Interview with author Jay Kristoff

In this episode Alix and Kelly interview one of their favorite authors, Jay Kristoff. They discuss Jay's writing process, his design experience, and what it's like co-writing a book. Jay also shares insight behind his plots and characters and what works by other authors he adores.
Jay Kristoff is a #1 international, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. He is the winner of eight Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, has over two million books in print and is published in over thirty five countries, most of which he has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. He is 6’7" and has approximately 11,000 days to live. He does not believe in happy endings.
Topics Discussed:
[2:05] When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
[5:18] How did working at an ad agency play a part in your books?
[9:28] Do you have a say in the design of your book covers?
[11:30] What was it like co-writing the Illuminae Files series with Amie Kauffman? How did you two meet?
[16:40] "Plotter or Pantser" writer?
[17:30] When did you know who the Nevernight narrator was going to be?
[19:20] Jay and Amie's writing process; the story of when "mom and dad" fought
[23:31] Wow, I'm an author now!
[26:55] Fangirling over Stephen King
[29:00] Jay's favorite Stephen King book of all time
[30:50] Jay's favorite character he's ever written
[36:14] Let's talk about the Nevernight footnotes, lol!
[41:44] Defacing a Nevernight ARC (Advanced Reader Copy)
[43:50] Elevator pitch for Empire of the Vampire: Vampires vs. Game of Thrones!
[49:40] The three novels Jay studied before writing The Empire of the Vampire
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
- Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
[54:20] Favorite scenes that Jay's ever written
[1:00:12] Fans, the best part of the job
[1:06:00] Three final questions:
- If you could have coffee with an author living or dead, who would it be and why?
- What are you reading right now?
- What book do you recommend to anyone?
[1:12:46] What are you working on right now?
Books by Jay Kristoff:
- Empire of the Vampire
- Aurora Cycle
- Nevernight Chronicles
- LIFELIK3
- Illuminae Files
- Lotus War
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
- Strange the Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor
- Salem's Lot by Stephen King
- Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
- The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
- Dark Rise and Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Artists Mentioned:
- Bon Orthwick
- Jason Chan
- Kirby Rosanes
- Micaela Alcaino
What's Next?
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[@jennyjones2919]

LOVED this episode! Mr. Kristoff is def one of my fave authors. This made me smile so much. It's super interesting to get special insights into the lives of authors. :) Thanks!

[@CamilaGo]

I love this man! My fav author ever.

[@drandoncampbell7189]

I really enjoyed Lifelike series but even better are the Lotus War books...

[@Hellsing7747]

I love "the empire of the vampire " series. So amazing!

[@SirJosephZhou]

Very insightful on the process of writing Illuminae with Amie!