Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I live in California, USA with a crotchety old cat who I adore and spoil rotten. Chocolate chip cupcakes are my weakness and an excellent bribe if you ever need a favor. Writing is a recent adventure for me. I wrote a little in high school, then stopped for many, many years. One of my friends encouraged me to start writing again last year and here I am!
I have two short stories scheduled to be published this year, and I’m currently writing a novel. I love writing YA because it’s such a time of change in people’s lives, and everyone can relate to the heart of the stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My short story, Cinders and Blades, will be published in the Glass & Ashes Anthology with OWS in December 2018. I wanted to twist a classic fairytale: what if Cinderella was actually at the ball to assassinate the prince?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Putting a movie on, usually an action movie, and looping it as I write. I like the background noise, and action movies get the adrenalin pumping which is great for fight scenes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mercedes Lackey, Robin McKinley, Debbie Macomber, Lisa Kleypas, Patricia Briggs, Kelly Oram, Bria Quinlan, Lynn Flewelling, Roald Dahl… I could keep going, but those are probably my top choices.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a YA romcom involving a scientist and a wizard. I’m really excited about this story, the characters are hilarious and are a blast to write! Did I mention there’s a dragon?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Talking to readers on my Facebook page, and through my newsletter. I love hearing from them! People are so generous in sharing stories from their lives, pictures of their pets, and recommendations.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You’re first story is going to suck, and that’s okay. The important thing is to write it. Your next draft/story will be better, and the one after that, and the one after that…
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Practice with intent. Natural talent will only take you so far, but anyone can succeed by always pushing to improve. Never get comfortable, you can always be better.
What are you reading now?
The Dragon Dreamer by J. S. Burke. It’s a recommendation from a newsletter subscriber and I love J.S. Burke’s posts on Facebook.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking for some great writing conferences to attend next year. And I’m always searching for new writing contests to enter- competition is a great motivator!
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?
Ack, so tough! Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram, and the Tamir Triad by Lynn Flewelling and John Jude Palencar. Kelly Oram is a fantastic writer, she really knows how to pull at your heartstrings. The Tamir Triad is an amazing trilogy. Weirdly I hated it the first time I read it- too dark and disturbing compared to the normal romcom stuff I love. But something about it stuck with me, and on the second read I fell in love. I’ve reread these four books countless times and they are my go-tos when I’m in a reading slump.
Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Kaye Website
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