Guest Post with Amanda Carlson and Giveaway

 
Amanda Carlson is the author of the Urban Fantasy series: Jessica McClain. The two first books of the series are Blooded (January 1st, 2012), Full Blooded (September 11st, 2012).

Amanda Carlson  est l’auteure de la série Urban Fantasy Jessica McClain. Les deux premiers lives de la série sont Blooded (1er Janvier 2012), Full Blooded (11 Septembre 2012). Le livre sortira chez Orbit en Français (sans aucunes dates de connues)
—————–
Summer is almost gone and we’re headed into fall. It’s been a great summer for me, but fall is going to be even better! My first book, FULL BLOODED, is going to release into the wild in September. I’m so excited.
To celebrate the change of season, I thought I’d share my Top Ten Favorite Fall Things.
Top Ten Fall Things:

10. Raking leaves. Yep, I love the ritual every year of raking the leaves. I have a big backyard with a big oak tree. We get the entire family out there and rake a big pile and the kids have fun jumping in before we bag it all up.

9. The harvest moon. I love seeing the moon full and bright on a cool fall night. It’s amazing to see, so big and orange in the sky.
8. Baking again. Summers are too hot to do much baking, so when fall rolls around it’s time to make cookies and breads: pumpkin & banana are favorites. I’d love to try a lemon poppy seed one soon. I have to look for a good recipe.
7. Carmel apples! They start selling them at the local stores in October and it’s always a treat to get them. YUM!
6. Wrapping up in a comfy sweater and sitting on the porch. Yes, summer is great, but the best time of the year for me is dusk on the back porch, sipping tea with a sweater wrapped around my shoulders.
5. The smell of fall. There’s something about the dry leaves, mowed grass and cool air that gives fall a delicious scent.
4. Chili!! I love cooking chili in the fall. Once the pot of chili goes on, we all know it’s heading into winter.
3. Boots. I love wearing tall boots over my jeans. Pair that with a cute jacket and you feel like you could rule the world with your swagger.
2. My anniversary. I got married in the fall and every year it’s so much fun to celebrate. Eighteen years this September to an awesome guy. Cheers, honey. Here’s to eighteen more.
1. HALLOWEEN! That’s when all the vamps, witches and wolves get to come out and play. I hope this year is warm enough to go without a coat. I may dress up as a werewolf this year. What will you be?
 —————-
L’été est presque fini et nous allons bientôt entrer en automne. Ça a été un super été pour moi, mais l’automne sera encore mieux ! Mon premier livre, FULL BLOODED, sort en Septembre. Je suis si excitée.
Pour célébrer ce changement de saison, j’ai pensé partager le Top Ten des choses que j’aime le plus pendant l’automne.
Top Ten :
10. Ratisser les feuilles. Oui, j’adore ce rituel chaque année. J’ai un grand jardin avec un gros chêne. Nous amenons la famille entière et faisons une grosse pile pour que les enfants puissent sauter dedans avant de les mettre dans un sac.
9. La lune des moissons. J’adore regarder la pleine lune lors des nuits d’automne. C’est superbe de la voir si grande, si orange dans le ciel.
8. Se remettre à cuisiner. Il fait trop chaud l’été pour vraiment cuisiner, alors quand l’automne arrive, il est temps de faire des cookies et du pain: citrouilles et bananes sont mes préférés. J’aimerais essayer un au citron et graines de pivot mais je dois trouver une bonne recette. 
7. Des pommes au caramel! Ils commencent à en vendre au marché dès Octobre et c’est toujours une jolie surprise. YUM !
6. M’emmitoufler dans un confortable pull et m’assoir sur le porche. Oui, l’été est bien, mais les meilleurs moments de l’année sont pour moi, le soir sur le porche, buvant du thé avec un pull autour de mes épaules.
5. L’odeur de l’automne. Il y a quelque chose au sujet des feuilles mortes, l’herbe fauchée et l’air frais qui laisse une senteur merveilleuse.
4. Chili!! J’adore cuisiner pendant l’automne. Une fois qu’un pot de chili apparait, on sait que l’on arrive en hiver.
3. Les bottes. J’adore porter des bottes au-dessus de mes jeans. Ajoutons à cela une jolie veste et vous sentez que vous pourriez gouverner le monde avec ce style.
2. Mon anniversaire. Je me suis mariée pendant l’automne et chaque année c’est un plaisir de le célébrer. Dix-huit ans en Septembre avec un homme génial. Santé, chéri. Voilà dix-huit de plus à venir.
1. HALLOWEEN! C’est le moment où vampires, sorcières et loups sortent pour jouer. J’espère que cette année sera assez douce pour y aller sans manteau. Je pourrais peut-être me déguiser en loup-garou cette année. En quoi vous déguiserez-vous ?
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with a BA in both Speech and Hearing Science & Child Development. She went on to get an A.A.S in Sign Language Interpreting and worked as an interpreter until her first child was born. She enjoys playing Scrabble to an unhealthy degree, shopping trips to Ikea and has a great weakness for tropical beaches. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and three kids.

Author’s website: http://www.amandacarlson.com 
Thanks to Amanda Carlson for this wonderful post. You can win some bookmarks about the series. The giveaway is international and ends on October 1st. There will be two winners.

Merci à Amanda Carlson pour ce merveilleux post. Vous pouvez gagner quelques goodies. Le concours est international et se termine le 1er Octobre. Il y aura deux gagnants.

 

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

List for all the giveaways 

Liste de tous les concours 

 

Interview with Amanda Carlson

Do you know Amanda Carlson and her fabulous Jessica McClain series? If this is not the case, you really need to give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. Blooded is the prequel to the series, and Full Blooded, the first novel in the series will be out on September 1st in the U.S. (click on the links to see our reviews). Both are interesting and after reading one, you can only ask for more! To help you learn more about Amanda Carlson and her books, we have her today on the blog for an interview. Thank you to the author for answering our questions.
—————
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Sure! My name is Amanda Carlson, and as well as being an author, I’m a wife and mother of three. I live in Minneapolis, MN, where I was born and raised. My kids are 16, 14 & 12 so writing life is a bit easier now that they can take care of themselves.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always been a writer. In high school I used to get out my yearbook, full of pictures of my classmates, and pick out names and faces to be in my stories. Then, in 1998, when we got our first computer, I used to write short stories about my kids and send them to unsuspecting family members. Then I started taking classes and joining local writing groups. My writing evolved from there into what I’m doing now.
How many books do you intend to write for this series?
As many as they’ll let me! I’m hoping for at least six. (Maybe a few spin-offs?)
Was it difficult to write the first book? How long did it take? 
I wrote FULL BLOODED on and off for two years. I didn’t feel it was good enough, so I left it alone for a long time. The next book, HOT BLOODED, took less time. About three months with lots of editing to get it right.
How did you come up with the idea of the novella? 
After I sold the series, my agent and I thought it would be a good idea to showcase my voice, because I was a debut author. I chose a pinnacle moment in my heroine’s life, and it became the prequel to the story. It ended up a very action packed entry for Jessica and the series. I loved writing it!
How do you find your titles? Did you imagine them all when you started the series or do you brainstorm each time?
FULL BLOODED came to me right away, and once I settled on it, the rest came easy. HOT BLOODED and COLD BLOODED were natural choices. I was pleasantly surprised my editor chose to keep them. I think they fit the series nicely.
How did you end up writing Urban Fantasy books? Is there any other genre that appeal to you?
I started out writing romance first, many years ago, but never found my voice there. I got bored with the story, even though I love reading romance. It wasn’t until I jumped into UF world building that I got hooked into urban fantasy. It’s so much fun to write! I may branch out someday and do hot and steamy PNR. That would be fun too.
Does the inspiration for the characters come from people you know?
Nope. The characters are all unique in my mind. But I am pulling from the knowledge in my head, so it’s arguable I could be using inspiration unconsciously. But for me, they are all their own.
Is there a character more difficult than the others to write?
 No. They all come into my head fully formed and ready to go. I love it! I particularly love changing up the voices as I write the story. It’s never boring.
Who is your favorite character in the series?
 Jessica is my favorite, because she started it all. But Rourke is a close second.
Have you already other plans for future series? Or is it top secret?
I have two other series in the works! They are both secret at the moment. I have no idea when and if I will sell those, but I’m hoping to write many more books in the Jessica McClain series as well. I hope to have a long career writing in this genre. That would be a dream.
Can you tell us a little something about the first book? And the second one?
The first book is Jessica’s “coming out” party. We learn about her world and get to experience a lot of “firsts” with her. There’s a ton of action. The second book is exciting because she’s on a journey where she encounters lots of supernatural roadblocks. It’s non-stop action and adventure from start to finish!
Did you need to do a lot of researches for your books?
No, not really. Some of my characters have real names from mythology and history, like Selene the Lunar Goddess from Greek mythology and Eudoxia is the real name of Ivan the Terrible’s daughter. But for the most part the world building is my own.
Do you have a favorite author? Or a favorite book?
My newest favorite author is Amanda Bonilla and her Shaede Assassin series! One of my favorite authors of all time is Georgette Heyer. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I grab one of hers out of my collection.
Where is your favorite place to write?
Most of the time I write in my office. It’s a sunroom attached to my bedroom, with lot of light and happiness. Occasionally I go to a coffee shop or on to my screen in back porch if the weather is nice.
Your books are going to be released in France, do you see yourself meeting your French fans one day?
YES! That would be a dream! If I sell well in France, it would likely be sooner than later, so spread the word. I’ve often dreamt about visiting Paris. It would be wonderful. I also can’t wait for you to read the French version and tell me how close it is to the English version.
Thank you so much for a hosting me today! I had a great time. I hope you enjoy the book. I can’t wait to stop by again and chat.
 —————
For more info you can check the author’s website: http://www.amandacarlson.com
 Amanda is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with a BA in both Speech and Hearing Science & Child Development. She went on to get an A.A.S in Sign Language Interpreting and worked as an interpreter until her first child was born. She enjoys playing Scrabble to an unhealthy degree, shopping trips to Ikea and has a great weakness for tropical beaches. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and three kids.

Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Jessica McClain, Novella

Synopsis: Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she’s no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring.

When she’s brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . .

review: I saw a lot of wonderful reviews about this novella and I have to say I was therefore more than curious to discover by myself how it was. So when I had the occasion to get into it, I was very happy to discover this new series. And WOW! I think it’s always difficult to write some short stories like that, we’re anxious to have a little too fast story, that we couldn’t have all the important points, etc. Well I can tell you this novella is amazing! It’s been a long time since I didn’t get into a story I was very curious to learn more about.
I think you know that, the read was really fast but it allows us to discover Jessica, a young woman despised by her whole pack, as many of them want to kill her, even if it means death in return. Everything is settled in this book and we can understand how it is for our heroin to live like that, her feeling of injustice, her will to leave this world and to start a new life. Some other characters are introduced to us like her father or even her brother and I’m so curious to learn more about them now. It’s the same for Nick, the friend of Jessica.
This short story is a nice introduction to a story that looks more than interesting. I confess I can’t wait to read the first book to learn more about everything. In those few pages, we can discover a light and fluid writing style with a great topic. Well I think you know now I really want to read more.

Blooded d’Amanda Carlson (VO)

Jessica McClain, Novella

Résumé (traduction personnelle) : Jessica McClain est née la seule femelle dans une race où tous sont mâles. Le seul problème est qu’elle n’est pas un loup. Appelée une malédiction, une sorcière et La fille du Démon par les loups superstitieux, Jessica décide de se battre pour sa liberté, à l’âge de dix-neuf ans, par le seul moyen qu’elle connaisse – sur un ring.

Puis, elle est brutalement attaquée juste après son combat, est-ce assez pour finalement mériter sa liberté hors du clan, ou sera-t-elle forcée à endurer cette haine pendant encore longtemps…

Avis : J’avais déjà vu de superbes avis au sujet de cette novella et je dois dire que j’étais plus que curieuse de pouvoir découvrir par moi-même ce qu’il en était. Quand j’ai enfin pu avoir l’occasion de me lancer dans cette histoire, j’étais vraiment contente de pouvoir enfin m’en faire une idée. Et wow ! Je pense que c’est toujours difficile d’écrire des novellas, on a peur que l’histoire soit trop rapide, qu’on ne puisse pas vraiment aborder tous les points importants, etc. Et bien je peux vous dire que cette novella est sublimissime. Ca faisait longtemps que je ne m’étais pas lancée dans quelque chose qui me donne plus que tout envie d’en apprendre plus.
Bon vous vous doutez, c’est une lecture très rapide mais elle nous permet de découvrir Jessica, une jeune femme détestée dans son clan, et nombreux sont ceux prêts à la tuer, même si cela signifie la mort en retour. On arrive très vite à se mettre à sa place et comprendre la difficulté qu’elle doit éprouver à vivre de cette manière. Je pense qu’on ne peut que comprendre ce sentiment d’injustice, de comprendre son envie de partir et de commencer une nouvelle vie loin de tout cela. D’autres personnages sont introduits tels que son père et son frère et je dois dire que je suis d’autant plus curieuse d’en apprendre plus sur eux. De même que sur Nick, l’ami de Jessica.
Ce préquel est une jolie introduction à une histoire qui s’annonce plus qu’intéressante. Et je l’avoue je n’ai qu’une hâte, pouvoir me lancer dans le premier roman afin d’en apprendre plus sur cette nouvelle histoire. Dans ces quelques pages on peut découvrir le style léger et fluide de l’auteur, avec un thème plus qu’accrocheur. Enfin bon vous l’aurez compris, je n’ai qu’une hâte en apprendre plus.