Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Amanda DeShane. I am a artist and writer, so I guess you could say I have one foot firmly in both worlds. With experience as an early childhood educator and being a mother, it came as no big surprise that my first book was a children’s book. In November 2019 I indie published my first book, The Adventures Of Chippy The Squirrel. As of January 30th I entered into the world of adult fantasy with my Asgard Academy: The Prophecy, reverse harem novel loosely based on Norse mythology. I have only published two books so far but I have six novels currently in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book Asgard Academy:The Prophecy was inspired by Norse mythology. I was reading an old Norse legend about how Fenrir who was bound to a boulder by the Gods and the idea just came to me. I had the brilliant idea to make a fictional world that centered around the world tree and the nine realms. It takes place in this made up world realm of Asgard between Fenrir, the giants, and demons that stand with him. And the descendants of the Gods who have mixed their blood lines with other supernatural beings to survive. In the beginning a prophecy is stated and a war is prophesied. In this prophecy a child named Aurora will be born of two Gods. She will become the shield maiden of her people, to fight Fenrir and win the war for good. The only catch is the prophecy doesn’t say when the war will be won. The God’s knowing a war and the end to themselves are coming, decide to bless her with powers and four demi God mates. A war before her birth between the giants, and the Gods takes place and only two Gods survive. Aurora and her mates are destined to reincarnate in each life and continue fighting the war until they win. It is a reverse harem adventure fantasy novel with a complicated story line. I am very much so looking forward to releasing the next book, The CLASH, later this year. It will have more battles and action.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I guess I do. I use the backwards method. I plan and map out my full story-line chapter for chapter. Then I write my blurb for the back of the book. Because I am a professional artist I then design my cover (Back, spine, front) so I can advertise and promote my book as I write. Then I write like crazy. Lots of mid night oil gets burnt within my figurative writing cave.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have many favorite authors and books since I am an avid reader. But I have my own unique style. I have never been the type to try to copy other peoples styles. I like to blaze my own trails. Some of my favorite writers are L.M. Montgomery, Bella Forrest, Diana Gabaldon, Jennifer Estep are just a few of my favorites.
What are you working on now?
Well since I was gutsy and jumped right into writing an adventure fantasy with a reverse harem aspect. I decided I wanted to be known for more than just reverse harems. Don’t get me wrong Asgard Academy will continue but I have other things in the works too. I am currently working on my next book Chronicles Of The Siren- Tidal Vortex. It will be a YA Fantasy novel about a eighteen year old girl named Teal who was found as a baby on the sea shore abandoned. When she is twelve she is set up for her fathers murder and ends up serving years for a crime she never committed. Shortly after she turns eighteen, she finds out after being sucked into a vortex at sea, that nothing is as she thought it was. Just when she thinks she is dying and her lungs fill up, she discovers she can breath under water. And she is not the only one that can breath under water. She fights against a secret organization called Nimrod, that is in the business of killing her kind. All while trying to get her revenge and prove she is innocent.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my Facebook author page the most, and my website. Being an indie author, I have to market my own work and write which is proving to be a challenge. I also have Instagram, twitter, and pintrest but I don’t use them as often.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn your craft well, take advice, and grow a thick skin. This industry can chew and spit you out. Remember the reason you started writing to begin with and continue. I run a group for authors, writers, and aspiring authors on Facebook called the writers circle. I started the group after I published my second book and dealt with some snooty authors that were tearing other authors down. I built the group to share knowledge, free resources and make a safe place for authors to support each other.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice I have ever heard was that when the going gets tough you have to get tougher. Keep going. If you meet opposition you must be doing something right.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Sea Storm (The Lunafriya Chronicles Book 2) by Elise H. Ford. I read many books often.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue writing full time as an indie author. I have six books planned for this year, and I am hoping I will be able to write them and release most of them this year. I will be starting six different series that I plan to add to every year.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hmm. A book on tropical plants /edible plants, as for the rest I honestly don’t know. My head has millions of story’s just waiting to come out, so if it were for the pure enjoyment of reading I can do that anywhere.
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