We chat with author Amy Pennza about Dhampira, which follows a long-lost noble of the ruthless vampire court who discovers she might not need to choose between her two suitors in this blood-pounding new romantasy.
Hi, Amy! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I write spicy romantasy, usually MMF menage. I became a lawyer because several people told me that writing fiction wasn’t a viable career path. I’m happy to report they were wrong. I’m so grateful to my readers for allowing me to make writing my job. I have five amazing kids and a pretty darn handsome husband who’s the sunshine in our grumpy/sunshine romance. He never complains when I show him in-progress character art and demand, “Look at this guy’s abs and tell me if they make you want to buy a book about a fae shadow daddy with a flame-throwing sword.”
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love telling stories. As a child, I put myself to sleep reimagining scenes from books I’d read or movies I’d watched. I guess I was writing fanfic in my head without realizing it. I still do that at night, but I usually imagine my own characters acting out a scene I plan to write the next day. I create the “set” and put the characters through dialogue and choreography. Apparently, I’ve got a little production studio going on in my head.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
- The one that made you want to become an author: Dune by Frank Herbert
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop is my go-to comfort read. I feel like I discover something new every time I dip back into that world.
Your latest novel, Dhampira, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Queer. Polyamorous. Vintage. Atmospheric. Spicy.
What can readers expect?
A spicy and sometimes dark and twisty tale of a half-vampire woman thrust into a magical world where the sky is cotton candy pink, several creatures want to eat her, and spies are everywhere, right down to the trees. More than anything, she wants to go home. But she can’t turn her back on people who need help. And when two very different, dangerous (and wildly attractive) men offer to help her, she has to decide if she can trust them. Because they’re most definitely working for the villain.
Where did the inspiration for Dhampira come from?
I grew up watching 80s and 90s fantasy movies like Labyrinth and The Neverending Story. They portrayed such rich, colorful worlds with a healthy dose of danger. I wanted to write something epic like that. I wanted the reader to feel like they were experiencing the beauty, adventure, and peril of Nocta right alongside Corinthe.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love the throuple in this book. The men are very different, and they each have their own heart-wrenching backstories. Corinthe, the female main character, has a unique relationship with each man. The men also have their own special bond, which has this delicious enemies-to-lovers and black cat/golden retriever energy that delivers amazing banter and scorching spice. Watching the three of them come together as a triad is so satisfying. I think readers will fall in love with Lorcan and Vander, who aren’t just willing to kneel for their queen: they’re eager for it.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Dhampira is my first traditionally published book. Most indie authors maintain a brisk publishing schedule, and I’m no exception. Balancing the two worlds has been a bit of a challenge. The indie side of me wants to release a book as soon as it’s edited and then immediately move on to the next one. It doesn’t work that way in trad publishing, so I’ve had to shift my mindset. I like to call it “patience under protest.”
Who makes it into a top three vampire list for you?
Lestat de Lioncourt, of course. (He’d be so miffed if he didn’t make the top of the list.) Eric Northman from Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse novels. And I can’t forget Blade, my favorite dhampir!
What’s next for you?
I’m ready to turn in the copyedits for the Dhampira sequel. It has a title but I’m not sure I’m allowed to reveal it yet. Soon, though! And readers will be pleased to know that both Lorcan and Vander get POV chapters in that book. (And the spice shoots up several degrees.) I’ll also be releasing the second book in my Wolfseeker Trilogy, which is a very spicy MM werewolf romance.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
One of my author friends, TC Kraven, is releasing a new vampire romance book, Blood and Bedlam, on September 15, and I have my fingers crossed that I’ll get my greedy paws on an advance reader copy.
