Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a simple Indiana girl who has loved reading and writing her whole life. From a very young age, I was saying that I wanted to be a published writer. I firmly believed that if you were writing, then you were already a writer! I moved to the Washington, DC area many moons ago, but while you can take the girl out of Indiana, it’s true that you cannot take Indiana out of the girl. I will order a steak over salad any day, basketball is my religion, and Larry Bird is still my God! LOL
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is the poetry collection, “Bitter: A Selection of Sour Love Poems.” Actually, my fans inspired it. My first book, “SOUR,” had such a wonderful reception, reaching #13 on Amazon’s bestseller list of poetry books written by women. I had several readers say they wanted another book, and even gave me ideas for the next title, one of which I used!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, when I am writing a novel, and sometimes even with short stories, I write the ending first. I always seem to know exactly where I want my characters to end up, but I don’t always know exactly how they will get there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a huge fan of Gail Godwin. I read “Father Melancholy’s Daughter” in my early 20’s, and it so moved me that I drove an hour at 3 am to get to my father, just to see him and make sure he was okay.
As far as poets, I love the old romantics . . . Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Alexander Pope. Earlier this year, I was in Bauman’s Rare Books in Law Vegas and found a complete collection of Pope’s work, signed by him. I am not to proud to admit that I had a moment. I actually wept. God bless the store employee for realizing that I just needed to be alone with the book.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on three projects. Yes, three! Another poetry collection, hopefully available in December; a long, involved historical romance novel, the research on which has proved to be a nightmare; and a children’s book. I am most excited about the children’s book!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t figured that out yet! Marketing is a slippery little devil. I am loving the Awesomegang website though!!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait!! If you want to be a writer, DO IT! I waited a loooooooong time to publish because I was afraid that someone would say that I sucked as a writer. I was held captive by my fear. Now I realize that there will always be people who don’t like your work, but there will also always be people who love it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you are going to say something, say it well.
And, however you may write is the “correct” way to write. That made me feel so much better about always writing my ending first. LOL
What are you reading now?
Oh goodness . . . a trashy romance novel!! I read a lot of writing industry books -writing better, how to market, etc., as well as general self-help books- eating better, yoga for stress relief, etc., so when I read for fun, I like it to be really fun!!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have recently decided to give up my paralegal career and focus full-time on my writing. A daunting prospect to be sure, but it is time. Life is short and I want to spend the rest of it actually living my dream of being a writer.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
OH MY! A poetry collection that has all my favorite classics, first and foremost. And a Bible, to look up verses to help me not give up hope of being rescued!
Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Valerie Judd Website
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