Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I left my dysfunctional family home to study and dye my hair weird colours.I started writing my first novel at University whilst completing a degree in Literature. I seemed to be writing it on and off for years and years, with pieces of manuscript shoved in a plastic carrier.Now those scraps of paper are the incarnation known as ‘Carly’.This book is in two parts and has somehow gone a bit viral after submitting it for free online.I began working within the criminal underworld as a sex worker and recorded my experiences in writing.The pieces gradually began to mutate into my latest novel ‘Superhooker- secret selves and the sex industry’.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Superhooker’ is inspired by working in the secret world of the sex industry.It is an area that you rarely get the freedom to talk about for fear of being judged or much worse.I often thought that outsiders have no idea that strippers and prostitues are not all violent,drug addict losers as portrayed in the media.These women are human and have emotions and souls just like anyone else.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes switch from first person to third person, with a gap between paragraphs or the use of italics to represent this.I feel it gives the reader a more indepth perception of the characters.I also like to place poetry in sections of novels.I feel the novel ‘Superhooker’ will be misunderstood by people who do not look deeply enough at the details linking each character.There’s a twist if you can find it!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a child I read ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ many times.The version I read had all the original illustrations which seemed to add to the magic.The Chronicles of Narnia also had the same kind of otherworldy influence.As an early teenager I discovered magical realism by reading Fay Weldon’s ‘Life and Loves of a She Devil.’ I believe her writing style had a great influence on my novel ‘Carly’.
What are you working on now?
I am writing a book exploring concepts of freedom.What is your definition of freedom?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just starting to explore this area and I have found many useful websites such as Booksie, Goodreads and Bookdaily.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a wide range of literature, make sure your grammar and tenses are correct and explore your imagination.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t know.I obviously didn’t take it.
What are you reading now?
‘City of Sin (London and its Vices)’ by Catharine Arnold. This is a historical look at the sex industry from Roman times all the way through to swinging London.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Mmmm…I might go down to the beach.
What is your favorite book of all time?
‘Shantaram’ by Gregory David Roberts.What an epic read.Also makes a great doorstop.
Author Websites and Profiles
Amber Libra Website
Amber Libra Amazon Profile
Amber Libra’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile