Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote my first book when I turned forty; something I wish I’d done a long time ago, but never believed I could. I’ve written three books in total now. One is a romantic thriller and the other two are in a paranormal romance series.
I’m a wife and mother of two fitness-mad teenagers (they don’t get it from me!). I love dogs so my other ‘job’ suits me perfectly; dog-sitting for woofers when their owners go on holiday. They stay at our house and we have about ten regulars and love them like they’re our own!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the Cold Hard Truth and was released on 17th January 2017. It’s an idea I had for a long time. I was supposed to be writing another book but this was one
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write at the PC I’m fine. But when I use my laptop, I tend to sit with one leg curled up underneath me on the sofa and end up with pins and needles. Every time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty’s style of writing. I always feel inspired to write after reading one of their books.
What are you working on now?
I’m just in the early plotting phases of a psychological thriller. Watch this space….
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Making my book free for a few days has worked well in the past. I’m going to try Facebook ads next.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
So many people want to write a book but believe they can’t do it. My advice is – believe you can, and just go for it. What works for me is thinking through an idea, a tiny bit of the plot, and then getting it down on paper. Then I think of several plot points along the way; it could be a scene, some dialogue, anything at all. Then I do a pre-first draft where I write down any old nonsense and see where it takes me. No one else will see it at this stage, so it doesn’t matter how rubbish it is. That’s when the good ideas come for me and the story begins to take shape. Then I’m ready to write the first draft….
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If it doesn’t move the story forward in any way, delete it.
What are you reading now?
The Silent Waters by Brittainy C Cherry.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing and publishing a book in the psychological thriller genre.
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?
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Wonder by R J Palacio
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Leigh Cowley Website
Amanda Leigh Cowley Amazon Profile
Amanda Leigh Cowley’s Social Media Links
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