Interview with Amanda Alvarez {Hunting Human} & Giveaway

Thank you Amanda, for taking the time to stop by the blog to talk with readers about your writing and Hunting Human! 

No problem!  Thanks for having me. 


Recently I read and reviewed your paranormal romance book titled Hunting Human. Before we get into the real nuts-and-bolts of it, can you give readers an overview of what it's about?



Sure!  Here’s the summary, it’s far better at this sort of thing than I am.

For two years, Beth Williams has run from the past, and the beast that dwells inside her. She is haunted by memories of being kidnapped and the savage attack that killed her best friend. Now Beth finally thinks she's ready to move on...with Braden Edwards, a charming, irresistibly sexy man who tempts Beth to embrace the present. 

But the past lurks closer than Beth realizes. Markko Bolvek, one of the werewolves who kidnapped her, has tracked her to Portland, Oregon, his pursuit fueled by a hunger for vengeance. Only Braden, a werewolf himself, senses the danger shadowing her steps. The Edwards and Bolveks have been enemies for centuries—and despite the instant connection he feels with Beth, Braden isn't sure which side of the war she's on. 

With suspicion at odds with their attraction, Beth and Braden must learn to trust one another to stop Markko for good. Can Beth accept the wolf within—and love a man who embodies everything she fears? 



You've added a different approach to what I consider 'traditional' shifter romance. As I was reading the story I kept thinking to myself, "I can see this really happening!"  What inspired you to take the approach that you did?

Honestly, that was just the story I wanted to tell.  So many shifter stories out there are so amazingly detailed and dynamic, but it seems like 90% of the story is wrapped up in a world we can only dream about.  I really wanted to write a book that was as close to reality as I could make it.  I wanted readers to be able to really put themselves in these character’s shoes and take the journey with them.  I had a lot of fun doing just that!



In my review I had stated that I felt as though the way you reveled the heroine, Beth's, back story seemed to add an air of suspense for the reader. Did you have her back story already written (almost like a story in itself) prior to you writing the present day structure? Or did it just unravel naturally as you went?

In truth it was a little of both.  The story originated for me with Beth running through the woods, then the werewolf element fell into place and I began to build from there.  But as I continued to write and plot it became clear that that was Beth’s past and not the real story I wanted to tell.  But since it was so important to who Beth was I wanted to find a way for readers to experience that hell with her, so that they could better understand her and the decisions she makes.




While there was a little edgy feel to the context surrounding Beth's horrible back story, you brought in a fabulous balance with romance and even humor. You also created a real sense of family throughout the book by making the characters seem so real. How do you approach your character development to make them seem so realistic?

I haven’t quite figured that out yet.    I knew what I needed from Braden because I knew what Beth needed to move on with her life.  And because so much of Beth’s back story was dark, I needed levity to balance everything out.  Each character brought their own sort of coping mechanism to the story.  Each character lent their own support to Beth.  But often, even when I had a notion of what I needed for a scene, a character would surprise me with the delivery.  Lucy and Chase in particular were always fun to write.




There's one brother in particular from the story that I want to see more of! Yes, the brooding, alpha Chase. *swoons* Will we see him again anytime soon?


Shhh.  Don’t tell the others but Chase is my favorite.  I fully intend to give every Edwards sibling a shot at their HEA. 



Can you leave readers with a teaser or excerpt? *crosses fingers*

 

I wish I had something new I could share!  Unfortunately, I don’t have anything ready right now.  But, readers can read the first chapter HERE.

Now for some quickie responses… 




What I love to do outside of writing... read, watch movies (summer blockbusters!) sleep in. 



A few favorite romance authors of mine... Iris Johansen, Cherry Adair and Cindy Gerard.



A favorite book I’ve read within the past year… The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My favorite type of hero… The type that’s just right for the heroine.  I love characters that complement each other.



My favorite type of heroine... Strong, and maybe a little sassy.  Definitely a heroine that’s out to save herself, rather than waiting for a guy to do it.



If I could be a paranormal creature, it would be ... Oooohhhh, I don’t know!  Shapeshifter would be cool… but a witch would be awesome too!



A supernatural power I wish I had ... to be invisible.  Or fly.  Or teleport.  Or…



My writing routine includes… I don’t understand this word r-o-u-t-i-n-e… Just kidding.  I work full time in a day job, so a routine is hard to come by.  Generally, I try to carve out several days a week and write until my fingers refuse to move.



Something I always have to have near when writing... Food.  Finger food is the best.  (Right now I’m at a coffee shop and just downed their breakfast Panini.  Nutella with fresh strawberries and bananas.  YUM!



Pantser or plotter?  Plotter.  Definitely.  Can’t write without a plan.



If I wasn't a writer I'd be… A lawyer… oh wait, that’s the day job. 



A place I’d love to visit… Africa.  I’ve always wanted to go on a big cat safari.



One thing I would love to try... The flying trapeze!



Is there anything outside of the Edward’s Saga you're working on? 

Yes.  I’m right in the middle of a new romantic suspense with strong paranormal elements.



Is there anything else you would like to tell fans of your books?  

Nope!  But when I have news I’ll share it on Twitter and Facebook.



My Month of May Giveaway!

During the month of May I’m doing several guest blogs/interviews.  So I thought I’d have a contest!  So, stop by any of my guest blogs during the month of May, leave a comment with your e-mail address and I’ll enter you to win a 20$ Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card.  I’ll post where I’m guest blogging on my Facebook Page and on Twitter.  I’ll also enter everyone who “likes” my Facebook Page.  The contest closes on May 31st at Midnight CST.  I’ll announce the winner on Facebook, Twitter and via e-mail on June 3rd.

Amanda's Website

Thanks again, Amanda, for taking the time to stop by and give readers a little more insight into Hunting Human! I'll be looking forward to what you have in store next for readers!

 

 

 

Giveaway Details:

• I'm gifting a $5 Amazon eGC to purchase Hunting Human to one commenter who comments on the interview or leaves Amanda a question.

• Leave your email addy with your comment. Use {at} or {dot} to elude spambots.

• Contest runs until May 31st 11:59pm EST

• Winner will be selected via random.org and notified by e-mail.

Also, make sure to participate in Amanda's "Month of May Giveaway"!!