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.jenniferrardin.com 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Rardin/19356585468?ref=share 

http://www.myspace.com/jenniferrardin

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/477469.Jennifer_Rardin

http://reluctantadults.blogspot.com

http://www.twitter.com/JenniferRardin

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