So psyched to welcome Amanda Carlson here on the blog again, please give her a warm welcome! =)
- When did you first start writing?
I’ve always written something, from when I was old enough to hold a pencil. I got my first library card when I was four years old and knew immediately that I wanted to write books. But I didn’t get serious about pursuing writing as a career until 2002, when I committed myself to finishing one of the many projects I’d started.
- Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you? Which ones?
When I was 13, I read THE STAND by Stephen King and wrote him a letter telling him I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. He sent me back a postcard that said, “If you want to be a writer, write.” He was my first inspiration.
Then in 2001, I read Lisa Gardner’s THE THIRD VICTIM and Iris Johansen’s THE SEARCH, both romantic suspense novels with a darker undertone. And that’s when I knew what I wanted to write.
- I love Lucy and Sean's relationship and how much they rely and trust each other. Is their relationship based on anything in your life or mostly fictional?
Sean and Lucy are definitely fictional!
- I also love how real the police/FBI aspect of the series seem. Do you do a lot of research?
Yes, I research extensively. More now than when I started! I’ve gone through the FBI Citizen’s Academy and participate in annual SWAT training drills where
I am a role player—I’m either a victim or a bad guy. It’s been a fantastic learning experience and I have access to a lot of people in law enforcement because of it. I have more than 50 books (forensics, criminal psychology, true crime) and have gone on research field trips, like to Quantico, the morgue, national FBI headquarters, local police ride-a-longs, etc. I also talk to a lot of people and always ask about their jobs and hobbies, even if it’s not in law enforcement.
- how far ahead do you plan you story arches? Or are you more of a pantser?
I’m definitely an “organic writer” (I don’t like the word “pantser.”) I rarely know what’s going to happen in a story until I’m writing it, and I prefer it that way. I let the characters and the situation drive the story.
Favorites:
- Favorite Movie?
Star Wars, though the new Star Trek reboot with Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine are a close second! In classics, I love The Thin Man and anything by Alfred Hitchcock.
- Favorite TV Show?
Hard one! I watch a lot of television, Justified, Law & Order: SVU, and Sherlock are probably my top three, followed very closely by Castle, Person of Interest, and Grimm.
- Favorite Book?
THE STAND by Stephen King.
- Favorite Author?
JD Robb, Lisa Gardner and Michael Connelly.
- Favorite Genre that is NOT your own?
Romantic comedy
- Favorite one of your Books?
Whichever book I just finished writing!
- Who is your favorite of your own characters?
This is an impossible question. It’s like asking me which of my children is my favorite! Right now, it would have to be Maxine Revere, the heroine of my new series. She’s new to me, intriguing, and I don’t know everything about her yet.
- Which was the hardest to write?
The hardest book I wrote was SILENCED. I had just changed publishers and was working with a new editor and I had a total creative break-down.
- What would you be if not a writer?
Nothing. I can’t imagine what I would be if I weren’t a writer. If I didn’t write books, I would love to write for television.
Quickies!
- Coffee or Tea?
Coffee!
- Reading or Writing?
Both. Can’t be a writer without being a reader first!
- Print or eBook?
Print
- Hardback or Paperback?
Either
- Pepsi or Coke?
Diet Coke
- Library or Bookstore?
Bookstore
- Summer or Winter?
Winter
- The Movie or The Book?
The Book
- Romance or Action?
Action
- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Once I get the very rough draft down, I love revising the story and getting deeper into each scene and character.
- What is your least favorite part?
Copyedits.
- The Lucy Kincaid series in your own words?
A rape survivor refuses to be a victim, learns to love, and fights for justice.
- What is coming up next for you?
While I’m still writing the Lucy Kincaid series, I’m launching a new series in hardcover about an investigative reporter who focuses on cold cases. The first book NOTORIOUS will be out April 1.
- What are you working on right now?
I’m finishing DEAD HEAT, the 8th book in the Lucy Kincaid series.
- Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
Write every day, read a lot, and don’t give up.
- Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Thank you! Without you, I wouldn’t be writing what I love to write.
-Thanks so much for being here!
Thanks for having me!
The Lucy Kincaid Series:
Buy
Allison Brennan's Books:
Allison Brennan
New York Times and USA Today bestseller Allison Brennan is the author of twenty novels and several short stories. A former consultant in the California State Legislature, she lives in Northern California with her husband Dan and their five children.
Crime fiction, mysteries, and romantic suspense have always been Allison's favorites, so it's no surprise that her romantic thrillers have a dark suspense edge. Reviewers have called her books "terrifying," "mesmerizing," "fast-paced," "pulse-pounding," "wonderfully complex," "layered," and "a master of suspense - tops in the genre." Lee Child called LOVE ME TO DEATH, "A world-class nail-biter" and Lisa Gardner says, "Brennan knows how to deliver."
Writing three books a year is more than a full-time job, and so is raising five kids, but Allison believes life is too short to be bored. When she's not writing, she's reading, playing video games, watching old movies or new television shows, driving to or attending volleyball / basketball / football / soccer / baseball / softball games, and on occasion even makes it to the gym where she enjoys people-watching more than exercise.
Allison is currently writing the Lucy Kincaid series about an FBI recruit. The sixth book, STOLEN, is on sale now. COLD SNAP will be out on October 29, 2013. Also, she's thrilled to announce a new hardcover mystery/thriller series starring investigative reporter Maxine Revere that launches April 8, 2014, starting with NOTORIOUS.
Win an eCopy of
"Crash and Burn"
by Allison Brennan and Laura Griffin
INTERNATIONAL
New York Times bestselling and award winning authors Allison Brennan and Laura Griffin team up for this exciting new series featuring the unforgettable Southern California detective duo, Moreno & Hart.
Trial by Fire …
Three years ago LAPD Detective Scarlet Moreno and rookie cop Krista Hart were nearly killed during a botched sting operation. Now, they’re best friends and partners in the Orange County private investigation firm of Moreno & Hart. But their routine assignments are anything but safe …
Crash …
Scarlet Moreno has her hands full with a cheating spouse case when the bartender at her favorite pub becomes a murder suspect. Worse, the detective in charge of the investigation threatens to arrest Scarlet for obstruction—even when she tries to give him valuable information. Scarlet risks her PI license and her life to find out the truth, absolve her friend, and track down a killer—with or without the help of the arrogant, mysterious Detective Alex Bishop.
And Burn …
Krista Hart is burned out on catching deadbeat dads and philandering husbands when a big-time criminal defense attorney hires her for a choice assignment: find the sole witness to murder the day before the trial. The case could be a boon for Moreno & Hart, but the witness is in hiding, someone is following Krista, and her own client is withholding information. The last person she wants help from is sexy investigator R.J. Flynn, but he claims he’s willing to share intel—for a price. If she can solve this case, it’ll elevate Moreno & Hart above being divorce voyeurs, but first she has to survive, with her life and heart intact.
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INTERNATIONAL!
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sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing ;)
CRASH AND BURN does sound fantastic.