FAQs

ABOUT BLOODSPELL

What was your reaction to getting the hard copy of Bloodspell in your hands?

A total SQUEE moment!!! I hugged it, I smelled it, I petted it, I stared at it, and I hugged it some more. And repeated this sequence about ten times in immediate succession.

Will there be a sequel?

Bloodspell was published as a standalone, even though it was originally pitched as a planned trilogy by my agent. We are still exploring the options for additional books in the series.

Which of your characters is most like you, and in what way(s)?

I think Victoria is most like me in that she pretends to have this armor-like bravado but she’s really just fragile inside. She wants to fit in and be happy, and even though she has this huge curse to contend with and a vampire boyfriend who has his own problems, I like that she’s a fighter. She really comes into herself and gains insane confidence by the end of this book. She becomes a total badass, let’s be realistic. Just like me. Sort of.

Is there anything you’d like to tell readers about Bloodspell and what can they expect?

Readers can expect a multi-layered urban fantasy story, one that will transport them to different cities, and introduce them to a completely different world. In Bloodspell, my characters face a bunch of conflicts, similar to ones teens face today, like fitting in and being true to who you are, like love, loss, and fighting for what you believe in. This novel has a number of relevant messages that most readers will identify with–whether it’s changing your stars or loving someone from a different class or not giving up when life breaks you down. I think even a paranormal novel has to have some depth, leaving readers with something for readers to chew on. I’d hope that Bloodspell does that.

ABOUT ME

Where are you from?

I grew up in the Caribbean – an area of the world full of folklore and mysticism … talk about a great foundation for dreaming, reading and writing fantasy! My background is Indian, Middle Eastern and French. On a side note, I married an Australian man who is three quarters Scot and one quarter English so our kids are French, Middle Eastern, Indian, Scottish, English, Trinidadian, Australian Americans! Holy salad dish, Batman.

Who is your agent?

My agent is Liza Fleissig of the Liza Royce Agency.

Do you have a publicist?

Yes. My publicist is Julie Schoerke of JKS Communications.

Are you on Facebook or Twitter?

Yes, you can find me on both! Click on the “Connect With Me” icons on the upper left side of this page. I love to meet new people via social media.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to travel, which I did. And I wanted to write, which I’m doing.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I read, and I indulge my love for good food. I also enjoy ocean surfing or any outdoor sports, and I’m addicted to movies. I also like spending time with my family.

What scares you?

Ghosts and clowns. They freak me out. If a ghost-clown haunted me, I would probably pee my pants.

ABOUT YOU

Where can I get a signed copy of Bloodspell?

Check out my calendar and see if I’ll be visiting a town near you! If not, you can get personalized, autographed copies of Bloodspell shipped directly to you from The Voracious Reader or Anderson’s Book Shop, both in Larchmont NY. I’m also happy to mail signed bookplates to anyone who owns a copy of Bloodspell. Click here for more details.

Can I interview you for my website/blog?

I’m happy to do interviews and/or guest posts as long as I have the time. Check the Press Page for details on how to contact me with requests.

Can you introduce me to your agent or ask her to read my manuscript?

The best way to query my agent is to submit a well-written query letter to submissions@lizaroyce.com. Best of luck!

Can I email you if I want to share what I think about Bloodspell?

Of course, I love to hear feedback from readers! You can reach me at mail@amaliehoward.com. I’ll try to respond when I can, but I may not be able to respond to every message I receive.

Can you read my story/novel/manuscript?

I wish I could but can’t for legal reasons. However, I do wish you all the success in the world with your writing! Here are some helpful links that got me going in the right direction:

So your WIP is done, what’s next?

Editing your manuscript – suggested reading

Make your literary agent list

Write a killer query letter: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Query submission to literary agents

Querying literary agents – do not give up

Selecting an agent

What a Literary Agent Does and Why It Matters

The truth about writer’s conferences

Literary Publicity & Promotion

ABOUT WRITING

What made you fall in love with writing?

I loved being able to create other worlds with interesting characters. I liked being able to redefine myself in those characters. It was and still is a form of escapism for me.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I am capable of writing with a house full of screaming children.

What do you need in order to get inspired and kick yourself into the mood to write?

Music, hands down. I create playlists as I’m writing each novel, which really helps to get the energy flowing.

What do you think makes good writing?

A well-wrought combination of voice, plot, world building, pacing, relatable characters, and some kind of message that binds it all together.

What is the hardest part of writing?

Letting go of my characters at the end of the book. It’s like a relationship, really.

How did you deal with rejection letters?

I cried like a baby. I threw some cushions. I ate some cupcakes. I felt better. And then I submitted five more queries (after, of course, incorporating any constructive feedback). Never give up, never surrender. Galaxy Quest, if you’re wondering.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Believe in yourself and your work, and never give up. Don’t take no for an answer, and when all else fails, carve your own path. Someone else doesn’t get to decide whether you’re good enough … you do.

FAVORITES

Favorite Quotes? Everything you can imagine is real, Pablo Picasso. Fear is the mind-killer, Frank Herbert, Dune. Never give up. Never surrender, Commander Taggart, Galaxy Quest

Favorite Movies? Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Avatar, The Fifth Element, Aliens, Harry Potter, Fight Club, Spaceballs, Dogma, Dracula, Gladiator

Favorite Books? Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Anne of Green Gables, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Go Ask Alice, Tuesdays with Morrie, Queen of the Damned, Wide Sargasso Sea, The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice, Girl Interrupted, Harry Potter, Fire, Hunger Games

Favorite Authors? Anne Rice, J.K. Rowling, Kristin Cashore, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lee Child, Judith McNaught (don’t judge), Suzanne Collins

Favorite Poems? Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, Self Pity by D.H. Lawrence