31 Wicked Days of Xmas With Amanda Carlson

• What is next for you book wise in 2013?

Both HOT BLOODED and COLD BLOODED release in 2013. I’m really excited! HOT releases in April & COLD releases in the fall. I’m super pumped to get the next book in the hands of fans this spring.

• Do you have a favourite book of 2012? 

The stack of books by my bedside is three feet high. I didn’t finish a single book in 2012, but started many. Authors on my to-be-finished list are Amanda Bonilla, Julie Ann Walker, Sandy Williams & Shawntelle Madison. So much new talent out there.

• What is your favourite holiday food? 

It’s a toss up for side dishes for me. I’m a sucker for the sides. I love potatoes & stuffing. This year I had an unbelievable sweet potato casserole with plenty of cream and parmesan. I think I had a dream about it, LOL!

• Least favourite holiday song? 

I like my Christmas tunes upbeat, so anything long and ballad-y is a yawn for me. Bring the happy, cheerful songs all day long.

• Do you have any holiday family traditions?

Christmas Day is always spent with my extended family. We open gifts with the kids first then get together with 40 people. This year I’m hosting. We have a huge ice rink in the yard and it’s hilarious to watch my family try and skate. I love Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday of the year.

• Worst gift you ever received? 

An address book unwrapped sitting on my desk. I told my brand new husband not to buy me anything 18 years ago. He took me at my word. That never happened again! Now it’s a little something, but we don’t go crazy.

• Worst gift you ever gave? 

I re-gifted someone a salad spinner from my wedding!! I’m giggling just remembering. I got two as gifts. Who needs two salad spinners? (Who even uses one??) *giggles*

• Favourite holiday memory? 

My three kids waiting on the top steps to come down and see their gifts from Santa every single year. The anticipation is crazy. We take pictures and each year I lengthen out the torture time. I love it.

• If you could share one lesser known fact about yourself to our readers, what will it be? 

I worked as a volunteer Park Ranger in Utah when I was 22. It was amazing! Nothing like the red rock vistas.

• Weirdest thing you collect? 

I started my girls on a collection of mini Japanese erasers shaped like food. Yep. We are totally addicted. That and Tokidoki stuff. But we don’t consider it strange, it’s just awesome.

Thanks for having me, WLP!! It’s always fun to stop by. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

Giveaway: INTERNATIONAL! Amanda is giving away a signed copy of Full Blooded to one lucky person. Just tell us about your favourite holiday memory.