Blogoversary: Amanda Bonilla Interview & Giveaway

It is rare these days that someone is able to add something to a genre, especially when it seems that every author is trying to get into the paranormal/urban fantasy genre, but Amanda has succeeded with her Shaede Assassin series starting with Shaedes of Gray. Please Welcome to Blood Rose Books today:

Amanda Bonilla



Thanks so much for inviting me to be a guest on your blog!! I’m so happy to be here!

Was there an experience that led you to want to be an author or was it something you have always wanted to do? 

I think writing was natural for me because I’ve always had a very vivid, over-active imagination. I’m constantly making up stories in my head, playing out scenes and conversations between imaginary people. I was in drama in high school, but I’m a little too introverted to be an actress. Writing is perfect for me because it’s like I get to be an actress in my mind. LOL

What has been your most memorable moment since you were published?

Seeing my book in print. Writers dream about holding their books in their hands, and when I saw mine on the shelf in the bookstore, it was totally overwhelming. In a good way.

What do you think would be the hardest or most challenging genre to write a novel in and why?

Anything contemporary. It’s just too real, you know? I write fantasy because I like the escapism and writing contemporary would be a little too real for me. But I’ve always wanted to challenge myself to write an adult or YA contemp. Just to see if I can put the paranormal to the back of my mind for a while.

You are a self proclaimed music junkie, does the music you are currently listening to inspire your plots, characters and/or emotions within your novels?

Definitely! Sometimes a song will trigger something in my brain and it’s what I need to make a scene come together. Other times, I’ll hear a song and it just embodies a character through the notes, tone, or lyrics. I don’t usually write and listen to music at the same time. But if I’m stuck, I’ll pop in my earbuds and lay in bed for a while. The music just draws the story right out of me.

Why did you choose the paranormal/urban fantasy genre to start literary career in? Was there a certain appeal for paranormal/urban fantasy genre?

I’ve always been a fan of paranormal and fantasy. When I was a kid, I’d play games with my sister and cousins and we’d pretend that we were talking animals or fairies or witches. I’m a what-if person, and fantasy is full of what-ifs. I love the possibilities and the endless potential for world-building. The only limitations in fantasy are in the author’s mind.

One of the aspects that I loved about Shaedes of Gray was that you were adding something new and different into the paranormal genre. Was it important to you to set yourself apart from all the other books in the genre that use more traditional power and creature?

Honestly, the concept for the Shaedes just sort of popped into my mind one morning. After that, the world-building just spiraled out of control. If I didn’t like the mythology that I found in my research, I made up my own. When I wrote the Lyhtans, I knew that I needed a creature that was the Shaede antithesis. I based their physical appearance on a praying mantis and wrote their creation myth after that. It sort of takes the pressure off, I guess. Since there aren’t any other Lyhtans out there, I don’t have to worry a reader being disappointed because they don’t stand up to someone else’s Lyhtans.

What inspired Darian’s powers to slip into shadow? Did you create Darian’s power first or did the power develop over wanting Darian to be an assassin?

The opening scene to Shaedes of Gray was really vivid in my mind. Darian was standing on the roof of a building, contemplating her life (or lack thereof) waiting for someone. She struck me as an assassin right of the bat. And then, after her meeting was over, she just sort of drifted into her shadow form. I jumped out of bed and hit the computer.

I know I was very interested in Darian’s abilities as a Shaede, can you give us any preview on what additional powers or abilities Darian will have? Are there any abilities that Darian has that you would like?

Darian gets some insight into her abilities in BLOOD BEFORE SUNRISE as well as why she’s the way she is. As the series continues, Darian is going to discover a few more enhancements she didn’t realize she had, but I don’t want to give anything away. ;) I think of all of Darian’s perks, I’d like the ability to heal quickly. That would definitely come in handy!

Do you have any information on upcoming works or events that you are able to share?

Next up in the Shaede Assassin series will be a novella from Tyler's POV (February 5th, 2013). It will take place between Blood Before Sunrise and Crave the Darkness (which will be released on March 5th, 2013)

 

What is one book on your shelf that you cannot wait to read (can either be a new or old favorite).

I’ve got several on my TBR list right now that I can’t wait to dive into! How can I possibly pick just one? LOL. I’ll give you my top two. ONCE BURNED by Jeaniene Frost and GRAVE MEMORY by Kalayna Price. So many books, so little time!

I want to say Thank You once again to Amanda for being part of my Blogoversary and not being afraid and taking the chance to intorduce something new into a genre. Amanda has very nicely supplied a copy of the second boon in her Shaede Assassin series, Blood Before Sunrise for a Giveaway (Open to CAN/USA). Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Check Out the other Author Interviews & Giveaways that are Happening right NOW!

Marcia Clark (USA Only)
Jennifer Estep (USA Only)
Trevor Shane (Open Internationally)

John Dodds (Open Internationally)