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 1Orbit, 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.*
Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega novels. I LOVE those. And if I have to pick just one of them: Cry Wolf
ReplyDelete+2
Comment, follower
Sullivanmcpig(at) gmail(dot)com
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteapril dot vrugtman at gmail dot com
Gotta go with Patricia Briggs myself--Alpha and Omega.
ReplyDeletecoachmaria
(at)
sbcglobal
((Dot.)
com
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
ReplyDelete+1 comment
+1 Gfc follower : Ren
sawamura _foxman At yahoo Dot com
I'm rather fond of Ilona Andrews' Derek in the Kate Daniels series, although the Mercy Thompson books are long-time favorites as well.
ReplyDelete+1 comment
+1 GFC
+1 tweeted: https://twitter.com/RebeLovesBooks/status/232525355666268161
rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom
Loved the old Teen Wolf, but I haven't seen the remake yet, so that one might be just as good if not better.
ReplyDelete+1 Comment
+1 Follower of The Qwillery
+1 Tweeted: https://twitter.com/yadkny/status/232525503146385408
yadkny@hotmail.com
Bowen from Wicked Deed's on a Winter's Night by Kresley cole. Book sounds fantastic, Love the cover.
ReplyDelete+1 comment
+1 GFC Lona Stringer
+1 Tweeted - https://twitter.com/LonaStringer/status/232530384284434433
blinkysthebest at aol dot com
Hi
ReplyDeleteMy 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
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. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks great - I would love to read a copy!
GFC Follower: Mel S
notantherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
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.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Thanks. I have to go look for blooded.
memoritz@sbcglobal.net
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!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course the 13 to Life series!
GFC Follower
jessica(DOT)agreatread(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.
ReplyDeletegfc follower
Skk25@aol.com
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.
ReplyDeleteVery 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
Ilona Andrews all the way!
ReplyDeleteGFC Krystal Larson
edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOtcom
I like Twilight, the Mercy Falls Series. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteGail 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.
ReplyDelete+3: comment, follower, tweeted
https://twitter.com/LindaThum/status/232632015185399808
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
Okay, I'll be lame and say it- I loved Breaking Dawn Pt 1.
ReplyDeleteI'm a gfc follower.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
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.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Hi
ReplyDeleteI 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
Dark Hunter Series, i really love this series!!
ReplyDeleteAnd also Guild Hunter series to :)
GFC as Filia Oktarina
Tweet : https://twitter.com/FiliaTsuki/status/232766053606891520
filiafantasy at gmail dot com
Kelley Armstrong's Women Of The Otherworld series with werewolf Elena is one of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interview and giveaway!
+1 comment
+1 follower
jannick.verleysen[at]gmail[dot]com
I love Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series and Alpha and Omega sereis
ReplyDelete+1 comment
+1 follower
katerahm at gmail dot com
This new series sounds awesome and I am chomping at the bit to read it. Thank you so much for sharing with us today!
ReplyDeleteI 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
I love Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series - I'd list the first book as my favorite: Full Moon Rising.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951 at aol dot com
GFC: Barbara E.
I always loved the movie AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON.
ReplyDeleteGFC: Mary Preston
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
The True Blood tv show.
ReplyDeleteI follow the blog.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Books - Woman of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong and movies - Underworld.
ReplyDelete-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
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!
ReplyDeleteGFC - Taz
tasnim-sheikh AT hotmail DOT com
Thanks for the giveaway!! (2 entries - follower + comment)
Midnight Desire by Emma Holly, one of the best I've read.
ReplyDeleteTheresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
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.
ReplyDeleteBlooded 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
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletereat interview. Full Blooded is definitely a must read for me because I love werewolves and snarky kickass heroines :)
ReplyDeleteMy 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
I don't know how I missed the 'G' in 'great'...
DeleteHaha, this is easy - The Underworld movies are my favourites in this regard.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/abhinavjain87/status/235581925388058624