The Book Goddess: Author & Character Interview: Victoria Scott and Dante Walker!!

About the author!

I’m a YA writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My work is represented by the fabulous Laurie McLean of Larsen-Pomada literary agency.

My first YA book, THE COLLECTOR, will be published by Entangled Teen in March 2013. It is the first book in a trilogy. My second YA series will begin with THE BRIMSTONE BLEED and is being published by Scholastic in spring 2014.

I currently live in Dallas with my husband, Ryan.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Victoria Scott

The first book in the DANTE WALKER series is slated for release in March 2013. Is there anything more you can tell us about the series or characters? And what kind of research did you have to do for the story – do you have any interesting stories to tell?

V- I can tell you that my agent refers to this book as a romantic comedy, because Dante has been known to crack a joke or two. He's got a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, and I think it takes a certain type of person to "get" what he finds funny. I didn't have to do a ton of research, but I did do some on high fashion since Dante has champagne tastes.

How do you make up names for your characters? (I love the names Dante Walker and Charlie Cooper!) Is there any meaning or significance to their names?

V- That's a great question, Jana. My husband and I are unsure whether we'll have children. But we decided that if we did, we'd name the boy Dante and the girl, Charlie (short for Charlotte). Since I wasn't certain I'd ever get to use them, I decided these people needed to born another way. :)

Ah, that's such a cool story! If you had to name one song for the DANTE WALKER series, what would it be?

V- Probably BAD TO THE BONE by George Thorogood and The Destroyers. I didn't grow up with this song or anything, so I'm not sure why it popped into my head. But I'll admit this song got me through some tough scenes.

Do you always know how a series/book would end right from the very first book? Or do you discover it along the way?
V- I usually THINK I know how it will end, but many times that changes along the way. I think a good writer should have a solid plan of where they want their story to go, but be flexible enough to let the story unfold organically if need be. In THE COLLECTOR, my original ending changed twice.

As a reader, what is the most important to you, the characters or the plot? And as a writer, is it different?
V- Hmm, I'd like to say both are equally important, and that I'm good at both--but that's a lie. I believe I'm better at character development. I think I'm good at moving the story along so it doesn't lull, but in the end, I believe if you create a character people care about, they could read about that person sitting alone in an empty room and be content.

Yeah, I'm more of a 'character-than-plot' kinda girl. How would you describe Dante and Charlie's relationship in five words?
V- Ooh, Jana. You are very tricky. You'll have to wait for the book for this. LOL! ;)

Oh damn. I was trying to be sneaky there. Haha! Anyway, what's the hardest part writing in a male (Dante)'s perspective?
V- Oh, gosh. Almost nothing. I think girls are harder than boys. My friends have always turned to me for relationship advice because I have a tendency to know what's kicking around in their beau's skull. Sometimes word choices can be tricky. I'd occasionally read a scene aloud to my husband and say, "Is that something a dude would say"? Ha!

Yes. I so agree with everything you said - girls are so much harder. Can you tell us anything about the sequels? (More hot, sexy times?!?)
I just finished drafting book 2. I'll say this: it's much sexier...and much darker. Much.

And finally, how would you celebrate the release date of THE COLLECTOR?
With a release party! Woot! I may have to swing two--one near Austin where my family is, and another in Dallas. Can't WAIT! There will be online festivities and prizes too, fo' shizzle!

Sucks that I live in England, would so love to be there!! But thank God for the online stuff too! :D

CHARACTER INTERVIEW

Dante Walker

I bet ALL of you are jealous of me right now. You SHOULD be. 'Cause I(!) got to interview Mr. Walker. Here we go.

Even though we haven't read your story yet, all of us are already in love with you, why do you think that is? (I'm your biggest fan, ya know! and take a look at my blog sidebar - you're mine, baby!)

D- Jana, Jana. You're my girl, you know that? I don't know why the hunnies love them some Dante. Maybe it's because I appreciate females--the way your minds always tick, tick, tick...boom! The way you decorate your bodies with green scarves and faded leather jackets and Chuck Taylors. And the things you do with your hair! Oh, man, I love seeing how girls do their hair.I'm just fascinated with women, with how they move, how they speak. Simply put: guys are simple. But girls? Girls have secrets and depth. I want to know your secrets, Jana. And I want to show you mine.

Oh Dante. I can show you mine anytime you want.What/who's the most important thing to you?
D- The penny buried in my pocket is most important to me...because he gave it to me. That's...that's all I want to say about that.

Oh wow. What's the thing with the penny about? You guys got any guesses about who the 'he' he is talking about??

ABOUT THE BOOK!

Title: The Collector (A Dante Walker Novel #1)

Author: Victoria Scott

Release Date: March 12th, 2013

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance Comedy

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Add to Goodreads

He makes good girls...bad.
Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.