroine, taking on the world and all its problems alone. Your books are different in that the partnership and strong bond of friendship between Rachel, Ivy and Jenks is an integral part to each story—and even when Rachel tries to go it alone in martyred-hero syndrome, her friends and family are there for her. Was this a conscious decision on your part? Why did you choose to make friendship such an important theme in your work?

Kim: Rachel relying on her friends for emotional and physical support was a conscious decision on my part. Friends are a big part of who and what we are, and I wanted to show that. As a character, Rachel is attracted to strong people, and to leave them out of the action would make the story a lot harder to believe.

The Book Smugglers: Be it the drama of the Tamwoods, the close relationship between Rachel and her mother, or the ties of Jenks to his brood, the theme of family is central to all of these books—and even more pronounced in The Outlaw Demon Wails. How prevalently will the revelations of Rachel’s family history figure into the next story arc? Had you planned on Rachel’s unique heritage from the very beginning of the series?

Kim: The revelation of Rachel’s background will of course influence what comes next, but only as a framework sort of way. I am a big believer that people can come from humble beginnings and make a difference in the world, and I tried to make Rachel special without making her unique. Her background was the same as thousands of people. She loves her mom and dad, and that her birth father isn’t the same as the man who raised her was not unique to the witch culture. That she survived a common childhood illness through medical intervention was the catalyst for what happened next, not that “she was born under a new moon when the planets were aligned” sort of a thing.

Rachel’s unique parentage was an idea that I developed while writing Dead Witch Walking, but that she was a stepping stone to demons happened all at once at the end of book six. I had another idea I wanted to end it with, but my editor nixed it because it brought in a few issues that were going to complicate the story line tremendously. (grin) Fortunately the proto-demon idea meshed with what I was planning on.

The Book Smugglers: Rachel and Ivy have one of the most complicated, alternately heart-wrenching and heart-warming relationships I have ever had the pleasure of reading. What inspired you to write such a complicated friendship-love relationship? In The Outlaw Demon Wails we see that Rachel and Ivy finally seem to have reached a tenuous understanding—but given their one step forward two steps back history, should we expect more complicated developments in their relationship in upcoming books?

Kim: I gave up trying to scrip Rachel’s relationships while I was writing The Good, The Bad, and The Undead, and that included Ivy’s pursuit of Rachel. It wasn’t until Ivy pulled off her cross and crawled across the coffee table that I even knew Ivy was bi. It hit me as hard as it hit Rachel, and I had to see where it was going to go. I still am. I never sat down and said that I wanted to explore these issues. They just happened. And that, I think, is why both women ring true.

I like to tell people that I’m trying to find both women’s happy ever after. For a long time, I believed that Ivy’s wouldn’t include Rachel but for a platonic relationship, and the books will reflect that as both women search out new people to be close with. But I am a romantic at heart, and I am open to them ending up together if that is the way the books lead me after all other options have been explored.

The Book Smugglers: Speaking of Ivy, there’s a certain tragic, bittersweet quality to this character—and all living vamps for that matter, as she has the knowledge hanging over her that one day she will lose her soul and become true undead (like her terrifyingly cold mother). Why did you decide to create this schism between living and undead vampires?

Kim: I love rules, and the living and dead vampires came from my want to have my cake and eat it too. I like the strict sunlight restrictions and need for blood to survive that the traditional, soulless Dracula vampire has. I wanted my ugly, terrifying, soulless monsters, but I wanted to write about the tragedy of them, to pity them, to see that though they have everything, they have nothing. It’s hard to find that for a true monster, so I had to develop the living vampires—those with a soul, who live with the knowledge that they will one day lose them. And it worked beautifully.

The Book Smugglers: Originally, The Outlaw Demon Wails was supposed to mark the end of the series. Thank goodness it ain’t so! Considering the dramatic finish to the last book, for the next installments to The Hollows, will we be seeing a lot more of the Ever After and the demons there? Can you tell us a little bit about what this next chapter in Rachel’s life will be like? (No I’m not fishing for spoilers, scout’s honor!)

Kim: We will be seeing a whole lot more of the ever-after as the books progress, yes. I can’t wait to get into it. I don’t have a lot of spoilers, but there will be new villains as Rachel begins to understand her old ones a little better. It’s hard to be afraid of someone once you’ve seen their own fear.

The Book Smugglers: Which character is your favorite to write, and why?

Kim: My favorite character to write changes from book to book. Originally it was Ivy, then it shifted to Trent, and now it’s Al. It seems that the more a character is growing or changing, the more interesting I find them.

The Book Smugglers: If you could cast anyone in the lead roles of your Hollows characters, who would you cast?

Kim: I try not to think about casting the Hollows, but I think Morgan Freeman would make a fabulous Keasley, Al could be played by Gary Oldman, and Piscary could be played by Arnold Vosloo. Mmmm. I like that bald head he’s got in the Mummy movies. Or maybe Vin Diesel.

The Book Smugglers: You also have a new Young Adult series in the works! Could you tell us a little bit about this new project? Why did you decide to start writing in the Young Adult genre?

Kim: Young adult is one of my favorite audience to write for, and in fact, Dead Witch Walking originally had a strong YA slant to it when it was first picked up. YA was where I found my love of reading among Henlein, Andre Norton, Jack L. Chalker, and a little Anne McCaffrey, and the chance to pass on that love of reading is a big draw for me. I think YA is one of the most difficult audiences to successfully write for, and I like the challenge. I hated being talked down to or asked to suspend my disbelief too far when I was growing up, and I hope I have given these readers enough to chew on.

As for what the books are about? Madison Avery lives in a world far more near to our own than the Hollows. There are no vampires or witches. Instead, I’ve focused on reapers, angels, and such. She’s dead. (grin) And not too happy about it, but she has a future ahead of her if she can figure a few things out, hopefully saving a few people from her fate along the way.

The Book Smugglers: Sounds wonderful! I cannot wait to read Madison’s story. Thank you again for your time, Kim!

For more from Kim, check out this podcast from Harper Collins:

Kim Harrison, dark urban fantasy author of the New York Times bestselling The Outlaw Demon Wails, was born and raised in the upper Midwest. After gaining her bachelors in the sciences, she moved to South Carolina, where she has remained since. She is currently developing a new young adult series between working on the Hollows books, and is a member of both the Romance Writers of America and The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. When not at her desk, she is most likely to be found chasing down good chocolate, exquisite sushi, or the ultimate dog chew.

And that’s not all! As promised, we are giving away SIX copies of The Outlaw Demon Wails (mmpbk). Also, we have one GRAND PRIZE winner who will receive the entire collection of The Hollows books (1-6)! All you have to do is leave a comment here by midnight (Pacific Standard Time) on Saturday, November 29.

Good Luck!

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55 Comments

  • Ana
    November 25, 2008 at 2:11 am

    What a fantastic interview, Thea and Kim.

    I am considering creating a new alias just so that I can enter the contest. ; )

  • Meghan
    November 25, 2008 at 2:39 am

    Sounds awesome to me, I love fantasy but I haven’t read much of the urban variety. I’ll have to pick one of her books up anyway, but this contest can make that a whole lot easier! Thanks. =)

  • Karen Mahoney
    November 25, 2008 at 4:02 am

    Awesome interview! Seriously, one of the best yet. 🙂

    (No need to enter me for the prize, I just wanted to say how cool this was to read.)

  • kmont
    November 25, 2008 at 5:20 am

    Picture me, squeeing my Ever After loving head off!!!!!!!!!!!!

    OK, whew, that’s out of the way, although it’s bubbling right beneath the surface. 😀

    Kim and Smugglers, that was one of the best interviews I’ve read all year. Thank you so much for the awesome questions and even more awesome answers!! I cannot wait for White Witch, Black Curse, and I am sooooo happy to see the numbers 11, maybe even 13, in relation to number of books in the series. I mean, really….REALLY happy. Like Thea, this is pretty much my all-time favorite urban fantasy series as well.

    Bliss. Sigh. Happiness. This really made my day. 🙂

  • kmont
    November 25, 2008 at 5:21 am

    Oh, meant to say please do not enter me for the prize. I have all the books, of course lol.

  • Katiebabs a.k.a KB
    November 25, 2008 at 5:22 am

    Is it true that George Clooney was in Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?

  • Janell
    November 25, 2008 at 6:29 am

    Solid interview. I haven’t exactly fallen in love with this series but the interview makes me want to go back and start over again!

  • Tasha
    November 25, 2008 at 6:34 am

    I am so far behind…I haven’t heard of these before! Now I need to get my hands on them! Although if I wait to see if I win the grand prize 😉 They sound great! Thanks for the interview!
    Natasha A.

  • Anonymous
    November 25, 2008 at 6:46 am

    I’ve only read the first three. I’d really better get going!

    Mary

  • Jessica
    November 25, 2008 at 7:09 am

    Thanks for the interview! I love her books.

  • M.
    November 25, 2008 at 7:17 am

    Hey, I’d like to see that banana dance!

    “…science background…” What sort of science? Sounds like it could have been either biological or aerodynamic!

    The description of the heroine reminds me of that great quote about how heros are not braver than anyone else, they are just brave five minutes longer.

    I’m in awe of having three or four manuscripts going on simultaneously. Me, I’m at the level of ‘finish that darn first MS already!!!’ and that’s about as far down the line I can look.

  • tetewa
    November 25, 2008 at 8:09 am

    I’m always looking for new authors to read and these sound great. Enjoyed your interview today!

  • Tanya
    November 25, 2008 at 8:37 am

    Her writing process is fascinating! Great interview…kudos for getting the interview & great questions. You asked what we all wanted to know..

    Would love to be one of the winners 🙂

  • Thea
    November 25, 2008 at 9:18 am

    Ana–Hehe. Well, I could lend you my copy…then again, I kinda don’t want to part with it *ninja* Maybe I’ll give you a Christmas present this year :p

    Meghan–Oh, yes, do give this series a try. As I was telling another commenter earlier, if you have to read just one Urban Fantasy series, this is the one you should read!

    Karen–Aww, shucks! Thanks 🙂

    Kmont–Thank you! And thanks again to Kim, who is cool people. Really 🙂

    I cannot wait for White Witch, Black Curse, and I am sooooo happy to see the numbers 11, maybe even 13, in relation to number of books in the series.

    I am right there with you doing my happy banana dance!! Only a couple of months to go before we get book 7 in our greedy paws!

    Katie–Hmm, I don’t remember him in the movie, but it has been ages since I’ve seen it. Although a few scenes stick out–the initial tomato bouncing around in the sink, the sound that the tomatoes make (zooeeezoooeezooee), there’s a scene with an underwater tomato attack I believe, and also one where a huge tomato corners a guy in an alleyway. LOL! Oh, and one of the coolest theme songs ever. Here’s the youtube link: CLICK ME FOR A GOOD TIME

    There was a cartoon as well, that I can remember watching. Ahhh, misspent youth ;p

    Janell–I had the same urge to flip back to book 1 and start it over again yesterday as well 🙂 Have you read all the books in the series thus far?

    Natasha–I’m so glad that The Hollows series is now on your radar! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did–and if you get them for free through the prize drawing, even better 😉

    Mary–Well, the good thing about having read just the first three books is that you have three more waiting for you, no killer anticipation waiting months for the next release! I really think this is one of those series that only get better with each volume–my favorite two entries to date are books 5 and 6. Let us know what you think when you’ve had a chance to catch up!

    Jessica–You’re very welcome, the (squeeing fangirl) pleasure was all mine :p I’m glad you enjoyed the interview!

    M.–You asked for it: Banana Dance (here’s The Original). Hee. Aren’t you glad you asked?

    I love that quote about heroes being braver for 5 minutes longer…very apt. And woah, how many manuscripts do you have going simultaneously!? Cripes! I’m impressed, but definitely understand your need for more time.

    Tetwa–Thank you! I hope you can give Kim Harrison a try, I really love her writing style (obviously!) 🙂

  • Thea
    November 25, 2008 at 9:20 am

    Tanya–Thank you! I’m blushing 🙂 I found it really interesting too that Kim Harrison goes back on already completed manuscripts and makes changes as necessary–it really seems to be working, at least in my opinion!

    Best of luck in our sorting hat drawing!

  • CrystalGB
    November 25, 2008 at 12:17 pm

    Great interview. Kim’s books sound wonderful.

  • Li
    November 25, 2008 at 1:07 pm

    The thing is *whispers* I read the first book waaaaay back when it first came out and it didn’t really grab me. But Thea, your enthusiasm for this series is seriously making me think I should give it another try!

    Also, I’ve heard rumours that Dawn Cook is a pseudonym for Kim Harrison – anyone knows if that’s true? Because if it is, I loved the Truth books…

  • Li
    November 25, 2008 at 1:09 pm

    Oh, forgot to say, I did read her YA short story in the anthology, and liked it, so it’s excellent news if it’s the start of a whole new series!

  • VampFanGirl
    November 25, 2008 at 1:59 pm

    WOW, Great Interview!

    I haven’t read anything by Kim Harrison before but now I’m definitely interested in checking out her books.

    Please enter me for the contest!

    Thanks,
    VFG

  • PaigeC
    November 25, 2008 at 2:44 pm

    What a great interview! I loved hearing that she goes back and adds foreshadowing. I am really enjoying this series and can not wait for White Witch Black Curse!!!!!
    Kim is one of the nicest most down to earth bestselling authors out there. Not only crazy talented but a geniunely great person.
    Thanks for sharing the link on Twitter. As much as I love to win things. I already have ALL of Kim’s books. Now…if you’re handing out ARCs?!?!?!
    Hugs!
    ~Paige 🙂

  • Thea
    November 25, 2008 at 2:56 pm

    Karin–Thanks 🙂 And, if you couldn’t already tell from my emphatic praise, you should definitely get the first book in the series and give it a try…that is, if you don’t win the grand prize 😉

    Li–You know, while I really did like Dead Witch Walking, it is the subsequent books that really cap off the series for me (I gave book 1 a 7/10, whereas book 5 is a 10/10 for me!). Books 4-6 are really, *really* amazing. So…yes, I am pimping this series shamelessly and hoping you pick up the next book and give it a try 🙂

    Each installment just gets better–it’s astounding really. I can only say this for a select few other series. And yes, I cannot wait for the Kim’s new YA series as well!

    VampFanGirl–Just judging from your awesome screen name, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this series 🙂 The universe is superb, the vampire lore intricate and wonderfully complicated…I definitely think you should give it a go. Thanks for entering!

    Paige–Oh, what I would do for an ARC! It’s ok. Just a few more months, and White Witch Black Curse is all ours :p I cannot wait. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

  • bbricke
    November 25, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    This was one of the best interviews I have read in a long time. Kim Harrison is a must read for me. I have not been disappointed by anything of hers that I have read. I look forward to White Witch, Black Curse coming out. I need my Hollow’s fix. I would love to win this contest.

  • LornaMoon
    November 25, 2008 at 3:32 pm

    Awesome! I can’t wait for the next one.

  • cass237
    November 25, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    It is totally true that George Clooney was in Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. A varied career, indeed. 🙂
    Great interview! I’ve been intrigued by these books, but never read them. Methinks this will have to change!

  • Mary M.
    November 25, 2008 at 3:57 pm

    Great interview! There was something for the neophytes like me and for the long-time fans in there – at least I think so:). I skipped the second half so I didn’t spoilers for the later books in the series. I love it when a book surprises me and those books looks the kind that would have a LOT of surprises. I pushed the series a few notches higher on my TBR list ;).

  • orannia
    November 25, 2008 at 4:16 pm

    Thank you very much Thea & Kim! That was a great interview and reading it has definitely encouraged me to try the books (no, I haven't discovered them before now and no, I haven't been living in a closet…much 🙂

    Is Dead Witch Walking the first book please?

  • Christine
    November 25, 2008 at 6:08 pm

    Wonderful interview, Thea!
    I’ve had this Kim Harrison series on my “Must Glom” list for quite sometime, and would just love to read them. I would love to be entered in the contest. Thank you!

  • Tiah
    November 25, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Great interview! This series has grabbed my attention since the amazing review it got recently. I put book #1 on my Christmas wish list for Santa. Unless of course I win it….*wink*!

  • Bridget Locke
    November 25, 2008 at 9:07 pm

    What a great interview ladies. Don't worry about putting me on the prize list since I own all the books.

    My biggest question for Kim would be why the big tease between Rachel & Trent? I love the extreme tension between the two of them and for the longest time I thought they'd get together…even after all the craptastic things he did to her.

    I wonder how that came about and if she had it in her head at the start that they WOULD end up together only to change her mind after everything that happened…happened.

  • Bridget Locke
    November 25, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    *smacks head*

    And I forgot to add that one of the things I love most about the series is the consistency. She doesn’t have a ton of fun with the history and world she’s created, changing it halfway through the series like some well-known authors I could mention. 🙂

  • SciFiGuy
    November 25, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    There is nothing quite like The Hollows. Kim Harrison please write faster 🙂 I am glad you asked the question about Ivy (my favourite character) and Kim’s answer demonstrates why this is such a fabulous series.

  • Marg
    November 25, 2008 at 11:50 pm

    I have only read one short story by Kim Harrison. I am intending to read more soon, but winning such a great prize will be a great incentive!

  • Dance Chica
    November 26, 2008 at 3:22 am

    Haven’t finished The Outlaw Demon Wails but glad to hear there’ll be more about the Ever After and the demons. I find Al to be an amusing character.

  • Logan Lamech
    November 26, 2008 at 8:36 am

    Great interview, I think I’ll have to give this series a try.

    Logan Lamech
    http://www.eloquentbooks.com/LingeringPoets.html

  • Thea
    November 26, 2008 at 9:10 am

    bbricke–Thank you! And I’m with you–Kim has never disappointed me, and I need my Hollows fix. Yesterday. :p

    LornaMoon–I’m with you! February cannot come soon enough.

    Cass237–LOL, that is hilarious. I haven’t seen AOTKT in years. It’s time for a re-watch. And I hope you get a chance to read this series!

    Mary M.–Thanks! And yes, these books have a crazy amount of surprises and twists. I’m big on intricate plotting, and Kim Harrison does it with the best of ’em! *sneakily inches books to the top of Mary M.’s TBR list*

    Orannia–Thank you! Yet another series to add to your heap of books 🙂 And yes, Dead Witch Walking is the first book in the series 🙂

    Christine–I have a feeling you’ll really enjoy this series 🙂

    Tiah–Yay! Another convert to The Hollows 🙂 Thanks for entering, and I really hope you enjoy the series!

    Bridget Locke–Thanks 🙂 So you’re gunning for Trent and Rachel, eh? They definitely do have an interesting dynamic, I’d be interested to see if that’s a possible storyline (or rather, if it was one). I’ve never trusted the guy, although he’s a very interesting character, and I like how intertwined his character is with Rachel. And word on the consistency front. It’s so very irritating when rules suddenly change, or incredible new superpowers develop outta the blue. I think one of my favorite things from this interview is when Kim talks about Rachel’s heritage being just a part of who she is, not some Child Who Will Save Us All, Born Under the Alignment of the Stars sort of storyline.

    SciFiGuy–I am unabashedly greedy, so I’ll add my voice to the ‘please write more faster!’ chorus 🙂 And I agree, Ivy is such a wonderful character–my favorite vampire, I think, across any books.

    Marg–You won’t be disappointed with her novels 🙂 The best part is, each Rachel Morgan book is actually pretty lengthy (400+ pages), so there’s a lot of meaty story to get into. (Of course, you don’t even notice they are 400+ pages, I swear they fly by. These are of the un-put-downable variety!)

    Dance Chica–Oh, wait until you finish TODW! Lots of goodness there. And Al has definitely grown on me–at first glance I thought he would just be a passing character, but I love how his role has become integral to the overall storyarc with each novel.

    Thanks again for all the comments everyone!

  • Thea
    November 26, 2008 at 9:15 am

    Logan–Thanks! I hope you enjoy the series. I’d love to know what you think of The Hollows!

  • ArkieRN
    November 26, 2008 at 11:31 am

    Terrific interview, many of the questions are ones that I had been wondering about and I’m so happy to have the answers. I love the Hollows series and count the days until each release. My sister always borrows my copies of Kim’s books and I hover anxiously over her until each one is safety returned.

  • Bridget Locke
    November 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm

    Oh, I'm not gunning for Trent & Rache, it's just what I thought when I first started the series. It's continually hinted at, but never happens. I dunno what I'd think if they did get together. :S

  • September
    November 26, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    Oh! I just discovered this series- My best friend bought me "Every Which Way But Dead" thinking it was a stand-alone book and I consumned it in one (long) night. Best book ever. It seriously beat out Harry Potter and The Vampire Chronicles for me, and I love those like a fat kid loves candy. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest (I'll have to back peddle and catch up on 1 & 2 before I move on to the one after what I just read, but I don't mind in the least). Great interview, too- her new YA series seems very promising. I'll definately look into it 🙂

  • Tez Miller
    November 26, 2008 at 4:10 pm

    Ooh, would love to be in the running if you’re willing to post to Australia 🙂

  • sarabelle
    November 26, 2008 at 7:05 pm

    great interview. I really really enjoyed and would love to read your books.

  • bamabelle
    November 26, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    That was an excellent interview! Thanks for the information! I’m looking forward to the YA books too. Please put my name in the contest. Thanks for the chance to win a great read!

    zarache AT aol DOT com

  • Lexie
    November 26, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    no matter how many author interviews you read something new always crops up. I love that XD

    I admit to having not read the Hollows books yet, but I have a good excuse! I’m on the waiting list for them all at my library and i’m number 54 (and when you can keep them out for 2 weeks and then just keep on checking them out again…well…i might be a grandma before I get these books!).

  • donnas
    November 26, 2008 at 11:42 pm

    Awesome interview. Those were really great questions. I cant wait to read The Outlaw Demon Wails. I loved the first books in the series.

  • I Heart Book Gossip
    November 28, 2008 at 10:33 am

    Great interview. Continue the great job!

    Please enter me into the contest too!

  • Megan
    November 29, 2008 at 11:57 am

    Excellent interview! I originally listened to DEAD WITCH WALKING on audiobook, and while I liked the story and really liked Rachel, I didn’t really like the audiobook narrator, so I never actually finished. Ah, the perils of audiobooks. I keep intending to pick up the actual books, though!

  • Wendy
    November 29, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Fantastic interview. I think this is the only Harrison interview I’ve ever read!

  • Wendy
    November 29, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    Oy. I’ve only read Every Which Way But Dead and A Fistful of Charms but I’ve got to read the others – in order this time! – because even after only reading those two I totally love the series.

    If only I would have started in order, it would have been sooo much better.

  • Shannon
    November 29, 2008 at 8:53 pm

    Fabulous interview! Thanks for sharing with us, ladies.

    I have read books 1-4 and LOVE them. I have to admit that I crave more Trent and I absolutely adore Jenks.

  • Ana
    November 30, 2008 at 1:36 am

    Contest is now closed, folks! Thanks for all the comments.

  • Mark
    December 2, 2008 at 5:53 am

    Aww man… Awesome interview! Kim linked to it this morning on her website but unfortunately not in time to enter the contest. Oh well! 🙂

  • Darkech0
    December 2, 2008 at 10:32 am

    I Love listening or reading your Interviews Kim. they always give me more & more insight into the characters we love so much. Keep up the great work =)
    FITLD

  • rabedela
    December 2, 2008 at 7:29 pm

    I loved both the interview and review of the series. I must admit that I was a stranger to the series until a year ago when my local bookseller suggested the series.

    The first book intrigued me as a reader and a writer. The second book maintained my interests in the characters development, and the remaining books expanded the world around.
    [Spoiler for readers who have not read Outlaw]
    I am wondering if I am the only reader to think Al and Rachel may develop a love relationship? I mean he fits her “standard” love interest formula of “the wrong guy in every which way”; furthermore, the whole story surrounding Newt and female demons in the last book made me think of Rachel’s helping to possibly re-populate ever after.

    I know it’s a crazy thought, but she does have demon blood in her system. Also what is up with Rachel’s mom, I’m sensing some family secret because her mom is a really good witch, yes? Don’t know if there are any takers to the possibilities.

  • bridget3420
    December 3, 2008 at 2:18 pm

    Kim, I am completely in love with your books. You are by far my favorite author and I would really love to have signed copies of your books.

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