I’m so excited that so many fantastic authors were willing to let me conduct Halloween inspired interviews with them for the month of October. Today on Trick-or-Treat Chronicles we have a fantastic author who was kind enough to take a moment from her writing and zombie organizing to let me interivew here.
Today, I welcome Judith Graves, a fantastic young adult author. She’s the author of several titles such as Under my Skin (the Skinned series), Strangeways Versus the Blood Brothers, and Killer’s Instrict.
Hi Judith! Thank you so much for letting me interview you. Let’s just dive in. What inspired your YA paranormal novel Under My Skin?
I’ve always loved mythology and monster-hunter tales, but there weren’t that many set in Canada. The initial spark to write the Skinned series came from a desire to prove that we could have fun, action-packed, and sassy monster stories set here in my home province of Alberta. Throughout the series I incorporate Alberta history, some First Nations peoples and their lore, as well as ideas and myths brought to Canada from those who emigrated here hundreds of years ago.
I love that you incorporate Alberta’s history. You’re right. I don’t feel like there are too many set in Canada. So, you’ve written so many books I have to as, what is your writing process like? Tea? Music? Silence?
Loud music (usually via ear buds). Coffee. Chocolate.
All excellent choices. Never underestimate the power of chocolate. Especially for writing inspiration! So, being that this is a spooky treat-or-treat interview, do you believe in ghosts?
I believe there are many things in this world we don’t yet understand. Until then, it’s fun to embrace the notion that anything is possible.
Have you ever had a real life spooky encounter?
Yes. Several. Usually after a night of binge watching horror films.
Ooooh! I’d love to hear some. Or do I smell next book topics? So, what is your favorite scary movie?
Lol…I have many. But my favs blend thrills with laughs. I’d say American Werewolf in London (1981) is my all-time go-to scary movie, but a more recent film would be The Descent (2005). Dark, narrow places deep underground…and horrid creatures picking off people one by one. That film does suspense so well.
I so agree! I remember watching the Descent, seeing them go underground and I was like, “Nope. Pass for me, thanks.” I don’t think I could do it. So, speaking of trick-or-treat, what is your favorite costume that you’ve been for Halloween?
I think this year might be one to remember. I’m organizing the first Zombie Walk fundraiser for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation in my hometown and will be going as a zombie librarian. I work in a school library as my day job (which is perfect for a YA fiction writer). This Halloween, one “shussssh” from me, and you’ll soon be one of the INFECTED undeads. Find out more about my Zombie Walk here: http://coldlakezombiewalk.blogspot.ca/
Whoa! That is so epic and amazing! I’ll definitely check it out! I think it’s so cool that you’re doing that. And zombie librarian? Oh my goodness. Return a book late and you’ll really regret it. Hahaha! Sp, what is your favorite scary, spooky, or fall read?
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. I love most of Poe’s work, but this particular piece is just so haunting and eerie. Plus, I have a thing for ravens. This year I embraced my Poe fixation with two tattoos on my arms. The word “Nevermore” and three black birds.
Oooh my freakin’ goodness! That is so cool. Your tattoos are gorgeous! You just might be the coolest librarian on the planet. I think if you’re going to get anyone’s words permanently engraved on your body, Poe is the best choice. Nicely done! So, speaking of Poe and his creepy and amazing atmosphere, if you could choose what goes on your tombstone, what would you have it say?
“I’m right behind you.”
Hahaha! I love it. Judith, you are awesome. So, what mythical creature do you wish was real and why?
The Kelpie. Like a lot of girls, when I was a pre-teen, I had a horse-crazy phase. But, being into mythology and the paranormal, the horses I wanted to keep in my narrow “big city” backyard had wings and lived in water and might really be witches. This also might have been influenced by my father’s love of Stan Rogers’ music and his epic song, “Witch of the Westmoreland”. Check it out here.
Do you have a favorite Halloween song?
See above. 😉
Oh! That’s awesome! I’ll definitely be adding this to my writing playlist. So speaking of writing, what would you like to write next?
Everything!
Lightning Round
Say the first word that comes to mind when you see the prompt!
Skeleton KEY
Pumpkin LATTE
Boo! LOL – I NEED MORE THAN THAT TO GET SCARED.
Candy YES PLEASE
Thank you so much Judith for being here today. I know you’re supremely busy and I love that you took the time to have a little Halloween fun! I’ve read Judith’s work and I highly recommend it. For more information on her books and Judith, check out her website here!
About Judith Graves
Residing in a northern Alberta community, similar to the fictional town of Redgrave, where Under My Skin is set – Judith unhappily endures snow in the winter, and runs away from bees in the summer.
A firm believer that Canadian teen fiction can be sexy, action packed and snarky as hell – Judith writes paranormal stories with attitude.
Judith is a member of theWriters Guild of Alberta, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, International Thriller Writers, and has toured with the Young Alberta Book Society. She’d love to visit your library or school for an author visit or writer’s workshop!
Our next Trick-or-Treat Chronicles session will be with the Queen of Scream, Tessa Gratton. Come back on Monday 10/20/14 to check it out!
Huge thanks to Judith Graves!
