Ever have one of those days when you thought you did something, but didn’t, and it nagged you all night in your sleep until you wake up thinking, “What did I forget to do?” Well, for me it was posting this blog last night! Then the kids did NOT cooperate this morning and I didn’t have five minutes to sit down until now. BUT you are in for a treat, because I interviewed our own JENNIFER LYON! (cheers, whistles, applause.)
Jennifer Lyon, aka Jennifer Apodaca, (hmm, that sounds like she’s a criminal and I’m about to put an APB out on her) is one of the three remaining original members of Murder She Writes when we launched this blog over five years ago. She is truly a talented, fun, engaging—if slightly neurotic (aren’t we all?)—writer, and I am blessed to have her as a friend.
Jen started in humorous romantic mysteries, and I loved her Samantha Shaw series. The first book, DATING CAN BE MURDER, was fun, smart, and quirky—a lot like Jen herself! But as she is human, there’s also a dark, angsty, romantic side that exploded within the pages of her Wing Slayer series.
I’m thrilled to interview Jennifer as she launches the next two books in her paranormal romance Wing Slayer series. Though she’s been writing on this blog for years, my goal is for you to learn something new about her.
For those of you who don’t know her, Jen grew up mostly in Southern California. “Much to the amusement of my children, I met my husband at the dog pound,” Jen said. “They love that story! I live a pretty traditional “real” life and a rich “fantasy” life through my writing.”
I think one reason Jen and I click is because we shared a lot of the same writing influences as young adults—romance and horror. Jen said, “Some of my early favorite authors were Julie Garwood (loved her historical romances), Jude Deveraux, Judith McNaught, Stephen King and Dean Koontz—which shows how mixed my reading tastes can be! I loved romance and I loved the horror. It’s probably not a big surprise that I write paranormal that combines deep love with some dark and gritty story lines!”
Jen is a reader first. To her, the fun part of marketing is the readers themselves. “I just love connecting with readers because I’m a reader myself. So I hang out on Facebook when I can, do a fun blog on my website, that kind of thing. But it took a while to understand what approach works best for me.”
Jen’s favorite color changes with her mood. (Okay, that’s a bit quirky—unless I’m the only one who always had the same favorite color!) Today, her favorite color is emerald green. Just don’t hold her to that tomorrow! And I found out that she changes her favorite reading genres. Today she reads a lot of paranormal romance, but she also likes mysteries, romance, women’s fiction, thrillers, you name it. (I sense a trend here . . . )
Everyone has odd writing habits. Jen says, “When I start a new project, I like to have a brand new sharpened pencil, and I get very cranky when the kids steal my pencils! While I do the bulk of my work on the computer, I like to “think” by free writing on notebook paper, and also I make notes on a yellow pad relating to research, character names, etc. And I’m a bit of a caffeine addict—I often wonder if I could write a book if I ever gave up coffee.”
I think writers single-handedly keep the coffee bean farmers in business.
Jen’s Wing Slayer Hunters are unique and the books rich with a well-developed world for her amazing characters. That’s all because she believes research is important.
“I have a notebook full of research! I have information on demons, gods, witches, winged creatures like dragons and a phoenix. I’ve researched chakras and various things related to witches like candles, herbs, crystals, lunar cycles and anything that I come across. Oh and for Phoenix, the hero of NIGHT MAGIC, I have pages of Chuck Norris jokes—Phoenix loves Chuck Norris jokes!”
It’s the original and humorous details—like the Chuck Norris jokes—that take Jen’s books a step above so many others.
NIGHT MAGIC, which will be out on March 22, is the third book in the Wing Slayer series, followed by SINFUL MAGIC on May 24th.
On NIGHT MAGIC, Jen said, “Phoenix and Ailish are special to me. They are both damaged, but they rise above their pasts and the dark torments they have suffered to fight for each other. Ailish’s blindness makes her tough and capable, and she brings the hardened and tortured Phoenix to his knees. Their story has stayed with me even though I finished writing their book nearly a year ago.”
I asked Jen what she loves most about the Wing Slayer world. “Two things come to mind: First is the magic because I truly wanted to create a world for readers who wanted a little magic in their lives. The second thing is the powerful bond between the witch and her hunter—their love is so strong, each of them would walk through flames for the other. But it’s even more than that, they learn each others darkest fears, and they do everything they can to protect their loved one from the thing that scares them most. That’s a kind of love and I hope it comes through in the Wing Slayer World.”
Finally, I asked Jen what’s one little known fact about her that she’s never shared with Murder She Writes.
“I feel like I’ve been on Murder She Writes so long that I’ve probably shared everything! My life is an open book except that I am careful to protect the privacy of my husband and kids. Okay, I’ve got an embarrassing one: In my early teens, I watched Starsky and Hutch, and had a crush on David Soul. I don’t see the appeal now!”
What’s one little known secret in your life? Embarrassing or fun or just quirky! Jen’s giving away the first Wing Slayer book, BLOOD MAGIC, to two lucky commenters.
(Aren’t these amazing covers? They look so terrific together!)
I love 80’s Hairband music! Still enjoy listening to it, but I guess it’s not too bad cause my teenaged nieces enjoy it too!
June, it must be cool if your teenage nieces enjoy it!
Nowadays, I am considered a good cook. When I married, I was totally inept in the kitchen. I had gotten by on mostly sandwiches since moving away from home. My husband is from a background where all dinners included tablecloths, candles and a glass of wine. No matter what I served, he always set the table according to his upbringing…including when I heated canned chili and served it over rice. The man could and did cook, as well. So over time and with support from hubby, I have learned to put out meals that one usually associates with the elegance that he puts on the table. However, we still have canned chili over rice when the mood strikes me.
That is such a cute story! Sigh. I wish my hubby could cook.
Little Lamb Lost, I’m impressed that you learned to cook so well. I’m average and…well shoot…lazy. Table clothes? LOLOL! Not in my house! But I use place mats, so I’m not a total hick 🙂
such a treat, two of my favorite ladies telling all 🙂 I too love horror and romance. I would love to tell stories that combined the two. And i love what you do with the damaged lovers finding solace in each other. A great standard for me to follow!
Sophie, Allison and I teaming up is a little frightening–we both have a dark streak in our writing!
There is something compelling about horror and romance, isn’t there?
Allison, thank you so much for doing the interview! It was a lot of fun! You are always so gracious and generous to everyone. I don’t know how you do it all!
And YES I’ve had those days where I’m sure I’ve forgotten something.
I love learning new things about the MSW crew! 🙂
Just have to repeat, but you put a lot of work into this, and it was your idead. Because that’s how you are–always promoting others! I want everyone to know that about you.
A little known secret is that I love manga. Everyone used to think it never appealed to me since they only saw me reading romance novels or textbooks, but I’m pretty crazy and picky about them.
Jeanette, that’s a pretty cool secret, actually. One of my Brava books EXTREMELY HOT just sold to a Japan company for Manga.
Congrats on the spring Magic releases. I enjoyed the interview.
A little known part of my life is that when I was growing up, the first job I wanted to have was as a snowball stand operator. (Can you tell I’m from the deep South?) Still haven’t gotten there. Maybe someday!
LSUReader, thanks for the congrats! Hmm, a snowball stand operator–I never heard of that before and now I’m intrigued!
I, too, had a crush on David Soul back in the day. I played his one hit song over and over.
He hasn’t aged too badly (I’ve probably gained as much weight as him), I’ve seen him in one or two PBS shows since he has lived in England for a number of years.
Anne, I remember that–he was a one hit wonder 🙂 But I haven’t seen him lately so I’ll take your word for it.
Aww, Jen is so cute. I think that’s why I like her blogs, cuteness is everything 🙂
Little know fact about me (embarrassing, too), I meow. Like, randomly, in the middle of whatever, I just meow. Like a cat. It drives my mom crazy, of course, that I’m 22 and never stopped this habit. I mostly don’t do it in front of strangers, but I have to stay it accidentally slips sometimes. I know, right?
Also, another little know, embarrassing fact. I not only watch Big Love, I also REALLY like it. Ehhh…
Aww, thanks, Barbie 🙂
And thank you for making me laugh! I think I’m going to take up your habit, it sounds like a great way to reduce stress. Just stop and Meow! You could start a whole knew fad!
Jennifer, I had the David Soul album. I was sooo in love.
Love the covers. They look so cool together.
Jill, another David Soul groupie, LOL! We’re Soul Sisters!
Thanks on the covers, I’ve been really happy with them.
A little known secret about me….Well, I’m a health nut. I eat really well and exercise is a way of life for me so it comes as a shock to most people when they find out that I used to eat turkey skin. Yes, I loved Thanksgiving just for the skin. Today the idea of eating it makes me want to puke :).
I really am enjoying the Wing Slayer Series. Thank you.
Viki S, I admire that fact about you! I wish I ate better.
So glad you’re enjoying the series!
Embarassing? Well, I guess the time I dressed up for Rocky Horror Picture Show, and no one else did!!! LOL
I think you win with that!
Cre! Oh wow, that would qualify as embarrassing!
david soul, though was weird, i was always the drk hair type, but something about david soul, plus he sang though id idnt know that watching him as hutch
he .well my crush still weirds me out cause he was blonde
http://www.davidsoul.com/
god i think we all aged ourselves .lol
Tamibates, we did age ourselves! I’m like you, I usually go for dark haired men too.
Thanks for the link!
My little dirty secret is that I am a closet Auction Wars Junkie. I love to watch absolute brain garbage on TV when my kids are asleep. During the day, I homeschool my kids and we always are discussing something educational, but at night, I absolutely love brain rot TV.
Carla, if you homeschool your kids all day, you deserve brain rot TV at night!
I am just here to stalk Jen… So don’t enter me… And if you have not read these books you SSSSOOOOOO need to… I freakin am in love with this series… SO can’t wait for Phoenix….. 🙂
Thank you FAB & GLAM!!!!!! (hehehe)
Kelly
oh ps.. Don’t enter me… Already have!!!
Stalker Kelly, What would I do without you? Thank you so much!
Even if I disagree with the FAM and GLAM!!
Jen? I wrote fanfiction about Starsky & Hutch, starring my BFF and I. Though, it was in the form of a script so… But yeah. Hutch was AAAALLLLL mine!
Secret? I’ll only say white horse, white hat, Lady Godiva.
And don’t put me in the book. I have BLOOD MAGIC, signed, already. 😀 (And I promise NOT to write Wing Slayer fan fic. 😉 )
Jeez. I need to proof read.
Don’t put me in FOR the book. (I believe you when you say the ugly witch named Silver in your books isn’t me… 😉 )
And I wrote the Silver in the book was there before I met you! It’s the truth! Witch’s Honor!
Silver, I know that secret!!! Ha! With enough bribery I might spill it too! LOL!
Little embarrassing for me i guess. I recently told my husband from now on he would be making the mashed potatoes when we have them for dinner. He doesn’t add anything i don’t when i make them but when he makes them they are WAYYYYY better than mine. I secretly watched him the last time and he does everything the same as me. I mean come on it’s mashed potatoes. Plain mashed potatoes. So i sit there and praise his potatoes now everytime we have them. lol
Lisa B
Lisa, how funny, my husband makes the mashed potatoes too!
A little known fact is that I can’t stand for my feet to be dirty! It bothers me to the point where you hardly ever see me without something covering them LOL 🙂
I’ve worked in libraries for the past ten years of my life, so it shouldn’t surprise me that I really like organization. If I see books out of order at a bookstore, I start rearranging; I’ve even rearranged my friends’ bookshelves (usually with their permission) if they’re especially bad. 😡
Secret? Well, if I tell, then it’s not a secret. Suffice it to say, there was alcohol involved. And no, I’ll never tell that story to my girls =)
Your books covers are awesome. The colors bounce off the page!!!
What a FUN blog! I love the whole David Soul thing! My dirty little secret: My first book was HERE COME THE BRIDES fan fiction — speaking of David Soul! I wrote it after school every day, on a typewriter that had italic font.
Can I just say, I love the Bolt Brothers! I was more of a Bobby Sherman girl (Yes, this is so dating me, I know it. I was, you know, like 3 when that show was on.) I wrote a story about being one of the “Brides” – now I’m going to spend the rest of the night singing…the bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle! OMG, I loved that show with a heat of a hundred suns. LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. I would watch reruns right now, all night. Jeremy Bolt! I think I shall put him in a book!! xo
My quirky habit is that I check out my favorite blogs every day. The only people that know about the habit are my husband and kids. I know, pretty tame stuff.
I used to believe that if I sang Like a Virgin by Madonna that it would give me the power to ride my bike with no hands!
I still avoid walking on cracks on the floor and count my steps to always finish with in even number.
I eat in pairs. Seriously pairs. If its not even it bothers me. Even number of chips, pieces of candy, cut food into even pieces, etc. I dont think anyone around me has noticed yet at least not for sure.
Jen, I had a crush on Paul Michael Glaser!
The covers are truly amazing, especially grouped together.
yes they are!
Great interview. You ladies are both awesome. =o)
I was a total little freak for Hawaii 5-0 (it must’ve been on in reruns). I loved Dano. And now there’s a new version of the show – with the same theme song. The new Dano isn’t the same, but the old music makes everything better.
I want to read this ! 😉
I’m allergic to seafood but I can eat tuna and sardines in the can. Weird ?
LOL, that’s not bad. When I was little I was in love with Mr. T, I even called myself Mrs. T because I was sure we would be married.
I love the covers to these, eye catching
Wow! Jen, I’m sorry I missed this yesterday! Awesome!
LOVE the covers 🙂
Hey congrats on the release! This series sounds really good. I definitely am going to add them to my TBR list.
A secret of mine…hmmm…I can’t think of any that are appropriate for this discussion, lol.
Would love to be entered into this contest 🙂