Do you have a favourite character or series that you’ve written?
I do. Right now, Tove from the Trylle series is probably my favourite. I think he’s the most complex character in my books. I also really like Daniel and Penn from my upcoming Watersong series, for vastly different reasons.
How did you feel when the Trylle series took off so well in ebook?
Excited, grateful, overwhelmed, nervous, validated. There were – and still are – so many emotions wrapped in it. Even now, it still seems so surreal. It’s hard to believe what’s happened in the past year.
What attracted you to having a publisher over self-publishing?
I love writing, I love interacting with readers, and I even enjoy editing. But I didn’t enjoy all the business aspects of publishing – from formatting to hiring editors to choosing fonts for the covers. I’d get too stuck on every little detail and couldn’t focus on the things that really mattered – namely writing. I’m more than happy to hand over the publishing reins to someone else so I can get back to writing.
What advice would you offer other aspiring authors?
Write a lot, but read even more. And never stop learning. Research everything you can about writing, storytelling, the publishing business. The more you know, the more power you have.
Where do you want to go from here with your books?
I don’t know, exactly. I want to keep writing and getting my books out to readers. I have lots of ideas for more books.
What do you think about the future of physical books? Do you think most people will buy ebooks in future?
I do think ebooks will continue to make gains in the market, yes, definitely. But I don’t think that means that paperbacks will become extinct. Even 10 years after the iPod was introduced, CDs still surpass digital downloads in sales. Eventually, digital will probably become more popular, but that takes time. And unlike VHS tapes, laserdiscs, DVDs, and even CDs, you don’t need a special player to read a book. It will never become outdated technology. Anyone can pick one up off the shelf and read.
What format do you read in – ebook or physical? And why?
It depends on where I’m reading and what I’m reading. If a book is really large and cumbersome to hold, I prefer to read on an eReader. If I’m at home, I’m more likely to grab a paperback off my shelf, but if I’m traveling, I bring my eReader.
What can you tell us about the next books you’re working on?
The next series I’m working on is the Watersong series. It’s an idea I’ve worked on for a long time, and I’m quite excited for people to read it. The story focuses on two sisters that end up mixed around with a supernatural entity, and end up having some romantic entanglements as well. It’s YA paranormal romance, but it’s different to what I’ve done before. It should be out in 2012.
Praise for the Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking ‘Her character-driven books, which feature trolls, hobgoblins and fairytale elements, and keep the pages turning, have generated an excitement not felt in the industry since Stephenie Meyer or perhaps even J. K. Rowling’
New York Times
‘I started reading Switched in the evening one night and stayed up until 3 a.m. because I didn’t want to put it down. I had to be at work the next day and all I could think about was going home and finishing the book. Yes, it’s that good’
A Tale of Many Reviews
‘I ate this book up. I could barely put it down before bed, and was also trying to sneak time in my busy morning to read some extra sentences. This was an awesome first book in a series that I’m dying to read. Amanda, please write the next one soon. I’m dying!!’
Midnight Glance
‘I loved this book! The characters are quite likeable . . . and there is never a dull moment. I highly suggest you take a look at this book if you want to read some fantasy that leaves you panting for the next installment’
Light Under The Covers
‘Filled with action, suspense and romance . . . I found the story completely fascinating’
A True Reality
‘This page-turner . . . is definitely a must-read by an author whose storytelling skills keep getting better and better’
Bewitched Bookworms
‘This series has a bit of everything – magic, myth, action, romance . . . ah, the romance! There is something so appealing about forbidden love, especially when it leads to a happily-ever-after. I have to say, I love the way this ended. Of course, I won’t give spoilers, but the ending was perfect’
Diary of a Bibliophile
‘Amanda Hocking is like a breath of fresh air in the young adult paranormal market. I’ve read countless books about vampires, werewolves and faeries, but never one about trolls . . . Switched was an impressive start to a series that was chock-full of excitement, adventure and attitude’
That Bookish Girl
‘An addictive, easy-to-digest book that can be devoured in an afternoon’