Rock This! Thursday with author Judith Graves

This week we have author, Judith Graves, hanging out with us to discuss her debut novel, Under My Skin, and music! 


How does it feel being a debut author?

In musician’s terms…like I’m performing at a huge outdoor music festival, with a band I just formed in the parking lot—on 2 minutes of rehearsal time. It’s either going to be the penultimate gig of my life or one stellar train wreck.

When writing your novel, were there any songs that fit the theme of it? If so, could you share some with us?

I did have a formal UMS playlist, but that was way back in my 6^th draft…lol…scenes changed and so has the tunage. Here are a few gems (in no particular order, but you won’t find a country tune in the mix):

-      Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked – Cage the Elephant

-   Dark Come Soon - Tegan and Sara
-       I Will Follow You into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie

-      Secret Heart” – Ron Sexsmith

-      When the Stars Go Blue” – Ryan Adams version thank you very much

-       I Can’t Explain” – The Who

-       Brother Down” – Sam Roberts

-       Until Morning” – Dashboard Confessional
-   Oh, the Boss Is Coming - Arkells

-       Can’t Go Back Now” – The Weepies

-       Hurt - Johnny Cash version (and he doesn’t count as country. Cash is just cool.)

You're walking down the street - what song is following you?

Usually some unknown melody that I’m frantic to record before I forget it. So I’ll call home and leave a message something like: Hey, baby, it’s just me. Ignore this, but don’t delete it: dododobabababdodooowannnn….

Who is your favorite singer/band? Why are they you're favorite?

I have too many favourites and find new music to love everyday. But I’m a chick of extremes. I have a hearty hatred for country music...and a weakness for 80s rap (I know! Why me??!)

What would be a band your main character, Eryn, would sneak out and hitchhike a ride to go see in concert?

Eryn is more of a horror movie buff – she (oddly enough) shares my dislike of country music, but she’d be more inclined to sneak out after Redgrave’s dreadful 9:30 p.m. town curfew to catch a midnight showing of The Exorcist. If Redgrave had a movie theatre. (She’s so deprived, it’s not funny.)

Tell us a song that would make an interesting book?

“Moondance” by Van Morrison – the lyrics are so epic. Seriously, there’s a gothic story there. :)

First concert you ever went to?

Ah….nothing will ever beat this. David Bowie - Glass Spider Tour. Edmonton. Outdoors at the Coliseum.

Have you experienced any 'rock star' writing moments?

In UMS, there’s one line that I consider my written-word rock slide across the stage. I made it the tagline for the entire Skinned series. “A normal life? Now that’s the real fairytale.” I believe that no one is, or ever has been, normal. Normal is as good as dead. Normal is the true myth. Normal is so not me.

We're always up for new music. Care to share five songs we should be listening to?

See answer to #2. And if you’re feeling brave, you could check out a few of my tunes with various awesome folk-rock bands – somewhere on my website…www.judithgraves.com (Yeah, I’m pitchy, live with it.)

If you could meet one musician - living or dead - who would it be and why?

Robert Johnson. I’d like to get the scoop on the whole deal with the devil thing, wouldn’t you?

Find Out More About Judith Graves at:

Website http://www.judithgraves.com/

Wolfy Chicks Blog  http://wolfychicks.blogspot.com/

Book Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s3kQ4nnSEk

Publisher’s Website www.leapbks.com

Class of 2k10 website  www.class2k10.com

Class of 2k10 trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0H79WFPYpc&feature

Free Read:  Old Flames Die Hard       http://www.leapbks.com/exclusives/ofdh.html