What better way than by following in your footsteps with an "About Me" segment? And I thought just for something different, I'd put up a photo of a hot but fully clothed guy, Irish actor Cillian Murphy (*notes wedding band with dismay*).
Oh, and everyone who comments on today's or tomorrow's posts will be put in a drawing to win a signed copy of Wicked Game (or one of my other books if you already have that one). I'll pull a random name at 11:59pm Eastern time Tuesday night, July 1. Good luck!
Here goes:
Favorite Reading Position
On my back on the sofa, with lots of pillows, and tea or cocoa and snacks at hand. This kills my back, though—I really need a good reading chair.
Best love song
Does anyone remember “Sign Your Name” by Terence Trent D’arby? It came out in the late 80s and has some phenomenal lines:
“The thought of you just caves me in.”
“I’d rather be in hell with you, baby, than in cold heaven.”
“Slowly we make love, and the earth rotates to our dictates.”
The music and rhythm is so sensual. I haven’t heard it in years, but it’s always stuck with me.
Also, “Human Touch” by Bruce Springsteen is incredibly romantic, in a less breathless way. It’s the marrying type song. *glances at Cillian's wedding band again and frowns*
Favorite Heroine
Of all time, probably Meg from Madeleine L’Engle’s Time Quartet series (A WRINKLE IN TIME, etc.). My favorite romance heroine is Alexandra from Victoria Dahl’s TO TEMPT A SCOTSMAN. I love a woman who goes for what she wants, especially when what a woman wants is a man in a kilt. Totally relate.
Author everyone loves but you don't
Definitely not going there. ;-)
If you could be in one book/series/world which would you pick
Charles de Lint’s Newford series (THE ONION GIRL, SOMEPLACE TO BE FLYING, WIDDERSHINS). It’s magical, but not terrifying, unlike a lot of urban fantasy worlds. I’m too much of a wimp to live in most of the series I read.
How old is your inside voice
17 and 3/4
Favorite sex song
I’m way too private to talk about this as a person, but as an author, certain songs make great inspiration for writing love scenes. “Slow Like Honey” by Fiona Apple is my favorite when I’m writing from a woman’s POV—she’s incredibly powerful in this song. For a guy, “Heaven’s in Here” by Tin Machine (with David Bowie) works really well (Heaven lies between your marble thighs/the rustle of your falling gown).
“When Doves Cry” by Prince and the Revolution is a good all-around one. Also, on the soundtrack to HBO’s ROME, there’s a track called “Cleopatra Seduces Caesar.” It has a very exotic sound (exotic if you’re not Egyptian, I mean), and the way it builds up the rhythm and intensity is just…hot.
If you could be a hero who would you be
Gosh, being a hero, that’s a lot of responsibility. Could I be Batman, but retired? Like, after Gotham City has been all cleaned up, and my job would just be to drive the Batmobile in parades every now and then.
What heroine is most like you
Tough question, because most heroines I read are a lot braver and tougher than I could ever be (or would want to be—to kick ass I’d actually have to get up from the couch). So I’ll pick Jody from my favorite vampire novel, Christopher Moore’s BLOODSUCKING FIENDS.
What heroine would you like to be
Lola from the movie RUN LOLA RUN. I’d love to have her stamina and her fire-engine red hair. Not to mention the cute boyfriend* and the giant sack of deutschmarks.
Favorite book set on a tropical island
Ummm, SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON? Not sure I actually finished that.
What hero would you like to be your significant other
David from Rachel Caine’s ILL WIND. He’s so sweet and smart and hot. (I’ve only read the first book in the series so far, so don’t tell me if he dies or they break up or something horrible like that.)
The runner-up would be Jamie from OUTLANDER, but there would be a strict no-spanking clause in our pre-nuptial agreement.
If you were stuck on a desert island what 3 things would you bring
Assuming all the survival needs were met:
1. a lifetime’s supply of coffee (and a Braun coffee maker—those things last forever)
2. music and a way to play it (iPod, victrola, whatever)
3. a computer to write with, or at least pen and paper
Favorite drink to bring to the DIK party Jack Daniels, with or without the Coke. My needs are simple.
*my travels through Europe have taught me that Germany and Scotland have the best-looking men. But Irish men age better than anyone. So Cillian, call me in like thirty years, k?
45 comments:
Hi Jeri - Welcome to the mosh pit! We're thrilled to have you visiting.
I'm deeply jealous that I didn't think of Meg Murray from A WRINKLE IN TIME. It's probably one of my all time favoritest books! L'Engle was a goddess!
Welcome!
"Favorite drink to bring to the DIK party Jack Daniels, with or without the Coke. My needs are simple."
Excellent choice--very, very rockstar!
(For a mixed drink, I'd have to go for a Mai Tai, with umbrella for the tropical motif...Trader Vic's in Atlanta has my favorites.)
Jeri, you are too awesome! Your shout-out touched my heart. Or possibly something else.
Also, I would take Jamie without the no-spanking clause, so you can't have him. *Victoria sticks her tongue out*
Great blog, ladies!
Marykate: Thanks for the welcome! I think my favorite L'Engle book was A SWIFTLY TILTING PLANET. Time travel, nuclear apocalypse, and the whole narrative stuffed into one night. I think it's the only book I've read in one sitting (or one lying-down).
Jessicamelusine: Ooh, I went to that
Trader Vic's during RWA a few years ago. And speaking of rock star, I had a Pina Colada, and my hair was perfect, just like in "Werewolves of London."
Victoria: No, seriously, I lurrve Lady Alex. I never saw the point in sitting around wondering whether the guy liked me. So I love heroines that take the initiative. They are so rare, and authors always want to keep the h/h apart and angsting so as "to build tension." Bor-ing!
Hey Jeri! I'm so glad you could come and play with DIK. (Sorry, it had to be said!) lol Oh, and thanks for being our guinea pig! :)
That picture is yummy, yummy, yummy! I'm gonna have to save that one's name.
Sign Your Name? I used to love that song! I haven’t thought of it in forever though.
lmao! Batman after he retires and is in parades? haha – You funny lady.
Coffee! How could I have possibly forgotten to bring coffee to the island? Thank heavens you’ve joined us! well, Lisabea brought coffee too, now that I think about it. But you’ve brought the coffee maker!
Glad you’re here!
Men in Kilts are the shiznit. And Irishmen? Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Colin Farrell, Stuart Townsend, Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson...oye! HAWT! Not bad musicians either. ;)
Thanks for all the great recommendations - so many more books for the TBR pile! Haven't read Charles de Lint’s Newford series, or Victoria Dahl’s TO TEMPT A SCOTSMAN, or Rachel Caine’s ILL WIND.
You'll have to get in line to fight for Jamie. I believe Thea stole him and is keeping him locked away in her island hut. We could gang up and jump her for him. ;)
"No spanking"? What fun is that???
Just what I need...another author on my "must read" list. ;)
Thanks for coming to the party!
Oh please, you *have* to take Jamie *with* spanking included! At least, I will. ;)
Found this blog via your website, Jeri, so thanks on both counts. More books to read...oh, the time. Somehow I create it in order to read more! My fave reading position: in my comfy blue easy chair. Fun, but also not good for the back, so I relate....
Jeri, you made me think of a contest comment I once got on an early version of the book. Alex is thinking something like, "She hadn't been interested in a gentleman for so long. But she couldn't stop thinking about Collin. He was just so... big."
The judge said something incredulous like, "She can't stop thinking about him because he's BIG?" I'm like, Errrr... Yeah. What better reason, chickie?
Ciliian Murphy... Score 1. Terenence Trent D'arby...Score 2. David from Ill WInd ...Score 3.
And now I am going to have to look up theis 'Outlander' series all the girls have been raving about. SOmehow it got under my radar.
See all my spelling ability goes out the window with thoughts of Cilian Murphy.
Tracy: Thanks for having me! Cillian (pronounced "Killian," right, Ciara? LOL) is in the new Batman movies (he plays Scarecrow but somehow still looks hot).
Ciara: I didn't know Pierce Brosnan was Irish. That explains the great hair. And he'll still be smokin' in twenty years, you watch.
JenB: Ooh, I definitely want to be on that list! And your icon is teh awesome.
Julie: Yep, this site will fill up your shopping cart and your credit limit something crazy!
Victoria: LOL! See, that's why I like Alex--she thinks like a real woman. At least, I guess she does. Maybe you and I's just ho's.
Sayuri: Yep, definitely check out OUTLANDER. That's the only one of the series I've read (noticing a pattern here? I tend to take just a taste from each series, like a book buffet).
Sayuri: Yeah, the hands don't type as well when they're sweaty. ;-)
What a fun interview! Thanks Tracy for mentioning it on your blog. I have your books on my TBB list and now they have just been moved up!
I was never really a fan of Terence Trent D'arby, but later after he wasn't so famous, or when he was having a mini-comeback. He did a song called Let her Down Easy which I loved.
And Joanne and David from Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series are in my top five favourite urban fantasy couples. My favourite Joanne and David Ill Wind quote:-
'I tried a hint. "Any preference? Trashy decor? Adult channels?"
He turned a page. "Indoor plumbing's a plus."
Bigger hint. "Two rooms or one?"
..."Kind of takes the mystery out of it if you ask," he said.'
Arrrggghhhh. Can't believe I didn't pick him for a DIK hero. Did anybody else?
Hi Jeri! Welcome to the island!
I enjoyed reading your 'About Me' answers. I often read lying down, too, but I do have a reading chair that I love to use when its quite in the living room. I got it from IKEA, which I don't usually endorse for quality furniture, but it was cheap and I really really needed my own reading chair. EKTORP for $300. ;)
Could I be Batman, but retired?
LOL I LOVE this answer!
Welcome Jeri! Since you are bringing coffee to the DIK island, my hut is open every morning because I am such a coffee addict.
You may have some female fighting over Jamie ;D
Hi, Jeri :)
I haven't read any of your books but I did meet you at RT at the signing. I picked up goodies for a friend and you signed my tote bag!
Ok, so I just looked at Wicked Game and all I am going to say is MINE.
You got the Kresley Cole seal of approval. And it's about vamps and music. It's all I need to know.
Amazon here I come.
Welcome to DIK!!! Thank you for being our experi--first guest. ;)
"my travels through Europe have taught me that Germany and Scotland have the best-looking men. But Irish men age better than anyone"
Huh...guess I need to go traveling. :D
Hiya, Jeri! Thank you so much for joining us! :)
Can I admit I've never read anything by you or would that make me a bad person? LOL! Not that I don't want to, just haven't yet. :D
I really enjoyed your answers. When I think about it, mine are kind of boring. I guess I'm more boring than I expected. he-he
Oh and the Rachel Caine books? Only get better! The next one comes out in August! Squee!!! :D
hey, Great interview, Jeri! I love your answers. Slow Like Honey is the perfect female POV sex song. Smart!
"Gosh, being a hero, that’s a lot of responsibility. Could I be Batman, but retired? Like, after Gotham City has been all cleaned up, and my job would just be to drive the Batmobile in parades every now and then." OMG I seriously spit my pop on the computer AGAIN.
Love your drink choice my was Captain with cherry coke *winks*
Welcome to the madness of DIK we be very glad you came man!
By and by ladies Rachel Caine's Warden series ROCKS love me some David OMG he's so great
i've got Eye of Crow on my shelf right now. Jeri - do you have a favorite of the books you have written? Are all your books in the first person? What's your writing process like? Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I tend to take just a taste from each series, like a book buffet
I do that, too! See, everybody? I'm not crazy! (Or...maybe I am, and so is Jeri?)
Amy - she signed your tote? Jeri *in big whiney voice* you never signed a tote for me!!! (I'm tellin Mom!) lol
Great questions Ciara!
Welcome! Thanks for joining in the fun.
I love Slow Like Honey. Great album. Have you heard her second CD? Slightly different, but I think it is just as good.
Ooh! you can come over to my hut with your coffee. I have chocolate in mine. Mmmm... mochas!
Great interview, Jeri! Cillian is a bit short for my taste but he has very beautiful eyes.
Hi Jeri, You know I thought I had read a lot of books but the more I read you interviews the more I see I am very far behind, must go to store and by more. Think I must hide from hubby for a while so he doesn't know, anyway thought I would leave you a message and see if maybe this time I would win, Book store and library are still out. I ordered one ant the book store and they sold it to someone else before I got there to pick it up. ( still scratching my head over that one.) May I'll have to brake down and bye from amazon.
enjoy reading your bloggs.
Thanks for all the great books.
love your website and would like to be entered in contest, im dying to have taht book!
Hey I am late, but welcome Jeri. I am beating myself up - how did I not include coffee on my list? LOL.
"Batman but retired" - Genius!
Jack Daniels? I'm in!
New visitor to this (not at all intellectually) desert island, just a stowaway fan of Jeri Smith-Ready actually, who found even more reasons to like this author. Meg was my first hero; I visit de Lint's Newford regularly and your radio station is on the air there; "I'd rather be in Hell with you baby, Than in cool Heaven" thought I was the only one in the world who remembered that song, and as to the pic, YUM. Old fashioned Cougar that I am, I guess I prefer to unwrap my own Christmas packages so I like them dressed.
As to Jaime, not there with you..but am glad to see if we were ever at a party I would not have to share my rum.
DIK Ladies, I love the island I hope I can sail back often to visit
Hi Jeri
As usual, I'm late for the party but a sincere welcome regardless.
Love "Batman but after Gotham City has been all cleaned up." What a hoot!
When Doves Cry is one of my favourites also - Prince is such a great talent.
I've never read any of your books Jeri but Requiem for the Devil sounds cool - just what I need, another auto-buy author.
Clinking my glass of Jack Daniels with ice and looking forward to learning a lot more about you in the next couple of days.
Ooh I love me some Scottish men, lol. What I want to know is are there any of those men on the island, or do you have to include one in your three things to bring? ;)
I can vouch for Wicked Game. It was an awesome, awesome read! Jeri's on my auto-buy list now just from this book alone. :)
I loved the about (Jeri) me post.
Wow! I run off for a mere 12 hours to go grocery shopping, finish a short story, post said short story on my website, build a MySpace page for my hero, and look what I miss!
Drea: Ooh, I had no idea my dorking around could boost my books up a TBB list. Cool!
Lesleyw: That excerpt is giving me swoony flashbacks to ILL WIND. Rarely have I truly fallen in love with a hero the way I did with David.
Christine: Thanks for the chair rec--I'll check it out!
Katie(babs): Thanks for the welcome! I'll bring the coffee if you provide the bagels. :-)
Amy C: Ah yes, the tote lady! It was great to meet you. Hope to see you next year in Orlando. Can't wait!
Sayuri: Yay! Hope you enjoy it.
Little Alys: I highly recommend it. We did it for $26/day. This was back in 1990, of course, and we stayed in youth hostels. I'd love to do it again with actual hotels and affording real food.
Bridget: No, it doesn't make you bad! I'm still pretty new, and in my own mind, pretty obscure. Glad to hear the Weather Warden books get even better--I'll definitely check out the rest now.
Carolyn Jean: And Fiona Apple was only 18, I think, when she recorded that, or maybe younger. Such an amazing album. When I first heard it I thought it was depressing, but then it grew on me, and now it's one of my favorites.
Sarai: Oh no, hope your computer's OK! I'm so paranoid about spillage, ever since my husband dripped cereal milk on his laptop and it cost >$200 to get fixed.
OK, I'll post this and get to some more answers in the next comment, before this gets eaten or something.
Ciara: My favorite is probably WICKED GAME--it was just so fun to write. It's in first person, but the ASPECT OF CROW trilogy is all third person. The first book, EYES OF CROW, is just from the heroine's POV, but the second and third ones (VOICE OF CROW (which is out) and THE REAWAKENED (which comes out November)) are multiple points-of-view, which helps expand the story a lot. REQUIEM FOR THE DEVIL is first person (Lucifer is the narrator!). The YA series I'm thinking of writing will probably be third person, unless it feels wrong that way.
Oh, and I'm somewhere between a plotter and a pantser. It all depends on the book. I usually swing back and forth like a pendulum. Like I think I pantsed too much on the first draft of the WICKED GAME sequel (BAD TO THE BONE) and got off track with too many storylines (I'll be rewriting it soon, so never fear, it'll be fine in the end!), so my next book will probably be plotted carefully.
JenB: High five! Glad I'm not the only one. :-)
Tracy: Produce a tote, and I'll sign it. Promise.
Shannon: Love me some mochas. Yep, I have Apple's second album, and I love that one, too. The third one, though? The one that the record company refused to produce? Not too crazy about that one, even though a lot of people said it was brilliant. I just didn't get it. Maybe I'm just an idiot.
Jennybrat: Is Cillian short? I never noticed. Why do I always pick short actors to play my tall heroes? (I picked Johnny Depp to play Lucifer.)
Msty: They *sold* your copy out from under you? Those bastards. Say what you will about Amazon, but they're always happy to sell you books. ;-)
OK, I'll post this then take care of the last few in another comment.
Gypsy: Thanks, and good luck! My husband designed my site. Nice to be married to a professional web designer. Almost as good as marrying a plumber.
Ana: You're not late at all! And don't feel bad about forgetting coffee--I had that question in an interview last week and I forgot it then, too. I think I said Books instead, but what good are books if I can't stay awake to read them?
Lisabea: woo-hoo! *raises glass*
Joanne: LOL--unwrap your Christmas presents. I agree 100%.
Jessewave: You're not late, either! Heck, we're just getting started. :-)
Sidhevicious: Yep, the men are provided. Come back Wednesday to see who I'm bringing. And thanks for the vouch!
I'll be back in the morning (well, later in the morning) with my blog post about WICKED GAME. Since Heroes Rule at DIK, I think it's only appropriate to do a spotlight on Shane. My boy doesn't get enough attention.
Welcome to DIK!! (I love saying that) Scottish men are definitely the best ;)
Loved the answers to your questions!!!! Great questions! Interesting to learn more about you!
Okay, you had me at Madeleine L’Engle’s Time Quartet series (A WRINKLE IN TIME, etc.) Oh man, I loved those books when I was a pre-teen. I used to read certain passages over and over again.
Also, I love Jamie in Outlander and I have to say - I would take him even without the no spanking clause :)
Katie: Thanks for the welcome! What is it about Scotsmen? The accent? Sigh...I think I'm going to have to put one in a book.
Ruth: Hi! Yes, soon there won't be anything everyone doesn't know about me. ;-)
Jill: The funny thing is, I *didn't* like WRINKLE IN TIME when I had to read it in fourth grade. I could not get into it. But I read the Time Quartet about 3 years ago and it became an instant favorite. I was a mundane kid, I guess.
And I think you have a lot of competition here for Jamie. Since I won't rescind the no-spanking clause, I guess I have to go to the back of the line!
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