Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve actually written two books, but one of them is a fiction novel that I haven’t done much with as of yet. The book that I’ve really put a lot of effort into and that is being marketed right now is my memoir “No More Dodging Bullets.” It’s my life story, and the real catalyst for writing and publishing it was a life-changing, demoralizing 5-year legal battle that caused me and my family to nearly lose everything, including our freedom. It was a grueling journey that spurred a lot of introspection and self-reflection and ultimately became a positive experience for growth and improvement. I wanted to share my story because I think there is an informative aspect because most people really don’t know how our Federal Justice system works, and there is also what I hope is an inspirational aspect because I had to overcome a great deal and learned to find a silver lining in the most difficult of situations.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book as stated above is called “No More Dodging Bullets”. It’s a memoir.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s necessarily unusual, but I have a very candid writing style. I think it’s
important, particularly when telling a personal life story, to make it as honest and raw as possible. When reading a memoir, I think readers want to feel like they know the author. That is the point of sharing a personal story – to connect with people by putting yourself out there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors. She tackles many important and often controversial subjects that are present in society, and even though she writes fiction (and my personal focus as an author right now is non-fiction), I admire her courage and dedication to addressing difficult subjects that need to be written and talked about more often. Of course, “Orange Is the New Black” is a favorite and inspired me to share my story. I actually read it about 6 months before my own legal battle began, so it was very front and center in my mind the entire time.
What are you working on now?
I have a blog that I really enjoy writing. I try to post regularly, about once a week. It’s my hope and desire to connect with people and initiate conversations about current events and issues in society. I think we are each other’s greatest teachers and sharing ideas and feelings is our greatest platform for growth and knowledge. I would like to write another book, and I’m always thinking about ideas and I’ll know when the time is right.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For more information on my book, you can always check out my website amyherrig.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid, to be honest, and put yourself out there. Sure, there are some things that we keep private and to ourselves, but the more expressive and vulnerable you can be, the more creative and strong your work will be. It takes courage to share your work – rather it’s a fiction story or a personal story – you’re opening up your heart and soul and your work. It’s daunting and there is always going to be criticism. However, take pride in your work and know that it’s yours no matter what and nobody can take it away from you and we can’t please everyone all the time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve heard a lot of motivating and powerful things over the years, but one that has always stood out in my mind is “you can surround yourself with people that bring you up or people that bring you down, and you need to find those that bring you up.” My stepdad told me this many years ago when I was going through a very challenging and painful time and leaving an abusive relationship. As I’ve grown and encountered more of life’s hurdles, it was often the support of positive, caring, loyal people that helped me make it to the other side. That doesn’t mean that we should surround ourselves with people who only tell us what we want to hear. It does mean though that we should try to find people in our lives who are honest, while also being encouraging, loving, and supportive. It’s important to have people in our lives for the right reasons and to have relationships that are symbiotically positive.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Sun is a Compass,” which is a very interesting story about a couple who did a very daring journey from Washington all the way to northern Alaska. I spend my summers in Alaska so I was drawn to the story because of that, but I also appreciated the courage and determination of the author and her husband. I’m now starting Jodi Picoult’s newest book, “The Book of Two Ways.” I’m in a book club and we read a variety of books, so my next book to read is our November pick “Cleo McDougal Regrets Nothing.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m open to wherever my journey takes me. I had to learn to adopt that mindset a long time ago. I’ll continue to blog and share my personal life story, and as I continue to learn and grow, so will my story and what I want to share.
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 Jodi Picoult, Kristen Hannah, Jennifer Weiner, or Liane Moriarty. Those are my “go-to” authors when I’m looking for something to read. “Firefly Lane” by Kristen Hannah was a life-changing book for me so it would always be one that I would bring with me.
Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Herrig Website
Amy Herrig Amazon Profile
Amy Herrig Author Profile on Smashwords
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