Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was raised up in a really small town about an hour south of Atlanta. It was a close knit community where everyone knew everyone and if anyone encountered a problem, everyone stepped in to help. A small town where the police were still community oriented and took care of everyone. A town, that for the most part, I felt safe to live in.
I grew up and married my first love, which would end four years later. During that time I joined the fire department where I would serve for almost four years. I was forced to leave when I suddenly became pregnant. And in December 2001, I welcomed my first child into the world. He would be followed by five more. The years after that were not pleasant for me. So many tragedies crashed down upon me. But I dug my way out, met a wonderful loving man and married six years later.
I began learning various musical instruments when I was very young. At the age of thirteen I took an active interest in the bass guitar which I would continue to play from then on. I wrote several songs which I performed in our living room with my brother and a childhood friend of ours. Music was indeed a passion of mine.
One thing that helped me to over come all of the difficulties life threw at me was writing. I wrote a story when I was eight years old entitled “Vantasia and me” and it became an instant hit at school. The teachers and other children begged to read it. Then one day, it just disappeared. At eleven years old, I was inspired to write again after reading a book entitled “Run, baby run” by the former New York gang member turned street minister Nicky Cruz. As I began to write what would actually become the third book in a series, I realized that writing was not only my passion. But it was also my calling. I knew that this is what I was meant to do. So over the years I added to that series seven more books, though I have yet to publish them.
Writing has become therapy for me and helped me during some really troubling times. Now, at this point in my life, I have my wonderful husband, my awesome kids and a great support group standing behind me and pushing me to reach for my dreams and it’s only now that I have found the courage to actually grab on to those dreams. What began as an eight year old child writing about a family of unicorns evolved into a deep-rooted passion for writing and after thirty-one years, a published novel!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The watchers: fall from grace. I was inspired to write this one after many years researching fallen angels and vampires. It began as research notes originally but I decided to try turning it into a book. The main character was inspired by Korean actor Lee Joon Ki and his role in the drama series A scholar who walks the night. During the writing process I was inspired by music as well and spent countless hours listening to Kpop group Big Bang. I found that listening to music while I would write helped to over come a lot of hard road blocks.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I typically write in first person. This was a writing style that I always used even when I was a child and I didn’t realize how unusual it was until I submitted my first book to my publisher. I feel that writing in first person feels more intimate than in third person and it has just become my own thing. I tried writing in third person once. It was scary!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling is my ultimate inspiration! I have been a fan of hers since the first Harry Potter novel was released. Her own personal story of trials and triumphs was really inspiring to me over the years as I tediously crafted my own work. I also love Anne Rice, Tolkien and Laura Ingles Wilder.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on the second book of my series which will be entitled The Watchers: Order of chaos. I am also working on my very first series that I began writing when I was eight years old entitled Trials in life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that social media may not always be the best took to use but it’s the most fun. Getting to interact with fans and hear their ideas and input is always great.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up your dream! Even when it seems to be going no where, stick with it. I never thought that I would actually publish a book and it took over thirty years to happen. But it did! Determination, hard work and lots and lots of caffeine helped me out A LOT!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
All work and no play makes Jack a sad boy. It’s great to be ambitious and work hard. But don’t forget to live a little and just have fun in life. Don’t be afraid to cut some trails. When you do, others will follow.
What are you reading now?
I am reading my publisher’s first book Dark Harvest: Children of enoch again. His second book was just released so I want to refresh my memory of the first one.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep writing until I draw my last breath. Eventually, I plan to release other writings I have done such as poems and children’s stories.
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?
Anything by JK Rowling, Anne Rice (for those super lonely nights) and an ancient Chinese history book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Zarovsky Amazon Profile
Amanda Zarovsky’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account