It's a Chiller of A Time with Amanda Stevens

I am so excited to have gotten the chance to interview one of my favorite authors.....Amanda Stevens.

She has written many books for the Harlequin Intrigue line and has recently written some really great stand alone novels that include The Dollmaker and her most recent novel The Devil's Footprints.

I have read The Dollmaker and am currently finishing up The Devil's Footprints and let me tell you these are two really good books. Amanda Stevens's website mentions that she considers storytelling a part of her heritage and I would have to agree. The way she writes is so memorizing she draws you right into her books.

Read for yourself and I know you will agree with me.

I want to thank you for taking the time to answer some questions.

My pleasure!


What’s something about you that we’d be surprised to learn?

I’m the mother of twins. In fact, the day I learned I was having twins is the same day I sold my first book!

I also love conspiracy theories, eighties music, and crop circles.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? And what is the worst?

I’d have to say the best advice I ever received was from the author Patricia Kay who told me I should enjoy my kids while they were small because I’d have plenty of time to work on my writing career once they were grown. I took her advice and never looked back. And now my twins are college seniors and here I am embarking on a whole new phase of my career.

Second best piece of advice was from my editor who told me not to be afraid to go dark with The Dollmaker. That was music to my ears.

I don’t think I’ve ever been given any bad writing advice, although I’ve disagreed with certain revisions I’ve been told to do. LOL.

Name your favorite movie.

Dazed and Confused. My high school years in a nutshell.


Which comes first for you … the character or the plot?

It varies. With The Dollmaker, the character of Claire came first. She sprang fully developed from my imagination. With The Devil’s Footprints, it was the plot (which was inspired by the legend of the devil’s footprints). In my current work in progress, the title came first.

Has it gotten easier to write a book since you have quite a few under your belt?

Yes and no. I’m not as intimidated by a blank page and I’m a much better plotter than I used to be. But I still agonize over every word I write and I’m never satisfied with the final draft. Writing for me is definitely a love/hate relationship.


If you were not a writer what would you be?

I’d like to work for the FBI (seriously).


Whose books do you like to read?

James Lee Burke is one of my favorites. I love Greg Iles, Harlan Coben, David Lindsey, and Tess Gerritsen.


Describe your books.

I call them creepy, southern thrillers. Recently, I ran across the term ‘chiller’, which is part thriller, part horror, and part paranormal. I think that’s a pretty good description of my books, although the paranormal elements in The Devil’s Footprints are pretty vague.

Your book covers are so eye catching, especially The Dollmaker. I was wondering who comes up with the ideas?

I supply an art facts sheet, along with a list of movies and other book covers that evoke the feel of my story. But the art department comes up with the concept. They’ve done a great job.


What book are you currently working on now?

My next thriller (chiller!) is called The Whispering Room, which involves the concept of an ‘evil’ gene.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer all my questions and letting the readers get to know you more.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity!

To learn more about Amanda, her books and check out her trailer for The Devil's Footprints all at http://www.amandastevens.com/index.php