Author Genre: Romantic Suspense, Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance
Author's Blog: Author Amy Manemann
World Literary Café
Twitter: @AmyManemann
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Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
Amazon Author Profile
Author Description:
Amy Manemann is an International Best Selling Author. She writes sexy and intriguing romantic suspense, young adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance (NEW), and dabbles in children's books. She resides in her hometown along the Mississippi river with her husband and their two children. When she isn't plotting her next book, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and diving into a good book.
Amy is also a site administrator for the World Literary Café, an online literary community for authors and readers.
SPOTLIGHT Questions and Answers with the Author
Congratulations on your book: Through the Darkness. What do you have on the drawing board next? Can you tell us the timeline for its release and give us a little tease?
Thank you! I loved writing Through the Darkness, the Lightkeeper Series is so different from all my other books that's it's fun to take a break from the real world and dive into the paranormal realm. My current project is a novella, which releases in a boxed set in November. This book will actually be the beginning to a series I'll be co-writing with author Stacy Eaton, which will feature two female detectives who get thrown together as unlikely partners. I'm excited for this series and can't wait to share more, but at this time no teasers are available. Sorry!
You have a good following on twitter. How important have your social media relationships been? How did you build your following in your niche? Do you see a carry over to your writing success?
Twitter and I have a love hate relationship. I love that I have the following I do, however I hate it that I forget to post there! Actually, I have built some fantastic relationships over the years through social media, not only with other writers, but with readers as well. These are relationships to be cherished, and I can't stress that enough. For anyone interested in building their niche on social media, I would suggest you start out by setting aside 20 minutes a day, 10 in the morning and 10 in the evening, when you can pop on to social media and connect with others whether on your newsfeed or by simply responding to things that are being posting. (this can be increased over time as you see fit)
If you're the type of person who pops on and just tosses up a post, but never responds to any of the comments, after awhile people lose interest because YOU aren't really showing interest. In other words, you aren't connecting with them. In a world that often times has so much unkindness, be the spark of hope people are looking for. Show them that you care. You'll be amazed at how far kindness can send you.
Do you do any book signings, interviews, speaking and personal appearances? If so, when and where is the next place where your readers can see you? Where can they keep up with your personal contacts online?
At this current time I have nothing coming up, though it's not to say that won't change in the next few months. As for keeping up with me, follow me on social media! I'm on Twitter (@AmyManemann), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AmyManemannAuthor/), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amymanemann_author/), though I do admit to doing most of my chatting through Facebook. I would love to see new smiling faces on my newsfeeds, and solemnly promise to not spam you unless it's with upcoming book stuff, comical commentary, or pictures of cute animals. Because let's face it, who doesn't love a cute animal pictures?
You have great covers. They carry a theme and your brand with them. How does your book cover creation process work? Do you hand over the basic theme or do you have more of a hands-on approach? Do you get your readers involved in its development?
I looooove my book cover designer, isn't she amazing?!?! The process of creating one of my covers ranges from easy peasy to a real headache, depending on if I already have an idea in mind, which isn't always the case. If I already have an idea, then I research the images and send her a bunch, tell her what 'feel' I'm going for with that particular book, then we play around with images, fonts and design until we find something that matches the image in my head. If I have no clue, which was the case when we designed the Taci Andrews covers, then I go online and research books in that same genre and see what other authors are doing until an idea pops out at me. Overall it's a fun process, and I always love what we come up with. Natasha Brown is her name, live, love it, remember it. This girl is a talented designer, writer and amazing friend. If you pay her a visit, let her know it was me who pimped her out (https://www.facebook.com/natasha.brown.549)
You have written several novellas. Can you tell us if they had an impact on the sales of your novels? Are shorty’s one of your styles of writing or are they created to give readers a sample of your work? Do you feel short reads are a product of our email and smart phone age?
Writing novellas can be a lot of fun, I highly recommend anyone to try their hand at! It's a fun way to take a short story from point A to point B without investing a large amount of time, depending on how quickly you write. Unless it's a contracted novella, I don't always go into a storyline with the mindset that this particular book will be full length or a short story. Sometimes it just depends on what the characters want to do and where they want the story to go. I have started off writing novellas that turned into full length novels, and vice versa. It's the name of the game. As for impact of sales, I have seen a boost where other times have not. It just depends on how the market is at the time and what people are currently reading.
I like the idea of Author bundles. You are a part of a novel bundle called Luck of the Draw. What was the impact on your other sales? What was the main objective of bundling your works with other authors? How did you put something like that together? (What a great group of authors. Featured on HBS Author’s Spotlight)
I've actually done quite a few boxed sets, the Luck of the Draw being the most recent. These sets are a fun way of collaborating with a large group of authors and getting your name into places it wouldn't have otherwise gone. The main objective of boxed sets varies depending on the group, some are solely in it to make one of the lists (New York Times or USA Today Bestselling Author) where others are about getting sales and boosting their own readership. I've never done a set aimed at making a list, though it's not to say I won't in the future. For now, I'm content creating new friendships and seeing some sales along the way. The actual putting together of a set is quite intensive. Everyone who participates is expected to sign up for a job to do, whether it's marketing, blog tours, money collection, posting on group sites, newsletters and etc. It's so much more than just signing up to do a set, sitting back and just watching the money roll in. For anyone interested in doing a boxed set, I strongly advise you to be prepared to work. Nothing in this life comes for free. If you want to play hard, then you need to work hard.
What has been your experience in giving your books away free? Have you been involved in any other type of giveaways and how did that work out? What was your main goal in doing this? Did you run into any obstacles?
Unfortunately, the market has been inundated with the free book giveaways that authors have seen a decline in the benefits. It used to be that doing giveaways boosted sales for other books in that series, however it is to the point where readers get so many freebies loaded on their devices that they aren't even reading the books they get, let alone grabbing up the next book in the series. It's a bummer, since doing giveaways used to be such a great way to get your book out there, but like all good things, I think it's gotten overused. Now if you're an author reading this and has great success with this sort of thing then kudos to you! Keep doing what you're doing and ignore this question lol
What is your primary genre? What has been your best marketing approach to this group?
I don't really have a primary genre, per se. I enjoy reading romantic suspense, contemporary romance and paranormal romance, so I think it's natural I would want to write in all three of those genres. My marketing approach is different depending on which book I'm releasing. I mean, obviously I wouldn't send my new romantic suspense release to my paranormal newsletter group, right? When releasing a book, you need a market in that genre. Plain and simple. If you take anything away from this interview, that would be it.
You are the site administrator for the World Literary Café. Tell our readers the benefits of the organization and how they can join this great support group? World Literary Café
Unfortunately, the WLC is currently undergoing a transition phase, so the fantastic programs we have run in the past are currently unavailable. Our main purpose has always been to bridge the gap between readers and authors, however we reached a point where we were spending more hours a day trying to clear out the spam the website would receive in our multiple forums making those connections that we weren't able to run the site efficiently. We hope to have it up and running again soon.
You have co-author books with Misty Evans. (Deadly series) How did that combo start? How do you communicate to write such great novels? Do both of you have any more books planned?
Misty Evans and I have been dear friends for a number of years and I've always enjoyed reading her Deadly books, so when she suggested we co-write a novella in that series, it seemed like a good fit. The response from the readers was huge! So huge in fact that we are currently in the process of getting Deadly Holiday put together, which will release this December. Co-writing has been an eye opening experience, and works differently with every team. Since this is Misty's world, she outlines all the characters and traits for me, we work out the storyline, then sit back and just let it flow back and forth. Misty is amazing to work with and her experience and knowledge have been a big help to me over the years. It's an honor to be able to collaborate with her on this series.
Author's Book List
Through the Darkness
- Lightkeeper Series Book 2Being a witch isn’t it all it’s cracked up to be, especially if you’re a twenty-year-old fledgling witch and Lightkeeper like me. Struggling with the super-charged magical powers I just came into on my birthday, I also have some crazy feelings for the two guys helping me get them under control.
Since being thrust into the world of magic, my Guardian, Braeden, has been my rock. He’s taught me everything I need to know to fulfill my destiny as a chosen Lightkeeper, and I think I may be in love with the guy. I feel safe when I’m in Braeden’s arms, but when I’m not…
Lucian is an annoying Warlock, albeit a charming one. He claims that I need to learn how to use dark magic in order to stop the High Wizard of the Underworld from growing all-powerful at the lunar eclipse, and insists he’s the only one who can teach me the – ahem – finer points of evil.
The lunar eclipse takes place in X days, when Ronan Vale, the father who left me behind, intends to kill two Lightkeepers and take their powers. If he does, his magic will be unmatched, and not even the most powerful Lightkeeper in history – yours truly - will be able to stop him from bringing forth the darkness.
It looks like Lucian may be right...it’s time to embrace my dark side.
Order the Book From:
Amazon
Into the Light
- Lightkeeper Series Book 1“When you come into your powers, you will attract the attention of every dark force in the world. They’ll flock to Salem in droves for the chance to harvest your powers.”
Welcome to my world…the world of witches, guardians, and Lightkeepers, and a dark evil that threatens to end the world as we know it.
In most ways, I – Willa Devries - am your normal teenager, living with my aunt in Salem, Massachusetts, and eagerly awaiting my big 2-0 birthday. I’m also a witch from a sacred race called the Lightkeepers, charged to carry out the time-honored duty of holding the light of the world against the darkness—against the Underworlders and their evil.
But that evil has become more powerful than anyone has ever seen, and suddenly the Lightkeepers are looking to me to hold it off. Me, who is not yet trained in her powers but who apparently possesses a rare level of magic that is about to bring every dark force in the world to my doorstep. How will I keep my aunt safe, much less the entire world?
The answer, I hope, is Braeden. He’s my Guardian, and damn, if I have to face unspeakable evil, he’s the guy I want by my side. Powerful, mysterious, sexy… He’s spent his life in training, preparing to protect me and help me fulfill my destiny. Only I get the feeling that even with all his skills, nothing could have prepared him for the extent of my new powers. Or for the effect I have on him.
Desire…I feel it for him too, but the fate of the world lies on my shoulders – no pressure, right? The steamy attraction we share has to take a backseat in order for him to teach me how to harness my magic. If we don’t get ?my crazy powers under control, the Underworld will blanket everyone and everything in a darkness that is as relentless as it is terrifying.
Failure isn’t an option; the world is depending on us. On me. I’ve got one chance to do this right, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.
Order the Book From:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Love on the Slopes
- Hartley Series Novel Book 1Jessa Hartley is haunted by memories of the night she threw herself at her childhood crush, Dominic DeRenzi – and he turned her away. Years later, Jessa has managed to put the past behind her and climb up the ranks as head instructor of the ski lodge she one day hopes to purchase. Only her plans take a nosedive when the smooth talking Italian shows back up in town. Even worse, he’s planning on purchasing HER lodge.
After surviving a disastrous marriage, Dominic DeRenzi returns to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, hoping to make a fresh start for him and his six year old son by purchasing the old ski lodge. Until a chance encounter with Jessa Hartley throws his well laid plans off track. The once innocent girl from his childhood has grown into the beautiful woman he always knew she would become, and he is painfully reminded of the night he over stepped his bounds and kissed her. Then broke her heart by sending her away.
Rekindling the flames of their past isn’t part of the plan, yet Dominic and Jessa soon find they’re helpless to stop the fire that burns brightly between them. He broke her heart the first time he left, but can he make her see this time around he’s here to stay?
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Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Don't Know Jack
- Secret Agent SeriesSpecial Agent Jack Hamlin is a man who lives by a code. Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity. Three words symbolizing the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and three words hardwired in Jack’s indelible brain. Jack’s a doer and a risk taker who isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes in the field to bring criminals to justice. That is until his latest assignment brings him face to face with Kate Monroe. One look into her mesmerizing green eyes and Jack has a hard time determining if he’d rather interrogate the beautiful redhead, or take her to bed first.
After Kate Monroe’s silent partner cleans out their business account and disappears in the middle of the night, she’s left to pick up the pieces and fend off the vultures circling her front door, including a baking conglomerate determined to buy Kate’s prized, award winning recipe at all cost. When hunky newcomer Jack Hamlin moves into town, Kate’s life becomes even more complicated by a dimpled grin that sends her heart into overdrive. Jack’s too hot for words, but the timing of his appearance drives Kate’s suspicions that he’s there for more than just putting down roots.
Danger, white hot romance, and stress baking ensue as Kate is swept into Jack’s dangerous world—and Jack's loyalties and training are put to the test when his cover is blown, and Kate’s life is on the line. With Kate caught in the crossfire, it would seem the masterminds are one step ahead of the game. But when push comes to shove, if they think this special agent is down and out, then they don’t know jack.
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Amazon
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Deadly Affair
- SCVC Taskforce Romantic Suspense Series Book 5 - World NovellaCooper Harris, head of the SCVC Taskforce and nicknamed The Beast, isn't afraid of anything...except that the woman who rocks his world may be about to dump him. Celina is acting distant and secretive while an engagement ring burns a hole in Cooper's pocket. Whisking her away for a romantic weekend at a Northern California vineyard, he hopes to reignite the spark between them and get up the nerve to finally ask her to marry him.
Feisty crime scene photographer Celina Davenport hates keeping secrets. The baby growing inside her is cause for celebration, but Cooper has a son from a previous marriage and claims he doesn't want more children because of his dangerous job. Celina understands what makes The Beast tick, and she also knows he'll be a great dad to their child. She only needs the perfect moment to break the news.
Before either can come clean, Cooper and Celina stumble upon human bones and realize the beautiful vineyard hides a dark and haunting past filled with love, betrayal and murder. Can they unravel the mystery buried in the Northern California hills and bring a killer to justice? Or will the secrets they're keeping from each other put them in deeper danger than they could ever imagine?
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Amazon
Barnes and Noble
KOBO Store
iTunes Store
Deadly Politics
- Taci Andrews MysteriesInvestigative reporter Taci Andrews is back in this explosive third book of the Deadly series.
Its election time in the town of Riverdale, Iowa, and the mayoral candidates are heating up, along with Taci’s love life. Her relationship with Fireman Tony Parsons is off to a rocky start when a shocking secret is revealed, throwing a monkey wrench in Taci’s hopes for a ‘normal’ relationship.
To help further complicate things, Taci picks up a story that touches perilously close to a dangerous group in town and manages to draw their unwanted attention.
A dangerous motorcycle gang, an armored truck robbery, and an explosive mayoral debate keep Taci and Tony on their toes, up until the very end. Can they stay on track to fill in the missing pieces of this political puzzle, or will their voter’s registration cards be revoked?
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Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Deadly Science
- Taci Andrews MysteriesMystery, intrigue and double stuffed Oreos are back!
On the hunt for her next big story, investigative reporter Taci Andrews stumbles into trouble yet again. When her best friend Annie calls with a medical crisis, Taci smells something - and it isn’t the fish market down by the river. To further complicate things, handsome fireman Tony Parsons is back in her life, armed with a devastating smile that still makes her weak in the knees.
Equipped with her usual witty banter and a bag of Oreos, Taci dives head first into a medical mystery that is more than it seems. Can she stay on track amidst the chaos to solve a mystery, and get her story, or will she become the next headline?
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Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Deadly Reunion
- Taci Andrews MysteriesSmart mouthed Taci Andrews is an investigative reporter for the Riverdale Times with a lot on her plate. Between receiving a dreaded invitation to her fifteen year high school reunion, her best friend's divorce drama and her own solitary dating status, her fun meter is pretty much pegged.
When Taci’s partner goes missing while covering a missing child feature, she is suddenly thrown into the story of her career, which oddly enough delves into a past she would rather forget. She soon finds herself squaring off against a malicious class Barbie Doll, the High School Quarterback and a steamy Fireman from her past whose deep blue eyes are still enough to curl her toes.
It's full speed ahead in this sassy, page turning, first book of the series, where Taci must learn to put the past to rest before she winds up next on the missing person's list.
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Amazon
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Thank you so much for having me on, this was a fun interview to do!!
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