Author Guest Post With Amanda Ashley

Amanda Ashley has kindly agreed to guest post here about her work, and share her inspiration for becoming a writer in honor of her newest release, His Dark Embrace.

 About The Author:

Amanda Ashley is one of those rare birds - a California native. She’s lived in Southern California her whole life and loves it (except for the earthquakes). She and her husband share a home with a fluffy Pomeranian named Lady, a tortoise named Buddy, and a wild sparrow named Tweety.

Amanda and her alter ego, Madeline Baker, have written over 50 books, many of which have appeared on various bestseller lists, including the New York Times List, the Waldenbooks Bestseller list, and the USA Today list. Not bad for someone who started writing just for the fun of it. (Source: Kensington)

Find Amanda Ashley on the Web:
Official Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

 Guest Post:

People often ask where my ideas come from and I wish I knew. Many of my books start with a single line that just pops into my head. I’ve learned to write those words down immediately, especially if they come to be in the middle of the night, many a good idea has vanished with the dawn. Once that first line is written, I follow it and see where it takes me. I’ve often thought it’s like watching a movie in my mind and writing down what I see and hear. Of course, not all beginnings lead to a happy ending. I have numerous beginnings on my computer, languishing while they wait for further inspiration.

The first thing that came to mind about His Dark Embrace was my hero. I fell in love with him, but I always fall in love with my heroes. Who can resist a tall, sexy vampire with dark smoldering eyes? I certainly can’t! My hero, Kaiden Thorne, was born in 1541. I love writing about ancient vampires. It gives them a kind of resigned, world-weary attitude that turns to a renewed lust for life when they meet the heroine. In this case, Kaiden has known Skylynn O’Brien since she was born, which made for an interesting dynamic between the two. Skylynn’s parents died when she was very young and she was raised by her grandfather. They live across the street from Thorne, and she’s had a crush on him since she was a teenager.

Villains are one of my favorite characters to write, I guess because it allows me to delve into the dark side without actually hurting anyone. Girard Desmarais is a vampire hunter determined to destroy Kaiden, not only because Kaiden is a vampire, but because Kaiden killed Desmarais’ wife. Revenge always makes for good drama, especially when the heroine and her brother get caught in the middle.

I find researching vampires and other paranormal creatures fascinating. There are so many different takes on vampires, werewolves, and witches, not to mention fairies, trolls, and zombies. It’s hard not to get lost in the research.

In His Dark Embrace you’ll find vampires, a demon, a sexy werewolf, and Nyx, the Goddess of Death…there’s something for everyone!

I’d love to hear from you; email me at DarkWritr@aol.com

Amanda

amandaashley.net

 His Dark Embrace:

Title: His Dark Embrace

Author: Amanda Ashley

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

Publisher: Kensington Publishing

A VAMPIRE’S KISS. A WOMAN’S SURRENDER.

Tall, dark, mysterious—and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous—Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home after eight years, she can’t believe her reclusive neighbor is still living across the street—and hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn’t know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him…even if he harbors a fearful secret he refuses to tell her.

When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers—and accidentally draws blood—he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back…

Find His Dark Embrace Online:  

Goodreads | Official Website | Amazon | Book Depository

 Book Excerpt:

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Visit the link below for an exclusive excerpt of His Dark Embrace!

http://www.madelinebaker.net/his_dark_embrace_87730.htm

 GIVEAWAY (CLOSED): 

Thanks to the kind people at Kensington Publishing, 
I have one print copy of this novel to giveaway here on my blog! 

***Open to those with US or Canadian mailing addresses only!***

(The Publisher will be sending out the prize!)

Giveaway policies:

·         To Enter: Please leave a comment indicating why you want to read this novel and leave your e-mail address.

·         This giveaway ends on June 21^st, 2012

·         This giveaway is open to those 18 years of age or older. 

·         All giveaway winners will be announced on the blog.

·         I can disqualify any entry as I see fit. 

·         I will use Random.org to select the winners.

·         Once the winners have been notified, they will have 24 hours to confirm their interest otherwise new winners will be selected.

Winner: Carol

Happy reading until next time!