Jeanne Stein - Interview and Contest

Jeanne C. Stein author of the fabulous Anna Strong series, is no stranger to PVN. It is always a pleasure to have her visit. Recently Chosen, Book 6 in the series was published and as usual readers are in for a real treat when reading the amazing adventures of one of my favorite vampire heroines. This time Anna's life takes a huge turn. In the following interview Jeanne answers some questions about the most recent book. She is also offering special prizes to PVN readers.

[see contest details at the end of the post]

Thank you, Jeanne. It's so good to have you back on PVN!

In Chosen (Anna Strong Chronicles, Book 6) Anna complete one year as a vampire. What has been her most difficult adjustment over this time?

Besides giving up Italian food? The most difficult adjustment has been to hide what she’s become from her family and friends. No dinners with her family (can’t eat real food), no workouts with her partner, David (gyms have mirrors everywhere), hiding her supernatural speed and strength when she’s on a job. She’s afraid to establish a relationship with a mortal for obvious reasons and her track record with supernatural’s has been less than stellar. It hasn’t been easy.

Where is Anna' first lover FBI agent Max? Will he ever be a part of her life again?

Actually, he reappears in the seventh book, Crossroads. Whether or not he’ll ever be a permanent part of her life is still under deliberation—Anna’s and mine.

Do you need to do a lot of research for the Anna Strong books? Such as in the area of magic, paranormal, bounty hunting...

I have always been interested the paranormal and magic, so I’ve been reading about witchcraft and vampires forever. I also wanted to do a straight mystery series about bounty hunters once upon a time, so I did research it. I even met and had a couple of discussion with a real bounty hunter. He’s the man I patterned David after. I would have liked to retain contact with this man but he literally disappeared off the face of the earth. One day his telephone was working and the next, it was disconnected with no forwarding number. He even vacated his office. I know there’s a story there and if I ever have the time, I’d like to do some private detective work and track him down!


In your last interview with PVN you described Anna' s friend Culebra. Would you please do the same for researcher and shapeshifter Daniel Frey?

Daniel Frey has been the closest thing to a best friend Anna has. And their relationship develops in the next book. In Chosen, you find out he has a son by a Navajo woman. The plot of Crossroads has that son being threatened by one of the Tribe of Thirteen. Anna and Frey travel to Monument Valley to protect him and are drawn into a plot that has both mortal and supernatural repercussions. Anna learns more about Frey’s background and heritage, especially his role as a Keeper. Her respect for him turns into love and a cryptic message from a Shaman has her believing they have a future together. Of course, in Anna’s world, nothing is ever that easy, is it?


What is next for Anna?

After Crossroads? I haven’t fully plotted the next book yet. Since the first story arc was completed (more or less) with Chosen, Anna will face the continuing trials of being the Chosen One and her personal life will become more complicated. Max is back, Frey has a son that she’s fallen in love with, there will be a crisis with her family. How that will all come together has yet to be revealed to me! 

Will Anna ever get an iPhone or Droid?

Who knows? She probably should. I think I’ll have David get an iPhone first and drive her crazy with it. It’s been my experience that most new iPhone users can’t put them down!!!

If a movie or TV program emerged from your series who would you like to see play Anna?

I think Kate Beckinsale. Physically, she fits my image (unlike most of the models used for my covers but don’t get me started about that!)

You've done a lot of traveling recently for signings and con appearances. How do you work in writing time or is it possible?

It’s very difficult. I always bring my laptop intending to write, but after a day of being “on” and an evening of socializing, I’m pretty well beat. It’s one of the toughest parts of the job.


Have any interesting con stories you would like to share?

ComicCon two years ago. My daughter is a huge Battlestar Galactica fan and I had chance to get her a picture autographed by James Callas and Edward James Olmos. Being a dork, I rushed up to James Callas and said, “My daughter is a huge Stargate fan.” Without missing a beat, James said, “That’s lovely, dear. How does she feel about Battlestar Galactica?”  I fell in love with him that very minute!!!


Is there anything you would like to add?

Just a thank you to the readers who have been so supportive. Keep in touch with me through my blog or website or Facebook. And if we’re at a conference together, come up and say hello. The only thing I like better than hearing from readers is meeting them.

And thank you, Pat, for inviting me back!


Read the interview of Oct. 6 2009 

Read the interview of August 26, 2008

CONTEST

Two lucky readers will win a choice of an Anna Strong book, set of magnets, pens, a surprise or two.

Contest is international!


To be eligible do ONE of the following:

* Leave a comment
* Ask Jeanne a question

If your email is not associated with your ID, please put the address in your response.

Contest ends Oct 30, 2010