Amanda Havard (born June 10, 1986) is an American writer of young adult fiction,[1]songwriter, Creative Director of the Immersedition transmedia studio, the creators of the Immersedition interactive book apps.[2] Havard is most recognized for the paranormal romance series, The Survivors, a five book series featuring history, mythology, and paranormal beings like witches, vampires, and shapeshifters.[3][bettersourceneeded]
Amanda Havard was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to L.C. and Anneal Havard. She grew up in Dallas, TX and attended the Parish Episcopal School and the Hockaday School for girls.[4] Upon graduation, Havard attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee[5] where she received her bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood development[2] from Peabody College of Education and Human Development.[6] Havard now lives in Nashville, Tennessee.[5]
Career
In 2014, Havard co-founded Health:ELT, a platform aimed at improving engagement and logistical support for Medicaid populations through digital tools like web dashboards and mobile apps.[7]
She later founded Lunae Innovation Lab, a consultancy and venture studio focused on building scalable, human-centered digital products. Through Lunae, Havard has advised and supported several startups, including Wire Health and Zyme.[8]
Havard is was also the founding CEO of “Oria Health” but later departed in 2023. a company focused on delivering accessible mental healthcare to rural and underserved populations. In 2023, Oria Health moved its headquarters to the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky.[9]
Expertise
Havard’s expertise lies in cognitive science, behavioral design, and user-centered product development. Her work emphasizes the transformation of abstract or complex systems—such as healthcare—into more intuitive, empowering, and scalable digital experiences.
Advisory roles
Havard advises multiple early-stage startups, with a focus on digital health and technology. Her advisory roles include companies like Wire Health, Zyme, and ADoH Scientific.[8]
The Survivors was published on March 28, 2011 by independent publisher Chafie Press.[11][bettersourceneeded]The Survivors is also the pilot version of the Immersedition book app.[12] The Immersedition version includes original music (written by Havard), maps, photos, music videos, historical and mythological background information, author commentary, and other relevant additions to the story world.[13]The Survivors was also released in syndication on Wattpad throughout 2011[14] and has received over 5 million reads.[15]
The Survivors was a recipient of Independent Publisher's 2011 Editor's Choice Award, the 2011 Moonbeam Children's Book Award bronze medal for Young Adult Horror/Mystery,[16] US Review of Books’ Eric Hoffer Lit Award 1st Runner-Up (YA),[17] and eLit Awards' bronze medal in Young Adult and bronze medal in Fantasy/Sci-Fi.[18]
Point of Origin
Point of Origin is the second book in The Survivors series and was published in 2012. It was awarded the Review Direct Title of Special Note.[citation needed]
Body & Blood
Body & Blood is the third book in The Survivors series.
Creative director
In 2011, Havard was named Creative Director of Immersedition, an interactive book app.[2][13]
Fiction
Havard's own work, The Survivors, was released on Immersedition.[19] Havard has spoken on several media and transmedia panels across the country on the future of storytelling via multiple platforms and especially interactive books, including Digital Hollywood,[20]Mediabistro's Pub App Expo,[5] UtopYACon,[21] and the New York Film Festival (2012). In April 2012, Wired (magazine) featured Havard and Immersedition™ among the independent publishers "leading the way" in the development of interactive books.[13]
Havard has written and co-written songs that have been performed and produced to accompany The Survivors series. Havard used songwriting as a tool in the writing process to help articulate key scenes.[23]
"Pretty Girl"
The first song written by Havard and Deanna Walker (songwriter and songwriting professor at Vanderbilt University[24]) was "Pretty Girl" performed by The Voice Season 2 finalist, Chris Mann.[25] "Pretty Girl" was released in April 2011[26] and was written from the perspective of the male lead, Everett Winter.[27]
"Breaking"
The second single written for the series was co-written by Havard and Walker and titled "Breaking".[28] "Breaking" was recorded by Jess Moskaluke.[29] "Breaking" debuted on August 3, 2011 and has over 300,000 views on YouTube.[30]
"Who You Are"
The third single written for The Survivors was co-written by Havard, Walker, Rick Beresford (BMI Award winner),[31] and Tiffany Vartanyan.[32] "Who You Are" is a duet performed by The Voice Season 1 contestant Patrick Thomas[33] and Jenny Gill (daughter of Vince Gill[34]). "Who You Are" was released on November 12, 2011.[26]
"Play Nice"
The fourth single, recorded for Point of Origin, was written by Havard, Walker, and Beresford and is performed by singer/songwriter Elle Maze. "Play Nice" was released on November 12, 2012.[23]
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