-->

Thursday, January 19, 2012

PR Special Edition (57): Regan Summers!



Poisoned Rationality Special  Edition

Welcome to another Poisoned Rationality Special Edition! Today we have Regan Summers, author of Don't Bite the Messenger from Carina Press!  She's joined us today for an interview.

Synopsis:   Anchorage, Alaska

The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare. Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six by being careful. She’s careful when navigating her tempestuous clients, outrunning hijackers and avoiding anyone who might distract her from her plan of retiring young to a tropical, vampire-free island. Her attitude—and immunity to vampires’ allure—have made her the target of a faction of vampires trying to reclaim their territory. Her only ally is Malcolm Kelly, a secretive charmer with the uncanny habit of showing up whenever she’s in trouble. Caught in the middle of a vampire turf war, Sydney has to count on Malcolm to help her survive, or the only place she’ll retire is her grave…
+++
Welcome Regan!  Thank you for agreeing to the interview and approaching me to review Don't Bite the Messenger.  I have to say it was a surprising treat!
Thank you so much, Lexie! I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
Can you tell us a little bit about Don't Kill the Messenger and the genesis behind it?
I live in Alaska. I was born here but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate other climates. Messenger developed because I was in the middle of a rough winter, going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark, and I wanted out in the worst way. However, moving wasn't an option and vacation wasn't possible for months. So my mind formed a character who also wanted out. Unfortunately for Sydney, it also created a bunch of people who wanted her dead. Good thing she's quick on her feet.
Sydney remarks at one point that it wouldn't make sense for vampires to live where the sun dominates the hours of the day, thus your setting is Alaska.  As you live in Alaska yourself, was this an intentional decision for the setting or was it a happy coincidence that the two aligned so well?
It was very intentional! I've always wondered at the house-bound vampire, those living in locations where it's light for twelve hours a day all year. In the winter, you get a few hours of daylight in Alaska - and that's if you're in the southern part of the state. That's only a few hours of restriction, which I think these creatures would appreciate. My vampires also migrate to the Southern Hemisphere when the balance of darkness shifts.
This is the first book in your Vampire Couriers series, and the ending--which I won't spoil--ties things up nicely for Sydney.  Will future books also follow Sydney on her adventures or will you be featuring other couriers? (I for one, wouldn't mind knowing what happened to Sean...)
The series follows Sydney. However, if things go according to plan, Sean Oester will make an appearance in a later story. Probably not in the way you'd expect. I also have a novella planned for a side character who is introduced in the second installment, which I'm just finishing up.
Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  Do you read a lot or do you find you need space to unwind?
I read whenever I get a chance, which is not as often as I'd like since I have a day job and a toddler, and am occasionally required to "socialize". In the summer, I love to fish. (I refuse to fish in the winter. I believe ice fishing is a featured punishment in Hell.) In the winter, I plan elaborate trips involving snorkeling, learning foreign languages, and eating exotic fruits directly off of trees. I rarely take trips like that, mind you, but it's nice to imagine. :)
The interaction between Sydney and Malcolm is rather rocky, to say the least.  They're both kind of outside of their kind, with unique talents that set them apart.  Will we learn more about Malcolm and his history with Bronson?
It is rocky because, initially, they have no idea what to do with each other. This makes them a ton of fun to write.

To answer your question, yes, you will learn more about Malcolm, his history with Bronson, and his life before the master vampire clamped down on him. The next story will see Sydney far outside of her comfort zone when Malcolm's past inserts itself between them.
Quick Q's

cake or pie?
Cake, please! Preferably a vanilla pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
If you could live out one adventure--your own or someone else's--what would it be?

Do fictional ones count? I'd love to tag along with Indiana Jones. I'd make an excellent Short Round.
What are you reading right now?

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I found it in the laundry room of the place I'm temporarily staying at, and I'm really enjoying it.
Any tips for surviving in Alaska?

Dress for worse weather than you're having, and carry a survival kit in the car. Make lots of noise when you're in the woods. Learn to shoot. Be prepared to drop everything when something wondrous happens. And develop immunity to mosquito bites. 

+++

Thank you again Regan!  Wanna know more?  Check out my review, Regan's homepage or her blog Impudent Hatchlings!
Newer Post Older Post Home