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Monday, August 06, 2012

Interview with Amanda Carlson and Giveaway - August 6, 2012

Please welcome Amanda Carlson to The Qwillery as part of the 2012 Debut Author Challenge Interviews. Full Blooded (Jessica McClain 1) will be published on September 11, 2012.




TQ:   What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Amanda:  Well, earlier this year I got myself a stability ball for a work chair. The sitting all day was killing me. So most days I get up, roll out of bed, grab some coffee and start bouncing my way through my writing day. It beats sitting rigid, but it took time to get used to it and I’d have to say it’s definitely quirky.


TQ:   Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Amanda:  Lately I’ve been diving into some great UF. I love Amanda Bonilla and her Shaede Assassin series. There are a lot of up and coming authors I’m really excited about, but the ones who sparked my love of fantasy for the first time were Ann Rice & Stephen King. I transitioned from Sweet Valley High right into their works. There was no YA back then. It was a love that started young and stayed with me.


TQ:   Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Amanda:  I’m a pantser all the way. I don’t even put a post it note on the wall. I go through the story without looking back, and then I edit. And edit. And edit. For me the real writing is in the editing. But the rush of getting the story out is the most fun.


TQ:   What is the most challenging thing for you about writing?

Amanda:  Concentrating on the edits the second or third time through is always tough. A book needs a lot of revisiting to get it right. Trying to stay on task throughout repeat edits, especially if they are in a row, is the most challenging. But, as I just said, I do love the editing process, so it’s not too bad. It feels great once you reach that finish line.


TQ:   Describe Full Blooded (Jessica McClain 1) in 140 characters or less.

Amanda:  It’s a fun, fast-paced, snarky, action-packed romp.


TQ:   What inspired you to write Full Blooded?

Amanda:  I started this book years ago and really wanted to write a heroine I wanted to read, as most writers do. The opening scene played out in my mind of Jessica shifting, and that was it. I ran with it from there.


TQ:   What sort of research did you do for Full Blooded?

Amanda:  I didn’t do a lot of research for this book, but I did pull in some actual myths and names. Selene is based on the actual Greek Lunar Goddess named Selene. The name Eudoxia I took from one of Ivan the Terrible’s children, as well as some of the other characters who come up later. I had to research distances that were logical, but the world building was all me. That was the best part.


TQ:   Who was the easiest character to write and why? Hardest and why?

Amanda:  Jessica, my heroine, was the easiest. Her voice is front and center in my mind. None of the characters are too hard to write, since they all come into my head fully formed and ready to go. I enjoy writing all the voices. The humorous ones are easier than the serious ones—that’s why you’ll find a lot of humor in my books.


TQ:   Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in Full Blooded?

Amanda:  I’m a sucker for action scenes. I love them. Jess gets to kick some ass in this book and each scene was a thrill to write. I loved the sexy scenes too. I’m not sure if I have a “for sure” favorite, but there’s a scene in the end where a character is describing an attack. That one always makes me laugh.


TQ:    What's next?

Amanda:  I’m writing book three, COLD BLOODED, right now and having a blast. After this goes to my editor, it’s time to see if they’d like to option more in the series. Cross your fingers, because I’m excited to keep writing.


TQ:   Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.

Amanda:  Thanks for having me! It was such a pleasure to stop by and chat with you. I hope you enjoy the series.



Jessica McClain

Full Blooded
Jessica McClain 1
Orbit, September 11, 2012
Trade Paperback and eBook, 352 pages

After living in hiding for the last twenty-six years, Jessica wakes up to find she's become a full-blooded werewolf -- claws, fangs, fur, everything. It was never supposed to happen: female werewolves don't exist.

When a mercenary killer comes looking for her, her Pack finds themselves caught in the middle of a war. They must rise up to protect her, but no one knows if she's means the end of their race-or just a new beginning.
Pre-order


Blooded
Jessica McClain Novella
Orbit, April 11, 2012
eNovella, ~61 pages

Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring.

When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . .

Read my 5 Qwill review of Blooded here.



About Amanda

A Minnesota girl born and bred, Amanda graduated from the University of Minnesota with a double major in speech and hearing science and child development. After enjoying her time as a sign language interpreter, she decided to stay at home and write in earnest after her second child was born. She loves playing Scrabble, tropical beaches, and shopping trips to Ikea. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and three kids. To find out more about the author, visit www.amandacarlson.com or on Twitter @AmandaCCarlson.

Website : Facebook : Twitter : Goodreads










The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a copy of Blooded (Jessica McClain 1) from The Qwillery. Please note that the winner will not receive the novel until after it is released in September.

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

What is one of your favorite novels, movies, comic, etc. that features a werewolf ? 

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1)   Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2)   Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3)   Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. You MUST leave a way to contact you.

Who and When:  The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Monday, August 13, 2012. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

35 comments:

  1. Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega novels. I LOVE those. And if I have to pick just one of them: Cry Wolf

    +2
    Comment, follower

    Sullivanmcpig(at) gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great interview! I read BLOODED. Can you say action-packed thrill ride? I'm so psyched to read FULL BLOODED, HOT BLOODED, and COLD BLOODED. This series can't come out in print fast enough.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think the Patricia Briggs version of werewolf is my favorite, those seen in the Mercy Thompson series as well as the Alpha & Omega series. I think I like her version because it is more logical than many but has the touches of romanticism that make it not a horror.
    april dot vrugtman at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gotta go with Patricia Briggs myself--Alpha and Omega.

    coachmaria
    (at)
    sbcglobal
    ((Dot.)
    com

    ReplyDelete
  5. For novel, I have many. Like Patricia Briggs novel or Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. For movie that feature werewolf, love Van Helsing. Thanks for the giveaway! Looking forward to read Full Blooded

    +1 comment
    +1 Gfc follower : Ren

    sawamura _foxman At yahoo Dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm rather fond of Ilona Andrews' Derek in the Kate Daniels series, although the Mercy Thompson books are long-time favorites as well.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC
    +1 tweeted: https://twitter.com/RebeLovesBooks/status/232525355666268161

    rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  7. Loved the old Teen Wolf, but I haven't seen the remake yet, so that one might be just as good if not better.

    +1 Comment
    +1 Follower of The Qwillery
    +1 Tweeted: https://twitter.com/yadkny/status/232525503146385408

    yadkny@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bowen from Wicked Deed's on a Winter's Night by Kresley cole. Book sounds fantastic, Love the cover.
    +1 comment
    +1 GFC Lona Stringer
    +1 Tweeted - https://twitter.com/LonaStringer/status/232530384284434433

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi

    My newest favorite book (because it changes when a read a great new one) that featured a werewolf is Kristen Callihan's Moonglow. However there are many series out that I have enjoyed.

    Congrats on your new book, it looks wonderful and I am adding it to my list to read.

    +1 comment
    +1 Follower

    Thanks for the chance
    Pam
    tpibrew@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. So many werewolfs to love! I adore Elena and Clay from Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series and Kitty Norville is always a fun read too. :-)

    This book looks great - I would love to read a copy!

    GFC Follower: Mel S
    notantherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really like Heather Killough-Walden's Big Bad Wolf series. If I had to pick one of the four it would be probably be The Hunt.

    Great interview. Thanks. I have to go look for blooded.

    memoritz@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hmmm....I really liked Annette Curtis-Klause's Blood and Chocolate! The movie wasn't so hot, but the book was awesome! Definitely one of my fave werewolf books! Plus all of Kelley Armstrong's "Elena" books!

    And of course the 13 to Life series!

    GFC Follower

    jessica(DOT)agreatread(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.

    gfc follower

    Skk25@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. How about Dyson from The Lost Girl Canadian TV series or Alcide in True Blood series? Hot as hell. I also love Sierra Dean's Secret - half-were/half vamp and Luna from Caitlin Kittredge books who kicks butt big time.
    Very much looking forward to Full Blooded, will be buying it even if I don't win :)
    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    impy80 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ilona Andrews all the way!
    GFC Krystal Larson
    edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOtcom

    ReplyDelete
  16. I like Twilight, the Mercy Falls Series. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gail Carriger's Soulless (Bk 1 in the Parasol Protectorate series). I hvn't read the rest in the series yet but the 1st bk was such fun! Hate the cover tho.

    +3: comment, follower, tweeted
    https://twitter.com/LindaThum/status/232632015185399808

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Okay, I'll be lame and say it- I loved Breaking Dawn Pt 1.
    I'm a gfc follower.

    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like Kelly Armstrong's Otherworld Series. Amazing. I like the idea of the ball for a chair. I wonder if that would work at school.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi
    I must say Alcide from the True Blood series. I know that he is nt the main character, but he's my favorite.
    I also read blooded, the prequel and really really liked it. I just want to know what happens next with Jessica.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower - DANIELA

    dany7578 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dark Hunter Series, i really love this series!!
    And also Guild Hunter series to :)

    GFC as Filia Oktarina
    Tweet : https://twitter.com/FiliaTsuki/status/232766053606891520

    filiafantasy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kelley Armstrong's Women Of The Otherworld series with werewolf Elena is one of my favourites.

    Thank you for the interview and giveaway!

    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    jannick.verleysen[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series and Alpha and Omega sereis
    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    katerahm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. This new series sounds awesome and I am chomping at the bit to read it. Thank you so much for sharing with us today!

    I love the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs and the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton - there are many more awesome reads not mentioned, but there is just something about the furry that makes my fingers itch to get hold of the reads :)
    +1 comment
    +1 GFC/email
    +1 tweeted = https://twitter.com/ZDz59001/status/232954146913914881
    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series - I'd list the first book as my favorite: Full Moon Rising.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com
    GFC: Barbara E.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I always loved the movie AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON.

    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. The True Blood tv show.

    I follow the blog.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Books - Woman of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong and movies - Underworld.

    -follower
    -tweet - https://twitter.com/DonnaS1/status/233076435101827072
    -blog link - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-qwillery-interview-with-amanda.html

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. My fave book featuring a werewolf has to be Blade Song by J.C. Daniels. It's a new UF series which I absolutely LOVED!

    GFC - Taz

    tasnim-sheikh AT hotmail DOT com

    Thanks for the giveaway!! (2 entries - follower + comment)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Midnight Desire by Emma Holly, one of the best I've read.
    Theresa N
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yeah so I am picking a popular one. Adam from the Mercy Thompson series, I love him. I was so happy when he finally won Mercy over. And his protective side...sigh.
    Blooded sounds great! Well actually the series sounds great. Maybe I am a little prejudiced due to the fact that I also live in Minnesota...but I will just hide that under my excitement over Jessica's story. =)

    GFC follower Lexi
    eyesofblueice (at) gmail

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. reat interview. Full Blooded is definitely a must read for me because I love werewolves and snarky kickass heroines :)

    My favorite book that features a werewolf is Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series. I love Elena Michaels, Clay and Jeremy Danvers.

    GFC follower: States of Decay
    amethystfaerieATmsnDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  34. Haha, this is easy - The Underworld movies are my favourites in this regard.

    https://twitter.com/abhinavjain87/status/235581925388058624

    ReplyDelete