Welcome to YA Books Central’s “Indie Superstars” column. This monthly event will spotlight the best and brightest of the indie community.
You don’t want to miss out on these talented authors!
This week we’re interviewing Annika James, Author of the Wanted Trilogy.
Caitlin Haines: Can you tell us a little about the Wanted trilogy?
Annika James: The trilogy takes place in a world where witches and vampires are everyday people, they are just different species. The books center around Ashlinn, a witch, who is coming into her powers, and her friends, who are all vampires. As she nears her 18th birthday, her powers get stronger. Of course, the vampires desire that power and she becomes the center of a power struggle. Throughout the books, she and her friends overcome power-hungry vampires, rogue vampires, and they come into their own. It’s really about Ashlinn growing into and owning her power.
Caitlin: Where did the inspiration come from?
Annika: I’ve always loved everything paranormal since I was little. I especially devoured everything having to do with witches and vampires. I really love reading about worlds where the paranormal is part of everyday life, and so that was the world I wanted to create. Authors that I pulled inspiration from are Charlaine Harris, Laurell K Hamilton, Kim Harrison, just to name a few. The fact that my vampires are born and go through a transition was inspired by the Vampire Beach series by Alex Duval. I’ve been reading paranormal fiction for over 3 decades, so I’m sure a little bit of everyone I’ve read has had an influence on my writing.
Caitlin: What is it about paranormal fiction that draws you in so much?
Annika: Paranormal is what I remember reading first since I was young. I started out with the original Fear Street books and Christopher Pike. They really got me into everything paranormal. I guess what I love about it is the possibilities. Nothing is impossible. You can create a world where magic exists and vampires are teenagers. It’s such a great escape from reality for me. It always has been.
Caitlin: Who is your favorite character in this series and why?
Annika: I love Matt. I was secretly Team Matt the whole time I was writing every book, and that probably seeped into the storyline here and there. 😊 He is just the type of person that is fun to be around. A little cocky, but funny and charming, and his heart is so big. He’s protective and will do whatever’s necessary so Ash is protected and happy. I wanted to make sure he got his happy ending too.
Caitlin: If you had to choose, would you want to be a witch or a vampire?
Annika: Definitely a witch. I already love everything witchy in real life, but it would be pretty cool to be able to do real magic.
Caitlin: What’s one thing you have to have while writing (music, quiet, snacks, coffee, etc.)?
Annika: Usually music. Sometimes song lyrics can be an inspiration for a scene or a character, or even a plotline.
Caitlin: Can you give us a hint at what’s to come next?
Annika: I’ve been asked for more of Ash and her friends. I hadn’t originally planned on taking them further, but it might be fun to see how they handle college. Who knows? 😊
Meet Annika James
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Wanted Blurb
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