Blog Tour: Blood Diamond by @rj_blain #interview - A Life Through Books

Monday, October 12, 2015

Blog Tour: Blood Diamond by @rj_blain #interview



Paranormal Suspense / Urban Fantasy / Supernatural Thriller / Light Paranormal Romance
Date Published: June 25, 2015


The world is full of corpses, and Jackson knows them by name. When a group strives to destroy the Inquisition, his powers may be all standing between the supernaturals and extinction.
However, when he learns the truth behind the deaths of his wife and unborn daughter, Jackson may prove to be the greatest threat of all to the survival of mankind...


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Interview


What is the hardest part of writing your books?

This is a hard question for me to answer. Every book is different. Sometimes the initial writing of the book is really difficult; certain themes challenge me as an author, making the process of writing the book exceptionally challenging—worthwhile, but difficult. Sometimes, the final proofing and editorial of the book is the most difficult, as it’s really, really difficult for me to see my own mistakes.

Even using several editors, inevitably, something gets missed, which is exceptionally stressful for me.

I’m very fortunate I enjoy most parts of the writing process, including editing! Sometimes it’s not easy, but I still like the work.

WINTER WOLF was the most difficult novel for me to write. It had themes I found challenging, subject matter that tested my personal boundaries, and characters who so often fell outside of my original thoughts for them. Of all of my books, this one took the most out of me.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

I have a variety of different songs, but mostly I’ll pick something that fits my current mood and put it on repeat. In no particular order, here is a list of the artists/songs that are most likely to get played: Shut up and Dance by Walk the Moon, Most songs by The Piano Guys, Try, U & Ur Hand, and Just Give Me a Reason by Pink, and a variety of Bon Jovi tunes.

If I’m having a hard time concentrating, I stick with instrumental music. The Lord of the Rings soundtrack and the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack hold a fond place in my heart for good instrumental writing music.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

Yes, I do! Having readers see the book before it’s published is a critical part of my writing process. Generally, I have 3-5 beta readers for a book and two editors—more editors if I can afford them. Some of my beta readers are also editors, which helps a lot. It’s been a long time since I’ve had critique partners, although I do form partnerships with other authors sometimes. I tend to work at a frenzied pace, which is often intimidating to other writers. I don’t like letting things sit too long, so I try to work with those who keep similar schedules.

What book are you reading now?

To my shame, I’m currently between books, but I’m about to start Diana Pharaoh Francis’s Diamond City books. They look right up my alley, and I loved her Path books a lot. I probably won’t get to start reading the set until December, though—I overbooked myself (again…)

How did you start your writing career?

I began my writing career as a non-fiction ghostwriter. I would write articles and textbooks for clients, charging an up-front fee for writing their material. This was my career for about ten years. I got lost along the way, since fiction writing was my first love. It took me some time to get back on track, but I did, thank goodness!!


BENEATH A BLOOD MOON is an urban fantasy set in the Witch & Wolf world although it’s a standalone. This was one of my favorite books to write, and I went far outside of my normal comfort zones when I wrote it. It releases on November 10, 2015. (Preorders are now available: http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Blood-Moon-RJ-Blain-ebook/dp/B013T982I0/ )

Sara’s life turns upside down when someone leaves her funerary urns, black roses, and death threats on her doorstep. Fearing her work as a stripper and showgirl has put her in the sights of a demented stalker, she turns to her best friend and fellow dancer for help.

Instead of a safe haven, all Sara finds is betrayal. Hunted by creatures she once believed were stories meant to frighten children, she is given a choice: become one of them, or die.

Forced to share her skin with a voracious carnivore and driven by instincts and desires too strong to resist, Sara must adapt to the changes in her life or be destroyed by them. Finding a mate is her wolf’s top priority.


If she doesn’t want to become another prostitute in a city full of them, Sara must learn to control the beast within. With a hungry wolf to feed and an empty bank account, selling herself to the highest bidder may be the only way she has to prevent becoming a monster driven to eat anything—or anyone—unfortunate enough to cross her path.



RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.

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