Interview & Giveaway with Tammy Blackwell

1. When did you first start writing, and was there something in particular that inspired you?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was very young. (Of course, in the beginning I wanted to write country-western songs like Dolly Parton, but that’s what happens when Opryland is your favorite vacation destination as a child.) What inspired me to finally sit my butt in a chair and give it a try was the YALSA Lit Symposium in 2008. It was the first time I interacted with published writers, and I was amazed at how they were real people. I decided if they could do it, so could I.

2. What first attracted you to your genre when it comes to writing?

The real world often sucks. It’s full of responsibilities, disappointments, and heartache… when it’s not being dreadfully dull. I like urban fantasy because it makes life interesting and gives us physical demons to fight, instead of the emotional ones we have to put up with in our day-to-day lives. I’ve always been attracted to the idea that there is something more to our world than what we can see. As for the YA aspect of it, I love that whole coming-of-age thing. Probably because at 34, I still feel like I’m coming of age myself.

3. In regards to your own characters, who is your favorite and why?

Completely impossible to choose one! Jase and Angel are the easiest to write; Charlie, Alex, and Liam will always have my heart; and Scout will always be important to me, even after I eventually leave her and her world behind.

4. What other genres (besides your own) do you enjoy reading?

I love adult paranormal, steampunk (especially the kind with lots of kissing in it), and most genres of YA. But mostly, I just like a well-written story. If it sucks me in and makes me feel all the feelings, I don’t really care what genre it is.

5. If you could not be a writer, what would you be?

Well, I’m also a librarian, and that’s pretty awesome. I’m lucky to love both of my jobs so much. But if I couldn’t do either, I would like to try my hand at being the Ruler of the World. I think I could do that one up right.

6. As a reader I know how difficult it can be to name a ‘favorite’ book, would you mind listing your top three? (Past or present authors)

Argh! Hardest question ever! How about my 3 favorite things I’ve read recently?

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
I usually hate war novels, so for me to say I’m in love with this YA novel about two girls in WWII is saying a lot. Brilliantly written. I can’t say enough good things about this one.

Love by the Numbers series by Sarah MacLean
Is using a series cheating? Let’s say no and just go with it, okay?
These were my first ever historical romances, and I absolutely loved them. Very witty and sexy.

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Samantha’s first adult novel is full of sexy AND heart. She did a marvelous job.

7. What are some must haves when you sit down to write?

Well, I would normally say “Mello Yello” here, but I’ve recently gave it up in an attempt to be more healthy. Other than my caffeine fix, I need music. Lots of it. Played loudly.

8. If you became trapped as a character in a book or series, which would you choose and why? (Any book, any series, new or old)

Minerva McGonagall. Let’s face it, we all want to be Hogwart’s most kick-ass witch.

About the Author:

Tammy Blackwell, a YA librarian from Kentucky, is the author of the Amazon top-rated Timber Wolves trilogy. She once killed a man just to watch you cry.

Find Tammy:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

The final Timber Wolves novel:

Fate Succumbs

Having narrowly escaped an unjust death sentence, Scout Donovan is on the run. But the more she discovers about the Alpha Pack and herself, the more she realizes she can’t run forever. Destiny is propelling her towards an unavoidable battle. Can Scout survive, or will she finally succumb to fate?

Giveaway:

The entire Timber Wolves trilogy signed by Tammy.

Rules for entry:

- Giveaway ends October 5, 2012 12AM EST.

- Open INTERNATIONALLY.

- Leave a thoughtful comment and fill out the FORM below.  Entries in the comment section will not be counted.