We want to give a big welcome to Ann Aguirre , and give her big thanks for taking the time out of her busy schedule to do an interview with us at The Book Pushers.
Ann is the author of the kick ass Sirantha Jax series and the Corine Solomon series. Ann also writes under a pen name, Ava Gray, where she writes smoking hot paranornal romance in the Skin series. But Ann’s writing does not stop there! Ann also has YA book being released called Enclave (formally know before as Razorland) which is a post apocalyptic setting.
And guess what readers, Ann’s writing does not stop here :D. Ann is collaborating with historical romance author Carrie Lofty, and both together have the pen name of Ellen Connor. That series will be a paranormal romance apocalyptic setting.
Book Pushers: We have gone past the halfway point for the Grimspace series. Can you tell us any hints about the upcoming Jax book, Aftermath?
Ann: Okay, here’s a hint: this is the email I sent to my editor when I turned in AFTERMATH.
“I cried a lot in writing this book, and it’s pretty epic and painful. I’ve also set up for the final volume in Jax’s journey. I am both elated and grieving at the prospect of saying good-bye to her. I hope you like it.”
Book Pushers: Do you plan to write more books in the Jax universe or (Please let there be more Vel!), even more Jax books?
Ann: At this time, no. When I wrap up ENDGAME, there will be no more of any characters introduced in this series. If I return to SF at some point in the future, a big if at this juncture, I may write more stories in this universe, but they will be about new people.
Book Pushers: We are loving how the love triangle is developing between Chance, Jesse and Corine. But the ending of Hell Fire was very bittersweet. Will we see Chance in the next book?
Ann: You haven’t seen the end of Chance. He still has a lot of growing up to do; he suffers from “handsome man” syndrome, where people have always given him what he wants because of his looks and his luck. Corine isn’t willing to do that anymore. She wants to be treated as an equal, and before they have any hope of a future, he has to be willing to be her partner in all ways. Whether they ever get there, well, you have to keep reading to find out.
Book Pushers: We love Butch the dog! Is there a reason why he is special or will his origins remain a mystery?
Ann: I explained it in in my first draft of book three, but one of my beta readers (and my editor) felt it was cooler to leave it unexplained. Though there is, totally, a logical explanation, the reveal apparently takes away some of his charm.
Book Pushers: The setting for the Corine Solomon series is set in Mexico. Has living in Mexico influenced your writing in general?
Ann: It informs my work on the Corine series, certainly. That was one reason I wanted to write UF set in Mexico; I’m filling a niche nobody else has tackled.
Book Pushers: We are huge fans of the Skin series and love the paranormal suspense world you have created. Do you have set number of books planned in this series?
Ann: I don’t know how many will be forthcoming. At this time, I’ve sold four novels and a novella. The Foundation storyarc wraps up in book four, but it’s possible there could be unrelated individual stories, more like SKIN GAME and SKIN HEAT. Really, the number of books will be determined by reader demand. This series is open-ended.
Book Pushers: Can you tell us anything about the upcoming Skin Heat?
Ann: Certainly. Here’s the blurb:
More wild thing than man…
Zeke Noble has escaped from a secret facility; he has no idea why he was abducted, but the experiments were cruel, soul-killing, and they changed him forever. Now free, his natural affinity with animals has evolved into a dark and dangerous instinct, a curse that costs him too much of his humanity. But he has to rebuild his life, or his tormentors win. To that end, he goes looking for work and finds so much more.
Born to be wild…
Veterinarian Geneva Harper finds herself reluctantly drawn to the lean, mysterious young man to whom the wild is second nature, but she has troubles of her own. She’s the black sheep in an old moneyed Southern family, and she never had any interest in learning the family business, or being the good debutante daughter.
Though Zeke’s wanted Neva for as long as he can remember, their attraction can never go anywhere. They both know that for different reasons. But when a killer starts leaving behind a trail of victims, Zeke’s need to protect her is as fierce as his desire to claim her as his mate. And love may be the only thing that can save them both…
Book Pushers: The past few years, you have published a number of books in different genres and under different pen-names. You’re becoming a very prolific writer, does this feel daunting in any way? Do you love the challenge of writing under pressure?
Ann: I’ve sold twenty books in three years, so yes, I write a lot. Sometimes I worry about meeting deadlines, but I’ve never been late. I do enjoy the satisfaction of turning in an entertaining, well-written book on time.
Book Pushers: Next April you have the release of your début YA book, Enclave, which was formally known as Razorland, Did you find writing for a different – and younger – audience took a different approach, and what can you tell us about this new series?
Ann: For me, it’s always about the quality of the story. I wrote ENCLAVE like I would any book, though the protagonists are a bit younger than my norm. I made sure their emotional arcs and their dialogue were consistent with their age, though I do think that life experience can inform maturity levels. I know forty year old men who have never grown up and kids who have been forced to shoulder responsibility too young, and so are much older, mentally, than fifteen. That said, I wanted to create a compelling world with relatable characters, lots of action, and a poignant relationship.
Everything you could want to know about this book, you can find here. There’s a blurb, an audio interview where I talk about the book, and two-chapter sampler in pdf and epub formats.
Book Pushers: And finally do you think that the possessed diaphragm from Blue Diablo will pop back and haunt Jesse?
Ann: No ma’am.
That’s a wrap folks :D. Big thanks to Ann again, and we hope you enjoyed!
And if anyone is wondering they would like to read a book from the Skin series we are giving away a book of your choice from the series. All you have to do to enter is state what book you would like in the comments: Skin Game (funfunfun), Skin Tight (Mmm Batpunisherman), or Skin Heat (fans self).
Giveaway is open to everyone where the Book Depository ships to!!!
Giveaway ends next Monday 12.00 am GMT time!
Good Luck!
Thanks so much Ann for coming to answer our questions!!
Sold 20 in 3 years…wow! 😀
Is it open worldwide? Cos then I am in for Skin game.
Great interview. I still have a lot to read by her
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Well, I have Skin Game and Skin Tight, but I haven’t bought Skin Heat yet, so I think my choice is easy =D
Oops I forgot to add- wherever the Book Depository ships to 😛 So its definite mostly worldwide! 😉
Indeed, Mrs. Aguirre write a whole friggin’ lot! Hats off to her…especially for feeding liberally into out Aguirre/Gray addictions! ^__^
Loved Skin Game! So, Skin Tight, please (if it’s international :-)) Thanks for the great interview, and the giveaway 🙂
OK I am for Skin Tight because I must know the deal with Batpunisherman (??).
I love Ann Aguirre’s books and I never knew she wrote under Ava Gray! So I am totally in for Skin Game!
@ Janicu – Batpunisherman is aka Foster and I think he is one of my all time favourite heroes. He is nicknamed that because he’s a dark avenger but no one is able to get close to him! Love this book so much!
I will have to go with Skin Game. Might as well start at the beginning! Great contest!
I have Skin Game so I’ll pick Skin Tight.Thanks for the chance to win.Great interview.
Great interview!
“Skin Tight” for sure!
I freakin ADORE the Corine series – Ann was my favorite “new to me” author last year. And OMG 20 books in 3 years? That’s nuts. 🙂 I’d love to start the Skin series so Skin Game please.
I haven’t started this series yet but I would certainly like to. I’d pick Skin Game.
seriousreader at live dot com
Awesome interview and giveaway, guys!!
Sign me up for Skin Tight. I loved, loved Skin Game 😉
Since I have Skin Game, I’d love to win Skin Tight. I think Ann is a fabulous writer and anything she writes is an automatic buy for me.
I haven’t started this series yet so I’d pick Skin Game. 🙂
I loved Skin Games!! And I can’t wait to read Enclave. If I win, I would like Skin Tight 🙂
Hard choice, but I’ll go for Skin Game!
Thanks for all the lovely comments. I do work hard and it’s nice to be appreciated. I was very excited that AAR awarded SKIN HEAT Desert Island Keeper status, my first.
Great interview.
I would love to win Skin Tight.
Skin Game please. I loved the first Jax book so I’m looking forward to trying other books by Ann 🙂
Would love to get Skin Tight as I’m enjoying this series and want to continue it! tWarner419@aol.com
GREAT INTERVIEW! I am a huge Ann Aguirre/Ava Gray fan. I will read anything she writes.
Don’t enter me in the contest, I just wanted to do a fan girl SQUEE 😀
Thanks for the post and the giveaway =) I would pick Skin Game =)
Great giveaway. I’ve been wanting to start the Skin series so I would choose Skin Game.
jen at delux dot com
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I would like to win Skin Game.
Great interview. I love Ann’s books. I would love a copy of Skin Game. 🙂
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
I would love Skin Game.
Skin Heat for me please 🙂
I’d like Skin Game.
These books get talked about a fair bit by some of the guys over at Ilona Andrews forum and I have been dying to read one but haven’t yet started the series so for me the choice is easy book 1 – Skin Game (really hope I got that right 🙂 )
I haven’t started this series yet, so I’d love to get Skin Game.
I haven’t started this series yet so I’d pick Skin Game, book 1.
Thanks for the great interview, and the giveaway
Welzen
(Spain)
Giveaway is now closed! Thank you to everyone who took part! And HUGE thanks to Ann for an awesome interview! 😀