Q&A with Amanda Meuwissen‏, author of Life as a Teenage Vampire

Now available is the paranormal romance “Life as a Teenage Vampire” by Amanda Meuwissen.

You can Buy "Life as a Teenage Vampire" on Amazon.

The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.
 

When did you become interested in storytelling?

For as long as I can remember I was inventing stories, playing dress up, going on adventures in my mind, so as soon as I was able to write ideas down, I started coming up with tales. It wasn’t until I started writing fanfiction as a teenager, though, that I really learned how powerful storytelling can be.

What was your first book/story published?

The Collector, a little novelette that was an idea from me and my husband. We originally intended for it to be a comic book, but when we couldn’t find an artist, we went the traditional route. I still get messages about continuing that story.

What inspired you to write Life as a Teenage Vampire?

The MTV version of Teen Wolf definitely gave me some initial inspiration, and then that combined with my love of 80s movie My Best Friend is a Vampire and the Rainbow Boys series by Alex Sánchez. I wanted to tell a vampire paranormal romance story that was as far from cliché as possible, while also delving into ideas of coming of age, sexuality, and the simple joys of being a teenager growing up in a small town.

What character in Life as a Teenage Vampire is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

I’d say I’m probably least like Connor, who both embodies the damsel (person) in distress, comic relief, and romantic interest. While I can relate to falling for your best friend, I don’t have the same knack for humor or ability to bounce back when life gets tough. I wish I could be as strong as Connor, though I am as much of a geek as he is. I think I’m more like Wendy. Practical but tough, certainly not perfect but not easily pushed around. And while I enjoy being on my own, the right company can really brighten my day.

What is your favorite part in Life as a Teenage Vampire?

The quieter moments, when it’s just two characters talking. I have several little interludes with Connor and Aurora, as well as Connor and Alec that really shine, even though Emery is more the main character. Connor steals the show in many cases, and his one-on-ones are definitely part of why, from learning the inner workings of what should be a frightening vampire, to discussing topics pertinent to today’s discussions on race, sex, and acceptance.

What was the hardest part to write?

Alec in general as a character, at least initially, because I had a very different version of him planned in the first draft, more stoic and serious, and then suddenly this very eccentric mentor came to life instead. It was difficult to find his voice, but once I did, I just fell in love with his character.

What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?

Actor. When I was a young teen, I loved acting and writing equally. I didn’t know which I wanted to pursue. I decided on writing because I felt I could change more lives that way, but oh how I miss acting. It’s one of the reasons a Spring Play is part of the story in Life as a Teenage Vampire, because acting is part of my roots.

Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing? 

I do. It can be tough sometimes when you encounter something negative, but I think it’s important to take the risk of encountering trolls to see 1) the really positive comments that can make your day, and 2) the constructive criticisms that help improve your writing for the next book.

What well-known writers do you admire most?

Admire is a tough word. Anne Rice will always be one of my favorite authors because her work shaped a lot of my childhood, but I more so admire authors who embrace fandom. Fanart and fanfiction are such influential pieces to growing up, discovering what you love, and sharing experiences with other people that connect to the stories that inspire us. The authors I most admire are the ones who understand that, like Storm Constantine.

Do you have any other books/stories in the works?

I do! I actually just finished a first draft of my next book, which in truth might turn out to be another trilogy since it is longer than I first realized. I’ll be working on editing starting in November for NaNoWriMo, and hope to have the book out next year. It will be my first superhero novel, more adult again, like my series, The Incubus Saga, and is so far titled Lovesick Gods with an enemies-to-lovers storyline.

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About the Author: Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts in a personally designed major from St. Olaf College in Creative Writing, and has been posting content online for many years, including maintaining the blog for the digital marketing company Outsell. She spent a summer writing screenplay script coverages for a company in L.A., and is an avid consumer of fiction through film, prose, and video games. Amanda lives in Minneapolis, MN, with her husband, John, and their cats, Helga and Sasha (no connection to the incubus of the same name.

To learn more about Amanda, you can visit her website at: www.amandameuwissen.com/

You can also follow the author on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Goodreads.