Book Nerd Interview
Fast forward a couple (maybe a few) decades and I’m still playing make-believe with mermaids–except now they’re in my novels instead of a toy box.
I’m a self-proclaimed twisted little pixie. I believe that magic and true love really do exist, even in a world that can be ugly at times. I like to dance down rabbit holes and ride shooting stars while playing a never-ending game of “Imagine If…” Then I write about my impossible and fantastical musings and call myself an author. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love storytelling way too much.
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, but I’ve also lived in Colorado. Eventually, I had to move to a place where I’d be surrounded by water, so I now live in Florida.
When I’m not writing I can be found reading, people watching at Disney World, hanging with my amazing friends and family, listening to music, dancing, traveling, pondering the Universe, or enjoying breathtaking sunsets and a good glass of white wine.
I love great food, desserts, more desserts, movies that make me laugh or cry, thunderstorms, butterflies in my stomach, curtains blowing in the breeze, my dogs tails wagging because they are happy to see me, thrilling rides, books that make me think or learn something new, Ravens football, long warm baths, smiling uncontrollably, flavored coffee, an amazing dream that stays with me all day, popping popcorn the old-fashioned way, jumping out of airplanes, board games, lotto scratch-offs, and flying to Neverland.
I’m a constant work in progress.
Check out the teen focused blog that I co-founded with some other awesome YA authors: YA Confidential
I’m also grateful and lucky to be part of a talented group of authors called the Indelibles.
Social Media
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
It changed all the time, but for a few years I wanted to be a dancer at Disney World. I even did a school project about it in 5th grade.
You read a lot of YA fiction. Please name a few of your favorite books and tell us why they inspire you.
Oh, there are so many, but to name a few: A Certain Slant of Light (amazing writing and old-soul characters, which I love). Wicked Lovely (LOVE Seth and the world-building rocks. The Sky Is Everywhere (beautiful prose, loveable characters and it made me cry).
The story of Tangled Tides is about the underwater world. What gave you the idea?
I love the ocean, always have. Combine that with my love for sea creatures, romance, magic and mythology and the outcome was Tangled Tides.
Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?
I had to research basic things like the names of Medusa's sisters, but most of my other world-building was based on legends or myths I already knew about. Also, I put my own twist on most of my creatures and their backgrounds. That's the beauty of writing fantasy fiction--the only limit is an author's imagination.
What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Treygan?
He's very allergic to peanut butter.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Yes, I'm working on the sequel to Tangled Tides right now. Things didn't end as happily ever after as they seemed. ;)
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
"How are the brussels sprouts?" I always say "good" but I never really mean it.
What was a time in your life when you were really scared?
When I was holding someone I loved in my arms after a horrible car crash. He kept telling me wasn't going to survive, I kept promising him he would be okay (even though I was terrified). That was our very last argument. I lost.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
Touch. I can't wait to see where they go with it for the rest of the season.
Who was your first boyfriend?
Big Jesse (last name kept secret to protect the innocent). I was twelve and he was one of the most popular kids at Skateland, but by some miracle he chose me for a girlfriend. That one ended in heartbreak, but we're still friends to this very day.
What are your pet peeves?
People who talk loud on their cell phones in public places. So rude. Oh, and when people wear socks with flip flops or sandals. That does not look good on ANYONE.
If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?
Medusa. But MY version of Medusa long after Perseus kills her.
Where can readers stalk you?
www.KarenAmandaHooper.com
or on Twitter at @Karen_Hooper
or at Disney World. I'm there like every other weekend.
Yara Jones doesn't believe in sea monsters-until she becomes one.
When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.
Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people-until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process-or she might open the gateway to a love that's deeper than the oceans.
Reviews:
“Tangled Tides includes a delicious romance that even the most dispassionate soul can’t refuse. I absolutely adored Yara and her strength in all things, including love. And Treygan? I seriously want in on that merman action. Blue has never been so sexy. Hooper has created a believable underwater world that will leave readers wishing for a tail instead of legs.” - Elana Johnson, author of POSSESSION
“I adored this tale of sea monsters and forbidden love. Full of deception, romance, and intrigue, Tangled Tides is a story best savored but impossible to put down.” - PJ Hoover, author of SOLSTICE
“Tangled Tides is a delightful, smartly plotted tale of adventure, family secrets, and sizzling romance. I couldn’t put it down!” - Rae Carson, author of THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
Tangled Tides is an entertaining new twist on Merfolk. Author Karen Amanda Hooper puts together a wonderful cast of characters in a very imaginative world of mermaids, sirens, selkies, gorgons, gods, and sea monsters. There were many exciting twists and the plot was certainly created with thought and care.
Hooper’s approach of introducing this remarkable world is top notch and definitely fascinating. The world building is very compelling that at times you feel like a world like it could possibly exist. With fantastically written characters like Yaran, Treygan, and Rownan and a very intriguing storyline, it is the perfect combination for a book to maintain the reader’s attention. Story and characters are equally awesome and truly unique. You will come across many twists and turns that you’ll find yourself hurrying your daily activities in order to sit down on your favorite chair and find out what’s next in store for these wonderful characters.
Hooper’s writing style automatically draws you in. Certainly not the first mermaid story but it is definitely one of the best. A truly unique treat of a read that will not disappoint and only keeps your interest at its highest peak.
You can purchase Tangled Tides at the following Retailers:
And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you Karen for making this giveaway possible.
3 Winners will receive one e-copy of Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper.
Click the Picture Below to Enter My Other Giveaways.
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