Interview and Giveaway with Kalayna Price

Hi Everyone,

I’m super excited to welcome 

USA Today Bestselling Urban Fantasy Author, Kalayna Price

to Readaholics Anonymous!

I had the pleasure of reading Grave Witch, the first book in the Alex Craft series, with my book club this past month.  We were blown away with this incredible world of witches, faes, and shades.  Kalayna has graciously  agreed to an interview.  

USA Today Bestselling urban fantasy author Kalayna Price writes the Alex Craft Novels and the Novels of Haven. Her books, which are available around the world, contain not only the mystical elements of fantasy and folklore, but also a dash of romance, a bit of gritty horror, some humor, and a large serving of mystery. 

Below are all the books in the Alex Craft series:

So, without further ado, let the questions begin.

Dana:   Kalayna how would you describe the Alex Craft series to someone who hasn’t read the books?
Kalayna: The series is about a broke PI who raises shades, talks to ghosts, and even flirts with Death himself. She uses this ability in her firm to find answers for her clients and occasionally for the police to help solve murders. In the first book, Alex is drawn into a case involving a dark cop, a sexy reaper, and a ghost silencing killer but more than her rent is on the line—this case just might cost her soul.


Dana:   Alex’s character is so interesting; she comes across as such a down to earth person even though she is quite unique on multiple levels.  During the writing process, is Alex a character that is carefully preconstructed or does she reveal herself during the writing progress?
Kalayna: Alex (and most of the main characters) could be described as being both. I’m a plotter so I worked hard to get to know who Alex was before I ever started the first book. That said, as I’m writing she still surprises me at times.


Dana:  Your books are rich in spells and the use of charms.  Did you consult with any experts with knowledge on the subject?
Kalayna: Most of my research is in the form of folklore from around the world. This is rich with interesting stories and beliefs which I use as I’m forming ideas for the story. 


Dana:  Your ability to describe the different realms in your books is amazing, readers are drawn into Alex’s world because you make it remarkably tangible.   Where did the idea to make Alex a planeweaver come from?
Kalayna: I wish I could remember exactly where the idea started, but I can’t pinpoint any single thing and say “this is it!” Alex’s abilities have been part of her character since the very beginning, before the first word of story was ever put on the page. If I had to pick one thing, I would say that I had an idea for a woman who could physically interact with non-tangible beings (like ghosts and soul collectors) and I most likely worked backwards to figure out how that would be possible in an interesting way.


Dana:     The series takes place in the fictional town of Nekros, where did the name come from?
Kalayna: Nekros is the greek root word for corpse. It is a rather grisly name, but as Alex’s job involves the dead, it seemed appropriate in the context of the story.


Dana:   Fans of the series are torn between Team Falin and Team Death, both have their pro and cons.  Will Alex ever find happiness with one of them? Give us a hint.
Kalayna: Alex will eventually get her happily ever after, but there is sure to be heartbreak in her future first. ^_^


Dana:  Some authors travel to different locations in order to collect data that will later be used in their books, have you visited any cemeteries? And if so, in what city? 
Kalayna: I really enjoy cemeteries, especially old cemeteries. I visit them in most cities I pass through. My favorite cemeteries are probably in New Orleans where there are so many mausoleums. 


Dana:  Fans of the series are in love with PC  just as much as they are with Alex.  When did you know that you were going to pair Alex with a Chinese Crested in the series? 
Kalayna: I knew from early on that Alex would have PC. I chose a Chinese crested for PC’s breed because he is a purebred dog whom many people discount as being ugly. This paralleled Alex’s situation nicely—not that people found her ugly but that she is an outcast despite her heritage. 


 Dana:  I know Alex is your fictional creation, but do you have any qualities in common with her?
Kalayna: Every character reflects small details of the author and Alex is no different. That said, she’s also completely her own “person” and once in a while she surprises me with what she decides to do or think.


Dana:   Do you always know before you finish a book how it’s going to end?
Kalayna: I’m a plotter, so I think I know how books are going to end. I’m usually right about the end, but many of the details along the way tend to change as I’m writing.


Dana:    What are you reading right now?
Kalayna: I’m reading READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline and BLOOD AND BULLETS by James R Tuck.


Dana:   Do you enjoy connecting with your fans via social outlets.
Kalayna: I do. I use both twitter and facebook to stay in contact, and I recently held a live release party over google air.


Dana:    Fans of the Alex Craft series are eagerly anticipating Grave Memory which was released July 3rd 2012.   Are there plans for a fourth book in the Alex Craft series?
Kalayna:   Yes! Book four will be out summer of next year. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a plotter and I have an idea how the series will end. Right now my best estimate is that it will take eight books to reach that ending.


Dana:    Will there be any spin offs from the Craft series?
Kalayna: I wouldn’t be opposed to a spin off, but there are currently no plans for one. If I were to write a spin off, I could totally see Briar Darque (introduced in Grave Memory) being a good lead character.


Dana:  Kalayna, thank you so much for stopping by and chatting, it’s been such a pleasure.  I look forward to reading and reviewing Grave Memory and hope you’ll stop by again.
Kalayna:  Thank you so much for having me. I’ll definitely stop by in the future!


Dana:  Before you leave, we’d like to award you the Readaholics Anonymous Book Club Award for Grave Witch and wish you the very best.

Kalayna:  Wow, Thank you! I’m honored and I’m thrilled that you liked the book so much. Thank you again.

  Death and Falin are a fantastic source of material for our book discussions and we can’t get enough of this series.  LOL

To find out more, please visit her at

 www.kalayna.com


Readaholics Anonymous 
will be giving away Kalayna's latest
 in the Alex Craft series to one lucky reader!



For a chance to win this amazing title please fill out the form below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to the DJ Fan Group for making these books  even more interesting!

*Note: The copy of Grave Memory by Kalayna Price will be provided by the blog owner.