Amanda Carlson Interview

I have loved reading everything I have read that Amanda Carlson has written, and I can't wait to read more of her work in the coming months. I was more than happy to host her on this blog and to do an interview with her. I hope this provides a nice look into the world she has created. Enjoy.

UFR: If you had to pick a theme song for this book what would it be and why?

AC: I listened to a lot of Kings of Leon with this book. I love Closer, which I’ve heard is actually about a vampire. But for this one I think it had to be Sex on Fire. Everything was changing for Jessica so quickly and the beat to that song applied (plus, I love it. It’s super sexy.).

UFR: Since everyone who reads this blog is a reader themselves, I love asking about what your characters would be reading. So if Jessica had a book on her nightstand, what would it be?

AC: Hmm, she’d possibly be reading Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She likes an edgy read. No romance for her.

UFR: Do you share any characteristics with Jessica?

AC: No, not really. I wrote the kind of heroine I’d like to hang out with more than anything having to do with myself personally. I’m low key and she’s tons of fun, LOL! I so wish I could take her out and pick her brain.

UFR: If you could be any member of any supernatural race, what would it be and why? Would you chose a werewolf like the ones you write?

AC: I think I’d be a shifter, but I’d like the freedom to shift into anything. I’d love to fly as well as run fast. It would come in handy!

UFR: What was the hardest scene for you to write in the book and why?

AC: The opening is always the hardest. It’s what I rewrote the most. Drawing the reader into a new world is nerve wracking. There’s a lot of pressure to do it right, entice them in but don’t give them too much. If you over explain the world, readers get bored. Book 1 in a series usually has the most info, because the world has to be outlined. It’s the first introduction a reader gets to a world. Subsequent books don’t have to spend as much time there, so the pacing is usually faster.

UFR: Who is your favorite male character to write so far? They all have so many different attributes, any favorites among them?

AC: I love James, there’s no two ways about it. But Rourke has my heart. He’s the most mysterious and has the most to offer Jessica. I do love writing Danny’s snark too, but it has to be Rourke. He’s been dubbed Mr. Sexypants by a reviewer and I think that moniker will stick!

UFR: Who was your first introduction into urban fantasy?

AC: I fell into PNR first with Kresley Cole. That was awesome! My first UF? Hmm, I think it was Kim Harrison? But I read a lot of in between before I found ass-kicking UF. Once I did, that quickly became my genre of choice. I love my UF full of action with a side of romance.

UFR: Who are some of your favorite authors?

AC: Amanda Bonilla, Julie Ann Walker, Faith Hunter, Karen Chance and Kate SeRine.

UFR: Any advice you would give to aspiring writers?

AC: FINISH. You have to reach the end no matter how bad you think it may be. If you don’t finish, there is no book! I know you can do it. The story is in there someplace. Keep at it.

UFR: Now that Full Blooded is out, can you tell us anything about Jessica's next adventure?

AC: Jessica’s on a non-stop adventure in HOT BLOODED to find her man, kick some goddess ass and figure out what she is. It’s full of action and mayhem. Lots of mythological baddies and fighting involved. It was a blast to write. I can’t wait until it releases this April.

Thanks so much for hosting me today! It was a pleasure to stop by. For anyone who jumps in to the series, I hope you enjoy it!