YABC: What surprised you most while writing your latest book?
Amalie Howard: I was surprised by how much I loved physics. I was completely captivated by quantum mechanics, string theory, and advanced robotics. Go figure for a girl who hated physics in high school. In my research for THE ALMOST GIRL and THE FALLEN PRINCE, I really enjoyed applying these theories in my world building to explain the existence of parallel universes and how to move between them. Using quantum theory and the microscopic gaps in the universe to allow two distinct points in time and space to connect, I used a combination of string theory and anti‐gravitational quantum vacuums to engineer my version of wormholes, which I then tied into zero‐point energy as my “launch” spots to jump between universes (for which I invented the term eversion). I needed to make sure it all made sense for my readership—finding the right balance between erudite sci‐fi readers and high‐concept teen ones.
YABC: If you could live in any fantasy world, which one would it be?
AH: Hands down, I’d choose the magical world of Harry Potter. Seriously, I’d be drinking five gallons of butterbeer a day. And I’d also give my BFF, Hermione Granger, a run for her money as the smartest witch at Hogwarts. For the record, I’m a SlytherGriff so I’m ambitious.
YABC: Do you have a mantra that gets you through the drafting phase?
AH: Just keep swimming. Dory is a fantastic motivator.
YABC: What is your favorite hobby when you’re not writing?
AH: I love going to the movies. I’m a very visual person so getting lost in a great movie is like brain candy to me. The last movie I saw was Deadpool, which I loved, and the next on my list is Oscar winner, Room. I have varied tastes. Other than that, I adore spending time with my family—we tend to do a lot of things together, so that’s always fun.
YABC: Do you enjoy writing to music? If so, do you have a go‐to playlist?
AH: I love writing to music and I create a playlist for every book I write. For me, the right piece of music can make a scene flow magically, whether it’s a romantic scene or an action sequence. Sometimes I’ll have a certain song on repeat depending on the scene I’m writing. It’s also good if I’m working on simultaneous projects. A playlist can get my mind to where it needs to be in a pinch. Check me out on Spotify (@amaliehowardauthor) or click on my books page on my website to view the playlists (www.amaliehoward.com/books).
YABC: What’s a book that you’ve read recently that you would recommend to your readers?
AH: The last two books I absolutely adored were Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (YA Contemporary) and The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski (YA Fantasy). Beautifully written with characters that leap off the page right into your heartstrings, I highly recommended these. Both are absolutely incredible and unforgettable.
YABC: Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or Revising?
AH: Honestly, I enjoy both. The more creative, imaginative side of me enjoys plotting out a new story, playing with world building, creating new characters, and writing scenes that take on a whole momentum of their own. I love being able to create other worlds with interesting characters and being able to redefine myself in those characters. Writing stories has always been a huge form of escapism for me. The more practical, workhorse side of me that’s a closet perfectionist loves the revising process and getting the manuscript into ship shape for submission. I enjoy rising to the challenge of incorporating feedback from beta readers, my agent, and my editor to make my book the best it can be.
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
AH: I can kill you with my brain. Kidding. Sort of.
Meet The Fallen Prince!
Riven has fought for a hard won peace in her world, and has come to shaky terms
with who and what she is—a human with cyborg DNA. Now that the rightful ruler of Neospes has been reinstated, Riven is on the hunt for her father in the Otherworld to bring him to justice for his crimes against her people.
But when she receives an unwelcome visit from two former allies, she knows that trouble is brewing once again in Neospes. The army has been decimated and there are precious few left to fight this mysterious new threat.
To muster a first line of defense, her people need help from the one person Riven
loathes most—her father. But what he wants in return is her complete surrender.
Meet Amalie Howard!
Amalie Howard is the awardwinning IndieNext author of Alpha Goddess, the Aquarathi series, and the Cruentus Curse series. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was an Amazon bestseller and a Seventeen Summer Read. She currently resides with her husband and three children in Colorado.
The Fallen Prince
By: Amalie Howard
Release Date: April 5, 2016
*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*
Five winners will receive a copy of The Fallen Prince (US and Canada only).
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
I can’t wait to read The Fallen Prince ♡ And the cover is fantastic! Thank you
The cover grips me everytime–I’ve never read a book with a cyborg character. This sounds really exciting!