BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--INTERVIEW WITH MICHELE DRIER'S SOON-TO-BE #VAMPIRE JAZZ FALL

Today we sit down for a chat with Jasmine “Jazz” Fall from Michele Drier’s series

SNAP, The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

Calm. Full. Crazy. I’d worked hard to get my job with SNAP, the famous celebrity gossip magazine and TV show headquartered in Los Angeles. It was a crazy place to work, always on deadline, meeting famous people, always something new. As an AA, I was kinda on the fringe, but still, even getting coffee for Hollywood stars, being able to drop names like “Amy Adams said to me…” was so cool. I worked hard, hoping I’d work my way up to be an editor or project manager.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

My work ethic. It sounds a little corny, but I figured if I always said “yes”, I’d make a good impression and work my way up with the company. As I learned more, I wasn’t afraid to tackle any project, and people thought of me as a go-to person.

What do you like least about yourself?

It may sound odd, but deep underneath I have fear. Maybe fear of failure, maybe fear of change. Maybe fear of commitment. I was married once, and it didn’t end well. It made me question my motives and choices, so now, even though on the outside I look and act as someone who’s confident, secure, knows her way around her world, underneath I question. I’ve stopped myself from second-guessing but I still can over-think things.

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

Introduce me to my fiance. Because I met Nik, and fell head-over-heels immediately, I’m now on the cusp of marrying him and becoming a vampire! OMG, how did this happen? I’m a SoCal gal, love the sun, worship the beach, live for convertibles, hang out with the rich, hip, now people. My author had me fall for this 500-year-old vampire and I’m about to end up immortal, living in an estate in Kiev, surrounded with servants, luxury and staid people who’ve been aristocratic billionaires for centuries. Is this what I really want?

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

I don’t argue with her, but I’ve refused to go willingly. This change that’s coming is so out of my usual comfort zone that I’m resisting, but she tells me that everything “will be OK.” I want to be sure of it, because this change can’t ever be undone.

What is your greatest fear?

Taking this step to change who I am. If I become a vampire and marry Nik, does this mean that “Jazz” will be gone forever? Will I lose all the freedom and independence I’ve worked so hard for? Nik and his manners—and his treatment of women—is from maybe seventeenth century Europe, when women behaved, didn’t interfere in men’s doings. Do I have to lose myself?  

What makes you happy?

Nik. He challenges me, infuriates me, makes my breath stop when I look at him. Maybe it’s the “other”, the differences in our lives and experiences that’s part of the attraction, but I can’t, won’t live without him.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?

My first marriage. Even though it ended as amiably as it could, I feel that maybe I could have done better. I have this sinking feeling I’m not as loveable or as smart or as capable as other women who seem to have it all.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

Pen, the Baroness Penelope Kandesky. She’s so perfect, so reserved, so old-world that I feel she’s always judging me. And if I can’t live up to her standards, will Nik dump me? Being around her is like walking on glass.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?

Maxie Gwenoch. She’s still my boss, but she agreed to marry Jean-Louis and be turned, so now, not only is she the VP for International Development for SNAP, she’s this sleek, aristo-looking European. She gained a different perspective on life when she became a vampire…I guess that’s because she has eternal life now!

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?

Michele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series. She is the past president of Capitol Crimes, the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and co-chair for Bouchercon 2020 the world’s oldest and largest convention for mystery writers and fans. Along with writing my series, she also writes the Amy Hobbes Newspaper Mysteries, and the first book in her mystery Stained Glass Saga will be available this spring. Her website is currently under construction, but you can find out more about her at her and her books at her Amazon author page.

What's next for you?

Nik and Jean-Louis Kandesky are all enraged about the Russians. They manipulated the election to take the Crimea away from Ukraine, they’re making inroads into Ukraine itself, they’re trying to dismantle NATO and the EU. All this political instability is bad for business and I think the Kandeskys will have to act. How, I don’t know, but I’m terrified I’ll lose Nik. I have to stop dithering and figure out how I can help, a new order for an LA gossip and celebrity seeker!

SNAP: Red Bear Rising

The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, Book 10

Nik Kandesky and Jazz Fall are engaged, meaning Jazz agrees to be changed into a vampire, a dicey situation. Set against the continuing Russian incursions into Crimea and Ukraine, Jazz must dig deep into her core to find her courage and become a member of the high echelon Kandeskys, who have guided and led the family for half a millennium. Born and bred a SoCal woman, she has to swallow her fears as Nik takes on challenges that leave him inured and close to death.

Buy Link