31 Wicked Days of Xmas With Amanda Bonillia

• What is next for you book wise in 2013?

I have a novella in the Shaede Assassin series, LOST TO THE GRAY, releasing on February 5^th. I’m really excited for this one because it’s told from Tyler’s perspective. He’s a tough character for me to write so it was great to dig around in his head a bit. On March 13^th, book three of the Shaede Assassin Series, CRAVE THE DARKNESS releases. It’s my favorite book in the series so far. I’m really happy with the evolution of Darian’s character in this book.

• Do you have a favourite book of 2012?

I can only pick one?!? I have so many! Okay, I guess if I have to single one out, I’d say my favorite book of 2012 is FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET by Darynda Jones. I have a HUGE crush on Reyes Farrow and I love Charlie’s character as well. I laugh out loud every time she names a new body part or piece of furniture. But I think what really bowls me over is the storytelling. The flow and arc of this series is spot on. I’ll be twitching like an addict until the next book comes out!

• What is your favourite holiday food?

Stuffing! I could eat stuffing seven days a week. But it’s probably a good thing that I keep my stuffing consumption to Thanksgiving and Christmas or I wouldn’t fit out my front door.

• Least favourite holiday song?

If I’m going to listen to holiday music, I like the classics. I want to hear renditions by artists like Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Burl Ives or nothing at all. The modern twists on the classics drive me insane.

• Do you have any holiday family traditions?

We really don’t have any holiday traditions, besides having a family dinner. But the kiddos (and the hubs) are pretty obsessive about how we open our gifts to one another. Everyone opens one gift at a time. I think they like the suspense.

• Worst gift you ever received?

One year the hub’s fire department did white elephant gifts for their Christmas party. I came home with a package of toilet paper and a bottle of Pepto. I don’t think it was a commentary on the potluck, but at least I came away with something useful.

• Worst gift you ever gave?

One year I made home-made hair conditioner for everyone. The recipe was pretty bad and I don’t think anyone used it.

• Favourite holiday memory?

I loved Thanksgiving when I was a kid. We didn’t spend many holidays with my dad’s parents and so going to their house was extra special. My grandma taught me everything I know about cooking a great Thanksgiving dinner and I think about her every year while I’m making stuffing or watching the Macy’s parade.

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

I make up nicknames for pretty much everyone. Our pets, kids, friends… it’s a sickness. I’d nickname my players when I coached volleyball and I’m pretty sure they hated me for it. One of our dogs, Pepper, goes by Pepperoni, Peppercorn, Pepperoncini, Pepper Lou… Well, you get the idea.

• Weirdest thing you collect?

I’m not much of a collector, but I do have quite a few coffee making apparatuses. I have 2 small shelves in my kitchen with nothing but coffee makers. I have a Mr. Coffee, a French press, an espresso maker, and thanks to Marcela (from The Bookaholic Cat), a Turkish coffee pot as well. Up until a few years ago, I also had a Senseo, but it broke. Maybe it’s time to try Keurig? What can I say, I love coffee!

Giveaway Details! Amanda is giving away the first two books in her series. Just tell her what your favourite food of the holiday season is!