Welcome to Smugglivus – Day 23!
Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2009, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2010.
Today’s Guest: Today we give you Adrian Phoenix, author of dark Urban Fantasy series The Maker’s Song books (A Rush of Wings, In the Blood – both reviewed HERE – and the upcoming Beneath the Skin).
Today is a little different – Ms. Phoenix hasn’t prepared a Smugglivus Author Post like the other authors that have been on The Book Smugglers, but instead is offering an interactive Question and Answer session with readers in the comments of this post! And it gets even better – courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Adrian, we’ve got TWO autographed sets of The Maker’s Song books up for grabs. Entry is easy and simple – just leave a comment here asking Adrian a question (about her UF series, her writing process, her favorite authors or films, etc). The contest is open to all, and will run until December 31st at 11:59PM (PST). Good luck, and let the questions begin!
First, here’s a brief intro from Adrian Phoenix herself…
Adrian: Hi all, thanks so much for having me. I’m thrilled to be here, ready and able to answer any questions you might have whether it’s knowing why I wrote The Maker’s Song series, getting to know more about the characters (some of which I’m sure could be persuaded to answer a few questions as well), Behind the scenes questions about Black Dust Mambo (out July 2010), what I do in my spare time, my plans for the holidays (I totally plan to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie – can’t wait!), my fav movies or books, or writing questions. Fire away!
And we leave you with one more goody – a sneak peek of Adrian’s upcoming novel:
Beneath the Skin by Adrian Phoenix
CHAOS CONTROLS HIS FUTURE. ONE MORTAL WOMAN COULD BE HIS SALVATION. THE COUNTDOWN TO ANNIHILATION WILL BEGIN WITH DANTE’S CHOICE….
THE FATE OF THREE WORLDS…
The dark pieces of vampire rock star Dante Baptiste’s past are violently emerging, and it is only a matter of time before the Fallen discover he is the creawdwr they have sought for thousands of years. The destruction he left behind in Oregon threatens to reveal his identity as Fallen Maker and True Blood, exposing the young nightkind to shadowy predators — mortal and supernatural — who will do whatever it takes to win his favor…or destroy him.
RESTS IN DANTE’S HANDS.
When beautiful FBI special agent Heather Wallace went AWOL on assignment, she chose irresistible Dante over the shady government forces that now stalk them both. Heather has her own secrets of the past to uncover, but she is also the only one who can hold her nightkind lover together when his dangerous quest for the truth threatens to send him over the edge. And as she and Dante fi ght for their survival, she realizes they must work together to protect their future — before his mysterious destiny tears them apart….
You can read an extended excerpt online HERE.
Good luck, and let the questions begin!
87 Comments
Cathy
December 23, 2009 at 12:43 amAdrian, how many books do you think there will be in this series? Many, I hope!
Thuy
December 23, 2009 at 12:49 amHi Adrian,
Just wanted to let you know I loved the covers…Did you have any input when choosing the covers? Much Thanks!
Katee R
December 23, 2009 at 12:50 amI haven’t ready your books yet (hoping to start now. *wink*) but I was wondering if there was any particular history or mythology that inspired your world-building?
kitty
December 23, 2009 at 1:17 amI can’t wait to see the Sherlock Holmes movie as well!
I always like to light a candle when I sit down to write. Do you have any little rituals around your writing time?
Thanks for being here and happy Holidays!
Peta
December 23, 2009 at 1:52 amHi Adrian
Here’s my interview question. What are your top reads from 2009?
Thanks!
Peta
Tracey D
December 23, 2009 at 1:54 amHi, Adrian.
What is your opinion on book trailers? Do you think they help in book sales?
Thanks.
Guiomar
December 23, 2009 at 2:43 amHi Adrian,
When did you start writing? Was it hard to get your first novel published?
Thanks!
Raelena
December 23, 2009 at 4:43 amwho are some of your favorite authors?
Ginny
December 23, 2009 at 6:24 amHi there. Have you ever read a book & thought “oh wow, I wish I’d had that idea”. If so which book/books?
x
Patti
December 23, 2009 at 7:38 amHi Adrian, I picked up A Rush of Wings because I love books set in New Orleans and ended up really enjoying it. I am looking forward to starting In The Blood soon.
My question is, do you read other authors in your genre? What are some of your favorite series?
Thanks!
Jen D.
December 23, 2009 at 8:01 amHi Adrian! Thanks for stopping by. My question is – how did you go about picking the names for your characters?
Thanks Ana and Thea for inviting Adrian and for the giveaway.
RKCharron
December 23, 2009 at 8:04 amHi Adrian 🙂
I was wondering how you got The Thing What Squeaks?
What do you read when you are writing? Or if you do?
Is it easier to write sequels in a series than the original book?
Do you let your characters lead the story or do you keep a tight rein on them?
Do you edit on paper or on the screen?
Do you have any input in the great covers?
Do you need solitude to write or do you write to music, etc?
What is your advice to aspiring writers?
What is your “The Call” story?
Will you have a blog in the future?
Will you let your fans know here that you have a contest to win signed copies of your novels on your site? And that you are on Twitter?
🙂
Merry Christmas Adrian!
RKCharron
Gerd D.
December 23, 2009 at 9:21 amWell, which are your favoured movies?
Preferred genres?
Btw.: Isn’t Adrian typically a man’s name?
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 10:47 amHi Cathy,
I would like to have as many books as possible in this series…as long as I have a story to tell.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 10:50 amHi Thuy,
Glad you like the covers! I love them as well and feel very fortunate. My editor does ask me for background ideas for the cover, but that’s the extent of my involvement. I trust them to do beautiful covers for the books and they do. 😀
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 10:52 amHi Katee,
I think the mythology I used the most came from the Old Testament and from Gnostic beliefs about the nature of fallen angels. I added my own spin on things.
I hope you enjoy the books!
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 10:56 amHi Kitty,
Happy holidays to you too!
I usually light incense (I make my own), make sure I have a fresh, steaming hot cup of coffee, and that music is playing. I listen to everything from NIN to movie soundtracks as I write. Oh. And everything on my desk has to be squared away and neat. 😛
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:03 amHi Peta,
My top reads for 2009 . . . I’ve been so busy writing and hitting deadlines that I’m way behind in my reading. 😉
I just finished STAKED by J.F. Lewis and really enjoyed it.
I loved Jeri Smith-Ready’s WICKED GAME and BAD TO THE BONE. I’ve had the privilege of reading her upcoming 3rd book in the series, BRING ON THE NIGHT, and it’s AWESOME!
I also provided a blurb for Jennifer Estep’s upcoming SPIDER’S BITE and can’t recommend this 1st book in a new UF series enough. I couldn’t put it down. It features magic, assassins, and elementals. Riveting. And some great humorous touches and dialogue.
I also enjoyed D.B. Reynolds’ RAPHAEL and JABRIL – great reads!
I’m sure I’ll think of others . . .
Danielle
December 23, 2009 at 11:04 amIf you could meet your charactes, would you give them spoilers?
Jeanette Juan
December 23, 2009 at 11:05 amHi Adrian! I was wondering what is your favorite paranormal romance book or series?
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:05 amHi Tracey,
I don’t really have an opinion on book trailers, aside from the fact that they don’t affect my decisions on my book buying. In fact, I rarely watch them. Sample chapters influence me far more.
Arantza
December 23, 2009 at 11:06 amHi Adrian,
Which are the books you can’t wait to read in 2010?
Cathy M
December 23, 2009 at 11:12 amHi Adrian, what is your favorite holiday movie?
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:25 amHi Guiomar,
I first started writing as a kid in school. I loved books and wanted to write my own stories. I focused on short stories, then took time off to raise my kids.
No, selling my first novel wasn’t hard, and I realize that I’m very fortunate. Right book at the right time with the right editor.
But even if it’d taken years to sell, I would’ve kept submitting it and I would’ve been busy writing the next project. 😀
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:30 amHi Raelena,
Some of my fav authors are: Jeri Smith-Ready, Jeaniene Frost, Stephen King, James Ellroy, Phaedra Weldon, D.B. Reynolds, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, James Lee Burke, Marjorie Liu . . . I’m sure I’m forgetting some.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:38 amHi Ginny,
Nothing comes to mind bookwise at the moment as far as an “Wow! Wish I’d thought of that.” I read a lot of very cool things that I’ve been impressed with and felt the same way about movies, thinking, “Wow! What a cool idea/character/concept!”
The upcoming SPIDER’S BITE by Jennifer Estep is a book I felt that way about. “Wow! How cool!”
Lisa B.
December 23, 2009 at 11:43 amAdrian,
The book sounds amazing.
Quick question. How do you handle revisions? Have you ever just started rewriting something instead of trying to revise?
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:45 amHi Patty,
I’m so glad you enjoyed A Rush of Wings and I hope you enjoy In the Blood as well!
I *do* read other authors in my genre, but I’m a bit behind. LOL. I like Jeri Smith-Ready, Jeaniene Frost, Phaedra Weldon, Marjorie Liu, Mark Henry, J.F. Lewis, Jenna Black . . . Again, I’m sure I’m forgetting names.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:48 amHi Jen D.,
Names are very important. I take the character’s personality into consideration along with their history. How the name looks and sounds is important too. It needs to feel “right.” Sometimes I’m happy if it just sounds cool. LOL.
I often research the meanings of names as well.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:08 pmHi RKCharron,
Wow! Fun questions!
I got The Thing What Squeaks in a comic book shop in Seattle when I was visiting friends and we were out browsing. It called to me. (squeaked, actually)
When I’m writing I don’t always have time to read much (I’m still working a fulltime day job), but I always manage to get reading time in when I go to bed. I’ll read other UF or research books on topics/places I’m writing about.
I think the original book is a little easier. With the sequels, you’re trying to bring the reader up to speed, and trying to find a balance between not bringing in too much of the previous books and not enough.
I let the characters lead, definitely. They are in charge.
I pretty much do everything on the screen. Writing. Editing. Plotting. If I ever get really stuck, I turn to a notepad and start writing to myself in longhand, things like: “Okay, what’s the problem? What’s causing you to fret over this scene? What is it you don’t like?” A really free form thing and it works like a charm. I find my answers.
As far as the covers go, my editor will ask me for suggestions for the background, but that’s about it. 😀
I don’t need solitude to write. I always play music, but I can write without it, if necessary. I’ve trained myself to write anywhere.
The most important advice I can give to aspiring writers is to always be true to yourself, always follow your heart, and never give up. Believe in yourself no matter what. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!
By “the call story” do you mean when I learned about my first sale? It was actually an email from my agent telling me about Pocket’s awesome offer. I jumped up and down (carefully, I’d been in a car accident just two days before) and squealed. So goddamned excited and elated!! A dream come true!
I don’t know if I’ll have a blog in the future or not. I hope so. I’d like that. Time is the issue right now.
I am on Twitter, MySpace (www.myspace.com/adriannikolasphoenix), and Facebook and I have a monthly contest on my website to win signed copies of my books. http://www.adrianphoenix.com
Thanks so much for your questions and interest, RK! Merry Christmas!
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:13 pmHi Gerd,
The spelling of Adrian is a more masculine form of Adrienne, yes, but I’m fine with it that way.
I love all kinds of movies. I like historical epics, I like action films, off-the-wall comedies, dark and gritty films. I really enjoyed the Underworld series.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:14 pmHi Danielle,
I think I would try to warn Dante so he could be prepared. Heather too. 😀
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:16 pmHi Jeanette,
My fav paranormal series is Jeri Smith-Ready’s Ciara Griffin series. That and Jeaniene Frost’s Cat and Bones series.
Carol
December 23, 2009 at 12:24 pmHi Adrian!
Can’t wait to read Beneath the Skin – release day is almost here finally! Do you already have book 4 in the works? If so, can you give us a little tease about the story?
Also, do you have a release date for your new series, Black Dust Mambo? That one sounds like lots of fun, will it have a bit more humor than the Maker’s Song series?
Merry Christmas!
Carol
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:44 pmHi Arantza,
I’ve been so busy, I’m not even sure what all’s coming out in 2010 *hangs head in shame*.
What are some the books y’all are looking forward to in 2010 so I can add them to my TBR list?
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:46 pmHi Cathy M.,
My fav holiday more is “A Christmas Story.” It’s a tradition in our family to watch it all day on Christmas Eve. Yes, we’re insane like that. 😀
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:50 pmHi Lisa B.,
I *have* rewritten short stories instead of revising them, but I’ve never done that with a novel.
The way I usually do it is I write the book and turn it in to my editor. She then sends me a letter detailing what revisions need to be made and I do them.
With my first book, A Rush of Wings, I revised as I went, but now I’d advise writing the book, then doing revisions.
If you’re really unhappy with how it turned out or realized the direction it needed to go in after you finished it, then, yeah, throw out the first draft and start over. That’d be the best way to go. Re-draft.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 12:55 pmHi Carol,
Merry Christmas and thanks!
Yes, I’ve just started on book four, ETCHED IN BONE. Just as a tease, Dante needs to fix things that he has broken – including himself – and, of course, everything goes in an unexpected way. 😉
BLACK DUST MAMBO will be out July 1, 2010. Yup, more humor than the Maker’s Song books.
Michelle M
December 23, 2009 at 12:56 pmThanks for the intros to your books – I haven’t seen them yet, so I’m looking forward to hearing more about them.
For my Q: What were some of your favorite books as a kid? Do you have ones you still re-read every year or so?
Thanks!
Courtney
December 23, 2009 at 12:59 pmHi Adrian!
Do you start out with an outline of what is going to happen and when or do you just write?
As for books that are coming out in 2010… Looking forward to the next Anita books coming out in Feb and June from LKH… the Night Huntress World book with Spade and Denise… the next Werecats book by Rachel Vincent… the next Sookie book in May… there are more but I’ll stop here 😀
joder
December 23, 2009 at 1:08 pmWould love to win these! Have heard great things about them! My question is….what’s you least favorite Christmas song?
I Heart Book Gossip
December 23, 2009 at 2:00 pmMy question is: What is your muse when you write these books?
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 2:43 pmHi Michelle M,
I think my all time fav book as a teen in junior high was THE OUTSIDERS. Anything by S.E. Hinton. When I was even younger, WHERE THE RED FERNS GROW broke my heart. I loved CHARLOTTE’S WEB and remember crying.
When my sons were little, they loved the Little Monster books and I’d read those to them all the time. My youngest son is an adult, but he’s kept the books. 🙂
I re-read Stephen King’s THE STAND, CJ Cherryh’s FADED SUN trilogy, there’s others I’m sure.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 2:46 pmHi Courtney,
I tend to do a little of both. I do a broad outline of where the story is going, then just write. It’s really focused on the characters, their reactions, and the consequences of those actions. The story can change quite a bit as I go due to those character actions and the consequences rippling out . . .
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 2:47 pmHi Joder,
Hmmm . . . my least favorite Christmas Song has got to be “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” 😛
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 2:50 pmHi I Heart Book Gossip, LOL,
My muse is music and NIN, in particular. Although the soundtracks to all of the Pirate of the Caribbean movies, Batman Begins, and Last of the Mohicans also inspire me.
For Black Dust Mambo, the soundtrack to True Blood (for the down South vibe) and Queens of the Stone Age have been great muses. 😀
Rachel S
December 23, 2009 at 3:20 pmHey Adrian!
I’m so excited for the release of Beneath the Skin. It’s so close! My question is:
Which character do you have the most fun writing?
Thanks 😀
Rachel S
December 23, 2009 at 3:23 pmOh, and tell Dante I said hi!
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 3:26 pmHi Rachel S,
As soon as Dante wakes up for the evening, I’ll pass along your hello. 😀
I love writing Dante, but for actual fun, it would be Von.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 4:12 pmI’m heading out to do some last minute Christmas shopping, but I’ll be back!
Thanks, everyone, for making this so much fun!
Jackie Burris
December 23, 2009 at 4:37 pmFirst off Thanks to Adrian today for coming out to play with her fans and others who are going to be fans. Merry Christmas Eve Eve to you and The Smugglers and all the other commenters also…
The only thing I would like to ask is what kind of pets do you have Adrian? I have noticed a trend among the authors I follow that they tend to favor house cats and small lap dogs.
Jackie B Central Texas 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Durão
December 23, 2009 at 5:26 pmDo you ever get tired of your characters, if you are having an off day on your writing?
Good Christmas to all!
😉
orannia
December 23, 2009 at 5:33 pmHI Adrian,
I have yet to read A Rush of Wings, but I am intrigued. (I’m working backwards with the posts, so the Smugglers’ review of your books is next 🙂 I was wondering, if/when you get stuck with regard to a particular plot, what do you do to try and work it out?
Many thanks 🙂
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 6:07 pmHi Jackie,
I continue the trend. LOL! I have 3 cats – Amiga and Diabla, who are sisters and feral rescues, and Ember, who is part Persian.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 6:09 pmHi Durao,
Merry Christmas to you too! No, I’ve never gotten tired of my characters at any time. They are endlessly fascinating to me – off day or not. I *do* however get irritated with myself when I’m having an off-day.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 6:19 pmHi Orannia,
I hope you are intrigued enough to read the books!
When I get stuck on plotting, I usually have a conversation with myself on paper to find out what it is that is bothering me. I also try to make sure that I am seeing events clearly from the characters perspectives. The story and its events must be true to them.
Jamie
December 23, 2009 at 8:12 pmI just wanted to jump in and say thank you Adrian for making such an amazing series. For those of you that haven’t read the series yet you should really try them out!! They are fantastic and the characters are to die for. Von is my soul mate (he just don’t know it yet..lol) and Dante..well their is just not words to describe him. I get such a kick out of crazy ass banter that goes on between them two..lol. Adrian I do have one question. Will we ever learn more about Von, like his past?
Please don’t include me in the contest because I already have them.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 8:19 pmHi Jamie,
Thanks so much for your comments and your endorsement! I appreciate it. (And I’ll slip the word to Von that he’s your soul mate . . .lol.) 😉
Yes, we will learn more about Von. I’m hoping do write a stand alone book about Von, his life, his past, his clan, and his training as a llygad, maybe take it up to the point that he meets Dante.
Jamie
December 23, 2009 at 8:26 pmOh that sounds awesome!! I just LOVE Von. Every time I think of him it makes me smile. He is such a sweety but could kick ass in a heart beat..lol
Roxy
December 23, 2009 at 8:37 pmHi Adrian,
I can’t wait for Sherlock Holmes either!
My question is: What made you decide to write Urban Fantasy? It’s one of my favorite genres to read because I like the combination of the real world with the fantasy mixed in. Makes me think, “What if…”
D. B. Reynolds
December 23, 2009 at 8:53 pmFantastic interview, Adrian! And I can hardly wait for Beneath the Skin!
Donna
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 9:14 pmHi Roxy,
I didn’t actually decide to write urban fantasy. I wrote the story I wanted to tell about characters that moved me and it turned out to be urban fantasy.
Don’t get me wrong, I like urban fantasy very much. It appeals to me because I love the paranormal and all those what if possibilities! 😀
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 9:15 pmThanks so much DB! I can’t wait for the third book in your series!
Donna S
December 23, 2009 at 9:30 pmThanks Adrian! I havent had the chance to read your series yet but I am hoping to soon.
Besides your series, what book or books do you recommend everyone should read?
Barbara
December 23, 2009 at 9:50 pmI know I’m late, but I wanted to respond. I just love your books. I’m so excited for “Beneath The Skin”. I know you mentioned Lon getting his book, but what about Lucien? I do love Dante, but Lucien is right behind him. Fell in love with him right away. 🙂
Have a Merry Christmas!
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:32 pmHi Donna S,
I recommend Jeri Smith-Ready’s Wicked Game and Bad to the Bone. Bring on the Night will be out in 2010.
I also recommend Jennifer Estep’s Spider’s Bite (out in 2010) and DB Reynolds’ Raphael and Jabril.
Adrian Phoenix
December 23, 2009 at 11:33 pmThank you so much, Barbara! Yes, I plan a book (probably more than one) about Lucien, showing him in several different eras in history and showing the events that led up to Yahweh’s death. Tentative title is NIGHTBRINGER.
Koryn
December 24, 2009 at 1:09 pmThree questions;
How many books do you think will be in this series? Do you think you will do any spin-offfs?
And, Where did Von grow up?
Marie
December 24, 2009 at 3:00 pmHello Adrian,
Love your stories!
How much research do you have to do for your storylines?
Marie
Raquel Vega-Grieder
December 25, 2009 at 8:26 amHey Adrian What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
Mariska
December 25, 2009 at 10:25 amHi Adrian,
what’s your favorite scene on your books ? 😉
Kristin
December 26, 2009 at 11:13 amHey Adrian!
I’m anxiously awaiting(beyond major understatement!) BTS’s arrival on my doorstep…it’s a HUGE highlight of my holiday season!!! 😀
Can we expect ‘Etched In Bone’ to be released about the same time next year?
‘Nightbringer’ sounds great…Lucien is right there behind Dante for me!!! 😉 A book about Von would be awesome, too. Besides those books, do you have further hopes/plans for the ‘Makers Song Series’?
What similarities/differences can we expect in Black Dust Mambo compared to the ‘Maker’s Song Series’?
Look forward to hearing your response…hope your holidays were/are Happy!
Love ya & your books!
Kristin 😀
Sara M
December 27, 2009 at 8:17 amHello Adrian,
I was just wondering, what’s your favorite time of day to get your writing done?
Llehn
December 27, 2009 at 8:46 pmHi Adrian,
Do you have any pre-writing ritual that you go through every day before you start writing? Thanks.
Pam P
December 27, 2009 at 9:22 pmHi Adrian. What, if anything, inspired your series, plot lines, characters?
Happy Holidays!
Andrea Infinger
December 28, 2009 at 8:28 amAdrian,
What blogs will you be at promoting the new release?
Edu Chico
December 31, 2009 at 4:23 amWhen/where do you have the most ideas for your books?
Cavalier
December 31, 2009 at 4:33 amWhat’s the most common thing your readers tell you when they meet you?
Jafantunes
December 31, 2009 at 4:34 amWhat’s the greatest influence on your work?
Happy New Year all!
😀
MariaD
December 31, 2009 at 4:39 amWhat other writers are doing books on the line you are?
Do you identify yourself with what they write?
Caty
December 31, 2009 at 4:40 amDo you read regularly or are you afraid of accidentily getting some idea from the book you are reading?
Happy New Year and good luck with the book!
Susy
December 31, 2009 at 4:48 amHow do you organize your days for writing?
Do you keep a regular schedule or depend on inspiration?
Mil
December 31, 2009 at 4:59 amWhat good books have you read recently?
J Dias
December 31, 2009 at 5:09 amAs a woman, what is opinion on the covers of your books?
Are you involved in the cover process?
Tanita
December 31, 2009 at 5:11 amUntil when do you expect to be writing this series?
Do you already know the ending?
Scene of the Blog & News | Literary Escapism
January 7, 2010 at 7:44 pm[…] Adrian Phoenix, author of In the Blood, at the Book Smugglers […]
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April 23, 2017 at 3:04 pmTimely article – my girlfriend is getting back into training after giving birth to our son. Obviously, there’s less free time than before, so this routine and a kettlebell sounds just right. One question, though: How close to failure should the single sets be taken? Far from failure; a couple of reps left in the tank, or just AMRAP?