Interview: J.R. Ward, author of 'Immortal'

HEA is thrilled to chat up J.R. Ward about Immortal (out today!), the final book in the Fallen Angels series; what we can expect for Jim and Sissy in this, the final Fallen Angels book; and lightning round of angel-themed questions.

Jessie: Welcome back to HEA, J.R.!

J.R.: Hi! Thank you for having me back!

Jessie: First, what can you tell us about Immortal and Jim and Sissy?

J.R.: Immortal is the ending of the Fallen Angels series, the book that everything has been leading up to. You'll see Jim and Sissy come to their resolution, learn what happens to Eddie, find out whether good or evil prevails — and most importantly, what the aftermath is like. It was satisfying to write because a lot of my books have sort of open endings and it was a nice change to actually finish something!

Jessie: There was so much fantastic action and violence in Immortal. I felt like every breather was followed by more intensity (I loved it!). How do you write your action scenes and keep the suspense and anticipation up?

J.R.: The stories are what they are in my head. They take their own course and refuse to be influenced by anything or anybody. So I just record what I see and hope that people like it. Although I will say, if I'm juiced at the computer, that's usually a good sign that the readers won't be bored!

Jessie: How does it feel wrapping up this series? I loved the last few chapters, as everything came together beautifully.

J.R.: I loved the ending, too! I really did. But I don't want to give too much away ;)

Jessie: How did you choose the heroines for the heroes? Or should I say the heroes for the heroines?

J.R.: Again, the stories are what they are. I don't choose anything or get a vote about the people, places, events. I learned long ago, back with Lover Revealed, that my job is to sit at the computer, shut up and type. Otherwise? The pictures and the voices go away!

Jessie: I've heard rumors that we may see a little bit of intersecting between BDB and the Fallen Angels. Is this true?

J.R.: Keep reading! ;)

Jessie: Readers are wanting to know what are you currently working on now. What's next for our Angels and Brothers?

J.R.: I'm drafting The Shadows, which is Trez and iAm's book. It comes out at the end of March next year!

Jessie: What was the best piece of advice you ever received about writing or publishing?

J.R.: Oh, man, there's been a lot. Everything from, back in the beginning, Take out your dumba$$ adverbs! to Be your own editor! But honestly, the single best piece of advice, which has become even more important as social media has become so widespread, is Never forget it's about the writing. The writing comes first for me. Not Facebook, not Twitter, not the Internet or signings or merchandise, or "the career." Everything begins and ends with the writing for me, and I build my entire life around sitting my butt down 365 days a year. Consequentially, I'm not good at marketing myself and I don't do tours and I disappear for months at a time. But the bottom line is, writing is my job, rather than getting wrapped up in all the white noise that buzzes around. I don't have the Internet on any of my writing computers and I don't get to do anything business-y unless I've gotten my work done. OK, end of rant!

And now for a lightning round of angel-themed questions …

What indulgence do you consider the most heavenly?

J.R.: I don't really do indulgences? I'm more interested in discipline, goal setting, and performance? Jeez, I sound like a total frickin' loser ... OK, going to U of L men's basketball games! I love to cheer for my team whether they're winning or losing!

Favorite song with angel in the title?

J.R.: I guess Calling All Angels by Train? Although I'm really more of a rap and hip-hop fan.

Best movie about heaven?

J.R.: Magic Mike. 'Cuz if Channing Tatum's abs ain't heaven, I don't know what is!

What vice are you most likely to go to hell for?

J.R.: Probably overworking. My focus is great for my job, but it's hard on my family. As my best friend says, "I love you, but gahd, you never leave the house!"

(In best James Lipton voice) If heaven exists, what would you like God to say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

J.R.: "You did a good job and you worked hard. Now, how about a rest? Your dogs and everyone you've been missing are right over here."

Jessie: Any final words you want to leave readers with?

J.R.: Thank you so much for supporting me for all these years! I try to earn your respect with every word, every sentence, and every chapter of each book.

Jessie: Thank you so much for hanging out with us at HEA!

J.R.: Again, thank you for having me!

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Find out more about J.R. Ward and her books at www.jrward.com.

Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She also does reviews for RT Book Reviews magazine and works in the submissions department at Dreamspinner Press. You can follow her on Twitter (@BookTaster).