The Big 4 Interviews – Kelley Armstrong

Kelley Armstrong is the author of the “Women of the Otherworld” paranormal suspense series, “Darkest Powers”  YA urban fantasy trilogy, and the Nadia Stafford crime series.  She grew up in Ontario, Canada, where she still lives with her family.  A former computer programmer, she’s now escaped her corporate cubicle and hopes never to return.

1.         The first ten chapters of your latest book, The Reckoning, are available on your website. Were you an advocate of this publication model previously and will you continue to give away free chapters of your books?

It’s actually my publisher (HarperCollins) that does this.  They use software that allows you to read the first ten chapters, though you can’t download it etc.  Usually I’m only allowed to give away up to three chapters, so I love this.  I wish I could do it for all my books.

2.         You write about a wide range of supernatural beings in your books, including werewolves, vampires, demons, and witches. Which are the most fun and interesting to write about?

Growing up, werewolves were my favourite type, so when I decided to try an Anne Rice “monster as protagonist” book, they were my first choice.  They remain my first choice, though I love doing others.

3.         You write for adults and young adults. Is it tricky to shift gears between the two?

It hasn’t been a problem so far.  My main adult series has narrators ranging from twenties to forties, male and female.  Shifting gears became the norm for me, so I never got into the habit of narrating only one type of story.

4.        Which of your many characters Burns Brightest in your mind and why?

It’s like doing the different series–I like the characters all for different reasons!  The easiest to write, though, is Elena, because I’ve done her voice the most often.  I’m not sure she burns brightest, but she’s my comfort choice.

Kelley’s website: www.KelleyArmstrong.com

Kelley’s YA (Darkest Powers) site: www.DarkestPowers.com