13 Wicked Days of Christmas With Jennifer Rardin
WLP: Can you tell us, what your favorite Christmas related smell is?
Jen: I love the smell of mulled cider. We’ve made it along with Christmas Eve dinner for the past few years, and I’ve gotta say it gives me that happy, IT’S NEARLY CHRISTMAS!! feeling.
WLP: What about the worst gift you’ve received?
Jen: You know, I can’t tell you the story because the gifter is still living, and might hear about it, and I’d rather keep peace in the family. However I will say I was so insulted and pissed off that I fumed for the rest of the afternoon and evening. I don’t get mad like that anymore. I finally realized life’s too short for that kind of silliness.
WLP: Best gift received:
Jen: A couple of years ago my hubby got me a new engagement ring to replace my original, the band of which had broken. I cried. Not so much because the ring was beautiful, which it was, but because he still loved me enough to give me something that meant he still wanted to hang out with me for the rest of our lives.
WLP: Favorite Christmas Food:
Jen: My Christmas is not complete unless I have eggnog. And the best part? Nobody else in my family likes it, so I don’t have to share. Yessss!
WLP: Do you have any holiday traditions?
Jen: Our family has a trunkload of traditions. What I like best about us is that we’re adding new ones and dropping tired ones all the time. Here are a few of my faves:
*For the past three years everyone has pitched in to make a homemade (that’s right—no kits allowed!) gingerbread house. We’ve improved our technique each year so that our building has progressed from looking like a bombed-out church in 2006 to a halfway decent rat-trap in 2008! Keep an eye on my website (http://www.jenniferrardin.com) for 2009’s construction!
*Our son (who’s now 17) is allowed to wake us up at any time he wishes on Christmas morning. This has varied in years past from four to six a.m. He just told me he might be able to hold off until seven this year. Sweet!
*My husband always takes the kids on a Christmas Eve shopping trip, even if all the presents have been accounted for. They love this time they get to bond, be silly, and find last-minute fun gifts.
WLP: Favorite Christmas Movie or Favorite Christmas Song?
Jen: My favorite Christmas movie is Scrooged, starring Bill Murray. For many years in a row we used to watch it on Christmas Eve. Eventually we began to memorize entire scenes and we dropped that tradition. But I still love it!
WLP: What is the worst gift you’ve personally given someone?
Jen: I gave away a set of horrific wind chimes last year. It was more of a joke than a serious gift, but they were still so tacky I could barely stand to see them opened!
WLP: What is your favorite book of 2009?
Jen: I didn’t read many books this year (because I spend most of my spare time either writing or talking to fans), and my favorite was published a few years ago. But the one I enjoyed most was His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik, book one in the Temeraire series.
WLP: Bite Marks came out October 2009, what is next in the Jaz Parks series?
Jen: The next book is called Bitten in Two. It will release in January 2011. I’m really excited about it, because it takes place in Marrakech, Morocco, which inspired me immensely with its fascinating history and gorgeous architecture. And I’ve just finished outlining the eighth book in the series, the working title of which is The Deadliest Bite. So I’ll be starting it tomorrow. It’ll answer many questions for readers and give them an idea of where their favorite characters are headed without putting an absolute ending to the series. That way if I ever want to come back to it, I can.
WLP: What does 2010 look like for writing and publishing, in your world?
Jen: 2010 will be a somewhat nerve wracking year for me. Because I’ll be finishing the last book in my Jaz Parks contract, I’ll be pitching two new urban fantasy series’, one for adults, and one for younger readers. Here’s hoping a couple of stellar editors decide to snag them!
WLP: Yesterday, Michele Bardsley got the chance to ask you a question. Michele asked: If you had a million tax free dollars what would you buy first, and why?
Jen: Well, Michele, I’d pay to get my kids through college. I know it sounds a lot more humdrum than a red Ferrari, but I figure once they get their degrees, they’ll be making enough moola to buy me (this) one anyway, plus take care of themselves so I don’t have to. Now that’s a good investment!
WLP: Tomorrow, I have author & blogger Marta Acosta here. Ask Marta anything and she has to answer tomorrow!
Jen: Hi, Marta! Here’s what I want to know…if Santa were to leave a vampire under your tree, what would you do with him?
Thanks so much! I had a great time chatting with you! And to those of you who are new to the Jaz Parks series, please feel free to drop me a line at any of my online sites. I check them daily and respond regularly. Happy Holidays to you all!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Rardin/19356585468?ref=share
http://www.myspace.com/jenniferrardin
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/477469.Jennifer_Rardin
CONTEST ALERT!!
Jen has offered a signed copy of any one of her books, to one lucky reader! To win do the following:
+1 Comment on this blog about anything relating to this interview
+1 For being a Follower of this blog
+1 for tweeting about this interview/contest
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I am very excited to hear about the next two books in this series. I love it.
+1 I am follower
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
+1 I have never read Jennifer’s books before although I have heard a lot about this series. Hopefully I will get to read it soon.
+1 follower
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Oh, I’ve got in such a Christmas mood after reading this interview! Must go wrap my Christmas gifts…
Enter me if this is an international contest! I’m a follower
sara
sosarora_11(at)hotmail(dot)com
I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. As I don’t have any kids, I would use the one million dollars to travel around the world! Have a Merry Christmas!
tamsyn5@yahoo.com
I love your question for Marta Acosta. If you asked me, though, I’d insist in know who’s world’s vampire has been deposited under my tree. Do I have to go Buffy on him? Will he try to seduce me? Sounds like fun, but I don’t want to be married for a hundred years or need to run interference between him and Van Helsing… unless Van Helsing looks like Hugh Jackman.
Great interterview Jennifer. I am excited and sad to hear about the close of your Jazz Parks series, however it is good to know the story will not be officially closed. Got luck on your upcoming pitches!
*Please do not enter me in the giveaway. I would love a signed copy, but I already have all of the Jazz Parks series (they are one of my favorite).
Pixie- your 13 days really are WICKED.
I’ve heard of her books before but never read any of them! Hope I win this!
+1 Comment on this blog about anything relating to this interview
+1 For being a Follower of this blog
+1 Oh I love the ring gift ^^ lovely story!
+1 I am a follower =)
I’d love to win the first book to start reading this series!
TyngaUF (a) gmail.com
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by WickedLPixie: Today’s Interview is with Jen Rardin theres also a chance to win ANY book in the Jaz series! Go say Hi! http://bit.ly/5joWaK…
Thanks for the great interview. I loved that Jennifer’s favorite Christmas movie is Scrooged. It’s on my favorite movie list too.
Please count me in.
I’m subscribed to your blog through RSS feed, not sure if that counts as being a follower.
Hi Jennifer, I haven’t had a chance to talk to u on goodreads lately so I hope everything is fine. I love your traditions. I have a 3 yr old, so my husband and I decided to adopt your let him wake us any time christmas morning. Thats a good idea. I love christmas morning so I’m o.k. with it. In my family my mother makes all of us a handmade gift each year. All are made from wood. So I have some really neat items. She has been doing that for the last 20 yrs. I make things now for my kids.( my older girls, 29,24,22) I will wait until my son gets a little older and my granddaughters. I still give them things i make like knitted hats,gloves,socks,etc.
I just got your books all 6. I ordered them from my friend in the book store, who also ordered them for herself,we talked about that. they are great. I would love to have one you signed, that would make my xmas, and year!!!
Thanks for being here and Happy Holidays !!!!
Heidi S
1+follower
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oh I forgot
http://www.twitter.com/heidi330
heidi
Great interview, Jennifer. You and I share a love of Scrooged and egg nog. It actually reminds me…I have to go out and grab some…before it’s too late.
+1 for being a follower on twitter (@LisaMBasso)
Hi Jennifer! I love Jaz Parks! It is one of my favorite series. I’ve read the first five books, but haven’t gotten Bite Marks yet. If I could win a signed copy that would be wonderful! Good luck with your two new writing ventures next year!
mandan513(at)hotmail(dot)com
+1 Commented
+1 For being a Follower
I love Scrooged too! My favorite version of the story!
I’m a follower
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/BooksThings/statuses/6835868586
+1 Great interview.Jennifer is a new author to me although I have read alot of great reviews for her books.
+1 follower
+1 tweeted https://twitter.com/elaing8/status/6836247077
I’m always looking for new authors and series to read, hers sound good!
Great interview! You would be a new author to me! I have heard a lot about your books so I can’t wait to get one. I can’t believe you have a 17 year old that still gets up at six am. Most that age whats to stay up all night and sleep all day. Thats the way my son is any way.
I enjoyed the interview very much. I always enjoy getting to know authors. I have not read any of this series, but I have heard great things about it. I will definitely have to read them. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season.
I am a follower.
seriousreader at live dot com
Been entering contests after contests for Jennifer’s books but never won *sigh* Just wanted to try it, sample it out… never read Jennifer Rardin before.
Why is it that when we’re happy we cry, when we’re sad we cry… so how long have you been married Jen?
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2009/12/win-signed-jennifer-rardin-book.html
I’m a follower.
Hi
Thank you for the fun interview with Jennifer. I liked her question to Marta and I wonder what Marta’s answer will be. Does Jennifer have a picture of the tacky wind chimes?
Merry Christmas!
RKCharron
PS – Tweeted about this great interview.
PPS – Thank you for these interviews Natasha!
What a fun interview! I love your Christmas traditions. Your family sounds delightful, Jen.
It’s wonderful that her husband was thoughtful and replaced her engagement ring.
The book coming out in 2011 and situated in Morrocco sounds absolutely fantastic.
Great interview, after watching muppets christmas carol its managed to make me feel even more christmasy! Love that its not just our family that have the weird traditions, our own rule that you can eat chocolate for breakfast is one of my favourites! And i have to say im 23 and i still get up ridiculously early on christmas morning every year!
Would love a signed copy, would make my christmas!
Great interview. This sounds like a great series. I would love to win this, and will have to put it on my TBR list.
I enjoyed the interview with Jennifer. I haven’t read any of this series yet, but definitely have them on my “to buy” list.
I am a follower via google blogger.
Great interview Jen. The questions were a lot different from the usual and a lot of fun to read.
And your reply to Michele’s question was probably the smartest I’ve ever heard. Makes a lot more sense than anything I’d ever say.
Fingers crossed a new book comes of this comment.
Hi Ms. Rardin! I love the Gingerbread house tradition! I think I just might start one with my family! Thanks for sharing!
Also a blog follower!
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
I haven’t had the opportunity to read any of Jennifer’s work before but after reading the interview I will definitely have to check this one out.
I am a follower.
This series is so on my to read list I would love to get the first copy because the library never has it. I grabbed one book in the series but want to start from the beginning.
Great interview, love hearing about your work. I would love to have you as a guest at Fang-tastic Books if you have any time in your 2010 schedule.
And I am becoming a follower of this fantastic site (which I just fuond through a twitter post)
~Roxanne Rhoads
Awesome interview and I agree with you on the eggnog! It’s fabulous and a lot of people in my family dislike it too which of course means more for me!
I’m a follower!
Hi Jennifer!!! A Merry Early Christmas to you.
I am new to the series, but I’ve taken the first step, and I have the first book in the series. I’m looking forward to digging in since I’ve heard lots of good things about it.
So, what are you hoping Santa leaves you under the tree this year?
+1 comment
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+1 for tweeting – http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/6849189495
Great interview. I love the Jaz Parks series and am excited for the next two books, although also a bit sad that they are currently the end. And good plan on the paying for college idea so that they have to buy the red Ferrari to thank you. I like it.
I am a follower.
Great interview! That was really sweet about the new engagement ring
Thanks, Caitlin! I hope you enjoy them!
Raelena, girl, we gotta get you hooked! There’s nothing like a little Vayl before bed to give you suh-weet dreams!
Yup, it’s definitely international, YA Vampire Books. We came home to a ton of presents under the tree thanks to our happy-wrapping daughter. So fun!
A wise use of funds, Tamsyn! I’d be right behind ya!
These kinds of details are always nice to know, Alison. Good of you to bring them up!
Thanks, Elie!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, Kristen.
Well, I do have the best hubby in the universe, Tynga!
Double fist-pump for Scrooged, Jen! Who could beat this line…”The bitch hit me with a toaster!”
Thanks so much, Heidi! You and your mom’s handmade gift tradition simply rocks. My grandma always made each of us two or three handmade Christmas tree ornaments every year. Now that she’s gone, they’re absolute heirlooms, and I’m so grateful for each and every one!
Excellent, angel! Do you have to share? Because if you don’t, you get to drink it straight out of the carton. Woot!
Hi Amanda! I love you for loving Jaz Parks! Hope you enjoy Bite Marks. I had a fabulous time writing about Australia. Absolutely nowhere else in the world like it!
Yay, Melissa! Clearly we are surrounded by some excellent tastes here!!
Thanks, elaing8. We’re going to have to convince you to take the plunge one of these days, you know. Are you open to bribery?
Thanks for saying so, Teresa.
Hi Virginia! Well, Christmas is somewhat of an exception for our boy. But he’s also a wrestler, so he’s used to early call times for those Saturday morning tournaments!
Thanks for the kind words, Linda. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!
I dunno, Cherry, because I personally don’t like to cry. But I have heard there are actual toxins that tears release from the body, so maybe it’s good for you in more ways than one. Hubby and I will be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary on December 28th, thanks for asking!
I wish I did have a picture of those wind chimes, RK. Imagine the most embarrassing eyesore that makes the most annoying noise you’ve ever heard, multiply that by three, and you’re there!
Thanks, Jess. I agree, my family is quite fabulous. I do my best to deserve them every single day. Some days I even succeed.
He’s a jewel, Debbie. And I don’t even like puns!
Thanks, John. I spent about seven hours working on the edit of it today, and I’m still incredibly psyched about the story. I never thought I’d come to love rewrites, but when I can see the story improving, I have to admit that they’re well worth the time!
Chocolately breakfasts are a gorgeous tradition, Sophie! Good for you!
Thanks, Judy. Right at the top would be good, because Jaz hates to wait. You’ll understand after you meet her. It’s just not in her nature…
Thanks, Barbara! If you get a chance to read one, let me know what you thought, okay?
You’re a sweetie, Bec!
Hi Kate! That’d be too cool! We’re off to buy the ingredients tomorrow!
Thanks for giving Jaz and Vayl a chance, Debbie. They’re a pretty nifty duo!
Of course, Roxanne, that’d be wonderful!
Virtual fist-bump, Jeanette!
Merry Christmas, Heather! Usually I don’t ask for anything specific because my husband tends to ignore me completely and get exactly what he thinks I need anyway. But I am kinda hoping for a nice little camera this year. Mine is old and bulky, rather like a box o’ girl scout cookies. You know, yummy, and yet too bulky not to add extra weight.
Thanks, Donna!
Yeah, Chelsea, hubby’s da bomb. But we probably shouldn’t spread the word about his sweet side. His friends will never let him live it down!
I’ve been wantiing to get your book Bite mark .loooks like agreat book already on my list of books to get.I just dorp all the gifts of on my brother and his kids before X-mas and
I Sleep in on X-mas so here is hoping you get to sleep till Seven.
Happy Holidays
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sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
+1 Great interview! I’d love to read her book!
+1 For being a Follower of this blog
+1 for tweeting about this interview/contest
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/6856877919
Great interview ! I love the Ferrari/college part, really made me laugh !
I’m a follower.
Oh, and Natasha, I’ve been told that an award was waiting for you here : http://thebookonthehill.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-lovely-blog-award.html
It is because of Michele Bardsley that I found this website. I just discovered her books this Nov. of 2009. Reading everything about her which I can find. Found and got on some email list and SHE (Michele B.) emailed me that there was this place called wickedlilpixie…. wow.. more to learn and a lot of good writers to learn more about..
I work as a teacher but am a student in so many ways. My thanks to you all for the new things to learn about..
Loved the interview! I just got book 6: Bite Marks (early Christmas present from Hubby)….Of course I had to read the excerpt for the next book: Bitten in Two. Loved It!!!!
My question is: Will the t-shirt on the opening page be availabe for us to buy? I luv it – I even had to read that out loud to my husband….almost wet myself from laughing so hard!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
January 2011 seems like a long time to wait for the next Jaz Parks.
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I actually slept in til 9 one Christmas!
Follower and tweeter @greatmasteryoda
Thank you.
I’m definitely ready for more Jaz
I’m a follower and I posted this on the Contests & Giveaways section on my sidebar
http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/
allthingsurbanfantasy[at]gmail[dot]com
sorry i missed this your an awesome person and ur books rock deff love the whole tax free dollars thing sounds like a deff good investment
im a follower
Thanks, Stacey! I’d say our chances of sleeping until seven are pretty good right now. Our son has lost a lot of sleep lately talking to the girlfriend until midnight on MSN (!!) but there’s no guarantee–because I just told him he’s about to have his best Christmas EVAH!
Thanks, Aik!
Which is why, Patricia, Michele needs some sort of special medal. Or perhaps a custom-made tiara??
Glad you liked it, Kimberley! Yes, I am planning to open a Shop with Cole t-shirts and related Jaz merchandise, hopefully next year. Just kinda waiting for the economy to show me it’s out of intensive care for the long haul.
I agree, Arantza. As a result I’ve been trying to think of creative ways to keep you entertained in the meantime. The first item on my list? A Bite Marks discussion on my Facebook fan page early this January. I suspect we will be talking ROMANCE!! (Which is fine–it’s one of my favorite subjects.)
You are a lucky girl, Cathie. I’ll bet you didn’t even need a nap later that day!
Glad to hear it Abigail!
You didn’t miss a thing, Beverly! Thanks for dropping by!
love gingerbread houses. amazing constructions out there. looking forward to seeing your post on it jennifer!
+1 i’m a follower
vvb32 at yahoo.com
natasha btw: you’ve just been awarded
http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-lovely-blog-award.html
love gingerbread houses. amazing constructions out there. looking forward to seeing your post on it jennifer!
+1 i’m a follower
vvb32 at yahoo.com
natasha btw: you’ve just been awarded
http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-lovely-blog-award.html
Hi Jennifer~
I would have to agree with your family on not really enjoying the whole eggnog thing. I just do not know what it is about it, but it is not my favorite.
How fun that you…adults…make a gingerbread house. It has been quite awhile since we have attempted one. We are, also, trying for 7 a.m. this year…we will see how that works out.
I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas!
I am very sorry for my double post, but I forgot to add my email address and that I a follower (+1). latomli (at) yahoo (dot) com