Jill Archer-Interview and Giveaway with the author

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JILL ARCHER-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

ABOUT JILL: Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jill earned a bachelor of science from Penn State University and later moved to Baltimore to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. She went on to practice law as a “dirt lawyer” for ten years, specializing in real estate law, municipal development, commercial leasing, and anything involving exceedingly lengthy legalese-like contractual monstrosities.

Jill now lives in rural Maryland with her two children and husband, who is a recreational pilot. Weekends are often spent flying around in the family’s small Cessna, visiting tiny un-towered airfields and other local points of interest.

Link to :  Jill’s Website

Jill Archer’s new novel DARK LIGHT OF DAY will be released September 25, 2012.

TRC:  Hi Jill and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of DARK LIGHT OF DAY.

Jill:  Thanks, Sandy! I’m happy to be here.

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jill:  I live in rural Maryland with my husband and two daughters. When I’m not reading or writing, I like to hike, bike, watch movies, hang out with friends, and take day trips with my family. I love coffee and wine and I prefer chewy sweets to chocolate ones.

TRC:  Many authors develop an interest in writing at an early age. What or whom sparked your interest?

Jill:  I’ve been a lifelong reader, but didn’t ever think of attempting to write a novel until I went on maternity leave for the first time. (My oldest is now ten).

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you faced as a writer?

Jill:  Many! But I think that’s just how it is. 🙂 When I started, my only goal was simply to finish a novel. Period. For years, that was my sole goal. Initially, I worked on a “novel” that was really just a string of scenes with common characters. With my second attempt, I made it to “The End” but it wasn’t marketable. Shoving that manuscript in the bottom of a desk drawer where it belonged was tough, but necessary.

There was also a time, just before Dark Light of Day sold, when I stopped writing for awhile. My mother had passed away and I needed some time off from writing about dark things and dark places. I found a part-time job at a small, local law firm, helping one of the partners with his cases. Returning to something I’d known for years was very therapeutic. When my agent called to give me the news about the sale, I was ready to return to writing.

TRC:  DARK LIGHT OF DAY is the September 2012 release in your new Noon Onyx series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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Jill:  In a nutshell, Dark Light of Day is the story of a first year law student who is being trained to represent demons.

 

TRC:  There is plenty of legal terminology and references throughout due to the nature of the storyline. Did your degree and career as a lawyer assist in the writing of this series?

Jill:  Absolutely. I used my experiences as a law student, adjunct professor, and legal practitioner to create the character, the world she lives in, and the assignments she and her classmates are given. That said, Dark Light of Day is fantasy. Any real world inspirations were used merely as jumping off points. I did not overly concern myself with legal accuracy. I don’t think anyone will be reading Dark Light of Day to educate themselves on the law. 🙂

The truth is, I find certain legal symbols and concepts fascinating. And if I can use them as the basis or background for an interesting story, all the better.

TRC:  Did you ever think your law degree would help in the writing of a paranormal storyline?

Jill:  Ha! No! Not one bit.  At first, I couldn’t believe I was even considering writing a book based on the above premise. But then — that’s when I knew I probably *should* write it and see how it turned out. I told myself I would figure out what to do with it after I finished it — whether I’d 86 it down deep in my desk like my first completed manuscript, or take a leap of faith and try to sell it.

TRC:  How much legal research was required in the writing of this novel?

Jill:  I didn’t keep track. It was gloriously freeing in a way, not having to worry about billing the research in six minute increments. 😀  In all seriousness though, a lot of it was just double checking my understanding of terms and concepts before I used them.

TRC:  There is a phenomenal amount of information contained within this storyline. How were you able to keep everything and everyone aligned without mass chaos and confusion on the page and in your head?

Jill:  At its heart, Dark Light of Day is about Noon’s magical and academic struggles, which are closely related. And there are elements of mystery and romance. Weaving the various sub-plots together was difficult at times. I tried to tie the sub-plots together with common themes, motifs, and/or plot nexuses.

TRC:  How many books do you have planned for the series?

Jill:  I’ve sketched out a total of 7 books. I’m currently contracted to write 3.

TRC:  What do you have planned for the next installment in the Noon Onyx series?

Jill:  My general response for all future books is “new assignments, new adventures, new adversaries!” 😀  But I’ll also share that, in Book #2, some characters return, some new ones are introduced, and Noon gets her first field assignment.

TRC:  What challenges did you face getting this particular storyline to publication?

Jill:  One of the biggest challenges was the character’s age. Noon is a student trying to survive a crushing course schedule. She has parents who don’t get along and boy troubles. The book is also written in first person. So, initially, we pitched it to some young adult editors.  But Noon’s twenty-one. She’s very much an adult. And, though she struggles with some of the things that YA protagonists often struggle with, many of the scenes and themes were written with an adult audience in mind. So I was delighted when it sold to Ace, one of Penguin’s adult science fiction and fantasy imprints.

TRC:  If you could virtually cast the characters in DARK LIGHT OF DAY, which actors or models do you think would best represent the major players in the storyline?

Jill:  I love movies and some TV shows, and I read Entertainment Weekly, but honestly, I have no idea. Casting, like book covers, is an art probably best left to someone other than the writer.  That said, it would fun to hear readers’ thoughts on this question. Other people are probably more in tune with who the young stars of today are than I am. Also, one of the *best* things about reading (as opposed to watching) is that every reader has their own interpretation of the characters and world. Each individual fills in the blanks of the story with their own imagination.

TRC:  Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the pressure and anxiety of writer’s block?

Jill:  It depends on what’s causing the block. I mentioned taking time off from writing after my mother died. That was necessary and I didn’t try to fight it. I knew I needed to get out of my house and do something that was both familiar and routine to me, and yet different enough from what I had been doing to put my mind in a better place.  For those times when inspiration is lacking… well, I spend time staring at my computer screen… staring out of my office window… staring into space… It’s frustrating and feels counter-productive, but eventually something breaks loose. Sometimes, though, a change of venue is needed. I go on a hike, or pack up my computer and head out to write somewhere else. Sometimes I’ll watch a movie or read National Geo. Anything that frees the mind and gets you un-stuck. Not panicking is the key.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Jill:  Book #3. (New assignments, new adventures, new adversaries! ;-D)

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Jill:  My publisher is running a Goodreads giveaway for Dark Light of Day. Tomorrow, September 21, 2012, is the last day to enter to win a free copy. I’m also in the midst of doing a blog tour for Dark Light of Day and am running several giveaways myself. If anyone is interested in hearing more about the prizes, tour stops, or article topics, all of the information is on my website on the page “Dark Light of Day Blog Tour.”

If anyone wants to connect with me, I love meeting new people online. My contact info is below. Please feel free to reach out!

* Website: www.jillarcher.com

* Blog: http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/

* Twitter: @archer_jill * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillarcherauthor * Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13556956-dark-light-of-day

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food — anything cooked by someone else

Favorite Dessert — homemade, fresh peach pie

Favorite TV Show — Game of Thrones

Favorite Movie — for summer 2012, Prometheus

Last Movie You Saw — Hunger Games (I saw it opening night, but my husband didn’t so we rented it and watched it together)

Dark or Milk Chocolate — Milk

Last Vacation Destination — Ocean City, New Jersey

Do you have any pets? — a chocolate lab and a gray tabby cat

TRC:  Thank you Jill for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck with all of your future writing endeavors. We wish you all the best. Keep us in mind with your future release in the Noon Onyx series.

Jill:  Thank you for interviewing me, Sandy, and for letting me share more about Dark Light of Day with your readers here at The Reading Cafe. Best wishes to you too!

Jill Archer is offering an Ace/Roc Science Fiction and Fantasy Sampler to ONE lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. You must be a registered member to qualify for the giveaway. If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page, or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter, please post your email address with your comment, as Twitter does not allow for email addresses etc.

3. Giveaway open to continental USA only.

4. Giveaway runs September 20-22, 2012

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38 thoughts on “Jill Archer-Interview and Giveaway with the author”

  1. Hi Sandy, just wanted to stop in, say hello and thank you again for such a wonderful opportunity. I really appreciate The Reading Cafe’s interest in Dark Light of Day! Since my interview, I’ve watched a few more movies. I finally had a chance to see Snow White and the Hunstman. Loved it! Great special effects. I’ll check back throughout the day for any comments. Happy Thursday!

    • Thank you Jill. It was a pleasure reading DARK LIGHT OF DAY and different from so many of the new releases.

      I haven’t seen Snow White and the Huntsman yet, but I am not a fan of Kristen Stewart. Did she do the film justice or did you ‘see’ Bella throughout the movie?

      • Ha! She was definitely channeling some Bella, but I still loved it. Charlize Theron was fantastic. (I’m a huge fan of hers!) If you’re looking for a Kristen Stewart movie where she plays a non-Bella type role, consider renting The Runaways. It’s not for everyone, but she plays Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning plays Cherie Currie.

  2. Hi ladies. Another great interview.

    An amazing career as a lawyer and now an author. How do you find the time?

    And I agree about the favorite food. ANYTHING cooked by someone else is likely to be my favorite …AT THE TIME!!! 😉

    • Well, for one thing, any thoughts about achieving domestic diva status were chucked out the window years ago! I enjoy other people’s cooking not only because I don’t have to do it, but because they are MUCH better at it than I am! 😀 Thanks for stopping by, Alicia. Glad you enjoyed the interview!

  3. Great interview, ladies. Jill, your book sounds terrific.
    I loved your comment your favorite food is anything cooked by someone else. lmao

    How do your chocolate lab and grey tabby get along. What are their names.

    • How funny, Barb: I was thinking the same thing! The premise for the book sounds GREAT, a first year law student learning how to represent demons!, but the personal aspects always grab me. 😉

      • Thanks, Carmen! I feel the same way. The personal aspects, emotional development, and character relationships are one of the most important things for me in a book. My editor and I touched on this briefly during revisions. I feel the other parts of DLOD are equally strong, but Noon’s inner journey is a HUGE part of what I love about this story. Thanks for your comments! (Your KS one had me laughing). 🙂

    • Hi Barb, thank you! My dog and cat’s names are Clipper and Pollux. We had the cat first so they’re not very close. But they’re also getting up there in their years and have mellowed. My cat’s histrionics have died down considerably when the poor dog comes near him. 🙂

  4. Loved the interview and the premise… know some people who would fit right in with the storyline, 😀 Alright, I know, that was not nice. 😀 But seriously, it makes me wonder if that isn’t where the idea originated. In the law profession you must meet all types. It sounds like something I might be interested in, and I am going to look further at the book.

    • Hi Mary Ann! I joked on my website that demon clients were a stretch and mine were all angels, but honestly… my clients were great. I was lucky to have worked with a lot of dedicated professionals during my time in practice. Sure, you meet all types in the law, but that’s true in life as well. 🙂 Happy to hear you’re thinking about checking out Dark Light of Day. Glad you enjoyed the interview!

  5. Pingback: Writer’s Block, Kristen Stewart, and Goodreads « Jill Archer

  6. Jill, thanks for coming. Just reading that Noon is in school to learn how to represent demons in the court of law made my smile. I can only imagine what some of the plantiffs have to say in their defense.

    • Hi Lavonda, if the premise made you smile, that is perfect! That’s the exact initial reaction I was hoping people might have. 🙂 And of course you’re right! What demon could be trusted to tell the truth? Shrimp scampi, huh? I like it, but my daughters are the ones with strong reactions to that dish. One major thumbs up, one monstrous thumbs down. Thanks for the visit and your wonderful comment!

  8. Great interview! I follow Penguin on Twitter and they led me to this book and this delightful author and her inspiring story to publication. Jill I can’t wait to read the book and I wish you all the best of luck with the series.

  9. Great interview ladies!!! Thank you Jill for taking time to let us get to know a bit more about you. Love the premise of your stories and look forward to checking into them!!

    And, I too, loooooved your comment on your favorite food!!! ROFL!!!

    • Hi Vickie, thanks!! I’m glad to have the opportunity to hear people’s initial reactions to the book and chat about writing. Thanks for your interest in DLOD. Hope (if you’re like me) that someone else is making you dinner tonight! 😀

  10. Wonderful review, Jill and Sandy. It is great to learn about you, Jill, and also seeing that you used your experience in law to help write your book. I am going to check into your book.

    I watch Game of Thrones, too.

    • Hi Mercy, I was resistant at first. At first, I wasn’t sure how I could mix the law with my love of all things “Other.” But once I got the idea to make Noon a supernatural “One L” things started coming together. 😀 Game of Thrones is fantastic! My calendar is marked — March 31st!! Thanks for your interest in the book. Have a great Thursday!

  12. Hi Jill and welcome to TRC. Great interview and I have to say, wow you’ve got some career going girl. Dark Light of Day sounds interesting and I love the cover, just beautiful. It’s an eye catcher and would make me stop and pick up the book to read the back cover.

    I have to agree with you on the favourite food, I love it when others cook for me, although I do enjoy making some great dishes and desserts. I’m still trying to get to Game of Thones, but I never seem to have the time to sit down and watch it online. One day maybe. 😉

    • Hi Marcie, thank you! That’s great to hear that you love the cover. Me too! Although I can’t take credit for it. Lesley Worrell at Penguin was the art director and David Palumbo was the cover artist. They did a great job. Hope you have a chance to see Game of Thrones. I often stream or rent my TV shows after they’ve aired bc it’s hard to stick to a viewing schedule. Best wishes!

  13. Welcome to the TRC!! I have noticed that there are quite a few lawyers leaving the law and writing novels. I think that’s wonderful! *no sarcasm involved* Most lawyers have an eye for detail and that would greatly help in research and character development. The premise of your novel is very humorous. Defending demons, tough job!! I wish you the best of luck in your writing career and I will definitely read this book!

    • Hi Jules, when I first started writing I had this absurd notion that I was the only lawyer writing fiction. In the time since, I’ve met or heard of so many others, I’ve started joking that law schools should teach creative writing! Maybe it’s just because we’re all wordsmiths at heart. 🙂 Hope you enjoy DLOD! Thanks for this great comment!

  14. Learning how to defend demons really makes me laugh it will be fun to see why she is defending demons. It makes me think that Noon is not human either am I right. Is she perhaps part demon? I will be picking up this book.

        • Hi Fran, so glad it piqued your interest! In Noon’s world, those with waning magic are said to have “a drop of demon blood.” Since waning magic is the only magic that can keep the demons in check, humans with waning magic are required to train as demon peacekeepers.

          Demon peacekeepers perform all kinds of grim tasks, including executing rogue demons. For a young woman who just wants to grow gardens and heal people, it’s a horrible career and one Noon would love to find a way out of! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

  16. sorry i’m so late, it’s been busy, but not many days will go by without me checking out this great site. i loved your interview jill. so impressed with you being a lawyer and writing. enjoyed your liking food you dont have to make yourself. funny.

    i like peach pie, with ice cream. thanks again for this great interview, and i will check out your book.

  17. Hi Mari, no worries. I keep the sampler giveaway contests open until midnight EDT the day after posts bc I know how busy people are! Ice cream w peach pie is a MUST!! 😀 Glad you enjoyed the interview. Have a great Friday!

    I’ll stop back briefly later this evening to check for more cmts/ques and then will be back tomorrow to randomly draw and announce sampler winner!

  18. Vickie– you won the Ace/Roc SF/F sampler I’m giving away here! Please send your US mailing address to: archer at jillarcher dot com. I’ll be sending out samplers next week.

    Thank you to everyone who commented and to Sandy at The Reading Cafe for hosting me. This was a TERRIFIC stop!! 😀

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