Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing fiction for seven years and indie publishing for about five. My first real experience writing fiction was NaNoWriMo 2009, where I not only “won” NaNoWriMo, but also finished my first novel, that now exists only on my computer. 😉
I’ve written four novels, I have two in the works, and I’ve written a bunch of short stories, many of them flash fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is called North and I got the idea while in the car commuting to work. That’s how many of my ideas come to me, while driving.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None. I’m a pretty typical writer as far as my habits go. I am a pantser, so I really like just getting an idea and going with it. I like to write a little bit each day consistently. I don’t write in large bursts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book is Rumblefish by S. E. Hinton, who is also one of my favorite authors. It’s a short book, a very quick read and has a quality to it that has always grabbed me. Spare prose, written in first person with a fantastic character voice, very atmospheric. Still to this day, I’m not sure I understand everything that’s going on in it, and that’s what keeps me coming back.
What are you working on now?
A contemporary young adult novel. Another one. 😉
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like doing Goodreads Giveaways and I’m getting better (and more consistent!) at doing an email newsletter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy what you’re doing. Get small successes and build upon them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Work with what you have.
What are you reading now?
The Old Man and the Sea
What’s next for you as a writer?
The same thing that’s always next – more writing, more publishing, more learning.
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?
Rumblefish, S. E. Hinton
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J. K. Rowling
Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Linehan Website
Amanda Linehan Amazon Profile
Amanda Linehan Author Profile on Smashwords
Amanda Linehan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account