Author Interview: Karen Amanda Hooper

Today, I'd like to welcome Karen Amanda Hooper, the author of Tangled Tides to my blog.

A bit about Karen (as found on Goodreads): Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two sweet and adorable dogs. She is addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters. 

What was the inspiration behind Tangled Tides?

I've loved mermaids since I was a toddler, and I've always been drawn to the ocean, so it was a given that I'd create a story about what kind of fantastical creatures could be lurking beneath the surface. 

In addition to the more common paranormal YA creatures, there are some mythological ones in Tangled Tides. How much research did you do to find out more and create your own lore about them?

I had to research Medusa's sisters because I didn't know much about them, but Clash of the Titans was one of my favorite movies as a child (I know, I'm a bit odd) so I've always had an odd fascination with Medusa. However, when Perseus kills her in Clash of the Titans, it always made me sad. I gave her a much happier ending in my twist on her lore.

There are a couple of Disney references scattered here and there throughout Tangled Tides. What is your favourite Disney film and why?

Oh, there are so many. Obviously I'm a big fan of The Little Mermaid, but I think my absolute favorite is Peter Pan. I love the idea of Neverland, and there's so much magic and adventure in the story.  Peter Pan's flight is my favorite ride at Disney World. My boyfriend even calls me Tink, and I call him Peter Pan. And, of course, I love the mermaids in Peter Pan too. 

Which of the characters from Tangled Tides do you like most and why?

Unfair question! I love all of my characters! That's like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. You can't make me choose! lol.

Which character from Tangled Tides are you most like?

As far as who I'm most like ... hmmm ... I guess I'd have to say Nixie. Minus the dressing slutty factor, and the soul stealing ability. Nixie is forced to act confident and always appear strong and in control, but deep down she's always doubting herself and worrying if she really fits in anywhere. Plus, she has a huge heart.

Do you have any writing projects planned for the future? If so, could you please tell us a little more about them?

I'm currently writing book 2 of The Sea Monster Memoirs, and I also have a YA supernatural story that is reincarnation based. I wrote that one way before Tangled Tides, but I think it needs some revising before I send it out into the world. I also have 2 other projects that I started, but they will just have to wait their turn. 

A big thanks to Karen for taking the time to answer my questions!

Karen can be found on: [her website] [her blog] [Twitter] [Facebook] [Goodreads]

Tangled Tides can be bought from: [Amazon] [Barnes and Noble] [The Book Depository]