MC: Start off by telling us about you. Who is Amanda Young?
Well, I’m just like everyone else. An average Josephine, I suppose. I’m married and have been for going on nine years now to my highschool sweetheart. I’ve always loved to read, have ever since I picked up the first VC Andrews novel when I was around thirteen. While most people idolized athletes or movie stars, I was awed by authors. I spent my teens and early twenties job hopping around, dreaming about that one day I would find something I loved to do for a living. Then one day, in-between jobs, I just kind of sat down and started writing. The words poured out of me and a couple of months later I finished up Missing in Action and sold it right out of the gate. I’ve never been happier than I am. I finally love what I do.

MC: Do you have any hobbies or special interests? If so, how do they influence your writing?
My biggest hobby is reading. I know everyone says that, but for me it’s true. I don’t go a single day without reading something, even if it’s a book I’ve already read twenty times over. It’s my escape from life. Other than that, music is my biggest influence. I don’t know how many times a song has sparked the seed for a new storyline. Sometimes all it takes is a single word and I’m jotting down a new idea like a mad person. My latest WIP was inspired by a Nickelback song.

MC: Tell us about your book Missing In Action. I love the title! How did you come up with the idea for the book?

Missing in Action is the story of Tristan and Sara, two people who fell in love young and were seperated by war. Mortally injured in battle, Tristan was swept away by a group of scientists hell-bent to create super soldiers for the government. They save Tristan’s life, but kept him from living it for six years, until a new assignment–a serial killer his commanders believe may be preternatural–sends him back to his hometown and Sara.

Unable to concentrate on his assignment, Tristan is determined to let go of the past before more innocent women die. In a bid for closure, he pays a clandestine late night visit to Sara’s house to say a final goodbye to the woman he loves — and the son he never knew he had.

As years of lies and half-truths unravel, Tristan and Sara are drawn into a bizarre triangle that pits them against The Mangler, an entity determined to possess Sara at any cost. A bloody battle of mind, body and soul ensues. Only one man will walk away alive—with Sara as his prize.

I can’t honestly say how I came up with the original idea for the book. Being the first thing I wrote, I really just flew by the seat of my pants while I was composing it. What started as a small germ of an idea about a man taken away from his loved ones morphed into the beginning of a paranormal series. It’s been a fun series to write. The sequel, Shameful, is slotted for release in June and the third is underway.

MC: What’s coming up next from you? Should we mark our calendars? Any upcoming events, chats, that sort of thing.
At the moment, I’m concentrating on writing. I have a two month break between releases and I’m taking advantage of it by typing away on my next book. With four books releasing this summer, it’s going to be a busy time for me. I’m sure everyone will be sick of hearing from me come fall. *g* In the meantime, updates about what I’m up to can be found on my blog and website.

MC: Your blog is called Romance without Inhibition. How did you come up with the name?  And tell us what kinds of things we can expect when we visit.
Actually, I came up with that name while I was trying to narrow down a slogan that would fit everything I write. Since I have books coming out in so many different genres, I wanted something that would fit them all, but still be relevant to each one. The only thing that really jumped out for each book was romance, and the fact that all of my characters were trying to break out of the box of conventionality. Romance without inhibiton just seemed to fit.

The blog itself hosts a variety of things. I’ve started a series of short, erotic stories I plan to post there as well as updates on what I’m working on, first chapter sneak peeks, and an assortment of posts on my life as a writer, things I do that keep me sane, and quizs. I have a thing for the quizs and lists. *g*

MC: Now for some fun questions. If you could have any special power, what would it be?
X-ray vision would be a yummy one, but I think I’d have to go with flying. I live way out in the middle of nowhere and having the ability to joust right over the mountains and into the city would be a hoot.

MC: Five words that describe you?
Independent, loyal, open-minded, creative and nymphomaniacal (kidding)

MC: Anyone who’s been to my myspace page knows I love two things. First of all, peaches. Do you have a favorite food? Fruit? What beverage do you always have on hand while you’re writing?
I don’t really have one favorite food, but if I had to narrow it down, I would pick pasta. It’s the one thing I can’t live without.

As far as beverages, I have two that I keep by my side, depending on what time of day it is. Coffee in the morning (a big tumbler full of caramel truffle with a ton of vanilla creamer) and diet Dr. Pepper for the rest of the day.

MC: The other thing I love… okay, I’m slightly obsessed with is flipflops. Do you have any obsessions? Collections?
I collect a ton of things. I’m a bit of a pack-rat. Among my horde, lol, are books (of course), miniture figurines, anything I find with a shark on it, antique silver cutlery, purses, and lingerie (my biggest weakness).

MC: What’s something that your readers may not know about you?
I studied medical code and billing in college. Instead of writing, I could be that person sending out your medical bills. *shudder*

MC: What is your writing schedule like?
I write around the clock, from the time I wake up till I run out of steam, but I probably get the most done in the evening and late at night. I’m a bit of a night owl. My brain doesn’t really function until after noon.

MC: How can readers (or anyone else) get in touch with you?
I can be reached through email at Amandasromance@aol.com. I’ve gotten some wonderful emails from readers since March and love hearing from people. It’s so sweet that people have taken the time to email me and tell me how much they’ve enjoyed the books.

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