HUNTING HUMAN Book Tour: Interview and Giveaway with Amanda E. Alvarez

I'm thrilled to welcome author Amanda E. Alvarez to Book of Secrets today!  She's here to answer some interview questions and to talk about her debut paranormal romance HUNTING HUMAN.

Hi, Amanda!

Describe yourself in six words or less.

Adventurous, goofy, easily distracted, cupcake aficionado.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think I’ve come to the realization that I’m a writer in small steps. The first time I thought of myself as a writer was when I completed my first draft of Hunting Human. Up until that moment I wasn’t convinced that I could successfully finish a book – it had seemed like such an impossible, daunting task. As I started to go through the submissions process, the first rejection letters further added to the feeling that I was a writer because not only had I written a book but I was forging ahead to do something with it. I think the final pieces cemented for me when I sold the project and received the first look at my cover. But even now, I find myself still experiencing small realizations that I am a writer when I write guest blogs, give interviews or receive advanced reviews. I kind of like that.

Please tell us about your debut release HUNTING HUMAN.

My debut release, Hunting Human, is about a young woman desperately trying to outrun her past. Haunted by the memories of the savage attack that killed her best friend, Beth is doing her best to move forward... with Braden Edwards, a charismatic man that tempts Beth to embrace the present. But the past is closer than she realizes. An old enemy is fast approaching and Braden has been keeping secrets of his own. With suspicion at odds with their attraction Beth and Braden must learn to trust each other if they are to have a chance at a future together.

Why write about werewolves?

When I first began to sketch out the plot for Hunting Human I didn’t know that it was a book about werewolves at all. I only knew that a young woman was running from something and that if she was caught, the consequences would be dire. I realized shortly after that werewolves factored in and was a little perplexed. I’ve always enjoyed shifter books but I’d never seriously considered writing one. Then I realized that what was really fascinating me and keeping me up at night was wondering about how someone, with no shifter background, who had reason to hate werewolves with every fiber of her being, would deal with becoming one.

Who was your favorite character to write and why?

I enjoyed writing all of the characters for very different reasons. Beth was interesting because she had such turmoil to deal with and so much to overcome, so balancing her fears and desires was a constant challenge. Markko was a blast to write because he’s the sort of villain that really embraces his dark side, he feels entitled to it, so my imagination could really run wild where he was concerned. But my absolute favorite to write was the sibling dynamic within the Edwards family. Those scenes were always fun and they always surprised me.

Which do you think is more important in your book, plot or characterization?

I tried to balance both equally. To me characters act, grow and change through the circumstances the plot provides, so in order to get the most out of my characters I wanted to ensure that the plot challenged them. On the flip side, characters are (at least to me) what draws a reader into the story so I tried to give all of my characters individual identities, passions and fears and most of all I tried to make them really struggle for the changes and realizations that would ultimately make them happy.

What was one of the most interesting things you learned in researching your book?

That blue moons are real occurrences and have absolutely nothing to do with the color of the moon. A blue moon is actually a full moon that happens twice in the same month and only occurs once every few years. I finally understand where the expression ‘once in a blue moon’ comes from.

Do you have any interesting writing quirks?

Too many to name. For one thing, I seem almost entirely incapable of writing from home. When I’m in a heavy writing phase Starbucks and several local cafes get to know me really, really well. I also can’t write in silence, I’ve always got my iPod going. I write best in the evening and always try to have Twizzlers or M&Ms within easy reach (brain food!).

What was the last amazing book that you read?

I read a lot and because I read as an escape it is rare for me to dislike a book. But to call a book amazing it has to keep me up at night days after I’ve finished it. The last book that did that for me was Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. It was a wonderful, thought provoking read.

Other than writing, what are some of your passions in life?

Trying new things! I never tire of trying new things (it’s how I discovered writing.) In the last couple of years I learned to play tennis, tried surfing, and taught myself to sew just to name a few. This year a friend of mine and I have gone rock climbing and we plan to try our hand at fencing and the flying trapeze!

What can readers expect next from you?

I’m currently working on a new romantic suspense project that I’m starting to get really excited about. I’m also brainstorming and fully fleshing out the next book in the Edwards Family Saga.

Where can readers find you on the web?

Here at my website: www.amandaealvarez.com

Here on facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaealvarez1

Follow me On Twitter: @amandaealvarez


About the Book:

HUNTING HUMAN
(Carina Press, B&N, Amazon)

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?


Giveaway Details:

Amanda is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one person who leaves a comment on her book tour. Click HERE for Amanda's tour schedule. The more tour stops you comment on, the better your chances of winning! Please leave a way to contact you in your comment. Good luck!