Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote when I was in high school, and even before that, but I only wrote sporadically until I was 30. It could be said that I still write sporadically, but at that point I decided to make a serious go at becoming a career novelist. That said, in the past 15 years I’ve only finished four books, but there was a lot to learn, I had kids, and I plan to publish at least three more books in 2016.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m working on a series of fantasy novels which I started so long ago that I can’t even remember what inspired them any more! They’re very loosely inspired by the myth of the fall of Atlantis and the Persephone story. The most recently published of the bunch is Priestess of the Dragons’ Temple.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most of my writing habits are bog standard: the long walks, talking to myself out loud, shifting position from standing to sitting to lying down, caffeine, chocolate. I enjoy reading about other writers’ habits, and I’ve learned that few of us are truly unique in our ways of working.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Long ago, I was inspired by the Narnia series and the Mists of Avalon. Turning back to them years later, I’m less impressed by them. Nowadays, my favorite speculative fiction writers include Connie Willis, Mary Doria Russell, and Jo Walton.
What are you working on now?
I’m still working on that fantasy series I started in the early 2000s, but the end is in sight (only one more book to go!). After that, I may make another foray into historical romance, or maybe I’ll write a cookbook.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found the magic sauce yet, sorry!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take your time, pace yourself, and try to figure out how to enjoy the process. The journey isn’t a marathon, it’s more like a transcontinental trek.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Forget “write what you know.” Write what you’re interested in.
What are you reading now?
Children of God by Mary Doria Russell
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be finishing this series in 2016, and then I’m probably going to take a break from epic, secondary world fantasy to try something in historical fiction or non-fiction for a while.
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?
I’d bring at least one blank book, a collection of poetry, and maybe a collection or two of ancient myths.
Author Websites and Profiles
Amelia Smith Website
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