Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former high school science teacher, and I began writing my first novel She Dies at the End when I was the stay-at-home mom of a toddler. I had written a lot of stories as a teen, but I hadn’t done any creative writing in years. I really needed an artistic outlet at that time in my life. Eventually, as the story grew and matured, I decided to publish it. The sequel is about half done, and I have an idea percolating for another series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called She Dies at the End. It is about a psychic who cannot see her own future, save for what appears to be the scene of her funeral. The book grew out of an idea I had for the main character, November, whom I imagined to be a carnival fortune teller who was a true psychic rather than a charlatan. I also had a desire to write an intelligent vampire novel in which the female protagonist really stands up for herself, and one in which the cast of characters was diverse. I feel like most popular novels have very homogeneous casts, and I wanted characters of color as well as gay and lesbian characters to better reflect the real world. My son is biracial, and all my students were children of color, and I wanted to write something where people like them could see themselves reflected in the characters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write over coffee, life everyone else. I do like to brainstorm while on long drives and in the shower.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite writers are Stacy Schiff, Hilary Mantel, Isabel Allende, and J.K. Rowling. I think they have all influenced me in different ways. I aspire to someday create a magical world as rich as Rowling’s, and her personal story of writing as a young mother is inspiring. Schiff has a way of bringing the past to life that I love. Mantel has an amazing gift for dialogue that I hope to one day be able to approach, as well as a remarkable talent for humanizing villains. Allende conveys various cultures in such an effective, vibrant, emotional way.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to She Dies at the End, as well as a set of short stories about different characters from that universe. The stories answer some questions and fill in back story about some of the pivotal people in November’s life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning what is effective and what is not for me. So far, my greatest success has been in asking those who’ve enjoyed my work to share it with their friends on social media. I’m excited to see how Awesomegang affects my ability to reach readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be brave and let some people read your stuff. Putting yourself out there is so hard, but nothing good comes without risk. You’ll find that most people want to be encouraging and helpful.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is that sometimes, you have to fight for what is yours.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading three different books: Kismet by Shaheen Darr, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, and Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As far as what is next for me, I’m going to keep plugging away on my sequel, work on expanding my marketing efforts, and make more connections with fellow indie authors.
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?
I would bring Wolf Hall, War and Peace, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and the Bible (NRSV).
Author Websites and Profiles
A.M. Manay Website
A.M. Manay Amazon Profile
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