Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Oh, man, where do I begin… well, for starters, If you haven’t already noticed, My name is Amargeaux Rai, “Margo” for short, and I am…. a quiet, yet expressive person who loves being creative. I know that’s a really generalized thing to say, but it’s hard to get specific when you use SO many styles of art to express your wild imagination…. I write poetry, songs, short stories, I dance, I play instruments (as indicated by my songwriting), I practice yoga and Karate…..
I can’t think of anything else….
Though I’ve written many things, this is the first book that I’ve published so far. I’m VERY proud of myself.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called, “Kiss Me or Kill Me”.
It is filled with poems that I’ve written over the years along with some other poems I’d written for the book. This poetry book is me making peace with life, and even being thankful for the experiences that made as strong, compassionate, and able to be strong for others.
I’ve been through a lot of things that many people have gone through at some point in their lives; I’ve been picked on and beaten up in school, I struggled to make friends, I struggled to achieve the dreams I’ve had my whole life, I’ve been called terrible things for being a dreamer, I’ve suffered through depression, domestic issues, feeling alone in a crowded room, insecurities in result of all those things, and in spite of all that, I’m still alive and I’m not crazy!
THAT’S SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!!
I’m a nice person, and I feel that a large part of who I am as a person, is because of those tough times. If it weren’t for those bad times, I wouldn’t appreciate those good times as much as I do, or the bad for shaping my character.
Through a lot of prayer and meditation, I managed to make it through, But I was always alone. I know that not everyone has the mental capacity that I, surprisingly, happened to have, and I’ve even been to therapy for some of the experiences I’ve been!
I want this to be a tool people use to reach out to others and let those who are struggling and let them know;
You are stronger than you know, and you are NOT alone.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Um… I have a pen and notebook that I take with me everywhere, including the pool and the shower, does– does that count?
Naw… naw, that’s not weird enough…. uh…. Oh, look at me now, I’m narrating my thoughts! I do this all the time! that’s plenty weird!
that, and the fact that’s I CONSTANTLY writing notes on my arm all the time… when there’s notebook right there in my hand.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
OH MY GOOD GIGGLY GOSH, WHERE DO I BEGIN!?!? Let’s see– do you have time?
Obviously, I have to mention some modern icons; J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins, R.L Stine, but before that era, my absolute favourite book of all time was “The Dark Garden”, by Margaret Buffie. I was always inspired by magic, mystic and dark fantasy, but also by the stuff of fairy tales.
Now, as far a poetry goes, I’ve been influenced by both the classics– Maya Angelou, Edgar Allen Poe, Shel Silverstein (who inspired me to be a poet as a child), and modern poets– Rupi Kaur, Shelby Eileen, and Amanda Lovelace. I’m still discovering new artists everyday though, which is always exciting!
What are you working on now?
There are three things: I’m in the middle of creating a collection of paintings for a local gallery, I’m writing and illustrating children’s book with two more ideas to follow this one, and, of course, I’m writing more poetry, both for a new book, as well as a second edition of this one! (provided this one is a success…)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a list of websites that I visit. Some of them are free, some I pay a small fee for, but I simply follow their instructions for their service. Also, of course, I use social media, take webinars, and post discounts through my own personal website. Oh, and word of mouth, too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Work hard, stay humble, stay hungry, stay a student. You can’t stay comfortable and expect things to change. Drive through the mistakes and the pain and frustration. Opinions don’t define whether or not you can do something, your belief in them does. Even the best fail a few times. give yourself a chance. You CAN do this!
Oh yeah, and get a second AND third opinion on your work. Even a fourth. It’ll build your confidence if the opinions are good, and your learning experiences of they’re not so good.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Yes, you can do whatever you put your mind to, but none of that matters if you don’t get tired enough of where you are to put your HANDS to those things!
What are you reading now?
Right now? I can’t remember the title. hold on, let me get it out of my bag….. “The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell”, By Chris Colfer. Colfer played “Kurt Hummel” on the T.V. show Glee, and I’m already a big fan of the show as well as that character and him as an actor, so that’s what made me buy the book, and so far, his style and imagination is amazing to see unfold in front of you.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve already mentioned some of the things I’m currently doing, but also I’m working on my blog, called Confessions of an Art Freak. It’s mainly about my life as an artist and handling my challenges, but also it pushes me to work on my skills as a writer by creating a new blog everyday. It’s on my website; AmargeauxRai.com
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?
JUST FOUR!? Well…. *sigh* I guess “The Dark Garden” By Margaret Buffie, “Here There Be Dragons”, by James A. Owen, and “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”, by Seth Grahame-Smith. I would only take three, that way I have some room to pack some sandwiches… or collect seashells.
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