An Interview with Amanda Carlson + Giveaway

Today Amanda Carlson visits my blog for an interview. Amanda Carlson is the author of the Jessica McClain series, a really cool Urban Fantasy series about a female werewolf.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Amanda.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. I’m married with three kids and one bunny. I started writing when I was twelve and never really stopped. I love writing urban fantasy. Building a world out of nothing is such an awesome experience.

How many books will there be in the Jessica McClain series?

That’s an unknown at the moment...but stay tuned! (I promise there will be more, shhh.)

Have you ever been tempted to use people who’d been rude to you in real life as victims in your books? Or have there been other people you used as characters in your books?

No, all my characters are completely fictional. But my writing comes out of my experiences, so maybe my subconcious is at work? Who knows. I did have a woman talk one time and her voice was exactly how I pictured the character Marcy in my head. That was fun!

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Yes. I’ve got some “sekrit” projects in the works. But they can’t be let out of the bag just yet…but stay tuned.

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Usually driving my kids around to various sports and activities. My favorite downtime away from the office is going to dinner and a movie with my husband. I look forward to that on the weekends the most.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

My parents brought over flowers and wine and my husband brought home dinner and a wonderful gift. We all celebrated in to the night. It was great.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Seeing my books in print. That is the very best!

And what do you like the least about being a published author?

The deadlines can be crushing at times. You have one book deadline, and then you get edits on top of that and sometimes more, each with their own deadline. It’s difficult to always juggle it, but it’s so very worth it in the end. I can’t complain too much.

What authors have been an influence for you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Lately I’ve been too busy to do much reading, but the last book I read was off genre. I read a great Georgette Heyer biography by Jennifer Kloester. I love Georgette and it was so interesting to see what shaped her world. JK Rowling is the ultimate storyteller in my opinion. I never get tired of revisiting the world of Harry Potter.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

I can never say never, right?! Especially after having a wereweasel show up in book two.

Thanks for dropping by, I'm looking forward to the next Jessica McClain book.

Thanks so much for hosting me! I had tons of fun stopping by. COLD BLOODED releases October 8th, 2013. Hope you enjoy the series.



About Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3):

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...


preorder here:


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Giveaway:

Amanda kindly offered a copy of Hot Blooded, book 2 in the Jessica McClain series, to one reader of my blog.

The winner is Blodeuedd

A winner will be picked at random on October 5th.
Open everywhere bookdepository ships to, to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.