It's Day 6 of Summer Book Talk, an event co-hosted by Kindle and Me, Maji Bookshelf and Books of Amber! As promised, we've had a ton of fun stuff the entire week including some awesome giveaways . Today's no exception =)
If you're wondering what this event is all about, click here to see the post explaining it all!

Amanda Hocking is the USA Today bestselling author of the Trylle trilogy and six additional self-published novels. After selling over a million copies of her books, primarily in eBook format, she is widely considered the exemplar of self-publishing success in the digital age.

Yeah, you read right. I've been a HUGE fan of Amanda Hocking for almost a year and half now. I read her books way back when they were self-published (thank you Amazon!) and I just got my Kindle then. I wasn't even aware of the book blogging community or even Goodreads back then.
Well, I've come a long way and I think the word 'thrilled' wouldn't be enough to express how excited I am to have her on my blog today.
Also, thanks to St.Martin's, another lucky reader has a chance to win all of her books following this interview so keep reading =)

If you had to describe Wake in two words, what would they be?

Fun, Creepy.

What inspired you to write about mermaids? Any particular reason?

When I was a kid I was obsessed with Greek mythology, and I had an idea floating around for a series that involved sirens.

When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer?

I think I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I went through a phase in high school where I didn’t want to have a career as a writer, because I decided that writers were “boring.” Other than that, I’ve always been writing short stories/poems, so I think other than in high school, it’s always been something I wanted to do.

Do you base your writing on your own past experiences?

No, nothing in my books is completely based on what person or event. I think I draw from experiences I’ve had, and people I know, but every character is basically a mix of different things from different people.

Where do you usually like to write or read?

I do all of my writing in my office, and all of my reading in my bedroom.

What are some of your favorite books that you’ve read recently?

I just finished reading Invisible Monsters Redux by Chuck Palahniuk, and that was really good. I’ve also been re-reading a lot of my Batman comics, to get ready for THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.

In the future, will you write for different genre for your books?

I think so…I don’t know how far into the future that will be, because I’m having a great time writing what I am now, but I do have quite a few ideas for other things.

What is one thing that you can’t do without when you’re writing?

Music is definitely a must…I need to listen to music when I write. At the end of every book, I make a soundtrack for the book based on the songs I listened to the most while writing it, and put that up on my blog (if anyone ever wants some background music while they’re reading.) Other than that, depending on how late I start, I almost always have a can of Red Bull with me as well.

How is the writing process for you? Do you sit and write until you are out of ideas or do you set a schedule for yourself?

I think it’s a combination of both for me. I do a lot of outlining before I actually sit down to write, so that the writing part can go as quickly/smoothly as possible. Then, when I’m writing, I usually start at night, and stay awake as long as I can.

Any favorite movies and shows? Do you get any inspiration for your books from them?

Oh, I have tons of favorite movies and shows. I watch way too much TV. Big Brother just started up, that’s always fun. Other than that my favorite shows are probably Dexter, SouthLAnd, and Judge Judy. So far none of these shows have made it into a book, but you never know.

What are your plans for the next book? Different genre, a standalone or a series?

The next book I’ll be working on is Elegy, the 4th and final book in the Watersong series. I’m excited to start on that, and see what comes next.

Thanks Amanda, for taking the time to answer my questions!
Make sure you guys add her latest book, Wake (WaterSong, #1), to your TBR!

Wake (Watersong #1) by Amanda Hocking.
Audience/Genre : Young Adult/Paranormal.
Publication : August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Giveaway Terms and Conditions :

• Giveaway is International.
  
• Giveaway ends on August 15th, 2012.
  
• Winner has 36 hours to respond or a new one will be picked.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Make sure to come back every day until July 31st to check out the rest of the posts of The Summer Book Talk and also, for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Don't forget to visit Maji Bookshelf and Books Of Amber and check out their posts as well!

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