Interview and Giveaway: Amanda E. Alvarez

UFI welcomes Amanda E Alvarez Author of Hunting Human. Thanks for Joining us!!

* I see from your bio that you have a liking for cupcakes, what is your favorite kind?

A: I think the better question would be which ones don’t I like! I love cupcakes and what type I choose to indulge in often depends on my mood. I like trying the seasonal flavors (the pumpkin spice with cream cheese frosting with a hot cup of tea in the fall? Delicious!) But generally, if there is an option for dark chocolate I’m sold.

* What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

A: What is down time? I like trying new things a lot. A friend of mine and I are always doing new things. We went zorbing last year (think rolling down a big hill in a giant water filled hamster ball.) We also went surfing. This year we are trying fencing and the flying trapeze! I’ve recently started going to the driving range, that’s a lot of fun. I used to play a lot of tennis and I’d like to get back to that. I also enjoy reading or taking classes at the gym.

* What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?

A: I moved around a lot as a kid. As a result I adapt fairly easily to new environments and people. I think that’s probably had a direct impact on the way I look at and experience things and subsequently on the way that I write.

* What is your Favorite part of writing?

A: It’s a tie between finishing the book (the rush of accomplishment is great) and the first blush of excitement when the idea is new and writing comes easily.

* Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?

A: Nothing set in stone. I don’t write very well from home so I often go to local coffee shops and restaurants to get stuff done. I have to have my iPod, writing in silence doesn’t work for me. I also like to have finger foods around.

* What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Genres?

A: I think the first paranormal/fantasy book I ever read was Dean Koontz’s Lightning. I’m not really sure how you’d classify that book, but it’s the first one I remember really opening me up wider genres. Do I need to mention JK Rowling and Harry Potter? I’d love to be able to world build and beautifully as she does. I’ve also read a lot of Iris Johansen, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and several others.

* How would you pitch Hunting Human to someone who has never heard of it before?

A: Ahhhhhh! I’ve never been good at this. Hunting Human is a werewolf romance about Beth Williams, who was hunted down and savaged by a werewolf. It’s an exploration of what would happen if someone who had no reason to believe in the paranormal was thrust violently into that world, with no help, support or answers.

You can read the entirety of the first chapter HERE.

* Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?

A: I liked writing about Chase; he was one of the first characters that really became real to me. I could always count on Lucy to be easy to write and a funny in otherwise dark situations. I’m not sure who presented the most difficulty – Braden’s father, probably. I had a clear vision of what I wanted for him, but so much of it was subtle and understated so I had to work really hard to make his mannerisms and dialogue match that idea.

* What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?

A: I’m planning to continue the Edwards Family Saga with books for each of Braden’s siblings. Right now I’m working through a completely different project, a romantic suspense with paranormal elements.

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Author Bio:

Amanda was born and raised in Texas - and due to an unfortunate three year stint in Michigan - doesn't plan to ever live anywhere where flip-flops and sweatshirts don't constitute winter attire. Often audacious and adventurous, she tends to find herself in a slew of dangerous (and hilarious!) predicaments  (law school and fighting raccoons in dumpsters) and thankfully has many friends ready to lend aid (while they laugh.)

When not lawyering, writing, or thinking about going to the gym Amanda is often caught sampling local cupcake offerings and planning to someday co-open an evil bakery and sell dastardly desserts. She currently lives in Dallas, Texas with one regular-sized cat and one jumbo-sized cat, and can be seen writing in public places frequented by hot guys (strictly for research purposes, of course!) with her friends and fellow writers Cupcake-Killer and Alter-Ego (names omitted to protect the not-so-innocent).

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Hunting Human
March 28,2011

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?

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Find Amanda and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook 

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Click the link about to see where Amanda has been and where she will be next on her Hunting Human Tour
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Amanda will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to the tour host with the most comments AND to one randomly drawn commenter out of all the tour spots. You can find her other tour stops by clicking on the tour banner above the giveaway image.