Loading ...Author Interview And Contest With AJ Hampton
Exclusive Bitten by Books
Interview with Author AJ Hampton
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the the great prize package being offered up today. The contest runs until 3:00 pm Eastern time tomorrow to give our east coast and international readers a chance to participate.
NOTE: this is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 8:00 am PST. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and comments.
Interview:
Hi AJ!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of AJ’s latest release Halloween Treats.
BBB: What do you find the most challenging aspect of writing?
AJH: At the moment it is finding time to write! For the last few months I’ve been overwhelmed by real life and the day job. When the dust settles and I do have a few minutes I find the trickiest part is making a coherent plot that speaks through the characters.
BBB: What is the most rewarding aspect of writing for you?
AJH: So far it has been the rogue email of someone telling me how much something I wrote touched them.
BBB: What or who was your muse that got you started writing?
AJH: I began my writing journey though the fan fiction world. One thing led to another (doesn’t it always) and I began to create characters and tales.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle to the environment?
AJH: Is it bad I don’t know what Kindle is? LOL. Personally, I love eBooks. I print them out, put them in a binder and read before I go to bed. Paperbacks are nice but the print is so small.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
AJH: Positive. I think most e-readers purchase books as well. A fan is a fan no matter how they purchase something.
BBB: Who among your characters is your favorite and why?
AJH: I’m quite fond of Trenton in Familiar Magic. He is badass, a shifter and yet has a sensitive side. Got to love a guy who’s had a broken heart.
BBB: How do you like interacting with your fans at events? Do you feel shy or are you right out there bigger than life?
AJH: I’m SO shy! I’ve actually only had one public event, the West Hollywood Book Fair and I didn’t really meet any of my fans, just a few people who passed by. I’m an introvert at heart, which is why I enjoy writing so much.
BBB: Can you tell us any sequels planned for your current releases and when we can expect them? Or what your next releases will be if they are stand alones?
AJH: Some time in the future you might see a sequel to Bending to Break. You can look for Harnessing the Moon to come out from Cobblestone Press in November. I’m also working on a vampire trilogy as well.
BBB: Succubus or Vampire. Which would you choose to be and why?
AJH: Vampire. I think the fangs are sexy!
BBB: In your book “Bending To Break” Kayden is one of the main characters. Where did the name Kayden come from?
AJH: When it is time to look for character names I scroll through a baby name book! Then, I play around with a few alternatives. Once I find the right one, it just fits.
BBB: How do you keep track of your characters and world building?
AJH: I don’t. I write as it comes, if I have a question about something I’ve done I’ll go back and re read.
BBB: What is your favorite paranormal book of all time?
AJH: Wow. I guess I’d say it was “Obsidian Butterfly” by Laurell Hamilton. I love Edward.
BBB: What do you like to do in between all the time you spend writing?
AJH: Family. I’ve got two young boys (3 and 1). When I’m not cuddling them, I’ve got a husband and a day job!
BBB: What did you do before you became a writer? Do you write full time?
AJH: Well, I don’t write full time. Before I became a writer I spent a lot less time on the computer! I also read a lot more.
BBB: Do you have any pearls of wisdom you would like to share with our readers here today?
AJH: Don’t give up. It is easy to be discouraged (at least for me it is), but you just have to keep pushing at your goals.
Readers be sure to check out AJ’s Different sites and friend her!
http://ajhampton.com
http://www.myspace.com/ajhampton
http://www.shapeshifterromance.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/AJ-Hampton/31568798112
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Questions and Contest: Now, I am going to open up the internet floor so to speak and let our readers ask AJ some questions. Feel free to post as many questions or comments as you like. She will be popping in and out today and tomorrow to answer them.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give an additional entries at a chance to win. One lucky participant will be chosen to win an amazing prize package that includes some bookmarks, magnets and one signed paperback copy of her novel Bending to Break.
1. Ask AJ some questions. Ask as many questions as you like, but only two of your questions count towards entries, two questions, two entries. You can also start a stimulating discussion.
2. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. This is for new subscribers only.
3. Post the link to the interview here today (http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1779) at another blog or website and you will be given FIVE additional entries for a chance to win for every link you post. BUT you MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day. 
4. Purchase copies of AJ’s awesome books TODAY or TOMORROW and send us a copy of the receipt for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for TWENTY additional entries. You get TWENTY entries for each one you purchase. Not valid on past purchases. Click these links to buy her books:
Halloween Treats
Bending to Break
Tempting Sin
Books make GREAT gifts for friends and family anytime!
5. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks
Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks
Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you! 
6. Stumble, Digg or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says “Share” that you can use.
7. Twitter the URL for this event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1779
8. Read the Bitten by Books reviews of AJ’s books here:
http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=AJ%20Hampton
Then leave a meaningful comment IN THE REVIEW post that shows you read the review, not just a post that says “sounds good” or “nice review”, a couple of sentences would be great! Simply share your thoughts, ideas or opinions and show the author some love.
9. Add AJ’s website to your blog roll or links page: http://ajhampton.com/
10. Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry!
11. Invite ALL of your friends! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get TWO entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!
The contest will run through tomorrow 11/4/08 at 3:00 pm Eastern time to allow our East coast and international readers a chance to win too!
Be sure to include an email and name where we can contact you if you are a winner.
We will be awarding the AMAZING prize package and announcing the winner to the Bitten by Books website this week. And REMEMBER you can’t win if you don’t play! 
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Good morning AJ,
1. Who picks out the great covers for your books?
2. If you could go to any place in the world; where would you go?
(waves) Hey, AJ.
Just stopped in show some love.
Great choice of favorite books. I love the Anita Blake series, too.
Angela Cameron
Hello,
AJ just wanted to let you know I deeply enjoyed Tempting Sin. You are a new author for me, so I am anxious to read the rest of your titles… I know I will not be disappointed!
Sisses,
Caden
hi AJ!
My question would be-how do you find a balance between family, a day job and writing?
And I like Laurell Hamilton’s books as well. I can’t remember if I’ve read Obsidian Butterfly or not.
AJ, I love your interview! Between your day job a dn family, you DO have your hands full!
I’m so excited to be reading you! Yep, you’re a new author for me, and I adore finding keeper authors!
You mentioned fan fiction. What did you write in the fan fiction world? Can you share that info/ story?
Have a lovely day with Rachel and your readers!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
La Vida Vampire
Hey AJ, thanks for joining us today
Do you ever get writer’s block? and if so, how do you deal with it?
Do you like to listen to music when you write? and if so, what is your favorite writing music?
AJ,
I know you state that you are shy and so being shy, is your unshy self coming out through any of your characters?
And if so, which character?
Thank you for your time and this fab giveaway!!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
First off, thank you SO much to everyone who has stopped by to show me some love or to ask me questions. It has been a hellish couple of months (just ask Rachel!!) So, I’ll answer all questions and comments in one post as to not take up space!
Kizzy –
1. Who picks out the great covers for your books?
I’ve been really lucky in the cover department. The art department at Cacoethes, Cobblestone Press and now Liquid Silver Books has really done an amazing job with their covers and what they bring to my stories. I hate to admit I do “cover shop” when looking for a good book to read.
2. If you could go to any place in the world; where would you go?
I would go to Europe and visit all the different countries. I feel so uncultured. I’ve only ever been to Mexico, and not very far in so I’m told it doesn’t count!!
Angela –
(((Hugs))) Thank you so much for supporting me. **Squishes You** I love early Anita Blake and have read them several times. What are some of your other favorites?
Caden –
I’m so thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed Tempting Sin. I really enjoying hearing what readers think of something. I’d be interesting in hearing you thoughts on some of my other stuff. My goal is to improve my writing with each piece of fiction I put out.
Virginia –
1. How do you find a balance between family, a day job and writing?
Well, lately I haven’t been finding that balance and it sucks. It feels like a huge chunk of me is missing when I don’t write. Its hard to sleep or concentrate when I’ve got characters trying to get out.
Obsidian is book 9 of the Anita Blake series and it shows a great side of Edward.
Nancy –
Aw thank you sweetie! I’m sure you are in same boat as me, being an author yourself. I used to live in the BTVS world, email me sometime and we’ll swamp stories, lol.
Sarai –
1. Do you ever get writer’s block? and if so, how do you deal with it?
Pft, I get writers block all the time! I just push through it, start rereading from the beginning until I fix the muse.
2. Do you like to listen to music when you write? and if so, what is your favorite writing music?
I need silence, lol.
Darby –
1. I know you state that you are shy and so being shy, is your unshy self coming out through any of your characters? And if so, which character?
I put a lot of myself in all of my characters, small little things, lol. It is fun experiencing things through my characters lives because lord knows I’ve never done half of the things I’ve written about! LOL.
AJ, great interview! Have you ever gotten a bad review? If so, how did you handle it?
Hi AJ,
Are there times when you just do not feel like writing and if so how do you motivate yourself to get started again.
lol, silence huh? How exactly do you find that silence then? Inquiring minds want to know, because I use music to drown everything else out when I want to write
I’ve added you to my blogroll at http://www.bananasandberries.com
I would love to win; it all sounds great and I wouldn’t mind having this in my hands!!!!
-Barb
To: TarotByArwen
Q: Have you ever gotten a bad review? If so, how did you handle it?
I haven’t gotten a bad review published, but I’ve gotten some harsh critisim before. It stung, at first, then it motivated me to see my mistakes and fix them. As a rule, I don’t think many review sites publish “bad” reviews.
I’m really glad you enjoyed the interview!!
To: Tracie
Q: Are there times when you just do not feel like writing and if so how do you motivate yourself to get started again.
A: Man, there have been so many times when I ask myself why bother? There are times when writing stops becoming fun and is a chore. When that happens, I take a break. Could last days, weeks, sometimes a month or two. When I’m ready to write again, the muse makes itself impossible to ignore. For me, I have to be in a certain space to write. When I’m stressed and worried about real life stuff, I find it hard to concentraite on writing.
To: Sarai
Q: How exactly do you find that silence then? Inquiring minds want to know, because I use music to drown everything else out when I want to write.
A: Finding quiet time… that is the million dollar question isn’t it? When you figure that out, let me know and I’ll be your slave for life! LOL. My quite time is late at night, or early in the morning. I love music, and if I listen to it while I’m writing I get distracted. Now, some music will motivate me to write. I mean who isn’t pumped up after Nine Inch Nail’s - F-Me like an Animal song!
To: Barbara Baker
Sends you some good luck mojo!!
(PS I’ve always got extra bookmarks, so if you’d like some just email me at aj_hampton@hotmail.com)
AJ - your book sounds so intriguing! I am sure it is a difficult balance!!! As a married mother of 2, and a working mom at that - what advice would you give to others, like us, for writing?
Hi Aj:)
I was just wondering if you have been a fan of vampires or any horror since you were young?
I have enjoyed reading about you and i am betting that you have a new fan right here!!!
Hello,
You are definitely on my blog roll! I have also posted an entry on my blog for this interview and contest!
Thanks
Kristi
To: Michele
Q: As a married mother of 2, and a working mom at that - what advice would you give to others, like us, for writing?
A: Hi Michele! I’m happy to hear my writing interests you! I’ve met so many amazingly talented women since I started writing, many of them married and mothers! I think across the board, it’s difficult for any mom to have a hobby.
My advice is to take the time when you can get it. Make hubby watch the kids while you sneak off to write, or, set your alarm early by one hour (that is what I do). Through out the day I daydream about what I want to write. As soon as everyone is in bed, I sneak off and let it all out. Most of the time I find writing a great way to unwind. Its my private thing that keeps me sane.
I swear that somewhere in the above paragraph is some advice, lol.
To Crystal:
Q: I was just wondering if you have been a fan of vampires or any horror since you were young?
A: Woot woot!! A fan!! (((Hugs))) I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre, even when I was young. It scared the crap out of me, but call it morbid curiosity, but I kept watching. It wasn’t until I got older (and into Buffy) that vampires and the paranormal became “sexy.” After reading about a million Harlequin books, I picked up my first novel (Anita Blake) an I was floored. I had no idea erotica and horror and romance could be combined the way LKH did it. After I got through that series, I branched out to different authors and series.
To: Kristi
Thank you so much Kristi for the shout out!!
1) Where have you traveled for research?
2) Where would you love to travel for research?
To: Lexee
1) Where have you traveled for research?
A: I have never gone anywhere with research in mind, but I am facinated with upstate New York for some reason. I’ve travelled there via internet, does that count? LOL.
2) Where would you love to travel for research?
A: I’d love to be in the woods. I have this image in my head of fog woven between trees. I’d like to run through it. That, where that is, is where I’d love to travel. Some things you can read about, but I want to know how it feels on my skin, how the air tastes and smells.
I posted your contest info on myspace blog…you can use this link & then click on my blog:
http://www.myspace.com/koshkalady
Sounds like you’re a panser, not a plotter — do you outline at all? Do you know where you’re going before you’ve begun?
And what are your tricks for avoiding a sagging middle — of a story, not my middle - but I’ll take any advice on that if you have it, too.
[...] (Uncategorized) Tags: Bitten by Books, book giveaway, Carnival « Cimmerian City by Rae Lindley Author Interview And Contest With AJ Hampton [...]
Hi Aj, I was wondering if there is some genre you would like to write but have been unable to?
which character that you have created would you say is the most like you?
Hi Aj!! I must admit I don’t own one of your books but would really like to, lol I need to get my wishlist out for Christmas
Ok my question is… who did you give the very first autographed copy of your first book to?
I’m a subscriber, a myspace friend, and added the link on my blog roll, http://www.bookreviewsbycrystal.blogspot.com
You mentioned you like to read, which I think is so important if you want to write. Who were some of your favorite authors growing up?
Hi AJ,
Have you ever put music to your writing? Or have you had a song put an idea in your head.., maybe like the melody or just the feel or tone of the instruments?
what do you do to help your creative juices to flow?
Flying in to say hello to AJ! BBB vamps you know I’m all up in this site and have performed all sorts of tasks. OK I have to make this quick as it’s daylight and I’m supposed to be asleep. AJ, your books appeal to me greatly. Do you have any vampire friends or am I your first? Btw, I know a few succubi too. Nighty-night!
Hi AJ,
Do you get a lot of support in your writing from your family?
Debby
Your cover is beautiful AJ, a very nice choice I think!
How did it feel to hold YOUR book in your hands for the first time?
First off, wow. Thank you SO much to everyone who took time to drop by and leave comments. Sorry I’m late getting back to replies! So, here I go!!
TO: Michelle B.
You rock! Thank you so much for the shout out, and a degree in Russian (I peaked at your MySpace, wow-wee girl!)
TO: Cynthia
Q) Sounds like you’re a panser, not a plotter —do you outline at all? Do you know where you’re going before you’ve begun?
A) I’m a total panser, more and more as time goes on. I do like to get a few ideas for where I’d like to go, but for the most part I just sit down and write. If I plan too much, I get lost and wrapped up in details that hold me back.
Q) What are your tricks for avoiding a sagging middle — of a story, not my middle - but I’ll take any advice on that if you have it, too.
A) A sagging waist line… hmmm… sex burns lots of calories *wink wink* For me, to avoid a slow down in the middle of the book, I try and watch how long my scenes get. If I’m at a transition point, I try to fill space with some tension that moves the story along and lets the reader get know the characters a bit more. I also edit, cut out what doesn’t need to be in the story to help move things along. I’m very wordy (if you haven’t noticed already!!)
TO: Debby
Q)I was wondering if there is some genre you would like to write but have been unable to?
A) Hell yes there is! I’d love to sink my teeth into some hard core horror. Okay, so not “hard core” but something very scary, yet at the same time romance. I gotta add romance into everything because no matter what I watch or read, I’m always looking for a couple to ship together.
TO: Tina b
(((Squishes Tina!!)))
Q) Which character that you have created would you say is the most like you?
A) Well, all my characters get a tiny bit of my personality (both the men and the women). I like New Castle - so a character likes it. I don’t like birds (think they are scary) so, a character may get that trait as well. Recently, my cousin read Bending to Break and said there were a few parts that make her smile because she could see so much of me in there.
TO: Crystal Adkins
Hi Crystal!! I hope that you get your xmas list!!!
Q) Who did you give the very first autographed copy of your first book to?
A) My brother. Yup. The first version of Bending to Break was signed and shipped to my brother. Sounds strange I know, but we are pretty close.
TO: Krysten H
A) You mentioned you like to read, which I think is so important if you want to write. Who were some of your favorite authors growing up?
Q) Growing up, I loved Christopher Pike. Loved wouldn’t be a strong enough word. I moved into Steven King, then Dean Koontz. When I was a teenager I bypassed books for boys and beer. Once I became a quasi adult I found fanfiction for a few years, then discovered my love for romance novels. Laurell Hamilton and Charlaine Harris were my first series and they really motivated me.
TO: Alcira
Q) Have you ever put music to your writing? Or have you had a song put an idea in your head.., maybe like the melody or just the feel or tone of the instruments?
A) You know, I did do that once. I was listening to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and I was just so moved. I kept getting this intense, dark romance in my head. I ended up making it into a short piece called Moonlight Shadows which is available for free.
http://allromanceebooks.com/newsletter117-2008-08-08.html
I’ll work on getting it up on my site.
TO: Dorothy
Q) What do you do to help your creative juices to flow?
A) Being alone and in a quiet space helps. I like to stare at the computer and just let my fingers hover over the keys. Once my brain grasps onto an idea I just run with it. I also have a lot of fun brainstorming and throwing ideas back and forth. Helping others with their plots seems to get me inspired to start writing myself.
TO: Melissa
Q) Do you have any vampire friends or am I your first? Btw, I know a few succubi too. Nighty-night!
A) Well, I must say Melissa you are my first!! Haven’t said that in a while! LOL. I’m glad you flew in! I’m a huge fan of vampires. *looks around nervously… I hope you ate already*
TO: Debby
Q) Do you get a lot of support in your writing from your family?
A) I get an amazing amount of support from my family. I was really nervous about it at first (and still am). People ask you what you write and I have a hard time explaining I write erotic paranormal stories. They ask, or course, well what kind of paranormal stories… then I feel compelled to tell them about vampires and shape shifters… well I’m left feeling like a loon! LOL. But really, my brother has been amazing - he even started doing some pre-edits for me which I’m eternally (not as eternal as Melissa I’m sure!) grateful for.
TO: Brooke
I’m so happy you like it!! The one Rachel has posted was actually the first version of the novel. You can visit my site: http://ajhampton.com to see the updated cover.
Q) How did it feel to hold YOUR book in your hands for the first time?
A) Surreal. Still doesn’t feel real. I re read it sometimes and just think, wow, I actually wrote a book. It doesn’t matter how many people bought it, read it, liked it, hated it, or just plain burned it. I wrote a book. I recommend it (writing) to anyone.
[...] Author Interview And Contest With AJ Hampton [...]
Congrats to Cynthia who is the winner of this contest. She has been contacted via email.
Way to go Cynthia!
Any hope of having any of her books translated into Russian?