Interview and Giveaway with Author Jude Stephens

Please welcome author Jude Stephens to Fang-tastic Books today for an interview and a great giveaway. Thanks for joining us today, Jude.

Thanks for having me.

So let's get into this interview.

Q; How long have you been a writer? What was your first published work?

A: I’ve written all of my life but have never shared my stories with anyone. I was very nervous to let people see my work. But last year I made a resolution to at least let some family and friends read some stuff. They were very supportive and last year I published my first novel Scent of a Vampire.

Q: Out of all the stories/books you’ve written, which is your favorite?

A: So far I’d have to say the last book I just finished Touch of a Vampire because it’s a story about facing truths and embracing your destiny. All of my stories in the world of the Evolved have a grain of the real world running through them. An underlying theme is about accepting those who are different and finding the common thread that every living being shares.

Q: Do you have a favorite character that you’ve created? One that is especially close to your heart?

A: I have a few favorites but I will have to say Orenda Sherman mainly because her character goes through such amazing transformations from average woman to the possible savior of many species. I think it’s something we can all relate to. Don’t we all go through life transformations as we grow older? Hopefully not in such a drastic way as Orenda does though.

Q: Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

A: I have no set schedule. When I write, it’s because I feel the urge to so do. That urge hardly ever makes an appearance if I’m tired or stressed over something.

Q: Do you need to be in a specific place or atmosphere before the words flow? Do you have a ritual that you do before sitting down to write?

A: When writing, I become immersed in my character’s world and I really need to be left alone. Not necessarily by myself. I can write in a crowded coffee shop as long as no one talks to me. I tend to be very focused. My teenage daughter loves it as this is the perfect time to ask me for money.


Q: What is the strangest source of inspiration you’ve had? Maybe something weird that ended up in one of your books or short stories.

A:I think the whole premise for the world of The Evolved came form a strange source. I was at my local Borders store having a cup of coffee and some kids at the next table left a book lying on the table about bats. The picture on the front was interesting so I picked it up and started reading facts about bats. The story for Scent of a Vampire immediately came to mind. Of course what’s strange is this was a children’s book for ages 7-12. My story is definitely for adults only.


Q: If you could offer one tidbit of information for new writers, what would it be?

A: Write for the love of the story that lives inside of you. Don’t write for any other reason.

Q: Do you have a “day job” or do you write full time?

A: I am lucky to have a day job that I love. I’ve worked in the healthcare industry for the past 15 years. Everyday I get a chance to connect with people in my community and hopefully make a difficult time a little less stressful.

Q: Name one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you.

A: I love to study different cultures and religions. I believe the world is a fascinating place full of wonder and we all have more in common than not.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a favorite author?

A: From the first day I picked up a Stephen King novel I was enthralled. He opened a world which had been previously forbidden to me. Thus I pay homage with my own pen name of Stephens. Long live the King!

Q: Could you tell us about your current work in progress?

A: Still in its early stages, I am working on a book for the character of Leeds who’s appeared in my previous two Evolved novels. Though his appearance was brief in each novel he made quite an impression with readers. Leeds’ character is based on the legend of the Jersey Devil and in this book we will learn his sad life story and see if he’s destined to live alone as a “devil” in the Jersey pine barrens.


Q:What are some of your hobbies besides writing?

A: I love old movies. I mean the really old movies. Not Jaws and Rocky. I’m talking masterpieces like Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious. I will take David O Selznick’s King Kong to Peter Jackson’s version any day.


Q: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you spend the money on?

A: Of course I would love to help family and friends and people in my community. So many people have lost their jobs. A lot of community programs have suffered just when there is a greater need. After that I would love to travel. I dream of seeing some of the things I’ve only read about.

Q: Which household chore do you abhor and why?

A: Cleaning our cat’s litter box because it’s a litter box.

Q: What’s your favorite comfort food? Your favorite drink?

A: Potatoes. Mashed potatoes, French fried potatoes, scalloped potatoes, boiled potatoes….I kind of sound like that guy from Forrest Gump when he talks about shrimp.
My favorite drink is coffee. Black coffee…no cream no sugar no fancy syrup.

Q: Do you have a food that you absolutely will not even taste one little tiny bit of?

A: Shrimp.

Q: In closing, tell us a bit about your latest release. Feel free to share an excerpt.

A: Touch of a Vampire is the story of Orneda Sherman who six months ago was a normal woman, a divorced physical therapist trying to get back into the dating game. A trip to Atlantic City with her best friend altered her life forever. She learned she is part of a world that hides from humanity. They are The Evolved, species that look human but have altered DNA. They are the stuff of legend, vampires, dragons, centaurs and others who have remained hidden among us.

Orenda is a Sensay, a rare evolutionary breed. She has heightened abilities of taste, touch scent, sight and hearing. It has been foretold that she will be the one to unite all of mankind. This prophesy has made her a target for elimination. In order to protect herself, Orenda must learn how to control her powers. To do this she trains with Cheve a handsome Native American who dedicates his life to making sure she fulfills her destiny.

Excerpt:

Alex lifted the man’s arm and rolled his sleeve up baring his wrist. Without ceremony, his fangs slid out and he bit into the man’s wrist. Alex didn’t drink long and when he was done he licked the wound. He rolled the man’s sleeve back down and lifted him into a nearby chair. Alex’s eyes met mine. “Now you know the reality of a vampire’s life. It’s not either all good or all bad. It’s life trying to survive.”

I had to admit it was kind of anticlimactic. I had expected mesmerizing eyes and commanding words and had gotten bite, drink, done instead.

“Will he be okay?” I asked as Alex opened the door and escorted me back outside.

“He’ll be fine. He will wake in about fifteen minutes feeling a little groggy that’s all. I didn’t take much from him.”

When we got back to the cars both Mark and Cheve were waiting. Cheve pushed himself off of the SUV and said “I think it’s best if Alex rides with Mark again. There’s no way of knowing if he gets into the same condition again.”

I began to protest when Alex interrupted “I agree. At the moment I’m fine but I don’t want to test it. I apologize to everyone for the hold up.”

Mark shrugged “Bullet enjoyed taking a walk.”

Alex looked at Mark and nodded. I was surprised at Mark’s show of support for Alex.

I wrapped my arms around Alex. “See you soon handsome.” Alex kissed my forehead and grinned his lopsided grin at me “That’s right. You called me handsome before. You think I’m sexy…don’t you?” He wagged his eyebrows at me and hopped in the car next to Mark.


To learn more about The World of the Evolved and author Jude Stephens, please visit http://www.judestephens.com/

Now it's time for the giveaway!

Jude has offered to give away two sets of her e-books (four books in total two each to two winners).

Two winners will each receive a copy of

Scent of a Vampire and Touch of a Vampire.

Receive 2 extra entries for being a follower of this blog

Receive another 2 extra entries for being a twitter follower of mine @RoxanneRhoads

To enter leave an answer to this question in the comments along with your contact info:

What is the one thing you find most attractive about vampires?

Is it the immortality, the dark sex appeal, or

something else that draws you in?