Amanda Hocking is only 27 years old but she's already sold one million e-books - and has been compared to 'Harry Potter' author J.K Rowling and Stephanie Meyer of 'Twilight' fame.
Here Yahoo! omg! chats to the young novelist about self-publishing, why her trilogy is the best of Harry Potter and Twilight plus her obsession with The Muppets...
You've sold 1 million ebooks but you were turned down by a load of publishers and agents. What happened?
I used to go to agents and I couldn't get past the first door. They said they liked it but weren't passionate about it. It ended up being reader chosen. The reason that my book sold a lot wasn't because of a big marketing campaign it was because readers were liking it and talking about it.
The Trylle Trilogy is a young adult fantasy series like Twilight, Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. What makes it different?
It's similar in that they all tap into the same kind of thing — young adult, the first adventurous experience that kids have. But Twilight does more of the first romance and Harry Potter is more on the adventure side. I think my book has both of those elements but I think what makes it different is it's set in a whole different world to both of them.
It combines elements. Harry Potter focused on his quest to fight Voldomort and Twilight focused on [Bella]'s quest to marry Edward but mine has both — a quest to stop an evil villain and a quest to fall in love.
Switched is the first book from the Trylle Trilogy
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I took inspiration from everything. Books and movies I read as a kid, places I went to in Minnesota [where I grew up], Scandinavian folklore. Trolls are really popular there.
We remember the old trolls back when we were kids, did you have those?
I had a bunch of those that go at the end of your pencil, yes.
We've all been wishing we had a J.K Rowling story up our sleeves since she made it so big, what's the secret?
Being able to connect with readers. Finding characters and a storyline that connects with them.
Amanda Hocking says her trilogy combines the best of Harry Potter & Twilight
How does it feel to be compared to authors like J.K and Stephanie Meyer?
It's weird. They both did very well though so I'm not gonna complain about it. But eventually I hope I'll be my own name. But it's not a bad comparison.
Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?
I like Charlie the best. I'm not Team Edward or Team Jacob.
You're in talks with a screenwriter about a film of the trilogy. Are you worried it might ruin the books for people?
I'm really excited. When I was writing it I hoped it would be a movie but you never can tell. The screenwriter will be as true to it as a movie adaptation can be. I really trust her judgment.
Who would you pick to play your lead male?
Thomas McDonell (Prom) would make a great Finn. He's kinda dreamy. But it depends when it gets made as people might be way too old.
Amanda wants Prom star Thomas McDonell to play Finn if there's a film/Wenn
We've heard you're a big Muppets fan...
Yes I am! As a child I watched the Muppets, Labyrinth and Sesame Street obviously.
And you've seen the film?
Yes I loved it.
Amanda is a huge Muppets fan/Wenn
Are you a fan of the kindle or good old fashioned pages?
I think an e-reader is nice for a lot of things but when I really like a book I still want to own it in paperback to have on the shelf. It's the same with music. I'll buy music on my iPhone but if I really like a band I want it on CD too.
If you did so well self-publishing, why did you get yourself a traditional publisher?
I was running the risk of getting burnt out. I couldn't keep up with the speed and needed someone to take over so I could focus on writing and books.
What are your tips for other budding entrepreneurs?
I've been writing my whole life and been trying to get published for almost 10 years. If you want something just go for it and keep working.
Switched, the first in Amanda Hocking's Trylle Trilogy is out now!
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