MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AMANDA WILLIAMS

MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AMANDA WILLIAMS

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

My name is Amanda Williams and I am a YA author. At the moment I have delved into the world of horror but am also currently working on a fantasy novel.

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

My story was based on an actual experience I had as a child. I won’t say more than that as it would give the story away 😉

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

It started out as a way of me getting my nightmares onto paper so they didn’t seem so real anymore.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

Mostly experience and dreams I had from a disturbed childhood. I also love reading similar books from my childhood such as Goosebumps books by R L Stine and Point Horror books.

Can you tell me about your Series?

It was inspired from my childhood and will have multiple books in the series. I have many nightmares to share with you all Muahahahaha

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?

Well considering I only have one out I would say Cracked Smile though I think my new one may top it.

Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your series?

I got my inspiration form the old Goosebump series. I liked having one series but with many stories.

Was it always meant to become a series?

I had always envisioned it as a series and will continue as long as people like reading them.

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

I have my own little writing corner set up. I don’t have a set time of day I just let my body feel the words.

Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?

I am currently working on Cracked Smile 2 as well as a few others in the making. Depends on which characters are more bossy to which releases first 😉

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Some have significance and some I just pick from the air all depends on how intense the story is.

Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?

For ages now I have been wanting to write adult fantasy novels. I am currently working on one under a pen name for NaNoWriMo

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part has been sending my book baby out into the world to be picked apart by the readers. Will they love it? Will they hate it? I get so nervous on release day but I think that’s normal for any author.

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I intend on finishing a creation to share my vision for the series. But I fully intend on releasing some book trailers very soon.

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

The moment I put my book for free for a limited time I actually got into position 8 on the top 10 chart on Amazon and that was amazing. Gave me a real buzz.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

To me it’s not about how much you make as an author. As long as the readers are getting pure enjoyment from my books then that’s all that matters to me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Honestly? As long as people enjoy my books I’ll still be writing. I intend to write far into my old age. 🙂

Have you always liked to write?

I have always enjoyed writing, it’s my one big passion in life.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Just be yourself. Don’t fret about that single one star review because you know what you can’t please everyone all the time. It’s all personal preference and it’s not about how you’ve written your book. If the majority are enjoying it then just enjoy being yourself too. You only get one life so go live it enjoying what you do.

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

I would probably carry on doing what I am doing now. I’m also an editor for other authors. You can find me over at Dark Raven Edits (shameless plug :P) I am also a blogger for Dark Raven Reviews. I just love helping other author’s books out into the world.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I read every review, of course I do. My readers are the most important thing but I tend not to stress over the bad ones unless it’s something I can genuinely fix. Your books are not going to be everyones tastes so why worry?

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

I wouldn’t say it’s my least favourite part but it’s definitely my most scariest part which is hitting that release button and waiting for the first review/feedback to come through.

Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress?

I can indeed. I have a teaser from my adult fantasy under my pen name “Lauren Connors” that I will include with this interview.

Where did your love of books come from?

From a very early age of reading Matilda. I was always an outcast as a child and I found friends in books much like Matilda does.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

Omg so many. Too much to list here but I’ll try and narrow it down to a few. R.L.Stine, Stephen King, Bella Emy, Amy Cross, Kerrigan Valentine, Lavinia Urban, Laura Morgan, E A Belle, C A Belle, Kristin Ping, Julie Anne Addicott, S.K.Rose, and R.K.Ryalls to name just a few.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

My favourite character so far is the heroine of my new book as she is based on me a little bit so I pour all my emotions into her.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It always energizes me. There’s nothing I love more.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Blurbs, always the blurbs!

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I try to but to be honest I usually tend to just have stories I need to tell. They come out as they want to.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I am friends with hundreds of indie authors and we all support each other and are always on hand to check things over to see if it flows or if a blurb works for the book etc.

If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

Forever running, always running from something or towards something. Yeah I know, very cryptic 😉