Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, this is Amber Branch here. My poetic pen name is Sapphire Rhymes. I am the author and editor of two poetic novels, The Lyrical Journal of Sapphire Rhymes and Becoming a Beautiful Articulate Person (available on Amazon). My books are about love, joy, pain and every emotion in between. I fell in love with the rhythm of words the first time I heard my favorite childhood book my Dr. Seuss read out loud. I have been reading, writing and rhyming ever since.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Lyrical Journal of Sapphire Rhymes (new version): Tear-drop Stained Confessions
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any unusual habits but when I get in a zone I just write nonstop. During the recent pandemic, I pretty much quarantined myself in my office and wrote from the time I woke up until bedtime (only stopping for meals). Even when I got sick and had to be hospitalized, I had my journal and tablet by my hospital bed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have influenced me most are, Maya Angelou, Shel Silverstein and of course Dr. Seuss (lol).
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on building my brand as an author. I’m taking a sabbatical from the publishing world to focus on marketing my current books and helping others share their stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am an avid advocate of guerilla marketing and word of mouth promoting. Go hard or go home!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing even when the tears are flowing and you feel you can’t go on. Keep pushing. Your unique story is what makes you beautiful. All of our individual unique stories unite us as articulate beauties (works of art). That’s an amazing concept!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My great-grandmother told me “never stop learning…. keep striving to learn more and become better”
What are you reading now?
Honestly, The Lyrical Journal of Sapphire Rhymes (new version): Tear-drop Stained Confessions. I often go back and read my stories again. It helps me progress as a writer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I feel like the sky is the limit. I’m open to whatever God has in store for me.
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 Holy Bible (it holds the answer to everything)
The Lyrical Journal of Sapphire Rhymes (new version): Tear-drop Stained Confessions
Becoming a Beautiful Articulate Person: The Genesis of Transformation
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Alyssa Terkeurst
Author Websites and Profiles
Amber Branch Website
Amber Branch Amazon Profile