Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

I have swung on a flying trapeze, explored a glacier, and been hit in the face by a shark's tail while scuba diving. I like to throw myself fully into projects and adventures, which is probably how I managed to publish a book in the first place.

In 2006, when I had come very close to calling my agent and telling him I needed to take a break, NaNoWriMo was where I found my inspiration again.

Honestly, I get character ideas from the most inane places. Sometimes a song will give me an idea. Sometimes I will just hear a snippet of conversation that ends up having nothing to do with the book that emerges.

Wandering around the mall and giggling at magazines doesn't interest me. I've never enjoyed shopping. I detest shoes.

When I was fourteen, I was one of those kids who wore all black because it matched everything. Seriously.

Vampires were an excellent springboard. I still love them; they fascinate me.

One of the strangest results of having your name on a book jacket is the proliferation of people who know one narrow aspect of your life and are suddenly surprised to learn there's more.

I prefer to write about what we refer to as 'the supernatural' versus everyday life. Humans, by themselves, bore me.

The truth is, I like to engage with life fully. Given an opportunity to do something I don't often get a chance to do, I feel the need to try it, even if I suspect I'll make a fool out of myself.

My mom was really of the belief that, as long as you were reading anything, it was okay. Just read.

If we ever have free time, my partner and I are fond of going on walks through the local state forests and parks.

I do not read newspaper comics unless they happen to be out when I visit my parents, but I follow several online comics, which I check every morning while I drink my coffee and wake up for the day.