Author Interview: Ann Aguirre (And a Blue Diablo Giveaway!) Back to Blog
Hi, everyone! Today I am thrilled to have talented author Ann Aguirre as my interview victim. Ann has an awesome new release on bookstore shelves right now–BLUE DIABLO just released. (And one lucky commenter will get this great book!)
Ann, thanks for joining me today!
On to the interview!
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and the genre (or genres) that you write.
If you don’t know me, I’m Ann Aguirre. I was born in the Midwest, and I have a degree in English Lit, but I now live in Mexico, which I love, with my husband, Andres, and two great kids. I write romantic science fiction, urban fantasy, and action romance. The first two are published under my real name. My action romances will release via the pseudonym Ava Gray.
2. Describe BLUE DIABLO in 15 words or less.
Unique urban fantasy with an habañero kick
3. LOL—okay, now use as many words as you’d like to describe your story.
Well, here’s a short blurb:
Corine Solomon is a handler—when she touches an object she instantly knows its history and its future. Using her ability, she can find the missing—which is why people never stop trying to find her. Like her ex-boyfriend Chance, who needs Corine’s gift to find someone dear to them both. But the search proves dangerous as it leads them into a strange world of demons and sorcerers, ghosts and witchcraft, zombies—and black magic…
In the Corine Solomon books, I explore the idea of two people loving each other desperately, but–apart from their shared history, they probably don’t belong together. What happens when you want something that’s not good for you? What happens when two people aren’t soulmates, destined to be together forever? What happens when a relationship between them is difficult and raw and every inch gained is a struggle? Is it worth fighting for? Is it worth battling to make the pieces fit? Well, you’ll have to read the series to get my take.
4. Which character do you like better from BLUE DIABLO—the hero or the heroine? Why?
That’s an easy question: the heroine, of course, but only because I write in first person, and I’m in her head all the time. I understand her from the inside out. Plus, this is urban fantasy, so there isn’t one clear-cut hero/love interest from the jump. We’ll have to wait and see as the series goes on to see who emerges the victor in the romantic thunderdome.
5. What is the most challenging part of being a writer?
Well, there are two answers to this: a personal one and a general one. Personally, I grapple with the discipline needed to meet my word count every single day I’m working on a contracted project. I live by daily goals that add up to meeting my deadlines, every time.
In a more general sense, from before I landed my first contract, I think dealing with rejection is the most challenging part for any writer. It takes dedication to keep your ass in the chair when there’s so little immediate gratification. We wait years for feedback. We get told we stink repeatedly until we have to grow elephant skin in order to keep trying at all. This is one of the only jobs where you can spend twenty years hearing how terrible you are — and then overnight, all that can change. One editor likes you, and suddenly readers get a look at your stuff. Surprise! They love it. So does that mean you didn’t suck after all or you spent twenty years learning NOT to suck? It’s a question for the ages. This is not a world with absolutes; the subjectivity can be crazy-making.
6. In a fight, who would win…Dracula or the wolf-man? What? This question seems odd? Please, folks are dying to know this answer.
Well, obviously it would depend on whether Drac could drain Wolfie dry. Is were blood poisonous to vampires or is it a mega-boost? If Drac can drain him, he wins. If he cannot, then Wolfie wins.
7. What’s your favorite scary movie? Come on, spill. No explanations—just name it. Let everyone else guess why.
Pitch Black
8. Tell me the one thing you wish you’d known about being a writer, um, before you became a writer.
That being published isn’t a panacea. I thought once I was published, I could quit worrying. All I’d need to do is sit around in my happy place, writing books.
9. What is your writing schedule like?
I write while the kids are in school, 8-2:30. In that time, I get my 3K done. I write five days a week, so it takes six weeks to finish a draft. Then I take some time off, depending on the deadline; a week is ideal to clear my mental palate. At that point, I go through the book with my editor hat on, and I polish the manuscript. My agent and beta reader(s) read over it and give me feedback. With their suggestions, I make a second pass, until I feel the book is as shiny as I can make it. My editor receives it then, and I wait for her comments. I work on edits and revisions simultaneously with my writing. If I have edits, revisions or galleys, I take care of them in the afternoon / evening, after I’ve met my word count.
10. Tell me anything you’d like to tell me.
I have lots of free reads on my website, and I love hearing from readers. They should check out my blog for frequent contests, too. Thanks for having me!
Thanks for answering my interview questions!
Now…do you want to win a shiny new copy of BLUE DIABLO? Then leave a comment for Ann. (You must provide a valid email address to be eligible.) Tell Ann what you think of urban fantasy stories. Ask her questions about BLUE DIABLO–ask those questions that you are burning to ask! A commenter will be randomly selected After 10 a.m. (Eastern time) on Thursday, April 8. Good luck!
Some links:
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Hi Ann! I’m looking forward to reading Blue Diablo! *rushes off to check out free reads on website*
Hi, Ann! Thanks for answering my interview questions! So looking forward to reading Blue Diablo!
Hello
This book is popping up all over Blogland and generating much buzz! 😀
Can I ask are all your books written in first person POV and what draws you to that style as opposed to 3rd person?
No, they aren’t. First person lends itself to SF&F I think because I like those genres to be character-driven. I want to get inside that person’s head and invest in their personal journey.
My romances are always third person because I want to present both sides when the characters are falling in love. I think it enriches the romantic arc to see what both hero and heroine are thinking / feeling.
Thanks for having me, Cynthia!
The title drew my attention and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Very insightful answers. I really want to read this book. The hero/heroine sound great.
I’m off to check out the free reads. 🙂
Oh, cool! Can´t wait to hear what you think.
I love your interviews, Cynthia, and I can’t wait to read Blue Diablo! I love star-crossed lovers’ stories. I also think it’ll being interesting to see how Corine deals with being in demand. Does she feel like she’s being used or does she look for every opportunity to help others? I can’t wait to find out!
I’m already a fan of your Jax books, Grimspace and Wanderlust so I’ll be sure to check out this book as well! And Pitch Black is a good scary movie! *G*
Hi Ann and Cynthia, Happy Hump Day! I have Blue Diablo on my TBB list. The book sounds awesome and ladies the interview was fantastic! Have a good one.
Great interview. I am really looking forward to reading Blue Diablo and now I must look up Pitch Black, I am always looking for new good scarey movie.
Ashley, you make a good point about Corine. You´ll have to read the book to find out!
I am a big fan of your Jax stories too. I think you might have been one of the first authors to turn me on to urban fantasy told in first person. Totally agree about Pitch Black. Love the storyline and it’s my fav Vin Diesel movie. Can’t wait to read Blue Diablo.
Hi Ann. Great interview. Blue Diablo sounds wonderful. I love urban fantasy novels.
Wow, Cathy, that´s great to hear.
Thanks Crystal.
Pitch Black – scary and sexy. Yum.
Will have to pick up the new book soon. I’m glad you’re a superfast writer, even if it does make me ashamed of my pathetic pacing. 🙂
I truly admire those of you who can do urban fantasy. 🙂 I have to stick to romantic medievalist fantasy because I just can’t figure out how to make our real world fantastical, but I love to read a good urban romance. 😉
Hi Ann,
Great interview! I have to admit (and maybe I’ll have to go into hiding after this…) I’m not the biggest lover of Urban Fantasy. I think it’s really … well it’s a difficult genre, in my opinion. It has to be real, and believable. And, I’ve taught/tutored inner city at risk kids for 6 years now. When my “kids” (who are 9-10) are more hardass than the “bad ass” characters, I get annoyed.
HOWEVER. I’ve been hearing so many great things about Blue Diablo – and I readily admit that I’m a creature of advertising, and that hype gets me… I really want to read your story now. 🙂
What made you pick Urban Fantasy?
I love Urban Fantasy. The gritty feel of it as you’re reading really pulls me in. IF there is a kick ass woman involved I love it even more. Your Jax series ROCKS, so I’m sure I’ll love Blue too!
I always wanted UF, ever since I discovered Charles de Lint. It wasn´t until I moved to Mexico, however, that I felt I could contribute something fresh to the genre.
Ah – very cool, Ann! 🙂 I also like that Blue Diablo is UF with a twist/kick. Haha, now I MUST have this book!
I think that’s an interesting question about whether or not two people who clash so much should be together long term. In a lot of UF, I think we sort of go in assuming the main character and our personal favorite suitor are “meant” to be. I like the idea of making the reader really have to wrangle over the issue.
Loved the interview Ann and I so can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Blue Diablo. Well, I’m sure you’ve already figured that out. 🙂
I love Pitch Black. I love Chronicles of Riddick too. So fantastic.
Angie, I wrote more in depth about this for a guest blog. It will be posted at http://cubiesconfections.blogspot.com on April 20th.
Jackie, I really hope you enjoy it!
Sounds fun! I’d love to win!
Blue Diablo sounds great! What an awesome cover. Best of luck to you Ann with your books. I’d love to be entered in this contest. 🙂
Hi Cynthia!
Great interview! Blue Diablo sounds great!
Hi Ann!! I love reading Urban Fantasy! I remember reading my first one and how hooked I get into them! I’ll try not to bother you too much about ‘when’s the next one?” LOL. I’d love to be in the contest!!
Ann, do you get to read Urban Fantasy while you are writing it too? Who do you like to read in Urban Fantasy too?
love UF and this one sounds right up my alley.
Thanks for the kind words.
I read Jeri Smith-Ready, Rachel Caine, Nalini Singh, Eileen Wilks, and Kim Harrison, among others.
Thanks for the kind words.
I read Jeri Smith-Ready, Rachel Caine, Nalini Singh, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance, Kim Harrison, and Carrie Vaugh, to name a few.
I am really looking forward to Kelly Meding’s book.
Hi Ann! Ya’ll will have to shoot me. I’ve never seen Pitch Black. But I loved watching Vin in the Chronicles of Riddick. (One of my Fav Movies!)
I’m a fan of Sirantha Jax. Well, who wouldn’t be? How does Jax compare to Corine? I hope she’s just as complicated.
Blue Diablo sounds great! I’d love to win a copy.
Hi Ann, love your Jax books and now want to read this new series, I’m become a fan of urban fantasy this past year. Checking out Kelly Meding’s book, too.
Okay, it is time to post the winner. Unless Cynthia locks the comments, you can keep chatting from here, but it will win you no books. The winner is:
JAMBREA
Email my assistant at azteclady1 at gmail.com and she will hook you up.
Woohoo! Thank you SO much! I can’t wait!!!
Blue Diablo saved me yesterday while on overcrowded, delayed flights. Instead I was immersed in the very fun Southwestern/Mexican cultural/magical setting of Blue Diablo, getting to know a host of characters that I hope will stay in the sequels. Thanks Ann!